Ideas For Dividing A Shared Bedroom

Many children share a bedroom out of necessity, creating a need for creative privacy solutions. Dividing a shared bedroom can decrease conflict between children over space, toys, privacy, noise, having lights on or off and general fighting while in close proximity. In addition to dividing the room, make sure each child has her own lamps and toy and possession storage. The same solutions can be used to divide a room for teen or adult roommates.

Build a Wall

If your space and budget allows, erecting an additional wall to divide the room can be an effective solution to literally divide the room in two. Access to the second room can be either through a door or pocket door in the new wall, or a new door to the outside installed in the second room if your home's floor plan allows. This solution affords the maximum level of privacy for a shared room. Follow all applicable building codes when dividing a room and make sure each room has a proper fire escape route.

Screens

A simple, inexpensive and attractive solution is to place privacy screens in the middle of the room. The screens can be moved, removed or rearranged at any time and are available in many styles and designs, including traditional Japanese shoji-style screens. They do not require any permanent modifications to the room itself. Freestanding screens are most appropriate for older children or adult roommates sharing a bedroom because young children may get rambunctious playing in their room and knock the screens down. Screens do a good job of visually dividing the space, but they won't do much in terms of light and sound privacy.

Curtain

A curtain hung from the ceiling can be opened and closed at any time, allowing the room to function as a single room at times and two rooms at other times. A curtain also wastes a minimum of floor space and if a thick, heavy fabric is used, can help block light and perhaps some sound from the other side of the room.

Room Design

If privacy isn't a concern regarding the children sharing a bedroom, the room can be divided visually through design elements to make each child feel like he has his own space within the room. Each half of the room could have its own theme or color scheme. This setup allows each child his own clearly designated space with an added bonus that the juxtaposition of two different themes in one room may have a very fun effect. For alone time, each child could have a curtain that can be drawn around her bed.

Furniture

Furniture is a functional way of dividing a bedroom. Wardrobes or bookshelves placed back to back in the middle of the room separate the two halves of the room without taking up functional space with a divider that doesn't serve any other purpose. Another functional solution is to install floor-to-ceiling open shelving. The most important consideration when using furniture is to be certain that the furniture cannot be pulled down or knocked down by the children in the room. Kids are not above climbing on furniture like dressers and bookshelves, so make sure the furniture is either too large and heavy to move, or secured to the floor or ceiling.

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Ideas For A Little Boy'S Sports Bedroom

Sports-themed rooms are a popular choice for young boys.

When it comes to designing bedrooms for young boys, a sports-themed room is a popular choice. Whether you decide to mix it up or focus the design on one sport or even one team, there are many ideas that can help make your little one feel like an all-star.

Furniture

Finding furniture to fit into a sports theme can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Replace those plastic storage containers with locker-styled storage to stow toys and other items. If racing is your little one's sport of choice, a race car-shaped bed should be easy to find. There are also ways to transform existing furniture into pieces that reflect the look you are going for. Use stencils for the letters and numbers and you can easily paint a headboard to resemble a scoreboard. If a scoreboard doesn't suit your design plan, you can dress up the headboard by applying a large sticker or painting the logo of your child's favorite team. You can also switch the knobs on your child's dresser to store-bought knobs available in the shape of baseballs, basketballs, soccer balls, golf balls and other sports balls.

Accessories

There are plenty of sports-themed types of bedding and accessories that are readily available in most stores that sell room décor. Football-shaped phones, basketball lamps and team clocks are some common accessories that are available. Don't forget the smaller details such as outlet and switch plate covers. You don't have to completely replace them when you can simply paint them in your child's favorite team colors. You might also want to paint the ceiling fan blades to match them. Create your own bookends by gluing a baseball into the bend of basic L-shaped bookends.

Walls

Decorating the walls in a sports-themed bedroom will be your opportunity to get creative and have some fun. Use the colors of your child's favorite sports team or accent colors from your bedding as the basis for your color palette for the room. Add posters and pennants to the all décor. You can frame off a portion of the wall and use chalkboard spray paint to create a chalkboard for your little quarterback to practice his play-making creativity. If you are concerned that chalkboards might be too messy, you can also use dry-erase spray paint to create the coach's board. Frame some of dad's old sports memorabilia to hang on the walls, too.

Floors

Hardwood floors are ideal for a sports-themed bedroom. You can use colored duct tape to create a basketball court. Sports themed area rugs are also an easy way to bring the floor into the sports-themed design. A runner of faux grass carpeting could also be used to create an indoor putt-putt golf track in the bedroom.

Tags: your child, child favorite, your child favorite, your little, accessories that

Decorate A Japanese Style Bedroom On A Budget

Decorate with a Japanese plant such as an orchid.

The Japanese-style bedroom focuses on simplicity and calmness. To decorate in this style, use only neutral tones, avoiding bold or bright colors. You will use a lot of off-white, beige and several shades of brown. You will need minimal furniture and decor, which makes it easy to decorate on a budget as you will not be spending a lot on your furnishings. To transform your bedroom into a Japanese haven, focus on creating a relaxing atmosphere with muted tones, and you will be satisfied with the results.

Instructions

1. Paint the walls of your bedroom with a neutral, muted tone such as off-white, beige, grey or brown. Purchase the paint when it is on sale or use a coupon at a local paint store. Many discount retailers carry inexpensive paint in these colors.

2. Choose minimal decorations for the walls -- no more than three framed photographs. Purchase picture frames at the dollar store and paint them a neutral color that coordinates with your wall color. If you can find a small, round mirror at a second-hand store, hang it on the wall to act as a "moon window," which is common in the Japanese culture.

3. Cover your windows with white or off-white curtains, which are fairly inexpensive and easy to find. Another option is to look for shutters in a neutral shade in the classifieds or in second-hand or thrift stores.

4. Scatter tatami mats on the floors of your bedroom, preferably over hardwood floors. If your bedroom is carpeted, consider removing the carpet and laying down an inexpensive wood flooring.

5. Choose minimal furnishings that are low to the ground and are a dark brown to contrast with the colors of your bedroom. For your bed, a futon would work great for the Japanese style, as futons are inexpensive and low to the ground. Cover your bed with a neutral-tone comforter or silk bedding if you can find it on sale.

6. Accessorize your bedroom with just a few items that are in the Japanese theme. Place a plant, such as an orchid or bamboo, in a solid-color or neutral-shade vase. For other accessories, place them in groups of three or four on a side table. Such items include candles or candle holders, incense, Japanese-style antiques or trinket boxes and small lamps.

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Identify A Genuine Saarinen Dining Table

Finnish architect Eero Saarinen (1910 to 1961), studied sculpture and architecture before joining his father Eliel Saarinen's architecture practice in 1936. Experimenting with Charles Eames, Saarinen and Eames developed the first molded plywood furniture. They participated in the 1940 exhibition "Organic Design in Home Furnishings" at New York's Museum of Modern Art, winning first prize. After 1940, furniture was a key component of Saarinen's practice and thinking. In your home, a Saarinen table adds Mid-Century Modern style to your decor, complementing an array of styles, from traditional to contemporary.

Materials

Eero Saarinen first met Florence Knoll when she was a student of his father's at Cranbrook Academy of Art. Knoll hired the younger Saarinen when she and her husband formed Knoll Associates in 1946. Saarinen used a range of materials in his designs for Knoll. His signature breakthrough came in 1958 with the introduction of his Pedestal series. Saarinen had vowed to correct what he described as both a "slum of legs" and the "ugly, confusing, unrestful world" of table bases. Saarinen's solution, determined after making scale and full-size models and endless refinements, was the single leg, tulip-shaped base produced in cast aluminum. Since the table was constructed in two separate parts, the aluminum base and a top, a range of options exist for the tabletop material.

Size

Although they all share the same base, a genuine Saarinen dining table is available in a variety of sizes and shapes. The classic round dining table is available in four standard sizes, ranging from 35 to 54 inches, with an additional 60-inch size available as a custom option. It is also available in two oval-top sizes, 78 or 96 inches. All Saarinen dining tables share a height, which is standardized at 28.25 inches.

