A person in a wheelchair needs more room to navigate a public restroom.
In 1990, congress passed the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), which required that newly constructed and renovated restrooms be accessible to people with disabilities. The ADA Standards for Accessible Design is a code that states the size of the bathroom needed to adequately accomodate a person in a wheelchair. If you are renovating or building a public restroom, you are required to follow these specific building codes or risk being out of compliance with this federal law.
Floor Space
An ADA standard compartment, or wheelchair accessible compartment, must be at least 60 inches wide in order to allow room for a standard size wheelchair in a bathroom stall. If the restroom has wall-mounted toilets, the stall must be at least 56 inches deep, or 59 inches deep if the toilets are floor-mounted. If there are six or more toilet compartments in the restroom, one must be a standard walk-in compartment that is ambulatory accessible. This stall must be at least 36 inches wide and can be the same depth as the adjoining stalls.
Grab Bars
All ADA accessible restrooms are required to have grab bars installed. They must be mounted between 33 inches and 36 inches from the finished floor and have a diameter between 1 1/4 inches and 1 1/2 inches. The bar must bear at least a 250 pound load.
Doors
Door locks and handles must be mounted no higher than 48 inches from the finished floor. The locks and handles must be easy to operate, even for someone with poor motor control. The doors should not require more than five pounds of force to open and have handles, locks and latches that can be easily operated with one hand.
Toilets
A toilet seat must be mounted between 17 inches and 19 inches from the finished floor. The toilet must also be offset diagonally from the door along the back wall. The toilet's centerline should be 18 inches from the side wall.
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Bedrooms for toddler girls can be bright and colorful.
When decorating a bedroom for a toddler girl, you have the freedom to use bright colors and frilly design elements that do not usually fit in rooms used by grownups. To eliminate the need to redecorate completely as your daughter grows, start with a simple, versatile base color and add details that will encourage her development and imagination.
Colors
When choosing colors for your toddler's bedroom, start with a simple base color that will be versatile as your child grows, and add bright colors in curtains, bedding, rugs and other elements. Use bright colors that will stimulate your child during playtime; while a toddler may not have a favorite color, she can learn to identify different colors in the room. Pinks, yellows, greens and purples work well together to create a little girl's dream room.
Imagination Spaces
Toddlers tend to be unrestricted by the practicalities of adults and older children and are more likely to engage in imaginative play. In your little girl's bedroom, create a space that encourages this type of mental exploration. If she is interested in dolls, you might include a miniature tea setup with a small table, chairs and dishes. For a child who loves to arrange and create, you can make a space with a washable floor mat and art supplies. If you have the room for a dramatic statement, build a miniature playhouse that can be positioned in one side of the room to act as a play area.
Feminine Touches
If your little girl is interested in princesses, ballerinas or other feminine characters, you can create a girly space that will delight her senses. Look for frilly bedding in her favorite color, and choose sheets patterned with her favorite storybook character. You can include a dressing table complete with a dress-up closet, or princess design elements. Choose bright, whimsical window treatments that can be placed high above the child's reach using ribbons, valances and patterned fabric.
Educational Elements
Because toddlers are actively engaged in discovering the world around them, educational bedroom design elements can add atmosphere and help speed their development. Consider placing a framed poster that teaches numbers, colors or words in a foreign language on the wall at a level that allows your child to see and read it easily. Include books, flash cards or other educational toys in a special area that is complete with a child-size chair and table.
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Small bedrooms challenge your organizational skills. Room for clothes, shoes and personal items is at a premium. Other personal items such as books, collectibles and electronics can threaten to overrun a small space. Add in seasonally used items such as wrapping paper and decorative items, and you cannot help but spill over. Fortunately, with some organization techniques, you can corral the clutter.
Downsize the Bed and Upsize the Storage
One technique to conserve space in a small bedroom is to use a smaller bed. A king or queen size bed may be replaced with a standard full-size bed. Another technique is to put the bed frame on risers. These are commonly available at bed & bath and home improvement stores. By increasing the height of the bed, you increase the height of the under bed storage area. If your bed is standard height, you can use shallow, long plastic containers and slide them under for storage. If you employ risers, you can use taller plastic tubs to give you added storage space for off-season clothing or other uses.
Shelves, Baskets and Cabinets
Shelves can add needed storage space to a small bedroom. If you keep the shelf height high on the wall, you gain storage in otherwise unused space in the bedroom while you leave the space closer to the floor open.
Baskets can be used on shelves instead of a dresser to hold folded clothes. Unlike a chest of drawers, the basket and shelf combination uses either no floor space or a much smaller space.
You can also add utility or decorative cabinets high on a wall in a small bedroom. If you add them over the bed, you can mount a reading light in the space under the cabinet. This technique is one commonly used in recreational vehicle and boat design, which serve as common examples of small sleeping areas where space is at a premium.
A caution about open shelves in earthquake prone areas should be noted. If you live in a region where temblors of any magnitude occur, you increase safety when you keep the area above the bed free from potentially falling objects.
Multipurpose Furnishings
Choose your furnishings for their ability to achieve more than one goal. Use an open table as a nightstand. Cover it with a floor-length table cover. The area underneath can then serve as storage space. Or, find a low book case, fill it with books except for the top shelf. The top shelf becomes your night table or a television stand. Another furniture piece that can lend versatility is an armoire. It can house a television or other electronics with room to spare for clothing. If you have room for a chair and ottoman, make sure the ottoman is one with storage space under the foot rest.
Employ Decorative Hooks
When bedroom space is tight, closet space is often limited. Decorative hooks can help you organize. Hooks placed on the back of a door or other bedroom area can be used for hanging purses, belts and clothes where they are easy to find and not in the way.
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Pristine and sumptuous white bedding gives a bedroom the look of a luxury hotel room.
You spend about a third of your life sleeping, so it makes sense to pamper yourself in your bedroom and splurge on luxurious furniture, bedding and decor. If your budget allows, go all out. If not, browse through magazines and home furnishing stores to get a sense of what you want to do. You can create the look of luxury without buying high-dollar items.
Instructions
1. Create a luxury bedroom design. It can be inspired by a color, a piece of art, fabric or a unique architectural feature. Your design could also be driven by a specific style, such as feng shui, modern or Moroccan.
2. Start from the bottom up by installing new flooring. A hardwood floor is durable and automatically makes a room seem more luxurious. If you prefer carpet, put in quality carpet from wall to wall. Make sure the carpet color and style will match the finished room's colors and theme. If new floors are not in the budget, give new life to an old wood floor by having it restained, or steam clean your old carpet.
3. Paint the walls. Choose colors that suit your taste and the overall theme of the space. Purple has always been linked to royalty and luxury; it coveys extravagance and wealth. White, tan, beige and other neutral colors create a clean and elegant palette and allow for pockets of other colors, such as gold or black. Black coveys sophistication, mystery and formality. Black can also be used as a background, making other colors stand out, but it should be used sparingly, as it can easily become overbearing.
4. Decide on the style of furniture. Take careful measurements of the space before you buy anything. The bed is the most important furniture piece in the room and should take priority in your budget. Frame the bed with a statement-making headboard. Next, purchase the bedside tables, dressers, armoire, chairs and vanity. Purchase complementary and well-crafted furniture pieces made from luxurious and quality woods, metals, fabrics or other materials.
5. Place each piece of furniture strategically. The room should not be crowded or stuffy; instead, it should be open and balanced, like a five-star luxury hotel room. Start with the largest pieces first, like the bed, and then arrange the armoire, dresser, tables and chairs as you work down to the smallest furnishings.
6. Use fabrics to incorporate different textures. Dress the bed with a mixture of silks, suedes and satins. Use sheets with a high thread count. Add decorative pillows to create texture and unite the color palette. Incorporate velvet in a furniture piece or a knitted texture with a throw. Use new window treatments to complement the other fabrics in the room. Full-length curtain panels made from posh fabrics can give the room a luxurious texture.
