Teak is a dense, close-grained hardwood that is more durable and low-maintenance than many other types used to construct furniture. Teak is suitable for indoor or outdoor furniture and is often used as dining furniture. While it is not difficult to care for teak furniture, you must do some maintenance to keep it looking the way you wish it to look.
Cleaning Teak
As with any dining room furniture, your teak will have to be cleaned regularly. Mold and mildew can build up on the surface and can damage the wood, as can the usual dirt that comes with regular use. To clean surface soil, simply use a sponge, water and a mild soap.
For removing any surface buildup you must go a step further. According to TeakCleaning.net, cleaning should be done with a cleaning solution specifically designed for teak wood. It should be available in places that sell teak or from department stores. Use a one-part formula (not two-part acid cleaners) and a bristle brush to gently scrub the surface of the table and chairs for about 10 minutes. You will also want to buy some bronze wool. Then rinse the table with clean water and wipe the bronze wool across the grain of the wood to remove any cleaning solution that is left behind. This thorough cleaning will not have to be done very often for indoor dining furniture, but should be done when you begin to notice the table top looking dull or discolored.
Teak Oil
The use of teak oil is standard maintenance for those who wish to keep their teak furniture the beautiful golden-brown color it is when it is first purchased. Teak oil is usually applied about once every three months to the surface of the furniture to maintain the smooth brown finish. The application of teak oil also accompanies sanding. Using light sandpaper, the furniture must be sanded smooth and rubbed down with the oil. Teak oil does not prolong the life of the wood or damage it, according to ClassicTeak.com.
Some people choose to leave their teak furniture untreated. Over time teak will naturally turn to a silver-gray color that is distinguished and indicates finely-aged teak furniture. This is common for outdoor teak. The furniture must be maintained with cleaners eventually or the silver shade will begin to turn dark and sometimes green.
Staining
Staining is an option if you choose to keep your teak furniture a specific color without the maintenance of oiling or aging. Just remember that stain is designed to be permanent and you will not likely get back the natural color once you do it. If you later decide to strip permanent stain from teak, it will require extensive sanding.
If your furniture has already turned silver-gray and you wish to stain it, you must sand it first before applying the stain.
Remind your boy of all the places he can travel by decorating his room with trains.
From "The Little Engine That Could" to "The Polar Express," trains capture kids' imaginations and help explain the importance of perseverance. Decorating a boy's room with trains can help create a motif that inspires him to think and dream as he grows up. Be creative and design a room unlike any other in your neighborhood.
Instructions
1. Put a border around the top of the walls of your boy's room, just touching the ceiling. Trains are a popular theme and you should be able to find a self-sticking boarder featuring trains at many stores that stock bedroom decorations. You can also create your own boarder with paints and paintbrushes. Use stencils if you aren't comfortable working on the walls freehand.
Use the stencils to cut pieces of sponge into train shapes. Dip the sponges into paint and dab them on windowsills or wainscoting to create train outlines.
2. Place several picture frame shelves around the room. These can be short or long, depending on the type of model train you buy. Attach them to the wall according to the instructions on the shelves you purchase. Place model trains on these shelves.
3. Purchase fabric with trains on it at any fabric or craft store. Use the fabric to create curtains, pillowcases and a comforter. You can also buy fabric with a single color, then create pillows that actually look like train cars. Simply sew a regular pillowcase, then decorate it with strips of fabric in other colors to create the train car of your choice. Make several different types of train cars, like an engine, a passenger car and a boxcar, so that your child has an entire train on his bed. Add scraps of fabric to the ends of pillowcases to create the snub nose of an engine or the outdoor railing of a boxcar.
4. Hang up posters of trains on the walls. You can find artistic ones or cartoon ones online or in stores.
5. Put a railroad crossing sign on the wall. You can find aluminum or plastic ones online, or you can paint one if you have a little artistic ability.
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Decorating a girl's bedroom often brings to mind big dollar signs. If you're on a limited budget, you'll enjoy hearing that you can make over a little girl's room without going broke. By making strategic changes and making use of the current decor, the bedroom will have a new look and you can still afford to buy groceries or pay the light bill. Whether you choose a theme for the room or go with a general girl theme, involve your daughter in the process as much as possible.
Bedding
Choose a general bedding set rather than a decorative, themed set. By choosing a solid color or a basic print, you can reuse the bedding set even if the room's theme changes in a few years. This thrifty move will save you down the road. Solid bedding sets are also typically less expensive than themed bed sets, so you'll save money up front as well. Add some inexpensive pillows that match the room's theme to tie it all together.
Walls
A coat of paint is one of the most affordable ways to refresh a girl's bedroom. Choose a color scheme for the room. Using the lightest color from the selected palette keeps the room from feeling smaller. It also allows other wall decorations to become focal points instead of getting lost on dark colored walls.
Consider decorative paint techniques to add interest. Ideas include painting multi-colored stripes or polka dots on the wall. You might also paint the lower half of the walls one color and the top half a different color. A mural is another inexpensive paint technique if you handle the work yourself. An overhead projector allows you to trace the mural design on the wall. Once it's sketched, simply fill in the outlines with paint to complete it.
Furniture
The furniture is often one of the most expensive aspects of a bedroom makeover. If the current furniture is solid, give it a coat of paint to make it look new. White is a common color for bedroom furniture, but it's also boring for a child's room. Add some color to the furniture to make it more child-friendly. One simple idea is to paint each drawer on the dresser a that complements the other decor in the room.
If the existing furniture isn't in good condition, check out consignment shops, auctions and garage sales. You can often find great deals on furniture that just needs a quick face lift.
Tags: coat paint, different color, girl bedroom, room theme
If your child is a big superhero fan, design a cool superhero-themed bedroom that will make her smile every time she walks in. Ask your child what his favorite superhero is, and, if he can narrow it down, focus on that superhero when coming up with decoration ideas. Whether you're focusing on Batman, Spider Man, the Hulk, Iron Man or any other superhero, you'll be able to find plenty of accessories to go along with the theme. You can also do some of the decorating yourself. Ask for your child's input when it comes to choosing accessories or paint colors, and have fun working on the room together.
Sheets and Curtains
You can find a wide variety of superhero themed comforters, sheets, pillowcases and curtains at bedroom supply stores. You'll have your pick of superhero and villain characters, and even combinations of the two. You can also find superhero blankets and shaped pillows. If you want to choose a comforter and sheets in simpler, solid colors, use themed blankets and pillows to jazz up the set.
Wall Murals
Consider painting a personalized superhero mural on one of your child's bedroom walls. Plan your design on paper first, and try to include recognizable imagery from your chosen superhero's world, such as a cave, city skyline or specialized vehicle. Collaborate on the project with your child, and have fun painting an illustration of a famous scene from the relevant superhero comic book or movie. You can even insert a painted image of your child into the scene with the superhero. Paint the rest of the room's walls in contrasting primary colors or simply in white if you think the room is already too colorful.
Stickers and Posters
If you're hesitant to commit to a hand-painted wall mural, you can find large superhero wall stickers to use instead. These stickers can look incredibly lifelike, and will give the impression that the superhero or villain is in the room with you. You can choose between wall stickers showing Spider Man, Superman, The Thing, Iron Man, Batman, the Hulk and more. You can also purchase superhero posters to frame and hang on the walls or door.
Miscellaneous Accessories
Add superhero themed accessories to complete the room's look. Display your child's collection of superhero figurines or memorabilia, or purchase superhero themed bedroom appliances or accessories. Look for light switch plate covers, superhero insignia wall clocks, nightlights, lamps, furniture and more. You can also paint your own superhero themed wooden furniture, such as bedside tables or chairs.
