Redecorating a room doesn't always require the purchase of new furniture. After changing the curtains and main wall colors, makeover your high gloss laminate bedroom, rather than replacing it. The standard laminate bedroom set usually consists of a bed frame, headboard and dresser, as well as a nightstand or two. Easily redo these elements in any number of ways, depending on the decor of the room and how much work you plan on putting into the room.
Instructions
1. Take apart the bedroom set to ready it for painting. Remove the mattress and box spring from the room and dismantle the bed frame and headboard. Clear off the tops of the dresser and nightstand, and remove the drawers and anything within them. Sand the surfaces of each high gloss laminate item with a fine grit sand paper before coating with a thin layer of primer. Finish with the wall paint color and finish of your choice -- both flat and semi-gloss will work, depending upon the effect that you want. Let the paint dry overnight before reassembling the furniture.
2. Makeover the dresser and nightstand by upgrading the drawer pulls. Remove the current by unfastening them with a screwdriver. Insert new knobs or pulls purchased from your local home improvement or antique shop into the existing holes, then attach with screws from the other side.
3. Change the entire look of the bedroom set by placing self-adhesive tiles over the entire surface of each piece, or arrange an accent row of tiles on just the headboard and dresser. Rough up the area where the tiles are to go with fine-grit sandpaper, then peel off the back of each tile and secure into place.
French decor often uses wrought iron and soft colors.
French bedrooms have a soft, natural feel that incorporates many Old World decor elements. Natural materials like wood, cotton and iron are used to create this look. Soft lighting and a simple room complete it. Use elements from French design to create a room that is both modern and classic. French rooms have a soft romantic appeal, which is perfect for bedrooms.
Instructions
1. Paint the walls a soft, muted color, such as off-white, pale pink or blue. Use a whitewashed painting technique to give the room a French country appearance.
2. Install flooring that looks like traditional hardwood or terracotta. Use laminate flooring if hardwood is too expensive. Add throw rugs made from natural fibers, if desired.
3. Select furniture made of natural material like iron or wood. Paint wood so it appears whitewashed or limewashed. As with the walls, use soft colors like off-white and blue. Do not overclutter the room. Add a bed, armoire and chair.
4. Dress the windows in soft sheers that reach the floor and even pool on the floor. Use wrought iron window hardware.
5. Install a chandelier and wall sconces for lighting. Choose Old World-style lighting such as those made from wrought iron. Lighting that mimics candles is ideal.
6. Make the bed up with high-quality linens with lace accents. Stay with the theme of soft, muted colors. Blankets and quilts are more traditional that modern duvets.
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Bedrooms are a place for you to dream. A romantic, French style theme is perfect to create your elegant retreat. By using different fabrics and wood furniture, your room can be transformed into a soothing environment where you can relax.
Furniture
HGTV suggests buying your furniture in a dark wood, that is either natural or stained. A sleigh bed with a curved design on the head board and legs gives a soft feel to the room. An armoire, with its antique look, is a centerpiece of French style; try an antique looking dresser instead of an armoire. Scroll work or intricate legs on a night stand will complement your other pieces and bring a unique style to the room. A full length standing mirror with gold scrolling or curves will complete your bedroom look.
Color
Soft, neutral hues create a soothing atmosphere for your bedroom. Soft browns or pinks on the walls and ceiling will bring calmness to the area; pale yellows or greens can also give a soothing feeling to your room. Dark furniture against a soft colored wall creates a focus for your room.
Linens
Soft, elegant fabrics are the perfect accent for your French-inspired bedroom. White lace coverlets and shams over white sheets on your bed will give it a clean, crisp feel. Hang full-length curtains from the floor to the ceiling, and match the color of the walls in a different hue. Use a window valance for smaller windows. Tie backs for the curtains give a regal feel to your room. Add throw pillows to your bed with tassels or fringe in an array of colors to dress up your elegant bedding.
Lighting
According to HGTV, adding a chandelier will give a dramatic, antique look to your room. Hang it in the center of the room to make it more of a focal point, or suspend lights on each side of your bed to keep the bed as the focus.
Different kinds of lighting give a romantic feel to the room. Along with the chandelier, use table and standing lamps covered in feminine shades to match the rest of your room. Lights on different levels create shadow play, which will make your room an intimate setting.
Tags: your room, antique look, feel room, French style, will give
Use bamboo window shades in your teen's beach-themed bedroom.
Allow your teen to turn her bedroom into her private oasis with a beach theme. Beach-themed bedrooms are typically casual and relaxing, which is ideal for a teen's space. Let your teen concentrate on the details of her favorite part of the beach. Beach-themed bedrooms could focus on surfing, tropical beaches, tiki huts, beach cottages, lighthouses, seashells, dolphins, nautical or sailing details.
Walls
Paint the walls in a soft, natural beach color that complements your teen's specific beach theme. For example, beige or seashell pink would work for a girl's room focused on seashells, while light blue or sea foam green would work in a boy's surfing bedroom. Keep three of the walls neutral and paint the fourth wall with a mural. Use a peel-and-stick mural if you don't want to paint--or can't. Murals can include palm trees, a sunset over the water, surfers, a huge wave or nearly any beach image you could think of.
Furniture
Light-colored furniture is ideal with a beach theme, unless you're going for the look of a captain's quarters on a ship. Wicker or rattan furniture--such as nightstands, dressers, chairs and headboards--fit in with a tropical or beach cottage theme. Use light or natural-looking wood furniture for a nautical theme or other beach theme. A captain's bed works well for a nautical theme and provides extra storage for your teen, which is extremely useful if his bedroom is on the small side.
Linens
Bedding, window treatments and rugs can have a large impact on the room's decor. Use rugs that are shaped like flip flops, seashells, surfboards, a ship's wheel, hibiscus flowers or other beach related shapes. Your teen's bedding should complement the walls. For example, use bedding that looks like a grass skirt if she has a huge mural on the wall depicting an exotic tiki theme. Window treatments can be as simple as shades with sheer curtains for a beach cottage feel, bamboo shades or a valance that looks like it's covering a tiki hut.
Accessories
Pull the room together with accessories that are useful and add to the beach-themed decor. For example, hang a flip flop-shaped bulletin board for her to display pictures of her friends and other important items, and a string of flip flop-shaped miniature lights above her bed if she's going for a laid-back, casual look. Use your teen's surfboard as wall decor so she has a place to store it and add to her bedroom's theme. Hang an authentic-looking ship wheel, life preservers or a large fishing net on one wall. Use strings of seashells as window covers or to cover the closet in lieu of doors. Lamps, pillows, light switch covers and ceiling fan blades all come in novelty shapes that can work for your teen's beach-themed bedroom.
Tags: your teen, beach theme, your teen, beach cottage, beach-themed bedroom, Beach-themed bedrooms
You don't have to rely on liquid drain cleaners to bathroom sink. In addition to being slow-acting, liquid drain cleaners contain powerful chemicals that can harm you if you come into contact with the liquid, or may damage your pipes. Instead, reach for your plunger and prepare to unclog your sink in about a minute or less.
Instructions
1. Turn on the faucet to allow approximately 1 inch of water to fill the sink, if the sink doesn't already have at least 1 inch of standing water. The water will provide pressure to force the clog through your pipes and is essential to unclogging the drain.
2. Grasp the handle of the plunger and place the plunger cup over the sink's drain. Tilt the handle of the plunger to one side to move a portion of the outer edge of the plunger cup above the standing water. This will release any air that was trapped in the plunger cup when you submerged the plunger.
3. Replace the plunger cup firmly over the drain.
4. Repeatedly press the plunger down and quickly pull it back up for approximately 15 seconds, or until the water in the sink drains, whichever comes first. If there is still standing water in your bathroom sink after 15 seconds, refill the sink with 1 inch of water if some of the water drained and repeat the plunging for an additional 15 seconds.
5. Check the water level and plunge the drain in 15-second intervals until the drain is unclogged, which usually takes four cycles of plunging or less, according to the book, "Plumbing Do-It-Yourself For Dummies."
Tags: standing water, drain cleaners, handle plunger, inch water, liquid drain, liquid drain cleaners, unclog your
Take your time and layer your towels properly to keep your bathroom looking neat.
