Cover Ceiling Planks In Between Open Beams

Natural wood ceiling beams

Exposed ceiling beams that are beautifully finished can lend dramatic charm to any room. You can accomplish this design by installing faux wood ceiling beams if you have plumbing or wires that must be covered by drywall and can't be removed. For those who are able to use their finished, original beams to achieve this style, the ceiling planks above beams can be hidden using drywall with a bit of work. You will need at least one helper.

Instructions

1. Ask a friend to help when installing ceiling drywall.

Climb a ladder and measure the ceiling between each beam with a measuring tape, carefully writing down the measurements. You may have to enlist the aid of a friend for this step.

2. Lay one drywall sheet flat on the floor and measure it for the first panel, marking a small notch with a carpenter pencil to indicate where to cut. Align the top of the T-square flush against the drywall edge, making sure the perpendicular portion is aligned with the marked notch. Using a utility knife, score the drywall along the T-square, cutting only the outer wrapping. Place the drywall on a table with the scored line falling at its edge, and push the overhanging portion down until it snaps. With the utility knife, cut the outer wrapping on the opposite side of the drywall.

3. Apply construction adhesive to the ceiling where the first panel will be placed, and using the drywall hanger and your helper, place the drywall flush against the ceiling. Operation of the drywall hanger is moderately easy. Place the drywall on the prongs and adjust the lift so that the drywall is elevated until it is flush against the ceiling. When the drywall is in place, you will have approximately 10 minutes to screw it in properly before the construction adhesive's bond is compromised.

4. Screw the drywall into the ceiling planks using a drill with a 5/8-inch screw bit, placing the screws 3/8 inch from the edges and approximately 7 inches apart around the drywall's perimeter and down its center. The screws should dimple the drywall but not break all the way through.

5. Repeat Steps 1 through 4 for the remaining portions of the ceiling.

6. Cover the edges where the drywall meets the drywall tape. If the edges that border the beams aren't flush, they may require taping as well. Use a spackle knife to apply joint compound smoothly over the tape and drywall screws. Once the joint compound is completely dry, it may require another coat to perfect the finish. Sand the dried compound lightly with a sanding block before applying the second coat.

7. Sand the areas with joint compound lightly using a sanding block once the final coat is completely dry. Your ceiling is now ready for priming and painting.

Tags: ceiling beams, flush against, joint compound, against ceiling, ceiling planks

Lshaped Kitchen Design Ideas

L-shaped kitchens are easy to design.

The L-shaped kitchen gets its name from the layout of the room, which resembles an uppercase L. These kitchens are popular with homeowners because the design lends itself well to nearly every decorating style from country to modern. The layout includes separate areas for cooking and dining but still has an open feeling.

Design a Triangle

The kitchen triangle refers to the regular path you take in your kitchen: you take food from the refrigerator, prepare it near the sink and cook it on the stove or in the oven. This system works well in an L-shaped kitchen. Create a triangle by placing your refrigerator at one end of the L, your stove/oven at the other end and your sink between the two. The open space between appliances makes it easy to transport food to different work stations.

Work with the Curve

The curve of your L-shaped kitchen is often wasted space. Look for items specially designed to fit into the corner of the room, such as corner cabinets, lazy Susans, a corner desk or bookshelf, or pull-out drawers set at an angle. You could even set your refrigerator into the corner at an angle.

Use an Island

Add an island with a built-in sink, work surface and storage underneath to your L-shaped kitchen. Arrange barstools on one side to accommodate visitors or create a small dining area for just one or two people.

Tags: L-shaped kitchen, into corner, stove oven, your L-shaped, your L-shaped kitchen, your refrigerator

Contemporary Bathroom Ideas

The bathroom is a great place to go contemporary because there are state-of-the-art fixtures, finishes, furnishings and accessories that combine function and fashion. Go high-tech with some of the latest bathroom gadgets, or keep things more simple but minimalist. You can also jump on one of the modern bathroom decor trends, such as spa bathrooms or eco-design.

Furnishings

They seem so basic, those bathroom furnishings of toilet, sink and bath but, these days, there are more options with which to furnish a contemporary bathroom. Go international and install a bidet or outfit the counter with a double sink setup. Install a shower that is separate from the bathtub, or invest in a spa-inspired steam shower lined in subway tiles or a step in whirlpool tub. Little details can add a modern edge, such as a curvy jacuzzi tub or a rectangular bathtub lined with square tiles. The vessel sink style, in which the sink appears to be a bowl floating on a pedestal, is popular in contemporary design. Pedestal vanities as opposed to cupboards have gained in popularity, but require a sacrifice of hidden storage space.

Fixtures and Finishes

Contemporary bathrooms tend toward glossy and brassy surfaces. You may find a sink made out of glass or stainless steel. Designer faucets, hardware and spigots may be in simplified, angular or geometric shapes. The trend in fixtures is toward chrome and soft brass. Walls and furnishings are often white, bone or biscuit. Another design innovation concerns shower doors, which may be in plain glass or may be frosted or beaded.

Accessories

The lighting design in a contemporary bathroom can carry the look. Small, gallery-style spotlights can add emphasis to the vanity area, while dimmer lighting adds a moody touch in other parts of the room. The contemporary trend of spa bathrooms has introduce luxury accessories to the bath, which may range from waterfall shower heads to a glass fireplaces. For those who wish to make the most of their contemporary bathroom, some luxury designs include mini-refrigerators, massage tables, dressing rooms and flat panel-style televisions mounted on the ceiling. If you are interested in green design, add elements, such as organic cotton towels, a bamboo floor mat, wicker baskets in various textures, apothecary jars for holding various natural concoctions and solar tubes, which allow natural light to pour in.

Tags: contemporary bathroom

Diy Hanging A Light Fixture

Hanging a new light fixture is among the quickest and easiest ways to change the look and feel of a room. Most fixtures work according to the same simple principle of attaching two insulated wires to the house circuit --- a black "hot" wire and a white neutral wire --- as well as a bare ground wire. Fixtures come in many shapes and sizes. Get one that's at least as big at the base as the old one so you're not exposing previously covered ceiling space that might not be painted.

Instructions

1. Turn off the electricity to the existing fixture at the circuit box of your home.

2. Remove the screws that hold the fixture to the electrical box so you can lower the fixture enough to access the wires behind it. There should a white wire, a black wire and a bare copper grounding wire.

3. Disconnect the wires, unscrewing the wire nuts or electrical tape that holds them together. Pull the light free. If there's a mounting bracket on the electrical box from the light, remove the bracket by taking out the screws that hold it there.

4. Find the mounting bracket for the new fixture. Hold the bracket to the electrical box and line up the screw holes. Secure it with the provided screws.

5. Twist the grounding wire around the green grounding screw on the bracket. Tighten the screw.

6. Position the light fixture near the electrical box. Connect the white wire from the box and the white wire from the light by holding them next to each other and twisting a wire nut over both of them together. Repeat this step to connect the black wires from the light and the box.

7. Tuck the wire connections into the electrical box. Set the fixture against the mounting bracket. Secure it through the screw holes with the screws that came with it. Turn the power back on.

Tags: from light, mounting bracket, screws that, white wire, black wire, bracket electrical

Installing Hanging Pendant Lights In A Suspended Ceiling

Hanging lights are widely used.

Pendant lights are a great way to focus lighting in a designated area. Pendant light fixtures hang from the ceiling, which is one reason why they are so popular. Regardless of the method used to suspend the light, adjusting the length is as easy as cutting the tubing or wire used to suspend it from the ceiling to the desired length. This still holds true when installing a pendant light fixture in a suspended ceiling. The method used to install the existing fixture on your suspended ceiling determines the degree of difficulty when installing the pendant light in its place.

Instructions

1. Locate the breaker in the electrical panel that controls the flow of electricity to the light fixture. Switch it to the off position. Place the stepladder under the existing light fixture. Take the cover off the existing light fixture and remove the bulb.

2. Take out the screws which connect the fixture to the junction box and disconnect the wires. Take note of the method used to mount the junction box to the suspended ceiling by removing the ceiling tile next to the light fixture. If it is solid enough to support the pendant light fixture, skip to Step 5.

