Rethinking a little boy's room can liven up furniture, spice up the walls and add elements of fun and functionality. Think about what you want to change about your sons room---is it too messy or could it use a stronger theme than the color blue? There are many projects from painting to creating furniture that you and your son can do together to give him the bedroom of his dreams.
Throw Some Ideas Around
Get rid of toys he doesn't play with anymore.
For a makeover in tidiness, make it fun for your boy to keep his room clean. Hang a basketball hoop over a hamper for a sports theme that will keep socks and underwear off the floor. Add several fun touches to make the room an enjoyable hangout for a little boy and a place that needs less cleaning from mom. Keep bins under the bed so that junk can't be shoved underneath and lost forever.
Give your son incentive to get rid of toys he no longer needs. Keep a large colorful bin next to the door; every time he fills it with toys to donate, give him a treat. Opt for a less tangible treat---like a day at the beach or a trip to a museum---to avoid buying more toys that will end up taking up space in the closet or on the floor.
Walls You Can Draw On
With a chalk wall, your son can color on the walls without getting in trouble.
If your boy likes to create things, consider making one wall whatever he wants it to be. You can use several affordable materials to create a wall of fun. Try Chalkboard paint. The paint turns the wall into a working chalkboard where he can write or erase messages and drawings with chalk. For a similar effect that does not involve painting, try a roll of white board paper. Available at most art supply stores and sold by the roll, this paper can turn a large surface into a whiteboard, good for thousands of games of dry erase tic-tac-toe, hangman or any other creative game.
Make Your Own Furniture
Change around existing furniture to suggest a theme.
For a boy who has a specific hobby he enjoys, consider working with him to make a piece of furniture. For instance, turn a plain old beanbag chair into a baseball or football with a homemade cover and some dark yarn stitching. Or turn a boring wooden toy chest into a pirate's treasure chest. Adding a theme to a room can liven up surroundings and provide a fun activity that you and your son can do together.
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Several design options are available for kitchens and dining rooms.
Kitchens and dining rooms go hand in hand. One room is used for the preparation of food, and the other is used for dining. These rooms are warm and comfortable places that invite family and friends to come in and stay awhile, while reflecting your personal style. When decorating these spaces, consider several design options to help you achieve a friendly atmosphere that suits your taste.
Rustic Charm
Characterized by natural materials and warm colors, a rustic-style kitchen or dining room sends a welcoming message. Use warm red, yellow or peach for the wall color. Add natural elements to the walls with natural wood chair rails or brick accents. Use tin tiles to cover the ceilings. Furniture made of reclaimed wood is ideal to use with this style; for example, turn an old barn door into a table top or transform old wine barrels into countertops. Accessorize these spaces with brass and terracotta bowls, wicker baskets and wrought iron candle sticks or towel holders. A brightly colored braided throw rug ties the floor into the space.
Cool Contemporary
If you like modern and sophisticated design, a contemporary kitchen or dining room is the right option for you. The style is based on a minimalist look--less is more. Choose a neutral color for the walls, such as stark white, soft gray or taupe. In the kitchen, black granite countertops work for this design style. Use a glass-top table coupled with chairs made of dark wood topped with microfiber cushions in the dining room. Cover the windows with floor-to-ceiling draperies made of crushed velvet or satin. Bring color into the space with accessories, but don't go overboard. Set the table with brightly colored cups and plates. A large, geometric print painting hung on a wall is an eye-catching feature. Fill a tall floor vase with bright-colored feathers.
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts decorating style is comprised of ornate details. Wood, stained glass, metals and painted tiles are all used in arts and crafts style. Paint the top half of the walls a rose color or hunter green, and line the bottom half of the walls with carved wood panels. Line your backsplash with painted mosaic tiles. Bring metals into the space with stainless steel or brushed copper--sinks, light fixtures and even salt and pepper shakers are often made of these metals. Use oversized wood furniture with ornate carved details in these spaces.
Tags: into space, these spaces, brightly colored, design options, dining room, dining rooms
There are several types of paint finishes that can work well in a dining room.
When choosing paint for a dining room, there are several things to consider. After deciding whether to choose latex paint, which cleans up with water, or oil paint, which cleans up with solvents, the type of paint finish must be considered. Different sheens and textures can cause light to reflect differently, and the frequency with which the room is used is something else that should be considered.
Matte or Flat Finish
Matte or flat finish paints have dull finishes with no shine. They reduce glare and absorption of light, which means that they are good for walls that have many imperfections. Because walls with a flat finish are not easily cleaned, this type of paint is typically not used in dining rooms. However, dining rooms that are used only rarely could utilize flat paint if wall irregularities are a problem.
Eggshell Finish
Eggshell finishes are low-sheen; however, they are often not as washable as satin paints. Eggshell finishes can be touched up easily. Eggshell finishes provide a dull surface with a light sheen. They can be used in dining rooms that are used for special occasions; however, they may not be a good choice for those that are used daily because they are not as easily cleaned as paints with a greater sheen.
Satin Finish
Paint with a satin finish has a silky, pearl-like sheen that's more noticeable than eggshell but less than gloss or semi-gloss paints. A satin finish is washable; however, it can be difficult to touch up. With the right lighting, satin paints can provide a softly glowing appearance. Satin finishes can be good choices for dining rooms that do not have a lot of traffic.
Semi-Gloss Finish
Semi-gloss paints have a slight sheen and are not as reflective as gloss paints yet still have a durable surface that is more easily cleaned than flat or satin-type paints. Depending on the number of coats, semi-gloss paint can produce a scrubbable or washable surface. According to Utah State University Cooperative Extension, two or more coats of semi-gloss paint typically result in a scrubbable surface while one coat can be washed gently with a soft cloth. Semi-gloss paints may be difficult to touch up because variances in gloss may be apparent.
Gloss Finish
Gloss paint finishes provide the shiniest painted surfaces. They reflect light and are stain-resistant, creating a durable and scrubbable surface. If the dining room is used for only occasional meals, then gloss paint is not necessary as it is typically reserved for areas that will get a lot of wear and tear. Because of the way in which they reflect light, gloss paints can also highlight wall imperfections, which means that gloss paints should only be used on smooth walls with good surfaces. Because dining rooms typically utilize low light, a gloss surface is usually avoided to prevent glare. Touch-ups can be difficult because gloss levels may vary from paint to paint and can be hard to match.
Lidded baskets provide attractive and stackable storage.
Your bedroom is your private sanctuary; the place in your home where you go to relax and unwind. However, if you have a small bedroom, it can quickly become cluttered as finding storage space can be a challenge. Make the most of your tiny bedroom and keep everything in its place by following a few simple design tips.
Closet Storage
Maximize the one place in your bedroom that's designed solely for storage-your closet. Add over-the-door shoe racks to get your shoes off the closet floor and open up more space. Consider adding multiple rods for hanging clothes. Items like pants only need to be hung a few feet off the floor. Add hooks to an empty wall of the closet and use them to hang belts, ties or scarves. If you have high ceilings, you can add shelves above clothing rods to store away items you don't use on a day-to-day basis.
Hidden Storage
Remember when your solution to cleaning your room as a kid was to shove everything under your bed? With a few tweaks, this is actually a great solution to saving space in a small bedroom. Chances are your bed takes up the majority of the space in . Purchase rolling storage bins or clear plastic containers to hold items you don't use often such as extra blankets or out of season clothing items. Fill them up and slide them under the bed. Space saver bags are another option. Pack them full of linens, towels or clothing items and vacuum out the extra air to shrink them down.
Dual Purpose Storage
Choose furniture items that offer storage space to hide away your clutter. Instead of a traditional night table, choose a small desk or hutch. You'll be able to store items inside the drawers as well as on top. Instead of a chair or bench for seating, choose an ottoman with a removable top. It's an ideal place for storing blankets or pillows. Trade in your bulky headboard for one with built-in shelves. If you have a television in your room, use an entertainment center that has shelves and drawers in place of a traditional dresser.
