Decorate A Black And White Bathroom

A black and white bathroom has a certain elegance to it, a clean feel that's crisp and uncluttered and perfect for what is probably the smallest room in your house. It's also one of the simplest looks to pull off because it doesn't require painting and chances are your starting point is already white. Designing a black and white bathroom that's not generic is easy to do with a little planning, some creative vision and these tips.

Instructions

A Black and White Bathroom

1. Odds are you are beginning with white. White toilet, white tub, white sink--you get the idea. So bringing in some black elements is the first step. A black accent wall or some black trim is a great place to start. Just remember, if you're painting in a bathroom, choose a paint that's high-gloss and able to withstand a lot of moisture. You can purchase paint specially formulated for bathrooms.

2. If a black wall is overly dramatic, try some black stencils on your white wall. A cutout of dots or squares with contact paper can make a modern geometric design or use painter's tape and paint stripes.

3. A shower curtain is an easy design element, and there are so many different black and white patterns that choosing one may be the hardest part of this project. Consider toile (a scenic print) for a Country French look or crisp black-and-white stripes or a black-and-white plaid for tailored styles.

4. Add storage. Choose floating shelves or a tall narrow shelf unit to hold baskets or large ceramic bowls for storing small items. Towels (black or white) folded neatly on a shelf are a design element as are black hand towels.

5. Appropriate accessories include large white candles (perfect for bubble baths), a white or clear vase for fresh flowers and small black-and-white prints or photographs.

Tags: some black, black white, black white, black white bathroom, Black White Bathroom, design element

Decorate A Cylinder That Hangs From The Ceiling

Glitter adds a sparkly effect on the cylinder.

Cylinders that hang from the ceiling may seem to disappear if they are constructed of clear or opaque materials that match the ceiling color. Decorating this unusual feature enables it to match the fabrics, colors and style of the room. This type of ceiling decor is often used in contemporary or modern homes. Hanging cylinders are also fashionable in a teen's bedroom or a game room.

Instructions

1. Remove the cylinder from the ceiling. Brush away any dust with a feather duster. If it is soiled, use a cleaning cloth and an appropriate cleaning product to wash off the debris. This allows the decor you add to stick well.

2. Pick a piece of scrapbook paper that works well with the theme and color in the room. If it is a teen's bedroom, a funky, neon print works well. For a game room, paper with a sports logo or billiard balls is appropriate. Choose a print that contains one or more of the accent colors in the room. Striped paper or one with geometric designs is perfect for a contemporary space.

3. Wrap the scrapbook paper around the cylinder shape to determine how much is necessary to cover it. Two or three sheets of paper may be necessary if it is a large cylinder. Cut the paper with scissors so the edges overlap slightly. If the paper has a pattern, make sure the pattern matches up on successive sheets when cutting the paper if you use more than one sheet.

4. Pour a small amount -- about 1/4 cup -- of the decoupage glue onto a paper plate.

5. Coat the edge of the foam craft brush with the decoupage glue.

6. Spread the glue over the back of the scrapbook paper. Attach the paper to the cylinder while the glue is wet. Smooth the paper out. Do this with your fingers to prevent air bubbles or wrinkles. Wait for the scrapbook paper to dry well.

7. Cover the outside of the paper-covered cylinder with a generous layer of the decoupage glue. Wait for it to dry before hanging. This additional glue adds a glossy coating to the cylinder. Use two or more coats if you desire. Always wait for each coat to dry before adding another.

Tags: scrapbook paper, decoupage glue, paper with, from ceiling, game room, teen bedroom

Small Modern Bathroom Ideas

Clean, angular lines and a pop of color are traits of a modern design.

Redecorating a bathroom with a modern theme means clean lines and a minimalist approach to design. Small rooms are sometimes the easiest to redecorate in a modern theme because they benefit the most from minimal decor. Bathrooms have stepped up their decor from a necessary room to one that can rival any luxury spa. Create a clean, modern look for your small bathroom to improve your home's value.

Flooring

For a sleek design, choose tile in the same color as the wall, or use the same tile on the floor and the wall to give one continuous flow of color. Peel-and-stick laminate tiles offer the beauty of more expensive ceramic or marble tiles with the ease of installation and the durability of vinyl. A modern trend in bathroom design is the use of wooden flooring. Wood offers a warn and inviting feeling, but will require the floor to be sealed every few months to keep out the moisture. Marble or stone is always a good choice in bathrooms, but the marble will be very slippery when wet.

Lighting and Accessories

Add amenities where you can, especially those that do not take up any extra space. Choose a massaging shower head, heated towel racks and fog-less mirrors instead of their older counterparts to maintain a modern aesthetic. Install radiant floor heating under tile and replace any windows with glass blocks or frost them instead of using curtains. Add mirrors all around the room, not just at the vanity. This will reflect the light and open up the space. Natural light is always a good option; add windows along the top of the wall or skylights to allow the light to filter down.

Vanity

The vanity is often one of the two largest things in a bathroom, especially a small one. When choosing a vanity for your modern bathroom, make sure that it matches the rest of the decor and suits the size of the room. Modern bathrooms utilize wall space more than other designs, so a large vanity may not be necessary. Opt for angular designs and, if the rest of the decor matches, glass or stainless steel counter tops. To add to the modern feel of the room, avoid clutter on the counters.

Color

Colors in a modern room should be limited to no more than two. Keep the colors classic to keep your bathroom looking up-to-date for years to come. Some colors that will always stay in style are black, white, brown and gray. For a bolder bathroom, choose bright, vibrant colors in designs that draw the eye upwards. Choose designs such as vertical stripes or a border along the top of the wall.

Tags: along wall, always good, modern theme, more than, rest decor

Design A Blackandwhite Bathroom

Black-and-white is a versatile decorating scheme for the bathroom.

The bathroom is a great place to try out a new decorating scheme because it is a small room, making it relatively easy and inexpensive to decorate. A black-and-white theme creates a versatile look and, depending on accessories and style, can look modern, country, retro or classic. Most likely, you are starting with a white sink and tub and, if your floor is already white, your job is even easier. With just a bit of planning and shopping, you'll soon be enjoying your stylish black-and-white bathroom.

Instructions

1. Paint your bathroom walls white, if they aren't already. Black trim can liven things up and set the backdrop for your bathroom. Use a semigloss paint, which is easy to wipe clean. You can go even further by painting bold stripes on your walls, stenciling a delicate design or painting freehand swirls and dots.

2. Select a shower curtain with a black-and-white pattern or go with a solid white for a strong look. Choose a toile pattern for a country touch, bold abstracts for a modern or sophisticated style, or a lacy or eyelet fabric if you prefer a feminine, delicate appearance.

