Purple Bathroom Ideas

Purple is a rich and bold color.

A rich and regal purple theme can transform any dull bathroom into a royal retreat. While purple may not be the most common choice for a bathroom, it's a versatile hue that can work with almost any style. From funky amethyst to soothing lavender, purple provides a refreshing and unique accent.

Country Bathroom

Combine lilac and cream to create a floral bathroom with a charming country style. Dark lilac tile floors, light lilac walls and cream trim provide a relaxing background for the bathroom. A cream porcelain tub and toilet add a sense of warmth to the room. Sage green cabinets with toile-patterned lilac tile countertops and a cream porcelain sink create an eclectic accent. Sage green hooks with dark lilac towels and sage green curtains rods with sheer pale lilac curtains help tie the design together.

Fancy Bathroom

Mix pale purple and rich wood to turn your bathroom into an indulgent retreat. Dark mahogany floors, white trim and lavender Venetian plaster walls form a luxurious background for a spa-like style. Dark mahogany cabinets with white marble countertops and faux gold knobs add a touch of class to the style.

A bathtub, toilet and sink made from white-streaked, pale lavender faux marble create a sophisticated accent. A matching corner shower with a faux gold-trimmed glass door and faux gold fixtures keeps the design modern and adds a hint of sparkle. Golden towel racks with white towels and golden curtain rods with semi-sheer white curtains complement the flashes of white in the faux marble.

Funky Bathroom

Add assorted purple hues and interesting patterns to create a cheerful bathroom with a funky style. White walls, yellow trim and royal purple-and-amethyst checkered tile floors create a bold base for the design. A white bathtub with wall tiles that match the floor and a yellow-and-amethyst striped shower curtain add a bright touch to the room.

A royal purple cabinet with a yellow tile countertop and white sink provides solid chunks of color to help balance out the bright patterns. Yellow-trimmed, cream-and-white striped towels hanging from a royal purple towel rack above the white toilet provide soothing tones among the bold purple hues.

Teen Bathroom

Use purple accents and youthful designs to create a colorful bathroom for a teenager. Forest green tile floors, ivory walls and purple trim form a simple background for the bright style. A white bathtub with a purple/green/red/yellow/blue polka-dotted white shower curtain adds a touch of whimsy to the room.

A round purple bathmat and purple towels on a forest green towel rod provide rich accents without overwhelming the room. Forest green curtain rods with yellow curtains stand out against the purple window trim. A red cabinet with a blue countertop and white sink provides a bold base for polka-dotted bathroom accessories, such as a toothbrush holder and soap dish.

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Decorate A Tropical Dining Room

According to HGTV's Design Styles, the tropical theme pulls inspiration from carvings in island motifs and furniture made from dark or exotic woods. Bring this theme into your dining room with light walls, carved pieces and wooden accents. Decor Secrets suggests using wooden blinds and sheer curtains. Fabrics in palm, pineapple and flower patterns extend the tropical feel. Using dishes of various colors add a pop of color to the table and complete the look. Many tropical accents can be found at department stores and home décor outlets.

Instructions

1. Paint all walls with pale colored paint in blue, green or yellow. Paint any trim pieces white. Allow to dry thoroughly.

2. Install cherry wood or laminate flooring. Center a large bamboo area rug. Bring in furniture. Place a black wooden table and chairs on the rug. Place a black wooden sideboard centered against one wall.

3. Top the sideboard with palm patterned table runner. Place a pineapple candle holder at each end. Hang fern art in wooden frames above the sideboard.

4. Hang Tiki masks on the wall opposite the sideboard. Cover windows with wooden blinds and sheer curtains.

5. Cover the table with a palm tree tablecloth. Add dishes and napkins for a finished look.

Tags: black wooden, blinds sheer, blinds sheer curtains, Place black, Place black wooden

Turn Your Open Back Porch Into A Bedroom

Existing roof space can be extended, if needed, to enclose a new room.

Enclosing a porch for sleeping space is much easier with a sound roof in place. With the roof framing intact, the rest of the construction is similar to any other addition project. One challenge of the room enclosure will be adding heating and cooling, however. Don't assume that your existing heat pump will accommodate the extra floor space. If the porch has a solid concrete base, this can present some additional issues in terms of vents and duct work, too. By thinking through the steps and special challenges, you can design an enclosure that will come together in an organized way.

Instructions

1. Review all roof and foundation needs. Replace a wooden porch base with a concrete slab, for example, in some cases. A small roof that covers a small porch base might need some expansion to create a 10-by-12-foot room, for example. Make sure that the finished room will have an 8-foot ceiling after the interior is finished, too.

2. Take a look at heating and cooling needs and electrical issues. Ask an expert to evaluate run duct work from an existing heat pump system into the space. Route it through the home's attic into the porch attic, for instance. Plan to install electric heat in the room or a wall air conditioner for a small space, as other options. Check to find out how electrical wiring for outlets and light fixtures can be brought into the room.

3. Expand porch roof framing, if needed, and add wall framing. Install 2-by-4-inch boards on 16-inch centers to enclose the room. Leave openings for windows and an exterior door or sliding door. Use deeper framing boards, such as 2-by-8-inch boards, if you want to add thicker insulation on exterior walls.

4. Add exterior siding to match the house. Use vinyl siding or brick, for example, so that the enclosed porch looks original to the house. Install siding to match house trim if you can't match up original brick color, or the enclosure will stand out in a negative way. Buy windows that harmonize with windows on the house facade, so the bedroom space blends well.

5. Keep the interior clean and neutral. Add drywall that you will paint pale yellow, for example, and sand-colored tile. Use white trim and white baseboards. Select neutral colors so that the bedroom blends with adjacent rooms. Install furniture that is not overly crowded in the room, just in case the family might use the bedroom exterior door as an exit point.

Tags: duct work, enclose room, enclosure will, existing heat, existing heat pump, exterior door, heat pump

Install A Moen Bathroom Faucet

When it comes time to add a touch of style to your bathroom, look no further than Moen bathroom faucets. Moen manufactures and markets a number of different bathroom faucet models that are sure to match your particular style. Installing a Moen bathroom faucet isn't different from installing any other bathroom faucet model. The most important part of this bathroom project is making sure that the countertop where the Moen faucet will be installed is clean.

Instructions

1. Clean off the countertop area where you will be installing the Moen bathroom faucet, using a rag or paper towel and bathroom cleaner. Use a cleaning product that won't harm your countertop. Scrape up any old plumber's putty or silicone caulk with a putty knife.

2. Align the Moen bathroom faucet so that each of the inlets at the base of the faucet match up with the holes in the countertop. Insert the Moen bathroom faucet through the countertop.

3. Thread the plastic wing nuts onto the underside of the Moen faucet. Tighten them with a wrench.

4. Wrap the threads on the underside of the Moen bathroom faucet with plumber's tape. Make at least one turn around the Moen threads with the tape. Trim off the excess tape. Repeat this process for the threads on the water supply valves below the faucet inlets.

5. Secure one end of a water supply hose to the hot water supply valve. These may be colored red or identified by the letters "HOT" or "H." Tighten the coupling with an adjustable wrench. Thread the other end of the water supply hose over the inlet on the underside of the Moen faucet. Repeat this process for the cold water supply hose.

6. Turn on the water supply valves by rotating the round handles to the left.

7. Attach the handles to the Moen faucet, if needed. These may secure at the base of the handle by rotating it to the left or the right, or they may be held in place with a hex screw that needs to be tightened with an Allen wrench.

8. Open up the handle and allow the water to run out of the faucet for a few seconds before use.

Tags: water supply, bathroom faucet, Moen bathroom, Moen faucet, Moen bathroom faucet, supply hose

Reupholster Oak Dining Chairs

Reupholstering dining chairs improves their condition and extends usage.

Reupholstering oak dining chairs adds new life to the pieces of furniture while using the existing frames. Whether you wish to update the room's design or replace old or stained chair fabric, reupholstering the chairs is a straightforward process that allows you to give the chairs a facelift whenever desired. Use comfortable yet durable fabrics that brighten the room and enhance the natural beauty of the oak's grain. Installed properly, the fabric on the oak chairs should be tight and smooth, without creases along the front.