Tags: your child, superhero themed, Bedroom Ideas, more also, purchase superhero, Superhero Bedroom, Superhero Bedroom Ideas
A slow draining sink is a sign of a clogged P-trap
A slow draining or blocked bathroom sink invariably is caused by a clogged P-trap. This U-shaped pipe under the sink is designed to prevent sewer gasses from backing up into the bathroom. A plunger sometimes can be used to clear blockages. Some P-traps are fitted with a drain plug at its lowest point that can be removed, allowing you to fish out debris with a bent wire coat hanger. If all else fails you can either call a plumber or you can save some money by replacing the P-trap yourself.
Instructions
1. Place a bucket under the sink to catch the water trapped in the pipe. Unscrew the connecting nuts on both ends of the P-trap. If it's made of white PVC, you'll be able to loosen the nuts by turning them counterclockwise by hand. If the fitting is made of chrome-plated metal, use a pair of channel lock pliers. Adjust the pliers to the correct width and wrap a rag around the nut to prevent the jaws from damaging the plating. Grip with the pliers and turn the nut counterclockwise to break the seal, and then remove the nut by hand.
2. Twist the P-trap away from the sink drain and slide it out of the wall socket. Stuff an old rag into the outlet pipe to prevent odors the bathroom. Use the old P-trap as a sample and purchase the same size white ABS plastic P-trap replacement, together with a sink transition piece and slip joint extension if necessary. Get a kit containing all the replacement nuts and gaskets you'll need and a tube of plumber's thread compound.
3. Remove the rag plug and test fit the tailpiece into the wall pipe. If the tailpiece is too long, the up pipe may not line up with the sink drain pipe. If this is the case, measure the difference with a ruler and mark the amount to be removed from the new P-trap with a pencil. Use a plastic pipe saw to cut the wall tailpiece to the correct size.
4. Assemble the P-trap. If a transition piece and/or slip joint extension is needed, smear a small amount of threading compound onto the threads and thread the P-trap up pipe nut onto the transition piece and/or the outlet pipe onto the transition piece. Tighten the connecting nuts snugly without exerting force. Place the final connecting nuts onto both ends of the P-trap and slip the round gaskets into place.
5. Put a small amount of plumber's thread compound on the threads of the sink drain pipe and the threads on the wall pipe. Insert the P-trap exit end into the wall pipe and thread the connecting nut on without tightening. Attach the up pipe the same way. Tighten both by hand, but don't exert force and tighten them too much. Doing so will distort the gaskets and cause leaks.
6. Put the plug in the sink and fill it with water. Remove the plug and let the sink drain. Inspect the joints for leaks. If you have an obvious leak, loosen the connecting nut half a turn. Plug the sink, fill with water and drain. Tighten the connecting nut gradually until the leak stops. Wipe the pipes dry and wrap some toilet paper around all the joints and secure the ends with a bit of cellophane tape. Refill and drain the sink. Leave for ten minutes before unwrapping the toilet paper. If all the pieces are completely dry, you have watertight seals on all connecting nuts.
Tags: connecting nuts, , , wall pipe, backing into
Organizing a shared boys bedroom will carve out a clean, uncluttered place to think, play and dream for each of them. Before undertaking the project, talk with both children. Ask them what they want for the space and how they see the space working. Consider their individual interests and give them both a voice in how the room functions and looks. Enlist their help in the project and watch them take ownership with pride.
Instructions
Split Space for Two Boys
1. Clear out all the shelves, closets, dresser drawers, toy chests---every storage solution available in the space. Separate the boys' belongings, with a third pile for shared items. Creating a clutter-free space is the goal, so purge and donate items they no longer want or use.
2. Zone the room so each child has adequate space to sleep, play and study. Resist the urge to create a physical barrier between them; use complementary color to separate the space instead. Keep the amount of furniture in the room to a minimum if square footage is tight. Consider bunk beds to make use of vertical space.
3. Sort what's left of the boys' belongings by use---sports equipment with sports equipment, books with books, art supplies with art supplies---and provide appropriate storage solutions for each. One by one, put items where they will go. The best way to help children learn to put away their things is to assign a specific spot for each grouping. If you make a place for everything, the boys won't have to guess. At this point, set expectations for how the new space will be maintained.
4. Add hooks to the backs of doors for jackets and backpacks. Hang additional shelving to free up floor space for storing books, collections, trophies and other items. Use a large toy chest in a central location in the room for easy play and cleanup. Try under-bed storage bins to hold offseason clothing and less frequently used toys.
5. Install a closet organizing system to maximize space and accommodate both boys' clothes and shoes. If they share certain items, make those the most easily accessible, and then separate the rest by child.
Bathroom plumbing can refer to three distinct projects. It could mean simple repairs to temporarily or permanently stop leaks. It can entail a total fixture upgrade meaning sinks, toilets and tubs will need to be replaced. Or, it can refer to the addition of a much needed extra bathroom to the home. Each project requires different steps and significant attention to existing pipes, drains and water sources. Basic repairs are not difficult to complete. Replacing fixtures and adding a new bathroom are more difficult to complete.
Instructions
Existing Fixtures
1. Unclog sink, toilet and shower/tub drains. Rely on plungers or drain chemicals to loosen simple clogs. Use an auger that can cut through more resistance, or if you feel materials are stuck in a bend in a pipe.
2. Flush away toilet problems. When toilets don't have enough water in the tank or continue to "run," there are several troubleshooting steps. If water runs continuously, adjust the wires and the chain so that the tank ball drops straight into the valve. If water spills into the overflow tube, slightly bend the float arm down. If water continues to run after flushing, bend the float arm upwards. If the tank flushes only partially, shorten lift wires or chain to make the tank ball rise higher. If the tank leaks, tighten connections for the water line.
3. Stop sink drips. Compression faucets have a stem that allows water to flow or not when you turn the handle. Washerless faucets rely on the movement of a handle to turn water on and off. Problems in both can be attributed to failed valves, O-rings, washers and other moving parts that can be repaired with basic tools. Remove the failed parts with wrenches, screwdrivers and pliers, and replace with new supplies.
4. Repair tub faucets. Tubs also can have compression or washerless faucets. These are repaired in the same way as sink faucets. An added part that may need attention is a diverter, which is the valve that switches water from pouring from the spot or streaming from the shower head. If worn, a diverter should be replaced.
5. Fix the shower head. Slow water flow does not mean the head needs replacing. Sometimes minerals from the water are clogging the holes and restricting water flow. Unscrew the head and let it soak in vinegar. Use a toothpick to unblock clogged holes. For hand-held shower heads, check the tubing for holes and slits. It is better to replace the entire unit than trying to repair the hose.
Replacing Fixtures
6. Remove the old toilet. Turn off the water supply and empty any remaining water in the bowl. Remove the water line from the tank and loosen/remove the nuts from the bowl base. Lift the bowl from the floor. Remove old wax gasket and plumber's putty from around the drain.
7. Install a new toilet. Insert a new gasket, add the new bowl and bolt to the floor. Make sure the bowl is secured and does not move. Attach the waterline to the tank and test the flushing mechanism and water flow. Make adjustments to the tank ball and wires if problems occur with water flow. Tighten nuts if a leak is found.
8. Change the sink. Shut the water supply and drain the faucet. Disconnect the sink from the water pipes and the drain pipe. Remove any anchor screws and lift the sink off its bracket if it is attached to the wall. If it is part of a vanity cabinet, it can be pulled away as a unit once you have detached it from the water supply and drain.
9. Install a new sink by reversing the process. If the new sink is to be attached to the wall, first check for wall damage, make any repairs, or reinforce the wall with a new joist. A sink attached to a vanity will slide into place. A pedestal sink will require new piping to allow the water to travel up the pedestal to the faucets.
