Decorating Ideas To Fit Two Beds In A Small Bedroom

The bunk bed is a space-saving idea for young children.

Planning the layout for a small bedroom includes consideration of the windows, doors and age of the occupants. Different types of beds are available to make a room with limited space function in an age-appropriate and systematic style. Use creativity and some allowances to form mutually agreeable decor.

Windows

Windows provide welcome sunlight during the day, but at night an open window can be drafty. Do not place either bed below a window; instead, explore the idea of pushing each bed lengthwise against a windowless wall. They could be placed across the room from each other or perpendicular, for separation.

Doors

Typically, the bed sits against the wall opposite from the bedroom's entrance. If the space allows, place the beds on the wall across from the doorway and nestle one shared bedside table between them. Depending on the narrowness of the room and closet access, you may have to use this configuration on the room's longest wall despite the door's location.

Beds

A wide variety of beds, such as the bunk, captain's, trundle and cabin bed create useful solutions for most tight quarters. The study bunk bed comes equipped with an upper sleep area and a desk instead of another bed underneath. These versatile beds would be a welcome addition to the shared room of "tween" and teen siblings. The trundle bed, with a second bed ready to pull out from underneath, makes a young child's sleepover guest comfortable. A cabin bed offers a built-in dresser and raised bed all in one.

Closet

If the closet space allows, place the dresser inside of it, leaving additional floor space in the room. More available square-footage makes space for a small desk or additional play area.

Room Divider

To bring peace to a "tight" situation, use a tension rod and a drape with large grommets to divide and conquer the problem. Children of all ages may appreciate the privacy provided by a closable curtain "wall." Measure the span across the room and buy a rod that is a few inches longer.

Decor

Each person's design style is as individual as her DNA. Allow the artwork and decor on each side of the room to complement that child's personality. Use under-the-bed storage boxes for seasonal clothing and a stable mount to suspend a television. Although "roommates" may have to come together on a paint color and share a bedside lamp, achieve an amount of harmonious cohabitation through personalized touches.

Tags: across room, allows place, space allows, space allows place

Install A Large Porcelain Tile Wall In A Bathroom

The trick with wall tiles is getting them to stay on the walls until the adhesive dries. The larger the tiles, the bigger the problem. If you're using large porcelain tiles, one trick is to shim under the bottom tiles, between the tiles and the floor, so they can't slide down. Each subsequent row of tiles above it is sitting on spacers between the tiles so they can't slide either. Start with a flat, smooth wall.

Instructions

1. Mark a horizontal line with your level and pencil, putting it at the height of a tile plus a quarter-inch. Thus, if the porcelain tiles are 10 inches high, the line should be at 10 1/4 inches up from the floor. Make a vertical line at the center of the wall, from top to bottom.

2. Apply tile mastic over the base of the wall with a notched trowel. Proceed from end to end, covering the space between the floor and the horizontal line.

3. Set a porcelain tile into the mastic, with the top edge of the tile lined up with the horizontal line and the side along the vertical line. Set more tiles next to the first one, building to the sides. Set spacers between the tiles as you go.

4. Cut the tiles at the ends of the course with your tile cutter to fit at the side walls.

5. Cut off the end of a shim with your razor knife so it fills the quarter-inch space between the tile and floor. The space may vary a little in size (if the floor is not level); thus, adjust the cut on the shim so it will fit tightly. Put two shims per tile so the tiles can't slide down the wall.

6. Spread additional mastic across the wall above the bottom row of tiles. Hang the next row. Repeat, starting each row at the center and working to the sides. Cut the ends as needed. Tile the entire wall.

7. Allow the tiles to set overnight. Pull out the spacers and shims.

8. Force grout into the spaces between the tiles with a grout float. Work from the top of the wall down. Wipe up excess grout from the tile with a damp sponge.

Tags: between tiles, horizontal line, with your, bottom tiles, porcelain tiles

Protect My Dining Room Table

How Do I Protect My Dining Room Table?

The dining room table may be a nightly gathering place for some families, while others may only meet for a complete sit-down meal a few times each year. Regardless of its level of use, the table's appearance and condition should lure diners, not discourage them. By taking a few steps to care for this household staple, the dining room table will remain a place where memories are made for years to come.

Clean and Maintain

The easiest way to unintentionally damage the surface of a dining room table is by using the wrong cleaning and care products. For instance, a product may be called a "surface cleaner," but is intended for stainless steel products, not a rich wood surface. Test all cleaning products on an inconspicuous surface area, and use a soft cleaning cloth like microfiber or terry. Most furniture stores offer a line of cleaning and maintenance products specially formulated for the surfaces they sell, such as wood, leather or tile. And in case of surface damage, most furniture store warranties will hold up best with proof of purchase of these products. Appropriate cleaning products also are available at most retailers. When in doubt, gentle cleaning solutions are the best bet for furniture.

Avoid Clutter

In many households, the dining room table easily transforms into a catch-all for mail, toys, keys and bags. The easiest way to scratch the surface of a dining room table is by tossing the keys on the table at the end of a busy day. Designate other areas for these kinds of items, and be clear that these items do not belong on the dining room table.

Cover It Up

The most fool-proof way to keep the dining room table beautiful is by keeping it covered. Tablecloths are not only a form of interior design, but a great surface protector. To still show off a beautiful surface, use place mats where diners will sit, which keeps dishes from sliding and silverware from scratching the table top. Keep hot dishes that may discolor a table surface on a runner filling the length of the table. A runner also serves as a barrier between elaborate centerpieces and decorations that may scratch or otherwise damage the table surface.

Tags: dining room, dining room table, room table, dining room, room table, cleaning products, dining room table

Ideas For A Teen Boy Bedroom Makeover

Throwing dirty socks on the floor is his way of saying he loves his room.

Your son may feign indifference when it comes to the issue of decor, but deep inside, he wants his room to be a cool space for sleeping, studying and just hanging out. Offer up a few basic, guy-friendly ideas to pique his interest. A bedroom makeover might give your teen boy a lesson in style without making him want to skip class.

Sleek Metal

If your kid is on the cutting edge, create a space that reflects his love of modern technology. Sleek black and metal furnishings are an automatically cool update, and anything that rolls on casters is sure to be a hit. A metal locker-style cabinet or stacked aluminum mesh bins help him keep track of all his gadgets in style. Funky paper lanterns or pendant lights make a corner more appealing.

Warm Wood

If he's the outdoorsy type, your teen might prefer the natural, masculine appeal of wood furnishings. Take a fresh approach by mixing different wood tones; using lighter wood furnishings in a room with a darker wood floor adds complexity and character to the space. A colorful area rug breaks up too much brown, as do black or white floor lamps.

Hip Hues

Whatever his style, your teenager is most likely drawn to some unlikely color choices for his walls. Teen boy's rooms can be bold and exciting without offending the eye. Strike a compromise and paint an accent wall in his favorite hue, but tame it with a coordinating neutral tone on the other walls. Select bedding and accents that repeat the chosen color throughout the room to solidify the look. Classic motifs such as stripes and plaid are perfect as part of almost any boy's bedroom design, but when they come in non-traditional colors, they add clout to modern, cool teen rooms.

Systematic Storage

Keep it simple when it comes to organizational accessories. A wall of storage cubes is a design powerhouse. Use some as shelves for books and movies and outfit others with bins or baskets to keep smaller treasures neatly contained. Place a trunk at the foot of the bed to hold athletic gear, or if space is a concern, install a loft bed so there's room for a dresser underneath. Set up a system that doesn't require too much thought, and a kid who usually leaves stuff all over the floor might suddenly start tidying up.

Sweet Seating

A teenage boy needs a soft spot for lounging, whether he's practicing guitar licks or flipping through comic books. A futon is a versatile choice -- he can use it as a sofa when he wants to watch TV or transform it into an extra bed when a buddy crashes overnight. Video game addicts appreciate specialized gaming chairs that comfortably keep them at eye level with all the action.