The bathroom is one room of the house that you must keep clean and orderly since everyone, including your guests, is likely to visit the room often. Every detail down to how you layer your towels on shelves matters. When you store your towels on a shelf they should look neat and even - just like you see them in a home store. When someone lifts a towel from the pile it should be a simple matter of grabbing and unraveling it for immediate hanging.
Instructions
1. Hold the two top ends of the towel so that the rest is hanging down. Match the two top ends together so that you now have the towel folded in half length-wise. If you want the width to be smaller, fold it in thirds instead (1/3 the way in from one edge then fold in the other edge).
2. Lay the towel on a flat surface. Fold the end closest to you down about 6 inches then lift that folded section and push it forward another 6 inches to make another fold. Repeat this action at the other end of the towel. The result is a neatly layered towel with an accordion-like fold - this is a bit of a change from the norm of simply folding the towel in half then in half yet again. Fold all of your towels in this manner.
3. Pile the towels one over the other so that last (top) flap of the "accordion" is facing outward. This makes it simpler for someone to grab the towel and lift it out of its setting for immediate use. Layer the towels so that the colors go together. For example, place all of the white towels, tan towels and blue towels in their own separate piles.
4. Store your layered towels in a drawer, linen closet, rack or on a storage shelf in your bathroom.
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Create a on graph paper when you're designing a master bathroom.
Designing a master bathroom can be fun if you plan carefully and take all the important factors into consideration. Spend some time thinking about issues such as how much storage and vanity space you need. Using existing plumbing and electrical hookups, windows and doors can save you money. It is worth the effort to begin your project with a detailed plan.
Instructions
1. Check out building regulations in your town, along with any permits that you will need. The building codes may affect elements of your design such as wiring and plumbing.
2. Sketch out your new bathroom on graph paper. Indicate where windows and doors will be, and the general areas where major elements will be located, such as the shower and the vanity. Make note of spots where you will put your lighting and where you will need outlets. Be sure to include space for storage. This is a good time to weigh whether expanding your bathroom is an option. As you progress in your decision-making, make your graph-paper layout more detailed.
3. Select a focal point for your bathroom, such as a high-tech shower with attractive fittings and interesting tile. Consider a double vanity if you share the bathroom with your spouse. Cut out cardboard fixtures that are sized to scale, and add them to your graph-paper layout.
4. Include enough storage space for items like towels and soap. You may be able to take some space from an adjacent closet in the master bedroom for more bathroom storage.
5. Take light from windows and existing fixtures into consideration, and indicate where you need additional lighting. Decide whether you want recessed or track lighting. Finish your layout by deciding where you will put tile, mirrors and shelving.
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Dress up the look of your dining room with a new light fixture.
One decorating item that should not be overlooked when you want a significant change in your dining room décor---at a reasonable cost---is a new chandelier over the table. Chandeliers impart more style to a dining room than might be imagined: because they are hanging from the ceiling and dangling over the heads of your guests, light fixtures are very noticeable. You can freshen a room significantly, and in just a few minutes, by hanging a new chandelier fixture.
Instructions
1. Set up a floor lamp with an adjustable neck and lamp in the middle of the dining room. Run a long extension cord from the lamp to another room on the opposite side of your home. Plug this lamp in and turn it on. Turn on the current ceiling fixture in the dining room. Place an assistant in your dining room.
2. Switch off electrical circuits at the home's main electrical circuit box until the dining room ceiling light fixture goes out, but the "work light" remains on. Call to your assistant for confirmation that the power to the fixture is out. A work light is much more convenient than trying to use a flashlight.
3. Remove the cover plate to the current fixture so that the wires are exposed.
4. Untwist and free any white, black, green (and possibly red) wires connected to the current fixture. Take note of which colored wires are in use. If a red wire coming out of the ceiling is connected to a wire on the fixture, note the color of wire on the fixture.
5. Remove the current fixture base from any center post or other mounting brackets. Post your helper underneath the fixture to help hold it when the base is freed. Carry the old fixture away.
6. Measure any chains, posts, or other connectors that determine the length of the fixture. A fixture should be hung 30 inches over the center of the dining room table---if the ceiling is 8 feet tall or less. If the ceiling is taller than 8 feet, hang the fixture 34 inches above the table. Adjust these lengthening devices to achieve the ideal 30 inches or 34 inches.
7. Hold the fixture up in place, having your assistant handle this, while you connect the wires. Connect the wires according to the instructions--and according to what you saw working in the old fixture wiring. Make sure you connect the ground wire properly.
8. Attach the fixture to the ceiling mount box as instructed. When the assistant lets go of the fixture, the fixture should hang securely and should not "twist" in the air for more than a second. If the fixture seems to sag at the mounts, or twists a lot, troubleshoot your mounting or wiring.
9. Add the lamps to the fixture.
10. Restore the power. Have your assistant report to you whether the lamps came on, or not. Turn off the power and troubleshoot until the lamps light correctly.
Tags: , current fixture, your assistant, your dining, your dining room, fixture fixture, fixture fixture should
Hanging curtains can give your dining room personality.
Hanging curtains in the dining room is one way to combat harsh light during dining hours and provide privacy from prying eyes that pass by. Curtains can make a dull room appear comfortable and inviting, add lightness to a dark room and give a sense of romance and elegance, depending upon the curtains that you choose. Make the effort to choose the perfect curtains for your dining room and you will certainly be pleased.
Instructions
Choose Your Curtains
1. Choose short, airy curtains for a dining room that is primarily for family use. Having curtains that end just below the window sill decreases the chance of someone accidentally tripping on them, perhaps falling and pulling the curtains down. Opt for colors such as sunny yellow, pale pink, light blue or sage green.
2. Opt for floor-length curtains if you have a dining room that is used for all purposes, such as family dinners, parties or other tasks besides eating. Floor-length curtains barely graze the floor, also eliminating the possibility of accidents. Choose from nearly any color that coordinates with your other d cor in the room, ranging from white to navy blue, ochre to chocolate.
3. Select puddled curtains if you have a romantic streak or if your dining room is mainly for adults. These curtains have 6 to 8 inches of fabric puddled at the floor, and can create a hazard for the elderly or very small children. Ideal colors for puddled curtains include cream, rich burgundy, dark green or shades of white or brown.
Hang Your Curtains
4. Measure the width of your window with a measuring tape. Mark 2 inches to the outside of both edges of the window. This is where you will mount your brackets.
5. Mark 4 inches above the top of the window to indicate where the rod will be hung. Measure from this mark down to where you would like your curtains to end. Make sure you get curtains that fit within this area or they will need to be altered.
6. Screw the brackets into the wall at the marked locations on either side of the window. Each bracket takes two screws; it is necessary to use both to ensure that the rod can withstand the weight of the curtains.
7. Slide the curtains on the curtain rod and slip the rod into the two brackets. Fluff the curtains as needed and arrange them so they give you the desired coverage.
Tags: dining room, , curtains that, your dining, your dining room
Chi is recharged during sleep, so bedroom color choices are very important.
Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of balancing the energy -- or chi -- in a space, ensuring positive energy flows easily and the inhabitants of the space enjoy good mental and physical health, and good fortune. Color is one of the most important aspects of Feng Shui because it directly affects a person's mood. Using the right colors in the bedroom not only aids sleep, but also creates a refreshed and positive feeling upon waking.
Yin Colors
In Feng Shui practice, yin colors represent healing and relaxation. Yin colors are black, white, purple, blue, green and pink. Black is symbolic of power and money, so best avoided in the bedroom. White is a calming color that represents purity, and purple is associated with spiritual awareness, making both of these colors good bedroom choices. Blue is calming, soothing and peaceful, but also represents adventure and exploration, so should be used sparingly. Pink is ideal for the bedroom as it represents love, and is often teamed with another great bedroom color -- green. Green represents renewal, new beginnings and fresh energy.
Yang Colors
The yang colors are red, orange, yellow, maroon, lavender and gold. These colors should be kept to a minimum in the bedroom because they are very stimulating. They make it difficult to fall asleep and prevent restful, relaxing sleep. They can even cause anxiety. However, small splashes of yang colors add warmth, life and energy to the room. Combine small amounts of yang colors with white, pink, green, blue or purple. A scheme should contain three to five colors, with one color more dominant than the others. For example, use green (yin) as the main color, pink (yin) as the secondary color, and splashes of maroon (yang) and lavender (yang).
