Calculate Yardage To Reupholster A Dining Room Chair

If a chair is still sound, but the fabric seat has had too many close encounters with soup spoons and dessert forks, you can save the chair and save money by reupholstering the chair yourself. Although that may sound daunting, it's not extremely difficult. The first step in successfully reupholstering a chair is to calculate how many yards of upholstery fabric you'll need to replace the stained or worn fabric.

Instructions

1. Decide what kind of dining room chair you have. Is it a chair with just an upholstered seat (also known as a slip seat)? Or will you need to reupholster the seat and back?

You may wish to save the old pieces and use them as a pattern while you work.

2. Measure the length (front to back) and width (side to side) of the slip seat. To figure how much fabric you'll need, take those measurements and add six inches to each. For example, if the seat measures 17 1/2 by 17, you'll need a piece of fabric 23 1/2 by 23 inches.

You don't need to account for the bottom of the chair; you won't use upholstery fabric for it. Instead, you can use denim or cambric or just leave the wood exposed.

3. Measure the length and width of the back of the side chair. Then add five inches to these measurements. Don't forget that if the back of the chair is upholstered, you'll need fabric to cover it, too. Two rectangles of the same size should cover both the front and the back.

4. Add the measurements you've collected. Here's an example: the seat requires a piece of fabric 23 1/2 by 23 inches, and the back will require two pieces of fabric 23 by 22 inches. Round upward. You need three pieces, each 2 feet by 2 feet.

5. Upholstery fabric is usually sold in 54-inch widths, which will encompass two of the 2- by 2-foot pieces that you need.

Then, you'll need another 2- by 2-inch section. Because of the width of the fabric, buying just 3 feet of fabric won't do the job; you'll need to buy 4 feet, or a yard and a third.

You will have an extra piece of about 2 feet square, as well as a long narrow strip about 4 feet by 6 inches.

Tags: fabric inches, fabric need, about feet, example seat, front back, Measure length

Baby Girl Bedroom Decorating Ideas

Decorate your baby girl's nursery in a way that soothes you, and it will soothe her as well.

Choosing your baby girl's bedroom decor is important since she'll be seeing the colors, shapes and items in her bedroom every day for the first couple years of her life. Surround your infant daughter with decor that puts you at ease, as she'll pick up on your emotion and find comfort in the room as well. Decorate her room with colors, a theme and a style that suits you, your home your entire family.

Colors

Pink is a common color found in bedrooms for baby girls. You can use any shade of pink, pair it with other colors or avoid it like it's the plague. Purple is another color commonly associated with girls. Use various shades of purple together, lavender and lime green or any combination that appeals to you. Pale yellow goes with pink for a wildflower or daisy-inspired nursery. Light blue or turquoise could go with chocolate brown for a modern design, or a laid back beach-inspired nursery. Primary colors can be combined for a different effect as well. Consider the colors carefully as color can impact our moods. Too many bright colors may overwhelm your child's senses as she's still getting accustomed to different colors.

Themes

Build your daughter's bedroom around a theme that inspires you. Ladybugs, butterflies, animals, flowers, rainbows, teddy bears, a fairytale princess or any other theme you take comfort in can serve as the theme for your baby's nursery. Focus on a particular item--such as the ballet slipper lamp you've saved from your own childhood or the quilt your great grandmother made for her--and use that to create the theme and color scheme of her bedroom.

Furniture

Any wood finish or metal furniture you want to use will work for a baby girl's bedroom. If you are using a specific theme or color scheme, the furniture should complement that decor. For example, a light pink and chocolate brown color scheme would complement a dark brown furniture set. Avoid stuffing the room with furniture as she doesn't really need that much furniture yet. A crib, dresser, shelves and rocking chair (for you) is plenty. Save some space in the room for her to play as she gets bigger. Use as many adaptable pieces as you can to get the most use out of them. For example, use a portable or removable changing table on a dresser instead of purchasing a completely different piece of furniture for the changing table. Use low shelves for toy storage that can be stacked when she's older for use as a bookshelf.

Accessories

Include wall decor, a rug, a lamp or nightlight or other accessories in her bedroom to complement the color scheme or theme you've settled on. Hang large letters that spell out her name above her crib using the colors from the room. If her bedroom is has purple lily pads, purple butterflies and green frogs, paint the letters light green and attach purple butterflies to a couple of them. Decorative pillows can grace a chair, and blankets can be hung on the wall or draped over a chair until the baby is old enough to have soft objects around her.

Tags: color scheme, your baby, baby girl, baby girl bedroom, changing table, chocolate brown, girl bedroom

Ada Requirements For Bathrooms

The ADA requires construction of accessible public restrooms.

Congress enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990 to protect the civil rights of disabled citizens. Title III of the ADA requires accessible construction of public buildings and facilities. The ADA standards for accessible bathrooms apply to all new construction and significant renovations.

Toilet Stalls

Toilet stalls must be accessible by wheelchair. There must be a clear path of 30 by 48 inches approaching the stall and the stall door must provide clearance of 32 inches. If the depth of the stall is less than 60 inches, there must be a 9-inch toe clearance above the floor at the front and sides of the stall. Handrails must be installed.

Toilets

Toilets must be 17 to 19 inches high. Flush controls may be automatic or hand operated and must be no more than 44 inches from the floor. The toilet must have a minimum depth of 56 inches.

Urinals

The rim of the urinal may not be higher than 17 inches above the floor. There must be 30 by 48 inches of clear floor space approaching the urinal. Flush controls may be automatic or hand operated and must be no more than 44 inches from the floor.

Lavatories

The rim of the lavatory must be no higher than 34 inches from the floor. The lavatory must provide a knee clearance of 29 inches high and 19 inches deep. Thirty by 48 inches of clear floor space must be in front of the lavatory. Exposed pipes and sharp objects protruding under the lavatory must be protected or insulated. Faucets must be operable by one hand.

Mirrors

The bottom edge of the mirror must be no more than 40 inches from the floor.

Bathtubs

There must be a clear floor space of 30 by 48 inches approaching the tub. The tub must have with handrails, a seat and a hand-held shower unit. Faucets must be within arm's reach and operable with one hand.

Showers

Shower stalls must be a minimum of 36 by 36 inches. The shower stall must include a seat, handrails and a hand-held shower unit. The seat must be 17 to 19 inches from the floor. Faucets must be within arm's reach and operable with one hand. Curbs in showers may not be higher than ½ inch.

Tags: than inches, from floor, inches from, inches from floor, than inches from, clear floor

Decorate A Small Bedroom With Two Windows

Windows play an important part in a small room.

Small bedrooms are cozy and inviting when decorated correctly. However, overcrowding will make a room go from comfortable to cramped quickly. Allow for breathing room and space to move rather than filling every nook and cranny. A room that is too small for a permanent bedroom can be turned into quaint and charming room for a guest.

Instructions

Window Treatment

1. Create the illusion of one large window by connecting two side-by-side windows with one curtain. Measure the total distance from the top right corner of the window on the right and the top left corner of the window on the left. Purchase a curtain rod using this measurement and attach to the wall or window frame. Use sheer or lace curtains to cover the windows and allow for sufficient light to enter the room.

2. Use louver shutters to cover windows that are on different walls. Adjust the slats to bring in light or offer privacy. Add a cloth valance for a splash of color and coordinate with the bed linen. Louvers give a clean, uncluttered look to a window.

3. Hang a tier window treatment for privacy on the bottom half of the window and draw back the top for sunlight. Choose a light-weight café curtain and slide onto a spring tension rod. Use two spring tension rods per window and locate at the top and middle of the window. Tension rods do not need hardware; the rod is pushed together slightly and released at the desired location inside the window frame.

Furniture

4. Use a single size bed if there will be one occupant or no larger than a double bed for two people. Cover the bed with a small pattern or a solid color spread. Add color to the bed with accent pillows in different sizes. Center the bed between two windows on one wall or locate the bed on a solid wall. Single beds can also be set up in a corner.