Built-In Storage
If you're feeling ambitious, with a few tools and a little planning you can create some extra storage space that is functional and stylish. Take advantage of an open wall and cut out drywall sections between studs to create recessed areas. Add some shelf inserts and you have built-in shelving that doesn't extend into your room. You may even install doors over the shelves. Install a built-in dresser to save floor space, or consider a Murphy bed that can be folded away when not in use.
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Gold leaf can highlight the inlaid carvings on your dining room table.
Dining room tables can all start to look alike, especially if you have been shopping for a new one, or have been spending a lot of time in your friends' dining rooms. You can customize your own dining room table by adding some beautiful, permanent gilding to the table's surface. The table can reflect your own sense of decor while complementing the other dining room decorations and furnishings. This customization need not be a lengthy, complicated process to get pleasing results.
Instructions
1. Remove all items from the dining room table. Spread some newspapers under and around the table to catch any dripped gilding primer, size adhesive or gold leaf. Remove any dust and debris from the surface of the dining room table with a tack cloth.
2. Decide which areas on the table you will gild. Lines or decorations carved into the table are ideal areas for gilding. If your dining room table does not have any carving on it, you can gild each table corner. Apply gilding primer to these areas with a clean paintbrush and let it dry.
3. Apply an oil-based size adhesive, the glue which will bond the gold gilding to the gilding primer, to the areas to be gilded with a clean paintbrush. Let the size adhesive sit until it becomes tacky and rapping on the table does not dislodge it from the application areas.
4. Press the edge of a gold leaf sheet into an indented carved line with the pointed end of the paintbrush. Pull the sheet back to reveal the carved line limned in gold. If the carving you are gilding is relief carving or a flat surface such as the table edges, swirl a gilder's brush into the gold leaf sheet to load it with gold leaf. Gently brush the gold leaf onto the surface, blowing away and gathering up any excess gold leaf.
5. Burnish the gold leaf by brushing it in circles with a gilder's brush so that it completely adheres to your dining room table's surface. Add a gilding sealer over the gold leafed areas to ensure that the gold leaf stays in place and does not tarnish over time.
Tags: gold leaf, dining room, dining room table, your dining, your dining room, gilding primer
A glass table can transform the dining experience.
A glass dining table can be a refreshing addition to any home, especially when it can be extended. Some glass dining tables include detached extender leaves made of glass. Others include extender leaves of wood or composite material. You can also find extendable glass dining tables that include slide-out panels that are tucked neatly into compartments just beneath the table at either end.
Instructions
Detached Leaf
1. Separate the table at its center. You may be able to pull one side to effect this; or you might need a second pair of hands so each of you can pull one-half of the oval table.
2. Lay the leaf neatly into the space between the two table halves. Be sure the outside edges of the leaf are flush with the outside edges of the table's top halves.
3. Re-close the table by sliding the two halves back toward the newly-placed center leaf.
Slide-Out Leaves
4. Look just beneath the table top at each end of the table to spy the pull-out leaves.
5. Ease each leaf out from beneath the table until it is fully revealed.
6. Pull the leaf gently upward, allowing it to become flush with the table top.
7. Release the pressure on the leaf. You should hear it snap or click into place.
A table, no matter how small, can bring your family together.
An overly small dining room, such as one that is just off the kitchen or a dining area in an apartment, can be tough to furnish. The main concern for furnishing the room is likely the dining room table. You might not be sure about what size dining room table to select for your small space. By following a few simple guidelines, you'll be able to find a table that fits your needs and that does not overwhelm your dining area.
Instructions
1. Measure the dimensions for the space. Even if the dining area is not a separate room, get accurate measurements for the total length and width of the space.
2. Opt for a round table. In a small space, a round dining table will seem less overwhelming.
3. Look for dining tables that allow you to have about 48 inches from the table to the wall or other furniture pieces all the way around. This will give you plenty of space to put chairs around the table and pull them in and out with ease.
4. Try to purchase a dining set rather than just a table. The set will come with chairs, too, so you don't need to worry about measuring them. In addition, you'll be sure that the table and chairs will fit nicely in your small space.
Tags: dining area, dining room, small space, your small space, dining room table
Yellows and reds can sometimes remind people of the neighborhood hot-dog stand, but when the shades are warmed and muted, they work well together to create a visually exciting bedroom space. Contemporary and bold while charming and cozy at the same time, a yellow and red room will delight the senses with a striking color palette.
Instructions
1. Paint the walls in a shade of pale yellow. A pale yellow will complement your red elements without falling into the "ketchup and mustard" look. Use an eggshell finish to create a warm surface for natural light to reflect upon.
2. Get a sleek and simple black wood bed frame, side table and dresser. Black furniture is classic and sets off the warm yellows and reds that you'll use throughout the space.
3. Use the palest yellow sheets you can find and then cover the bed with a either a solid red comforter in a warm shade or a red comforter with yellow accents such as stripes or a floral motif.
4. Place a shag area rug across the floor at the foot of the bed. Find a rug in a shade of yellow that matches the walls, as this the eye down and help blend your color palette. The rug should be about the same length as the width of the bed.
5. Use a layering technique to place red and yellow accents around the room. For example, use a bedside lamp with a red base and then set a few yellow picture frames next to and in front of the lamp.
6. Choose wall art that has both the wall and the bedding colors in it, and mix in some black accents. For example, hang a painting with shades of red and yellow, large red wooden letters and vintage black wrought-iron fence pieces on the walls. By incorporating your color elements with some black pieces, you will bring the decor of the room together.
7. Place a yellow-framed or black wood-framed mirror across from the window in the room, if possible, or over the dresser. This will enhance the natural light in the room while introducing another design element.
Tags: color palette, natural light, pale yellow, some black, will bring, yellow accents
A properly installed bathroom mirror with cabinets enhances the look of your bathroom.
When it comes to building and remodeling, certain projects tend to get the most attention, as well as creating the most impact on the budget. Both the kitchen and the bathroom are on this short list. While remodeling a kitchen can be expensive and time-consuming, many bathroom projects are simple and very inexpensive. Installing a with cabinets, for example, can be done in just a few hours with very basic tools. The easiest way to install a bathroom cabinet mirror is to use a surface-mounted setup.
Instructions
1. Remove the mirrored doors to the bathroom cabinet. This is usually accomplished by unscrewing the hinges. Set aside the doors.
2. Determine the placement of the bathroom mirror with cabinets. With the help of a friend, hold the bathroom cabinet against the wall. Center the cabinet over the sink about 40 inches from the floor. Place the level on the cabinet shelf to ensure that it is sitting evenly.
3. Trace around the outside of the bathroom cabinet with a pencil. Set the cabinet aside.
4. Locate the studs in the traced area using a stud finder; mark with a pencil. If you can not find suitable studs in the immediate area, you will need to use hollow wall anchors, installed according to the package directions.
5. Measure the location of the studs in relation to the traced outline of your cabinet. Transfer these marks to the bathroom mirror with cabinets, determining the best placement for your screws. The top screws should penetrate the reinforcement strip on the back of the cabinet door.
6. Drill holes part way into the wall; you will want to clear the drywall and just start to penetrate the stud. Drill the screw holes completely through the back of the cabinet door.
7. Hold the bathroom cabinet against the wall firmly, enlisting the help of a friend. Check to make sure the cabinet is level, adjusting your placement as necessary. Match the wall holes with the holes in the cabinet.
8. Use the screwdriver to secure the cabinet to the wall with the included screws, ensuring that the screws sink deeply into the stud. Ideally, you should have at least four screws: two on the top of the cabinet and two on the bottom. The top screws should catch the reinforcement strip on the back of the cabinet.
9. Reinstall the mirrored doors on your bathroom mirror with cabinet.
Tags: bathroom cabinet, bathroom mirror, mirror with, with cabinets, back cabinet, bathroom mirror with, mirror with cabinets
Bring the beach and ocean atmosphere into your bedroom with decorations.
