Workplace Bathroom Etiquette

Keep the bathroom clean, and use it for its intended purpose.

Unless you have a "steel bladder," the workplace bathroom is a place you'll need to visit from time to time. Since this is a public place for private business, there are a few rules everyone should follow to make it a pleasant place to visit.

Keep it Clean

If you splash water onto the counter or floor, wipe it up. If you dribble on the seat, don't leave it for the next person. Make sure everything goes down after you've flushed.

The Sweet Smell of Harmony

Don't saturate the air with air freshener or perfume--some people may be allergic or sensitive to these things. If you leave a more organic smell behind inadvertently, use an extra flush to help it go away.

Stick to the Business at Hand

Don't make phone calls while you're using the bathroom; nobody wants to hear that kind of background noise. And if you need to discuss something with a coworker, wait at least until you're both out of your stalls and washing up.

Keep Your Hands Clean

Always wash your hands even if you only went into the stall to adjust clothing. Your coworkers don't know what you did in there, and they'll be thinking about it every time you try to shake hands or hand them a document.

Don't Crowd

Don't stand right on top of the stall waiting for someone to get out. If you have to wait, busy yourself by fixing your hair or rummaging in your purse--anything to keep from embarrassing a coworker with unfortunate digestion.

Be Respectful

If you happen to overhear a bit of gossip in the bathroom, don't repeat it. If you notice something that makes you think someone might be ill, upset or expecting, keep it to yourself.

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Relaxing Colors To Redo Bedroom Walls With

The right colors will make you love your bedroom.

Creating a relaxing bedroom begins with choosing the right color for the walls. Avoid color palettes that are shocking, and look instead for colors that embrace you as you enter the room. Get a feel for colors in your room buy painting sections of the wall and viewing them at different times of the day. Once you decide on the colors to use, you'll enjoy remaking your bedroom.

Blue

It's no surprise that blue is ideal for walls in a relaxing room. Associated with the expanse of the sky, blue represents serenity and you can duplicate that mood with a host of shades, ranging from baby blue to denim. Pair blue with warm shades, such as orange and yellow for a calming aesthetic. With green, blue and white evoke a sense of tranquility.

Gray

Cool and composed, gray provides an ideal canvas for bedrooms. Pale gray is light, bright and incredibly neutral, which is good because you can coordinate it with any color palette you desire. A darker shade of gray with yellow undertones offers a soothing aesthetic. Shadow gray, stone gray and pewter are options to consider when thinking of dressing your room with this impartial color. With yellow, gray is restful.

White

White is clean and fresh, and brings a sense of serenity to rooms. White walls sound sterile, but the truth is, they open up spaces and are anything but desolate. The best thing about white is the dozens of tones it offers up for walls. White dove is warm and soft while marshmallow is cool and crisp. A monochromatic white in the bedroom is comforting. Add texture with an array of different fabrics.

Sea Foam Green

Sea foam green captures the soothing essence of the ocean and, on the walls, it envelops. Dark or light shades will all open up your bedroom. White or cream shades enhance the comforting quality of this color.

Beige

Versatile by nature, beige comes in several shades to set a calming mood. With a warm color like ocher, you can create a palette of neutral, enveloping shades. Oatmeal is brighter and lighter, giving you freedom to decorate with any color you choose. Warm oranges and brown paired with oatmeal walls generate a pleasing aesthetic geared toward relaxation. Combine beige with a pale shade of blue for a gentle respite.

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Relaxing Bedroom Ideas

Your bedroom is much more than a place for you to sleep. Your bedroom should be your oasis, your place to get away from the hustle and bustle and craziness that life throws at you. Unlike other high-traffic rooms in your home, your bedroom should be place for you to unwind, forget the daily grind and relax. Creating a bedroom that is serene and relaxing should be at the top of your decorating to do list.

Colors

Choose soft, gentle neutral colors. Creams, taupe, pale grays and soft yellows are relaxing colors. They are also fairly easy to match. Those colors coordinate with and complement many other colors as well as styles and themes that you can use in your bedroom.

Lighting

Add soft lighting to make your bedroom relaxing. Add dimmer switchers. Use recessed lighting. Add track lighting so you can easily direct the light where you want it to shine. Use frosted, low watt bulbs in all your lighting fixtures. Add candles or faux candles where it would be unsafe to use real candles. The more sources of diffused lighting there are, the more relaxed you'll feel.

Bedding

Choose soft, plush bedding you can relax in. Use pillows that are the most comfortable to you. Add small throws to wrap up in when a heavy comforter or quilt would be too warm. Consider buying an adjustable bed so that you can sit up and read in bed or have extra support where your body needs it.

Wall Art

Choose wall art that you find relaxing. Avoid vivid and bright colors. Gentle seascapes and calm landscapes can be relaxing. Add photos of family, friends and places that bring to mind the times you've had in the past. Keep the wall art simple and sparse; too much wall art can make your walls appear over-decorated, busy and cluttered.

Accessories

Choose accessories that add to the relaxing atmosphere you are creating. Keep them simple. Group similar items together to form collections such as blown glass, ceramic figurines and books. Use decorative boxes and baskets for additional storage; keeping your bedroom free from clutter will help to make it more relaxing for you.

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Refinishing Bedroom Vanities

Give an old bedroom vanity new life.

A bedroom vanity is a small table that is either free-standing or built into the wall. It is typically used for applying makeup and will generally have enough room for a few toiletries and a mirror. If your bedroom vanity is looking a little worse for the wear, instead of throwing it away, you can refinish it and give the piece a whole new life. This project can be done on a tight budget and usually takes less than a weekend to complete.

Instructions

1. Remove any hardware from the vanity. If the vanity has any drawers, the drawer pulls will need to be removed. Open the drawer and use a screwdriver to remove the handles. Place this hardware in a bag in a safe place to keep it together.

2. Sand down the vanity. If the vanity has several coats of paint on it, you may need to use a heat gun or a paint stripper to get down to the bare wood. Ideally, you would move the vanity out of the room for this procedure. If the vanity is built-in, make sure that all the windows in the room are open before starting. Use a medium-grade sandpaper to remove the finish on the wood. For small detailed areas, use steel wool to get in where sandpaper cannot reach.

3. Resand the piece. Once all of the finish is gone and you are down to bare wood, go over the vanity with a fine grade of sandpaper. This will remove any surface imperfections and help the new paint or stain adhere properly. Wipe down the entire piece with a tack cloth to remove any sawdust before proceeding.

4. Paint or stain the vanity. Work slowly and go with the grain of the wood. Apply one thin coat of paint or stain and allow it to dry. If you are staining the vanity, go over it again with fine sandpaper once the first coat is dry. Apply at least two coats of paint or stain. If you are staining the wood, you will need to apply an additional two coats of clear coat to protect the wood. Sand between each coat. Give the piece 6 to 8 hours to dry before proceeding.

5. Attach new drawer pulls. An old vanity can be refreshed with some simple hardware. Purchase new drawer pulls that match the current size of the existing hardware. Screw the new hardware in.

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Red White Blue Bedroom Decorating Ideas

A photo of a red and white lighthouse looks great in a nautical-themed bedroom.

Red, white, and blue bedroom decorating ideas can lend themselves to a wide range of themes. Fresh, bright and versatile, these classic colors are good for children or adults. Whether it's a patriotic look you are going for, or a more nautical theme, you are sure to love your red, white and blue bedroom when you are finished decorating it.

Americana

The Americana look features patriotic items with a cozy, country feel. Throw an antique red, white, and blue quilt across the foot of your rustic, four-poster bed. Scatter red, white and blue throw pillows at the head of the bed that match the quilt. Frame an old flag and hang that above the bed. Hang tin stars on the wall and group a cluster of white candles underneath them on a rustic shelf that matches the bed. On the hardwood floor, place a navy rag rug and hang sheer white curtain panels in the windows.