3. Hang a plumb bob from the ceiling until it is directly over the junction box and mark the ceiling. Drill a pilot hole on that mark for a threaded ceiling hook. Secure a threaded ceiling hook to the ceiling.

4. Cut a section of swing set chain with tin snips to reach from the hook to the junction box. Hook one end of the chain to the ceiling hook and the other end to the junction box with a screw and a washer.

5. Thread the electrical wires from the pendant light through the tubing and top plate (canopy), if necessary. Connect the wires according to the pendant light manufacturer's instructions.

6. Push the wires into the junction box and secure the top plate to it as well. Install the correct bulb in the pendant light. Switch the breaker back to the on position.

Tags: light fixture, ceiling hook, from ceiling, method used, pendant light

Clean Dirt Off Of A New Wood Ceiling With A Tongue & Groove

Use the same methods to clean wooden floors and ceilings.

Just as wood floors become dusty and dirty over time, so do finished wood ceilings. Cleaning a ceiling can seem a bit overwhelming for many homeowners. To clean a new wooden tongue and groove ceiling, you can use the same method used to clean a wooden floor or wood paneling. The most important thing is that you'll need a step ladder or cleaning tools with extension poles that allow you to reach the ceiling.

Instructions

1. Set up the step ladder to make it easier to reach the ceiling's surface. Attach the extension pole to the dust mop.

2. Sweep the static-cling dust mop back and forth across the ceiling to remove any dust or loose debris. Wear safety goggles to prevent knocking dust into your eyes.

3. Use a vacuum to clean up the dust and debris knocked from the ceiling to the floor.

4. Dab a small amount of oil soap onto a sponge. Use the oil soap sponge to wipe away any dirt on the wooden ceiling and polish the wood finish.

5. Allow the surface to air dry to prevent any damage to the wooden surface.

Tags: clean wooden, reach ceiling, step ladder

Repair A Hole In Wood Paneling

Reparing a hole in wood paneling is easy, but matching the stain could be harder.

Holes in wood paneling are quite common. Paneling that's composed of particle board is easily damaged. Or you may need to repair a hole made to hang a picture on the wall. Repairing a hole is relatively simple, but matching the stain color can be more difficult. If possible, take a sample of the stain to the hardware store for matching.

Instructions

1. Rub a sanding block over the hole, working with the grain of the wood, to remove the finish around the hole. Wipe the surface with an old rag, or vacuum the surface to remove the dust.

2. Place a damp cloth on the wood paneling. Place a hot iron on the cloth for a few seconds. This raises the wood grain.

3. Fill the hole with wood putty, using a putty knife to apply it and smooth it out. Try to use wood putty that is a similar color.

4. Let the putty dry, and then sand it smooth. Wipe or vacuum the surface after sanding. Apply a stain to match the rest of the panel if you have found one. If you can't find a similar stain, go over the entire surface with another stain so that it all matches.

Tags: matching stain, surface with, vacuum surface, wood paneling, wood putty

Cover Ugly Drop Ceiling Tile

As the name suggests, dropped ceilings are composed of tiles that are installed in a dropped fashion, the purpose of which is to cover an existing ceiling or to create an inexpensive one. Though functional, they aren't the most attractive. To make the ceiling more appealing, use creativity to cover the tiles.

Instructions

1. Cover the tiles with fabric. Secure the fabric to the ceiling by tucking the edges underneath the metal brackets that hold the ceiling in place around the perimeter of the room. Insert a decorative push pin in the middle of the fabric and insert it in the tile in the center of the room to prevent it from drooping, creating a bubbled look in the material.

2. Paint the tiles. Use any color of gloss latex wall paint. Apply it to each individual ceiling tile with a paintbrush. Remove the ceiling tiles to paint them and replace them once they dry, or paint them while they are suspended. Paint the metal brackets, as well, to create a cohesive look.

3. Wallpaper the ceiling tiles. Use a self-adhesive wallpaper. Measure the tile's size then cut the pieces to size. Remove the ceiling tiles, peel the protective paper off the back of the wallpaper and apply on the tiles. Replace them after they are papered.

Tags: ceiling tiles, metal brackets, paint them, Remove ceiling, Remove ceiling tiles

Floor Design Ideas For Galley Kitchens

Galley kitchens can be designed in a traditional or modern scheme.

Galley kitchens work well for tight spaces, such as tiny apartments. Floor design ideas for smaller kitchens contain the same options as larger layouts -- tile, linoleum and hardwood. The benefit of dealing with a smaller room is that you can get more bang for your buck, as the material cost will be less than in grand, open floor plans.

Work With the Length

Showcase the galley design by laying the flooring lengthwise. For example, rather than put smaller boards of hardwood vertically up to the cabinets, lay it horizontally so it runs the length of them. Another option is to create a focal point by laying a ceramic tile strip down the center of the floor, surrounded by a tile of a different color on the edges. For a cheaper alternative, look for a similar stripe design in linoleum.

Use Color

Using a solid color in the space is another option. For example, if the adjoining room's floor is a hardwood, lay a solid blue tile down just the length of the kitchen to separate the two areas. Another option for a contemporary feel is to use small glass tiles that fit with the scale of the space. For a modern natural feel, use reclaimed wood flooring if you want an eco-friendly design or stone for an earthy style.

Continuous Flooring

For smaller apartments or lofts, continuous matching flooring is an option to make sure that all the spaces connect with one another design-wise. For example, white tiles throughout your home offer a palette for other colors and design elements to pop off of. To get a small touch of difference in each room, add one small special element. For example, inlay a medallion into the hardwood floor right in front of the door to the kitchen or inlay a tiled "carpet" right in front of the sink.

Monochromatic Designs

Creating a monochromatic design opens up a small space visually, as it keeps the eye moving around the room and not stopping on one pop of color or decor element. This type of design does not have to be plain and boring however. For example, bring in light stone tiles for the flooring to match a set of cabinets painted in the same hue. Add details such as trim to the front door of the cupboards and texture to the walls for architectural interest.

Tags: front door, Galley kitchens, right front

Decorate Ceiling Lights

Add decorative bulbs, shades, shells or mobiles to decorate ceiling lights.

Ceiling lights provide overhead illumination and usually need little attention. The light fixture styles and lampshades for ceiling lights quickly become outdated or no longer go with the room due to changes in color or style. Decorating ceiling lights gives them a new look without the need to replace the fixture or lampshades. Change the look of an individual or group ceiling light fixture with projects that take only a few dollars and less than a day to complete.

Instructions

Individual Ceiling Lights

1. Decorate an individual ceiling light with a lampshade mobile. Check lighting stores, home improvement stores, catalogs and websites to get ideas for the type of mobile that best suits your home. Many are made of translucent materials, allowing light to pass through and adding interest to an ordinary ceiling light. This also serves to camouflage out-of-date or unattractive ceiling light shades or fixtures.

2. Measure the width of the ceiling light at its widest point and make a note of the measurement.

3. Buy a lampshade mobile wide enough to fit over the ceiling light

4. Install a decorative ceiling hook by screwing it into the ceiling next to the ceiling light, if needed. Alternatively, use the hardware provided with the lampshade mobile

5. Hang the lampshade mobile by holding it centered below the ceiling light and raising it over the ceiling light to the desired position. Hang it from the ceiling hook or provided hardware.

Decorate Chandelier or Multiple-Bulb Fixtures

6. Replace plain light bulbs with decorative bulbs in ceiling fixtures where the bulb is exposed, such as those with shades open on the bottom and some chandelier-style ceiling lights.

7. Select large flat seashells and smaller shells to decorate ceiling fixture lampshades. Because of their translucence, seashells allow light to show through.

8. Remove the lampshades from the ceiling light fixture. Some lift up or unscrew to the right. If there are screws or knobs holding the shade in place, turn each one until the shade is loose enough to remove. Hand each shade to an assistant.

9. Clean the shades. Use a vacuum cleaner brush gently on fabric shades. Wash glass shades in mild dish soap and warm water. Dry them thoroughly with a dishtowel.

10. Place the seashells against a ceiling light shade to see how they'll fit. You may need to make two or three rows. One large shell place on the outside of the shade so it's the most visible may be sufficient. Leave 1-inch clearance at the base of the lampshade so you can get a good grip on it when you need to remove it for cleaning.