Many people's idea of paradise is sitting on a beach with a warm breeze in their hair, gazing out over the ocean. If this sounds like your idea of relaxation, you can bring this type of atmosphere into your bedroom, no matter where you live. There are many ways to attain the peaceful beach state of mind, through colors, accessories, and fabric and furniture choices.
Colors
Choose colors that bring your mind and spirit to the beach. For example, you may want to paint your walls a pale shade of blue that reminds you of the sky and the clear ocean water. According to Frugal Home D cor, you should use bedding colors that evoke a sense of calm and peace, such as white or neutral beige. If your idea of beach heaven is the brightly colored Florida Keys, then consider using pinks, peaches, greens and yellows for your bedding or walls.
Accessories
Incorporate beach and sea accessories to bring a sense of calm to your bedroom. Place seashells -- either large pink conch shells or small groups of classic white scallop shells -- on your bedside table. Hang starfish or framed sand dollars on your walls. Don't forget to add at least one beach landscape painting or print on your wall where you can see it when you wake up in the morning. Some people fill hurricane globes with sand, coral pieces and shells and then place white or blue candles at the top of it. You can also decorate with scented candles, such as those in ocean or coconut scents, to use all your senses in your room. Choose a shell chandelier nightstand lamp, or a lighthouse-shaped lamp if your idea of beach paradise is the New England coast. According to Kids' Theme Bedrooms, you can create a rustic beach feel by hanging a fishing net with tiny white lights and shells over your headboard.
Fabrics and Furniture
Most beach environments are warm and breezy, so you'll want to bring this ambiance to your room with your fabrics and furniture choices. Use linen or gauzy white curtains that will blow easily with the breeze from an open window. For your actual furniture material, you can choose from a pale, natural wood color or a warm bamboo set. Some people even use rattan or wicker furniture to bring in a feel of the tropics. To attain the feel of the New England beaches, use white wooden furniture with blue-and-white-striped bedding patterns.
Tags: your bedroom, your idea, atmosphere into, atmosphere into your, bring this, colors that, furniture choices
Beadboard wainscoting in a country-style bathroom.
While tile is the most-common covering for bathroom walls, natural-wood wainscoting can add dimension and warmth to the space to give it an eye-catching look--it's a particularly attractive option for a master bathroom because it can create a more-elegant, sophisticated look. You can choose from several varieties of natural-wood wainscoting for your bathroom, so you can create as formal or casual a look as you prefer.
Beadboard
Beadboard is one of the most-common types of wainscoting used for bathrooms. It's composed of vertical boards that provide a charming, old-fashioned look that works well in a country-style bathroom. For a traditional look, paint your beadboard wainscoting a crisp white. You can paint the upper portion of the wall to match the wainscoting or choose a contrasting shade of paint or wallpaper; soft blues and yellows work well for a country-style bathroom. To complement the country charm of the beadboard, add a checkered shower curtain and window coverings for an authentic look.
Raised Panel
For a formal look in , raised-panel wainscoting is an ideal option. The panels typically feature raised center portions formed by beveling along the edges, giving them a Colonial look. Raised-panel wainscoting works well in a master bathroom because of its decorative appearance. You can paint the wainscoting white, cream or another light neutral shade, but it also has an elegant look when covered with a dark stain that allows the natural grain of the wood to show through the finish. Pair the wainscoting with a Colonial-style vanity done in a dark stain, and use rich shades of yellow, green, blue and red to decorate the rest of the space.
Board and Batten
Board-and-batten-style wainscoting is an attractive choice if you prefer a simple, clean look for your bathroom. Like raised-panel wainscoting, it has a more-formal look than beadboard, but board and batten features simple vertical batten and flat panels that give it a trademark Craftsman-style look. It's often topped with plate rail, which makes an ideal storage area in a smaller bathroom. For the best look, stain the wainscoting to allow the natural look of the wood to shine through, and pair it with an earth tone such as tan, terracotta, gold or sage on the upper portion of the walls. Choose a vanity that has similar clean lines to maintain a streamlined, contemporary look.
Recessed Flat Panel
Recessed flat-panel wainscoting is another option for your bathroom if you prefer a modern look, but it has a slightly more formal look than board-and-batten wainscoting. It's composed of flat panels held between straight rails and stiles for a streamlined look. Because it has a simple look, it works well with a variety of decor styles. Flat-panel wainscoting also lends itself to painting, so it's an ideal option if you want to paint your wainscoting to match the top of the bathroom walls or in a contrasting shade for a bolder look.
Tags: works well, , country-style bathroom, well country-style, , bathroom because
If you have been experiencing an unusual odor in your bedroom recently, then there's a good chance that you may want to find ways to freshen it. Instead of spraying that perfume that is going to linger for hours, it's important to know that there are other ways to make everything smell better. Here we'll take a closer look at eliminate an unusual bedroom odor.
Instructions
1. Find out where the unusual odor is coming from. Before you can eliminate an unusual bedroom odor, you have to find out what the exact source of the smell is. This is the first and foremost thing that you should do. Until you do it, you will not be able to get rid of it so quickly.
2. Change the bed sheets and wash the comforter. Both the sheets and comforter can cause your bedroom to smell. If you really want your room to start smelling better, then you should opt for a laundry detergent with a fresh scent that you really like. This will replace an unusual bedroom odor with a smell that you will love.
3. If you have a trash can in your bedroom, then empty it. One of the reasons that your bedroom may smell a bit funny could be because of something that is in the garbage. Even if you empty the garbage every week, you should still do this if you want to eliminate an unusual bedroom odor.
4. Get an air freshener. If you really want to eliminate an unusual bedroom odor, then this is a must. There are many different scents that are available on the market to choose from and they will all leave your bedroom smelling so much fresher. Whether you want it to smell like peach or cucumber melon, you'll be able to freshen up the scent of .
5. Spray everything with an air sanitizer. Spray your mattress before you put the sheets on, the air, inside the closet and even a desk if you have one. Keep in mind that there are air sanitizing products available for people who want to go green, so you won't need to feel guilty about hurting the environment.
Draw inspiration from your Ralph Lauren bedding to redecorate your bedroom.
Since the company's inception 1967, Ralph Lauren has become a household name known for its clothing line, which stated with wide, handmade ties. Over the subsequent 40 years, the line has expanded to a full collection of men's clothes, clothing for women and children, and eventually a home line. Knowing a few design choices for a themed Ralph Lauren bedroom can help you to decide what to do with your room.
Cottage
Utilize a floral bed set such as the Saint Honore or Romantic Traveler, and tturn your bedroom into a vintage cottage. Start with pale walls in either white or soft pastels that match the bedding set. If desired, hang wainscoting on the walls to add to the cottage feel. Use white eyelet curtains for the windows and place a woven rug in soft, muted colors on the floor. Add white shelves to the wall either in solid designs or with scroll detailing. Decorate with vintage pieces such as silver cups, old vintage baby clothing or even straw hats. Choose furniture in light to medium woods or paint it white or off white. Add punches of color around the room by placing small potted topiaries on bookshelves and dressers.
Seaside
Achieve a seaside or nautical theme using a blue bedding set, such as the Indigo Modern. Alternatively, use a solid white set, such as the Upper Fifth Collection. Paint the walls with soft blue or white paint. Add sailboats or other nautical-themed decorations around the room, including lighthouses, life preservers and seashells. Fill a charger with sand and small seashells, sand dollars and starfish. Place the charger on a dresser. Hang fishing nets on the walls and tuck starfish into it.
Royalty
Choose a black or purple bedding collection such as The Brookfield or the One Fifth Collection to create a royal feel. Choose a rich golden yellow for the walls and a matching throw rug for the floor. Use dark wooden furniture to add to the opulence. Add lots of throw pillows to the bed. Hang artwork with gold frames on the wall.
Hunting Cabin
For a masculine feel, choose darker bedding collections such as the Shetland Collection or the Safari Collection. Choose dark browns for the walls or add wood slats to the wall to make it feel like a log cabin. Place a fake bearskin rug on the floor. Add a rustic wood shelf to the wall to recreate a fireplace mantel. Hang antlers or stuffed animal heads on the wall. Choose stained wood furniture to finish the look.