5. Select a chest that is tall with numerous drawers to get the most from a limited floor space. Two tall chests will provide more storage space than a dresser and use about the same floor space. Chests can be set side-by-side or separated depending on the locations of the windows and what is most pleasing to the eye.

6. Hang pictures in simple frames and moderate size. Keep the size of the frames under 16 inches if using two pictures next to each other. Smaller framed pictures can be clustered in a group.

7. Mount a lamp on the wall rather than using a bedside table lamp. An accordion extension with a swivel base will allow the lamp to be adjusted as needed. A three-way light bulb is another feature to look for while purchasing a wall lamp.

8. Replace a sliding wood closet door with a mirror door. The mirror will reflect light from the windows and give a sense of a larger room. Most closet doors are a standard size and are removed by lifting straight up and then tilt the bottom off the track.

9. Paint the walls a light color in a matte or flat finish. Beige is a safe color for bedroom walls since most colors complement beige or off-white. A child may prefer a pastel paint of pink, blue or green, depending on the gender.

Tags: corner window, cover windows, floor space, rather than, spring tension

Replace Dining Room Seat Covers

Replace Your Dining Room Seat Covers.

Replacing dining room seat covers can change the style and décor of your dining room. With a little money and some elbow grease, you can create a whole new look and add new life to your dining room chairs. You can use fabric that matches your window treatments or design a custom look, with each chair a different color or coordinating pattern. Replacing your dining room seat covers will add color to your life and spice to your dining experience.

Instructions

Remove the Old Dining Room Chair Seat Cover

1. Flip your dining room chair over. You should see screws that hold the chair seat in place. Remove the screws from your dining room chair. Set the screws aside. You can use the same screws to attach your new dining room seat cover to your dining chair frame.

2. Lift the seat from your dining room chair. Place the seat on your work surface, wrong side up.

3. Remove the staples from your chair seat. The chair seat cover is held in place with staples. Use a flathead screwdriver or needlenose pliers to remove the staples.

4. Lift the chair seat cover off of the chair seat. You will use the old seat cover as a pattern for your new seat cover.

Create a Pattern for the New Seat Cover

5. Place the old seat cover on top of your new seat cover fabric. Smooth the old seat cover flat.

6. Draw around the edge of the old seat cover onto your new seat cover fabric.

7. Cut out your new seat cover.

Attach the New Seat Cover

8. Place your dining room chair seat on your work surface. Smooth your new chair seat fabric on top of the chair seat.

9. Flip the chair seat with the smoothed fabric over, so the wrong side of the seat faces up. Make sure the new seat cover fabric is centered in place.

10. Staple the new seat fabric into place in the center of one side. Flip the seat over, right side up, to check the placement of the fabric.

11. Flip the seat back over, wrong side up. Gently pull the fabric so it is smooth and tight against the chair seat.

12. Staple the fabric directly across from the first staple on the opposite side of the chair seat. This will create a snug fit on the chair seat and will help you align the rest of the fabric on the seat cover.

13. Flip the chair seat right side up, to check the placement of the fabric and to make sure the fabric is flat and tight on the chair seat.

14. Staple the two remaining sides, starting with a staple in the center of each the side. Flip your dining chair seat over to check the fabric placement and tautness.

15. Staple the fabric to the dining chair seat. Place the staples approximately 1 inch apart. Pull the fabric firmly as you staple and monitor your work frequently by flipping the chair seat right side up to check your work.

16. Create small gathers at each corner of your dining room seat. Staple the gathers into place. Trim extra fabric to remove bulkiness when you are satisfied with your work.

17.Position your new dining room chair seat on your dining room chair. Screw the chair seat into place.

Tags: chair seat, your dining, dining room, dining room chair, your dining room

Sexy Bedroom Ideas

Sexy bedroom

Your bedroom should be a retreat from the world and a place where you are comfortable and want to stay all day. You can do a few simple things to turn your room into a romantic retreat that is both sensual and comfortable. Remove clutter, be sure to accessorize and have plenty of storage so that you have a relaxing environment to share.

Bedding

The most important aspect of a romantic bedroom is the bed. Your bed will be the focal point of the room, so you should design your room around the bedding that you choose. Red is the most popular color for romance and can be very sexy, but be careful not to overdo such a rich color. Choose golds and white as accent colors if you choose red for your bedding. Make sure the bedding is both comfortable and luxurious. If you are redoing your room on a budget, your priority should be on the bed.

Curtains

Curtains should match the bedding and complete the overall look of a sexy room. Layer your curtains to block out the world so that you can stay in bed all day if you wish. Use floor to ceiling blinds topped with sheers. Place blackout curtains or drapes on top of the sheers so that they can be pulled back when you wish to let light in but can also provide a dark, sexy oasis for times you want to retreat.

Candles and Flowers

Candles come in a multitude of fragrances and styles and can set the mood for a sexy room. They provide a nice aroma and excellent lighting for romance. Choose colors that complement your room colors and choose light scents that are not overpowering such as vanilla and lavender. Silk and real flowers can be placed around the room to add a romantic feel. Use potpourri as a filler in your vases and pots to add extra scent.

Tags: your room, bedroom Your, colors choose, sexy room

Unique Interior Design Ideas For A Bedroom

Bedrooms can be relaxing or eclectic and energetic spaces.

The bedroom is the haven within the home where people retreat to enjoy a peaceful night's slumber. It's where each day ends and begins and is a private space to express your individuality. And what better way to make the most of your room than to choose unique design ideas that reflect your personality. So whether you're looking to make a bold statement in your boudoir or to express how you feel about your loved one and bedroom co-habiter, the bedroom is the place to do it.

Oversize Headboard

An oversize headboard gives the bed priority in a room.

Adding an oversize headboard to your bedroom will create a design statement. It involves making a timber frame and stretching padding and fabric across it to get a sumptuous finish. Alternatively you could use a stretched canvas artwork or a decorative wall hanging. Here, size is important. Your headboard needs to be at least as wide as the bed and could reach halfway up to the ceiling, or even all the way depending on how much of a statement you want to make. You could use this headboard instead of a standard bed headboard or in addition to a fixed bed frame head.

Decorative Storage

A prized outfit can become a bedroom work of art.

Make a feature out of those items that everyone has in a bedroom, but which are usually packed or hidden away. You can turn anything into a work of art. Transform a life-size wooden mannequin, body form or dressmaker's dummy into a focal point in your room with the addition of the clothes and accessories you intend to wear the next day, or an outfit you've chosen for a party or night out. Arrange earrings and other jewellery on a large cork board with a decorative frame or color code shoes transparent boxes around your door frame.

Hidden Television

Watch television and then hide it away when it's not in use.

Most people will admit that they like to watch television in bed, but few will want to have a television set on display. With the invention of flat LCD TVs there are now many more possibilities for hiding the set than ever before. Gone are the days of having to have a dedicated television cabinet at the foot of the bed. Instead, more ingenious storage methods are available like the television frame, which looks just like a piece of art, but which lifts up to reveal a television set inside. You could easily replicate this with a wall-mounted television and stretched canvas print. Another clever invention is the bed frame with a concealed television in the foot board, which lifts out on a motorized shelf. You could also try fitting a faux fireplace surround with a television in the orifice a fire normally takes up. When the set isn't in use it could play a DVD of an open fire.

Bedroom Bathtub

Baths come in many shapes and sizes to fit any room.

For the height of luxury, follow the lead of those expensive spa hotels and fit a bathtub in your bedroom. Opt for a decorative bathtub, with features such as claw feet, double-ends or a jacuzzi facility. You don't even have to stick to the standard tub designs with wood, colored or stone baths available to purchase. You will need plumbing in your bedroom and it is also likely that the floor will need to be reinforced to accommodate the extra weight. But it creates a great talking point and gives your room an element of multi-tasking if you don't have space for an en suite bathroom.

Tags: your bedroom, your room, oversize headboard, stretched canvas, which lifts, will need

Dark Teal & Brown Bedroom Ideas

Use teal and brown to make your bedroom an inviting sanctuary.

A bedroom should be a relaxing, peaceful shelter from the problems of the world outside. Decorate your room in soothing deep teal blues and luscious shades of chocolate browns to give your room an inviting, protective feel. These calming colors will encourage you to let the problems of the day slip away while you relax in your bedroom escape.

