How Update A Bakers Rack

Nearly everyone needs more storage and display space in the kitchen. Bakers racks have become an affordable and attractive solution. Unfortunately, kitchen styles change and your old bakers rack may be a bit dated or may not match anymore. There are several ways to revamp that old rack so it fits your home today. Does this Spark an idea?

Paint

Wash your bakers rack well to remove kitchen grease, dust or grime, then use a good quality spray paint to change the color. Classic black is a good choice, but a bold color may work on a rack with simple, clean lines. You can even choose interesting metallic finishes such as bronze, hammered metal or stainless steel. Select a finish that meshes well with the style of your kitchen. Paint in thin, even coats, allowing each to dry thoroughly. Finish with a spray-on sealer if desired.

Move It

A bakers rack that looks dated or uninteresting in the kitchen may work well elsewhere. Move it to an entryway or mudroom to store baskets for shoes, winter wear, keys and bags. In the bathroom, towels will fit on a bakers rack, as well as containers for toiletries and cleaning supplies and other bathroom necessities. Put an old rack to work on the porch holding recycling, planting supplies and the kids' outdoor toys.

Refashion

You may be able to update a bakers rack simply by updating what sits on it. Clear everything off and decide what to store. Display a collection, store cookbooks, or provide additional serving space in your kitchen. For a classic but pretty and fresh look, combine greenery, a tall lamp, and some attractive cookbooks and family photos on your bakers rack. Often, all that is needed for a fresh look is a new arrangement of items and elimination of daily household clutter.

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Traditional Bathroom Wall Lights

Traditional bathroom lighting can range from simple to elegant and elaborate.

Wall lights in a bathroom provide the illumination you need to get ready for work every morning and, in the evening, that hard-earned night on the town. A broad range of bathroom fixtures can provide the light you need. But you also want fixtures that complement the decor in your bathroom. If your tastes run toward the traditional, you won't have any problem finding fixtures that are both practical and stylish. Does this Spark an idea?

Wall Sconces

A wall sconce is a light fixture attached to the wall with a decorative shield covering the bulb. In a bathroom, a sconce is typically mounted on each side of the mirror above the sink or vanity. Sconces come in a variety of shapes and designs to fit your bathroom theme. Among traditional styles are Art Deco, etched glass and shell-shaped. Sconces are available in a variety of finishes, including glazed, metallic and ceramic bisque.

Vanity Lights

Vanity lights are directly above the bathroom mirror. They typically feature three or more lights in a row. Vanity lights come in a variety of designs, including crystal, colored glass and stained glass. Outfitted with high-wattage bulbs, they do a more than adequate job of illuminating the entire room.

Chandeliers

If you like the shabby-chic look, consider a mini-chandelier sconce on each side of your mirror. Mini-chandelier sconces complement a bathroom featuring such old-fashioned decor as a claw foot bathtub and a subway tile floor. Alternatively, choose a larger rustic white chandelier, and hang it from the ceiling elsewhere in your bathroom. Chandeliers can often be found in thrift stores.

Candles

Many hardware stores sell faux candle sconces, available in brass, wrought iron and metal. For a gothic look, simply mount these sconces alongside the vanity mirror. Most of these sconces use electric candles which hook into the wall via wiring. As with the chandelier, you might browse the thrift store for vintage candle sconces. Have them rewired, and use them in your bathroom.

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Cut Cast Iron Vent Pipes

Cast iron pipe is strong, but brittle.

Both old sewer lines and vent pipes were sometimes made of cast iron. Though cast iron pipes are strong and heavy, they can be brittle. Separating one piece of cast iron vent pipe from another requires some form of cutting. The best and quickest option is removing the section using a snap cutter. Snap cutters can be purchased, but may be available for rent for limited usage. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Mark the cast iron vent pipe at the two places where it needs to be cut, using a felt tip pen. Wrap the chain on the end of the cutter around the pipe at one of the marks.

2. Open the cutter's two handles fully, and pull the chain taut around the pipe. Fasten the closest link of chain to the hook at the end of the snap cutter's handle. The chain is attached to the end of one handle, and the hook is attached to the end of the other handle. Check that the chain is resting on the mark on the pipe.

3. Holding one handle in each hand, push them together quickly. The chain will create a clean straight break around the pipe. Open the cutter's handles, and remove the chain from the pipe. Repeat this process at the other mark on the pipe.

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Mix Louver & Solid Shutters

All the shutters on your home do not have to exactly match, as long as they complement one another.

Mix louver and solid shutters to create a cohesive looking exterior design. If your budget allows, one option is to bring in some shutters that have both a solid and louver look to them. Hang them in a window that is centered between your louver and solid shutters. Otherwise, decorate the shutters and their surroundings to tie in the two different types. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. A little color can make a big difference in the appearance of a home.

Paint or stain all of the shutters the same color. If they are made of plastic, use a very sticky paint that contains urethane. If you are staining wooden shutters, make sure to paint all six sides to avoid moisture damage.