Construction

Saarinen tables consist of two components, a cast-aluminum base available in three finishes, and a round or oval top. Generally, any top attaches to its pedestal base with three screws, although Knoll refers to the three screws as"threaded rod." However, the larger oval tabletops in the 78 and 96-inch sizes require four screws. If a pedestal base is attached to a round or oval top with a larger or smaller number of screws, it is very likely not a genuine Saarinen table for Knoll International, unless it has been modified by a previous owner.

Stamps and Signatures

Each component of a Saarinen dining table for Knoll International includes stamps of the Knoll Studio logo and Saarinen's signature. The base has the Knoll Studio stamp, while the top will contain a plate with the designer's signature. One challenge in determining the authenticity of a Saarinen tabletop may be the variety of labels associated with Knoll, including the Knoll Associates label and the Knoll International label, both of which are "stick-on" style labels. There also appear to have a number of variations within each label. Knoll can provide information on labels that have been used throughout the history of Saarinen dining table production.

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Amish Dining Room Furniture

A simple spindle back chair is definitive of Amish dining furniture.

The Amish furniture builders in the United States are noted for crafting solid and well-built pieces for all rooms of the home. Attention is given to the piece of wood used in making the furniture rather than the embellishments applied to a finished piece. Hardwoods like oak, cherry, pine and maple are used. Graining is determined by the sawing method employed. Amish dining room furniture is solid, simple and built to last generations.

The Dining Table

Amish dining tables are hand-built and come in a variety of shapes. Tabletops are a minimum of 1 inch thick and are solid. Veneers are not used in Amish furniture. Table leaves are hand-sanded to blend seamlessly with the table top. Table legs are turned or solid, depending on the style of the table, and are substantially load-bearing.

Dining Chairs

Spindle backs are traditional in Amish dining chairs. The shape of the chair backs varies, from oval to a tapered rectangle. The slats are either round or flattened for a more comfortable back position. Creative designs for the slats include those shaped like a sheaf of wheat, a feather or a paddle. Legs are turned or solid and feature crossbars for stability.

The Sideboard

Sturdy and solid, the Amish sideboard is influenced by the Welsh cupboard and built for heavy storage. Rectangular and unembellished, the front panels and hardware are the only decorative elements on the sideboard. Legs are either flared or solidly straight. Spindles are often used between the bottom of the cabinet and the lower part of the sideboard.

The Hutch

The Amish hutch is the most elaborate piece of dining room furniture in the room. Cabinetry with glass or wood shelving provides display space for decorative pieces and is placed atop a solid sideboard. A lifted hutch gives room on the base piece for use as a buffet. The lines of the hutch are simple and hardware is unobtrusive.

Amish Dining Room Accent Pieces

Pie safes and jelly cupboards are common items in Amish dining rooms. Both types of cabinet are constructed with simple lines and solid doors and legs. Interiors of the cupboards contain planked wood shelving. If glass fronting is used, it is modestly etched. The cupboard designs emanate from the practical needs of the Amish housewife.

Tags: Amish dining, Amish furniture, Dining Room, dining room furniture, room furniture, turned solid

Ideas To Decorate A Youth Or Teen Bedroom

Decorating bedrooms for teens is a difficult task for any parent or guardian because styles change so much with each passing year. The best bet is to create a space that uses your teen's favorite colors and patterns. Don't forget to include smaller decorations that can easily be changed out if her tastes change.

Walls

Changing the wall color can easily change an entire room and make things look fresh and new. Even wallpaper is a good choice. Brighter colors, such as green or yellow, work for most teens, but your child may prefer something lighter and paler, like pale pink or light green.

Once you have the wall color in place, work on finding things to hang on those walls. For example, your teen might like a space where she can hang pictures of her friends, such as a huge corkboard or large magnetic board. Another option is to highlight artwork or posters of movies that she likes by framing those images.

Accessories

Accessories are the things that set a room apart, and you'll definitely need your youth's feedback on them. Ask your teen for his own decorating ideas; you might be surprised what he likes. Think about pillows in accent colors, such as black and red, and other smaller items that your teen can carry to college: a desk lamp, pencil holder, video game chair, and even a few stuffed animals. These items look great when displayed against a neutral background, such as a painted bookshelf.

Furniture

The type of furniture you use in the room should grow with your teen and with your home. For example, invest in a daybed or futon if you plan to use the room as an office later or if your teen wants to take the furniture into her first apartment.

Find furniture that doubles as storage for holding all the items your youth keeps. Desks with storage built into the top and bottom are a good option, as are plastic storage boxes that slide under the bed. This keeps the clutter in the room to a minimum. Paint a few bookshelves to match the different colors in the bedroom.

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Repair A Dining Room Chair Back

Repair a Dining Room Chair Back

Let's face it. Chairs take the most abuse in the house, especially when your uncle leans back in his chair after every meal. Weight and stress can cause a chair back to come loose at the joint. Whether it's a flat-back or spindle-back chair, time and stress can cause damage. Take heart, because there is a simple and quick fix. In no time, you'll have your dining chairs ready for the next family meal.

Instructions

1. Wiggle the chair back to see where it's come loose. You will see it moving back and forth in the joint where it's come unglued. Look for any broken parts or pieces while moving it around.

2. Spread a small amount of wood glue on to a thin sliver of wood. Firmly press the sliver into the gap at the joint where the chair back is loose. Place one in the front and back of the joint. These will act as wedges to keep the back from wiggling anymore. Also, because they wedge the back in place, you won't need a clamp to hold everything in place.

3. Clean up any excess glue with a damp cloth. After an hour, trim the ends of the slivers flush with the joint that you slipped them in to. Use a sharp utility knife for this because the blade is very thin and can reach into tight spaces.

Tags: chair back, come loose, Dining Room, Dining Room Chair, joint where, Repair Dining

Decorate A Small Bedroom For A Teenager

Help your teen develop a design scheme that will personalize a small bedroom.

Designing a teenager's bedroom can be a difficult task regardless of the size of the room, but a smaller bedroom does pose some specific challenges. To create a space that seems larger, there are some simple design tricks you should try. To best please everyone involved, have your teenager be as involved in the decorating process as possible. Your teen's room will be her sanctuary, and should be designed with her best interests in mind.

Instructions

1. Sort through your teen's belongings and get rid of any unnecessary clutter. Your teenager is by nature in a transitional stage between child and adult. During this stage, your teen might acquire some knickknacks that no longer have purpose. Clear out the room of old toys, papers or items that are making the small bedroom seem even smaller.

2. Choose a color palette for the room that best meets your needs. Subtler shades and neutral colors will enhance the light in a room, making it seem larger and more airy. A bolder color scheme will make the small room feel cozy, but too dark will give the room a cavelike feel. Try combining neutral colors with bolder accessories, or painting an accent wall a more vibrant color for visual interest and a nice contrast.

3. Place your furniture in the room, starting with the largest piece: the bed. The bed is the focal point of any bedroom, especially in a smaller bedroom. Position the bed so it doesn't block a path into the room. Push the bed up against a far wall to create more floor space, making the room seem even larger.

4. Use organizational tricks to enhance the size of the space. Before placing items back into the bedroom, divide them into categories. Use shelving and decorative bins to organize these items for everyday use. For example, if your teen has a collection of some sort, organize this collection onto wall-mounted shelving or in plastic bins designed to fit under the bed.

5. Don't forget to use vertical space in the room. Avoid cluttering the floors with excess furniture or accessories. Use the walls in your teen's small bedroom to draw the eye up as this will make the room seem grander.

6. Emphasize your teen's personality in the space as much as possible. If your child has a favorite sports team or hobby, feature this in the room. If your child has trophies or collections, use these to develop a theme in the space. Engage your child's creativity to personalize the space. Because it is a small room, however, you might want to choose to highlight one collection to avoid making the room feel overly cluttered.

Tags: your teen, your child, making room, neutral colors, room feel, room seem

Ideas For Small Bathroom Makeover

Even a small bathroom can make a bold statement.

Upon waking up and before going to bed, the room that you likely visit is the bathroom. If you have a drab, outdated or cramped bathroom, consider redesigning it into a space that you enjoy being in; with the right approach, even a small space can make a big statement.

