Floors, Walls & Ceilings

Dried Hydrangeas

2011-10-01T06:00:00.001-05:00

Are you going to cut back hydrangea plants for the winter? Keep them! Dried hydrangeas will bring a bit of life and color to your home year-round. Living in Wisconsin, the color is much appreciated when the mid-winter blues set in.

Hydrangeas do best when allowed to dry on the plant before picking them. I picked them in November last year and they are still just like the day I picked them.

Dog Beds That Add to Home Decor

2011-09-21T06:00:00.000-05:00

Every dog deserves a comfy bed, but that doesn't mean you have to have a decorating monster in your living room! Here are some ideas for dog beds that will either be a conversation piece or blend with your home decor.

This pet bed was made from a suitcase that I purchased at my local thrift store for .75 cents. I removed the top by simply removing the hinge screws. I used a regular sleeping pillow with a pillow case to make it comfy.

There are many pet supply companies that offer a choice of fabric for your dog bed. Drs. Foster and Smith dog beds have many fabric options. A dog bed is a long term investment, and is really very important for your dog. Select one that is not only comfortable for your dog, but also matches your room color scheme.

Is funky more your style? There are plenty of fun dog beds on the market. Go bold, and make a statement with your dog bed!

Pine Paneling

2011-09-17T19:52:00.008-05:00

Pine paneling made a big difference in our basement. We wanted to take a cold, concrete block basement and warm it up to make it a place for our family to hang out.

However, we wanted to do this remodeling on a budget. Pine paneling was very affordable. Plus, installing tongue and groove paneling was an easy DIY project, saving us even more money by doing it ourselves.

The durability of pine paneling is another great reason to consider it for your home. Whether your trying to add charm to a room, or trying to hide worn or damaged walls, I recommend you consider tongue and groove pine paneling.

Rechargable Batteries

2010-08-25T10:22:00.005-05:00

"Mom! Please buy more batteries!" As many times as I've heard that, it looks like I may have found a way out of getting batteries off my grocery list.

A nice blog that I like to browse, jleighdesignz.com, announced the opportunity to win an Energizer Smart Charger PLUS a $15 Target gift card to anyone who posts a blog about the Energizer Smart Charger.

By this post, you can see that I feel a battery recharger would really help me out! My son forever needs batteries for his video game headphones and remotes. I sometimes miss a good picture because my camera batteries are dead. Of course it's REALLY bad if the batteries in the TV remote bite the dust!

Energizer, please send me a Smart Charger! I will use it, enjoy it, and think of you often. Thank you for the opportunity.

Eco-Friendly Tips in Celebration of Earth Day

2010-04-22T08:56:00.009-05:00

In 1970, U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's environment. "We must recognize that we're all part of a web of life around the world." I try to do my part in taking care of our world everyday, not just on April 22.

Eco-Friendly Habits I always try to do:

1. Shut off lights when not in the room.

2. Use a "lunch box" of some sort instead of brown paper bags.

3. Use plastic containers for sandwiches, chips, etc instead of disposable plastic baggies.

4. Turn the water off while brushing teeth or soaping hands.

5. Map out the route and run errands all in one trip to save gas.

6. Save extra napkins from drive-thru stops. Keep them in the car for spills.

7. When traveling, don't through recyclable items in the trash at a gas station. Save them for home if there's no recycle bins available.

8. Re-use plastic shopping bags. Use in small trash containers or bring back to the store to use again on your next shopping trip.

9. Check vehicle tire pressure - proper PSI saves gas.

10. Re-use the back side of paper that you've printed on, but don't need to keep.

Be sure to read my other posts with Eco-Friendly Tips, and tell me...

What are little things you do to in your daily life to keep green and help preserve our planet?

Happy Earth Day!

My Review of 400TC Hotel Elegance Single Ply Sheet Set

2010-02-22T21:36:00.001-06:00

Originally submitted at SmartBargains.com

Nice!

By LN from Rhinelander, WI on 2/22/2010

Pros: Nice Thread Count, Soft, Attractive Design

Best Uses: Guest Bedding, Everyday Bedding

Describe Yourself: Midrange Shopper

These sheets feel really nice. I wouldn't say they're luxurious, but at that price they are better than I expected for 400 TC. They fit a deep mattress great, and the color is just as expected.

(legalese)

A Little Paint Can Make a Big Difference

2010-02-14T14:28:00.010-06:00

When I get bored with a room, I buy some wall paint and in a snap the entire room is transformed. Paint is budget-friendly, is a quick and easy home improvement project, and it makes a big impact on the look and feel of a room. Bonus: if you don't like it, paint over it and you've only lost the cost of 1 can of paint and a little of your time.

After thinking about it for way too long, I finally decided to paint the wall that features a fireplace. The fireplace brick is not my first choice, but it came with the house and for now we'll keep it. Plus, the other 3 walls in that room are mostly windows, so the fireplace wall tends to look lighter in color from all the natural light.

What I did to minimize the no-so-great brick is to paint the surrounding wall a color that would better complement the brick. What do you think, does it look better?

Get the Hang of It!

2010-02-06T10:18:00.008-06:00

Where was the Hang & Level tool when I was putting this collage of picture frames together? Sometimes I purposely don't hang pictures at the same level just to avoid the frustration of getting them perfectly even. Fret no more, the Hang & Level tool to the rescue!

This handy little tool marks exactly where the nail goes, so my days of 2 or 3 nail holes to get it right are gone. See simple instructions on how to use the picture hanging tool and retailers that carry it. I can say it as easy to use as their directions show.

Other Posts You Might Enjoy:

Budget Decorating Tip: Decorative Picture
Unique Home Decor
Easily Add Umpf to Your Home Decor
Hardwood Flooring: A Foundation for a Beautiful Home

Disclaimer: I was provided with a Hang & Level tool for review.

