Paint A Dining Room Two Colors

Whether your dining room walls are getting dingy and faded or the wallpaper is just dated, paint is an inexpensive and simple way to freshen your room. However, using just one paint color can leave the room looking empty and boring, and more than three colors can make the room too busy. The answer is to choose two contrasting colors or different tones of the same color. If you use these colors together effectively, you will end up with a room that is attractive and interesting.

Instructions

1. Choose two colors for your dining room. Blue-greens, dark oranges and light browns and creams are all good wall colors. Pull several paint chips that catch your eye and lay them out. Mix and match colors until you find a combination you like. For instance, terra-cotta orange with cream accents will make your room pop.

2. Decide where each color will go. Study the room's moldings, baseboards, chair rails and built-in shelves. Choose one color for the walls and one color for the moldings and other accents. Neutral creams and very light browns work best as accent colors, while bright colors are better for walls.

3. Take everything out of the room that can be moved, and put plastic drop cloths on the floor. Wear old clothes so you won't ruin nice ones. Put painters' tape at the edges of moldings and other accents. Use a paintbrush to paint them with one or two coats of your accent color. Wait four to five hours for the paint to dry. Remove the painters' tape and place more on the edges of the accent pieces.

4. Paint the edges of the walls in the wall color with a paintbrush, paying attention to the corners. Pour some paint into the rolling tray and roll a little paint onto a roller. Apply it to the walls in smooth, vertical movements. Use one or two coats, allowing the paint to dry in between coats. Allow the room to ventilate for at least 24 hours before putting items back inside.

Tags: dining room, light browns, moldings other, moldings other accents, other accents

Decorating Tips For A Star Wars Bedroom

With six movies and countless comics, action figures, books and TV series, Star Wars is one of the largest franchises in movie history. Products, from toothbrushes to sheets are available for purchase. Putting together a Star Wars bedroom theme is less a matter of finding material as it is narrowing down the vast possibilities.

The Bed

Star Wars bedding provides a surprising array of choices, with designs appropriate for children or adults. Many of the products designed for a child's bed size involve the popular Clone Wars cartoon. However, tributes to the original trilogy can be found, such as the Darth Vader pillow set. For a more adult look, check out Pottery Barn's Star Wars bedding set that comes with a pillow cover with the words "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away" emblazoned across the front. Be sure to pick a Star Wars character alarm clock, such as Chewbacca or the two droids, to complement your bedding choice.

Walls

Walls are particularly important for adult Star Wars fans. While society may condemn nerdy Star Wars bedding, no one could look down on a classy reproduction of the original movie posters. While there are thousands of different Star Wars posters, the true fan will want a reproduction or an original of the movie posters. More classy than normal movie posters, the Star Wars posters, whether its "Star Wars," "The Empire Strikes Back," or "Return of the Jedi" (or the rarer early title "Revenge of the Jedi"), are all painted. Look for posters in the original 27" x 40" dimensions.

Collectibles

When it comes to merchandising, everyone knows the Star Wars action figures. Hundreds of different models have been unveiled since the 1977 release of Star Wars. Mount peg boards on the wall, then hang action figures, in their original packaging, on hooks for an attractive display. Other collectible items suitable for display are the new deluxe Lego Star Wars models. These models involve thousands of pieces, but are worth it for the die-hard fan. Choices include the Millenium Falcon, the second Death Star and Darth Vader's starship, Executor.

Tags: Star Wars, action figures, movie posters, Star Wars bedding, Wars bedding, Darth Vader, original movie

Ideas To Make A Base For A Glasstop Dining Table

Glass-top dining tables are like little windows into the creativity used to make the base. The glass provides an easy-to-clean, splinter-free surface, and the base might be salvaged from the attic, the dumpster or the garage. You can place a piece of glass over an existing table, but don't limit your imagination. Create a perfectly original dining room masterpiece that's a mealtime conversation piece as well.

Old Saw

Two sawhorses and an old door make a good table, and you can keep them from looking post-grad-apartment by painting and distressing all the wood, sawhorse base and door in the same color. Remove the hardware from the door. Drill a hole in the door and each sawhorse, just where the two meet on either side, and pound a short length of dowel in the hole so it is flush with the door surface and holds the pieces in place. Cover the door with a sheet of custom-cut glass for an original, shabby chic dining table. A matched set of elegant dining chairs or a mismatched set of chairs painted in various colors will finish off the dining room decor.

Stitched Together Design

Bolt a 1- to 2-inch slab of wood to an old cast iron sewing machine base, and cover it with a glass top. The wood can be oiled, distressed, painted or even decoupaged because it is protected from spills and marring by the glass. The base is heavy enough to be extremely stable. In fact, you should position this table carefully because it will be difficult to move. Surround the table with upholstered chairs in rich fabrics for contrast, or stay industrial and modern and use molded metal chairs, Eames molded fiberglass chairs or clear "ghost" chairs will let you admire the old-fashioned base.

Arcade Dining

Repurpose a vintage arcade game table into a quirky dining table with the simple addition of a glass top. The game is visible through the glass, turning every dinner party into an instant, lively conversation. Set clear "ghost" chairs around the arcade table or look for molded metal chairs. For very casual dining, wooden stools distressed to look like old arcade finds perfectly complement the original table.

Construction Chic

Use pallet wood boards to make a tabletop that is fastened to turned wood legs from the flea market or hardware store and topped with glass. Remove the flat side of a pallet, keeping the boards and cross boards in place. Paint the boards each a different high-gloss color. Screw on old dining table legs. If you can't find cheap flea market or trash pile legs, look for some in home improvement or hardware stores. Use rough twine and strong glue to wrap the legs entirely in twine, and clear coat it with acrylic finish. Top the table with a slab of custom-cut glass, which creates the unbroken surface for dining and reveals the reclaimed pallet and cool covered legs below.

Tags: table with, clear ghost, clear ghost chairs, custom-cut glass, dining room, dining table

Make Dining Table Pads

Dining table pads protect your wood furniture surfaces from scuffs, dings, and dents. Table pads come in a range of materials and styles, and you can find dozens of companies online that will make dining table pads to custom fit your tabletop.

However, manufactured table pads are a costly investment. Depending on the size of your table and the number of tables, it may be more economical to make your own. The instructions below will show you make a dining table pad out of vinyl and veneer.

Instructions

1. First, make a pattern of the tabletop shape so that you can cut out the correct shape from the vinyl. There are several ways you can do this if the table is not a circle or rectangle. If feasible, place the dining table upside down over the vinyl pad, and trace the outline with chalk or a pencil.

An alternative is to order the free pattern kit that many dining table pad companies offer. Many manufacturers will send you the pattern kit before you order with no obligation. You can then transfer that pattern to the vinyl pad.

2. Next, cut out the shape from the vinyl padding using a utility knife. You can make the table pad slightly wider and longer than the table top to get maximum coverage.

For a very large table, it is best to make the table pad in sections. You may want to cut the vinyl in half, or in thirds.

3. Roll out the veneer and lay the cut vinyl mat on top so that the vinyl is in contact with the underside of the veneer. If you have to use several sheets of veneer, lay tell flush. next, you want to trace the tabletop pattern so that when you cut the wood veneer, you are cutting with the grain as much as possible.

Use an electric table saw to cut the veneer. For some woods and veneer thicknesses, you may be able to use heavy duty shears.

4. Before attaching the vinyl to the veneer, lay the unit on the table to check that everything fits. Trim if necessary.

5. Affix the wood veneer to the vinyl with double sided tape.

6. Finish the table pad with a coat of stain or polyurethane. When it has completely cured, the dining table pad is ready to use.

7. The table pad will protect your wood table surface from getting scratched by plates and utensils. The pad is not resistant to extreme temperatures, so always use hot mats for hot pots

Tags: dining table, from vinyl, make dining, make table, pattern that, protect your, protect your wood

2 Bedroom Hotel Suites In Orlando

Orlando is a vacation hot spot for families. Traditional hotel rooms offer one room with multiple beds that can leave the entire family walking all over one another. Two-bedroom suites offer separate rooms for parents and children and often have kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms for families to spread out, making for a more enjoyable stay.

