Square tables are easy to make and will afford everything from dining space to a desk in between bites. You need a base or four legs, and a square top of wood or any other materials you like. This is a weekend project that can be as plain or fancy as your woodworking skills can make it.
Instructions
1. Have the lumber store cut a 36-inch square of 1 inch maple. Sand the top and edges until they are smooth. Position and clamp the wood to your work bench and use the router to cut a fancy edge all around. Use fine grit sandpaper to smooth and tack cloth to clean.
2. Go to your craft store and purchase a pedestal to use for a table base. You may also order wooden or iron cross pedestal bases from the lumber store or on-line. There are many styles from which to choose.
3. Finish the tabletop and wooden pedestal base with two to three coats of stain. Dry thoroughly between coats.
4. Drill holes to attach the pedestal base to the center of the tabletop. Put a drop of wood glue into each hole to hold the bond. Finish with two to three coats of lacquer to protect the finish. Dry thoroughly between coats.
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A finished attic can be used for a spare loft-style bedroom with a bit of planning.
Turning an attic into an authentic loft style bedroom is an excellent way to add a guest room or additional bedroom to a home. Attics with sloped ceilings and rough walls and fixtures will add to the loft look of the bedroom, as lofts are generally industrial in appearance. Before you convert your attic into a loft bedroom, have it inspected by a qualified professional in your area to make sure it is safe if you haven't already done so.
Instructions
Building and Remodeling
1. Remove unwanted items from the attic and clean the walls and floors by sweeping and vacuuming to remove excessive dirt. If the attic has not been used in some time, you may want to hire a professional cleaning crew to make sure the attic is properly cleaned. Also, if the attic is full of loose fill insulation, you'll have to remove it.
2. Have the attic inspected by professionals to make sure there is no mold in the attic which could cause health problems. Most companies that inspect for mold will be able to remove dangerous mold from your home which, in worst case scenarios, you cannot do yourself.
3. Hire a contractor to inspect the floors and walls for safety and for a quote on installing stair access to the attic. In many cases, attics have exposed insulation, which is not suitable for a living space. Talk with your contractor about finishing walls with drywall or plaster and also insulation. A contractor will know the building codes and R-value for your area.
4. Discuss installing windows in the attic with your contractor to allow natural light and air into the room. The type of windows you install will depend on the style of the room.
5. Consider installing heating and air conditioning in the attic. In some moderate climates, you may be able to get away with a window air conditioning unit or space heater depending on where you live. However, if you live in a particularly cold climate, central heating is a necessity that must be discussed with your contractor.
Design and Decor
6. Paint the walls and trim of your attic in traditional loft colors. In most traditional lofts, large portions of walls are painted bright white. Trim around windows and doors is painted with semigloss or high gloss dark colors, such as brown, black or gray. By painting trim dark colors using semigloss or high gloss paint, the fixtures are easy to clean.
7. Use sleek, modern window coverings instead of pleated curtains or curtains with a valance. Roman shades that can be pulled up or down, metal vertical or horizontal blinds and shutters can all be used to give the space an authentic loft feel. If doesn't get a lot of light and you aren't worried about privacy, consider not using any window treatments at all.
8. Use contemporary rugs within the room to cover exposed wood flooring as long as it is safe to stand on. Fixing and finishing flooring in the attic can be a very expensive prospect, and if you are only going to be using the room as a spare bedroom your money may be better spent in other places.
9. Avoid cluttering the space with too many decorative objects. To create an authentic loft feel in your attic bedroom you should keep the space clean and modern, free of too many knick knacks. Decorative items, like vases with fresh or silk flowers and art pieces, should be used sparingly throughout the space.
Tags: your attic, authentic loft, make sure, with your, with your contractor, your contractor, attic into
Chandeliers are both fashionable and functional; they can be matched to any style and illuminate a room with beauty. Determining the size of chandelier for your dining room can be a bit tricky. Select one that is too small and it will feel lost in the room; one that is too large will make the room feel crowded. With a few calculations, you can be confident that you buy the right size of chandelier for your dining room.
Table Size
As a general rule, the diameter of a chandelier should measure at least one-half the width of the table, which is true for all table shapes: square, oval, rectangular or round. With this in mind, a chandelier should never overpower a table, and there should be at least 12 inches on each side of the chandelier to the edge of the table.
Room Size
The size of a affects what size of chandelier will look best. Measure the length and width of a room, and add the two dimensions together. Equate that sum to inches, which will be the diameter your chandelier should be. For example, consider a dining room that measures 15 x 18 feet. Add 15 and 18, which equals 33 and means that the diameter of your chandelier should be 33 inches.
Ceiling Height
To calculate how tall the chandelier should be, measure the height of the ceiling in the room. The fixture should be 2 1/2 to 3 inches for every 1 foot of ceiling height, which means the chandelier in a room with an 8-foot ceiling should be 20 to 24 inches tall, or 25 to 30 inches in a room with a 10-foot ceiling. For visual balance, select a fixture with multiple tiers in rooms with a ceiling height of 9 feet or more.
Wattage
Knowing how many watts your chandelier should have can mean the difference in a poorly lit room or one that is too bright and the perfectly illuminated dining experience. This time, multiply the length and width of the room measurements to find the square footage, and multiply by 1.5 to figure the total wattage needed. For a 15 x 18-foot room, the square footage is 270. Multiply by 1.5 for a total of 405 watts.
Adjusting Illumination
Your dining room may serve as home to a variety of activities, such as family meals, homework or crafts. Install a dimmer switch for greater flexibility of illumination in the dining room; lower the light level for intimate dinners, turn it all the way up for crafting or in between for homework and daily meals.
Tags: chandelier should, dining room, room that, , should inches
Your dream living space may include an open-concept floor plan, with the kitchen, living room and dining area all open to each other in one large space. The open concept makes a small house feel larger and allows the cook to prepare meals without being separated from the family or guests. A large open area can be tricky to decorate because everything is in full view. Choose colors, materials and accessories that complement each other without clashing.
Instructions
1. Choose paint colors carefully. You do not have to choose the same color for each area of the open kitchen, living room and dining area. Choosing different colors can help define the separate areas. If you select colors in the same tone family, rather than very different or contrasting colors, you will create a flow from one area to another.
2. Use the same window-covering scheme throughout. While it is acceptable to use different colors and shades of paint, you'll want to pull the space together by installing identical window treatments on all windows.
3. Select furniture that is similar for each room. A traditional oak dining table is not going to match to a sleek, modern entertainment unit in black or chrome. Choose the same wood or material and basic style of furniture for each section of the room.
4. Use lighting to help define the different spaces. Install pendant lighting over a kitchen peninsula or island, a chandelier over the dining table and floor lamps in the living room. Your lighting will help separate the functions of each area.
5. Add accessories to each area that have something in common with the accessories in the other areas. If your kitchen appliances are stainless steel, for example, place a large, stainless steel bowl filled with fresh fruit on your dining table and a stainless steel vase on your fireplace mantel. Or choose bright-blue shades for your kitchen pendant lights and place a cashmere throw, in the same bright blue, over the back of the sofa in your living area.
Tags: dining table, each area, living room, stainless steel, , different colors, dining area
Search flea markets for authentic country items like an old weather vane.
Country-style decorating combines a bit of Americana with old-fashioned charm. A country-style dining room should start with a warm, light color of paint, such as antique white or pale yellow, on the walls and be accented with fabrics and decors that remind you of the country. For example, a country dining room is the perfect place to display a collection of farm memorabilia, such as on sideboards or walls. Look for antique farm items at yard sales or flea markets to stretch your decorating budget.
Instructions
1. Stencil images onto the walls of your dining room. Arrange small designs along the top of the walls near the ceiling, like a border, or large ones on the center of the wall. Look for stencils that evoke a feeling of country living; stencils of farm animals, barns or stars all have a country feel. If you do not want to stencil your walls, stenciled furniture, such as a sideboard or table, will also work.
2. Add a farmhouse dining room table to the room. These large old-fashioned tables are made of solid wood planks. Visit antique or second-hand stores to find one at a reasonable price. It is also possible to purchase a brand-new replica.