Wall Color

Paint three of your walls a deep chocolate brown, and paint the fourth wall a dark teal. The juxtaposition of the teal against the chocolate brown will make the teal stand out. If you prefer a more solid look to your walls, paint them either chocolate or teal with a thin 2 or 3-inch border of the other color along the top of the wall.

Bedding

Dark teal and brown bedding is a common bedding theme found in many big box, department and specialty bedding stores and can be found in virtually any type of d cor style. Whether you are looking for a more tailored look with solid colors as the primary element of the bedding or you want a more decorative print, such as a swirly damask, options abound for a variety of tastes. Accent your teal and brown comforter with coordinating sheets, pillowcases, shams, accent pillows and a bedskirt for a completely coordinated and inviting-looking bed.

Accessories

Scatter touches of teal and brown throughout your room to give it a harmonized and well-thought-out look and feel. Purchase wall art, and hang it in groupings on your wall above your bed and other large furniture pieces. Look for teal and brown accessory pieces, such as photo frames, blanket throws, clocks and lamps to place around your room to bring in pops of color.

Curtains

Window treatments are often the first thing that the eye is draw to when entering a room. Plan your window treatments carefully to ensure they don't overwhelm your room and add a sense of style and function. Choose fabrics that are similar to your bedding choices and that, if necessary, will filter out the amount of light you need. If you have dark brown walls, select a mostly teal curtain for a interesting burst of color.

Furnishings

Select furnishings, such as an occasional chair, bedside tables and dressers that match with the overall style of your d cor, whether it is vintage, shabby chic, modern or an eclectic mix. Bring in teal and chocolate brown colors throughout your furnishings, such as in the fabric of your chairs or in the drawer pulls of your dressers.

Tags: your room, chocolate brown, teal brown, furnishings such, teal brown, throughout your, your bedroom

Free Interior Design Ideas For The Bedroom

Creating an interior design scheme for the bedroom doesn't have to be difficult.

A bedroom is supposed to be a relaxing area, but if you haven't taken the time to develop an interior design scheme, it can be anything but. If it's time to give your bedroom a makeover, there are interior design tips and techniques that can help your bedroom go from functional to fantastic.

Paint/Wallpaper

Wall color is the foundation of your design scheme and when choosing paint colors, it's important to keep in mind the overall theme for the room. Use contrasting colors, such as black and white, to make a bold statement or use more neutral tones to create a more subtle theme. Create an accent wall by painting one wall a standout color, such as red, or cover the wall with wallpaper in a bold print.

Bedding

There are several things you can do to make the bed a focal point, such as putting it on a loft, adding an unusual or textured headboard or draping curtains or canopies to create a romantic feel. Choose bedding that complements your existing color scheme and create contrasting effects by using fabrics in different colors or patterns on sheets, bedding and accessories.

Window Treatments

Window treatments can be used to create several different effects in the bedroom. Use floor-to-ceiling drapes for a more dramatic effect or lightweight sheers to create a more airy feel. Curtains can be used to frame windows or furniture and they may be functional or purely decorative if used in conjunction with blinds or shades.

Furniture Arrangement

If your bedroom is large enough, try rearranging furniture to create a more comfortable flow or stage a separate area for seating or relaxing. Try angling your bed or arranging it in a different spot to open up the room. Don't be afraid to choose furniture in different styles to create an eclectic feel.

Accessories

Almost anything can be used as an accessory, including fresh flowers, antique trunks, candles, lamps or light fixtures, books, photographs, mirrors, tables, small pillows or area rugs. Choose accessories that evoke your personality and add to the overall feel of the bedroom.

Lighting

Lighting can be used to create a specific mood in the bedroom. When choosing lighting fixtures, it's important to keep functionality in mind as well as style. If you have outdated fixtures, consider purchasing new ones to create a more contemporary look. Pay attention to lighting locations to ensure that each space in the room is properly lit for its function.

Tags: create more, design scheme, interior design, your bedroom, important keep

Design A Country Bedroom

Incorporate quilts when designing a country themed bedroom.

Southern Living editor Jennifer Kopf says to design a bedroom with colors and styles that make you feel relaxed and happy. For a quaint look and homey feel, decorate a bedroom with a country theme. Turn any boring bedroom into a country retreat by designing a bedroom with rustic colors and comfortable fabrics. Pick antique furniture and classic patterns to develop a country styled bedroom.

Instructions

1. Determine the purpose of the room. Decide if the bedroom is intended for a male, female or used as a guest bedroom. Pick floral or paisley patterns for women and stick with plaids, checks or solid colors for a male bedroom.

2. Choose colors to incorporate in the bedroom. Rich browns, dark reds and deep greens define a country theme. Choose deep jewel tones when designing a country bedroom. A navy blue or olive brown make for nice accent colors. Soft cream and beige tones work well on walls and trim.

3. Pick out furniture. Find a bedroom set made from natural or stained wood. Pick a design with an antique or rustic look to it. Poster beds lend an old-time charm to a bedroom. Furniture with distressed paint or floral carvings lend to a country theme.

4. Find several fabrics to mix into the room. Country decorating leans on multiple floral, checked or plaid fabrics in deep colors. Mix and match two or three different pattern styles in the colors you have chosen for a casual, rustic look. Use floral fabrics in a duvet or curtains for female bedrooms. Stick with plaids and geometric patterns in male bedrooms.

5. Add accents. In the article "Transfer a Boring Bedroom to a Country Cottage Theme" found in Home Decorating Reviews magazine, adding accents with different textures contributes to a country design. Mount a taxidermy animal head, such as a deer with antlers or a bear head, on the wall. Add a fur throw pillow on a chair, or a solid colored animal rug on the floor.

6. Choose soft lighting. Soften the light of a bedroom and add to the rustic feel by choosing an appropriate lampshade or dim light bulb. Choose a shade in a classic bell or smooth conical shape. Avoid shades with complex shapes and beaded decorations, as these types of shades lean towards a Victorian look.

Pick a shade with a pattern that compliments the colors you have chosen. Diffused light takes the edge off and contributes to a rustic look.

Tags: bedroom with, country theme, rustic look, colors have, colors have chosen, designing country, have chosen

Set Up A Homeschool Dining Room

Dining rooms provide an ideal location for homeschool studies.

Setting up a homeschool dining room involves a combination of organized school materials and the necessary amount of space in which students can complete their studies. Having learning materials readily available in one location keeps the homeschool dining room clutter-free and ready for conversion back into a dining area when needed. Involving the homeschool students in preparing the room for school can take a load off the teacher and help them remember where everything goes so they can put their studies away without assistance.

Instructions

1. Provide seating and table space for each student. If the dining room table does not have enough chairs or table space for all students to work together, consider setting up a folding table and chairs to accommodate extra students.

2. Setting aside bumpy objects that ordinarily adorn the table, such as tablecloths, centerpieces or place mats. Students must be able to write on sheets of paper on the tabletop without other objects inhibiting their writing.

3. Supply a bookcase or bookcases large enough to accommodate all books, school supplies, references and teacher's manuals.

4. Classify which study materials apply to all students' studies and which are student-specific. Keep all-purpose reference materials, such as encyclopedias and dictionaries, on a shelf where everyone can access them.

5. Organize student-specific study guides and notebooks in buckets or containers that fit on the bookshelf and can slide in and out. Label each child's container with a sticky note or masking tape, and keep it within that child's reach on the shelf.

6. Dedicate a container or drawers to school supplies. Arrange supplies such as scissors, tape, glue, pencils, crayons, markers and calculators in the container for everyone to access as needed.

7. Determine whether the teacher will need a chalkboard or dry erase board to write on. If needed, hang a chalkboard or dry-erase board on the wall across from the table where students can all view it. Alternately, if the home owner does not want to install a semi-permanent board, situate a free-standing board on the floor where students can see it. The home owner can move the board out of the room for dining or entertaining purposes.

8. Devote a container in which students can place submitted schoolwork for grading. Calvert School recommends stacking trays or crates with hanging files.