Tags: when comes, wood furnishings, your teen

Decorating Dining Rooms

The dining room is one of the most important rooms in any home. After all, the dining room is where meals are shared, parties are thrown, and many important discussions take place. That's why it's important to have a dining room that is decorated in a way that makes you happy. Everyone should have a dining room that is comfortable and reflects their unique personality. Here is some more information about decorating dining rooms.

Benefits

Lay Out Basement Bathroom Plumbing

Plumbing in a basement

For many homeowners a basement is the perfect way to add square footage to an existing home. Often a homeowner will decide they want a bathroom in that new renovation. The options for a bathroom above grade are limitless, however below grade bathroom installations must factor in special considerations. This guide will talk about save yourself some headache, and serious money when planning your basement renovation.

Instructions

1. A common renovation scenario: You want to install a bathroom in the basement but it requires a sewage ejection system. To install a sewage ejection system into an existing basement takes valuable time and money, not to mention that it is an extremely messy job. Digging through existing concrete has its own hazards, you may not be fully aware what is under there and often you can run into serious problems.

2. Consider another option. Installing a Saniflo toilet is quick as far as plumbing goes. There are costs associated with a Saniflo toilet because it works similar to a sewage ejector without the noise and the cost of tearing up your basement floor.

3. Sanfilo toilets use above-floor, or a macerating technology. There's no reason to dig as sewage is not routed through underground lines it is instead moved to a pump. The pump liquefies paper and waste and then moves it to your sewage lines. The pump is completely sealed for life and requires no special maintenance.

4. With a sewage ejection system you are limited in your options. Your area must be big enough to hold your waste tank and you must have a way to access it. A Saniflo toilet can be installed anywhere. A tank can even be put into a wall to hide it if the homeowner wishes.

5. A Saniflo can be installed 15 feet below grade and up to 150 feet away from your sewage pipe or septic tank. This gives a homeowner more flexibility with design. The Saniflo tank can handle the toilet as well as all the bathroom fixtures. Everything can be piped in the walls and into the pump for removal into your septic or sewage pipes.

6. A Saniflo toilet is an economical approach to any basement remodel. The toilet can be expensive but when factoring in the costs of jack hammering and excavating the floor in the basement as well as hampered design option the money this system costs can be saved in all other areas.

7. Consider installing a Grey-Water system as well so that further savings can be made.

Tags: Saniflo toilet, ejection system, sewage ejection, sewage ejection system, below grade, your basement, your sewage

Evaluate Antique Bedroom Furniture

Evaluate Antique Bedroom Furniture

Perhaps you are considering purchasing an old bedroom suite or maybe you inherited one that you would like to know more about. Maybe you want to know the historical value of pieces you already own. Here are some basic elements to consider when evaluating antique furniture. Furniture is considered "antique" when it is at least 100 years old. This valuable furniture is usually handmade as no mass production occurred until after the 20th Century.

Instructions

Determining Age, Quality and Condition

1. Examine the piece for ripples and uneven markings to indicate its handmade status. If the piece is veneer, the veneer will be thicker than modern veneers. Look for thickness where the veneer meets the substrate (at the back of the chest or where a piece has broken away).

2. Determine the style of the piece. The shape of the legs and form of the hardware will help set the antique in its time period. For example, a cabriole leg with a pad foot is an indicator of the Queen Anne style of the 18th Century. An antiques guidebook will provide pictures and descriptions of various furniture periods.

3. Scrutinize the construction of the antique. Mortise and tenon joinery was the method used in the late 17th Century. Handmade pegs, dove-tailed drawers and hand saw markings are clues to the age and quality of your piece.

4. Look for a maker's mark, which makes research much easier. Has your piece been altered or "married"? An alteration means the piece is not in its original condition. It may have been reduced in size, have repositioned pulls or show plugged holes. A "marriage" means the piece is made of parts that did not originally belong together. Alteration and marriage devalue the piece.

5. Consider the various pieces in the bedroom group to help determine age. Bed frames were not made to standard sizes until the 20th Century. There won't be king and queen size beds in an antique group unless they have been altered. Washstand tables and commode chests commonly were used in 17th, 18th and 19th Century bedrooms.

Determining Value

6. Examine your furniture for carved ornamentation, inlaid marquetry, original finish and patina. These add value as does rarity. Repaints, major repairs and replaced mirrors detract from the value. Also, the desirablity of the piece factors in; oversized pieces are less desirable for placement in modern homes.

7. Research your findings in the antiques guidebook.

8. Investigate antiques sellers who post pictures, descriptions and prices online, as they are a good source for comparison. Also think about hiring a qualified appraiser to examine your pieces.

Tags: 20th Century, Antique Bedroom, Antique Bedroom Furniture, antiques guidebook, Bedroom Furniture, been altered, Evaluate Antique

Build A Cheap 1 Bedroom House

A small house can live large by adding on a porch or deck.

An affordable dwelling can be built in areas where it's acceptable to build a home with 1,200 square feet or less. In some rural or mountain areas you may find that even fewer restriction will allow you to build a home of 600 to 1,000 feet using inexpensive and recycled material. Check local building regulations and talk with city and county officials to make sure you can get a building permit for the house you envision.

Instructions

1. Talk with city or county officials to review codes and restrictions before buying land to build your home. Create a detailed building plan and obtain a permit before starting construction. Look at homes in the immediate area to determine the best way to construct the inexpensive one-bedroom home. Create, for example, a nice cottage that will fit in well with more upscale homes nearby.

2. Develop a floor plan that is 600 to 1,000 square feet for your house. Sketch a living room that is open to a small kitchen, along with a bedroom and bathroom area. Experiment with various ways to lay out the plan, so that privacy can be maintained if more than one person will live there. Consider, for example, constructing a wall four-feet high to separate a sleeping space and sitting area.

3. Construct the basic foundation and framing. Build footings for the house by using 2-by-8 inch boards to construct framing for a concrete pour. Lay cinder blocks at least three feet high on top of the footings to create a crawl space. Frame the home with 2-by-4 inch boards on 16-inch centers. Consider vaulting the ceilings throughout the house to give a spacious feel.

4. Cover the exterior of the house with recycled siding to save money. Install 1/2-inch plywood to cover the roof area. Add asphalt shingles to the roof, and install windows. Paint or stain the exterior of the home, and add guttering to skirt rain away from the building.

5. Finish the interior of the home as your budget permits. Run all plumbing lines, drains and electrical wiring before covering interior walls. Install roll-type fiberglass insulation and drywall sheets. Install bath and kitchen cabinets and fixtures purchased at close-out sales. Use inexpensive flooring, such as linoleum, vinyl or tile purchased at close-out sales.

Tags: build home, city county, city county officials, close-out sales, county officials, home Create

Make Dining Room Chair Covers

Dining room chairs sometimes need a little help from chair covers to hide their age or make them more comfortable.

Old, worn-out, stained or damaged chairs can make your entire kitchen or dining room appear unkempt. One way to change the look of your dining area, and possibly make your chairs more comfortable to sit in, is to use chair covers. These can sometimes cost as much as replacing the chairs, however, so you can save a lot of money by making your own. You will need some sewing skills to complete the task.

Instructions

1. Measure the back of the chair with a tape measure from the top of the chair to the top of the seat. Then measure the width. Cut two rectangles of equal size. Make them two to three inches bigger than your measurements to allow for the seams.

2. Drape remnant fabric over the chair according to your measurements and pin the pieces together at the seam lines. Cut the extra fabric while leaving a half an inch beyond the seam lines. Measure the seat of the chair and cut another pattern from fabric remnants. Pin the seat cover onto the fabric at the bottom of the chair's back.

3. Remove the pattern from the back of the chair and mark the seam lines with tailor's chalk.

4. Cut out the pattern pieces from your cover fabric and sew the pieces together at the seam lines. Sew the right sides of the fabric together and turn it right-side-out to create a smooth seam.

5. Measure the base of the chair to create the skirt. Cut the fabric for the skirt to the desired length and to the width that you measured.

6. Pin the right sides of the skirt together and hem the skirt onto the chair cover. Fold the skirt over so it hangs correctly, and stitch down the corner seam to join the edges of the skirt together.