3. Purchase new towels and bath rug, looking for white with black trim, a patterned design, or solid white or black. Remember that black towels and rugs do fade and show dust more easily than other colors.

4. Choose bathroom accessories in black and white. Your toothbrush holder, soap dispenser, tissue-box cover and bathroom trash basket can make a bold statement in a modern design, add a touch of whimsy or provide country flair, depending on what you select. You can find entire bathroom accessory sets at any discount department store or bed-and-bath shop.

5. Hang a picture or two on your bathroom walls to liven things up. Continue your color scheme with black-and-white photos or go with something that has a touch of color to break up the monotony.

6. Cover your windows with blinds or drapes in white with black trim or a subtle pattern.

7. Change your toilet seat to a black model and your towel rack and toilet paper holder to white ceramic -- or chrome to really set things off.

Tags: your bathroom, bathroom walls, black trim, decorating scheme, liven things, solid white

Better Cool A Room With High Ceilings

You may be accidentally making a big cooling mistake in your high-ceilinged room.

Rooms with high ceilings offer a wide open feel and endless decorating possibilities, but during the summer they can easily become hot. In the same way that it will be more difficult to heat the entire room during the winter, keeping the high-ceilinged room cool in the summer will take some extra effort. If your air conditioner isn't doing the trick by itself, employ a few techniques to help better circulate the air and keep the room at a consistently cool temperature.

Instructions

1. Install ceiling fans in the room and make sure they are on when your air conditioner is running. Also set up a fan in the room itself, like a standing fan, to continue the circulation at the bottom level of the room.

2. Install solid shades or curtains over the windows in the room that are capable of blocking out all the sunlight. Keep the windows covered whenever there is direct sunlight entering the room.

3. If you live in a climate that cools down a little at night, open the windows after dark to invite the cool in and close them at sunrise to shut out the incoming heat.

Tags: high-ceilinged room, your conditioner

Bath Tub Science Fair Project Ideas

Some of the best science fair projects come from everyday objects--like the bathtub.

When most people think of science fair projects, the last thing they probably think of is a bathtub. But your bathtub can be a useful place to create a science fair project. Bathtub science fair projects tend to be relatively simple and use basic materials that most students should have little trouble finding and using.

Bath or Shower?

People who want to conserve water may try to take the fastest showers possible. It could be, however, that taking a long bath saves more water than taking even a short shower. To find out, spend several weeks taking fast showers (if you'd like, you can even time yourself), but keep the drain plugged, so you can measure the water level at the end of each shower. Write the water level in a notebook. Then spend the next few weeks taking baths and again mark the water level in your notebook. Find the average water level for the days you took fast showers, as well as the average water level for the days you took baths, and compare the two. This science project will help you figure out which of the two uses, on average, less water.

Tin Foil Boats

A ball of tin foil will sink, while a boat made of tin foil will float. This is because the boat's bottom is pushing on more water than the ball's bottom, so the weight of the water under the boat is heavier than the weight of the tin foil. You can find out more about this concept with a simple experiment. Make several small tin boats, using the same folding methods but different sizes of tin foil. Then place a grain of rice (or beans) on each boat, one at a time, and write down how many of them it takes until the boat sinks. Did the smaller boats need more or less weight to sink? Think about why this might be true, and build your science project from it.

Best Bathtub Cleaner

Bathtubs can get dirty, with soap scum building up around the edges. If your bathtub is looking gross, this science fair project is the perfect way to find out clean it effectively. Choose three possible bathtub cleaners you'd like to test against each other. Use waterproof bathtub crayons to draw vertical lines every 6 inches around the edge of the bathtub. You can then label each 6-inch section of the bathtub with the name of one of the three cleaners. (To get the most reliable results, you should have multiple sections to test each cleaner.) Spray each cleaner on the appropriately labeled sites and wipe carefully, making sure not to spread the cleaner from one section to another. Then examine each set of three sections and rank them in cleanliness from 1 to 3. Analyze your data to decide which cleaner is most effective on the soap scum in bathtubs to complete your project.

Tags: science fair, water level, fair projects, science fair projects, about this, average water

Interior Wall Paneling Design Ideas

An example of wood paneling.

People use interior wall paneling to cover walls composed of plaster, drywall, or other materials. Paneling can run from the floor to the ceiling, or it can extend just halfway or three-quarters of the way up a wall. This kind of partial paneling is known as wainscoting. If you are thinking of installing new interior wall paneling or of sprucing up existing paneling, several design ideas can help.

Disassemble Recessed Lighting

Recessed lighting consists of a light fixture installed into a base in the ceiling. It can give a modern appearance to home decor. Of course, this type of lighting may not match the style you want for your home. If you want to replace the recessed lighting with a new light fixture, remove it with a screwdriver and replace it.

Instructions

1. Cut off the power supply to the recessed lighting fixtures and ensure the light switch is in the "Off" position. If the light has been on, wait for it to cool down to room temperature and remove the lightbulb.

2. Use the screwdriver to loosen the screws in the recessed lighting canister and push the canister up onto the ceiling base.

3. Remove the connection box cover plate in the ceiling. Pull the plastic connectors out and remove the wire connections.

4. Pull the armored cable wire out of the wire connection box and remove the canister from the ceiling base.

Tags: ceiling base, light fixture

Cut Drop Ceiling Panels For Recessed Lighting

A suspended ceiling can give a new feel to a room. A suspended ceiling is made of a simple and lightweight material that is easy to custom cut for any size or shape room. The ceiling can also accommodate fans and recessed lighting, which makes it a great way to cover a ceiling that is not in the best shape. While installing the ceiling, you can custom cut the tiles to accommodate recessed lighting.

Instructions

1. Measure the location of the lamp in relation to the suspended ceiling grid. Make a line straight on the back of a ceiling tile from the edge of the next tile to the position of the lamp and repeat for all four sides of the tile. Make small marks on the back of a ceiling tile to center the lamp in its intended position.

2. Place the light fixture at those marks and trace the edges of it.

If you cannot bring the light fixture down to the tile to do this, then place cardboard on the lamp and trace a template onto the cardboard. You will be able to feel the edge of the light itself through the cardboard. Cut the template out and trace that onto the tile.

3. Poke a knife or saw through the tile itself and cut the circle out.

4. Install the light onto the tile using its clips and any other installation hardware. Leave some slack on the wiring so that you can manipulate the tile after it has been attached.

5. Place the tile into the grid, it does help to insert it fully though the hole at a slight angle and then drop the tile onto the grid.