Instructions

1. Turn the oak chair over, revealing the screws. Remove the screws holding the cushion to the seat frame using a flat-head screwdriver. Add the screws to a zipper bag or container so you do not waste time looking for them when reassembling the chair.

2. Pull out the staples or tacks holding the current fabric to the chair cushion with a staple remover or needle-nose pliers. Pry the staples up and out from the fabric and padding. Try not to damage the fabric because it will form the template for the new chair fabric. Remove the fabric and set it aside.

3. Inspect the exposed foam padding for tears and replace it if necessary. Pull out the foam, revealing the baseboard. Set the board face down on a sheet of high-density foam and trace its outlines. Cut along the lines with scissors. Glue the surface of the baseboard and lower the foam over it, pressing it lightly so it sets.

4. Set the upholstery fabric wrong-side up on the worktable and lower the padded base board over it. Ensure the glue has dried thoroughly. Allow 2 inches around the edges of the board before cutting the fabric.

5. Hold the fabric along one edge of the baseboard and extend it to its back, pulling it taut to prevent creases from forming along the front of the seat. Insert a row of staples along the corners and middle of the fabric to secure it to the board. Alternatively, use a hammer and upholstery tacks to secure the fabric to the padded board.

6. Extend the fabric along the opposite edge over the board and repeat the process of stapling it in place. Turn the board over to inspect its front for creasing in the fabric; brush them with your hands if required. Continue extending and stapling the fabric along the other two edges of the board to its back. Cut excess fabric or frayed fabric edges with sharp scissors.

7. Center and lower the covered cushion over the frame. Replace the screws you collected in the bag. Reupholster the remaining oak dining chairs the same way.

Tags: fabric along, along front, board over, chair fabric, dining chairs

Lay Ceramic Tile In An Existing Bathroom

Ceramic tile installed on a bathroom floor.

There are many flooring options for bathroom floors. However, tile is the best option for bathrooms. Ceramic tile bathroom floors look great and make moisture easy to wipe away. Homeowners with other flooring options in their bathrooms can easily make the change to ceramic tile if they know where to start.

Instructions

1. Remove the baseboard trim from the bottom of the wall using a hammer and pry bar. Do this carefully so that the baseboards can be reinstalled above the tile once the tile floor is completed.

2. Remove the toilet from the bathroom. You will need a socket wrench to remove the bolts on the toilet. Set the toilet aside outside of the room.

3. Remove the current flooring from the room. Many bathrooms have linoleum flooring which will need to be removed. Regardless of whether the current flooring is carpet or linoleum, make an effort to remove the staples or glue from the floor.

4. Measure the length of the room and mark a gridline at the center point. Use a chalk line to mark the gridline. Do this with the width of the room as well. Once the chalk lines are positioned, spray hairspray on the chalk lines to keep them from disappearing while you work.

5. Mix the thin set mortar in a clean bucket. Use the directions indicated on the mortar packaging to mix the thin set. Apply the mortar to a small area of the room one area at a time so that it doesn't dry before the tile is installed. Start at the center point of the room where the two gridlines meet. Apply the mortar with a notched trowel, at a 45 degree angle so that the notch lines are uniform in size.

6. Install the tiles in place. With each tile, gently press it into place on the thin set mortar. Use tile spacers to keep the tile joints uniform. Set all of the full tiles into place first, leaving the tiles that need cuts for later.

7. Measure and cut each of the tiles along the edges of the room. Use a tile saw to make the cuts. Install the cut tiles in the same way you installed the previous tiles. While you are cutting tiles, measure and cut and install the tiles that will surround the toilet piping and door casings. Allow all of the tiles 24 hours to dry in the thin set mortar.

8. Use the packaging directions as a guide to mix the grout. Apply the grout with a rubber grout float, at a 45-degree angle to install the grout into the tile joints. Use the float to wipe away the excess grout, being careful not to remove the grout from the tile joints.

9. Wipe away the grout haze from the top of the tiles. Use a rounded grout sponge to wipe away the haze. Use a bucket of water to keep the sponge clean after wiping away small areas of the grout haze. Do not wipe away the grout in the tile joints. Allow the grout three days to dry before using the floor.

10. Reinstall the baseboards and the toilet.

Tags: tile joints, thin mortar, Apply mortar, away grout, bathroom floors, center point, chalk lines

Organize A Small Bedroom

Organizing a small bedroom is simple.

Organizing a small bedroom, including furniture and decor, is a way to give it more space, keep it neat and functional and ensure that the area is used well. There are a number of ways to add organization to a small room that will make it feel more spacious and useful. Keep the bedroom picked up and stick to the method of making the room neat in order to get the most benefit from organizing a small room.

Instructions

1. Place a bed with room for storage underneath it against one wall of the room. Put the bed in a corner or along a wall to increase the amount of floor space available in the room.

2. Use flat, rolling storage containers to store items in the area underneath the bed. Storage containers can be used to store offseason clothes, fresh sheets and blankets and seasonal decor.

3. Use a storage container with drawers to act as a nightstand and extra storage for items such as medications, books and magazines or jewelry. Place a lamp on the storage container and use it as a bedside table and organizer.

4. Put a closet organizer in the closet to create a space to organize shoes, boots and other items. This keeps them off of the floor and easily accessible, as well as ensuring that they remain organized.

5. Put a dresser in a corner of the room or store it inside the closet if there is room for it. This frees up more floor space and keeps the room organized and neat.

Tags: floor space, organizer closet, Organizing small, Organizing small bedroom, small bedroom, small room, storage container

Reupholstering Dining Room Chairs When They'Re Caned

Dining chairs are still useful even when the upholstery wears thin.

Caned dining room chairs are often upholstered to make them more comfortable when used for long periods at a time, such as during dinner parties. Because of this intensive use and the fact that many dining room chairs are used for years on end, the upholstery eventually wears out. Chairs can be expensive to replace, so learning reupholster your dining room chairs enables the chair to continue to provide years of additional service for a relatively low price.

Instructions

1. Cut away the bulk of the old upholstery material with a pair of scissors. Pick the remaining material off the chair using a craft knife, but be careful not to scratch any of the cane where marks would be visible. If any of the strands of cane are broken, cut them with the craft knife and pull the remnants out of the chair.

2. Thread fresh cane into the chair through the holes where the old cane sat. The strands should enter so they thread under the cane already in the chair, then exit via a hole on the other side and loop around and re-enter the chair through a neighboring hole, then cross over the chair, over the top of the existing threads, to re-emerge from a hole on the original side.

3. Push caning pegs into the holes to hold the cane in place. Place the strip of cardboard on top of the cane seat. Draw an outline of the seat onto the cardboard with a pencil. Cut away the cardboard outside the outline using the scissors. Place the cardboard back on the seat. Trim away any excess cardboard until you have a cardboard outline of exactly the same size and shape as the seat.

4. Coat one side of the cardboard in glue. Press the cardboard onto the piece of furniture foam. Cut away any foam that sticks out around the outside of the cardboard outline, using scissors or the craft knife. Place the upholstery fabric over the foam and pull it tight. Staple the upholstery fabric to the cardboard outline using the staple gun to make a new upholstered seat cushion.

5. Place the new seat cushion on the cane seat so the cardboard outline fully covers the cane. Hold the upholstered seat cushion firmly in place on the cane seat. Turn the chair onto its side so you can access the underside of the seat more easily. Using the staple gun, staple the upholstered cushion to the cane seat through the underside of the seat.

Tags: cane seat, cardboard outline, craft knife, dining room, outline using, seat cushion, cardboard outline using

Fix Leaky Bathroom Sink Faucets

Poor connections and seals cause leaky faucets.

Old parts that have worn down and are no longer providing the proper seal generally cause leaky faucets. Repairing a leaky faucet involves knowing which type of faucet you have. Homeowners generally install compression or ball faucets in their bathrooms. Compression faucets have two handles that supply either hot or cold water while ball faucets have one handle that rotates on a ball to control the water's temperature. Turn off the water before working on the faucet to make the repair job less messy. Purchase replacement kits at home improvement or hardware stores.