Golf Bag Lamp

2009-12-07T20:17:00.005-06:00

This is one of my favorite trash-to-treasure ideas....a lamp made from an old golf bag. What better way to display your 1st golf bag...or maybe Grandpa's golf bag? If you don't have one, your local thrift store likely sells them very inexpensively!

You'll need to purchase a lamp kit. A piece of wood extends across the bag top to hold the lamp kit in place.

Drill holes through golf balls, and string them on the lamp kit for decoration.

Place a few clubs in the bag to add interest.

You can attach a pull cart for added stability (simply remove the top handle portion of the pull cart).

Thanks to my friend, Kristi,
for sharing her talent and golf bag lamp with me!

Bye-Bye, Household Mold!

2009-12-06T16:37:00.005-06:00

Do you have problems with mold appearing in areas of your home? The main problem area in my house is the grout on the shower tile. I spray it with bleach, but the mold consistently returns.

After receiving a complimentary bottle of Concrobium mold control, I waited for the mold to reappear on the grout. I sprayed Concrobium on the entire tile area, and so far it has not come back. It looks like I really did find "the cure for the common mold"!

As explained on the Concrobium website:

"Unlike traditional “wet kill” products, Concrobium works as it dries – hardening over the moldy surface to form an invisible film that physically crushes the mold micro-organism underneath. And Concrobium stays on surfaces to provide continual resistance against mold regrowth."

Checkout the Concrobium website for more information about mold, and where to buy Concrobium.

Easy Handmade Raised Dog Feeder

2009-11-08T15:31:00.011-06:00

Raised dog feeders can provide health benefits to dogs - particularly dogs with back and joint problems. However, raised feeders can be very expensive. This awesome trash-to-treasure project for dog owners will save you money AND have a unique feeder that can be designed to fit in with the look of your home.

I started with an old wood crate. If you don't have one at home, check your local thrift store.

Using 1 quart dog bowls (purchased for $1.99 each at Menards), I traced the outer rim onto the bottom of the crate. I then drafted a circle about 1/2" in to use as my cutting line. I drilled a hole to use as the cut starting point, and then used a jigsaw to cut the circles.

If you're looking for a rustic or country look, you're done! Alternatively, paint the feeder to match the decor in your room, and maybe even paint your pet's name on the side. A clear coat can be applied to protect the wood from water.

Simples Ways to Go Green AND Save Money

2009-11-08T15:23:00.003-06:00

These suggestions will save you money AND help the environment. The ideas are all low tech and easy to do. Pick out a few to incorporate into your life...it will make a difference.

Change out light bulbs to compact fluorescent light bulbs.

This not only saves money, but has the added benefit of avoiding the inconvenience of a burned out bulb. And your mother was incredibly smart when she so wisely told you to "turn off lights!"

Use cold water for laundry.

Today's detergent formulas get clothes just as clean when washed in cold water. Besides, hot water can make some clothing shrink, wrinkle, and fade.While we're on the topic of laundry, air dry your clothes as much as possible.

Reuse your ziplocks. (Don't roll your eyes nor skip my explanation!)

I used to roll my eyes when my mom did this, but it really is eco-friendly and cost-wise. I don't washout sandwich-size, but I do wash and reuse quart-size and larger. To reduce usage, I got reusable storage containers for sandwiches, chips and other lunch items that I otherwise would have put in a small baggie.

Leftovers.

Instead of throwing out leftovers, designate 1 or 2 nights a week to be leftover night. Saves time, money & garbage.

Use cloth bags.

Inexpensive cloth bags are available at most grocery stores. Or, at least bring bags back and have the bagger reuse them. You will be eco-friendly, and the store will save money.

Carpool or take public transportation.

As often as possible, utilize these options. You'll save money for obvious reasons, plus you'll have more "down time" while you're riding instead of driving. It just might be a stress-buster! (Might I even suggest walking?)

Use water bottles instead of buying bottled water.

Use a water filter if needed. Much less expensive and think about how much less plastic would be in our landfills if everyone did this!

Catch rain water.

Put a large plastic garbage can (or any container) under your drain spout to catch water from the roof during rain. Using plastic gallon milk jugs to transport, use that water for your garden, plants and bushes.

Dressing/Ketchup Bottles

This one seems like 100% common sense, but maybe someone doesn't do it. When salad dressing or ketchup bottles get low, just turn them upside down when returning them to the fridge. You'll get 2 or 3 more servings from the bottle.

Tube Trick

My aunt has done this for years. Although I cannot get myself to do this, you may like it. When a tube of toothpaste is "done", she cuts off the flat end and squeezes it out from that end. Apparently she gets another whole 1-2 weeks worth. She uses this trick with anything that comes in a tube (hand lotion, sunscreen, etc). Thanks for the tip, Aunt Donna!

Let me repeat....apply a few of these ideas to your life and you WILL make a difference.

New Life For Summer Plants

2009-11-04T20:00:00.001-06:00

As fall begins to turn to winter, it's sad to see the greenery in porch planters all get tossed. Instead of tossing my ivy into the mulch pile, I snipped it and brought it in for the winter.

This unique basket was a clearance centerpiece item that came with rather ugly fake fall foliage. I removed the decor and simply set a glass inside the basket. Although I could have placed dirt in the glass, I chose to have the ivy live in water.

In spring, I'll have the choice of keeping the ivy in the basket or planting it outside again. Ivy...it's not trash, it's a treasure.

(See a picture of how this home accessory fits into a mantle decorating scheme.)