Optical Illusions

Use light and mirrors to advantage in your small bathroom, as these elements can make the space appear larger than it really is. Hang a tall and wide mirror above the vanity or install mirrored doors on a closet or shower--or, you can combine these options. Light is another element to consider when trying to make your bathroom look bigger. If possible, bring natural light into the room by installing a window or a skylight. If a window is not an option, illuminate the space with strategically placed fixtures. For example, recessed lighting or track lighting placed above the vanity and mirror, shower, toilet and over the center of the room will make the room seem bigger than it actually is.

Sink and Vanity

A bathroom vanity provides storage and in a small bathroom, storage is key. A floating vanity maximizes the space, as it take up less room and still provides that much-needed storage. If extra storage is not a priority, or if your bathroom is just too small to accommodate a vanity, a pedestal sink is a stylish, space-saving option.

Shower Stall

If a shower stall is all that can fit in your bathroom, don't think that you are confined to a boring space that lacks style and luxury. Use extravagant tiles for the shower surround--perhaps granite, glass mosaics or marble. Enclose the shower with glass blocks or a a clear glass door. For a luxurious and awakening shower experience, install a rainfall shower head. If you are not restrained by a budget, consider the ultimate spa shower stall-one with multiple shower jets.

Colors and Accessories

Brighten up the space with color and accessories. Paint the walls light colors-pastel blues, pinks or greens, tan and ecru and even white, to make the space lighter and seem larger. Take advantage of your wall and countertop space by using them for storage: hang shelves on the walls and place small baskets on countertops. Light-colored towels and area rugs with simple designs complement the room.

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Camouflage Wall Shelves In A Bedroom

Unattractive shelves may need a disguise.

A bedroom is more than a personal sanctuary. The room is often a site where friends or relatives are entertained, particularly by young people. Unfortunately, if you live in an apartment or rent a home, you may not have control over your decor. Budget shelving provides plenty of storage and display space, but the shelves themselves are not always attractive. Other types of shelving may be attractive but not quite fit in with the decor you choose for your space. Fortunately, several techniques are available to help you camouflage wall shelves located in a bedroom.

Instructions

1. Use the shelves to store eye-catching items that draw the attention of your visitors to the objects rather than the shelves themselves. Avoid storing a collection of homogenous pieces, such as a line of books or videotapes, on your shelves. Visitors may look past such an uninteresting display and notice your shelves instead.

2. Hang items from the fronts of the shelves. Use anything from photos to pennants, attaching them along the edges. You can also use the shelf fronts as combination of storage and display for a collection. For example, add a line of small hooks and hang scarves or necklaces around the edges.

3. Cover the shelves decoratively. A wide range of materials is available for use as covering, including fabric and shelf or contact paper. Shelf paper products are available with or without adhesive backing and come in bright colors and numerous designs. If you enjoy crafts, you can use collage or decoupage to add pictures to wooden shelving then seal the artwork with varnish to protect the pictures and make cleaning the shelves easier.

4. Paint the shelves in the same color paint used on the walls. This helps the shelves to blend into the background rather than stand out on their own.

5. Ensure that mirrors in the room do not reflect the shelves. If they appear in the reflection, it is like visually doubling the number of shelves. From each seat in the room, look toward each mirror to check the reflection. Adjust the positions of mirrors that show the shelving.

6. Hang the shelves on the wall least likely to garner the attention of your guests. Guests are most likely to notice the wall they face as they enter the room and the wall they face as they are seated for conversation or an activity. Place the shelves behind your guest-seating area.

7. Move your shelves alongside a feature of the room that draws attention. If you have a dramatic view or a bold piece of artwork, such a feature tends to attract notice, allowing the shelves to fade into the background in comparison.

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Ideas For A Blue & White Bedroom

Ideas for a Blue & White Bedroom

Using blue and white colors for your bedroom decor will make it fresh and cozy-looking. These bedroom colors can be soothing and will give it such a clean, crisp appeal that you will want to spend a lot of time in this room. You can use many themes in this type of bedroom, whether it is a guest bedroom or the master suite.

Cottage Style

A blue and white palette will give a bedroom a cottage feel. Incorporate paintings on the wall of gazebos and fresh outdoor scenes. Use white lace doilies underneath your lamp on the bedside table, and use crisp white linen sheets. Incorporate a cozy white wicker chair or chaise lounge for the corner with cushions in a coordinating blue fabric. Plaids or toile patterns would work well for this style of room. Use white eyelet curtains to add to the cozy appeal.

Romantic Getaway

Create your own little romantic getaway by incorporating white lace for your curtains and netting or a gauzy fabric for a canopy. Add a milk glass lamp to the nightstand, and collect antique perfume bottles for the dresser. Use lots of throw pillows with lace trim and ribbons to set the mood for romance. Have a vanity area with a comfortable chair and table upholstered in a ruffled blue-and-white feminine fabric.

Ocean Theme

Blue and white colors go well with seascapes, pictures of seagulls and sailboats. Fill ornate glass vases with white sand and a few seashells sprinkled on top of the sand. If the room is for a male, hang a couple of boat paddles on the wall. Have a beautiful model ship on the dresser or an intricate ship in a bottle. Visit thrift stores or consignment shops to purchase other decorations for the wall, such as a boat steering wheel or an old anchor. You can use bold blues in this style of room and enhance the room even more by having furniture, moldings or baseboards in a dark wood tone.

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Ideas For A Blue & Brown Bathroom

Use brown and blue to create a relaxing feel in your bathroom.

The bathroom is no longer simply a room with a bath. It can be a place of relaxation, an area where you can unwind from the stresses of the day. With this in mind, many people choose to decorate their bathrooms in a mixture of warm and calming colors, such as brown and blue. Redecorating the bathroom is a good investment, because the layout and decor of the bathroom can be key in selling a house. If you're considering remodeling or redecorating your bathroom, a blue and brown theme might be just what you're looking for.

Tiling

When tiling your blue and brown bathroom, look for tiles in complementary colors such as beige, light brown or taupe. Tile the floor and around the bath tub or shower in similar shades to avoid using too many colors. For a different look, consider tiling halfway up the bathroom walls so you only need to paint the top half. Add a splash of blue every few tiles to tie in with your blue and brown theme. Look for shades of blue that coordinate with your chosen shade of brown. Alternatively, purchase tile paint and paint a few of your existing tiles blue to refresh the look of the room.

Painting

Brown can make a room seem smaller, so avoid painting all the walls in your bathroom brown. Instead, choose a bright sky-blue or a more subdued duck egg blue as the main paint color. If you're not comfortable with bright colors on the walls, choose an accent wall and paint it a positive blue. You could also consider painting all walls except one blue and the accent wall brown. If you're creative, use store-bought or homemade stencils to create blue designs on a brown wall or vice versa. Using either blue or brown as the main color and adding accents and hints can create interest in your bathroom d cor.

D cor

Add extra elements of blue and brown to your bathroom with d cor. A dark brown cupboard-style vanity gives your bathroom a rich feel while providing a place to store your spare toiletries. A painting with mainly blue colors in a dark brown frame can spice up an unused wall. Blue or brown block-colored towels contrast with the wall and tile colors, or pair patterned towels with both colors. A blue-and-brown patterned shower curtain looks elegant and ties in nicely with the theme of the room. Finish with dark brown soap dishes and toothbrush holders for an elegant-looking bathroom.

Tags: your bathroom, blue brown, dark brown, accent wall, blue brown

Decorate A Bedroom In Peacock Colors

Peacock colors can add a rich, vibrant mood to a room.

Bright blues, greens, ambers and browns decorate the feathers of a peacock. Unlike human hair, the peacock's bright, radiant coloring comes from light reflecting off of the feathers rather than mere pigmentation. As a result, the exact color of a peacock shifts depending on the angle at which you view it. Regardless of if you're creating a room with incredibly bright jewel tones or a slightly more sedate room that features muted shades of the peacock, you can find ways to incorporate your desired colors into every aspect of your space.

Instructions

1. Create two-toned walls. The bottom color should feature a brighter color, such as blue or green, while the top is a light burnt amber. You can use any combination of fabric, paint or wallpaper to create your two-toned walls.

2. Hang thin silky curtains of rich chocolate brown, bright jewel green and navy on your windows. You can use six panels of alternating colors on one curtain rod to create the look of a peacock's tail feathers.

3. Fill a vase that matches the green or blue of your curtains with peacock feathers. Set in an area where the feathers can reflect the light coming in from the windows.