A dormer can change the outward appearance of a house, but it also can be a major improvement for the interior. A dormer window in a bathroom will open that room to additional outside light. A dormer also can be used to extend the space for a bathroom, by changing a section of the roof from a slope to a framed room with walls. Framing for either of two possible styles is similar, but may require the services of an architect because it involves changing the roof structure. It also will require a building permit.
Instructions
Preparation
1. Prepare a bathroom dormer by making a careful plan to locate it on the roof in an area which will fit the home's style. Open the area by removing drywall on the inside of the bathroom, to expose the rafters on both sides. Cover cabinets and plumbing fixtures with tarpaulins. Cut drywall along a stud line with a utility knife and use the knife and a pry bar to pull off the drywall.
2. Identify the specific location for the dormer's roof opening and mark it with 16d framing nails at the corners, driven from inside the house through the roof sheathing with a hammer. Place the nails on the inside edges of the two studs that will form the outer edges of the dormer.
3. Install braces on the outside dormer rafters, with 2-by-4-inch boards nailed to the rafters above the top line for the dormer and to corresponding rafters on the other side of the roof. Remove shingles from the dormer area with a pry bar. Cut out sheathing inside the marked area with a reciprocal saw and cut off rafters inside the dormer area at the marked top and bottom.
4. Frame the rough opening for either type of dormer. Add a second rafter to the existing outside rafters and put a 2-by-6-inch header board, with a center spacer of 1/2-inch oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood, between those rafters at the cut ends of the top rafters. Nail the header to the side rafters and to the ends of the cut rafters. Install a similar header at the bottom of the dormer opening.
Window Dormer
5. Build a small window dormer by making a rough frame for a pre-built window, with a header and a sill. Make the header of 2-by-6-inch boards nailed together around a 1/2-inch spacer strip of plywood or oriented strand board and a sill of two 2-by-4s nailed together with the 4-inch faces up. Cut these to the width for the window.
6. Nail 2-by-4 studs between the bottom of the header and the top of the sill, on either side, to complete the frame. Set this frame in place between the rafters and brace it temporarily with boards nailed to the frame and to the rafters. Plumb it with a level, then secure it with 2-by-4 top plates between the top of the header and the rafters.
7. Cut dormer roof rafters from 2-by-4s to any desired pitch and erect them between the window frame and the point where the side plate connects to the main rafters. Nail the rafters to the wall plates on either side and to a center ridge board. Cut short studs to fit between the wall plates and the rafters on each side. Connect the top dormer rafter to the roof header with sections cut off the top rafters.
8. Install the window in the rough opening. Install siding to match that of the house. Cut boards or panels to fit and nail them to wall studs. Use 1-by-4-inch boards to trim corners and windows. Cut these to fit and nail them in place, around the edges of windows or on the corners where the walls intersect.
9. Cover the dormer roof with oriented strand board decking, nailed to the rafters with 8d galvanized nails. Staple roofing paper to the decking. Nail metal flashing with shingle nails on all roof edges and at all intersections of wall or roof. Install asphalt shingles; fasten these to the decking with four shingle nails in each shingle.
Dormer Addition
10. Make a dormer addition to create more space inside the bathroom in a similar fashion, but use the outside wall as the base for the dormer wall, so there will be floor space added. Brace the dormer roof area with doubled rafters and a top header, but set the bottom header over the top plate on the house wall.
11. Build a front dormer wall, with top and bottom plates, end studs and studs at 16-inch intervals between. Frame a smaller window, with studs above and below the frame to connect the frame with the top and bottom plates of the dormer wall. Set the in place, plumb it and brace it temporarily.
12. Cut top plates for both walls to connect the dormer front to the house rafters. Frame the outside dormer walls with studs cut to fit between the top plate and the side rafters. Make "valley" rafters; these are rafters cut to conform to the pitch selected for the and nailed between the roof header and the rafters on each side as a base for connecting the dormer. Leave space at the top for a ridge board. Use the cut pieces from the top roof rafters to connect the header and the valley rafters.
13. Cut and install rafters on the dormer. Nail them to the wall caps on both sides and to a center ridge board. Brace them with "collar" ties, braces placed horizontally between rafters just under the ridge board to tie the two sides together. Cut the ends to match the pitch of the roof and nail them on the house sides of the rafters.
14. Add wall studs spaced on 16-inch centers on both sides of the dormer, from the bottom of the rafters to the top of the roof joists, to complete the interior wall framing. Install subflooring in the dormer addition if none is in place; existing joists should support this step. Cut OSB panels to the length and width of the floor and fasten them with 8d nails to the joists. Finish the addition with siding, trim and roofing. Staple fiberglass insulation batts between the studs in the dormer, both above and below the rafters. Finish the interior with drywall, nailed to the studs and roof rafter. Seal the joints with drywall tape and joint compound.
Tags: dormer roof, dormer wall, ridge board, area with, boards nailed, both sides
A dining room should be enjoyed by the homeowners.
Decorating a home can be a daunting task for any homeowner or renter. The dining room can be particularly difficult because, aside from a table and chairs, many do not know where to start when decorating. Fortunately, there are many websites that offer tips, tricks, different ideas and even photos to help get the homeowner or renter started.
House Beautiful
The House Beautiful website offers up photo galleries of designer dining rooms, which can help inspire anyone who is struggling with dining room decor. Ideas offered up at the website include a dine-in library, informal dining rooms, multi-purpose dining rooms, color-specific dining rooms and themed .
The Nest
The Nest, a subdivision of The Knot, has an online Decor Finder search option. The Decor Finder search provides an instant photo gallery of dining rooms that range from ultra-chic to earth-toned, cubist or simple and elegant.
Get Decorating
Get Decorating's slogan, "from inspiration to decoration," is well-fitting as the website offers up several hundred photos of dining rooms to provide viewers with inspiration for their own dining room decor.
Home and Garden Television (HGTV)
An entire section of the Home and Garden Television (HGTV) website is dedicated to dining rooms. This includes photo galleries of designer created dining rooms as well as articles on design ideas and recommended products. Ideas found at HGTV's website include color-specific dining rooms, themed-dining rooms and budget-friendly dining rooms.
Good Housekeeping
The House & Home section of the Good Housekeeping website offers up a home decor gallery dedicated to dining room decor ideas. Specifically, the website offers up simple tips and tricks, many of which are inexpensive, to help improve or change the look of a dining room. Ideas include types of dinner ware to use, color palettes and photos that show best utilize the room.
Wainscoting is a type of paneling that is installed on the lower half of a wall, often in a dining room. The paneling is typically white, though it can also be a natural wood color or painted. Some wainscoting has vertical ridges, giving it the appearance of boards installed side-by-side. Other types have raised panels for a more formal look. Installing wainscoting in a dining room takes some patience but can really update a room's decor.
Instructions
1. Stack the wainscoting panels inside the room where they will be installed at least two days prior to installation. Insert two wooden 2-by-4-inch boards in between each piece of wainscoting to allow the wainscoting to adjust to the humidity in the room. If the wainscoting is short, cut each 2-by-4 in half with a handsaw before placing them between the wainscoting panels for airflow.
2. Insert a pry bar underneath the shoe molding in the room. Lean back on the handle of the pry bar to dislodge the molding nails from the floor. Continue until you have removed all of the molding around the base of the floor.
3. Place a tape measure against the floor at the end of one wall. Measure up to 1/2 inch and mark the position with a pencil. Make similar marks on the wall 1/2 inch from the floor at each corner of the room.
4. Hold the end of a chalk line on one of the pencil marks and have another person stretch the chalk line along the wall to one of the other pencil marks. Snap the chalk line against the wall with your fingers to create a guideline. Repeat the process until there is a single line all the way around the room.
5. Place one of the dining rooms chairs up against the wall and mark the location of the chair top on the wall with a pencil. Measure the distance between the mark and the bottom chalk line with a tape measure and transfer the top mark to all four corners of the room. Use the chalk line to create a top guideline all the way around the room just as you did with the bottom chalk line.