2. Painting the entire surface, including the hardware, is always an option to make everything match.

Change all of the hardware to the same style and color. For example, all the knobs and hinges on the shutters could be changed to a classic white or modern chrome.

3. Install the same style of shutters symmetrically to create a cohesive looking pattern to your mismatched shutters.

Alternate the different styles around your house. For example, mix louver and solid shutters by having the solid ones on the outside corners and the louver ones on either side of your front door.

4. Keep your your outdoor window decor simple and uncluttered.

Place complementary decor on window sills and on the exterior of your home. For example, hang outdoor wrought iron decorations in similar designs around the windows such as in the shape of suns, moons and stars.

5. Complementary window treatments complete the look.

Hang window treatments inside your home that are similar in style and color, when they are on the same exterior wall. Another option to mix louver and solid shutters is to hang indoor shutters in the window that are painted or stained a complementary color.

Tags: louver solid, solid shutters, your home, cohesive looking, create cohesive, create cohesive looking, louver solid shutters

About Decorative Wrought Iron Coat Hooks

Decorative wrought iron is an attractive choice for coat hooks.

Decorative wrought iron coat hooks are an attractive and sturdy way to organize your home. Whether used in an entryway to hold coats and dog leashes, a bathroom for towels or a bedroom for clothing, wrought iron coat hooks have plenty of uses. Being made of wrought iron makes them durable and useful, and you have a range of designs to customize for any decor style. Does this Spark an idea?

Material

Wrought iron is made from cast iron that's been melted on a bed of iron oxide. After it's been melted, the iron's chemical properties change, causing its melting point to rise. In turn, the iron's consistency changes, so it's time to remove from the fire and hammer into shape. Wrought iron is strong and tough and can be welded and forged.

Benefits

Wrought iron is "durable, it withstands the ravages of water, and it gains charm with years," notes Maxwell Aryton and Arnold Silcock in "Wrought Iron." Other benefits specific to coat hooks are wrought iron's ability to be shaped into almost any design, its classic black color, its timeless look and, for the best well-made iron, its ability to last for a number of decades. Some examples of Victorian and colonial wrought iron hooks still remain, even after 100 or 200 years.

Designs

Due to wrought iron's malleability, it can be shaped to look like a number of designs, from country to traditional to ornate. Wrought iron coat hooks can feature a single design attached to the hook that's incorporated into a design (like a row of cats with their tails for hooks), or feature a row of hooks with a design attached above. Wrought iron's popularity as coat hook material is testimony to its varied design styles. One of the most common design features a simple double curved hook, with a ball at the end of each curve. This prevents coats and hats from slipping off of a hook.

Colors

Decorative wrought iron coat hooks come in a small range of customizable colors, depending on the finish. Black is the most common, as it is the color of wrought iron. Hooks can also be rust or brown. Wrought iron may also be spray-painted any color to fit your particular decor.

Care

Occasionally, decorative wrought iron coat hooks will look dusty or stained. To keep them in clean condition, take off the wall and wipe with water and mild dish soap. Keep wrought iron coat hooks indoors to prevent rust.

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About Decorative Wall Accessories

About Decorative Wall Accessories

After painting, remodeling and adding new furniture, sometimes a room still seems incomplete. Almost every type of decor or theme will benefit from a selected style that is displayed on the walls throughout the home. Whether it be country, contemporary or traditional, adding decorative wall accessories to a room will add a sense of warmth. Does this Spark an idea?

Prints

Prints are wall accessories that can be added to a room to create decorative flair and design. Popular prints are florals, cityscapes and landscapes.

Shelves

Shelves placed on a wall are great accessories to add decorative accents, such as photo frames, knick-knacks and scented candles.

Sconces

Sconces are made from wrought iron, metal, wood or ceramic that are formed into a design. They oftentimes are paired together and hold a votive or taper candle.

Mirrors

Mirrors are a great way to add depth and dimension to a room. Mirrors can be paired up for decorating, or they can be functional-good for a quick glance before heading out the door.

Wrought Iron design

Wrought iron is popular among European and country interior design. It can be shaped into unique designs to hold candles, or have hooks to hold clothing and fabric.

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About Decorative Grills For Windows

Decorative grills for windows have been popular for ages.

Decorative window grills have been popular for thousands of years. The designs of the wrought iron grills forged by the Arabs long ago, with their lacy curves and symmetry of design, are favored to this day. Although wrought iron continues to be a favorite choice, today's grills are made of aluminum, vinyl and faux iron, which is an ecologically-friendly alternative. The variety of materials and designs available today can give every home a new look. Does this Spark an idea?

History

Wrought iron has been used for window grills for 2,000 years.

For 2,000 years, iron has been forged into intricate designs for a variety of uses. One of the most common has been for window grills. For reasons of safety and security, they make a stylish addition to every home. With the advent of aluminum and vinyl, choices have multiplied. Today's homeowner can find grills in any material and color from stainless steel to brass to vinyl and aluminum and the perennial favorite, wrought iron.

Benefits

Grills can add strength and safety to windows.