Instructions

Compression Faucets

1. Remove the faucet handles by prying off the decorative caps and pulling off the handles. Set them aside.

2. Remove the packing nut by unscrewing it with a crescent wrench. Pull the stem out of the bottom of the packing nut and pull off the o-ring. Slip on the replacement o-ring.

3. Remove the seat washer and throw it away. The seat washer is the last component in the faucet and will either still be in the faucet casing or be jammed into the stem.

4. Put a new seat washer into the faucet.

5. Press the stem back into the packing nut and place it over the seat washer.

6. Slide the handle cover over the packing nut and press the decorative cap back into place.

Ball Faucets

7. Remove the handle by rotating it to reveal the screw and unscrewing it. The screw back may be covered by a screw cover that you can pry off with a flat-head screwdriver. Set the handle aside.

8. Pry off the cap along with the cam and packing rings. Set them aside.

9. Remove the ball, ball seats and springs and throw them away. The seats and springs help balance the ball and will cause a leak if they begin to wear down. The ball will also wear down over time and cause a leak.

10. Slide the replacement springs, seats and ball back into place.

11. Lay the packing and cam rings over the ball and push the cap back into place. Slide the handle over the cap and screw it into place. Replace the screw cover.

Tags: back into, into place, seat washer, back into place, aside Remove

Placement Options For Ceiling Fans In Bedrooms

A cool breeze is welcome in any bedroom.

Ceiling fans offer indoor breezes with relatively silent operation. You find ceiling fans typically in high-traffic rooms and bedrooms. Ceiling fans present very few installation issues. Typically, you replace an existing light fixture with the fan. However, you have to decide where and place a ceiling fan in a bedroom where no light fixture previously exists. The decision presents the biggest issue in regard to installing a ceiling fan.

Headroom

The biggest issue a ceiling fan presents occurs with tall people or high-standing beds. No one wants to hit their head on the fan. You typically place the ceiling fan at the center of a room. However, odd- shaped rooms or odd layouts change your options for the location. The best location will be centered on the bed at the foot of the bed. The location provides air flow for sleeping while producing air flow for the remainder of the room. For high beds, such as a canopy or bunk bed, center the ceiling fan on a path around the bed while keeping the blades an arm's length from the top of the bed. Most ceiling fans have the option to use a drop-down neck to lower the fan or to mount it flush with the ceiling. Mount your ceiling fans flush with the ceiling to increase head room.

Mounting

Ceiling mounting requires you to use an electrical box. You have two main options; metal and plastic boxes that mount directly to the stud with nails or screws and hanging boxes that mount between studs. Hanging boxes use a metal bar that bolts to or screws into two adjacent studs. The electrical box is bolted directly to the hanging bar and comes as an adjustable sliding hanger where the box slides along the bar or a stationary hanger (centered between the studs). Use the adjustable hanging box if the location you chose for the ceiling fan falls between studs.

Additional Options

Placing a heavy-duty bar hanger with a bolt-on box in the ceiling provides greater stability for the fan. Most hanging boxes or stud mounted boxes flex, causing the ceiling fan to appear to bounce when operating. A heavy-duty bar hanger acts like a stud allowing for less flexing. Use a metal box that bolts to the hanger for increased stability.

Tags: between studs, biggest issue, boxes that, boxes that mount, ceiling fans, flush with, flush with ceiling

Decorate A Shelf In A Dining Room

Display decorative vases over the dining room shelf.

A dining room shelf is more than just a space to store cups and plates.

You can also use it to display your favorite decorative accents to add a personalized touch to the space. Keep the shelf spare for a modern look, while a layered display is a more traditional style. Group items by style, color and proportion and use your shelf for creating vignettes and rotating displays. Try monochromatic displays like a collection of vases or silver frames. Fill your shelf with artful objects, and keep in mind that groupings work best in odd numbers.

Instructions

1. Create a small vignette on the dining room shelf with a favorite decorative collection, like vases, salt and pepper shakers or figurines. Rest colored glass jars on the shelf to add a pop of vibrancy to the space.

2. Paint the shelf an unexpected shade like lime green or a sunny yellow. Create stripes using robin's egg blue and fire engine red for a dramatic design and to define the shelf.

3. Add a small accent lamp over the shelf in a bright pattern like botanical, stripe or trellis print. Flank an oversized dining shelf with a lamp on each end.

4. Mount a mirror over the shelf; mirrors instantly make the room seem larger and brighter. Extend the design around the shelf by adding a wide range of mirrors in different sizes and shapes.

5. Nestle small, white votive candles over the dining room shelf to complement a wide range of home styles and colors. Swap out the white candles during holidays for a festive color.

6. Wallpaper the space behind the shelf in a bright pattern to accent the room and showcase the shelf. Use traditional patterns like stripes or whimsical patterns like a trellis to create the design. Give a layered look to the shelf with a collection of wallpaper samples and remnants applied to the wall.

Tags: dining room shelf, room shelf, shelf with, dining room, bright pattern, favorite decorative

Painting Ideas For Girls' Bedrooms

Painting Ideas for Girls' Bedrooms

Girls' bedrooms are their havens. There they'll share secrets, laugh, cry and discover exactly who they are growing up to be. When painting a girl's bedroom, it's important to let her personality shine through, but girls will be girls, and no matter what they like, they may well change their minds next month or next year. Some sort of flexibility is imperative. Utilizing one or more of these painting ideas may set your imagination free on a journey of painting that results in years worth of happiness, for both parents and their girls.

Canvas

View a girl's bedroom as a stark white canvas, and think of yourself--the painter--as only one of the artists whose work will create the final look. You must collaborate with the girl whose room you're painting to ascertain her wishes for her room.

Decals

If she presently loves everything pertaining to a princess, but her interests may soon evolve to puppies and kittens, you're probably safe painting the room a pale pink or other soft pastel shade. Accessorize with princess decor for the present, but remove it and replace it with puppies and kittens without needing to repaint. A bold-colored primary bedroom with bright yellow walls can easily become a fun polka dot and circles themed room when affixing removable wall decals.

Mood Wall

Paint a mood wall for an adolescent or teen-aged girl. A mood wall can change with her moods. You paint a large border on one wall in her room in a color that complements the other colors in her room. She agrees to keep the paint intact on three of her four walls, but may do whatever she likes with her mood wall, including hang up posters, affix removable decals and even paint designs of her own with other colors. This allows her the freedom of expression, and means only one wall in the room will require a complete paint job when her tastes change.

Mural

Mural paintings have resurfaced in recent years, and are frequent focal points when painting a girl's bedroom. From a scene from her favorite fairy tale or play to a recreation of a sound stage or a dance studio, the sky is the limit when painting murals. You'll obviously need to have some art skills, or access to an image projector. Image projectors will project an object onto the wall, so you can trace it perfectly in light pencil, filling it in afterward with paint.

Faux Furnishings

Some people opt to paint a luxurious headboard as part of a girls' bedroom decor. Sketch an elaborately ornate castle or a surfing scene on the waves to serve as an alternative to an actual headboard. Find coordinating bedding to match or complement the scene.

Tags: girl bedroom, Ideas Girls, Ideas Girls Bedrooms, mood wall, other colors, painting girl

Antique Bedroom Furniture

About Antique Bedroom Furniture

Collecting antiques is a hobby for many people and learning about antique bedroom furniture can be a focus for some. Antique bedroom furniture has gone through various changes from where the bedroom is located to the amount of pieces needed for a bedroom. Learn about antique bedroom furniture to help you choose where to focus your collection.

History

Bedroom furniture began as a pile of material in the corner of a room. Eventually, bedroom furniture evolved into a mattress on top of a frame. In some ways, it is difficult to look at the history of bedroom furniture, because as late as the 17th century, there were not separate rooms for sleeping. Bedrooms were more along the lines of what we would call a living room or parlor. Sleeping in these rooms occurred out of necessity. As more people gained wealth, and mass-production came into play, moving beds into rooms of their own became common. Mass-production also allowed for the creation of armoires, dressers and night stands for storage.