Nautical

Bring the outdoors in by creating a nautical or beach theme in your bedroom. Install white wainscoting halfway up the walls and paint the upper portion of the walls a rich, dark blue. Then, hang ocean prints, starfish, or even old lifesaving devices on the walls. A photo of a red and white striped lighthouse sitting on a white shelf makes a great "beach-themed" accessory. Throw a thick navy blanket across the foot of your white, cottage-style bed.

Patterns

You don't have to make your bedroom overly patriotic or extremely "beachy" if you want to use red, white and blue. The colors also work well as stand-alones. Install white ceiling molding against blue walls to make your bedroom for a relaxed feel. Cover the bed with a fluffy down comforter covered with a red toile duvet cover. Display some blue and white china on a nightstand or shelf, along with some white tapered candles in silver candlestick holders for a sophisticated, romantic feel.

Tags: white blue, your bedroom, across foot, across foot your, blue bedroom

Style To A Dining Room

Whether you have a formal dining room or an every day dining room, it is where everyone gathers for holiday meals. You can create an appealing atmosphere with just a few inexpensive changes.

Instructions

1. Add wine racks. If you don’t have a lot of floor space in your dining room, you can add wall wine racks. Wall wine racks give a bit more décor to the walls with tastefully done grapevines and clusters of grapes. If you have the space, you can put two wall wine racks on the wall. Hang them diagonally across from each other.

2. Paint the dining room. It will give it a fresh new look. Make sure you have the rest of the dining room as you want it, so you can match the paint with the current décor, new or old. Pick a color that already exists on the current décor.

3. Add crown molding. Caulk and stick crown molding makes it possible to easily install the crown molding. The ends are already cut for you, so you don’t have to worry about wasting a piece because you cut it wrong. If you are adept with cutting angles, by all means, cut your own crown molding!

4. Add wrought iron décor. If you can find your wine racks in wrought iron, this is perfect. Add other wall pieces, stands or side tables created with wrought iron. Look for pieces that are rich in the colors of your current décor.

5. Create a focal point. If you have another bare wall, put a large wall hanging, mirror, clock, or anything that suits your fancy on the wall. If you can find matching smaller pieces, you can make a very nice focal point on the wall.

6. Add plants or silk flowers to the side tables. If you have a green thumb, add some colorful plants. If not, or if you do not want to be bothered with taking care of live plants, you can add silk plants to the area to brighten it up.

Tags: dining room, wine racks, crown molding, wrought iron, focal point, plants silk, side tables

Red Bedroom Decorating Ideas

If you love a red bedroom, use it for your walls and accessorize with neutral colors or muted patterns. Red bedroom decorating ideas include using neutral colors on the walls and adding red with curtains, bedspreads and accessories. Choose paint, wallpaper or fabric with the shade of red that most appeals to you and match the rest of your elements to that shade. Use accent colors to add even more interest.

Red Walls

For a dramatic effect paint the walls red. Choose a shade of red that appeals to you or match it to the comforter, bedspread, curtains or other fabric you'll be using. Use red toile for the bedspread and valances. Compliment with a solid cream or white, depending on the background shade of the toile, for the curtains and bed-skirt. If you're using a bed canopy, choose cream or white for the side curtains and use toile valances. Find art prints or photographs with red elements that match your walls, and frame them in white or cream.

Add one accent color such as bright yellow or cobalt blue sparingly. Use it for throw pillows, a vase or a table-topper.

White Walls

You don't have to paint the walls red to achieve a predominantly red bedroom. Add a wide wallpaper border with a bold red design to white walls. Add red throw rugs, bedspread and curtains. Spray paint wooden picture frames red and hang 10 or 12 red-framed pictures on one wall in a grouping. Cover a round table with a white cloth and a red topper. Center a white vase filled with poppies or other red flowers on the table.

If you dare, paint your furniture white and outline all the drawers in red. Stencil red "doilies" on them using plastic doilies, a sponge brush and red acrylic paint; or paint straight red borders around all the flat surfaces.

Wallpaper

Choose a wallpaper that you think you can live with for a few years. You can find wall coverings that are predominantly red or those that have red design elements on neutral backgrounds. If you don't know apply wallpaper, get professional help or study tutorials online. Paper the switch plates and outlet covers to give the room a uniform look. Match your curtains and bedspreads to the neutral shades in the wallpaper and choose accent colors from the rest of the design. For example, if your wallpaper has large red flowers, small yellow flowers and green leaves on a cream colored background, choose cream colored curtains and bedspread, yellow throw pillows and a green vase.

Cover picture frames with wallpaper to make photos or artwork stand out. Cover a paper lampshade with red wallpaper or add just a border around the bottom of the shade.

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Rules For The Bathroom In The Workplace

Practice good workplace restroom etiquette.

Your job may be in a workplace where there are only a few bathrooms for many people or where the bathrooms are unisex. You can ensure that you maintain good bathroom etiquette and stay in the good graces of your co-workers by following a few simple workplace bathroom rules.

Knock Before You Enter

Not every bathroom door or stall latches very well, and you can walk in on a co-worker if you are not careful. Knock first to prevent embarrassing yourself and your co-worker.

Flush Completely

Flush the toilet completely and check it to make sure that everything gets flushed down. Wait for the water to stop moving and become clear. Flush the toilet again if any debris remains.

No Smoking

There is a "No Smoking" sign in the bathroom for a reason. While you may not like your workplace's No Smoking policy, smoking in the bathroom is not a substitute for smoking outside. It makes the air in the bathroom difficult to breathe and can set off a smoke detector.

No Cell Phones

Leave the cell phone in your office to prevent an expensive, watery accident and irate co-workers who do not want to hear your conversation. Cell phones do dry out if you can retrieve them from the toilet bowl, but it is better to prevent the accident instead of having to react to it.

Do Not Gossip

Talking in the workplace bathroom takes up time and space while others are waiting to use the restroom. Talking about co-workers can also get you into trouble if they or someone else overhears you.

Finish Quickly

Workplace bathrooms can get crowded quickly, especially after meetings and lunchtime. Finish your turn quickly so others do not have to wait.

Wash Your Hands

Wash your hands with soap once you have finished using the workplace facilities. You share a workplace and common objects with co-workers. Prevent the spread of bacteria by keeping your hands clean.

Toilet Lid Down

Put the toilet lid down when you are done after using a unisex workplace bathroom.

Clean up Spills

Take the time to clean up your own spills. Do not make the next person have to clean the toilet seat or floor for you.

Tags: workplace bathroom, Flush toilet

French Country Bedroom Ideas

One of the most popular design styles today is the French country style. This style exemplifies comfort, ease, and a casual, refined elegance. While not overly prim and formal, it is also not too eclectic with confusing styles. French country style is particularly effective when designing a bedroom because it is simple, while retaining an elegant feel.

Texture, Color, Accents and Curtains

When designing a French country bedroom, choose vibrant colors like sunny yellows, clear blues, soft greens and whites that are creamy and serene. These all make good choices for wall colors.

Add texture to your French country bedroom by using furniture that has chipped paint. Even rusted iron pieces are suitable. Heavy cotton fabrics and rustic pine furniture add depth and a feeling of age. Use lacy, airy, white window coverings to provide a counterpoint to the heavy furniture. Use fresh flowers in vases for a touch of nature. In addition, toile and floral fabrics are good choices for bedding in the bedroom, along with wallpaper and curtains. Curtains and drapes should reach the floor and fall softly, often with lace curtains featured underneath heavier floral drapes. Include elegant tie-backs and ornate swags to finish the French country effect.

Accessories, Flooring and Lighting

French country can be described as a kind of light rustic style, using accessories that feature chipped paint finishes, and a worn, distressed look and feel. Use throw pillows in luxurious fabrics like brocade and silk for a touch of elegance. Throws can be tossed over the backs of chairs and draped over the end of the bed to add a sense of luxury. A soft, plush rug can be laid over whitewashed wood floors for a comfortable touch. Local antique stores and flea markets are great resources for finding old, worn-looking accessories like lamps, candlesticks and vases.

