Solutions For School Bathrooms

School bathrooms need to be monitored in the high school setting.

In high school, bathrooms can be a source of many problems. Smoking, inappropriate cell phone use and graffiti are among the common misbehavior that takes place in the bathrooms. Monitoring the facilities and having set rules in place for their use are effective means to make the bathroom a safe and comfortable place for all students to use.

Locked Bathrooms

Students cannot go into the bathroom unless they are monitored by a teacher or staff member. If the doors are left unlocked and students can use them freely, there is no effective way to prevent misuse of the facilities or to identify someone who has committed the infraction. Therefore, bathrooms should be locked in between class periods, and opened when a staff member is available to monitor its use. Select teachers should be assigned "bathroom duty." These teachers need to report within the first 5 minutes of their assigned period to open restrooms and lock them at the end of the period. A master key should be made and given to all duty period teachers as well as the entire staff.

Sign-In Sheet

All students should be required to sign-in to use the restrooms. To gain access, all students should produce their student identification cards. With this step, teachers can see if the students are who they actually claim to be. Teachers, not students, should record the names and times students use the facility. Students who are coming from lunch are simply given paddles by the lunch monitors. Teachers just ask for their names, and if there is an issue, they consult the lunch monitor if necessary. Since there are multiple bathrooms for students to use, the sign-in process does not result in much of a wait. These logs should be handed into the office at the end of the period. This information is useful to monitor students who are leaving class too often and to provide a list of names if a problem is discovered.

Periodic Checks

Each teacher or staff member assigned to bathroom duty should check the bathrooms at the beginning, middle, and end of each period. The staff member should physically walk through the restroom and check for any graffiti, smoke or damage that might have been done. Bomb threats are sometimes written on a bathroom wall and discovery is critical to handle the situation. If a problem is found, it should be reported to the administration immediately. The sign-in sheets can then be used to narrow down a list of possible offenders.

Cameras

Obviously a camera can never be placed within a bathroom; however, a camera can be used to see who enters the restroom. Cameras also record the date and time and are normally saved by the school for an extended period of time. If there is a serious infraction such as a bomb threat, the camera can be used as an additional tool to identify possible suspects. The footage can be used to cross reference against the sign-in sheet and the time that the threat or damage was found.

Tags: staff member, students should, assigned bathroom, assigned bathroom duty, bathroom duty

Install Crown Molding Without Tools

Crown molding can make a dramatic difference in a room's appearance and add value to your home. Unfortunately, installing crown molding is one of the more difficult trim carpentry tasks. Installing wood crown molding requires a good knowledge base and the appropriate power tools for a professional-grade finish, but homeowners without those requirements can still add crown molding to their homes by purchasing and installing foam crown molding.

Instructions

1. Count the number of corners in the room where you wish to install crown molding. Make specific note of inside versus outside corners. Measure every wall, and add all the lengths together to calculate the amount of molding necessary to cover the entire room. Add 10 percent more to the total length to allow for mistakes.

2. Place your order at a home improvement store or on the Internet with a foam crown molding manufacturer. If you have the option of choosing pre-finished crown molding, opt for the finished molding to save you the time of priming and painting.

3. Sweep the room's walls to remove dust and cobwebs, and wipe down the installation area with a damp sponge. Allow the wall to dry completely before installing the molding.

4. Apply adhesive to one of the foam molding corners. Refer to the foam molding manufacturer for a recommended adhesive product as the backing on foam molding differs among manufacturers. If the adhesive is applied like paint, brush a thin coat on the back of the molding corner with a paintbrush or sponge brush. If the adhesive comes in a squeeze tube, squeeze the adhesive onto the back of the molding corner in a zigzag pattern.

5. Press the corner firmly onto the wall, and hold the corner in place until the adhesive sets. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the length of time necessary for the glue to set. If humidity is high in the room, hold the molding in place about 15 seconds longer than the recommended time. Install all the corner pieces using the same method.

6. Measure the wall space between two corner pieces. Cut a length of the crown molding to the required length with scissors, a kitchen knife or utility knife.

7. Apply adhesive to the back of the length of molding, and firmly press the molding in place between the corner pieces. Hold the molding in place long enough for the adhesive to set. Measure and install the remaining wall length pieces using the same method.

8. Run a thin caulk line at the top and bottom of the molding and the areas where the molding pieces meet to hide cracks.

Tags: crown molding, corner pieces, foam molding, molding place, Apply adhesive

Fish Bathroom Wall Decor

Decorating with a fish motif adds a splash to any bathroom.

There are a variety of options for decorating bathroom walls with fish. You can find fish decor related to ponds and lakes, exotic fish, oceans, sailing and other nautical themes. Decorating the walls with fish can be done by buying all of your accents, making them yourself or a combination of both.

Stamping

Stamping your bathroom walls with fish is fun and inexpensive. First you need to buy or make fish stamps in the shapes you want. Kitchen sponges can be cut into fish shapes. You can also make sponge stamps of shells, boats, or seaweed shapes from the sponges. When your stamps are ready, dip them into paint and stamp away in any area of the bathroom you want.

Paper Mache’

Paper mache is a fun creative fish project. Cut fish shapes of card board and make paper mache glue by mixing water and flour to the consistency of pancake batter. Tear strips of tissue paper to cover the cardboard. When everything is ready, dip the tissue in the paste mixture and cover the cardboard completely three to four times; making sure to wrap the tissue around the edges. When dry, decorate with paint, jewels, sequins, etc. and spray with clear lacquer. Put a picture frame hanger on the back and hang.

Fish Net

Using fishing net and fish tank items on a bathroom wall is a neat way to decorate. Buy fish netting and colorful fish tank items such as rocks, seaweed and decorative fish. Attach the netting to the wall with small nails making sure to drape the netting in a manner that you feel is attractive. Attach the fish tank items to the netting with hot glue or hot glue Christmas ornament hooks to the items and hang them on the netting.

Floor Decor

When decorating the bathroom with a fish theme, don't forget to think about the floor. You can find very trendy fish themed bath mats and rugs, but don't think floor, think wall. These bath mats can be hung on the bathroom wall with light weight nails.