Other Home Decor Posts:
Easily Add Umpf to Your Home Decor
Budget Decorating Tip: Decorative Picture
Go Green With Flooring - Use Local or Reclaimed Wood

Unique Home Decor

2009-11-01T11:40:00.000-06:00

I used placemats for home decor before, and I did it again! It's fun coming up with "alternative" decorating solutions. Why buy a typical wall hanging when you can easily bring something more unique into your home decor.

My mantel decor started with an antique, salvaged ceiling tin. (See "before" picture below.) Alone it looked sparse, so I want to add 2 smaller items to add presence and balance.

I purchased the decorative wood pieces at Hobby Lobby. They were marked $9.99 each, but of course I purchased them at 50% off. However, when I got them home they looked too small next to the ceiling tin. By using a layering technique, I made the small wood pieces into a more significant wall decor that made a bigger statement above the mantel.

Layers: Placed on top of each wicker placemat is a small ceiling tin (also purchased at Hobby Lobby), and topped with the small, decorative wood piece. I spray painted the 2 ceiling tins to match the simple, green color scheme. The layers also add interest by bring different textures into the mix.

Have you used placemats in your home decor? Leave a comment explaining how you used placemats for decorative purposes!

Decorating With Birch Logs

2009-09-27T13:40:00.002-05:00

The white textural bark on birch trees makes these logs perfect for rustic decorating.

Compared to other types of trees, birch tend to have a shorter lifespan, making them relatively accessible. Living in Wisconsin, I have easy access to birch trees as they are often found fallen in the woods. However, city trees need regular trimming...perfect time to snatch them for decorating purposes!

These birch vases were made by removing the birch bark, and simply hot gluing it to a recycled tin can. As an alternative, use twine or colorful rafia to hold the bark to the container. Place flowers, pine boughs or even twigs in the containers. A smaller container would make a decorative pencil holder. These birch bark containers are perfect for mantels, shelves, dinner table centerpieces or anywhere! Simple, attractive, and using a recycled container makes this project eco-friendly!

Welcome your guests with this easy-to-make birch candle holder on your porch. Select a candle color that is appropriate for the season: orange for fall, red or green for Christmas, etc. Using a drill attachment that makes large holes is easier than chiseling a hole. I inserted a glass votive holder into the hole to hold the candle. Any size candle can be used, just be sure to have an appropriate candle holder to prevent accidental fires.

Note: You will harm a living tree by taking off its bark. Find trees that have died or knocked down from a storm. Other types of logs can be used, each will offer a different look and texture. Experiment, but please don't harm a living tree!

Get Home Ideas from Twitter

2009-03-23T23:54:00.000-05:00

Get on board with Twitter to get ideas for your home. Although at first you might find Twitter to be overwhelming, there really is so much to learn when you use Twitter Search and "follow" interesting "tweeple".

What is Twitter? Wikipedia defines Twitter as, "a social networking and micro-blogging service that enables its users to send and read other users' updates known as tweets". After you signup for a free account, you can "follow" people who you find interesting.

Some "tweeple" you might find interesting from a home decorating/home improvement standpoint are:

Decor8tor (me!) Basic home decorating tips that anyone can do. Particularly likes trash to treasure ideas.
HomeSavvi Simplify the complex process of home remodeling.
UrbanDecorSue Covets beautiful things & lives in the "Sin of Furniture" always searching for fabulous finds & the cultural creatives who make them.
EnterpriseWood Home improvement specialists: flooring, paneling, trim, decking, fireplace mantels, log railings.
tobifairley Says she is a mom, blogger and award-winning luxury interior designer.
Organizingmama Helpful home and office organizing tips

Kitchen Redesign - Just Say Yes!

2009-03-12T23:20:00.000-05:00

People always joke about how during parties, people congregate in the kitchen. But that was not always true at our house...until we did a kitchen remodel. Now our kitchen truly is the nucleus of our home.

I adore the top of the line kitchens I see on hgtv shows. We remodeled our kitchen on a budget, but it still is wonderful.

The key to the success of our kitchen remodel was the kitchen design center we selected to help us design the new layout and select the new cupboards and counter tops. A designer came to our house, and then created a computerized view of their suggested layout. Together, we made little tweaks, and it was really a painless experience.

Truth be told, I don't really care for cooking. However, having a kitchen that is functional and stylish has brought out a little bit of "Rachel Rae" in me.

Bi-Fold Closet Doors: Boring to Fun!

2009-03-08T11:56:00.000-05:00

Although I am an artistically-challenged person, I did paint the sports theme design on these bi-fold closet doors. You, too, can easily take your boring closet doors from drab to creative with just a little paint.

Begin by finding a desirable design from a magazine, website or another resource. Make it easy on yourself and select a design that is either cartoonish (like mine) so it doesn't need to be exact, or an image you can trace using a projector. Take the doors down and put them on a flat work surface, and go to work! Don't over think it, just do it.

To add both dimension and function, I added real lockers on each side of the closet. The lockers were a rummage sale find, and I simply painted them to match.

On a side note, to continue my sports theme, I also painted a basketball backboard on the wall. A nerf basketball hoop completed the design which again added both function and design. The theme words going around the backboard are simply letter stickers.

Don't Throw Scrap Wood Molding Away!

2009-03-06T20:33:00.002-06:00

Oh, the joy of finding a good use for something otherwise doomed for the landfill (or burn pile). After adding crown molding to our bathroom, my husband was about to toss the leftover scraps into the fireplace. I saved the molding just in time, and now I have a new mantel display or table centerpiece.

Although I cannot take construction credit, I can say my husband said it was a very easy project. He simply mitered the edges of the crown molding, and nailed them together in the rectangular shape. A bottom piece of scrap wood was added, and the whole thing was painted. Added candles and...voila! Inexpensive yet stylish. Exact measurements are not important, just use what you have!