Lighting in the French country bedroom should be ornate. Use Tiffany-style lamps for a beautiful bedroom accent. Lampshades can also be made to match wallpaper or bedding in the bedroom. This looks particularly elegant when using toile fabric.

Furniture

Choose furniture for your bedroom that feels grounded and solid. Pick either pieces that are wood-stained or painted in greens, blues, whites or yellows. These colors help to coordinate the room and inject a French country feel. Remember to keep the pieces rustic, yet elegant. Substantial pieces along with lighter, more delicate pieces provide a good visual balance in the bedroom. The overall design effect of French country should incorporate a feeling of shabby chic.

Tags: French country, French country, country bedroom, French country bedroom, along with, bedding bedroom

Removing A Bathroom Bulkhead

Remodeling often means removing bulkheads.

Bulkheads are sections of cabinets often used in kitchens and bathrooms. Generally, they appear to be suspended from the ceiling, although they are sometimes connected to both a wall and the ceiling. Removing bulkheads can give your bathroom a more open appearance, making the room look larger. You can remove a bathroom bulkhead fairly easily with the right tools.

Organize Hair And Makeup Products In The Bathroom

Organize Hair and Makeup Products in the Bathroom

Getting organized is many people's New Year's resolutions. This can vary from organizing the garage to organizing the kitchen cabinets. Organizing hair and makeup products can be an easy task to complete.

Instructions

1. Discard any old and tattered products. You will create extra space to store important products neatly in the bathroom when you eliminate old clutter.

2. Gather different size baskets. Some can be shallow to fit inside bathroom drawers and some can be deeper to fit under bathroom sinks. Use plastic baskets that are often found in offices settings. They work well to organize products and you can easily clean them with a little soap and water.

3. Separate makeup and hair products. Keep brushes and combs together in one basket and curlers in another. Organize hair products by the size of their bottles and by how often you use them.

4. Wind all the cords to curling irons and hair dryers around the tools themselves. This will discourage cords from intermingling with each other.

5. Place like makeup with each other in separate, small baskets. This will make it easy to locate a lipstick or an eye shadow promptly without digging through a cluttered mess.

Tags: each other, Hair Makeup, Hair Makeup Products, hair products, Makeup Products Bathroom, Organize Hair

Bathroom Etiquette In Japan

Learn proper bathroom etiquette before traveling to Japan.

There's a specific protocol expected in Japanese bathroom use. Learn the expectations so you don't embarrass your host or yourself. You can do as you please if you are in a hotel with a private bathroom, but if you share a bathroom or are staying in a traditional Japanese inn or private residence, you need to adhere to traditional Japanese bathroom etiquette.

Sink Area

This room may be mixed gender in a traditional inn. Wash hands and face or brush your teeth as you would at home. Tidy the sink and counter area before leaving.

Special Slippers for Toilet Area

Special slippers are used in the toilet area, a separate room. They are usually sitting just inside or outside the door, and you'll need to switch from your house shoes to toilet slippers. House shoes are not permitted in the toilet area and toilet slippers are not allowed in the bathroom or the rest of the house or inn. This is one of the most important things to remember about bathroom etiquette.

Western-style Toilets

Many accommodations offer Western-style toilets, but Asian-style floor toilets are still plentiful. Public restrooms often have a small picture of the toilet posted outside the stall, making it easy for visitors to make a selection. Even Western-style commodes can be a challenge, because the toilets are high-tech with control panels offering many choices. The best policy is don't touch those controls or else you might get a washing cycle when you don't expect it. If you are adventuresome, you can experiment and find the bidet, heated toilet seat, blow drier and so forth. There are often two choices of flushes. A small flush uses less water and force; a large flush is for larger jobs. In public, you may wish to have a tissue or a few squares of toilet paper in your pocket since some restrooms don't supply paper. A cloth handkerchief can be handy to dry your hands, as some restrooms don't provide paper towels. Some toilets have a reserve water tank on the back of the toilet so guests can wash their hands in the toilet area. This type is usually found in a private residence.

Asian-style Floor Toilets

If you wish to use a floor toilet, straddle the unit facing the protruding hood. Squat as low as you can to avoid splashing yourself. They are a challenge, but with a little practice, you will get more comfortable.

Bathing

Modern hotels have typical showers and tubs, but traditional housing features small stools sitting in front of a shower wand and faucets. You are expected to leave your clothes in the changing area in the baskets provided for this purpose; enter the bathing area naked. Sit to wash your body, shampoo your hair and so forth. Rinse completely before entering the bath. The bath is for soaking and relaxing, so you must be completely clean and soap-free to bathe, since other persons will use the same water. This is another important aspect of bathroom etiquette. Traditional inns may offer a private shower stall as well.

Tags: toilet area, bathroom etiquette, bathroom etiquette, Japanese bathroom, private residence

Pink Bathroom Ideas

Pink bathroom

Pink bathrooms can add femininity to a basic bathroom. Pink makes a big impact in a room so it's perfect if you are redecorating a bathroom on a budget. The color pink can work in a master bathroom, a kid's room or for a teenager.

Pink Color Combinations

The key to decorating a pink bathroom is balance. Choose a masculine or neutral color so pink doesn't overwhelm the space. Gray and pink have a retro flair while still being sophisticated. Pair pink with chocolate brown for contrast. A color palette of pink and taupe is unusual without being too dramatic. Pink and white feels fresh and clean while working with existing features in the room like a marble vanity top or sink. Make the wood tones in the room stand out by staining the vanity black or a rich espresso.

Styles of Pink Bathrooms

A pink bathroom can fit in with several design styles. Give a pink bathroom a country feel by using a floral shower curtain and painting the vanity white or pale gray. Venetian mirrors can work in a vintage, traditional or modern bathroom. These oversized carved mirrors will help balance a bold wall color like pink. Hang a mirror over the bathtub to continue bouncing light throughout the space. Wallpaper combines pink with pattern and gives a distinct design direction. Metallic pink paper works in a funky teen bathroom. Pair pink with metallic mosaic tiles for added sparkle and interest in the space. Damask or toile wallpaper combines pink and white so the white fixtures of the bathroom blend in. Give your pink bathroom an elegant feeling with a high-end stone floor and a granite or marble countertop to keep the color from seeming juvenile.

Pink tiles were common in vintage design and you may want to work around existing pink tiles to save money. Update your room with fresh paint and a new shower curtain. Remove dated elements from the room, such as drapes. Install a new mirror and lighting fixtures to update the existing pink tile on a budget.

Pink Considerations

Pink won't appeal to everyone. Use pink in ways that are removable, like on the walls and accessories. Keep the more expensive items, like tile and bathtub in neutral colors such as white to balance the space and keep any future homeowners from having to undergo an expensive remodel.

Pink paint can be relaxing or energizing. Choose a hot pink to wake you up in the morning or a pale blush shade for a soothing paint color. If your bathroom seems dark or small, try painting a pink accent wall so the color doesn't overwhelm the space. If the wall behind the mirror is a neutral color, you may be able to get a more accurate idea of your skin tone when applying cosmetics.

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Dining Set Etiquette Forks Knives & Spoons

Proper dining etiquette includes placing silverware on the table correctly.

Whether you've been invited to a formal dinner party, or are planning a fancy dinner at your home, it's important to be aware of dining set etiquette as it relates to silverware. Knowing where forks, spoons and knives should be placed makes for a presentable table setting, and is an essential part of table manners.

Forks

Forks should always be placed to the left of the dinner plate. For most formal dining settings, there is a salad fork and a dinner fork. The dinner fork is larger, and is placed closest to the plate; the smaller salad fork is on the outside left of the plate, and to the left of the dinner fork. Some settings will also include a dessert fork; if this is the case, the dinner fork will be in the center, the dessert fork is closest to the dinner plate, and the salad fork is on the far left of the plate.