3. Hang red and white gingham tabbed window treatments. Use a wooden rod to display the treatments and allow them to touch the windowsills. Install shutters stained to match the wood in your room on the bottom half of your windows. The shutter/drape combination gives the room a country feel and allows for more light control.
4. Add a sideboard to the room. Sideboards create storage area as well as give you more serving area. If the color of the sideboard does not match the rest of the room, whitewash the sideboard. White furniture adds to a country feel to a room.
5. Purchase or create a rag rug for under the dining room table. Rag rugs are traditionally made with old clothing or cloths. If you want to make the rug yourself, save old clothing or purchase material in colors that complement the decor of the dining room.
6. Hang farm- or country-themed pictures at focal points on the walls. Display one large picture or multiple pictures grouped together. Look for pictures of tractors, farm animals or country landscapes. Whitewash the frames of the pictures to connect the images together.
7. Decorate the room with small knickknacks. You do not need to stick to just one theme; for example, mix animal-themed knickknacks with tractor or old farm machinery models. Place the knickknacks on shelves, tables and sideboards around the room.
Wainscoting adds interest to boring dining room walls.
Wainscoting, when added to your walls, adds texture and visual interest to a dining room by covering the lower portion of the walls with wooden paneling. Originally designed to protect the walls from damage, modern wainscoting is generally decorative. In your dining room, depending on the style of wainscoting you choose, the look can be casual, formal or dramatic.
Types of Wainscoting
You can purchase wainscoting panels in a number of styles. For a casual, "beach cottage" feeling, install bead-board wainscoting; paint the grooved panels in bright white to evoke a feeling of summer days on the shore. For a more formal look, choose wainscoting with raised panels in a deep wood finish such as mahogany or cherry. Or create custom wainscoting, for a fraction of the cost, by installing frames below a chair rail instead of full wainscoting panels. Either paint the entire wall below the wainscoting one color to create the illusion of wainscoting, or paint the wall one color and the frames another to highlight the texture and contrast.
Paint
Once your wainscoting is installed, customize the look of with paint. One common approach is to paint the wainscoting white to contrast with a bolder color on the walls above the . For example, white wainscoting applied to a deep red or green wall in the dining room keeps the room bright and adds a casual feeling, instead of the dark and dramatic effect that painting the whole wall a dark color creates. For a country or farmhouse effect, stain the wainscoting instead of painting.
Fabric and Wallpaper
For a truly dramatic look in your dining room, cover the center panels of the wainscoting with fabric or wallpaper. This approach works best with the illusion wainscoting, in which the frames are attached to wall instead of panels. Cut pieces of fabric or wallpaper to fit inside of the frames and attach to the wall before installing the frames. Use materials with a large or bold print to create drama, or create subtle texture by using linen or raw silk in the same color as the wall. Bring a piece of the fabric or wallpaper to a paint store and have a custom paint color made to ensure a perfect match.
Nontraditional Uses
While traditionally wainscoting is only applied to the lower portion of the walls, and is generally only 30 to 40 inches high, you can add interest to your dining room by using wainscoting in an nontraditional way. Install wainscoting that covers more of the wall; panels that are 5 or 6 feet tall are a fresh addition to your design. Or combine wainscoting styles -- top off bead-board panels with a row of raised or recessed panels.
Tags: your dining, your dining room, dining room, dining room, chair rail, , illusion wainscoting
Hanging a chandelier over your bed gives your room a big dose of "wow factor."
Turn your bedroom into a romantic retreat with a chandelier. Not just for the dining room anymore, chandeliers have become more common in bedrooms in recent years as homeowners have discovered that chandeliers are an easy way to add a dramatic, stylish focal point. When hanging a chandelier in the bedroom, you have several placement options, and each option has a hanging height range that looks and works best.
Over a Bed
If you have a pretty bed with lovely linens, hang a chandelier over your bed. The chandelier's light will illuminate your bed, and the chandelier itself will draw the eye to your bed. You may choose to hang the chandelier centered over the bed or closer to the head or foot of your bed. Either way, hang it high enough to ensure you won't bump your head on it when you're sitting in bed or getting in and out of bed, but not so close to the ceiling that it becomes unnoticeable. While 7 feet above the floor is standard for overhead lighting, you can go a foot or two lower with a chandelier over a bed since no one will be walking underneath it. Ask a friend to hold up the light in several positions as you determine what looks and feels best for you.
In the Middle of the Ceiling
If your new chandelier is to hang in the middle of your bedroom ceiling in place of a ceiling fan or standard overhead light fixture, hang it so that the lowest point is at least 7 feet from the floor, which ensures that family members and guests in your home will not bump their heads on your pretty light fixture.
Over a Nightstand
Hanging a small each nightstand in place of a reading lamp is an unexpected but attractive way to illuminate your bedside table. Hang bedside chandeliers about 20 to 30 inches above your nightstand, which is about the height of a standard bedside table lamp, which allows ample lighting for reading and also leaves enough space for a stack of books, your clock and a drink of water.
Over a Desk or in a Reading Nook
Another spot in your bedroom that a chandelier can brighten is over a desk or next to a cozy reading chair. While hanging the chandelier 30 to 36 inches above the desk is recommended, trial and error is your best bet for finding the right height over the chair. With the height of your favorite reading lamp in mind, find a height that is slightly above eye level when you're sitting in the chair, ensuring the height allows the chandelier to illuminate the pages of your book.
Tags: chandelier over, your bedroom, your chandelier, bedside table, chandelier over your, hang chandelier, hanging chandelier
All homeowners desire a warm and welcoming where they can entertain at holidays and celebrate special occasions. There are as many dining tables on the market as there are decorating tastes. It can be take a while to decide on new or gently used, wood or painted and this or that shape, but with a few suggestions, choosing a dining table can become a fun day out.
Instructions
1. Measure twice, choose once. The most important factor in choosing a dining table is the size of your dining room or other area for which you are shopping. It's frustrating to go shopping, choose a dining table you absolutely love, get it home and then find out that it's too large for the space.
2. Know the recommended space guidelines. Even if a dining table doesn't appear to be disproportionate to the space, keep in mind that none of your family members or guests wants to squeeze through tight spaces to grab another drink or make a trip to the powder room. Once you've measured the room, make sure that the table you buy allows for 30 to 36 inches around the perimeter of the table for scooting chairs back and walking.
3. Consider your size needs. Once you know the maximum size of the table you can fit into the room, think about how the table will be used. Not everyone is up to throwing dinner parties for 20 people. However large or small a table you need, keep in mind that to be comfortable, diners need an average of 22 inches of space and 14 inches of dining table depth.
4. Buy a square table for intimate settings. If you have a smaller room to work with and are looking to create an intimate ambiance, buy a square table proportionate to the room's measurements. Square tables can seat two to four people and serve as real space savers. The only downside of a square table is that it can't accommodate a large group for the occasional dinner party.
5. Seat more people with a rectangular table. When you're turning a larger room into a dining space, a rectangular table is a good option because it seats more people than a square table. It also plays on a room's length, maximizing the space and making it look larger.
6. Make room for conversation. Nothing encourages dinner conversation more than a round table. With round tables, everyone can see each other easily without having to crane their necks or move forward or backward to see someone at the other end. However, though they're easy to move around without sharp angles, sometimes round tables aren't space efficient.
7. Check out all of your options for finishes. With dining table finishes, it's again best to consider how you'll use the table and the look you're trying to achieve. You can choose from wood, veneer, acrylic and glass table tops; remember to consider durability, color and who will use the table most.
You can create a small seating area in a minimal space.
Creating an area to relax in a small bedroom may seem challenging, but it can be accomplished by using the correct placement of furniture and accessories. Whether you are a teen trying to become independent, a senior citizen who must live with family or a young adult who had to move back home with parents for financial reasons, having a space to relax and unwind is important to your mental health. Harried moms and dads often need a space in the home to get away from the rest of the family to recoup and rejuvenate -- no matter how much they love their family.
Instructions
1. Position your bed against one wall of the small room. This helps fill up unused and wasted space, thus allowing you room to create an area for relaxation.