Compass Direction
Compass direction plays a big part in choosing the right colors for your bedroom. Draw the outline of your home on a piece of paper and then divide into nine sections. Use a compass to label each box with the correct compass direction. North-facing rooms benefit from blue and black. Northwest or west-facing rooms benefit from white. Northeast, central and southwest rooms benefit from earthy colors and yellow. South benefits from red. Southeast and east-facing rooms benefit from green. Although the corresponding colors may not be suitable for the bedroom, a small splash of the relevant color is sufficient, a candle or flower for example.
Your Personality
Your personality is another area that plays a large part in choosing the correct bedroom colors. If you have a very fiery personality, use a opposes this such as calming blue or white. If you feel you lack energy, introduce small splashes of yellow or red. If you have a dreamy personality and you find it hard to focus, add a little orange to the room as this color helps focus the mind and encourages concentration. If you are single and looking for love, use plenty of pink as this color represents love and matters of the heart.
Tags: benefit from, Feng Shui, rooms benefit, rooms benefit from, bedroom color, color that
A kid's room should be a place to retreat for playing or relaxing.
Painting a kid's bedroom can be more challenging that painting an adult bedroom because you want it to be colorful and playful to give the kids something interesting to look at, but still keep it appealing to adults as well. Older kids may want to put bright and bold colors in their bedrooms. Young kids and babies actually benefit in development from seeing bright colors. There are a few solutions that will please everyone.
White Bead Board and Trim
Paint the top half of your child's room whatever color you all have chosen. Put white-painted bead board topped with a chair rail on the bottom half of the wall to tone down the color that might otherwise be too bright or bold. Add white molding and trim where the wall meets the ceiling to break up the color and create a frame for the colored wall.
Mural
Hire a professional painter or paint a mural yourself from a picture. To paint a mural yourself, choose a picture that matches the theme of your child's bedroom and place it on a projector screen. Position the projector opposite the wall that you will be painting the mural to have the picture expanded on the wall. Outline the parts of the picture with a pencil that you want to paint on the wall. Label each section or part of the picture with the color that it should be painted. Turn off the projector and paint inside the lines with the colors noted to make your mural.
Hang Letters and Words
Choose a theme and colors for your child's room that includes letters such as the alphabet, animal names, positive phrases or numbers. Paint the walls in a light version of a color that goes with the theme -- light green would go well with an animal theme. Buy wooden letters from a craft store and paint them to match the theme. For example, the word "tiger" can be painted in a tiger stripe.
If you're doing your child's name or positive phrases, the color options are endless, but you should choose opposing or light and dark colors for the wall and letters to make sure the letters stand out. Hang the painted letters on the wall at different levels around the room to create visual appeal.
Patterns
Make patterns on the walls that match the theme for your child's room. Paint the room a much lighter or opposing color to the colors that you plan to paint the pattern and allow it to dry for 24 hours. Use painters tape to outline the pattern that you will be painting. This usually works best for stripes and geometric shapes, or simpler shapes that can be easily made with tape. Use a ruler to measure the distance between the stripes or shapes if the pattern will be consistent through out the room. Paint the inside of the taped patterns with the darker or opposing colors and let it dry for 2 hours before removing the painters tape. The paint should not dry completely before you remove the tape, only slightly, to avoid peeling off paint that is in the pattern. If you remove the tape too soon, it could bleed outside of the pattern.
Examples of colors that go well together light blue or green for the wall and brown, yellow and orange for the pattern. Light pink for the wall and bright pink for the pattern, with outlines or accents of black, is another option.
Donating your dining set may do more than declutter your house; it can help someone in need.
Donating furniture is a great way to not only see an unnecessary item in your household put to good use, but to ensure it goes to someone in need. Often families may need furniture, but cannot afford to buy it due to other critical expenses, such as food, shelter or medicine. If you have a dining set that you no longer need, or are not using, there are numerous ways to donate it in Connecticut and get it to someone who will benefit from your generosity.
Instructions
1. Give the dining set to the Salvation Army. This Christian-based charity resells donated items through their chain of 300 thrift stores, using proceeds to offer assistance to the homeless and those needing a hand during a difficult time. You may visit their website at Use.SalvationArmy.org to find a location near you for donation, or schedule a free pickup of the dining set by calling 1-800-SA-TRUCK (728-7825). Donations are tax deductible.
2. Contact your local Goodwill location to donate the dining set. This organization offers job training and assistance to at-risk individuals and families. Donated items are sold in community thrift stores. You may find the location nearest you by visiting their website at Goodwill.org, or by calling 1-800-741-0186. Your donation is tax deductible.
3. Offer the dining set for free on Craigslist.com. Setting up an account is free and easy; you may then advertise the dining set for free to a family in need. While most "freebies" are donated on a pick-up basis, you can offer to deliver the dining set as part of your donation, if you like.
4. Offer the dining set to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern Connecticut. A furniture pickup can be scheduled by calling 1-877-725-6843. This organization works to pair at-risk kids with a mentoring adult, and any donations given are also tax deductible.
Tags: dining free, find location, more than, Offer dining, someone need
Adding a little lighting to your bedroom? You generally have three options: a floor lamp, a table lamp and a ceiling lamp. The first two are no-brainers; you plug in the lamp and you're finished. But the latter--the ceiling lamp--can be a bit trickier. What's the best way, after all, to hang a bedroom lamp? While there's certainly more to it than simply plugging it in, it needn't be a headache. As long as there's a ceiling box (where the wiring is located) in the room, you can do it.
Instructions
1. Run the cord through the following lamp components, in this order: first, the threaded nut, second, the ceiling cover, third, the threaded connector, and fourth, the bracket. Most, probably all, of these lamp components are typically included together when you purchase the lamp itself. If not, you can obtain them separately at any hardware store.
2. Wire the lamp. This involves connecting two wires, usually a white wire and a black wire. There should be a white and a black wire in the ceiling box, and these correspond to a white and black wire connected to the lamp. Connect the from the lamp with the white wire in the ceiling box, then connect two black wires the same way.
3. Attach a bracket to the ceiling box. Use screws to accomplish this.
4. Attach the threaded connector to the bracket. Typically the threaded connector simply screws right in.
5. Attach the ceiling cover to the threaded connector and bracket. It should cover both of these--and it should conceal the ceiling box apparatus as well. Generally, ceiling covers are either twist-on or attached via screws.
Tags: threaded connector, black wire, white wire, ceiling cover,
The vibrant colors of NASCAR offer an extensive color palette for decorating. For fans of NASCAR, showing pride in the sport and loyalty for their favorite driver can lead to some interesting options for decor and display. Decorating with NASCAR-related accessories can transcend the typical, such as decorating dens and living areas, and find a home in the bathroom.
Walls
Paint your bathroom walls a color in honor of your favorite driver. Paint stores can provide an exact match, but any shade of the color will work. For some die-hard fans, only a perfect match will do.However, for casual fans or those looking to slowly incorporate NASCAR decor into their home, the color should be comfortable and pleasant. Try incorporating wallpaper borders featuring NASCAR or racing themes, including race cars and flags. Place vinyl or adhesive numbers, driver decals or team symbols on the wall. Consider hanging old-fashioned signs on the wall, such as those relating to oil and car companies. Frame and hang magazine covers featuring your favorite driver or legends of the track.
Fixtures
For drawer knobs, consider replacing the handles and pulls with die-cast miniature cars. These can relate to a favorite driver or represent a specific brand of car commonly found in NASCAR, such as a Chevrolet or Ford. These also work great when attached to the wall for bathrobe and towel hooks. Bring a large tool storage box in from the garage and use it for storage. Store bathroom supplies, towels and washcloths in the various drawers.
Decorations and Accessories
Add the finishing touches by adding touches of NASCAR throughout the bathroom. This includes coordinating the colors of the towels, rugs and washcloths with the color scheme you selected. Consider embroidery for the towels. A simple number in the corner of the towels can add a touch of NASCAR without being dramatic. Use pictures of favorite race tracks throughout the bathroom, including the walls and door. Coordinate the soap and toothbrush accessories with the theme. Use a shower curtain driver's number or color. Fill the magazine and book holder with NASCAR and racing world books and magazines.