Grills at the window can add strength and security to a house, while offering a timeless architectural touch. The addition of grills instantly gives a home character and beauty, adding a unique look. With the variety of styles and materials from which to choose, you can find the right style for any kind of home.

Materials

The addition of stained glass in a window grill creates a beautiful detail.

Aluminum can be shaped into a sleek and attractive one-piece grill that is stronger than steel yet lightweight. Vinyl grills are usually sandwiched between two plates of insulated glass in a variety of shapes, so your look can be colonial, prairie, classic, chalet, traditional, Victorian, or your own custom design. Faux iron is made from recycled wood, and is available in a large selection of classic designs, or you can create your own. It weighs only one-tenth what conventional wrought iron does, so it is an ideal choice for decorative applications. Wrought iron, which can now be made in every type of iron from stainless steel to brass or cast iron, remains the favorite.

Uses

Decorative grills provide safety and security.

Decorative grills for windows serve a variety of purposes. They provide safety and security. They can add architectural details to the exterior of the house. They provide a level of privacy and give your decor an instant face lift. They provide an architectural embellishment to the exterior of a house, enhancing its curb appeal and adding to the value of the property.

Cost

Vinyl and aluminum are the most affordable treatments. Faux iron is also relatively inexpensive. Any of the steel products, whether it's stainless or cast iron, will be more expensive. Material is only one factor in the price, since the intricacy of the grill design, and whether it's a stock style or a custom design also plays a large role in the cost of the final product.

Tags: Decorative grills, safety security, They provide, window grills, wrought iron, aluminum vinyl

Repair A Metal Gate

Learn fix a sagging metal gate.

All gates eventually sag or develop other problems. A metal gate shares come common problems with other gates, yet it also has its own set of problems. Two common problems that are easy to resolve are a sagging gate and a broken gate hinge. Other problems, such as broken wires or cross braces, may take more effort to repair. If you're a do-it-yourselfer, you can repair most metal gates with a few tools, some supplies and a bit of effort. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Splice any broken wires on the metal gate with a double loop of smooth, bendable wire. Connect both sides of the break with the doubled wire and twist the ends of the wire together. Insert the claw end of the hammer into the smooth wire loop. Twist it several times to draw the wire tighter. Pull the hammer out of the wire, and then turn the twisted excess wire back on itself.

2. Weld metal pieces back on to the gate if they are broken. Add scrap metal if necessary to make the repair. If the metal gate needs additional bracing, weld diagonal brace pieces from the top of the hinge side to the bottom of the latch side of the gate. If the gate is a long one made in sections, add a brace for each section. Spray paint the gate when finished to prevent rust.

3. Inspect the gatepost supporting the gate. Make sure it isn't showing signs of rot or deterioration that can allow the gate to sag. Replace the gatepost if necessary. Also inspect the gatepost holding the latch. Although it doesn't support the weight of the gate, it should also be in good shape.

4. Replace a broken gate hinge. If it's not broken, tighten it on both the gate and the gatepost.

5. Adjust a sagging gate by adjusting the hinge bolt. Determine where the gate is lowest. For example, if it's dragging on the latch side, tighten the upper hinge. Remove the gate from its hinge. Rotate the hinge bolt one full turn and replace the gate to its hinges.

6. Align the latch with the gate. If necessary, reset the latch closer to the post or farther away so that the gate closes properly.

Tags: metal gate, broken gate, broken gate hinge, broken wires, common problems, from hinge, gate hinge

Get Dried Paint Off Furniture

You probably have a love-hate relationship with paint. You love what a fresh coat of paint can do for a room but dread what paint splatters can do to your furniture. If this has happened to you, consider the type of furniture: wood, leather, suede or fabric. Not all paint splatters can be treated equally. Start with the simplest and gentle techniques to protect your furniture. For leather and suede furniture, professional cleaning is the safest way to get the paint out without damaging your furniture.

Instructions

1. Scrape the paint splatters gently with a utility knife or metal putty knife to remove as much of the dried paint as you can. A paint spot on wood furniture with a glossy finish should pop right off.

2. Look for an inconspicuous spot on your furniture where you can test a paint remover product. For hard surfaces, apply the product directly to the stain. Wait a minute or two, depending on the directions on your product.

3. Spray the paint remover product onto a white cloth for upholstry furniture, and wait for it to work for several minutes.

4. Use a clean rag to remove the chemical and, hopefully, the stain. If the stain isn't gone, repeat the application, wait a few minutes and rinse with a clean rag.

5. Clean the area with a gentle household soap to remove any remaining stair or product. For leather or suede, Dove soap is recommended, followed by a gentle rubbing with an old terry cloth wash cloth.