11. Apply glue to the lampshade and press the seashell into the desired position. Add smaller shells for additional decoration, if desired.

Tags: ceiling light, lampshade mobile, light fixture, ceiling hook, ceiling light fixture, ceiling lights, decorative bulbs

Powder Coat A Steel Tin Ceiling

Powder coated tin ceiling tile.

Powder coating is the process of shooting electrically charged dried paint particles onto a grounded metal and heating at a temperature high enough to make the paint particles melt and adhere to the metal. Powder coating is the youngest type of surface finishing techniques employed today and is not for the novice painter. Powder coating requires special equipment and significant investment, but the end product offers many advantages over traditional oil based paints such as fewer coats, tougher finish, and longer lasting paint jobs. Tin ceilings are just one of many products that today are getting powder coat finishes. Normally, powder coating takes place in a manufacturing facility, however consumers are able to purchase the equipment to do the job themselves as well. This article walks you through the process of powder coating your tin ceiling tiles.

Instructions

1. Lay the tiles out in your painting area as they must be prepped and cleaned prior to the painting process. Use the cleaning solution purchased from the paint shop to clean each tile front and back. Rinse with demineralized water, then use the etching solution to create a surface for the paint to adhere to. Rinse with demineralized water again, followed by a treatment of the phosphate solution.

2. Rinse once more with demineralized water and let it air dry. Load your electrostatic spray gun with thermoplastic paint powder and ground your tin ceiling tiles by connecting each to a ground wire. Slowly and evenly coat each piece of tin with the powder coat. There is no reason to layer heavily, as long as there is an even distribution.

3. Immediately place the tin pieces into the industrial oven and heat to the appropriate temperature according to the paint manufacturer's guidelines. The guidelines should also tell you if the heating process is a "flash heat" (an intense, hot burn) or a slow heat (slow steady burn).

4. When the tin has been heated accordingly, allow it to cool in the oven prior to introducing the metal to outside air. Allow it to air dry an additional 24 hours before installation.

Tags: demineralized water, Powder coating, with demineralized, with demineralized water, ceiling tiles

Choose Light Fixtures For A Bathroom

Bathroom lighting fixtures can be used to establish mood, illuminate a vanity or offer direct light for tasks like applying makeup and shaving. When choosing lighting fixture that is best for your bathroom, you'll want to consider the color of your walls, the size of your bathroom, the décor in your bathroom and the objective of your lighting scheme. By deciding how you want to use your light fixture, you can better select the light fixture that is most able to fulfill your lighting objective.

Instructions

1. Acquire a single or multiple light vanity fixture. Choose between a 1-light, 2-light, 3-light or 4-light vanity fixture depending on the size of your bathroom. Additional light vanity fixtures are available, including 6-light and 9-light vanity fixtures. Vanity lights are placed above a vanity.

2. Choose a base light fixture. Available in a variety of finishes, base light fixtures are ideal for any bathroom style and do not require a vanity. The fixture is attached and hangs from the ceiling.

3. Select a ceiling lighting fixture. Generally mounted to the ceiling with a dome enclosure, ceiling lighting fixture are available in a range of styles, including contemporary, classic and traditional varieties.

4. Pick bathroom bar lighting. Available in a variety of styles, bathroom bar lighting can offer dramatic or ambient lighting. Choose from a variety of finishes, colors, glass and sizes.

5. Find an illumination fixture. Often crafted with mirrors or halogen bulbs, illumination fixtures offer soft light and can be used to accent an area in your bathroom, including a vanity or shower.

Tags: your bathroom, light fixture, lighting fixture, vanity fixture, Available variety, base light, bathroom lighting

Install Crown Molding

Install Crown Molding

Want to add elegance and flair to a room? Crown molding will do the trick in a hurry. Working overhead can be tiring, but the results are dramatic. Try adding crown molding to your home and see what it can do for you. Maybe it's just the final touch that is missing for the perfect home.

Instructions

Prepare the Job

1. Take measurements to get the linear footage needed to span the distance to be trimmed out. Add 10 percent to this figure for waste and mistakes.

2. Select the style and finish you want for your new crown molding. There are many shapes and sizes available.

3. Pick a style that suits your decor and personal taste. The finish that you put on should be purchased and applied before you start any cutting and fitting.

4. Try to buy your trim in lengths that will need as few splices as possible. In some cases splices are unavoidable but the fewer there are the better the finished job will look. (Very long walls may have to be spliced ? 14 to 16 feet is about the longest you will find in most trim pieces and these longer pieces are more susceptible to warping and damage.)

5. Stain or paint all the molding then allow it to dry thoroughly.

6. Doing trim work is easier and more accurate with a comfortable place to work. This should consist of a long bench set up at a comfortable height. Note: This can be as simple as several long 2-by-4s laid out on top of saw horses. This will hold your miter saw (electric or manual) and support the trim as you work on it.

7. Cutting the needed angles for the corners of your trim is handled most accurately with a miter saw.

8. Set your work station where there power readily accessible and plenty of light.

9. Working over your head is tiring and awkward; a solid working platform makes the work much safer and easier. Use a heavy plank and two sturdy sawhorses or rent scaffolding on wheels to use as a platform to stand on while installing the molding.

Trimming and Joining

10. Overcome not-quite-square corners ? and most of them are not square ? with a "coped" joint:

11. Run the first piece of crown molding tightly into the corner. Cope-cut the second piece that will form the other leg of the corner angle in the shape of the profile of the molding so that it can butt neatly against the face of the first piece. Here's how:

12. Use a deep miter box and a fine-toothed saw to make a cut that reveals the profile of the molding. Position the molding so that it is upside down in the miter box. The face of the molding that goes against the ceiling will be on the bottom of the miter box. Remember, for inside corners, the bottom of the crown molding will be the longest edge.

13. Cutting the proper miter will reveal the profile of the molding. Cut away the excess wood along the backside of the molding following that profile line with a coping saw. Err on the side of removing too much rather than too little; only the outermost edge of the coped molding will be seen.

14. Use a utility knife to remove any excess material you missed with the coping saw. Be careful that you do not cut into the exposed face of the molding. Hold the piece in place to test the fit. Take it down and do more carving if necessary. This will sometimes take several fittings and trimmings to get the cleanest-fitting joint.

15. Planning out the job will help save work and material. Work out a pattern in which one end of each piece of crown molding will always be cut straight and one end will be mitered and or coped. Use scarf joints for long runs (where the pieces meet, cut the ends at 45 degrees so they will overlap). Layout the work so joins are on top of studs. Save the most visible parts of the job for last, when you've honed your coping skills.

Attach and Finish

16. Determine the location of the joists. Drill pilot holes to keep the molding from splitting.

17.Attach the molding with only a few nails. (Use 6d or 8d finish nails for this, depending on the thickness of the molding). Take a good look at the positioning before completing the nailing.

18. Provide a solid nailing area where the joists run parallel to the crown molding by using a 2 x 2 cut on a 45-degree bevel. Cut the 2-by-2 to length then screw it to the wall so that it's in the corner where the ceiling and wall meet. The 2-by-2 provides a solid surface sitting at an angle, to which you can nail the molding.

19. Countersink all nails using a nail set.

20. Use wood putty to fill all visible nail holes help cover any small gaps at the joints to give things a more seamless appearance. Wait for the putty to dry and sand it smooth with fine sand paper.

21. Finish the nail holes and small fill-ins to match the rest of the molding, and enjoy your new look.

Tags: crown molding, molding will, molding that, profile molding, face molding, first piece

Design A 5' X 8' Bathroom

How you design your 5' X 8' Bathroom can help it seem larger.

Though smaller bathroom sizes exist, a 5-foot by 8-foot bathroom is a relatively small bathroom that only allows space for a combination shower and tub, sink and the toilet. The layout must be carefully designed to prevent overcrowding and to create a usable walkway space. Special decorating designs will help you make the small rooms seem larger or at least eliminate the cramped feeling in the room.

Instructions

1. Outline a 5-square by 8-square rectangle on your grid or graph paper to give you a blank canvas for designing the 5-foot by 8-foot bathroom layout. Go ahead and mark where the door into the room is positioned or will be positioned. Be sure to mark the door measurement appropriately and remember that most interior doors in a home will measure between 2 and 3-feet wide. Mark how the door swings as well and what space you must leave free for the door to open.