Residence Inn Orlando

The Residence Inn Orlando is within 15 minutes of Sea World, Universal Studios and Disney World and is conveniently located just off of Interstate 4 for easy access to the city. In addition to standard rooms and one-bedroom suites, the hotel offers two-bedroom suites with a full kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, stove top and dishwasher. The suite also has a dining area and a separate living room and three televisions. The master bedroom has a single queen-sized bed and the second bedroom has two queen-sized beds and a roll-away bed for a maximum occupancy of seven. All rooms have hair dryers, coffee makers, cable television and free high speed internet access. The hotel offers a grocery shopping service and dinner delivery from local restaurants. For recreation the hotel offers an outdoor heated pool and a game room.

Residence Inn Orlando

11000 Westwood Boulevard

Orlando, FL 32821

407-313-3600

marriott.com

Staybridge Suites Orlando

Staybridge Suites offers all one- and two-bedroom suites less than 10 miles from Universal Studios, Sea World, and Disney World.The two-bedroom suite offers a master bedroom with a king-sized bed, a second bedroom with two double beds and a double sleeper sofa in the living room area. The suite is a total of 750 square feet and sleeps up to eight. There is a full kitchen and a separate living room. All suites come equipped with hair dryers, coffee makers, DVD players, multiple televisions and free high speed internet access. There is a heated outdoor swimming pool, a jacuzzi, children's pool, fitness room and a game room. The hotel does not have an on-site restaurant, but there is a free hot breakfast buffet each morning and a grocery store right next door.

Staybridge Suites Orlando

8751 Suiteside Drive

Orlando, FL 32836

407-238-0777

sborlando.com

Nickelodeon Suites Resort

Nickelodeon Suites Resort offers one-, two- and three-bedroom suites on 24 acres including a water park, arcade and mall and still within close proximity to area theme parks. The two-bedroom suites offer a master bedroom with either a king- or queen-sized bed and a second bedroom with with bunk beds or two twin-sized beds and sleeps up to six people. The suite has a kitchenette with a mini refrigerator, microwave, and sink. All rooms come with hair dryers, coffee makers, and cable television in each bedroom and in the living room. Guests can play in the water park which features two pools, water slides, a kids play area and private poolside cabanas. The resort offers several restaurants and cafes including a Nicktoons character themed breakfast. The hotel also offers room service.

Nickelodeon Suites Resort

14500 Continental Gateway

Orlando, FL 32821

407-387-5437

nickhotel.com

Tags: bedroom with, living room, coffee makers, dryers coffee, dryers coffee makers, hair dryers, hair dryers coffee

Install Restroom Grab Bars

In 1991, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported that there were over 139,434 bathtub and shower injuries in a single year. Installing grab bars in a restroom is a safe and inexpensive way to help prevent slips and falls for individuals as they enter and exit a tile tub or shower area. While the installation process is actually fairly simple, there are still some considerations to address that will ensure the placement of the grab bars is not only functional for the user, but visually pleasing as well.

Instructions

1. Discuss the location for the placement of the grab bars with the person that will use them. Allow the individual to have some say in where the grab bars are installed so that she will use them.

2. Use a stud finder to find the studs located in the drywall or plaster above the tile of the tub or shower. Mark the area over the center of each stud that is the closest to where you wish to place the first grab bar.

3. Probe the areas around each stud by hammering in a small nail to locate the stud edges. Keep the holes small and make them in an area of the drywall or plaster where they will not be easily noticed. Mark the edges of the studs with the pencil.

4. Line a level up with the right edge of the first stud and continue to mark along the stud line downward onto the tile. Mark where the studs are located with half-inch masking tape. Repeat the process with the second located stud.

5. Hold the grab bar in the desired position with at least two of the screw holes over the studs. Mark these holes with a grease pencil.

6. Drill a hole in the center of each stud with a drill equipped with a 1/8-inch glass and tile bit. If the drill hits wood, proceed to drill the remaining holes. If it does not hit wood, use a piece of wire to poke through the hole, moving the wire until you feel it hit the wood. Hold the grab bar in the new desired position and mark the new holes with the grease pencil.

7. Enlarge the holes with a ¼-inch glass and tile bit. Switch bits to a 5/32-inch wood bit to make pilot holes in the wood. This will allow you to easily drive the screws into the wood. If any of the holes have missed the stud, place plastic anchors into the holes in the tile.

8. Caulk the back of the mounting flanges with tub and tile caulk. This will prevent water from getting behind the mounting flanges once they are in place and help attach them to the wall.

9. Screw the screws that were supplied with the grab bar into the wall with a drill. These screws need to sink at least one inch into the stud to be secure.

10. Test the grab bar by pulling on it to ensure that it is secure.

Tags: grab bars, each stud, holes with, that will, center each, center each stud

Make A Romantic Zen Master Bedroom

A Zen bedroom should be simple and relaxing, yet warm and welcoming.

A romantic, Zen bedroom is a serene and restful space. Although Zen -- as used in design -- is Asian-inspired, it doesn't have to feature any hint of Asian decor whatsoever; the key points to focus on are balance, harmony and above all simplicity. There is no right or wrong when it comes to designing a Zen bedroom, it should be whatever comes to mind for you personally when you think of the word "Zen."

Instructions

1. Paint the walls. Use light blues and greens for a calming, restful effect; use white to create a serene and peaceful space; or use neutrals such as creams and browns to create a natural, earthy atmosphere.

2. Lay wood flooring for an authentic Asian feel. Alternatively, use a natural-fiber carpet such as seagrass, sisal, hemp or jute. If you cannot change the existing flooring, in a rented property for example, cover it with a large-natural fiber rug.

3. Use the absolute minimum of furniture. Zen design doesn't feature accent or decorative furniture pieces; if it doesn't serve a specific purpose, leave it out. Choose pieces with simple, clean lines and no elaborate embellishment.

4. Add a low, futon-style bed, positioned in the center of the wall to create a sense of balance. Place matching tables on either side for a symmetrical effect. Place identical lamps on each bedside table.

5. Hang an Asian-style wall hanging above the bed, featuring a romantic scene such as an embracing couple.

6. Dress the bed with simple bedding in natural materials such as linen and cotton. Transform it into a romantic and inviting place with the addition of silk or satin cushions and throws.

7. Fit bamboo blinds at the window. Soften the effect by draping a soft, sheer fabric over a curtain pole and allowing it to gently cascade to the floor.

8. Display artwork featuring words such as "Love" and "Peace" in Japanese, or Benzaiten, the Japanese goddess of love and beauty. Place this artwork opposite the bed, to balance the wall hanging.

9. Keep accessories to a minimum. Display a single red faux orchid in a tall vase. This adds a splash of romantic, passionate red to the room without being too stimulating and ruining the serene, calming effect you have achieved.

Tags: bedroom should, wall hanging, with simple

Mirror A Dining Room Wall

Mirrored walls give the perception of more space.

If you want to change the look of your dining room or create the illusion of more space, adding mirrors to the walls can give the perception of more depth and light. Mirroring your walls doesn't have to cost a lot of money if you do it yourself. Mirror panels, adhesive and a few tools that you may already have is all you need to mirror your dining room walls.

Instructions

1. Select the type of mirror panels that you want to cover the walls.

2. Measure the walls in your dining room to determine the size and number of mirror panels needed. Use the tape measure to get the height and width of the walls. Leave 2 to 3 inches of space between each mirror. The mirrors should cover the walls, within 6 inches of the ceiling, and 18 inches above the floor.

3. Prepare the walls for the mirrors. Clear the walls of all objects, including chair rails and moldings. If your dining room walls are wallpapered, remove the paper so the mirrors adhere better to the wall. Clean the walls with all-purpose cleaner and a sponge. Mark the placement of the mirrors using your level and a pencil.

4. Apply the mirror mastic adhesive to the back of a mirror panel. Put the mirror adhesive diagonally across the back of the mirror, up to 1 inch from each the edge of the mirror. Smooth out the adhesive with the putty knife.

5. Mount the mirror on the wall. Attach each mirror to the wall in the locations of the pencil. Use your fingers to firmly press each mirror to the wall until it adheres. (Mirror mastic adheres quickly). Clean each mirror panel with cloth and a cleaning agent to remove smears.