7. Accessorize the room with luxurious lighting. Choose a chandelier, table lamps, wall sconces or other unique fixtures that complement the design. Hang artwork, mirrors and framed photos to finish the look.
Tags: furniture piece, hotel room, look luxury, luxury hotel, luxury hotel room, made from
If you want to change the look and feel of your bedroom, or of your child's bedroom, you can save yourself a lot of time and hassle by first creating a bedroom floor plan on paper. This lets you rearrange the furniture as many times as you'd like, until you create the right arrangement for your style and needs, without having to the furniture.
Instructions
1. Use a tape measure to find the width of each wall of the bedroom. Do this so that when you make the floor plan, you will have measurements that will make the drawing accurate.
2. Lay a large piece of paper on a flat work surface. Use a ruler and a pencil to create a box that will represent the floor space of the bedroom by making four lines, one for each wall's width. Convert the measurement you made from feet into inches for the . For example, make a 10-by-12-inch box for a 10-by-12-foot room.
3. Use the tape measure to measure the furniture, doorways, and windows of the bedroom. Again, convert the feet to inches as in Step 2. Use these measurements when designing the paper floor plan by penciling in the items where they will fit and arranging them as you want.
4. Create several possible floor plans and furniture arrangements on separate sheets of paper. Compare your sketches to the room itself by looking around when considering, for example, what wall you want the dresser against or where you want the bed to be. Include on the floor plan anything that takes up floor space, such as children's toy boxes, chairs or TV carts. By using the scaled measurements, you can determine how everything will fit without having to move things to find out.
5. Choose the floor plan you feel works best and use it as a guide when you are ready to actually move the furniture.
A restaurant's dining room helps patrons know what to expect.
A well-designed dining room gives restaurant patrons an idea of what to expect. Rich fabrics and lush draperies connote a traditional, elegant dining room. Minimalist décor suggests a more contemporary approach. Books about designing a restaurant dining room not only address color, fabrics and lighting, they instruct readers on integrating that well-designed room with the rest of the establishment.
Bon Apetit -- Restaurant Design
"Bon Apetit -- Restaurant Design" focuses on interior design for restaurants. Using 35 restaurants from around the world as examples, the 300-page book, published in 2007, not only examines designs by top-notch firms like Hawkin/Brown and Marcel Wanders but also gives fast-food restaurants their design due. Each section is illustrated with color photography and has commentary by influential designers.
New Restaurant Design
Published in 2010, Bethan Ryder's "New Restaurant Design" has interviews with 11 interior designers, including Marcel Wanders, Patrick Joiun and Adam Tihany, and full color photographs of 45 restaurants from around the world. Among the featured eateries are Senderens in Paris, Buddakan in New York and Bon in Moscow. The 192-page book has four themed chapters: High Concept, Global Views, Modern Classic and New Baroque. Ryder is travel editor of Livingetc magazine.
Boutique Restaurants
John Riordan's 224-page "Boutique Restaurants," published in 2008, focuses on smaller dining establishments. Pulling ideas from around the world, the author explores design concepts from modern to traditional. All of the major design elements -- storefronts, lighting, furniture, wall coverings and lighting -- are covered. Full-color photographs appear throughout the book of the 34 featured restaurants, and the text contains ideas for either renovating an existing space or creating a new one.
Best Ugly
AvroKO is a design and architecture team working in New York City. Their 256-page "Best Ugly," published in 2008, celebrates a Chinese concept that holds that objects that are awkward or ungainly are frequently also beautiful. The team, designers of Public, The Stanton Social, Sapa and Odea, integrates that concept into elements in their restaurant décor from lighting fixtures to bathroom soaps. Full color photographs throughout the book illustrate AvroKO's designs from conception to completion.
Successful Restaurant Design, Third Edition
In April of 2003, Food Service Equipment Reports said, "If ever there was a one-stop shopping source for restaurant planning knowledge, the book "Successful Restaurant Design" may be it." Published in 2010, the 336-page, third edition of Regina S. Baraban and Joseph F. Durocher's book outlines the need for coordination between the front and the back of the house and includes case studies from successful restaurants. A section on sustainable design guides restaurateurs toward making their establishments green and interviews with experts provide insight into the design process.
Restaurant Planning, Design, and Construction
Jeff B. Katz's 1997 classic manual, "Restaurant Planning, Design, and Construction," guides readers along each step of the way, from planning through construction to end product. Checklists, worksheets and step-by-step instructions not only help designers create a business plan, budget and manage contractors, they provide insight into successful dining room design. The 264-page book explains coordinate planning and design and recognize areas that need follow-up after opening a restaurant.
Change the look of an old dresser with a little paint and new knobs.
If you have an old wood bedroom dresser that needs a little rejuvenation, then consider changing the entire look with a little paint and new hardware. You can purchase paint and hardware from a home refurbishing store for discounted prices. You also may need a few tools -- such as a screwdriver -- to take off the old dresser knobs and put on the new.
Instructions
1. Spread out a tarp outside on a flat surface. Place the dresser on top of the tarp.
2. Smooth the rough spots on your dresser with a little sandpaper. Because you will be painting the dresser, you do not need to worry if part of the paint already on the dresser comes off while you are sanding.
3. Brush off the residue from sanding.
4. Take off the knobs on the dresser with a screwdriver. Set aside. Pull out the drawers of the dresser and spread out on the tarp.
5. Paint the dresser in a color you like. Allow all the drawers to dry before replacing them in the dresser.
6. Place the new knobs on the dresser using the screwdriver.
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The bedroom should be a place for relaxation and romance, but all too often, it turns into a dumping ground for dirty clothes and clutter. Inappropriate decor and dull color schemes also do very little to help encourage romantic intentions. Fortunately, a few quick and relatively inexpensive changes can be made that will yield immediate, impressive results.
Clean Up the Clutter
Nothing is more unromantic than entering a room with laundry on the floor or junk piled up under the bed. Put all the laundry in a hamper and move it out of sight, either in a closet or another room. Pick up any distracting objects and store them elsewhere, too. Check under the bed. If it's being used as a storage area for junk you no longer use, move the stuff out of the room, or donate it to charity. Vacuum the carpet, dust the furniture and use fresh sheets and blankets. Taking the time to clean everything will do wonders for a room's atmosphere.
Add Some Fragrance With Candles
Scent is very powerful. The right ones can improve mood and inspire sensual feelings. The wrong ones, however, can be distracting or downright unpleasant. What smells pleasant to any given individual is a matter of personal preference. Before purchasing anything scented, it is helpful to know what you and your partner find appealing. To do this, visit a candle shop and take the time to smell a variety of products. Ask the store clerk for recommendations.
Although the perfect scent is a personal matter, there are a few good choices you can try that seem to be perfect for a romantic evening. Vanilla is a light, sweet fragrance. Cinnamon can be very sensual, and is a scent many men enjoy. Lavender creates feelings of relaxation, while orange blossom can be used to elevate mood.
Set the Mood With Lighting
Unflattering lighting is hardly helpful if a relaxing environment is the goal. Very bright overhead lights seem to point out bodily flaws. High-wattage fluorescent lighting is meant to keep people wakeful and productive. This is the opposite of the desired effect when putting together a romantic room.
Candles can serve another purpose here, besides smelling nice. The light of a flickering flame is warm and sensual, and manages to accent a body's best features. If lightbulbs are to be used, select a lower wattage, and place them in some attractive lamps. Natural light is a good choice as well, although too much of it can be harsh and glaring. This can be easily controlled with drapes or curtains.
Comforting Bedding
If you're going to spend a lot of time in bed, it makes sense to invest in a few sets of good sheets and a blanket that feels luxurious. A blanket that is too thick, thin, warm or cold can make things very uncomfortable. Likewise, old and scratchy sheets won't help.
When choosing sheets, consider investing in a few high-quality sets. Egyptian cotton is the finest type of cotton sheet available. Silk promotes sensuality, although it requires special cleaning. These sheets may be expensive, but good ones will last for years. After buying the sheets, decide if a new blanket or comforter would be beneficial. It might be a good idea to get two different blankets, one for the summer and another for winter.
