Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Build A Large Dining Room Table

Build a Large Dining Room Table


Building your own large dining room table can be a wonderful addition to your home. You can save yourself hundreds of dollars by tackling this project yourself. As an added benefit, you get the satisfaction of knowing that you created a piece of furniture in your house with your bare hands. Building your own dining room table requires patience and time but the rewards can be great once it's complete.


Instructions


1. Measure the dimension of your room and plan the length and width of your table accordingly. Ensure that your room is suitable to fit a 10 foot long table. If you want a larger table than this, then adjust the dimensions below according to your exact specifications and preferences. Use the saw to cut your piece of wood down to the desired size. You may also use two pieces of wood that measure 4-by-5-by-1. This piece (or pieces) will function as your tabletop. Set the table top aside for the moment.


2. Purchase wooden cable online. Cable reels are generally used to hold large amounts of electrical cable but they function wonderfully as support posts for dining room tables as well. They come in various shape and sizes but be sure to choose one that is made from wood and is at least 30 inches in diameter and 24 inches wide. The height should be based on your preferences for how tall you want the table to be.


3. Set the large piece of wood on top of the two cable reels and be sure the reels are in the center of the table both length- and width-wise, spaced around a foot apart from each other. Use your level to ensure that the table is straight and level. Hammer four 2-inch nails through the top of the large piece of wood into each of the two cables reels, spacing the nails out appropriately. Ensure that the table is sturdy by rattling it a few times and add any additional nails if necessary.


4. Use your saw to round out each of the four corners of the table if you deem it appropriate. Sand down the edges thoroughly until they're smooth. Sand down any additional rough areas on the table as well. Stain the entire table with a high gloss wood stain, applying multiple coats if necessary.

Tags: dining room, piece wood, Build Large, Build Large Dining, Building your, dining room table, Dining Room Table
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Change A Powder Room Into A Full Bathroom

If the sink space is small, consider buying a vanity cabinet.


In most situations, converting a half bath to a full bath will require more floor space. If the powder room has a good-sized vanity and toilet installed, the change will call for adding a bathtub or bath-shower combo unit. If the vanity is small, you will likely need to replace it. Remodeling can increase the home's market value, but you want to complete the conversion so the new space looks original to the home's construction.


Instructions


1. Measure the dimensions of the powder room and surrounding floor space. Look for additional room to incorporate by borrowing space from the hallway, a coat closet, part of the kitchen or a bedroom. Borrow approximately 3-by-5 feet at minimum in planning your bathroom expansion. Allow room for the type of shower or tub you want to build but take the bath door opening and all main fixtures into consideration.


2. Sketch out on graph paper various ways to lay out the room. Leave the toilet drain where it is, if possible, because it's a lot of work to re-route it. Consider a full bath linen closet or a storage cabinet over the toilet in your layout. Assess the water lines and drains to plan for new fixtures you need to add. Figure out any electrical wiring you will need to add for additional light fixtures or outlets in the expanded space.


3. Create a visual design plan that will make the vanity wall the focal point of the room. Plan to hang a large oval mirror over the vanity or add wallpaper above it. Use two lighting sconces on either side of the mirror to draw the eye to the vanity wall. Make the vanity wall stand out by installing brightly colored tile on that single wall as another option.








4. Tear out any old materials, such as a vanity that is too small, damaged drywall or flooring. Remove a worn-out vanity cabinet or baseboards by gently prying them loose with a crowbar. Gut the room to the studs if you suspect leaks or damage, especially in floor areas around the toilet. Take out drywall and flooring with the crowbar but work carefully around water pipes in the wall and electrical wiring. Call a professional carpenter if you need to remove a load-bearing wall in order to frame a space borrowed from another room. Install 2-by-4 inch studs on 16-inch centers to enclose the new bath space.


5. Install new plumbing and electrical. Re-route any water pipes if the vanity sink footprint will change. Run additional water pipes and a floor drain for a new tub or shower. Route electrical wiring and new plumbing through stud areas while the walls are open. Purchase GFCI outlets near sinks or tubs to replace any that do not have ground fault circuit interrupters. Bring in a new bath or bath-shower unit, while the walls are open, because pre-made units are difficult to maneuver once the walls are fully closed in.


6. Start at the ceiling to begin the remodel over open studs. Install moisture-resistant drywall or plaster board on the ceiling and walls. Install recessed lighting in ceiling areas over the shower and other appropriate overhead locations. Add crown molding around the ceiling perimeter, as one option, before installing the new tub or shower. Avoid placing a ladder inside a tub or shower to stand on as the pressure of your weight may punch a hole through the fixture's floor.


7. Lay new tile flooring before you add a vanity or toilet. Check around the toilet to ensure the subfloor is not damaged if you have not removed any subflooring before the toilet installation. Get all tile work into place and allow it to dry before installing the fixtures.


8. Finish up the room design and details. Install a new vanity cabinet and sink, if applicable, along with a low-flow toilet secured by a new wax seal. Install baseboards to finish up the floor areas. Be sure to paint the baseboards before you nail them in place so you won't have to spend time painting them on your knees. Paint or wallpaper the walls last and secure any new light fixtures or newly installed outlet covers to fit neatly over painted or papered walls.

Tags: electrical wiring, vanity cabinet, vanity wall, water pipes, around toilet, before installing, drywall flooring
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Replace A Bathroom Ceiling Exhaust Fan

This instruction will tell you the basics of replace an exhaust fan with regards to safety. Basically, make sure the electric is really off!


Instructions


1. Turn off your electric to the exhaust fan or better yet just shut off main breaker to turn off all electric.


2. Use your ladder to reach the fan and remove the trim/grill. It may either be held on by a couple of screws or if you don't see screws it may have tension springs or snap in. In the case it doesn't have screws just pull down and it will come off.


3. Next un-clip the fan from the main housing and pull it down to access the wiring.








4. You will see black wires and white wires with wire nuts on them and a ground screw (usually green)with bare copper wire on it. Unscrew the wire nuts on black and white wires and loosen ground screw to remove ground.


5. Remove exhaust fan.








6. Install new fan and attach in the same manner you removed it. Wire nut black wires together. Wire nut white wires together. Attach bare copper ground wires. You may have to bend a "U" shape on the end of the new ground wire to make sure it stays behind the ground screw when tightening.


7. Snap or fasten exhaust fan back into main housing making sure all wiring is pushed clear when reinstalling to avoid pinched wires.


8. Manually spin fan to make sure there is free movement and reinstall fan grill cover.


9. Turn electric back on and check for proper operation. If done correctly the fan should not rattle and the electric breaker will not trip.

Tags: ground screw, make sure, white wires, bare copper, black wires, main housing
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What Comes In A 5piece Bedroom Set

You'll be the king of your castle with the right bedroom furniture.


Master bedroom furniture is generally advertised as a five-piece set. Knowing what is included in the package will help you determine where to place the furniture and use the drawer space. Additional pieces may suit the buyer's needs, and these can be purchased separate from the five-piece set.


Bed


Headboards for a master bedroom are available in two sizes, a full/queen and a king size. Some bed designs offer a foot board that is included with the purchase of the headboard. The width of the full/queen and king size headboard is regulated by industry standard. Although there is a 6-inch difference in the width between a full and queen size mattress, the full/queen headboard is designed to fit both sizes. You have options as to the length of mattresses, and adjustments made to the bed frame will accommodate the extra length.


Dresser








A small dresser is called a "drawer dresser" because more drawers are visual in the design. A larger dresser is called a "door dresser." The door dresser is recognizable because doors must be opened to access more hidden drawers. The depth of the drawers will vary from deep to shallow. Consider the items to be stored before purchasing a dresser. Shallow drawers are convenient for socks and delicate items. Deep drawers are more sensible for storing bulky items.


Chest


A versatile piece of furniture used to house electronics or clothing is a chest. Tall, narrow chests have shallow drawers for lingerie or undergarments. Larger chests might have deep drawers beneath doors that open. Behind the doors the chest could have removable shelves that are taken out to house a television or other electronics. The door could also hide more drawers for clothing items.


Nightstands


A nightstand generally displays a clock, lamp or tissue. The number of drawers will vary, but generally at least one drawer is part of the design. Drawers will be shallow since they are designed to hold nonclothing items, such as books. In some cases only one nightstand is offered as part of the suite; a second nightstand comes at an additional cost to the buyer.


