Options For A Porch Ceiling

Porch ceilings can be decorative elements.

Porch ceilings offer a great way to add a decorative feel to the exterior of any home. It may seem like a small touch, but it can actually make a big difference to the exterior look. They come in different styles, ranging from tin tiles to actual wood paneling. Some can be stained or painted to add a bit more design and warmth. Others have more of a Victorian architectural style.

Tin Ceiling Tiles

Tin ceiling tiles have made a comeback in modern architecture and design. They were very popular in the late 1800s, in the Victorian Era. They are made of metal and tare resistant to problems such as water damage, mold and mildew. They can be used in place of traditional ceilings, and are affordable and easy to install. The patterns on them can have a classical, antique look. Often they are made to fit over the existing ceiling, and some are designed to fit onto a metal or plastic grid.

Plywood Paneling

The most typical kind of ceiling for porches is plywood paneling. It is easily decorated with different sizes of plywood and colors because it can be painted. Plywood is susceptible to moisture. Over time, it can separate if wet. Use only quality exterior-grade plywood. Priming it is a great way to keep out moisture.

Tongue and Groove

To give a more rustic decorative appearance, go for a tongue-and-groove ceiling. It comes in a variety of woods, although pine tongue and groove is the most common because it is the cheapest and easiest to obtain. The wood pieces have an interlocking style and are normally stained. It is easy to install. It comes in boards and simply requires the boards to be nailed to the joist in several places.

Beadboard

Beadboard ceiling is a type of tongue-and-groove paneling that traces back to the 1800s. It easily creates an attractive and cozy feeling. It is inexpensive and easier to install than plywood. To add a more stylish look and warmth to the porch, the panels can be stained or painted. Panels can be applied over exposed joists if they run parallel to the home.

Vinyl (PVC)

The most common type of vinyl ceiling is PVC. They are rather popular since they are the least expensive. PVC is a solid-core, cellular vinyl that is effective and strong enough for severe weather conditions. Often vinyl ceilings are found on a beach porch or coastal area because it is not attractive to insects and won't crack or decay. It comes in different colors and requires an occasional cleaning with soap and water. It is fairly simple to install with the right tools and limited skills.

Tags: easy install, most common, Porch ceilings, stained painted

Bathroom Lighting Options

Recessed lights, set into the ceiling, are often used in bathrooms.

The bathroom is where most people set their personal look for the day, so lighting is important if you want to look your best. Modern bathroom fixtures offer a variety of options for function, design and angle. By combining these lighting types, you can update your current bathroom or create your dream bath with lighting suited to your family's needs.

Vanity Lights

Perhaps the most important fixture in your bathroom is the vanity light. Vanity fixtures are over the mirror and provide the light you use to brush your teeth, comb your hair, put on makeup and complete other personal grooming. Traditional vanity fixtures use two or more light bulbs with globes or shades to soften the light. Fixtures with full-coverage globes offer a relatively even, general light, while fixtures with shades that direct the light downward keep the lighting more focused on the counter and mirror area and the person using them. Upward-aiming shades direct the harsher direct light upward to create ambient light by reflecting off the ceiling while the light directed downward is diffused by the shades. Full globe and upward-aiming fixtures are great for small bathrooms that will brighten easily with the bounced ambient light, filling in the shadows around your face. Downward-pointing fixtures are good for larger bathrooms where general illumination is handled by other fixtures.

Recessed Lights

Recessed lighting is a popular choice for installations over tubs and showers. Because the light is housed within the ceiling, the opening can be sealed with a translucent or transparent lens that allows the light to shine through but prohibits moisture from entering. The part of the fixture above the ceiling contains a reflector that directs all light output downward, through the lens. This type of light requires adequate ventilation in the ceiling space to prevent overheating.

Heat Lamps

Heat lamps are generally placed over the area of the bathroom outside the shower or tub and may be recessed or mounted on the ceiling. A reflector built into the lamp itself magnifies the infrared heat produced by the lamp and directs it downward. Heat lamps can be helpful in cold climates, especially in houses without zoned heating. They reduce the shock of stepping out of a warm shower into a cold room.

Combination Lamps

Some general overhead bathroom light fixtures are sold as combined units that may contain a light unit, a heating unit, a vent unit and even a night light setting. Because most bathrooms have overhead vents, the simple light and vent combination is most common. Some models allow separate control of the vent and light while others operate them simultaneously. Fixtures that include heating units may use heat lamps or forced air and night light units offer a dimmer setting for the contained light as an alternative to those that plug into the wall. Due to the lifespan of most vents being shorter than lighting fixtures, these units are only a good choice if you select high quality fixtures from a reputable company that offers repair services. Otherwise, you may need to replace a light that is in working order simply because it is attached to a non-working vent or heater.

Tags: ambient light, direct light, Heat lamps, light while, night light

What Is The Difference Between A Torchiere And A Halogen Lamp

Floor lamps provide subdued lighting.