Tags: your furniture, leather suede, paint splatters, paint remover, paint remover product, remover product

Decorate A Plant Stand

A potted plant can add a touch of natural beauty to any space. If you wish to incorporate a living decoration of this type into your space, but don't have an appropriate place to put this plant, consider using a plant stand. Any plant stand, old or new, can be made more aesthetically pleasing with the addition of some decoration. By taking the time to beautify your plant stand, you can make the stand itself as attractive as the plant it holds. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Refinish the stand. If using an old stand, sand away the old varnish or paint and give it a fresh new finish. Using a paintbrush and varnish or paint of your choice, or using a spray-on enamel, refinish the stand, giving it a fresh and clean look.

2. Add decorative painting. Use a fine paintbrush and paint to add appropriate decoration such as ivy vines, strips or swirls, making your stand more distinctive.

3. Create a skirt. Select fabric in a hue that complements your other decor and craft a skirt. Measure the distance from the plant stand top to the floor, as well as the perimeter of the plant stand and craft your skirt to fit these dimensions. Gather the fabric for a flowing skirt, or create a contemporary look by making a sleek skirt that hangs straight. Use hot glue or thumb tacks to attach the skirt to the stand.

4. Add ribbon accents. Use decorative ribbon in a hue that matches your space or accents other colors in the room, and create bows to place on your stand. For an alternate ribbon option, wrap your ribbon around the edge of the plant stand top, creating a clean and polished edge.

Tags: plant stand, plant stand, varnish paint, your space, your stand

Longaberger Pottery Uses

Longaberger makes baskets, vitrified pottery, stoneware and accessories. All Longaberger items are of high quality. Both the vitrified pottery and stoneware can be used in the oven but are not considered oven safe. This means that they will not go from the freezer to a hot oven. However, they will go from the refrigerator to a cool oven or from room temperature to a hot oven. Both the pottery and stoneware items are dishwasher safe. Does this Spark an idea?

Food Preparation and Storage

Both the vitrified pottery and stoneware made by Longaberger is safe to use when preparing or storing food. The design and quality of the pieces create a table setting that is pleasing to the eye. Place the pottery items in the refrigerator for storage or straight into the dishwasher for easy clean up.

Storage

Use Longaberger pottery and stoneware as storage containers for food and other items. Store apples, oranges, grapes, peanuts, candy in areas where individuals have easy access to the items. The pottery and stoneware are attractive and work well with any decor.

Store craft items like sewing items, pencils, pens, crochet hooks, knitting needles in the taller pottery. Be creative and find storage uses for other craft items in smaller pottery pieces.

Use the pottery in the bathroom to store toothbrushes, toothpaste, brushes, combs and make-up. Place artificial plants, seashells, and decorative soap in Longaberger pottery bowls to add decoration to the bathroom area.

Gift Giving

Give Longaberger pottery as gifts to friends and family. Include a recipe with the Longaberger pie plate and give it to a young bride. The pie plate will add to the bride's trousseau while the recipe will help the bride build a collection of items to prepare for her new husband. Take the Longaberger relish tray full of ready to serve vegetables or fruit to a birthday party and present the entire tray as a gift. The guests will enjoy the food while the guest of honor will have a new relish tray.

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Stain Spindles

Spindles are usually made of one piece of wood and are used as supports for furniture and railings. Staining spindles is more difficult than staining a flat or straight piece of wood because they are curved and rounded. Because of the nooks and crannies, the key to staining a spindle is to get an even finish. Staining spindles requires time and patience. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Create space for the spindle to be stained. It is preferable to do it outdoors in order to reduce the clean-up time. If staining indoors or on a deck, place a drop cloth under the spindle and cover all areas where the stain could drip.

2. Prepare the surface to be stained. If sanding is necessary to remove the old finish, gently sand in the direction of the grain with a fine-grand sandpaper. There are two main ways to sand spindles. One is by hand and the other is with a sander. Use a foam sanding block in order to better sand around the curves.

3. Wipe the spindle with a tack cloth. Make sure all dust and particles have been removed.

4. Apply a wood-cleaning solution to the spindles. Rinse the spindle completely and allow to dry.

5. Shake the can of stain in order to mix it up. The tint of stain tends to collect at the bottom of the can. Stir the stain until is thoroughly mixed.

6. Apply a coat of stain to the spindle with a brush. Wipe the spindle with a rag, paying particular attention to the crevices where excess stain will accumulate. It is best to use several light coats, as opposed to one heavy one. Let the spindle dry in between coats. When applying the second or third coats, stain only the parts that are easy to wipe with a rag. Do not stain the crevices again. The goal is to make the color of the easy-to-reach parts match the color in the crevices.

7. There is an alternative method to applying the stain than with a brush. One is a wool mitt on which the inside is lined with rubber and the outside with wool fibers. Dip the glove into the stain, and rub the stain onto the spindle with your fingers with the mitt. This makes it even easier to get the stain into the crevices.

Another method is to use nylon stockings. Dip the stocking into the stain. Holding both ends of the stocking, rub the stain into the crevices.

8. Permit the stain to dry for 24 hours. Touch the spindle with your fingers to see if there are any uneven spots. If so, sand gently and take care not to remove the stain.