Personally, this candle holder is better than anything I can buy because my husband made it. It's not only stylish, but it has a story behind it. This decorative tray is a perfect finishing touch for a fireplace mantel, centerpiece for a dining able, or accent on a bedroom dresser. Although currently I have dried moss in between the candles, alternatives include stones, beach shells, mini pine cones or mini Christmas tree bulbs for the holidays.

Do you have scrap wood trim leftover from a home project? Think a little creatively and come up with something new and useful for your home. Think Trash To Treasure!

Room Makeover

2009-02-13T08:42:00.000-06:00

I've got great hardwood flooring in my great room, but there are several other features I'd love to have redone to match the beauty of the flooring. Maybe I'll win the Kimberly Clark makeover contest, or maybe you will! Imagine the world of blog posts that would come with $25,000 in home improvements!

Kimberly Clark has teamed up with Thom Felicia and the View to giveaway $25,000 to 16 winners to makeover your space at www.roomadaygiveaway.com!

Head over to www.roomadaygiveaway.com and may luck be with you!

Fix the Clutter!

2009-01-26T21:11:00.000-06:00

A clutter-free home brings peace to your space and mind. It can be hard to get started, so just be brave and jump into the 1st closet. It's not that hard if you take it in small steps, and you'll immediately feel the joy that comes with organization. Once you declutter, be sure to make changes to your routine to avoid finding yourself in a cluttered mess again. Decluttering is a worth-while challenge.

I found the article titled Fix the top 6 causes of clutter on CNN.com, and thought it had excellent fixes for the following "obstacles" you might find when decluttering:

'If I get rid of this wedding vase, I'll feel guilty'
'But I might need seven sleeping bags one day'
'I think this brooch/chair/ugly knickknack might be valuable again'
'If I put the bills away, I'll never pay them on time'
'I want this chartreuse muumuu to go to a good home'
'I want to declutter, but I can't get motivated'

Is Your Home Eco-Friendly?

2009-01-22T23:52:00.000-06:00

Using eco-friendly products in our homes and daily lives has become a priority for many people. We have become more aware of how products can harm our environment AND our health. Here are a few simple ideas of how you can incorporate a more "green" way of life into your home.

Purchase products that are made from recycled materials. Everything from bird feeders to duct tape made of recycled materials are readily available. Check the labels for the eco-friendly seal.

Green cleaning products reduce the negative impact on the environment by decreasing air pollution, water pollution and ozone depletion.

Green practices also include diligent recycling. Think about the impact just in your community if every household throws away just 1 plastic container per week because they don't feel like cleaning it out. Take the extra minute it might require.

Reduce the use of products requiring disposal. Although plastic baggies are convenient for bag lunches, is it really that hard to use reusable plastic containers? Also, many laundry detergents are now available in a concentrate that don't require as large of a plastic container.

When remodeling your home, use eco-friendly products such as carpeting made of recycled plastic bottles. Another very eco-friendly flooring choice is reclaimed wood flooring. It is made from wood that was salvaged rather than tossed into a landfill, plus it makes a beautiful, unique floor for your home.

If you have household items or clothing that you no longer want, donate them to your local thrift store. Not only will you keep those items out of the landfill, but you will also help out a local charity. Remember, one person's trash is another person's treasure!

Everything you can do to REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE will help our environment.

10 Steps To A Luxurious Bathroom

2009-01-10T21:04:00.000-06:00

I'm not a morning person, so my morning shower is of utmost importance. Cold water, weak water pressure or an environment that is not harmonious can get my day off to a bad start. What's your idea of a luxurious bathroom? I found the following article and thought it has some really good points. Enjoy!

10 Steps To A Luxurious Bathroom

Author: Jay Gaulard

A luxurious bathroom invites you to come in and spend some time in it. Most people aren't quite sure how they can go about creating that perfect bathroom, though, and spend their time poring over design magazines and planning. Just what does it take to turn an ordinary room into an extra-ordinary one?

To really create the perfect environment for your daily routines, you need to maximize the space you have and be sure to include the little things that make a bathroom comfortable. God is in the details, after all.

One: Start with Color

Choosing a color scheme at the very beginning of your project will allow the entire room to become a coordinated space. Start with the walls of the bathroom. It's a good idea to avoid white, which is one of the dullest colors around. Instead, opt for something more exciting, such as marine blue or lilac.

The color scheme you select for the bathroom will determine the end result. A soft, soothing color will help the room become a luxurious haven, while a brighter tone will tend to energize and create eagerness.

Two: Keep it Clutter Free

Any small room will feel cluttered if you have everything out and in sight. That's why it's a great idea to tuck everything except the necessities into a vanity or stylish cupboard. Things that need to be out include soap and towels, but really, everything else can be stored.

Wall storage makes even a compact space more easily navigated and lets you store extras out of sight. There are plenty of options for beautiful cupboards. Look for light colors to keep the visual impact to a minimum. Frosted glass doors let the room seem brighter without revealing just what precisely is being stored.

Three: Make it Easier to Perform Tasks

Many men prefer to shave in the shower, since it provides the ideal environment for this task. Unfortunately, a mirror is needed and these tend to fog up during a hot shower. However, you can invest in a fogless mirror that mounts on a pull out arm right in the shower stall . . . which means you'll be able to see what you're doing easily and the mirror will swing back out of the way when not in use.

Keeping a stylish shower rack where you can keep things like soap, shampoo and other toiletries in neat order is also helpful. It makes it easy to keep things where they belong, as well, instead of lined up precariously on the edge of the tub.

Four: Set the Mood

Music and scent are just two ways to completely change the mood of a room. Since there is such high humidity in the bathroom, you'll want to invest in a waterproof shower radio, which can be attached to the shower wall, allowing for great music while you bathe.