Tags: dining room, everyone access, home owner, homeschool dining, homeschool dining room, school supplies

Decorating Tips For An Extralarge Master Bedroom

A large master bedroom with a four poster bed.

Decorating a large master bedroom is not as easy as one would think. The sheer expanse of the open room is intimidating for many people--intimidating and exciting at the same time. Large rooms allow you to do more than one simple design. Whether you prefer a simplistic, all white d cor or want to go "all out" and use strong, rich shades and exotic knickknacks for guests, there is a design inspiration for you.

Break Up Large Spaces

Create low walls throughout the room to break up empty, open spaces. Use lattice or some other lightweight material so the room remains somewhat open. Silk and rice paper screens work well for this as they allow light to softly filter through. This keeps the room from taking on a closed-off appearance.

Use Color

Large rooms give an excuse to use bold colors. Try painting a single wall deep red while leaving others a shade of brown. Pink and brown complement each other as well. Experiment until you find the colors you like most.

Plants for Large Rooms

Large rooms make it possible to have an impressive collection of plants. By painting the walls light colors, you will help to reflect natural light. Plants suitable for growing indoors include ivy, pinecone bromeliad (Acanthostachys strobilacea), African violets, Adromischus (Adromischus tricolor), Mexican weeping bamboo (Otatea acuminate), breadnut (Brosimum alicastrum), and Schefflera.

Avoid Busy D cor

Do not make the mistake of having too much going on in a single room. Even large rooms feel cluttered with too many busy decorations. This makes them feel closed in a stifling. Stick to two or three main decorating ideas in your room.

Paint a Mural

Make the room seem more expansive by painting a sweeping vista mural on one wall. This makes a good inspiration focal point to help decorate the rest of the room. Instead of a vista, you can paint a seascape, underwater scene or even a dark forest with hidden animals.

Group Items

Instead of spreading decorations throughout the space, try grouping several items together. Dedicate an entire wall to photographs and attractive frames. Place a couple of chairs in the corner with a table and lamp. Add a rug and a few throw pillows for a cozy feel.

Decorate for Guests

Turn a large master bedroom into a guesthouse. Master bedrooms often have half or even full baths---guests would feel comfortable during late night bathroom breaks. Add a small kitchenette so guests can prepare simple snacks without waking the house. This is especially nice when you have long-term visitors.

Tags: large master, large master bedroom, master bedroom, Large rooms, This makes

Remove An Old Bathroom Faucet

Remove your old bathroom faucet for replacement.

One of the quickest ways to upgrade your bathroom is by changing out the old hardware. Plumbing fixtures and connections have been fairly standardized for the past fifty years, so removing a fixture like an old bathroom faucet and replacing it with a new one isn't difficult. Since the faucet is old, you will have to use a sharp knife of some kind to cut away some of the caulk on the faucet once the plumbing is disconnected.

Instructions

1. Look underneath where the faucet is installed and locate the two water supply valves. These will be oval or round in shape. Rotate the knobs clockwise to turn off the water. Open the faucet tap and allow any water inside to run out.

2. Position yourself underneath the faucet. Place a towel beneath the water supply hoses. Unscrew the plastic couplings for the water supply hoses on the underside of the faucet with a wrench. Wipe up any water that spills out with the towel.

3. Unscrew the other end of the water supply hoses from the water supply with a wrench.

4. Remove the plastic retaining rings on the underside of the faucet by turning them counterclockwise. Use the wrench if needed.

5. Run the edge of a sharp knife, such as a utility blade or hobby knife around the outside of the faucet edge to loosen any caulk that may be holding it in place. Take care not to scratch the surface of the sink.

6. Gently rock the faucet back and forth until it comes loose from the countertop.

Tags: water supply, supply hoses, water supply hoses, sharp knife, underside faucet, with wrench

Decorate Your Bedroom Like Hotels & Spas

Copy the look of a high-end hotel or spa to create a retreat in your own bedroom.

Hotel and spa rooms accomplish a lot with very little space, almost always including a full set of bedroom furniture, a seating and dressing area inside a single, often rectangular room. Copy the restful, romantic mood engendered by luxury hotels and spas in your own bedroom by unifying the space through the use of a limited color palette, minimal accessories and gleaming, polished surfaces. Make your bedroom comfortable by surrounding yourself with soft, lush linens, comforters and upholstered surfaces.

Instructions

Soothing, Neutral Palette

1. Relax the eye with a dark neutral color scheme that features deep jewel tones and white accents. Ignore the 60:30:10 color rule, which guarantees a can't-miss ratio for main color, complementary color and accent color; instead, use an 80:20 ratio for a soothing, uncomplicated hotel and spa-like scheme.

2. Paint the ceiling the same color as the wall to make the room feel more intimate and enclosed.

3. Paint with a semi-gloss paint to convey luxury and reflect light.

Luxurious, Soft Coverings

4. Purchase heavy, brocade fabrics for the comforter and silk or 400-thread count cotton for the sheets. Make the bed extra comfortable by adding a pillow-top mattress.

5. Cover the head of the bed with an assortment of different pillows, European pillows and shams. Create a finished look by hiding your box springs with a bed skirt.

6. Hang curtains on ceiling-mounted traverse curtain rods, doubling up on the rods to allow for two layers of curtains, such as a set of heavy, floor-length blackout drapes and a layer of sheers beneath it.

High-Quality, Dramatic Furniture

7. Purchase a tall, upholstered and tufted headboard and foot board and attach it to your bed frame. Place a dark antique trunk, vintage suitcases or a dark-wood bench at the foot of the bed.

8. Flank the bed with matching, dark wood end tables.

9. Create a seating area with an occasional table and chair or chaise beside the bed. Purchase pieces which incorporate the same dark wood you've used in other areas of the room, and favor comfortable, upholstered pieces.

10. Set your television on top of a dark wood sideboard-style dresser.

Details and Accessories

11. Install several layers of lighting, such as opulent overhead chandelier lighting, matching lamps on top of the matching end tables and wall sconces to round out the room. Install dimmer switches to control the lights for mood.

12. Add an extravagant, claw-foot soaking tub to one corner of the room, if you have the space and plumbing available.

13. Hang unobtrusive, coordinated artwork in gilded or dark wood frames so that the center of the painting or photograph is at eye level.

14. Add a vase full of fresh flowers atop your sideboard dresser to complete the look.

Tags: dark wood, your bedroom

Donate Bedroom Furniture

Bedroom furniture takes up a lot of space and is cumbersome to store.

If you are redecorating your bedroom with new furniture, it is often difficult to know what to do with the existing furniture. Storing it in a garage or renting a storage space is not a long-term solution to the problem. Donating your bedroom furniture is an excellent way to get a tax deduction and help someone in need. Whether you donate the furniture to a charity or an individual family, the old, still-useful furniture will continue to serve its purpose.

Instructions

1. Take your bedroom furniture to a church rummage sale. Often, they have these type of sales to raise funds for benevolent services for the community. Volunteers from the church may be willing to pick up the furniture. Another idea is to speak with someone on the staff at the church. They usually know of people who have need furniture needs.

2. Check bulletin boards of local community centers, churches, banks and other public places. They may advertise fund raisers for families who are in need in the community, due to a tragic accident, illness or other circumstances. If you donate the bedroom furniture to the organization, they can arrange to sell it to help raise funds.

3. Give the bedroom furniture to a family that has recently experienced a house fire, flood or other tragedy. The gesture not only provides some of the family members with a place to sleep, it may also encourage them and give them a needed spiritual boost for a complete stranger to donate the items.

4. Look up contact information for your local Salvation Army, United Way, Goodwill, AmVets or other charitable organization in your community. They operate thrift shops and often have trucks that will come pick up the furniture, saving you from having to transport the heavy pieces. They will also provide you with a tax receipt.

5. Contact the National Furniture Bank Association at 877-373-2835. This is an organization that collects and distributes used furniture and other items to people in need.