Spoons

Punk Bedroom Decorating Tips

A punk-style bedroom can be the perfect place to express yourself.

Feeling a bit punk? Does your personal taste run away from frills, tasteful textiles and patterned wallpaper, and closer to ripped denim, vintage Ramones posters and vinyl wall decals? A punk bedroom can be the perfect retreat, a place to gather your energy and express yourself. With a few ideas, a few dollars and a bit of effort, you can create your own punk bedroom hideaway.

Punk Up Your Walls

Punk is about change, and for this reason, your punk bedroom should be a versatile space, neither too static nor too fussy. Don't worry about hanging pictures perfectly, or straightening the curtains just so --- go for a slightly haphazard look instead and simply change it up if it doesn't feel right the first time. Try painting the walls dark colors, such as black, gray, blood red or dark purple --- it'll make the space feel smaller, more intimate and concentrated. Cover one wall with your favorite posters and photos, whatever inspires you to be your most authentic self. For a more changeable look, thread thin silver wire through eyelet screws along a wall, and clip the photos and posters to the wire to create a clothesline of images.

Add a Creative Outlet

Punk isn't just about what you wear and what you listen to --- it's about creating new art and remixing the old, injecting your world with new sounds, new words and new ideas. Reflect your punk ideals by creating a space in your bedroom where you can work your magic. Depending on your creative outlet, this might be a corner devoted to your guitar and amps, an easel with a canvas at the ready and paints nearby, a computer workstation loaded with a word processor, or a craft table with sewing machine and supplies. Or, go one step further and paint a wall with chalkboard paint. Now you have the perfect place for larger-than-life graffiti, doodles, song lyrics or whatever else occupies your mind. Once available only in black, chalkboard paint now comes in an array of vibrant colors; check your local paint store for different options.

Final Touches

To create your punk bed, choose sheets and a bedspread in dark, muted colors that complement the walls. If you've got a sewing machine and an inclination toward DIY, deconstruct an old pair of jeans to create your own throw pillows. Cut the graphics from a few old concert T-shirts and sew them onto the pillows as patches or use them as iron-on decals.

The punk look can be whimsical as well as hard-edged, feminine as well as masculine. For a girl's punk bedroom, a few touches of hot pink or eye-popping fuchsia can signal femininity without going overboard. Search independent craft stores and handmade craft sites such as Etsy.com for small touches like multicolored plastic skulls, removable vinyl wall decals, and other handmade goodies.

Tags: your punk, create your, punk bedroom, bedroom perfect, chalkboard paint

Bathroom Vanities Colors

White bathroom vanities look especially classy with silver or gold accents.

The vanity in your bathroom space can either complement the main color in the room or add a visual contrast, making the vanity a bathroom's signature piece. Warm tones can add sophisticated brightness to a bathroom, while "cool" shades will promote an air of relaxation. Patterned vanities can serve as impressive focal pieces for a bathroom as well.

White

White is a classic and safe color for a vanity, but the color can also serve as a visually appealing contrast when the bathroom is a rich shade of brown or a dark gray color. Off-white vanities that are installed on tan or cream-colored bathroom walls are elegant monochromatic additions to a bathroom. If you've used particularly striking colors for the rest of the bathroom, like jewel-tone shades of aubergine or royal blue, a creamy shade of white is best for the vanity; if the feature is detached from the wall, you can add a seat cushion in blue or purple to the vanity stool.

Black

A sleek and modern bathroom will look even more so with a black vanity. If the rest of the walls are white or gray, black vanity counters and stools add direct color contrast that is visually appealing. Black also looks great with medium brown shades like nutmeg or cocoa; a detached black vanity is the perfect addition to a safari-themed bathroom where leopard or cheetah print linens and area rugs are part of the decor. It's also a good idea to add a vanity stool to the space with a white or tan seat cushion to add more modest color.

Red, Orange or Pink

Warm colors like orange, pink and red give a pop of color to a tan or reddish brown bathroom; a vanity in one of these colors can easily become the focal point of the bathroom. If the vanity is attached to the wall, paint the front of the vanity counter or mirror border a cranberry red or burgundy to complement the cinnamon shade of brown in the room. A soft shade of pink is the perfect addition to a vanity in a chocolate brown bathroom, and orange counters or vanity stools add vitality to a bathroom with golden brown tones.

Blue, Green or Purple

A purple vanity will stand out in a charcoal gray bathroom, particularly if the purple is a deep shade like eggplant. Lilac vanities and stools are a pretty addition to a bathroom with ivory or pastel gray walls. Other cool colors, like green and blue, provide a soothing burst of color to black bathrooms; a wooden mirror border in cobalt blue is eye-catching and modern, and a Kelly green detached vanity with silver or gray accents is a sound choice for a bathroom with pistachio green, or even aqua blue, walls or artwork.

Tags: bathroom with, black vanity, bathroom vanity, brown bathroom, colors like

Bedroom Organizing Ideas

Bedroom

Organizing your bedroom is a matter of selecting the right storage options to take advantage of every available space. Decorative chests or baskets may accessorize your bedroom while hideaway storage organizes occasional necessities. Your bedroom closet is the optimal place for accessible storage that can be decorative as well as functional. Consider these ideas for maximizing your bedroom's full organizational potential.

Decorative Storage

Organize your bedroom with stylish storage pieces to match your room's décor. Furnishings like an armoire, a dresser or a bench help organize your clothes, linens and personal necessities as they coordinate with your other bedroom furniture. You can place decorative baskets on bookshelves for easily accessible storage that accents the décor in your bedroom. Organize everything from toiletries to socks and magazines in small, medium and large baskets. Wicker hampers help organize laundry or hide toys. Window seats also make excellent toy boxes while providing an opportunity for decorative seating

Accessible Storage

Racks and shelves in your bedroom closet provide accessible storage and help organize clothes, shoes and other essentials. Organizing your bedroom closet is easy if you have a specific place for everything. You can find specialty hangers that will hang six pairs of pants on one tier or a row of ties, belts and accessories on another. These space savers expand and help organize your bedroom closet quickly and easily. Consider a professional closet organizing system for accessible storage with many options. Slide out racks and shelves can increase your storage capacity while organizing your bedroom closet beautifully.

Hideaway Storage

Organize your hideaway storage items like extra linens and out-of-season clothing in plastic bags that you can reduce to maximize storage capacity or in plastic bins with easier access. Removing the air from a plastic Space bag is simple and can greatly increase your available storage room. Space bags have a longer life span if you minimize the amount of times you open them and the ways that you use them. Bags used to transport your daughter back and forth to college will not last as long as bags that sit on a shelf. The value is in the space they make available as opposed to plastic bins, which last longer but do not hold as much. You can find both types of hideaway storage to fit in your bedroom closet and under the bed so you can take advantage of all the available storage opportunities in your bedroom.

Tags: your bedroom, bedroom closet, help organize, your bedroom closet, accessible storage, accessible storage

Build A Dining Room Table Top

Build a Dining Room Table Top

Turn any great table base back into an eye catching dining room table. Whether the old top has gotten scarred, stained, or gashed into, it can be removed and a new fresh top set to take its place. With creativity your own style and customizations can be incorporated and turn your table into a one of kind piece, that can be passed on to future generations.

Instructions

Making the Top Piece

1. Take off the old top from the base by unscrewing the attaching screws or nails. Try to not damage the base since it will be used again.

2. Sand the base down to take off the old finish. This way it can be stained at the same time as the top so it will match and look fresh.

3. Pick out the wood boards that will make the new top. Try to find matching colors and grains.

4. Set boards up in order that matches up the best. Apply wood glue to the edges and push pieces back together.

5. Set up clamps to hold boards together to set. Try to keep boards as even as possible on a flat plane. Adjust the clamps as needed to make best flat surface. Allow to dry completely.

6. Take off clamps and run the new large board through a machine planer to get a smooth flat surface. If a machine planer is not accessible, use a hand planer.