4. Decorate the room with wooden or dark leather furniture. Dark brown pieces, such as mahogany or ebony, will contrast well against the bright colors of the room's other decorations.

5. Upholster furniture in richly toned fabrics, like silk or satin. If you want a bright room, look for peacock blues and greens to match your curtains. Use amber or brown fabrics for a more subdued look. Add throw pillows in greens, blues and browns to the bed.

6. Search for abstract art that uses peacock colors. Rather than hanging pictures of the animal itself, you can use abstract art to bring attention to the colorful theme, especially if you have chosen to paint the wall in a pale color. Purchase multiple small peacock-colored pictures or landscape scenes and hang them wherever you feel the room needs adornment.

7. Place lamps with stained-glass lampshades in blues, greens and amber on brown tables.

Tags: blues greens, amber brown, bright jewel, look peacock, room with, two-toned walls

Ideas For A Bedroom With A Canopy Bed

The focal point of any bedroom should be the bed. For a welcoming, eye-catching bed, choose a canopy bed frame. When decorating a room with a canopy bed, use the style of your canopy as the inspiration for the rest of the space. Canopy beds can work in many decor styles, such as romantic, country or even tropical inspired.

Romantic Retreat

Use a canopy bed as the jumping off point of a romantic retreat. Select a canopy that is made of dark wood or wrought iron and features curved arches and decorative finials. Bring in dark wood dressers and bedside tables. Drape the canopy with luxurious fabrics in jewel-toned colors, such as velvet, satin or silk to create a regal look in your bedroom. Use luxurious fabrics to cover the bed. Paint the walls a silvery gray color and frame them with decorative crown molding. Display pictures in ornate frames and hang them on the walls or set them on dressers and bedside tables.

Country Chic

Bring a whimsical, country-chic feeling to your bedroom with a canopy bed. A brass or whitewashed wood canopy bed is ideal for this space. Drape cotton gingham or French toile fabric from the canopy. Use a pale-colored paint, such as lilac, pastel pink or baby blue on the walls. Light wood furniture accented with delicate, hand-painted details or wicker pieces suit the look of this space. Dress the bed with soft lace or patchwork linens. Hang a country landscape print on a wall in the room. Display bouquets of dried flowers in pitchers. A braided rug is an ideal covering for the floor in a country-chic bedroom.

Rustic-Themed

If you enjoy nature, bring a touch of the outdoors into your bedroom with a rustic canopy and decor. Use a canopy bed constructed from wooden logs. Hang linen fabric off of the canopy in a sage green, tan or golden yellow. Use a brushed suede comforter on the bed. Use a neutral, paint color on the walls, such as ecru or tan. Place a large fern in a decorative pot on the floor. Display prints of natural items, such as leaves or flowers on the walls.

Beachside Bungalow

Give your bedroom the feeling of a relaxing beach-side bungalow. Instead of using a bed frame that has a built-in canopy, use a simple white wood frame and suspend a canopy above it from the ceiling. Use hook-and-eye's and filament to suspend white gauze fabric above the bed. Make the bed with a cotton fabric that features a delicate beach-themed print. Use sea foam green or aqua blue paint on the upper half of the walls and hang white or light wood wainscoting on the lower portion of the walls. Dressers and other furnishings made of rattan fit in well with beach-themed decor. Hang a beach landscape painting on a wall. Display shells, beach glass and sand in clear canisters.

Tags: your bedroom, bedroom with, bedside tables, dark wood, dressers bedside, dressers bedside tables, luxurious fabrics

Decorate A Wall That Separates The Kitchen & Dining Room

Wall stencils are often placed near the ceiling.

A wall installed between your kitchen and your dining room provides a physical and psychological barrier between the location where the food is being cooked and where it is being eaten at a formal meal. Decorating this wall instead of leaving it plain provides a warmer, more at-home feeling. A fairly easy way to decorate the wall is to paint graphics onto the wall with a stencil. This can be done on any part of the wall, but many people choose to place the stencils near the top of the wall to provide a border around the room.

Instructions

1. Clean the walls with a solution that contains a mild detergent. If there is mold on the walls, use a solution of one part bleach to three parts water. Allow the walls to dry.

2. Mark the bottom edge of the wall at several points by measuring the distance from the floor to the bottom edge and making small pencil marks.

3. Connect the marks by drawing a light pencil line, using a straightedge as a guide. Mark the top edge of the border by measuring down from the ceiling.

4. Place painter's tape on the walls on the outer edges of the pencil lines.

5. Place stencil adhesive to the back of the stencil and allow it enough time to become sticky.

6. Hang the stencil on the wall between the strips of painter's tape. Use a level to make sure you hung the stencil straight.

7. Create a simple palette by pouring small amounts of the paint you're using onto a plastic plate, keeping the colors separate.

8. Dip a stencil brush into the first color you're going to use. Add just enough paint to cover the bristle tips. Wipe off any excess paint on a paper towel.

9. Paint the wall by applying the paint in the correct locations of the stencil with short, quick strokes. After you've finished applying the first color, begin painting the stencil with the next color. Clean the brush thoroughly if you're using the same brush for multiple colors. Allow the paint to dry.

10. Remove the stencil from the first section and move it to the next section. Keep the stencil perfectly aligned with the first section.

11. Paint the next section of the wall and allow it to dry. Continue painting the sections until the walls are finished.

12. Remove the painter's tape from the walls.

Tags: painter tape, bottom edge, first color, first section, next section, stencil with

Install Bathroom Vanity

Remodeling your bathroom may mean installing a new bathroom vanity. You can add storage to your bathroom with the a cabinet style vanity. If you are looking for a more modern look, consider a pedestal sink instead. If you have a bit of knowledge on do basic plumbing, chances are good you can do the remodeling work yourself by installing a bathroom vanity.

Instructions

Bathroom Vanity Installation and Remodeling

1. Purchase the style and size bathroom vanity you would like. If you go with a pedestal style vanity, realize that more of the floor and wall will be exposed and may need some remodeling to improve the look. The size of any of these bathroom vanities needs fit well in your bathroom.

2. Mark off a few things on the wall where the vanity will be placed. Mark off where the studs in the wall are, where the water lines are located, and where the drain is located. Match this up with the bathroom vanity and mark the corresponding positions on the vanity itself.

3. Drill out the pilot holes that will be where the water and drain lines will be (some vanities are predrilled for you.) Use a hole saw to cut out these locations as necessary, using one that is at least a half inch wider than the water lines. Be sure to make these holes accurate so that the bathroom vanity will not be in any way uneven.

4. Use your drill to place pilot holes on the back of the vanity where you will align it with the wall studs. Choose the right measurements for the screws that were provided to you with the bathroom vanity purchase. Screw the vanity into place securely, against the wall.

5. Install the sink on top of the vanity as directed to do so. Install the facets onto the sink and connect with the water lines underneath. You should also connect the drain line to the bottom of the sink drain and to the floor drain. Use a bead of silicone caulk to run along the edges of the sink and the faucet to keep the water from seeping through.

6. Check all water lines after the caulk has dried for at least 24 hours. Fix any leaks now. The bathroom vanity is installed.

Tags: water lines, bathroom vanity, bathroom vanity, your bathroom, installing bathroom

Do Wainscoting In The Bathroom

Wainscoting adds charm to a bathroom.

Give your bathroom a sophisticated touch of class with wainscoting, a wall treatment that features planks and vertical lines. Wainscoting finishes include light wood, dark wood and white; or you can opt for unfinished wainscoting and paint it any color you wish. Choose a finish that speaks to your style.

Instructions

1. Remove all outlet and switch plate covers from the walls. Remove the toilet if you intend to hang wainscoting behind the toilet.

2. Locate the high point on the wall by setting the end of a tape measure against the wall. Pull the tape measure around the room; when the high point is found, remove the tape measure and place a panel of wainscoting over it.

3. Set a level on top of the panel and adjust the panel until it is level. Use a pencil to draw a line on the wall along the top of the panel. Remove the panel. Use a straightedge and a pencil to continue the line along the rest of the walls in the room.

4. Begin in the corner of the room that is most visible. Apply construction adhesive on the wall where the panel will be placed. Set a panel of wainscoting on the wall, over the construction adhesive, so the top is flush against the pencil line and the tongue is facing out. Hammer three or four 4-inch nails along the tongues of the panel.