2. Sketch in the bathroom fixtures you want to include in the small bathroom space. Use average bathroom fixture dimensions to assist you in positioning your sketches to get a better idea of how the features will set into the room. Leave a 2-foot by 3-foot space for a toilet to set and a 3-foot by 5-foot space for a bathtub and shower combo; with those features positioned you can then decide the amount of space you have left for a sink and vanity or sink and cupboards.

3. Consider placing the tub and shower combo in one end of the bathroom, as a tub should ideally fit into a 5-foot space. Consider using a shower stall in the 5-foot by 8-foot bathroom instead, as this will offer you more room, especially if you choose a corner model.

4. Create more walking space in the room by positioning the toilet beside the tub. With the toilet beside the tub, you will still have one end of the tub that you can easily enter and exist without stepping into or onto the toilet. Though this may not sound ideal, its one of few options you have for a full bathroom of this size.

Tags: 5-foot 8-foot, 5-foot 8-foot bathroom, 8-foot bathroom, 5-foot space, into room, seem larger, shower combo

Decorate A Bathroom With A Tropical Theme

Tropical bathrooms are refreshing.

If you need inspiration to redecorate your bathroom, look to the tropics for colorful, bright ideas. Tropical baths are airy, refreshing and simple to pull together once you know what items you need. When you're finished with this project, you'll want to spend as much spare time as you can soaking in the tub and basking in the cool island vibes.

Instructions

1. Select a theme. When it comes to the topics, you can go with the bold colors from exotic islands or with the soothing shades of the beach. Another option is a palm tree or tropical flower theme.

2. Choose colors that enhance your theme. Choose one primary color that will dominate the bathroom, and pick two or three secondary colors to coordinate with it. If your theme is tropical flowers, you might want to use red, yellow, blue and green in your bathroom. Ocean colors include sea foam green, blue and white. For a palm tree theme, use a green tan and beige combination.

3. Select a shower curtain that not only coordinates with your bathroom d cor but also adds interest. If your theme is palm trees, look for a textured curtain. In an ocean-themed bathroom, go with a curtain that is light and moves freely like the ocean waves.

4. Use natural elements to create a relaxed atmosphere in your bathroom. Ideas include shelving units, hampers and baskets made of wicker and rattan. Look for rosewood and teak for frames and armoires. White wicker gives your bathroom a boost, and worn furnishings enhance the casual tropical mood.

5. Use window treatments that let as much natural light in as possible. You may want to go with sheers for a soft look or roman blinds, which will give you more privacy. Shudders are another option with a quick and easy way to get shade and security.

6. Hang wallpaper to enhance your tropical look. Tropical patterns, such as birds, flowers, palm leaves and shells will automatically lift any bathroom. You can also choose textured wallpaper, such as linen or grass cloth.

7. Accessorize to give your bathroom that finishing touch. Look for bamboo boxes and woven baskets to store items. Decanters and soap dishes are another way to add style. Personalize your style by using theme-related hardware, such as shells and starfish.

Tags: your bathroom, your theme, bathroom also, curtain that, enhance your, palm tree

Fashion Lighting Techniques

There are many techniques for creating beautiful fashion photography, but it begins with getting the right lighting. Light is the tool you'll use to sculpt your photograph. How you use the light you work with will typically be the deciding factor between a photograph that is truly worth a thousand words and one that can be tossed in the trash. Here are some lighting tips you can use to turn your images into something memorable.

Soft Lighting

Soft lighting is almost always the way to go in a fashion shoot. Soft lighting helps hide blemishes. Harsh light not only brings out flaws, it can create the illusion of flaws that aren't actually present. Fluorescent lighting is a particularly off limits. Soft yellow or amber-based lighting works well, but it's best to use natural lighting whenever possible.

Avoid Built-In Flash

Built-in flash is too weak to properly light a subject more than 13 feet away. Also, built-in flash almost always produces red eye when the subject looks directly into the camera. Use speed lighting or strobes when you want flash to light your subject. If you find yourself in a situation where you have no option other than built-in flash, have your subject turn slightly away from the camera or bring up the ambient light in the room.

Creative Lighting

To bring out the best in your model, you will want to apply a few creative lighting techniques. Some of these include using strobes on both sides of your model to create shadows that will add depth to your shot. Another effective lighting technique is to backlight your model. Backlighting involves lighting your subject from behind, as the name implies, which helps minimize the background and bring out the contour of your subject.

Natural Light Effects

If you want warmer tones using natural light, do your photo shoots in the morning or in the evening, during the magic hours, which are the first and last hours of the day. In photography, these times are also called the golden hour. Schedule shoots for these times when you can. Shooting at midday, when the sun is above you, creates a blue overcast and harsh shadows. This may be useful to obtain a specific look, but it typically doesn't work well for fashion shoots.

Tags: your subject, your model, almost always, built-in flash, light your, Soft lighting, these times

Living Room Decoration Designs

Consider your lifestyle when deciding on a style of decor.

Choosing a design style for your living room requires some thought. Consider your personal preferences and also your lifestyle. Combine comfort with design, selecting pieces that will satisfy both needs. If you have children or pets, you need to consider the wear and tear on the fabrics and decorative accents. Design your room with stylish function in mind.

Country Stlye

Hang a quilt on the wall for an authentic country touch.

Country style is an inviting design to use in a living room. The natural fabrics and casual accents create a room that helps you unwind and will make your guests feel welcome. A traditional-style sofa upholstered with a natural cotton or linen fabric sets the tone for the rest of the room. Use over-sized club chairs to complete the seating. Scatter pillows with gingham, plaid or checkered prints on the sofa. Place antique accent tables beside the sofa and between the two chairs. Display a quilt on the wall and set a ceramic pitcher brimming with sunflowers on an accent table to add warmth to the room. Wall colors can be a deep red, deep green, navy or gold. Wood-beamed ceilings and hardwood walls will complete the authentic country decor.

Cottage Style

Wicker accents work well with a cottage-style room

Cottage style is a breezy and inviting living room decor. The sofa and chairs should be overstuffed and upholstered with chintz or printed cotton fabrics. Slipcovers are a practical alternative since they can be removed and washed. A wicker chair can be added to the room effectively. Use sheer, gathered panels for window coverings that puddle on the floor. Accent tables can be made of light painted wood or wicker. Use several decorative pillows that feature flora or fauna. Hand-woven baskets can be used to organize magazines and papers. Arrange a few flowering plants on the accent tables beside stacks of gardening books. The wall colors can be soft shades or gray-green, muted blues or white. Decorate the walls with framed groupings of botanical illustrations or collections of sepia photographs.

Contemporary

Sectional sofas have sleek, contemporary lines.

For a fresh, contemporary style, your room should have hardwood flooring. Accent rugs printed with geometric designs can be placed in the room. Choose a large sectional sofa that wraps around two walls and place a glass coffee table in front of it. Choose a couple of club chairs featuring simple lines to coordinate with the couch. Hang a plasma television on the wall. Accent lamps with a stainless steel finish can be used; their profiles should be sleek with straight lines. Set a potted orchid on the coffee table with a piece of art glass. Paint your walls red or with light, neutral earth tones.

Mission Style

Mission style, or Arts and Crafts, was an era of decorating that peaked in about 1900 and is enjoying a revival. The emphasis is placed on hand-crafted furniture and accessories with nature as a theme. Choose a sofa upholstered in a deep-red or dark-brown leather. Accessorize it with hand-woven pillows featuring Native American designs. Add a couple of leather club chairs to coordinate with the sofa. Accent tables should be a dark oak in the Mission style. Occasionally you will find them in antique shops, but furniture companies currently manufacture this style. Include hand-thrown pottery and dark willow baskets. Paint the walls a rich earth tone, such as deep red, green or gold to finish the warm and inviting look.

Tags: club chairs, Accent tables, accent tables beside, authentic country, coffee table, Consider your, coordinate with

Replace Rv Ceiling Paneling

RVs have ceiling panels which may require replacing.

RV ceiling panels deteriorate when leaks occur or with age. When this happens, the vinyl covering starts to peel or separate from the wood behind it. Removing the ceiling panels is not usually possible without causing structural damage to the RV, as the panels are installed before the walls and cabinetry. The best way to handle replacing the RV ceiling panels is to strip off the vinyl covering and replace it with a thin sheet of Masonite hardboard. Masonite hardboard is a versatile material which will accept paint or wallpaper.