Shower Curtain Walls

There are many beautiful shower curtains with fish themes. These can be used as wall hangings quite easily. One thing to do is to cut the fish out of the shower curtain and attach these around the wall of the bathroom with adhesive. They can look like they are swimming in the ocean or water. A shower curtain can also be attached to the wall or part of a wall like wall paper using an adhesive made for plastic or fabric.

Tags: with fish, fish tank, fish tank items, tank items, walls with

Paint Glow In The Dark Stars On A Ceiling

Paint Glow in the Dark Stars on a Ceiling

Painting glow-in-the-dark stars on your child's bedroom ceiling is a wonderful way to carry a celestial theme up and over your head. No matter whether your child is into outer space, loves the outdoors or just has a dreamy imagination, this paint application will shine its relaxing glow through the night. Painting glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling is an easy project that you can do in a few hours and have it ready for your child to stargaze by bedtime.

Instructions

1. Spray the backs of assorted sized star stencils with stencil adhesive spray. This is a temporary adhesive that will hold the stencil in place while stenciling, and allow it to be removed and repositioned elsewhere. Position the stencils on the ceiling in a scattered arrangement.

2. Pour a small dollop of glow-in-the-dark paint, in the color of your choice, into a small dish. Dip the end of a stencil brush into the paint. Roughly rub the brush bristles into a wadded-up paper towel to remove most of the paint. This allows you to use a dry brush paint application.

3. Dab the brush over each star stencil. Remove the star stencils and rearrange them on the ceiling. Paint and rearrange until the ceiling is covered with stars.

4. Allow the painted stars to absorb the light during the day and they will glow in the dark when the lights are off.

Tags: your child, Dark Stars, Dark Stars Ceiling, Glow Dark, Glow Dark Stars

Vanity Lighting Tips

Properly lighting a vanity makes a big impact on a bathroom's overall appearance.

Whether you're remodeling your entire bathroom or just hoping to add a little light, the light fixtures you use around your vanity can set the mood of your bathroom. Vanity lighting is typically placed around a mirror, so it's important you don't use lighting that creates extra shadows on your face.

Go Vertical

For a basic lighting option for your vanity, go vertical. A vertical light or wall sconce on either side of your vanity mirror will provide even lighting for the area and light up spaces that might become shadows if an overhead light is used. Vertical light fixtures and wall sconces come in a variety of colors and styles, including options with multiple lights. For a brighter light that won't make you look sallow and yellow, use halogen bulbs.

Add Overhead Light

If vertical lights aren't enough, add another light over your vanity mirror. Overhead lights, when used alone, can cause dark spots you want to avoid, but when used in addition to vertical lights, an overhead light can provide just the right amount of extra light. You can purchase an overhead light fixture for above your vanity mirror from your local home improvement store in a variety of styles, from single to multiple light options.

Overlight

If you're unsure if you need more light, err on the side of caution and add more light. When it comes to vanity and bathroom lighting, it's better to have too much light than not enough. Add longer vertical fixtures if dark shadows exist around the top or bottom of your mirror, or add a light fixture along the bottom of your vanity mirror, if possible, for extra illumination.

Avoid Recessed Lights

Recessed light fixtures tend to cause odd shadows when used with other lights. While this isn't a problem when it comes to lighting up those dark kitchen corners, around a bathroom, recessed lights can create shadows you'd rather not have in an area where you look in the mirror.

Tags: your vanity, vanity mirror, your vanity mirror, light fixtures, when used, bottom your, light fixture

Improve The Look Of Suspended Ceilings

Get rid of industrial grey and white. Paint your panels to give your ceiling a whole new look.

Suspended ceilings can appear dull and featureless, consisting of a basic grey grid with off-white acoustic tiles. There's no need for it to remain in such a condition, though. With a bit of paint you can change the color of grid and tile, creating an accent for the rest of the room.

Instructions

1. Place your ladder within easy reach of the ceiling tiles on the edge of your suspended ceiling grid.

2. Put on a pair of safety goggles and a particle mask to protect against accumulated dirt and debris above the ceiling level.

3. Climb the ladder until you can comfortably reach the ceiling tiles. Remove the tiles from the grid by pressing upward on a corner of the tile, then reaching up above the grid hole, grasping the tiles and pulling them back through the grid opening at an angle. Continue this process until you've removed all of the tiles except for any containing lighting. You can bend the tile slightly to get the edges through the opening of the grid.

4. Turn off the electricity supply to the room before removing the lighted panels. Pull the panel from the ceiling and remove the lighting fixture.

5. Clean the surface of the grid with soap and water. Use a sponge and rinse with clean water. Pat dry with a piece of cloth after you've cleaned all rails.

6. Cover the floor with a layer of drop cloths, and then place a strip of masking tape along the walls adjacent to the grid molding.

7. Roll a self-etching primer over the surface of the grid with a small paint roller on the end of an extension pole. Use long even strokes to apply the primer. Apply the primer to the grid molding nailed to the walls using a paintbrush. Allow the self-etching primer to dry thoroughly.

8. Apply the top coat of paint in the color of your choice using the paint roller. Wait about 24 hours for the paint to dry and then apply a second layer for full coverage.

9. Clean the tiles using the soap and water mixture. Rinse with water and then dry with a cloth.

10. Paint the tiles in the color of your choice, using spray paint for a quick even coverage. No primer is necessary for acoustic tiles. You will, however, need a layer of the self-etching primer for tin tiles, followed by two layers of topcoat paint. Place masking tape around the edges of the lighting fixtures before painting those tiles using the paintbrush. Allow all painted surfaces 48 hours to dry.

11. Return the painted tiles to the grid by bending them slightly to pass them through the grid openings and then dropping them back into place. Screw the wires back to the lighting fixtures before replacing lighting tiles. Restore the electricity.

Tags: grid with, self-etching primer, acoustic tiles, ceiling tiles, choice using

Decorate The Modern Parlor

Center low, streamlined furniture around a focal point.