5. Apply construction adhesive to the wall where the next panel will be placed. Set the next panel on the wall, inserting the tongue from the previous panel into the groove of the new panel. Use the pencil line as a guide to ensure the panel is hung evenly on the wall. Hammer three or four 4-inch nails along the tongues of the panel.

6. Continue the process of hanging panels on the walls.

7. Cut out holes for electrical outlets or light switches with a jigsaw. Determine where the outlets or light switches will be coming through on the wainscoting before you install it. Use a pencil to draw a line on the wainscoting to indicate where the outlets and light switches will sit. Cut out holes in the wainscoting at these marks with a jigsaw.

8. Prepare the top molding for installation. Hold the molding on top of the wainscoting and mark where the wall ends on the molding with a pencil. Use a miter saw set at 45 degrees to cut edges of the molding that will be placed in corners of the room.

9. Set the molding on top of the wainscoting. Toe-nail the molding in place with 1 3/4-inch finishing nails.

Tags: construction adhesive, light switches, outlets light, outlets light switches, tape measure, will placed, 4-inch nails

Good Wall Color For Dining Rooms

Envision the perfect evening in your dining room. Likely, this will include guests chatting and laughing, lingering after a delicious meal. The room is warm and inviting, but what color should it be to create this ideal mood? Choose a color that suits the surrounding rooms, your décor, and most importantly your personality, to craft a dining room that people do not want to leave.

Take in the Room's Features

Consider the size of your room. A light paint color on the walls can create a sensation of roominess in a small room. On the other hand, if your dining room is too large, try a dark color to create a cozier feeling.

Are there architectural details that should be highlighted? You can paint crown molding, arched windows, and woodwork a contrasting color--lighter or darker. Traditionally, woodwork is painted one shade lighter than surrounding areas, or painted white for a crisp look. Alternatively, traditional wood stains may best suit your home. If your dining room has a chair rail, you can use the same color above and below the rail to place the focus on the rail. If not, use a lighter shade on top to draw the eye upward and create a sense of height. Do the opposite--darker paint above--if your room has high ceilings and you desire a cozier, more drawn-in feeling.

Take into account the natural lighting of your room and test a paint color at different times of the day before committing to it. Consider using a testing method shared by Sherwin Williams designer Becky Spak. To begin, see if you can purchase a sample of the paint. Then apply it to a large piece of foam board. Move this board around your room during different times of the day to test it in your dining room's lighting. Also compare the color to your furniture, floors, window treatments, and other décor.

Use focal points or décor as inspiration for your dining room color. Take into account permanent pieces like a fireplace or the flooring. Also examine any special art or decorations you would like to be focal points of your dining room. Consider having a color custom mixed to complement your décor.

Surrounding Rooms

How does the dining room connect to surrounding rooms? You may want to create a sense of flow and choose a color similar to or complementing that of nearby rooms. Sherwin Williams recommends changing the hue and shade but staying with the same color palette.

Open floor plans can be cause for confusion when choosing paint colors. You do not have to paint each room the same color with an open floor plan, says Deborah Baldwin of "This Old House." Color stylist ­Tami Ridgeway recommends using muted hues to allow the colors to flow well. Try using colors that are softened by a hint of gray. With an open floor plan, consider using bright colors for accent pieces instead of wall color.

Color Associations

Shades of red and orange have been recent trends in dining room colors--and it is for a good reason. Red and orange hues can increase appetite and also increase laughter, according to Michele Dawson of Realty Times, making a winning combination for a positive dining room atmosphere.

If an entirely red room is too much for you, consider creating a focal point by painting just one wall a more dramatic color. Do so on a wall with few windows, or one opposite another focal point like a fireplace, to add balance to the room.

Still, there are other warm colors that create a comforting and social dining room. Gold, creamy yellow, and terra-cotta with their yellow undertones tend to create a sense of warmth. When these colors are coupled with the soft lighting of a dining room, the feeling of warmth increases, according to Susan English, specialty painter quoted by "This Old House." Other possibilities are a wine, burgundy, or a dusty rose color. Any earthy colors will provide a sense of tranquility and comfort.

Finally, paint color guidelines are meant to be broken. No matter what you choose, make sure it is a color you personally enjoy.

Tags: dining room, your dining, your dining room, your room, create sense, paint color

Clean A Wood Dining Room Table

Clean a Wood Dining Room Table

A wood dining room table is usually the centerpiece of a formal dining room. Depending on the family, a dining room table can take quite a bit of abuse. Between being a prime location for doing homework and family meals a wood dining room table will need the occasional cleaning to keep it looking nice. With proper care and a little effort, a wood dining room table can last for many generations.

Instructions

1. Dust the dining room table at least once a week to prevent the buildup of dust that may damage the wood over time. Use a soft clean cloth and a furniture polish such as Pledge to make it shine.

2. Apply a wood conditioner to a soft clean cloth and thoroughly wipe down the table. This should be done twice a year to keep your table looking at its best.

3. Clean up spills immediately. Use a damp clean cloth to remove anything that may cause a sticky residue.

4. Use a walnut or a nut that has a similar color of the table to fill in scratches. Rub the nut horizontally across the scratch. Use iodine on a Q-Tip to darken it. It may take several coats of iodine to get the colors to match.

5. Rub mayonnaise onto a water mark and leave it overnight. In the morning, wipe away any excess and apply more if needed.

Tags: dining room, clean cloth, dining room table, room table, wood dining room, Clean Wood, Clean Wood Dining

Modern Bathroom Paint Colors

Colors for today's bathroom are bold and stylish.

The modern bathroom is a fearless design statement, a relaxing spa, a room no longer abandoned to the seashell pinks and powder blues of yesterday's powder rooms. A strong paint color opens up a small bathroom by shifting the focus from size to style. An all-white bath is saved from sterility by a liberal infusion of natural textures. Contemporary bathrooms come in all colors, but those color choices are driven by design.

Blue

Unexpected shades of blue can turn a modern bathroom from ordinary to extraordinary. A robin's egg blue or New Mexico turquoise paint on walls in a small bathroom is a refreshing change of pace. When clutter is kept to a minimum and the rug and bath towels match the walls, the color creates a surprisingly spacious effect. To heighten the impact, the glass tile or penny tile in the bath should match the paint color and show through a clear plastic shower curtain. A small stainless steel sink, large, plain over-the-sink mirror and white porcelain tub and toilet complete the look.

Another new way to use blue in a bathroom is to try a deep sea blue on glass tiles that cover the walls, floor and shower stall. Brushed aluminum fixtures and a clear glass shower door keep the focus on the ocean color. The ceiling and door are painted white. Towels are snowy white or sage, and the rug is a confetti-colored burst of cotton loops.

Red

Nothing timid about a lipstick red bathroom. White octagonal penny tiles on the floor give way to high gloss red walls topped by a shiny white ceiling. The fixtures are white, and the sink is a wall-mounted green-tinted glass bowl with a single curved faucet. A teak mat goes on the floor, and a double shower curtain of red and white striped linen with a plain waterproof liner is hung from a bamboo rod. Simple, stunning and contemporary. Change the vivid color in this room in the future with new wall paint and a change of curtain fabric.

Classic White

White bathrooms never go out of style, but today's white is softened with plenty of natural textures and shades to turn a bathroom into a peaceful retreat. Subway or penny tile in white cover the floors and halfway up the walls. Or the tile floor meets white painted beadboard topped by snowy white semi-gloss paint on the top half of the wall and the ceiling. The all-white fixtures have porcelain faucets. A large clamshell half holds a bar of oatmeal soap on the side of the sink. Thick, fluffy linen-colored or oatmeal towels are rolled and stored in a woven rush basket. A tub tray to hold soaps or a magazine for reading in the bath is made of a plank of driftwood or old barn wood. A single white orchid plant in a mossy pot sits on a window ledge or in a recessed niche.

Tags: natural textures, paint color, penny tile, shower curtain, small bathroom

Inexpensive Decorating Ideas For Bedrooms

Decorating a bedroom stylishly can be inexpensive.