Use Romantic Colors
Plain white walls can be very boring and create an atmosphere that feels sterile and uninviting. The proper use of color, however, can be the most dramatic change made to any bedroom. A fresh coat of paint is perhaps the best way to add color. If your home is rented, and painting isn't allowed, there are other options. Try tacking colored sheets of fabric on the walls, or using well-placed romantic artwork.
When deciding on a color, think bold, but not too bright. For instance, red is a very sensual color, but bright red can be overpowering. Instead, try burgundy or a brick color. Other good colors are dark blue and green. A cream color can be used effectively as an accent. Avoid using colors like pink, which is too feminine for a bedroom shared with a man, and yellow or orange, both of which are too bright and can be irritating.
Black and white tile highlights this bathroom floor.
Ceramic tile is made by firing thin clay blocks in a kiln at high heat to harden them. Generally, they are glazed to create a variety of colors, designs and textures. Ceramic tile is durable and reasonably priced. It is easy to clean and doesn't harbor germs, which makes it a perfect material for bathrooms. With a little guidance and some practice, you can probably install ceramic tile in your bathroom yourself, saving the cost of a professional installer.
Instructions
1. Study decorating books featuring bathroom design. Clip pictures from decorating magazines of the type of bathroom that appeals to you. If you're looking for a casual country style, try publications like "County Living." If contemporary d cor is more to your taste, magazines like "Elle" and "Architectural Digest" will interest you.
2. Visit home improvement stores or stores that are devoted only to different types of tile for floors, walls and outdoor use. These specialty stores often have sample rooms in a variety of styles and sizes set up to give you an idea what different kinds of tile might look like in your bathroom.
3. Evaluate the bathroom's features. Look your bathroom's lighting. Choose light-colored tile for a bathroom that doesn't have a lot of natural light, or compensate with artificial light if you desire darker tiles.
In rooms that have a lot of , you may decide on darker tiles, but natural light will also enhance lighter color schemes like light blue tiles on the floor and white or a complementary pastel on the walls, giving your bathroom a sunny vibe.
Measure your bathroom. If it is a small space, choose small tiles. A large space can accommodate larger tiles that would overwhelm a small bathroom.
4. Buy tiles that best suit the d cor you have decided on. For example, small, black-and-white floor tiles paired with larger, rectangular subway tiles on the walls and a pedestal sink and claw-foot tub give your bathroom a style reminiscent of the Victorian era. Red travertine on the floor and smooth white tile lining the wall of a walk-in shower is more contemporary. Ceramic tiles in pastel greens and pinks trimming the walls and vanity evoke a bathroom that is directly from the 1950s.
The should complement the rest of the bathroom design, while accommodating the needs of the primary user. Use the shower design to continue the theme or design of the bathroom, while including elements such as body sprays and multifunction shower heads to enhance its use.
Instructions
Continuing the Bathroom Design
1. When designing a shower, begin by taking into consideration the size of the shower and the size of the bathroom. A small shower can still be functional, but lots of decorative tiles, multiple shower heads and wire baskets can make the space seem busy and confused. Tailoring the design to the size of the space helps provide a cohesive design element.
2. Match the shower tile colors and materials to those used in the rest of the bathroom. If the bathroom and shower are small, visually enlarge the bathroom by using the same color and material from the bathroom floor throughout the space. Simply change the sizes of the material to two-inch tiles for the shower floor to accommodate the pitch of the drain and six-inch tiles for the shower walls for additional interest.
If the bathroom is large, choose tiles in the shower that complete the bathroom theme, such as subway tiles on the shower walls with a traditional mosaic pattern on the floor. Pick up a border of mosaics in the shower to finish the design.
Pull any accent colors used in the shower from the vanity top to tie the shower with the rest of the bathroom design.
3. If possible, ensure that the shower valve matches the style of the faucets used in the bathroom. This includes not only the metal finish of the valve, but also the handle style and escutcheon rings. Style elements in the bathroom should be repeated wherever possible, including in the finishes of metal.
4. Customize the shower system with performance shower elements, if desired. These include a hand shower for ease of cleaning, body sprays for massage and a multifunction shower head.
Install a thermostatic shower valve, rather than a traditional pressure balancing valve, for personalized settings and ultimate control over the temperature of the water and the force of volume from each spray site.
5. Install preformed niches into the shower before tiling for additional storage space, as well as additional design elements. Tile the back of a niche with an accent color of a decorative tile, such as glass mosaics for a pop of color. If using a specialty material on the shower floor, repeat it in the niche to complete the design.
6. Install a shower door to visually enlarge the bathroom and show off the finished shower design. Look for shower glass that is exceptionally clear, rather than glass that has a green tint, to show off specialty tile to the best advantage.
No matter how big or small the makeover, planning is the key to perfection.
The bathroom and the kitchen are the two most functional rooms in the home. They are also the two rooms that can make or break the sale of a property. Due to the cost of a complete bathroom renovation, an outdated bathroom is likely to put off potential buyers. It is, however, possible to transform your bathroom without a complete refit. Whether you're planning on selling or not, giving the bathroom a makeover will create a fresh new space that encourages relaxation.
Instructions
1. Research the estimated costs for your bathroom makeover. This allows you to determine the total cost of the project. According to Homewyse.com, you should limit the total cost of the project to 1.5 percent of the home's total value, after the project is completed.
2. Determine the color scheme and style of the bathroom. If you plan to sell the property, opt for a neutral color scheme. Neutrals are considered "inoffensive" colors -- meaning they rarely produce a strong negative reaction. Not everyone will appreciate bold, strong colors. While one person may love red, another may hate it. Neutrals solve this problem.
3. Maintain the same overall style in the bathroom as the rest of the house. If your house is minimal and modern, an ornate and elaborate vintage-style bathroom will look out of place, and vice versa.
4. Include flexible lighting in your makeover. While you want good, strong light for activities such as putting on makeup and shaving, a softer light is required for a relaxing soak in the tub. This can be achieved without extensive work by adding an item such as a bathroom mirror light.
5. Determine where you can save money and still update and alter the look of the bathroom. For example: Repaint the tiles instead of replacing them; reglaze the tub rather than purchasing a new one; and regrout to create a fresh new look.
6. Draw a simple floor plan of the bathroom on graph paper and mark down the position of the door, windows and fixtures. This allows you to work out exactly what space you have available.
7. Use your floor plan to calculate if you have the space for upgrading part or all of the bathroom suite. If you have dead space on both sides of the sink, for example, a double sink is useful as well as appealing to potential buyers. If the budget does not stretch to a new suite, replacing the faucets will make a huge difference to the bathroom without making a huge dent in the allocated budget.
8. Aim to add as much built-in storage as possible. This negates the need for free-standing storage and clears surfaces for a clutter-free look. If built-in storage is not an option due to lack of space or monetary restrictions, plan to replace or repaint cabinet doors and fit new handles.
9. Update an old-fashioned bathroom by replacing dated items with more modern alternatives. Replace the radiator with a heated towel rail, for example.
Tags: bathroom without, built-in storage, color scheme, cost project, create fresh, floor plan
Digital and mechanical bathroom scales both serve to monitor weight loss and gain, although digital scales display fractions of a pound for those who want to be very precise.
Measurement
Digital bathroom scales produce a numeric readout which displays on a small screen located on the front of the scale. Mechanical bathroom scales have a needle which adjusts itself to a person's weight once the scale has been stepped on.
Limits
scales generally have a fixed weight limit lower than that of digital scales, meaning that those exceeding a certain weight would not see an accurate depiction of their weight.
Power
Digital bathroom scales operate using a small lithium battery, while mechanical scales do not require anything to power them.
Design
Both digital and mechanical bathroom scales are available in virtually any color and design.
Perks
Digital scales often feature added perks, such as body fat percentage readout and user memorization. Mechanical scales are used solely to display weight.
Bathroom vent fans help remove moisture from the room.