Tags: dining room, each mirror, your dining, your dining room, mirror wall

Fix Heat Burns On A Dining Room Table

Protect wood tables with trivets and tablecloths.

A hot dish or pan placed directly on a wood table may leave white marks, or heat burns. These burns can be repaired in a couple of different ways with simple household items -- and can be avoided altogether by using trivets and table protector pads. Spilled water also can cause white spots on furniture, and the treatment for removing them is the same. Test cleaning products on an inconspicuous area before treating valuable or antique furniture.

Instructions

Method One

1. Mix rottenstone and boiled linseed oil in a bowl to create a paste the consistency of peanut butter. Rottenstone is a mildly abrasive powder used in furniture refinishing and household cleaning. Boiled linseed oil is made from flax extracts and solvents. It moisturizes and protects wood and dries slowly, preventing abrasion damage from the rottenstone. Find both at hardware stores that carry wood finishing products.

2. Apply a dime-size amount of paste to the stain and rub gently with a piece of 3/0 steel wool.

3. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Method 2

4. Moisten a clean cloth with household ammonia. Ammonia's corrosive and abrasive action removes the stain without leaving a residue.

5. Wipe the cloth quickly across the heat burn.

6. Wipe again with a damp cloth and then dry with a clean cloth.

Tags: clean cloth, damp cloth, with damp, with damp cloth

Diy Marble Tile Dining Table

Choose patterned, matte marble tile and minor scratches won't show.

There's a reason ancient Greeks and Romans chose marble for palace floors and walls: Servants were always around to obliterate the soil and dirt tracked in by senators, warriors and diplomats, none of whom were in the habit of wiping off their sandals at the door. These days, family members and visitors are the guilty parties and if you're making a marble-top dining table, that's the turf you'll have to clean. Happily, no servants are required to keep your completed project pristine, thanks to marble cleaners in spray bottles that do the job beautifully.

Instructions

1. Select a marble tile color that complements your dining room or kitchen. Examine colors, textures, veining and finishes before making the decision. Pick glazed or polished marble tiles if you crave an intense shine, saturated color and pronounced marbling patterns, understanding that these glazed finishes are easier to scratch and mar once they're in place. Alternately, select matte marble tiles -- also known as honed finished tiles -- for a marble tabletop that's easier to maintain.

2. Cut a section of 1/2-inch-thick masonry board or plywood to the dimensions you've chosen for your dining table. Avoid cutting tile by using the size of marble squares you've chosen as a base measurement and then have the masonry cut to that size. Seal both sides of the masonry board with polyvinyl glue that's formulated to block the absorption of the tile adhesive you will use to bond the marble tiles to the board.

3. Mount one or more prefabricated table bases -- depending upon the size of the dining table you're making -- to the underside of the masonry sheet using screws and masonry glue to secure the unit to the table. Seal the table's underside with polyurethane that will keep it from absorbing stains and soil courtesy of kid's sticky hands, food spills and other tabletop mishaps. Allow the medium to dry before righting the table.

4. Use a pencil to define the parameters of each marble tile's placement, particularly if you're creating a pattern that requires every tile to be strategically placed to create a design. Add tile spacers to the pencil grid if you're working with small marble tiles so each winds up correctly aligned. Place the marble tiles atop the pencil blueprint.

5. Lift each tile from the masonry, coat the back with ceramic adhesive using a trowel and then replace it on the board, removing spacers if you used them. Follow suit with each of the tiles. Replace the spacers once all of the tiles are in place and leave them there for 30 minutes to keep everything aligned as the adhesive sets. Weigh down the marble and masonry tabletop so the table surface remains even as the adhesive distributes uniformly across the top.

6. Remove the weights after 24 hours. Fill spaces between the marble tiles with tinted grout, using a putty knife and pressure so it permeates spaces between the marble tiles. Use a rubber spatula to remove excess grout and wipe down the marble tabletop with a rag and spray bottle of water to tidy up the surface. Allow the tabletop to set for 48 hours. Attach decorative, finished molding or trim to the sides with silicone caulk and a nail gun to complete the project.

Tags: marble tiles, dining table, marble tile, between marble, between marble tiles, down marble

Decorate Your Teen'S Bedroom With A Bright Modern Look

Utilize color and modern finishes to create a bedroom your teen will love.

Construct a bedroom for your teen that is both functional and aesthetically appealing to younger generations. Impress the most discerning teenager with easily implemented ideas that encompass elements of modern design. Merge both cost-saving techniques that maintain the panache style your teen desires with higher-priced furniture purchases that are well worth the investment. Invite your teenager to participate in the process of transforming an ordinary bedroom into a contemporary space to enjoy during an afternoon at home or while relaxing before bed.

Instructions

1. Paint is a budget-friendly option that has the ability to transform your teenager's bedroom.

Paint a colorful accent wall. Modern bedrooms are often enhanced with the brightness of crisp white walls in combination with a single accent wall to display pops of color. The accent wall can be stripes, swirls or other geometric shapes that use two to three of your teen's favorite colors or an exclusive vibrant color that complements the rest of the decor.

2. Light the room with modern pieces that function on the practical level, while dispensing decorative pops of color throughout the bedroom. Purchase vibrant round paper lanterns and group three in a one corner of the room. Hang each at a slightly different height. If your teenager lavishes in a large room with high ceilings, envisage transforming several of the lanterns into an eclectic canopy above her bed. Glass and metal based lamps with colorful shades in modern shapes also accentuate the space.

3. Combine contemporary furniture pieces fashioned from a mix of modern materials. Seamless white, curved plastic chairs provide comfortable seating with modern flair. Use these chairs at both a glass top metal desk and in a reading corner -- complete with a large plastic crate end table. A wood platform bed painted white and accented with a kaleidoscopic array of pillows anchors your furniture choices.

4. Affix window treatments that allow plenty of natural light without sacrificing privacy. Cellular blinds permit light to permeate through the fabric. As window toppers, entertain the idea of using pieces your teen already owns. Dangle ballet slippers from early childhood for her. Alternate bow ties and neck ties worn at formal dances and awards ceremonies for him. Other ideas to implement as window toppers include a short curtain made of soda can tabs, award ribbons or treasured mementos. Hang these various pieces above the window from craft wire strung across the top of the window and screwed into the edges of the window frame.

Tags: your teen, accent wall, your teenager, bedroom your, bedroom your teen, pops color

Create A Romantic Bedroom

Creating a romantic bedroom is all about comfort, color and creating an atmosphere of relaxation and passion. Here are a few tips on create a romantic bedroom.

Instructions

1. Make the bed. Choose muted colors rather than bright colors for your bedding. You want the room to be relaxing and romantic--not jarring. Good colors for a bedroom include dark maroon, beige, mauve, sage green and muted yellow. Fluffy bed pillows, comforters and throw pillows will create an enticing bed.

2. Cover the windows in heavy draperies of one solid color. The color of the draperies should complement the bedding, but not be of the same pattern as the bedding--therefore solid colored draperies work best.

3. Choose the lighting. Choose lamps with muted lampshades that complement the bedding and the draperies. Use bulbs that are a lower wattage than those you use in the rest of your home, as lower wattage lighting creates a more romantic atmosphere.

4. Drape scarves over the lamps. This creates an even more subdued lighting situation that will complement the romantic theme of your bedroom.

5. Place candles around the room. This will ensure a relaxed setting and add to the luxurious feel of the room.

Tags: complement bedding, lower wattage, romantic bedroom

Bedroom Window Treatment Ideas

Modernized Window Shutter

Window treatments for bedrooms are ideal when they offer function and style. There are options of creating your own treatments that can look upscale and magazine-worthy, even if you are on a budget. These ideal bedroom window treatments are fabric vertical blinds, antique interior shutters and vintage curtains.