Tags: favorite driver, your favorite driver, your favorite, featuring your, featuring your favorite, NASCAR racing, throughout bathroom
In pioneer days, people rarely had access to ready-made furniture, so they often made their own dining room tables and seating. You can do this, too, with simple wood-working tools and inexpensive materials like pine boards and studs, to create a sturdy and comfortable dining room staple-- a trestle table and benches.
Instructions
Building the Trestle Table
1. Cut four 1 inch by 8 inch pine boards to the length of your desired table top-minus 15 inches. Use boards relatively free of deep knots, have clean edges and are very not cupped or curling. Add as many 1x8 boards as you need for the width you want.
2. Look at one end of these boards. You will see the pattern of the wood grain and its direction. Turn boards over until all have wood grains pointing upwards.
3. Space these boards side by side, as closely as possible. Line them up evenly at the bottom. They must be exactly the same length. Measure 12 inches in from each end and draw a line across all the boards.
4. Cut two 2 inch by 4 inch pine boards to the width of your table top-minus 7 ½ inches.
5. Lay these 2x4s across the tabletop boards at the mark lines. Connect the 2x4s and the table top boards with 1 1/2-inch wood screws-from the underside of the 2x4s and the table top boards, not down through the top. Push the table top boards as close together as possible, as you connect them with the 2x4s. Turn this joined tabletop over.
6. Rout or sand the edges of the tabletop so they are smooth and to prevent splintering. Use iron-on wood edging tape to finish the rough edges.
7. Cut two 2 inch by 4 inch studs to the same width as the table top-minus 12 inches-to create two "feet" for your trestle table support columns. Sand or rout the edges.
8. Cut two 2 inch by 12 inch boards to 27 inches to create two support "legs."
9. Position one support leg on top of one of the feet boards so the support board is in the center of the foot board. Center it end to end and side to side. Draw a line around this support leg onto the foot board. Repeat this for the other foot board.
10. Mark two drill hole locations in the center of this drawing outline on the foot boards. Drill ¾-inch diameter holes through these marks, to a depth of one inch. Counter sink these holes to accept ¾ inch diameter hex screws.
11. Drill corresponding pilot holes (to a depth of about two inches) to accept a ¾ inch diameter hex screws, in one end of each support leg,
12. Connect the feet to the support legs (from the underside of the feet) using ¾-inch diameter hex screws three inches long.
13. Lay the ends of the tabletop assembly over two sawhorses or have two assistants hold the tabletop in position at about table height. Position the support legs (with attached feet) under the table top so that the tops of these legs rest against the inside of the boards used to join the table top boards together. Legs should be spaced 15 or 16 inches in from the end of the table top and should "face" each other.
14. Join the tops of the legs to the under-table boards using 2 inch wood screws. Drill pilot holes if necessary.
15. Measure the distance between the inside of the two opposing legs, being sure to measure the distance with the legs perfectly square to the floor and the tabletop. Cut a 2 inch by 8 inch pine board to this length to create a "cross brace".
16. Mark where the cross brace should be placed to connect the two legs to create the center cross piece of a wide "H" pattern. This should be 12 inches from the floor.
17.Drill a ¾-inch diameter pilot hole on the outsides of the two legs and counter sink the holes to about ½ inch. Drive ¾ inch diameter hex screws, three inches long, through these holes and into the cross brace board. Place a counter sink wood plug over both holes.
Building the Trestle Benches
18. Cut two 2 inch by 8 inch pine boards to a suitable length for benches. Join these two boards tightly together, side by side, to create a 15-inch wide bench. Use four or more 12 inch long 1 inch by 4 inch dimensional lumber pine boards to form the underside "joiner" boards to hold the seat boards together just as you did for the table. Place the joiner boards on the underside of the seat boards, evenly spaced, and screw them into the bench boards with 1¼-inch wood screws.
19. Cut two 17-inch long end panels for the benches out of 2 inch by 8 inch pine boards.
20. Cut "feet" for these end panels from 2 inch by 4 inch pine boards, similar to the "feet" for the trestle table base. These feet should be nine inches long. Connect one foot board to the bottom of a bench end panel the way you connected the feet to the legs on the trestle table. The end panel should be centered in the middle of the foot board with ¾ of an inch of the foot board exposed on either side of the bench panel.
21. Connect the two end panels with a cross brace cut from 2x4 lumber. Make sure the bench panels are square. Mount the cross brace inside the end panels just like the trestle table board.
22. Center the bench seat on top of this bench "trestle," resting the joiner boards on the underside of the bench seat against the end panels. Connect end panels to the seat with wood screws.
Final Steps
23. Build a second identical trestle bench.
24. Sand both benches thoroughly, rounding off the edges in particular, to avoid painful splinters behind the knees when seated. Cut off or sand off the ends of the bench feet and the table feet so all are angled or rounded at the exposed "toes" of the feet. This will make sliding the benches in and out from the table easier.
25. Paint or stain your trestle table and benches to suit.
Tags: inch inch, pine boards, cross brace, foot board, , inch pine, inch pine boards
Remove faucet caps to access the screws underneath.
A faucet cap is located at the top of the handle that turns the water on and off. The cap is a decoration as well as a cover for the screw fastener hidden underneath. Faucet caps are typically plastic and popped into the grooves located on the tops of the handles. To remove a faucet cap, slide a small slotted screwdriver under it. Most faucets feature small indentations on the handles where a slotted screwdriver can easily be inserted.
Instructions
1. Inspect the faucet cap and locate the indentation in the handle that will allow a slotted screwdriver to be inserted.
2. Slip the slotted end of the screwdriver under the cap.
3. Push down on the back of the screwdriver slightly to dislodge the cap.
Tags: slotted screwdriver, handle that, screwdriver under, slotted screwdriver under
Change your dining room's entire look in an afternoon! Re-covering dining room chairs is upholstery at its most basic; all that's required is a vision and a staple gun.
Instructions
Calculate Your Fabric Needs
1. Measure the surface of the chair seat (and chair back, if it requires re-covering as well), side to side and back to front.
2. Add 8 inches to each measurement. For example, 18 by 20 becomes 26 by 28.
3. Count your chairs.
4. Determine exactly how wide your fabric is. Most fabric is either 36 or 45 inches wide, but most upholstery fabrics are 54 or 60 inches wide.
5. Figure out how many pieces you can put side by side (on 54-inch fabric, you can put two 26-inch pieces), making sure to take the fabric's design into account. A vertical design will look funny going side to side and vice versa; if this is your first time, you're best off with one that goes both ways.
6. Figure out the closest yardage measurement to your vertical (up and down) measurement. Fabric is sold in yards: A yard is 36 inches, so 1/2 yard is 18 inches. A 28-inch piece is just over 3/4 of a yard (27 inches), so will require 7/8 of a yard, or 31.5 inches.
7. Multiply this by how many chairs you have and how many pieces you need. For example, if you have six chairs and are re-covering the seats only and two pieces will fit side by side on your fabric, take the vertical requirement and multiply by 3 to get your total yardage requirement.
Re-cover the Chairs
8. Choose your fabric (remember, these chairs get a lot of wear and tear, so pick something reasonably durable).
9. Take the chairs apart. This usually requires unscrewing the seats from the frames (if they're stuck, apply a little WD-40 with a cotton swab).
10. Remove the old fabric or vinyl - you may need pliers if the staples or tacks are old.
11. Double-check your measurements to make sure the fabric pieces are large enough to wrap around the seat bottoms on all sides, and then cut out your new chair covers. (If they're not too disgusting, use the old ones as a pattern.)
12. Place your new cover on your work surface, wrong side up.
13. Place your chair seat on the new cover, top side down.
14. Hold the two together and flip to check that the fabric is pointed in the right direction; adjust if necessary; place the seat and cover back back down on the work surface, as before.
15. Pull the fabric up on one side (keeping the design straight, if applicable) and staple, working from the middle out to the corners.