Mirror


With attachments to fit to the dresser, the scale of the mirror is made to suit the dresser it will complement. Mirrors come in a single design, or more elaborate mirrors may have two or three sections. Cheval mirrors stand on the floor and will swivel back and forth to accommodate the height of the person using the mirror. Cheval mirrors are light and are easily moved to other locations, unlike the dresser mirror.

Tags: full queen, bedroom furniture, Cheval mirrors, door dresser, drawers will
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Monday, July 30, 2012

Replace An Electrical Outlet In The Bathroom

Install a GFCI outlet for proper protection in the bathroom.


A ground fault circuit interrupter is designed to protect against electric shock by monitoring the imbalance of current between a hot and neutral conductor, according to EC&M. Easy 2 DIY states that a GFCI has a "built-in" circuit breaker and is required for wet locations. Although installing a GFCI outlet is not much different from installing a regular outlet, proper precautions need to be made to ensure correct installation.


Instructions


1. Turn the electrical power off to the bathroom circuit by turning off the breaker in the main electrical panel.


2. Remove the cover from the electrical outlet in the bathroom and test to verify that the electricity has been disconnected. Use an inexpensive two-prong electrical tester and touch one prong to the screw that holds the black wire to the outlet and the other prong to the screw that holds the white wire to the outlet. Your tester should not light up if the power has been disconnected correctly.


3. Disconnect the old electrical outlet in the bathroom. Remove the screws from the top and the bottom of the outlet that hold it into the electrical box and gently pull it from the wall. Note where all the wires are located on the outlet and remove the wires by loosening the screws and pulling the wires from beneath them.


4. Install the replacement electrical outlet. You should be installing a GFCI replacement outlet in your bathroom. The GFCI will protect you from any electrical shock and is actually required for bathroom outlets. Connect your black wire or wires to the screws on the right side of the GFCI outlet, and connect the white wire or wires to the left side of the GFCI outlet. The bare copper ground wire must be connected to the green ground screw located toward the bottom of the outlet. Tighten all screws to hold the wires firmly into place.


5. Attach the GFCI replacement electrical outlet into the electrical box. Gently push the outlet back into the box and attach it at the top and the bottom of the box with the screws provided with the outlet.








6. Cover the electrical outlet with a GFCI outlet cover plate and turn the power back on to the circuit at the main electrical panel.

Tags: electrical outlet, GFCI outlet, been disconnected, black wire, bottom outlet, electrical outlet bathroom
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The Difference Between A Formal Dining Room & Dining Room

Traditional furnishings and lush carpeting give the dining room a formal air.


The design used for your dining room depends on whether you prefer a formal or informal area. Some dining rooms are better suited for formal décor, while others lend themselves to a more casual look. The location of the room in conjunction with how you plan to use the space helps determine the best design style.








Location


Formal dining rooms are typically a room of their own, while an informal dining room sometimes shares space with the kitchen or living room. The formal dining area may have a door that closes it off from the kitchen and the rest of the house. Pass-through dining rooms also sit separated from the other rooms, but they have open doorways that allow you to pass through the dining area from one room to the other. A pass-through room is less formal than a separate room, but due to its separateness it can still be used as a formal or informal space.


Furniture


Most formal dining rooms feature traditional-style wood furniture. Chippendale, Queen Anne and Sheraton styled chairs all have a more formal look compared to simple modern designs. Informal furniture styles may feature modern materials instead of wood or glass table tops. Simple, straight legged designs or farmhouse tables also provide a less formal look. Although certain furniture styles lend themselves better to a formal dining area, the accessories used in the room further determine the formality of the space.


Linens


Fine linens provide a formal look, even if the furniture style is more informal. A heavy linen or lace tablecloth covers less formal tables. Quality wood tables may look more formal without a tablecloth. Heavy, lined draperies made from dark-colored fine fabric or silk provide a more formal look than light drapery panels or shears. Table runners and place mats give a room a less formal appearance, regardless of the furniture style. Formal dining room chairs rarely have chair pads, while a chair pad can inject some color and comfort into an informal design.


Accessories


The accessories complete the look of the dining room, whether it's formal or informal. A chandelier or pendant light provides a more formal option when centered above the dining room table. Silver or crystal candlesticks, pitchers and serving dishes are more formal than glass or ceramic materials. Placing a rug beneath the table can also change the feel of the room. Modern designed or light colored rugs look more informal, while dark-colored Persian-style rugs look more formal.

Tags: more formal, dining rooms, formal look, less formal, dining area, dining room
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Friday, July 27, 2012

Repair Dining Room Furniture

Repairing old dining room furniture can be time consuming and requires a lot of patience and materials. Using a variety of glues, oils and waxes, you can repair most furniture damage, large or small. No matter the problem, a little determination and a lot of free time are the keys to an attractive dining room set. Follow these steps in order, starting with the structural damage and ending with minor scratches and polishing. Make decisions that will best suit your individual needs, choosing stain and wax colors that will go with your vision of a great dining room.


Instructions


1. Repair the chairs. Remove any metal joints on the chairs and carefully take them apart. Use furniture glue to glue the parts back together and reinforce the chairs.


2. Repair the table. Once again, take the table apart, and reinforce the joints with wood glue. Use clamps to hold the pieces together as the table resets.


3. Repair surface damage. Find a wax crayon that matches the color of your furniture, or mix two colors. Take small pieces of the crayon or crayons and melt them over an open flame. Pour them into the crack or dent, and use a blunt knife to smooth the surface.


4. Remove marks and stains. Using a soft rag and an oil solution made of olive or linseed oil, gently rub the mark or stain. Let the coat to dry for 3 to 4 hours before wiping it clean.


5. Re-stain the surface. Choose a stain color. Apply the stain to a cotton rag, and wipe the rag across the surface of the furniture, following the wood's grain.


6. Apply a wax finish. Run wax evenly across the furniture's surface using a shoe brush. Use a cotton rag to remove excess wax, and then let it sit.

Tags: dining room, that will
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Make Silverpainted Bedroom Furniture Look Beachy

A beach-themed bedroom makes a relaxing haven.








When you're ready to redo your bedroom and want to create a beach theme, you may think that your silver-painted furniture doesn't go with your new look. Most people tend to think of blues, greens and tans when it comes to a beach theme. However, a full moon glowing in the sky and its beams skimming across the waves often create a silver cast across the coastline. By thinking outside the box, you can weave your silver-painted furniture seamlessly into your new beach bedroom.


Instructions


1. Paint your bedroom a pale, pastel blue color that complements your silver furniture. While the ocean may be a deeper hue, the sky is often a pale blue. The icy shade of pastel blue will create a cool, crisp look for your beach theme.


2. Collect an array of mermaids and place them strategically around your room. Look for those portrayed completely in silver or in pastel colors with shimmering silver scales on the tail. Look for carvings and wall hangings that depict the sea god Neptune, who is often depicted in silver.


3. Collect or purchase a variety of seashells to display on your dressing table, dresser and nightstand. Spray paint some of the shells silver to match your furniture. Mix these together with shells of other shades to weave the silver theme naturally throughout your room. Alternatively, display your shells in silver bowls and on silver trays for a classy look.


4. Create displays of candles to set around your bedroom. Choose candles in seafoam green, pale blue and silver for a whimsical decor. Select candles in various shapes and sizes for a look that adds interest to your arrangement.


5. Set up an aquarium in your room to bring a piece of the ocean to you when you can't get to the ocean. Choose silver dollar fish or neon tetras to create a silvery glow in your aquarium as the fish swim around their environment.

Tags: beach theme, your bedroom, your room, your silver-painted furniture, around your, display your
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Ada Handicapped Restroom Rules

Wheelchair accessibility is just one aspect of ADA handicapped restroom rules








The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) includes specific rules covering the design of restrooms for use by the disabled. This is in keeping with its mandate to create an environment of public accessibility for people who have physical challenges, whether involving mobility (wheelchair-bound) or visual impairment.


General ADA Restroom Rules


Title III of the ADA focuses on accessibility requirements for public places. These places are defined as any property that is either a commercial facility or one owned or leased by a private entity for public accommodations, including places that offer educational and occupational certification services. Owners and operators of these properties must provide restroom facilities that offer equal access to everyone, including disabled people. Among the "reasonable modifications" required by the ADA are: providing room for a wheelchair to maneuver, placement of bathroom fixtures and dispensers that can be reached by a person in a wheelchair, and auxiliary aids for those who have visual and hearing impairments. Barriers to restrooms must be removed; this includes installing grab bars in toilet stalls and using Braille or raised lettering on signs.


