From ceilings to home decor, tin is a popular material in today's world of design and decorating. Learning clean tin properly will help keep yours looking great for a long time. Read on to learn clean tin.
Instructions
1. Keep your tin dry and dusted. Keeping your tin dry will protect it from rust which can not be washed off. Keeping your tin dust-free will also help keep it looking great and prevent greases in the air from mixing with it and giving it something to hold on to.
2. Clean your tin with plain dish washing soap and a soft cloth. If your tin gets dirty you can clean it with a little dish soap and a soft cloth. Be sure to remove all of the soap and water with a dry cloth so your tin will not rust.
3. Clean tough grease and stains from your tin with WD-40. If your tin is dirtier than dish washing liquid can handle, a little WD-40 sprayed directly on the tin and wiped away with a soft cloth will usually remove most sticky dirt and grease. After cleaning with WD-40 give your tin a good polish, removing as much of the solution as possible.
4. Protect your tin. In order to protect your tin from dirt and rust, apply a thin coat of car paste wax from time to time. Be sure to buff the wax completely away after application.
A suspended ceiling can be a viable alternative for routing heating ducts through a house that does not have a basement or crawl space. The Department of Energy as well as heating unit suppliers recommend that ducts be installed in "conditioned" air space. In other words, areas that are heated, so hot air flowing through the ducts is not diminished by exposure to cold air. Houses built on concrete slab foundations often have ducts running through unheated attics, which reduces heating efficiency. A suspended ceiling can keep the ducts inside when walls are high enough to accommodate 6- or 12-inch ducts.
Instructions
1. Install the framework for the suspended ceiling. Allow enough space for ductwork below the joists or drywall and over the entire ceiling or just in an area to hide ductwork. Outline a room with a dropped ceiling as one alternative to both hold ducts and give an illusion of a higher ceiling in the space. Remove ceiling panels along the duct alignment if the ceiling is already installed.
2. Place the heating unit inside the house if possible, within a utility room or large closet and preferably near the center. Put it outside near a wall with a closet or similar space large enough to hold a supply duct. Run a basic supply duct from the unit plenum, or outlet to the ceiling. Fasten this to wall studs with metal straps across the duct. Nail with a hammer and galvanized nails on either side. Space straps a few feet apart.
3. Lay ductwork across suspended ceiling framework between outlet registers and a central supply duct down the middle of the ceiling. Use 6-inch flex duct if possible, as it is lighter, more efficient and easier to install than sheet metal ducting.
Install outlet vents at appropriate locations. Fasten these to the suspended framework or incorporate them into ceiling panels, depending on the type of suspended ceiling. Follow manufacturer recommendations.
4. Connect flexduct to outlet collars with adjustable metal or plastic straps and seal the connection with heat-resistant tape. Use metal T connectors to join branches to the central supply duct. Cut with tin snips as required for length and to open the central duct to install T collars. Fasten all ducts to connectors with straps and seam tape.
5. Fasten ductwork to ceiling joists above the suspended . Use metal straps under the duct that are nailed to the joists on either side. Space support straps at least every 5 feet, closer if necessary to keep flex duct secure and slightly above the suspended ceiling panels. Install or replace panels for the suspended ceiling.
Bathroom tile comes in a large array of colors, textures and styles. It can be difficult to narrow down the choices to find the best fit for your budget and taste. Decide whether you want your tile to be the background, an accent or the main decor element in your bathroom. Neutral tile provides a canvas for other design elements. A decorative border can showcase architectural details or visually divide the space. Vibrant, intricate artisan tile can become the showpiece of an otherwise muted decor. Tile isn't easily replaced, so choose something you love and can live with for a long time.
Instructions
1. Create a color palette and style for your bathroom. Use paint chips, magazine photos and fabric swatches to put together a basic plan. Consider proportion when choosing tile. Large floor tiles might overwhelm a small bathroom. Small mosaic tiles add visual interest to the wall but require more frequent cleaning to keep the grout looking fresh.
2. Measure the surfaces that you wish to tile to find the square footage you need to cover. Form a budget for your tile project. Include an allowance for delivery and installation, unless you plan to do all the tile work yourself. Divide the budgeted amount by the total square feet of the project to determine how much you can spend per square foot. Many tile products are priced by the square foot, so this is a helpful number to have.
3. Research the types of tile available and select several styles that interest you. Common tiles used in bathrooms include vinyl, ceramic, mosaic, glass, slate, limestone, granite and marble. Some styles, such as marble, are best installed by professionals, while others, such as ceramic, are appropriate for a do-it-yourself project.
4. Visit a tile store to see what is available in the color, style and price range you have decided on. Ask the salesperson if you can borrow sample tiles to take home. Place the samples in your bathroom and look at them at different times of day and under artificial and natural light. Live with them for a few days to make sure they are the right choice for your project.
Tin ceiling tiles can offer a unique alternative for wall art. Using the square pieces in conjunction with other pieces can give a stunning view. Varying the layout of the pieces can change the atmosphere in a room.
Instructions
make wall art from a tin ceiling
1. Clean the tin with a non-abrasive cleaner and water. Using a sponge will help keep cleanup to a minimum.
2. Determine where you would like your wall art to be. The wooden frame, which should be slightly larger than your ceiling tile collection, can now be hung on the wall in the traditional method, using a wire and hammer and nails.
3. The tin ceiling tiles should be hung without the wire, by nailing the tiles directly to the wall inside the wooden frame for a unique "picture." Another alternative is to hang the tiles without the wooden frame in an abstract design.
Painting your ceiling a metallic color can add glamour to the room.
One of the quickest ways to transform a room is by painting it. Though many people don't think to paint their ceilings, doing so can evoke warmth and intimacy in your home. According to Better Homes and Gardens, "if you never consider anything beyond ordinary white, you may be missing an opportunity to add excitement and drama to a room."
Monochromatic Color Scheme
To give the room a cohesive look, try painting your room in a monochromatic color scheme. According to BobVila.com, monochromatic means "only one basic color, but in several different values." To get this effect, mix the paint that you used on your walls with a small amount of white paint. Keep adding white until the paint is the value you want before applying it to the ceiling. This keeps the same basic color, but changes the value enough to add interest to the room. If you want to take the color scheme even further, match your furniture and décor as well.
Metallic
Painting your ceiling a metallic color can add glamour and sparkle to a dull room. Metallic gold, copper and silver paints complement most colors well, so try getting samples of each metallic color to see how it looks next to your wall color before purchasing the paint. Make sure you repeat the color in your décor as well. For example, if you have a gold ceiling, use gold throw pillows and gold lamps to carry the look throughout the space.
Contrasting Colors
Painting a contrasting color from your wall color can look great, but can look mismatched and can also make the ceiling feel shorter. Unless you have high ceilings, try to choose a color that is a lighter shade than your wall color. Darker paint can make low ceilings feel even lower, but can also add intimacy to a large room with high ceilings. If you decide to paint your ceiling a contrasting color from your wall, make sure the two colors match your décor well, or the ceiling may look mismatched and out of place.
Tags: your ceiling, , metallic color, Painting your ceiling, wall color
Wallpaper may be an acquired taste, but it's also a powerful design element that adds instant personality to any room. From vibrant patterns to simple pastels, wallpaper comes in a wide variety of styles. Learn more about making your living room walls talk though wallpaper by reading the information below.
Instructions
1. Evaluate your living room space. Consider the size, layout and overall style of the room. Depending on the year your house was built and its unique architecture, determine what style characterizes your home. From Colonial to Craftsman, decide what style you wish to develop through the incorporation of wallpaper. Also take into consideration your existing furnishings and what style they convey.
2. Research the architecture of your home. Familiarize yourself with the furnishings and decor details that define the time period. Figure out what type of wallpaper would be a good fit. An abstract pattern conveys a modern feel while a floral print creates a cottage feel. Certain graphics and patterns reflect different eras in home decor, so do your homework to create consistency. To make a bold statement, pay no attention to such principals. You may wish to take an unconventional approach and select a wallpaper based solely on its originality.