7. Turn up the very lower edge of the skirt and place a 1/4-inch hem in the bottom.

Tags: seam lines, back chair, from chair, make your, more comfortable, pattern from

Glass Top Dining Tables

Dust and crumbs are visible on glass dining tables.

A glass top table makes an elegant addition to any dining room. Such tables have a versatile appearance; combine the glass top with a streamlined base for a modern look or with a decorated curved base for a more traditional look. When considering a glass top dining table, you'll need to consider several features. Also, weigh the benefits these beautiful fables offer against the drawbacks so you will be pleased with your selection.

Types

Glass can be used as a dining table surface as either a large piece of glass set on top of legs or a pedestal, or it can be placed upon a solid dining table to protect the wood or other decorative finish while allowing the natural beauty to show through. It can be cut to any size to fit a specific table base or to be just the right size for a dining room.

Securing

Glass table tops can be very heavy, depending on the thickness and size, and can be dangerous if they slide. To keep the glass from sliding on the base, it needs to be secured with glue, bolts, or non-skid dots. Very large or heavy pieces of glass that are unlikely to shift can be placed on felt pieces to even out the surface.

Features

Glass table edges are often rounded, beveled or square; no matter which type of edge, the corners are smoothed so you won't have sharp edges against your arms when you're eating. Tables made of tempered glass are stronger and safer than normal glass. Even when a table made of tempered glass breaks, it will break into tiny round pieces without sharp edges. Look for glass that is 3/8- to 1/2-inch thick so it will be strong but not so heavy it is difficult to move.

Benefits

A glass table is ideal for small dining rooms, as the clear surface makes the space appear larger. Since you can see right through the table, place it over your favorite floor rug so you can see the pattern. If you no longer like the look of the base or it won't match your new decor, just replace it with a new base and use the same piece of glass. It doesn't take much to care for this style of table; simply spray it with a glass cleaner and wipe dry with a paper towel or clean soft cloth.

Drawbacks

The No. 1 drawback of a glass table is that fingerprints will inevitably appear on the surface. To remedy this, you will need to clean the table with a glass cleaner frequently; daily, if the table is used frequently. Very large glass table tops can be quite heavy and difficult to move or adjust. Glass is also susceptible to cracks, breakage and chips. If the table is rectangular, the corners may be sharp and can injure a child if he runs into it.

Tags: dining table, difficult move, dining room, glass cleaner, glass table

Iee Regulations For Bathrooms

Wire the bathroom safely using IEE regulations.

The Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE), founded in 1871, was a professional British organization consisting of electrical engineers. This organization had a worldwide membership and was the largest professional engineering society. In 2006, the IEE joined with the Institution of Incorporated Engineers to form the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). This professional organization is responsible for regulating electrical safety standards. As of 2010, the 17th Edition of IET Wiring Regulations is available for purchase and outlines safety measures for wiring in all home and business areas. Wiring the bathroom can be difficult because of the close proximity to water sources. This manual outlines the fundamentals of wiring a bathroom safely.

Zones

The 17th Edition of IET Wiring Regulations designates three zones (numbered 0 to 2) in bathroom areas. Zone 0 is the wettest and consists of the interior of the bath or shower which can hold water. Zone 1 is the vertical and horizontal area 2.25 m above the bottom of the bath or shower, measured from the center. Zone 2 is the space beyond zones 0 and 1, 0.6 m horizontally and up to 2.25 m vertically. Any recessed window sill next to the bath or shower is also included. Each zone has its own regulations. All installations after June 2008 must adhere to the guidelines for these zones.

Circuit Protection

All electrical bathroom circuits are required to be protected by Residual Current Devices (RCD), which are no more than 30mA. This rule applies to both outlets and equipment used in the bathroom whether it is controlled by a local or remotely located switch.

Equipment Usage

All electrical equipment requires a certain level of mechanical and moisture protection. Each piece is labeled with an Ingress Protection number which appears as "IPXY". "X" is a number that shows the level of mechanical protection and "Y" is a number that shows the level of moisture protection. If a piece of equipment does not have an IP number, it cannot be used in zones 0, 1 or 2. Any electrical item approved for use in a zone may be used in any higher numbered zone.

Zone 0 only allows low voltage (max. 12 volts) and IPX7 products. Electrical equipment in zone 1 is required to be IPX4 or better. Zone 2 permits electrical products which IPX4 or better, or SELV with the transformer located beyond zone 2.

Tags: bath shower, 17th Edition, 17th Edition Wiring, bathroom safely, Edition Wiring

Romantic Blue Bedroom Ideas

Blue in the bedroom can get romance brewing.

Reds and pinks are traditionally considered the romantic colors, but with the right design, cool blue hues can bring just as much passion into the bedroom. Select a romantic locale that works with blue to inspire a cohesive design scheme. Remember that good design is more suggestive and less literal, so avoid overfilling the space with theme-inspired tchotchkes.

Island Retreat

The ever-changing shades of ocean blues evoke memories of those long walks on the beach while waves crash. Whether selecting a nautical blue reminiscent of the Atlantic or a tropical blue inspired by waters along the Tropic of Cancer, walls the color of water are both relaxing and romantic. Prevent the vibrant blue on the walls from overwhelming the space by opting for the kind of light, white linens used in humid, exotic locations to keep cool. Anchor the abundance of light and bright fabrics and wall color with dark, almost black wood furniture with slender lines, such as pieces with taper or spindle legs.

Cozy Cabin

Rekindle a romance in a bedroom interior inspired by a winter cuddle in a cozy, snowed-in cabin. Begin with a pale, icy blue reminiscent of snowy winters on the walls. Capture the theme by purchasing rustic furniture constructed of rough-hewn boards or logs as a statement piece. However, forgo the full bedroom set in this style, as it quickly overwhelms and becomes kitsch. Instead, opt for either a log bed paired with simple, smooth plank end tables or a rustic dresser with a wrought iron bedstead. To keep the cabin theme subtle, frame blue quilt samplers as artwork rather than spreading a full country-cabin quilt on the bed. Instead, use a blue comforter embellished with a hint of old-fashioned lace to give the rustic room a feminine touch.

Arabian Midnights

Delve into the perfumed intrigue and romantic mystery of Middle Eastern fairy tales found in "The Thousand and One Nights." Paint midnight blue on the walls as an anchor for the vivid hues of Persian, Middle Eastern and South Asian design. Subtlety is the key word to remember when taking inspiration from an Arabian Nights theme, as it's easy to go overboard with the design style's intricately carved woodwork and opulent silks and velvets. Ornate bedsteads need solid-color bedding in rich red or brilliant gold, while simpler headboards better complement colorful patchwork quilts. Avoid cluttering the room with lots of little Arabian-themed accessories and opt instead for a larger statement piece, such as a mirror framed with blue-and-silver-tile mosaic.

Tags: blue reminiscent, blue walls, Middle Eastern, statement piece

Decorate A Gender Neutral Kids Bedroom

Neutral wall colors are the basis of a gender unbiased bedroom.

Gender neutral bedrooms are ideal if you have children of different genders who share the same room, or if you plan on having more children but don't want to have to repaint the room if you have a child of the opposite sex. There are several ways to decorate a kids' room in a gender neutral fashion.

Instructions

1. Paint the walls a gender neutral color. Shades of white, cream, beige, green, yellow, red and tan are among the suitable choices. Pink should be avoided as it's traditionally a feminine color, but pale or pastel blues can work for girls as well as boys.

2. Pick out a gender unbiased decorating theme, such as space, the sea or an animal-based design.

3. Choose furniture made from unpainted wood or metal, or painted in neutral colors like white or cream. Avoid overly ornate, carved furniture, as it may seem feminine. Stick to modern furnishings with clean, straight lines.

4. Use patterns, such as stripes and polka dots, to add interest to a more plain, gender neutral room. Either paint these patterns on the walls or buy patterned curtains, throw pillows, comforters or bed clothes.

