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| Decorative Options For Your New Kitchen Cabinets |
Whether you're remodeling and renovating or building a new house, you need to focus a large amount of energy on the look of your new kitchen. The look of your kitchen can say a lot about your individual style and personal preferences. Modern kitchens can be accented with up to date, energy efficient appliances and luxurious countertops. The cabinetry, however, will be the first thing that guest notice when they walk into your kitchen.
The kitchen is widely used as the focal point of any home. It is usually the busiest area during parties and meals are prepared and eaten in there. Your kitchen cabinet design needs to reflect your family's personality and unique style.
Kitchen cabinets are available in many different colors and styles, not to mention materials. For the most part, the colors and stains are chosen to best match the particular wood grain that is used in cabinet carpentry. Stains can range from light and natural looking to deep and rich. Darker woods look great with a deep stain, while lighter colored woods can take light or dark stains. The type of wood used to make the cabinets can also play a role in how the stain takes to the wood. You may want to test out the stain on your particular type of wood before it is applied so you get a good sense of how it will look in your kitchen once it is applied.
Many people decide to install metal cabinetry in their kitchens. These metal cabinets are easily modifiable whenever you want to update the look of your kitchen. Just paint on a new color and your kitchen can take on a totally different personality. You can purchase metal kitchen cabinets that are already painted a certain color to match your existing appliances.
No only do you have to think about the color and material of your cabinets, but you will also need to take into account the cabinet hardware. Handles, knobs and hinges are available in an almost endless array of styles. For the most part, cabinet handles are a gold, pewter or brass in color. There are also some available in molded plastic, but these are of a lower quality and will not stand the test of time. Mounting for the hardware ranges from easy screw-in applications to more comprehensive installs. Be sure to match the hardware with the cabinet as best you can before you install all the metalwork. Make sure you are comfortable having a knob instead of a pull or vice-versa. You can even buy cabinet hardware that is uniquely designed to match the theme of your kitchen or your silverware pattern.
Take the entire kitchen into account when deciding on the best kitchen cabinet design. Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your house and it should accurately reflect the personality of your family and show off your great sense of style.Labels: kitchen cabinet, tips and tricks |
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| Kitchen Cabinets - Tips For Finding And Buying The Right Cabinets For You |
With the number of home sales dropping, and the tighter restrictions in the mortgage industry, many homeowners are finding it harder than ever to sell their homes and upgrade to a larger home. Because of this trend, home renovation projects are on the rise as homeowners are finding ways to make their current homes more livable, while adding value to their home at the same time. The easiest way to add value and create the feel of a new home, is to renovate your kitchen.
In a kitchen renovation, the kitchen cabinets represent the largest expenditure in your remodeling budget. Since they are the centerpiece of your kitchen, many of the other decisions about your kitchen will be based off of your cabinet choice. Your countertop, appliance, and hardware decisions will depend on the style and layout of your kitchen cabinets.
The biggest issue with traditional, store bought cabinets is that it could take 8-10 weeks before delivery, so it is very important to make your cabinet selection prior to do starting any demolition or remodeling of your kitchen. There are cabinets available on-line, that could be delivered within 2-3 weeks, but it will depend on what style and construction you are looking for. We will talk about the differences in cabinets later on in the article.
Before looking at cabinets, it is important to come up with a target budget and a basic floor plan or layout. With the average kitchen remodel costing $40,000-50,000 it is important to accurately calculate all of the expenses involved with your project. While it may seem like a challenging project, even a DIY Homeowner with minimal experience can design and layout their own kitchen with accurate measurements and a couple of templates. This could save you a significant amount of money by not using a kitchen designer.
In the event that you think this is a project that you are comfortable tackling, you can either use a kitchen designer or go to one of the home improvement centers and take advantage of their free design services.
There are several factors that are going to affect the cost of your cabinets: cabinet brand, construction, wood type, and features. It is important to research all of your options. What you will find is that a higher price doesn't always correspond with higher quality, and some of the lesser-known cabinet lines will actually have a stronger construction.