A torchiere is a floor lamp. That is, it is tall with a bowl sitting on top, and the base sits on the floor. It provides indirect lighting as the light from the bulb shines towards the ceiling. The primary lighting sources for a torchiere are fluorescent or halogen light bulbs. Another alternative is the incandescent torchiere. Several significant differences exist between fluorescent and incandescent torchiere light bulbs and halogen light bulbs.

Brightness

Halogen lamps can be dimmed to several levels. Fluorescent light bulbs do not have that capability. This gives halogen lights more options for lighting effects. Incandescent lamps in torchieres also can be dimmed.

Heat

Halogen lamps produce more heat than other type of bulbs due to the fact they have less surface area. For example, a 300-watt halogen bulb found in a torchiere can reach a temperature of 1,000 degrees F. A fluorescent light bulb, by comparison, generates heat of 100 degrees F. To put the heat of a halogen in perspective, a 75-watt light bulb reaches a temperature of 260 degrees F and a 500-watt incandescent light bulb registers 350 degrees F.

Energy Efficiency

Halogen lights are more energy efficient if used wisely. Due to their small size and ability to generate heat, select a lower wattage bulb. It will produce the same amount of light as a higher watt bulb such as an incandescent.

Fire Hazard

Halogen light bulbs present a fire hazard. They are banned in residence halls at the University of Colorado at Boulder and their use in discouraged in campus buildings. The reason for the fire hazard is the extreme heat of the bulb which has the potential to ignite other materials. Other light sources for torchieres do not present this danger.

Tags: light bulbs, light bulb, fire hazard, Halogen lamps, halogen light, incandescent torchiere

Decorate A Living Room With Wood Accents

Wood Adds Sophistication and Warmth

Whether your home decor is traditional, country, casual or modern, wood accents add warmth and sophistication. Accents to your living room can include the floor, walls, furniture, collectibles and even the entry door. Each accent adds to the whole picture. The cost can be expensive or not, depending upon your choices. To begin, consider your style, look at the main elements, and then add detail for the final touch.

Instructions

1. Change the floor. Changing from carpeting to wood floors is a dramatic choice, but the wood will add value and comfort. For an exotic look, try Australian cypress or Wenge from Africa. Mix woods with stone, tile, slate or marble for a dramatic look. Wood floors are available in strip, plank or parquet for endless possibilities.

2. Design a wall. For a focal point, consider adding a wood design to one wall. This could be as simple as strips of wood applied at an angle or as sophisticated as paneled walls made out of cherry. Other options include sheets of paneling or wooden wall art.

3. Buy a wooden entertainment center. Many of the new entertainment centers are made of glass and metal. A quality wooden entertainment center creates a focal point for the room. Look for a center that includes bookcases or shelves to display vases, books or other collectibles.

4. Choose furniture with wood detail. Even the sofa should have exposed wooden legs. Look for wooden end tables and a wooden coffee table. Keep the wood the same tone for a dramatic look. Consider dark wood or light wood for more drama. Wooden benches for extra seating add a touch of the unique.

5. Add wooden details. Look for wooden frames to display art and pictures. Choose a ceiling fan with wood accents. Place a wooden sculpture on the floor. Use wooden plant stands. Large, hand-crafted bowls add an exotic look. Hand-carved wooden figurines add a touch of detail.

6. Replace the front door. If the front door entrance is part of the living room, consider replacing the front door with a detailed wooden door. Front entry doors can be dramatic with sidelights, arched tops, decorative glass and raised panels.

Tags: front door, dramatic look, entertainment center, exotic look, focal point, living room, Look wooden

Repair Styrofoam Beams

Styrofoam can be finished to replicate nearly any surface from wood grain to brick to stone. The lightweight, easily sculpted material makes a flexible medium for many architectural details from crown molding to "marble" pillars. Faux beams made of styrofoam can be found in many interiors. As with many building materials, styrofoam has its downside too. The same lightweight, loosely bound structure that makes it ideal for so many uses leaves it vulnerable to damage from impact. It can be easily repaired with readily available materials.

Instructions

Foam Beam Repair Techniques

1. Clean the surface where repair is needed with a damp rag and detergent to aid in adhesion.

Repair small blemishes with a touch up of paint, stain or even magic marker to cover the damage.

2. Cover slightly larger dents and dings with latex painter's caulk. Use tube type caulk to avoid the potential mess of caulking guns. Apply enough to fill the damaged area and smooth with a dampened finger. Allow it to dry and touch up the paint or stain. Magic markers or wood stain pens are sometimes useful. You can get painter's caulk and stain pens in the paint department of any hardware store.

3. Repair larger damaged areas with expanding foam insulation. It can be purchased with caulking at your local hardware store in an aerosol can. Try the foam on a scrap of plywood or cardboard to get a feel of how much it expands. Apply enough foam to let it rise to fill the void in the damaged area. Add more as needed until it swells a little past the line you want to shape it to.