Tags: gender neutral, gender unbiased, white cream

Seaside Cottage Bedroom Design Ideas

Incorporating beach colors into your room gives a seaside feeling.

Decorating your bedroom to look like a room in a seaside cottage can create a relaxing, welcoming environment--even if you are nowhere near the sea. As you plan your design, look for elements that evoke the feeling of sand, sky, and sea. Choose items that will connect the bedroom design to the rest of the house to establish a unified feeling.

Sand Palette

For a relaxing, monochromatic bedroom, use a palette of colors that is reminiscent of the shades of sand. You might paint the walls in a soft beige with cream accents, for example, and find bedding in various neutral shades of pale khaki. For accents, consider looking for art and accessories in seashell colors. By working in varying shades of the same color, you will open up the space in your room and create a relaxing, peaceful feeling.

Rattan Accents

To evoke imagery of beach grass, look for rattan accents. A rattan headboard, for example, can create an understated focal point of the room. You can also find bedside tables, lamp shades, blinds, or coasters in this natural material. For the most elegant look, use rattan sparingly; a few accents will go a long way in creating a beach feeling.

Weathered Wood

One of the most common elements of a seaside cottage is the weathered wood that occurs after exposure to the sun and salty sea air. To recreate this look in your bedroom, look for simple wood items with a weathered finish. Wooden shutters are a charming addition to a bedroom; if you cannot add them to your windows, you can use old shutters as shelves or even as the base for bedside tables. You can also add weathered beams to the ceiling or wall, or find a headboard in a rustic finish.

Nautical Elements

Even if you do not live near the beach, simple elements associated with the sea can add a nautical touch to your bedroom. A jar full of seashells adds instant appeal and can be used as a soft decorating touch. For a more finished look, mount single shells to mat board and hang the board from the wall with rough twine. Look for elements like hanging tin lanterns, ship's wheels, or a rope fishing net to use as decoration.

Blues

If you would like to add color to your bedroom, choose soft shades of blue mixed with white accessories. The mix of blues and white will evoke the feeling of waves with cresting tops, and the overall effect will be calming. Consider painting the walls or a single accent wall in blue, or find accent pillows to add pops of color. You might also look for photography of the ocean that focuses on the blues of the water to add a more literal seaside interpretation and natural feeling to your room.

Tags: your bedroom, your room, bedroom look, bedside tables, create relaxing, evoke feeling

Space Saving Ideas For A Kid'S Small Bedroom

Dual-purpose storage space.

Outfit kids' small bedrooms by utilizing dual-purpose furniture and accessories that re-purpose limited space by providing plenty of storage blended with fun. Beds tend to be the focal point of a small bedroom, so maximize the unused space underneath. Use the top shelves of a closet. Think of the walls as a clean slate to provide storage and a creative outlet for your child. As long as your child can reach it and put it away, be creative!

Wall Organizers

Keep kids busy with chalk.

Colored chalkboard paint and wall organizers create play space without floor clutter. Mark off at least a 2 by 3 foot section of wall, measuring from the baseboard up. Buy a chalkboard framing kit and paint the space within with chalkboard paint. Let dry. Refurbish old apron pockets for girls or metal containers for boys by hanging them on the wall within easy reach to store much-used toys. A piece of netting tacked in an upper corner provides plenty of stuffed animal storage.

Dual-Purpose Desks

Milk crates provides endless possibilities.

Milk crates topped with refinished wood give a child's room new life, with tons of storage options with desk space for art and homework. Any old, smooth door or piece of plywood will work as the desktop. Sand, stain or paint the wood to create rounded corners for younger children. Place the wood atop as many crates as you want to use for the desk foundation, leaving room for a chair to slide under the desk. Use decorative binding to keep the crates in place and secure the desktop to the crates. Make sure the crates face open and out, so that they can be filled with toys, books, dolls or trophies.

Storage Bins

Storage can be stylish.

The area under the bed is perfect for storing out-of-season clothes, extra blankets, blocks or smaller toys. Purchase plastic bins with lids, fill them and slide them under the bed. For older kids with smaller personal items, use clean egg cartons for barrettes, rubber bands and coins. Utilize upper closet space by storing keepsakes, old toys, clothes, books and games in larger, clear plastic bins. Label and tuck out of sight.

Tags: chalkboard paint, Milk crates, plastic bins, your child

Dining Table Decoration Ideas

Spice up a dining room table with charming decor pieces.

Consider a plain dining room table a blank artist's palette waiting for you to fill it with lively colors and inspired designs. Enhance a table to complement an overall dining room color scheme or decor theme, such as beach, Moroccan or nature inspired. Dining room tables can also set the stage for festive seasonal decorations.

Garden-Inspired Table

Design a fresh garden-inspired table scape using flowers and other summery items. A floral table decor theme is ideal for spring gatherings, themed birthday bashes, tea parties and Easter celebrations. Cover the table with a butter yellow-hued cloth or runner. Roll crisp white linen napkins, and accent them with flower-inspired rings. Another option is to wrap green leaves around the napkins, and secure them with pieces of translucent tape. Serve guests on delicate porcelain plates featuring bird and tree patterns. For a simple centerpiece, fill a white ceramic vase with vibrant yellow, pink and orange tulips or daisies.

Picnic-Style Setting

For a country chic dinner table, take a cue from casual picnic-inspired decor. Cover the table with a red and white checked cloth for a whimsical look. Roll red bandannas as cloth napkins, and secure them with simple burnished gold or silver rings. Set the table with vintage porcelain plates featuring sweet cherry or strawberry designs. Rustic terra cotta plant pots filled with fragrant herbs, such as lemongrass, lavender and rosemary, make centerpieces with plenty of farmhouse appeal. Display silverware on the table in woven picnic basket-inspired containers.

Autumn-Inspired Table

If you are hosting a Thanksgiving dinner or simply want to infuse your table with a warm, Autumn-inspired style, use harvest-hued items. Accent an elegant linen table cloth with deep orange, red or gold napkins held with a burnished gold ring. Fill gold candlesticks with tall gold taper candles to cast a soft, cozy glow across the dinner table. For an exotic and richly-colored centerpiece, fill a crystal bowl with red pomegranates, orange persimmons, green artichokes, yellow gourds and a few white mini pumpkins. The fall bounty display will give the table a fresh appeal.

Tags: table with, dining room, them with, burnished gold, centerpiece fill, Cover table, Cover table with

Plan A Dining Room

Dining rooms today are often used for more than just eating meals.

Developing a plan for your dining room begins with your own personal style. Whether you look to create a formal or casual place to gather for meals, consider any unique challenges the room has, such as an odd shape, large or small size or interesting features. Though these can be perceived as limitations, use them as a starting point to create a beautiful dining room you can enjoy for many meals to come.

Instructions

1. Decide on a goal for the room. Consider if you would like to keep the room clear of clutter, provide a place for homework or simply create an inviting place to share a meal. To get a feel for the size, measure the room and any furniture that will be used in the room.

2. Unify the dining room with adjacent areas by complementing colors, flooring and style. This can be especially beneficial in small spaces to make the room feel larger.

3. Highlight a focal point for the room. Architectural and decorative elements, such as a fireplace, artwork or a display cabinet, are perfect focal points. This is where your personal style begins in the room; coordinate other decorative elements throughout the room for a unified style.

4. Decide on a furniture arrangement for major pieces, such as the table, buffet and display cabinet. Allow a minimum of 24 inches from the table edge to the wall behind to accommodate a seated person or 36 to 54 inches if there will be a pathway behind a chair. To figure how many people can fit around the table, allow 24 inches of table edge for each seat or 25 to 28 inches for a round table.

5. Select furnishings that are fitting for the room size and style. Massive furniture and rectangular tables work well in large rooms, while small rooms require smaller-scale furniture, such as round or glass-top tables. Choose an area rug a few feet larger than the table, in the style of the room to define the space -- this is especially helpful in a large room or for a dining area that is part of a great room.