Wheelchair Rules


ADA rules for wheelchairs in restrooms focus on maneuverability and safety. Toilet stalls (compartment-type) must be 60 inches wide for wall-hung commodes or 59 inches wide for floor-mounted types. Both types must be 56 inches deep. Grab bars must be installed on both the back wall (36 inches long) and one side wall (42 inches long), each with a minimum 1½-inch clearance for hand grasp. Sinks must be at least 27 inches high and eight inches deep underneath for wheelchair accessibility, and all hot water lines must be insulated to prevent burns. If mirrors are available, at least one must be mounted no higher than 40 inches from the floor with 30 to 48 inches minimum of clear floor space for a frontal approach by a wheelchair.


Visually-Impaired Rules


The ADA mandates that information signs in restrooms must always include Braille-2 lettering, with a minimum separation of 3/8 of an inch from all other lettering, borders, and raised elements on a sign. Dot dimensions within the Braille characters must be between 0.025 and 0.032 inches high and have a base diameter of between 0.059 and 0.063 inches.

Tags: between inches, inches deep, inches high, inches long, inches wide, must inches
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Thursday, July 26, 2012

Redesign A Master Bedroom

Redesign your master bedroom to create a retreat.


The master bedroom should be a place where you can escape to privacy, a space to relax and rejuvenate. When it comes to decorating the home, oftentimes the master bedroom is the last room to get attention. The main parts of the home and the guest or children's bedrooms take precedence, as they are more frequently seen by visitors. If your master bedroom is outdated or lacks the personal style you desire, redesign your master bedroom following the steps below. Create your own personal sanctuary to retreat to.


Instructions


Preparation


1. Set a budget for your redesign. This will help you to prioritize the items to be accomplished in your room. Your dream room may need to be realized over time to meet budget restraints. However, with great planning you will fulfill your design.


2. Draw a detailed floor plan of your master bedroom. Document all doorways, closets, windows and any other permanent features that will impact your final design. The scale of drawing is 1 inch of paper space equals 1 foot of floor space.


3. Choose one important element or picture for inspiration. It should be an item or picture that helps you define your desired style.


4. Sort and assess the items you currently own. Decide what you desire to keep and incorporate into your room, what will be given away and what will be sold.


Areas to Consider


5. Settle upon the furniture for the room. Use your floor plan to ensure your furniture choices will fit in the bedroom. Deciding on any functions, beyond sleeping, you desire to use the room for will help you to choose your furniture. For instance, if you desire a sitting area, you could choose a love seat or set of chairs to place in the room.


6. Choose what linens you desire for your master bed. The bed is the focal point of the bedroom, as it is the largest piece of furniture. Luxurious linens can then be used for continued inspiration when choosing the window treatments and the color palette for the room.


7. Decide what type of window treatments you want. Master bedrooms typically have large windows. Assessing the amount of privacy, the shape of the windows and the amount of light desired will help you to choose which type of window treatments will best suit the windows. Sometimes a combination of window treatments is best.


8. Determine the color palette for your room using your inspiration piece, your bed linens and your window treatments. Typically choosing a neutral color for the walls of the master bedroom works best. Choose two accent colors that will be used for accessories and any accent painting, to finish your color palette.


9. Purchase a chandelier or ceiling fan with dimming capability for the main mood lighting in the room. Choose additional lamps for task lighting.


10. Shop around for your accessories, as these will add personality to your room. Accessories include artwork, decorative pillows, rugs, natural elements and any other things you love.


Put Your Plan into Action


11. Purchase all items decided upon: furniture, linens, window treatments, paint, lighting and accessories.


12. Empty the room completely. If there are large pieces of furniture that are difficult to remove, push them to the center and cover with drop cloths.


13. Paint the room with the main color first, and then accomplish any accent painting desired.


14. Hang the window treatments following the installation instructions that accompanied your choice of window treatment.


15. Hang overhead lighting according to directions included with lighting purchase. The main lighting should be centered on the ceiling.


16. Place the furniture into the room according to your written plan.


17.Accessorize your room with items purchased. Place lamps for task lighting in appropriate spots, such as on the night stand and in the sitting area. Hang artwork on the walls, and place your favorite items around your room.

Tags: master bedroom, window treatments, your room, your master, your master bedroom
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What Kind Of Art Is For A Master Bedroom With Blue Walls

The purpose of art in a bedroom is to accent and enhance the mood and interest of the room and complement the room's decor and furnishings. Purchased pictures, hand-painted murals, shelves and other wall decor are ideal ways of introducing art into a master bedroom with blue walls. Consider your available resources, the amount of money you want to spend and which walls you would like to enhance with art.


Wallpaper








Wallpaper is a magnificent way of introducing inexpensive art into a master bedroom with blue walls. An accent wall can be inexpensively created by applying wallpaper onto the wall behind the headboard. A variety of colors, patterns and textures of wallpaper from which to choose will complement any shade of blue or style of decor. An optional coordinating wallpaper border at the top of your accent wall contributes an additional artful touch to the room.


Paint


A variety of color combinations can provide visually pleasing wall art to a room. A master bedroom with blue walls can be taped off into 4- to 10-inch vertical stripes and painted in a coordinating shade of white. Various color shades of browns and grays complement blue walls nicely and can be substituted for the white vertical striping. Horizontal striping can provide instant wall art in addition to the illusion of width to a smaller bedroom.


Framed Pictures


Black and white photos framed in black or white frames provide classic wall art on any hue of blue painted wall. Brown picture frames holding sepia-toned photos enhance a brown and blue color palette. A large framed print in a subject matter that reflects the bedroom's decor and color scheme provides art and a focal point of the room. Hanging a white framed sailboat picture on a sky-blue wall is a fine example of wall art complementing a blue and white coastal theme.


Wall Hangings


Wall hangings provide wall art in a variety of mediums. Stained glass, metal and wood are materials that can be shaped into traditional and modern wall art sculptures designed to enhance any wall color. Decorative clocks, mirrors and candle sconces are unusual pieces of functional wall art. Painted canvases in a variety of colors, sizes, styles and groupings are another good method for adding art to blue master bedroom walls.

Tags: master bedroom, bedroom with, blue walls, master bedroom with, with blue walls, accent wall, bedroom with blue
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Bedroom Decorating Ideas For Women

Go crazy with pink floral patterns if they make you feel at ease.


Decorate your bedroom to reflect your personal style, personality and interests. Your bedroom can be as feminine as you want it to be. You will spend more time in your bedroom than anyone else, so decorate the space in a manner that is comforting and appealing to you. Use styles, colors, patterns, fabrics and accessories that help you relax.


Shabby Chic








Decorate your bedroom in a shabby chic style if it suits you. Mix in a few modern elements with vintage items that all fit into the same color scheme or have a common theme. Soft colors such as pink or lavender typically set the mood for shabby chic decor. Add different patterns, such as plaid and floral fabrics, that feature the same colors. Hang vintage pictures or advertisements in distressed frames or display your favorite vintage collection on shelves or the dresser. Choose or create distressed furniture to round out the look.


Victorian


Aim for a Victorian-inspired room if you want a completely soft and feminine room. Think floral patterns, lace, white and pinks everywhere. Choose a four poster canopy bed, if possible, to display a lace or sheer canopy or floral panels. Bedside tables could include authentic Victorian-era tables or round tables with lace tablecloths and glass tops. Set out doilies on the bedside table under a fancy glass or crystal lamp and porcelain jewelry or keepsake box, or something equally feminine and romantic. Include gold-framed mirrors or Victorian artwork on the walls and a dressing table or vanity. Luxurious curtains in a heavy fabric, such as velvet, and sheer lace panels underneath can complete the room.


Spa Treatment


Use earth tones and natural elements for a bedroom that resembles your favorite spa. Choose a matching bedroom set with light or dark wood tones and a headboard upholstered in leather or velvet. Use a light, neutral color for most of the fabric in the room including the bed cover and curtains. White, cream or ivory may work best. Inject some color, such as sage green, chocolate brown or rusty orange into the room through a striped chair, a folded throw at the foot of the bed, a lampshade or a couple of decorative pillows on the bed. Scented candles and a couple of houseplants should be strategically placed around the room on the nightstand, shelves or dresser. Finish the look with a soft white or cream colored carpet next to the bed.