9. Apply the final finish to the spindle. There are a wide variety of final finishes to choose from, including a wax.

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Western Theme Decorating

Rugged and outdoorsy describe the essence of Western themed decorating. Perhaps one of the most well used themes in home decor, the Western theme creates a warm, inviting feeling to your home. No matter what your budget, you can redecorate your whole house or add elements here and there to create this look. Does this Spark an idea?

Colors

Colors for a Western theme include honey colored wood, paint and fabrics in browns, forest green, and navy blue, along with rustic wood flooring and black metal such as wrought iron. Use accents colors such as terra-cotta, tans, cream or gray. Incorporate these colors into a room by painting one wall a single color or painting a two-toned wall with an accent color on the bottom.

Furnishing

Western style furniture can be leather, wood, cowhide print upholstery, and wrought iron. Use a bench seat dining table in distressed wood, hang a wagon wheel chandelier, and place wrought iron candle sconces on the walls. Place wooden bar stools at a kitchen bar, and hang wooden blinds or heavy drapes in accent colors. Hand carved log furniture and twig or branch style chairs work well.

Accessories

And finally, pull the whole look together by adding Western themed accessories. Many of these items can be found at second hand stores. A quick and easy way to pull your room together is by scattering a few throw rugs around the room in a cowhide or Native American print. Hang posters or artwork of cowboys or western themed elements and glue on pieces of rope to the frames. Add lampshades with rope embellishment around the edges or decorated with a silhouette of a western figure such as a cowboy, horse or cow skull. Use throw pillows and Afghans with Native American prints, place a potted cactus in the corner of a room, and set old lanterns on end tables.

Tags: wrought iron, Native American, Western theme, Western themed

About Chandeliers

About Chandeliers

It's an exciting decorating trend. The old-fashioned chandelier has been updated by modern designers. What was finicky and cluttered looking at Aunt Bessy's house can be a simplified modern version in yours. These new fixtures blend into traditional and modern decor beautifully, proving that a chandelier is much more than a way to light a room. It sets the mood, creates ambiance and expresses your personality. Does this Spark an idea?

History and Mystery

Think of an old medieval church or monastery with its long echoing halls and large rooms. To light these cloistered environs, chandeliers came into being as fixtures that could hang from the ceiling with "arms" that reached out, bearing lights. From a simple wooden cross holding candles or a clay pot hung on ropes holding oil and a lit wick, to the dazzling, sparkling fixtures of today, chandeliers have come a long way.

Crystal

Crystal chandeliers became the preferred choice in the 17th century, when lead crystal was first developed by a glass maker in England. The addition of lead oxide to rock crystal added shine, sparkle and the ability to refract light. It also became easier to cut and not so brittle that it shattered. The ease of cutting brought on the subsequent artistry we see in crystal chandeliers. Now flickering light bounces off tiers of crystal and flashes all the colors of the rainbow off of dangling pendants and diamond like drops. By the 18th and 19th centuries, ornate crystal chandeliers made a statement of elegance and opulence in the finest homes and palaces in the world.

Color and Design

No longer is a chandelier the one thing in your house you never really look at, and forget to dust. Now it can be a shining red glass chandelier, holding flame shaped bulbs, dripping with pendants and teardrops--vaguely reminiscent of an antique chandelier, but much brighter, shinier and more trendy. Even if it's the only change you make, a new chandelier can makeover your entire room, and in fact, cast a new light on your overall decor. Hurry to a lighting store and gaze at all the choices available.

Originality

Why be like everybody else? Put in a chandelier that is a picture of a chandelier. A simple hanging shade, perfect above your table, printed with a beautiful silver chandelier. Or a glossy black chandelier made of round shapes and featuring little round bulbs. You can hang a replica of a kerosene lamp as a chandelier, or you can have an old wagon wheel made into a chandelier. You can hang two or three sizes of plain white shades together, but paint the insides in the same tree or flower pattern. After all, that's what you see when you're looking up from the table: the inside of the shades. Scout out thrift stores and garage sales, too. If you happen upon an old wrought iron chandelier, snap it up. You can take it home and spray paint it with glossy enamel in any color you like.

Generic or Specific

The generic chandelier, the one you see in model homes in new subdivisions, is often just artificial brass with white globes. It won't offend anyone, but it won't excite them either. Authentic antique chandeliers are very expensive; hopefully you'll inherit one from Aunt Bessy. Reproductions of antique chandeliers range in price depending on how elaborate they are, but are certainly more affordable than a real Baccarat crystal chandelier from a palace in France. Updated, stylized and trendy chandeliers can be as affordable as $300-$400. (See the Lekker Home printed chandelier.) Or they can be as expensive as $1,200. (See the red chandelier from Design Within Reach.) However, there is always the do-it-yourself chandelier you pick up secondhand and paint yourself. That can be the trendiest choice of all, customized for your taste and color scheme.

Tags: About Chandeliers, antique chandeliers, Aunt Bessy, chandelier from, chandelier much

About Ceco Kitchen Sinks

In 1928, the CECO corporation formed in California and began producing cast iron sink and plumbing products. Since its inception, the corporation has expanded its product line to include items like laundry sinks, floor sinks, wood cutting boards and lavatory items. CECO has its manufacturing facilities in Huntington Park, California as of April 2011. Does this Spark an idea?