6. Place a stud finder flat against the wall and turn on the power. Move the stud finder over each wall and mark the location of the wall beams with a pencil. The will light up or beep when it finds a beam.
7. Lay a piece of wainscoting upside down on a work table and transfer the distance between the top and bottom chalk lines onto the wainscoting with a tape measure and pencil. Cut the wainscoting along the pencil mark using a circular saw.
8. Insert a wall adhesive tube into a caulk gun and squeeze the adhesive onto the back of the wainscoting in a "z"-shaped pattern. Press the wainscoting onto the wall starting at one corner. Make sure to position it between the two chalk lines.
9. Nail the wainscoting to the wall using finishing nails and a nail gun. Insert the nails 1/2 inch from the top and bottom of the panel and space each nail to correspond to the wall studs.
10. Place another piece of cut wainscoting next to the first and align the tongue on one piece with the grooves on the other piece so that there are no gaps. Install the wainscoting just as you did the first piece. Continue installing wainscoting in this manner until the entire room is covered.
11. Replace the shoe molding by tapping the nails into the floor with a hammer.
Tags: chalk line, against wall, bottom chalk, piece wainscoting, stud finder
Adding an exhaust fan to a bathroom can greatly reduce fogging and moisture collection. This can also extend the life of the paint and drywall in the bathroom. Installing an exhaust fan will take a little time and effort, but it is well worth it.
Instructions
1. Drill a guide hole in the ceiling of the bathroom located between the shower and the toilet. Measure the fan and locate the guide hole in the attic and remove any insulation from around the area. The fan housing should be located between joists. Measure where the fan should be placed in relation to the guide hole.
2. Draw the outline of the vent fan on the bathroom ceiling using the guide hole and the measurements from the attic. Cut out the drywall to make the hole for the fan unit.
3. Position the vent fan and screw it into the joists. Follow the the wiring instructions that came with the vent fan to hook up the electric for the fan. Be sure to turn off the main power before making any wiring connections.
4. Place the galvanized ducting in place to see where it will go through the roof. Drill a hole in the roof where the center of the ducting will be.
5. Remove the shingles, tar paper and other debris on the roof in the area where the hole for the be. Using the jigsaw, cut a hole in the roof the size of the ducting.
6. Install the ducting to the fan unit and through the hole in the roof. Use roofing tar to seal the area and install the roof vent cap.
Decorating adjoining living and dining rooms is easy when you know how.
Shared spaces are common in smaller homes, condos and efficiency apartments. Adjoining rooms need special attention because they are serving a different purpose in your home. You might think they may be challenging, but they're actually easy to decorate when you know do it. The trick to making these spaces feel inviting and warm is working with the space you have and the colors you like.
Instructions
1. Paint the walls in the dining and living areas the same color. Decide if you want to use cool or warm colors. Blues and greens are cool colors, while yellow and golden tones will add warmth to rooms. Pick a color that you like and a color that works well with the furniture and accessories you use in these rooms.
2. Combine colors, fabrics and textures in these areas to create a sense of harmony. Consider using the same fabric on chair cushions and throw pillows for a unified look. Try to use at least one color in both areas. If blue is a primary color in your dining room, use that same color in the living room in the artwork, on throw blankets or with lampshades.
3. spaces with the same theme. This keeps the area from looking cluttered and disorganized. If you want a contemporary dining room, it's best to go with a contemporary living area as opposed to a shabby-chic look. Spread matching accessories around in both areas for a cohesive feel.
4. Decorate both areas with the same window treatments. This is one of the easiest ways to make a shared space feel integrated.
5. Organize your living room furnishings around a coffee table to create a distinct living space. Place the front legs of the sofa on one edge of a rug and place the table close enough to the sofa to be of use. Arrange tables and chairs and around the rug to create an intimate living area.
6. Arrange furniture in both spaces to fit together comfortably. Try to make the areas feel balanced rather than dividing pieces by where you think they belong. If the combined room feels large, arrange furniture to create defined, cozy areas.
7. Decorate with plants to help the shared area to feel warm and welcoming. Plants add warmth, and this may help larger spaces that feel stale.
Tags: both areas, both spaces, color that, Decorate both,
Decorate your bedroom according to your personality, whether it's minimalist, modern, romantic, vintage chic or French country.
Decorate your bedroom to reflect your personality, so it can truly serve as your escape from the rest of the world--or even your own home. Given that you see your bedroom before drifting off to sleep and as soon as you wake up, it makes sense to decorate the room to suit your personality and interests. You should always feel at ease as soon as you step into your bedroom, which will only happen if you decorate the space accordingly.
Instructions
1. Paint the walls using colors that you find yourself naturally drawn to. You would most likely be more comfortable in a neutral, subdued, minimalist bedroom with white or beige walls if you notice that the majority of your wardrobe includes black, white and navy. If your wardrobe includes loud, bright colors such as hot pink, lime green, sunshine yellow and bursts or bright orange, choose a brighter color scheme and introduce a pattern, such as stripes.
2. Purchase furniture that speaks to your personality. For example, hand-carved wood furniture might be more to your liking if you are more formal and reserved. Sleek furniture with simple lines might be more your style if you prefer open space. Opt for wrought iron furniture if you prefer a romantic vibe.
3. Hang art, pictures or other wall decor that instantly relax you. Notice the kinds of pictures or images you're drawn to, and use those as inspiration for the wall decor in your bedroom. Choose artwork if you'd love to spend all of your time in an art gallery or serene pictures of nature if you'd rather be on the beach or enjoying a picnic. Candle sconces are ideal if you're a romantic.
4. Make your bed using colors and patterns that complement the wall colors and wall decor. For example, avoid pink and yellow floral blankets in a chocolate brown and aqua room. Choose luxurious bedding if you prefer posh hotels, or handmade quilts if you prefer antiques and the way things used to be.
5. Use window treatments that reflect your personal style. Simple miniblinds or shades are ideal for light control and privacy, but don't say much about your personality. Add floor-length drapes in silk, lace or velvet if you're a romantic. Select sheer panels for a fresh or minimalist vibe. Bright, funky colors might suit you better, if you are a high-energy, outgoing and adventurous person.
6. Accessorize your bedroom with items that tell your story. For example, if you love to travel, display the little odds and ends you've collected along the way. If you're a nature lover, flowers should complement your decor and will make your bedroom feel more welcoming. Scented candles can also help set a cozy tone for your room; choose flowery scents if you enjoy gardening or ocean scents if you prefer the beach.
Tags: your bedroom, your personality, wall decor, bedroom with, Decorate your, Decorate your bedroom, might more
On average, one out of every three people does not wash his hands after leaving a public restroom facility. Combined with how frequently people use restroom facilities daily, sanitation in restrooms is vital to public health. Not following sanitation guidelines can contribute to the spread of flu, meningitis and other nasty illnesses.
Public Restroom Features
Toilet and sink
Most public restrooms contain toilets, sinks, garbage cans, hand dryers, changing tables, mirrors, paper towels, antiseptic handwash, soap dispensers, urinals (in men's rooms) and vending machines dispensing tampons and sanitary napkins.
The toilets of public restrooms are located behind stalls with locked doors. Users of public restrooms generally touch handles for flushing, door pulls, locks and faucet handles--these can all hold germs on their surfaces.
Hand Washing Guidelines
Washing hands is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that users wet hands with clean running water--warm water preferably--and apply soap. Rub hands to form a soapy lather and scrub all areas of the hands and wrists. Continue rubbing for twenty seconds before rinsing hands well. Dry hands with a paper towel or air dryer; if possible use the paper towel to turn off the faucet. Restroom users should always wash their hands after using the toilet in a public restroom facility.
American Restroom Association
The American Restroom Association (ARA) exists to advocate for clean, safe and well-designed restrooms in the United States. They research restroom design and technology, legislation and regulations pertaining to restrooms as well as the availability and accessibility of restrooms. The ARA often documents the problems faced by people scared of travel or activities that put them far away from proper toilet facilities.