Creating Design

7. Draw out desired design for table top. This can be painted, stained, or cut. Lay out a template over the table top to follow.

8. Cut designs into top of the table as wanted. They can be routed out as small recesses for a design or chiseled by hand for intricate designs. If using paint, draw out the design onto the table first with pencil, then use a paintbrush to paint in design.

9. Inlays can be placed in recessed areas if wanted. To do this, cut out small slots of wood of another color by jigsaw or hand chiseled. Sand down piece and use wood glue to insert wood piece into cut away area.

10. Sand all edges and surfaces until smooth.

11. Place top on base and center into place.

12. Use bolts or screws to attach top to base through the top of the base to the bottom of the new top.

13. Apply stain to base and top and allow to dry. Repeat until desired look is achieved.

14. Apply clear finish to entire piece. Allow to dry. Repeat a second coat.

Tags: Build Dining, Build Dining Room, Dining Room Table, flat surface, machine planer, Room Table, wood glue

Get Rid Of Mice In The Bedroom

If you have noticed mice in the bedroom of your home, you should act quickly to get rid of them. Mice breed frequently and give birth to a large number of babies each time. This means that the population of mice in your home can rapidly increase if you do not take action. You can trap the mice with traditional traps, or you can use humane alternatives to trap the mice live and release them outside your home.

Instructions

1. Remove any food that might be attracting the mice.

2. Clean the bedroom thoroughly to get rid of any crumbs or bits of food that could be drawing the mice to the bedroom.

3. Look for any holes in the room that the mice could be coming in through. Mice can fit through holes as small as a quarter-inch wide. When you find the holes, plug them with steel wool.

4. Set a trap in the bedroom to catch the mice. You can use glue traps, traditional traps or traps that catch the mice live so that you can release them.

5. Get a cat. Even if the cat does not kill the mice, it might deter them from entering the bedroom.

6. Place items around the room with a smell that repels mice. Such smells include peppermint, mothballs, onion and ammonia. For peppermint, you can use peppermint essential oil.

Tags: your home, catch mice, food that, mice bedroom, mice live, release them

Attic Bedroom Ideas For A Girl

Attic bedrooms can be difficult to decorate because of their sloping ceilings. Dark colors will make the room seem small and claustrophobic, but neutral colors might seem boring to a young girl. The key to decorating an attic bedroom is balance. Use a combination of bright and neutral colors that your daughter likes, and involve her in choosing the furniture and accessories.

Colors

Paint three of the walls white or cream to make the bedroom look bigger. Use a bright color on the fourth wall to create a focal point, such as pink, lilac or yellow. Paint the floor and ceiling white so that they reflect light coming in from the window. You can use wall stickers to add some extra interest and color to the room, and these can be peeled off and replaced if you daughter outgrows them.

Furniture

Use multi-function furniture that helps to maximize space. Use a desk that doubles as a dresser, with small drawers to store homework, makeup or clothes. Bunkbeds increase floor space and work well in attic rooms, but you might not have enough headroom to accommodate one. Position the bed next to the window so that it creates a focal point. Avoid large furniture if the attic room is particularly small because it will look disproportionate in the room. Position main pieces of furniture against the wall, beneath the slope of the ceiling, so it doesn't take up floor space in the middle of the room. Choose furniture that's made from a light colored wood, such as oak, or paint existing furniture white to help the room appear light and airy.

Storage

Keep small attic bedrooms tidy because they can easily become cluttered. Use the space underneath the bed to keep storage boxes. Use storage baskets to keep books, makeup and shoes in. A closet organizer will help you maximise closet space, and you can use hooks on the wall to hang bags and coats from.

Accessories

Use blinds or curtains that match the color of your feature wall. Avoid large light fixtures that draw attention to the ceiling because they can make it seem lower. Use recessed lights, and place a decorative lamp on the desk for reading. Accessorize the walls with framed photos of your daughter's friends and family, and leave space for her to hang posters. Add an extra splash of color by using a rug, and keep bedding patterns small and in proportion with the room.

Tags: Avoid large, because they, floor space, focal point, furniture that, neutral colors

Bedroom Arrangement Ideas

Turn your bedroom into a den of rest.

A bedroom should be a relaxing place conducive to rest. By taking care when arranging your bedroom space, you can ensure that your slumber chamber is set for sleep and increase the likelihood that you have many relaxing nights of rest. Consider the purpose for the room when you're designing this space.

Morning Sun

If you aren't a rise-with-the-sun type of person, consider the sun and its potentially intrusive impact when planning your room. Avoid placing your bed in line with east-facing windows, as the sun will pour in through these openings each morning. If this placement can't be avoided, outfit these windows with sun-blocking curtains so that your slumber is not disrupted.

Bedside Storage

Many individuals aim to create a place next to their beds where they can stow objects, such as glasses or reading materials. Place an end table or night stand on each side of your bed. If purchasing new bedside storage, find a piece that lines up with the height of your bed so that it is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to use.

Safe Nighttime Walkway

There will likely come a time during your bedroom usage that you have to move about this nighttime space in the dark. Consider the fact that you may need to make a nighttime trip to the bathroom or around the space when organizing it. Place furniture pieces up against the wall and avoid allowing pieces to jut out into the room, as pieces arranged in this fashion form a tripping hazard and may lead to tumbles.

End-of-Bed Seating

Add some seating to your room without taking up too much space by arranging end-of-the-bed seating. Use a trunk or backless bench to sit at the foot of your bed. By selecting a piece that opens, you can allow yourself extra storage in addition to creating a comfortable place to sit.

Vertical Furnishings

If your bedroom, like many spaces of this type, is not as spacious as you would like, consider making the space appear more sizable. Instead of using wide dressers or other horizontal furnishings, opt for tall furniture that takes up less floor space yet still allows for adequate storage.

Tags: your bedroom, piece that, that have, that your, that your slumber

Remove A Mirror From A Bathroom Wall That Was Glued

Safely remove a glued bathroom mirror with cutout wire.

Bathroom mirrors install upon the wall with screws or construction-grade adhesive placed behind the mirror. A common reason for a homeowner to wish to remove this mirror from the bathroom wall is due to changing the decor for a bathroom renovation. Bathroom mirrors screwed onto the wall are simple to remove. Glued mirrors that are stuck to the wall with construction-grade adhesive will take more time, patience and tools to remove from the bathroom.

Instructions

1. Measure a piece of cutout wire with a tape measure so it is 3 feet longer than the bathroom mirror's total height. Cutout wire is a triple-braided, steel wire used in removing windshields. It is sometimes referred to as piano wire.

2. Cut the wire according to your measurements with wire snips. Wrap each end of the cutout wire around a wooden block. Give one end of the cutout wire to a helper, and instruct him to hold the wooden block so the end of the wire stays in place by his hand pressure. Grasp the other end of the cutout wire in the same fashion as your helper.

3. Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, thick gloves and eye protection before you begin to remove the glass to protect you and your helper from breaking glass shards.

4. Insert the cutout wire behind the bathroom mirror, at the top edge between the wall and the mirror. Tighten the cutout taut by twisting the wire further onto both ends of the wooden blocks. Have your helper tighten his end at the same time.

5. Hold the wire so it is diagonal behind the edge of the mirror. Use a sawing, back-and-forth motion to cut and force the wire deeper downward under the mirror, maintaining a taut hold on the cutout wire.

6. Position a second helper in front of the bathroom mirror before you have sawed halfway down the mirror, keeping both hands on the glass to ensure it does not fall forward and shatter.

7. Continue to saw the cutout wire back-and-forth until you have cut completely through the glue holding the mirror to the wall. Remove the mirror from the wall, and discard or recycle it at a local glass-recycling center.

Tags: cutout wire, bathroom mirror, your helper, Bathroom mirrors, construction-grade adhesive, cutout wire

Hang Netting In A Nauticalthemed Bedroom

Netting is a budget-friendly material that is easy to work with.