Bold and Contemporary








A contemporary bedroom can boast bold and bright colors for a fabulously feminine bedroom as well. Dark chocolate or black low-profile furniture, such as a platform bed, is ideal for a contemporary design. Keep most elements in the room neutral to make the bold infusions stand out even more. Black and white can serve as the perfect background colors and make it easy for you to update the look of your bedroom as you see fit. Use a white duvet cover that features a black stitched floral design with a burst of a third color, such as yellow, pink, turquoise or purple. Add pillows, curtains, a lamp, candles, a fluffy rug and artwork that feature your bold color. Another option is to paint the wall behind your bed in the bold color of your choice and hang black and white pictures on that wall above your bed.

Tags: bold color, color such, Decorate your, Decorate your bedroom, floral patterns, shabby chic
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Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Create A Boothstyle Dining Room

Booth seating offers warmth and intimacy.


Booths are the seating of choice for many restaurant goers because they offer an intimate dinning experience. You can create booth-style dinning in your own home by shopping for booths and tables at flea markets, garage sales and second-hand stores. Retro-style design lends itself perfectly to booth-style dinning, but it's also possible to achieve a sleek, modern look with backless booths. The more minimalist booth-style seating can be made cozier with the addition of pillows and seat cushions that can be found at discount stores or you may choose to sew them yourself.


Instructions


1. Paint the walls of your booth-style dining area to freshen up the space in your color choice.


2. Add accents like paintings that bring a punch of style and interest to bare walls. If your dining area is small, add one or more mirrors to give the room a more spacious feel.


3. Shop for booths and tables at flea markets, antique stores, moving sales and second-hand stores. If the table and booths you select are in need of paint or varnish, all the better, as you'll be able to purchase them at bargain prices and then personalize them to your own design aesthetics.


4. Paint or varnish the table in a gloss finish for easier cleaning. Use several coats, as dining tables receive heavy use and thus require regular cleaning.


5. Paint the booths in your color choice, or if they are upholstered, clean them thoroughly.


6. Sew or purchase seat cushions and accent pillows with zippered enclosures made of washable fabric for easy cleaning. They will add warmth and personality to whatever design style you choose.

Tags: booths tables, booths tables flea, booth-style dinning, color choice, dining area, flea markets
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Make Natural Homemade Bathroom Deodorizer With Oils

Natural, homemade cleaning solutions ensure that you know exactly what ingredients you're using to clean your house. By choosing natural products, you avoid the toxic chemicals in harsh commercial cleaners. Add essential oils to your homemade deodorizers to give your bathroom a pleasant scent.


Instructions


Baking Soda


1. Pour 1 lb. of baking soda into an open container. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer that will absorb odors.


2. Add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil to the baking soda. Essential oils are natural oil extracts that add a pleasant scent to the deodorizer.


3. Mix until the essential oil is evenly distributed in the baking soda.


4. Apply 10 more drops of essential oil, and continue to mix.


5. Place the open container under the sink or in another convenient spot the bathroom. Replace mixture every three months.








Essential Oils


6. Fill a spray bottle with 1 cup of water.


7. Add 20 drops of an essential oil, or a combination of your favorite essential oils.


8. Spray the deodorizer into the air in the bathroom when needed.

Tags: baking soda, drops essential, favorite essential, open container, pleasant scent, your favorite
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Stain A Teak Dining Table

Stain a Teak Dining Table


Teak is a type of tropical hardwood native to the southern regions of Asia. It's a brownish-yellow wood with a rich texture and beautiful grain. Teak is also hardy and resistant to harsh or inclement weather. Teak is a popular material for making indoor and outdoor furniture because of its durability, resistance to warping and outstanding stability. Though teak is beautiful enough in its natural state, if you have stubborn stains on your dining room table, or just want it to match your décor, applying a stain finish to this wood is easy enough to do.


Instructions


Staining Teak Furniture


1. Clean your table before adding stain and sealant. Wipe with a new, wet sponge and allow to fully dry.


2. A wood cleaner designed for teak will remove most stains and will weatherize your table in case you ever want to use it outdoors. The instructions on the bottle will tell you how much cleaner you will need for your size table and its condition.


3. Let the cleaner dry for at least three days. A damp table can look patchy after it is treated with stain.


4. Sand the entire table with 120-grit sandpaper. Be sure you do not miss any spots; if you do, the stain may look uneven after it dries.


5. Choose a stain that is designed to be used with teak wood. Ask for help at the hardware store if you're not sure which products to look at.


6. Apply the stain with a roller, paintbrush or a foam sponge. Let it dry overnight and apply a second coat. Be sure your table is completely dry before using it.

Tags: your table, Dining Table, Stain Teak, Stain Teak Dining, Teak Dining, Teak Dining Table
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Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Install Peel And Stick Vinyl Tiles On Bathroom Floor

Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are an acceptable alternative to ceramic or other hard tiles for the bathroom, as they are moisture-proof and durable. Today's available range of tiles is far more attractive and versatile than it used to be. You can lay the tiles over any hard, flat surface, including plywood underlayment, but a cement board underlayment is always preferable because of moisture issues.


Instructions


1. Take out the toilet. Do this by turning off the water line at the back of the toilet with your adjustable wrench. Remove the two floor bolts. Lift the toilet up and out. Stuff an old towel into the sewer line to prevent harmful gases from leaking out.


2. Clean the floor with floor cleanser and a mop. Let it dry two days.


3. Measure the length and width of the floor, making a mark at the halfway point in each direction. Divide the floor into four quadrants using your chalk snap line, laying two lines that intersect through the middle of the floor. Use a carpenter's square to ensure they are perpendicular to one another.


4. Pull off the wax paper from the back of the first tile. Press it to the floor at the intersection, bordered by the two lines. Press it firmly to the floor.


5. Press the next tile alongside the first one, making sure the edges are firmly against each other.


6. Continue building out from the middle, tile by tile, along the lines. Use your razor knife to cut the tiles around the toilet drain and other obstructions as needed. Cut the partial tiles by the walls using your razor knife and square, so the cuts are straight.


7. Re-install the toilet.

Tags: your razor knife, razor knife, using your, your razor
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Repair A Moen Bathroom Faucet

Moen bathroom faucets can have a single- or double-handled design, and you repair both designs in a similar manner. The faucet handle cartridge, which controls the water flow and temperature, is replaceable, and anyone with even minor experience with home repair will find it a manageable task. Allow yourself about half an hour to complete this repair, and make sure to use a cartridge designed specifically for your make and model to ensure success.








Instructions








1. Shut the water valves under the sink to prevent water from running into the faucet during the repair.


2. Remove the cap on the top of the handle by prying it off with a screwdriver. Unscrew the handle by turning the base to the left and remove it. Unscrew the cartridge stem by gripping the top with pliers and turning to the left. Remove the stem and then pull out the cartridge inside the base of the handle.


3. Insert a matching Moen cartridge inside the base to replace the cartridge you just removed. Replace the cartridge stem and then set the handle on the stem and turn the base to the left to tighten it to the base of the faucet.


4. Turn on your water and test the faucet to check for leaks. If a leak appears, disassemble the faucet and tighten the cartridge stem. Or, remove the cartridge extension and handle kit by loosening the screw at the bottom of the handle and replace with a new handle kit. Reassemble the faucet following the instructions above.

Tags: cartridge stem, base left, cartridge inside, cartridge inside base, inside base, stem then
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Accessorize Bedroom Dressers

Hang a large mirror over the dresser.


The bedroom dresser is a necessary piece of furniture for most people, but it also provides a blank canvas for decorating. An empty bedroom dresser makes a bedroom look unfinished, but a properly accessorized bedroom dresser can make a bedroom feel like a cozy, restful retreat -- just as it should. Accessorizes are not only decorative, but they can also be functional as well. Lamps, for example, are both attractive and add soft, romantic light to the room.


Instructions


1. Hang a large mirror over the dresser. Lean smaller photos or other works of art against the mirror. This creates a visually interesting, layered look.


2. Set a pair of lamps on the dresser. Place one on either end flanking the mirror to add symmetry and balance.


3. Gather up small bottles of lotions and perfumes and place them in an attractive basket or other container on the dresser.








4. Set a bouquet of flowers in front of the mirror. The reflection will make them look twice as large. Adding flowers or a plant adds beauty and life to the bedroom.


5. Stack some books on the dresser. Remove the jackets and face the bindings inward to create a neutral palate and to add texture to the smooth dresser top.


6. Add a bit of sparkle to the bedroom dresser by including some silver accessories such as a small silver jewelry box, cup or even a mirror and brush set.