6. Improve function of the room by creating light layers. Ambient light provides general illumination, task light is functional for example a pendant light over a buffet. Accent light can be incorporated in a wall niche or flickering candles. Dimmer switches are ideal for creating an intimate setting.

Tags: dining room, your personal style, decorative elements, display cabinet, personal style

Themed Creative Ideas For Your Bedroom

Turn a humdrum bedroom into a place where you feel like you're on vacation. Lounge on a sandy beach surrounded by palm trees swaying in the breeze. Perhaps you're a true-blue cowboy and would like to hang your hat on a Western-themed wall. Get your creative juices flowing and choose a theme for your bedroom. Here are ideas to get you started.

Rustic Retreat

Who says you need to go to a secluded cabin in the woods to enjoy the rugged beauty of the outdoors? Turn your bedroom into a rustic retreat. Furnish the room with rugged log or pine furniture. Use earthy colors, such as red, brown, forest green, black and cream in your decor. Adorn your bedroom with woodland friends, such as bears, moose and deer. Drape your bed in a cozy rustic-themed comforter and snuggle in for a peaceful night in the woods. Just watch out for the bears that might stop in for a visit.

Island Getaway

Decorate your room with lush palm trees, bamboo and lots of bright floral. You'll feel as though you've stepped into a tropical paradise. Hang bamboo shades on the windows. Adorn shelves and tables with sea shells. Hang island-themed wall art on the wall--or, paint or stencil tropical scenes right on the wall. Plenty of bedding, furniture and accessories are available to purchase to complete your island getaway. At fanimation.com, you can even buy a ceiling fan shaped like palm leaves.

Secret Garden

Bring the beauty of a flower garden inside and create a secret garden bedroom. Whether you like bright yellow sunflowers, pink and lavender tulips or colorful roses, create a color palette for your room from your favorite flower bouquet. Adorn the room with garden-style furniture, such as wicker or rod iron. Drape silk ivy on shelves and around the window frames. Stencil flowers on the wall and on white wood furniture. Top your bed with a floral bedspread and lots of coordinating throw pillows.

Wild West

Howdy, pardner. Put on your cowboy hat and get ready to design a Wild West bedroom. Choose Southwestern colors for your bedroom, such as such as red, orange, turquoise, green and brown. Furnish the room with rustic wood furniture, or pieces with a Western theme. For a real cowboy accent table, go to BedroomFurniture.com and purchase the Hidden Treasures Old Western Rifle Accent Table. Hang cowboy hats, horseshoes, pictures of Wild West scenes and old wooden signs on the wall. Add a touch of whimsy with a cowboy boot lamp. Hang denim curtains on the windows and dot the room with desert-loving plants, such as cactus.

Tags: room with, Wild West, your bedroom, bedroom into, Furnish room

Make A Contemporary Bedroom Appear More Traditional

Classic elements warm up a contemporary bedroom.

In the past, purists insisted on keeping a room's decor style consistent with its design. But if you feel daunted by the minimalist design of a contemporary bedroom, consider integrating architectural features, paint, finishes, furnishings, textiles and accessories that give it timeless, classic style. Choose simple solutions such as wallpapering an accent wall and switching out furniture hardware, or invest more time and money in a full bedroom update.

Instructions

1. Add traditional architectural features to your bedroom. You can treat contemporary rooms as a blank palette, adding accents that give the space a different look. The addition of a dark wooden door frame and window frames lends the space sculptural interest. For more intensive renovations, consider adding crown molding, hardwood floors or wainscoting. Attach a narrow floating shelf across the length of a wall to evoke the look of a picture rail.

2. Set the tone with traditional color and finishes. Stark and semi-glossy white and black look too contemporary for a traditional bedroom. Soften the palette with cream, sophisticated stone gray or espresso brown. Paint with matte or eggshell finishes for a more textured look. Consider creating an accent wall with a traditional jewel tone such as peacock or burgundy, or use wallpaper in a small floral, striped or paisley pattern.

3. Invest in focal-point furnishings that transition the bedroom to a more traditional look. An ornate headboard, bed posts or canopy give your bedroom's central piece of furniture more prominence. Furniture frames in dark, solid wood evoke an English Victorian bedroom, while vintage pieces with a coat of antique whitewash have a shabby-chic aesthetic. Prominent pieces such as an armoire, framed full-length mirror, desk with sculpted legs or a round, glass-topped table personalize the space.

4. Consider symmetrical layouts. Asymmetry is a hallmark of modern and contemporary bedrooms, so a balanced bedroom makes the space appear more traditional. Flank your bed with nightstands and glass or brass lamps with coordinating lampshades. Center an Oriental rug under the bed and a large painting over the headboard. Large vases with similar shapes, materials and colors can hold coordinating flower arrangements.

5. Illuminate your bedroom with accent and ambient lighting in traditional fixtures. A chandelier over the bed has rococo style. Frame a window or large painting with wall sconces holding electric fixtures or candles. Table and floor lamps have a more classic look than built-in fixtures such as track or recessed lighting.

Tags: your bedroom, accent wall, architectural features, contemporary bedroom, large painting, that give, with traditional

How Narrow Can A Dining Table Be

A dining table used for formal occasions requires greater width.

The minimum width of your dining table will depend upon how the table will be used and how many guests you intend to place around it. Table shape is also an important consideration in determining width allowance. If your dining table is primarily used for formal family occasions, you will need to provide more central space to accommodate serving platters and dishes. A dining table put to everyday family use as an eating surface and/or workspace may not have to be quite as wide.

Room Dimensions

A wheelchair-accessible table requires 54 inches from table edge to the wall.

The physical space allotted for dining will obviously affect table dimensions. There must be enough room to comfortably pull out a chair and move around the room once guests are seated. Plan for at least 36 inches clearance between the edge of the table and the wall or furniture in your room. If your space allows, 44 inches is optimal. Wheelchair access requires 54 inches. Once the available room space is determined, you can select a table that will fit.

Use Considerations

Informal dining does not require space for serving dishes and place settings. A table may be as narrow as 30 inches and still allow enough space for place settings. Formal dining tables average 36 inches in width and may stretch to 48 inches and still allow for the passing of food across the space. Wider tables require that items be passed from diner to diner around the table. A dining table that doubles as a workspace may need to be wide enough for your books, papers and laptop; 36 inches and above should suffice.

Table Surface Allotments

Allow each guest a minimum of 24 inches of table surface directly in front of them. For more comfortable dining, stretch the per person allowance to 30 inches. With rectangular or square tables, remember to add 12 inches at each end to accommodate guests at the head and foot of the table. If your table is round, allow 30 inches per person, as each person's space is reduced towards the table's center. Oblong or oval tables will provide more seating than circle, square or rectangular tables.

Table Shapes

A 40-by-40-inch square table will comfortably seat four diners. A round table with a diameter of 36 to 44 inches would accommodate the same number. For oval or oblong-shaped tables, a formal place setting is about 24 inches wide and an informal setting allowance measures 18 inches. Restaurant designers plan for a minimum of 29 inches from an adult diner's nose to that of his neighbor and a space of 12 inches between dining chairs.

Tags: dining table, table will, inches from, inches still, inches still allow, minimum inches

Decorate A Man'S Bedroom

Decorate a Man's Bedroom

A man's bedroom tends to be utilitarian to the point of barreness. It is often extremely spartan, with little more than a bed, a television and maybe a chest of drawers. However, with a little effort, you can transform a bedroom into a fully decorated room without losing the appeal of masculine simplicity.

Instructions

Decorate a Man's Bedroom

1. Use matching curtains and a comforter to bring a theme to the room. These colors should be warm and easy to match, such as reds, browns or dark golds. Not only will they hide wear, but they will also be easy to match with slipcovers or throw pillows.

2. Place a long bench or trunk at the foot of the bed. This will make the bed seem a little more finished, especially if you do not have a headboard and footboard. Also, a trunk is a good place to hide things in a hurry if you need to clean up unexpectedly.

3. Put your hamper in the corner of the room where you can easily toss clothes. This will make it easier to keep things organized and hide dirty clothes from sight.