Tags: your bedroom, bedroom furniture, bedroom furniture, pick furniture, raise funds, your bedroom furniture

Install Tiles Over Existing Tiles In The Bathroom

A major job in any comprehensive bathroom renovation is laying new tile. Something as simple as a new tile floor can completely refresh the appearance of the bathroom. Many are discouraged from attempting a bathroom tiling job because they think they need to laboriously pull out the old tile and resurface the floor substrate before starting. A useful shortcut is to lay your new tile right on top of the old tile.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Inspect the tiles before starting your work. Any cracked or loose tiles need to be removed with a pry bar. You might find it necessary to shatter the tile with a hammer to accomplish this.

2. Mix up some ordinary mortar in a bucket, following the directions of the manufacturer. Pour enough mortar to fill the empty spaces created by removed loose or damaged tiles, and smooth the surface out with a trowel. In the case re-tiling a wall, use tile adhesive instead of mortar. Allow this to dry overnight, but continue on to Step 3. It will not interfere with the drying mortar.

3. Scratch the surface of your tiles if they are of the glazed, shiny variety. Drag your notched tiling trowel across the tiles until it is thoroughly scratched up. This will provide a better surface for the mortar or tile adhesive.

Installation

4. Check the floor with a level, and if it is not level be prepared to make it so when you pour mortar on the floor. Sweep any dust or debris off the floor or walls.

5. Set your adhesive in a work area that is roughly 2 or 3 square feet, starting in a corner. Use tile adhesive for re-tiling a wall, and thin-set mortar with latex adhesive for re-tiling a floor. Spread out a thick layer using the tiling trowel, and then etch grooves into the surface by drawing the trowel's notched edge across it.

6. Place two tile spacers for your first tile. Follow the same pattern throughout the tiling job. For example, if you start by placing spacers on the left and top of your first tile, follow the same pattern for all successive tiles.

7. Lay your first tile. Place the tile on the layer of adhesive/mortar, give it a press and a twist to create a solid bond, and then twist it back into proper alignment.

8. Repeat Steps 2 through 4 until the entire work area is tiled. Periodically check your work with a level to make sure you are applying the right amount of adhesive/mortar. If you are working on a wall, leave the spacers on the tops and bottoms of the tiles in place, as this prevents them from sliding.

9. Allow the tiles to set overnight.

10. Mix up your grout in a bucket as directed by the manufacturer, and push it into the grooves between the tiles using a tile float. Allow this to dry overnight.

11. Chip off any unwanted grout encrustations with a plastic scraper, and wash away the residue with white vinegar, a scrub brush and old rags.

Tags: first tile, tile adhesive, your first, your first tile, adhesive mortar

Kill Bacteria On Bathroom Surfaces

Keep your bathroom surfaces clean and disinfected.

Your bathroom can become a haven for mold, mildew, germs and other bacteria since bathroom surfaces are almost continually doused with water. Avoid breathing mold and picking up other bacteria in the bathroom by regularly disinfecting it with white vinegar, a non-toxic, environmentally friendly cleaning solution. An alternative to commercial cleaners that can contain toxic substances that can potentially harm you as well as the environment once they wash down the drain, vinegar's acidity kills most bacteria and mold.

Instructions

1. Remove all items from bathroom counters, sinks, tub/shower, toilet backs and tables. Place them in a safe area where they will not get broken or stepped on while you clean.

2. Make a cleaning solution using 1/4 cup of white vinegar for every cup of water used. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and shake well.

3. Spritz all surfaces, one at a time, with the solution. Wipe the solution up using a clean rag or paper towels. Scrub any areas with extra mold, mildew or soap scum with a clean rag or scrub brush.

4. Dust baking soda over extra grimy surfaces and spritz vinegar on top to make a bubbly solution. Scrub affected areas with your scrub brush.

5. Rinse the baking soda/vinegar solution off surfaces with water.

Tags: areas with, baking soda, bathroom surfaces, cleaning solution, mold mildew, other bacteria

Paint Ideas For A Navy Blue Bathroom

Whether you have a bathroom with navy fixtures or the local paint shop is running a sale on navy paint, you can give your bathroom walls and ceiling a makeover with a little paint. Stencils, paint rollers and paint brushes can all be used to give your walls character. When you give the bathroom a new design, you are not limited to just painting the walls. You can actually paint the ceiling as well to help enhance navy fixtures or as a blue contrast to paler fixtures.

White Walls

If the bathroom has navy fixtures and white walls, you can spruce it up by painting stripes on the walls. Navy and white stripes give the bathroom a nautical theme. Or try white and tan stripes with a navy ceiling or just plain white walls with a navy ceiling. If you prefer to keep the walls solid white, you can still go with a nautical theme using navy blue decor. You can hang photos or other items on the wall, such as images of sail boats in painted navy blue frames. Any shelving in the bathroom can be painted navy, tan or white to stay with the theme.

Aquarium Mural

If you have the skills, you can paint an aquarium mural on the bathroom wall, or you can hire a professional to do it for you. Paint the walls with a base paint in a deep navy blue and add colorful fish to make it look like an aquarium. You might need stencils to paint the fish on the walls. Incorporate the fish design on things like the shower curtain and towels to extend the design. An aquarium paint design works well for both a vacation home bathroom and a child's bathroom.

Dawn or Night Sky

With a navy blue design, you can paint the walls and ceiling of your bathroom to look like the night sky. First, roll on a base coat of navy blue paint. Once the base coat is dry, use whites and yellows to paint stars on the walls. You can even get a constellation map and paint the constellations on the bathroom walls. Then, the rest of your bathroom decor can be in either the white or yellow with navy design. Star and moon bath mats and shower curtains can enhance the decor. This type of design works for both adult and child bathrooms. Alternatively, you can paint the walls to look like the approaching dawn with a navy ceiling to match navy fixtures and then lighter shades of blue paint as you approach the floor.

Paisley Design

For a more sophisticated design for the bathroom walls, paint them a navy blue paisley. Stencils can be bought for this purpose, where you first paint the wall navy and then use white paint or other shades of blue for the paisley design with the stencils. This type of paint design on the walls works well for bathrooms that have white floors and fixtures.

Tags: navy blue, with navy, navy fixtures, bathroom walls, look like, navy ceiling, with navy ceiling

Sew Bedroom Table Cloths

A round, covered table creates an attractive and useful bedroom decoration. A round table with a homemade tablecloth makes a nice bedside stand that can serve as an entry table when entertaining guests. Sewing your own bedroom tablecloth is an inexpensive way to decorate an otherwise dull corner. Making a bedroom tablecloth is a beginner-level sewing project that requires knowledge of measuring, cutting and basic sewing machine operation.

Instructions

1. Measure the table before cutting the fabric. Begin by measuring the first layer--starting at the floor near one leg and going over the widest part of the table and then down the leg on the other side of the table. Add 1 inch. Measure the top layer by placing the tape measure across the diameter, and add 24 inches.

2. Place the largest piece of fabric flat on the cutting surface. Cut the fabric into a large circle using the first measurement. Place the smaller piece of contrasting fabric on the cutting surface. Cut the fabric for the second layer into a square using the other measurement.

3. Sew both pieces of fabric--all the way around the outer edge. Use a zigzag or other finishing stitch. According to the Simplicity Sewing Book, finished edges prevent raveling and improve the appearance of the finished product. Turn the edge under using a ½-inch fold. Finish the hem by sewing the hem in place with a straight stitch.

Tags: bedroom tablecloth, cutting surface, cutting surface fabric, surface fabric

Bedroom Wall Paint Color Ideas

Sometimes there are just too many colors to choose from. This is especially true when it comes time to paint your bedroom walls. With so many colors available, it is hard to know what to do with your bedroom walls. Before deciding on a paint color, consider your personality and the way you use your bedroom. You will want your bedroom to be a reflection of your personality and style while serving the purpose you have selected.

Peach

Use a warm, soft peach paint for your bedroom walls. Avoid dark peach shades that tend to be too orange, making them look harsh and difficult to match. Use dark green or blue accessories, throwing in a bit of burnt orange, to add color to your bedroom.