Theories/Speculation
In 2007, Dr. Dipak Chatterjee wrote in the Mumbai newspaper "Daily News and Analysis" that, given the health risks posed by public restrooms--from inefficient ventilation and poor drainage--that many should wear diapers instead of frequently using public toilets.
Public Restroom Directories
There are a number of online public toilet directories available. For example, Publictoilets.org contains listings of public restrooms in over eighteen countries. Publictoilets.org also contains detailed information about the quality of each of the restrooms listed. Users can upload locations to the directory.
Tags: public restrooms, American Restroom, American Restroom Association, hands after, hands with, paper towel
Walnut is a strong, sturdy wood. Use the wood for indoor or outdoor furniture, including a dining room table. A walnut plank dining room table can be stained to match other wood in the room or to be a bold centerpiece. You can make you own table with modest carpentry skills and tools. Once you master the basics of building a plank table, you can create smaller side tables or dining table benches to match, making a complete set.
Instructions
1. Design the table. A 60-inch table holds six guests comfortably. If you have 4-inch wide planks, 15 will span across the table width 35 1/2 inches. The total table height should be 30 inches, which means if your planks are 1-inch thick, you will need to make leg posts 29 inches long. The legs attach to a support frame under the tabletop planks.
2. Measure and cut the planks to create the pieces for the top boards, legs, supports and aprons. Cut 15 tabletop planks 35 1/2 inches long. Cut four legs 29 . Cut four support planks 56 inches long, 2 planks 32 inches long and 2 planks 54 inches long.
3. Build the support frame. Set the four 56-inch long support planks evenly apart. The planks should stand up 4 inches perpendicular to the ground. Set the two 32-inch planks on each side of the other planks, making a frame with two support planks going across. Place a mark on the side planks where each support beam sits. Drill two holes at each point, 1 inch in and 1 inch apart along the frame. Apply wood glue where the planks meet, and then screw the support frame together with 2-inch screws.
4. Center the 54-inch planks on the front and back of the support frame, flush with the top and bottom edges of the support frame. Secure with wood glue between the plank and support frame. Further secure the front and back apron panel by drilling a hole from the back of the support frame and then screwing in 1 1/4-inch screws.
5. Position the leg planks flush at the outside corner of the support frame against the front and back panel. Drill two holes from inside the support frame, and secure with 2 1/2-inch screws. Wood glue further secures the legs in place.
6. Sit the support frame flat. Line the tabletop planks on the frame. Mark each spot where one plank ends and another starts. Remove the planks one by one, and apply glue to the support the frame and put the plank back in place.
7. Apply a wood stain on the finished table by saturating a clean towel with the stain and wiping it on in smooth, even strokes. The more coats, the darker the stain will be.
Tags: support frame, inches long, planks inches, planks inches long, front back, support planks, tabletop planks
Open Table is an online restaurant reservation system that is unique in that it connects directly with each participating restaurant's reservation system. This assures guests receive the most up-to-date information on the restaurant's time and date availability. Open Table has participating restaurants in major cities across the United States and all over the world. Open Table has many convenient functions to make eating out even more efficient, enjoyable and rewarding.
Reservation Management
Open Table provides both a website for customers to make and manage reservations and software for restaurants to manage their guest reservations and table turnover. Membership to Open Table is free and includes email updates on new venues and local events. Members can also select from a list of criteria including location, price, type of food, and desired time. Reservations can be made at any hour of the day; saving customers the hassle of having to call for reservations during hours of operation (which typically means calling during the workday). Since the reservations are made directly within that particular restaurant's computerized system, the chance for error or double booking of a party is reduced.
Rewards Program
Customers can participate in the Open Table Rewards Program and earn points for each online reservation they make. Points are awarded depending on the type of restaurant, and not until the guests are actually seated at the restaurant. Once point accumulations have been reached, vouchers are awarded and they can be redeemed at participating Open Table restaurants.
Restaurant Participation
Restaurants participate voluntarily and use the Open Table software to run their reservation systems. This replaces archaic pen and paper systems, which can result in errors and frustration. The Open Table software creates instant access into each restaurant's reservation system.
Feedback provided from Other Diners
Open Table takes customer feedback very seriously. Diners' Choice lists are created based on the feedback from the thousands of customers who make reservations through and visit participating Open Table restaurants. New customers can make new restaurant decisions based on the feedback of others. These lists are compiled from hundreds of thousands of feedback forms that customers from all over the world. It's a convenient way for selecting a restaurant in an unfamiliar city.
On-the-Go Reservations
Open Table makes dining out even more convenient. Those with iPhones can download a free application, which allows individuals to check restaurants and place reservations directly from their phone. An individual can be out and about and still check the availability and times of their favorite restaurants or check up to see what other diners have said about particular restaurants.
Tags: Open Table, , reservation system, restaurant reservation, restaurant reservation system
Anything from a new coat of paint to wall art can brighten a bathroom.
Remodeling a bathroom is often a costly undertaking, and for people living on a budget, decorating the bathroom isn't usually a top priority. Fortunately there are many affordable ways to spruce up a bathroom. Decorating the bathroom walls can change the look of the entire room, quickly, attractively and inexpensively.
Paint
Unexpected colors make a boring bathroom into a stylish one.
Painting bathroom walls can make the bathroom look lighter, airier or more spacious. White is a traditional and clean-looking choice. If a bathroom wall needs more vibrancy, colors such as turquoise, sea green or aquamarine create a relaxing atmosphere. Bright or dark colors are less popular, but can look stylish when chosen with care. If painting the entire bathroom is not a feasible option, accents and highlights are less expensive and still effective. Bold accent colors such as red, yellow and purple can complement the rest of the room.
Tiles
Replacing monochromatic tiles with different colors creates a checkerboard look.
Many bathrooms feature tiles, whether around the entire perimeter of the room or as a back-splash area near the sink or bathtub. While replacing all the tiles can be expensive, replacing just a few tiles for a decorative motif is inexpensive and manageable. For a wall without tiles, installing decorative tiles in a few key areas is similarly affordable. Colorful or patterned tiles can be arranged to fit a variety of decorating schemes.
Artwork and Embellishments
Vines can add a classic, subtle decorative touch.
Framed paintings, photographs, prints and posters are usually priced to fit a wide variety of budgets, and complement a range of color and . Ocean-themed prints are popular for bathrooms. Hanging a variety of small paintings side-by-side, vertically or horizontally, is a creative substitute for a single large painting. Artificial or live plants, such as wreaths, flowers or vines, can add a touch of vibrancy to a bathroom wall. For artists, murals can liven up one area of a bathroom wall or the entire room.
Decals
Decals are a simple and trendy way to add style to a bathroom wall. Decals are large, removable stickers that adhere to the wall more flexibly than traditional prints. Many decals are affordable, and come in a wide range of themes, sizes and colors. One stylish and versatile idea involves using letter decals to write out favorite quotes, including song lyrics, poems or other suitable sayings. The decal quote can add playfulness or elegance to any bathroom, whether above the shower, the sink or the mirror.
Mirrors
Many people prefer bathrooms with sufficient mirrors and strong, pleasant lighting. Adding new mirrors and lighting can be an inexpensive undertaking. A bare bathroom wall can become both aesthetic and functional with the addition of several mirrors. For instance several smaller circular mirrors without frames can produce the illusion of bubbles, while a large mirror with an elaborate frame can make a bathroom more luxurious.
Keep in mind your toddler girl's growing needs as you redesign her room.
Children going through the toddler phase are developing at a fast rate and learning new skills every day. When your toddler girl is between the ages of 1 and 3, you may feel that the nursery that was so perfect for her when she was a baby no longer meets her ever changing needs. By taking into account the most important factors, you can design a new room for her that will be both functional and stylish.
Instructions
1. Write down a budget based on what you can afford to spend on your toddler's bedroom. Look at the current nursery to see what you can reuse; you may have a crib that converts to a toddler bed or a dresser that can be repainted to give it a fresh new look.