Inexpensive decorations for the bedroom can change the look from ordinary to spectacular. The bedroom is sometimes hidden behind closed doors, as a place of comfort and sleep and a sanctuary for getting away from the world. But your bedroom can become one of the rooms you don't mind showing off to visitors. Don't let cost keep you from turning this into a room you're proud to show guests.

Decorating with Sheets

Many retail outlets offer annual or seasonal sales on linens and bedding. Sometimes, consumers are lucky enough to find sheet sets on clearance or drastically reduced. Others may find like-new sets at rummage sales or flea markets. Turn these bargains into inexpensive bedroom decorations. Make two flat twin sheets into a pair of curtains. Fold the top hem over on each and glue down with a hot glue gun or with fabric glue. This creates an opening for the curtain rod. Cut the outer hems off of the matching pillow cases, and fill with pillow stuffing. Glue the open ends together to create pillows to match the new curtains. Trim the elastic from a fitted sheet and cut the edges to form a square. Fold this piece to lay across the foot of the bed or over a chair for an added touch to bring the room together.

Spruce-Ups

When decorating a bedroom, keep costs down by using items already in the room. Make these items look new by adding decorative touches. Fabric and craft stores sell a variety of decorations and decorative trim for fabrics. Redecorate the items you have with these decorations. For plain cotton curtains and bedding, glue or sew on lace trim or create stripes with plain strips of hemmed fabric. Add strings of beads along the edges of curtains or furniture or around the walls. Add sequins to an older comforter and matching pillow shams. Use appliques to add a pattern or theme to the room. For example, iron-on apple transfers to the existing curtains and bedding, and paint apples on the walls or door.

Painting

Painting a room can be an inexpensive way to decorate. When you're painting, consider also painting the furniture in the room. You can easily transform tables, desks and dressers with a coat of paint. Use existing furniture or find used items at thrift stores or flea markets. Paint the walls of the room the selected color. Remove the hardware from the furniture. Strip the piece's original finish and apply a coat of white paint. Use a rag to roll color across and down the furniture to give a marbled look. Roll the rag across only a few times for touches of color or repeatedly for lots of color. For a textured look, apply the paint with a sponge.

Tags: curtains bedding, flea markets, matching pillow

Ada Bathroom Rules

ADA Bathroom Rules

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, along with the revisions and amendments that have been made since it was first signed into law, gives disabled Americans access to services and job opportunities that had long been virtually off-limits to them. Part of this broad-ranging statute provides guidelines for the design or renovation of buildings to facilitate access by the disabled. The Disability Rights Section of the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division is responsible for enforcing ADA regulations.

What's Covered

Under ADA, all bathrooms and washrooms in public accommodations, private places of business and multifamily housing developments must provide a minimum of one of each of the following handicapped-accessible features: wheelchair-accessible toilet stalls, grab bars, tub and shower seats (where such facilities are available to others) and dispensers, sinks and countertops that can be reached by people in wheelchairs.

Toilet Stalls

Toilet stalls designed to be accessed by those confined to wheelchairs must have a minimum clear space measuring at least 30 by 48 inches to provide adequate room for a single wheelchair. This space allotment can be provided either parallel to or in front of the toilet to permit easy transfer from wheelchair to toilet and back again. Stalls and areas leading to them should allow adequate space for turning a wheelchair, which ideally requires a diameter of 60 inches for a full 180-degree turn. However, also acceptable is an area at least 36 inches in width that allows for wheelchair-users to make a three-point turn. Each stall must also provide a side-wall grab bar of at least 42 inches in length and a rear-wall grab bar of at least 36 inches.

Height for Grab Bars, Dispensers

ADA regulations mandate that grab bars and dispensers---intended to be accessed by forward reach---be mounted no higher than 48 inches from the floor when there is no obstruction between the wheelchair-bound person and the object in question. Downward adjustments may be required when intervening obstructions are present.

Countertops and Sinks

The maximum height for a handicapped-accessible countertop is 34 inches, and provision must be made for an area in front of the counter that measures at least 48 inches deep and 30 inches wide to accommodate a wheelchair. Sinks mounted in countertops should be located within 2 inches of the counter's front edge to permit easy access. Controls for the operation of lavoratory sinks, toilets, urinals, showers and bathtubs must be able to be activated with one hand and should not require pressure greater than 5 lbs.

Showers, Tubs

Where showers and/or bathtubs are provided for the use of other employees or residents, handicapped-accessible facilities must be provided as well. In the case of showers, roll-in units must have a minimum inside area of 60 by 30 inches to provide easy maneuverability. Shower units into which disabled individuals will transfer from a wheelchair must provide multiple grab bars and a shower seat capable of accommodating a stress load of at least 250 pounds per square foot. Minimum interior floorspace dimensions for a transfer shower are 36 by 36 inches. Bathtubs intended for use by the disabled must have multiple grab bars installed to provide for transfer into and out of the tub.

Tags: least inches, grab bars, must have, bars shower, Bathroom Rules

Ideas For An Orange Dining Room

There are several ways to pull off an orange dining room.

Dining rooms decorated in conventional or neutral shades are the way to go for some. However, others mught want a louder, more attention-getting color, such as a bold black, bright red or maybe even orange. You have a number of creative options for incorporate this whimsical, warm color into a dining room.

Walled

Start with the walls. Putting orange on all the walls is one option, but this can make the color overpowering. Use other techniques. Instead of covering all the walls in the dining room with orange, paint a few large squares of orange here and there, in different sizes. You could also paint only one accent wall orange and the rest white, or paint two walls orange and two walls a more muted color, such as cream, for balance.

Pictured

Another way to incorporate orange on the walls is with a mural. Try it yourself if you're artistically inclined, or hire a professional to paint any scene prominently showcasing orange. Because the mural will be in a dining room, think of something that features food: a table piled high with different kinds of cheeses, a pumpkin patch or baskets full of oranges, carrots and sweet potatoes. Put the mural on all walls or on only one accent wall.

Accented

Slipcover or paint your chairs orange.

If you don't want to or aren't allowed to paint the dining room walls, bring in orange with the accents and furnishings in the space. Decorate with curtains, seat cushions, a tablecloth, place mats, napkins, plates, wall art and a rug that are orange or have orange in them. Look online and in furniture stores for an orange table and chairs. If you're on a budget, just paint what you already have, the table, the chairs or both.

Tabled

Place tiger lilies on the table.

The table centerpiece is another creative way you can incorporate orange. The options are endless. Use a large bouquet of orange flowers: begonias, impatiens, zinnias, marigolds, daffodils or lilies. Use any plant, real or artificial, in a flower pot spray painted orange. Paint tree branches of different lengths orange, and stand them up in a tall vase with an orange ribbon tied around it. Fill a basket with a mix of plain pine cones and ones spray painted orange.

Tags: dining room, orange walls, accent wall, color such, dining room, incorporate orange, only accent

Clean A Mahogany Dining Room

Clean and polish your dining room table before you entertain.

Wood furniture needs special care. You cannot clean wood with normal house cleaning products that contain alcohol or bleach, because you may risk damaging it. If you are preparing to entertain guests in your dining room, clean your mahogany dining table and polish it to make it look like new and shine.

Instructions

1. Remove everything from the dining room table before you clean it.

2. Mix a small amount of dish soap into the bucket filled with water.

3. Dip the sponge into the water and squeeze out some of the excess.

4. Wash the table with the soapy sponge, paying extra attention to any spill spots.

5. Dry the table with a clean towel.

6. Use a small amount of polish in the cloth and wipe the table with the cloth in small circular motions. Let the table set for 5 to 10 minutes before replacing anything you had on the table.

Tags: dining room, table with, dining room table, room table, room table before

Decorate The Bedroom For A Romantic Evening

Sharing a glass of wine in the bedroom is romantic.

Performing the same routine day after day can put a couple in a rut. When the bedroom becomes a place to watch television, it's time to make a few changes. Setting the mood for a romantic date sometimes requires planning ahead. Well before a romantic evening can happen, you must change things up in your bedroom. Consider changing the wall color, purchasing new bedding and possibly changing the window treatments. Once the basic room is finished, decorating for a romantic rendezvous will be a snap.

Instructions

1. Remove the clutter by hanging up clothing and emptying the wastebasket. Vacuum, dust and put fresh sheets on the bed before adding any romantic details.