Function

Reupholster A Dining Room Armchair

Reupholstering furniture lets you update its design while working with the existing frame. The fabric often wears out long before the cushions or frame, making dining rooms chairs appear worn out, battered and old. To maintain the warm and inviting look of the dining room, replace outdated, torn or old upholstery on the armchair with durable, stain-resistant yet attractive fabric. Measure the different parts of the dining room armchair carefully, so you buy enough fabric for its seat, back and arms.

Instructions

1. Pry the staples or tacks around the edges of the different sections of the chair using needle-nose pliers. Work carefully to avoid damaging the pieces of fabric, since you will use these as patterns for the new fabric. Set the fabric and tacks or staples aside.

2. Lay the old upholstery cutouts over pre-washed and ironed new fabric. Using sharp fabric scissors, cut around each pattern and set it aside.

3. Drape the new fabric for the back of the armchair over the frame. Tuck this fabric into the sides and pull it through to the chair back. Pull the fabric along the upper edge taut and secure it to the back of the frame, inserting staples every four inches.

4. Grasp the lower edge of this fabric up and over the back of the armchair and staple it to the frame. Extend the sides of the fabric along the back, in turn, and staple each to the wood frame.

5. Center and lower the fabric over the chair's seat, brushing it with your hands. Pull the extra fabric along the sides of the seat through the frame. Pull the front of the fabric taut under the frame and insert staples to secure it in place. Repeat the process of securing the back of the fabric, pulling it taut to prevent creases. Also pull the fabric sides taut under the frame and staple to the wood.

6. Drape the fabric for the arms over the frame. Fold one-third of the fabric closer to the back of the chair toward the front. Pull this fabric taut on each end of the arm and insert staples to secure it to the wood frame.

7. Form a slit through the middle of the folded fabric section to the end. Wrap the fabric at the back of the arms. Grasp the fabric at the front of the arms, extend it downward and staple it to the frame. Gather the excess fabric or form 4- to 5-inch pleats from the sides toward the center. Staple the pleats to the frame.

Tags: fabric along, this fabric, back armchair, back arms, dining room

Install A New Pvc Ptrap For A Bathroom Sink

The P-trap connected to your bathroom sink is designed to prevent clogs from happening further down your home's main drain line. Most often, you can remove clogs with a plunger or cleaning the P-trap. However, you may need to install a new PVC P-trap because of damage to the existing P-trap or a sludge build-up that can't be removed.

Instructions

1. Set a bucket underneath the P- trap to catch water inside the trap. Use a bucket small enough that will not effect you working on the pipes but large enough to capture about 2 cups of residual water.

2. Disconnect the upper connection of the P-trap where it connects to the sink drain. Use channel-lock pliers to turn the attaching slip nut counter-clockwise to release the P-trap from the sink drain.

3. Remove the other end of the P-trap from the main drain line protruding from the wall. Using the channel lock pliers, turn the slip nut counter-clockwise to disconnect the P-trap from the drain line. Empty any water that remains in the P-trap into the bucket.

4. Purchase a replacement P-trap from your local hardware store that matches the exact diameter and design you have. This will prevent you from having to make any other adjustments in your bathroom drain system.

5. Slide the slip nuts over each end of the new PVC P-trap. Make sure that the threaded end of the nuts are pointed out so they can be threaded onto your drain pipes.

6. Clean the threads of the sink drain pipe and the drain pipe coming from the wall. Wrap the threads of both pipes with new plumber's tape.

7. Connect the new PVC P-trap to the wall drain pipe using the threaded slip nut, and tighten by hand. Attach the other end of the new PVC P-trap to the drain pipe coming from the sink, and tighten by hand.

8. Tighten the slip nuts using the channel-lock pliers after the new PVC P-trap is connected. When tightening the nuts, tighten them evenly without over-tightening.

9. Set the sink stopper in the drain, and fill the sink with 6 inches of water. Turn the water off, and pull the stopper out of the sink. Inspect the pipe connections around the new PVC P-trap as the water is draining to check for leaks. Tighten the slip nuts ¼ turn if leaks are present.

Tags: drain pipe, P-trap from, drain line, sink drain, slip nuts, channel-lock pliers

Make A Homey Dining Room

Liven up your dining room by adding accessories and wall decorations.

While a stark dining room is visually appealing for design catalogs, it's devoid of personality. Plants, mirrors and original artwork help pull together a room that lacks that personal touch -- without breaking your budget. According to "Good Housekeeping," accent walls, centerpieces and candles benefit the room by stimulating the senses and, consequently, increase the room's comfort level for you and your family.

Instructions

1. Hang original or self-made artwork on the walls. Avoid mass-manufactured or well-known reproductions. Mass-manufactured pieces lack individuality, while those well known are overused.

2. Add a mirror to the room. Mirrors create the illusion of open space in a dining room, which is helpful if your dining room's size is comparable to a walk-in closet.

3. Place plants in the corners of the room. A plant livens up the space, and adds warmth to an otherwise sterile environment. The plant's size should complement the room rather than crowd the space.

4. Paint one wall in the room darker or lighter than the current color. An accent wall brighter or darker than the rest of the room creates a focal point; decorate with artwork that contains similar or complementary colors.

5. Add seat cushions to your wooden dining-room chairs. The seats of chairs wear out over time, but a small seat pillow on top of the chairs protects the surface from scratches and stains.

6. Add a centerpiece. A tabletop centerpiece adds character to your dining-room table and is easy to create yourself. Place an empty glass pitcher or vase in the middle of the table, add two cups of tepid water and arrange your favorite flowers. Place two to three small scented votive candles on the table; their light creates warmth.

7. Cover your dining-room table. A tablecloth serves as decoration, as well as stain and scratch protection.

Tags: dining room, dining-room table, your dining, your dining room, your dining-room, your dining-room table

What Colors Should I Use In My Bedroom To Help Me Relax & Sleep

Soft neutrals in a bedroom evoke serenity.

After a long, hard day at work, nothing feels better than being able to fall into bed and curl up in your own home sanctuary. A cushy bed and soft pillows help make your bedroom a relaxing oasis, but you can take a step beyond by really pushing the relaxation envelope. For an ideally relaxing bedroom, use wall paint to evoke sensations of peace, calmness and serenity. With the right paint color, your bedroom could feel like an in-home resort. This helps lead to a better night's sleep and a boost in your overall mood.

Shades to Use

When attempting to produce feelings of relaxation, look no further than colors found readily within nature. Cool hues like those within the green or blue color families provide a peaceful tone to a room. These shades can evoke a seaside feeling, with calming ocean waters to help put you in a tranquil mood.

Pastels create a calming feeling within a room as well. Choose shades like lavender or powder blue to evoke a little peace within. If you want a calming room but aren't a fan of ocean colors or pastels, neutral shades could be right up your alley. Neutrals provide less stimulation and therefore give a room the sense of peace. This includes colors like browns, tans and grays.

Colors to Avoid

Certain colors act in the opposite way of calming shades. Rather than allow you to relax and feel peaceful, these hues stimulate your eyes and, in turn, your brain. Bright colors may make it harder to sleep, since there is so much for your eyes to focus on. Colors in the red family should be avoided for decoration if you want to have a relaxing room because the boldness of red or orange stimulates the senses.

While white may seem like a good choice for a peaceful room, white walls reflect a lot of light and can make it hard for eyes to focus. White within the decorating scheme, however, such as white bookshelves or end tables, may work well when paired with calming colors.

Ceiling Paint

When considering creating the perfect room environment, one key location often gets overlooked. Having the right shade on your ceiling completes the peaceful, tranquil hideaway look you desire. Most ceilings receive white paint and little else is thought about them. However, "This Old House" suggests painting your ceiling a shade or two lighter than the color on your walls to create a warm, cozy environment.

In addition, because there is less contrast between the walls and the ceiling color, the room appears bigger. If you want the room to seem a bit smaller, try using a color like robin's egg blue to bring the walls in and add more calm sensations.