10. Remove an old tub. Turn off the water supply. Disconnect the water line, drain and overflow pipe. Remove caulking from around the old tub. Lift or slide the tub away from the walls carefully so as not to damage wall and floor tiles. At least two people will be needed to maneuver the old tub out and bring the new tub in.
11. Install a new tub. With the space empty, this is the time to determine if any exposed pipes require repair or replacement, or if the joists require reinforcement or replacement. Slide the new tub into place. Connect the water supply, drain and overflow pipe. Caulk around the tub to prevent water from seeping around the tub and into the walls.
Adding a New Bathroom
12. Plan the job before making any additions. Determine if the home can sustain additional water pressure, drainage and hot water with the existing systems. Map out the current house system, including pipes, vents, the house drain and branch drains, and determine the size of pipes currently installed in the house. Mark the places on the walls where new water supply and waste lines must be located.
13. Support the new pipes. If new pipes are not supported with copper clamps, screws or wood braces, they will vibrate and eventually burst within the walls. Galvanized pipe needs support every 10 feet, plastic pipe needs support every four to six feet. Copper pipe needs support every six feet. Pipes that run close to a wall should include a metal protective strip between the pipe and the wall. This will prevent punctures from nails or other fasteners that are used to hang pictures or support shelves.
14. Install drain and vent lines. Check local construction codes for the required diameter size of these lines and where they need to be installed.
15. Run supply lines. Hot and cold water pipes are run side-by-side. They usually have a six to eight-inch gap between them to prevent hot water from warming the cold and the cold from cooling the hot. From these pipes, branches can be created for the toilet and tub/shower.
16. Test all connections. Before installing the sink, toilet and tub, and before closing the walls, check all connections. Turn on the water and look for immediate leaks in the supply lines. Check again several hours later. Also, run checks on the drainage system. If all is deemed leak free, close the walls and add the fixtures.
Tags: water supply, water flow, from water, needs support, needs support every
An attic with existing window space is ideal for building bedrooms.
Wasted space in an attic can yield usable bedroom areas. Teenagers and college students, especially, may find the attic area private and more desirable than a downstairs bedroom. Working on the project, to create two bedrooms, requires constructing the rooms to provide privacy for both. Even young children appreciate the separateness of bedroom space from the rest of the family. Be sure to get a building permit and learn all local building code restrictions before starting any construction project. Build access stairs to move construction materials into the attic as your starting point.
Instructions
1. Assess the house structure and practical matters. Get an expert to determine if floor joists or walls need reinforcement. Never assume that attic flooring will hold the extra weight of new rooms. Go over details of how plumbing, electricity and heating and cooling will factor into the project. Find out if your existing heat pump is large enough for added space.
2. Measure the space you will enclose. Keep in mind that you will need to frame the rooms with 2- by 4-inch boards. Figure out any height issues on sloping walls. Plan to use eaves areas for storage. Draw everything on graph paper, so the finished bedrooms will look exactly as you envision them. Sketch the rooms to include a hallway between them for added privacy, and add a bathroom, however small if possible. Reserve a dormer window for each bedroom, if these windows are already in place.
3. Fix any roof problems and add energy-efficient windows. Correct any roof leaks before nailing framework into place to define the skeleton of the two bedrooms. Plan to insulate between the two bedrooms on interior walls, if desired, for added privacy.
4. Install sub-flooring, so you can walk around in the space to complete it. Route water lines, drain lines and electrical wiring while walls are open. Run venting and duct work at this point as well. Insulate the walls and nail drywall into place. Finish the drywall with joint compound, sand and paint. Install bath fixtures, but leave the toilet until last so it can be seated on top of finished flooring.
5. Finish up details and add flooring. Connect electrical outlets and plumbing lines. Caulk all areas in the bathroom that need it. Install any crown molding, wood trim and interior doors. Lay hardwood flooring or tile flooring last before adding baseboard trim. Seat the toilet last using a wax ring seal.
As your son grows up, the old planes, trains and automobiles may not work quite so well anymore. When thinking of different ideas for decorating a teenage boy's bedroom, it is important to let him express his interests and talents as well as create a space that will serve him well until he goes away to college or gets a place of his own. There are a few themes that can be held as standard when it comes to young men and any one of them can be expanded on depending on an individual's taste and style.
Rock Stars & Celebrities
Everyone has idols. A teenager may even someday dream of being a rock star or celebrity. If his interest is in music, make his favorite guitar or other instrument center stage in his room. Figuring decorate a teen boy's bedroom can also mean expanding on the traditional posters of his hero's. Artwork that can be moved into his first dorm room or bachelor pad is a great way to start helping him figure out his true decorating style. You can take the theme even further by cutting out musical notes to hang on the walls or even stencilling famous movie quotes uttered by his favorite actors.
Sports & Hobbies
Another favorite choice of the for decorating a teenage boy's bedroom is sports. If he belongs to a certain team in school that is a great place to start. If he has a favorite to watch, this is also a great subject to build his room around. Other individual sports such as skateboarding or golfing can be incorporated by hanging the tools (or partial abstract versions) on the walls as artwork. Other examples include building "half pipe" shelving for trophies or other mementos; as well as taking photos of him and his friends engaging in their favorite activities and doing collages for art. This can also include hobbies such as collecting, clubs at school or anything that he spends his free time doing.
Cars & Transportation
In the case of a passed down heirloom collection like old trains, cars or plane models, it can be incorporated when figuring out decorate a teen boy's bedroom. By building or buying shelves to house the collection and adding more grown-up decor like road signs or framed artwork you can design a whole new space around old themes. This allows your son to still take pride in what his father or grandfather gave to him while creating a more mature atmosphere to house them in.
Tags: decorate teen, decorate teen bedroom, decorating teenage, decorating teenage bedroom, different ideas,
There are many different kinds of dining room chairs.
Choose a dining room chair that matches your personal style, as well as the decor of your home. There are many different styles of dining room chairs, from intricate and fancy to plain and simple. They can be upholstered or wooden, have arms or be arm-free. Some common styles of these chairs include ladder-back, mid-century, and Windsor.
Duncan Phyfe
The Duncan Phyfe style of furniture is named after an American cabinetmaker from the early 1800s. This style is also known as the regency or empire style. Duncan Phyfe-style dining room chairs have a basic design that features a scrolled back with a square top, saber legs, and one slat across the back. These graceful chairs can be upholstered or made of varnished wood.
Chippendale
The Chippendale style of furniture is one of the most well-known. This style is named for English furniture designer and cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale, who lived in the late 1700s. The look features one of the more elaborate styles of dining , with intricate wooden backs. These formal chairs also often have ball-and-claw feet on the legs. The seats are often upholstered.
Shaker
Dining room chairs made in the Shaker style are best for those who are going for a simplistic, utilitarian interior design. This style of furniture originated with the Shaker religious community in the United States. The chairs often have tall, straight backs with three horizontal slats. Their seats are often woven rush, and the legs are simple and straight. These chairs are also called ladder-backs. Country decorating styles use these chairs often.
Jacobean
Jacobean furniture originated in medieval England and is known for its intricate carvings, large size, and dark finish. These dining room sets are not suited to a casual dining room and are best for formal settings. Generally, these sets come with two armed chairs, for the head and foot of the table. The rest of the chairs don't have arms. These chairs typically have ball feet, heavy carvings on the back, and an upholstered seat.
Windsor
The Windsor style is another early-English design that is commonly seen in America today. These dining room chairs have thin, straight legs. The back is made from spindles that run vertically from the chair seat to a piece of wood that connects them at the top. The back can be rounded or squared. Seats in this style typically are not upholstered.
A more conventional bathroom sign for business use
Buying a or plaque isn't difficult. There are many different types of bathroom signs from the conventional mens and womens figures that often grace public bathrooms, to funny bathroom signs that can work well in a lot of different scenarios. Bathroom signs are available from many different sources, and this article will help you find and buy the perfect bathroom sign for you.