Instructions

Replacing RV Ceiling Paneling

1. Strip the vinyl covering and glue off of the Lauan wood. Continue removing material until you get to bare wood. A sanding disk for a drill makes quick work of this task. If a sanding disk is not available, use sandpaper or a paint scraper instead. If there are places where the Lauan wood is rotted out and must be replaced, cut out the rotted area and replace it with new Lauan wood. Attach the new wood to the old using wood screws and aluminum strips, then continue to step 2.

2. Measure the panels that require replacing and note all doorways and cabinets. Transfer all unusual cuts to the 1/8 inch Masonite hardboard. Cut the 1/8 inch Masonite hardboard to fit the panel areas.

3. Join the Masonite hardboard at the seams with covered aluminum strips. This hides the rough edges of the seams and makes an attractive finish. Attach the aluminum strips using screws with decorative caps.

4. Attach molding to the edges along walls, doors and cabinets. Molding can be glued in place with construction adhesive or screws can be used for a more secure installation.

5. Vacuum the entire area to remove all sawdust and pieces of vinyl. Stick painter's tape along the edges of the Masonite hardboard where it meets the molding. Paint the molding. Remove the painter's tape after the paint has dried for 15 minutes.

Tags: Masonite hardboard, ceiling panels, aluminum strips, Lauan wood, vinyl covering

Apply Tongueandgroove Boards To A Ceiling

Installing a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling involves accurate measuring and cutting, but it can be accomplished by the average do-it-yourself homeowner. Choose high-grade lumber and make sure you use sharp blades for the circular saw and jigsaw.

Instructions

1. Determine the direction on the ceiling for the tongue-and-groove material and measure that length. The direction is usually perpendicular to the ceiling joists.

2. Measure and cut enough 1/2-inch plywood to cover the ceiling. Get exact measurements around existing light fixtures and cut these areas with a jigsaw.

3. Secure the 1/2-inch plywood to the ceiling with 1 1/2-inch drywall screws on 8-inch centers. Countersink the screw heads so they will not interfere with the tongue-and-groove material.

4. Measure out from the corner of the wall that is parallel to the tongue-and-groove material and make a mark at 4 inches. Repeat this in the corner where the rows of the tongue-and-groove material will end. Pop a chalk line from the first mark to the second on the plywood.

5. Measure the distance from the wall to the chalk line to determine the width of the first row (use the shortest width). This is where you may need to cut the first piece so that the rest of the material will be square with the room.

6. Drill pilot holes for the 6d finish nails along the edge of the tongue-and-groove material that fits next to the wall. Countersink the nail heads.

7. Cut different lengths of the material so that no two pieces end at the same place. Secure the second and next-to-last rows by driving the 6d finish nails at an angle toward the underside of the piece you are installing. The nail also needs to be low enough to allow the pieces to fit tightly. Repeat this process until you have covered the ceiling; install the last row as you did the first one.

Tags: tongue-and-groove material, 2-inch plywood, chalk line, finish nails, material that

Layout A Basement Bathroom

Use mirrors and lighting to brighten up a basement bathroom.

A bathroom is a convenient addition to a finished basement that alleviates bathroom traffic in the main area of the house. Laying out a bathroom can be a challenge under any circumstances, and a basement bathroom presents a special challenge. Before installing bathroom fixtures, plan carefully by consulting with the local building inspector to find out about building code requirements.

Instructions

1. Survey your basement to decide on the location and size of the bathroom. Remember that the bathroom must be close to plumbing and electrical wiring. To solve this problem, position the bathroom directly underneath a bathroom on the first floor of the home. If this is not feasible, place the bathroom as close as possible to that spot.

2. Consult with a plumber to find out about toilet options that are suitable for your basement bathroom. Find out if you require a sewage ejection system or a similar system that liquefies waste and pumps it to a sewer line.

3. Use graph paper to draw the basement and planned bathroom area to scale by using 1 inch for 1 foot. Sketch in the elements you wish to include, such as a toilet, vanity, shower or tub. Make sure to allow for space to access these bathroom fixtures. Lay out the bathroom with a pleasant view when the door is opened. An interesting bowl sink or super-contemporary shower with chrome jets provides a more aesthetically pleasing view than a toilet or bidet.

4. Use a one-wall plumbing layout for a small space. For this layout design, there is one "wet," or plumbed, wall to accommodate the sink, tub, shower and toilet. If you have more space, a multiple-wall plumbing layout can provide more interest. A corridor layout features the sink, toilet and vanity on one wall and the tub on the opposite wall. A U-shaped bathroom layout with plumbing on three walls is open and spacious but requires a large, square bathroom.

5. Select lighting carefully to make your basement bathroom a bright, inviting space. Basement bathrooms generally do not have natural light, so lighting options like fluorescent fixtures are needed to make sure the area is well lit.

6. Visit a bathroom showroom and select a sink and vanity. Some vanities come with a top, built-in sink and backsplash. Include storage space for towels and other bathroom supplies when making a selection. Buy a prefabricated shower and place it against a wall.

Tags: basement bathroom, your basement, bathroom fixtures, find about, plumbing layout

Names Of Different Styles Of Room Ceilings

This room has a modern take on a cathedral ceiling.

The ceiling of a room may simply be the top of a space, painted a plain white and void of detail. It may also be a decorative element in the room, influencing the style and visual appeal of the space. Ceilings vary in height and shape, and the many variations of ceiling types create distinct visual appeal within any room.

Tray Ceilings

Tray ceilings are so named due to the sloped sides along the perimeter of the room, which lead upward to the flat expanse of the ceiling. The effect is one of an inverted tray. This type of ceiling presents a clean, modern appeal when the walls and ceiling are of the same color; the affect is textural. Painting the interior of the tray with a contrasting color to the wall color brings more attention to the ceiling and accents the architectural value.

Coffered Ceilings

A coffered ceiling is decorated with a grid work of wood moldings or beams, creating a network of boxes across the ceiling. The boxes act as framework for tiles or paneling, giving the ceiling a visual texture and the room a sense of Old World elegance. Traditionally, a dark stained wood is used for the coffers, and the tiles or panels may be made of tin or other stamped metal. In contemporary times, the grid work may be of any color, perhaps constructed from a composite material, and provide the framework for a ceiling painted in a contrasting color or in a graphic pattern.

Vaulted Ceiling

Vaulted ceilings slope upward toward the roof of the house, creating a half-barrel shape above the room. Vaulted ceilings work well in large, spacious rooms, as they tend to balance the expanse of floor space. Vaulted ceilings offer an opportunity for unusual lighting applications, such as large chandeliers or multiple pendant lights.

Cathedral Ceilings

Like vaulted ceilings, cathedral ceilings rise upward toward the roof, but cathedral ceilings follow through to a peak, rather than the rounded surface of the vaulted ceiling. The cathedral ceiling adds drama to a room, and the seamless blend with the walls affords opportunity to make good use of a subtle wall color. The volume of perceived wall space makes a neutral or pale paint color a dramatic element in the room.

Cove Ceilings

Cove ceilings are the smaller version of vaulted ceilings and are best applied to hallways or foyers. Rather than rising upward and raising the height of the roof, a cove ceiling is only slightly taller than the average 8- or 9-foot ceiling, but the ceiling is curved into a near perfect arch, rolling seamlessly from wall to wall.

Tags: cathedral ceiling, cathedral ceilings, ceiling ceiling, contrasting color, element room, grid work, toward roof

Arrange Kitchen Appliances

Arrange Kitchen Appliances

A well-designed kitchen starts with a plan for arranging kitchen appliances. Proper placement of the two major appliances and the sink adds to efficiency by removing unneeded extra steps. Keep traffic patterns and the locations of doors in mind as you plan the room. Take into account things that can become obstacles, such as pet bowls, and plan a separate spot for them. Start with the basic work triangle design, even in a small room, and customize your kitchen around it.

Instructions

1. Design the kitchen so that the refrigerator, sink and stove can be placed in a work triangle measuring 4 feet to 9 feet on each side. This cuts down on steps between major appliances while keeping the work area clear.