With age, a bathroom vent fan can get noisy or simply quit working. When that happens, you have a few options. You can live with a nonworking or noisy fan, replace the motor of the current fan, or replace the entire unit. If your fan has always been loud, now is your chance to replace it with a quieter, more efficient unit. This project can be completed in less than a day with supplies available at home improvement or hardware stores.
Instructions
1. Drape drop cloths over the fixtures and floor of the bathroom. This will save time when it comes to clean up.
2. Turn off the power. Even though many vent fans use a basic appliance plug, the insulation on the wires may be cracked or worn away. This can cause an electrical shock. Bring in a work light so you can see what you are doing.
3. Remove the grille of the vent. These grilles may be held on with screws or with pressure springs. Put on your safety glasses while doing this, as dirt or other debris may fall into your eyes.
4. Remove the fan assembly and unplug the fan. Remove the housing assembly if you are installing a different kind of fan than the original. If you are doing a direct swap, you can leave the housing in place.
5. Insert the new housing and screw it into place. Attach the new housing to the vent line. The vent line is held in place with either a screw-tightened clamp or with aluminum tape. Install the new fan assembly and plug it in. Turn on the electricity so you can test the fan. Once the fan tests out as working properly, reattach the grille.
Replacing linoleum in a bathroom will add a fresh new look to the room, especially if the old linoleum is worn, damaged or moldy. This large project will take a few days to complete. The bathroom will not be usable during much of the removal and installation, but the results will be worth the work and inconvenience.
Instructions
Remove Old Linoleum
1. Remove baseboards around the perimeter of the room, using a flat pry bar. Write the location for each piece of trim on the back of the trim with a pencil or thin marker. Remove vents with a screwdriver.
2. Remove linoleum by cutting it into strips with a and peeling the linoleum off the floor in sections. Avoid the toilet area as long as possible so the toilet can be used as long as possible. It will have to be taken out to finish removing the old linoleum and install the new linoleum.
3. Scrape the remaining adhesive off the underlayment with a paint scraper or scraper equipped with a razor blade. Remove caulk around the tub with a razor blade.
4. Replace damaged sections of the subfloor if there are moldy areas or the surface is unlevel after removing the old linoleum and cleaning off the remaining glue. Cut out the damaged sections with a wood chisel and a hammer.
5. Measure the thickness of the existing underlayment with a tape measure. Measure each area that was removed. Cut a piece of new underlayment to fit in each space with a hand saw. Install the new underlayment pieces by nailing in flat-head flooring nails with a hammer around the edges of each piece. Sink the heads of the nails slightly below the surface of the underlayment.
6. Cover the head of each nail and the seams with floor leveler applied with a spackle blade. Apply floor leveler to all areas in the remaining underlayment until the surface is level and provides a flat base for the new linoleum.
Remove Toilet
7. Turn off the water supply to the toilet. Flush the toilet to drain as much water from the tank as possible. Use a towel or rag to blot out remaining water.
8. Disconnect the water supply line from the base of the toilet tank with a wrench or pliers. Remove the bolts at the base of the bowl that secure the toilet in position with a wrench or pliers.
9. Lift the toilet out of position and place out of the bathroom. Push a rag into the toilet drain to prevent waste gases from entering the room while you work on the floor.
10. Remove the remaining linoleum and glue from around the toilet area. Replace underlayment as needed.
Install New Linoleum
11. Create a cutting template with heavy kraft paper. Place sections of the heavy paper around the perimeter of the room and use a utility knife to cut out obstacles. Tape all of the sections together as needed. Place a larger piece across the center of the floor and tape it to all the pieces around the perimeter. Tape all seams together to prevent pieces of the template from falling off the sheet.
12. Unroll the new linoleum in a space that is flat and large enough to work on the entire sheet of linoleum for the bathroom. Allow the linoleum to acclimate to room temperature before cutting.
13. Roll up the kraft paper template and unroll the template onto the linoleum. Tape the kraft paper template onto the linoleum. Align the edges with the pattern as desired for the best results. Vacuum the underlayment thoroughly.
14. Cut the linoleum along the edges of the template with a sharp utility knife. Place a straight edge on the lines on the template and hold the blade of the knife against the straight edge while cutting. Cut out around pipes and the toilet opening carefully.
15. Roll the linoleum from the opposite side of the longest wall in the bathroom with the fewest obstructions. Move the linoleum into the bathroom and position so the edge of the linoleum is aligned with the wall chosen for the starting point.
16. Apply glue to the underlayment with a trowel in 3- to 4-foot sections. Unroll the linoleum to the edge of each section and apply another section of glue. Continue installing on the entire bathroom floor.
17.Roll all bubbles out of the underneath of the linoleum, using a flooring roller and starting from the center of the room, and press the linoleum flat on the glue. Wipe up excess glue from the edges with paper towels. Allow the newly installed linoleum to cure for 24 hours before reinstalling the toilet, baseboards and vents. Install a new wax ring when replacing the toilet.
Tags: around perimeter, kraft paper, underlayment with, utility knife, around perimeter room
Setting up a dining area in your condo can present a challenge in the limited space. Choosing furnishings that fit is only part of your condo dining room design. Other elements, such as decor and layout, will affect how spacious your condo dining area feels and how usable it is when you have guests or family assembled for meals.
Use the Wall
Traditional dining room decor places the table at the center of the room, maximizing the seating space around every side. Unless you truly need each seat, get a long, narrow table to sit against one wall. Arrange one chair at each end and two or more chairs or benches along the side opposite the wall. The chairs on the ends will help the space feel more conversational than a straight line of seats in a bar-type layout as well as allow for a bit more elbow room. Place tall artwork on the wall above the table, starting at eye level for those seated opposite the wall, which keeps the space interesting whether you're sitting at the table or standing elsewhere in the room. Add wall sconce lighting or candle holders for a more formal dining experience.
Convertible Space
Maximize your condo's dining area by turning it into a multipurpose space. A drop-leaf table will add floor space, especially if you can push the table off to one side when not in use. Bench seating will also keep the space clear during non-meal times if it is stackable. If you'd rather keep the dining room layout but still want to multipurpose the area, use storage benches for seating so you can store items within them. Use bookshelves as your table supports, and place office supplies in the benches for a dining room and office in one, or place a tabletop on closed cabinets to store toys, kitchen supplies or general use items you want to keep handy.
Light Design
Glass tables will open up the space and add a touch of class, especially when coupled with modern pendant light fixtures overhead and wall sconces for enhanced atmosphere. Choose light colored or transparent tableware and vases and place delicate flowers as centerpieces. Even without a full size formal dining room, mealtimes will feel like special occasions. Select sleek, modern-style chairs in solid colors to go with your glass table, and decorate the walls with small mirrors and metal objects that will glint in indirect light.
Tags: dining room, your condo, dining area, your condo dining, condo dining
A girl's bedroom furniture does not always have to be painted in traditional pink.
A desert oasis. A space ship. A design studio, theater stage or secret laboratory. A girl's bedroom is whatever she needs it to be. A girl's should reflect her personality and her dreams. Painting girls' furniture used to mean pink and white and flowers, but we have all grown past those rigid rules. The only criteria that matters these days is that the paint be durable and versatile enough to grow with your girl.
Instructions
1. Ask the girl in question what color she would like her furniture to be. If she is very young, you may need to make this decision or accept ending up with a room full of polka dots or neon purple. If she does choose a wild color, try to incorporate that in the room through curtains or other accessories.
2. Place drop cloths over your work surface to catch any drips.
3. Take the drawers out of dressers and the doors off of night stands, if there are any. Remove the pulls from the drawer fronts and the hinges from the doors and put them in a safe place if you intend to re-use them.
4. Put warm water in a bucket and add 3 to 4 squirts of a de-greasing dish detergent. Stir it around with your hand to mix it thoroughly.
5. Wet a clean, lint-free shop cloth in the solution and wring it out. Wash the furniture, making sure to remove all grit and grease from the surfaces. Let the furniture air dry completely.