Instructions
1. Decide what type of bathroom sign you want or need. Are you buying for a more high end dining restaurant and need something that's conventional or maybe a little bit fancy? Or do you own and Irish Pub and want a bathroom sign that's funny and fits in with an upbeat ambiance?
2. Look around trusted online merchants to see what your options are. Amazon.com has plenty of bathroom signs, both humorous and normal, that could work and there are other companies that specialize in bathroom plaques that would also be able to fill an order.
3. Shop around for the best deal. Whether it's a womens bathroom sign, a mens bathroom sign, or just a funny plaque meant for the walls of a dorm room as opposed to the door of an actual restroom, there are many different signs that are offered at sometimes heavily varied prices.
4. Don't be afraid to add a little touch of humor. Some of the funniest signs just had one minor alteration that added a nice touch: like googlie eyes on the man and woman figurine.
5. Once you've found the , jump on it.
Tags: bathroom sign, bathroom sign, bathroom signs, many different, best deal, signs that
Rich textures, whites and beige colors all can help create a luxurious bedroom.
A bedroom, especially a master bedroom, can set the tone for an entire home. It's relatively easy to create a luxurious and elegant bedroom by using color accents, exclusive furniture and artwork, and rich, textured fabrics throughout the room.
Headboards
An attractive headboard can create an elegant and luxurious feel in your bedroom. A bed creates a natural centerpiece for a bedroom, while allowing you to express your unique style. Popular headboards include carved wood and shaped wrought iron. Headboards can also feature rich fabrics like silk and satin as well as rich-looking fabrics like leather. For a more distinctive appearance, consider turning a large antique mirror or gate into a headboard or placing two rows of elegant photo frames on shelves above your bed.
Signature Pieces
Select high-quality pieces such as wooden sleigh beds, suede or leather benches, and matching dressers and nightstands to create a luxurious bedroom. It's important to avoid over-crowding, so focus instead on finding the right pieces to suit your needs rather than completely filling a room. Remember that unique adornments on the wall, such as decorative molding and full-size artwork, can also help create balance and a sense of elegance.
Rich Fabrics
Use rich fabrics in complementary tones in order to create a luxurious feel. Consider covering a plain headboard in fabric. Or, add a canopy to a bed for a feel that's both luxurious and feminine. Both lightweight materials like silk and rayon and heavier fabrics like suede and velvet can foster a . Complete the look by picking richly textured fabrics for curtains, blankets, and comforters.
Color Accents
Whites and beiges are traditionally used to create an elegant atmosphere in bedrooms. However, rich colors like brown, purple, and red can also be used as accents to draw attention to a portion of the room, to adorn a signature piece, or just to create a more distinctive feel. Also consider adding unique wallpaper or a textured surface, such as faux brick paneling, to one or more walls. If treating one wall uniquely, consider selecting the wall across from the entrance or the wall featuring your bed's headboard.
Founded in 1902, Bassett Furniture is a mass-market furniture manufacturer based in Bassett, Virginia. The company is one of the state's oldest furniture makers and has design collections and sets for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and other home decor. It also sells lighting, rugs, bedding and other home decor accessories. Customers can find their products at Bassett Furniture stores, as well as at larger retailers throughout the country.
Contemporary
Bassett Furniture offers dining chairs in a variety of modern styles that feature a sleek, sophisticated appearance. They're available in a range of materials, including dark stained wood, fabric upholstery and leather. Urban-inspired upholstered styles include the Wilson line, a straight-backed dining chair available in dark leather, and the Avery Parsons, which has neatly tailored slipcovers that fit tightly on the back and seat, with a slightly flared skirt. Contemporary wood options include the Fifth Avenue collection, available in dark java and cherry finishes, and the Studio line, which is scaled down in size for apartments and condos and comes in a range of finishes.
Classic
Bassett Furniture features a range of dining chairs inspired by classic furniture styles that are suitable for today's modern homes. For an elegant look, consider the Olympia Bay line, with a slightly rolled back and slender silhouette. The upholstered dining chairs come in taupe or a wide taupe and cream stripe and are elegant enough for the living room or bedroom. The Covington collection has an heirloom feel and features two dining chair options. The Covington side chair features dark ebonized oak and a cutout back, while the Harper is a cream-colored upholstered option with turned seats and a stretcher bar. Other options include the Bellewood, a medium wood with a gracefully curved seat back, and the elegant Louis-Philippe collection.
Rustic
Bassett has a variety of rustic, country looks for casual kitchens and decor styles. The Continental or Rustic Sketchbook lines both feature ladder-back chairs in darker woods. Another wood chair option is the Windsor style, available in a lighter oak color, which has an Americana look suitable for a country farmhouse-style kitchen. The Sonoma line features a medium-stained pine wood chair with a tall upholstered back that would complement Mediterranean or colonial Spanish decor. The Reef Bay collection has an attractive dining chair with a curved cross-back that evokes British Colonialism style, but also would be perfect if you're in search of a French or Tuscan country look.
Separate your living room and dining space with rugs and select furnishings.
An open floor plan is spacious and modern, and provides plenty of opportunities for social gathering. On the other hand, separating the living and becomes a challenge due to the open, undivided floor plan. Separating the area is achieved through organization, furniture arrangement and color.
Instructions
1. Decide on a piece of furniture to separate the living room and dining area. For example, a sectional sofa with the back facing the dining area will act as a divider. A pair of armchairs may also be used in this manner.
2. Place the dining table in the area behind the sofa or armchairs. Center it in that part of the space. Section it off by using a rug or shelving units to display porcelain dinnerware or other dining accessories.
3. Center the living space around a large ottoman or coffee table. Place an entertainment center or mount a television to the wall opposite the dining area.
4. Create paths for visitors to walk through so that they are not interfering with the function of the space. For example, if the only pathway through the living area is in front of the television, this will quickly become an annoyance. Also, if the path in the dining room is directly in front of the table, this could prove disturbing during family dinners. Arrange the furniture so that there are two paths in each living space.
5. Separate the areas by choosing a color scheme for each. For example, you could paint the dining area a color different from that of the living area. Alternatively, you could accent a focal point, such as a fireplace in the living room. Use accessories in the living room that complement the accent wall for coordination. Add neutral tones to bring the room together.
Tags: dining area, living room, dining space, floor plan, living area
Lacquer will give your dining room table a lustrous finish.
Lacquer is the most natural finish for wood because it is made from cellulose, the main component of wood. Because it does not need to cure, it leaves a smoother, more continuous surface than either polyurethane or varnish and dries much faster. Lacquer can be brushed, but the best results are obtained by spraying. This should be done in a spray booth, but it can also be done outside on a dry, windless day when the temperature is between 70 and 80 degrees.
Instructions
1. Hand sand the legs and base of the table with 150-grit sandpaper to remove any scratches, splinters and rough spots. Hand sand the table top, going with the grain to remove scratches and imperfections. Wipe away the dust with a damp cloth, then re-sand the top with 220-grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth and almost shiny.
2. Apply stain, if desired, with a fine bristle paintbrush. Work in sections, letting the stain soak in for five minutes, then wiping off the excess with a rag before moving on to another section. Let the stain dry for four hours.
3. Remove the cup from the spray gun and fill it about three-quarters full with sanding sealer. Replace the gun, connect the air hose and turn on the compressor. Spray a test surface, rotating the nozzle and adjusting the air pressure until you have a horizontal spray pattern that is about 6 inches wide from a distance of 6 inches.
4. Spray the legs of the table first, moving the gun in an up-down motion from the bottom of the leg to the top and moving completely around the leg. Hold the gun about 6 inches from the surface you are spraying and spray slowly but steadily, avoiding runs and sagging.