Customizable Options

You can purchase CECO kitchen sinks with a white, biscuit, almond, bone or black finish. You can also purchase certain kitchen sinks in designer colors like bordeaux and pink. Choose standalone CECO kitchen sink models or models that have a cut-out for insertion of a faucet. Additional customization options include single tub sinks, double tub sinks and combination sinks that have one regular-size tub in addition to a one-third size tub. CECO also manufactures sinks that you can mount underneath your counter or kitchen cabinets.

Specifications

CECO's round vegetable sink measures 18 inches and weighs approximately 30 lbs. CECO's 720 series features single tub sinks ranging from 12 to 30 inches in length and 12 to 20 inches in width, weighing between 20 to 70 lbs. CECO's 730 series includes double tub sinks ranging from 30 to 32 inches in length and 18 to 20 inches in width, weighing between 85 and 90 lbs. Combination tub sinks measure 32 inches in length and 18 inches in width and weigh 85 lbs.

Price

As of April 2011, the retail price for a single tub CECO kitchen sink ranged from $236 up to $665. The retail price for a double tub CECO kitchen sink ranged from $356 to $1,200. Combination kitchen sink prices range from $591 up to $903.

Cleaning

CECO recommends that you use a small amount of powdered sink cleaner to clean everyday stains and food particles from your CECO kitchen sink. CECO warns against using abrasive sponges or steel wool to clean your kitchen sink because these products can scratch the color finish. To minimize the risk of permanent staining, do not place tea bags or other substances that can stain in your sink.

Tags: kitchen sink, CECO kitchen sink, CECO kitchen, inches length, inches length inches, inches width

Gothic Bedroom Colors

Simulate a stone wall in your bedroom.

Just because you paint your room all black does not make it Gothic. Black may be a predominant color in a Gothic theme, but it is not the only color. Grays, silvers, burgundy and deep rich reds are also included in the theme. Gothic d cor incorporates dark woods and metal accents as well as soft-textured fabrics and laces. Bring the color into your Gothic room in a variety of methods as you choose your Gothic bedroom colors. Does this Spark an idea?

Black

Although you may want to paint the whole room black, consider using black as an accent color instead. Paint the bottom half of the wall black and run pinstripes up the top half of the wall. Stamp black painted fleur-de-lis along the top half or free-form scroll work. Another option is to run a Celtic design along the top of the wall scrolled in black, and bring the black up into the ceiling with a color wash of one part water to two parts black paint. Ground the floor with a black rug, or use several smaller throw rugs. A luxurious velvet black comforter with black satin sheets to adorn the bed with matching pillow shams carries black into the room.

Variations of Red

Deep burgundy and blood red are two colors incorporated into the Gothic theme. A wall painted in burgundy may be accented with a stone gray. Design the bottom half of the wall to resemble castle stones as you paint it gray and then draw off-centered rectangles to resemble stones. Add the burgundy to the top half and squiggle a couple of lines down the corner to simulate cracks in the wall. A burgundy satin comforter with sheets and pillow shams mixed with burgundy pillar candles are a good choice.

Blood red looks good with black. Stamp black kisses on a red wall, or dip a brush into the red paint and splatter it onto a black wall. Red lace curtains on the window with red velvet stapled to the walls creates a Gothic look.

Metal

Black ironwork brings in the medieval portion of Gothic. This includes a candelabra next to the bedside or a bed frame, shelving or table of wrought iron, or with legs of wrought iron. Bring silver and pewter tones into the design with the use of frames for artwork and photographs or mirrors. Another option includes shields, swords and gargoyle lamps. Incorporate metal tones into the bedding by the use of tassels or patterns on the pillow shams and comforter. Metal tie backs or metal links may be used as secure bedroom curtains and for draped canopy bed curtains.

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Plant Stand Designs

Plant stands that are anything but traditional add a little excitement to your decor.

Plant stands can be surprisingly expensive for something that just holds up a single bloom, or a few. But the support for the plants is part of their display, so you can't make anything too shabby or secondhand work with your decor. Give some thought to an inventive solution that will be an attention-grabber without turning into a money pit. Park your plants in the center of things as living conversation pieces with perfectly proportioned, if unexpected, support. Does this Spark an idea?

Seat-of-Your-Pants Stand

An old wrought iron garden chair fitted with a large pot can hold a florist's window worth of plants. Just remove the seat platform and fit the empty seat frame with a favorite potted plant. Or measure the opening, buy a pot to fit and fill it with a large fern or colorful annuals. If the seat is level and in good shape, just set smaller potted plants on it as if the chair were a shelf. Put a pot below the seat with a climbing vine that you train over the back of the chair.