The Best Lights For A Bathroom Shower

Even in a well-lit bathroom, a dedicated light in the shower can be useful.

When designing the lighting for a bathroom, don't forget the shower. Though it may seem unnecessary on a floor plan or in concept, once you are in the shower and pull the curtain, you may wish you had a dedicated light that allowed you to read the label on the shampoo bottle.

Recessed Lighting

Recessed or can lights are perhaps the most commonly used lights in shower applications. These lights are set into the ceiling so the bottom of the fixture is flush with the ceiling. Some recessed lights are designed specifically for use in high-moisture settings. Choose a light cover made of glass to avoid the yellowing that often plagues plastic light covers. Most codes require that the lights be placed at least 6 feet above the water line.

Surface-Mount Lights

Some surface-mount light fixtures are designed for use in showers. These give you more options than recessed lights. However, these have to be designated as shower-safe. These fixtures are sealed to keep water out of the electrical components of the fixture. Regardless of the type of fixture you choose to place in the shower, it has to have a rating of IP67 and be a maximum of 12 volts. This means the fixture is protected against total immersion.

Non-Traditional Lights

For an unusual addition of light to your shower, consider a lighted shower head. Several brands require no wiring, just water pressure to power the lights. The color of the light indicates water temperature in some fixtures. Other fixtures require special wiring and installation and integrate the lights with the water nozzles. Some showers are designed with lights in the floor or the walls. These require special installation.

Bulbs

The type of light bulb you choose to put in the light fixture in the shower can vary the ambiance. Bright white bulbs can be energizing, while soft light or daylight bulbs can be soothing. Frosted bulbs can reduce glare and shadows. Putting the light on a dimmer switch can save electricity and allow you to vary the feel of the lighting in the shower. Electrical codes require that the switch be installed outside the shower stall, and some specify how many inches from the shower stall it must be.

Tags: codes require, codes require that, dedicated light, require special, require that

Rewire An Antique Torchiere Lamp

Rewire an Antique Torchiere Lamp

Extend the life of an antique torchiere lamp and save money by rewiring it yourself. Replace old or frayed wire and the antique socket with modern materials to meet modern electrical safety standards. Torchiere lamps focus the light up toward the ceiling, so they do not have the standard lamp shade hardware such as harps and finials. They only require a new lamp socket and lamp cord for a simple re-wiring.

Instructions

1. Unplug the lamp and remove the lamp shade and light bulb. This may require loosening the screws that hold the torchiere shade on the lamp base.

2. Remove the outer shell of the light-bulb's socket by pressing where it is marked "Press" and pulling the piece off the socket.

3. Take the metal shell and cardboard insulator out of the socket so you can see the wires.

4. Loosen the screws holding the wires to the socket, remove the wires from the screws, and pull the lamp cord out of the lamp from the bottom.

5. Unscrew the socket cap from the rod in the the lamp base. If needed, hold the rod steady by grasping the hex nut under the base of the lamp with pliers.

6. Thread the new lamp cord through the rod that extends through the base and pole of the torchiere lamp.

7. Screw the base of the new socket on the rod from which the old socket was removed.

8. Pull the lamp cord up until you have about 6 inches to work with, and slit the two halves apart, about 2 inches down from the top of the cord.

9. Tie a loose knot in the cord just below the 2 inch split. This will keep the ends of the wire from pulling loose from the socket screws if the cord is pulled too hard.

10. Strip insulation from the top 1/2 inch of each of the wires with the wire stripper or a sharp knife.

11. Twist the exposed copper of each of the two halves of the wire so each stays together in a tight bundle, and bend each into a U shape.

12. Wrap each of the U-shaped wires onto one of the two screws on the new lamp socket.

13. Tighten the screws down enough to hold the wires in place without pressing them out from under the screw head, and make sure no wires stick out.

14. Tighten the knot and push it into place as close to the bottom of the new lamp socket as you can.

15. Fit the new socket into the socket base, pulling the extra cord through the lamp stem from the base.

16. Slide the cardboard insulator into place over the socket and fit the new outer metal shell into place on the socket, clicking it firmly into place.

17.Screw in a new lightbulb, and replace the torchiere lamp shade, fastening it into place with the screws.

Tags: into place, lamp cord, lamp shade, lamp socket, about inches, Antique Torchiere

Decorating Ideas For A Rustic Kitchen

Rustic Kitchens

When you hear the term "rustic," two different thoughts may come to mind. One sense of the word applies to nature, while the other describes a Mediterranean, Old World style. If you choose to decorate your kitchen with either décor, all you need is a little research and a lot of creativity.

Rustic Natural Kitchen Décor

This is a great way to bring the great outdoors to your kitchen. The point is to stray away from modern appeal and accessories by decorating with things that remind you of nature and a simpler time. The best way to do this is to use products and materials that are found in nature.