16. Pull the fabric up tightly on the opposite side and staple.
The sink and tub drains connect to the septic line.
Septic lines, or waste drainage lines, are an integral part of the home's plumbing system, which consists of water supply lines, ventilation pipes and drainpipes. Adding an upstairs bathroom usually increases the value and marketability of a house. Plumbing the septic line in a new bathroom is a matter of tying in to the main vent-and-soil stack, directly or indirectly. Consult your local building authority before starting to ensure that it's permissible for you to plumb the new bathroom.
Instructions
1. Plan the drainage configuration to accommodate all the bathroom fixtures in the simplest layout possible. The septic line is a 3-inch line that runs from the toilet to the main vent-and-soil stack, but the drain lines from the sink and the tub/shower should intersect the septic line. If possible, arrange all the fixtures along a common wall.
2. Set a 3-inch toilet flange in the floor where you want the commode. If the walls in the home consist of 2-by-6 lumber, you can install a 4-inch flange and run a 4-inch septic line. Most houses, however, have 2-by-4 wall framing, so a 3-inch flange and 3-inch lines are necessary.
3. Connect a 3-inch PVC elbow sweep to the toilet flange in the floor between the joists. This is a 90-degree elbow but it turns gently to reduce the risk of clogs. When you connect PVC fittings, use PVC cleaner and PVC glue in the fittings as directed by the manufacturer.
4. Measure from the elbow sweep to the stud wall and cut a 3-inch PVC pipe, with a pipe saw, to match. Install the pipe to the opening of the elbow sweep attached to the toilet flange and install another elbow sweep where the septic line turns to fall vertically between the wall studs.
5. Grade the septic line. This means the drainage line must slope downward at the rate of 1/4-inch per foot. If the toilet is 8 feet from the wall, it will drop 2 inches between the toilet flange and the elbow sweep in the wall. The weight of the pipe will usually pull the end down, but if it's too steep or too shallow a grade, secure it at the correct height with a metal strap, wrapped around the pipe and nailed to the wall studs.
6. Tie in the sink and tub/shower drainpipes. This depends upon the bathroom layout, but these 2-inch drainpipes must connect to the 3-inch line running from the toilet. Use 3-inch to 2-inch reducer sweep T-fittings to attach the smaller drains to the larger line. In some cases, the two smaller lines will connect before reaching the septic line, leaving only one pipe to connect to the 3-inch line.
7. Run a 3-inch PVC pipe vertically down between the wall studs and tie the 3-inch line into the main vent-and-soil stack, which is usually at least 4 inches in diameter. The vent-and-soil stack is the vertical pipe that attaches at the bottom to the horizontal sewer line and exits the roof at the top. Between those two points, all the septic lines and the vent lines will attach to the stack, with the vents attaching above the level of the septic connections.
Tags: septic line, elbow sweep, 3-inch line, toilet flange, vent-and-soil stack, main vent-and-soil, main vent-and-soil stack
Hang your hammock by a window to get some breeze and sunlight.
When most people imagine time spent in a hammock, they envision themselves lounging between palm trees in an exotic country with a tasty beverage in hand, but there is no reason that you can't channel that same relaxation in your bedroom at home. Luckily, all it takes to hang a hammock in your bedroom are a few basic tools and a little time, and you'll be on your way to a new experience of relaxation in short order.
Instructions
1. Choose where to hang your hammock, keeping in mind that a corner is best. A place where the hammock can hang and swing freely will give you the best results. It is also recommended that you hang the hammock about six feet from the ground, to allow for any stretching once you climb inside.
2. Measure carefully so your hammock hangs evenly for maximum comfort.
Find a stud on each wall of the corner you have chosen, using your electronic stud finder. Ideally, the two studs will be 12 to 15 feet apart, although as few as 8 is okay. Mark the center of stud with a pencil, making sure they are each 6 feet from the ground.
3. Drill your holes as carefully as possible into the stud so your wall hooks go in straight.
Drill a hole slightly smaller than the diameter of the wall hook screws, directly on top of each of the two marks you made.
4. Screw one wall hook into each hole. Turn them so that the hooks are left opening upward.
5. Hang your hammock from the hooks, make a frosty beverage, and relax.
Tags: your hammock, each wall, feet from, feet from ground, , Hang your, Hang your hammock
You have a choice of finishes for white antique furniture.
Restoring an white antique bedroom suite requires patience. You need to take apart the bed and dressers and work on each piece separately. You can approach the task of refinishing painted antique furniture several ways: you can sand and repaint it, you can choose an "antique" weathered finish or you can give it a "distressed" look. You can use these finishing techniques if the wood is already painted white and you want to freshen up the finish, or if it is painted another color and you want to repaint it white to go with your decor.
Instructions
1. Take the bed apart. An antique bed usually has a wooden headboard, footboard and side rails.
2. Take the drawers out of the dressers, empty them if necessary and remove the drawer pulls.
3. Use wood filler to repair any gouges. Let the filler harden overnight.
4. Using a mouse sander, sand . Wear the face mask to avoid inhaling dust. A mouse sander is easy to handle and the narrow end of the sander can get into small areas. Orbital sanders may leave unwanted little circles in the finish. Sand each piece with the grain of the wood.
Choose your sandpaper based on how rough the finish is: the smaller the grit number, the coarser the sandpaper. If the paint is chipped, start with an 80 or 120 grit paper to smooth the edges of the chipped area. If the finish is rough, start 80 grit. To achieve a smooth finish, sand each piece two or three times. Start with the 80 or 120 grit sandpaper and progress to a finer grit. This will leave the piece with a finish that is smooth to the touch, making the filled gouges and chipped areas unnoticeable.
5. Use 000 or 0000 steel wool to go over the sanded areas to remove any sawdust. Wipe down the sanded areas and vacuum the insides of the drawers to remove the dust.
6. Tape the areas of the antique furniture where you do not want white paint. Using a good-quality paintbrush, apply a thin coat of "high hide" primer paint. When primer is dry, apply a thin coat of antique white paint. When first coat of paint is dry, apply a second coat. Do not apply too much paint at one time, otherwise the paint will run and leave drip marks.
7. Add a distressed finish to your painted white furniture, if desired. After the paint is dry, sand the edges of the pieces by hand to expose the bare wood. Lightly wipe the exposed wood areas with the antique white paint so the wood has a light milky look. Apply a satin clear coat of urethane to preserve the finish.
8. To achieve an antique crackled look, after the sanding is finished paint the pieces with a dark color, like dark brown. When that coat of paint is dry, apply a coat of crackle medium to the painted area. The thicker the coat, the more defined the crackle finish will be. After the crackle medium has dried for an hour, apply a a coat of antique white paint. The white paint will crackle and the darker undercoat will show through, giving an antique weathered look. Leave to dry overnight then apply a coat of satin clear coat urethane to preserve the finish.
9. When the paint is dry, remove the tape and reassemble the furniture.
Tags: white paint, each piece, antique furniture, antique white paint, apply coat
Removing a bathroom sink's drain pipe is necessary to remove the sink from the countertop. Removal of the drain pipe can also be advantageous to increase the size of the working space under the sink. With the drain pipe removed, repairs to the water supply tubes are much easier. Thankfully, removing a bathroom sink's drain pipe is an easy and quick process, and does not require the water valves to be turned off.
Instructions
1. Place a bucket underneath the drain pipe to capture any water sitting in the P-trap.
2. Remove the P-trap from underneath the sink. The P-trap is the U-shaped portion of the plumbing. The P-trap retains an amount of water in its base to prevent any noxious gases from entering the bathroom. To remove the P-trap, loosen the slip nuts at both ends of the P-trap. Note that the slip nuts have ridges around them. Use a pair of adjustable pliers to grasp the slip nuts and to turn them in a counterclockwise direction. Once the slip nuts have been loosened, the P-trap can be removed by pulling it in a downward direction.
3. Remove the sink's pop-up drain linkage. The pop-up drain linkage operates to close the drain on the bottom of the sink to allow the sink to fill with water. The pop-up drain linkage is located at the back of the pipe which is connected to the bottom of the sink. The linkage is attached to the pipe with a large plastic retaining nut. Note that the retaining nut has several ridges around it. Use a pair of adjustable pliers to grasp the retaining nut and to turn it in a counterclockwise direction. Once the retaining nut has been loosened, the linkage can be removed by pulling it in away from the sink's drain pipe.