3. Think about the size of the room. Different colors, patterns and textures have different impacts on a room. To open up the space, opt for light colors and subtle patterns. For a bigger space, go for bold prints rich in texture and color. Regardless of the size of the space, make sure the wallpaper adds visual interest to the room. The living room is a shared space in the house and the most often used for entertaining. Keep this in mind when making your selection.
4. Prep the walls. Remove any nails and smooth out uneven surfaces. Spackle visible holes and let dry. Take a mild cleaning solution to the walls to remove dust, dirt and other residue. You may want to use a primer or other treatment that will help the wallpaper to better adhere.
5. Hang your wallpaper. Start hanging to the right of a door or window or an inconspicuous corner to disguise a break in pattern.
Tags: living room, what style, making your, your home, your living, your living room
Installing do-it-yourself - DIY - heats lights in your bathroom is a good way to provide additional warmth for your bathroom during the winter season or just to make the environment more comfortable year-round when exiting the shower. The basic heat lamp assembly is a self-contained unit that includes a light, one or two heat lamps and an exhaust fan. You can purchase more expensive models with four heat lamps, which provides a higher heat output.
Preparation
Check into the local building code regarding requirements for installing heat lamps.
Measure the height, width and length of the bathroom. You will need the dimensions in order to choose the correct size heating lights unit for you space. The heating capacity is basically determined by the number of "watts" produced by a lamp or multiple lamps.
For example, a unit with one lamp may produce 250 watts. A unit with four heat lamps may produce a combined total of 1000 watts of heating power.
Compare the various products on the market and the warranties. Besides purchasing the heat lamp assembly, you will also need to buy the duct, heat lamps and timer switch.
Location & Safety
Heats lamps are designed to be installed in the ceiling. Determine where you want to place your heat lamp. Most people replace the existing bathroom ceiling fixture with DYI heat lights. Others may choose to mount their lamps near the showers.
Heat lamps build up a tremendous amount of heat; these lamps can easily heat up a towel bar or shower rod if placed too close. Therefore, the proper location of the unit is essential to reduce safety risks.
In addition, when you mount the housing unit in the ceiling, make sure that it doesn't come into contact with any insulation. Some heat light assemblies come with optional kits that are designed to keep insulation away from the housing.
Installation Tips
You'll need to have some basic electrical skills to successfully install your DIY heat lights. If you are not confident in your electrical acumen, solicit the help of a friend or family member. Read the instructions for mounting and wiring the particular model you're installing.
Before you do anything, turn the power off at the circuit breaker or fuse box.
If you are replacing a ceiling fixture, you'll need to remove the fixture. The electrical box concealed by the fixture will be the source of power for your heat lights. Although you shut the power off at the panel or fuse box, use a voltage tester to test the wires in the electrical box and make sure that the electricity is off.
Inspect the wires in the box; if any of the wires are frayed or damaged, cut the wire and remove the damaged section. Strip about ¾ inches of insulation from the wire for your new connection.
Cut out the plaster or drywall in the area where you are placing the unit. Most heat lamp housing units have four adjustable arms, which allow you to mount the casing between the ceiling joists.
Once you have the heat lamp housing unit secured, take your screwdriver and remove one of the round enclosures on the side of the electrical box attached to the housing. You'll probably need to do the same on the electrical box at your power source. Now you can run the wires from the heat lamp to the power source. At each box, insert the wires through the openings and secure them to the electrical boxes with the proper locknuts.
You'll need to install a wall timer in place of the old light switch. The timer switch provides an extra layer of protection by automatically shutting off the heat lamps after a certain period.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for connecting to the power source and wiring the switch. If you are not replacing the bathroom ceiling fixture, you will need to run a new circuit for the power source.
Vent the exhaust fan to the outside. The straighter the duct run, the more efficiently your unit will operate. So try to eliminate bends and turns. The diameter of the duct is usually 4 inches. You can use flexible or rigid material for the duct; however, rigid ductwork is better.
Tags: heat lamp, heat lamps, power source, , heat lights, your heat
Great color choices can transform a boring bathroom into a beautiful one.
Some people pick an architectural feature like a claw-footed tub or unique vanity areas as the focal points of their bathroom remake, while others agonize over turn a tiny room into one that appears large enough to keep claustrophobia at bay (the secret is mirrors). You're looking to make color your statement, so start your project by evaluating your space and your budget. Design a room that's so appealing, friends and family linger an extra few minutes to admire your color selections.
Instructions
1. Visit your local DIY home improvement store's paint department to start design journey. Gather up paint cards. Check out designer paints that create special effects on walls, like suede or bas-relief texturing. Head to your library. Find color design ideas within the pages of bathroom decorating books or download colorful bathroom design images from Internet sites.
2. Assess the existing colors of your floors, fixtures, ceiling, decorative tile and counter tops to narrow down your color selection if you don't have plans to replace any of these. Hang color samples selected during your DIY store visit on the wall. Look at them in a variety of light and eliminate some of the colors you picked that don't look as good as you imagined in daytime or night lighting.
3. Narrow down your choices to three shades or colors: One light, one medium and one accent color (the darkest and brightest). Opt for three types of green for an organic feel, a trio of red shades if your bathroom is large enough to support this dramatic color or hues of blue -- always a favorite, popular color choice. Pick an offbeat or eclectic three-color mix if you're confident you can combine them in a pleasing, interesting way.
4. Apply a main paint color to the walls of your bathroom. Install your room's focal point: one large piece of art or a collection of small vignettes that mix and match various shades of your color palette. For example, to achieve a nautical theme, hang a huge brass anchor on a dark blue wall, using white as your third color. Replace silver-colored faucets with brass ones.
5. Never underestimate the power of bathroom lighting. Choose incandescent light over fluorescents so your bathroom colors appear warmer and skin tones are more natural in the reflected light of vanity mirrors. Explore today's eclectic and colorful fixture designs in metals, enamels, woods and Lucite to accentuate the light, medium and accent colors used in your bathroom remodel.
6. Keep the colors of your towels and linens neutral if you're using an intense mix of colors in your bathroom or the overall look could be too busy. Hang a clear or neutral shower curtain for the same reason. Find a balance between adding too many or too few extraneous decorative touches so the color scheme you worked so hard to achieve remains the star of your bathroom makeover.
Tags: your bathroom, your color, , color design, down your, large enough
A simple coat of paint, including one applied to the ceiling, can dramatically alter the look of any living room. For instance, painting a ceiling black can give the appearance of bringing the ceiling closer to the floor, thus making the space seem more intimate. Before painting the rest of the living room, carefully consider how your choices will impact the room and try out a host of samples if necessary.
Colors
Almost any color you choose for the living room will dramatically offset the black ceiling. Light-colored walls in shades like cream, tan or honeydew will open up the room, giving it an airy look that's easy to keep sophisticated. Stark white walls contrasted against a black ceiling can provide the room with a modern or retro appearance, especially in living areas equipped with dark hardwood floors and shabby chic furnishings. Painting walls a dark color, like midnight blue, eggplant or battleship gray, gives the room a more enclosed or intimate look.
Sponge Painting
Use a sponge applicator to provide the living room walls with added depth. The textured pattern offers a focal point other than the typically dominant black ceiling. Sponge paint the walls with earth-tones like sienna, goldenrod or forest green to give the living room an old world feel. The blotchy texture of the sponged paint also creates a terra-cotta appearance, adding to the room's rustic look.
Borders
Tie the room's contrasting colors together by painting borders around the walls. For instance, on a stark white wall, stencil a border of black patterns like fleurs-de-lis, roses or decorative swirls. Use complementary shades as well for other colors, such as dark purple stencils on lavender walls, apricot stencils on champagne walls or teal stencils on mint green walls.
Accent Walls
Accent walls of complementary colors break up any potential monotony found in a living room outfitted with a black ceiling. For instance, in a room painted periwinkle, try an accent wall in royal blue. In rooms painted stark white, you can use almost any color on an accent wall. Depending on the room's furnishings, you can even try adding a black to the living area. The bold move is especially effective alongside white and red furnishings, providing the room with a sophisticated appearance.