A parlor often showcases a homeowner's best possessions and is a gathering place for family and guests. Parlors were once decorated in a sophisticated, romantic fashion, but as the times change, so do decorating styles. Parlors are now referred to as "living rooms" and the decorating style depends upon the homeowner's taste. To bring a parlor up to date, couple simple, sleek decorating pieces with bold, striking accessories.

Instructions

1. Decide on a color scheme. Choose colors that complement one another. For a modern setting, choose neutral colors for large furniture pieces and bright, bold accessories. Keep the walls neutral so that artwork stands out.

2. Choose a focal point, such as a fireplace, entertainment center or large piece of art.

3. Place a television (if you plan to use one in the room) in a sleek entertainment center or mount it on a wall. Use up-to-date technology, such as a flat screen television with a built-in DVD player.

4. Arrange seating. Select streamlined, low, simple pieces that are upholstered with smooth, sleek fabrics. Arrange the seating in a square shape, with the focal point being one side of the square. Face the couch toward or adjacent to the focal point and place two chairs facing each other, adjacent to the couch or focal point.

5. Place throw pillows on the couch that complement both the couch and bold accessories for the room.

6. Hang drapes and lay an area rug, if desired. Lay the area rug in the middle of the square formed with the seating. Use neutral, tone-on-tone schemes. A neutral palette creates a clean feeling and brings attention to bold artwork and accessories.

7. Position tables in the room. Use tables with simple architecture and interesting materials, such as a stainless steel table with a glass top. Set a small table on either side of the couch and a coffee table in the center of the sitting area.

8. Set a lamp on each of the two small tables. Select lamps with clean lines, a polished finish and top them with shades that complement fabrics in the room.

9. Hang artwork on the walls. Choose pieces that add pops of color to the space and add visual interest to the room.

10. Set trendy, colorful accessories tastefully in the room. Choose items in bold colors, complementing throw pillows, wall art and other fabrics.

11. Hang modern lighting from the ceiling or install a modern fan. Use a hanging lamp with an interesting, sleek shape, such as a large, round paper lamp; or install a three-blade, stainless steel fan.

Tags: focal point, that complement, Arrange seating, bold accessories, entertainment center, pieces that

Remove Bronze Tarnish And Pitting

Remove bronze hardware ibefore attempting to clean away tarnish or pitting.

Bronze tarnishes when it becomes exposed to oxygen, water or any other material that will corrode it. Metal becomes pitted when it corrodes for a long time and actually develops small holes in its surface. Extensive pitting will completely ruin a piece of bronze metal beyond repair. If bronze has light pitting or tarnish, you can salvage it by using a homemade cleaning solution.

Instructions

Remove Bronze Tarnish

1. Mix 1 tbsp. salt with 1 tbsp. white distilled vinegar.

2. Rub the salt paste over the surface of the bronze to remove the tarnish. Rub over the entire piece with a clean cloth until the tarnish is gone.

3. Rinse the bronze with clear water and dry it completely with a clean cloth.

Remove Bronze Pitting

4. Brush the bronze gently with a stiff-bristled brush until the bronze area appears smooth.

5. Rinse the bronze with clear water.

6. Place the bronze in distilled water so that it is completely submerged. Let it soak for 10 to 15 days until it is completely clean.

7. Remove the bronze and dry it with a clean cloth.

Tags: bronze with, clean cloth, Remove Bronze, with clean, with clean cloth

Oil Hunter Fans

Oil Hunter Fans

If you own a Hunter Original cast iron ceiling fan, part of your yearly maintenance is to add oil to the motor. The Hunter Original ceiling fan is the only fan that Hunter manufactures with an oil-bathed motor and needs lubrication to keep the bearing moving freely. This is a very easy task but somewhat messy. Make sure you follow these very simple steps to keep your fan humming.

Instructions

1. Spread newspapers to cover the floor under the ceiling fan. You will want to cover a wide area on the floor and possibly your furniture to protect the areas when you turn the fan back on.

2. Place a ladder under the ceiling fan. You will need to have access to the top of the ceiling fan where the oil port is located.

3. Pour one to two ounces of Hunter ceiling fan oil into the oil port. If your Hunter fan has not been oiled in over a year you may need to add more than two ounces.

4. Turn the ceiling fan on low to lubricate the motor. The fan needs to run for a few minutes on low to spread the oil, do not turn the fan on high as you may sling oil all over the room.

Tags: ceiling will, Hunter Fans, Hunter Original, motor needs, under ceiling

Make A Japanese Paper Lamp

Japanese lanterns bring a calm atmosphere to any decor.

The simple elegance found in both traditional and modern Japanese decor has made it a popular design choice in America. Japanese lanterns combine soft light with the neutral, clean color of rice paper to bring the simplistic beauty of Asian-inspired decor to your interior design scheme.

Instructions

1. Find a shape for your wire frame by selecting an object that has a similar shape, so you can easily wrap wire around it. For example, if the lantern is going to be round, find a round object that's a little smaller than the lantern you want to make. Keep in mind that the finished project is the wire around that object, so it will be just a bit bigger.

2. Wrap the wire around the object, leaving extra wire at both the bottom and top of the lantern. These "loose ends" will turn into the base later. The length can be whatever you'd like, but it should be long enough to go around the object more than once.

3. Bend the extra wire at the very bottom of the frame (where you first started wrapping the object) so it lays across the opening of the frame. This will act as a kind of base for the lantern. When you look at it from below, it should look like the circle of a No Smoking sign with a line going through it. Do the same with the extra wire at the top of the frame. Ideally they should both be a reflection of each other, so when you look up through the lantern the crossed wires are parallel.

4. Cut out enough strips of rice paper to cover the sides of the lantern. Depending on your preference, this can be completed a few different ways. The easiest way, especially for spherical lanterns, is to cut a single strip that can go all the way around; however, this might prove difficult if the surface of the wire frame is even slightly uneven. It can also create unsightly gaps in the top and bottom of the frame if it's not cut exactly fit to size. Another way is to cut smaller strips that will be laid vertically around the circumference of the sphere. This is more time-consuming, but may work better if the first option isn't working. You can slightly overlap the pieces all the way around to have a better fit.