A variety of wood and stones can be used to achieve different elements in your kitchen. You can have pine wood cabinets and a matching table and chairs set. Your floors can contrast with a darker, laminated wooden floor. Also consider stone flooring. You cannot get any more rustic than a stone or cement kitchen floor. Your walls can be rich greens or golden browns, and you can even have a slate countertop or backsplash behind the sink and the stove.

For additional accessories, think about other things you find in nature. You can fill wicker bowls with pinecones and acorns, and place them on your table and countertops.

Rustic Mediterranean Kitchen Décor

To begin decorating your rustic Mediterranean kitchen, begin with a vibrant, yet cool color pallet. Colors like burnt orange and golden yellow have always been popular in rustic-style kitchens. Orange has been found to increase your appetite as well as to calm your nerves. It blends well with rich, dark cabinets and floors, and can be accented by many different textures and designs. A rich golden yellow may remind you of olive oil, which is used in almost all Italian and Mediterranean cuisine. Stone flooring is also a popular feature of rustic décor.

Large wooden tables, hutches, and china cabinets are very much in theme with your rustic kitchen. Anything thick and oversized that reminds you of the hills of Italy is the way to go. Openness is the key here, so you can display your multicolored canisters and old fashioned utensils on open shelving or in a hutch if you have one.

As for accessories, think about iron and copper. You can purchase iron wall grills with intricate designs to bring in the rustic flare. Copper pots and pans extended from pots racks hanging from the ceiling are great accents. The fixtures can also be copper or bronze to pull the color around the kitchen and blend with the orange or golden walls. Also, do not forget lighting! Think of copper light fixtures and dimmer switches to keep the room to a warm glow while you are in the kitchen. The colors and textures mixed together will give you a relaxing space to cook and enjoy dinner with family.

Tags: your kitchen, accessories think, accessories think about, golden yellow, orange golden, think about, your rustic

What Are The Different Types Of Ceiling Materials

An attractive ceiling can make a big impact on the look and feel of a room.

Choosing a ceiling material means deciding between aesthetic appeal and practical functionality. It is often about balancing the two. Strictly speaking, a ceiling could be made out of almost any type of material, but the types of materials that are most commonly used are those that are cost effective and practical. Each has its pros and cons when it comes to visual appeal and work capacity.

Drywall

Buildings commonly use it for the walls, but ceilings employ drywall material in the form of tiles. Drywall is a material composed of a naturally occurring mineral called gypsum. The benefits of using drywall are that it is water resistant and is resistant to fire. Since drywall resists water so well, it is good practice to use a grid system with drywall ceiling tiles in order to check for any hidden water damage. Its fire resistance retards the spread of fire within a building. Drywall also has cosmetic benefits and comes in a variety of textures.

Lumber

Wood ceiling materials offer another option with a more rustic appeal. Most wooden ceiling materials are made of pine and are a light brown color, but they can also be stained or painted. Often, the wood has tongue and groove patterns that allow the materials to fit tightly next to one another. This creates the illusion that the ceiling finish is more complete throughout the room. It is important to check local codes on ceiling construction before using lumber to construct a ceiling. Some jurisdictions might require that drywall be placed behind the lumber ceiling materials to make the ceiling more fire resistant.

Acoustical Material

Acoustical ceiling materials are a good option if noise reduction is a priority in a house or other building. The acoustical materials absorb sound and are usually composed of a fiberglass and starch blend, but may also consist of other spun mineral fibers. Some acoustical ceiling materials are made of wood fibers, but this type of material is not practical in humid climates. Noise reducing tiles come in a variety of types that offer different sound protection qualities. These differences impact the price of the ceiling materials and should be considered when making a purchase.

Other Kinds of Ceiling Materials

There are many other kinds of materials used for ceilings, each of which presents different benefits. A more cost effective option is to use plastic tiles. Plastic is inexpensive to produce, and therefore inexpensive for the consumer to purchase. Metal, such as tin or copper, are also viable materials to use in a ceiling. One disadvantage of a metal ceiling is that is more difficult to cut. Cork is another option to use for ceilings. It is environmentally friendly and easy to install.

Tags: ceiling materials, another option, ceiling materials, ceiling materials made, cost effective, materials made, type material

Rewire An Old Lamp

Find the perfect lamp at an old antique store or yard sale? If the owner says that it doesn't work anymore, chances are it simply needs to be rewired. Learning to rewire an old lamp isn't difficult if you take the process step by step, and the end result is a beautiful addition to your home.

Instructions

Clean and Replace the Broken Parts

1. Clean the lamp thoroughly. Dust and dirt can only get in your way when you are rewiring.

2. Replace anything that is broken on the lamp. Broken pieces can cut your hands while you are working.

3. Remove the light bulb and lampshade to avoid damaging them and to give you a clear view of the work you are doing.

4. Pull the old wire out from one end, which will drag the new wire along with it so that it is in the correct path. If you find resistance, you may need to disassemble the lamp.