Tags: , black ceiling, accent wall, stark white, walls with
Decorating older homes--or basements in newer homes--can be challenge if there is exposed ductwork in the ceiling. Many people choose to have a professional come in and install a drop ceiling to cover the ducts that are visible, but that can be quite expensive. To include the ductwork in your room's design, learn properly decorate it.
Instructions
Painting
1. Decide whether you want your ductwork to blend in with the rest of the ceiling or stand out in an artistic way. Blending the duct work in will allow for more design options, while highlighting it with a contrasting color will create modern industrial decor.
2. Sweep and vacuum to remove any dust, debris and cobwebs. Wash wash the ducts with water and multipurpose cleaner.
3. Cover the floor and any furniture with a drop cloth to protect it from paint. Tape off all areas around the ducts that should not be painted the same color as the ducts.
4. Spray primer onto the ducts, following the manufacturer's instructions, and allow it to dry. Spray paint the ducts and allow to dry.
5.
6. Choose a pattern or color of contact paper. There are many types of patterns available, including like wood grain, stainless steel, geometric patterns and floral patterns.
7. Measure the length and width of the ductwork to determine how much paper you'll need to cut. Measure and mark the paper on its backing with a permanent marker. Use a utility knife to cut it.
8. Peel back one corner of the paper backing and stick it carefully to the corner of the ductwork. Slowly peel off more of the paper backing as you smooth the contact paper onto the ductwork.
Rot occurs whenever water gets into cracks or penetrates a wood finish and can't dry out. Seal these cracks and maintain the finish to protect wood's beauty and integrity. Consult a pro for structural rot repairs, but you can tackle small ones yourself.
Instructions
Repair decayed wood
1. Use a wood chisel, an electric drill with a spade bit, or another tool appropriate for the situation to remove all wet, loose and unsound wood.
2. Probe the surrounding area with an awl. If it feels as solid as unaffected areas, drill numerous closely spaced holes of 1/8-inch (3-mm) diameter in the wood and inject a liquid wood hardener as directed by the manufacturer.
3. Mix two-part epoxy or polyester wood filler as directed. Mix only what you can apply and shape in a few minutes. Once the material hardens--and it does so quickly--you must throw it away.
4. Fill the hole or build up the affected area with the wood filler, using a putty knife or flexible plastic spreader (see A). Press hard to work the initial layer into the surface for a good bond.
5. Clean off the applicator and mixing container immediately.
6. Use a rasp tool to roughly shape or level excess filler as soon as the filler sets up, but before it dries completely (see B).
7. Use medium or coarse sandpaper to further shape and blend the patch when the filler is completely dry. On flat surfaces, use a rubber sanding block or power sander. On contoured surfaces, use wood dowels or other appropriate shapes to back the sandpaper.
8. Blow off the dust and apply freshly mixed filler to fill any remaining depressions or pinholes, or to build up more material as needed to attain the desired shape.
9. Use medium, then fine sandpaper to smooth the patch and feather it into the surrounding wood.
10. Touch up the patched area with primer and paint.
Take preventive steps
11. Use naturally decay-resistant or treated lumber for decks and other outdoor structures. Never allow untreated lumber posts or lumber to rest directly on concrete.
12. Clean joints between deck boards or between a deck and a house so debris and dirt won't retain moisture.
13. Inspect for peeling paint or other paint failures, especially near joints, such as mitered trim corners at roof eaves or where window and door casings contact sills.
14. Probe these areas with an awl to search for soft or wet, spongy wood (wood that resists being probed is sound).
15. Seal cracks with caulk. If possible, use screws to close any open miter joints. Bore pilot holes for the screws to avoid splitting the wood, and then inject adhesive caulk into the joint before driving in the screws.
16. Sand any bare wood and apply wood preservative before you apply a primer. Caulk joints after priming and before the top coating. Preservative greatly increases the likelihood of a better, longer-lasting paint bond.
17.Create ventilation through trimmed posts or columns by providing space for air to circulate between the trim and the floor surface and an outlet vent at the top. In some cases, this requires cutting 1/2 inch (12 mm) off the bottom of the trim. Lay a board that's 1/2-inch (12-mm) thick on the floor against the post and rest a handsaw on the board as you make the cut. Use small metal louvers pressed into drilled holes to vent the tops of posts or columns.
18. Avoid positioning outdoor sheds, such as one for trash cans, against wood siding. Elevate sheds above the ground on concrete blocks or short sections of 6-by-6-inch (15-by-15-cm) pressure-treated posts.
19. Make sure crawl-space vents remain open, especially during the summer, or add vents where there are none.
As the main room of your home, the living room may serve many functions. As a result, decorating the space can seem like a tremendous task. However, the challenge of design an appealing and functional living room space in the least invasive and most cost-effective way can be solved with a few simple steps.
Define the Space
You must first determine how your living room is to be used. Is it a conversation pit? Is it a media room, where you will spend time watching television and listening to music? Does it also double as your dining room? Once the use of your space is defined, you are able to more clearly decide what furniture and accessories are needed to make your living room both aesthetically pleasing and useful.
Define Your Aesthetic
After you have defined your space, the next step is to define your aesthetic. Do you prefer as little clutter as possible? If so, your aesthetic may be that of a minimalist. Perhaps you never discard your possessions and adore being surrounded by knick-knacks and mementos that have special meaning. The living room is the heart of your home. It should provide you with the utmost comfort and instill a sense of pride in you as well.
Define Your Color Scheme
Paint is the single most important and least expensive way to add style to your room. Choose a color that complements each of the things you love. Use your aesthetic as a guide. For instance, if you are partial to a modern minimalist style, perhaps a shade of white will lend itself to the clean and open feeling you are searching for. On the other hand, if your tastes are geared toward the more traditional, perhaps a deep primary hue will give you the richness you desire. Though choosing color can seem terrifying, know that nothing is permanent, and as long as you love it, there are no mistakes.
Purchasing Furniture
Each furniture purchase for your living room should fit into your aesthetic and color scheme and should be useful. When purchasing upholstered furniture such as sofas and chairs, choose timeless pieces with classic lines. This will ensure they will not become outdated quickly. It will also enable you to use them in other rooms or settings, should you move. When choosing side pieces such as occasional tables, consider pieces that have multiple functions. For example, if your living room doubles as your office, choose side tables with drawers, so you may store office supplies. If you collect coffee-table books or objects d'art, consider glass-top tables to display them. The possibilities are limitless.
Purchasing Accessories
Light fixtures aside, accessories can be purchased solely for their aesthetical pleasure. Vases, paintings, rugs, draperies and the like are objects d'art that should reflect your personality. There are no mistakes to be made. If you love it, use it.
Tags: living room, your living, your living room, that have, your aesthetic
Grooming is easier with proper vanity lighting designs.
When remodeling your bathroom, task lighting is a basic need that you'll want to take into consideration, particularly at the vanity area. Layered lighting is the most efficient way to illuminate specific areas--such as showers and linen closets--using individual light fixtures and effects in each area to achieve correspondent tasks. Since you most commonly use the vanity area for grooming, consider your daily regimen when exploring bathroom vanity lighting design ideas.
Single Ceiling Fixture Lighting
Overhead lighting may cast a shadow over the face.
Single ceiling lighting is probably the least effective type of vanity lighting because overhead light tends to cast shadows over the face, making grooming a more difficult task. If you are remodeling a smaller bathroom--such as a half bath or guest bathroom with little space above or around the vanity mirror--and have no other option than a ceiling fixture, install the unit further away from the vanity area rather than directly above it to somewhat reduce the shadow effect.
Vertical Side Lighting
Install vertical side sconces in your vanity area to create the most effective design for grooming.