2. Install the dishwasher next to the sink for easy rinsing and loading. Place under-the-counter wine coolers at the ends of counters or in islands. Place trash compactors conveniently for food preparation and after-meal cleanup under the counter, equidistant from the sink and eating area.

3. Place wall ovens in an area free of obstructions but near a counter where hot dishes can be put down as they come out of the oven.

4. Install an over-the-stove microwave/hood fan combination. Put frequently used small appliances in the areas they're most commonly used. For instance, if your family frequently cooks breakfast and makes toast, put the toaster near the stove.

5. Put lesser-used small appliances in cupboards where they can be easily reached when needed so they don't take up counter space.

Tags: Arrange Kitchen, Arrange Kitchen Appliances, major appliances, small appliances, work triangle

Make A Ribbon Chandelier

Ribbons add whimsy and elegance to dated light fixtures.

Ribbon chandeliers offer a colorful and inexpensive solution to an ugly or dated light fixture. Instead of buying a new light fixture, you can cover it with a ribbon chandelier. Inexpensive and infinitely customizable, these homemade light covers can turn a utilitarian rental fixture into a whimsical, diffused light that matches your personal style. Paper cutouts attached to the ribbons mimic traditional chandelier crystals and give the chandelier an extra touch of decoration and visual interest.

Instructions

1. Calculate how many ribbons you'll need by measuring the width of your chosen ribbon and the perimeter of the embroidery hoop. Divide the width of the ribbon by the perimeter measurement. For instance, if your ribbon is 1 inch wide and your embroidery hoop measures 30 inches around its perimeter, you need 30 lengths of ribbon.

2. Cut your ribbon into strips twice as long as you want the finished ribbons to be. You may cut all of your ribbons the same length or use varying lengths to create an asymmetrical or random pattern. Cut an equal number of each color you choose.

3. Fold each ribbon in half.

4. Pinch a ribbon length 1 inch below the fold, creating a loop.

5. Hold the loop inside your embroidery hoop.

6. Bring the ends of the ribbon up around the outside of the embroidery hoop and slip them through the loop in the fold. Tug on the ends of the ribbon to tighten this lark's head knot.

7. Attach the rest of your ribbons to the embroidery hoop with lark's head knots. You may alternate colors in a rainbow pattern, or add ribbons in blocks of color. For instance, you may want a block of two white ribbons followed by three pink ribbons and four lavender ribbons.

8. Punch flowers from scrapbooking paper that matches your ribbon colors or complements your d cor.

9. Glue the paper flowers at random intervals to the ribbons with school glue. No two flowers should be more than 5 inches apart or less than 2 inches apart. Allow the glue to dry overnight.

Tags: embroidery hoop, your ribbon, dated light, ends ribbon, inches apart

Removing Dropped Ceiling Tiles

Many homeowners hang a dropped ceiling in their basement. Dropped ceiling have several benefits, one of which is that you maintain easy access to the water pipes and electricity running along your basement's ceiling. When you need to attend to something above the drop ceiling, you simply remove a few ceiling tiles from the ceiling grid, set them in a safe location, attend to the matter above the ceiling, and put the tiles back in the ceiling grid.

Instructions

1. Lay a tarp on the floor underneath the dropped ceiling tiles to be removed and set up a ladder. If any of the tiles have a recessed light installed in them, turn off the light and unscrew the light bulb.

2. Reach into the recessed light fixture and unhook the cover's two side hooks from the tabs on the fixture's sides. Set the cover aside. If the dropped ceiling tile does not have a recessed light fixture installed in it, skip this step.

3. Place one hand near the tile's left edge and the other hand near the tile's right edge. Push up on the tile with both hands. If a recessed light is installed above it, you will not be able to lift the tile very high.

4. Angle the tile toward the back so it fits down through the ceiling grid. Gently lower the tile, taking care not to knock it into the grid.

Tags: recessed light, ceiling grid, dropped ceiling, ceiling tiles, hand near

The Top 10 Things To Make A Ceiling Out Of

A drywall ceiling is one of the top choices for homeowners.

A ceiling can be redone for decoration, or it can be a practical solution to lowering a home's energy bills. When you start planning a room remodeling project, the ceiling needs to fit into the decor of the rest of the room. Fortunately for homeowners, there are several popular options to choose from when it comes to ceiling materials.

None

In areas where the temperature does not get uncomfortably cold, or in some more rustic decorative settings, some people enjoy the option of not having a ceiling and allowing the roof to be exposed. Situations that would benefit from no ceiling are summer cabins and attic living spaces.

Painted Drywall

A common ceiling material is painted drywall. The homeowner installs the drywall in place, finishes it with joint compound, sands the seams and then paints the ceiling with the indoor-rated house paint of his choice. The ceiling can be painted a solid color or it can have patterns.

Textured Drywall

Textured drywall uses the drywall backing and then covers it with a texture such as a popcorn material or stucco. The texture can be a basic white, beige or gray color, or it can be painted over with house paint to match the decor.

Tiled Drywall

Tile is a versatile home building material because its glossy look is appealing and it can be installed to create a variety of patterns. A tiled ceiling would be appropriate for a bathroom or kitchen installation.

Acoustic Tiles

Suspended ceilings that use acoustical tiles are simple to install and can be relatively inexpensive. A tile ceiling can be installed by a do-it-yourself homeowner for as little as $2 per square foot, according to the Home Wyse website at the time of publication. Tiles can come in a variety of designs and colors to match any decor.

Copper

A copper-powder-coated tin ceiling can be installed on a suspended ceiling grid or to drywall. It offers a very deep, brown color that can help accent the decor of a library or den.

Tin

Tin is installed in panels either in a suspended ceiling grid or over drywall. It comes in a variety of designs and offers a distinctive look.

Wood

Engineered or real hardwood ceilings can be used in rustic settings to match the color of the floor, or it can be used as a distinctive decorative touch to any other room. The pieces of a wood ceiling interlock like a floor and can be installed vertically or horizontally.

Paneling

Inexpensive wood paneling can be used as a ceiling material as an alternative to using an engineered or hardwood ceiling. Paneling can also be used in smaller areas such as closets or pantries.

Aluminum

Aluminum offers a modern look that can come in a square or rectangular panels. Aluminum ceilings can have a decorative design printed on them, or they can be left as a flat sheet that reflects light.

Tags: ceiling grid, ceiling installed, ceiling material, house paint, match decor, suspended ceiling, suspended ceiling grid

Design Ideas For A Southwest Kitchen

A tiny cactus brings the fresh, arid desert into your home.

Decorating with a southwestern motif is tricky. The style has such a varied range of rich pattern styles and color schemes that it's easy to go overboard. Also, you may think that by choosing a southwest style you're limited to the iconic Santa Fe decor style -- a look defined by heavy use of subtler earth tones like sienna or terracotta and geometric-patterned fabric and pottery. Authentic southwestern style ranges much further. A well-decorated southwestern kitchen balances elements from Native American, Mexican and the southwest desert-scape.

Bring the Desert Inside

For an immediate southwest feel in your kitchen, bring in several small container cacti or desert succulents. They come in all shapes and sizes to fit that empty corner behind the dining room table or brighten the window sill over your sink. Place them in small terracotta planters typically found at nurseries. Leave the containers their natural hue, or paint them in bold hues like turquoise. Your desert plants require very little water, plenty of indirect sunshine and may produce brilliant desert blossoms, depending on the variety.

Southwest Color

When you think of southwestern decor, you may think of muted tones of seafoam green, salmon or mauve. However, the natural desert landscape and its native decor are actually bursting with bold hues of greens, golds, turquoise and even more vibrant colors like purple or magenta.

Southwestern style is influenced strongly by Mexican aesthetics. Bring this element into your kitchen by painting your counter backsplash a deep turquoise or sunny yellow. Complete the look with a rustic wall hanging or Mexican/Spanish style mirror framed with carved wood or hammered tin.

Rustic Space

Wide, open space and intense, vibrant sunlight are two of the southwest's defining elements. Bring them into your southwestern kitchen by opening up the space and letting in as much light as possible. Keep only the furniture and pieces you absolutely need, leaving plenty of floor space free. Hang mirrors to reflect light and make a small kitchen appear larger. Use light, translucent window treatments like cotton or bamboo Roman shades that let in plenty of daylight, but give ample privacy at night.