Tags: bedroom dresser, Hang large, Hang large mirror, large mirror, large mirror over, mirror over, mirror over dresser
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Monday, July 23, 2012

Install A Bathroom Fan From Scratch

Bathrooms lacking windows that open must be equipped with exhaust fans.


Bathroom exhaust fans remove humidity and odors. Humid environments allow mold to grow on surfaces, and given enough time, will penetrate the wall coverings to grow within the wall cavities. During cold months when it is impractical to open a window, an exhaust fan serves to remove the warm moist air and replace it with dryer, cooler air from the rest of the house. Modern building codes require an exhaust fan in interior powder rooms and bathrooms not equipped with a window that opens.


Instructions








Placement and Ductwork


1. Use the stud finder to locate a space between two rafters where the fan will be installed; a location near the center of the room is best. Draw the cutout area as described in the manufacturers instructions on the ceiling and cut the drywall away with the jab saw.


2. Place the fan in the opening and fasten it to the rafters with the bottom of the fan just flush with the surface of the ceiling using screws or nails as instructed by the fan manufacturer.


3. Select a location on the side of the house from the attic area for the exhaust duct. Use a hole saw to cut a hole sized 1/4 inch larger than the fan duct exhaust size, through the house sheathing and exterior siding.








4. Install a duct vent with a damper from the outside of the house, through the hole and secure with screws that penetrate the house sheathing at least 1/2 inch. Seal it with exterior latex caulk. Connect the vent to the exhaust fan using semi-flexible or flexible duct pipe. Make as few turns and bends as possible as the straightest run of pipe will be the most efficient. Make connections with metallic duct tape.


Wiring


5. Turn off power to the bathroom lighting circuit and test that it is off with a no-contact voltage tester. Remove the light switch cover and bring the no contact voltage tester probe close to the colored wires. The light should stay off, indicating power is off.


6. Install sheathed cable between the light switch and the electrical box inside the fan housing. Use existing holes between the attic and the wall switch to run the sheathed cable through. Remove eight inches of sheathing from the cable ends with the cable/wire stripper. Insert the cables far enough into the electrical boxes that 1/4 inch of sheathing is inside the box. Strip the ends of the wires using the cable/wire stripper. Remove 3/4 inch of insulation from each wire.


7. Twist the white cable wire together with the white fan wire with a wire nut. Do the same with the black wire and the ground wires; the fan ground wire may be green or there may be a green terminal screw to attach the cable ground wire to. The ground wire in the cable is not insulated.


8. Twist the ground wires together in the switch box, leaving a tail to bend into a U shape with the long nose pliers and connect to the green ground terminal screw on the light switch. Remove the wire nut on the two wires in the switch box and twist the new white wire together with them. Replace the wire nut on the two white wires.


9. Turn the switch to the off position. Turn the power on temporarily--the bathroom light should stay off. Use the no-contact voltage tester to determine which black wire has power supplied to it and make note of it. Turn the power off and verify it is off with the no contact voltage tester.


10. Remove the black wire from the switch terminal that did not have power when the electricity was on. Cut a six-inch piece of black wire and strip both ends. Twist the six-inch piece of wire together with the new black cable wire and the existing black switch wire. Cap with a wire nut. Bend the end of the six inch wire into a U and connect it to the switch terminal.


11. Place the switch back in the box, folding the wires behind it and securing it with the screws. Add the switch plate cover and turn the power on. Turning the switch on will turn on both the fan and the bathroom light.

Tags: black wire, cable wire, voltage tester, ground wire, light switch
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Operation Of Digital Bathroom Scales







Digital scales take the guesswork out of weighing in.


One of the most basic parts of any weight-loss program -- the weigh-in -- can also be one of the more frustrating. Traditional bathroom scales, with their rotating disks of numbers moving in response to pressure from springs, can wear down and deliver inaccurate readings over time. Reading analog scales can also be a headache, as they print weight readings on a large disk that moves as your weight shifts on the scale. Digital scales are easy to operate, and some offer advanced features.


Instructions


1. Install batteries in the scale if it requires them, or plug the scale in. Most digital bathroom scales use batteries to allow them to be moved around; these may be watch batteries, AAAs or AAs, depending on the model. Without a power source, the scale will not function.


2. Read the manual for the digital scale. Some have additional features such as body-mass index calculators, weight tracking and wireless capabilities. The instruction manual will indicate set these up.


3. Turn on your computer and connect a wireless Internet antenna if your scale has wireless capabilities. If your computer doesn't have an antenna, they area available at any computer store.








4. Install any software that came with the scale; this will import the data from your weigh-ins to your computer for you to analyze.


5. Step onto the scale. Keep your feet slightly apart and be sure not to touch or hold onto railings or counters because that can distort the scale's reading. Digital scales, unlike mechanical ones, do not normally have to be "zeroed" before standing on them


6. Look at the digital readout to see your weight. If it doesn't appear immediately, wait a few seconds. Many digital scales take a moment to average out the slight fluctuations in weight that occur as you move.

Tags: Digital scales, your computer, bathroom scales, scales take, wireless capabilities
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Fun Teen Bedroom Ideas

Colorful teen bedroom.


The right decor in a teenager's room will keep him smiling and hanging out at home. During these crucial years, keep their personal home space fun and comfortable so they will enjoy spending time there. Allow your teen to have the final say on colors and design.


Turn up the Heat


Use a flame theme for a teen boy, or a girl who likes it hot. Paint the bottom and top of the walls black and design large flames climbing the walls in shades of orange, red and yellow. Use this paint technique on all the walls, opposite walls or on one accent wall. Make the flames realistic for a harder look, or more cartoon-like for a fun or more gentle approach. Outline the design in black for a darker look or yellow for a brighter look. Use a bright orange or red carpet. Lay plain black or flame-patterned rugs on the floor to break up the solid carpet. Choose plain red, orange, yellow traditional or beanbag chairs. Spice up plain black bedding with multiple red and yellow throw pillows. Cover tables and desks with flame-patterned materials. Use stuffed animals around the room in matching colors to lighten the mood for a girl or model cars painted with flames for boys.


Welcome to the Jungle


Use a jungle theme to put more fun into a teen's bedroom. Start with green or brown carpet to mimic a jungle floor. Paint murals of jungle trees, shrubs and underbrush on all the walls to engulf the room in the idea, opposite walls for a slightly lighter look or an accent wall for the least saturation. Discard the traditional bed and hang a hammock across the farthest corner of the room from the door. Be sure to attach the hammock to studs in the wall for security. Add a second hammock for a shared room. Place large stuffed tigers and gorillas around the room. Hang monkeys and jungle-related birds along the walls. Use multiple large fake plants in all open areas and hang vines from the ceiling and down the walls.


Smiles


Turn a teens room into a bright and fun place with smiley faces. Use the teen's preference to create a base wall color of either black or white. Paint an extra-large, bright yellow smiley face on the main or accent wall of the room. Outline the face in white for black walls, or black for white walls. Paint smaller smiley faces randomly on the remaining walls. Vary the size of the faces for a more fun or playful look. Cover the bed with a matching yellow bedspread or comforter. Find stuffed smiley face pillows to accent the bed covering. Lay black carpet and use smiley face covered rugs or plain yellow rugs.

Tags: accent wall, smiley face, around room, black white, opposite walls
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Friday, July 20, 2012

Repair A Dripping Dual Handle Bathroom Faucet







If you have a dual-handle bathroom faucet that just keeps dripping, the culprit is often faulty washers. Taking the faucet apart to change its washers will often remedy the problem.


Instructions


1. Locate and turn off the hot and cold water supply to the faucet that you are going to work on. Once the water supply is turned off, open both the hot and cold handles on the faucet. Note: If you do not open (turn on) the handles you will not be able to get the stems out.


2. Pry the indicator caps off the top of each handle, using a standard screwdriver, and put them aside. Under the indicator caps is a set of screws (usually Phillips-head). Remove each screw. Once the screws are out, you can remove the handle by gently pulling up on each one. Once the handles are off you are left with the just the faucet stems. To remove the faucet stems, use the adjustable wrench, placing it on the grooves on the stem and turning counter-clockwise.


3. Examine the stem once you have it out. There should be two "o" rings around the side of the stem and a rubber washer on the bottom of the stem. Use the edge of your standard screwdriver, along the groove where the "o" rings sit, to remove the "o" ring. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the set screw that holds the washer onto the stem.