5. Glue the paper to the wire frame. Keeping the paper taut, start from the top and work your way to the bottom. Rice glue will work best for this, but you can use any glue that can be safely used on paper. Allow the paper to dry up to a day before hanging any kind of bulb.

6. String the light bulb from the top cross wire of the frame, and hang it to a level you're comfortable with inside the lantern. Make sure it doesn't hang below the frame of the lantern.

Tags: wire frame, extra wire, wire around, around object, bottom frame, Japanese lanterns

Contemporary Kitchen Lighting

One of the best ways to update your kitchen--and a major consideration if you are doing other renovation--is contemporary lighting. The days of a single ceiling fixture and maybe a light over the sink are done. New lighting lets you focus on task areas and create a welcoming atmosphere for family and guests as well. Contemporary lighting is an important part of keeping your kitchen functional--and fun.

Considerations

If you are renovating your whole kitchen, think about lighting early in the design process. Lighting professionals will tell you that many customers make the mistake of putting lighting at the end of their planning, and the bottom of their renovation budget. Especially in a kitchen, which serves many purposes beyond just food preparation, lighting is not just an "add on" or "go with" decision.

Good kitchen lighting comes in many forms: recessed, soffit, undercounter and task-based, as well as decorative fixtures. Installation of everything but single fixtures needs to be part of your overall design plan to be successful.

Function

Whether lighting is part of a renovation or a free-standing update, your first planning focus needs to be on getting your kitchen work done as efficiently as possible. Good sink lighting is fairly obvious--reducing spots on glasses and getting the dirt off carrots. What may be less obvious is that, since you spent a lot of time at the sink, lighting should also be glare-free. Food preparation areas also need clear, glare-free lighting. Think hard about how you use your counters--where you bake, chop vegetables or do other detailed work. Over-counter lighting, with separate controls for each work area, will enhance the most old-fashioned kitchen. Good work-area lighting makes prep go more smoothly--fewer knife-nicks and better cleanup.

Time Frame

Think hard about the time you spend in your kitchen when you plan new lighting. Morning, afternoon and evening--there's something to do in the kitchen during each of these times. Your planning, therefore, needs to include observing how your current lighting works at each point in this time frame. Plan your lighting around available daylight as well as dark. We often shop in the daytime for things we use at night--a successful lighting plan takes changes in natural light into account. Envision how you want your kitchen to look when you're sitting down to a meal and hosting company. Consider area lighting and dimming fixtures to make the kitchen welcoming for guests. Even a casual supper becomes more hospitable if you don't eat it while looking at the dishes in the sink!

Misconceptions

When you plan a lighting update that involves numerous fixtures, two misconceptions can get in your way. First, you may think that new lighting will cost a fortune. Interestingly, buying good new lighting may reduce your overall electrical costs. New fixtures can be found in a wide variety of light-efficient forms and innovations in light bulb technology give you more light for less money.

Second, task and area-lighting reduce your use of unnecessary whole-room lighting. Adding more switches, controls and fixtures often means using less power overall.

Benefits

Contemporary lighting can make your kitchen more efficient as a work-space and also more inviting as an area for family to gather. Contemporary fixtures, even in a less-than-contemporary setting, can bring a sense of humor into a fairly staid room. How much more fun to do homework under a fixture that brings sparkle and color to your kitchen table. Brighten your home office area with a mobile of glittering (and energy-efficient) stars. Add a single, brilliant jewel-like pendant to a dark corner. Contemporary lighting styles exhibit a welcome playfulness that enhances almost every decorating style.

Tags: your kitchen, Contemporary lighting, hard about, plan lighting, reduce your, sink lighting, Think hard

Decorate A Large Family Room With A Vaulted Ceiling

Vaulted ceilings come in many shapes.

Large family rooms are hard to decorate because there is so much space to fill. This is particularly true of rooms with vaulted ceilings. The ceilings make the room even more expansive. However, you can use this great space to create a warm, cozy family room with plenty of texture and color to make it inviting. Include the height of the walls and ceiling when you are planning your decor so you don't have an overwhelming, empty area.

Instructions

1. Paint the ceiling white to give it a light, open look. Use a stencil to add a pattern to the ceiling or paint the ceiling freehand if you have an artist's touch. Use a light paint color that blends into the room's decor, such as a light blue or beige. Extend the stenciling partway down the wall if desired. This is particularly effective if you have domed ceilings.

2. Add wall decor by visually breaking the walls into horizontal thirds. Fill the middle third with smaller items and position them at eye level. Do not hang small items high up on the wall, because people will not be able to see them. Use large art to fill spots higher on the wall or leave them blank. Fill the bottom third with furniture.

3. Paint the walls a warm hue to give the large room a more cozy feeling. Yellow works well if you do not want a bolder warm color, such as red. Complement the warm walls with coordinating furniture, such as a brown leather couch. Both brown and black work in large rooms because the room isn't overwhelmed by such dark shades.

Tags: third with, This particularly

Ceiling Paint

About Ceiling Paint

While there are no color rules for painting ceilings, go to any paint store and you'll see a shelf full of white ceiling paint, since this is the most common ceiling color. However, chances are that white ceiling paint isn't truly white. There are several differences between flat white ceiling paint and regular paint that aren't apparent until you use start painting, and reasons why it really is better to use ceiling paint on ceilings instead of on your walls.

Function

Since few people like painting ceilings more times than they need to, ceiling paint is formulated to hide well, covering grimy edges with one coat. It typically doesn't spatter very much, making It easier to work with overhead. Because glare from lights or sun coming through a window can be unsightly on a ceiling, the paint tends to be dead flat, with no reflective value. This also helps minimize roller marks and the appearance of surface irregularities, which would be more apparent if the ceiling paint had any sheen.

Features

The trade-off for being very flat and non-reflective means ceiling paint is typically not at all washable or durable. Typically this is not a problem since people rarely wash ceilings. It does mean that ceiling paint is not well suited for walls. Avoid the temptation to save money by buying the cheaper ceiling paint for other uses. Some companies manufacture ceiling paint that looks pale blue or pink in the bucket and while wet, but turns white as it dries. This makes it easier to see if you've missed any spots while painting. See the link below in Resources for Glidden color-changing ceiling paint.