Other Calming Ideas

Lighting in conjunction with paint and d cor can create a more cozy, relaxing room. Try finding lights that are slightly tinted and avoid harsh bright lighting. Use furniture colors that complement the shades found on the walls.

Wood furniture creates a tranquil setting, since the deep browns are a relaxing shade. Avoid using lots of patterns within the d cor, especially bright-colored patterns.

Tags: color your, eyes focus, relaxing room, with calming, your bedroom, your ceiling, your eyes

Get Rid Of Gnats In Bedrooms

"Gnat" is a loose term for tiny flies, especially those with a habit of swarming in large clouds after dusk. Gnats are usually harmless but can become very annoying with a tendency to end up in your eyes, nose and mouth. Keeping them out of your bedroom is straightforward enough. You remove objects that attract gnats, place a screen over open windows and, if necessary, spray the flies.

Instructions

1. Remove any potted plants from the bedroom. Gnats are attracted to moisture and fungus, both of which are found around your houseplants. Some species of gnat may even breed in the pots.

2. Remove anything else that is damp or sweet. A basket of fruit might provide nice midnight snacks for you, but it also provides nice midnight snacks for flies. Keep fruit and vegetables in sealed containers in the kitchen when you have a serious gnat problem.

3. Fit a mosquito screen over the bedroom window, if you wish to have the window open but not let flies in. Gnats aren't usually enough of an annoyance that you need to use a mosquito net on the bed. You can purchase insect screen by the roll or get kits with everything you need.

4. Mix 10 to 20 drops of lavender, tea tree or peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle. Spray any gnats you see in the bedroom. Even the water droplets can kill flies as small and delicate as gnats, and the essential oils should finish them off. If you plan to use a commercial insecticide, make sure that it is suitable for use indoors and follow the instructions exactly.

Tags: midnight snacks, nice midnight, nice midnight snacks, screen over

Choose Dining Room Table Chairs

Contemporary chairs work well with a glass dining table.

The dining room table is a main site for gatherings of family and friends. The chairs in a dining room should be comfortable as well as attractive. Through normal wear and tear, however, chairs often wear out long before the table. If the time has come to replace your dining room chairs, consider several factors ranging from color to ergonomics before making a final decision about which style of chair to buy.

Instructions

1. Look at chairs that are the appropriate size for the dining room. Large chairs that fill out a larger dining room may seem clunky in a smaller dining room, suffocating the space. Small chairs save space in smaller dining rooms and come in a variety of shapes and styles.

2. Choose chairs made out of a material that matches or complements the material the table is made of as well as the dominant material found in the room. Funky, vintage, vinyl-padded chairs, for example, are well suited for a laminate table with chrome trim. Common materials used in dining room chairs include wood, metal, vinyl, leather and upholstery. Consider what materials are easier to clean. For example, finished wood, metal and vinyl is wiped clean with a damp cloth, whereas upholstery or cushion covers require cleaning with a steam vacuum or in the washing machine.

3. Pick a wood type, such as maple or oak, or a stain tone, such as cherry or mahogany, which goes well with the table if wood is the choice. Stay with a metal type such as cast iron or a metal finish such as chrome if the material choice is metal. For leather, vinyl or upholstery, choose a color or pattern that is in line with the style of the room. For a Western-style dining room, for example, upholstered chairs with Native American patterns are appropriate.

4. Coordinate with other furnishings, art and decorations in the dining room. Choose a style of chair that fits into the environment and with the scale and design of the table. For example, if the d cor is traditional or classical, consider Windsor, Chippendale or regency-style chairs. If you have a country-style table, try ladder-back chairs. If your dining room is modern, a wide range of contemporary styles are available.

5. Get the measurements for the chairs you are considering. Make sure the seat height in relation to table height is compatible for the range of heights of people that will dine at your table. Also, find chairs with a seat back height that is attractive in proportion to the table top.

6. Consult with your family regarding what kind of dining room chairs they find most comfortable. The consensus may be straight, flat-backed chairs, which support an upright posture and a straight spine, or it may be cushioned chairs with reclining backs, which are more conducive to kicking back and relaxing.

7. Take into account whether or not the chairs will double for other purposes in other rooms. If so, choose chairs that are lightweight and can be moved frequently without the threat of scratching the finish. Folding or stacking chairs are appropriate choices when moved regularly. With folding or stacking chairs, you can buy extras for bringing out when guests are expected.

Tags: dining room, chairs that, chairs with, dining room, dining room chairs, room chairs

Paint A Dining Room Gray

A classy gray shade can look especially nice in a dining room, allowing your glassware, china and centerpieces to sparkle against the neutral gray background. Painting a room gray, however, takes more than just a bucket of paint and a brush. Painting a room correctly takes preparation and meticulousness. Using the right tools and methods will make the difference between a pretty good paint job and a spectacular dining room transformation.

Instructions

The Process

1. Select the shade of gray that you'd like to use to paint your dining room. Most home improvement stores have sample color swatches to look through to help you make your decision.

2. Determine the amount of paint you need to buy, keeping in mind that one gallon covers approximately 400 square feet. Add up the lengths of your walls and multiply the sum by the room's height. For each door, subtract 20 square feet. For each window, subtract 15 square feet. Divide this result by 400. The result will be the number you need to paint one coat, though most walls will need two coats. Add an additional two quarts to one gallon for the trim and molding.

3. Remove all art and photos from the walls. Move furniture out of the room, or move it to the center and cover it with a tarp. Lay a canvas tarp on the floor. Remove all electrical switchplates, and cover outlets and switches with painter's tape.

4. Sand any scuffs and scrape off old bumps on the walls. Use a pole sander to sand the high parts of the walls. Patch any holes in the walls with a putty knife and patching compound. Sand any patched areas after they've dried. Dust and clean the walls with soap and water.

5. Paint over the patched spots on the walls with a coat of primer, and sand the spots again. If the walls are new, paint the whole room with primer. Primer should also be used if you're painting over a dark color with a light color, or a light color with a dark color. Allow the primer to dry before continuing.

6. Pour paint into a paint tray. Use an angled paintbrush to paint the edges of the walls. Paint a 2 or 3 inch band next to the molding, against the ceiling and along corners.

7. Use a roller brush to paint the rest of the walls. Dampen the roller with water before use if you're using latex paint, or paint thinner for oil paint. Make a zigzag M or W shape to start, then go back with overlapping strokes to fill in the gaps. Overlap your paint a little into the cut-in borders you painted earlier to remove any visible brush marks. After the walls have dried, give them a second coat if necessary.

8. Paint the trim and moldings using a wide straight brush and a 1- to 2-inch angled brush for the edges.

9. Allow paint to dry completely, then reattach all the electrical switchplates, fill the room with furniture and enjoy your new gray dining room.

Tags: dining room, square feet, walls with, color with, dark color

Decorate A Bedroom Makeup Table

Makeup tables add a unique beauty and sense of function to your bedroom. Decorating a makeup table for your bedroom can a fun part of creating a mood in your bedroom and allowing your individual taste and personality to shine through. Whether it is Victorian-style antique or a modern makeup table, it will certainly add a sense of style to your bedroom. Use your imagination and creative flair to decorate your bedroom makeup table, creating a piece of furniture with you all over it.

Instructions

1. Coordinate the color of your bedroom makeup table with the rest of your bedroom. Make sure your makeup table complements the theme you have selected for your bedroom. Choose one of your accent colors if you decide to paint your bedroom makeup table. Make sure it matches the other wood stains in your bedroom.

2. Stencil or freehand sketch designs on your bedroom makeup table. Add simple flowers, seashells or geometric shapes to the drawers and sides of your makeup table. Use the theme of you bedroom to decide what type of artwork you add to your makeup table.

3. Use decorate storage on your bedroom makeup table. Decorate a small hat box with lace or ribbon and use as storage. Small decorative jewelry boxes can be used to store lipsticks, eyeliners and other small makeup items.

4. Use accessories on your bedroom makeup table sparingly. Be careful not to clutter your makeup table. Add a simple light. A tall, thin vase with a single bloom is a nice touch. Small, decorative perfume bottles also look lovely on a bedroom makeup table.