The most effective lighting design idea for a bathroom vanity--which will illuminate the grooming area without casting shadows--consists of vertical lights installed on either side of the mirror. Since the light shines toward the face instead of over it, your reflection will be clearly lit in the mirror. Most home improvement retailers carry an extensive stock of vertical vanity lighting kits, and you can choose from a variety of decorative sconces, back plates and lightbulb covers to suit your personal taste. You may also consider fluorescent vertical tube lighting on of your vanity.
Over Mirror Lighting
Another option is to install a light fixture horizontally over your vanity mirror.
If the size of your vanity mirror or medicine cabinet is too wide to accommodate vertical side lighting or sconces, the next best thing is to install wall-mounted lighting the mirror. It is important to make sure the light is evenly distributed horizontally along the top of the mirror and placed at an appropriate height to cast light evenly over the hair and face. The ideal way to achieve this effect is to install your fixtures about 75 inches from the floor, and ensure they are at least 24 inches wide. Tube lighting or multiple-bulb fixtures are among the most effective designs for over vanity lighting.
Tags: vanity area, your vanity, most effective, vanity lighting, directly above, either side
Applying a finish to wood ceilings prevents darkening with age and damage from smoke and grease stains. The species of wood used determines which finish to apply. Finishes applied to wood ceilings also protect the wood and make cleaning less labor-intensive. Experiment on scrap pieces of the ceiling wood with different products and finishes to determine the best fit for your room.
Beadboard Ceilings
Beadboard is a milled, tongue-and-groove lumber product used in homes on walls and ceilings since the late 1800s. Finish beadboard with stain, clear varnish or paint.
Prime and paint beadboard with an acrylic enamel. After priming, roll the paint onto the beadboard ceiling and use a brush to touch up any voids in the grooves. Beadboard is slightly rough in texture and fuzz from a standard paint roller will be an eyesore. Use a good-quality foam paint roller on beadboard to avoid this. Also use a foam roller to apply clear varnish to beadboard.
Knotty Pine Ceilings
If left untreated, knotty pine ceilings will darken over time and become hard to clean. the untreated wood absorbs moisture.
Apply orange or blond shellac to knotty pine to retain the natural color of the wood. Apply two or more coats of shellac and finish with a coat of water-based polyurethane. Use satin polyurethane for a low sheen.
Cedar Ceilings
Moisture in the air will stain unfinished cedar. Apply a coat of water-based polyurethane and sand with 280-grit sandpaper, then apply a second coat. If a third coat is necessary, sand first and then apply.
Be careful when stirring the polyurethane, as any air bubbles will transfer to the cedar ceiling and mar the appearance. Any bubbles transferred to the cedar will require sanding and another application of polyurethane.
Cherry Ceilings
Finishing cherry ceilings brings out the natural characteristics of the wood. It is labor intensive, but well worth the effort.
Apply a coat of light-brown stain and allow it to dry. Apply a shellac and smooth with steel wool. Apply brown mahogany gel stain, wiping to blend, and allow it to dry. Finish the cherry ceiling with two to three coats of satin polyurethane.
Barn Board Ceilings
Weathered barn boards are grayish in color. Any finish applied to the ceiling will darken it slightly. Apply a grade of clear polyurethane formulated to use on hardwood flooring. This seals the wood and simplifies cleaning.
The ceiling is one of the most neglected parts of residential decor. Many homeowners never contemplate anything more adventurous than painting the ceiling in a non-threatening white or cream. Yet for decorators willing to take a risk, the ceiling offers a wide range of unconventional and creative decorating options. Make an impression on your friends with a ceiling that is truly one of a kind.
Hang Artwork
If you have more art than you have wall space, turn your ceiling into a fifth wall to display some extra paintings. Mount small, lighter frames using heavy-duty hook and loop tape. The tape may damage the ceiling paint, but it is by far the easiest way to secure paintings to the ceiling. For heavier pictures, put up security hangers fastened into joists. If you prefer to go frameless, hang posters on the ceiling using poster tack.
Floor to Ceiling
Turn your room upside down by using traditional flooring material on your ceiling. Install wooden boards or bamboo on both the floor and ceiling to give the room a warm, natural look. Use black and white or primary color tiles in geometric patterns for a modern appearance, or install a full mosaic with a broader palette for a decorous, classical look. Use slate or other dark materials to give an earthy, subdued presentation and a relaxing vibe to a den or bedroom.
Using Patterns
Dress up your ceiling and add interest to by using patterns. Stencil snowflakes, flowers or geometrical patterns on for a simple, bold look. Alternately, use stripes on the ceiling to help orient the room. Use a row of stripes to echo the position of tables, bookcases and other objects in the room. Alternately, use one or two bold stripes to divide the room into sections. Continue the stripes down the wall or even onto the floor for an integrated look that obscures the boundaries between floor, walls and ceiling. For a less forceful look, paint the ceiling white or off-white, and lightly paint a second color with a textured roller or sponge to give the ceiling depth.
Graphs and grids show data in visual form. It's easier to compare numbers and understand the relationships between them when they are plotted on a grid. It's possible to draw grids with a ruler and pencil, but it's more usual now to create them in a spreadsheet.
Instructions
1. Enter your data points into the Excel spreadsheet.
2. Choose "Chart" from the "Insert" drop-down menu. A series of dialogue boxes will take you through formatting the graph. Click "Next" to select which kind of graph you want.
3. Choose line graph. Other choices of graph type include pie, bar and surface. These will not show your data on a grid.
4. Select row or column in the next dialogue box, depending on how you entered your original data.
5. Enter the coordinates of range of data you want to appear on your grid. Click "Next."
6. Select major grid lines if your are numerically far apart. Select major and minor grid lines if your data points are close together. Click whether to insert the graph in the current document or create a new document.
Tags: your data, data points, your data points, Click Next, grid lines, grid lines your
Colored bathroom fixtures unfortunately show more hard water stains and soap scum.
You can decorate around colored bathroom fixtures to give the room a cohesive design scheme. The majority of fixtures in homes and public restrooms are white. Colored bathroom fixtures are a furnishing option that grew to be popular in the 1950s and are still available today. A few well-placed objects and decorations matching the pigment in the colored sink or bathtub tends to draw the eyes of a visitor around the bathroom, evoking a more spacious and comfortable feeling.
Instructions
1. Clean the colored bathroom fixtures thoroughly so you are able to see their true color. Search for a small item that is a perfect color match with the fixtures or take a picture in good light so you have the reference color with you when searching for decorations away from home.
2. Search for decorative items that are around 30 percent color matched and 70 percent complementary colors. Acquire rugs, pictures, collectibles or whatever you like to decorate with that will go with the colored fixtures. You may also decide to theme the bathroom decor with items representing similar interests, activities or ideas. See the link in Resources for a comprehensive guide to color matching.
3. Place the color-matched decorations throughout the room, but no closer than 6 inches from one of the colored fixtures. Add the items with complementary colors with equal distance between decorations. The items in complementary colors can be placed directly on or right next to the colored fixtures.
4. Move around the bathroom to different vantage points and rearrange the decorations and accessories until you are satisfied with the overall look of the bathroom decor. Continue adding, moving and exchanging decorative items in the decor, keeping the same color ratio to celebrate the colors in the bathroom fixtures.
An organized kitchen design has plenty of drawer and cupboard space.
Organized kitchens are designed with specific cupboards, pantries and drawers that make organization easy. These designs feature counter tops with more space and additional room in the pantry. Pantry shelves are designed and installed to make the best use of available space from top to bottom.
Breakfast Island
Install a breakfast island with additional lower cupboard space in the middle of your kitchen. This will create more room for storage and additional places for people to sit. Place a few stools at the widest part of the island. Place additional kitchen items such as pots and pans on the lower part of the island. You can also install a small wine fridge or other additions within the island.
Pantry
Build a pantry fit for kings. This area of your kitchen can hold a lot of food, spices and other items. Leave a large section of floor space at least one-foot tall. This is a place to store additional water or even a large bag of dog food. Make the other shelves deep and wide to hold plenty of food. For additional organization, you can install boxed shelves in the pantry to separate certain food items more easily. For instance, you can have some shelves in a boxed style and some standard shelves. Boxed shelves look similar to boxed "cubby hole" style bookcases. Place your cooking oils in one box and other similar foods in a different box.