Types

Oil-based paint used to be the standard type of paint for walls, ceilings and trim. Flat oil wall and ceiling paint is still available through some specialty paint stores, but most interior paint used today, for ceilings and elsewhere, is water based (latex). Compared with the old oil-based paints, latex paints are easy to use, dry faster and have lower odor. While ceiling paint is typically flat, some prefer a satin or semi gloss to match the walls in kitchens and bathrooms.

Misconceptions

White ceiling paint is not really white. Pure white paint does not hide very well and usually requires two or more coats of paint. Any paint formulated for ceilings has a little black or brown umber tint in it. This makes it more opaque. Although the paint will look white when it's on the ceiling, if you hold a pure white sheet of paper to it, you'll see that it is actually very pale gray.

Considerations

Although most paint sold as ceiling paint is white (or off-white), you can paint ceilings any color. A warmer beige or honey tone looks bright but has character, especially when paired with vibrant colored walls. Painting the ceiling a darker shade than the walls can be dramatic, especially on vaulted ceilings. While painting a sky blue ceiling with fluffy white clouds on it is a popular option, especially for children's bedrooms, doing a dramatic gold or faux paint effect can be stunning, especially in dining rooms or half baths. Wall paint can be used on any ceiling.

Expert Insight

When painting a ceiling, use an extension pole instead of working from a ladder. Not only is this safer, it is much easier on your neck and shoulders because you can stand behind and below the section you are painting and see what you're doing without craning your neck. If you don't want to buy an extension pole, a wooden broom handle will fit the threads on a roller handle just fine. Check Resources below for complete instructions on paint a ceiling.

Tags: ceiling paint, ceiling paint, paint used, ceiling paint typically, extension pole, paint ceilings, paint formulated

How Does Crown Molding Work

How Does Crown Molding Work?

Crown molding is an interior trim that covers the joint between wall and ceiling. It was first used during the Renaissance by Italian designers who developed an interior version of the cornice, or "geison," of the classical Greek architectural order. Along with wood paneling, it was helpful in blocking drafts and cold air in large rooms and soon became popular trim. It reached its elegant limits during the 18th century when four or five pieces piled up along a wall would form crown molding as much as 18 inches high. Today's homes, with shorter ceiling heights and better insulation, use very simple crown molding or none at all. In fact, crown molding practically disappeared from middle class homes during the 1950's during the post-war building boom. It is still very popular with homeowners, however, and the larger or compound type is still used in public buildings and custom-built homes.

Crown molding is trim cut to rise approximately 30 to 45 degrees away from the wall to the ceiling. The shape that is cut into the wood is called the "profile." Crown molding is traditionally made from hardwood using a router or molded plaster. New materials like medium-density fiberboard (MDF), polyurethane and polystyrene provide less expensive alternatives if the trim is to be painted. Polyvinylchloride (PVC) and a rubbery material called Flex are also inexpensive alternatives, but each has specific requirements for paint adhesion. Each material has a place where it works best. PVC and Flex work well in damp areas where wood might rot or plaster degrade. Wood and plaster, however, are more desirable in formal or public areas. Polystyrene is not as sturdy as other materials. Polyurethane cleans up easily. Flex is extremely resilient, but plaster is rather delicate. The type of material you choose should be determined by where it will be used, any special requirements (like curved walls) and how much you have budgeted for trim.

Crown molding is installed like any other wood trim. Since it stands out from the wall, it's secured to the wall at its base. Triangular blocks at the corner sometimes back crown molding, too. Composite crown molding can be designed using a number of different types of trim, securing each layer individually or to a "box" constructed to hold all of the pieces. The biggest challenge with any type of crown molding, though, is fitting the corners properly. This can be done using a compound miter saw, a bench-mounted circular saw that both cuts the 45 degree angle needed for a square corner and scoops out the material behind the surface to allow the ends to fit together properly. An alternative to investing in a compound miter saw is to lay the molding flat, miter the corners and use a coping saw to cut away the material behind the profile. A third way to cut corners is to construct a box inside the miter box to hold the molding at the angle it will sit on the wall.

Tags: compound miter, crown molding, crown molding, Crown molding, Crown Molding Work

Decorate A Small Bathroom With Nature'S Beauty

Take inspiration from nature when you decorate your small bathroom.

Small bathrooms may seem like a decorating challenge, but with the right colors and effects, you can make the space seem larger while providing visually appealing d cor. Nature's beauty can provide inspiration when it comes to your small bathroom decorating project, from the soft blues of water lapping against a sandy shore to towering leafy, green trees. Select one specific theme within nature and stick with it, instead of trying to merge different aspects into the small space.

Instructions

1. Choose light colors for the bathroom. While many gorgeous dark colors are found in nature, dark hues make a small space seem even smaller. Instead, choose light paint colors with a natural inspiration, such as a pale sky blue or a sand-colored beige. Use darker colors like brown and forest green for accent areas only, like towels, shower curtains or rugs.

2. Hang one or two pieces of framed artwork in an empty wall space. Choose artwork that represents the nature theme of your choice whether it's a black and white photograph of a snowy mountain or a detailed painting of a deer drinking from a forest stream. Use bare wood frames or a frame coated in seashells or stones to add a raw natural element.

3. Devote one or two small spaces for a display that incorporates beautiful elements found in nature. Find a space, such as on the toilet tank lid or a small shelf on the wall, for this purpose. Ideas for the arrangement include potted plants, vase with fresh flowers, miniature bonsai tree, a clear glass vase filled with sand and seashells or a small display of colorful rocks and stones.

4. Use bathroom accessories that incorporate natural elements, whether its wood, stone or unglazed ceramics. Aim for matching items when it comes to the trash can, soap dispenser, toothbrush holder and similar accessories. Focus on small sizes, so as not to overwhelm the room.

Tags: your small bathroom, found nature, small space, space seem, when comes, your small

Paint Water Marks

This damaged ceiling requires some drywall replacement as well as stain blocking and repainting.