2. Place a recliner, occasional chair with an ottoman or a chaise lounge in the room beside the bed on the adjacent wall from where you positioned the bed. If the room is rectangle-shaped, the open space left over beside the bed may be only large enough for a needed nightstand and lamp. If this is the case, place the chair in another corner of the room or a space toward the end of the bed.
3. Position a round or occasional table close to the seating area. Add a small reading lamp to the area and little else. Cluttering the table will make the area seemed cramped, which does not induce a serene ambience.
4. Set a decorative basket beside the seating area for your supplies, such as knitting needles and yarn, a remote control, magazines or books. This keeps them close at hand, yet does not clutter the area.
Design your bedroom furniture so it matches as a bedroom set.
Matching bedroom furniture sets can be expensive to purchase. These suites of furniture, sometimes custom-made, have a headboard, storage options and nightstand that match in design and color. Build your own bedroom furniture set, including a headboard and nightstands, to save money and have a grouping of custom-designed furniture. Use basic plywood as your canvas and add your own design to ensure that your new bedroom furniture fits into your home's decor.
Instructions
Homemade Headboard
1. Measure the width of your bed where the headboard will be installed. Then place the end of the measuring tape on the floor and measure up to determine the height you want for the headboard. Write these two measurements down.
2. Using the measurements you've written down, draw the shape of the headboard on the plywood. Cut out the headboard with the jigsaw and smooth the edges with sandpaper.
3. If you want a cutout design in the headboard, draw it with the pencil and cut out the shapes with the jigsaw. Sandpaper each cut to remove splinters.
4. Paint the headboard in the color or stain of your chosing. Let it dry completely before proceeding.
5. Place the headboard behind the bed. Use the mechanical screwdriver and the 1-inch screws to attach the headboard to the box frame of the mattress. If you do not have a box-frame bed, screw the headboard to the wall. Use the level to ensure it is evenly mounted.
Homemade Nightstands
6. Use the measuring tape to determine the size of your nightstands -- the height, width and depth. Collect the measurements as you sit on your bed, so you get realistic measurements. The sizes will vary from bed to bed, because the height of the mattress can influence the overall height required for the nightstand.
7. Draw all of the pieces needed for the nightstands on the plywood using a pencil, measuring tape and ruler. For one nightstand, draw two side pieces measuring the depth by the height, two shelving pieces measuring the depth by the width and one back panel piece measuring half the height by the width. Cut the pieces out of plywood with the jigsaw. Use sandpaper to smooth the edges.
8. Arrange the pieces in front of you roughly in the position they will be in the finished piece -- the two side pieces on their sides and parallel to one another, the two shelving pieces between the side pieces with one at the top and one 10 to 12 inches down to create a shelf in the middle of the nightstand.
9. Start by connecting the sides and the top piece, using two nails per corner through the sides into the top piece. Connect the shelving piece by hammering nails through the side pieces into the shelving piece. Line up the back panel and attach it to the sides and top with nails driven about every 4 inches. Use the level as you go, so that the nightstand is squared and even.
10. Paint the nightstand the same color as the headboard. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for an additional nightstand.
Tags: side pieces, bedroom furniture, measuring tape, with jigsaw, , your bedroom furniture
You can create a frame like this for a bathroom mirror.
Redecorating on a budget involves some do-it-yourself projects, and framing a bathroom mirror provides one of the least expensive, most satisfying projects you can do in a couple of hours. This approach does not require you to remove the mirror from the wall (an extremely difficult, if not impossible, task if you want to keep the mirror in one piece). Instead you build the frame around the mirror. A good saw, some decorative molding and careful measuring will create a whole new look for your bathroom.
Instructions
1. Cut the decorative molding into four pieces, each about 8 inches longer than sides of the mirror.
2. Fit a piece of molding along one edge of the mirror. The rabbeted edge will be on the inside of the frame, allowing space for the mirror so the molding will lie flat against the wall. The inside edge of the molding will cover the outside edge of the mirror. Make a mark to show how far the molding overlaps the mirror.
3. Measure the distance from the edge of the mirror to your mark. Measure in from the edges that amount on all four sides of the mirror. Use the yardstick to provide a straight edge to draw a rectangle on the mirror to show where the inside edge of the frame will fall.
4. Miter one corner of one piece of molding using a table saw or a miter saw. A miter cut is a 45-degree cut that creates a neater and stronger joint than you would get by putting the pieces of framing together at a 90-degree angle. Remember that the inside edge of the molding will be where the miter cut starts. On a table saw, cut a mitered corner by adjusting the miter gauge to a 45-degree angle and then using it to push the piece of molding through the saw. The inside edge of the molding will end up being shorter than the outside edges because of the mitered corners.
5. Place the mitered corner at one corner of the mirror, fitting it tightly to the mirror. Lay a second piece of molding on the side of the mirror that meets the corner you just mitered. Mark where the inside of the miter for the second piece of molding falls, using the outline you drew on the mirror as your guide. Cut the miter.
6. Place the pieces of molding with the miters against the mirror again, and mark where the miters on the opposite ends of those pieces begin. Cut the miters. Continue until the corners of all four pieces of the molding have been mitered. Dry fit the molding to the mirror to make sure it forms a perfect frame.
7. Finish the four pieces of molding. Lightly sand with 120-grit sandpaper, wipe them clean with a damp cloth, and apply a coat of primer or stain. Let the first coat dry, and then apply a coat of paint or a second coat of stain. For the third coat, use a second coat of paint or a coat of polyurethane for the stain. You need to paint or stain not only the front of the frame, but the inside of the rabbet on the back side of the frame so the mirror does not reflect bare wood.
8. Assemble the frame and attach it to the mirror using 5-minute clear epoxy. Use the epoxy at the mitered corners and along the outside edge of the mirror. Apply the epoxy sparingly so it does not ooze out along the frame.
A round table arranged in a small dining room adds space.
Arrange a small dining room to look larger. With a few twists to the room design and several calculated additions, you can create a spacious dining room. Pick furniture that does double duty as storage to eliminate pieces, and calculate traffic flow before furniture placement. Increase seating with a round table, a banquette or bench in the room. Draw the eye upward or bounce light around the room to give a larger appearance to the room.
Instructions
1. Remove all the furniture and artwork from the room. Take down the curtains and the rods. Thoroughly wash down the walls, vacuum the carpet and start with a clean palette.
2. Paint the room a light color to trick the eye, as light-colored rooms appear larger. Install white bead board to the bottom two-thirds of the room with the top half a light yellow or peach, or consider painting one accent wall a lighter shade of the color used for the other walls.
3. Take the measurements of the room. Measure the width and length of the furniture pieces. Cut the furniture sizes out of newspaper or paper bags. Choose a round table with a pedestal and chairs without arms, if purchasing furniture, as these items give more space within the room.
4. Place the largest furniture cut-out on the dining room floor. This is usually the table. Add the cut-out chairs next and pull them out as if you were going to sit in them. Determine if the chairs hit the wall when pulled or block the traffic way when seated. Walk around the table and chairs and revise the design of the table and chairs until they allow a natural flow.
5. Use all space within the room. Slide a buffet cabinet in the corner to add storage and a place to display crystal and china. Run a bench or banquette seating along one side of the room for extra guests. Allow the banquette top to open so it can double as storage, or place decorative wooden boxes under the bench to store dining tablecloths, napkins and seasonal items.
6. Examine the lighting sources of the room. Determine where the natural light from the windows falls. Look at the placement of the and wall sconces, if any. Drop the ceiling light to above the table, if it is a chandelier, or move it to the center of the table if ceiling mounted. Place mirrors, or reflective surfaces, on opposite walls from the natural light to reflect the light around the room and give the appearance of a larger room.
7. Bring the eye up to create height. Run a shelf around the room at about 6 feet from the floor. Add one piece of large artwork to a wall, or in a gallery format, such as a straight line. Hang lush-flowing plants in the corner or add a wall storage design, such as an ornament cabinet.
Decorating your bathroom with a blue color scheme will give the space a serene vibe. Use blue towels to create a cohesive look and to add a touch of color to the room. There are many shades to choose from, including turquoise, navy and sky blue; choose the hue that matches the bathroom design or theme. When buying towels, choose a few featuring beadwork, embroidery or other embellishments for an interesting look.