Tags: suspended ceiling, back ceiling, back ceiling tile, ceiling tile, light fixture

What Is A Temporary Way To Hang Things Along A Drop Ceiling

Classrooms often have drop ceilings.

Drop ceilings allow easy access to the piping and wiring above them. They are often found in basements, classrooms and offices. The best way to hang something from this fibrous material is to take advantage of the frames found between each tile. These can support some weight while showing off art and other objects you want to display.

Instructions

1. Uncoil a wire paperclip so it is straight. Slide the paperclip over the frame that holds the ceiling tiles. Pull the paperclip edges down so that one end is on either side of the frame. Form a hook with the two ends and attach the item you are hanging to the hook.

2. Slide a piece of string or yarn behind the frame so that one end hangs down on either side. Tie the item to the string so it dangles below. This method allows you to hang the item at different lengths with little effort.

3. Weave a piece of string in one of the holes in the ceiling tile and feed it out through a neighboring tile so the ends dangle down. Attach the item to the string. If you have problems weaving the string, you can remove the ceiling tile by pushing it up to dislodge it, turning it at an angle and sliding it out the opening.

4. Press some poster putty up onto the ceiling tiles and attach the item you are hanging to it by pressing it to the putty. You can use putty at several points if you are hanging a wide item.

5. Use plastic drop-ceiling hooks. These hooks are designed for use with drop ceilings and are available at hardware stores. Slide one side behind the drop-ceiling frame and press it over the other side until it snaps in place. The hook will hang down so you can attach items.

Tags: attach item, attach item hanging, ceiling tile, ceiling tiles, drop ceilings, either side, frame that

Remove Popcorn Ceiling & Glitter

Remove Popcorn Ceiling & Glitter

Popcorn, also known as acoustic, ceilings were once all the rage in room designs in the 1970s. However, since the peak of its popularity, some homeowners have grown tired of the textured ceilings and want to see them gone, but that does not mean a professional must be hired to do the removal. Though there is a bit of prep and finish work that most homeowners can do, removing the texture itself is not difficult.

Instructions

Preparation

1. Clear the room of all furniture. Remove all light fixtures in the room. Make sure the power is off.

2. Tape small pieces of plastic over each receptacle, as well as over each light switch and each area where you removed a light fixture before covering the entire walls with several layers of the heavy-duty plastic, taping it about 1/4 inch from the ceiling.

3. Tape the plastic sheeting about 1 foot up on the walls before covering the floors. This will protect your baseboards from water damage.

4. Roll a layer of rosin paper on the floor to absorb water that may fall and prevent the plastic from becoming slippery and then tape the paper in place.

Removal

5. Wet down the ceiling in areas around 4 to 5 feet square. Use a garden sprayer. Get the acoustic ceiling wet, but not so much that you are now soaking, and possibly damaging, the ceiling beneath it.

6. Scrape off the popcorn ceiling in the 4- to-5-foot square you sprayed. Use the joint knife, with the corners filed down, to prevent scratching your ceiling. If you find any part requires a lot of hard scraping, re-wet it and give the textured material time to absorb the water.

7. Roll a second layer over top of the first if you find you have too much debris on the rosin paper.

8. Remove the plastic and roll up the paper on the floor when you see the ceiling has been completely cleared of the popcorn texture, and then you should be able to turn power back on in the room.

Repairs

9. Check all joints to ensure the joint paper was not damaged or removed by the water and ensure that the nails are still covered by a layer of joint compound.

10. Roll more rosin paper on the floor to catch any joint compound that may fall.

11. Mix a joint compound and apply a thin layer along the joint line with the putty knife.

12. Dip the joint tape in a bucket of water, then squeeze off the excess between your fingers. Use the putty knife to press the tape into the joint compound and smooth off any excess.

13. Put a thin amount of the joint compound over the nails.

14. Sand over each area of joint compound once dry, using sanding mesh and the sanding pad on a pole, which will save you from climbing on a ladder to each spot.

15. Apply a thin and even coat of the joint compound (or perhaps a lightweight joint compound) to the whole ceiling in a skim coat, sanding it once it is dry. You may need to apply two skim coats this way to get a completely flat surface.

16. Prime and paint your ceiling once it is totally dry. Reinstall your light fixtures and bring your furniture back into the room.

Tags: joint compound, over each, paper floor, rosin paper, absorb water, before covering, Ceiling Glitter

Design My Bathroom Online For Free

Many bathroom designs are available on the Internet.

The bathroom is an important part of every house. Accordingly, designing the interior of the bathroom requires time and energy. Fortunately, there are free online tools that can help you visualize the design of your bathroom much faster than you could with graph paper and a pencil.

Instructions

Using Bathroom Furniture Guide

1. Measure your bathroom width and length.

2. Follow the link in the Resources section to open a free online bathroom design application produced by the Bathroom Furniture Guide. To launch the application, click on the "Bathroom Planner" logo located on the right of the web page.

3. Choose the basic shape of your bathroom. You can choose between square, rectangular and other shapes.

4. Set the length and width of the bathroom. Then click "Create Room."

5. Add room elements, such as windows, doors and fitted bathroom furniture. You can also select and position various bathroom items, such as a bathtub, sink, toilet, bidet and shower.

6. Set the position of the items you created in Step 5. To move an item, drag and drop it on the bathroom plan.

7. Print the bathroom plan by clicking the "Print Room" icon located at the bottom of the window. Make sure your printer is switched on before you print.

Using 3D Spacer

8. Measure your bathroom width and length.

9. Follow the link in Resources to navigate to 3D Spacer for bathrooms.

10. Click "Enter" and then click "Next."

11. Choose the basic shape of your bathroom and specify its size. Click "Next."

12. Drag and drop bathroom elements on the interactive plan. When you are finished, click "Print" in the bottom-left corner of the window.

Using Re-Bath

13. Measure the width and length of your bathroom.

14. Launch the Re-Bath online bathroom designer by following the link in the Resources section.

15. Choose your basic bathroom style. The available styles include Classic Bath, Simply Modern, Tuscan Elegance, Eclectic Retreat, Sophisticated Style, Autumn Glow and Summer Cottage.

16. Change the colors of the elements, and the picture of the bathroom will change accordingly. When you are finished, click "Print" in the bottom-left corner of the window.