4. Insert the "o" rings and washers on the stems back into the faucet body (after removing and replacing them). Tighten down with the adjustable wrench using a clockwise motion. Re-install the handles, re-install the set screw, re-install the indicator caps, turn the faucet handles off and turn the water supply back on.

Tags: indicator caps, water supply, adjustable wrench, faucet stems, faucet that, standard screwdriver
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Traditional Dining On Japanese Tables

Certain aspects of etiquette are practiced at virtually every traditional Japanese dining table.


The Japanese are known for their reserved, respectful nature, and traditional dining customs and etiquette are no exception. Having a meal at a traditional Japanese table is a humbling experience you share with your fellow diners, be it for a quick lunch or a multicourse dinner that will last as long as the guests. If you plan on throwing or attending a traditional Japanese meal, ensure that certain aspects are present or acknowledged to stay true to life.


Seating & Salutations


Traditional Japanese dining tables are low-standing and use cushions, rather than Western-style chairs, to accommodate guests. After all the guests have been seated, it is customary to say "itadakimasu," which means "I gratefully receive," before eating and "gochisosama (deshita)," which means "thank you for the meal," at the meal's end. Dinner guests in Japan have traditionally kept each other's glasses full, rather than their own, and they won't begin drinking alcohol until "kampai," a toast, has been shared by all.


Chopsticks


The traditional use of chopsticks in Japan comes with its own rules of etiquette, as the proper use of these utensils is fundamental in good table manners. Traditional Japanese diners will never point or play with chopsticks, move plates or bowls with them, pass food from one pair of chopsticks to another pair or stick food with chopsticks, as these acts are reminiscent of a common funeral practice. Laying your chopsticks in front of your with the tips pointing left is the traditional sign that you are done eating, and you should use the opposite ends of these utensils to take food from a common plate if you have used them.


Dining Etiquette








Certain dining customs will only be seen at Japanese tables, such as that each morsel should be followed by a mouthful of rice or that bowls and dishes are typically held in the diner's left hand to make eating easier. Traditionally, meals are either served together on communal plates for diners to choose from, or more formal meals are served separately for each guest on small, raised meal-trays. Other Japanese dining traditions include the use of personal tissue paper or handkerchief rather than napkins supplied by the meal's host, the exclusive consumption of either rice or sake, a rice wine, and it is perfectly acceptable for diners to slurp their soup and noodles.


Proper Conduct


There are several general rules of conduct diners should follow when attending a traditional Japanese meal. Unacceptable behavior at a meal includes blowing your nose, discussing unappetizing topics and burping. It is acceptable, and sometimes expected, for diners to eat every last grain of rice, replace lids on communal dishes and move every piece back to the position where it started at the meal's end.

Tags: Japanese dining, rather than, traditional Japanese, attending traditional, attending traditional Japanese, dining customs
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Tips For Painting Living And Dining Rooms

Paint can be used to pull together two adjoining rooms with shared views but different functions.


Paint is one of the easiest ways to coordinate rooms that open into or face each other. Use color to define a space by function, highlight a furniture style or create a mood in the living and dining rooms. Contrasting shades of one color, unexpected color juxtapositions, and a lot of white with a few bright accents are all solutions for living and dining room decor.


Blue and Chocolate


For a living and dining room separated by an open archway, try a striking contemporary color balanced by a classic favorite. Paint the ceilings white in both rooms--the trim gets a glossy white as well. In the dining room, choose soft blue for the walls and set the wood table and chairs on an Aubusson-style carpet of pale blues and browns. In the adjoining living room, paint the walls a rich, faux suede chocolate and offset the drama with another, similar carpet. Furnish the room with light blue or blue patterned upholstered pieces. Both rooms will have a distinct look but the white trim, and shades of blue and brown paint provide a harmonious view through the open arch.


Bright and White








A light-filled vacation home will often have a living room and dining room that are almost entirely open to each other. Accentuate the sense of space and light with pickled or white floors in both rooms, all-white walls and ceiling and high-gloss white doors, window frames and trim. Add bright accents like a chartreuse-yellow chair rail in the dining room and matching painted end table in the living room, or tangerine-painted dining chairs and cushions of the same color on a living room sofa or love seat.


Shades of Pink


Think pink for the living and dining rooms and mix up the paint treatment for different energy in each room. The living room gets a soft, color-washed pink with a creamy linen or ecru trim. The look is slightly vintage, slightly relaxed and shabby chic, but it will accommodate furniture styles from antiques to contemporary. In the dining room, the ceiling and the bead board or paneled wainscoting is painted the same linen or ecru as the living room trim but the upper walls are a deep peony pink. The color is dynamic; reds encourage appetite so the vibrant pink makes for lively meals. Using two very diverse shades from the same color family allows the rooms to flow easily into each other while retaining their distinct identities.


Color Separation


When the living room and the dining room are the same room, separate the spaces with color. In a classic loft, there is a huge open expanse to divide into functions. The space can seem cavernous and unfocused but a few cans of paint and it will acquire definition. Try a deep shade in the red family for the dining area--a wall of cranberry or barn red behind the dining table turns the area into a cozy "room" for meals. In the living area, two adjoining walls painted charcoal or Prussian blue are a striking canvas for art and a backdrop for the sofa and chairs. For "authentic" industrial d cor, you could faux paint an old "brick" wall behind the dining table or the recycled breakfront.

Tags: dining room, living room, living dining, each other, behind dining
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Thursday, July 19, 2012

Repair A Dining Room Chair

Dining room chairs can last generations if they are routinely inspected and repaired.


Inspect your dining room chairs routinely to make sure they are in good condition. The joints of dining room chairs loosen over time and should be repaired once the compromised joints are discovered. Chairs can be repaired by separating loose joints, cleaning the joint areas of the wood, gluing, and reassembling them. Routine repairs will help you avoid having to replace your dining set. Wooden dining room chairs can last for generations if regularly maintained.


Instructions








1. Identify the loose joints in need of repair on the wooden dining room chair. Tap the parts that are connected together by the loose joints with a rubber mallet. Gently work the joints until the parts are loose enough to pull apart by hand.


2. Brush the joint portion of the parts clean with a wire brush to remove debris and loose glue. Lightly go over the parts until they are free of debris.


3. Sand the joint portion of the parts lightly with medium-grit sandpaper to remove the old glue from the surface of the wood.


4. Dip the joint ends into warm water. The water will expand the wood slightly and open the pores to allow for a tight bond on the repair. Swab the holes for the joint ends with warm water using a cotton swab.


5. Apply just enough wood glue to evenly coat the joint ends of the parts. Slip the parts back together. Wipe off any glue that oozes out with a damp rag.


6. Clamp the chair together and allow the wood glue to dry. Remove the clamps.


7. Treat the repaired joints with wood finish as needed, using a small touch-up brush.

Tags: room chairs, joint ends, loose joints, chairs last, chairs last generations
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Decorate A Loveseat In A Bedroom

A loveseat is a small sofa with enough space to allow two people to sit next to each other comfortably. Loveseats are used to provide cozy seating in many different rooms. One of the most common places to use a loveseat is in a bedroom. A loveseat in a bedroom can help make the room feel finished and let the occupant make full use of space in a larger room. Create a coordinated look in the bedroom by decorating the loveseat with colors that mesh well with your other decorative decisions.








Instructions


1. Purchase slipcovers. Slipcovers are designed to fit over the surface of a chair or couch. A slipcover can help protect the chair against wear and tear. Slipcovers are also an ideal way to add a different look to the seat without buying a new furniture item. Purchase ready made slipcovers that will go over the seat. Measure the surface of the loveseat first before you buy anything. Measure around the sides as well on the bottom of the seat. Look for slipcovers made from material that matches the colors you've used in the bedding and on the walls of the bedroom.








2. Make your own slipcovers. If you are a skilled seamstress, consider making your own slipcovers. Start by measuring the loveseat. Purchase enough fabric to cover the entire seat, and allow for a one-inch seam allowance around the edges. Use material that is comfortable to sit on and that will stand up to normal wear and tear.


3. Add pillows. Some loveseats come with matching pillows; others do not. You can purchase pillows or make your own. If you are buying pillows, look for ones that match the fabric of the loveseat. Use no more than two or three on the surface of the loveseat. More pillows may make it hard to sit on the seat comfortably. You can also make your own pillows. Purchase a pillow form. Sew a simple pillow case on top. Sew in the ends. Add in decorative details such as tassels to match the loveseat fabric and the fabric in the room. Paint the pillows with specially designed fabric paint. Go playful and add funny or cute sayings on the pillows with the markers. Add a touch of romance by painting hearts and flowers on the top of the fabric.