Instructions
1. Choose a bathroom design style or theme to complement the blue towels. Blue-inspired bathroom themes and styles include beach, nautical, French country, shabby chic and modern. Decorating with blue towels will also give the space a clean, spa-like ambiance.
2. Decide which of to use. Navy blue will give the space a rich, sophisticated look, while a robin's egg blue shade will enhance a relaxed shabby chic style. You can also use a creative combination of several shades.
3. Install a towel rack to display the blue towels on the wall. Pick a rack that matches the bathroom theme. A wrought iron rack will complement a country-inspired look, while white wicker will enhance a island style. Use traditional wood racks to blend with any design.
4. When you hang the towels on the rack, layer them for an elegant look; use three different towel sizes, in various shades. Hang a large blue bath towel first. Lay a hand towel in a complementing shade, such as yellow or red, on top of the bath towel. Finish the look by placing a matching blue wash cloth on top. You can change the color of the hand towel to match the bathroom theme. Place a blue fingertip towel featuring embroidery details, such as a floral or seashell design, near the sink.
5. Roll the blue towels and store them on a wall shelf. Roll three towels of a similar size and lay them side-by-side. Prior to placing them on the shelf, tie them with a piece of rustic twine or a ribbon as a decorative touch. You can also place the group of towels on a vintage chair or vanity table, depending on the bathroom design.
Tags: bathroom design, blue towels, give space, bath towel, bathroom theme,
Give your baby an identifiable space as his own, even if you share a bedroom.
Making room for your new baby in your one bedroom apartment is possible if you have a corner or special space designated as the nursery. Although you probably don't want to decorate the entire bedroom with a teddy bear theme, you can still create a decorated space just for the baby, without compromising the rest of your style and decor. Consider forgoing a traditional baby theme since the room serves as your own bedroom as well.
Instructions
1. Paint the walls in a color that works for your own bedroom decor and works for the baby. Consider a soft cream or beige that can be dressed up with any other color to separate the space if you want the baby's area to be pink, but that isn't your style. Use wall decor or adhesive vinyl decals to decorate the walls if you can't paint due to the terms of your lease.
2. Situate the furniture against a corner to leave as much open floorspace as possible. Use practical furniture that does double duty, such as using the top of the baby's dresser as a changing table with a proper attachment. A compact crib or bassinet won't take up too much space if you position it against the corner.
3. Create privacy in the makeshift nursery with a temporary divider such as a folding screen or hanging curtains that can be drawn back, or separate the space with a open bookcase. An open bookcase, or even two bookcases placed back to back, can serve as a functional divider and storage station. Baskets of bins can hold the baby's toys and clothes, keeping his space compact and tidy.
4. Hang wall decals or pictures above the crib on both walls to define the baby's space. For example, spell out her name with cloth or wooden letters on one wall and stick decals of flowers and butterflies on the other.
5. Use colorful accessories to decorate the baby's area. A wall clock shaped like a train, a train mobile, a small train-shaped rug in front of the crib and train-themed bedding can create a special place for the baby without infringing on your bedroom space.
Tags: your bedroom, against corner, baby area, baby without, open bookcase
New fixtures give a bathroom an updated look instantly.
A bathroom makeover need not involve an extensive renovation costing thousands of dollars. When a bathroom is small, a cohesive theme or color scheme and well-chosen accessories can revamp it without breaking the bank. You can then enjoy a more attractive, stylish bathroom while setting money aside to save for any more substantial alterations you intend to carry out in the future.
Instructions
1. Remove old wallpaper and paint. Paint the ceiling and walls with a semi-gloss or gloss interior latex paint, which will resist moisture and be easy to clean. Paint the ceiling white for a clean, fresh look that will give the impression of more space. Paint the walls in a neutral color that will not date and will work with many other accent colors. Beige, taupe and pale gray are peaceful, restful colors that help create a relaxing bathroom environment.
2. Buff all tiles with a palm sander and fine-grit sandpaper.
3. Remove the shower door and replace it with a shower curtain, which is cheaper, more sanitary and simple to wash.
4. Sand the vanity with the palm sander and fine-grit sandpaper. Paint it a neutral color a shade or two darker than your walls.
5. Lay vinyl on the floor, which is a cheap alternative to tiles. Visit discount flooring stores and look for special offers and reduced ranges. Cover the floor with bath rugs to disguise an old floor if your budget does not stretch to a brand new one.
6. Update the faucet and other small fixtures like the toilet paper holder and towel holder. Purchase fixtures to complement your chosen style; shiny chrome or brushed aluminum fixtures suit a contemporary bathroom, while wrought-iron or cream fixtures with a distressed paint effect are ideal for a vintage theme. Replace your standard tub spout with a diverter spout. Attach a handheld shower shower to it. This is a far cheaper alternative to installing a separate shower enclosure.
7. Purchase new towels and a few decorative items such as candles and vases in one or two accent colors that are deeper, darker or brighter than your walls.
8. Hang interesting wall art or black and white photographs in matching frames. This helps to draw the eye away from any features in the bathroom you want to hide, such as an old tub that you cannot afford to replace. Picture frames in different colors and sizes can make for inexpensive and contemporary wall art.
Yank your dining room out of its decorative rut - the traditional table centerpiece and matched pair of candlesticks. Suggestions follow, but use your imagination for some eye-popping vignettes.
Instructions
1. Purchase a length of beautiful fabric (about 2 1/2 yards for a 54- to 60-inch-long table), tuck the cut ends under the main body of fabric, and scrunch it into an abstract series of billows and pockets on the tabletop. Fill the pockets with bric-a-brac such as beautiful votives, several candlesticks or china figurines.
2. Set up a minimalist tabletop vignette with a large platter (ideally ceramic or metal) and a couple of pieces of fruit. Two pears, one lying down and touching its upright mate, look pleasing when placed off center on the platter.
3. Place Grandma's silver tea service in the center of the dining table in a formal room. The silver will look best if put on a big tray or small tablecloth centered on the table.
4. Buy a flowering plant - chrysanthemums look casual, orchids look formal - and nestle it in a companionable cachepot.
5. Install candle sconces or electric sconces on the wall. Use the lights to increase drama in the room during special meals.
6. Hang a mirror on the wall opposite a pretty chandelier to reflect its beauty and its light.
7. Decorate the tabletop seasonally for holidays you observe. A crystal bowl is pretty when filled with Easter eggs or colored Christmas tree ornaments; a pumpkin and colorful fall leaves (artificial or real) look terrific for Halloween and Thanksgiving.
8. Place a lamp on a small table near a window, and team it with items such as a vase of fresh flowers and decorative whatnot box for a pleasing vignette. Turn on the lamp during meals; a chandelier often doesn't give off adequate light.
Separate open kitchens and dining rooms with furnishings.
Even though the kitchen and dining room have an obvious relation to one another, it's sometimes desirable to have a physical separation between the two spaces. While a wall is the most obvious solution, it's not always an option. Create some personal space between the two areas without imposing a disconnect between the flow of the rooms.
Instructions
1. Use furniture to divide the two spaces. Put a buffet, or another large piece of furniture, in the center of the room to break up the two areas. Leave ample space around oversized pieces to avoid making the area feel overcrowded.
2. Arrange a group of furniture near or on a rug to separate one area from the other.
3. Paint the rooms in contrasting colors to create a visual separation between the two rooms.
4. Place a movable divider, such as screen, between the two rooms.
5. Transition from one area to the other with a pair of columns flanked between the two spaces. Complete the look with decorative millwork for architectural interest.
6. Build a partial wall to maintain a mostly open feeling while still allowing for some privacy from one room to another.
7. Install a wine bar with an open serving area and glass shelves to physically separate the two rooms but tie them together with the function of the piece.
8. Separate the rooms with a double-sided fireplace while adding a touch of warmth and intimacy to both areas.
Tags: between rooms, , rooms with, separation between
Then right dining table can make a perfect addition to the ensemble in room. Before you decide to build a dining table, consider the following facts. Follow the simple instructions to build your own dining table.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Purchase the wooden boards measuring 2"x4" and 2x12". Cut the 2"X4" board into 8 pieces of 28 1/2 inches, 2 pieces of 59 7/8 inches, 2 pieces of 31 inches, 1 piece of 33 1/2 inches, and now cut the 2x12 inch boards into 4 pieces of 71 7/8 inches. Use a table saw.