Fabric Vertical Blinds

You can easily make vertical blinds using fabric that coordinates with your bedroom décor. Blind stores usually offer only blinds that are made from vinyl and resemble fabric. This method of using real fabric can create additional texture, sound-muffling qualities, and an upscale appearance. Simply buy a vertical blind head rail from your local hardware store and have them custom cut it to fit your window. The head rails usually coordinate with 2 1/2-inch or 3 1/2 -inch louvers. To make your own louvers, cut the louvers out of a large sheet of sturdy chipboard to match the appropriate louver width that the head rail was designed for. Punch a hole in the center of the top of the louvers. Use the louvers as templates to sew the fabric into pockets, so that the louvers can slide in snugly. Once the chipboard is inside the fabric pocket, cut a hole in the fabric (where the chipboard hole is), and sew the pocket top closed. Clip the louvers into the hung head rail.

Antique Shutters

Add some character to your space by hanging antique shutters at your bedroom windows. Most likely, you will not find the exact dimensions that you need for an inside mount, so take dimensions for both inside and outside mounting as you look for your shutters. Try looking for them at your local antique stores, Habitat for Humanity store, Salvation Army and flea markets. You may need to sand them and refinish them, but if you prefer a more rustic look, a good cleaning can suffice.

Vintage Curtains

Look for vintage fabric online. You can select from a variety of time periods. Find colors and patterns that coordinate with your current design elements. If you are not familiar with sewing and want the simplest option, try mounting a large wood or metal bar at the top of your window frame. Simply swag the fabric over the bar and down the sides of the window.

Tags: head rail, coordinate with, louvers louvers, with your, your bedroom, your local, your window

Alternative Wall Coatings For A Restroom

Tiles are a practical restroom wall covering.

One of the decorating challenges of a restroom is the wall covering. The wall treatment needs to be resistant to water or even water-proof. However, there are options which offer this practicality as well as adding an attractive element to your decor.

Paint

Decorators recommend mildew-resistant paint for restrooms. Some primers and undercoats also have mildew-resistant properties. Paint developed specifically for the bathroom also may be easy to clean, an important consideration when cleaning the restroom. Avoid flat sheen paint; satin and semigloss sheen paints clean up nicely with a damp cloth.

Natural Stone

Natural stone adds a warm feel to the restroom. Choices include slate, marble, limestone and granite. The colors of natural stone range from pale cream and tan to a variety of blues, greens, browns and grays. Without a sealant, moisture might affect the stone.

Tile

Porcelain, ceramic or glass tiles provide a smooth, easy-to-clean surface. The wide range of available colors and patterns ensures that your decorative needs are met.

Vinyl

Vinyl wall coverings can add a touch of elegance without the luxury price tag. They look like wallpaper but are moisture resistant. Vinyl wall coverings are produced in a variety of colors and textures and are relatively easy to hang.

Tags: restroom wall, restroom wall covering, Vinyl wall, Vinyl wall coverings, wall covering, wall coverings

Refinish Bedroom Furniture

Give drab bedroom furniture a new look.

Worn furniture can make a bedroom appear drab. Fortunately, vintage or antique bedroom can be restored, enhancing the decor. Refinishing second-hand bedroom furniture is cheaper than buying new furniture. Some basic steps are required to properly refinish bedroom furniture, but once finished, the work can result in a luxurious and cozy bedroom.

Instructions

1. Cover furniture or anything that is not being refinished within a bedroom with old sheets to protect them from dust. Remove clothing from dresser drawers, and place in another room. Take away any objects that might get in the way of a refinishing job. If weather permits, move bedroom furniture outside.

2. Open up all the windows to properly ventilate the room. On dressers, take the drawers out first and place on the floor on top of a tarp.

3. Apply the paint stripper with a paintbrush and before it fully dries, scrape away at the top surface with a scraping tool. Sand the surface of large dressers to even out the grain, using an electric sander. Strip small pieces of furniture next, and on delicate pieces, sand by hand with 150- to 220-grit sandpaper. Remove all the wood dust from furniture with a clean paintbrush. Check the joints on bedroom furniture drawers. Re-attach loose joints with wood glue and allow it to dry.

4. Repair drawer rails and internal hardware on dressers by unscrewing the knob from inside the dresser, using an electric screwdriver. Polish the metal with metal cleaner polish, wipe of the excess with a clean cloth, and re-attach to drawers. Spray-paint hardware for a touch-up, or to give it a new color. Use spray paint made for metal, and choose eco-friendly spray paint if spray-painting outside. Replace broken hardware with new fixtures.

5. Seal gouges or hairline cracks in the wood furniture with wood sealant. Re-glue lifted sections with wood glue. Let the glue dry, and gently re-sand with sandpaper. Repair veneer on bedroom furniture surfaces with wood glue. Let the glue dry, and re-sand with sandpaper. Stain the furniture, or repaint with latex paint in the color of your choice. Apply two coats of clear varnish, which is both water- and insect-repellent. This will protect the bedroom furniture from beverages or cosmetic spills, and insects.

6. Clean plastic bedroom furniture with a clean cloth and orange oil. Orange oil removes dirt and restores a dull surface.

Tags: bedroom furniture, with wood, furniture with, with clean, with wood glue

Italian Bathroom Decor

Italian bathrooms are all about comfort and relaxation, with the focus usually on the bathtub as the center of the room. Pick a scheme that best reflects your personal space and a sense of peacefulness, whether it be a sunny Mediterranean beach, a Tuscan garden or an Italianate villa.

Colors

Painting can go a long way toward redesigning your bathroom to give it an Italian feel. Pick warm, earthy colors like greens, browns and reds for an Italian countryside look, or go for Milan high style with gold, black and deep purple. A popular Italian interior design theme is the simple whites, blues, yellows and reds of Tuscan living, but your bathroom can incorporate whichever of these schemes you like best. Whatever is the most eye-catching of the colors, use that one the most sparingly, just in accents like rugs, frames and trim. Use a more neutral color on large areas like walls and ceilings, and fill in the empty spaces with a medium color. Since bathrooms tend to be small, avoid very dark wall colors.

Tiling

A high-impact way to make your bathroom feel Italian is to add marble or tile to it. Lay terra-cotta, slate or travertine-look tile on the floors, or if that is too costly and time consuming, find vinyl flooring that gives the same look in press-together tiles. If redoing the floor is not an option, you can still add Italian stone décor sense to your bathroom by adding mosaic-style tile around a mirror, tub surround or behind a toilet for a wall accent. Place one scenic, hand-painted tile in your color scheme in a location in which it will draw attention, such as above the bath or opposite a mirror, and use small coordinating tiles throughout the rest of the room to pull the whole look together. No matter how little, ceramic or stone tiling is a hallmark of Italian bathrooms and should be added somewhere in yours for an authentic feel.

Fabrics

You may find the perfect Italian-look shower curtain at your local mass retailer, or you may want to create your own cloth curtain if you have the perfect fabric already in mind. With this option, you can increase the height of the curtain for an elegant look, and even add a cornice at the top of the ceiling to hide your curtain rod behind, if you like. A molded or carved cornice of wood or stone would be very Italian feeling. Add a pretty rug that complements your colors, such as dusty purple, olive green or even a lush black. If you have windows in your bathroom, that's a wonderful place to add color to your room with a fabric that compliments your wall colors. For instance, cream-washed walls will be a great backdrop to pale blue or yellow curtains, while a warmer, coppery color on the walls would be good with medium green fabrics. If you have a pedestal sink to work with, skirt it in a matching fabric for added elegance and an out-of-the-way storage spot.

Accents

Reframe mirrors with ornate golden wood for an elegant Italian villa look, or use a weathered wood frame for a Tuscan peasant sensibility. Add a chandelier light fixture, or rustic iron lanterns if you want a more Italian garden-style bathroom. Use high-humidity plants like ferns and tropical plants to add life and oxygen to the bathroom, and place them in pretty painted clay pots for a rustic look, or high-gloss square metal containers for a sharper-edged look. To make the lighting in your bathroom rich and warm, add Italian-inspired candlesticks mounted on walls, and use candlelight in several places around the room, as appropriate.

Tags: your bathroom, Italian bathrooms, wall colors, with medium

Level Uneven Dining Room Chairs

Sandpaper takes off small amounts of wood, allowing you to level your dining room chairs precisely.