Rotating Shelves
Install shelves that rotate. Such shelves provide easy access to a variety of items. These shelves blend with the space underneath your counters and are most convenient when installed in a corner so they can move in a circular pattern. The actual cupboard doors for these shelves are square and blend with the other cabinets. However, when you open the cupboard, you will notice three circular shelves that move in a circle at the base of a pole. Talk to your builder or contractor about available styles of circular shelves.
Tags: blend with, circular shelves, cupboard space, part island, shelves that, your kitchen
Vanity lights provide task lighting in the bathroom while adding to the decor of the room. Proper vanity lights make the morning routine easier by providing a good source of light for your preparations. Finding the right balance of function and beauty is key to selecting the right vanity lights for the bathroom. Whether you install the vanity lights yourself or hire a professional electrician, the new fixture brightens up the room and gives it a new look with the simple update.
Instructions
1. Assess the current vanity lights, noting any flaws or drawbacks. Determine what you want to improve by selecting new vanity lights. This might include brighter lights, more natural light or a different style of light.
2. Take measurements of the current vanity light fixture. Note the size of the area where the light is attached to the wall. Write down the number of light bulbs on the current light fixture for comparison.
3. Measure the width of the vanity. Choose a vanity light that is no longer than the vanity for the best visual effect.
4. Consider other sources of light in the room. If the bathroom also has an overhead light, the vanity lights only need to focus on the vanity and mirror area. If the vanity light is the only light source in the room, it needs to be bright enough for both vanity task lighting and general lighting for the room.
5. Look around the room to determine the decorating style. Choose a blends well with the rest of the decor so it doesn't look out of place.
6. Note the other metal finishes in the room including the faucets, towel bars and metal trim on shower doors. Choose a vanity light fixture with the same type of metal finish for a cohesive bathroom design.
7. Browse your local lighting or home improvement store for vanity lights. Pick out the vanity light that best fits all of your needs.
Cutting angles in wood -- say, for trimming around corners -- used to be a lot harder than it is today. The advent of the power miter saw takes the guesswork out of it, because the saw is designed to cut your wood at any angle you set it for. You still have to know set up the wood on the saw to get it right, and that can be tricky. These instructions are for cutting floor trim to fit around an outside corner, but the general principles are applicable to all angle-cutting projects.
Instructions
1. Set your piece of trim on your miter saw, standing it against the fence of the saw in the same way it will go on the wall. If the corner cut is going to be on the left end of the trim, set the piece to the right of the saw blade.
2. Swivel the blade to the left (pointing away from the trim) and secure it on the 45-degree setting. Slide the end of the trim far enough under the blade so the full angle fits. Make the cut.
3. For the adjacent piece, reverse the setup. Put the trim on the left side of the blade, standing against the fence. Set the blade to 45 degrees pointing right. Make the cut.
4. Press the two angled cuts together to make sure they form a perfect 90-degree corner. Measure the walls in both directions from the corner and cut the other ends of each piece as needed. (NOTE: When measuring on the pieces for your end-cuts, measure from the inside line of the miter, on the back of the trim.)
Tags: , Angles Wood, standing against, standing against fence
Clean lines and oversized tiles are the hallmark of the modern bathroom.
Modern, contemporary designs are becoming more frequent in homes. Accordingly, tile manufacturers are embracing these designs and producing a new array of products. These new tiles include textures, sizes and colors that have never been seen in bathroom design before. The result is a modern bathroom with both innovation and style.
Think Big
The minimalist look of a modern bathroom can be disrupted by too many grout lines on the floor and walls. To combat this, use a large format tile. Large format tiles are available in sizes up to 16-by-36-inches in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Use two different colors or shapes to separate the walls and floor, while keeping the lines of both areas clean. Oversized rectangular tiles on the walls work well with smaller rectangular accents, while oversized square tiles cover the floor.
Give it Texture
Tiles that mimic the look of fabric, metal and leather are the perfect complement to the modern bathroom. Use dark-colored textured tiles on the floors and a lighter shade of the same tile on the walls. Change the pattern of the two for additional contrast. Try using a brown "leather" tile on the floor in a 6 by 24-inch plank while the walls are tiled in cream colored "leather" tiles in a larger size. Accent the walls by running a band of the dark tile in two or three places.
Use One Bold Color
Incorporating one bold tile color into the design can make the entire bathroom come alive. New tile colors include true reds and lime greens; use a bright red on the shower floor in an otherwise neutral bathroom for a dramatic contrast. Or inlay brightly colored tiles at random intervals into the walls for small splashes of color all over the room.
With dropped ceilings, can lighting is one of the easiest things you can do. It allows for a great deal of flexibility, since the lights can be installed directly into the ceiling tiles. Can lights come in many varieties. Purchase can lights designed with dropped ceilings in mind--they come with the necessary frame supports to install the lights safely.
Instructions
1. Map out your light placement on a sheet of paper. Decide where the room needs more light and which tiles will need to have lights to make that happen.
2. Hire an electrician to run your wire, or trade favors with a friend who is a licensed electrician to avoid problems with building codes and city ordinances. Have them run the wire you need from your breaker box to the locations for your lights. In most municipalities, it is illegal to wire anything more than a replacement for an existing fixture without a license.
3. Take the tiles you intend to install lights into down from the grid. Use the light as a template to mark the tile where the light will be installed. Cut the circle for the can using a drywall saw. Set the tiles back into place.
4. Install the support braces for the light to the frame of the ceiling above each tile. Typically there are two horizontal braces that support a round bracket that the light will fit into. You can gain access by lifting out tiles on the side of the installation and working from above. Snap the brace onto the ceiling grid frame from above. You may not be able to remove the light tiles without first removing the braces, for future repairs.
5. Set the light into the bracket. Typically the light lifts up into the bracket from below the tile and clips to the bracket from the top with clips that are provided with the frame. Adjust the height of the light and snap the trim ring onto the bottom of the fixture from below the tile to cover up the edges of the cut hole.
6. Make certain that all breakers and switches to the wiring for the lights are in the off position. Run the wires from the fixture to the junction box provided by your electrician. Some lights have a box on the fixture; if yours do, pull the installed wire to the light to make the connection.
7. Follow the instructions that came with the light to wire it. In general, the wires are color coded. The green wire is the ground, while the white, or red, and black wires provide power to the fixture. Use wire nuts to connect the wires from the fixture to the corresponding colored wires installed by the electrician. Replace the face plate on the junction box and screw it closed.
8. Repeat the entire process for each fixture. Upon completion, double check for any loose or bare wires that were overlooked or unused. Cap them off with wire nuts and electrical tape for safety. Turn the power back on.
Tags: below tile, bracket from, dropped ceilings, from above, from below, from below tile, from fixture
Secure track lighting with a few screws and a drill.
Track lighting provides a specific amount of light directly to a specific location. Interior designers and home remodeling enthusiasts can adjust the mood and setting in a room simply by the way the lighting heads are positioned. Design and install track lighting on a sloped ceiling using careful measurements and precise installation technique. Track lighting can be the perfect option for highlighting a special area.
Instructions
1. Measure a hole in the drywall for a plastic, round remodel electrical box. Cut a hole in the drywall with a drywall saw. Fish wire from the existing lighting circuit through the hole. Turn the power off; connect the wires from the exposed lighting circuit to those in the existing box with wire nuts.
2. Use a drill or Phillips screwdriver to secure the universal plate onto the box. Connect the wires from the box to those in the lighting track with wire nuts.
3. Measure the space for the lighting track. Mark the ceiling with a pencil so that you know where to position the lighting track. Use a tape measure to ensure proper positioning; take care to place the track parallel to the place where you want the most light.