2. Screw two pieces of 28 1/2 inches together and make sure they line up flush with all edges even. Make four pairs. They are the four table legs. They must not create a square, but a rectangle.
3. Measure 3 inches up from the bottom of two legs, and screw one 59 7/8 inch piece into each leg.
4. Measure 3 1/4 inches up from the bottom of the other two legs, and screw one 31 into each leg.
5. Screw the main piece of 33 1/2inch in the center and attach it to the long edges.
6. Screw each edge of the board to make the short edges of your dining table. Complete it and attach them to long table edges.
Design
7. Center the 2x12 inch pieces of 71 7/8 inches long over the table tops. Now, screw these pieces into the table legs and also on the rails of table frame. You must remember that the wood that you have selected is limited according to the style of leg for the table.
8. Fill wood filler into all screw holes. Allow it to dry. Now, sand the whole table.
9. Cover the table with stain using the paint brush, and remove the excess. Get a deeper color by applying another coat.
10. Spray laquer over the table.
11. Let it dry, and sand it by using sandpaper lightly. Do it at least twice or three times. Your table is all set to amaze all your friends.
Tags: pieces inches, dining table, your dining, 2x12 inch, from bottom, inch piece
If you have more cherished photographs than bedroom wall space, get creative by grouping and displaying them in fresh new ways. Decorating with photos will give a bedroom a personal, cozy feel. Create a bedroom decor theme using only one type of image, such as animals or landscapes, or use all of your favorite family photos for a sentimental style.
Photograph Headboard
Replacing a traditional headboard with a wall full of photographs will give a bedroom a creative, personal look. Remove a nondescript headboard to ready the wall for photos. Decorative frames can enhance the decor style or color theme of the bedroom. For a tropical-inspired space, choose vibrant coral, banana yellow and palm leaf green or bamboo frames. Place cherished photos in the frames and arrange them in a square formation on the wall behind the bed.
Suspended Photos
Hanging photographs in unpredictable ways will give the bedroom an eclectic style. Matted photos can be glued to wide ribbons that are suspended from rods. Hang a wrought iron, bamboo or basic metal or wood curtain rod on a bedroom wall and pick a ribbon that coordinates with the overall look of the room. You can attach one large matted photo per ribbon or display several small images on each one.
Photo Family Tree
Framed photographs can be used to show off your family tree. Place heirloom photos, along with recent family images, in coordinating frames. Using all black and white photos the display a vintage-inspired look. Gold or silver frames featuring ornate details and patterns will add to the charm. Black and white toile-patterned wallpaper will provide an elegant backdrop for the framed family tree. Hang grandparent images at the top of the display and current-day photos at the bottom.
Photograph Border
If a bedroom features solid-color walls, add interest with a creative photograph border. Depending on the style of the bedroom, frame black and white family images, beach scenes, special occasion photographs or pet and animal pictures. Frame the photographs in themed frames, such as whitewashed wood versions for a beach-inspired bedroom or brightly colored frames for a child's zoo-themed room. The frames can be hung under the ceiling or around the middle of the room to create a border-like appearance.
Tags: will give, give bedroom, photos will, photos will give, will give bedroom
Bed hangings can imbue your bedroom with a dreamy, romantic look.
For a woman, the bedroom can be more than a place to sleep; it can be a space that makes you feel comfortable, beautiful and relaxed. As you plan a romantic bedroom design, embrace soft, ornate details that will set the mood and create a place that is a welcome oasis from the rest of the world.
Lighting
Lighting can make a big difference in the atmosphere of your bedroom. For a touch of opulent drama and luxuriousness, hang an Old World-style chandelier. Place lights on either side of the bed that you can use alone to create a romantic feeling or in combination with other lights for a bright lighting scheme. Fill your light fixtures with low-wattage light bulbs that will create a soft, glowing light, and set candles around the room to create a romantic, relaxing mood.
Bed Hangings
In a romantic bedroom, the bed is the room's focal point. Turn yours into a stylish design piece by adding bed hangings to it. Hang sheer, gauzy drapes from the edges of a four-poster bed to soften its look or run full curtains around the entire bed with a rail. For a princess-style canopy, install a metal ring on the wall above the head of your bed and hang sheer drapes so that they fall on either side of the bed. In addition to giving your bedroom an Old World feeling, bed hangings also add a measure of privacy.
Ornate Pieces
When you are planning a romantic bedroom, look for ornate pieces. Don't shy away from detail; embrace a headboard that is padded in a luxurious material or designed with curling lines. You can also add detail via the ornate frame of an antique mirror or chairs featuring carved wooden legs and padded upholstery. Even in a room decorated with modern furniture, you can add ornate pieces for contrast.
Declutter
Clutter can kill the romance of a bedroom immediately; it hides the lines of the room and prevents the design from showing through. To create a bedroom that does not cause you stress, look for decorative ways to store and organize your belongings. Add a curved metal earring tree to your dresser to organize your jewelry and use a velvet-lined box to organize toiletries. Hide your accessories, shoes and scarves in the closet, where they will not dampen the romantic feeling of the room.
Tags: your bedroom, create romantic, either side, , ornate pieces, romantic bedroom, romantic feeling
Loft bedrooms present some challenges for interior design.
A loft apartment offers wide-open spaces, high ceilings and in many cases large windows. The light and airy atmosphere of a loft apartment is attractive to many, but the open style does present some challenges. The single large area of the loft serve as the living area, bedroom, kitchen and dining area. You can arrange your apartment in a way that separates the bedroom from the rest of the living area and gives the impression of a different room.
Privacy
Privacy in the bedroom area is one area of concern for most inhabitants of loft apartments. You can set the room apart with a few different techniques that offer privacy while you are in the bedroom. Room dividers can create a bedroom out of the open space and provide privacy while you are in the bedroom. You can set the room dividers open when you are not using the bedroom to open up the area as well. Room dividers or screens are available in various designs to coordinate with the d cor of your apartment.
Storage
Storage can be a concern for a loft bedroom. In a loft apartment, it is essential to keep the various living spaces neat and organized. The apartment can quickly spiral out of control if you don't store your belongings away. Wardrobes, dressers and bureaus keep clothing stored away in the bedroom area of the apartment. Under the bed storage helps to keep the area open and airy. A cluttered loft loses its airy feeling.
Wall Colors
When the bedroom is open to the rest of the apartment, you must use wall colors to coordinate with the rest of the apartment. You can use different colors for the bedroom, but it must not become a distraction in the rest of the apartment. A bold color behind the bed can serve as a headboard when slanted ceilings limit your ability to use furnishings in the room.
Window Treatments
The large open windows in a loft are one of the best features of this style apartment. Arranging the bedroom near one of these large windows allows you to enjoy the view from your bed. You should cover the windows with blinds to block the sunlight if you sleep in later in the morning.
Area Rugs
Use area rugs near your bed in the bedroom area to create a comfortable bedroom appearance in this area of the loft. Area rugs also keep your feet warm when you get out of bed in the morning.
Furniture Arrangement
Arrange the bed, nightstands and dressers in an arrangement just as you would in a separate bedroom. The arrangement of furniture clearly defines the area as the bedroom in the open space environment. Keep the bedroom area neat if it is visible to the rest of the apartment.
Building a dining room hutch is one sure way to get friends and family to take notice of your woodworking skills. Dining room hutches can be simple or they can be elaborate, all depending on the homeowner's budget. Some of the older dining room hutches were simple base cabinets modified with carvings and molding.
Instructions
1. Place the two 22-by-30-inch pieces of birch plywood ends on a worktable. Measure up from one end and make a mark at 4 and 15-inches. Place the framing square on the marks and draw lines across the width of the plywood. The shelves will be installed beneath these marks.
2. Place the 22-by-3¼-by-¾-inch plywood pieces on the worktable. Apply glue to the 22-inch edge of one and secure it to another with the 4d finish nails.
3. Apply glue below the 4-inch line on the ends, place a cleat on it and flush it with the bottom of the end. Secure it to the end with the 3d box nails. Repeat this for the other cleat.