Tags: your bathroom, link Resources, width length, basic shape, basic shape your, Bathroom Furniture, Bathroom Furniture Guide

Remove Popcorn Ceilings

If you want to get rid of popcorn ceilings, you're not alone. Removing popcorn ceilings makes it to the list of top 10 home-maintenance questions "This Old House" receives. Popcorn ceilings have uneven surfaces that were fashionable in the 1950s. However, people typically consider them an eyesore now. Popcorn ceilings also present a challenge to clean due to their texture. Because of these qualities, popcorn ceilings can drag down the value of a property, according to MSN Real Estate.

Instructions

1. Add 1 tbsp. of liquid detergent and 1 cup of water to a spray bottle. Cover and shake to mix.

2. Spray the soapy water on a 1-square-inch patch of the ceiling. Use a putty knife to remove the popcorn texture, placing the sample into a small plastic bag and sealing the bag.

3. Send the sample to an asbestos-testing laboratory. If you have asbestos in your ceiling, you can't safely remove the popcorn texture yourself. You have to hire an asbestos-abatement contractor to get rid of the ceiling texture. Only attempt to remove the popcorn ceiling yourself if your test comes back negative.

4. Remove all the contents of the room in which you want to remove the popcorn texture. Hang plastic sheets from where the walls meet the ceiling and lay a drop cloth on the floor. The removed popcorn material will fall down, so these precautions help keep your things clean.

5. Spray water on the ceiling with a garden hose to loosen the popcorn texture. Let the ceiling texture absorb the water for 10 to 15 minutes.

6. Scrape off the popcorn texture from the ceiling using a wide taping knife, utility knife or drywall knife. Alternatively, use a specialized ceiling-texture scraper, a long-handled scraping tool with a plastic bag to catch the falling debris. Allow the ceiling to dry.

7. Fill in any holes and imperfections on the ceiling with a joint compound. Let the joint compound dry and sand the ceiling to get a smooth surface.

8. Paint the ceiling with a drywall primer, according to product instructions, and flat ceiling paint. A flat finish hides imperfections better than glossier finishes.

Tags: popcorn texture, ceiling with, remove popcorn, remove popcorn texture, ceiling texture, joint compound, Popcorn ceilings

Hang A Drop Ceiling

Installing a drop ceiling is surprisingly easy.

Hanging a drop ceiling is surprisingly simple. A drop ceiling is good way to cover up an unsightly and damaged ceiling, and it requires very little alteration of your home. Despite the overall simplicity of the project, you may need a bit of guidance.The following steps will help you.

Instructions

Hang a Drop Ceiling

1. Decide on the style of ceiling you wish to hang. There several styles of drop ceilings. Panels come in several different sizes, with 2'x4' being the most common. Some drop ceilings are very simple, while some are quite fancy. However, just about all of them are the same when it comes to their mechanics. As with any decorating idea, your ceiling should generally match the decor of your room.

2. Determine how many panels you will need.This can be done by sketching your ceiling on a piece of graph paper. The easiest way to ensure proper measurements is to designate one box on the graph paper to equal one square foot. You may then simply count how may panels you will need to do the job.

3. Decide on a proper height for your ceiling. Most existing ceilings are around 8' high, with 7' 6" being the most common. In most areas, drop -eiling panels must be located 5" to 7" below light fixtures and 3" from water pipes. Before you proceed, bring the sketch of your project to your local building department. An inspector will verify these requirements and inform you of whether or not you need a building permit.

4. Begin installing your wall angles (runners). Once you have determined the proper height of your ceiling, you may begin installing your all angles. The first step in installing wall angles is to make sure they will be level when they are affixed to your wall. Use a level. Don't attempt to "eyeball" where your angles will be hung based the seam of your wall and ceiling. Chances are good that your ceiling isn't as level as it looks. Using your level as straightedge, draw a line around the perimeter of the room. This line will represent how far from from the original ceiling your angles will be located, thus determining how high your new drop ceiling will be from the floor. Once you have drawn the angle lines, nail them to the wall. Be sure to nail the angles to studs. If you are unable to locate studs, use a stud finder or fasten the angles to the wall with masonry screws. Pay close attention to the corners. Improperly mitered angles will result in a crooked drop ceiling.

5. Install eye hooks for the suspension wires. These hooks are screwed into the existing ceiling or the floor joists above you, if you are installing the drop ceiling in your basement. They should be placed evenly, according the instructions in your ceiling kit. Once you have each hook in place, fasten the suspension wires to the hooks. Each wire should be cut to proper length. Inspect each wire to ensure that it is not bent or kinked.

6. Install the main tees. The main tees are the runners that will suspend from your existing ceiling and help make up your drop ceiling's grid. The tees should run at right angles to the existing joists or ceiling. To properly install the tees, first measure the distance along the top flange of each tee and locate the slot. You must compensate for the thickness of the wall runner. Measure each main tee and subtract that measurement of the runner's thickness. This is commonly 1/8". Saw each tee to the exact measurement of the room, subtracting the thickness of the runner. Fasten each main tee to the suspension wires, ensuring that each main tee is level with the wall angles.

7. Fasten the cross tees to the main tees. This is done by inserting the ends of each cross tee into the slots on the hanging main tees. You will need to trim the cross tees closest to the walls to compensate for the thickness of the runner. After your cross tees are installed, your grid should be complete.

8. Begin dropping your ceiling tiles into the grid. If your calculations and measurements were correct, each panel should rest easily into each square. However, it is common for trimming of the panels to be required. This can be done with a table saw or utility knife, depending on type of panels you are installing.

Tags: your ceiling, main tees, angles will, cross tees, drop ceiling, drop ceiling

Decorate A Bathroom With Blue & White

Blue and white is a classic color palette for a bathroom space as it reminds people of clean crisp linens or oceanside living. Perfect for a white tiled bathroom, splashes of blue in either a deep, dark shade or a light, powdery tone can make a plain bathroom feel like a spa getaway. Luxurious textures and unexpected artwork can transform your space in just a weekend.

Instructions

1. Paint the walls a pleasing shade of blue depending on your taste. A larger bathroom can carry off a darker shade of blue, while a smaller bathroom might benefit from a lighter sky blue color. Use an eggshell finish to provide a rich, soft finish with a subtle shine.

2. Touch up trim and cabinets in a bright white paint. Especially effective with older cabinetry, even white wood cabinets will look updated with a fresh coat of paint. Be sure to remove finishes on shiny cabinets with a chemical or primer treatment prior to painting. Ask a home improvement store paint expert on what to use to prepare your existing cabinetry.

3. Add white or blue ceramic drawer pulls and towel rack rods. A splash of color on your newly white cabinets will pull the space together, and the dark blue towel rods will set off luxury towels.