Scented candles are often too irritating to the nasal passages and don't last well in the moist environment of a bathroom, but reed diffusers offer a safe alternative and last for months, requiring only the turning of the reeds from time to time. This can help diffuse a relaxing scent like lavender through the bathroom.

Five: Make It Worth Your Time

Some showers are so tepid and have such poor pressure that it isn't even worth spending more than the necessary amount of time in the shower. For a truly luxurious bathroom, the shower and tub should be something that makes you want to stay forever.

How you go about this is entirely up to you. An instant hot water heater will make it possible to spend hours under the hot shower, while multiple showerheads can be a wonderfully relaxing experience. For the tub, you may want to install one with jets to increase bathing pleasure.

Six: Turn the Mundane Into Something Special

When purchasing something for your bathroom, consider how it will fit in with your visual philosophy. A scale needn't be just a scale, for example. While you may wish to weigh yourself on a daily basis, there's no reason to stick with a plain ugly white scale. Instead, take the time to find something more elegant or that fits your style. Contemplate each addition and ask yourself, "Does this add to the room visually?"

Seven: Don't Forget Sensation

We've covered what you see, hear and smell, but what about sensory experiences? Bathrooms need to be well heated in order for them to stay comfortable after you've stepped out of the shower. That would be a regular bathroom, though . . . a luxurious one would include a towel warmer so you can step out of the hot water and wrap a pre-warmed towel around your body.

Eight: Luxurious Details Add to the Room

There are a dozen small touches that can be added to a bathroom to help it come to life and provide a luxurious experience. Things like a linen shower curtain with an anti-mildew liner, an antique glass bowl to hold bath fragrances or organic cotton bath towels will make the room feel more chic immediately.

Nine: Add More Color

Little details like a collection of floral paintings clustered on the wall or a glass etching on the mirror are what really add to a room. Look around for ideas and then try different ones out in your bathroom to find out which is the best look for your style. These should incorporate more color into the room, to turn it into an inviting space.

Ten: Keep it Safe

If anyone with limited mobility will be using the bathroom, you'll need to install support rails which can ruin the mood you've worked so hard to create. However, if you take the time to find some bars that are actually stylish and go with the bathroom, as opposed to the regular steel ones, the room will be safer and still gorgeous.

Creating a luxurious bathroom takes time. You'll need to assemble all the bits and pieces that make it a special room worth going into and spending some time in. However, the end result will be well worth the effort.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/10-steps-to-a-luxurious-bathroom-707742.html

About the Author:

This article was written on behalf of MyHomeMarket, a popular online home improvement website.

Hardwood Flooring: A Foundation for a Beautiful Home

2009-01-07T00:07:00.000-06:00

Hardwood flooring is a basic building block for a beautiful house. Here are my top 3 reasons you should consider wood for your flooring.

1 Hardwood flooring has been a favorite flooring material for centuries because of its durability and availability. Quality hardwood flooring can be refinished several times if they get scuffed beyond what you consider character. You can trust that an investment in hardwood flooring for your home will be valued for decades!

2 Hardwood flooring adds value to your home and increases resale value. New homeowners are looking for houses with hardwood flooring. In addition to the look, people are attracted to the easy maintenance and allergen-free environment of hardwood floors. Enjoy it yourself now, and know it will only add value when the time comes to sell your home.

3 Hardwood flooring is adaptable to any style of decorating, and wood flooring never goes out of style. Get the species of wood that best fits your personality, or go for a really unique look with reclaimed wood flooring.

New Year...New (Affordable) Home Decor

2008-12-26T15:01:00.000-06:00

Soon it will be time for the dreaded chore...putting away Christmas decorations. Instead of bringing everything back to the same ol' way you've always had it, take advantage of this time to spruce up your home decor. A few savvy changes will create maximum impact for the least amount of money.

Given the uncertain economic situation, start by using what you already own. Take a good look around your home and find things that are a little tired. Is it time to donate them to a thrift store, or can you add a new touch and bring new life back to the object?

A can a spray paint will revolutionize almost anything. For example, shiny gold is "out", but a can of spray paint will instantly change those gold picture frames, lamps, chandeliers, candle holders, etc.

A few bargain purchases at after Christmas clearance sales can give your house a fresh sense of style. Here again, that can of spray paint can change holiday painted items to whatever color will perk up your room. I like green as a year-round color, so I am always sure to purchase "holiday" candles that look great anytime.

Bring in new wall art in new colors to boost the mood of the room. Be sure to read my article on how to make a new piece of wall art that cost nothing! Also, think of items that were not originally intended to be used as wall art, but would add interest to room. For example, read my article on using placemats for decorating.

Color can take a room from drab to WOW! Check out the "oops" paint at your local paint store. You never know how a $5 can of paint might spark your creativity. Painting just one wall can instantaneously change the whole look and feel of the room.

Add a variety of pillows to make a big impact. Bonus: pillows are something ANYONE can make. Be creative and use fabric you already own. Clothing you might not wear anymore--that tweed blazer that went out of style a few years back will add texture to a room. I once made pillows from fabric placemats. Think outside the box!

If it's time for a more substantial transformation, add new wood molding to existing walls to instantly transform the look of a room. Small architectural elements like wood trim and molding add value and character to any room.

Tongue and groove wood paneling can totally transform a room, and it's a great DIY home project during a long winter. Take it from floor to ceiling, or add only decorative wainscoting. Wainscoting can be installed at different heights depending on the desired look. More traditional wainscoting extends up a bit higher.

Make a few changes using these ideas that won't break the bank. The same ol' thing is boring and bad for your mental health! Give it a try, bring some fresh style into your home.