Estimate Suspended Ceilings

Estimate Suspended Ceilings

Suspended ceilings, also known as drop or grid ceilings, are composed of metal frames and gypsum tiles. They are one of the most affordable and easy-to-install options for both homes and businesses. Because they create a plenum space above the tiles, they can hide ugly pipes and wiring, or provide room for electronic or HVAC equipment. Estimating the cost of these ceilings is fairly simple, and requires only basic construction knowledge.

Instructions

1. Measure the dimensions of the room to determine width and length. Multiply these numbers together to calculate the square footage of the room. For example, in a room that is 10' wide by 12' long, the square footage of the ceiling will be 120 square feet.

2. Divide your total square footage by 4 to determine how many 2' by 2' tiles you will need. In our example of a room that's 120 square feet, we would need 30 tiles to complete the project. If using 2' by 4' tiles, you will need to divide by 8. Here, we would need 15 tiles at 2' by 4'. Multiply the cost per tile from your local supplier by the number of tiles needed to determine how much the ceiling tiles will cost you.

3. Calculate how many rows of tiles will fit across the room. Here, we would have 5 rows. With mains needed every 2' to support the tiles, we would need 3 rows of mains that are the same length of the room. Calculate the cost for 3 mains that are 12' in length to determine the cost of the the mains for the grid.

4. Estimate the number of 2' tee sections required by dividing the number of tiles needed for the job by 2. This gives a rough estimate, and can be multiplied by the cost per each tee.

5. Purchase enough wall molding to cover the entire perimeter of the room. Here we would need 44', which is calculated by adding 10', 10', 12' and 12'. This material can be puchased in any size and cut to fit, so use the most affordable lengths that will work for your needs.

6. Decide what kind of tile will be used. If clean room tile is required, or other specialized varieties, you will need to add a premium as this will be more expensive than regular tile.

7. Add in the cost of labor to install the ceilings. Determine how many hours the job will take and multiply this by your hourly labor costs, including burden.

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Run Electrical Wire To A Ceiling

One of the trickier parts of doing your own electrical work is getting the wire from point A to point B. Quite often, there are obstacles in the way and more times than not, a floor or ceiling to pull the wire through. Knowing run electrical wire to a ceiling is one of the more important aspects of running an electrical circuit.

For ease of understanding, the instructions here are for running electrical wire from a wall outlet into a ceiling to feed another electrical component, like a ceiling fan or an outlet in the attic.

Instructions

1. Cut an 8-by-8-inch square out of the drywall where the wall meets the ceiling. Mark the square, and pre-cut it with a utility knife. Then cut it away using the drywall saw.

2. Cut another 8-by-8-inch square in the same manner out of the ceiling directly above the wall cutout. Though these might seem like large drywall patches, you need the room in order for the paddle bit to make it all the way through the wall top plate.

3. Take the drill with the extender and paddle bit, and drill a hole through the wall's top plate. The top plate is comprised of two 2x4s and spans the length of the wall. Because the top plate is so thick, the extender is required for the paddle bit to make it through the back-to-back 2x4s.

4. Feed the NM fish down the wall through the access hole until you are able to pull it out of the access hole that's been cut for the outlet. An NM fish is a non-metallic wire puller. It is a coil of non-metallic cording that you can feed through walls, across ceilings and through confined spaces to make the running of wire much easier.

5. Tape the NM cable (the wire) to the end of the fish, and pull the fish and the accompanying wire from point A to point B.

6. Remove the cable from the fish and push the end of the cable through the hole in the top plate. Now that the electrical wire is in the ceiling, you can head into the attic to pull the amount of wire needed to complete the job up into the ceiling.

Tags: electrical wire, wire from, 8-by-8-inch square, access hole, electrical wire ceiling, from point, from point point

Finish A Basement Ceiling

Finishing your basement can increase the living space in your home, and can also hide ugly pipes and wiring along the ceiling. Homeowners can choose from suspended grid ceilings or those built from gypsum wall board, or drywall. Suspended grid ceilings are the easiest and most affordable option, but can take up several extra inches of ceiling space. Drywall ceilings take up less space and have a cleaner look, but are more expensive and time-consuming to install.

Instructions

Install a Grid Ceiling

1. Find the lowest point on your existing ceiling. If portions of pipes or ductwork are lower than the bottom of the joists, use these as your lowest point. Measure down 4 inches from this low point and mark a line on the wall as a benchmark.

2. Nail a single length of wall molding to the wall at the benchmark you found in Step 1. Set a laser level along this molding and use it to project a line around the perimeter of the room. Add wall molding on all four walls, using tin snips to cut the molding as needed.

3. Install the mains. These are the uninterrupted sections of grid that run the entire length of the room. They should be placed every 2 feet, and should be supported every 48 inches along their length using ceiling wires. Attach the wires to the joists using eye hooks, then thread the wire through the holes in the mains.

4. Attach the tees to the mains. These are shorter sections of grid that help to frame out the tiles. Place tees every 2 feet if you're using 2-by-2 tiles, or every 4 feet if you're using 2-by-4 tiles. The tees snap into the grid by hand, using integral connectors and pre-drilled holes.

5. Set your ceiling tiles. Tilt each tile at an angle to fit it up above the grid, then hold it flat and allow it to drop into place. Cut tiles using a utility knife as needed.

Install a Drywall Ceiling

6. Check to make sure all pipes and ducts are located higher than the bottom of the ceiling joists. If they are not, you will have to relocate them so they run between the joists. If you are unfamiliar with this type of work, hire a plumber or electrician to help.

7. Place a sheet of drywall on a drywall lift finish side down. You can rent these lifts at most home improvement stores. Crank the lift to raise the drywall to ceiling level so it is perpendicular to the joists.

8. Use drywall screws to secure the sheet of drywall to the joists. Place screws every 6 inches along each joist.

9. Repeat Steps 2 and 3 to cover the entire ceiling with drywall. Each sheet should butt tightly together without overlapping. To cut the drywall, use a utility knife to score each sheet and then snap it along the score line.