4. Cover the seating with slip covers that match the curtains and comforter. They don't have to be the same pattern, but they should be in the same color scheme. This will help tie the room together.

5. Place the floor lamp in the corner of the room. This will enable you to have sufficient lighting for conversation or reading without having to use harsh overhead lights. It can also help set the mood if you cover it with a red scarf.

6. Hang the wall art. Do not use more than one or two pieces. This will give your walls some character but not make your room feel cluttered. Mirrors can help a room feel larger.

Tags: This will, Decorate Bedroom, corner room, curtains comforter, easy match, help room, little more

Decorate A Large Bedroom

Hang over-sized mirrors in the bedroom to capture light and add drama.

When you're lucky enough to have a large bedroom, you are able to create a comfortable, multi-functional space. A room that can double as your place to sleep and a space for relaxing, sewing or reading. When decorating the room, consider the shape and size of the space and how you want to feel upon entering. Don't be afraid to incorporate bold colors and patterns and try to reflect the style of the rest of the home to unify the space. Embrace the over-sized room and utilize every square inch to create your own personal oasis.

Instructions

1. Create a lounging area in the large bedroom with a set of over-sized chairs. Tuck them into the corner of the room for a personal space to read or knit.

2. Add large furniture pieces like armoires and dressers to the bedroom to provide height, help fill in the space and add extra storage.

3. Incorporate a wooden bed frame to the large bedroom to provide a stately display. Add a fabric-covered canopy bed to create a cozy feel within the large space.

4. Paint one wall in the bedroom a rich, dramatic color like navy blue or deep gray to create an accent wall and help to transform the cavernous room into a cozy space.

5. Apply wallpaper to the wall behind the bed in bold patterns like stripe, trellis or paisley to give depth to the large room. Alternatively, wallpaper can also double as a makeshift headboard or piece of artwork in the room.

6. Hang a decorative piece of fabric or rug on one wall to add depth to the space and help fill in bare walls. Place the piece over a wooden dowel to make your own piece of art that also helps to center the bedroom.

7. Mount a trio of mirrors to create a sculptural display to the room, while reflecting light into the space. Use floor-to-ceiling mirrors to create height and drama in the room.

8. Install floor-to-ceiling curtains to accentuate large windows. Use neutral tones like creamy whites and beige to set off a dark wall color.

Tags: large bedroom, bedroom provide, help fill, mirrors create

Make Makeshift Bedrooms

Several materials can be used to create a makeshift bedroom.

Dealing with a small space and too many people can be stressful. In situations where roommates or families struggle to find room for everyone, creating bedrooms from one large room can provide personal space to several people. Although makeshift walls may not be aesthetically pleasing, they are efficient in dividing a space and giving everyone a small area to call his own.

Instructions

1. Measure out a room, marking the desired dimensions for two or more makeshift rooms. The best kind of room for makeshift bedrooms is a large, square, open room without a door, such as a living or dining room, that can be divided without having one door for both rooms.

2. Using a pencil and small strips of duct tape, mark the area on the walls and ceiling where the dividers or shoji screens will go. Dividers can be taller, heavier and thicker, blocking out more noise and providing a less translucent wall, thus providing for more privacy. Shoji screens are better for a limited amount of time or if the individuals do not mind having less privacy.

Install Wainscoting Over Wall Tile In A Bathroom

Install Wainscoting Over Wall Tile in a Bathroom

Wall tile is a common choice for bathroom installations, but it may not always agree with your aesthetic or stand up to your bathroom needs. Wainscoting panels are an alternative to tile. These decorative pieces, capped with a piece of railing, cover the bottom section of your wall where it is most likely to suffer from dirt or moisture. The waterproof panels protect the wall while adding a decorative edge. You can cover your old tiles with the wainscoting to provide extra protection while adding a decorative element to your bathroom.

Instructions

1. Wipe down the tile walls with a rag dampened in mineral spirits to remove dirt, dust, wax, grease and any other contaminants. You must kill any mold growing on the tiles or grout, by applying bleach or a similar product.

2. Seal all seams around the tile with a tube of silicone caulk. If you experienced moisture problems with the grout lines of the tile, seal these with caulk as well. The caulk will protect the wainscoting from any moisture in the tile.

3. Measure the exact horizontal center of the room. Make a mark on the tile at this spot, using a marker or chalk. Draw a straight line down to the baseboard and up to the point where you will install the wainscoting cap.

4. Line up your first wainscoting panel with the center line you drew. Ensure that it is completely plumb with the baseboard or the floor, using a level.

5. Secure your wainscoting in place with masonry screws and a drill equipped with a carbide-tipped drill bit. The masonry screws must pass through the wainscoting and the tile, and penetrate the wall by at least 1/2 inch. Choose the proper screw length based on the thickness of your tile and the wainscoting panels. Attach a screw to each of the panel's corners.

6. Install additional panels, working from the outside in, until the wall is complete. Cut panels to fit if necessary, using a circular saw or making multiple passes of a sharp utility knife.

7. Set the railing cap over the panels. Nail it into the wall with sixpenny nails and a nail gun or hammer.

Tags: adding decorative, Install Wainscoting Over, masonry screws, Over Wall, Over Wall Tile

Quiet Bathroom Exhaust Fans

Some bathrooms have a combination light and exhaust fan.

A loud bathroom exhaust fan ruins the peace and quiet usually desired while using the restroom. Worn-out parts and vibration create noise in a bathroom exhaust fan. Many times, loose mounting screws or retaining springs cause the noise. Excessive wear causes squeaking fan motor bearings. You should replace a bathroom exhaust fan's motor if its bearings howl or have excessive play. Small adjustments to the fan's housing or motor brackets often quiets the rattling in the bathroom exhaust fan.

Instructions

1. Set up a ladder below the bathroom exhaust fan.

2. Turn on the fan.

3. Climb the ladder and listen to the noise without touching the fan. If the noise sounds like a squeaking fan motor, turn off the fan and replace the fan motor using the fan manufacturer's instructions. If the fan rattles, touch the louver with your finger. If the rattling stops with your finger on the louver, tighten the louver's retaining device. If the rattling does not stop, tighten the loose part inside the exhaust fan.

4. Turn off the exhaust fan.

5. Remove the exhaust fan's louver. If the louver uses a retaining nut, remove the retaining nut with the correct hex-head screwdriver. If the louver uses a set of retaining springs, move the louver away from the ceiling and compress the springs. Pull the louver away from the exhaust fan.

6. Spin the fan motor's blade and listen for a rattle. If the fan blade hits the exhaust fan's back-draft damper, remove the fan motor and adjust the back-draft damper as needed. If the motor's shaft moves side-to-side or horizontally, replace the motor -- an exhaust fan's motor will have a small amount of in-and-out or vertical play.

7. Grip the fan motor's mounting bracket and wiggle the bracket. If the bracket moves but the housing remains still, tighten the fan motor's retaining bracket with the correct screwdriver. If the plate the fan motor's mounting bracket connects to moves but the fan housing remains still, tighten the tabs holding the plate against the housing, using a slotted screwdriver. If the exhaust fan's housing moves while moving the motor's mounting bracket, tighten the housing's mounting screws with the correct screwdriver.

8. Apply a piece of foam weatherstripping around the perimeter of the exhaust fan's louver.

9. Replace the bathroom exhaust fan's louver. If the louver uses a retaining nut, hold the louver against the ceiling and tighten the nut with the correct screwdriver. If the louver uses retaining screws, compress the springs and insert the ends of the springs into the grooves on the sides of the housing. Push the louver against the ceiling.

Tags: louver uses, louver uses retaining, uses retaining, with correct, bathroom exhaust, bathroom exhaust, correct screwdriver

Tuscan Theme Master Bedroom Decorating Ideas

The Tuscan style is popular for bedrooms.

Known for undulating hillsides, vineyards and rustic farmhouses, Tuscany has long inspired home owners who seek to recreate its warm, sophisticated style. The style is popular in kitchens, and the Italian look can add the same color-drenched, laid-back elegance to a bedroom. Introducing a Tuscan look to your bedroom is easy to accomplish, whether you're considering a full-scale renovation or a makeover on a shoe-string budget.