There are however, a few general kitchen cabinet buying tips that may help you in your kitchen cabinet research.
Kitchen Cabinet Wood Choices
Whether you are buying custom made cabinets, stock cabinets, or RTA cabinets, they will all offer a wide range of wood choices. Solid hardwood cabinets, such as Cherry, Maple, Birch, Hickory and Oak typically cost much more than laminate or veneer finished cabinets.
Face Framed Kitchen Cabinets
Face framed kitchen cabinet construction is the most prevalent kitchen cabinet construction type in the United States and usually it is lower cost. This construction technique involves the building of a kitchen cabinet face out of hardwood pieces. Typically the cabinet face is constructed using several 1"x 2" vertical and horizontal hardwood pieces. The face frame is then married to the front of a particleboard or solid plywood kitchen cabinet box. It is highly recommended that you try to find cabinets that use solid wood or solid plywood for the cabinet box.
Particleboard and Fiberboard will have a tendency to sag or warp over time from moisture. Even mid-priced RTA cabinets are available that are made from solid Plywood sides. Hardwood or veneered/laminated cabinet doors and drawer faces, are then attached via hinges and roller mechanisms to the face frame and cabinet box.
Frameless (European-Style) Kitchen Cabinets
Frameless kitchen cabinet construction is becoming increasingly popular today as frameless kitchen cabinets are considered to be more contemporary. With frameless cabinets there is no face frame. The kitchen cabinet doors attach directly to the sides of the cabinet and are secured with pins and dowels. The advantages of this type of construction, is that there is wider access into the cabinet space and the hinges are completely hidden. Typically "ready-to-install" kitchen cabinets are constructed in this manner.
Kitchen Cabinet Finishes
There are many Kitchen cabinet finishes to choose from when using natural woods. Cabinet finishes include stain, paint and glazing options. In addition there are my types of distressing techniques that can also be employed on kitchen cabinet surfaces. Some options include Rasping, Antiquing and Rub-thru.
There are also many types of laminates that you can choose from.
Kitchen Cabinet Sizes
Kitchen cabinets come in a variety of standard shapes and sizes, however custom sizes can also be easily specified and manufactured - at a price. Standards kitchen cabinet sizes, known as stock cabinets, are usually much more affordable then custom or semi-custom cabinets and usually have shorter lead times. Most manufacturers, unless custom built, stock universal sizes so if you have a kitchen designed at supply store or by a designer it will usually be transferable to another cabinet line.
Kitchen Cabinet Quality
If you plan on living in your home for many years, do not skimp on your kitchen cabinets. They are constantly used and abused, and only the sturdiest will stand the test of time.
The best kitchen cabinets employ solid frames, doors and drawers and are fully self-contained (closed backs), with reinforced corners. As I mentioned before, it is important to look for cabinets that have a plywood box versus particleboard or fiberboard. This is why it is important to look at all of the cabinet lines that are available, even cabinets that are sold on-line.Labels: kitchen cabinet, tips and tricks |
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| Before You Buy Cabinets |
Before you buy cabinets for your new kitchen or bathroom remodel, there are some important things you should know and important questions you need to answer. This guide can help you zero in on the basics of buying cabinets, including budget, size, style, quality, construction, and finish. These should all be considered before you make a final decision to buy.
Set the Budget for Your Cabinets
Cabinets account for 40% to 50% of the total cost of your kitchen or bathroom remodeling project, so setting your total budget figure will be one of the first things you’ll need to do. But don’t let this decision scare you off. The cabinets you select will set the tone of your new kitchen or bathroom and play a major role in transforming your space.
Measure Your Space for the Cabinets
You’ll eventually want a professional to come to your home and look at your space, but you should measure your area and think about where you might want the new cabinets to fit. With these preliminary measurements in hand, you’ll be able to give more accurate information to the salesman at the home center or kitchen store, and he’ll be able to give you more precise estimates and ideas for your project.