5. Remove electrical tape and discard the old wire and any fixtures you have replaced.

6. Split the ends of the new wire so that you have 3-5 inches of separate conductors with which to work.

7. Strip about an inch of the insulator from the end of each wire using a wire stripper tool and twist the wires in each end together.

Rewiring the Lamp

8. Purchase a rewiring kit. It should come with the hardware you need as well as a new cord.

9. Cut the old cord a few inches below the base of the lamp.

10. Use electrical tape to attach the new cord to the stub end of the old cord.

11. Loosen the socket's screws and terminal screws and replace hardware if necessary.

12. Working in a clockwise pattern, loop the stripped wire under the corresponding terminal screw. Tighten the screws, which will pull the wire taut and clip any excess wire.

13. Replace hardware as originally found on lamp and add a quick clamp plug to the other end of the wire if necessary.

Tags: electrical tape, which will

Wet Ceiling Repair

If your plaster or drywall ceiling has been exposed to moisture for very long, it's probably gotten soft and cracked. You should deal with this immediately, since the material will eventually start crumbling and falling. After the source of the water leak is fixed, you'll want to cut out the damaged area and install a drywall patch.

Instructions

1. Mark out a square around the perimeter of the damaged area with your level and pencil. Mark it so that two of the sides of the square run along the middle edge of the ceiling joists at either side of the damaged area. If you can't see the joists to assess their positions, pull down parts of the damaged area of the ceiling until you can.

2. Cut out the square using your jig saw. Half the joist edges should be exposed on either side of the square.

3. Measure each side of the cutout hole and mark out the dimensions on a sheet of drywall. Use a razor knife to score and snap the piece.

4. Set the square patch into the hole. Secure it there with drywall screws along the edges that have joist behind them, putting screws about every six inches.

5. Lay mesh drywall tape over sides of the piece of drywall, so it covers the seam between the patch and the surrounding ceiling. Spread joint compound over the drywall tape with a drywall knife, completely covering each line and making it smooth. Let it dry about six hours.

6. Sand the joint compound with a drywall sander, just enough to get it flat. Apply a second layer of joint compound. Let it dry, then sand it.

7. Spread on a third layer of joint compound, let it dry, and sand it. Paint the ceiling.

Tags: damaged area, joint compound, with drywall, drywall tape, either side, layer joint

Remove Wrinkles From A Lamp Shade

Old-fashioned lampshades are usually made of cloth.

Lampshades come in many different styles and materials, all of which can add charm and flair to your home. Unfortunately, a wrinkled lampshade can undermine the attractiveness of the lamp. The delicate design and construction of lampshades can make wrinkle removal appear challenging, but it is actually remarkably easy to do.

Instructions

1. Blow off any dust or dirt from the shades with compressed air.

2. Moving from top to bottom, gently smooth the material of the shade with a stiff brush to release wrinkles.

3. Even out the pile of the shade if it is made of a material that shows brush strokes like velvet or velour. Brush out the entire shade in one direction for a uniform appearance.

4. Fill a clothes steamer or iron with water. Plug in the steamer and turn it to a moderate steam setting.

5. Hold the steamer so it is parallel to the lampshade and about 6 inches away.

6. Turn on the steamer and let the steam spray onto the wrinkled area, working the lampshade with your fingers until you can't see the wrinkle anymore. Move the steamer away when you are handling the lampshade.

7. Repeat until all of the wrinkles are gone. If necessary, turn up the heat setting on the steamer or iron to release tough wrinkles.

Tags: steamer iron

Architectural Structures & Designs For Toilet & Bath

Modern bath designs with open floor plans help make the room feel spacious.

Bathrooms are typically tiny rooms that perform some very important functions central to our daily lives. We want our bathrooms to be beautiful and pleasant, as well as functional and durable. Designing a bath with these requirements in mind is for having a bathroom you'll love.

Showers and Baths

Showers and bathtubs can feel like hulking pieces of furniture that hog precious space. Custom-built enclosures integrated into the room's floor plan make the shower or tub feel like part of the room rather than an intruder. A wet room shower enclosed by a simple glass panel becomes part of an open, modern floor plan. If such a radical plan is not an option, a frameless shower or bath enclosure minimizes the fixture's impact on the room's plan.

Walls and Partitions

Bathrooms are often among the smallest rooms in the house, so keeping the room as open as possible is important. That usually translates into a lack of walls, which translates into a lack of privacy and storage space. When designer Eric Cohler designed a dream bathroom for Kohler, he used innovative solutions, such as building storage niches into the shower itself and tucking the toilet behind a retractable curtain. He helped maximize the room plan's openness by using the shower as a pass-through to a powder room area and using wall treatment to direct the eye upward, giving the illusion of more space.