4. Gather bath rugs to match the wall color. Use a thick shag to add texture and a sense of luxury. Place one next to the bath or shower, one in front of the vanity and a small rug in front of the toilet.

5. Buy the most luxurious towels you can afford in both bright white and a deep blue to coordinate with the wall and floor colors. Display one of each on towel rods, and stack up neatly folded towels next to the bath or on the vanity for a spa look.

6. Accessorize the space with blue and white candles around the tub and on the vanity as well as placing blue ceramic canisters on the sink to hold cotton balls, soaps and toothbrushes.

7. Finish the space with a great piece of wall art that ties the space together. Blue and white naturally reminds people of beach scenes or the Greek Isles so select a large scenic image such as "Blue Wall, White Steps" by George Meis or a more graphic floral image such as Andy Warhol's "Flower for Tacoma Dome, c.1982 (Blue and White)."

Tags: blue ceramic, Blue White, Blue white, bright white, cabinets will

Bleach Paneling

Wood paneling is often dark and can lend a dreary, archaic appearance to a room. Bleaching paneling can lighten up the color and reduce the heavy contrast of the wood grain, revitalizing walls and providing the room with a new, bright appearance. Although you can purchase commercial bleaching kits, it may be more cost-effective for you to create your own.

Instructions

1. Prepare the surface by sanding it until smooth. Use coarse grit sandpaper and finish with fine. Clean the surface of the wood with a rag or dry brush, removing the remaining sand residue. Check for any scratches or blemishes in the wood.

2. Brush the caustic soda solution liberally onto the wood in the direction of the grain and allow it to sit on the surface for 10 to 20 minutes. The wood will progressively lighten the longer you leave the solution on. Do not allow it to sit for more than 20 minutes as this will cause it to bleach unevenly.

3. Use a fresh brush to apply the hydrogen peroxide in the same manner you applied the soda. There will be bubbling and foaming as the two solutions react. Leave on for 30 minutes to an hour. If it is not bleached enough, apply another layer of peroxide.

4. Wash down the surface with clean water after it is bleached to your satisfaction. Use a brush to help remove the chemicals. Dry with paper towels and rinse a second time in 20 minutes. Be sure to remove all the bleach or you will experience difficulties during the finishing process.

5. Allow the wood to dry completely in a well-ventilated room indoors for a minimum of 24 hours. Keep out of sunlight or this will increase the bleaching of the wood and cause the coloring to become uneven.

6. Sand the wood paneling with a 180-fine grain sandpaper before sealing or coloring. Wipe any residual sand off the wood before apply any coating.

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Calculate A Ceiling Grid

Suspended, drop or grid ceilings are made with a metal framework in which square or rectangular ceiling tiles are placed to form a ceiling. A professional-looking installation is one where the grid and tiles are balanced from end to end and side to side, meaning the tiles at the front and back are the same size, and the left and right sides are the same size. Calculating these tile sizes and making adjustments to the grid create a balanced installation.

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the room using the tape measure and record the measurements on paper. Measure width parallel to the ceiling joists and measure the length perpendicular to the ceiling joists. The room we will use in our example is 15.75-feet wide and 27.25 feet long. Our tiles will be common 2-by-2 feet square tiles.

2. Calculate the width of the side wall tiles. Divide room width by tile width and round down. Multiply the result by tile width and subtract the result from room width. Divide the remainder by 2 to obtain the cut tile width on either side of the room .

Example: 15.5 feet / 2 feet = 7.75; round it down, and you get 7. 7 x 2 = 14 feet. 15.5 - 14 = 1.5 feet. 1.5 feet / 2 = .75 feet or 9-inch tile on the left and right sides of the room.

3. Calculate the length of the end wall tiles. Divide room length by tile length and round down. Multiply the result by tile length and subtract from room length. Divide the remainder by 2 to obtain the cut tile length on either end of the room. Example: 27.25 feet / 2 = 13.625; round down equals 13 feet. 13 feet x 2 = 26 feet . 27.25 feet - 26 feet = 1.25 feet. 1.25 feet / 2 = .625-feet. The tile length at the end walls is .625-feet or 7.5 inches.

4. Adjust the grid according to the calculated cut tile lengths. Measure a main beam from the first cross-tie slot toward the end for the room end cut tile length and mark the main beam for cutting. Mark and cut the first main beam for each run the same way.

5. Adjust the grid according to the calculated cut tile widths. At each end wall, measure from the left and right corners the distance of the side wall cut tile width and mark the end wall. This gives you the starting and ending points for the first main beam run. Use these marks to snap a chalk-line on the ceiling joists for placement of hangers.

Tags: feet feet, feet feet feet, tile length, main beam, round down, tile width

Remove Paint From Paneling

purple painted paneling

Removing paint from paneling is a delicate process if you want to preserve the paneling, because you can't scrape the paint off. Scraping the paint with a putty knife can damage the wood underneath it. Instead, you must dissolve the paint and gently scrub it off with a soft bristle brush. If you're lucky, the paint will come right off with just a bit of wiping. To be sure, try the steps below on a small area before deciding to remove the paint on the entire wall.

Instructions

Remove Paint From Paneling

1. Mix up a batch of the paint remover in the bucket according to the directions on the package. Starting at the top, apply the solution to a one or two-foot square area. Use a paintbrush, and apply it generously.

2. Place a piece of old fabric over the gel or paste. Press firmly. After you saturate the fabric, carefully peel it off. The paint should come off with the fabric. If it does not, press the fabric back down and let it sit for another 10 minutes.

3. Continue in this fashion until you have removed as much paint as possible. Then, apply the solution again to the remaining spots of paint. Let sit for 10 minutes.

4. Remove the remaining paint. Use the bristle brush to gently scrub at the remaining areas of paint, using a circular motion.

5. Rinse the paneling clean of any remaining paint and solution with a rag and clear, cold water.

Tags: apply solution, bristle brush, gently scrub, Paint From, Paint From Paneling, remaining paint, Remove Paint

Remove Painted Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceiling

Popcorn ceilings are not nearly as popular as they once were because of their outdated bubbly texture style, and because they get dusty easily and are difficult to clean. Modern homeowners prefer the sleekness of a smooth plaster ceiling to the old-fashioned textured ceilings. Though unpainted popcorn ceilings are relatively simple to remove, painted popcorn ceilings are more difficult because the layer of paint makes it difficult for the popcorn texture to absorb the water necessary to soften. Therefore, liquid detergent is mixed with the water to help penetrate the painted surface.