When you are sitting down to a pleasant meal, the last thing you want is to have the chairs move underneath you. A wooden dining room chair that rocks back and forth on legs not level results in an unpleasant knocking sound and a weakening of the chair's structural integrity. Bring your dining room chairs back to level by sanding them flat again.

Instructions

1. Place the wooden chair on a sturdy table.

2. Identify the two longest legs. Once these legs are shortened slightly, the chair will be level.

3. Peel the backing off two coarse sanding discs, revealing the sticky sides.

4. Place the sanding discs, sticky side down, on the table and underneath the chair's longest legs.

5. Grasp the two longest chair legs in your hands and move them firmly over the sanding discs. Continue until the chair sits level on the table.

Tags: dining room, sanding discs, dining room chairs, longest legs, room chairs

What To Do With A Blue Bathroom

Adding bright, warm colors to blue tile in a bathroom will wake up the space.

If blue is the main color in your bathroom, there are several decorative accents you can add to the space to make the area upbeat and playful, sophisticated and modern. Metallic shades, as well as other colors in the cool family, make a blue bathroom complete; monochromatic effects will foster the serene nature of blue as well.

Add Blue Patterns

Add more shades of blue in the form of patterns throughout the bathroom, which will create a monochromatic look with several textures that will give the bathroom a sense of calm while still making the area visually pleasing. For instance, paint some of the light blue tiles on the walls and bathroom area a darker shade of royal or navy blue in a random pattern, or create a tile border with the darker color. You can adorn the bathroom counter with blue baskets filled with blue and white gingham towels, or decorate the accent wall with periwinkle and medium blue stripes.

Use Warm Colors

Combine warm colors like orange or yellow with the blue shades in the bathroom to make the space especially warm and welcoming. Blue, orange and yellow are also ideal colors for a child's bathroom, particularly if you're going for a goldfish or rubber duckie theme, such as a blue shower curtain with orange goldfish or blue area rugs featuring yellow rubber duckies. Accent the blue bathroom counters with yellow soap dishes and toothbrush holders, or add a pop of color to the blue tiled floors with yellow plush area rugs or toilet covers.

Use Cool Colors

Mix blue with other colors in the blue family to give the bathroom a sense of bright relaxation. For instance, add a light green shower curtain to the bathtub with blue curtain hooks to accent blue walls, and hang plush green hand towels on the wall to further emphasize the color combination. Or add dark purple stripes or paneling to the powder blue walls, and add purple flower arrangements to the counter to add richness to the color scheme. You can also combine intense shades of green and purple with medium or cobalt blues in the form of candle or linen arrangements on wall shelves to make the bathroom especially attractive without overwhelming it with color.

Include Metallics

Shades of silver, platinum, and bronze work well in a blue bathroom and will give the area a sense of elegance. For instance, in the master bathroom, frame pictures of blue or purple flowers like irises or hydrangeas in platinum-colored frames to hang on a medium blue accent wall. Accent blue marble countertops with silver vases or toothbrush holders to include metallics in the color scheme without taking any attention away from the marble detail. Brown and blue look good together as well, so adding a wide bronze stripe to a robin's egg-colored accent wall is aesthetically pleasing. Feature more bronze accents like large sconces on the side wall or a tiny bronze lamp on the counter to bring the two colors together.

Tags: with blue, accent wall, blue bathroom, Accent blue, area rugs, bathroom sense

Decorate A Black And White Damask Bedroom

The textured weave of black and white damask is bold and overwhelms a room if too much is used. Making the fabric a focal point requires adding an additional color to break up the intensity of the color. Be cautious as you approach the design of your bedroom to avoid an assault on the eyes. Your room should promote serenity and peace, and if decorated with care, the black and white damask will accomplish your goal.

Instructions

1. Use a plush damask duvet or bedspread and contrast it with a white-on-white bed skirt for a crisp and inviting look. Select the same fabric for your curtains. Add a contrasting color such as gold, silver, honey, light blue or dusty green for your accents. Avoid using a strong hue that adds to the severity already present in the room. Decorate with throw pillows and shams in your third color.

2. Hang black and white damask wallpaper on a feature wall in the bedroom and use a border of the same paper along the other walls. Paper all the walls if your room is large with a lot of light. Select simple white bedding trimmed in black or black damask and highlight the bed with black and white damask throw pillows or shams so that they stand out from the walls. Add one pillow in your third color for accent. Paint the walls white if you're using damask bedding and curtains so that the fabric becomes the star of the room.

3. Lay a sculpted white-on-white or black-on-black wall-to-wall carpet to warm the room, or a muted black and white check carpet. Paint wood floors either black or distressed white. Use the damask as your curtain and bedding fabric only if the floors are a single color; otherwise, select the damask for just one use.

4. Accent your bedroom with damask instead of using it as a feature fabric. Contrast black and white damask Roman shades and matching European square shams with white walls, black furnishings and white bedding to create a harmonious bedroom.

5. Mount black and white photographs or prints against white matting. Frame them in black and hang them on white walls to create a backdrop to your featured black and white damask. Include etchings and pen and ink drawings in this serene environment. Hang a frame or grouping of frames in your third color to bring color into the room.

Tags: black white, white damask, black white damask, your third color, third color, your third

Paint Decorating Ideas For Kitchen & Dining Room

White kitchens create a feeling of cleanliness.

The kitchen and dining room are sometimes the most neglected in the house when it comes to decorating. Usually thought of as more function than form, these food-prep and eating-related rooms are often glossed over. However, a splash of color can go a long way toward spicing up these environments and such traditional paint colors as white and beige can also look great in a kitchen or dining room, depending on your décor.

Classic White

Paint the kitchen walls and cabinets white. This works especially well if you have a light-colored wood floor. The stark, clean feel of the white brings out the vibrant hues of brightly colored fruits and vegetables, which you can display in a bowl on the counter. According to HGTV.com, white represents a "clean, fresh sanitary feel," as well as a "timeless, classic look," which most people would agree are desirable characteristics to invoke in the kitchen.

Dark Ceiling, Light Walls

In your dining room, paint the ceiling black or dark brown and pair it with a light color such as ice blue or beige on the walls. While white is the traditional choice for ceilings, black can add a distinctive ambiance to the room, similar to that of a fine dining establishment. It also works as a way to define the room of an open floor plan.

Dining Room Mural

Paint a mural on one wall in the dining room to represent a special place in your life. Perhaps you vacationed on the French Riviera and it left a lasting impression. Recreate the countryside on one of your walls. In addition to nature scenes, food related scenes also work well. Painting a trompe l'oeil outdoor café on one wall of your dining room can create a light, airy feel in the space, allowing diners to imagine themselves as part of the scene.

Nature as Inspiration

Use the natural colors of fruits and vegetables for paint inspiration in your kitchen. Try a bright, apple green with white cabinets. A deep plum purple looks good with light wood cabinets. Pair light colors with dark cabinets, such as the pale yellow of a banana with cherry wood. Don't go with a dark on dark option as it tends to give a room a heavy, gloomy feeling.

Tags: dining room, Dining Room, fruits vegetables, kitchen dining, kitchen dining room, with dark

Room Decorating Ideas For A Small Bedroom

Small bedrooms can still be stylish.

Whether you live in an older home, an apartment or a place in the city, a small bedroom is common. With such a small bedroom, there are only so many items you can decorate it with before it starts to feel cluttered. Your bedroom can still be decorated tastefully without taking up too much space.

Colors

Certain colors that you choose to go in your bedroom can make the space seem larger or smaller than what it is. Darker colors have a tendency to make the space look smaller, so ideally you either want to keep the walls white, or paint the walls a light color, such as beige or a pastel color, which goes with the rest of the room as well; if possible, choose furniture and bedding that complement the light colors of the walls. White and light-colored furniture and bedding enhance the feeling of openness within your small space.

Furniture

When choosing the type of furniture to go into your small bedroom, know that an entire bedroom suite may not fit. Choose only the necessary items to go in your space. If it is only you that will be sleeping in the bed, do not get a queen size bed when you know that It will take up most of your walking space in the bedroom. Instead, purchase a twin size bed or, at most, a full size bed. Depending on how small your bedroom is, purchase a futon-like piece of furniture. This way, when you are not sleeping, you can fold up your bed to serve as a sofa and take up less space. Choose a vertical chest of drawers, not a wide dresser to fit your folded clothes in. If you cannot fit all of your folded clothes in the drawers, pack up the clothes that you rarely use, and put them away in storage.