Green

Paint the walls of your bedroom a soft green such as sea-foam green. Add accessories that are dark purples such as eggplant to add color. When creating an accent wall, use a forest or moss green color. Avoid bright and shiny greens like pea green or lime.

Blue

Use a soft blue for your bedroom walls. Shades of blue are easy to match with other accessories and create a relaxing atmosphere. Add rich reds, dark blues and black for accent colors in your window treatments and bedding.

Yellow

Try a warm yellow for the paint on your bedroom walls. Many shades of blues and purples would work well as accent colors to the warm yellow color. Try painting a bright yellow border close to your ceiling to add visual interest to your bedroom.

Taupe

Paint your bedroom a warm taupe. Taupe is a comforting and relaxing color. It coordinates well with browns, blues and some dark red shades. Add black or dark gray, widely-spaced pinstripes to one wall to add depth and dimension to the taupe wall.

Tags: your bedroom, bedroom walls, your bedroom walls, accent colors, many colors

Remove Black Mold From Bathroom Tile

Black mold on bathroom tile

Black mold is not something you want in your home, ever. Yet, it does happen and so from time to time we need to know deal with it. It does pose a health threat especially for people with compromised health or immune systems. Mold is a bacteria and will continue to grow as long as it has a source. Stopping it as soon as you see it will save you a lot of work and expense.

Instructions

1. Spray on a liberal amount of bathroom tile cleaner. Allow it to sit two or three minutes and then start scrubbing. You will want to scrub away the mold completely. Rinse it with a good amount of hot water.

2. Keep in mind that there will probably still be a stain in the grout in the location of the mold. Apply a solution of liquid bleach and water 1:4 to any areas where mold was removed as well as any areas around it where spores might be settled. Allow the bleach to whiten the grout.

3. Remove the source of water the mold was growing on. If your bathroom tends to stay damp during the day, open a window or turn on a simple circulating fan to dry all the surfaces. If you can keep the surfaces dry, you will not have a problem of mold.

4. Apply a grout sealer to areas where the grout allows water to be absorbed. You can test this by splashing water on it and seeing if it beads off or sinks into the grout. Heat the grout up with a hair dryer to remove any residual water that has been absorbed and then paint on the sealer.

5. Allow the sealer to dry completely, usually for 24 hours before using the bath or shower. Keep the room as warm and dry as possible to keep any new mold from growing.

Tags: areas where, Black mold, mold Apply

Dining Room Ideas For A Square Rug And Circular Table

Circles are used in design to make something more visually interesting or to stand out.

Rugs bring more to a room than just color. They help tie a room together and bring literal and visual warmth to an area. Rugs come in different shapes and sizes and usually play a part in the larger decorating scheme, including the visual enhancement of pieces like tables. One of the most visually interesting ways to introduce a rug into the decorating scheme is to pair it with a round table.

Visual Interest

According to Steven Bradley on the "Van SEO Design" website, the use of circles is less common in design than other shapes like squares or rectangles. That being the case, they actually serve quite an important function in design. A circle draws attention to a space because of its individuality. What this means for a circular dining table that's placed on a square rug is that the table will stand out. In interior decorating and design, every room needs a focal point. This type of setup will help to present the dining table as the room's focal point. In light of this, instead of shying away from the round table on the square rug display, the homeowner should seek to find ways to emphasize this setup even more.

Roles

The rug itself plays many roles in interior decorating. In very practical terms, it brings warmth to a cold, hard wood floor as well as adds color to the area. When selecting the rug for the circle in the square setup, would-be decorators should keep a couple of things in mind. Selecting a rug whose color contrasts with the color of the table will make the table stand out even more. For example, a red or light cream-colored rug will make a dark black lacquer table stand out more than a black carpet would.

Considerations

The rug must protect the floor as well as look good. When looking for a square rug to put under a circular table, the table should be measured to determine how wide it is, and then at least 2 feet should be added to that. The reason being is that when dinner guests pull out their chairs, the rug should still be under the legs of the chair to prevent scuffing on the floor. Round on square setups mean that some areas of the floor will be well protected, but others will be in more danger of being scuffed by the chair because, by virtue of the shape of the table, some of the chairs will sit closer to the exposed floor than others. The rug should be wide enough to cover the floor when the chairs are drawn out.

Standard Sizes

According to Kimberley Seldon on the "Style at Home" website, a number of different rug sizes exist, ranging from very small 2 x 3--foot sizes up to the 10 x 14-foot size. When looking for a rug to fit under the circular dining table, ensure that the table is measured at its widest point --- if it's more oval-shaped than round--- and then add another couple of feet. In practical terms, what this would mean is that the round table should be no more than 6-feet wide so that it doesn't hang over the carpet on the 10-foot sides.

Tags: dining table, round table, circular dining, circular dining table, decorating scheme, even more

Make Your Bedroom Sexy

Giving your bedroom sex appeal is easy.

Your bedroom is the most used room in your home and therefore the most important. People spend around one-third of their lives in bed sleeping, reports a BBC Science article. Of course, there are other, more romantic uses for your bedroom; this may well be the reason you are looking to add a sensual style to your room. Sexing up a bedroom is easy and does not require you to redecorate. Instead, a mixture of common sense and the right accessories should achieve the sexy look you are after.

Instructions

1. Take the time to give your bedroom a good cleaning and tidying up. There is nothing relaxing or sexy about an untidy or dirty bedroom. Clearing up clutter, such as stray clothing and shoes, will make the world of difference. Vacuum the carpet a couple of times a week to keep your boudoir looking beautiful.

2. Treat yourself to some high-quality bed linen. Opt for top-quality cotton sheets, preferably with a 250 thread count or more, recommends a February 2011 Apartment Therapy article. Remove anything embarrassing from the top of the bed, such as cuddly toys, and replace them with grown-up throw cushions in colors that complement the room. Your bed is the room's centerpiece; make it look as attractive as possible.

3. A lamp on a bedside table can add just the right amount of light to a room.

Set the mood using lighting. Attach a dimmer switch to the room's main light or invest in a set of bedside table lamps for the option of low lighting. Candles are the obvious choice for romance and can add a sensual feel to a bedroom. Do not overdo the low lighting, however; dark and dingy is definitely not sexy.

4. Remove all distractions, including the television. Your bedroom should have two purposes only: sleeping and enjoying a little romance with your partner. No television means that you and your partner have to concentrate on each other. If you cannot bear a bedroom without cable, conceal the television in a closet or armoire.

5. Spray a fragrance or room scent. Pumpkin and lavender are the most popular scents for getting people into a romantic mood, says a 2008 CNN Living article. If you want to avoid spraying scent, use potpourri or the more modern option of incense sticks. Use scent sparsely; a gentle aroma is much sexier than a heavy scent both you and your partner can taste as well as smell.

Tags: your partner, bedside table

Horse Bedroom Ideas For Kids

A rocking horse can add style to your child's horse-themed bedroom.

Horses are beautiful creatures that lend themselves well to a variety of children's bedroom themes, and furniture, accessories and wall decor are readily available. Whether a bedroom is for a boy or girl (or both) who loves history and cowboys or pastel colors and flowers, there is a horse theme for every individual.

Cowboy

Cowboy bedroom themes can focus on horses with other elements including bull riding, clowns and cattle. These themes are perfect for rough and tumble children who like outdoor activity.

You can use leather or denim inspired bedding and linens and add cowboy tools such as lassos, cowboy hats or chaps as decor on the walls. Barrels or saddles can serve as decoration or as functional furniture.

You can add a mural to one or more walls featuring a "Wild West" or rodeo image, including cowboys, campfires or horse herds. Horse shoes make unique wall decor and can double as functional drawer pulls on furniture.

Rustic

Rustic bedroom themes share some similarities with cowboy themes but have a homier feel. Rustic themes may evoke old-time farms and pastures. You can purchase furniture sets that mimic old-style barn architecture. The idea of an open barn window (through which a horse might be looking) is common in rustic bedroom themes.

You can spin the rustic theme to be better suited for girls with a mural or wall art depicting horses in flowered fields or a more aggressive horse corral.

You can add additional detail with horse light switch covers, lamps or busts. Saddles and cowboys hats may also be appropriate in this theme.