4. Remove the drain pipe from the bottom of the sink. The drain pipe is attached to the bottom of the sink with a large nut. Grasp the nut with an adjustable wrench, then turn the nut in a counterclockwise direction to loosen it. Once the nut has been loosened, pull the pipe straight down to complete the removal.
Tags: drain pipe, bottom sink, sink drain, sink drain pipe, slip nuts, been loosened, counterclockwise direction
Public restroom changing tables accomodate children under 40 lbs.
Diaper changing tables are a modern convenience that makes changing a baby's diaper easier and safer for parents. Several retail stores and restaurants provide diaper changing tables in their public bathrooms. While these diaper changing tables are not on par with the home models, they are at a comfortable height for parents to change their children's diapers.
Federal Regulations
Rules governing changing tables in bathrooms
Federal laws do not require changing tables in bathrooms. Stores are not required to have changing tables. The stores that provide them are only offering a convenience for their customers. Where changing tables do exist, they only accommodate children under 40 lbs.
Customer Courtesy
Customer service
Public bathrooms are not the responsibility, but a courtesy of stores to their customers. If it does not suit your needs, there is at least a bathroom. This is not akin to having handicap accessible bathrooms. While it is a bother to parents, it is not a hindrance to equal access. Not having changing tables in public bathrooms is not discrimination. There is no intent to exclude parents and their babies.
Customer Convenience
Store amenity
There is no obligation for stores to supply changing tables since there is no law requiring stores to provide bathrooms. Changing tables are only available for customer convenience. They can be thought of on par with or similar to valet parking, on-site tailoring, and free samples. Stores will attract more customers if the store offers certain amenities, which is the idea behind offering changing tables.
Tags: changing tables, changing tables, bathrooms While, changing tables bathrooms, children under, diaper changing tables, public bathrooms
Wood cabinets on your bedroom wall can be an interesting alternative to standard shelves. Installing them is basically the same process as installing them in a kitchen, except you have more leeway in how high to place them. As with all wall-mounted cabinets, it's a good idea to get the them pre-finished or painted (or pre-finish or paint them yourself before mounting), so you don't have to try to do that once they're on the wall.
Instructions
1. Measure the dimensions of the back of the cabinet, recording the height and width.
2. Mark out that measurements on the wall, drawing a level square with your level and pencil to show where the cabinet will be. Position the bottom line at the height you want the bottom of the cabinet.
3. Find each stud in the wall, within the marked square, using your stud-finding. Mark each of them with your pencil and level with vertical lines within the square.
4. Measure the positions of each of the stud lines from one vertical edge of the marked square. Mark out vertical lines in the same positions on the back of the cabinet. (Example: If the stud lines are 6 inches, 22 inches and 38 inches from one side of the marked square on the wall, then mark corresponding vertical lines on the back of the cabinet at 6, 22 and 38 inches from that end.
5. Drill pilot holes on each vertical line, putting two on each line, one of them six inches up from the bottom and the other six inches down from the top.
6. Re-load the drill with its screw-driver bit. Set the cabinet against the wall, lined up with the square that you drew.
7. Drill mounting screws through each pilot hole to secure the cabinet to the studs.
8. Test the cabinet for plumb (straight up and down) by holding your level vertically along the front of the structure and seeing if it's leaning forward or back. If so, loosen the screws along the top or bottom (depending on whether the top of bottom has to be moved forward to make it plumb) and shim behind it until it's straight.
Tags: back cabinet, inches from, marked square, vertical lines,
Consider 's temperment and habits before decorating her bedroom.
Decorating your toddler's bedroom presents a unique set of challenges. First, your idea of a lovely, organized and aesthetically-pleasing space can be quickly derailed by the rowdy, destructive and oh-so-creative tendencies of your young child. Second, resisting the inherent nature of your toddler may mean you spend countless hours and experience endless frustration trying to keep toys organized, walls crayon-free and collectibles intact. Create a space where can "express himself" at minimal expense to your sanity is well worth the initial investment of time and money.
The Aspiring Artist
If your child seems determined to cover every square inch of wall space with crayon creations, decorate the bedroom so it allows for more acceptable artistic expression. Chalkboard paint is an inexpensive way to turn any wall into a "canvas" that can easily be wiped clean. Buy used tables from second-hand stores or garage sales, cut the legs short and paint the tops with glossy paint that wipes down easily. Use these "craft tables" for drawing, painting, play-dough and other forms of artistic expression. Likewise, hard floors make cleaning up a breeze. Out-of-reach shelves with bins of art supplies can enhance the "art studio" look. Remove family treasures such as Grandma's quilt from the room until rules around scissor usage are understood.
The Monkey
If your toddler uses every possible piece of furniture as a springboard or crash pad, turn the bedroom into a mini-gym, even if only temporarily. Clear all hard surfaces out of the room, put the mattress on the floor and remove breakables. Find the ceiling joists or rafters and use them to anchor eye-hooks made for heavy loads. Attach kid-safe hanging chairs, ladders or swings. Buy gymnastics mats or thick, foam snap-together mats to ensure safe landings.
The Pig Pen
If your child enjoys dumping out all of the toys more than playing with them, donate half of them and then create an easy-to-organize space that encourages cleaning up. Install shelving at the child's level and buy baskets that hold the toys but are still small enough to manage. Containers labeled with pictures, multiple hooks within reach and larger containers for oversized and bulky toys facilitate cleanups.
Embrace the Age
Toddlers are notoriously rambunctious, messy, even destructive. Rather than fighting it, learning to embrace this age and making slight adjustments to your home and will help ensure that you, and they, make the most of this fun, and oh-so-brief time in your lives.
Tags: your toddler, your child, artistic expression
Decorate your bedroom with distressed items for a vintage feel.
Distressed bedrooms aren't actually distressing. In fact, they often feel serene. The rustic charm of shabby chic furniture, combined with soft colors and fabrics, create an oasis of casual calm. Creating a distressed bedroom can be cathartic, as well. Distressing your furniture yourself could help make you as peaceful inside as your bedroom is outside.
Furniture
The key to distressed, or shabby chic, decor is the "chic" part of the phrase. Furniture pieces with elegant lines and interesting details stand up to distressed techniques better than plain furniture with bland details. Look for scalloped edges, flowing curves and elegantly turned furniture legs and bed posts. Flea markets and thrift shops often carry old, tired-looking pieces of furniture with very beautiful lines. Once painted, the shape of the furniture stands out and stands up to being distressed.
Distressing Techniques
Properly distressed furniture starts with an immaculate paint job. Sanding, priming and painting means the difference between charmingly vintage furniture and cheap-looking pieces. There are several ways to distress your freshly painted furniture. Sanding the corners, hitting the pieces with hammers and chains and gouging not only make the pieces look worn and loved, but they also relieve stress.
Crackle finish paint is easier on the joints than physical distressing. It starts with a dark coat of paint with a clear coat of crackle finish over it. A lighter coat of paint quickly rolled over the wet crackle finish cracks and crazes as the finish dries.
Fabrics
Unlike the furniture, distressed or shabby chic fabrics should be immaculate. Ragged and torn fabrics don't look charming; they just look ragged and torn. The pattern makes the difference, here. A light color palette that includes creams, whites and light blues and greens work well. Rusty reds, petal pinks and butter yellows make up the warm color palette for this bedroom. Prints traditionally include soft florals and checked patterns, but you can give them a modern punch with stripes, key- and scrollwork designs or branches and leaves. Mix a few solids into your sheets and curtains to set off the patterns.
Accessories
Choose your accessories judiciously, thinking about what looks old or vintage and what just looks messy. A metal lamp with a little tarnish looks antique, but a glass vase with scratches or watermarks just looks sloppy. Cushion fabrics should be clean and bright, even if the wooden chair they're sitting on has rough or worn places. Picture frames may be roughed up a bit, but the glass and art inside them should be polished and clean-looking. Distressed decorating is all about placing the bright and the fresh next to something worn to make everything look cozy and comfortable.