5. Turn the nozzle 90 degrees so that you have a vertical spray pattern. Spray the rim of the table by moving from one end of the table to the other and back again. Gradually work your way completely around the table.
6. Spray the table top, moving back and forth from one end of the table to the other, overlapping by about half the width of the spray pattern. When you are finished, spray the top again in a cross-hatch pattern, perpendicular to the direction you just sprayed. The goal is to completely cover the top with a shiny coat of sealer without separation or voids.
7. Let the sealer dry for about an hour, then sand the whole table with 220-grit sandpaper, knocking down the grain raised by the sanding sealer. When you are finished, the surface should feel like the surface of soapstone. Wipe the table with a cloth.
8. Spray the table with lacquer, following the same procedure as in Steps 4 to 6. Let the lacquer dry for an hour and sand it with 220-grit sandpaper. Repeat with a second and third coat of lacquer, sanding in between coats. The base and legs of the table will be finished at this point.
9. Concentrate on the top, applying successive coats of lacquer and sanding in between coats with 400-grit sandpaper. It may take anywhere from two to 10 more coats to get the finish you want. Do not sand the last coat.
10. Rub some extra-fine steel wool in furniture wax and spread it on the table top. Buff up the wax with a polishing cloth for a lustrous, shiny finish.
A warm wood floor and dark wood bed are elements of a country-style bedroom.
A country style for the bedroom can be comfortable and warm. When choosing a style, start with the furniture, which can range from simple Shaker style, to rustic to light-painted wood appropriate for a sunny Mediterranean look. Once you've chosen the furniture, choose bedding, curtains, an area rug and accessories that accentuate the look.
Furniture
Wood is a natural choice for the furniture in a country bedroom. You can match the pieces or create a more eclectic look by mixing light and dark woods or even adding a painted piece to stand out from other stained or varnished ones. Choose dressers and night tables with some ornate details, which offer a focal point to the furniture.
Textiles
Go with a variety of colors, patterns and textures in a country-style bedroom. You can mix prints, such as stripes, florals and checks, if they have some of the same colors and tones. Or, choose a variety of the same pattern in different colors. Mix up what you use for the bedding, drapery and area rug. If you choose smooth cotton or linen drapery and bedding, choose a rugged, textured area rug to add contrast and interest.
Accents
Ensure your country bedroom has overhead lighting, lamps on the bedside tables and task lighting on a desk or vanity in the room. Add rustic or jeweled knobs to dresser drawers for an unexpected touch, and hang a picture of your favorite country scene. Add an extra quilt to the bottom of the bed, in bright colors that coordinate with your room, and pile a variety of pillows on the bed for a casual, comfortable look.
Interpretations
You can change the focus of a country theme by simply adding another focus. For example, whitewashed woods and blues and sand tones can reflect a country beach house. Add more rustic furniture and plaid linens for a cottage look. Decorate with terra cotta tones for a Mediterranean country look, or use blue and yellow color scheme for a French country room.
A too-small chandelier hanging too high over a large dining table looks lost in the space.
Dining room light fixtures are often chandeliers or large-scale lights designed to enhance the dining experience and provide good light for each dining guest. There are three primary considerations when determining the height of the light fixture: the style of the fixture, the volume of the room and the number of fixtures being installed. The final consideration is the preference of the homeowner. In most cases, the fixture is hung before a house is sold based on standard height calculations.
Room Volume
A large chandelier can hang in a room with large volume, where the length of the chandelier is longer than it is wide.
Room volume is calculated by multiplying the length of the room, times the width of the room, times the height of the room. Basically, if a room has tall ceilings, then the room has a lot of volume and that space needs to be addressed by the scale of the light fixture. Usually this is solved by selecting a fixture that is physically longer and a bit wider than would normally be selected for the room. With high-volume rooms, the fixture is sometimes mounted higher than standard. If two fixtures are used, the fixtures can become smaller and be spaced at a more normal height.
Fixture Width
A chandelier can work in a space with lower ceilings but larger floor area, if it is wider rather than taller.
To determine the standard fixture width, most designers measure the length and width of the room and add the two numbers together. For example, if your room is 10-by-14-feet, added together that is 24, which means the room can support a chandelier that is 24-inches wide. A good width can also be calculated by using half the width of the table.
Fixture Style
This ornate, taste-specific chandelier would be hard to see through.
The style of the light fixture plays a more complicated role in determining where you should place the fixture. If the has thin arms and delicate design, and it looks light and it is easy to see through, then this light fixture can be positioned lower. If the fixture is dark and has thick, structural parts, it will be considered visually heavy. Placing this style too close to the table may make guests feel crowded and cramped.
Calculating Height
A traditional-style chandelier can be mounted above standard height based on preference.
Lastly, it is important to consider the homeowner. Some people have strong preferences for higher or lower fixtures. Usually, the criteria they use is based on seeing the faces of their friends and families without a fixture being in the way. Often, this will mean that the fixture is placed higher so that their view to the table is good even when standing near the table. The standard height for a dining room fixture is 30-inches above the top of the table, plus or minus the considerations discussed here.
Tags: light fixture, standard height, room times, width room
Choosing the right color for your bedroom walls can be difficult.
The color of your bedroom can have a large effect on your overall mood and is not to be underestimated. When choosing a , it is important to remember that you'll be falling asleep and waking up to it on a daily basis. The more thought that goes into the process, the better the chances that you'll be happy with the decision in the end.
Green
Green is a common color choice for bedrooms, as it elicits a sense of both calm and spaciousness. Green is also associated with nature, making it an ideal color choice for those who like to spend time outdoors. When choosing a green, remember that dark shades are difficult to paint with and are often far less effective than lighter shades of green. That said, greens that are particularly "limey" in shade should be avoided.
Blue
Blue is often used in bedrooms, and is prized for the tranquility and sense of relaxation it can provide. Blues can be tricky, however, as the wrong shade can come off as depressing or even suffocating. Generally, darker blues are avoided for this reason, as well as the fact that they are difficult to paint uniformly. When properly applied, a light blue can be very effective as a , and can add a great sense of calm to your sleeping area.
Red
Shades of red certainly have their place in the painting of bedrooms, and should be explored even by those who do not consider themselves to be adventurous. Red is typically tied to romance, and can be effective in creating a romantic environment in the bedroom. However, it can also be overdone if too dark a shade is used. If you are skeptical, use red with caution, and perhaps only as an accent color.
White/Neutral
Many people choose to paint their bedrooms a neutral color such as white or off-white. While this is not necessarily risky, it can sometimes come off as boring. For white walls to work, you need to ensure they are properly accented with furniture, light fixtures and other highlights. Nevertheless, white is ideal for those who are striving for a modern look and feel, and it is easy to paint over if necessary.
Tags: bedroom color, , color your, , difficult paint
Go to the Ikea website, and pick a bed from the comfort of your own bed.
Whatever your style, the Swedish retailer Ikea offers furnishings and accessories for a streamlined, unified and functional bedroom. Making your own Ikea bedroom is simply a matter of identifying your own tastes and deciding how much independence you need. For example, you may choose to deck out your room in one style for a perfectly uniform appearance. On the other hand, you may opt to draw elements from various Ikea lines, creating a space that is one-of-a-kind.
Instructions
1. Take detailed measurements of your bedroom, and write them down, taking special note of ceiling height, room depth and width and window and door placement.
2. Browse the Ikea catalog or visit a store for inspiration. Both the catalog and the store have rooms decorated with Ikea merchandise so that you can get an idea of how the various styles look. For example, one room may feature the flat, streamlined Malm line, while another may showcase the more traditional Birkeland or Koppang lines.