Tags: makeup table, your bedroom, bedroom makeup, your bedroom makeup, your makeup table, bedroom makeup table

Sell A 1940 Dining Room Set

Sell a 1940 Dining Room Set

You've inherited a gorgeous 1940 dining room set, an antique from your great-aunt's estate. The set, consisting of a pedestal table and six chairs, has taken up residence in your tiny second bedroom. Although you appreciate the workmanship, you prefer contemporary furniture. You briefly consider calling the thrift shop to pick up the dining room set. However, it's in good condition and most likely has considerable value. If you sell the set, you can use the money to buy the contemporary furniture you prefer, or you can use the money for another purchase.

Instructions

1. Prepare the set for sale. Repair any obvious defects and give the set the best possible level of finish. If you have the resources, have the wood refinished and the hardware refurbished.

2. Determine the dining set's value. Unless you are an antiques expert, don't try to value the set yourself. Consult a local antique dealer familiar with furniture from the 1930s and 1940s. If that's not feasible, use an online appraisal service to obtain an affordable valuation, using photographs you provide. Although these services cannot provide foolproof opinions, the experts have experience with a wide variety of antiques. The appraiser can give you a good ballpark estimate on the set's value.

3. Consign the set at a reputable antique store. If you're not in a hurry to receive the proceeds, the store will provide a good viewing platform for buyers looking for antique furniture. It's also likely that the store has a list of customers searching for specific pieces. In addition, many shops list their inventory on their websites.

4. Advertise the set to a targeted local audience. If you live in an area with many historic homes, a display ad in the local newspaper may pique some interest. Include a good quality photograph and thorough description of the item.

5. Target an online antique marketplace. A brick-and-mortar antique shop provides steady foot traffic; however, an online antique marketplace will greatly magnify the number of potential buyers. Although some online shops are structured for licensed dealers, The Antique & Collectible Exchange (TACE) is open to anyone through a subscription service.

6. Sell the set at auction. If you need to sell the dining set relatively quickly, this option may work best for you. It's likely that your proceeds will be lower than those realized from a conventional sale, and some expenses will be associated with the auction. However, you should have cash in hand in a short period of time.

Tags: antique marketplace, contemporary furniture, Dining Room, dining room, likely that, online antique, online antique marketplace

Recover Dining Chair Cushions

A recovered seat cushion can add interest to an ordinary dining room chair.

If you are looking for a way to better coordinate your dining chairs to your room's decor, you can reupholster the cushions for a fraction of the cost of buying new chairs. You can bring new life to an abandoned piece at a thrift store, or simply adapt your existing furniture. Recovering your chair requires no sewing skills, just a few pieces of fabric and some simple tools.

Instructions

1. Remove the seat from dining chair by detaching the screws from the chair's frame. Remove any existing fabric from the chair cushion by prying off the staples with the flat edge of a screwdriver. Remove the back chair cushion and armrests where applicable as well.

2. Replace worn upholstery foam as needed. Create a pattern for your foam by tracing the shape you want to cover on a sheet of paper. Cut out the pattern and position it over the foam. Cut around the pattern with an electric utility knife. Cover this foam with a layer of cotton batting and staple in place to the underside of the cushion. To keep the batting from sliding when you staple it to the cushion, you can first spray the foam with spray adhesive.

3. Create a pattern for your upholstery fabric. Trace around the cushion directly onto the fabric. Add two to three inches around the shape to cover the sides and attach the fabric to the underside of the cushion. Cut out the pattern and trace onto your fabric.

4. Cut out your fabric and lay flat on a surface, print-side down. Place your cushion over the fabric with the underside of the cushion facing up. Pull the fabric taut over the underside of the cushion and staple in place directly to the underside of the cushion.

5. Cover each piece of your dining chair cushion individually. Replace onto the chair by attaching the cushion directly to the frame with a screwdriver.

Tags: underside cushion, chair cushion, Create pattern, Create pattern your, cushion directly, dining chair

Small Bathroom Makeovers

Small bathroom remodels can be very challenging. You must maximize space for practical purposes, but also create an elegant room. This can be difficult, as some people feel you must sacrifice style for space. There are many techniques and choices you can make, however, to ensure your small bathroom remodel is a success in both style and function.

Shower/Bath

When attempting a remodel of a small bathroom, it is very important that you approach the shower or bathtub with practical thinking. You want a functioning shower or bath, but you don't want to compromise too much space. It may be beneficial to choose a stand-up shower instead of a tub and shower combo. Stand-up showers don't take up as much space and can still be elegant and functional.

Also, instead of a shower curtain for your shower or bath, choose a glass door. According to HGTV, glass gives the illusion that the space is bigger because it is translucent, while a curtain creates a wall. In addition, be sure to pick tile that gives the illusion that the space is bigger. Smaller tiles will make the shower appear larger.

Vanity

The vanity is a very important part of the bathroom. In fact, in many bathrooms it is the focal point. You can even design a bathroom around a vanity that you love. If you are remodeling a small space, you will want to go with a smaller vanity. You don't want the vanity to be so large that it over takes your space and leaves little room to maneuver. When choosing a vanity, be sure to keep in mind functionality as well as aesthetic appeal.

Because vanities have evolved from a simple sink and faucet to a decorative piece of art, choosing the appropriate vanity can be difficult. There are many resources available, however, to help you select the perfect vanity for your space. Websites by Better Homes and Garden, HGTV and DIY have very informative links and videos showcasing different vanities. Whether it is installation videos or displays of different pieces, these home magazines and websites can help you in your quest for the perfect vanity.

Storage

Storage can be tricky when dealing with a small space. HGTV.com and DYI.com provide many storage tactics to make the most of your space. For example, open shelving makes the space look larger than it is and can also be very functional. In addition, when choosing a vanity, choose one that has ample storage underneath the sink. Hooks and racks can also be great practical space savers.

Accessories

When decorating your new bathroom, beware of over accessorizing. Too many things make a space look cluttered and small. Limit your décor to only a few small things and you will maximize space.

When choosing paint, go with a lighter color on the walls to give the space an open, airy feel. A dark color will make the bathroom feel cave-like.

Lighting

Lighting is a very important, but often overlooked, aspect in home improvement. In a small bathroom space you can really spice things up with the the right lighting. Stay away from florescent lighting in favor of something more subtle. A good way to maximize space is to go with recessed lighting, because you eliminate anything hanging from the ceiling that can take up space. Small, recessed halogen lights give the ceiling height and also bring elegance to the room.

Tags: maximize space, very important, your space, choosing vanity, gives illusion, gives illusion that, illusion that

Man'S Bedroom Decorating Ideas

Decorating a man's bedroom can present several dilemmas. Do you go with the macho bachelor pad motif or make the room more female-friendly? How do you show your own personality and still create a well-put-together space? No matter what your taste or budget, you can lend your men's bedroom a sense of sophistication and class through the careful choice of colors, textures, art and accessories.

Minimalist Theme

Real men don't need themes, or excess decor, for their bedrooms. By creating a minimalist environment, you can decorate a room with everyday necessities and avoid the kind of clutter that would chase a woman away. A man's minimalist bedroom will have the basics and not a whole lot more. A simple bed, a single chair, a dresser, a good piece of artwork and possibly a television is more than enough to make the room comfortable.

Furniture

The number of furnishings in the room should be few, and their design simple. Look for low-profile furnishings with a sophisticated sensibility. Platform beds, low tables and dressers with little ornamentation besides trendy drawer pulls are simple ideas to dress a man's room .

Color

Ask a man his favorite color and the answer will very likely be gray, black or something close to them. There is nothing wrong with these colors, but choosing muted, grayed out versions of stronger colors would make better statement. Slate blue, rich chocolate and avocado green are appealing without being dreary. Fabrics and bedding should run along these same color lines going a shade darker or lighter for accents creating a monotone room scheme. Add interest through the use of textured fabrics, rugs, and bedding.

Art

Art cannot be neglected in making a room understated to create a minimalist theme. A man's room should include at least one major focal piece in the form of a strong piece of artwork. Choosing this piece of artwork reflects your taste and sensibilities. It must be bold, daring and tasteful. Men new to buying artwork can begin by thinking about favorite things such as cars, boats or sports, and acquiring a vintage poster or pop art piece in that theme.