4. Position the lighting track. Use screws provided with the track to secure the track to the ceiling. Mount the track with the screws provided. Screw the decorative cover over the track and use screws to attach the decorative cover to the box.
5. Slide the lighting heads from either end toward the center of the track. Turn the power circuit back on. Secure the light bulbs into the track heads. Adjust the to illuminate the space as desired.
Tags: lighting track, lighting heads, with wire nuts, decorative cover,
You might have an open floor plan. Perhaps you love to collect the latest kitchen gadgets. Maybe you prefer a minimalist aesthetic. All these traits are ideal for a person who wants to decorate a kitchen in a contemporary style. Contemporary decor is not a halfway proposition, however. You need to update paint, finishes, fixtures and perhaps furnishings to make the look of a contemporary kitchen come together.
Palette
Contemporary kitchens are not just about stark white on white. In fact, there are a few basic color palettes common in contemporary kitchens. The eco-design trend has made earth tones a popular neutral. Natural materials and finishes are common in this look, such as stained wood and granite or marble counter tops. Some contemporary interiors have replaced the white walls with a cool, blue-based gray. Sleek finishes and surfaces in stone, tile, wood, glass and even paper can work with this palette. The more high-tech contemporary kitchen may feature black lacquer finishes and stainless steel.
Furniture and Lighting
A contemporary kitchen must contain furniture with hidden storage options, because clutter is out of place in the contemporary look. Built-in cabinets and roomy lower cupboards are ideal for stowing everything. Keep clean lines with low, modular pieces that allow natural light to flow through. Complement natural light with stylish lighting design such as gallery-style miniature spotlights or a modern chandelier with sleek lines and metal fixtures.
Accessories
Surprising design experiments can make a contemporary kitchen unique. Try a boxy windowsill garden filled with herbs for a bit of color. Consider solar tubes to let light pour inside. Place a mirror above the cabinet or stove for added dimension. Replace cabinet hardware and drawer pulls with slim metal pieces or artisan creations. Use a wall mural with architectural themes to open up the room. You can also brighten up the abundance of smooth neutral surfaces with spots of color. Fill a large glass bowl with limes and lemons and place it on a counter or table. Use a tall cobalt blue glass vase as a focal point and fill it with a flowering branch set at a bold angle.
Window trim offers a finished look to windows, covering seams and hardware and offering an extra touch of style. Wood trim gives a quality look to which fiberboard and PVC can't compare. Wood window trim comes in an array of wood species to accommodate varying budgets and styles. Choose to paint your wood window trim to compliment your decor, or show off the natural beauty of the wood with an array of stains and finishes.
Wrap Around Casing
For a clean, simple look, unembellished wrap around casings are a nice option. This trim option uses identical trim on all window sides without a protruding stool or sill. It is a great for small rooms or for emphasizing the window itself rather than the window trim. It can also be used for non-emphasis windows in rooms where other windows are intended as the focal point. Inexpensive wrap around casing is available in most home improvement stores in an array of wood grades and species. For a special look, however, custom casing is a great option.
Window Sills
Also called stools, window sills extend along the bottom of the window, offering a protruding lip or ledge called the horn. Your window sill can end at the outer edge of the vertical window casings or extended for added style.
Corner Blocks
Square trim pieces placed on the top two window corners of the casing, corner blocks are popular trim options. They not only add an extra touch of style but eliminate the need for carefully mitered casing corners as well. Solid wood often feature simple circular designs, though other design options are also available.They can be left plain or topped with solid wood crowns for extra texture.
Cornices
Designed to hide unsightly drapery rods, wood window cornices run along the top of your window frame and come in an array of styles. Often featuring such decorative elements as crown molding, window cornices can be found ready-made or custom designed to fit your particular taste.
Keystone
Keystones are generally roughly trapezoidal in shape and are place in the center of the top window casing. They are used to add extra embellishment, or cover seams of a jointed top casing.
Wood Type
The type of wood you choose for your window trim depends greatly upon the finish. For painted window trim, inexpensive woods such as poplar, aspen or even finger jointed wood will do with at least two coats of paint. It you choose to go with a stain or varnish, however, you will need to choose your wood species more carefully. Pine and oak are two popular options as are maple, cherry or mahogany
Tags: array wood, choose your, corner blocks, extra touch, extra touch style
A good tile design should look clean and balanced, but not overly busy. Solid colors are usually the best choice for walls, with a pattern incorporated in a very limited way. Floor tile can be more complex, but floor tile colors should harmonize with wall tiles in every respect. You will want to look at many tile patterns, colors and textures before creating a room design. It helps to examine tile work at friends' homes.
Begin With Light Tiles
Create light and space. Install pale-colored tiles on the walls of a tiled shower, for example. You might use a light sand color or white. Add brighter colors or dark colors to accent a section at shoulder height, as one choice. If you install dark tile in the shower, this will be conducive to mold growth. Flooring in white tiles with light sand 4-inch tiles interspersed with 9-inch tiles is a universally appealing choice. If you want to use dark-colored tiles, consider placing them around the floor border or on one wall only.
Add Dark Tiles Strategically
Dark floor tile works if the bathroom is large. You can install 9-inch black porcelain tiles in a 15-by-20-foot bathroom, for example. White grout and white bath fixtures will make the black flooring stand out. Keep in mind that the size of individual tiles can be larger if the room is larger. You might use 12-inch square tiles in a contemporary master bath that has significant square footage.
Consider Light Sources
Balance tile color with both natural and artificial light. You can, for instance, install dark tiles on the walls of a small bathroom if you plan to incorporate generous lighting. You will need to include recessed lighting in the ceiling and sufficient light fixtures, for instance. A large mirror or large window will add more light, if there is room for them. Paint the ceiling white as one choice, and add light flooring to balance the dark walls.
Go Artsy in Small Spaces
Small bathrooms can accommodate artistic floor patterns. You might use multiple small tiles in bright colors on a powder room floor. The tiles will give a jewel-like appearance if you use a mixture of red, purple, dark green and white tiles, for example. Marble tiles in hunter green and white arranged in a checkered pattern might be bold for a large bathroom. But, in a smaller bathroom, these colors and pattern will provide nice visual appeal.
Choose Appropriate Textures
Use tile textures that fit the project. You can, for instance, use tiles made of glass in a backsplash area above a sink vanity. Modern baths often incorporate tiles made of recycled glass, which helps to balance the ecosystem. These same tiles might be too slick for a floor surface. Textured slate-colored tile or burgundy tiles with a brick-like surface will give more traction on a floor space.
Tags: , green white, install dark, light sand, tiles made
The country theme is one that aims to be inviting and cozy. Kitchens are rooms that work well with this theme because they tend to be areas where families gather throughout the day. The warm and enticing atmosphere of a country kitchen is easy to accomplish once you know what colors and what kind of furniture to use.
Select a Color Palette
Begin by painting your walls a color that creates an inviting atmosphere in your kitchen. Warm colors such as honey, beige, taupe or yellow instantly warm a room. An alternative is using brighter, cooler colors, such as blue, to create the mood you want in your kitchen. Colors for the country style are generally muted and soft. Choose colors that will complement the decor in your kitchen. Work from a favorite piece, such as a vase or china pattern, and select colors from that piece to use throughout the room for a unified look. Plaids work well with floral patterns as long as the colors are complementary.
Choose Functional Furniture
Choose furniture that is simple and functional rather than ornate. Mission-style pieces and antiques complement the country style. Large pieces of furniture are fine, as long they fit the scale of your kitchen. Light-colored wood, such as pine and oak complement the muted colors of the country palette. Darker woods will complement darker, richer shades. Items embellished with iron help a kitchen feel country and it give your room some interest through texture.
Concentrate on Details
Every aspect of the kitchen should make guests feel cozy. The best type of flooring for the country style is a wooden floor with natural rugs on it. Use cushions in chairs that provide an ample amount of comfort. Use linens and doilies to add an extra sense of country decor to your kitchen. Hang antique plates on the wall. Mix and match pieces from modern and antique styles. Display old tins and bottles to complete the look.