Choose Stock, Semi-Custom, or Custom Cabinets
Stock cabinets are least expensive, are constructed in standard shapes and sizes, and are available in a limited number of woods or styles. Semi-custom cabinets are factory-built in standard sizes, with many options for storage, design and style. The high end of cabinet construction is custom cabinets. They are constructed in either a workroom to designer specifications or on-site in any style and finish.
So Many Options in Cabinet Design
Stock cabinets offer few options beyond drawers and cupboards. But semi-custom and custom cabinets provide endless solutions to your storage needs. Pullout shelves for pans, a lazy Susan, a wine rack, vertical dividers for trays and cookie sheets, an appliance garage, or pullout bins are some of the standard add-ons. If you have a space too narrow for a cabinet and counter, a tall pantry closet provides lots of space, either for pots and pans in the kitchen or towels in the bath.
You Have a Choice in Quality of Cabinets
If you’ll live in the home for a short time, you can select a basic style of cabinets. But if this is going to be your “dream kitchen” or bath, you should look for top-quality construction. Cabinets should have solid frames, door and drawer fronts, reinforced corners and closed backs. Drawers and doors of cabinets will be opened and closed many times a day and should operate smoothly and quietly. The finish on the wood should be smooth.
Choose Your Decorating Style for Your Cabinets
Look in magazines and stores to find what look you like. Stock cabinets come in a limited number of styles, whereas semi-custom and custom cabinets offer more choices. Choose a style that blends well with the architecture of your home as well as the interior design of the other rooms. You can choose natural wood finish in a number of colors and woods, painted or stained, or laminate finished.Labels: kitchen cabinet, tips and tricks |
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| Family Rooms |
Which room is the family room anyway? These days rooms are multi-tasking, so this question isn't as silly as it sounds. Older homes tend to have a formal living room and a den, while the newer, modern homes have a 'great room' which combines a family room and living room. So, the family room specifically is an informal, all-purpose room usually used for recreation. So how do you decorate this room to make it a pleasant, special place for the family to come together and enjoy themselves? It presents challenges, particularly if you are decorating a family room on a budget.
Create a Focal Point
Whatever makes your family room stand out should be the main focal point. So, if you have a beautiful painting or a stunning fireplace, accent it with lighting or furniture arrangements that draw the eye to this feature.
Try not to make the television set the focal point of your family room - we all know it really is, but you don't have to advertise it! If you have a big, old bulky TV - use an entertainment center so you can hide it when you have guests. The flat screens are much nicer to work into a decor, as they are not so obtrusive and don't take up so much room. Either way, just try not to have it as the first thing you see when someone enters the room.
Furnishings
Two things to keep in mind when furnishing your family room are comfort and durability. Must-haves for family rooms are:
A comfortable durable sofa and/or soft large chairs that you can relax in
Plenty of tables to set drinks on
A table to play games on
A television with a cabinet, preferably with doors so it can be closed off when not in use
Lighting that can be adjusted for function
Plenty of storage space for books, games and toys
Large Family Rooms
If you think decorating a small family room on a budget is difficult, decorating a larger family room or great room inexpensively is even more of a challenge. Keep the following in mind when planning your decorating project or budget makeover for your family's larger space:
Divide the space up into different areas with furniture – don’t place your furniture around the walls in the room.
Create little areas for specific tasks within the room.
If you have a fireplace, create a seating area around it.
Make a play area for kids in another portion of the room with a table for them and places for their toys.
Create a seating area for watching television.
Make sure there are plenty of places to put snacks and drinks - the old Southern rule is everyone seated should be able to reach a spot to place their drink.
Keep these tips in mind when decorating a family room, and remember, your ultimate goal is to make your family room a place that you will all remember as a warm, inviting gathering place where life was lived and memories made.Labels: interior design, tips and tricks |
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| Eight Step To A Beautiful Home. |
1 - FLOORING
Like most large things in our home, flooring choices are extremely important in practicality, function and design. Our flooring is the first step and foundation for building our decorating scheme. Before you decide on floor coverings, consider how the room will be used and what kind of wear and traffic it will have. For instance, kitchens and bathrooms are hard wear areas and should have tough flooring while living spaces and bedrooms usually need the warmth of area rugs or carpet. What is appropriate for some rooms will not be appropriate for others. Decide whether you need hard or soft flooring before considering color choices.