Saturated Wall Colors

The surest way to create a Tuscan atmosphere is by applying color to the walls to give them a golden, sun-baked look. Choose shades in the yellow family, including straw, maize, pale gold, sunflower or ochre. Experienced DIY types might also consider applying Venetian plaster to introduce texture to the wall surface. Another option is using a special paint finish on the walls, such as color washing, faux marbling or sponging on layers of closely related colors. Follow the look of many Tuscan homes that feature painted stencils of grapes or flowering vines, as well as wall murals that showcase the country's hillsides and vineyards.

Dark Furnishings

Whether you opt for dark, rustic wood or blackened wrought iron, traditional Tuscan furniture is substantial and serves to anchor the room. Popular furniture choices include bed frames that feature simple wrought iron bars or a carved wooden headboard. If you have a metallic headboard, consider painting it black. Similarly, stain light wood headboards or furniture to resemble aged walnut. Even simple modern looks, like a slated dark wood headboard, will work in a Tuscan room. For an authentic look, choose a marble-topped nightstand or replace a glass-topped nightstand or side table with a thin slab of marble.

Italian Accents

A few well-chosen accessories and attention to details will complete the look of a Tuscan room. Choose linens---such as bedding and curtains---in warm shades like pale ivory, maize or deep red. Add bed pillows or cushions that feature small, elegant patterns on a navy or burgundy-colored background or floral prints. A hint of gold trim on the fabric adds a touch of luxury. On the walls, hang old world paintings in dull gold frames or wrought iron wall sconces or wall art. Strive for a simple look, and don't use too many accessories or it could be overkill. For Tuscan style, skip unnecessary clutter and use a vase full of sunflowers in a glazed or Majolica ceramic pitcher to add far more panache to your room.

Tags: that feature, wrought iron, hillsides vineyards, look many, style popular, Tuscan room

Decorating Ideas For Your Dining Room Table

This traditionally decorated dining room table features a tall floral centerpiece.

Dining rooms are often the most neglected spaces in your home, only used for Sunday dinner and special occasions. Your dining room table sits abandoned, overshadowed by more gathering spots like kitchen snack bars. But that doesn't have to be the case. Bring your dining room table back into the fold with a new decorative design that fits the rest of your decor.

Cottage

Cottage decorating has its roots in both English country and Shabby Chic decor. You can evoke this style on your dining room table with items you may already have around your home. Cover the table with a white linen table cloth. Don't worry if the cloth has been washed but not ironed. Center it with a bouquet of hydrangeas or roses in a simple glass vase, vintage pitcher or slightly battered copper tea kettle. Group mismatched tea cups and saucers and plates with a cream pitcher and sugar bowl next to a rustic pottery container holding sterling silver spoons to give the impression that tea time is imminent.

Traditional

Traditionally decorated dining rooms call to mind your Sunday best linens and dishware. Cover your table with a lace or freshly washed and starched linen tablecloth. You could also leave it uncovered, but ensure it is polished until it shines. Or compromise with a linen or lace runner to match your placemats. Center it with a formally designed bouquet in a crystal vase. Keep the formal look going by flanking the vase with tall, ornate silver candlesticks and white or silver tapers. Or circle the vase with four or five candlesticks. If you have a large table, place the flowers in a large decorative urn, and flank it with glass hurricane lamps surrounding white pillar candles.

Contemporary

Contemporary decor is all about clean lines and minimal decoration. A contemporary dining room table might be finished in a glossy black or painted white or gray and would often be left uncovered. With this empty canvas, the sky is the limit as long as you keep it simple. Place a large blown glass bowl complete with goldfish and greenery alone off center on the table. Center the table with three bamboo plants in ascending sizes placed in rectangular pottery vases. Fill a large vase or glass bowl with lemons for a splash of color in an otherwise monochromatic room.

Country

Country decorating wears many faces, but perhaps one of the most familiar is the primitive decorating style. Achieve this look on your dining room table by throwing a vintage quilt on it. Center it with a doll-size rustic bench with a muslin placemat on top. On top of that place a small wooden bowl filled with colorful balls of yarn or rags. Couple that with a Mason jar filled with wild flowers. Lean a small ragdoll against the jar and your table-scape is complete. Switch out the items on top of the bench for a fresh look every time.

Tags: dining room table, room table, table with, Center with, dining room, dining room

Where To Install A Vapor Barrier In A Bathroom

Where to Install a Vapor Barrier in a Bathroom

Whether you are remodeling a bathroom or installing a new one, you need to know where to install a vapor barrier. The primary purpose of a vapor barrier, also called a vapor retarder, is to keep water vapors from passing through walls. Moisture flows from a warm space to a cold one, and if moisture penetrates a wall, condensation will form. This leads to damaged drywall, deteriorating wood trim, mold and other decay.

Planning

Water vapors pass through plaster or drywall, studs, sheathing and exterior siding. Where you install a vapor barrier in your bathroom will be based primarily on the climate in the area where you are live. If you live in a hot and humid location, the vapor barrier must be installed on the outside wall. If you live in a colder climate, you must install your vapor barrier on the inside of the wall.

Installation

You must install vapor retarder properly, or you will end up trapping moisture in unwanted places. An accumulation of condensation may cause damage to your home's insulation, wood structure or exterior sheathing.

Custom showers require a vapor barrier, such as 6 mm polyurethane. However, you cannot install a vapor barrier behind a drywall product, including green board. If you were to install a vapor barrier behind it, water vapor would build up between the vapor barrier and the drywall. It would be just a matter of time before your walls began to crumble.

In the shower area, use cement board, which is durable enough to resistant breakdown due to moisture and can properly breathe. Install plastic sheeting or polyurethane on the studs to prevent vapor from penetrating.

If you use batt insulation, save yourself some work by choosing a product with the vapor barrier already attached. For unfaced insulation, secure the insulation first, then attach the polyurethane vapor barrier. Any time you use plastic sheeting as a vapor barrier, seal all seams, gaps and rips in it using the special tape made for that purpose. Any openings in the vapor barrier allow wetness to penetrate it.

For projects where vapor retarders need to be installed on the interior of bathroom walls or ceilings that have plaster or drywall already in place, consider using a latex vapor barrier primer. This barrier is designed to be used on a wide variety of interior surfaces, including plaster, drywall, brick and masonry.

Latex vapor barrier primer may be brushed, rolled or sprayed on like a standard primer. If you are planning to refinish the walls and ceiling anyway, using latex barrier will save time and money.

Tags: vapor barrier, install vapor, vapor barrier, plaster drywall, vapor barrier, Barrier Bathroom

Black White & Red Bedroom Ideas

Black, White & Red Bedroom Ideas

Red, black and white are classic colors that can turn any bedroom into a bold design statement. The versatility of these colors means they can be feminine or masculine, modern or vintage, classic or trendy.

Vampire Theme

The red, black and white colors go well with Stephenie Meyers' "Twilight" book series about a vampire in love with a human. Turn your bedroom into a "Twilight" fan's dream room by adding quotes from the books on your walls and items from the book covers in your decorating plans. These items might include an apple, a red and white flower, a red ribbon, and a white chess piece.

Gothic elements such as gargoyles and bats can add a vampire twist to your bedroom decor. Evoke Anne Rice's New Orleans with fleur de lis symbols or French quotations in frames, or bring to mind Bram Stoker's Transylvania with black damask or lace fabrics.

Prints

Use a black-and-white print in your room. A bright, white wallpaper with black script style print, or a black-and-white zebra print can bring a splash of contrast into the room. Paint your walls red and add one panel of black-and-white wallpaper in a large, graphic print. This can become the focal point of the bedroom. Or use the large print as your bedspread, bringing the bed front and center in your design plan.

Accessories

Find black or white furniture to fit your bedroom theme. Wrought-iron with curled edges can fit in well, but plain black woodwork is also a solid choice. Add accent pieces like lamps, mirrors or statues in your three main colors. If your walls are red, make most of your accent pieces black or white. If your walls are black or white, make red the color of choice for your accessories. Include throw pillows and wall art as well.