Tags: piece artwork, make room, room should, your taste

Decorating Ideas For Attic Bedrooms

Make your attic space useable by transforming it into a bedroom.

Many space-starved families elect to transform attic space into a bedroom. While the uncommon layout that commonly comes with attic space does present a design challenge, these difficulties can be overcome, and an inviting space created, with careful attention to detail and effort. With some creativity, you can transform the negatives of attic space living into positives and make your attic a warm and inviting bedroom.

Keep it Light

Even if you are a fan of deep hues, you should avoid these potentially oppressive colors in your attic space. Placing dark colors on your attic walls will make it appear that they are closing in on inhabitants. Instead, select light, neutral hues. These lighter tones create the illusion of openness and allow you to create a more inviting space.

Add an Accent Wall

If you still desire a splash of color in your attic bedroom, obtain this color through the creation of an accent wall. Paint one wall in your selected hue, adding excitement to the space and allowing you to show your love of all things bold. Ideally, this accent wall should be one of the taller walls in the room. If you create an accent wall, center your bed on this wall, as this is the natural focal point of your decor.

Pick Furniture Carefully

Attic spaces often contain low ceilings and, in many cases, the space can be a bit cramped. Do not try to pile excessively large furniture into these tight quarters. Instead, select light, minimalistic furniture pieces. Placing these simple pieces in your space will allow you to create an open and airy feeling while still having the requisite furnishings.

Hang Accents Creatively

In an attic bedroom, it may initially appear that you have no place to hang your room accents. In truth, if you change your hanging practices, you can hang your favorite images and objects nearly everywhere. Instead of installing pictures and mirrors on flat walls, consider placing them along sloped ones. Use brackets to suspend your accents at an angle. This uncommon placement will add a kick of pizzazz to your space.

Play with Uncommon Architecture

While hard to deal with, the architectural elements that commonly appear in attic spaces can be an asset. Use molding to add excitement to the room and draw eyes to the details that make the space special.

Tags: attic space, your attic, accent wall, allow create, appear that, attic bedroom, colors your

Lay Marble Tile For A Bathroom Floor

Working with marble is a similar process to other types of tiles, but with a few added issues. You need to make sure the tiles you get are fully sealed, as marble will absorb stains and moisture in its unsealed state. Marble tiles have to be evened against one another, since they're cut completely square. Start with a solid underlayment, preferably cement board, and remove all obstructions, including the toilet.

Instructions

1. Snap two intersecting lines over the middle of the bathroom floor with your chalk line, to divide it into four quadrants. Measure and mark the midpoint of each wall. Secure one end of the chalk line at one midpoint, then stretch the string across the room to the opposite midpoint. Pull the line taut, then lift slightly up on the string and release it to leave a chalk line. Repeat for the other two walls in the room, using a square as you snap the second line to adjust its position, so it's exactly perpendicular to the first line.

2. Spread thin-set mortar over the middle of the floor with the notched mortar trowel, covering a few square feet over the intersection. The chalk lines will remain visible through the mortar.

3. Set a marble tile into the mortar at the intersection, bordered on two adjacent sides by the two lines. Press the tile firmly into the mortar.

4. Put two tile spacers on each side of the tile. Press other tiles into place on each side of the first tile, against the spacers.

5. Repeat and continue, spreading more mortar as needed. Build out your tile grid from the center and work your way out along the chalk lines.

6. Lay your board along the surface of the first three or four tiles, covering them all at once. Tap around the board with a mallet to even out the tops of the tiles with one another.

7. Continue laying tiles and stopping occasionally to level them out with the board. Lay as many full tiles as will fit in the room. Leave empty spaces around the tub, toilet drain, walls and anywhere else that tiles will have to be cut to fit.

8. Let the full tiles set overnight.

9. Measure and cut the partial tiles for the edges of the floor by the walls, around the tub and around the toilet drain, using your wet saw. Spread mortar with the trowel in these areas, then press the tiles into the mortar. Let the tiles set overnight.

10. Pull out all the tile spacers. Apply grout over the tiles with a grout float, squeezing the long edge of the float along the surface to force the grout into the empty spaces between tiles. Wipe up the residual grout with a damp sponge. When the tile is completely dry, wipe the surface with a dry towel to remove grout haze. Let it set for 48 hours before reinstalling the toilet.

11. Seal the grout according to manufacturers instructions.

Tags: chalk line, into mortar, tiles with, along surface, around toilet

Decorate A Small Attached Living & Dining Room

Decorate a Small Attached Living & Dining Room

Decorating a small attached living and dining area can be a headache, and creating distinctly separate rooms with minimal space can be a design challenge. But a tiny living space doesn't have to feel like a shoebox; with a little guidance and preparation, your home can go from cluttered and cramped to wonderfully cozy. And the best part? Your renovation doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Instructions

1. Empty out the living and dining rooms, moving the furniture well out of the way for now. You need to be able to plan out your space without having to climb over the sofa to get from one end to the other.

2. Select an interior latex paint in a light, neutral color, and paint both rooms in the same hue. Choose a satin finish, which will be less reflective and add depth to your walls. Light colors will make the room feel more open and bright, and painting both rooms in the same color will keep the areas from seeming boxy and enclosed.

3. Use furniture to define the spaces, and treat them as two distinct rooms. Orient your dinette set or dining table in the center of the dining room. Arrange the living room furniture around a focal point, such as a TV or fireplace. Splitting the rooms in this manner visually enlarges the space by creating purposes for each room. The unified paint color, meanwhile, prevents the eye from becoming distracted.

4. Add bright, airy accent elements. Small spaces are often shrunken by bold decorating styles, so understatement is the key with your decor choices. Look for lamps with delicate, slender bases and light colored shades; hang pictures with narrower frames, and try to avoid cluttering your wall space. Select draperies and curtains in lightweight, sheer fabrics.

5. Get organized. Perhaps the best way to maximize the appearance of space in a small, attached living and dining space is to do a little spring cleaning. Get rid of furniture that isn't necessary to the space, and minimize decorative elements. Clutter drastically reduces the impression of space, so making sure that every object has a designated place can do wonders for opening up your home.

Tags: Attached Living, attached living, both rooms, both rooms same, Decorate Small, Decorate Small Attached

Choose A Master Bedroom In A House With 2 Bedrooms

The master bedroom in most homes typically features more space, larger closets and often an interior bathroom. If you've purchased a home with two bedrooms, but can't decide which room should be the master, evaluate each space in your home for specific characteristics to help you determine which room is ideal for you. Even when you're confronted with rooms with similar measurements, there are simple ways to determine which space is best for a master bedroom.

Instructions

Evaluate Your Options

1. Measure each room for length and width, pulling a tape measure from end to end along each perpendicular wall in the bedroom. The room with the larger dimensions will accommodate more furniture and should be considered for the master bedroom.

2. Evaluate the available closet space in each bedroom, paying close attention to shelf space, length of hanging poles and built-in units. The room with more closet space is ideal for the master bedroom, especially when a couple will occupy the space.

3. Select the bedroom that features an interior bathroom with dual vanities and closets when available. Most homes built after 1970 will include "his and her" sinks and/or closets, which can provide valuable space for each individual.

4. Increase home security by choosing a ground floor master bedroom versus an upstairs bedroom. This allows you to be the first line of defense in case of a home break-in and allows for more privacy from the other sleeping and common areas of the home.

5. Practice the Chinese art of feng shui design to harness good energy in your new home. According to this ancient tradition, a master bedroom should be located over a solid foundation--meaning it should never be situated over an empty space or garage.

Tags: master bedroom, closet space, determine which, interior bathroom, room with, space each, which room

How Much Value Can An Extra Bath & Bedroom Add To My Home

Mid-range home improvement projects typically have a higher ROI than upscale improvements.