New Use for an Old Suitcase

2008-11-30T22:05:00.000-06:00

Trash to treasure is my favorite kind of decorating. A little creative thinking can bring new life to an item otherwise deemed for the landfill. This old suitcase that I bought years ago at a rummage sale for 50 cents certainly has added character to my home decor.

Each season I seem to find a new way of using this old suitcase. Pine cones and pine boughs make it a simple display for my porch this holiday season. It sits on the pictured chair with a metal reindeer next to it. Simple yet festive.

This fall it made a good base for a scarecrow. I kept the suitcase closed and the scarecrow sat on top. Again, the suitcase was on this old chair out on my porch, with cornstalks beside it.

Easily Add Umpf to Your Home Decor

2008-11-29T18:00:00.000-06:00

Although a placemat's primary function is to protect your dinner table, think outside the box and use placemats to add texture and interest to your home decor. Placemats made of wicker or bamboo are my favorite type of placemat because of their strong textural element. Here are a few ideas to add a little decorative umpf to your home decorating using inexpensive placemats.

Give Prominence to a Piece:

Position a decorative placemat behind a simple object. The placemat will draw attention and give that object a bigger presence in the room. This bamboo plant was the first gift given to my friend after the birth of her first child. Giving the plant more prominence in the room tells her guests that there's something special about this plant.

This small candle sconce becomes a significant piece on a shelf display with the round placemat positioned behind it.

Placemat, or Art?

Some placemats have enough interest alone to make an interesting hanging art piece. Look how hanging three placemats in a row changes the look of the entire area.

The best part is I got these rectangular placemats on clearance at Walmart for a mere $1 each.

Functional...to useful: This article shows how to easily make a clock out of a woven or wicker placemat--very creative!

Caring For Your Hardwood Flooring

2008-11-26T19:51:00.000-06:00

The warm beauty glowing from your new hardwood flooring can be breathtaking. After it is first installed, you may even be tempted to ask people to not walk on your floor! Lucky for you, wood is a flooring material that is extremely durable and is an investment that will still be in your home for the next century. Maintenance of hardwood flooring is easy and will be one of the features you will love most about your hardwood flooring.

Proper care of hardwood flooring will help keep floor scratches to a minimum and the glowing warmth everlasting:

• Use felt contacts and floor pads for furniture.

• Place rugs in high traffic areas across your hardwood floors.

• Sweep your floor regularly. I personally like the Swiffer because it gets every little piece of dust. Dirt build-up can be abrasive to your hardwood flooring.

• Mop with a spray solution designed for hardwood floors or even just a spray water bottle whenever your floor needs it. Never use a bucket of water to mop your hardwood floor---a fine mist is all it needs.

• Wipe up any water or liquid spills on your wood flooring as soon as you see it.

If you care for your hardwood floors properly they last literally over a century. The joy of quality hardwood flooring is that you can have them refinished several times if they get scuffed beyond what you consider character.

Decorate Your Doorstep for the Holidays

2008-11-22T20:57:00.001-06:00

Dazzle your guests with doorstep decorations that are fun, easy and inexpensive. We all have unique "treasures" around our house that some may consider junk. Apply a little of your creativity (yes, we ALL have some) and soon you'll have a doorstep that will festively welcome visitors.

A Few Ideas To Get You Started

Have an old toboggan or sled? Here I added some lights, raffia and ice skates to an old, rickety sled for a cheerful porch decoration. Brightly colored mittens and a Santa hat tucked into the skates add a bit more detail that helps bring it to life. Take it in a different direction by tucking a pair of old wool socks and some pine boughs in the skates.

Creative Containers: A simple item such as these childrens boots serve as the perfect "vase" for pine boughs and tree sprigs. If you don't have children growing out of their boots, they are often available at local thrift stores or Goodwill.

Fill the boots with something readily available in your area. I am lucky enough to have several types of pine trees growing in my yard that provide ample decorating boughs. If you buy a fresh Christmas tree, keep those branches that need to be trimmed off the bottom. Faux boughs are always an alternative. Tree sprigs add a bit of height and interest. For additional Christmas flare, spray paint the sprigs red or white.

Put it all together for a charming doorstep! This grouping takes very little space so it is perfect even for small stoops.

Whether decorating the interior or exterior of your home, always think about using items in ways other than how they are traditionally used. Go ahead, give it a try!

(Check back for more holiday decorating ideas!)

2008-11-15T13:25:00.000-06:00

Looking for a great project that will cost nothing to make? These bowls are made of recycled phone books! Instructions are simple, and are complements of Natural Home Magazine.

Furniture Made From Reclaimed Wood

2008-11-14T20:52:00.000-06:00

Having an eco-friendly home is becoming more and more popular. If you're striving for a "green" home, don't stop at the structural features. Furniture made of reclaimed wood is not only green, but also something that your neighbors will certainly will not have.

Jetson Green is a daily updated web magazine that's obsessed with green building, sustainable architecture, good design, clean technology in the built environment, and eco-friendly development. They have a great article about furniture made from reclaimed wood. If nothing else, I love to browse the unique pieces that have a historical story to tell. Check it out: Meyer Wells Beautiful Reclaimed Pieces. Each piece has a style of its own...from contemporary to rustic.

If purchasing this type of furniture is out of your budget, make a trip to your local thrift store. For a matter of a few bucks, you can usually pick up a piece of furniture and make it into something perfect for your home. Think outside of the box. How about making a bench out of a bed frame. I've seen a few of those and they are so unique and will have a story for you to tell. A little paint can easily change the entire look of a piece. The possibilities are endless.

Headboard Ideas

2008-11-11T21:57:00.000-06:00

A headboard can take an ordinary bedroom and make it extrodinary. But wait! No need to run out to the furniture store and buy a headboard--use what you have an make it your self.