Vanities and Countertops

A bath's vanity should not be an afterthought or a simple cabinet with a sink on top shoved between the shower and the toilet. Even Cohler admits his dream bath needs more storage space than niches in the shower, and he hides more storage inside a mirrored cabinet. Built-in cabinets with pull-out shelves, drawers and storage hidden behind pocket doors maximize storage space as well. When it comes to choosing materials, options such as ceramic tile and stone are not just luxurious; they also stand up well to the heavy daily use that most bathrooms endure.

Windows and Skylights

A bathroom filled with sunlight feels like a spa, but privacy is an issue. Window treatments help, but choosing the right window in the first place does away with the need for heavy curtains or blinds. Frosted, etched, tinted or stained glass allows light into the room without letting anyone on the outside clearly see inside the bathroom. Thick glass block achieves the same effect. If cost is not a concern, windows that tint electronically using LCD technology are available. Skylights avoid the issue altogether by moving the windows to the ceiling. They also have the advantage of allowing sunlight into a bathroom with no exterior walls.

Tags: storage space, feel like, floor plan, into lack, into room

Install Baseboard Molding

Install Baseboard Molding

Finish a new flooring installation yourself by adding new baseboard moldings for a professional-looking touch. Baseboards come in a wide variety of molding profiles; for example, the wider the baseboard, the more formal the look. Use an alternative material, like a low-profile shoe molding, to cut down on expenses.

Instructions

1. Measure the length of baseboard needed. Add 10 percent to the amount to cover possible mistakes.

2. Visit a home remodeling store to decide upon the type, or style, of baseboard needed. Choose a baseboard that fits the decor of the room-flat for more modern interiors, curved and highly designed for more ornate interiors.

3. Purchase the molding in lengths that do not require much splicing (cutting) and matching. Average lengths of molding run around 14 feet.

4. Purchase a product that comes pre-primed to save prep time. Paint the baseboard before installation.

5. Measure and cut baseboard to fit the first wall. Use a mitered cut at each end that meets another piece of molding at a corner. Use a straight cut when matching lengths along a wall. Use a miter saw for perfect miter cuts. Corners that meet in 90-degree angles require a mitered (angled) cut using a miter saw set at a 45-degree angle-two 45-degree cuts placed together result in a 90-degree corner.

6. Put baseboard into place making sure that it is flat against the wall. Use a pneumatic nail gun to attach the board to the wall. Nail at wall studs only, locate these before attaching the baseboard using a stud finder. A single two-inch finishing nail at each stud is all that is needed to keep the baseboard in place. Larger molding widths, four inches or more, need two two-inch finishing nails placed vertically at the studs.

7. When all baseboard is installed, finish the project by filling each nail hole with wood putty. Wipe away excess putty for a smooth application. Allow the putty to dry per the product's instructions.

8. Touch up the baseboard using the paint it was painted with earlier.

Tags: Baseboard Molding, baseboard needed, baseboard using, Install Baseboard, Install Baseboard Molding, two-inch finishing

Recessed Light Selection Guide

Recessed lights provide task or ambient lighting in a subtle manner. You can install recessed lighting, also known as can lighting, in various rooms or even outdoors. Unlike traditional lights, recessed lights are installed in the ceiling and not simply on the ceiling. Choosing the correct recessed lights for your space and taste takes patience.

Light Bulb Types

When selecting recessed lighting for your home, choose from fluorescent, incandescent or light emitting diode (LED) bulbs. Incandescent lights and their recessed light fixtures typically are the least expensive but do not last as long as the other types. LED bulbs are the most efficient type of recessed light and are longer-lasting.

Housing

Various types of housings for recessed light fixtures also are available. Choose IC, or insulation contact, housings if you plan to install your recessed light fixtures in ceilings where they might touch insulation. On the other hand, you can select non-IC housings if you plan to install recessed lights in a first-floor room when there is no insulation between that ceiling and the floor above it, for example. Also, choose recessed light housings that are non-perforated, which means they will not allow cool or warm air from your home to escape through the fixture. In addition, check to see if the recessed light housings are certified by Underwriters Laboratories for damp locations if you want your lights to go in a moist area such as a bathroom.

Trim

Find a recessed light fixture trim color that works for your room's color. Not only are black-and-white options available, but also you can select trims made out of decorative metals such as copper or Tuscan bronze. In addition, decide whether you want your recessed light trims to be flush with the ceiling, which offers a clean look, or sit below the plane of the ceiling as more conventional trims do. You additionally can select eyeball trims, which allow you to position your recessed light lamps at different angles.

Shapes/Other Features

Choose a recessed lighting fixture shape that fits the d cor of your room as well. For example, some companies offer recessed light fixtures that are square-shaped, while others manufacture circular or even rectangular fixtures that actually hold multiple lamps. Also, decide whether you want reflectors or baffles in your recessed lights. Cone-shaped reflectors around the lamps help direct the light, while ribbed-baffles help diffuse light and decrease glare.