2. Color the room using paint and accessories. A neutral backdrop -- e.g. white, cream or beige -- will not date and works with any other colors. Add girlie touches through bedding, curtains and other accessories in feminine colors, such as lemon yellow, lilac and pink.
3. Attach vinyl wall stickers to add motifs and patterns to the walls. Steer clear of themes based on cartoon characters that will date quickly. Stickers can be peeled off and repositioned or replaced as often as you like, and will not damage the wall surface.
4. Buy furniture items your toddler girl will still be able to use in a few years. A full-sized dresser or closet may seem too big for her now, but they will last much longer than nursery pieces. The only exception to this is her bed; she must sleep in a crib until she is ready for a toddler bed.
5. Pick soft furnishings to match your color scheme or theme, but avoid fussy, frilly fabrics. It is best to go for durable, easy to wash items for a toddler's bedroom, such as 100 percent cotton or a cotton/polyester blend.
6. Create a space for play time in her room. A toddler sized table and chair will give her somewhere to sit, read and paint. Put up adjustable shelves for books and sturdy, accessible storage bins.
7. Attach a blackout blind to the window to stop the early morning light from waking the child up. Choose one in a neutral shade that can be used for many years to come. Hang drapes in front of it to make the window area look prettier. For a soft nightlight, install a dimmer switch or use a plug-in nightlight.
8. Fit window locks, put safety covers on electric sockets, attach heavy pieces of furniture to the wall and don't have trailing electric cables within her reach. Think of safety when you are planning every aspect of the room.
Tags: your toddler, your toddler girl, toddler girl, that will, toddler bedroom
In the rush of daily life, bedrooms often become messy. Clothes, shoes, books and trash can pile up and become scattered about the room. Surfaces acquire dust and bedding accumulates dirt, which can interfere with your sleep. A clean bedroom might improve your sleep, according to a National Sleep Foundation Poll that found people reported sleeping better in a fresh, clean environment. Cleaning a messy bedroom should only take a little time if you work efficiently and focus on the most important tasks.
Instructions
1. Pick up all the dirty clothes and place them in a hamper or basket. Put any clean clothes away. If the clothes haven't been folded and you don't have time, you can roll them loosely and place the clothes in a drawer until you have time to fold. Hang up coats and jackets and put shoes away.
2. Make the bed with clean sheets. Cover the bed with a blanket, comforter or bedspread. Put the dirty bedding in with your dirty clothes and take it all to the laundry area.
3. Throw any food, snack wrappers, water bottles and other trash into a bag or trashcan. Gather dirty dishes. Take the trash out and put the dishes in the kitchen.
4. Put away or neatly stack papers, books and other clutter. Wipe off surfaces, such as dressers and nightstands to remove dust. A slightly damp cloth works quickly to pick up dust and dirt.
5. Sweep or vacuum the floors. If you have carpet, make a brief pass with the vacuum cleaner. Use a dust mop, or similar product, on hard floors to swiftly remove debris and add shine.
6. Spray an air-freshener around the room. A few drops of essential oil mixed with water in a spray bottle works well to neutralize odor and give a fresh, clean scent.
Tags: clean bedroom, dirty clothes, fresh clean, , with your
The skills of fine dining begin with goodtable manners. In this global economy more people are dining out for business and pleasure than ever before. Good table manners are extremely important, for you are judged and leave a lasting impression by how you conduct yourself at the table. This guide of dos and don'ts will teach you the basic rules of dining etiquette. You will learn the skills that will put you at ease in any social situation and will elevate you from just eating to fine dining.
Instructions
1. Do
Have good posture and keep your elbows off of the table.
Avoid talking with your mouth full of food. Take small bites; it will be easier to talk.
Swallow your food before taking a sip of water.
Try of little of everything on your plate.
Say please and thank you.
2. Don't
Overload your plate.
Put your knife in your mouth or wave your utensils in the air when talking.
Spread your elbows when cutting meat.
Chew with your mouth open.
Crumble crackers in your soup; place a few at a time instead.
3. More Don'ts
Tell others you have to go to the restroom; politely excuse yourself and go.
Reach across the table or others; ask the closest person to pass.
Pick your teeth, blow your nose, or groom yourself at the table. Instead, excuse yourself and tend to that in the restroom.
Place purses or personal items on the table. Small purses on your lap, larger ones on the floor.
4. Etiquette is not taught much anymore. But the basics of fine dining always begins with good table manners, it makes for a better dining experience and an enjoyable meal for everyone.
Tags: table manners, your mouth, excuse yourself, fine dining, with good, with good table
If you have dining room chairs in need of updating, instead of having them professionally reupholstered, you might consider making your own slipcovers to freshen them up. A person with moderate-level sewing skills could accomplish this project, short-skirted padded slipcovers, and save some money while redecorating the dining room furniture.
Instructions
Make the Seat Cushion
1. Measure the length and width of the chair seat. Cut a piece of batting to these dimensions.
2. Add 1 inch to both measurements taken in Step 1 and cut two pieces of fabric to these dimensions.
3. Place one fabric piece onto a work surface with the wrong side facing up. Place the batting piece on top of the fabric piece and place the other fabric piece on top of the batting with the right side facing up. Pin these layers to secure them.
4. Sew around the edge of the fabric layers with a 1/2-inch seam allowance.
5. Position the bias tape at the edge of the sewn seat cushion with the center fold at the edge of the fabric and the edges of the bias tape surrounding the seat cushion edge on the top and the bottom. Turn under the raw edge of the bias tape, and pin the bias tape to the edge of the seat cushion to finish the raw edges of the seat cushion. Cut the excess bias tape off when the bias tape has been pinned all the way around the edges, leaving 1/2 inch for turning under the raw edge of the bias tape on the other end. Turn under the end of the bias tape.
6. Stitch the bias tape to the seat cushion by sewing 1/2 inch from the edge all the way around the seat cushion.
7. Repeat steps 1 through 6 to make as many dining room chair cushions as needed.
Make the Seat Skirt
8. Determine how long you want the skirt of the cushion to be. Six inches would be an average length of a seat skirt. Add 1 inch to this desired length for seam allowances.
9. Measure around the perimeter of the seat. Assuming the dining chairs have a back, begin measuring at one side edge at the back and measure around the front of the chair to the other side edge at the back. Add 1 inch to this measurement. Double this measurement.
10. Cut a piece of fabric with a width that is the dimension determined in Step 1 and a length that is the measurement figured in Step 2.
11. Turn under 1/2 inch along each long edge and press this fold. Sew 3/8-inch from the pressed fold to hem both long edges.
12. Gather one long edge of the skirt piece with long machine basting stitches. Do not pull the stitches to gather yet.
13. Repeat steps 3 through 6 to make as many fabric skirts as needed for the chair cushions.
Finish the Slipcovers
14. Position the gathered skirt piece onto the seat cushion so that it will begin at the side edge where the back of the chair is and will wrap around the perimeter of the seat cushion to the other side at the back of the chair. Place the skirt piece so that right side is facing out.
15. Pull the gathering stitches to fit the skirt piece to the seat cushion. Pin the skirt piece to the seat cushion when you have adjusted the gathers so that they are neat and even.
16. Sew around the edge of the seat cushion to attach the skirt piece to the seat cushion.
17.Repeat steps 1 through 3 to attach all of the skirt pieces to the seat cushions.
18. Position the slipcovers onto the dining room chairs so that the skirting is on the sides and front of the chairs and the skirting drops down over the edges of the seats.
There's no denying the fact that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes. That doesn't mean you can overlook staging your master bedroom. In this day and time, people are looking for a place to retire to at the end of a long day. This means they want a master bedroom that is soothing and offers a place to relax. That's why it's important to stage your master bedroom properly, in a way that all of your potential buyers can see themselves relaxing in the room.
Instructions
1. Paint the room a neutral color. You may have found your dark red walls to be alluring, but potential buyers may find them hard to stomach. In fact, they might not the rest of the room. The key is to choose a neutral color, such as a light tan, so that buyers don't even notice the color, but instead notice the features of the room.