Tags: your kitchen, country style, colors such, decor your, decor your kitchen, well with
Italian lighting styles range from rustic Tuscan to ultra modern Murano glass. Italian lighting styles are influenced by the Italian Renaissance as well as the the Art Deco period. The island of Murano has contributed elaborate glass lighting pieces worthy of a museum. With such a vast array of styles to choose from, Italian lighting fits well in just about any decor.
Tuscan Rustic
For a casual ambiance to your home, add Tuscan-influenced lighting. With extensive use of wrought iron, Tuscan lighting fixtures add a rustic flair that works well with antiques, wood floors, terracotta tiles and colorful linens. Chandeliers made from black wrought iron create a stately focal point over a dining room table. Wrought iron sconces serve as subtle mood lighting along dark hallways or recessed corners. Gold Tuscan fixtures are useful as well to add a hint of shine to an otherwise all-casual design style.
Murano Glass
For a real contemporary look, Murano glass lighting fixtures are unequaled. Often one-of-a-kind pieces, Murano glass creates a clean, modern feel to design. With a multitude of colors and varieties, Murano glass lighting ranges from elaborate chandelier and ceiling fixtures to simple side table lamps and sleek accent lights. Murano glass is made with traditional glass blowing methods, using glass and gold powder to create individual works of art.
Contemporary
Foscarini is a prominent designer of contemporary Italian lighting. Highly influenced by metal and sleek lines, Forscarini also utilizes glass, wood, aluminum, textured glass and Kevlar. Strong, clean lines with many geometric shapes feature prominently in these designs. Bright colors such as red are used to provide energy to a space. Chandeliers might feature a multitude of shimmering glass tiles while pendant lighting may feature a simple metal shade for visual impact.
Tags: Murano glass, glass lighting, Italian lighting, Murano glass lighting, Italian lighting styles, lighting fixtures, lighting styles
Today's lighting takes liberties with traditional designs.
Modern lighting has abandoned tradition in favor of energy efficiency and originality. Never mind the ceramic base with the paper shade on a side table--your garage deserves some dimmable mood lighting. Your dining room might be illuminated by sculptures on a sideboard. A cluster of bare bulbs suspended from the ceiling on wires hangs over the breakfast nook and even the children's room gets a contemporary note with unbreakable lamps that resemble amoebas and cling to a wall.
Chandeliers
Chandeliers aren't just for dining rooms or formal salons anymore. They are popping up all over, from bathrooms to beach cottages to garages---even as the centerpiece of an unused fireplace. A Swarovski crystal-encrusted design worthy of Versailles might turn up in the guest bathroom; be sure to check codes for where to hang chandeliers in bathrooms---definitely not right over the tub. Found objects become chandeliers when a curved, bleached piece of driftwood is wrapped in strings of tiny white holiday lights to sparkle over a barnwood kitchen island. An inexpensive translucent capiz shell chandelier that comes ready to assemble can be embellished with clear filament-hung small shells, bits of beach glass and fabulous beads. Antiqued painted metal chandeliers with colored glass flowers are pretty in a teen bedroom and a chandelier can replace a boring entry light on a theatrical front porch.
Lighting as Sculpture
Primary-colored and curved organic shapes of plastic or impact resistant glass become a collection of sconces randomly scattered on the wall of a children's room. A gigantic white "ceramic" vase---actually plastic--tops a supersized classic globe light made of white resin shot with coppery threads. The huge hanging light sculpture dominates the room but looks like a graceful work of art, not an enormous pendant lamp. Wired from the side, it can sit on the floor. Cumulus clouds shaped in translucent resin, paper and cloth can be dimmed or brightened as overhead lighting that seems to erase the ceiling. Shapes intricately molded of bits of plastic, strips of bent or woven metal, or handblown glass complement spare modern d cor and look enough like sculpture to be mistaken for pieces in the contemporary art collection.
"Green" Lighting
Green is the new white---the color of the light isn't green, but the environmental effect of the lighting is. Compressed fluorescent lamps are cooler and save money by giving more light for less energy than incandescent light bulbs. Fluorescents now mimic daylight, so the color of the light is no longer harsh and institutional. LED lights also come color-adjusted and are energy savers that give off a strong light. Daylighting in modern home design---or renovation---uses every advantage of natural sunlight in illuminating a home---from skylights to window size and position, house siting and types of shades and curtains. Motion and occupant sensors regulate the lights in rooms that are only used sometimes---so you never forget to turn off the lights. Solar lighting uses the sun's energy to power lights in all or part of the house and on the grounds.
Paint is an easy way to make a room turn from dull to cool.
With just a gallon of paint and some imagination, a room can be transformed into a work of art. Painting a room with a cool theme in mind is an inexpensive and creative way to make the space your own. With the broad spectrum of colors available it should be relatively simple to make your room stand out.
Painting A Room With Black As A Base Color
Making a rope pattern on the wall with paint is a dramatic paint pattern.
In a room with 4 walls, roll 2 of the walls black. Choose a contrasting color to paint the other 2 walls, such as bright pink or deep red, depending on your personal preference. After the black paint has dried completely, use an artist's brush to paint a bright white design on the black surfaces. Start at the top left corner of the wall and make a continuous swirling line with the white paint, as if you were making a huge 'S' design. Try to keep the pattern continuous with no breaks in the paint line. Once you have reached the bottom of the wall, continue painting the white swirling line up to the top of the wall. It should appear as if it is a rope that is unraveling. Once you reach the top of the wall again, move over to the next section of the wall and continue the swirling motion down to the bottom again and then back up. Do this pattern over and over until the wall is covered. The white paint pattern should look like one continuous rope. Doing this on just the black walls will create a dramatic effect and make the other 2 colored walls stand out.
Metallic Swirls With Paint Pens
Adding swirls with paint pens is an easy way to decorate a room.
A very simple but cool painting idea is to use paint pens to make swirls on a painted wall. Choose a paint for your base color. A darker color will help the paint pen swirls stand out. A lighter color will complement the paint pen swirls. After the background color is dry, use a metallic paint pen to paint swirls on the walls. The swirls can be small and scattered all over the wall or large and sparsely located. Be sure to shake the paint pens well and test each pen on a piece of newspaper before applying on the wall. This will prevent dripping.
Painting With Words
Choose a neutral background paint color. Grey, brown, or slate blue will work well. After the paint is dry, measure 2 feet down from the ceiling. Mark this with a pencil all around the perimeter of the room. If necessary, you can use painter's tape to mark the area. Be sure the paint is completely dry before using the painter's tape. Choose quotes that you find inspiring or delightful to write in the 2 foot area at the top of your room. You can use paint pens to write the quotes. Be sure to use on newspaper first to make sure there is no paint that will drip. You can also use an artist's brush to carefully write out the quotes. Separate each quote with a star that is painted in the same color as the writing. Acrylic paint is easy to work with and available at craft stores. Be sure to plan how much space you will need for each quote. Writing out the quote on scrap paper and temporarily placing it in the 2 foot area at the top of the wall will help give a visual as to how much space you will need for each phrase.
Tags: paint pens, paint swirls, artist brush, color will, each quote, foot area
Your dream of owning your own catering business is coming true and you are busy choosing your food selection offerings. Because food production on a large scale requires an adequate facility in which to prepare, plan to construct a catering kitchen to accommodate your needs.
Instructions
1. Check with your state health board and fire marshal before purchasing appliances. In some states, you may operate out of your home but will need a separate entrance to the kitchen and a reception area. In all states, fire codes apply when you’re operating a business that uses high temperature commercial equipment.
2. Design the placement of your interior appliances and cabinets to expedite your working area. If you plan to cater entire meals, allow room to house thermo carts with an easy access to the door for transportation.
3. Divide your catering kitchen into work areas by food group. When preparing desserts, your pastry board should be as close as possible to the flour and sugar bins and only a short reach from a centralized refrigerator. In addition, plan for a meat and entrée work area on one side of your cook top and a side dish preparation station on the other.