Tags: recessed light, light fixtures, recessed light, recessed light fixtures, recessed lights

Design Your Bathroom Floor Plan

Design Your Bathroom Floor Plan

Maximize floor space in a bathroom by making every square inch count. Visit a showroom to learn about all types of fixtures. Ask for print-outs or free brochures on arrange a shower, bath tub or whirlpool tub, commode and vanity. Look through magazines as well. If possible, visit homes of friends to view their bathroom layouts.

Instructions

1. Determine what elements you desire in your new bathroom. You might want a garden tub or a double-sink vanity. Review costs and decide how far your budget will stretch. Available floor space is an important factor as well. You might be able to rearrange a bathroom door entry. Or you might borrow space for the bathroom from an adjoining room.

2. Measure your bathroom area. Sketch various ways to make a vanity, tub, shower and commode fit by using graph paper. Treat one square of graph paper as six inches, and draw all components from the perspective of looking down from above.You may want to place a garden tub near a large window or install a commode off in corner. But make the vanity area the focal point wall. A vanity area works best along a long wall or opposite the bathroom door. A shower, shower-tub combination or garden tub can be placed off to one side as you enter the room. If the entrance is crowded, move the shower and tub to the far end.

3. Get accurate measurements for all plumbing and fixtures. You might need to compromise in certain ways. For example, you can include a regular-size bathtub with jets versus a whirlpool tub. Try to balance all components of a bathroom. Having an extremely large shower or tub can overpower the room.

4. Consider buying bathroom components that are smaller if the pieces seem too large for the space. Leave at least six inches of space between fixtures to avoid overcrowding. Place windows at shoulder height or above to provide privacy. Install the main entry door to swing inward into the room. Avoid placing a bathroom closet door near the bath entry door to avoid clashing.

5. Draw drain lines and plumbing pipes into your floor plan design. Include all electrical outlets and light fixtures when sketching the room. Don't forget to vent ductwork into the space for heating and cooling. A small electric heater might not work in a large bathroom, so plan to tap into the home's heating and cooling system for year-round comfort.

Tags: bathroom door, Bathroom Floor, Bathroom Floor Plan, Design Your, Design Your Bathroom, entry door

Lighting For Staircases

There are alternatives to properly lighting a staircase. Staircases and landings often are not equipped with windows to allow in light from outside. Safety is the primary concern when considering the best method to illuminate the path from one step to the next.

Significance

For someone with poor eyesight in particular, proper staircase lighting will help better define each stair. Staircases should be lit from above. This will allow the treads on the stairs to be clearly illuminated, with the risers between each step in the shadows.

Light Placement

A light can be placed at each of the landings of the staircase. On a circular staircase, a light would be well placed at the bottom, middle, and top of the staircase. A window or skylight can be installed in the staircase area, to provide daytime lighting.

Night Time Considerations

A three-way electrical switch provides essential staircase lighting during the night. A switch should be installed at the bottom, and at the top of the staircase. Decorative wall lights, chandeliers, lights built into the staircase wall at baseboard level, and modern light fixtures mounted into the staircase itself are viable options.

Tags: into staircase, staircase lighting

Decorative Plastic Ceiling Tiles

About Decorative Plastic Ceiling Tiles

Decorative plastic ceiling tiles will add an elegant touch to your living room, dining room or bedroom. Made of molded plastic, these tiles have intricate designs that resemble the elegant tin ceilings of centuries past, without the expense.

You'll have a wide variety of colors and three-dimensional designs to choose from at online stores or at home improvement retailers.

Styles

The variety of ceiling tile patterns is surprisingly large. They range from plain flat and molded edge panels to baroque, gothic, French floral, Spanish rose, palm leaf panels and even include exotic animal skin designs such as alligator, ostrich and elephant. All are in three dimensional form.

Colors

If you prefer the look of antique copper, gold or silver or if you have a specific color in mind, decorative plastic ceiling tiles can be painted with water-based paint. You can paint them yourself or you can custom order them. Two and three color designs both in antique and modern designs are also available, with intricate detailing.

Materials

Decorative plastic ceiling tiles are made from different types of plastic, including polysterene foam (styrofoam). They are fire rated, and generally come in 24" x 24" squares. Two great advantages of using plastic ceiling tiles instead of metal is their corrosion resistance and cost; they're half the price of metal tile.

Applications

Decorative ceiling tiles are not only used for ceilings. Plastic tiles can be used as backsplashes behind sinks in kitchens and bathrooms. They can be painted and mounted as a separate piece of artwork for the wall in your living room. Plastic ceiling tiles are also used to create headboards for beds or surround doors or fireplaces.