Concentric Plant Stand

Green a patio or a bright corner of the sun room with shallow nested terra cotta saucers stacked in a tower. Put the largest saucer on a pedestal, low wall or painted cement block. Set small potted plants inside the saucer around the rim and fill the open center with gravel or small stones. Place the next smallest saucer on the gravel and fill its edges with smaller potted plants. Repeat the gravel layer for one more small saucer. Scatter a few bits of gravel in it for drainage and place a single potted plant on the top saucer to complete the green tower.

Table Tableau

A shallow copper tray makes a centerpiece plant stand on an al fresco dining table. Find a tray that mimics the shape of the table -- rectangular, square or circular. Layer fine gravel in the tray to help with drainage and fill it with small pots of low-growing flowers, herbs and greens. You can mix it up and have violets sharing top billing with spreading chocolate mint or pots of trimmed catnip interspersed with miniature pansies. Keep all the plants low so they don't interfere with conversation around the table. The copper will weather to a nice shade of blue-green as the season progresses.

Rainy Day Plant Stand

A recycled wrought iron umbrella stand fitted with a painted plate becomes an original plant stand in an eclectic living room. The plate covers the top of the umbrella stand to make a platform or shelf for the plant to rest on; use a fancy Chinese restaurant plate to add an ornate note. Put a single show-off plant in a raku or painted ceramic pot on the plate. An orchid spray on this plant stand will look like a sculpture in the room. Underscore the gallery impression by training a small spotlight on the plant.

Tags: potted plants, fill with, fitted with, Plant stands, potted plant

Custom Vs Premanufactured Metal Canopies For Doors

Metal door awnings can be custom-made for a perfect fit.

Metal canopies are bolted onto the side of a house over doorways for many reasons, the most important being protection from the elements. It is must easier to unlock a door in the rain with an canopy over your head. There are two different types available: custom-made and premanufactured. Does this Spark an idea?

Custom Canopies

A custom canopy is designed to your exact specifications, cut to fit over your doorways, and to match or complement the color of your house. Because they are custom-made, these canopies can be any shape that you want.

Premanufactured Canopies

Premanufactured canopies are sold in home improvement stores. They come already painted and ready to install, often with their own hardware. Because they are premade, you are limited to the sizes, shapes and colors that are in stock.

Fun Fact

Metal canopies do not have to be in the standard straight-base-to-curved-awning shape. They can be designed to be flat on top, in an extreme arch, or even in a zigzag pattern.

Tags: Because they, over your

Installation Requirements Of A Wood Cook Stove

Installing a wood cook stove safely.

Installing a wood cook stove has specific safety requirements to follow to prevent fires. A safe installation requires installing a floor and wall protector, proper stove pipe and specific distance placement from unprotected walls or combustible material. A heat shield will provide more protection against fires but is not mandatory. Does this Spark an idea?

Distance Requirements

A wood cook stove should be placed a minimum of 36 inches from an unprotected combustible wall. A protected non-combustible wall has a minimum placement requirement of 18 inches. Placing a protective device or heat shield on the unprotected areas cut those distances in half.

Stove Pipe

A Class A double-walled stove pipe is required to vent a wood cook stove. The double-wall pipe needs to extend through the wall and past the peak of the house 6 feet. A heat ring can be placed around the pipe and attached to the ceiling or wall. A minimum of 18 inches is needed between the stove pipe and combustible wall.

Floor Protectant

A non-combustible floor protectant is required. The minimum dimensions of the floor protectant is 18 inches larger than the base dimensions of the cook stove.

Heat Shield

A heat shield is optional. It reduces distance dimensions by half but does not eliminate the 18-inch floor protectant distance from the side of the wood cook stove with the fire box door.

The heat shield should be made of metal or brick. A 1-inch spacer is required between the combustible wall and heat shield. The back of the wood stove needs a minimum of a 12 inch clearance from the heat shield.

Tags: heat shield, wood cook stove, cook stove, wood cook, combustible wall

Cast Iron Gifts

Cast iron gifts are truly gifts that will last a lifetime, especially if taken care of properly. Iron is the traditional gift for a sixth wedding anniversary. You can find cast iron gifts for everyone, from kitchen pans to an array of decorative items for the home and garden. When you do give a cast iron gift, you may also want to give instructions on take care of it.

Pans

Cast iron pans are great for different kinds of cooks. Some people just enjoy cooking with the heavy cast iron as opposed to aluminum or stainless steal. After year of use, the cast iron pans create a natural seasoning making them almost non-stick. You can also buy cast iron pans for people who enjoy hiking or camping. Cast iron pans come in all shapes and sizes, from small frying pans to large Dutch ovens to even muffin pans.

Wall Art/Home Decor

Find a wide variety of cast iron wall art for your friend or family member to hang in his home. Choose from cast iron wreaths, wall planters, sconces, decorative shelving and many other items. Candle holders are another idea for a cast iron home d cor gift. Candle holders come in so many different styles and sizes for holding only one candle or a whole candelabra to use on a fireplace mantle or as a table centerpiece. Choose gifts that have a purpose besides just dressing up the home. Find a cast iron hook or shelf that hangs on the wall for decorative items as well as for hanging up coats or towels, depending on the size of the hooks. Picture frames are another cast iron gift idea that many people can put to use. Cast iron picture frames also come in all shapes and sizes, ensuring that you can find the ideal one for your friend or family member.