Southwest-Style Tile

Revamping your kitchen with the right kind of tile can transform a modern or country kitchen into one with a strong southwest feel. Mexican Talavera tile is colorful and usually has elaborate curvy or floral patterns. This works well on the kitchen counter top, on an accent wall behind the dining table or as a backsplash. You may also find tile with more of a Native American-inspired design on it, using blacks, turquoise and earthy tones in geometric patterns. Repujado, or hammered tin, is very common in southwest homes. The metal is carved with floral or geometric patterns. Install these metallic tiles on the ceiling or on along the counter wall to reflect light and highlight the southwest's rustic style.

Tags: into your, your kitchen, behind dining, bold hues, geometric patterns

Choose A Projection Screen For A Business

Choose a Projection Screen for a Business

Finding the right projection screen for your business is important to maintain a professional environment. Use the following guidelines to find the best projection screen to meet your office needs.

Instructions

1. Choose the type of screen that fits your office needs. For example, decide if the screen will be portable or wall- or ceiling-mounted. Also, decide if you want an electric or manual screen.

2. Calculate the screen size. You should pick a screen based on the audience's position and size, not on the projector type. For screen height, measure the distance from the last row of seats and divide by 6. The bottom of the screen should be 4 feet from the floor so that audience members in the back row can see the bottom of the screen.

3. Pick a screen surface for your office projection needs. When using several different projection methods, a multipurpose screen surface is essential.

4. Compare the cost of projection screens. Costs are highly variable and can range from under $100 to over $6,000.

5. Check the warranty. Portable screens without electrical parts should last for years. Electric screens should have at least a 2-year warranty.

6. Look at the visual projection equipment manuals to find the format of the projection application. Each piece of equipment will have a recommended format.

Tags: your office, bottom screen, Choose Projection, Choose Projection Screen, office needs, Projection Screen

Elegance To Your Home With A Red Chandelier

A chandelier light fixture is elegant in itself, though one of color can add style and personality to any room in the home. There are many designs of red chandeliers to choose from to match the existing d cor of your home and the various price ranges allow you to find the fixture that best fits your budget. Whether you're adding a red chandelier to a dining area or foyer, the tone for the room is set with elegance and beauty.

Instructions

1. Install a chandelier in the dining area, where it will be the focal point of the room. A red chandelier adds elegance and drama to a neutral palette with wall tones such as creamy yellow or beige, and even complements a dining room painted in deeper colors such as navy, taupe, gray or olive green.

2. Display the red chandelier in the living area to showcase the crystals with natural light from the windows. Add elegance and glamor to the space by installing a large, ornate mirror on one wall. The mirror will complement the chandelier and bounce extra light around the room. An elegant palette to go with a red chandelier would include a shade of gray for the walls, and crisp white accents like a white plush rug on the carpet and white trim around the room. Incorporate black furniture or vintage mirrored tables into the room for more drama.

3. Light up the foyer with a chandelier. In keeping with the size of your foyer, choose a small or large red chandelier to impress guests as they walk in. An elegant foyer idea is to keep the space simple with light, creamy wall paint, and accented with mirrors or a wood accessory, such as a small table, coat rack or bench. The chandelier should command the attention in the room, not clash with busy artwork.

Tags: around room, chandelier dining, chandelier dining area, dining area, palette with, with chandelier

Design Ideas For An L Shaped Living Room

An L shaped living room offers design options that simple rectangular or square rooms do not. Consider adding a fireplace in the corner to improve your living space and a game area. You could also connect the two spaces with seating and the same wall colors and flooring. L shaped rooms also give you the option of separating the two to create an entryway or a private retreat.

Corner Fireplace

Design a fireplace in the corner of your L shaped living room as a focal point for both sections of the room. The longest section of the L can function as the main living area, with an entertainment center on the same wall as the fireplace so you can arrange your seating to face them both. Consider adding a game table in the smaller section of the L, with bookshelves above cabinets along one wall. Comfortable seating around a window or facing the fireplace will create a reading nook and add to the functionality of the room. You could also hang a television above the fireplace.

Entryway

If the small section of your L shaped living room has an entry door, then you can separate the two areas with a glass block wall or a double-sided water wall. Build a doorway in your glass block wall or create a doorway with a block wall on one side and a double waterfall on the other. You can build a glass block wall with the help of plastic spacers and clear silicone caulk; just stack the blocks with silicone on the top and the sides and the spacers will help the rows stay even and uniform. After the silicone dries, grout the crevices with a mortar-like grout made for glass block. To make a double-sided water wall, stand two sheets of Plexiglas back to back in two sealed planters. The planters are the reservoirs for the water and the waterfall pumps. Run plastic tubing between the acrylic all the way to the top; connect the two sheets of acrylic together with bent metal sheeting. You can use colored acrylic or cover the front with river rock, slate or ceramic tile for a decorative accent. The wall will separate your L shaped room without blocking the light from either space. Decorate your living room as you like, and the entry way with complementary colors and accessories to the living room.

Connections

English Country Kitchen Design Ideas

Glass adds class to cabinetry.

Consider the materials you have to work with and what’s already in the kitchen. If you're renovating an old home and trying to keep it styled to period, try to salvage whatever you can from the original house--tiles, light fixtures, even an old sink. These things can be mixed with modern amenities to save the old country style and introduce it to modern convenience.

Island

The island can be a focal point of the kitchen. Old English kitchens often feature a large chopping block island. An antique island resembles the kitchen worktables of yore, adding warmth and character as well as serving as a functional surface. Drawers provide convenience for storing knives, and you can tie the island with the rest of the kitchen by customizing your drawer handles.

Stove

A large hearth is a traditional feature of English country kitchens. In the past it was the home of the fire, and thus the source of warmth and the place for cooking. Today we prefer modern technology, and it may be hard to find a quality appliance that suits old English d cor, but you can bring in the country feeling with a brick or stone archway built over the stove.

Cabinets

Adding cabinets with worn edges can give the impression that they're older and part of the original house. For example, HGTV host Joan Kohn profiles a 1936 English country home that features white cabinets that are a combination of glass doors and solid painted doors made to look worn.

Ceiling

Exposed wooden beams on the ceiling give a kitchen style and depth. They can be left raw for a farmhouse charm, or molded and painted, which is classic of Old World London as featured by Kitchen and Bath Designs. An iron chandelier symbolic of an old candle chandelier feels old and adds beauty. Another lighting option is small lamps to give the kitchen a hearth-lit glow, paired with additional recessed lighting for cooking.

Other Considerations

Don’t sacrifice modern amenities for antiques, but try to get modern items that are made to look older. Then add in antique accents such as the chopping block, an old English stove in addition to a modern one, or antique light fixtures. Hand-painted tiles make an English country kitchen your own. Wide-planked wooden floors look lovely in an English kitchen, and can be made to look worn as if original to the house.

Tags: made look, chopping block, English country, give kitchen, light fixtures

Design A Handicap Bathroom

An attractive handicapped bathroom should also be functional.

When designing a bathroom for handicapped access, determine whether you need the bathroom to meet a legal definition of accessibility or whether you are looking to accommodate the needs of a particular person or particular type of disability. A properly designed bathroom will be safe, comfortable and pleasant to use. A well-designed bathroom will make it easier for a handicapped person to take care of their own hygiene needs.

Bathroom Entrance

The entrance to the bathroom should allow easy entrance and exit and be on the same level, requiring no steps up or down. An entrance of at least 32 inches wide may be fine, however, 36 inches wide is better and will more readily accommodate a wheelchair. The entrance can be designed as a wraparound that provides privacy but takes more space, with a curtain or sliding door, or with a traditional door outfitted with hardware that is easy to use. If you choose a door that locks, make sure it can be unlocked from the outside.

Toilet Height

A higher toilet seat is easier for a handicapped person to use. The ideal height is 18 inches. The standard height is between 15 and 17 inches. You can install a handicapped toilet that is built to a higher height, or use a toilet seat add-on to raise the seat height. There should be grab bars on at least one side of the toilet. If persons of size will be using the toilet, do not place it too close to the wall or place the grab bars too close together.