Where to Buy

Acoustic Ceiling Products in Appleton, Wisconsin has a wide variety of high quality plastic ceiling tiles for commercial builders. Their products can be purchased for DIY projects at Lowes, Home Depot, Menards and Do It Best Stores. They also sell the grid systems that are used for installation. Their latest products are featured on HGTV's "I Want That."

Ceilume Smart Ceiling Tile has a large selection of plastic ceiling tiles at their online store. Many other sources are available online.

See Resources below for links.

Tags: ceiling tiles, plastic ceiling tiles, plastic ceiling, ceiling tiles, Decorative plastic, Decorative Plastic, living room

Decorate Bathrooms & Bedrooms

Decorate your rooms using colors you love and decorative pieces that match or mean something to you.

While any homeowner can throw some paint onto the walls and put some decorative pieces in any bedroom or bathroom, creating a truly unique living space requires a bit of work and patience. Not everyone can afford to hire a decorator or star on an episode of an interior decorating show and thus must rely on their own decorating sense, drawing inspiration from television and magazines.

Instructions

Bathrooms

1. Paint bathroom walls a light color or shade to make the room appear larger. To enhance decor to the room, use paint stamps to add images such as leaves, palm trees and sea shells to the walls to create a custom wall treatment that resembles wallpaper.

2. Keep the room light by applying light colored curtains to the wall. Frosting the bathroom glass allows light to come in while maintaining privacy. If you choose to use window treatments, use easy-to-open blinds, curtains or valances that allow natural light into the room. This prevents a small bathroom from feeling constricted.

3. Add decorative elements to bathroom fixtures such as the bathtub, sink and toilet. Replace a plain toilet seat cover with a covered or painted lid and a seat that matches your color theme. Place slip-resistant decals in the bathtub or shower basin to protect yourself from dangerous falls in the tub while adding decorative accent to your bathroom. Place decorative pieces, such as a soap dispenser or toothbrush holder along the countertop and around the sink. Hang a vibrant shower curtain over your tub or shower space, or cover glass tub and shower doors with decorative window decals to enhance the rest of your bathroom decor.

Bedrooms

4. Paint bedroom walls or apply wallpaper using your favorite color or themes. While a safari print may not match the decor throughout the rest of your home, it can be a playful theme for a guestroom or room that is only used occasionally. Consider using dark colors in the bedroom that will be conducive to rest, or cool blues and greens to promote feelings of calmness and happiness.

5. Apply window treatments that block out sunlight or street lights. Use blackout or light-blocking shades, blinds or curtains that match the color or theme of the bedroom to block out light and dress up windows.

6. Command the tone of a room with a set of matching bedroom furniture. If you purchase a second-hand set of furniture for a low price, repaint the pieces to match your room as necessary.

7. Cover your bed with a full comforter set that includes a duvet or comforter, flat sheet, fitted sheet, pillow cases, pillow shams and a bed skirt. Choose colors for this bed set that match or compliment the themes or colors recreated throughout the bedroom.

Tags: decorative pieces, that match, blinds curtains, color theme, rest your, window treatments

Hidden Mickey Tips

Find the famous three-circle Mickey Mouse shape all over Disney World.

One of the most enduring free pastimes in Walt Disney World is the search for Hidden Mickeys. In the early 1980s, Imagineers were designing Epcot as the second park in Disney World. Disney management felt that the cartoon characters belonged only in Magic Kingdom, but the Imagineers disagreed. They began hiding Mickey Mouse shapes all over Epcot, and a game was begun. Today, cast members and Imagineers build and create hidden Mickey Mouse silhouettes everywhere from the carpeting in resort hotels to the ceiling in rides. Finding them is a fun hobby for anyone visiting Walt Disney World.

Get a Guidebook

Find one of the handbooks published about Hidden Mickeys if you are a novice at this game. You'll be surprised at the lengths to which some people have gone to incorporate Hidden Mickeys in their designs. The guidebooks will tell you where to look for the designs, and they can be used as a paperback life list, much like birders have a life list of birds they have spotted. Check off a Mickey every time you spot one, or put the spotters initials next to it if you are having a family competition.

In the Parks

It takes a while to train your eye to find Hidden Mickeys, but after a while you'll start to see them everywhere. Mickey shapes are stamped into manhole covers, cut into intricate home gingerbread decor, painted into scenes of the galaxy and even hidden on larger pictures of Mickey Mouse himself. Look up and down, at ceilings and carpeting. Check out paper goods and posters. Investigate everywhere to find hidden mouse head designs.

In the Resort Hotels

Designers of the resort hotels in Walt Disney World have gotten into the Hidden Mickey game. You can find HMs in every resort on the property. Look for Hidden Mickeys woven into the carpeting in your hall, printed in the wallpaper design, incorporated into the artwork on the walls in your room and even hidden in the floral design on your bedspread. Spend a day visiting the lobby of all the different resorts for a fun afternoon relaxing and hunting Hidden Mickeys. It's enjoyable and free, a nice change from the rest of Walt Disney World.