Bathroom showers are typically made or fiberglass. Either shower type can be replaced, but this is an advanced do-it-yourself project. Fiberglass shower replacement is best suited for a professional because casings can be difficult to remove and install depending on the size of the bathroom. Having a refitting company cover an existing fiberglass shower is a trend in bathroom improvements. Retiling a shower is less complicated and can be completed by a moderately experienced "do-it-yourselfer" in a single weekend.
Instructions
1. Remove the old shower tiles using a hammer and chisel. Remove the first title by punching the center of the tile with the hammer and chisel. Then work your way through the other tiles.
2. Remove old caulking and grout from the shower wall. Caulking can be pulled away from the surface by hand or scraped off with a razor knife. Grout can be knocked loose with a hammer. Smooth rough spots with sandpaper.
3. Apply tile adhesive to the backs of each tile as you place them on a clean and dry wall. Start in a bottom corner and move up and out to keep tiles straight. Allow 24 hours for tiles to set. Some tiles may need to be cut with a tile saw to fit in corners or other odd-shaped spaces.
4. Seal seams with new grout using a putty knife or rubber squeegee. Smooth the grout in the joint with your finger. Clean excess grout from the tiles and allow to dry.
5. Seal shower edges and around faucets and the shower head with silicone caulking. Use your finger to smooth the caulking into each joint. Make sure everything is well-covered to help prevent leaks.
6. Apply edging tiles to where tile shower meets tub or around shower floor for an additional accent or to help prevent leaks. The edging tiles are applied like wall tiles.
Tags: edging tiles, from tiles, grout from, hammer chisel, help prevent
Have fun with colors when decorating your bedroom in Oriental style.
Oriental style interior design is lovely in just about any room. Also known as Asian style, it's versatile and bold, yet also minimalist, with rich textiles and bountiful outdoor elements. To decorate a bedroom in Oriental style, you first need to know the type of environment that you hope to create. Oriental style interior design can be soothing and relaxing for a bedroom.
Instructions
1. Paint your bedroom using colors such as tan, red and sage green. The color red is a fundamental part of Oriental style as it's generally thought of as a color that brings good luck. Other colors that are often used in Oriental style are gray and brown.
2. Add furniture to your room that is dark wood. The wood should be a burgundy or chocolate tone. Light-colored furniture is not conducive to Oriental style. If you already have lighter-colored furniture, feel free to paint or stain it darker.
3. Use plants in your bedroom. Oriental interior design always encompasses plants and greenery in general. To make it look especially Asian, use bamboo plants, a quintessential Asian plant. Bonsai trees look nice as well.
4. Add texture to your bedroom by using accessories made out of materials such as rice paper and bamboo. Purchase bamboo frames and candles. A room divider made with dark wood and rice paper also adds an Oriental element to your decor.
5. Add Oriental-themed art to your walls. The wall decor will make a strong impact. Hang framed prints of Asian word symbols. You can also hang scrolls written with Chinese or Japanese symbols. Keep the frames on the prints dark.
Tags: Oriental style, your bedroom, bedroom Oriental, interior design, Oriental style, bedroom Oriental style, bedroom using
Fill a spa-themed bedroom with soothing scented candles.
Treat yourself by decorating a bedroom in a soothing spa style. Create a peaceful ambiance with pastel colors, live plants and glowing candles. Use nature as inspiration when choosing a color palette and textile fabrics. When decorating with a spa theme, avoid using unnatural materials, loud colors and harsh lighting elements. For a true spa experience, have comfortable slippers and pampering items such as body cream, massage oil and relaxing music at hand.
Instructions
1. Paint the bedroom a relaxing, spa-inspired shade. Transform your bedroom into a respite by splashing a soothing sage green color on the walls. Choose a soft lavender shade for a calming effect. Create a natural look using creamy neutrals and earth tones such as chocolate brown and burnt orange. Combine sky blue and bright white for a fresh, breezy appearance. Use non-toxic no-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paint to create an eco-friendly space. Hang an ivy vine-patterned wallpaper border under the ceiling to add interest.
2. Enhance windows with natural bamboo blinds. Hang natural, lined hemp drapes on rods above the window for added privacy and sunlight control.
3. Place fluffy rugs on hardwood or tiled floors. Choose extra plush white rugs as an indulgent, spa-like touch. Use woven sisal or bamboo mats in addition to, or in place of, the soft rugs.
4. Choose luxurious, environmentally friendly bedding. Enhance the bed with a white organic cotton comforter. Save money by slipping a duvet cover over an outdated comforter. Add color with decorative lavender and sage green pillows. Fold a coordinating cashmere blanket at the end of the bed.
5. Decorate with spa-inspired details. Fill a white ceramic vase with white tulips or roses. Display a potted lavender plant on a vanity table or night stand. Hang a plush white robe from a door hook. Arrange white soy pillar candles on a wood tray, and surround them with smooth natural stones. Place the tray on a dresser.
Decorating is a great way to personalize your home. While each room has its own significance, the dining room is one of the most lived in rooms in most home. The dining room functions as an entertainment space for guests, and as everyday accommodation for family meals. The key to adding a Rocky Mountain theme to your dining room lies in the details. You don't have to go overboard to create a tastful, rustic dining room, a few small touches can bring the Rocky Mountains to you.
Instructions
1. Give your furniture a Rocky Mountain theme. The best part about working with your furniture is you can either replace the furniture with more rustic pieces, or you can work with what you already have. If you are working with existing pieces, try paint finishes or changing out table legs with more rustic legs. You can also minimize costs by changing your chairs and keeping your existing dining table. If you are starting with a blank slate, focus on purchasing pieces that are knotty pine with a light finish, or have bark still attached to the wood. The Rockies are famous for their woodland feel.
2. Choose rustic fabrics for curtains, table linens and runners. Consider log cabin type of fabrics with plaids, patterns or traditional stripes. Mix patterns for the linens and curtains to keep the room flowing well. Curtains should be more traditional than modern. Include valences, and make sure you measure them long enough to touch your floors.
3. Add decorative pieces to the furniture. On the table, have a basket of pine cones or an arrangement of pieces of tree branches and stones. Use larger stones on the floor as accent pieces. Consider using large tree branches trimmed to size to function as curtain rods. Focus on decorative pieces that strike you as log cabin feel. Make arrangements in vases of pine branches, sticks and wild flowers. If you tend to like collectibles, try small collections of forest wildlife such as moose or deer as accents.
4. Add decorative wall art. A large framed piece, or several smaller pieces of art can decorate one wall. Consider using forest panoramas, wildlife or even a picture of the Rockies themselves. You can even make your own wall art of branches, sticks and rocks if you are the creative type.
5. Add Rocky Mountain souvenirs. At this point, you have a subtle Rockies theme in your dining room. If you want to have a more bold approach to the theme, include souvenirs such as plates or plaques, even silverware that say "Rocky Mountains" on them.
Neutral colors like gray match with a number of master bedroom furniture accents.
Relaxed, inspired and passionate are just some of the things you want to experience when you walk into your master bedroom. Some of the best colors for your master bedroom are those that fit your decorative personality and make this area of your home the customized "getaway" you desire. Hue choices for a master bedroom should also include those that work well with a number of color schemes if you like to change the look of the room often.
Black and White
Black and white is the ultimate color contrast and is growing in popularity as a master bedroom color scheme. Wooden furniture painted black, like a dresser or chest of drawers, gives the room classic style that can be updated with accents like painted white stripes. Creating an accent wall using stencils of flowers or trees painted in black and white is a noticeable feature in the room that offers a contrast amid solid black or white furniture. According to the Your Home Only Better website, a splash of bright color in a black and white room (i.e. cherry red floral arrangements or a cobalt blue lamp) is a popular home decor trend for 2011.
Shades of Purple
Purple is the color of royalty, and lighter shades evoke feelings of romance and nostalgia. Eggplant or aubergine pairs well with metallics like silver or bronze; paint the accent wall in the master bedroom dark purple, and use silver paint for the paneling. Accent the purple comforter on the bed with large bronze throw pillows for an elegant look. Silver mirrors or artwork against a lavender or lilac wall gives the room a feminine feel with a contemporary touch. Violet was a popular bedroom color choice for 2009 and 2010 according to Decorator Secrets.com; in the coming years, smaller purple accents, like flower arrangements or portraits featuring lavender blooms and lilacs, are ideal for including purple in the master bedroom.