Sink Access

For a tall person who has trouble bending, place the sink at a 40-inch height. For a person in a wheelchair, place the sink at a height of between 30 and 34 inches. There should be ample space underneath the sink for a person in a wheelchair to roll up to the sink. The faucet handles should be easy to reach and to turn. Make sure there is a mirror mounted low enough for a seated person to be able to use as well.

Bathing

Conventional bathtubs present a number of issues for the handicapped individual. Two better options are walk-in bathtubs and walk-in showers. When using a walk-in bathtub, you will enter the tub before it begins to fill, and you will need to remain in the tub until the water has drained. Consider purchasing a tub that is designed to empty rapidly. If you want a walk-in shower, it should be on the same level as the rest of the bathroom, have grab bars and be large enough to accommodate a wheelchair designed to be used during bathing. Alternately, you can install a seat in the shower. Consider the advantage of a handheld shower. Choose a flooring surface that is resistant to slipping, even when wet.

Tags: grab bars, accommodate wheelchair, bathroom should, bathroom will, between inches, easier handicapped, easier handicapped person

Estimate Crown Molding Costs

Crown molding is used as a way of decorating walls.

Crown molding is used around the tops of walls to add some decoration and style to a room. The molding is made of wood and is not too complicated to install if you have the right tools. If you are considering putting crown molding in your home, you must first figure out how much of the material you need and how much it will cost you.

Instructions

1. Measure the walls where you want to have crown molding installed. Make the measurements as accurate as possible, measuring all the way into each corner. Record the measurements so you can reference them later.

2. Look at the types of crown molding available so you can choose the type you want. Go to your local home improvement store, or look at online sites to decide on the kind you like.

3. Gather price information from several sources as to how much crown molding is and how much installation is, if you're not planning on doing the installation yourself. Add these prices together and divide the total by the number of prices you obtained to get an average price. If you want to ensure that you have your costs covered, go with the highest price you found. This way, you are more likely to come in under budget.

4. Multiply the cost of the crown molding by the amount you measured. Convert measurements or costs, if necessary. For example, if the crown molding is being priced to you by the foot, and you wrote down your measurements in inches, convert your measurements to feet by dividing by 12. Convert feet to yards by dividing by 3.

5. Multiply the cost that you came up with in Step 4 by 1.10 to add 10 percent to the cost. This will ensure you are covered for scrap wood that is cut off ends or damaged pieces. There is always a certain amount of scrap.

6. Add the cost of installation to the price you figured in Step 5 to get your estimate.

Tags: crown molding, Crown molding used, molding used, Multiply cost, your measurements

Decorating Ideas For A Teen'S Bathroom

Teen bathroom designs can feature everything from neutral colors to wilder designs.

Teenagers are known for craving freedom of expression and wanting to get creative when it comes to the design and decor of their living spaces. While bathrooms give perhaps less room for creativity than bedrooms, plenty of options exist if you're looking to turn an ordinary bathroom into an area your teenager will appreciate and enjoy using.

Colors

Begin by chatting to your teen about the colors she wants to see in her bathroom. While all teens are different, many will want to make a statement, which means bold, definitive color themes: think electric blues or hot pinks. If two teens are sharing a bathroom, especially if they're of the opposite genders, consider choosing a more neutral color for the walls and then allowing each teen to stamp his or her individuality onto the area through accessories.

Counters

Teens will want to spend a large amount of time working on their physical appearance, so you'll need to ensure that the bathroom has an adequate amount of counter space. A brightly colored countertop can set things off, while if the teen is cleaning the counter herself, she'll appreciate an easily managed material like granite.

Mirrors

The mirror is a staple item when it comes to a teen bathroom. Make sure it's big, since your teen will doubtless want to check his appearance for hours on end. You can add a more personal touch to this item by choosing an interesting design. Bathroom mirrors are available shaped like hearts or in circular shapes, or you could simply paint around the outside of the mirror in your teen's color of choice.

Visual Effects

Painting the walls of the bathroom in one color is an option, but a simple paint job might not satisfy the more creative teens out there. Instead, you can create striking visual effects using paint on the bathroom walls to help the area achieve a dynamic look. You might go for stripes, blending multiple colors, which run up and down the bathroom wall, or else divide up one wall into four or five sections, painting each block a different color.

Accessories

A teen bathroom isn't complete without a spot of something teens do very well: accessorizing. You can add the final touches to a funky-looking bathroom wall by hanging up an art print or perhaps even one of your teen's own artistic creations. Photographs of friends and family are also options to consider; laminate these to protect them. You can also turn even an ordinary lampshade into a talking point by covering it in photos of your teen's favorite band, for instance.

Tags: your teen, bathroom wall, teen bathroom, when comes, will want

How Do Cathedral Ceilings Affect Structure

A cathedral ceiling's design affects the structure of a home's rafters and ceiling joists.

Cathedral ceilings generally are slanted ceilings that extend through more than one floor of a home. These ceilings usually follow the slope of a home's roof. A cathedral ceiling's impact on a roof's overall structure mostly depends upon the configuration chosen for the roof rafters and ceiling joists. For example, a single beam may support rafters to eliminate all horizontal supports in a cathedral ceiling design, or a roof may have multiple support beams of horizontal, diagonal or vertical position.

Flat Ceilings

A gable roof is one of the most common roof designs. It usually consists of wood rafters that meet at a center peak and slope down to rest upon a home's longest exterior walls. A traditional flat ceiling beneath a gable roof has a series of wood trusses above it. One truss consists of two rafters fastened to a horizontal ceiling joist so the three pieces form a triangle. Creating a cathedral ceiling generally involves changing the structure of traditional trusses by raising the ceiling joists or eliminating the joists altogether.

Collar Ties

Horizontal collar ties, or rafter ties, take the place of ceiling joists in some cathedral ceiling designs. The ties essentially are shorter ceiling joists that sit higher up on the rafters to expand the height of the ceiling. Fine Homebuilding magazine indicates that properly placed collar ties take up no more than one-third of the length of the rafters to achieve the appropriate tension with the walls below them. The portion of the rafters that extends below a collar tie transmits tension to the walls, keeping them from bending inward.

Collar Tie Variations

Some cathedral ceilings are created by installing collar ties across a specific number of rafters. For example, double collar ties may be installed across every third set of rafters. Installing double ties involves placing ties on both sides of a set of rafters for added support. The rafters and double ties still form a triangle, but two supports run along the bottom of the triangle instead of one.

Center Beams

Architects may eliminate all ceiling joists and collar ties in some cathedral ceiling designs. In such cases, a center beam, or ridge board, is structured so it supports the top of the rafters and carries the entire weight of the roof. Columns must support each end of the beam. The columns need to rest on solid surfaces, such as the home's foundation or steel beams that support the floor beneath them.

Tags: cathedral ceiling, ceiling joists, collar ties, cathedral ceiling design, cathedral ceiling designs

Get Longterm Installment Loans For Bad Credit

Get a loan with bad credit.

Finding a long-term installment loan for bad credit is a challenge, but possible, especially if you have verifiable income. There are a number of finance companies, banks and credit unions that will lend to people of all credit ratings. The key to finding a long-term installment loan for bad credit is patience. The older your bad credit is, the better; it is very difficult to convince a business to loan you money when you cannot keep up with your current credit cards and other debt obligations.

Instructions

1. Visit your bank or a local credit union. Explain to the loan officer your situation and ask to apply for a loan that meets your needs. Credit unions are the most likely choice for someone with credit problems, and they usually offer a number of secured and unsecured loan products.

2. Apply for loans on the Internet through popular bad credit installment loan finance companies if your bank or credit union is unable to meet your lending needs. For example, American General is one of the most popular bad credit lenders in the United States. It often approves people with credit problems at reasonable interest rates.

3. Apply for other bad credit installment loans if rejected by American General. For instance, sites such as DrCredit match applicants with lenders who are willing to work with their unique credit and/or income needs.

4. Visit Rebuild if rejected by DrCredit. Rebuild matches people with personal loans and many times does not require a credit check. Its loan terms can be as long as 48 months.

5. Talk to your employer about a loan, as some companies will offer loans to their employees. You may wish to find out if this is an option for you if you have worked at the business for a long time.

Tags: installment loan, with credit, American General, credit installment, credit problems, credit union