I found several online sources that have great ideas - check them out and I hope they get your creative juices flowing!

* Alice Fakier (HGTV) offers expert advice on how to update your bedroom with a new headboard.

* 3 Good Ideas and a Dud

* 13 Budget Friendly Headboard Ideas

* Unusual Headboard Ideas

Go Green with Flooring - Use Local or Reclaimed Wood

2008-10-30T15:12:00.001-05:00

When people think of green flooring, they think bamboo. Think Again!

If you are considering bamboo flooring, don't automatically assume that bamboo is the environmental winner. The fossil-fuel emissions caused when transporting bamboo from Asia to the United States is NOT environmentally friendly. Neither are the pesticides and fertilizers used by bamboo growers who are trying to speed growth while the "bamboo is green" motto is popular. Also, research the bamboo flooring factory to avoid health risks associated with flooring made with glues that contain high levels of formaldehyde.

Find a U.S. source for your hardwood flooring. Ask where they get their raw lumber used to mill the flooring. Most companies have a responsible logging policy, meaning they are being environmentally-friendly.

Or, consider purchasing your flooring from a manufacturer who mills flooring from reclaimed wood. Reclaimed means it is salvaged from antiquated buildings that no longer have value as a building. The antique, reclaimed wood provides the making for beautiful reclaimed wood flooring and paneling for your home. It has distinguishing authentic nail holes, markings, and patina that tell its life story.

Hardwood flooring is a big investment. Do your research so you are sure to get the best flooring for your home.

Budget Decorating Tip: Decorative Picture

2008-10-30T14:35:00.000-05:00

If you have a magazine, you can create a one-of-a-kind piece of art for your home! Using a textured scissors, I cut odd shapes from colored areas of magazine pages. I then made a collage of the paper pieces on poster paper. Used regular school glue.

My artwork is varied colors to match the decor in the room. I have done this before with a single color, and it turned out fabulous. The frame and mat really are the key to making this project look professional. I used a frame and mat from a picture I no longer wanted, and simply painted both to match my room decor.

Simple, easy, and inexpensive. This is a great project for kids. There is no wrong way to cut the shapes. Let them have fun and work on the project with you. As Christopher Lowell says, "you can do it!"

Window Treatment: Inexpensive & Fun

2008-10-22T16:26:00.000-05:00

Looking for a creative, fun, yet inexpensive way to make a window treatment? The instructions below are from the Ready Made website. This window treatment would be fun for a kids room, and particularly useful in a room where you don't want to block light. They have instructions for other window treatments if this isn't your style.

Paper Collage
by Tony Meredith

First things first: this window covering looks much harder to make than it is. It’s less a privacy screen than a light covering that creates a pleasing collage over a window—a Tord Boontje-inspired crowd pleaser!

Ingredients
Large, colorful piece of thick-stock paper
Velcro stick-on dots

Tools
Measuring tape
Scissors
Blue painter’s tape
Cutting mat
Colored pencil one shade off the paper color
X-acto knife and extra blades

MAKE IT
Measure your window. I chose to have my design cover the outside of the window, so I measured to the outside of the frame. If you want a clean, inset look, measure the length and width of the glass inside the window frame.

Cut your paper to size, then use the blue painter’s tape to adhere it to a cutting mat.

Draw all over the paper with the colored pencil. Go wild with lots of swooping, looping lines that cover the entire expanse of the paper. Criss-cross over the paper a lot; the more lines, the more stable your window covering will be.

Take your X-acto knife and start cutting! Cut away all of the pieces of the paper that are not lined. A good rule of thumb is to cut 1/4” away from all the lines. It’s important to not cut over the lines. This will take a while; I cut this 34” x 45” piece in just under 2 hours, with plenty of email and bathroom breaks.

Once you’re finished, lay the paper on a flat surface with something heavy on top of it and let set overnight so it relaxes into a flat position.

Finally, place some of the stick-on Velcro dots together. Peel off one side of the backing and place the dots near the top of the piece. Then, peel off the other side of the backing and stick the whole window covering to he window frame. Voilà!

Frugal House Interior Design

2008-10-17T09:49:00.000-05:00

by Adam Peters

Do not be afraid to be frugal when it comes to a house interior design. There are many options that you can consider when you are looking to make some changes to the interior of your home, but do not want to invest a large amount of money to do so. Try as you might to be as creative as possible and not have to deal with all of the fuss and muss of dealing with a designer and doing things as you would want to and simply. Not everyone has this grand idea that they should be able to go and completely redo the entire interior of their home and remake an English castle out of their home. Many of us are satisfied with the simple things and would expect nothing more for our homes than we would for any other aspect of our lives.

Trash to Treasure

When you are looking for items to use to aid in your house interior design, do not be afraid to go to a thrift store and browse. You will be amazed at the large amount of things that people will give away in order to neaten up their own home. Think of all of the character as well as the age that these items have when you look into this. Do not forget about garage sales. These are a virtual easy picking of trinkets and treasures that you may be able to use in order to decorate your home. Look into using what other people may be discarding as a conversation piece and use it as well for typical use. Also consider looking at the different options that are available as far as wall hangings in any of these locations. This could range anywhere from art to small mirrors or even candle holders.

Cleaning

One of the first things you should do before you go and change your house interior design is to perform a thorough home cleaning. You may brighten your home up enough and see all of the different things that you had not noticed before that you not even want to do nearly the improvements or changes that you had originally thought were going to be necessary. See what some soap and elbow grease will do and you will be amazed at what a difference it will make in everything that you will do and see from the home.

About the Author
Adam Peters is the editor of different articles with reference to tuscan home for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com. A website with tips on tuscany decorating and house interior design.