4. Stand one of the ends on its long edge, apply glue to the ¾-inch edge of the cleat and place one of the 22-by-28½-by-¾-inch birch plywood shelves on the cleats. Secure it to the cleats with the 4d finish nails. Apply glue to the top of the "L"-shaped cleat from Step 2 and secure it to the bottom of the bottom shelf and in the center. Be certain the 3¼-leg of the cleat is giving the support needed.
5. Apply glue to the 22-inch edges of the remaining shelf, place it on the lines drawn in Step 1 and secure it through the ends and into the shelf. Apply glue to the ends of the 4-by-28½-inch plywood and secure it between the ends at the top/back with the 4d finish nails. This acts as a nailing strip to secure the back on to the cabinet. Lay the hutch on its face and apply glue to the edges of the cabinet. Place the ¼-inch back on the hutch and secure it with the 3d box nails everywhere except the nailing strip. Secure the back to the nailing strip with ½-inch tacks.
6. Place the top on the top of the cabinet so that the back is flush with the back of the cabinet and it is centered from left to right. Secure it to the cabinet with the 4d finish nails. Install the hinges on the doors according to manufacturer's instruction. Install the door on the hutch.
Tags: finish nails, with finish, with finish nails, Apply glue, nailing strip
A basic bench can be made in a simple and attractive manner.
Corner benches are a great way to turn an unused corner of your dining room into a fully functional and comfortable sitting area. These benches work well as reading nooks or breakfast spots and can be pulled up to a table and used for emergency seating. The basic style of the bench can be used in any size and configuration, including multiple corners if need be. The basic materials of the benches are and wood screws, and only basic tools are required to attach them together.
Instructions
1. Set out two 20-inch 2-by-4 boards, parallel to each other with a large side down on the ground. Position them 13 inches apart. Place two more identical boards on top of them, but perpendicular so they form a 20-inch square frame with overlapping corners. Drill two 2 1/2-inch wood screws into each overlapping corner to complete a leg support. Repeat to create a total of five such leg supports.
2. Build a smaller leg support by following the same procedure but using two 20-inch 2-by-4 boards and two 18 1/2-inch 2-by-4 boards to create a rectangular frame that is 20 inches high but only 18 inches wide.
3. Set out three of the square leg supports about a foot and a half apart, and lay out five 48-inch 2-by-4 boards across them to be the seat boards. Adjust the seat boards so they are evenly spaced on top of the leg supports and front to back on them as well. Slide the leg support on the far right over until the end of the seat boards only cover half of the top of the leg support, leaving the other half open to support the other bench.
4. Drill two holes down through each seat board and into each leg support. Set 2 1/2-inch wood screws in each hole and tighten them securely.
5. Set the rectangular leg support perpendicular to the exposed leg support, with its 20-inch surface at the same height as the other leg supports and its 18 1/2-inch boards extending parallel to the seat boards. Set out the other two square leg supports in front and parallel to the rectangular leg support, about a foot and a half apart.
6. Position five 48-inch 2-by-4 boards on top of the three leg supports so that one of them covers the exposed section of the previous bench's leg support and the 10 seat boards form an L shape. Arrange the seat boards and the leg supports for even spacing, then drill two holes down through each seat board and into each leg support. Attach them in place with 2 1/2-inch wood screws.
You're in your first apartment and have very little money for furniture. You have a studio apartment and have almost no space for a kitchen table. You need some extra table space in your kitchen, but only sometimes. Whatever the reason, a wall-mounted table on a hinge could be the perfect solution to your dining table dilemma.
Instructions
1. Obtain a table, whether it's a bargain at a thrift store or something salvaged from trash day. You will need an older table, about 4 feet across, that pulls apart to expand by putting in leaves. If the table is missing leaves, don't worry; you won't need them. The table can be round, square or octagonal, as long as it is about 4 feet across or less. The table should, however, have metal feet attached into a cup on the underside of the table.
2. Turn the table upside down onto the floor. Use the screwdriver to remove all the hardware in the center of the table that is designed for expanding the table. Remove any screws that may secure the legs into the cups, but leave the cups as is.
3. Fit the table against the wall with the legs installed. You'll use only half of the table for this project. Two or more people may be needed at this point. Make a line on the wall to mark the top edge of the table when it is level.
4. Put the table back on the floor and screw three hinges onto the raw edge of the table. Hold the table back up against the wall and screw the other half of the hinges into the wall. At this point your table should be secure and level against the wall.
5. Lift the table slightly to remove the legs from their cups, then carefully lower the table surface to hang down against the wall and out of the way. When the table is needed again, simply lift the tabletop and slip the legs back into place.
Tags: against wall, about feet, about feet across, apartment have, edge table, feet across, table back
Use good communication to get your spouse to be more open in the bedroom.
Individuals who are comfortable in bed are not afraid to ask for what they want from their partners. Such intimacy can add excitement to a marriage and improve communication between couples. Help your wife feel comfortable and secure and you will gradually make it easier for her to behave more openly in the bedroom, providing an enjoyable experience for both of you while aiding your marriage.
Instructions
1. Communicate with your wife about what she is looking for sexually from your relationship. Communication is key in getting her to act more open, since a sense of trust and intimacy can encourage people to feel confident enough to experiment.
2. Listen to your partner if she says she does not enjoy something. Never pressure her to conduct acts that she is not comfortable with. Forcing her out of her comfort zone will only cause her to withdraw further.
3. Let your wife take control. Encourage her to choose foreplay activities and sexual positions. If she feels the experience is about her comfort and pleasure, she may open up and tell you her needs and apprehensions.
4. Move slowly. Don't expect your wife to want to try kinky new positions and sex toys right away. Reassure her that both of you are learning together and only move forward when she feels comfortable.
5. Compliment her. Often individuals' inhibitions in the bedroom stem from a lack of self-esteem or a belief that one's physical attributes and abilities are not sufficient. Reassure your wife that she is beautiful and that you are satisfied with your current sexual relationship, but thought it would be enjoyable to try new things together.
Small rooms can be challenging. To get the most use out of a bedroom without crowding it with furniture, you sometimes have to apply creative solutions. A writing and work desk often creates an imposing footprint, but a simple stacking arrangement of table desks can give you plenty of workspace when you need it, while tucking out of the way when it isn't called for. The dimensions of this desk are simply one example. Feel free to alter them to suit the best arrangement for the room you have in mind.
Instructions
1. Arrange two of the 21-inch beams with both 30-inch beams to form a rectangular frame with the shorter beams abutting the inside faces of the longer with the 2 inch edges on the work surface. Screw together with two screws per corner, driven through the faces of the 30-inch beams into the ends of the .
2. Lay the 30-inch by 24-inch plywood sheet on top of the frame. Screw in place with one screw at each corner.
3. Set a 30-inch post in one corner of the frame. Screw in place with two screws driven through the plywood and into the end of the post. Reinforce with one screw through each beam and into the sides of the post.
4. Repeat step three to mount the other three 30-inch posts in the other three corners.
5. Repeat step one using the remaining four beams, building a slightly smaller rectangular frame. Mount the remaining plywood sheet to the top of the frame.
6. Repeat steps three and four to mount the four shorter posts in the four corners of the smaller rectangular frame.
7. Sand all faces of your finished desks.
8. Set the larger of the two desks in position in the bedroom. Tuck the smaller desk in beneath it. You can pull it out whenever you need to.
Purple silk bedding or drapes can add a glamorous touch to your bedroom.
Use a black, white, gray and purple color scheme to create a glamorous bedroom for a sophisticated teen or a space for a sleek and sexy couple. Purple was often reserved for royalty, which lends a sense of glamor and sophistication to the color, while neutral colors will prevent the room from being too purple or feeling too feminine.
Walls
Textured wallpaper treatments can add touch of glamor and sophistication to the room. Use a pattern that includes two or three of your colors on at least one wall if you opt for wallpaper, such as purple and gray damask or a lavender, gray and white floral pattern. Alternatively, paint the walls with a lavender or gray color and use white crown molding and baseboards. One wall could be a darker purple and serve as an accent wall.