Accessories

Minimal accessories need to be in your small bedroom; otherwise, you will constantly knock over everything you have. Only choose items that are absolutely necessary, such as a lamp or mirror. These types of items take up little space and are items that are actually useful. Do not decorate your small bedroom with accessories that take up too much space and are items that you do not have a need for. If it is possible with the amount of space you have, purchase a storage bin that can fit underneath your bed. You can slide the bin under your bed when you are not using the items. If you need something, you do not have to go searching through a box; you can slide the bin from underneath your bed and easily place it back when you are finished.

Tags: your small, items that, small bedroom, your small bedroom, folded clothes, furniture bedding

Decorate Big Boy Bedrooms

Decorating a big boy bedroom can be easy.

Once a child has moved beyond his preschool years and enters elementary school, he may desire a bedroom that is more grown up. Since previous interests that are no longer applicable may still be reflected in his room, redecorating can help provide him with a refreshed big boy bedroom, in addition to a new sense of pride. If his love for race cars is still alive and well, finding ways to upgrade the cartoon cars from his nursery room wall to a more mature racing theme may make him feel more mature, as well.

Instructions

1. Choose a theme. Consider the child’s interests, favorite colors and unique personality when choosing a theme. Think of what activities the child likes to do or what specific interests he has and discuss possible options with him to help him become involved in the redecorating process.

2. Paint the walls a solid color. Choose a shade of the child’s favorite color or paint the walls neutral beige for the greatest longevity.

3. Upgrade the child’s bed. If he is still sleeping in a toddler bed, transition to a twin or full size bed. Purchase a headboard with shelving that can serve as a display area for theme-related items, pictures or favorite keepsakes.

4. Add new bedding. Look for bedding in the chosen theme or opt for theme-related sheets covered with a solid comforter for an even more grown-up look. Choose decorative pillows to place on the bed when it is made.

5. Install shelves or bookshelves. Shelves may be used to hold theme-related decorations that may be easily switched out if his interests change as he grows.

6. Decorate the walls. Hang pictures that relate to the theme of the room on the walls or look for removable adhesive stickers related to the child’s interests.

7. Add a small table or desk. A child-sized table may be used for coloring, crafts, completing homework or as a space for creating building projects.

Tags: child’s interests, more mature

Build A Dining Booth

A dining booth can add beauty to your kitchen or dining area and can be built for a relatively low cost. Dining booths can be built out of kitchen cabinets or milled wood such as maple, birch, oak, or cherry. The type of wood you choose will depend greatly on your budget. Oftentimes, people will use kitchen cabinets purchased from a close-out store or discount store.

Kitchen Cabinet Booth

Create a design that will fit the room you wish to build the booth in. You will need to decide on the length of the bench.

One of the easiest ways to complete your project is with kitchen cabinets. Many stores sell close-out kitchen cabinets that are drastically reduced. Kitchen cabinets come in many different woods, one of which will likely match your existing decor. Be sure to pick wood that will match the table you are using.

Another positive aspect of using kitchen cabinets is that you can angle the booths to fit the shape of the table with little difficulty. If your table is round, then have the wood cut to fit the angle of the table and attach the cabinets in a circular fashion.

Usually four to six kitchen cabinets are enough to convert into one booth. You will want to purchase an extra cabinet per booth to create the upright sides at each end. Choose cabinets that are approximately 2 1/2 feet to 3 1/2 feet tall. If you do not intend on using dining chairs, then you will want to purchase enough product for two dining booths.

You will want to keep the doors attached as well as the shelves inside. These shelves are great for storage and make the booth more durable by adding support.

To create a seat you can use plywood that is the same length and width of the cabinets. To make things easy on yourself, simply take the measurements to any lumber yard and ask to have the plywood cut to the size you need. There usually is no fee for this, and it saves you time and money by having a professional cut.

To help create a sense of privacy with the dining booth, you can add partial upright sides on both ends of the bench. Usually 2 to 3 feet high will add enough privacy, and this task is easily completed by adding a piece of wood from your kitchen cabinets. This piece can be cut out from the sides of the cabinets and attached by using 2-inch screws.

Find some foam that is 1/2 inch to 1 inch thick and adhere it to the plywood with quality glue. Once the glue dries, wrap your seat in your favorite fabric and use glue and small nails to secure the fabric to the wood. Be sure to neatly wrap all the seams.

Another way to create padded seating is to paint the plywood and line the bench with long comfortable pillows.

Tags: kitchen cabinets, cabinets that, will want, booth will, dining booth

Rebuild A Glacier Bay Bathroom Faucet

Learning rebuild a Glacier Bay bathroom faucet takes only a few minutes.

Learning rebuild a Glacier Bay bathroom faucet takes only a few minutes. The maintenance-friendly faucet design incorporates a limited number of parts and requires no special tools or equipment to service. When you have acquired your replacement Glacier Bay faucet parts and you are ready to start rebuilding the faucet, it should only take you about half an hour to complete.

Instructions

Install A Dining Room Chandelier

You want to replace that dual and boring light fixture with an attractive new chandelier. This is a simple do-it-yourself project that can be done in about an hour with little or no experience needed. While this task can be completed by yourself, it is made far easier it you have a companion to assist you.

Instructions

1. Turn off the power at the circuit breaker. Test the power to make certain it is off.

2. Remove the existing light fixture. Take out any screws and carefully lower the fixture until the wiring is visible. Remove the wire nuts, making certain the wires remain visible.

3. Lift the new chandelier into place. (It would be helpful to have a partner hold the fixture while you do the wiring.) Connect the like-colored wires using new wire nuts. Make certain the wire nuts are secure and that no bare wire is showing.

4. Push all excess wires into the electrical box. Lift the new chandelier into place and tighten all screws and mounting hardware. Slowly release the fixture, making certain the screws hold the weight.

5. Turn the circuit breaker back on and test the light. Your new chandelier is now installed.

Tags: wire nuts, chandelier into, chandelier into place, circuit breaker, into place, Lift chandelier

Bathroom Ideas For Separate Vanities

Separate vanities allow each partner or roommate a private bathroom section.

Having separate vanities in the bathroom lets each partner have personal space when getting ready for the day or unwinding at night. When choosing bathroom ideas for separate vanities, consider how much time and labor you want to spend on the bathroom area. If you enjoy the bathroom space for relaxing -- such as taking long, warm bubble baths -- constructing an attractive double-vanity setup could be a great investment. If you do not spend much time in the bathroom, going with a simple but stylish double vanity may be a better choice.

Symmetrical Sides

You can build or buy two completely separate bathroom vanities and set them on each side of a bathroom. To create harmony in the bathroom, let one side of the room mirror the other to create a bathroom that has two separate but completely equal sides. From a design perspective, you can create a bathroom with double vanities, double toilets, mirrors and even showers, if you wish. Choosing the same paint colors and decorations for each side will provide balance to the room. Additionally, you can either choose to have one central door in the middle of the two vanity areas or create two separate doors for each partner to use. You can further separate the two vanities with a stylish partition, like a Japanese-style divider.

Double Vanity

If you want a separate vanity area but do not want to be too far from your partner, consider a double-sink vanity. As of 2010, this contemporary look is popular and functional, allowing each partner a sink and area to get ready -- or prepare for bed -- but without taking up a lot of extra room. Vanities are available in natural stone or wood or in modern materials, like frosted glass and stainless steel. To spruce up the double-vanity style and unify the room, you can add a spa-like, luxurious tub to the middle of the bathroom. This will serve as a kind of unifying space in the bathroom, where two lovers could meet for a joint bath.

Expand the Space

If you want to comfortably fit two separate vanities, consider gutting the whole bathroom and starting from scratch. However, according to a "Consumer Reports" bathroom makeover article, trying to keep the toilet in the same place will save money, because replumbing a toilet is expensive, labor-intensive work.