4. Equip sinks and trash receptacles with knee or foot levers to ensure sanitary operation.
5. Position warming trays near the packaging area. The last step before transporting is the final packaging. Here, you will transfer prepared hot dishes into thermo carts and put the cold foods into the cooling chests. With warming trays close by, your packaging process will go smoother.
6. Provide adequate lighting for food preparation. Can lights, recessed in the ceiling or kitchen bulk header should be closely spaced in areas requiring precision work. Track lighting is a workable option but make sure you purchase fixtures that will accommodate high wattage light bulbs.
7. Choose stainless steel cabinets and appliances for an easy-to-clean surface that withstands bleaching. Reducing the incidence of food-borne bacteria is imperative in a catering kitchen. Stainless steel does not absorb bacteria like wood can and it wipes clean.
Tags: , thermo carts, warming trays, your catering, your food
Bathrooms are not just areas of the house set aside for bathing and brushing your teeth--they are also oases for relaxation. Many people want to feel at peace in their home bathrooms, and there's no more peaceful setting than a serene spa. You can create the same effect in your own home just by decorating your bathroom like a spa.
Instructions
1. Paint your walls a warm and inviting color. While you may love flashy colors, they probably will not produce a calming effect. Jewel tones, deep browns and reds, and a clean and crisp white you relax in your bathroom. Paint is an inexpensive way to drastically change the look and feel of a room.
2. Gather a collection of candles. Using complementary colors of candles will help make the room appear more cohesive. Set the candles around your tub and sink. For safety, it is best to use battery-operated candles. These candles look like real candles and give off the same light without the fire hazard. You can also choose scented candles with an aroma that you find appealing.
3. Hang robes and slippers on the wall. A big fluffy robe and a pair of slippers can help you to relax, because both are a big part of the spa experience and invoke feelings of comfort and pampering. Dressing in spa attire may help you get in the mood of having a spa experience in your own bathroom.
4. Set out big fluffy towels. If you want to decorate a bathroom like a spa, you have to get rid of your old, thin towels. Go buy at least two new towels to pamper yourself and buy the oversized towels that you can wrap your entire body in rather than a small towel that barely wraps around your head.
5. Add a small water feature or music to your bathroom. An indoor water fountain, waterfall or other type of water feature add to a serene atmosphere, while calming music can help you relax while in your bathroom. Attach a water feature or radio to the wall if you do not have room on the floor. Hide a radio in the wall or a cabinet or put it behind a plant if it is does not fit into your new decor.
6. Grow plants in your bathroom if possible. Look for plants that can take the high humidity and grow in the light you have available. If you do not have enough natural light to grow a live plant, purchase a few plastic ferns to sit around the room or hang them from the ceiling.
Tags: your bathroom, , water feature, around your, radio wall, will help
Wood paneling is a durable wall covering that is easy to maintain and comes in a wide variety of styles. All sheet comes in standard 4-by-8 foot panels. Measure the length of each wall and divide the walls length by 48 inches to determine the number of wood paneling sheets required to cover the length of the wall. If the height of the wall is greater then 8 feet tall, multiply the difference by the number of sheets needed to cover the wall. After you know the number of wood paneling sheets required to cover the wall, the installation process begins.
Instructions
1. Measure the wall and place a mark on the wall's centerline. Mark the centerline from the floor to the ceiling, using the level to ensure a plumb line. Locate a wall stud with the stud finder. Measuring 8 inches from the centerline of the wall will give you a good place to start looking for wall studs. Place the locations of the studs on the wall. At each stud location, place a length of masking tape on the ceiling and floor.
2. Lay out and mark the edges of each wood panel. Place the first mark 24 inches from center and then every 48 inches until you reach the end of the wall. This allows you to keep the end pieces of wood paneling typical and the end result more professional.
3. Cut the height of each wood panel 1/4 inch less then the total height of the wall. Stand the wood paneling against the wall, keeping the edge at the 24-inch off-center mark. Hammer in finishing nails every 8 to 12 inches. Nail one side completely. Nail to the studs located within the wood paneling sheet and then nail the other side. This keeps the panel evenly flat.
4. Place the dime between the sheet hanging on the wall and the sheet that you are installing. This allows room for the wood paneling to expand without causing damage to the wood paneling. Nail off each sheet of wood paneling as described in Step 3.
5. Cut holes in the wood paneling as you encounter electrical outlets, light switches, etc. Measure the horizontal centerline location of the hole from the edge of the last installed sheet of wood paneling. Mark the horizontal centerline measurement on the back of the wood paneling that requires the hole. Perform the same process for the vertical dimension with the exception that the measurement should be taken from the floor rather than a wood paneling sheet's edge.
Measure the size of the hole and add 1/8 inch to each side of the obstruction. Lay out the lines for the 1/4-inch oversized hole on the back of the wood paneling. Use the 1/4-inch drill bit to place at the hole at each corner of the layout. Cut the hole by inserting the keyhole saw into the 1/4-inch corner holes.
6. Mark the corner edge of the wood paneling when it comes in contact with an irregular corner with the pencil divider. Set the wood paneling against the corner, ensuring that the sheet is plumb. Run the pencil divider down the corner with the pencil riding on the wood paneling. Cut along the pencil line with the coping saw. The edge of the wood paneling sheet will then fit uniformly into the irregular corner.
7. Install trim to the wall after the wood paneling installation is complete.
Modern recessed lights are designed for installation in finished homes.
Adding recessed lights in a finished room is not as difficult as it may seem. For the most part, light kits are designed to be installed in finished spaces, so the amount of cutting required for the wiring process is minimized. The most difficult parts of the project are making sure the lights are properly aligned and running the cable above the ceiling.
Instructions
1. Locate an available branch circuit to use as a power source. It is easier to tap into an existing circuit via a receptacle than to run wires from the circuit breaker box to the new fixtures.
2. Mark the locations of the recessed lights on the ceiling. Use chalk lines to ensure that the lights are aligned.
3. Make the cuts in the wall and ceiling. Follow the manufacturer's directions regarding the size of the holes for the recessed lights. You'll need enough room to affix the fixture boxes to a ceiling joist. Directly above the hole for the wall switch, where the ceiling and wall meet, cut an access hole for running electrical cable.
4. Remove the baseboards between the source power receptacle and the light switch hole and cut small access holes at the base of the wall below the receptacle and switch.
5. Install the hardware. Most recessed lighting kits come with the fixture box affixed to the light, which makes hanging the fixture easier. Attach the box--this is where the wires will be connected and from which the light will be hung--to a ceiling joist. Do not rely on the ceiling to support the weight of the light. Affix the switch box to the drywall. Remove the source power receptacle from its box to access the wires.
6. Run the electrical wires from the power source to the switch. Run two-wire BX cable from the source receptacle down through the access hole, in the gap between the drywall and the floor, up through the switch access hole and into the switch box. You may have to drill holes or cut channels through the wall studs to allow the wires to pass by. Metal-sheathed (BX) cable is used to protect the wires from damage by the baseboard finishing nails.
7. Run the electrical wires from the switch to the lights. Feed fish tape through the ceiling access hole across the ceiling to the first fixture box. Attach two-wire NM electric cable to the fish tape and pull it back toward you. Drop the wire down to the switch box. Use fish tape to thread the wire from the first fixture box to the second, and so on. When you are finished, each fixture box except the last will have two black, two white and two ground wires.
8. Cut the power to the circuit.
9. Make the connections at the power source and switch. Connect the black wire to the brass terminal of the source receptacle and the white wire to the silver terminal. At the switch connect the two white wires together and connect the two black wires to the terminals on the switch. Connect the ground wires together and ground the circuit to the switch box.
10. Make the lighting connections. Connect the white wires in the fixture box to the white wire on the light unit. Do the same for the black wires. At each light except the last there will be three wires of each color connected together. Ground each light at its fixture box.
11. Patch the access holes with the drywall patch kit.
Tags: access hole, recessed lights, wires from, fish tape, power source, access holes, black wires