2. Put oversized furniture in storage. Oversized furniture can make a master bedroom feel small. That's why it's important to take out any furniture you don't need. You want the room to look large and open. Oversized pieces can make the room feel cramped. This is especially true if any of the furniture disrupts the flow of traffic. Your buyers will notice these obstructions, rather than the real size of the room.
3. Choose simple bedding. Remember that you want your buyers to get a feel of the room, not your sense of style. A bedspread that features a bold print may be too distracting. Instead, consider solid white bedding. This allows the buyers' eyes to flow across the room, rather than stopping abruptly.
4. Remove clutter. Clutter makes a buyer think that the room doesn't have enough storage space. If you don't need it, take it out of the room or put it away in its proper place.
5. Depersonalize the room. You may love having pictures of your children scattered around your master bedroom. Unfortunately, personal items make it hard for buyers to see themselves staying in the room. By depersonalizing the room, you make it easier for buyers to envision having their own items in the room.
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Get creative when you arrange a queen and twin bed in one bedroom.
While not an optimal situation, if you must fit a queen bed and a twin bed in one bedroom, you can do so with a little creative rearranging. Assess the bedroom features and the essential furniture, and eliminate additional furniture unless it is absolutely necessary. By choosing the locations of the beds first, you can then decide what other furniture fits in the space and create a livable and enjoyable bedroom atmosphere.
Instructions
1. Measure the dimensions of the bedroom with the tape measure, and write the dimensions down. The queen bed has dimensions of at least 60 inches-by-80 inches, and the twin bed has dimensions of at least 39 inches-by-75 inches. Determine where these beds will best fit in the room.
2. Note the location of windows and doors because this will determine where the furniture can go in the room. Consider the natural traffic path in the room -- between the doorway and the closet, for example, so you can avoid placing beds in this area.
3. Place the queen bed in the room first because of its size. If possible, place the queen bed in a corner with one side of the bed along a wall and the head of the bed along the perpendicular wall.
4. Place the twin bed in the room in another corner. If space permits, place the twin bed perpendicular to the queen bed in another corner. This means a side edge of the twin bed will be parallel to the foot of the queen bed. Another option is to place the twin bed parallel to the queen bed in the opposite corner. Allow ample space to walk between the beds.
Use your favorite beach as bedroom decor inspiration.
Turn your bedroom into a tropical respite by decorating with a beach theme. Enhancing your personal space with breezy colors, casual fabrics, vibrant artwork and seaside vacation mementos will uplift your spirits. Surround yourself with favorite beach photos and decor items inspired by passions and hobbies. A beach decorating theme can vary from bright and whimsical to sophisticated and vintage inspired.
Sun, Sand and Sea Style
Consider seaside colors as you decorate a bedroom with a beach theme. Paint the walls with a sun-drenched yellow shade to infuse the space with a warm and welcoming vibe. Fluffy, sand-hued rugs add comfort to wood or tile flooring. Choose a splashy ocean blue comforter or quilt featuring white and yellow seashell patterns Hand-painted artwork presenting sunglasses and flip-flop designs look bright and airy when displayed in whitewashed wood frames.
Surfing-inspired Space
Channel the laid-back style of a surfing lifestyle when decorating a bedroom. Enhance a plain white wall with a surf-inspired mural depicting an island oasis, palm trees and large, white-capped waves. A woven rattan bed headboard, night stand, dresser and work desk set gives the room a relaxed, island-inspired feel. Enhance the bed with a comforter featuring watery shades of blue. A vibrantly hued vintage surfboard looks right at home hanging on a wall. Place tropical flowers, such as orchids and birds-of-paradise in colorful vases for a Hawaiian look.
Nautical Details
A nautical-inspired bedroom conjures memories of long weekends spent at the seashore. Freshly painted white walls set the tone for the breezy style. Hang navy and white-striped cotton curtains tied back with nautical rope, and enhance the bed with a coordinating navy comforter. White pillows featuring red sailboat patterns add a touch of whimsy to the bed. Choose bedroom furniture made with rough-hewn or whitewashed wood to infuse the space with a vintage, timeworn appeal. Maritime details, such as antique paddles, a ship wheel and a porthole-inspired mirror make ideal wall decor.
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Include plenty of art supplies to spark his creativity.
Since toddlers are too young to be involved in the process of decorating, you get to be the boss and pick out the decorative elements that appeal most to you. Start by choosing a color palette and pick out complementary colors that will work equally well for a girl or a boy. Yellows, greens, blues and oranges all work well for non-gender-specific decor. Don't be afraid to make the space innovative and creative. The more interesting the space is to you, the more stimulating it will be for your child.
Themes
Imagine the sort of themes that inspired you when you were a child. Avoid scaring your little one with big creatures or strange shapes, but inspire her with an outdoor scene, an underwater world or a solar system. If you are not particularly artistic, use stencils to create true-to-life animals, planets or trees. You may also be able to hire an artist for a minimal amount of money to paint a few decorative elements to make the room truly unique. Whatever theme you choose, stick to it with theme-appropriate bedding, carpet and furniture. Science and nature themes work well for girls and boys, and they encourage both to learn about the world without thinking about gender.
Furniture
One of the challenges of decorating rooms for children is trying to predict the future. Inevitably, your child's preferences will change, but you can avoid having to completely redo the space by investing in furniture that can grow with him. A twin bed with a roll guard works well for a toddler and it will still fit him into his teenage years. Dressers and tables that are simple and functional will also continue to work well. Make a twin bed kid-friendly by providing miniature stairs in bright colors for climbing up. Use second-hand furniture when he's young and paint it to match the room. You won't be out a lot of money and you can simply discard the furniture when he outgrows it.
Chalkboard Paint
Chalkboard paint is a creative addition to any child's room. It is available in a variety of colors and is easy to apply. Use chalkboard paint on an entire wall or attach a picture frame to the wall and paint the chalkboard inside it. Provide a large selection of chalks in different sizes and colors and let your toddler express herself.
Work Space
Create a cozy work corner for art projects, reading or impromptu tea parties. Provide a child-sized table with chairs and good lighting. Encourage reading and creating with shelves filled with books, art supplies and photographs. Include a cork board for displaying your little one's masterpieces.
Tags: work well, decorative elements, furniture when, your child, your little
You do not need a palace in Marrakesh to rock the Casbah look. You can invest in a full suite of furniture in dark tropical hardwoods, or just spend the weekend doing a quick Morocco theme update by painting an accent wall and switching out textiles. Either way, have fun juxtaposing rich hues, busy patterns, and gold accents to create a decadent aesthetic.
Instructions
1. Update your bedroom with Moroccan architectural elements. Engraved or embossed wooden shutters embellish many Moroccan homes. Hand-painted tile may line a bedroom window sill, or the window may feature an elaborate wrought iron screen. Arches or pillars around doorways evoke a Moroccan palace.
2. Paint or finish your bedroom with rich jewel tones. Turquoise, ruby, emerald, amethyst, and amber create a lavish look. You can keep window frames, door frames, and the ceiling a crisp, blue-based white for a cleaner look, or fill the space with vivid color for a busier effect. Deep hues of plum, mustard, cobalt, and bottle green work well as accent colors.
3. Integrate furniture made of dark wood that features elaborate details. A low, hexagon-shaped table with engraved panels and cut-outs can serve as a nightstand. A tall armoire with hand-painted scenery on the doors functions as a dresser. Set a low pouf or tufted ottoman in a corner and surround it with large floor cushions to establish a reading area.
4. Accent the furnishings with Moroccan artwork, linens and lighting. Hammered tin lanterns with colored glass insets create a dramatic look in a Moroccan bedroom. Canopies, curtains, and mosquito nets around the bed may feature solid hues of burgundy, plum, indigo, and cobalt, or may have embellishments of gold-stamped paisley, beading, fringe, pom poms, embroidery, or small mirrors.
5. Personalize your Moroccan decor by filling a floating shelf with a collection of handicrafts or souvenirs from world travels. Hang favorite artwork in elaborately engraved wooden frames finished in gold leaf.
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