It is best to choose a key/inspiration item before attempting to choose flooring colors. If you haven't, choose what you like best for your home and then find a key fabric or item that works well with the flooring choices. Now, start building from there. Floors take a tougher beating than any other surface in your home and are comparatively expensive to cover. In terms of appearance and durability it is always worth buying the best quality you can afford.
Do not make decisions about purchasing new flooring until you are sure you cannot revitalize the existing floor in any way. For example, old wood floors can be sanded down and resealed giving them new life, carpets can be stained or painted, and tiles can be painted or stenciled. Hopefully you are beginning to get the picture. Try being creative with what you have before spending the money it will take to replace these items.
2 - WALLS.....TRIM.....MOLDING
Paint, wallpaper, and architectural moldings each have a purpose in your decorating project. They are the backdrops for everything else you do. I consider these elements to be the second step in your decorating project. The mood, ambience, personality, charm and style of your room or home are all effected by these components. Your flooring and key/inspiration items should be the springboard for the color and style choices that need to be made for your walls, trim and moldings. Remember that personal choice and family personality traits are always the bottom line. Your home is a reflection of you and your family, and it should be pleasing to you
3 - FURNITURE
Furniture (including accent furniture) is singularly the most high-priced decorative expense you will have in your home once you take into consideration that the flooring and walls are already permanent fixtures. Furniture choices are the third step in designing your room or home.
First, we must define the uses and needs of a particular room. In some cases it is obvious, while in others, our lifestyle and purpose for this space will dictate the style and pieces needed. Ask yourself these questions first:
1. Who will use this room most often?
2. What activities will occur in the room?
3. How often will the room be used?
4. How much sunlight will my selected fabrics be exposed to?
5. What look and style do I prefer?
6. Is storage area or desk space needed?
7. What colors will I like to live with?
Once you have taken the time to consider these above questions, the huge array of choices will be narrowed for you. Large upholstered pieces are a big investment, so I suggest you consider buying solid or tone on tone classic pieces in colors that are versatile and compatible with many styles and colors schemes. I then would recommend bringing in pattern on the smaller accent furniture pieces, accent pillows and window treatments. By the time you finish the third step of your design project, excitement is in the air. It's starting to look like something wonderful! Be patient, you're not done yet. It is very important to follow through with the remaining five steps!
4 - WINDOW TREATMENTS, BEDDING ENSEMBLES, ACCENT PILLOWS
Window treatments, bedding ensembles and accent pillows in most homes are an essential decor and functional necessity. The latter two is more decorative than functional. Window treatments can be both. These elements are the fourth step in achieving a beautifully decorated home.
Your choice of window treatments will vary, depending on what you want the particular treatment to accomplish. This is where you must start! Consider some of the following questions:
1. Do I need privacy?
2. Does privacy need to be partial or total?
3. Is filtered sunlight okay?
4. Do I want as much sunlight as possible?
5. Do I have a good view I would like to frame?
6. Do I want function only, or both function and window décor?
7. Do I want to block out the view through the window?
8. Do I want the window(s) to be decorative focal point in the
room?
9. How important is the ease of control?
Once you have decided on the objective for your window treatment, your options for choice become more manageable. Soft treatments are just what the name describes… fabric window treatments. Hard treatments are blinds, shades, shutters, and verticals. Each has a very distinctive purpose, so think this through carefully.
In each style imaginable, fabric choices and trims add thousands of different looks and possibilities. Patterned fabric, solids, textures, stripes, plaids, sheers, semi-sheers, etc. can all become the most dazzling window treatment(s). Your taste, style, color scheme and required function are the variables that should be considered before you decide what type of window treatment you want to have for your home.