Furniture
The bed will likely serve as the focal point in the room because it will probably be the biggest item in the room. Create a glamorous look by using an oversized, ornate headboard with curvy black wrought iron or a headboard upholstered in purple velvet. Mirrored nightstands or a mirrored vanity with an upholstered stool will add to the glamorous look. White or black shelves or dressers will play into the theme without attracting too much attention.
Textiles
Texture will help create a luxurious and glamorous feeling, whether you're going for a sexy look for adults or a sophisticated but playful look for a teen. Silk window treatments won't weigh down the window and will keep the room feeling light and airy. Choose purple or black against lavender, white or gray walls or opt for lavender, gray or white against a purple or black wall. The bedding could use a few colors from the color scheme, such as white or gray silk sheets, a purple velvet duvet and a combination of purple, lavender, white and gray pillows. Add a black silk rose or neck roll pillow to pull all the colors together.
Accessories
An abundance of lighting options will create a dramatic and . Use floor lamps, table lamps and hanging chandeliers to create a sophisticated and dramatic look in the room. Simple fabric round shades work on any of the lamps. Chandeliers with hanging crystals or ornate disks can serve to draw attention to the bed area. Fill sleek black or silver vases with purple flowers. Black-and-white photos could look glamorous in purple or lavender frames. Purple and black candle arrangements will add to the sophisticated look.
Tags: white gray, glamorous look, lavender gray, color scheme, ,
Delta makes a wide range of faucets and sinks for the bathroom and kitchen. Delta faucets operate on a cartridge system that controls the flow and pressure of hot and cold water to the faucet. Faucets are designed to last for a long time without replacement, but do require maintenance with recommended replacement or cleaning of cartridges every three to five years. Replacing the cartridge is often the easiest way to repair leaks or improve the water pressure for your faucet.
Instructions
1. Shut off the water main beneath the bathroom sink. This will be one or two valves on copper pipes or a flexible metallic tube. Turn them at least half a turn to the left (counter-clockwise) to reach the off position. (See warnings.)
2. Use the flathead screwdriver to pry open the caps on each of the water handles. This will expose a screw that needs to be turned several times (clockwise) to remove the handle. Remove the handles to expose the cartridges.
3. Attach your adjustable wrench to the left (hot) cartridge, which has a red ring at the top. Turn the cartridge a quarter-turn counter-clockwise to unlock it, then remove it.
4. Repeat Step 3 for the right (cold) cartridge, which has a blue ring at the top.
5. Use your wrench to insert the new cartridges, hot (red) on the left and cold (blue) on the right. a quarter-turn clockwise to lock them into place.
6. Thread the handles back into place, twisting them until they are tight. Tighten their screws with the screwdriver. Place the caps back on the proper handles and push firmly until they snap into place.
Tags: into place, , This will, Turn them, until they
Light wall colors can help make the most of small spaces.
Small bedrooms present an interesting challenge when the time comes to choose paint colors. You could opt for traditional white, to maximize exposure and give the room its most spacious appearance possible. Or you could try bold colors to make the most of what's available. With careful consideration and selection, a variety of palettes can present excellent choices.
Light and White
White bedrooms appear spacious and open.
White is a classic paint choice for small bedrooms---airy and open, white walls give the impression of the most possible space. Without accessories or decor, plain white may seem overly stark; consider ivory, cream or any of the myriad variant shades of white available. White doesn't have to be dull; depending on your other decor and the space you have to work with, it may represent an excellent choice.
Khaki: Nice and Neutral
Maximize spaciousness without sacrificing color.
If you wish to move beyond white but still want a spacious effect, neutral or light-colored paint choices can lend a splash of color while preserving an open, airy feel. Khaki and eggshell browns are popular choices: light and unobtrusive, these shades can help minimize smudges and stains while working to play up the attributes of a small bedroom. A plethora of light shades of every color exist in paint color wheels; use any of these to play up small spaces.
Oranges: Intense and Complementary
If warmer colors appeal to you more than white or the cool, receding colors, a two-tone orange scheme can yield a striking impression while avoiding the feeling of a cramped atmosphere. Choosing a bright tangerine paint for two facing walls and a lighter, complementary soft orange shade (preferably from the same color card) for the other two can create a sense of depth that white (or any other one-tone paint job) can't replicate.
Orange is a vibrant but snug color, but if nectarine hues don't appeal to your senses, achieve the same effect with two-tone schemes of other bright colors. A word to the wise: Combining red and pink can be eye-opening, to say the least; while darker red combinations may be overwhelming. Use caution and test out sample paint chips before proceeding.
Blue, Bold and Dramatic
Those of a bolder mindset may choose to decorate with bold or dark colors in order to enhance the dramatic appeal of a room (as opposed to trying to make the room look less cramped with light, neutral colors). Blue, with its relaxing qualities, is a popular bedroom choice. But even black paint can work for a bedroom with certain accessories (such as corner lighting and windows) to enhance the decor.
There are no steadfast rules. Your personality, the mood you wish to create, and the bedroom itself set the parameters.
Pink is a classic choice for a girl's bedroom. This light and peaceful color makes the dweller cheerful and brings a sense of femininity and innocence to the space. Whether the room is for a 1st grader or a high school freshman, pink on the walls, windows and bed in various light hues can transform a plain space into a girl's fantasy.
Instructions
1. Roll paint on with a thick roller for fast coverage.
Start with the walls. Select a light shade of pink for all four walls or one accent wall. Deep pinks tend to be too dark, while light pinks offer a blush without distraction.
2. Polka dots make a wall look more festive.
Apply some peel and stick graphics. Choose pink and brown polka dots or large pink Gerber daisy flowers to place around the wall upon which the bed will rest.
3. Light pink sheers filter bright sunlight.
Hang over the windows to provide privacy and a splash of color. The sheers should be slightly darker than the walls to define the area. You can also find sheers and full-coverage curtains with pink polka dots or other pink embellishments.
4. Use solid pinks or patterns on the bed.
Dress the beds in various shades of pink. Use dark pink sheets and a lighter pink or patterned comforter for the top. Pile up various shades and styles of pink pillows at the top of the bed to give it a rich look.
5. A thick pink rug makes the space more welcoming.
Lay a pink shag area rug lengthwise by the bed to create a soft place to touch her feet down in the morning, as well as to define the space around the bed.
6. Bare wood furniture can be dressed up with paint.
Paint plain wood dressers and side tables white and screw in pink glass knobs or pulls to add glamor. Wood pulls can also be painted pink for a less expensive option.
7. Take your own pink flower pictures to decorate the space.
Select some artwork that features pinks or coordinating colors to dress up bare walls. A dahlia photo print would be a possible choice for a modern look, while framed children's book illustrations that feature pink hues offers a more classic choice.
8. Create a custom mirror by painting a pink border in acrylic paints around an unframed mirror, or hot gluing pink silk flower blooms around a mirror frame to bring the cheer throughout the room.
Tags: classic choice, large pink, pink sheers, polka dots, various shades
Vanities aren't a common piece in bedroom furniture sets, so a homeowner who wants to add one may choose to build one to get what he wants. Matching the wood of the current bedroom set is the highest priority, especially if the furniture is stained.
Instructions
1. Place the four pieces of 20-by-29¼-by-¾ inch plywood (end panels) on a worktable along with the four pieces of 1½-by-19¼-¾ inch plywood (cleats). Apply glue to the 1½-inch pieces (cleats), place them on the bottom of the end panels, flush with the front, and secure them with the 2d box nails. Measure from one of the long edges and make four marks up the edge at 3/8 inch. Drill countersink holes on these marks.
2. Apply glue to the end edges of the 48-inch-wide plywood, place it between the two pieces from Step 1 and secure them with the 1½-inch drywall screws. Apply glue to the top edges of the three pieces and place the 20-by-49½-by-¾ inch plywood on them. Secure it to them with the 4d finish nails. Set the nail heads with the nail set.
3. Turn the bedroom vanity over so the top is face-down. Place one of the four pieces of 19¼-by-15-by-¾ inch plywood (shelves) on the bottom side of the top and next to the end panel. Draw a line on the bottom of the top using the edge of the shelf as a guide. Place the shelf against the back of the bedroom vanity and draw a line there as well.