Netting is a perfect addition to any nautical-themed room, whether it's an adult's or a child's room. The netting adds both texture and visual interest to the themed decor, and can be used on the furniture, walls, and even on the ceiling. Netting is really easy to work with, and does not require any major DIY to fix it in place, so it can be easily altered or moved.

Instructions

1. Drape the netting casually over furniture, such as the end of the bed, the back of a chair, the top of the closet or a toy or blanket chest. This creates a relaxed, informal effect, while adding plenty of texture to the room. To prevent the netting from slipping off and ending up in piles on the floor, use some thumbtacks to pin it in place, or tie it in place with cotton twine.

2. Super-glue the netting onto an existing roller blind to create an interesting and unusual window dressing. Attach a curtain pole above the window and drape the netting around the window by twisting it around the curtain pole. Either allow the netting to hang down to the floor or finish just below the bottom of the window.

3. Create an over-bed canopy by attaching three curtain poles to the ceiling above the bed. Place one at the head end, one at the foot end and one in between the two. Drape the netting over the three poles. Don't pull it taut; allow it to dip slightly in between each pole. For a really cozy effect, allow the netting to reach down to the floor at either end of the bed.

4. Make a net curtain around the bed to create the feeling of an intimate ship's cabin bed. Hang four curtain poles from the ceiling above the bed, one at the head end, one at the foot end and one on either side, creating a square on the ceiling the same size as the bed. Attach enough net to each curtain rail so that it can be pulled closed to completely enclose the bed. Use simple shower curtain hooks to attach the net to the rail.

5. Pin netting to the bottom edge of the bed to create a funky valance and hide away anything stored under the bed.

6. Hang netting on the wall to create a piece of wall art. Attach nautical-themed items such as starfish and seashells to the netting for a different focal point.

7. Cover a cork board with netting to create a nautical-themed place to pin postcards and photos. Simply pull the netting taut and glue or pin in place at the back.

Tags: allow netting, ceiling above, curtain pole, curtain poles, down floor, Drape netting, easy work

Create A Dining Room Atmosphere

A dining room is a gathering place for friends and family.

Creating a welcoming dining room space is about more than setting a table or planning a menu. Whether you are having a weeknight meal with the family, a romantic dinner for two or a large holiday feast, the dining room can be the center for fun and food. To create an atmosphere that is warm and inviting for any meal, there are some simple design rules you should keep in mind.

Instructions

1. Choose a room decor theme. Your dining room should coordinate with the rest of your home's aesthetic to ensure flow from room to room. Once you have settled on a design scheme or at least a color palette, it will be easier to buy furniture and accessories to fill your space.

2. Create your desired level of formality in the room. If you want a more casual environment, you may want to choose a more contemporary or eclectic design scheme. If you want the room to be especially formal, choose traditional furnishings and design.

3. Make the table and chairs the focal point of the room. The dining room should be centered on food and gathering around the table. Avoid cluttering the space with furniture that will take away from this important focal point.

4. Accent the dining room table with linens. To soften the table and add color and texture, linens are essential. Even if you do not want to cover the table in a tablecloth, you can still use fabric in the form of a table runner or place mats. Depending on how formal you want the room to be, you can even choose to use cloth napkins.

5. Use lighting to create an ambiance for the room. Create an inviting atmosphere, make use of natural light. A dramatic chandelier hanging over the table will also cast a big presence. To set a romantic dining room atmosphere, try using candles in centerpieces or candelabras.

6. Change the table setting to coordinate with the meal. For example, change out your centerpieces and linens to match with seasonal colors. You could even coordinate fabrics and dishware to match the food itself. For example, Mexican cuisine looks authentic and classic on colorful Fiesta cookware.

Tags: dining room, coordinate with, design scheme, dining room should, focal point

Arrange A Long Bedroom

When a bedroom is longer than it is wide, arranging furniture can prove challenging. While pieces of furniture -- such as your bed or chest of drawers -- can go against the walls in a long bedroom, you have to proceed with caution so that you don't block pathways. If you have extra space left over, you can transform the unused area into a separate space, such as a dressing or sitting area.

Instructions

1. Move your bed in the long bedroom first. Center the bed on the wall at the end of the room, opposite where you enter the room. If the doorway enters the middle of the room, choose one end wall or the other. If the door to the bathroom is near one end wall, make sure there's enough space between the bed and the bathroom door for you to comfortably walk by and enter the bathroom. You can also place the bed catty-cornered, or on the diagonal, in the corner of the room if you don't need to have nightstands next to the bed.

2. Place night tables next to the bed. Make sure you plan the room to place a night table on each side of the bed. If not, you may have to move the bed off-center and only use one night table.

3. Place a dresser or chest of drawers on one of the longer side walls. If you have more than one item of furniture, make sure to arrange them far enough from the bottom of the bed so that no pathways are blocked and the furniture in the room looks balanced. For instance, if you have a dresser and a chest of drawers, don't line them up side-by-side on one wall. Place one piece of furniture on one side wall and one on the other.

4. Put a large area rug on the floor in an unused portion of the bedroom if you have a long enough room that allows for a separate area. Arrange two chairs -- or a love seat -- and a coffee table on the area rug to make a sitting area.

Tags: chest drawers, area Arrange, bedroom have, dresser chest, dresser chest drawers

Budgetfriendly Bedroom Makeover Ideas

Bedroom makeovers can be done on a small budget.

Every room needs a face lift now and then, but the renovation doesn't have to break your bank account. Bedroom makeovers can be done on the cheap but look as if you spent a fortune, if you seek out a few bargains and arm yourself with a little creativity and an ample amount of elbow grease.

Bedding

As the focal point of the room, updating the bedclothes gives the room a fresh, new look. Many discount retailers sell complete sets of bedding in a bag that include sheets, pillowcases and a comforter or bedspread. You can also find good deals on discontinued styles and patterns in the bargain bin of higher-end stores. After you've chosen new bedding, spruce it up by throwing a few different shaped decorative pillows on top.

Paint and Wallpaper

You can find half-full cans of paint at garage and yard sales that are perfectly good to paint your bedroom. Home improvement centers and hardware stores frequently have good discounts on interior paint and rolls of wallpaper, such as "buy one, get one free." To save money and time, you can paint just one wall of the room a bright or pastel color, or use wallpaper borders to create a fresh environment. Covering one wall with patterned wallpaper adds a novel touch to the room.

Floors

Painted wood floors can be repainted in a new color, or you can create a tile effect by painting different colored squares on the floor. For small bedrooms with wood floors, consider covering it with tile or linoleum purchased from a floor covering remnant store.

Area rugs give the room a warm, cozy feel, and barely used ones are often sold at heavily reduced prices at online auction and used household goods websites. Scatter a few throw rugs around the room to create a casual atmosphere.

Windows

Window treatments are inexpensive ways to make your bedroom look fresh. Install or remove an existing valance to change the face of the room, or hang ceiling-to-floor draperies for a dramatic flair. Vertical or horizontal shades give the room a tailored, finished appearance, along with providing privacy and shelter from the morning sun. If you prefer natural light, choose the minimalist route. Give the window frame a fresh coat of pretty paint and let it stand on its own, without any window treatments.

Furniture

Old furniture is easy to renovate with the right tools and materials. If the wood has a nice grain but shows signs of wear and tear, strip off the old varnish and restain it. You can make the wood look old with inexpensive distressing kits. For painted furniture, consider stenciling the fronts of dresser drawers or headboards.

Tags: Bedroom makeovers, Bedroom makeovers done, give room, makeovers done, wood floors

Good Ideas For A Teen Girl'S Bedroom On A Budget

Make sure your decorating ideas tie in with her interests.

Teenage girls spend most of their time at home in their bedrooms, where they also store the majority of their belongings. Decorating your teen girl's bedroom on a set budget can be frustrating when you have no idea where to begin. The main goal is organized functionality combined with expressive comfort. If you or your teen girl are creative you can save a significant amount of money by making some of the decorations and accents yourselves.