For an inexpensive option, find pieces that match your decorating style at local thrift stores or secondhand shops. Even if they aren't the right color, you can purchase inexpensive spray paint at a local retailer and paint the items to match your room. Find a stencil that matches your theme and use it to paint a spot of interest on your walls or furniture.

Tags: your walls, black white, your bedroom, accent pieces, Bedroom Ideas, bedroom into

Paint Children'S Bedroom Furniture

Bright colors can transform boring kid's furniture.

A child's room is typically more than just a place to sleep. It is a play area, as well, and funky pops of color make the space inviting and fun. Painted furniture is a great way to add color to the space without breaking the bank. Along with adding visual interest, the right paint can be practical. High-gloss latex paint is easy to clean and durable enough to withstand rough-and-tumble play.

Instructions

1. Remove any hardware on the furniture. Most handles and hinges are easy to remove with a screwdriver.

2. Sand wooden bedroom furniture with 220-grit sandpaper. Paint will adhere better if the furniture is freshly sanded. On a metal surface, sand only if you notice rust. Plastic surfaces are best left unsanded.

3. Wipe off sandpaper dust with a damp rag.

4. Apply painter's tape and plastic sheeting to any furniture cushions or other parts that you don't want painted.

5. Prime the surface, using a synthetic-bristle paintbrush. General-purpose primer is ideal for wood. Rust-inhibiting primer works well on metal, and bonding primer is best for plastics. Apply the primer in even, parallel lines, allowing a 50 percent overlap of each brush stroke. Wait for the primer to dry.

6. Paint the bedroom furniture with high-gloss latex paint. Use a foam brush, as high-gloss finishes show bristly brush marks. Paint in parallel lines, with a 50 percent overlap between strokes.

7. Apply stencils to the bedroom furniture, using painter's tape after the base coat dries for a full 24 hours. Stencils make it easy to add colorful shapes and fun pictures to children's furniture.

8. Fill in the stencils, using high-gloss latex paint and a foam brush.

9. Remove the stencils and painter's tape after the paint has dried for 24 hours. Reattach the hardware and begin using your fun, freshly colored children's furniture.

Tags: bedroom furniture, latex paint, painter tape, bedroom furniture with, children furniture

Repair A Bathroom Faucet That Leaks At Base

Leaky faucets occur for several reasons.

If you notice a leak around the base of your bathroom faucet, a few different problems can be the cause. Several parts inside a faucet, including the packing material and the rubber washer, have a tendency to wear out or break down over the life of a faucet. When that happens, they can cause water to leak out around the base of the faucet. You can repair a bathroom faucet that leaks at the base by dismantling the faucet and replacing these worn out parts.

Instructions

1. Turn off the water supply for the bathroom faucet that leaks at the base. Look underneath where the faucet is installed for the water supply valves. Rotate the knobs on the end of the valves clockwise until they stop.

2. Open the faucets and allow any water inside to run out.

3. Remove the faucet handle. How this is done depends on the faucet model. Some faucets will be held in place by an Allen screw on the underside of the handle. Other faucets, mostly older ones, will be held in place by a Phillips screw concealed underneath the faucet temperature indicator. Pry this cap off in order to remove the faucet handle screw. Pull the faucet straight off the stem.

4. Unscrew the packing nut. This is the first nut located at the top of the faucet stem. Pull this off the faucet. Unscrew the valve stem by rotating the hexagonal nut located just directly above the faucet body. Pull the stem out of the faucet.

5. Check the rubber faucet washer at the base of the stem. Replace a broken or worn washer by removing the retaining nut, pulling out the old washer, replacing it with a new one and securing with the nut.

6. Waterproof the valve stem threads by smearing them with pipe thread compound. Insert the stem back into the faucet body and tighten.

7. Replace the packing material. The packing material takes the shape of a plastic or rubber o-ring located in the space beneath the packing nut. Remove the packing material with a pair of needle-nose pliers or small screwdriver. Replace with new packing material. Slip the packing nut over the end of the faucet and tighten.

8. Replace the faucet handle. Secure with the screw.

9. Insert the silicone caulk into the caulk gun. Trim off the end at the 1/8 inch mark at a 45-degree angle. Caulk around the base of the faucet.

Tags: packing material, around base, bathroom faucet, faucet handle, around base faucet

Glue Picture Frames To A Bathroom Mirror

Modern bathroom

You are painting your bathroom, replacing fixtures and trying to add spice to the space. The one fixture in your bathroom you haven't changed is the mirror. You want to attach picture frames to the mirror, but you are lost on glue the frames to the mirror. To glue picture frames to a bathroom mirror, you need an adhesive that is strong enough to bond to the glass, not affected by moisture and won't damage the glass surface.

Instructions

1. Spray a glass cleaner on to the mirror. Let the cleaner sit for one minute. Wipe the mirror with a soft, nonabrasive cloth or towel to remove any loose dust and dirt from the surface. Wear latex gloves to keep your hands from getting wet.

2. Spray the nonabrasive cloth or towel with glass cleaner. Wipe the back of each picture frame with the damp cloth or towel.

3. Apply an even bead of fast-drying silicone adhesive to the back of one picture frame. Try not to let the adhesive ooze over the edge of the frame.

4. Press the picture frame gently on to the bathroom mirror.

5. Apply light pressure to the frame and hold it in place for 10 minutes or the recommended time on the silicone adhesive packaging.

6. Slowly release pressure from the frame. If you notice the picture frame slipping, reapply pressure until the frame stays in place.

7. Let the adhesive dry for 30 minutes.

8. Use a single-edge razor blade to gently scrape any silicone adhesive that has bubbled around the frame.

9. Repeat steps 3 through 8 for any other picture frames you want to glue to the bathroom mirror.

Tags: picture frame, bathroom mirror, cloth towel, silicone adhesive, adhesive that

Paint A Bedroom In Lakers Colors

Paint rollers help you apply an even coating of paint.

Color-matching technologies and Glidden Team Colors paints have made it easy for you to bring the Los Angeles Lakers to any bedroom. A room painted in the official Los Angeles Lakers purple and gold colors is a true display of team spirit. Rooms painted with team colors can then be decorated with Los Angeles Lakers memorabilia and decor, such as bedding, banners and accessories.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Purchase Glidden LAL Purple and LAL Gold from any Home Depot store, as they are the exclusive carrier of this line of paint. If this paint is not available, take a Los Angeles Lakers souvenir to a paint store that offers color matching technology to have a precise color match mixed.

2. Prepare the room for paint by making sure the walls are clean and free of dust. Remove all switch-plate covers and outlet covers.

3. Protect baseboards, window trim and crown molding by taping them off with painter's tape. Lay a drop cloth down to protect the floors.

4. Plan out how each of the colors is going to be used. Possibilities include painting all walls gold and painting trim, doors and closet doors purple. To make a room look wider, paint horizontal stripes in alternating colors. To make ceilings appear higher, paint one or multiple walls with alternating vertical stripes. Walls could also be two-toned with the purple painted below a chair rail and gold painted above a chair rail. Take into consideration the placement of furniture, LA Lakers Accessories, bedding and other items to determine which color to use on each wall.

Painting

5. Determine which color you are going to paint first. Use a paint roller and a brush to apply one to two coats of the first color to all areas that you wish to be that color.

6. Allow the first paint color to dry. If you are doing stripes or the colors will be touching, you will want to allow 24 to 48 hours so any tape placed over the first color will not peel off the paint when removed.

7. Tape off any areas that you do not wish to be painted with the second color. If you are painting stripes on the wall, use a level and ruler to draw a straight line. You can then use the line as a guide for painter's tape.

8. Paint the second of the two colors, and allow the paint to fully dry.

9. Remove all remaining painter's tape and clean all painting supplies. Erase any remaining pencil lines on the wall.

Tags: Angeles Lakers, painter tape, areas that, areas that wish, chair rail, first color, first paint