Pocket Doors

Instead of keeping standard hinged doors, opt for a pocket door. The door folds into the wall and frees up space for moving around or installing more functional features where the door would normally lay.

Tags: each partner, separate vanities, create bathroom, each side, much time, separate vanities consider

How Does Bedroom Color Affect Kids

Color in our environment has been proven to cause an emotional response in both adults and children. The bedroom is where we start and end each day and, therefore, the items in it should be given some thought in which colors they contain, specifically with children.

Reds

Red curtain

Science has shown that red has a tendency to increase heart rate, blood pressure and adrenaline. Reds evoke emotions with energy, which is contrary to what children need to do in their bedrooms--sleep.

Greens

Green Shade

Green often is representative of both money and nature, which might reflect its long-known attributes of producing a dichotomy of both indecision and balance/harmony. Although children are not yet able to understand these concepts, the result is often confusion and discomfort.

Blues

Blue paper

Blue has long been associated with stillness, as in the calm waters of the ocean, thoughtfulness and contemplation. This might be ideal for a bedroom color choice to soothe and lullea child to sleep; however, blues also have a tendency to produce feelings of depression and withdrawal.

Yellows

Yellow flower

Perhaps because yellow reminds us of the sun, it is commonly associated with sass, egocentricity, happiness and confidence--all very high-energy associations. Within a bedroom setting, this would likely promote wakefulness in your child.

Pinks

Pink wallpaper

Pink often reflects a notion of immaturity, softness and femininity, along with creativity. Pinks work well in a child's bedroom because they are calming.

Oranges

Orange Ties

Perhaps because orange is a mixture of red and yellow, it seems to combine the attributes of each to produce stimulation, playfulness, sociability and encouragement. Again, not an ideal choice for a child's bedroom in which they'll need to sleep.

Tags: associated with, child bedroom, Perhaps because

Polish A Knotty Pine Dining Table

Polishing a pine table will restore its luster.

Pine is a softwood that many people use to make relatively inexpensive furniture. Although you can buy unfinished pine furniture, most pieces that you find in the store have a finish. This is partly because the knots in the wood can bleed sap. A finish keeps the knots from bleeding. To polish a knotty pine table, it is important to clean the table and remove old wax buildup before you apply another layer of a wax or polish.

Instructions

Cleaning the Table

1. Dust the table, using old rags. It is best to dust wooden furniture several times a week to keep dust from building up on the finish.

2. Lay old newspaper underneath the table to protect the floor.

3. Pour almost a full cup of hot water in a shallow baking pan.

4. Pour a commercial cleanser-conditioner on top of the water until it completely covers the surface. Use the amount of cleaner specified by the manufacturer.

5. Dip a clean rag into the mixture, and use the rag to wipe the table clean. Use a toothbrush for curved areas or difficult-to-scrub detailing in the wood.

Polishing the Table

6. Dry the table completely and buff it with a soft cloth. If it has the right amount of sheen after cleaning and buffing, it does not need polish or wax.

7. Choose a furniture polish, wax or oil to give the table more gloss if necessary. Check the polish manufacturer's instructions to ensure that the product will work on the table you have. Lemon oil, paste wax, liquid silicone polishes, liquid cleaning polishes and cream wax polishes are all options for pine. Cream waxes and liquid cleaning polishes provide the least amount of shine, while silicone and paste waxes create more shine. Paste waxes offer lots of shine and protection with a little buffing. Silicone polishes add a lot of shine, but they are difficult to remove and smudge easily. Oils also work well, but they require lots of rubbing during their application and attract dust.

8. Apply the polish to the table, following the the manufacturer's instructions. All you have to do with some silicone polishes is spray them on. But most waxes and oils need to be rubbed on by hand.

Tags: cleaning polishes, liquid cleaning, liquid cleaning polishes, manufacturer instructions, pine table, silicone polishes

Design Bedrooms For Autistic Children

Autistic children love bright, glossy colors.

When designing a bedroom for a child on the autism spectrum, there is much to be considered depending on the degree of autism, the child's interests and the age of the child. Regardless, the most important factor to keep in mind is safety. Beyond that, sensory stimulation is extremely important. Children who are on the upper level of functioning on the autism spectrum will tend to be less destructive than those who are lower on the spectrum. With these things in mind, a safe and visually stimulating environment can be created.

Instructions

Childproof The Entire Room

1. Childproofing can prevent accidents before they happen.

Set up a very heavy and sturdy chest of drawers that is low to the ground. Many children with autism lack an awareness of danger and are prone to climbing on furniture. Having a chest that is heavy, sturdy and not very tall can prevent serious injury from a curious, climbing child.

2. Install childproof latches on each of the drawers of the chest. These will prevent the drawers from opening all of the way, thus preventing the drawer from coming all of the way out of the frame and possibly falling on the child.

3. Find all of the electric outlets in the child's room and install childproof outlet covers on each of them. This will prevent a curious child with a lack of danger awareness from sticking their fingers in these outlets and getting shocked.

4. Place a very heavy, short, sturdy bookcase in the room. Be sure it is heavy enough so that it cannot be pulled over by your child. Also, it is important that is is not tall enough for the child to climb too high up on where she would be injured if she were to fall.

5. Cover all of the furniture with sharp edges with childproof corner covers. This will prevent the the child from injuring themselves if they bump into the edges. Keep in mind that autistic children love to spin and rock, making it very likely that a child may bump into furniture in the process. These covers are generally made out of foam rubber and are excellent in cushioning any potential collision.

6. Choose a bed that is low to the ground, as many autistic children are fitful sleepers. If the child falls out of the bed she will be less likely to be hurt if she has not fallen as far of a distance.

7. Keep all windows securely locked so the child cannot get the window open to climb out. Also, cover windows with blinds or curtains that cannot be pulled down.

Decorate the Room

8. Paint all of the walls in your child's favorite color(s). If your child likes one particular color, then paint each wall in a different shade of that color. This provides the child with a more visually stimulating environment than painting all of the walls in the same shade. Each wall will offer a different perspective. This also tends to brighten up a room.

9. Choose two or three sets of bedding in the child's favorite color(s). This will give the child a little bit of variety while still having the color(s) that he loves. Keep in mind when choosing these items that autistic children are generally resistant to change, so having the colors that they enjoy looking at most will ease the child's disturbance. At the same time, the child will have a variety in the color(s) that makes them feel comfortable.

10. Place some of your child's favorite books on the book shelf and always keep a few new ones that she has not read yet in case she decides to try something different. However, children with autism like doing the same thing over and over again and favorite books are no exception.

11. Place a large area rug on the child's floor in the color that matches their walls and bedding.

12. Place toys in the toy chest, being careful to avoid toys with small pieces that may be choking hazards.

Tags: your child, child favorite, color that, This will, will prevent

Remove Clouded Finish On A Dining Room Table

Remove Clouded Finish on a Dining Room Table

The word "table" is a derivative of the Latin "tabula," meaning "a board." During the Middle Ages, dining room tables were long trestle tables that included benches; the setup looked like cafeteria tables do today. Some dining rooms were located far from kitchens, even on separate floors. In the 14th century, as people sought more private dinner conversation, they moved from large dining halls to intimate parlors. Today, a dining room is generally one of the smaller rooms in the house and close to the kitchen. A cloudy dining room table is usually caused by wax buildup and can easily be cleaned.

Instructions

1. Apply Vernax to a soft, dry cloth. Get the cloth damp but not soaking wet.

2. Rub the cloth over the entire dining room table in a circular motion.

3. Lay the Vernax-covered cloth aside, and buff the table with a clean, soft, dry cloth. Go with the grain of the wood.

4. Apply carnauba wax to the table with a clean, soft, dry cloth in the same manner as you applied the vernax. This wax will protect the wood and keep it from becoming dehydrated. Once applied, do not wipe it off.

Tags: dining room, soft cloth, clean soft, clean soft cloth, Clouded Finish, Clouded Finish Dining, Dining Room

Design A Bedroom For Two Girls

Create a shared room for sisters.

Designing a room for two girls means looking for ways to create separate spaces within one unified decor scheme. Whether you are looking for an idea for twins, sisters of similar ages or siblings who are spaced farther apart, a shared room can be individualized to account for each of the girls' special interests and distinct tastes. Using furniture, designer color palettes and decorative accents can help you to make the most of a feminine room for two.