Hardwood Flooring: Pros & Cons

2008-10-06T19:47:00.000-05:00

Hardwood Flooring
Pros and Cons
From Kera Ritter, for About.com

Hardwood floors are one of the amenities that home buyers often look for when buying a house. However, the purchase and installation of this type of flooring can be pricey and its care and maintenance can be challenging.

Hardwood flooring usually comes in three varieties: strip, plank and parquet. The individual segments in wood strip flooring are usually about 1 ½- to 2 ¼-inches wide. Plank flooring strips are wider and parquet floors are composed of individual squares that make up a geometric pattern. Unfinished hardwood floors allow the homeowner to finish the product with a stain that matches the décor.

If you are debating whether to install hardwood flooring in your home, first investigate the pros and cons.

Pros of Hardwood Flooring

Easy Maintenance
Hardwood floors are durable and have stood the test of time. Homes that are more than 100 years old can still have the original flooring if they have been cared for properly. They just need sweeping or vacuuming and an occasional cleaning with a wood floor cleaner.

Value
Buyers are willing to pay top dollar for homes with hardwood floors. In addition, homes with hardwood floors tend to sell faster than homes with wall-to-wall carpeting. Think about it: builders consider hardwood flooring an upgrade. They don’t charge extra for carpet.

Many Styles Available
Hardwood flooring works with all styles of decorating, from traditional to modern. It is available in several types of woods, such as oak, cherry and walnut, and can be sanded and stained to suit the home owner’s taste. When your style changes, you also can change the look of your hardwood floors.

Cons of Hardwood Flooring

Cost
Wood floors are a costly option. Materials can run from $3 per square foot for unfinished oak planks at a big-box retail store, to more than $12 a square foot for more exotic types of wood. The flooring must be installed over sub-flooring and installation is a bigger job than most homeowners can handle. Labor costs will vary.

Needs Refinishing Occasionally
In addition to installation, scuffed and scratched floors will need to be refinished. The softer the wood, the easier it will scratch and blemish. Hardwood floors in high traffic areas, especially when there are pets or children, will be prone to showing damage. Having hardwood floors refinished professionally costs between $1.25 and $4.00 or more per square foot, depending on the type of floor, room layout, finish and other factors, according to Contractors.com. Refinishing also creates dust from sanding and fumes from the polyurethane coating.

Noisy
Hardwood flooring can be noisy when walking across it, and can be a nuisance to your downstairs neighbors if you live in an apartment complex. Placing an area rug over the floor can help muffle the sound and provides added warmth to the room. Adding a rug is also a good idea for families with children or adults who are prone to falls, since it acts as a cushion.

Hardwood Flooring - A Great Choice

2008-10-01T21:52:00.001-05:00

Since I had hardwood flooring installed in my home (pictured above), I am a huge advocate for that flooring choice. The top reasons I recommend hardwood flooring are:

Hardwood flooring has a timeless look that fits any decorating style. They put hardwood flooring in houses 100 years ago, and wood is still a top choice for flooring material today. Any style furniture and accessories only look better when placed on hardwood flooring. Just watch a few home decorating show or browse a magazine....hardwood is a popular choice and wise investment because it will never go out of style.

Hardwood flooring is easy to keep clean---really clean. When you see what comes up on a swiffer just one day after vacuuming, you too would vow to never live with carpet again. There is simply no way a vacuum can get all the dust, dog hair, etc out of carpeting. It is easy to dry dust and get all dirt and dust out of your house. Weekly, I use a spray that is designed for wood floors, and easily wipe it up. It looks clean, and it IS clean!

Hardwood flooring will never need to be replaced in your lifetime, and it is eco-friendly. If your flooring gets scratches or loses the finish you desire, it can be refinished (several times if you purchase quality flooring). It literally will last a lifetime, and therfore you will not be adding carpeting, linoleum or whatever to the local landfill. Wood is a renewable resource, and you can even use wood that is salvaged from buildings that are torn down. Recycle, Reduce, Reuse.

I purchased my hardwood flooring from Enterprise Wood Products. They helped me select the right species for my home, and then manufactured my hardwood flooring customized for me. Quality is important for this type of investment, so do your research. Buy it from a company that is willing to work with you from start to finish.

Top Decorating Tips that Don't Cost a Cent

2008-10-01T16:09:00.001-05:00

There's no place like home. Everybody has their own idea of what is comfortable and stylish, which is exactly what your own home should be to you. It doesn't always take a big budget to make improvements that can really change your mood when you walk into your door. Here are my top tips for decorating that won't cost you a cent--changes that can make your home your favorite place in the world.

1. Go Clutter-Free: This concept will change your life. I love taking things I can live without to the thrift store. Anything I don't need to store, see or pick up to dust is something that is cluttering my life. Added bonuses: get a receipt because it's all tax deductible, and you'll be helping out a charity.

2. Rearrange Furniture: this change can improve the entire "feel" of a room. Functional can also be pleasing to the eye. What are the focal points in the room? Does the furniture allow you to see those features? If you get stuck for ideas, ask a friend for suggestions or go to one of the many online decorating sites. I personally like ratemyspace.hgtv.com. You can upload pictures of your room and the wonderful people who go to the site will give you great ideas for improvement.

3. Remove Items: Sometimes we accumulate too much stuff! That little table you bump into every time you pass it may not be necessary in the room. Are you a book worm? Great, but you don't need to display all your books. Do you need all the nick knacks? Put a few things in the basement storage, and live with the change for a few days. You might find that it frees up your mind!

4. Group Like Items: if you have 3 or more similar items, it's a collection. Collections should be displayed together.

5. Say No to Faux Flowers: I'm going to go out on a limb and say never have faux flowers. Just not a good thing.