Furniture

Girls this age require an adequate amount of storage space. If you don't have the money for a new bed with built-in storage compartments, consider purchasing less expensive shelves that can be attached to her walls instead. Search thrift stores and garage sales for bookshelves, baskets and storage totes that fit underneath the bed. Old trunks can be used for storage and as tables. If you are not happy with the way the furniture looks, apply a new coat of paint in her favorite color, or replace the hardware with something you find more attractive. You can dress up her bed with a new headboard. These headboards often have built-in storage shelving. Rearrange her bedroom furniture. If one of her concerns is adding seating for visitors look for couches at yard sales and either make or purchase a sofa cover in her favorite color.

Lighting

Lighting is an inexpensive way to change the appearance of an entire room. Your choice of lighting should reflect her personal style preferences. You can string large black lights, or alter white holiday light strings with layered purple or turquoise tulle flower petals wire wrapped around each bulb. Paper lanterns shaped like balls or stars are also popular options. If these ideas don't suit her style, consider purchasing rope style lights or lava lamps in her favorite colors. You can either purchase new lamp shades or cover existing shades with semi-sheer fabric squares to create more subtle lighting effects throughout the room. Lamp bases can also be painted to match the rest of the room.

Accents

Room accents are a predominant factor in successful decorating strategies. Purchase comfortable pillows and a bed set in her favorite color. You can add appliques to make bedding more personalized. Try making your own curtains using attractive fabrics. Tapestries with different designs can be used as tablecloths, wall hangings, curtains, and they can even be sewn onto sheets or bedspreads. Inexpensive carpets help tie the room together and protect the carpets underneath from spills and stains. Encourage your teen to make collages out of her favorite photos, or cut out pictures from magazines for collage materials. Replace old doorknobs and paint her light switch covering plates and the edging on her full-length mirror. If her bed has tall posts, drape tulle fabric over them and place dried flower petals inside the parts of the tulle that dip down from the posts.Candle lanterns, decorative mirrors and sun catchers also work well as room accents.

Walls

Let her paint the walls. Paint isn't very expensive and it can be used to revamp her furniture as well. If you aren't allowed to paint your walls because you live in an apartment, purchase a variety of posters and print out artwork by her favorite artist. Enter the name of her favorite artist into your preferred search engine followed by the word art, or look for specific pictures by their titles if they are known. You can also cut her favorite pictures out of old calendars and use them to decorate her walls.

Tags: favorite color, your teen, built-in storage, consider purchasing, favorite artist

Replace Batting & Foam On A Dining Chair

Over many years of use, dining chair foam can become flattened. It won't be as comfortable to sit on as it used to be. In this situation, many people choose to purchase new chairs for their dining room. Some will even hire an upholstery expert to take care of the problem. These are costly options. Instead, you can replace the foam and batting on your own. With foam or batting purchased from a fabric or craft store, you can make your dining chairs look and feel brand new.

Instructions

1. Remove the seat from the chair using a Phillips head screw driver. Flip the chair over for easy access to the screws on the underside of the seat.

2. Use a staple remover to take out the staples securing the fabric onto the dining chair seat. Remove the fabric and set it aside. Remove and dispose of the old batting and foam inside the seat.

3. Measure a new piece of foam or batting. Choose batting or foam of 1-inch thickness. If using a combination of the two materials, use 1/2-inch batting on top of 1/2-inch foam. Cut the pieces so that they are 1/4-inch longer than the chair seat on all sides.

4. Place the foam on the seat and cover with the original fabric. Flip the seat so the foam is on the bottom and pull the fabric tightly on all sides.

5. Staple the fabric back onto the seat while stretching the fabric across the foam to keep it tight. For corners, fold the fabric before stapling, causing a tight crease on the underside of the chair seat.

6. Reattach the seat to the dining chair by affixing the screws with the Phillips head screw driver. Turn the screws as tightly as possible to ensure the seat stays secure.

Tags: chair seat, foam batting, dining chair, head screw, head screw driver, Phillips head

Proper Dining Room Table Setting

Even the simplest meals can benefit from proper table settings.

Whether you're serving an elaborate four-course dinner on your best china to twenty of your closest friends, or just a simple family dinner on a Tuesday night, setting the dining table properly is a welcome touch. In addition to demonstrating your style and manners, a proper table setting also helps the meal go smoothly.

Importance

If you've ever accidentally sipped from your neighbor's water glass during a dinner party, you know the importance of properly setting the table. When the utensils and glasses are placed on the table correctly, diners can be confident that the knife they are using or the water glass they're drinking from is meant for them. A proper table setting is also designed to help diners use the correct utensil for each course. Utensils should be placed in order of use, from the outside in, so the dinner fork, the last one to be used, is closest to the dinner plate.

Casual Meals

set a dining room properly depends on the formality of the meal. For a casual meal, place the fork and napkin on the left of the plate, and the knife and spoon to the right of the plate, in that order. The drinking glasses go above the knife and spoon and the bread and butter plate, if necessary, above the fork. However, with a casual meal, you can also get creative with the utensil placement. For example, if you want to fold the napkin creatively and place the utensils in the folded cloth on top of the plate, that is acceptable.

Formal Meals

If you are serving a formal meal for a holiday or dinner party, the proper dining room table setting is far more elaborate. The general placement of the utensils is the same, with forks on the left and knives and spoons on the right. However, in a formal setting, everything should be evenly spaced on the table, with the centerpiece in the exact center of the table and all of the place settings and utensils evenly balanced. Formal dining table settings also require more utensils than a casual meal; for example, if you are offering a fish course, the fish fork goes on the left, then the salad fork and dinner fork. If you're serving a shellfish course, the oyster fork goes on the right, next to the soup spoon. Depending on how many courses and what you are serving, a formal place setting includes dinner, fish, salad and butter knives--always placed with the cutting blades facing the dinner plate. The formal place setting also includes a charger, or decorative plate that holds the first course, and up to five glasses for water, wine, champagne, and sherry.

General Rules

In general, the way you set the table for a meal depends on what you are serving and the space available. For example, if you aren't serving fish or shellfish, you do not need to include the special utensils for those courses. For a casual meal, you can serve salad on the dinner plate if the main entree does not include sauce; the same rule applies to bread. Avoid placing more than three of any type of utensil on the table at once, with the exception of the oyster fork. Bring the utensils in with the fourth course if necessary.

Tags: casual meal, dinner plate, plate that, proper table, setting also

The Types Of Bedroom Furniture

Any piece of furniture that you decide to move to your bedroom can become a piece of bedroom furniture, but traditionally certain types of furniture are considered bedroom furniture. Some pieces of bedroom furniture may function well when moved to other rooms. Bedroom furniture may be purchased in sets or separately.

Bed

The bed is the most important piece of furniture in the bedroom; it is what defines the room as a bedroom. Beds may be a single mattress on the floor--if that is all you can afford--mattress and box springs on a simple bed frame, or elaborate head and foot boards. Canopy, sleigh and four-poster are styles of bed frames with posts and head and foot boards. You can paint or attach faux headboards to the wall at the head of the bed.

Clothes Storage

A chest of drawers or bureau holds folded articles of clothing. Many people use drawers to hold socks, underwear, pajamas, T-shirts and jeans while placing easily wrinkled items in the closet. Clothes may also be stored in a wardrobe; wardrobes are cabinet-like closets, or closets you can move from one room to another.

Seating

Bedroom benches are designed to be placed at the end of a bed or in front of a window. They have no backs. Many master bedrooms are built with extra room that many architects call a bedroom retreat. The bedroom retreat is designed to provide room for lounge chairs and sofas so parents have a sanctuary away from their children.

Tables

Nightstands and vanities are two table types of bedroom furniture. Nightstands resemble end tables placed on the sides of the bed. Nightstands hold lamps, glasses and pictures and are also normally equipped with a drawer for private items you may wish to keep at the bedside. Vanity tables resemble desks with mirrors. Vanities may be placed in large bathrooms and are typically used by women applying makeup.