How we dress our beds is an important element to the decorating of any bedroom. There are so many different ways and styles to utilize. The bed should be the focal point of any bedroom, so your bedding choices and decorations are significant to the overall design of the bedroom. This is true even for children's rooms.
Accent pillows are an important and valuable decorating asset for your design project. They are an inexpensive way to balance color, pattern and create personality for any room.
5 - LIGHTING YOUR HOME
Proper lighting provides illumination, creates interest, improves safety, and establishes mood and ambiance. Good lighting is both functional and decorative, and careful planning will give you the best results for both attributes. The amount of lighting needed will vary depending on the wall color, natural light available and personal preferences. Lighting becomes the fifth step in decorating a room or home. We are building each step as a building block on the previous; as a result the lighting choices are narrowed due to the earlier steps being completed first. Lighting should address both the functional and decorative needs in each room in your home. After determining the activities that take place in each room, establish what lighting elements will be necessary to accomplish the job.
6 - ARTWORK
Art is a powerful accessory if used and hung properly in the home. It adds style, color, personality, charm, wit, elegance, beauty and just about any other adjective you can imagine. Your personal taste is the most important factor when choosing art for your home. It should be a reflection of your personality and preferences and is the sixth step in decorating a room or home.
Artwork framed or unframed is a picture of objects, scenes, landscapes, people, animals, etc. that you enjoy looking at. It can be found everywhere and anywhere! The challenge of finding just the right thing can be a fun adventure. Do not rule out any possible source. I have seen wonderful art at hardware stores, garage sales, auctions, and flea markets and in local bed and bath shops. Look everywhere! The obvious places to look are art galleries, furniture stores, home decorating specialty stores, craft stores, antique shops and accessory stores. Do not forget to check your Grandmothers attic!
7 - ACCESSORIES
Accessories give your home a lived in, comfortable look. They are invaluable in helping to achieve color and design balance. The accessories and artwork in your home are direct reflections of your interests, personality, taste and style. They do not have to be expensive to achieve the goal. Color, scale and balance are far more important than monetary value. Accessories are the seventh step in achieving a beautifully decorated room or home. Without them a home will feel cold and incomplete
8 - FLORAL/GREENERY
In my opinion, trees, greenery and floral arrangements are the final and eighth important element in a completed design project and they should not be ignored. Flowers and greenery provide life, interest, balance, color, sizzle, impact and drama. Their part in the overall-decorating scheme is vital to a beautiful room or home.
Happy DecoratingLabels: interior design, tips and tricks |
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| Do it Yourself Home Security System |
You see the ads on TV all the time for home security companies with their $99.00 install special. Sounds great for the peace of mind and all that! They don't tell you about the monthly charges of $49.95 and more and a 3 year contract. That adds up to a ton of money for sure.
If you happen to have lots of dough lying around you can get your own security guards or ultra modern surveillance system or guard dogs or.....well you get the idea. Home security is really only limited by how much money you want to spend.
A burglary happens every 15 seconds and annually 17% of all domiciles were violated by a burglar. That means on average that if you stay in your home for six years-on average- you will be burglarized-not a pleasant thought.
Of course you can do many things to your property to make it less attractive to a burglar. When the bad guys go 'shopping' for their next victim they look for an easy mark. They don't want any trouble.
Here are some inexpensive ways to help prevent home burglaries and provide some security for your most valued possession-your home.
Motion Activated Spotlights--are easy to install, relatively inexpensive lighting systems activated by motion detectors. One of the things burglars don't like is LIGHT.
Signs For an Alarm Company--if they see a sign that the property is protected by an alarm system even if you don't have one they are much less likely to target the home.
Neighborhood Watch Program Signs--if you don't have a Neighborhood Watch Program set up-start one.
Dummy Surveillance Cameras--dummy surveillance cameras have a proven track record in reducing.
NRA Stickers--send a signal to a potential burglar that an occupant of the home may be armed.
Window and Door Alarms-are set to trigger an alarm if they are opened. The bad guys don't need/want the attention.