4. Top the loveseat with a quilt or throw. Use quilts with colors that match the bedspread you have chosen. If you have are using a large quilt on the bed, look for a smaller version to place on the loveseat. If you can't find one, make one yourself or have one created for you. A throw can also work well on a loveseat. Use throws that match the texture of the bedding if possible. If you are using satin or chenille covers, look for matching fabrics in the throw.

Tags: that match, colors that, fabric loveseat, loveseat bedroom, loveseat with, material that, pillows make
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Decorate A Rectangular Dining Room







The dining room table should sit directly underneath a chandelier or other light fixture.


In many homes, a dining room is rarely used for its intended purpose. Instead of serving as the place where friends and family gather for intimate or special meals, it's a catchall room where kids drop off their backpacks, Dad deposits the mail and Mom puts down her coat and purse when she arrives home. If you've watched your dining room's long, slow decline over the years, you can start using it as it was meant to be used without much effort. Like other rooms in a home, the dining room tends to be rectangular. That shape is especially suitable for a dining room, because most tables are rectangular, as well.


Instructions








1. Position a large hutch or china cabinet on the dominant wall in the dining room. The dominant wall is the one that is most prominent. In a rectangular dining room, the dominant wall is most likely to be one of the two long walls.


2. Dress up the china cabinet, hutch or other piece on the dominant wall with attractive dishes, sculptures or other decor. This enhances the dining room focal point.


3. Place your dining room table in the most logical place, the center of the room. A dining room frequently has a chandelier or other prominent light fixture hanging from the center of the ceiling. Putting the table under the fixture make sense. If the room is very small and has no central light fixture, and if you rarely have company for dinner, placing a small dining table along a wall opposite the hutch or china cabinet is an option. This arrangement is best with just two chairs, one on each end. Dress up the table with table runners, place mats, quality linens and a centerpiece that works well with the scale of the room.


4. Walk around the dining room table if it's in the center of the room to ensure that all your guests can sit down and get up easily. Sit down at the table yourself to get a sense of your guests' comfort.


5. Place a rectangular rug under the table to anchor it in the room. Arrange other small pieces of furniture in the room. Place large plants in one or more corner, if you have the space. Hang complementary curtains, artwork and additional lighting, such as wall sconces next to a large painting.

Tags: dining room, dining room, dominant wall, china cabinet, dining room table
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Bathroom Plumbing Installation

Many people feel as though they are not up to the challenge of installing bathroom plumbing and leave plumbing to the professionals. However, others find bathroom plumbing installation simple and like to save money by doing it themselves. For those in the latter category, don't fall into the trap that could cause your toilet to overflow or your sink to leak. There are a few installation tips that can help make installing plumbing easy.


Toilets


When installing a toilet, take extra care to ensure that all of the connections and gaskets are made properly to avoid flooding or waste of water. The toilet's outlet is called a "horn" and must be fitted with a wax ring gasket that will seal it off from leakage. If this gasket fails, water will leak out around the toilet. Position the gasket over the hole, and then set the toilet onto the flange. Attach all bolts and nuts to the bowl. Make sure the nuts are facing outward to prevent rust and corrosion. Hook up the waterline tightly, but don't twist it so hard that it won't be able to be opened in the future.








Shower/Tub


If you decide to place a shower and tub inside of your bathroom, be careful to follow local codes. Being in violation of the codes could result in a hefty fine. Connect the drain and overflow drain before connecting anything else, unless they come already assembled. Make sure that the water lines are as far apart as the hot and cold riser fittings to which they will be connected. These must be soldered in place. Screw the valves on with a wrench, and tighten the showerhead and faucet fixtures with a strap wrench.


Violations


Several code issues in your bathroom plumbing installation may cause you to be in violation of local laws and regulations. Make sure, for instance, that when you install plumbing in your bathroom your shower valves are appropriately pressure balanced to the level required by code. Building materials must be approved, including piping, glue, fittings, and primers. Sewer lines may be subject to a minimum slope requirement in your locality. Familiarity with these codes is key to a successful bathroom plumbing installation job.

Tags: bathroom plumbing, bathroom plumbing installation, Make sure, plumbing installation, your bathroom
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Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Clean Bathroom Marble Tiles

Marble tiles add an attractive appeal to bathroom floor and shower enclosure areas, creating an elegant bathing experience. As with any other type of bathroom surface, you must clean regularly to remove soap scum, dirt and other buildup that develops quickly in bathroom areas. Combining a few inexpensive cleaning ingredients and tools allows you to keep the marble tiles in your bathroom looking new.


Instructions


1. Wipe the tile with a damp mop or cloth each week to get rid of light dust buildup.


2. Spray a stone soap safe for marble surfaces onto the bathroom tile and wipe again with the damp mop or cloth.


3. Mix one gallon of water with one tsp. of dish soap. Dip your mop or cloth into the water, wring the cloth or mop out and wipe over the marble tile. This removes tough soap scum.








4. Rinse the mop or cloth with clear water, again wring out, and wipe over the marble tiles to get rid of soap residue.


5. Dry the tiles with a clean cloth.

Tags: damp cloth, marble tiles, over marble, soap scum, wipe over
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Ideas For Decorating The Walls In A Master Bedroom

The master suite is your private sanctuary.


The master bedroom is the most intimate room in the house, and the walls are the cornerstone of the room. This room should reflect your personal preferences, and if you share a room, the room should suit both people's taste. Creating a private sanctuary where you can rest and relax will help to rejuvenate your body after a long day at work.


Color


The color of the bedroom walls can be light or dark depending what décor suits your needs. If the room is very lush you may want to paint only one color to keep everything balanced. For instance, if your room is filled with fine cherry wood furnishings, paint the wall behind the bed burgundy or pastel purple. Purple complements cherry wood, but there are also many other colors that will do the trick.


If the room is filled with basic oak furniture, then consider a more neutral color like yellow or baby blue. Be selective about wallpaper because it can be hard to find a pattern that matches the décor of the bedding and other accessories in the room.


Good Housekeeping magazine suggests white, gray or beige walls for a modern master bedroom.


Texture


The color of the room is one of the most vital decisions when it comes to decorating, however the texture of paint can also make a difference. Decide on whether you would like a matte or glossy look. Glossy paint usually works well in the kitchen, but it can also suit a master bedroom depending on your color choice. A matte look is very pretty for light colors, and glossy paint usually adds depth to darker colors. Some paints have different textures that can add a sensual feel to the wall as well.


Accessories


Accessories like crown molding or even wood molding that wraps around the center of the room can add a sophisticated finishing touch to the walls in the room. Crown molding is ideal for people who have elegant taste and appreciate the finer things in life. Let a professional install the molding to ensure a polished look.


White or cherry wood molding usually works well depending on the color of the walls. White molding looks lovely in a room with a nautical theme. Cherry molding can complement plain white or pastel walls as long the furniture matches. Cherry wood molding may look off-base in a room with oak furniture so select molding wisely.


Other accessories like paintings and framed photographs can also add a personal feel to a master suite. Choose items that blend well with the overall décor of the room. For instance, if you are going for a French country look, choose rustic white frames for your pictures.

Tags: master bedroom, wood molding, cherry wood, filled with, master suite, paint usually, private sanctuary
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Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Repaint White Bedroom Furniture

Chipping or peeling paint on white bedroom furniture can make an otherwise attractive room look neglected. Even the natural ambering of some white-painted furniture may look unsightly, meaning a new coat of bright white paint needs to be added to restore the appearance. Repainting white furniture can be a relatively easy task if you know do it and don't rush.








Instructions


1. Remove any knobs, handles and door hinges before you begin working on the furniture. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws on the drawer handles and hinges. Set the parts aside so that they do not get paint on them.








2. Remove all wax and polish buildup. Even a small amount of this buildup will keep the new paint from sticking properly and make coverage more difficult. Apply a small amount of furniture cleaner to one area of the furniture at a time, and work in a circular motion with a piece of extra-fine steel wool. The furniture cleaner will ensure that all buildup is removed. Wipe off excess furniture cleaner with a clean cloth before proceeding.


3. Place a drop cloth over the floor where you will be repainting the furniture. You will be dealing with several substances that can stain floors and damage carpet, wood and even a lawn if you are working outside. Spread this cloth out several feet to protect the surfaces from paint splatters, dust and other substances.