Picking the right time for a home improvement project can be just as important as picking the right project in order to achieve the maximum added value for your home. Some additions to a home are worth the time and expense, as you will likely enjoy a higher ROI (return on investment) when you sell your house. In most cases, an extra bath and bedroom will add substantial value to your home, with an estimated ROI of 66 to 90 percent.

Timing

In a strong housing market, the addition of an extra bath and bedroom can add substantially to the resale value of your home. In a sluggish market, home improvements may not pay for themselves, depending on how long you plan to stay in your home. For 2009 through 2010, the national average cost in the United States for a bathroom addition was $39,046 to $75,812, and such a project resulted in an increase in resale value of $23,233 to $43,888. The average cost for a bedroom addition (attic bedroom or master suite addition) was $49,346 to $225,995, with increased resale value of $40,992 to $125,793.

Neighborhood

Consider the other houses in your neighborhood before deciding how much value an extra bath and bedroom could add to your home. Overbuilding for the neighborhood could be an expensive venture that is not likely to pay off in the end. On the other hand, if your home has two bedrooms and one bath, and many houses in the area are three-bedroom, two-bath homes, adding an extra bath and bedroom could significantly increase your home's value. If you plan to sell your home in the near future, you may want to consider smaller, less expensive home improvements because there is no guarantee that you'll achieve a worthwhile return on your investment.

Costs

Spending $40,000 to add an extra bath or convert attic space into a bedroom does not mean you will get $40,000 back when you sell the house. If your house is already comparable to other properties in your neighborhood, a modest makeover of the entire home could save you money and pay off better than a bigger-budget project on one or two rooms. Especially if you plan to move in the next year or two, save the money to put into your new home, and complete a few less-expensive enhancements instead. Home staging experts recommend spending a more modest amount -- $5,000 to $10,000 -- for fresh paint, new carpet, updated fixtures, doors and windows, curb appeal and other general improvements that attract buyers.

Projects

When you consider to what extent you want to go with your home improvement project, it is best to follow the 15 percent rule. Know your home's value, and do not spend more than 15 percent of that on any one project. Some beneficial projects with the best ROI include: interior/exterior paint (75 to 90 percent ROI); adding an extra bath and bedroom (66 to 90 percent ROI); kitchen remodeling (72 to 80 percent ROI); and adding a deck (71 to 81 percent ROI).

Tags: your home, bath bedroom, extra bath, extra bath bedroom, home improvement

Decorate A Child'S Beach Bedroom

Girl's Beach Bedroom

Create a beach bedroom designed to reflect your daughter's love of sea and surf that can be used as a tropical retreat. She won't soon outgrow this design. Enjoy the summer all year long by creating a fabulous beach theme bedroom.

Instructions

1. Start the room by giving it a tropical background. Paint the walls sunny warm colors, like pineapple, mango, or a sky blue. You can also paint in a mural of the beach, and even paint real sand in with the mural and glue shells onto the wall. Lastly, you can paint a sky on the ceiling, using fluffy, soft-looking white clouds. But don't forget the sun either!

2. The main point of any bedroom is, of course, the bed. Bedding can be a combination of solids and patterns in tropical colors, such as ocean blue, hibiscus pink, or lime green. A custom bed can be built to mimic a shape of a structure commonly seen on the sandy beach like a bungalow with a thatched roof. Or, you can have a bed that might be seen floating in the ocean like a sailboat, rowboat, yacht, or a cruise ship. You can also buy pillows shaped like flip-flops, suns, shells, and all kinds of beach accessories. These are easy to find when you look around.

3. To give the furniture a real beachy look, you can color the existing furniture with thin coats of white paint, which is also fun for the kids. You can also purchase a wicker set, if you don't want to spend time painting. Consider a hammock in one corner to add to the feel of the beach. You can also find smaller hammocks to hang and fill with sea life stuffed animals.

4. The best part of creating your beach theme room is the accessories and other objects that complete your room. You can buy lightweight wicker items like wastebaskets, lamps, picture frames, and laundry baskets. Add life in the room with a great selection of plants, both real and fake. Use both floor and hanging plants in front of your windows to add a touch of summer to the room.

5. Other details that might help out the fantasy may include a beach umbrella for shade and privacy, authentic beach furniture, along with fake rocks, and boulders. An aquarium filled with tropical fish or goldfish will do well to add an element of life to your daughter's new beach-themed room. Don't forget to add a mermaid to this tropical paradise.

6. You might also consider a small area in the corner of the room to add a little beach, complete with sand, shells, and a cute umbrella. It doesn't have to be big, but it will go along way to adding to the room.

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Arrange Bedroom Energy

Arrange your bedroom furniture to allow energy to flow through the room.

The placement and arrangement of your furniture and accessories can alter the energy, or chi, in your bedroom according to the ancient practice of feng shui, which is the centuries-old Chinese art of furniture arrangement. Follow a few simple guidelines to allow the energy in your bedroom to flow in a positive manner, which is said to increase the positive energy in various areas of your life, including health, wealth and love.

Instructions

1. Remove clutter and unnecessary items from your bedroom, including things that remind you of work. Move your computer, exercise equipment and storage items to another room in your home if possible. Designate a space for everything and keep it there so you don't see clutter in the room, including papers and laundry.

2. Position your bed against a solid wall where you have a clear view of the door, but not directly in front of the door. This position is also called a king's position. Avoid placing the bed in front of a window or against a wall that has a bathroom on the other side if possible, as the running water can drain energy. Use a solid headboard if possible.

3. Place two nightstands or small tables on either side of the bed. They don't have to match exactly, though they should be of similar size and style to create balance and harmony. Each table should hold a lamp that is also similar to, or the same as, the lamp on the opposite side of the bed.

4. Cover your mirror at night, especially if it faces the bed, if you aren't willing to remove it.

5. Include softness in the room, such as a soft rug, luxurious linens, and light and airy window treatments that allow natural sunlight into the room during the day.

6. Accessorize the room with earth elements, such as candles and a pair of flowers in a crystal vase. Include images of things or people that make you feel at ease, such as loved ones. Opt for photos of pairs and couples if you want to attract a partner into your life, or create positive energy between you and your partner.

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List Of Bathroom Stuff

Several elements are used to create a bathroom.

A bathroom is one of the most important rooms of your home. It is the place where you get ready to begin each day and prepare to end each day. It is also a space within your home where you are able to enjoy some solace and pamper yourself. When planning a bathroom space, there are several elements to incorporate to make it a functional, inviting and relaxing space.

Fixtures

Fixtures are what make a bathroom a bathroom, and two of the essentials are a toilet and a sink. Several varieties of sinks are available. To create a sophisticated look in a small bathroom, install a pedestal sink. A vanity sink is exactly what it sounds like--a sink installed inside a hole on top of a cabinet or vanity. Install this type of sink in a larger bathroom, as it is an ideal way to provide storage and style. Another option is a vessel sink, in which a bowl or some other type of "vessel" is placed on top of a piece of cabinetry.

Toilets are typically made of two pieces--a bowl and a tank. While there are not nearly as many different styles of toilets as there are sinks, you can select a fixture to suit the look of your bathroom. Toilets come in a variety of colors, so the easiest way to choose a toilet to suit the look of your bathroom is with color. For a retro look, choose a blue or pink toilet. For a natural look, opt for tan or beige.

Tile Choice

Another common element in a bathroom is tile. Whether you choose to tile your counter top, the floor or the walls--or all three--tile is an ideal way to personalize the space as an array of tile options is available. If you are aiming for a retro theme, tile the counter tops and walls with turquoise blue and black ceramic tiles. Create a modern look with iridescent glass mosaic tiles in your shower or on the walls of your bathroom. A travertine, sandstone or slate tile floor brings a natural feel to the room.

The Details

The easiest way to personalize and change the look of a bathroom is with accessories. A new shower curtain drastically changes the look of the space. For a country-chic look, opt for lace or a French toile pattern. A white waffle-weave curtain is ideal for a spa-like theme. Bring warmth into the space with plush, shag area rugs that complement your color scheme. Hang pictures on the walls that correspond to the design--for instance, in a modern bathroom, consider geometric prints. Even simple touches, like flowers and candles, help pull the room together and make a bold statement.

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