Greens
Natural or farm-inspired shades are once again becoming the main colors in home decor as they were in the 1970s. Green, which represents tranquility as well as life and harmony, will make the master bedroom a welcoming haven of relaxation. Invigorating shades like neon or Kelly green can be used for the accent wall; decorate the rest of the room with dark wooden furniture or silver throw pillows or rugs so the green will stand out. A softer shade of green like pistachio or sea foam green will complement white furniture well. Prints that feature light green and white, like gingham or argyle, on pillows or curtains will bring the color scheme of the room together.
Browns
Many people choose brown as their main master bedroom shade because the color naturally promotes contentment and comfort. Light browns like beige and tan on the walls go well with pastel furniture accents like a lavender chaise or cream colored arm chair. Dark or chocolate browns can be paired with bronze-painted wall paneling and khaki blinds for a monochromatic look. Subdued colors like powder blue or dusty rose complement a brown master bedroom as well; the color will also work well in the vanity or bathroom area to make the bathroom and bedrooms areas appear more uniform.
Tags: master bedroom, accent wall, accents like, well with, your master bedroom, bedroom color, black white
Your bedroom should be your escape, your safe place that is your haven and relaxation zone. All too often our bedrooms end up cluttered messes that are anything but relaxing. In addition to not being relaxing sometimes they are unhealthy as well. Here's a look at give your bedroom a green makeover and turn it into the healthy, relaxing retreat that it should be.
Instructions
Give Your Bedroom a Green Makeover
1. Clear out the clutter. First of all you need to clean out your bedroom. Get rid of all the clutter, ditch the dust filled curtains and remove all the exercise equipment, televisions, and computers. Your bedroom is supposed to be a relaxing place not a work zone or gym.
2. Clean green. Grab your eco-friendly cleaning supplies and start scrubbing. How long has it been since you wiped down your walls? Washed the windows? I know the bedroom often gets ignored because who else goes in there, right? It is not usually a high traffic zone so when spring cleaning rolls around, the bedroom doesn't always make it on the to-do list. Now is the time to give it a thorough cleaning. Get into all the little cracks and crevices.
3. Give your room a color infusion. One of the quickest and easiest ways to give any room a face lift is with a new coat of paint. To give it a "green" coat of paint opt for VOC free paints. These paints are safer than regular paints both for you and the environment. Many companies now carry VOC free paints. The Home Depot has its own line with around 30 colors. For maximum relaxation choose a color that you enjoy. Warm colors are best in the bedroom because they promote both relaxation and romance.
4. Throw out those old curtains. Regular curtains are allergy and asthma irritants. They collect dirt, dust, pollen, dander and all kinds of other nasty things and rarely ever get washed. Unless your curtains are easily and often laundered opt for natural bamboo or wood shades or shutters that block light, provide insulation and are easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
5. Install new flooring. If you are up for a complete overhaul get rid of the dirty old carpet and opt for something easier to keep clean like natural wood floors that may be hiding under that old carpet already. You could replace that carpet with bamboo or natural cork flooring which is very eco-friendly, durable and softer than hardwood floors. Carpets are like curtains, only worse. Every piece of dirt, dust, mold and who knows what else can be lurking in your carpet and you can't throw it in the washing machine. If you decide to keep the carpet at least vacuum it with a good HEPA filtered vacuum and possibly give it a green cleaning of its own.
6. Invest in eco-wonderful bedding. Even if you don't go all out and replace your mattress with an all natural "green" one you can at least throw on some super luxurious bamboo sheets or some soft organic cotton ones. The most important things to replace in your life with green or greener options are those things that go in and on your body. Since you spend a lot of time in bed, sheets and pillows qualify. You don't have to spend a fortune on them either. Big chain stores are adding organic and bamboo products to their line ups, Wal-Mart, Target, JC Penney, even Meijer now carry bamboo sheets, pillows, and organic cotton bedding.
Handicap-accessible bathrooms need to be large enough to accommodate wheelchair movement.
Handicapped-accessible bathrooms have to be large enough to accommodate wheelchairs and provide enough space for the chairs to be easily rotated. The ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) also dictates the configuration of the fixtures in the room so they can be easily reached by wheelchair-bound people.
Floor Space Guidelines
The required minimum floor space for a handicapped-accessible bathroom is 30 inches by 48 inches. The space can provide forward or parallel access to the bathroom equipment, and part of the area can underneath the equipment as long as there is enough clearance for the knees and toes of the person in the wheelchair.
Turning Area Requirements
For a wheelchair to make a 180-degree turn, it needs a space with a minimum 60-inch diameter. In tight spaces, aisles with widths of 36 inches that accommodate three-point wheelchair turns are acceptable, and the space can include areas underneath fixtures as long as the required knee-toe clearance is provided.
Access Door Specifications
In addition to floor space obligations, handicapped-accessible bathrooms must have doors wide enough for standard wheelchairs to pass through unimpeded. If the bathroom has an open, straight entryway, the door has to be at least 32 . However, if the bathroom is located off a hallway, and the wheelchair has to be turned to enter the room, a minimum 36-inch doorway is necessary.
Required Sink Dimensions
In addition to providing adequate space for easy ingress, egress and movement inside the bathroom, the sink must be at an appropriate level for handicapped access and operation. Sinks must extend outward from the back wall by a minimum of 17 inches and have open space underneath with a minimum 29-inch clearance from the apron bottom to the floor. The required floor space clearance has to be 30 inches wide and 48 inches deep for the wheelchair to fit underneath from a straightforward approach. The sink should be no more than 34 inches high and have no more than 2 inches of counter space between the front edge of the cabinet edge and the bowl of the sink for easy access to hand washing.
Toilet and Urinal Requirements
Toilet seats must be between 17 and 19 inches off the floor and urinals no more than 17 inches high. The flush handle on both fixtures can be installed no higher than 44 inches from the floor and must be located on the most accessible side of the unit. If the units are enclosed by cubicles, the stalls have to be a minimum of 60 inches wide and deep enough for fixture access from the front or sides. Safety grab bars or comparable supports are required on both sides of the toilet or urinal.
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When installing beadboard paneling in a bathroom, it will likely be necessary to cut holes for pipes to fit through the paneling. There may be pipes for the toilet, sink or tub that go through the wall and will require a special round cut to create the hole for the pipes. With commonly available tools and careful measuring, you can create a neat and professional-looking hole in beadboard paneling around bathroom pipes.
Instructions
1. Turn off the water supply and disconnect the pipe from the fixture as close to the wall as possible.
2. Measure the distance from the floor to the bottom of the pipe. Subtract 1/8 inch from that measurement then measure and mark with a horizontal line about as wide as the pipe the same distance from the bottom edge of the beadboard paneling.
3. Measure the distance from the last piece of installed paneling to the edge of the pipe. Subtract 1/8 inch from that measurement then measure and mark with a vertical line about as wide as the pipe the same distance from the edge of the piece to be installed. This vertical line should slightly overlap the horizontal line.
4. Measure the width of the bathroom pipe. Divide the width of the pipe by half and add 1/8 inch. Using this measurement, draw a second horizontal line above the horizontal line already on the beadboard. Use this measurement to draw a second vertical line that crosses the second horizontal line. This intersection is where you will locate the point of the compass.
5. Set the point of the compass where the second horizontal and vertical lines meet. While holding the point on the intersection, move the pencil side of the compass to the original bottom line. Rotate the compass to draw a circle that will be cut out for the pipe. The circle made with the compass should touch both the original bottom and side lines. If it does not touch both lines, check the original measurements.
6. Drill the hole with a drill bit slightly larger than the bathroom pipe if available. If the hole is for a large drain and a drill bit is not available, cut the hole with a jig saw. Use a drill to create a hole in the area to be removed for the pipe. Place the jigsaw blade in the hole and cut at an angle towards the circle drawn with the compass. Continue cutting on the circle until the area for the pipe is cut out.
7. Place the bathroom beadboard over the pipe and fasten to the wall. Reconnect the pipe and turn on the water supply.
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