3. Pay special attention to the measurements of the furniture to ensure that you make choices that fit the space.
4. Decide on the textures and decor you want in your room, as well as the colors. For example, many pieces of Ikea furniture are available in white, black or natural birch. The color you choose determines the mood of the room. Similarly, you can opt for storage in wicker, paper, plastic or wood, all of which have different looks.
5. Use Ikea's rating system to choose pillows and a comforter that suit your needs. Ikea rates its comforters according to warmth and materials, making it easy for you to choose the one that's right for you.
6. Purchase furniture in a store, or order it online. If you purchase it in a store, you can take it home in flat boxes. It you order it from the catalog, it will be delivered. Once it's in your home, you will need to assemble it.
Sage is a great color for any room of the house because it's so versatile. You can incorporate sage into almost any , except for perhaps an ultra-modern look. Sage is an earthy color that looks wonderful with wood furniture and antiques, and is not strongly associated with one gender or another. Decorating a master bedroom with sage is easy, though there are some steps you can take to maximize the earthy tones of this color.
Instructions
1. Pick out wooden furniture that is ideally a lighter shade of wood, like oak or pine. Darker shades of wood, like cherry or mahogany, will look fine with sage, but will give the room a heavier look.
2. Pick out bedspreads, drapes and a rug in shades that complement sage. For example, shades of brown will give the room a strong, earthy feeling, while white or yellow will brighten the room and lighter shades of blue will provide an aquatic, beachy atmosphere. Purple is also a suitable complement for green. Avoid red, which will make you feel like you're celebrating Christmas, and orange and green, be too bright for most people.
3. Accessorize with mirrors, lamps and vases that match your decorating scheme or that you simply like. For example, for a shabby chic room, use distressed mirrors and lamps. Alternatively, just pick out pieces, such as muted brass lamps or wrought-iron framed mirrors, that go well with green and that you like. Avoid very sleek, ultra-modern pieces, as they will overpower the color.
4. Bring nature into your master bedroom, as sage is a color taken from nature. Fill a glass bowl with sand, seashells, leaves or stones. Display it on your bureau or nightstand.
Tags: decorating scheme, give room, master bedroom, mirrors lamps, which will, will give, will give room
Get artistic and create a new look for your bedroom with laminate flooring. With the options of different woods that come in fine grain, hand scraped and an array of soft or bold finishes, your bedroom can become a masterpiece. Stone, brick, slate and ceramic also are available to uplift a routine setting. Manufactured with no harsh chemicals, laminate flooring makes this beautiful type of flooring ideal for sleeping in a green atmosphere.
The Country Look
Rustic flooring adds comfort.
A rustic look can be achieved by using wide planks of distressed wood or "farm boards," as it's called in the UK with a walnut, oak or pine pattern. Sprinkled with colorful rag rugs or a large braided rug, you will give your bedroom a comfortable country feeling.
Stone Brings Richness
Laminate comes in different stone looks.
Stone laminate flooring adds a rich, natural appearance to a bedroom that cries out for an Old World décor or French country that welcomes quality and warmth at the same time. If you have an outdoor entrance to a patio from your bedroom, stone, slate or brick flooring will blend the elements from the outside to cause a transitional flow.
Creative Inlays
Inlays and Patterns are Artistic
Inlays in contemporary bedrooms provide a simple yet artistic flare. A light-colored wood floor accented by a border of contrasting darker wood can give your bedroom a unique look without being overbearing. Striping a floor in a combination of colors or running the boards in a pattern also will create a modern look.
Laminate Flooring Extended
Bamboo makes a great floor.
Laminate flooring will not stain, fade or dent and is far less expensive than hardwood or stone. Once available in only a few selections, laminate flooring now comes in almost any wood, stone or brick look that inspires any type of bedroom style. Bamboo also is a great choice for a bedroom to create an Asian feel.
Tags: your bedroom, flooring adds, flooring will, give your, give your bedroom
The bathroom vanity mirror can be attached to a wall in one of two ways: either clips anchored to the wall with screws mount the mirror, or the mirror has been glued on. The first approach makes removing the mirror a straightforward and quick process. The second is more difficult, and you'll need at least one friend to help as well as more tools. The most important concern is to avoid damaging the wall, which can chip, or the mirror, which can shatter.
Instructions
Clipped-On
1. Check whether the mirror has been attached to the wall using plastic clips or adhesive. If you see clips holding the mirror on the left, bottom, top and right sides, the mirror is attached to the wall with clips. In that case, continue to Step 2. Otherwise, the mirror is glued to the wall; proceed to Section 2.
2. Pop off the covers on the plastic clips by sliding a flathead screwdriver under the rubber cover and pulling up. This reveals the anchor pins holding the clips to the wall.
3. Have a friend hold the mirror while you use the drill or Phillips head screwdriver to remove the anchor pins from the wall. Begin with the top anchor pins and work your way to the lower ones. Do not remove anchor pins without your partner knowing you're doing so, as the weight of the mirror might catch her off guard.
Glued-On
4. Decide whether you wish to keep the drywall behind the mirror intact. If you do not care whether the drywall stays intact, proceed to Step 2. Otherwise, skip to Step 3.
5. Put on your protective goggles and cover the bathroom with a tarp. Have your friend hold the mirror while you cut the mirror and its drywall backing off the wall. Insert the knife straight into the drywall abutting the mirror along the perimeter of the mirror until it's free from the wall.
6. Put on the protective goggles and tarp the area if you plan on keeping the drywall in place. Run the head of the flathead screwdriver below the mirror and the mating surface of the wall to find where there is adhesive connecting the mirror to the wall. If you can't tell, press against the surface of the mirror. The spots where the mirror has buckled outward do not have adhesive holding them to the wall. Mark the spots where there is adhesive with the dry erase marker.
7. Heat up the adhesive holding the mirror to the wall. Hold the gun near the surface of the mirror where there is adhesive, causing it to hold less firmly to the mirror. Press the suction cups onto the marked spots and, with your friend, pull the mirror off the wall.
8. Run the wire down the back of the mirror. Have your friend hold the other strand if the mirror does not come off using suction cups. Work the wire like a saw down the back of the mirror to cut the glue from the mirror. Remove the mirror from the wall.
Tags: anchor pins, attached wall, friend hold, from wall, mirror wall, there adhesive
A boy's bedroom should be designed as a place to sleep and play. If he is old enough to express his opinion, ask him how he thinks his room should look. Check out magazines with him for ideas on storage options, furniture placement and painting techniques. Choose a theme that will grow with your son and limit the use of trendy characters to accents that can be replaced as he gets older and his tastes change.
Instructions
1. Find a starting point for decorating. Ask your child to choose a favorite picture, either a new one or one he already owns. Develop the theme and colors of the room based on the picture.
2. Paint the walls using a color from the picture. This repetition of color helps to tie the elements of the room together.
3. Lay down the flooring. Use hardwood flooring or wall-to-wall carpet to cover a bedroom floor. Hardwood is easy to clean but may be cold on bare feet. If you use hardwood, add an area rug that has at least one of the colors in the picture.
4. Arrange the furniture in a way that maximizes play space. For example: place the bed in a corner against two walls, leaving the middle of the room clear. This will leave space to spread out games.
5. Set up storage areas for toys. Your son will be less likely to leave toys on the floor if there's a convenient storage area. Get creative. Hang shelves 3 feet down from the ceiling to display knickknacks and store rarely used toys. Slide board games under the bed. Store toys in rolling bins that can be moved around the room for easy access when playing.
6. Decorate the bed with sheets, a blanket or comforter, and pillows. Choose a solid color for the sheets so it's easy to match them with patterned blankets or comforters. Choose bedding colors based on those in the inspired the decor. Add throw pillows as fun accents, perhaps covered in fabric that depicts your child's favorite characters.