4. Place the remaining two end panels on the worktable. Apply glue to one of the short and one of the long edges and place the end panel on the lines. Secure it to the back with the drywall screws. Repeat this for the other end of the bedroom vanity. Place one of the shelves between the two end panels and on the top to help hold it in place while you turn the vanity on its back and secure the end panels to the top with the finish nails.
5. Apply glue to the top of the cleats, place one of the shelves on them and secure it with the finish nails. Repeat this on the other end of the bedroom vanity as well. Measure down from the bottom of the top and make a mark at 6 inches on the end panels. Place the framing square on the marks and draw a line on the inside of the end panels.
6. Apply glue to the three edges of the remaining two shelves and secure them to the bedroom vanity end panels. Turn the vanity upright and secure the shelf to the back with the finish nails. Lay the vanity on its back again.
7. Apply glue to the edges of the end panels, the top and the bottom shelves. Place the two 30-inch 1-by-2s on the outside end panels and place the 46½-inch piece between them on the edge of the top. Secure these with the finish nails. Place the 28½-inch pieces of the remaining end panels with the 13½-inch pieces on the bottom shelf and secure them with the finish nails.
Tags: Apply glue, finish nails, with finish, , bedroom vanity, inch plywood, them with
Plumbing a bathroom sink drain with PVC is far less complicated than having do so with steel or brass drain piping. PVC will also last much longer than either of them because PVC doesn't rust. Also, PVC is a much cheaper alternative to metal drain pipes.
Instructions
1. Determine the height from the wall drain to the tail end of your sink drain. Trim your extension tube with a hack saw to fit the height. Depending on the height, you may not have to use an extension tube. An extension tube, as its name implies, extends the tail end of your sink drain to meet your P-trap.
2. Install the extension tube to the tail end of your sink's drain, using the slip nut to lock it in place.
3. Measure the distance from the wall drain to the center of the bathroom sink's drain. Trim your P-trap with your hack saw to fit this distance.
4. Insert the bottom pipe of the extension tube into the P-trap and tighten the slip nut. If there is a drain in the floor instead of in the wall, you will need an S-trap. The installation for that is the same for this type of drain system.
5. Insert the P-trap into the wall drain, threading the slip nut from the P-trap onto the threads of the wall drain.
Tags: sink drain, extension tube, wall drain, your sink drain, bathroom sink, tail your
Make a simple bedroom TV stand and relax in bed watching your favorite shows.
If you want to make your own TV stand for the bedroom, it doesn't have to be a complex project. With a bit or woodworking experience and savvy with a router, you can make an attractive and very sturdy stand for your TV, with an extra shelf for DVD players or media storage. You can save lots of time by taking the stand measurements with you to the lumber yard and having them size the lumber for you, and by making it yourself you may save some cash as well.
Instructions
1. Stand two planks of 40-inch 2-by-12 lumber lengthwise on a 2-inch edge, pressed together. Measure in 5 inches from each end and mark a line across the exposed 2-inch edge of each plank. Make two more similar marks evenly spaced between the first two.
2. Drill a half-inch-deep and -wide hole centered at each mark you made on the 2-inch edge on both planks of wood. Dip a half-inch-thick by 1-inch-long dowel peg in glue and insert into the holes on one piece of wood. Cover the edge of the plank in glue, lay it flat on the work surface and insert the other ends of the pegs into the holes on the other piece of wood. Press the two pieces together tightly and secure with a band clamp while drying. This will make a plank of wood 2 by 24 by 40 inches.
3. Repeat with another two 2-by-12 planks of 40 inches, as well as six planks of 2-by-12 30-inch lumber. You will end up with two planks of 2-by-24-inch lumber at 40 inches and three planks of 2-by-24-inch lumber at 30 inches.
4. Lay two pieces of 40-inch-long 2-by-24 inch lumber (the TV stand sides) next to one another on the work table. The sides are taller than for a normal lounge-room TV stand, to accommodate for viewing the TV from the bed, which is typically taller than a lounge suite.
5. Measure 2 inches in from the ends of the side planks and make a straight line across both side pieces. Make another line in the middle of the first two.
6. Measure the thickness of the three planks of 24-by-30-inch lumber, which are the top and shelves of the stand. Often the lumber's exact thickness is just under the actual stated thickness. Attach a router bit of the exact thickness of the lumber onto the router.
7. Cut a dado (groove) using the router that is a quarter-inch deep and goes across the side plank on the line marked. Repeat on all the marked lines and on the second side plank.
8. Sand the side planks and the top and shelf planks, then lay one of the side planks on the work surface with the dadoes facing up.
9. Apply a thin line of glue to the dado grooves, then insert the shelves and top planks into the dadoes, using the carpenter's square to ensure they are at right angles to the side. Apply glue to the ends of the shelves and top planks, then fit the other side plank over the ends, with the dado grooves over the ends of the shelves and top pieces. Clamp together and leave to dry for 1 to 2 hours.
10. Put the stand together securely with six 2-inch wood screws driven through the side panels into each end of the shelves and the top panel; countersink them slightly. Fill the indentation above the screws with wood putty and leave to dry, then sand the putty flat. Varnish or paint the stand, allowing the appropriate drying time as indicated on the label of the product before using the stand.
Tags: 2-inch edge, side plank, side planks, 2-by-24-inch lumber, 2-by-24-inch lumber inches, dado grooves, each mark
Making additions to the master bathroom can be complicated if you don't know where to start. According to HGTV, necessities and old appliances should be considered before making plans. If a particular element of the bathroom is older than the rest, it makes a good starting point.
Sinks
Additional sinks or updated sinks can make a big difference in the master bathroom. If shared by two people, having two sinks is ideal. Sinks can come in different styles including glass, stone, stainless steel and wood-based. Picking a sink that matches the design of the bathroom will help tie the design together.
Showers
Enlarging or upgrading the shower can add luxury to the bathroom. Replacing curtained areas with a stone or frosted glass wall will make the shower feel more spacious and add privacy. Frosted glass provides the option to have a sliding glass entrance to the shower, and allows for easier maintenance. Stone walls can be added in an overlapping pattern so that no door is needed, adding a creative element of design to the master bathroom.
Floors
Replacing old floors in the bathroom is a simple task that produces large results. Stone-textured vinyl is easy to install and adds an elegant feel to the bathroom. Laying tiles or stone individually improves the value of the home and adds a certain clean feel to the bathroom, otherwise unattainable.
If it's come in contact with blood, mucous or skin, disinfect it.
Studies show that only 37 percent of public restrooms on cruise ships and 46 percent of public restrooms in hospitals were cleaned on a daily basis, leading to viral infections. Researchers report a surprising result -- cleaning can spread germs. Wiping mops and cloths over contaminated surfaces contaminate the mops, cloths and detergents. Technically, cleaning is the act of removing dirt, a necessary first step. The next step, disinfection, uses chemicals to kill microscopic bacteria and viruses.
First, Clean
Cleaning means clearing away visible junk. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services notes that, "Most disinfectants are not effective in the presence of dirt and organic matter, therefore cleaning must occur first before disinfection. Wet a cloth with the disinfectant, wipe away dirt and organic material."
Select a Dsinfectant
Make it appropriate to the likely pathogens. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "These include alcohols, chlorine and chlorine compounds, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, ortho-phthalaldehyde, hydrogen peroxide, iodophors, peracetic acid, phenolics, and quaternary ammonium compounds." Commercial disinfectants contain these varying formulations.
Select the most likely areas of contamination
The CDC ranks floor and wall surfaces low in disinfection priority. Visible blood should be cleaned and the surface disinfected. Next, surfaces likely in contact with mucous -- anywhere someone spit on or handled after coughing or sneezing on a hand -- should be disinfected. Lastly, surfaces in contact with skin -- toilet seats, rails, handles -- should be at least cleaned with detergent if not disinfected.
Disinfect
With a clean cloth apply the disinfectant to the item. Allow to air dry for the time specified by the product manufacturer.
When in Doubt, Bleach It
Some pathogens, such as norovirus and Clostridium difficileare, unaffected by disinfectants. The CDC recommends using are 1:10 solution of bleach in this instances.