On the medium side expense wise are a wired indoor/outdoor Infrared IP Surveillance System at less than $400.00 and the USB DVR 4 Channel Surveillance System at less than $500.00. Both of these options are easy to use and install giving you the added capability of watching your home from any where on the internet.
The big thing though is you can do all of this yourself for a lot less money than the security companies will charge you. A great price for some peace of mind and some protection for your most valuable asset-your home!Labels: alarm systems, tips and tricks |
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| Home alarm systems home security tips |
Alarm systems can significantly enhance security if installed and used properly.
Phony "Warning: These Premises Protected by the Acme Alarm Company" signs are usually not effective; a serious burglar need only look in the telephone directory to see whether an alarm company exists. Most companies won't let non-customers display their emblem, and the burglars know that, too. There's no harm in using such signs, but don't "expect" them to provide any protection.
If you are hiring out to have your home alarm installed, always use a licensed vendor to install, repair, or service an alarm system. While licenses do not guarantee honesty, it does indicate that the vendor has registered with the state, and has met the specified minimum criteria for your locale. In most cases, a license is predicated upon proof of adequate insurance and/or bonding, so you have that protection as well.
Local alarm systems (those which sound only on the protected premises) are much less effective, especially when local ordinances limit the time for which the signal can sound to avoid nuisance disturbance of neighbors. If you invest in such an alarm, you are counting on conscientious neighbors to call the police to respond. Having the signals from your alarm system monitored by a licensed vendor better assures that you get the protection you pay for when you install an alarm system. Other systems will dial your number at work or your cell phone and inform you of an alarm at home.
Remember the best alarm systems rely on phone lines. Check where the lines attach to the house. If they attach at the ground floor level, they should be routed through metal conduit to prevent them from being cut.
The best alarm systems are those which combine perimeter and interior detection devices. Every door should be protected with some type of switch device. Covering every window (or even every "downstairs window" in multi-story houses) can get very expensive very quickly; your decision should be guided by local experience with criminal entry through windows; if that's a common occurrence in your area, window protection is probably advisable. If not, interior protection may be adequate. If window protection is needed, glass-break sensors are the preferred device.
Interior devices cover a volume of space, and are typically wall-mounted. The least-susceptible to false alarm are passive infra-red sensors (which are really thermostats that detect the presence of a human intruder by comparing the 98.6 degree body heat to the usual ambient temperature in occupied space which is typically between fifty-five and seventy-five degrees). Pets, air currents, rodents, and other similar sources will not set off passive infrared devices, and thus generate minimal false alarms. Don't forget to provide coverage for any attic access in exposed or semi-exposed locations (like the garage). Consider installing one or more panic buttons at fixed locations, or obtaining one or more such devices which can be worn on a chain or key chain if you have members of the family with health problems or limited mobility.
You'll need to decide whether you intend to use the system when you're home, or only when you're out. If you want protection when you're at home, the system will have to have "zones" so you can arm the perimeter while leaving occupants freedom to move about.
Every system has a control panel of some type. In most home security systems, the controls are concealed in a closet or utility room, and only the controls necessary to operate the system are in occupied space. In most systems, these controls take the form of a touch-pad resembling the one on your telephone. You "arm" or "disarm" the system by punching in a code. Most users find it convenient for all members of the family to use the same code, but many systems are capable of multiple codes. Some systems are also capable of using arm codes with one less digit that the disarm codes, allowing you to have a household worker turn the system on when they leave, but unable to turn the system off. You'll need to consider how you want to use the system before making a decision about type and installation.
Installing the keypad inside the protected space prevents any access by unauthorized persons, but necessitates that there be a delay in signaling an intrusion (at least from the entrance where the control is located) in order to allow sufficient time for a family member to disarm the system upon entering. You can eliminate this delay by installing the touch-pad outside the protected perimeter. While this does subject the pad to attack, you can minimize the risk by installing it inside the garage rather than at the front door. Many people come and go through their garages, and inside installation of the touch-pad minimizes any opportunity for someone to attempt to defeat the system through that device.