10. Tape the seams between each sheet using drywall tape, then cover the tape with a layer of spackle or joint compound. Allow the joint compound to dry overnight, then sand it smooth so that the joint is flush with the rest of the surface. It may be necessary to repeat this step depending on the desired level of smoothness. Complete the project by cleaning away all sanding dust and painting the ceiling.

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Clean Woodgrain Paneling Walls

Wood-grain paneling is often manufactured with a light, protective finish.

Wood-grain paneling appears in homes and business throughout the world. Most of this type of paneling is treated with a finish that resists light moisture. If you need to clean your wood-grain paneling beyond light, dry dusting, wet cleaning is permissible within certain limits. With a thorough cleaning, the paneling can be restored to a gleaming finish that accentuates its wood-grain appearance.

Instructions

1. Dust the wood-grain paneling with a dry dust cloth or clean with the brush attachment on your vacuum.

2. Fill two medium-size bowls halfway with water. Pour 1/2 tsp. of mild liquid dish soap in one bowl and stir with a spoon to create bubbles.

3. Dip a nonabrasive sponge in the soapy water and squeeze gently to remove excess liquid. Wipe the dirty or stained areas of the wood grain paneling with the soapy sponge.

4. Wipe the cleaned area of the paneling with a clean sponge dampened in water. Dry wet areas promptly with a soft, lint-free towel.

Tags: paneling with, finish that, Wood-grain paneling, wood-grain paneling

Antique Wooden Chairs

About Antique Wooden Chairs

Antique wooden chairs encompass a variety of styles. The earliest chairs were little more than stools with backs. Arms were added, and rich carving replaced crude slats. The uncomfortable early pieces became the Windsor chairs and Hitchcock chairs of the 18th and 19th centuries. The simple homemade examples of the earliest days gave way to masterpieces in the style of Queen Anne and Chippendale. Antique wooden chairs--especially American chairs--can be extremely valuable in their original conditions.

History

Antique wooden chairs evolved over time from the solid, heavy models of the 16th century to the delicate, upholstered examples of the 18th century. Two distinct trends emerged: one that favored the simple tastes of vernacular art and architecture, and another that followed the dictates of high art. The earliest true chairs are of the wainscot type. They are made of ornamented wooden boards that resemble the wooden paneling found in 16th- and 17th-century manor houses.

Types

By the early 1700s, the solid backs had disappeared, replaced by wooden spindles in the vernacular styles, and gently curving backs and chair rails in the fashionable pieces. Windsor and Hitchcock chairs are examples of vernacular chairs of the 1700s and 1800s. Seats are of solid wood or woven rushes. Fashionable chairs are typically in either the Queen Anne or Chippendale styles. Chippendale chairs are noted for intricately pierced backs, fine scroll and shell work, and carefully proportioned ball and claw feet.

Structure

Chairs share a number of common elements. The backs on fashionable examples are called splats. These are essential arrangements of wooden tracery that support the back of the sitter. Splats are replaced by spindles, or wooden dowels, in vernacular examples. The legs found on all antique wooden chairs can be classed either as straight, in the case of Windsor and Hitchcock chairs, or cabriole in the more fashionable styles. Cabriole legs imitate the curve of an animal's leg and serve to create a more refined sense of proportion. Chair rails are the wooden pieces at the top of the chair. They join together the tops of the splats or the spindles.

Functional vs. Decorative

All pieces originally were functional. Though roped off in many a modern museum house, even the most elegant Queen Anne and Chippendale pieces were meant to be used. Nevertheless, such examples often formed parts of a larger ensemble.

Architects often designed everything from the external proportions of great houses and palaces to the precise arrangement of a chair, and the wall and ceiling decoration of a room. Particularly luxuriant chairs might sit in a precise spot in a room, helping to complete the overall decorative scheme. Vernacular chairs largely served as utilitarian pieces. Only the use of more expensive woods or especially well-turned spindles might set them apart as belonging to the master or mistress of the house.

Identifying Fakes

Fakes often are identified through errors in craftsmanship. The wood on older chairs generally is thicker than those on modern imitations. Individual chair parts vary slightly in thickness and evenness because they were made with hand tools. Minute traces of paint on an otherwise bare, wooden chair usually is a sign that the chair is an authentic antique. Forgers rarely attempt to duplicate such small remains. Old paints, too, differ from their modern counterparts in that they were made with natural plant and mineral colorants.

Tags: Anne Chippendale, Hitchcock chairs, Queen Anne, Queen Anne Chippendale, Antique wooden

Bathroom Decorating Ideas For Kids

Bathroom for kids

Kid's bathrooms can be whimsical or match the rest of the house. Your child can help you decorate the room. You may feel freer to use bright colors and bold decorating ideas in a kid's bathroom than in other rooms in your home. Kid's bathrooms can be funky or elegant. You can decorate a bathroom inexpensively or go for a total remodel.

Kid's Bathroom Colors

Almost any color can work for a kid's bathroom. Basic colors might be bright red, yellow or blue. Branch out into hot pink, lime green or orange for an energizing room that looks trendy. Don't worry about the room matching. Pick two colors that you like and then a more neutral color such as white or black. Choose daring paint colors in a kid's bathroom. Paint is inexpensive and makes a big impact. Neutral colors such as taupe may feel more sophisticated. Accent any neutral colors with bright, fun accessories. Use funky towels and toothbrush holders for inexpensive bathroom accessories. Display bathtub toys on floating cubes or shelves.

Kid's Bathroom Themes

Themes add cohesive styling to a kid's bathroom. Fun themes can include rubber duck accessories with yellow or blue walls. If you want a more sophisticated theme go with an ocean theme. Hang a decorative surfboard on the wall. Themes based on water can be gender neutral and enjoyed by a variety of age groups.

Carry the theme from the kid's bedroom into the bathroom to create a mini master suite. Turn the bathroom into a dressing room for a girl. Hang a star on the door. Customize the accessories with your child's name. Bar lights around the mirror will further the Hollywood feeling. Pink walls add a feminine touch. Look for shaggy bath mats that simulate fur for a luxurious bathroom. You may need to balance a guest bath with a child's bathroom. Look for a theme that both adults and kids can enjoy such as polka dots. Choose a theme for your child that will last for several years so you don't have to redecorate as often.