Instructions

1. Remove a sample of the popcorn material and send it to an EPA-certified testing lab. If the ceiling contains asbestos, contact a certified asbestos removal contractor to remove the popcorn ceiling. Laboratories that test for asbestos are located across the country. Several larger companies are Western Analytical Laboratory (asbestos-test.com/), EMSL Analytical Laboratory Services (emsl.com/Index.cfm?nav=Lab_Locations) and International Asbestos Testing Laboratores (iatl.com/content.php?page=Asbestos+Laboratory&parent=2).

If your popcorn ceiling does not contain asbestos, you are safe to do the job yourself.

2. Lay drop cloths on the floor and use painter's tape to affix plastic tarps on surrounding walls and over doorways.

3. Turn off electricity and remove light fixtures from the ceiling.

4. Wear protective clothing, a mask, gloves and goggles.

5. Mix 1 tsp. liquid dishwashing detergent and 2 cups water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the ceiling in 3- to 5-inch sections. Let the water seep into the ceiling for 15 to 20 minutes. Spray on more solution if the ceiling begins to dry out during that time.

Painted popcorn ceilings require a wetting agent, which, in this case, is a liquid dishwashing detergent, The detergent helps the water seep into the textured compound. If the ceiling was left unpainted, the popcorn material can be removed with only water and worked in larger sections such as 3- to 5-foot sections.

6. Use a joint knife, which has a wide, flat blade, to scrape off the popcorn texture. Scrape lightly to prevent gouging the ceiling. If a section is difficult to scrape off, spray more water, wait and try again. If the painted popcorn still does not come off after continuous spraying and scraping, leave the ceiling alone and consult a professional.

7. Apply joint compound--a plaster-like sealing compound--over the joint lines on the ceiling. Dip joint tape--a strip of tape made of either paper or fiberglass that covers the seams between sections of drywall boards--into water and squeeze to remove excess water. Apply damp joint tape over the joint compound and smooth off with a joint knife.

Joint tape is , allowing for a smooth finish. Joint compound is commonly used in construction. Joint tape is simply a tool used to apply and smooth out the compound with its wide, flat blade.

8. Fill in any holes or cracks with joint compound. Smooth off with a joint knife.

9. Sand any rough or uneven patches with a sanding pad attached to a pole.

10. Prime and paint as needed.

Tags: joint knife, with joint, Analytical Laboratory, dishwashing detergent, flat blade

Remove Outdoor Tile

Outdoor tile can deteriorate in harsh weather.

Ceramic tile is used in all areas of the world for purposes ranging from waterproofing to purely aesthetic in both interior and exterior spaces. When installed properly, tile can outlast just about any other cladding material for a reasonably low cost. Despite even a perfect installation, tile can deteriorate over time from a number of different variables ranging from weather to traffic and use. Removing outdoor tile for deterioration, remodeling or any other reason is a generally straightforward task that can be successfully completed by just about anyone using basic construction tools.

Instructions

1. Hold the 2-inch masonry chisel firmly against the grout joint between two tiles.

2. Tap the head of the chisel with the masonry hammer to chip away and remove the grout joint.

3. Angle the 4-inch masonry chisel to the mortar joint behind or under the tile, and hold firmly.

4. Tap the head of the chisel with the masonry hammer to chip away the tile mortar until the tile is free. If the tile will not lift from the mortar, pull it loose using the flat pry bar. Repeat this process on remaining tiles until all tiles have been removed. In most cases, the tiles will break or crack during this process.

5. Remove any remaining mortar from the wall or floor, using the masonry chisels and hammer.

Tags: chip away, chisel with, chisel with masonry, grout joint, hammer chip, hammer chip away, head chisel

Apply Polyurethane On A Ceiling Without Streaks

Polyurethane is a modern substitute for traditional glazes such as lacquer. Polyurethane applied to a ceiling will give the ceiling a glossy appearance, as well as protect it from damage. If you install polyurethane with a brush or a roller, you risk leaving lines in the ceiling due to the overlapping edges left by the brush or roller. You can rent a paint sprayer from most home improvement centers and apply a coat of polyurethane quickly and evenly, with no risk of streaks.

Instructions

1. Cover the floor and all furniture with drop cloths. Spraying polyurethane will create overspray, which will naturally fall to the ground. Anything not covered will get a thin coat of polyurethane on it.

2. Place two lines of painter's tape around the top of the wall where the wall meets the ceiling. Use 3-inch painter's tape, and place two strips of tape next to each other on all the walls in the room. This will prevent getting polyurethane on the wall.

3. Place a box fan in a window. Turn it around backward to pull overspray and fumes out of the room. If you do not have a window, place the box fan in a doorway. If possible, open a second window, simply for ventilation of fresh air.

4. Follow the guidelines on the technical data sheet supplied with your can of polyurethane or supplied on the manufacturer's website for the specific spray nozzle size and sprayer pressure settings. These will differ, depending on the type and brand of polyurethane you choose to use.

5. Open the container of polyurethane and place the pickup tube from the paint sprayer in the can.

6. Spray onto a piece of drop cloth to make sure the polyurethane sprays a consistent layer and does not spit out the material in lumps. If you do not get a consistent spray, increase the pressure slightly.

7. Spray a consistent stroke of polyurethane across the entire length of the ceiling. Hold the wand perpendicular to the ceiling and approximately 12 inches away. Overlap each stroke by 50 percent to avoid thin areas and to provide a consistent, streak-free finish.

Tags: brush roller, coat polyurethane, paint sprayer, painter tape

Vanity Lighting For Bathrooms

Vanity lights help you see yourself during grooming.

Bathroom lighting is most efficient in layers, according to "This Old House" magazine. Overhead lighting provides one layer and sets the room's ambience. Vanity lighting illuminates tasks done in front of the mirror, such as daily grooming. With the vast selection of vanity lighting options available, careful consideration of the direction you want the light to shine is necessary before you make your lighting selection.

Style

While vanity lighting often is set directly over a mirror, vertical lighting set alongside the mirror does a better job of casting light evenly across the face. Fixtures with multiple lights mounted vertically or sconces that direct light toward either the ceiling or floor are examples of this type of lighting. If there isn't enough room for lights on both sides of the mirror, horizontal lighting fixtures set near the ceiling and approximately 75 to 80 inches above the floor also provide adequate lighting for grooming tasks. The size of the mirror affects how high horizontal lights should be placed. The fixture should provide at least 150 watts of power distributed evenly over the mirror. Rather than have one light over the mirror, it's best to spread the wattage between two or more lights spaced at least 24 inches apart to evenly distribute the light. Shades on the light fixtures also help distribute the light evenly.