6. Sand the furniture with 80-grit sandpaper. This should be enough to remove, or at least smooth out, any old paint or varnish. Wipe away all of the sanding dust with a clean shop cloth. If you are working on wood furniture, sand with the grain. For laminate and unpainted metal furniture, skip this step and go directly to step 8.
7. Use 120-grit sandpaper to finish smoothing out the surfaces that will be painted. Wipe away the sanding dust.
8. Paint on the primer. Make sure the primer you purchase is made for the surface you are painting and compatible with enamel paint. A roller and sponge brushes make for a much smoother application, but read the label on the primer can. Some primers demand bristle brushes.
9. Let the primer dry according to the manufacturer's recommendation. Do not cut back on the suggested drying time because you may not get the finish you want if you try to paint over damp primer.
10. Paint the furniture with enamel paint that is formulated for wood or metal. This is a little more expensive than latex paint, but it is also much more durable and does not require a sealer. Use a roller for large, flat areas and sponge brushes to get into any little corners or decorative molding.
11. Let the enamel paint dry completely and then apply a second coat, if needed.
12. Put the drawers back in, doors back on, and re-use or replace the hardware.
Rustic style is all about incorporating outdoor accessories, such as wood and animal furs, with homey accents to achieve a cozy atmosphere in homes. Since rustic style is a combination of country and mountain lodge styles, antiques and other old-fashioned decorations mix well into rustic style homes. Rustic bedrooms are characterized by wooden furniture, cotton quilts and small, dim lamps for an overall comfortable, relaxing vibe. Aside from furniture and bedding, walls also provide focal points for displaying rustic style decorations in bedrooms.
Instructions
1. Paint the bedroom wall a rustic color, such as forest green, brick red or a variation of brown, if the wall isn't covered in wood paneling. If the wall is already covered in wood paneling or is made of logs, leave it alone for a natural rustic appearance.
2. Make the painted, paneled or natural log wall a focal point in the bedroom. Mount a wicker, iron or wood headboard on the wall to add more rustic appeal. Accentuate the rustic headboard with a patchwork quilt or wool blanket on the bed.
3. Mount small antler lamps on the wall next to the headboard to provide a cozy lodge vibe. Install one lamp on each side of the headboard for balance.
4. Gather four small or medium size photos or paintings of rustic scenes, such as mountain landscapes, wild animals, evergreen trees or log cabins, in wood frames. Hang these photos in a square or rectangular cluster on the wall above the headboard. Position two of the pictures directly above the other two pictures for a balanced focal point on the wall.
5. Hang linen or cotton curtains from wood, iron or antler curtain rods over windows in the wall for an extra rustic touch. Make sure the curtains' colors and prints coordinate with the colors and prints in the bedroom.
Tags: rustic style, colors prints, covered wood, paneling, focal point
To be most efficient, a closet must have spaces for every item.
An orderly, well-organized bedroom closet cuts down on the time it takes to retrieve items and get ready for the day. The best way to achieve such a closet is to have an organizational system that has enough shelves, hooks and spaces to allow everything to have its proper place.
Shelving
Keep your closet organized by installing many shelves and cubby holes. Leave enough space for all your hanging clothing, but consider separating the hanging space with a vertical row of drawers or shelves. This separates different sections of your wardrobe. Use small cubby holes and drawers for shoes.
Hooks
If you have a large collection of hats, belts, ties or scarves, installing hooks in your closet can be very useful. To leave wall space free for shelves or drawers, install the hooks on the back of the closet door or even around the closet door frame.
Extra Rods
In part of your closet, install a second closet rod under the first closet rod, about halfway to the floor. Store your shirts on the original rod and store pants and skirts on the bottom rod. Don't let the bottom rod run the entire length of the original rod; you still need some room to hang full-length items. If you have a particularly tall closet, place a third rod above the original rod, close to the ceiling. This rod can be used for clothing that is out of season or infrequently worn.
A graceful chandelier highlights this dining room.
Your dining room may be a place where your family gathers to eat meals together and enjoy quality time or it might be reserved for holidays and other special occasions. But if it is beginning to look a little lackluster around the edges, think about ways to bring it up-to-date. One possibility is to change or polish the room's decorating theme.
Mediterranean
This decor style draws its colors from nature. Warm shades such as olive green, pear yellow and dove white, think Tuscan farmhouse, warm your dining room walls. Punches of red in linens, dishware and accessories bring the room to life. A rectangular table, stained mahogany with copper accents, brings to mind a Spanish hacienda. Surround it with leather high-backed chairs and couple it with a matching sideboard featuring hand-carved doors and copper pulls. Anchor the room with an Oriental carpet and accessorize with copper and wrought iron wall accents and tapestry wall hangings.
Contemporary
A dining room in a contemporary theme is all about clean lines, sleekly designed furniture and minimal but effective accessories. If you are looking for a sophisticated space, choose the uncluttered, monochromatic look of modern decor. A table finished in shiny black surrounded by sleek, low backed matching chairs centers the room. Place three sculptural glass vases of different heights off center in ascending order as a minimal centerpiece. Leave them empty or put a single white flower in each. A vintage Danish modern sideboard adds a Scandinavian flair that is quintessentially contemporary. Light gray walls are the perfect backdrop for a large, art deco painting.
English Country
Creating an English country theme in your dining room is easy if you picture an English country home a little down at the heels where things are refurbished rather than thrown out. Consider floral wallpaper or a white or pale pink wall stenciled in a floral motif as a backdrop for the room. Wood plank floors warmed by a vintage hooked or Oriental area rug will anchor a polished antique oak rectangular table with turned legs surrounded by high-back dining chairs upholstered in a tapestry brocade fabric. Add an antique pine sideboard topped with a rustic linen runner. Set the table for tea with mismatched china cups and saucers in floral designs in the same color palette. Add a vintage lace table cloth centered by a crystal vase filled with hydrangeas or roses.
Modern Country
A modern country dining room has an uncluttered, eclectic feel. Consider an antique pine farm table coupled with chairs from a vintage diner and lit by pendant lights with tin shades. Center the table with a copper weather vane. Pottery dishware and silverware with brightly colored plastic handles make an interesting pairing. Substitute a drop leaf table with peeling paint for a side board. Feature a few first-class examples of folk art rather than displaying an entire collection. Dress the windows with vintage flea market drapes in a floral pattern.
Tags: dining room, table with, with copper, antique pine, , rather than, rectangular table
Reupholster the dining chair to give your dining room an instant appearance change.
Not only can reupholstering a dining room chair extend its life, but it can give your dining room a new and up-to-date design without the hassle of purchasing a new set of dining room chairs. One of the most important things to note when you reupholster a dining room chair is to find the correct fabric and cushion appropriate to that chair. Contact your local craft store on suggestions for the best fabrics and cushions to use on your chair.
Instructions
1. Examine the chair closely, noting the details of the chair such as the fabric that covers the seat and any embellishments that adorn the chair. Look to see how the fabric can be removed. Note whether the fabric and embellishments are sewn, glued or stapled together.
2. Remove the cushion from the chair (if it is removable). Pry the fabric loose from the seat. Use staple removers or scissors for a gentle fabric-removal process. Remove any buttons or embellishments by hand and place them in a container so that they won't get lost.
3. Measure the dimensions of the seat with measuring tape. Measure the fabric. Add an additional two inches on each side of the fabric so that it can fit snugly underneath the seat cushion. Consider repurchasing a foam cushion to go under the new fabric if it is worn. Use the seat's length and width dimensions only to choose an appropriate foam size.
4. Apply the foam cushion to the seat first. Trim down any excess material with a serrated knife to make it fit. Cover the seat temporarily with the new fabric---make sure that it fits snugly over and underneath the cushion. Use sharp sheers to trim it down to size if need be.
5. Position the new covering to be taut and free from wrinkles or sags. Do not apply the fabric to the cushion too tight as it can be susceptible to future fabric tears. Situate the fabric's pattern so that it is facing the correct direction. Pull the fabric covering off for repositioning if you are not satisfied with the fit.