7. Add personality with mementos that are special to your child. Display your child's medallions and trophies on the shelves. Frame and hang pictures that your child has created on the walls. Have your child pick his favorite pieces of art.
8. Tie the by hanging the picture that inspired the room. Hang it in a prominent spot, such as centered over the headboard or on a wall over a desk.
Tags: your child, bedroom should, picture that, picture that inspired, room together, that inspired
The master bedroom should be a sanctuary, a retreat at the end of a busy day. The feeling you create is up to you, as the colors you choose for your safe haven are based on different factors. You may desire your master bedroom to have a romantic feel or perhaps you're looking for something more playful. You may prefer muted colors or brighter hues. Whatever atmosphere you want, you can achieve it with basic information about choosing colors.
Instructions
1. Choose a decorating style. Study books like "Country Living's Easy Transitions: Bedrooms" by Janice Easton-Epner. Magazines like "Martha Stewart Living" are full of tips. Your color choices will depend on the type of décor you choose. Select pale shades of blue partnered with crisp white in a cottage style room. Consider yellows, oranges and reds for a Tuscan flair.
2. Decide on the mood you want to create. Choose soft shades for a soothing feel. Pastels like soft pink, light yellow, lavender and baby blue lend themselves to a calm space. Neutrals like creams, beiges, grays and light brown shades work well with more vivid colors like a brightly colored quilt. Set a brighter mood with stimulating colors like red, green, yellow, orange, purple or blue on an accent wall or chair upholstery, window treatments, floor coverings and bed linens.
3. Choose three colors from a multicolored object already in your room. This can be anything from throw pillows to your favorite colorful scarf. Take the object to the paint store and select paint strips in shades of the three colors your chose. Decide which color you like best and paint the walls with it. Use other shades on the ceiling, mouldings, accessories, floor coverings, linens and window treatments.
4. Consider the room's architectural features. Enlarge and brighten a dark room with light colors. Employ darker shades to make a large room more intimate. Combine light and dark shades to make a narrow room appear wider by painting the short walls in a dark shade and using pastels on the long walls. Visually lower the ceiling by painting only three quarters of the way up. Make a low ceiling appear higher by painting all the way to the ceiling, including the moulding.
5. Observe the room's light patterns. If you are torn between paint colors, buy a pint of each. Paint poster boards with each color. Move the test boards around the room a few times a day to see how light affects them before making a decision.
Turn a closet into an office to make the most of the space.
In a small bedroom that barely has room for a bed, it can be difficult to fit in a work space. When you need a desk but don't have the floor space, consider modifying the closet to hold a custom desk. With careful preparation, you can create a desk without sacrificing all of the functionality of the closet.
Fold-Down Desk
If you have need of a desk only on an occasional basis, make one that will be easy to put away. Use hinges to attach a small desktop to the back wall of your closet and add a bracket on the bottom that will fold out to support the top. When the desk is folded up against the wall, secure it with a simple hook-and-loop closure. You can flip the desk down anytime you have need for the work surface.
Storage Support
To create a desk space and create additional room to store your clothes, use drawer units as supports. Find a desktop that fits the width of your closet. Instead of securing it to the wall, slide in small shelving or drawer units. Depending on the width of the closet, you may want to use more than two to increase the available space. If you want to leave room for hanging clothes, choose a narrower desktop and move the storage units in closer.
Remove Doors
In a small bedroom, the closet doors can get in the way and take up valuable space. By removing them you can free up additional room for your desk or clothing. Because the open closet office space can make the room look cluttered, replace the doors with a covering. Buy tall fabric panels, install a tension rod above the closet, and hang the panels to cover the opening. You can slide them across when you are not using the desk space.
Built-in Shelves
Most closets have some wall space that goes unused. Install a desktop at the height you need while sitting. This will depend on the chair you intend to use. Above the desktop, leave about 2 feet of open space for a work area. In the space above and below, install shelves about every foot. You can store folded clothes on the shelves and use bins and boxes to organize office supplies and accessories. The shelves will help keep the closet in order and allow you to create a custom work space and clothing storage system.
Tags: , create desk, desk space, drawer units, have need
A music room is a great idea for an unused dining room.
Unless you are celebrating a holiday or have many formal dinner parties, a dining room tends to go unused for much of the year. But you don't have to let the dining room become wasted space. Get creative while taking into consideration a space you will really use in your home.
Home Office
The kitchen table should be used as an eating surface and not a . Create your home office in your unused dining room. Place a desk and chair that will fit comfortably in the space. Add bookshelves to one wall and you have the makings of a home office. File cabinets come in a variety of sizes and colors to match the d cor you have chosen. A few pictures on the wall and shelves give the home office an inviting and relaxed atmosphere conducive to working at home.
Music Room
It is important to have the right acoustics in a music room. If your dining room has hardwood floors, add an area rug to ward off some of the echo the hardwoods produce. If the room is carpeted, add glass top tables or shelves to ward off dullness of sound the carpeting produces. The lighting in a dining room is a great asset for a music room as overhead lighting is just right to read music. Place music stands in the room for easy access, create shelves to hang instruments and include a comfortable chair to sit and listen to the music.
Library
Bookshelves are the keys to a successful home library. Take into consideration the size of your room when planning the amount and size of bookshelves to create a library. A settee and relaxing chair are library essentials. Overhead lighting common in dining rooms tends to be too harsh for a library, so use floor lamps instead. If you don't have a large collection of books to start your library, you can place knickknacks that complement the d cor of the room on the shelves.
Tags: dining room, home office, music room, into consideration, room great
Double-duty furniture like this antique trunk helps to save space in a small bedroom.
Even the most perfect house or apartment sometimes has that small bedroom that a homeowner doesn't quite know what to do with. Although some families alleviate this problem by turning the bedroom into a craft room or office, others try to find solutions that allow them to make the best use of the bedroom's small space.
Loft Bed
The loft bed, that cousin of the bunk bed, isn't just for kids anymore although it's still a staple in kids' rooms as well. Nowadays, loft beds exist in the chicest styles to appeal to the most grownup of tastes. Loft beds come in a number of styles with storage areas underneath them, which alleviates some of the problem of the lack of floor space in a small bedroom. Some of the storage areas underneath the loft are open while others are enclosed, making them an ideal place for a closet area. The loft bed can be put into the corner to make room for other furniture, like a vanity table or a small chair.
Double-Duty
Bedroom furniture that performs double-duty is another space saver in the small bedroom. A bed featuring a set of drawers underneath it offers a quick solution to this issue. Ottomans with storage space inside or an antique trunk placed at the foot of the bed not only gives you a place to put things but also provides you with a bench to sit on to deal with your socks and shoes. Other options include furniture that folds up like a suitcase rack --- the kind that hotels use to give people something to store their suitcases on while they open them up to look inside. The beauty of pieces like this is that they fold up and can be stored in a closet or under the bed when not in use.
Murphy Bed
The murphy bed seems to be a staple in a small space. These fold-against-the-wall beds give you a place to sleep at night while allowing you to take advantage of the floor space in your bedroom during the day. Murphy beds today come with much more than just the bed. Some are made to be a whole built-in wall unit. The bed tucks into a main wall unit that includes ample shelf space, a desk and computer area, cupboards to store clothes and other items plus a lot of other necessities. Additionally, murphy beds open both in a horizontal as well as in a vertical fashion, which allows them to adjust to the room's shape as well.
Wall Mounts
For bedrooms with no space for even the smallest piece of furniture besides the bed, solutions still exist to bring in some common amenities. Although ample floor space may not be an option, storing items on the walls is. A bedroom that has no space for the bedside table will do well with a wall-mounted one. A TV set placed on a platform and hung from the wall or the ceiling studs offers another solution. A lack of general storage space can be somewhat alleviated by taking advantage of the flexibility of wall-mounted shelves, which store everything from books to toiletries.