Ponies

Ponies offer a feminine portrayal of horses. You can decorate a girl's room in pastel shades or bright colors featuring images of pony toys or actual ponies. Glitter and rainbows are appropriate, depending on your child's age.

You can border the room with decorative wallpaper or stencil lighthearted images of ponies.

Choose colorful linens featuring ponies; add pony pillows to complete the look. You can choose linens with colorful plaid designs or floral motifs.

There are many stuffed animals from which to choose for your pony-themed room. Consider plush ponies, stuffed animals on which your child can draw, and oversized pony toys that she can ride.

Carousel

Carousel themes are great for smaller children and can incorporate other aspects of carnivals as well.

Look for wallpaper or stencils of carousal horses and lights or lamps that reflect moving carousels on the walls. You can also add a carousel clock and brightly colored canopies over windows or walls.

You can purchase carousel themed furniture for younger children. Add playful touches with a pop-up circus tent and focus your room with a carousel horse rug. Cheerful music boxes also go well with this theme.

Look for ride-able carousel toys. You might consider purchasing an actual decommissioned carousel horse to install in the room.

Tags: bedroom themes, your child, carousel horse, pony toys, room with

Keep A Preschooler'S Bedroom Organized

One of the most important items in your preschooler's room is his toys. But these are often the items that keep his room looking disorganized and messy -- and you frustrated. To keep his room looking clean, make it easy for him to organize toys and other items. In addition to better organization, you will probably need to remove some items from the room, as well. Excess toys and clothes will make it difficult to de-clutter the space.

Instructions

1. Remove all small clothes, shoes and any toys that are no longer played with or worn from the room. Donate these items to a local charity or thrift store.

2. Place clothes that are currently out of season in plastic bins or boxes, and move these containers to the garage, basement or attic. This is only necessary if you have trouble storing all of your preschooler's clothing.

3. Fold all the clothes neatly, and put them in drawers or hang them up. Place short-sleeved shirts all in the same drawer, long-sleeved shirts together, underwear and socks in one drawer and pajamas in another. Organize all clothing hanging in the closet by type: jackets, shirts and pants. Keep all the preschooler's shoes neatly lined up on closet shelves or at the bottom of the closet.

4. Dedicate some of your preschooler's toys to the toy library. Small children often become bored with toys that they have constant access to. Bag or box up some items, and put them away for several weeks. After that time, swap the toys from the toy library with those that are currently in the room. Your kids should have a restored interest in those toys.

5. Place colorful plastic cubbies against the wall to hold small toys, such as blocks, cars and crayons. Write the purpose of each cubby bin on a sticker, and place that sticker on the front of the bin. Or instead of cubbies, you can place plastic bins on a shelving unit. You can also arrange larger toys on a shelving unit or put them in a toy chest.

6. Line reading and coloring books up on a bookcase or on the top of a dresser between two bookends.

7. Place a tray on the bookcase or desk to hold school papers, assignments and drawings.

8. Secure a coat hanger to the wall. Encourage your child to hang her coat or backpack here.

Tags: your preschooler, from room, keep room, keep room looking, plastic bins

Make A Bedroom Alarm

This is a simple alarm that will beep when someone enters the door in your bedroom. It is cheap and easy to make. It will beep as loudly as you want, depending on the buzzer you use. It is also very easy to deactivate. This is an advantage if you just want something to give you a heads up when someone enters your room. It can be a disadvantage if you want an alarm that will alert the whole neighborhood. After all, an intruder could disarm it as easily as you could.

Instructions

1. Get your supply. You want a power supply with the same voltage rating as your buzzer. You want the same or higher amperage rating. For example, if you buy a buzzer that needs 9 volts of power at 100 milliamps, you want a power supply that provides 9 volts of power and at least 100 milliamps. If the power supply provides more voltage, you risk damaging the buzzer.

2. Attach one terminal of the power supply to the buzzer. Use copper wire and solder for a permanent connection.

3. Put the buzzer in a box or case to protect it. Figure out where you are going to position it in the room. It should be somewhere where it will not get stepped on accidentally.

4. Cut two long wires. Attach them to the remaining free terminals. The one attached to the power supply should be long enough to reach the side of the door jam. The one attached to the buzzer should be long enough to reach the door. Wire them along the ceiling or wall to the door. Keep the wires off of the floor. Leave a few feet of slack.

5. Solder one wire to a small iron plate. It should be at least a few inches squared. Tape or glue the plate to the bottom corner of the door.

6. Solder the other wire to the neodymium magnet.

7. Place the neodymium magnet right in front of the door. Place it just far enough away so it does not latch onto the iron plate. As soon as the door is opened, the neodymium magnet will stick to the iron plate. This will complete the circuit.

Tags: power supply, iron plate, neodymium magnet, alarm that, alarm that will, enough reach, long enough

Recommended Distance Between Dining Chairs

A 60-inch rectangular table will comfortably accommodate six guests.

When guests are crammed around a dining table, they may feel physically restrained and psychologically uncomfortable. Everyone has a personal bubble, and most diners prefer not to hear the chewing, swallowing and gustatory activity of their fellow table mates. To ensure adequate eating room for friends and family members alike, follow the guidelines that interior decorators use.

Distance Between Chairs

Allow at least 24 inches between chairs, as measured from the center point of the seat. For example, if each seat is 18 inches wide, a minimum of 6 inches between chairs will provide sufficient elbow room. Allocate 30 inches (again measured from the center) between seats in formal dining rooms; with oversize armchairs, allow a few extra inches. The more wiggle room between chairs, the easier it is for guests to maneuver and stand up from the table. However, distances greater than 36 inches will create an awkward, reserved atmosphere.

Distance to Walls and China Cabinets

To serve food to dinner guests, you'll need adequate space to walk around the table. Diners need enough room to push their chairs back after dinner, too. Allow a minimum of 3 feet between the edge of the table and walls or hutches. When space permits, designers prefer a 5.5-foot span.

Working with Small Dining Rooms

To make the most of a petite space, choose a round dining table. With pedestal tables, you can seat an extra guest because there are no table legs taking up floor space. Use armless chairs so guests can easily move their seats back. To create the illusion of space, install an oversize mirror on the wall, or use a glass tabletop.

Seating Guests for Dinner Parties

Once you've spaced the chairs correctly, you'll need a seating plan. According to "The New York Times," the best conversationalists should sit at the center of the table, directly across from each other. The arrangement allows banter to flow around the room, and quieter guests at the poles of the table can listen or chat quietly. Allow diners to stand up and mingle with others after dinner, in case some guests clash with their seatmates.

Mixing and Matching Chairs

If some of your chairs are mismatched, don't fret; your dining room will appear fresh and lively, states designer Candice Olson. From mixing antique chairs with modern seating, to using contrasting fabrics, Olson resists using sets in the dining room. She often swaps living room chairs for dining chairs, and vice versa. As long as the seats are cushioned and comfortable, your guests will feel right at home.

Tags: after dinner, between chairs, dining room, dining table, Distance Between

Price An Antique Bedroom Suite

Antique bedroom suites can give a room a beautiful but warm, classic style.

An antique bedroom suite is a beautiful addition to a home, particularly a home that has an older style. The value of an antique bedroom suite will vary dramatically based on several factors, including its age, the condition it is in, the level of craftsmanship it reflects and the materials used in its construction. If you are not an antique expert, it can be difficult to price an antique bedroom suite that catches your eye. However, there are a few simple steps to take to make sure you aren't paying too much for the furniture.

Instructions

1. Assess the condition of the antique suite. The condition of antique furniture is a primary factor affecting its value. An antique suite in excellent condition will usually cost significantly more than a suite of the same materials, design and time period that requires repair or restoration. If you enjoy restoration work, buying a set that has cosmetic imperfections can pay off.

2. Examine the materials used to construct the bedroom suite. Different materials have different prices and rare woods can add significant value to a piece. For example, furniture made of American chestnut is usually costly because this wood is rare enough that it is only found in antiques. An antique dealer should be able to identify the wood for you.