6. Use a staple gun or metal tacks to secure the replacement fabric onto the cushion once you are satisfied with the fit. Staple the fabric only on the bottom areas of the seat cushion where it is not visible. Secure the fabric down in the same fashion the old fabric was secured to the cushion.
7. Secure the cushion back on the chair. Replace buttons or other embellishments (if needed with the new fabric) with fabric glue. Allow the glue to dry for 24 hours before using the chair.
Tags: dining room, dining room chair, fabric cushion, fabric that, foam cushion, give your
Black and red are very bold and striking colors. Don't let this stop you from using these colors to decorate your bedroom. A black and red painted bedroom can be very inviting and luxurious when done correctly. A good design plan will help you paint a black and red bedroom that you will love.
Instructions
1. Spend some time looking at different shades of red paint for the walls of your room. Red paint comes in many different shades and may be on the pink side, a bit orange, bright like blood or dark like bricks. The key is to pick a shade of red paint that you are comfortable with. A darker red color like cranberry or burgundy will create a relaxing blend when paired with black. Brighter shades of red will add contrast and excitement.
2. Use black as your accent color. Black paint has the ability to add drama to a room when used in the right places to accessorize your main color. Consider painting wood furniture black, adding a black chair rail, installing a black marble top to your dressers, using a black area rug or adding a black stenciled design to create an accent wall. You can also use black picture frames on the walls and use bedding and window treatments with black trim.
3. Don't eliminate white. One of the biggest mistakes make when decorating a bedroom in black and red is to eliminate the color white from the room. By adding white trim to your red and black color scheme, you are using what is considered to be the most romantic color palette. Using traditional white paint on the trim in your red and black room will help to define the bones of the room and prevent the red and black from being too overwhelming.
4. Save yourself some time and effort by choosing a paint and primer in one product. There was a time when, if painting a room in black and/or red, you had to use tinted primer before painting the wall. New paint formulations, however, have made painting bold colors easier. Some paints to consider are BEHR Permium Plus Ultra paint or Kilz Casual Colors.
Tags: adding black, bedroom black, different shades, some time, trim your, trim your black
Every teenage girl needs a space for herself, an area where she can write in her journal, hang out with her friends, and talk on the phone. Decorate her room in way that expresses her personality and individuality, through artwork, pictures, paint colors and even bedding. Inexpensive updates, such as new lamp shades, rugs and posters, can make a big difference in a room. Mix store-bought items with homemade arts and crafts to show creativity and create a private sanctuary for your teenage girl.
Instructions
1. Update your teen's room by letting her pick her favorite paint colors. If you would like to do something a little less drastic, pick out a border to go around the top of the wall; let your teen choose the design that best fits her personality. You can also stencil favorite words and phrases over neutral white or cream walls. If your teen is very artistic, allow her to paint a mural over her bedroom walls.
2. Add drama and excitement to your teen's bedroom using light fixtures. Replace worn lampshades with pretty, beaded versions for an inexpensive decor update. Hang Chinese paper lanterns from the ceiling to add a fun vibe to the room.
3. Replace your teen's bedding for an instant update. Buy a comforter and sheet set, or mix and match patterns. Stripes and polka dots are popular designs among teen girls, as are bold flower patterns. Replace a childish headboard with a sleeker, more mature one.
4. Replace furniture that your teen has outgrown with items that she can use throughout her college years and beyond. Invest in a sturdy computer desk and a comfortable, ergonomic chair. If she needs more closet space, buy a wardrobe or a chest, which she can use to store her high school memorabilia in later.
5. Decorate 's room with a theme, according to her hobbies and interests. If she is a nature lover, create a rain forest-themed room complete with live plants and posters highlighting her favorite environmental causes and organizations. If your teen is artistic, choose a handmade quilt for her bed, and decorate with various arts and crafts from vintage shops. Set up an artist's easel so that she can create art in her own private space.
Tags: your teen, arts crafts, Bedroom Teenage, , create private, Decorate Bedroom
Shabby chic style is a fun and affordable approach to home decorating. The interior design technique utilizes decorative pieces that have an aged look to them. Home furnishings like distressed tables, French linens and worn cabinets convey a provincial farmhouse feel. Create a bedroom with homespun charm by following the guidelines below.
Instructions
1. Evaluate your bedroom space to determine how you'll achieve shabby chic style. Figure out how you'll assimilate new items and transform the existing space.
2. Begin selecting items for your room. The best place to find timeworn treasures is thrift stores and flea markets. Also peruse garage and estate sales for items with a true sense of history. Select functionally sound items that show signs of age like tables with pealing layers of paint and primitive wooden shelves.
3. Work with furniture you already own to give it a worn look. Sand wooden tables, white wash dressers and distress other items to make them look aged. Check out various painting techniques that create a tatty yet tasteful appearance.
4. Hang embroidered flower artwork, antique mirrors, old family photos or any decorative wall accent that conveys cottage charm. Consider frames made of alley wood to develop the rustic feel.
5. Dress up your bed. Use a hand made or chenille quilt, soft linens and an assortment of pillows to create a cute and comfortable bed ensemble. Continue the shabby chic theme through the use of a wrought iron or rustic wood headboard.
6. Install light and airy window treatments. Hang sheers, cotton eyelet fabric or lace to add farmhouse flair.
7. Remember the details. Incorporate plenty of delicate glass knick knacks into the bedroom decor. Hang a crystal chandelier and scatter glass vases, candle holders and cherished mementoes around the room to add personality and charm.
A small bedroom can appear spacious with just a few design tricks.
Decorating a small bedroom can be a challenge. You want the room to be a warm and inviting refuge without feeling cramped. Yet, even in a seldom-used guest bedroom, you need functionality--a place to sleep; storage for clothing, shoes and bedding; a drawer for your book; and reading glasses. If the room is for a child or a teen, you may even need a desk for homework and a sitting area for kicking back with friends. How do you design it all in a 10-foot-square space?
Open Up with Light Colors
Dark colors play a visual trick on the eye, bringing the walls closer and making the bedroom seem even smaller. To make the room appear larger, use lighter colors like pale earth tones of similar intensities on the floor and walls. Select, for example, taupe or beige carpeting with lighter blues, greens or lavender on the walls---just keep colors in the middle range. Paint trim and moldings either the same or lighter colors. A white ceiling reflects light to open up the room even more. If you prefer bright, intense colors in your bedroom, use your favorites for furniture, accessories and accent decor.
The Mirror Trick
Mirrors have a functional as well as a design role in a small bedroom. Position a mirror near or adjacent to a window to trick the eye with an image of the outdoors. Also, because mirrors reflect light, they illuminate darker areas in the bedroom and make it look bigger. Large mirrors work well in small spaces. Also, you can include mirrored closet doors in your design.
Presto-Chango Furniture
Furniture should have multiple uses; for example, a platform bed with built-in drawers or a Murphy bed with a fold out workspace. If you are decorating a child's bedroom, use a loft bed with a desk or cozy seating area underneath. A bench with a hinged top provides a convenient place to sit as well as storage for extra pillows, blankets or even toys.
Small-Scale Furniture
When decorating a small bedroom, look for slender and open designs in your furnishings rather than solid, overstuffed pieces. Keep furniture to a minimum. Scandinavian and Danish styles with sleek lines work best.
Off the Floor
Allocate floor space reluctantly. Elevate whatever you can. For example, use small wall shelves stained or painted to coordinate with your bed in place of nightstands. Hang a small basket or two from the wall or ceiling for storage of colorful items like scarves, ties or bangles, turning your accessories into decor. Forgo floor lamps and hang track lighting in a style that complements your design theme.
Expand the Wardrobe
Small bedrooms tend to get messy when there isn't enough storage space. Even if you can't afford a fancy closet organizing system, you can add more storage to your closet with ready-to-use shelving or even inexpensive boards and brackets purchased at the hardware store. If you are lucky enough to have high ceilings, there may be unused space above the top shelf in your closet. Is there dead space between the bottom of your shirts and the floor? Add a shelf or buy tiered hangers. When the closet is used efficiently, you may need less drawer space in the bedroom.