If you have high-value assets inside your home, there are supplemental devices available to extend alarm protection to these items. You can alarm a closet used as an inside "strong-room", a display case for collectibles, a safe or vault, or wall-hung artwork. Any competent alarm vendor can assist in devising a means to protect almost any asset.
Alarm systems don't eat, sleep, get bored, or take vacations. They are, however, electro-mechanical devices subject to failure, and must be tested regularly to ensure they work as designed. Set up a test schedule with your vendor or alarm company; at least once monthly is highly recommended. If your alarm is a wireless system make sure it is self monitoring and will signal you if a battery is low.Labels: alarm systems, tips and tricks |
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| Decorating a Reading Nook |
Decorating a reading nook or corner can be an investment in your child's future. When children discover books, a new world opens up to them, both now and in the future. According to the National Children's Reading Foundation's website, "Just 20 minutes a day reading aloud to to young children promotes family bonding, encourages listening and language skills, and gives children a strong reading foundation." One of the ways you can promote your child's love of reading is to make intimate one-on-one time in a space decorated just for sitting and reading with your children. Don't have a space? Here are some ideas to get you started.
1. Room for all. Find an overstuffed chair wide enough for the two of you. An ideal chair is a chair and a half, which is slightly smaller than a loveseat and ideal if you are reading to several children. Kids love to snuggle with their parents! (And parents love to snuggle with their kids!)
2. Reading light. Make sure that there is proper lighting near your chair. Use soft, reader-friendly bulbs in lamps which are the correct position to prevent light from shining directly at eye height. You don't want to read with glare in your eyes.
3. Tableside. Find a table to put beside the chair to hold the lamp, glasses or additional books. Make it sturdy enough so that kids cannot accidentally tip it over when climbing on your lap and big enough to hold a cup of tea.
4. Bookcase. Buy or build bookcases to put near the chair at a height just short enough that your child’s favorite books are easily accessible. This makes it easy to have your child choose a favorite book for reading together.
5. Footstool. An ottoman or footstool is a wonderful place to comfortably rest your feet while reading. And when your child is older and thinks he has outgrown snuggling, it is a perfect place for him/her to sit.
6. Bean bags. As your child gets older and is reading on his own, invest in bean bag chairs. Children love to “slouch” in bean bags and read. If bean bags aren't available, an alternative may be a rug or maybe even a big pillow on the floor. The most important thing is that your child is comfortable.
It's easy to turn a small space in your home into a cozy reading nook for your children. And there is a bonus - in this era of computer games and cellphone, a quiet corner is also a great space for Mom and Dad to spend reading that latest summer page-turner.Labels: home decor, reading nook, tips and tricks |
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| Create Stone Patio Designs |
In planning do it yourself stone patio designs, the first step you need to take is to determine what type of stone and what size.
Even for a patio, you can use the larger stepping stones, but while flagstone patio designs are popular in their own right, it is more common to use a cobblestone or patio pavers with patio paver designs, which are usually more uniform in shape and size, making it easier to lay in unison.
There are endless varieties of colors, shapes and sizes of paver stones, so this is often a good choice to go with for more options when it comes to creating stone patio designs.
Once you have determined the type of stone you will use and the quantity necessary from the supplier or hardware store, it is extremely important to determine the design you will use on the stone patio before you get started. You will not be successful at laying the stones yourself if you wait until you are in the middle of the project to determine how you want them laid. There are a variety of design books, landscaping magazines and online tools that can help you with patio design ideas.
The steps you need to take to create your stone patio design, is as follows:
1. Excavate the area, to between 2 ½ and 4 inches deep. How deep you excavate will depend on how thick the stones are and will also depend on how much slope you need to consider in the patio design. Also make sure to consider where you will place all of the extra soil and dirt once it is removed from the design area. You may want to create a frame out of 2 by 4s, to allow you to stay within your desired area, if your excavated area is not that deep.