Mount

Closely tied to the style of lighting fixtures is their mounting style. While it's typical to project the lighting downward, some fixtures focus it toward the ceiling and provide more reflected light. Depending on the particular fixture, it may provide adequate lighting for your grooming needs. Fixtures mounted on the sides of the mirror or above and focused on the mirror typically provide the best lighting for grooming purposes. Fixtures that mount flush with the wall or are recessed are available, but their lights sometimes create shadows on the mirror.

Material

Choose the material for the vanity lighting fixture based on the color of the bathroom walls as well as the plumbing fixtures. Consider polished nickel, light-colored steel, oak or brass fixtures if you have dark colored walls. Wood tones, such as cherry, maple and walnut work well with light-colored walls. Metal fixtures with a black base also provide contrast to lighter colors. The texture of the vanity lighting fixture's metal also accents the room's decor. Choose smooth-textured fixtures if the surrounding wall surface is rough, and select brushed fixtures if the wall texture is smooth.

Bulbs

The lightbulbs in the fixtures can make as much difference as the fixtures themselves. White light gives the most accurate skin tone colors for applying makeup. Halogen bulbs and compact fluorescent light, or CFL, bulbs are energy efficient and often have standard screw in bases that fit into the light sockets on most vanity lighting fixtures. Not only do they give a white light, but halogen and CFL bulbs last much longer than incandescent bulbs, saving you money.

Tags: vanity lighting, lighting fixtures, over mirror, adequate lighting, also provide

Make A Homemade Chandelier For A Party

Seize the opportunity to fashion a festive party chandelier.

Decorating for parties is an opportunity to show off your creative side. With a couple hours of your time and the help of a friend, you can construct a party chandelier that serves double duty as both decor and a conversation starter that can be used year round. This particular chandelier is reminiscent of rotating order holders found in diners. While you don't need an art degree to assemble it, the ability to hammer a nail and run a drill is to your advantage when putting together this project.

Instructions

1. Purchase three pieces of 1-inch-wide, flexible wood trim. Cut the pieces into lengths of 36, 24 and 18 inches, using a skill saw. Dab construction adhesive onto both ends of the first piece, and clamp them together with a locking clamp to dry for one hour. Repeat this process with the other two pieces. The finished pieces form 18-inch, 12-inch and 9-inch hoops.

2. Place a 1-inch-long piece of molding inside each of the hoops, covering the seams. Hammer the molding over each seam with half-inch finish nails. In conjunction with the construction adhesive, the molding adds extra security to the hoops, ensuring that they remain connected. Set the hoops aside while constructing the rest of the chandelier.

3. PVC pipe forms the base of the chandelier.

Purchase a 21-inch-long, 1/2-inch-diameter PVC pipe -- you might have to cut a 24-inch precut pipe to size. Using an 18-volt drill and a twist drill bit, make two small holes on opposite sides at the top of the pipe.

4. Thread a 1-inch piece of craft wire through the holes, and tie the wire to one end of a split ring ball bearing swivel (found in the fishing-and-tackle section of your local sporting goods store).

5. Similar to the picture shown, the nut/bolt connectors have four arms as opposed to one.

Slide three half-inch, six-way nut/bolt connectors over the PVC rod.

6. Adhere the first connector six inches from the first with the construction adhesive. Similarly affix the other two connectors, leaving six inches of space between each consecutive connector.

7. Slip 1/2-inch-thick dowel rods into the openings of the connectors. Secure them to the insides of the openings with construction adhesive. From largest to smallest, with the largest being at the top, attach the hoops to the dowel rods. Hammer small finishing nails into the outer edge of the hoops into the ends of the dowel rods.

8. Paint the chandelier in the color of your choice, adding a second coat of paint if necessary. After the paint dries, hot glue several 3/4-inch binder clips around each hoop, leaving four inches of space between each.

9. Hang the mobile from a single eye hook above the center of your dining room table. Firmly press the eye hook into the ceiling, and make a few simple twists of your wrist until it is screwed in completely.

10. Write quotations, questions and other conversation starters in gel marker on 3-inch by 4-inch pieces of card stock. Place the cards in the binder clips on the chandelier. Use the cards as conversation starters during the party. After the party, hang more quotations and mementos from the chandelier, and put it to use until the next party.

Tags: construction adhesive, dowel rods, with construction, with construction adhesive, between each, binder clips

Walk On Top Of A Suspended Ceiling

Lightweight suspended ceilings break easily.

Suspended ceilings feature lightweight acoustical tile mounted on a grid framework, which hangs from the structural ceiling by thin wires or twine. Also known as drop ceilings, suspended ceilings are a cost-effective way to create a uniform ceiling. But they lack the structural integrity to handle a person's weight, so never walk on a suspended ceiling.

Considerations

Hold an acoustical tile in your hand and it's immediately apparent it cannot handle your weight. Even if the lightweight metal framework could, the wires holding the framework could not. If you attempt to walk on a suspended ceiling, you will crash through it within seconds.

Solution

If you need to work on concealed plumbing, wiring or ductwork, remove the tiles and use a ladder to access the space above the suspended ceiling. Don't rest your tools on the ceiling or lean against it for support. The hardware is designed to hold the ceiling's own weight. Anything more could warp or break the ceiling.

Commercial Buildings

Large commercial buildings sometimes have metal walkways integrated into their ceilings to allow maintenance staff to access vital building features, such as electrical panels and plumbing fixtures. These are safe for use if they are professionally installed and maintained.

Damage

If you have walked on a suspended ceiling and damaged it, hire a professional to inspect it. You might have bent or broken the support brackets around the borders of the room, for example, weakening the structural integrity of the entire ceiling. Bending the metal back into place might seem sufficient at first, but the ceiling might collapse unexpectedly in the future, presenting a safety hazard to anyone below.

Tags: suspended ceiling, acoustical tile, framework could, structural integrity, walk suspended ceiling

Install A Hunter Ceiling Fan Remote Control

Hunter ceiling fan remote controls offer the convenience of controlling the three speeds of the fan blades and a fully dimmable light fixture with the touch of a finger. You can install a Hunter ceiling fan remote control on any manufacturer's ceiling fan as long as the ceiling fan has a canopy in which to hide the receiver. Some basic electrical knowledge is a plus when installing the Hunter ceiling fan remote, but is not necessary.

Instructions

1. Turn off the breaker inside the main electrical panel that powers the ceiling fan.

2. Remove the canopy ring from the ceiling fan by placing your fingers on the small bumps above the tab indicators. Push your fingers firmly against the tabs to cause the canopy ring to flex and release from the canopy, exposing the canopy screws. The canopy and canopy ring are at the top of the ceiling fan and against the ceiling.