3. Shop around. Antiques are limited when compared to newly made products because they are older and many of the original sets have been ruined, destroyed or otherwise missing. Hard to find antiques are more costly and if you find duplicate sets of a bedroom suite, you will know that the set should not be priced too high.

4. Find out the age of the antique. The older the bedroom suite is, the higher the value. Expect older sets to cost $3000 or more while newer sets can cost as low as a few hundred dollars. If the set is less than 100 years old, it is not an antique.

Tags: bedroom suite, antique bedroom suite, antique bedroom, antique suite, bedroom suite will, condition antique, materials used

Should I Put A Vapor Barrier In My Bathroom

Vapor barriers are among the most important weapons in the battle against excessive indoor moisture. Left uncontrolled, moisture inside the home creates health problems for the inhabitants of your home and causes structural damage to your home itself. One of the best ways of using vapor barriers to their full potential is to consider for which parts of the home it is ideal to install a vapor barrier and for which areas it is not beneficial.

Vapor Barriers

To understand whether it is beneficial to install a vapor barrier in your bathroom, it first is necessary to consider the general concept of a vapor barrier. Air always has some amount of moisture in it; this moisture is called water vapor. When air laden with water vapor makes physical contact with a colder surface, the moisture condenses into water. Vapor barriers are not meant to prevent this condensation from forming so much as they are meant to prevent the water vapor that can form condensation from making its way inside the home.

In the Bathroom

For vapor barriers to be effective, they need to be installed in an area where there is an extreme temperature differential between one side of the wall and the other, because it is this temperature differential that actually causes condensation to form. This is why vapor barriers are installed only in exterior walls in the home, because condensation is most likely to form on walls that serve as the barrier between warm air inside the home and colder air outside. Therefore, if your bathroom has exterior walls, it would be wise to install vapor barriers in them. But bathrooms with only interior walls probably would not benefit from the installation of a vapor barrier.

Installation Tips

There is a wide proliferation of materials useful as vapor barriers, including polyethylene film, asphalt-coated or laminated paper, kraft-backed aluminum foil, rigid foam insulation, reinforced plastics, aluminum, stainless steel and many others. To aid consumers in choosing a good vapor barrier material, manufacturers label each material with a "perm value" that indicates its degree of resistance to vapor flow. Any material with a perm value below 1.0 is considered ideal for a vapor barrier. Vapor barriers typically are installed on the inside of the wall between the wall framing and the wall finish.

Other Bathroom Moisture Control Tips

Whether it has an exterior wall or not, the bathroom is one of the areas of the home most prone to moisture problems. Therefore, in addition to installing a vapor barrier inside exterior walls, it is important to use other moisture control strategies in the bathroom, both to augment the effectiveness of your vapor barrier and to control sources of moisture that the vapor barrier cannot control. Installing exhaust fans, sealing the bathroom tightly with weatherstripping or caulk and maintaining insulation in the bathroom can go a long way in keeping moisture levels inside the bathroom at a manageable level.

Tags: vapor barrier, exterior walls, inside home, install vapor, vapor barrier, vapor barriers, water vapor

Install A Bedroom Closet Organizer

The type and size of bedroom closet organizer you need varies, depending on the size of your closet and your storage needs. For some closets, you may need only a few shelves and a bar for hanging clothing. In others, you may need small cabinets, shoe organizers and garment bags. Assess your space and needs before purchasing anything. Choose an organizer that is easy to install and inexpensive, such as one made from metal.

Instructions

1. Arrange the brackets on the wall in a manner that allows you to fit as many shelves in the space as possible. You need to use a bracket on each side of the shelves, so space them slightly closer together than the width of the shelves. Use the level to make sure the brackets are even. Mark with a pencil where the screw holes are on the wall. Set the brackets aside.

2. Drill a hole in the wall at the marked areas. Make sure the drill bit is wide enough to make a hole big enough to fit the anchor, but not so big that it does not secure itself.

3. Push the anchors into the wall. Place the brackets over the top of the anchors and drill a screw through the holes and into the anchors to secure them to the wall.

4. Attach the shelf supports to the brackets at the heights where you want the shelves. Each shelf needs a pair of supports, so make sure you position the supports at even heights.

5. Cut the shelves to the right width, if necessary, using either a hacksaw or the bolt cutters. Place each shelf horizontally across the supports.

6. Add a shoe storage shelf or bin if there is space and slide a small chest of drawers or cabinet into the closet.

Tags: make sure, shelves space

Arrange The Furniture In A Living & Dining Area

Combination living and dining rooms are popular in open floor plans.

Open concept floor plans are popular today but the wide open spaces featured in this type of architecture can be a challenge to decorate. Dividing one large space into zones that define smaller "rooms" is one way to go. Color choice is one way to delineate the spaces, but if your home has an open concept living and dining room combination, another way to define the living area from the dining area is through furniture placement.

Instructions

1. Draw a floor plan of the space. Measure the space and use graph paper so that you can draw it approximately to scale or simply make a rough drawing.

2. Sketch in your larger pieces of furniture like couches, easy chairs, dining room table and chairs and sideboards, hutches or china cabinets. Make more than one floor plan to get an idea of possible furniture configurations for your space.

3. Plan for traffic patterns. Allow approximately three to four feet for major pathways, two feet between furniture pieces and about eighteen inches between a couch and coffee table.

4. Arrange the living room furniture into a conversation area around a focal point like a fireplace or window with a scenic view. Resist the temptation to push it to the walls; rather, float it in the center of the room.

5. Place a couch parallel to the dining area to delineate it from the living area. Positioning a sideboard or buffet between the two areas will also serve to define the spaces.

6. Hang a chandelier in the middle of the dining area and center the dining table and chairs underneath it. Form a more formal dining space by separating it from the living area with folding privacy screens.

7. Anchor furniture groupings by laying area rugs under them. Ideally, the rugs should be large enough to accommodate all the pieces of furniture in the group.

8. Open up the space for more casual entertaining by arranging a conversation area that faces the dining area. This encourages people to flow between the two unimpeded by furniture pieces.

9. Create extra living space by choosing a drop leaf dining table that can be folded against a wall. Employ dining room chairs as extra seating by placing them around the living room space.

Tags: dining area, dining room, living area, conversation area, dining table, floor plan

Wall Ideas For A Disney Princess Bedroom

At times, it seems like nearly every little girl (and even some grown up girls) love the Disney princesses. Jasmine, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Ariel, Belle and Cinderella are the six princesses often associated with this line, though other princesses are sometimes added in, such as the princess from "The Princess and the Frog." If your little one dreams of becoming a princess herself one day, you'll find hundreds of different bedroom decorations and even some great ideas for the walls.

Woods

Paint the walls a light shade of green, and then make your own outdoor scene. In "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves," much of the action takes place outside, and the same holds true for some of the other movies. Use dark brown paint to paint trees in your outdoor scene and then a darker shade of green for leaves on the trees. Add a few brightly colored flowers to the base of the trees, and fill in the empty spots by painting on images of rabbits, squirrels and other animals found in the woods.

Castles

Use shades of white, blue and silver paint to create a Disney-themed castle on your little girl's wall. These are the colors often associated with Cinderella's castle, but you also have the option of using white, pink and silver; white and silver; or any other combination that your girl loves. Sketch out the basic design of the castle on the walls, and fill in with your paint colors.

Posters

Look for movie posters from the Disney princess movies, including "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin." Check online, but also look at your local video store, and ask about buying any older promotional posters they may still have on hand. You can also find some basic posters that depict the Disney Princesses at your local big box or mass merchandise stores or even stores that sell movies and DVDs. And, of course, the Disney Store is always an option. Slide the posters into frames, and you have an inexpensive way of decorating the walls.

Murals

Disney makes a number of murals specifically meant for hanging on the walls, and several depict the Disney princesses. Some of the sets even include other characters from the movie, such as Sebastian and Flounder from "The Little Mermaid." The murals work like stickers, with a sticky substance on the back. All you need to do is peel off the backing of the mural, attach it to the wall and smooth out any air bubbles.

Tags: associated with, depict Disney, Disney princesses, even some, little girl