Storage

Bedroom furniture pieces like hope chests, trunks, jewelry boxes and armoires are additional storage pieces. Some armoires house bedroom televisions and hid them behind closed doors. Hope chests and trunks are often placed at the ends of the bed but may also be placed in other rooms of the house.

Tags: bedroom furniture, bedroom retreat, chests trunks, foot boards, head foot, head foot boards, other rooms

Kitchen & Dining Room Remodeling Ideas

Make your kitchen and dining room welcoming.

The kitchen and dining room are areas where friends and family congregate to enjoy meals together on a daily basis or for special occasions. If you are thinking about remodeling, use touches that reflect your personal style and give a warm and welcoming feeling--making them places where your loved ones will enjoy spending time.

Color

The colors you choose for both rooms sets the tone for the space. Dark colors can be attractive, but done in excess, they can make the space seem cold and uninviting. If you tend to gravitate toward colors like maroon or navy, use them sparingly; paint only one or two walls in your color of choice and paint the remaining walls a complementary neutral tone. If your kitchen and dining room are small, choose lighter, warmer colors--such as eggshell or sunny yellow--to make them appear larger.

Furniture

Furnish your kitchen and dining room with pieces that reflect your taste and add function to the space. Accommodate diners with tables and chairs that are comfortable and fit in the room. For instance, if you have a small room, a circular table surrounded by cushioned chairs will provide a space to eat and is easy to get around.

If you like rustic design, a reclaimed wood table and mismatched wood chairs topped with decorative cushions will showcase your taste. For a more modern look, choose a glass topped table flanked by upholstered straight-backed chairs with straight legs. In either space, a sideboard or a hutch is an ideal space to store glasses and dishes. Add an additional workspace and extra storage to your kitchen by bringing in a modular island.

Lighting

Lighting is functional and it also warms the room. In a kitchen, install recessed lighting over the sink, the countertops and the stove. Place a ceiling fixture in the center of the room to illuminate the entire area. If you have an eat-in kitchen, place a simple, yet attractive light above the table.

Chandeliers are commonly hung over dining room tables. If you want to create a formal dining room, opt for a traditional crystal chandelier. For a modern dining room, a metal fixture with curved arms that are topped with lampshades is attractive.

Accessories

Accessories complete the look of these rooms. Wrought iron wall hangings, paper towel and napkin holders work well with rustic design. Stainless steel canisters placed on a countertop are not only ideal for holding condiments; they also add a decorative touch to a modern kitchen. Large potted plants placed in a corner bring nature into a dining room. Fill glass vases or recycled bottles with your favorite flowers and place them in the center of the table.

Tags: dining room, kitchen dining, your kitchen, kitchen dining room, your kitchen dining, dining room, reflect your

Cozy Bedroom Colors

A cozy bedroom incorporates warm colors in the decor.

A cozy bedroom is warm, snug, inviting and comforting. Whether your room is large or small, the decor creates a tranquil atmosphere. Your color palette is the basis for selecting a color theme. Warm colors are vibrant and have yellow overtones. Cool colors create a serene environment and have red or cyan as their base. Since paint is the easiest element to match, select the wall color last. A tint is a color with white added, a shade is a color with black added and a tone is a color with gray added. Choose your flooring first, followed by furnishings, lighting and bedding. Coordinate the wall color as a backdrop for your decor.

Flooring

Carpeting makes a room cozy and warm. Select a neutral color such as creamy white or a very pale gray. Any shade of white, black or gray is considered neutral. A neutral carpet allows changes to the color scheme without having to replace the carpeting. A sculpted carpet is trendy but cooler in texture than plush carpeting. Hardwood flooring is cool but can be made warmer through the use of area rugs, and tile flooring is the coolest. Stay with a plush, pile carpet for a cozy bedroom.

Furnishings

White wood bedroom furniture is one of the coolest choices of furnishings. For a cozy look to the room, walnut or pecan wood is inviting. Mahogany is dark with red overtones. creating a heavy feeling. Honey colored wicker is cozy. Leather is sophisticated. An inexpensive, round glass-top table hung with a fabric skirt that reaches to the floor is warm. Consider a pink and green floral, or a blue and purple tartan for a warm fabric. Match it with a tufted fabric headboard of lime velvet or pale purple moire and your look moves into the warm and cozy category.

Window Treatments

If you are using fabric on your headboard and side tables, use a contrasting neutral for your window coverings. A long, flowing drapery panel in a neutral creamy white muslin or pale gray sheer that pools on the floor is luxurious and inviting. A valance or tieback in matching furnishing fabric ties the draperies to the room's theme. Wrapping a thick drapery pole in the same fabric is a subtle decorating addition and adds to the coziness of the room.

Bedding

A bedspread is flat, staid and conservative. For a warm, cozy feeling, use a down-filled duvet, and cover it with a neutral-on-neutral duvet cover in dusty pink or dusty violet; tints that use white as a lightener in the color scheme will work. Use a matching bed skirt that reaches to the floor. Monochrome, or one color, is flat, whereas a pattern of a single color that is textured adds depth and warmth. Highlight the bedding with fabric-patterned shams and throw pillows that match your headboard and table skirt, and toss a woven or fur blanket over the top of the duvet at the end of the bed. Use the sham/headboard/table fabric on chair or stool upholstery, or add another solid hue that blends with your color scheme.

Wall Color

Once all the elements of your decor have been selected, take a fabric sample of either the table skirt or duvet cover to a paint store and look for a wall color that coordinates with your choices. For a dramatic effect, paint the wall behind the bed a darker shade, but stay within the same color family. Crown and base molding should be a gloss in a lighter tint and the ceiling can be painted a darker shade if the ceiling is high or a lighter tint if it is low. A very pale pink, violet or blue are all cozy colors and warm up the look of a room.

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Find A Public Restroom

Don't miss out on a wonderful excursion because you are afraid you can't find a restroom.

One of the quickest ways for a human being to lose dignity is not finding a restroom in time to meet bodily needs. When you are traveling, especially to unfamiliar towns and areas, hunting down a restroom can be challenging. And access to public restrooms is vital for people with certain diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, which affect over 1.4 million Americans, reported the CCFA November 2010. If you plan ahead, you will be able to anticipate where public restrooms are located. Many restaurants, hotels and shops have public access to restaurants, and you usually don't have to buy anything to use them. Your cell phone may run applications that help you find restrooms in your vicinity.

Instructions

1. Check with your cell phone provider or the maker of your phone to inquire about particular applications that will designate restrooms. If you have a GPS, you can also use that to search for restrooms where ever you may be.

2. Locate on your travel map the symbols for restrooms and rest areas. For road trips these are a must. On long road trips, you will see signs well in advance of a rest area, as well as signs saying "no facilities next 50 miles," so plan ahead. Highlight the rest area map symbols at logical exit points on your route. Many of these that are located on Interstate highways now have security, too, so stopping at night is usually safe.

3. Check at Chambers of Commerce and Welcome Centers. Not only do many of these have public restrooms but also staff on hand will also be able to direct you to other public restroom locations within the town or area.

4. Contact a park authority or check a park map for rest rooms. These are usually open during daylight hours at city, state and national parks. Campers will also find them open during the night within most campgrounds.

5. Visit the local library during operating hours. These will typically have a public rest room, but librarians may know of local public restrooms, too, especially within their vicinity.

6. Ask at marinas, docks and public boating facilities for keys to dockside marinas if they are not open to the general public. Sometimes there are two groups of rest rooms -- one for visiting public and one for boat owners. Not all boat owners use marine heads aboard their vessel, but prefer the rest room that is ashore.

7. Visit a shopping mall -- these all usually have public rest rooms well marked for shoppers. Some major stores within the mall may also have one that is easily accessible.

8. Stop at a hotel, motel or inn and ask the front desk staff to direct you to their facilities.

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