Tags: small bedroom, lighter colors, your closet, your design
Consider an overhead bathroom fan with a heater, to keep the room toasty.
Bathroom exhaust fans are meant to draw moisture out of the room and into the outside to help combat possible moisture damage such as mold. This is a nice feature, but taking the warm moist air out of the room doesn't help keep you warm after a shower. Consider replacing the fan with a fan and heater combination so that you can remove the moisture and keep the room warm.
Instructions
1. Turn the power off to the bathroom, by flipping the breaker switch that is associated with it.
2. Pop the fan cover off of the unit. It typically is just snapped on and can be pried off with your fingers. If it is held on by screws, you will need to use a screwdriver.
3. Remove the motor of the old unit to get to the wiring. Use a screwdriver to detach it. Once it is loose, you will need to unplug the wiring harness that is attached to it. Simply pull it out. Using a non-contact voltage tester, verify there is no power present by inserting the tester into the motor plug with the wall switch on.
4. Unscrew the plate that holds the bundle of wires using the same screwdriver.
5. Untwist the wires from the motor plug.
6. Slide the fan housing to the side so that you can get to the bracket screws that hold it to the ceiling joists. If you have access to the ceiling area above the bathroom, then this can be done more easily from above. Unscrew the brackets and pull the fan housing out.
7. Slip the new fan and heater housing into the hole. Make sure to slip the house wiring through the hole in the housing as you are sliding it into the ceiling. If you need to make the hole bigger, use a jigsaw to widen the hole.
8. Slide the housing to one side between the ceiling joists and extend the bracket until it touches the joist. Drill screws through the bracket holes and into the joists. Slide the housing to the other side to do the same on the other joist. The brackets slide in and out to extend and shorten, which allows you to do this. Again, if you can get to the ceiling area above the bathroom, this step can be performed from there with greater ease.
9. Seal around the fan housing with caulk if it is smaller than the original hole.
10. Unscrew the motor to get to the wiring so that you can connect it to the house wiring. Unplug the wiring harness.
11. Unscrew the wiring plate to get to the wires that you inserted into the top of the housing. Pull the wires out and attach them to the wiring harness that is to be plugged into the motor. Twist the white neutral wire to the white wire on the wiring harness and the green or copper ground wire to the same on the wiring harness. Finally, attach the black live wire to the black and blue wires. Wrap electrical tape around the wires where they are connected and twist on the wire nuts.
12. Slip the excess wires behind the plate and screw it back in place.
13. Plug the wires into the motor and attach the motor to the housing with a screwdriver.
14. Snap the cover on the fan/heater and turn the power back on.
Tags: wiring harness, into motor, Slide housing, above bathroom, area above
The first step in decorating a master bedroom is selecting a wall color. While unfinished wood walls are a great choice, this will only make the room look smaller if it is small. White walls fit the country theme and add the appearance of more room. If white seems too dull, light shades of similarly bright colors, such as pale green, soft lavender or a creamy rose hue, will all suit a small country bedroom.
Flooring Choice
The ideal flooring choice for a country bedroom is wood or laminate with a wood appearance. Any color or style of wood flooring will look great. For a small master bedroom, whitewashed wood or laminate floors will make the room look more spacious. The whitewashing also provides an antique farmhouse appeal. Scatter several throw rugs, especially braided or otherwise handmade rugs, on the floor.
Lighting Selection
Lighting provides ambiance to a room and is functional as well. Seek out two types of lighting for a small, country bedroom. Bedside lamps will provide task lighting for reading and other undertakings. Look for small table lamps resembling lanterns, or wood lamp bases with gingham fabric lampshades. Wall sconces that look like candles or a diminutive Tiffany-style ceiling fixture will light the entire room. Avoid big, bulky light fixtures in a small room.
Finding Furnishings
Selecting furniture for a country style is more fun than it is a chore. Country decor allows for an eclectic mixture of old and new, wood and metal. A wood, brass or wrought iron four-poster bed looks just right in a country bedroom. Shop for a full or queen bed, as a king size bed will overwhelm a small room. Dressers, chests and nightstands can be unfinished wood of any type, although wood painted white looks charming as well. In a small room, avoid too many oversize pieces. Instead, shop for items that serve two purposes, such as a quilt chest with a padded lid that also works as a bench seat.
Final Touches
Top off a country style master bedroom with quilts hung on the wall or draped over furnishings. Floral, checked or gingham throw pillows add interest and comfort as well. Rather than cluttering up dressers with knickknacks, set a simple vase of fresh cut wildflowers or daisies on the nightstand.
Tags: country bedroom, master bedroom, small room, country style, Decorating Small, Decorating Small Country, make room
Upholstered chairs make a statement in the dining room.
Dining room chairs covered with fabric generally are referred to as upholstered chairs. Sometimes the entire chair is upholstered, but more commonly fabric only covers the seat.
Types
Dining room chairs can be covered in a variety of fabrics, from vinyl and leather to damask and velvet. The style of the chair often dictates the type of upholstery. For instance, a bright cotton chintz fabric suits a casual farm chair in a breakfast nook, while velvet is more appropriate for a formal dining armchair.
Considerations
It's more difficult to clean upholstered dining chairs than regular dining chairs. If young children live in the home, easy-to-clean vinyl upholstery is a practical choice. For more formal chairs, consider a washable slipcover to protect the finer upholstery.
Benefits
Upholstered chairs add color and pattern to a room, and the fabric can help tie together other accessories in the space. Chairs, particularly those with only upholstered seats, are fairly simple for a handy homeowner to reupholster when it's time to update the decor.
Plan out furniture purchases in advance to make sure it all fits.
Moving into a one-bedroom apartment can represent either a step up, if you're moving on your own for the first time, or an exercise in downsizing if you currently live in a larger area. Most one-bedroom apartments include the bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen and a living/dining room. There are certain must-have items for each room that will make your life functional and comfortable in your one-bedroom apartment.
Bedroom
The No. 1 piece of furniture in your bedroom is the bed. It's usually the centerpiece of the room, and the piece of furniture that takes up the most space. If you're living alone, you can consider any bed from a twin to king-sized. If you're living with a partner, you'll need a minimum double bed. You'll also need storage for clothing and other items. This could include a dresser or a chest of drawers. If you have a walk-in closet, you may wish to put your clothes storage furniture in the closet to save room. Other bedroom furniture could include a nightstand and desk and chair. Buy at least one lamp if you don't have overhead lighting. You also may wish to have a mirror, possibly full-length, clothing hooks for the back of the door, a shoe rack and book shelves. Remember to purchase window treatments if your bedroom windows do not come with shades.
Bathroom
Most bathroom items are personal rather than furniture. The items you'll need depend on your individual set up. For example, some bathrooms do not come equipped with toothbrush or toilet paper holders. You'll need a shower curtain and liner if they are not provided. You also many wish to purchase a floor mat, toilet seat cover, storage for toiletries, a towel rack and soap and shampoo storage, such as bath shelves, that can be used installed in the shower. Think about your daily bathing routine to determine what else you'll need -- for instance, a hair dryer or curling item if you regularly use these items. You also may want to purchase a scale for the bathroom.
Kitchen
Outfitting a kitchen also is based on personal preferences. Enthusiastic cooks will naturally have more pots and pans, while someone who often orders out may not want a full cookware set. The basic necessities include sauce pans of various sizes with lids, a skillet and pots in . Buy a knife block that has several sizes of knives, plus extra items such as kitchen shears. Dishware should include large plates and soup bowls, at minimum. Consider adding salad dishes as well. Flatware sets will provide forks, spoons and knives in a basic set; larger sets usually offer two sizes of spoons and forks. You'll serving utensils, including solid and slotted spoons, a spatula and tongs. Your kitchen should also include glasses -- possibly in several sizes from large glasses to juice and rock glasses -- and mugs. For serving dishes, such as bowls and platters, look for oven- and microwave-safe items. Your apartment likely will come with its own refrigerator, but you'll probably need to purchase other everyday appliances, such as a coffee maker, toaster and microwave.