2. Use a diffuser, and choose a scent that is mellow and soothing. Tie a ribbon around the bottle to match the bedding or walls.

3. Remove high wattage bulbs from bedside lamps and replace with low, soft lighting.

4. Play slow, soft music on a long-playing CD. Pick a favorite artist or choose a selection of instrumentals.

5. Place flower petals over the bed covers. Two or three roses will produce enough petals to cover a large area. Separate the petals from the flower, and place in a plastic bag. Keep refrigerated until it's time to spread over the covers.

6. Chill a bottle of wine or champagne and set next to the bed. Wipe the wine glasses to remove all the water spots.

7. Fill a tray with cheeses and bite-size fruits. Avoid crackers or food that leaves crumbs on the bed.

8. Dip strawberries in a chocolate coating and display on a paper doily. Set a damp cloth nearby to wipe chocolate-covered finger tips.

9. Set an arrangement of flowers on the dresser. Surround the flowers with two or three candles.

10. Arrange pillows on the bed for an inviting look. Set large pillows in the back row and decrease the size of the pillows for each successive front row.

11. Place sexy lingerie on the bed for the lady. A pair of black satin boxers might appeal to the man. One set of lounging pajamas for a couple to share is appropriate also. The lady wears the top, and the gentleman wears the bottom half.

12. Print a coupon book with suggestions for the evening. Make your mate happy with several coupon choices. Keep the unused coupon book for future romantic encounters.

Tags: coupon book, over covers

Turn A Dining Table Into A Butcher Block

A butcher block in your kitchen is a great conversation starter when you have guests over for dinner. The warmth and aesthetic appeal of timber adds charm and character to your décor, and it's so practical. A properly finished butcher block is food-safe, easy to clean and easy on your expensive cutlery. Short-cut the process of making one yourself by buying the block ready-made, and fitting it to an old dining table. Your friends will admire your cleverness, and after you've served up an enticing meal, they'll think you're a great chef, too.

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the dining tabletop. Purchase a butcher block that is slightly larger -- no more than an inch or two all round.

2. Place the butcher block, right side down, on the floor. Measure and mark out where the tabletop will sit. The part of the butcher block that will overhang the tabletop when it is upright should be even all the way around.

3. Remove the table legs if they are the removable type. This is for ease of handling. If the table legs are fixed, you may need help to lift it at the next step.

4. Turn the tabletop over and place it onto the butcher block where marked. Check that is sitting square on the tabletop by again measuring the overhang on each side. The overhang should be the same on all sides.

5. Drill a hole through the tabletop and halfway into the butcher block adjacent to each table leg. Drill another two holes toward the middle of the tabletop, which also should go halfway into the butcher block.

6. Fasten the tabletop to the butcher block by inserting long screws into these holes and tightening them with either the drill, or a manual screwdriver.

7. Turn the table upright and check that the butcher block is secure and not slipping around on the tabletop. If it is, turn the table over again, and add some more screws -- one at each of the four sides and two toward the middle. Turn the table over again and check that the butcher block is now secure.

8. Apply a food-safe, non-toxic oil to the block, if you have purchased one that is unfinished. Let the oil soak in, then lightly sand it. Apply a second coat of oil, and let it soak in overnight, then wipe off any excess.

Tags: butcher block, butcher block, block secure, block that, butcher block secure

Make Kids Feel Safe In Their Bedrooms

Remember when you were a kid? The days were filled with playing with friends, watching television and playing with toys. Your life was great, unless you got scared. Kids get scared when they feel unsafe. This usually happens at bedtime. Their room gets dark, they are in their bedroom all alone, and who knows what kinds of monsters lay waiting underneath the bed. Bedtime should be a time of relaxation and comfort. There are a few things you can do to help your child feel safe and comforted.

Instructions

1. Provide a night light at night. If the child is in complete darkness, her imagination can run wild. A night light allows her to see what is really in her room.

2. Give your child a stuffed toy to take to bed with her. A teddy bear is a common toy kids take to bed. He can snuggle with the teddy bear to feel better.

3. Allow the family cat or dog to sleep with your child. The family pet is a friend to your child. Your child will feel better knowing she is not alone at night.

4. Check underneath the bed and inside the closets for monsters, before bedtime. This way you have already checked for monsters, and you can tell her you are certain there are no monsters anywhere.

5. Decorate the room to create a calming atmosphere. Soft colors, like pastels, are good color choices for a bedroom. Put away toys before bedtime as well. A clutter-free room gives the child a sense of order, which may calm anxiety.

6. Let your child know exactly where you are at, in case he gets scared. If it gets too bad, let him know he can come get you. This will make him aware that you are there to protect him.

Tags: your child, before bedtime, feel better, night light, playing with, teddy bear

Arrange A Queen Bed & A Twin In One Bedroom

A little planning helps when arranging furniture.

Arranging both a twin sized and a queen sized bed into a single average sized bedroom is not a difficult task with some basic planning and preparation. Naturally, this arrangement limits the layout of the remaining space of the room, but if the most important goal is to fit two beds into the living space, it won't matter in the long run. Be sure to get some help when you have to move all of that furniture!

Instructions

1. Clean the entire floor of the bedroom. With so much floor space covered by beds, it will be tricky to effectively clean the floors after the beds are set down.

2. Put large furniture in the closet, if applicable, to save space. Dressers, shelving and even entertainment centers can be put into the bedroom's closet to make more area for the beds.

3. Place the queen sized bed in a corner, along a wall, far from the doorway.

4. Fit the twin sized bed against the far wall, parallel to the queen sized bed. This will give a little bit of space between the beds for a walkway.

Tags: queen sized, twin sized

What Colors Of Paint Go Good With Woodwork In A Dining Room

Choosing what colors you want to paint your dining room can have a big impact on the way that your room looks and feels. If you want to have a dining room that is inviting, warm and familiar, woodwork and a corresponding paint scheme can make that happen. Designers at Home and Garden Television suggest several ways to get your dining room as beautiful and luxurious as you would like it to be.

Dark Wood and Accents

Match your woodworking colors with the paint. Dark woods, red woods, and highly polished woods match better with tans, taupes and browns. For very dark wood paneling and dark wood accents, try a lighter neutral color, like a neutral brown, grey, or almond, for most of the walls. Paint all of the walls one neutral color, and choose one wall to paint a standout or stand-alone color. An example might be dark woodwork with tan walls, and one wall a burnt orange color.

Cheer up your dark wood space with accents, whether on various sections of your walls, trim lines, or furniture or flooring accents. Accent colors for dark wood might include a bright green, a dark red, or a dark brown. When you pair bright accent colors with the natural colors that best match with dark woodwork, you will create a warm and inviting space.

Light Wood and Accents

For light wood, go with very bright, bold color. Reds, blues, greens and yellows are good matches for this type of light woodwork. If you have light wood floors or light wood fixtures and accents, then do the entire wall in a neutral but dark color, like a deep red, purple or brown. Use your light colors to create accent walls that are colors such as white, off-white or yellow.

You can also match your painting schemes with overall accents for your entire space. With light wood, try using accents around the upper or lower moldings, in stripe patterns in the paint, or in things like pillows, rugs, and curtains. Good accent colors for dark wood work and darker paints include deep orange, a dark yellow, or a dark red. Pairing light colored woodwork with bright walls, light accent walls, and deep accent pieces will create a vibrant and exciting space.

Uninished Wood

Choose rustic colors for unfinished wood. If you have non finished wood floors, doors, or woodworking accents like doorway accents or window accents, you already have a rustic look to your home. Complete the rustic look by having colors in the same style. Just about any color can be used with unfinished wood. However, it should be painted in a layered style, or in a distressed style, to truly match with the unfinished wood. Very polished or even colors on your walls can make unfinished wood look out of place.

Tags: dark wood, unfinished wood, dining room, light wood, accent colors

Tropical Ideas For A Teen Girl'S Bedroom

Hibiscus flowers work really well in a tropical room.

Create a tropical garden oasis in your teenage daughter's bedroom. Use plants, animals and tropical scenery to inspire your designs, and ask your daughter to get involved in the entire process. Showcase paintings of tropical blooms found in Hawaii and other island destinations. Find all sorts of tropical decor online or in department stores.