Function

A child's bathroom needs to be functional as well as look good. If your child has trouble turning the faucet on and off install a faucet with a motion sensor. Paint a stool with stripes and polka dots so your kid can reach the countertop. Find a night light or motion sensor sconce so your child doesn't have to walk into a dark room at night. Decorative hampers may encourage your kids to put away dirty laundry. Look for surfaces that are durable and easy to clean.

Durability

Bathroom remodels can be expensive. Keep the fixtures in your bathroom neutral. A white toilet, sink, and bathtub will work with many decorating styles and will transition with your kids as they grow up. Transform your vanity and wall with paint for a budget-friendly bathroom makeover. Countertops and tile can be beige, brown, white or black and still work with any theme in a kid's bathroom.

Tags: your child, accessories with, child bathroom, more sophisticated, motion sensor, polka dots

Install Overhead Lighting & A Ceiling Fan

When you install a ceiling fan in place of an existing ceiling light, the obvious disadvantage is that you're losing that overhead lighting. The obvious solution is to get a fan with a light kit included as part of the unit. It's a little more complicated to wire than a basic fan, but it's not outside the abilities of an average homeowner. Make sure the electrical box in the ceiling is firm and immobile before you start. (If it isn't, consult a contractor before you install the fan.)

Instructions

1. Cut the electricity to the existing ceiling light, at the fuse box. Loosen the light fixture from the ceiling by removing the screws holding it to the electrical box. Lower it until you can disconnect the wires above it. Leave the white, black and bare copper ground wires hanging down from the box.

2. Find the mounting bracket that came with the new ceiling fan. Attach the bracket to the electrical box with the screws that came with it. Wrap the copper ground wire from the box around the green screw on the bracket.

3. Partly assemble the fan according to the instructions it came with, putting together everything except the blades. Carry the assembly up the ladder and set it close enough to the electrical box to connect the wires. (Note: On some models, there will be a hook on the mounting bracket, from which you can hang the fan unit, so it will dangle sideways off the ceiling, allowing connection of the wires.)

4. Connect the white wire from the fan to the white wire from the ceiling box, by twisting a wire cap around the ends of the two wires.

5. Connect the black (fan motor) wire from the fan, and the blue (light) wire from the fan, to the black wire from the box, by twisting a wire cap around the ends of all three wires together.

6. Raise the fan housing to the ceiling. Push wire connections up into the electrical box. Mount the fan housing to the mounting bracket with the screws it came with. Restore the electricity. If the fan motor and the light both work properly, install the fan blades with the provided screws.

Tags: wire from, came with, mounting bracket, around ends, ceiling light

Decorate Small Bathrooms In A Rented Home

Small bathrooms require ingenuity when it comes to decorating.

Small bathrooms can provide a decorating challenge as options are limited by the small space. Decorating a small bathroom can be even more complicated in a rented home since you won't likely be permitted to make any permanent changes or leave holes behind in walls. The trick to decorating these bathrooms is to provide everything you need for the room to be functional in a temporary fashion.

Instructions

1. Install an over-the-toilet storage cabinet or rack, which has a design that allows it to sit on the floor and over the top of the toilet, providing either an enclosed storage area or racks for items such as towels and extra toilet paper.

2. Add removable stickers to painted, wallpapered or tiled walls to change the appearance of the walls without making permanent changes to the bathroom.

3. Replace showerheads, towel racks and mirrors you don't like with fixtures you do. Use the same holes in the walls for towel racks and mirrors, so that you don't create new holes in the walls, and store the original fixtures someplace safe to reinstall them when you leave the rented home.

4. Use over-the-door towel racks if you need more towel space and to prevent additional holes in the walls. Get a hand-towel rack that sits on the edge of the sink.

5. Hang a decorative shower curtain in a sterile bathroom to brighten the room and place your own soap dish and toothbrush holder on the counter and rugs on the floor. Store any accessories that you remove from the bathroom to replace when you leave the property.

Tags: holes walls, towel racks, bathrooms provide, permanent changes, racks mirrors

17x13 Kitchen Ideas

For kitchens, organization is more important than size.

A kitchen measuring 17 by 13 feet is more than big enough for everything a person needs. Efficient and sensible design can provide a space of this size with accessible appliances and cabinets, with sufficient room in between for easy traffic flow. Add high-quality appliances to your kitchen and avoid unnecessary extras, and you will create a room that is both efficient and beautiful.

Sinks

A dual cast-iron sink placed in front of a window can create a heritage look and a light-filled spot for cleaning vegetables or washing dishes. If you are looking for a more contemporary feel, a brushed nickle or stainless steel sink, combined with a modern faucet, can bring your sink into the 21st century. Sinks should be installed with adequate counter space on both sides of them so that things don't get crowded when you are preparing or cleaning up after dinner.

Center Island

A kitchen that is 17 by 13 feet is large enough to incorporate a center island. This design has numerous advantages, including increased vertical area for drawers and cabinets, and increased linear counter feet, which provides more space for work areas. A center island also provides a space to install an overhead rack to hang pots, pans and frequently used utensils. A rack of this type not only gives the kitchen visual interest and a homey feel, it saves you the hassle of constant cupboard opening and shutting when reaching for the things that you use all the time.

Doorways

If your 17-by-13-foot kitchen is positioned well with the rest of the house, you can include entryways at both ends of the kitchen. This design provides more choices and opportunities for traffic flow, and makes it easier to access other parts of the house. Be careful not to design the kitchen so that it becomes a hallway between two other frequently used points, or you will have a constant parade of people going through the kitchen.

Built-In Refrigerator

If you are looking for ways to free up floor space within the kitchen, a built-in refrigerator is one way to do this. If you have a closet in another room that backs up to the kitchen, you can close that closet off from the other direction, open up the wall into the kitchen, and install the refrigerator in the space. This leaves you with a refrigerator that is flush to the kitchen wall at the front, and is accessible but not using up valuable kitchen floor space.

Tags: center island, floor space, frequently used, kitchen that, provides more