3. Unscrew the three canopy screws, releasing the canopy from the ceiling fan mounting bracket. The canopy covers the wiring and the electrical box in the ceiling.

4. Disconnect the ceiling fan wires from the house wiring by removing the wire connectors holding the wires together. Do not disconnect the bare copper wire from the green wire attached to the hanging bracket.

5. Lay the remote receiver on a flat surface with the wires facing you. Identify the five wires from the remote receiver. The red wire to the far left attaches to the light kit wire, the black wire to the right of the red wire attaches to the motor wire, the white wire to the right of the motor wire connects to the white wire from the fan motor. The next two wires, black and white, connect to the house wiring.

6. Expose the remote control dip switches by sliding the battery door off the back of the remote control. Turn the remote receiver over, exposing the receiver dip switches. Make sure the two sets of dip switches match for the fan to operate from the remote.

7. Wire the remote receiver to the house wiring inside the electrical box. Locate the black wire from the electrical box and connect it to the black wire you identified in Step 5 as belonging to the house wiring by twisting an orange wire connector to the two wires. Connect the white house wire from the receiver to the white wire from the electrical box with another orange wire connector.

8. Wire the remote receiver to the ceiling fan. Connect the red wire from the receiver to the white-striped black wire from the light kit using an orange wire connector. Connect the remaining black wire from the receiver to the black ceiling fan motor wire and connect the last white wire from the receiver to the white wire from the ceiling fan using two orange wire connectors.

9. Push all wiring back into the electrical box and attach the ceiling fan canopy to the hanging bracket with the screws you removed in Step 3. Push the canopy ring over the canopy screws until it snaps into place.

10. Turn the power back on inside the main electrical panel by turning the breaker on that operates the ceiling fan.

Tags: wire from, black wire, remote receiver, white wire, canopy ring, from receiver

Get Water Stains Out Of Ceiling Panels

A ceiling that consists of panels is generally a type of ceiling created below an unfinished ceiling used to help hide ductwork, pipes and electrical wiring. The ceiling panels are typically rectangular or square and are placed side-by-side on metal framework that is secured below the actual ceiling. Although the use of ceiling panels is often less expensive than finishing a ceiling with plywood or sheetrock, they are more prone to showing ugly brown water stains when a leak occurs from above.

Instructions

1. Cover the furniture and floor with a drop cloth. This will not only protect the furniture, but also keep you from having to clean the entire room when you are finished.

2. Don safety goggles to protect your eyes from falling dust and debris.

3. Use a feather duster to wipe away dust and cobwebs from the ceiling panel. You may also wish to use the brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently clean the ceiling panel to help further remove the dirt.

4. Dab the water stained area of the ceiling panel with a soft dry sponge. If the water stain is new or on a painted surface, this is often all that is needed to clean it.

5. Fill a bucket with a solution of ½ cup bleach and 1/3 cup of washing powder with a gallon of warm water. Put on latex gloves to protect skin and use the safety goggles to protect the eyes.

6. Apply the mixture to the ceiling panel with a damp sponge. Dab the water stain with the sponge. Do not rub the ceiling panel or apply too much force. Allow the ceiling panel to dry.

Tags: ceiling panel, ceiling panel with, ceiling panels, goggles protect, panel with, safety goggles, safety goggles protect

Rig For Painting A High Ceiling

Affix a standard roller frame to an extension pole to paint hard-to-reach areas.

Painting high ceilings can be a challenging endeavor for the amateur do-it-yourselfer. Before you attempt to tackle this type of project, you must know which type of equipment to use and the proper way to employ it, or you may end up with a messy finish and could even suffer an injury. In addition, you should know the appropriate type of paint to use, or you could end up incurring long-term water damage that could cost you a considerable amount of money to repair.

Instructions

1. Remove items from the room that might block access to the high ceiling.

2. Cover the flooring with fabric dropcloths. Do not use plastic dropcloths, as these may hamper your ability to navigate equipment across the floor.

3. Access the high ceiling using a large stepladder. Cover areas of the high ceiling you want left unpainted with a low-tack professional painter's tape.

4. Descend the stepladder. Affix the roller frame to an extension pole. Apply a flat latex paint to the ceiling using the roller. Stand on a rolling scaffold if the extension pole is too short to reach the high ceiling.

5. Access the high ceiling using a large stepladder. Apply flat latex paint to areas that were inaccessible to the roller using a paintbrush manufactured for applying water-based latex paints.

Tags: high ceiling, ceiling using, extension pole, Access high, Access high ceiling, Apply flat

Apply For A Link Card

Apply for a Link Card

Link cards are used to issue food stamps and cash benefits for low-income people in Illinois. A specified amount of money is electronically deposited into the individual's or family's account at the beginning of each month. This money can be spent by using the Link card when buying groceries at any store that accepts them. It works similarly to a debit card.

Instructions

1. Find out if your income falls within the current eligibility limits for receiving a Link card. The limits are based on the number of people listed on your application (see Resources).

2. Gather all the documents and information you'll need to apply for Link benefits, including proof of identity, Social Security numbers and residence information for everyone listed on the application. You also may need bank statements and proof of any income received in the past 30 days, such as paycheck stubs, personal business records or letters from employers. Multiple forms of identification may be required.

3. Fill out an application for Link benefits online at the Illinois DHS Link Benefits website or download an application and mail, fax or take it to your local DHS office (see Resources). You also can go to the DHS office and have a caseworker help you fill out the paperwork. Send in any required documents with the application.

4. Ask about the availability of emergency food stamps if you're in a dire situation. You may be able to have your application processed faster if you meet certain requirements, including low income and little money available.

5. Follow through with the application process by setting up an interview with your caseworker at the DHS office. It can be done over the phone if you have circumstances that prevent you from going to the office, such as transportation, health or childcare issues. You will be asked to supply more information or verify information you've already given. Bring the required forms of identification and other documents with you.

6. Wait for your application to be processed, which should take less than 30 days from the date you applied. If approved, you will receive a Link card in the mail with a letter describing your benefits.

Tags: your application, application processed, Apply Link, Apply Link Card, documents with, food stamps, forms identification

Light A Bathroom Mirror

Install lighting around your bathroom mirror in a few steps.

Vanity or mirror lights in a bathroom are crucial for applying makeup or updating the look of your bathroom. There are elegant to simple lighting fixtures that might give you a more modern or traditional appearance. When buying your fixture, think about style, size and color. Also, make sure that the lighting fixture will provide you with enough illumination. Finally, consider how the unit must be installed.

Instructions