Living and Dining Area
The configuration of your apartment will determine how extensively you can outfit your living and dining area. Some apartments have enough room for a dining room table and chairs, while others are better suited for a small table or bar stools in front of a counter. You'll also need a couch, coffee table and end table. Depending on your TV size, you should buy a stand, unless you plan to mount it to wall. Your living and dining area usually will benefit from extra light from lamps, and you may need to purchase window treatments. You can also look for room in your living and dining area to install extra storage furniture, such as a china cabinet or book case.
Decorative Items
Beyond the basic furniture needed for a one-bedroom apartment, your living space will benefit from decorative touches. Consider artwork, such as a framed photos or paintings, to brighten walls. Area rugs can help protect floors, muffle noises and add splashes of color to your apartment. Vases provide a ready place to put flowers, which always brighten a room. You should also consider purchasing mirrors in various sizes. Mirrors make your living space look and feel larger.
Plan Your Space
Before moving in large pieces of furniture, measure your one-bedroom apartment and draw rough floor layouts. Measure the furniture you plan to move into the apartment and arrange it on the paper. This will help you figure out if the items can fit into the apartment and will make your move-in run smoother. Also, measure your entryways, stairwells, elevator size and hallways to ensure that large items, such as beds, can fit through the openings.
Tags: one-bedroom apartment, also need, make your, various sizes, your living, apartment will
Your buffet top can display beautiful meals for special occasions.
Your dining room buffet (also called a credenza or armoire) holds cutlery, serving dishes and other accessories you use for entertaining. Like other clean, clear spaces in the home, the dining room buffet can easily become a haven for clutter and a base for misplaced items unrelated to dining and entertaining. You can hide your supplies with style and ensure your buffet remains clutter-free while also retaining an aesthetic of style -- if you know how.
Instructions
1. Remove everything from the top of your dining room buffet, and remove anything from the inside. Clean the buffet well and give it shine. These steps ensure you have a clean, clutter-free surface to organize your supplies.
2. Place your supplies in wood, leather, glass or brass organizational containers. Opt for a mixture of textures for a rich look, or keep it consistent with a particular style and tone. Place your entertaining supplies such as napkin rings, special dishes and bar ware in individual containers. Designate particular containers for other supplies as well. This will keep them well-hidden.
3. Use baskets to organize the interior of your dining buffet. This will on top of your dining room buffet and enable you to hide supplies on top and on bottom. Add doors to the bottom of your buffet if it does not have existing doors; doors also maximize space.
Tags: dining room, dining room buffet, room buffet, your dining, your supplies, maximize space
Minimalism is a great decorative option for a master bedroom because it lends itself to soothing serenity. Here are some objectives.
Instructions
1. Choose a simple bed - a pencil-post, plain wrought-iron or steel style. Dress the bed simply, omitting piles of pillows, frilly dust ruffles and flounced shams.
2. Select plain chests of drawers and dressers, too. Simple styling - without fancy carving and ornate drawer pulls - works best for this style.
3. Top the bedside tables with basic lamps and shades. A flat paper shade on a solid-color ginger-jar lamp works in a traditional room; in a more modern environment, go with cubes or cylinders of solid-color wood or ceramic or with a metal lamp.
4. Keep window coverings low-key. Plantation shutters or 2-inch-wide wood blinds work well, as do tab-top curtains on a wrought-iron rod.
5. Put a low-key area rug, perhaps a bound piece of pile carpet or a subtly patterned dhurrie, over a hard-surface floor. Wall-to-wall carpet is fine, but avoid layering area rugs over it.
6. Pare down tabletop clutter. Try to limit it to a pretty plate as a drop-off for keys and pocket change, an alarm clock and a tissue box.
7. Keep pictures to a minimum or you'll end up with clutter on walls and tabletops. It's better to use just a few large pictures in the room.
8. Set a single basic side chair in a handy place for putting on and taking off shoes.
Revive the claw bathtub with a fresh coat of paint.
Manufactured in the late 19th century, claw-foot bathtubs were in style until the 1930s, when built-in bathtubs became popular. Claw tubs are noted for their contoured end, the area where you recline, and the distinct claw "feet" that support the bathtub. When decorating a bathroom with a claw tub, bring in old world charm and modern finishes to create an eclectic yet functional space. Accessories and decorative accents placed around the tub enhance the space and provide a personal touch to the room.
Instructions
1. Tile the walls surrounding the subway tile. Use white subway tile to keep the space looking light and to match the white bathtub.
2. Paint the floor around the claw-foot bathtub in a bright color, like sunny yellow, to showcase an all-white bathtub. Lay a soft bathmat nearby the tub to accent the floor color.
3. Install a beaded board-backed shelf around the bathtub to keep soaps and towels handy after a long soak. Paint the beaded board a bright color like aqua or red to pop against the shelf and claw tub.
4. Paint the base and "feet" of the bathtub in a color that enhances the space. Try a shade two to three times darker than the wall color for a cohesive design. Keep the rim of the bathtub white for high contrast and dimension in the space.
5. Place a vintage-style chair next to the claw bathtub to hold towels or serve as a resting spot while getting dressed. Add a floral printed pillow over the chair for added comfort and to echo the feel of the bathroom.
6. Install a pedestal sink to complement the claw-foot bathtub. Add antique bathroom accessories like a brass towel rack to hang bathrobes and towels. Position the rack near the bathtub for easy access.
7. Hang a Victorian era mirror over the pedestal sink to give the bathroom an old-world feel. Skirt the pedestal sink in linen or damask to hide accessories and clutter. Add pleats and a shirred top for added design.
Heavily ornate items, such as scrolling and floral chandeliers, are essential to creating a Victorian bedroom.
Queen Victoria favored abundantly feminine and ornate decor during her reign in the 1800s, lending her name to what we call Victorian decor. This decor caught on and decorators still use it today for feminine or formal rooms, such as bedrooms. Decorate your bedroom in Victorian style if you want a heavily decorated, frilly space that's soft and feminine. Victorian bedrooms can work for couples as well, if you use a few neutral colors or blues to offset the frilly and floral patterns.
Instructions
1. Hang wallpaper with heavy patterns including floral, scroll or damask designs. Pink, blue, red, green and gold were popular colors during the Victorian era. If patterns are too much for you, consider painting the walls in a soft hue, such as pink, blue or ivory. Cover one wall with a simple scrolling or damask pattern.
2. Lay a colorful, intricate Oriental rug at the foot of your bed or place a series of Oriental runners around the room. Let the hardwood floors show around the edges if you have them, or cover as much of the carpet with the Oriental rugs as possible.
3. Position an ornate bed against a full wall, if possible. Victorian beds typically have intricately hand-carved wooden head and foot boards or decorative canopies. Wrought iron or brass beds also complement Victorian decor. Carved wood dressers, night tables and vanities with marble tops are ideal. Dark cherry or mahogany wood is typical of Victorian decor.
4. Hang mirrors and picture frames with gilded black or gold frames on the walls. Needlepoint pictures or ornate wall sconces are fitting as well. Consider mirrors and sconces on patterned walls and floral pictures or needlepoint on plain walls.
5. Layer lacy curtains under heavy draperies in rich fabrics and patterns, such as floral-print velvet drapes. Use valances and tiebacks with ornate tassels and corded ties. Hang the window treatments on rods with hand-carved wooden finials. Avoid covering stained glass windows, as they were quite popular during the Victorian era.
6. Cover the dresser and night tables with lacy doilies. Toss needlepoint pillows on top of the bed, and on an overstuffed chair or love seat covered with a floral pattern, if there's room. Place hand-painted lamps that boast intricate floral designs on the bed tables. Arrange your knickknacks and decorative collections on top of shelves, the vanity, dresser or any other surface you have available. Over-decorating is simply not possible with Victorian decor.
Tags: Victorian decor, during Victorian, hand-carved wooden, night tables