2. Compact the excavated area. It is necessary to completely smooth out the area to ensure that there will not be any unevenness in your design.
3. You will likely be using compacted sand for your base material and will need at least 1 inch to cover the entire excavated area. Pour the base and use a 2 by 4 to even out the base material. Remember if you are using sand, you will need to dampen the sand before placing it in the excavated area, to allow for easily laying the stones. Be sure to place at least 1 inch of material before moving on to the stones. You may need more base material if you live in a cold climate area.
4. Although it is the most simple of instructions, placing the stones will be the most time consuming, as it is important to place them evenly so that you will not have to go back and fix them at a later date.
5. After all the stones have been placed correctly, it is important to restrain them around the perimeter before compacting the stones. Most experts will recommend an aluminum or plastic edging to help in maintaining the stones in bad weather.
6. The next step is compact the stones. In order to properly compact the stones, it is suggested to use a vibrating plate compactor for the best results.
7. The final step will be to pour the remaining cracks with sand. Almost all patio designers will suggest using irregular sharp sand, which helps to create an interlocking action between the stones. It will help to keep the stones from coming loose. Be sure to fill the joints to the top.
8. Compact the stones again after adding the sand. If necessary spray down the stones to clean up and your stone patio design is complete!Labels: landscape, stone, tips and tricks |
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| Interior Design Tricks to Make Your Bedroom Look Bigger |
The idea of a sprawling bedroom is appealing to some people, but many of us have only a small space to work with. Luckily, with a few interior design tricks, you can maximize the space in your bedroom. Here are 7 quick tips for making your small bedroom look bigger.
Tip 1: Clean, Clean, Clean
When space is at a premium, you don't want your lovely bedroom furniture to compete with scattered collections of books, shoes, and clothing. Keep your open spaces clear and orderly by using clever ways to hide the clutter. Keep your closet closed. Look for shelves and armoires that can be drawn shut to keep contents out of sight. Table and bed skirts are also great ways to make the room look tidier.
Tip 2: Keep Open Spaces Open
Don't close off your precious floor space with too-big furniture or too many pieces. Opt for smaller furnishings with clean, simple designs. Modern furniture is a great choice. Chaise loungers and ottomans leave more open space than heavily cushioned couches. Shove your furniture up against the walls to make the most of your space, and always leave a clear walkway through the bedroom.
Tip 3: Lighten Up!
You might have heard that dark colors are slimming. That's true for interior decorating, too. If you fill your room with dark furniture, dark carpeting, and dark walls, you'll make it look smaller than it really is. To get the opposite effect, use light-colored neutrals or pastels to open up the room.
Tip 4: Keep it in the Family
The color family, that is. For example, if you've decided on a blue color palette for your bedroom, use a variety of pale blue hues that complement each other on your fabrics and upholstery. This will give the room a monochromatic look that's anything but boring. It will also make the bedroom appear wider and more open.
Tip 5: Match it Up
If you have bedroom furniture, drapes, and sheets all in contrasting colors or busy patterns, you're breaking up the natural continuity of the bedroom and making it appear fragmented and small. Instead, match the furniture to the walls and the drapes. You don't have to use the exact same color on everything, but keep the tones similar.
Tip 6: Let There be Light
Nothing brightens up a room like ambient light, be it natural or artificial. Be creative with your use of luminosity. Hang wall sconces and use drop-down ceiling lights that don't take up floor space. Opt for sheer curtains, and place candle arrangements in front of mirrors for a sense of depth and space.
Tip 7: Bigger is Better
It might seem counterintuitive, but a few quality pieces of large furniture in a small bedroom look less crowded than several smaller pieces. Choose your bedroom furniture with care. Only select pieces that harmonize well with your color scheme, and look for ottomans and tables with hidden storage spaces.
These interior design tips can be put to good use by anyone with a small space they want to enlarge. With a few subtle changes, you'll soon have an attractive bedroom that's comfortable enough to relax in - and that's the whole point, isn't it?Labels: bedroom, tips and tricks |
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