Colors

Paint the room with colors that remind you of the tropics. Sky blue walls with painted white fluffy clouds go well with these types of rooms, but you can also use brighter colors such as yellow, orange, lime green, lavender and pink. Ask your daughter to pick a shade that resembles her favorite flower from the tropics, or see if she wants to showcase a tropical beach mural on one of the walls. You can paint the mural yourself, hire and artist or buy large mural wall stickers to go on one main wall.

Silk Tropical Flowers and Plants

Place silk tropical flowers such as orchids and hibiscus in vases, and place these on your daughter's dresser or nightstand. Fake palm trees can also dress up a lonely corner along with adding more greenery to the room. You can also tie yellow ribbons around the flowers, and hang these up around the four corners of your daughter's bedposts.

Birds From the Tropics

Use twine string to hang up fake, yet realistic-looking ceramic or stuffed birds from the ceiling. Cut the string at various lengths so each bird soars at a different height. Place a birdcage with a fake parrot inside, and dress up the exterior of the cage with more tropical silk flowers. Little bird sculptures and other decor goes well on shelves.

Furniture

Decorate with classic white or rustic wooden furniture. If you can afford it, buy bamboo furniture with the details of bamboo stalks seen in the wood grain. A basic bed with a few wicker chairs can also work. A folding bamboo dressing divider can really add to the room along with bamboo fans. Fancy, cherry wood furnishings don't really go well with a tropical theme.

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Decorating Ideas For A Living Room & Dining Room

Paint color can help unify a living room/dining room combination.

Create a cozy and functional space in your home by combining the living and dining spaces. Often the dining room becomes a rarely used formal space that lacks the life of other areas, such as the living room or kitchen. By decorating the rooms with some unifying elements, you can encourage use of both spaces.

Define Areas

A dining and living room combination room requires careful planning to create distinct spaces for eating, entertaining and relaxing. Rather than simply housing the living room and dining room next to each other, use furniture, artwork and accessories to blend the two rooms. Provide a seamless transition with a seating area that intersects both spaces. A fireplace centered between the living space and dining table provides a focal point for the room and a unifying element. Flank the fireplace with two comfortable arm chairs to encourage lingering and to create a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Unified Color Scheme

A dining room and living room combination will benefit from a unified color scheme to tie the two functions together. Create a great room effect by applying one color throughout the space. To subtly signal the change in space from dining to living area use the same color in slightly different shades. Apply one color to the living room, and use the second in the dining space. To unify the rooms use the same flooring throughout. Utilize fabrics and rugs to further incorporate the spaces. Choose two or three accent colors to use in the space. Cover dining chairs in a durable fabric, and unify the space by using the same fabric for throw pillows on the living room couch.

Coordinating Furniture

Choose a unifying design for your living room and dining room furniture. An easy approach is to opt for a period or style, such as traditional, modern or Georgian. Avoid abrupt design shifts, such as a black modern dining table with traditional cherry wood coffee and end tables. Another option is to choose a finish or color for your furniture. With contrasting styles in complementary finishes, you will achieve an eclectic design.

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Convert A Basement Into A Bedroom

Converting a basement into a new bedroom area is a task for the home remodeling enthusiast. Taking a utilitarian space and turning it into a beautiful and quiet sleep chamber can take a few days, yet with a little knowledge and patience, anyone with determination can accomplish this project.

Instructions

1. Clear the entire basement of all items. Move furniture, sporting equipment and boxes to create a blank slate to work within.

2. Sweep the basement and mop the floor surface with a commercial or consumer floor cleaner. This step is crucial if any new floor covering will be applied. Remove any construction paint from the foundation flooring.

3. Frame in the bedroom with 2-by-4s and drywall, if desired. Cut holes in drywall for electrical outlets and telephone connections. Insulate the ceiling and walls according to construction needs.

4. Choose a lighting fixture or scheme for the space. Movable track lighting and recessed can lighting are popular choices. Lighting is an important issue in basements, as most have little or no natural light sources.

5. Apply two coats of paint to the drywall after putting on a primer coat. Let the paint dry at least overnight.

6. Put down any floor covering desired. Natural wood flooring is common, as are modular carpeting and throw rugs.

7. Begin moving furniture into the basement bedroom and into the desired locations.

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Turn Your Spare Bedroom Into A Sanctuary

Turn your Spare Bedroom into a Sanctuary

Most everyone has a spare bedroom that is used for a guest bedroom. But, what if you only have guests once a year, at the rest of the time it is just setting there. Here are some ideas on do MORE with your spare bedroom so that it becomes your sanctuary.

Instructions

1. Most people have their t.v.'s in their living room, but what if you turned your spare bedroom into a home theater room. It is a great size for sound and to optimize the picture. Most bedrooms have only one or two windows and they can be covered with heavy draperies to knock out the light. Add a dimmer switch, canned lighting or a lighting rope on the floor. Several recliners or a large recliner couch and shelves for your electronics, to finish it off.

2. Closet or dressing room.

You can turn the whole bedroom into a closet with built in shelves and you could even add a vanity and large 3-way mirror, like you see in dressing rooms in stores and lighting. No more cramming your clothes in a small closet as now you have a whole room that is a closet.

3. Home Library.

Do you love books? Buy matching shelves, attach them to the wall, so that an earthquake can't topple them over and load every square inch with a books. Add two comfy chairs, table and a lamp will complete your cozy library.

4. Studio.

Do you love to play an instrument, paint or craft? Turn your bedroom in to a state of the art studio. Paint it a rich color, add recording equipment, microphones, video cameras, and your instruments, or bring in several easels, a table to hold your paints, and lighting, then decorate the walls with your masterpieces.

5. Kids Playroom

Designate the area for just toys. Your children sleep in one room while they play in the other. The advantage is that your child's bedroom can be kept neat and clean and allow room for sleeping and studying. The playroom can have many toy chests, or a wall of shelves for easy clean up. And you can add tables and chair for art projects.

6. Fitness Room.

Get your treadmill out of your bedroom or your stationary bike out of the television room and put it in the spare bedroom. Add some weights, wall to wall mirrors, speakers for music, mount the television on the wall, lay rubber mats and add a towel rack to have your own private fitness room.

7. Game room.

Love to play pool, darts or table hockey? Have you always wanted your own arcade game? Then turn your spare bedroom into a game room. Add a bar, stereo, and table and chairs for playing cards.

8. Teenager hangout.

Would you rather have your teenager hanging out at home? Then turn your spare bedroom into a teenager's hangout.

Add lots of sitting area by pushing a couple of couches against each wall and then leave the floor area bare. Add a large shag carpet and comfy throw pillows for lounging on the floor.

If there is room, add a desk or table for playing board or card games.

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Create A Minimalist Bedroom

Minimalist design is simple.

For those who don't like any clutter in a space and choose to have a limited color palette or furniture design, minimalist decor is the way to go. A minimalist interior decorating style is about taking everything out of a room that is not essential to the space, usually leaving the bed, dresser or nightstand. While a minimalist style uses very little in a room, a warm and comfortable ambiance is created through using color and one or two statement artwork pieces.

Instructions

1. Take everything out of the room that constitutes as clutter, including knick-knacks on the dresser or nightstand. If you have furniture in the room that isn't ever used, such as a chair, take it out. A minimalist bedroom usually contains only the bed, nightstand and dresser, if there is no closet space.

2. Paint the room white for a true minimalist feel or choose an earth tone. Ideal colors in a minimalist space are blue, white, yellow, brown or charcoal gray.

3. Change out furniture for basic designs with little to no carvings, embossing or accents designs. Choose a simple platform bed, sleek dresser or nightstand to use in the room. If the room is small, place clear, acrylic side tables on either side of the bed. Using clear furniture in the room allows the eye to visually wander about the space easily.

4. Hang one large abstract artwork above the bed, and leave the rest of the walls bare. Choose artwork that complements any other colors in the room, such as the bedding or window treatments.

5. Cover the windows with solid-colored panels or use wood shades. Roman shades that pull down over a window are also simple and effective at blocking out light.

6. Accessorize sparingly. Place two lamps on either side of the bed that are sleek and have minimal design. Use solid colored sheets and comforter on the bed and cover a bare floor with a solid-colored rug that complements the color palette of the room.

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