Instructions

1. Invite the two girls to help make some of the design decisions. Girls who are in preschool and older can give their opinions on colors, furniture styles, accents and personal touches. Some girls may want a unified space, while others may want more distinct areas. Ask each girl for her opinion. Provide the children with color chips and pictures of furniture ideas.

2. Select a unifying paint color, or divide the room with a two-toned look. Separate the space visually with complimenting colors, a funky eclectic mix of brights or shades of the same hue. Make a central division at the same point on two opposite walls with painter's tape. Roll one color on one half. Allow time to dry and re-coat. Remove the tape after the paint is fully dry. Re-tape along the border so that the two halves directly meet. Paint the other half and re-coat.

3. Give each girl her own distinct area rug. Even if the room is carpeted, place color coordinating rugs in the center or under the bed area of each girl's space.

4. Create separate spaces or zones with the furniture. If you are using a two-toned approach, place one girl's furniture in one half and the other girl's on the other side. Place each girl's bed against a wall with as much space separating them as possible. Add in the other furniture, such as a dresser and night stand for each girl, near to her bed.

5. Add individual accents for each of the girls. Include posters, photos of friends or even a decorative lampshade that features a favorite color or print.

Tags: each girl, each girls, help make, separate spaces, shared room

How Decorate My Bedroom

A bedroom is such a personal space it only seems right it should reflect an individual's personal tastes. So while all bedrooms have certain things in common--a bed or furniture for holding clothing--all bedrooms do not have to look the same.

Instructions

Personalize Your Space

1. Clear the room of clutter. Neaten every surface to begin with a clean slate. Clear the walls and shelves also. Sort through your things and organize them. Decide which items you really want and which ones can be thrown away or put in storage.

2. Rearrange your furniture until it feels right. Perhaps look into feng shui techniques for ideas. When walking into a room, the furniture arrangement should be welcoming and comfortable. But ultimately it's the decor that will make a room personal. Simply move the furniture around, then sit on the bed and survey the room. Stand in the doorway and study the new arrangement. Repeat this until you find something that feels intuitively comfortable.

3. Think about your interests. Decide if you want them reflected in your decor or maybe you want to choose a specific theme. You might want a jungle theme for example, or you may want to show off a love of fashion or a particular type of fashion, say Japanese kimonos. You might love baseball or horror movies. Perhaps you're a collector and would like to showcase your special finds, or some artwork.

4. Consider repainting the walls. If you wear a particular color often--one that people associate with you-- or if you are interested in a jungle theme, green walls could fit in nicely. If you love baseball, what about the colors of your favorite team or your school colors? The walls don't have to be all the same. You can have one wall a different color for contrast, or paint two walls one color and two walls another. Or all four walls can be different if you wish.

5. Decorate the walls first. Posters and art--both paintings and wall hangings--are always popular. If you love the medieval period, hang a shield or a family crest on the wall. For a jungle theme, hang wooden masks as part of the artwork. Kimonos have long been used as wall hangings. Why not other garments like baseball jerseys, or even just clothing that has meaning to you. Perhaps you're good with needlepoint or embroidery. You could make a tapestry. Dried flowers make lovely wall arrangements. Or use silk flowers and garlands over doors and windows. If you're artistic, you could paint a mural.

6. Change bedspreads and window treatments next. Consider colors, patterns and textures. Decide if you want to contrast the walls or compliment them. Still love Star Wars and want everyone to know? You can find Star Wars bedspreads. Or maybe you'd like a flower pattern or a crocheted bedspread, or perhaps you prefer a comforter with a dust ruffle. If you have a canopy, consider having just the posts without a canopy, or consider a canopy with netting to drape around the bed. Decorative pillows can enhance any bedspread. Make a determination about window treatments. Drapes or blinds come in a wide range.

7. Work on the shelves and furniture tops last, as these tend to add a cluttered look to a room's decor if the elements are not carefully considered. Now assess the room and decide what it needs. If you love to read, show your love with a shelf loaded with books. Use decorative bookends to show a sense of whimsy.

For the jungle theme, add in potted plants--either real or fake. Add in stuffed lions, monkeys and elephants. Show off your collections in display cases, or simply arrange them so that they're easily seen and well-spaced.

Tags: jungle theme, bedrooms have, canopy consider, Decide want, love baseball, Star Wars, window treatments

Separate A Dining Room With Columns

Columns are an elegant, classic way to seperate a dining room from other living spaces.

Columns are a great way to add architectural detail to your dining room without breaking the bank. They are also a structural necessity in many dining rooms to formally separate the space from living and kitchen areas. Columns are cost effective and can be modified in color and design to enhance any space. You can replace expensive decor and makeshift separators with sturdy, elegant columns in little time.

Instructions

1. Locate an archway or entryway within an open floor plan that separates the dining room from the living room or kitchen. Stay within the perimeter of the dining room and avoid placing the columns in the actual room.

2. Arrange the location to accommodate two columns. Ensure that both spots are aligned with each other. Measure the spacing between the columns themselves and between the walls for accuracy.

3. Determine the height of the columns. Cut the medium-density fiberboard (MDF) sides, face and cleat to the desired length. Secure the edge of the MDF face to the MDF sides with brad nails.

4. Cut the fluted molding to the desired length to cover the face. The fluted molding may cover the entire face or its edge, depending on the decorative style. Cut the crown molding to the same width as the fluted molding. The crown molding will be placed on top of the column once it is erected. Glue the back of the fluted molding, then adhere it flush with the bottom of the MDF. Attach the material with brad nails.

5. Place the baseboard over the bottom of the column. Mark where to cut the board with a pencil. Create a 45-degree angle miter cut toward the front. Cut a 45-degree angle at the ends of the baseboard sides to connect to the face piece. Create a flat cut to attach the baseboard end to the MDF pieces. Repeat the process for the opposite side. Attach all of the pieces with nails.

6. Check to see if a baseboard already exists on the wall where the column will go. Cut out an area equivalent to the width of the baseboard with a jigsaw.

7. Cut an MDF cleat to the desired length and attach it with countersink screws where the column will go. Attach the cleat to studs rather than the drywall. Install the column over the cleat and adhere it with 2-inch brads from the side. Cut the crown-molding piece and glue it to the top of the column. Secure the molding with brad nails.

8. Conceal nail holes, scratches and seams with caulking. Paint columns to the desired color with gloss or semi-gloss once dry.

Tags: dining room, fluted molding, brad nails, desired length, with brad, with brad nails

Create Bathroom Floor Plans

A contractor needs a floor plan before beginning any type of construction or remodeling. A floor plan helps you figure out what works and what doesn't before you even lift a hammer. A well-thought-out plan that is clear and concise will help with the construction of the design.

Instructions

Design

1. Measure out the size and draw the shape of the bathroom first if you are remodeling a bathroom. If designing a new bathroom, just figure out how big you want it to be. The design of a bathroom is pretty simple. Determine where you want the toilet, bathtub and/or shower, and sink to be.

2. Once you have decided on the overall size, decide what you want in the space. You can have one or two sinks, a shower only or a shower and tub, and the toilet. Draw out the outline of the space to a scale that matches your bathroom template, which typically come in quarter-inch or eighth-inch scales.

3. Using the bathroom template, draw different options of where you will place the fixtures.

Drawing

4. Tape your paper down to your desk using your T-square to align it so that you can have horizontal lines that are parallel with the edges of the paper.

5. Draw the outline of the room to an architectural scale. Because you will be drawing in the fixtures, a larger scale, such as a quarter inch, is typically recommended. Measure the size of the room with your architectural scale and draw the lines using your triangles.

6. Once you draw the outline of the room, draw in the location of the door as well.

7. Using your bathroom template, draw in your tub, toilet and sink. You must draw your own tub and sink if they are custom sizes.

8. Once you have everything drawn, determine the location of the fixtures and the size of the room so the contractor will know how big of a space he is dealing with. It allows him to bid on the project.

Tags: bathroom template, architectural scale, bathroom template draw, Draw outline, draw your, floor plan, Measure size