4. Apply a liquid deglosser or use sandpaper to prepare the surface for new paint, assuming you are dealing with wooden furniture. The liquid deglosser will help the paint adhere. Sanding will do the same thing but will take more time and effort. Either method is effective, so this is simply a matter of preference. If the furniture is extremely chipped, though, sanding is the preferred method, as the deglosser will not smooth the surface. Wipe down the furniture with a clean rag when you're finished to remove any excess deglosser or sawdust.


5. Use a paintbrush to apply primer to the clean wood to prepare it for the new paint. Once dry, this primer can be lightly sanded to prepare it for the white paint.


6. Paint the furniture with white latex paint. The method you use for painting is a matter or personal preference, but brushing on the paint by hand is the least likely to leave bubbles and will look smooth. Rollers can leave uneven paint and bubbles. Spraying white paint from an aerosol can is also an effective way to get a smooth coat on the furniture. Apply two coats for best results.


7. Brush on a coat of water-based polyurethane finish to protect your paint job longer and make it easy to clean. When you spill a drink on your freshly painted table, you will be glad the poly is in place so you can simply wipe off the furniture with a towel, leaving no stain.

Tags: furniture cleaner, furniture with, white paint, dealing with, deglosser will, liquid deglosser, paint from
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Decorate A Little Boy'S Bedroom

Decorate your little boy's bedroom with a theme or color scheme he will enjoy.


Decorate your little boy's bedroom to be a comforting place where he can relax and wind down, as well as an inspiring place where his imagination can run wild. A child's bedroom is his private place where he should always feel safe and secure. Surround him with colors, images and items that make him happy. Decorate the room to allow for growth, because his interests will change as rapidly as he grows.


Instructions


1. Choose a color scheme or theme for the room based on the colors and things your little boy enjoys. Focus your plan on paint or accessories. Paint is fairly inexpensive and makes a huge difference in a room, but it's time consuming to repaint a room. You can easily change accessories to give a room an entirely new look.


2. Paint the walls to fit into your design plan. If you want to focus on the paint, use a border, paint a mural on a wall or use bright colors. If you want to follow a dinosaur theme, make three walls light blue like the sky or a neutral green. Put a mural on the fourth wall that includes water, vegetation, a tree and dinosaurs. If you don't want to repaint anytime soon, use a pleasant color that works with many themes, such as blue, green or beige.


3. Arrange the furniture so that your little guy will have plenty of room to play. Create a special corner for reading, art, crafts and eventually studying. Keep his toddler-size furniture, paint or build pieces to suit the theme, or purchase sturdy furniture that he can use once he grows into his teen years. A race car-shaped bed could fit into a race car or transportation theme just as nicely as a ship-shaped bed would fit into a pirate-themed room.


4. Create easy storage solutions for your son to keep his room tidy and keep his belongings where he can reach them. Use shelves at his level to hold baskets, plastic containers or bins for his toys. Use the space underneath his bed to hold more containers.


5. Hang pictures, posters or decals on the walls if they don't contain murals or busy patterns. Hang hockey sticks or suspend a net full of sports balls from a corner for a sports-themed room. Frame his artwork if it fits in with the color scheme or theme of the room. If his bedroom is in a red, white and blue nautical theme and he draws pictures of large ships or anchors, hang them on the walls.


6. Finish the room with accessories such as the bedding, pillows, a rug and curtains. These can be solid colors in a room with busy walls or contain patterns to liven up a room with solid walls. A blue and red room with a planes, trains and automobiles theme could include pillows in the shapes of kinds of transportation, a rug featuring a city to play cars on and a lamp with a train engine base.

Tags: room with, your little, color scheme, place where, color scheme theme
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Monday, July 16, 2012

Determine The Correct Rug Size For A Dining Room

Dining room rugs add elegance to the decor.








Area rugs come in a wide variety of styles, colors and sizes. They help balance a dining room area by creating continuity with the furniture and decor. Determining the correct size rug to buy for this type of room is not a difficult process. It is important that the rug extend beyond the dining room table. This is because when guests or family members scoot out their chairs to exit the table, the chairs should not have an uneven surface to slide across. It could lead to the chair tipping or the person falling.


Instructions


1. Measure the size of your dining room table with the measuring tape. Write down the length and width of the table. Take these measurements with you when purchasing the rug.


2. Pick out a dining room rug that extends at least 2 feet beyond the length and width measurement of the rug.


3. Allow at least 18 to 24 inches of the flooring to show around the perimeter of the room when you are determining the correct rug size. This is particularly important if you have attractive wood or marble floors that you want to show off. If you want to disguise old or worn flooring, purchase a rug that covers as much of the floor area as possible.


4. Look for rugs that are square or rectangle in shape if you have a table in this shape. This helps create unity and balance in the dining room area. Many dining rooms are in a rectangle shape. Round or oval-shaped rugs look more attractive with the table in the same shape.

Tags: dining room, balance dining, balance dining room, dining room, dining room area, dining room table
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Use Wall Space In A Small Bedroom

Add lighting to your walls in a small bedroom.


Small bedrooms require an efficient use of space. As there is minimal floor area, the walls and nooks in the room need to be considered as part of the overall storage design. In addition to slender or multifunctional furniture, review the available storage options for hanging items on the wall. Look at different placement ideas for electronic equipment and lighting. With advanced planning, you can learn to use wall space in a small bedroom to your maximum advantage.


Instructions








1. Mount any electronic equipment to the wall. Install a swivel mounting unit for a flat-screen television set to the wall and attach the television. Place open shelving underneath or one large shelf to hold a DVD player, game console, stereo equipment and collection of DVDs or CDs.


2. Attach lighting units to your wall. Add wall sconces by your bed to replace a reading lamp and remove the need for a night stand. Set up mood lighting by stringing Christmas lights along the top of the wall, the edge of the shelves or around the plants.


3. Find cantilevered cabinets that match the decor of your bedroom. Hang a mirror above the cabinets to create your own vanity table. Place makeup, hair supplies, perfumes and jewelry inside the console for additional storage.


4. Design an artistic display and create storage by the use of modular or floating shelves. Stack trophies, pictures, books, hats or purses on the shelves as you display the items. Add some covered storage with baskets or decorated boxes.


5. Steal wasted wall space back. Build a wall of shelves on the side of and over the top of the window. Store extra-large items used seasonally on the upper shelves, while you display candles and collections on the others.

Tags: electronic equipment, small bedroom, wall space
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Decorating Ideas For A New Bedroom Color & Vintage Style

Vintage decor can be accomplished in various ways.


Decorating any space in your home is an exciting task that's well worth the effort that you put into it. Even though you have a new bedroom, this doesn't mean that your décor has to be modern. Instead, opt for a vintage theme with classic colors to encompass your bedroom decor.


Hobby-Vintage


Decorate your new bedroom around your favorite hobby. For instance, if you're a photographer, hang old black-and-white or sepia pictures on the wall. Additionally, position antique cameras on your bookshelf or on your chest of drawers as accessories. With this particular vintage theme, opt for neutral and basic colors, such as black, white, tan and gray. Although the colors are basic, they complement the theme of your room. Other hobby-inspired vintage ideas include old sports memorabilia, or antique wine-making decor.


Eclectic-Vintage


If you're a collector of a variety of goods, consider decorating your new room in an eclectic style. This is also an ideal choice for those who are decorating on a budget, and cannot afford to purchase a variety of matching vintage items. With this approach, simply take a trip to your local flea market to purchase your furniture and accessories. Don't worry about the colors or anything matching, simply pick the items that appeal to you most. The end result will be a wide range of colors and styles, all vintage with an eclectic flair.


Colorful-Vintage


For those who love a variety of bright colors, focus the colors on the wall. Apply different wallpaper pieces with different designs and colors, but that all have at least one color that complements the surrounding elements in your room. Keep the furniture simple with minimal color -- such as white -- and decorate the rest of the room with accents of the wallpaper you placed on the wall.


Pattern-Vintage


Decorate the room with mixing patterns that vary in sizes, styles and colors. As an example, place plaid curtains on your windows, plus polka dot pillows and floral bedding on your bed. This prevents the space from being too uniform, and allows you to incorporate various aspects of your personality into your personal space without constraint. Some of the items can match, but the majority of the design must differ to achieve the pattern-vintage image.

Tags: your room, room with, vintage theme, With this, your bedroom
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