Tags: small bedroom, floor space, antique trunk, areas underneath, bedroom that, furniture like, furniture that
Bold colored fabrics highlight the wooden frame of a dining chair.
Covering or upholstering wood dining room chairs is a relatively simple procedure that enhances comfort and appearance, making the surrounding space warm, cozy and inviting. The refurbishing technique allows you to salvage current chair frames and breathe new life into them, as opposed to purchasing new pieces of furniture and increasing costs. Select durable, easy-wipe fabrics that highlight and accentuate the natural tint of the wood chair frames. Depending on personal preference, use the same fabric for all the chairs for a monochromatic theme or cover each chair with a different fabric.
Instructions
1. Flip the wooden dining chair to expose the screws attaching the seat cushion to the frame. Using a cordless screwdriver, remove the screws to release the cushion from the frame. Collect the screws in a zipper bag or container and set aside.
2. Place the cushion face down on a clean, hard surface. Using needle-nose pliers or a staple remover, remove the staples or tacks attaching the existing fabric to the cushion. Work carefully to avoid tearing the upholstery fabric, because this serves as the template for the new fabric. However, skip this step if your seat cushion is not covered with fabric.
3. Replace the foam padding on the chair if it is damaged or worn out, exposing the bare base board. Place the board on a piece of high-density foam and trace its outline. Cut along the lines using sharp scissors.
4. Apply an even layer of adhesive over the board and press the foam in place to join them together. Let the glue dry for the time specified on its label directions.
5. Spread the upholstery fabric on a clean, hard surface. Center and lower the board, foam side down, on the fabric. Allow 2 inches of fabric all the way around the board to cover part of its back before cutting excess off with sharp scissors. Set the excess fabric aside to clear your workspace.
6. Pull the fabric along one edge of the board over its back, pulling it taut to prevent creases along its front. Insert a staple along the center of the fabric to secure it to the board. Continue inserting evenly spaced staples along the edge of the fabric to secure one side to the board.
7. Turn the foam covered board over and brush any creases that appear in the upholstery fabric with your hand. Flip it face down again and repeat the process of stapling the fabric along the opposite side of the board to its back. Pull the fabric taut and staple to prevent creases from forming on the fabric. Repeat the process of stapling fabric along the other two sides of the board in place.
8. Replace the seat cushion over the frame. Press it in place before replacing the screws that secure it to the wood frame. Repeat the steps for the remaining wood dining chairs you wish to cover.
Tags: fabric along, face down, seat cushion, upholstery fabric, along edge
A Spiderman theme turns the most boring room into a place of excitement.
Kids have loved superheroes for decades, which makes a room decorated in a Spider-Man design such a popular choice. Luckily, you don't have to spend a lot of money, you just need to use a bit of ingenuity.
Spiderman Mural
A Spider-Man mural is an easy way to immediately add the theme to your kid's room. Purchase wall vinyl art that you simply apply to the wall and peel of later, or trace the mural yourself, painting it in with your child. You can show Spider-Man crawling up the wall, poised above a window or door, or catapulting across the ceiling.
Spiderman Bed
You don't need to spend buckets of money on a novelty bed that will outgrow in a few years. Instead, buy a simple unfinished wooden bed and paint it Spider-Man's distinctive colors: red, blue and black. Add a few cobwebs here and there and the bed will be a suitable addition to the room. To make it even more perfect, add a set of Spider-Man sheets and bedspread.
Spiderman Accessories
A few Spider-Man accessories scattered throughout the room can really help bring the room together. For example, a Spider-Man clock or phone, or a Spiderman throw rug or other items can help make the room look like it has the one-of-a-kind design of this superhero.
Eat-in kitchens are cozy for casual meals, but sometimes entertaining calls for a space with a more dramatic ambiance. Elegant provide a refined environment that can accommodate both dinner parties and special family meals. Whether your decorating budget is lavish or frugal, you can create a formal in your home.
Walls
Dark walls instantly create a dramatic mood. Neutrals, such as dark gray and cocoa brown, match with a range of accent colors. Jewel tones, including garnet red, royal blue and dark green, provide a backdrop of rich color. Dress up lighter shades of paint with a decorative painting treatment. The faux finishes of ragging and stripes adds subtle texture. Stenciling, applied as a border or as an all-over design, enhances plain walls. Mixing glaze with a metallic paint offers an understated sheen to your wall treatment.
Window Treatments
Elegant dining rooms call for curtains in rich, textural fabrics. Shiny taffeta, nubby silk dupioni and sensual velvet are suitable choices. Bold patterns complement simple wall treatments. Pick up design motifs and color schemes from area rugs and upholstery. HGTV recommends drapes that come to the floor or gather in a puddle for a more formal look. Sheer panels under heavier drapes permit light while providing privacy.
Furniture
Antique furniture fits the mood of a formal dining room, but isn't always a viable choice for all budgets. Reproduction pieces provide the elegant silhouettes and ornate details at a more modest price than the genuine artifacts. You can purchase slightly worn floor models at furniture showrooms for further savings. HGTV suggests selecting a round table to create an intimate, comfortable dining experience.
Light Fixtures
A dramatic chandelier provides a visual focus for your formal environment. Select a chandelier that is an appropriate size for your ceiling height. Tall ceilings can accommodate oversize light fixtures while lower ceilings call for more petite versions. Whether you splurge on a Murano blown-glass chandelier or pick up a garage sale fixture, invest in a dimmer switch to create the perfect mood for each occasion. Arrange wall sconces to provide added light where needed. Candles also create mood lighting for intimate dining.
Accessorize a nautical theme room with a ship's wheel.
Whether you focus on sailing the seas or traveling their depths, with just a little imagination and a few basic craft skills you can create a boy's bedroom that reflects a nautical lifestyle. Choose between adding just a few touches or creating a completely themed room to reflect your boy's nautical interests.
Nautical Touches
Add a few small touches to your boy's bedroom to introduce a feeling of ships and the sea. Use blue and white as the main colors in the room for the walls, curtains and bed coverings. Blue and white striped fabric evokes deck chairs on a cruise ship, and red, yellow and white reflect the colors of nautical flags. Create a focal point on the wall by hanging some nautical items--perhaps a pair of oars or festive regatta flags around the room at the top of the walls. Other nautical accessories include a ship's compass, a life belt and even an anchor.
The Navy
Create a Navy nautical room for boys who have an interest in the military. Draw inspiration from the Navy uniforms and decorate with white and navy blue as well as brass. Everything should be crisp and neat, so use solid colored bedsheets and encourage your son to make his bed everyday. Maps and pictures of ships and submarines can cover the walls. Around the top of the wall, paint that spell out your child's name and use a large leather trunk with brass fittings as storage.
20,000 Leagues
Tie into the current steampunk craze by decorating your son's room as the Nautilus, the submarine in Jules Verne's "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Cut shapes out of foam board to create vintage-looking cogs and wheels, and spray paint them a brass color. Use gears and old watch parts to create a wall clock. Seek out Victorian-looking furniture and accessories, such as desk lamps with green glass shades and leather chairs and luggage. Encourage your son to draw and color mystical sea creatures and frame them in ornate metal frames.
Sailing Ship
Your son can have his own sailing ship in his bedroom. Decorate a wall with a world map and encourage him to plot a sailing route on it. Around the map, hang photos or pictures of the exotic destinations he wants to visit. On another wall, paint a mural of the horizon with land visible in the distance. Stand a tall pole with a crosspiece against the wall and hang a bed sheet from it as a sail. Place a sheet of glass or plastic on a large coil of rope to create a bedside table, and top this with a brass bedside lamp and a miniature telescope.
Tags: nautical flags, room walls, wall paint, with brass