Garden Decorations

If the person you need to buy a gift for enjoys gardening, you can find many ideas for a cast iron gift. Many garden benches are cast iron. You can find statues for the garden that are made from cast iron, however, choose a statue so that you and your friend can actually move, because cast iron is heavy. Buy pots for planting. You can even find garden stakes that are either decorative in themselves, hold colored glass inlays, or cast iron garden stakes that will hold flags.

Tags: cast iron, cast iron, iron pans, cast iron, cast iron gift, iron gift, your friend

Purchase A Bakers Rack

Purchase a Bakers Rack

A baker’s rack is a piece of furniture that can add beauty and functionality to your home. A well-chosen baker’s rack can enhance your décor while providing great storage. Baker's racks come in all shapes, sizes, styles and price ranges, so you’ll want ask yourself a few questions and do a little research before making a purchase. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine how you will use your baker’s rack. Do you want to simply display your special treasures and a few cookbooks? Or do you need some serious storage space with cabinets and lots of shelving? Are you eager to finally have a place for those specialty wines? Would you like to be able to hang your pots and pans?

2. Decide if you prefer wood or metal, and what finish will go well with your existing décor. Wood baker's racks can be painted any color or finished in mahogany, walnut or cherry. Shelves can be wire, wood or glass. Cabinets can be open or enclosed by doors of wood or glass.

3. Know your budget. Baker's racks range in price from as little as $99 to well over $1000. When you begin to shop, knowing what you want to spend will narrow down the choices considerably.

4. Decide if you want to shop online or buy directly from a retail store. Online prices may be more affordable, but often shipping costs are considerable. Also, you may have to assemble the piece when it arrives at your home. At a local retail store, you can see and feel the available baker's racks, but prices are apt to be higher. Both online and local retail shopping are worth looking into.

5. Start shopping! A couple of good websites are listed in the Resources section.

Tags: baker rack, Baker racks, baker racks, Bakers Rack, local retail

Decorate With A Daybed

Decorative Daybed

While daybeds are built in several different styles, one thing that most daybeds have in common is their couch-like shape. Daybeds have a headboard, footboard and a sideboard. Some daybeds even include a trundle bed for an extra person to sleep in. The sideboard is perfect for propping up throw pillows or draping blankets for a couch look. Daybeds are traditionally used in children's rooms or guest rooms, but can serve as seating in living rooms as well. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place your daybed in the room to be decorated. Positioning your daybed can be as important to your overall look as what you put on the bed. If space is a concern, consider positioning your bed into a nook that's seldom used. Another option would be to angle your daybed by placing it diagonally in a corner.

2. Make your bed. Put your dust ruffle between the boxspring and mattress (with the skirt hanging down to the floor). Put your fitted sheet on the mattress, add your top sheet and finish with your bedspread. Add an ottoman to accomplish the feel of comfort and to confirm it as a casual place to sit. If you want an even more convincing "couch look," add a "one size fits all" couch slipcover. The frame of your daybed will fill the slipcover's shape nicely.

3. Place your throw pillows against the sideboard. Arrange them any way you like. Larger pillows will provide the most supportive back cushioning. In choosing prints and textures for your pillows, consider shabby chic designs for a feminine look, or bright, solid colors for a modern look.

4. Place smaller throw pillows against the headboard and footboard. Consider cylinder shapes for an armrest look.

5. Add any finishing touches, such as a chenille throw or stuffed animal. You could also add end tables with plants or photo frames, and a throw rug to tie your space together.

Tags: your daybed, throw pillows, couch look, headboard footboard, pillows against, Place your, throw pillows against

About 1950s Home Decor

About 1950s Home Decor

Curves, waves, Formica, chrome, swivel chairs and barstools, neon clocks and princess phones. America never ventured far from the retro furnishings and stylings of the 1950s. It was a time of temptation and trying new things. A glimpse into the past gives us a nostalgic look back when "think outside the box" was first invented and classical and traditional nearly disappeared from the landscape of the average American home.

Shapes

Until the 1950s, nearly every piece of furniture that could be found was mostly square and rectangular ("boxy") or circular (round). During the 50s, squares, rectangles and circles took on different expressions; and triangles, diamonds, ovals and ellipticals found their way into the minds of designers and home décor specialists.

Comfort

Much of the 1950s home décor was not exactly made for comfort. Each piece was nearly an attention-getter (conversation piece) in and of itself. Plastics, leather, velveteen, hard woods, sharp edges and rough finishes defined that era.

Style Features

The times were known overall as "funky" and modernist. It was the age of etageres and tall bookcases filled with what-nots, doo-dads and other showcase pieces made for mantels and coffee tables, including Big Ben clocks. Faux flooring (called linoleum, which was either solid or had the appearance of tiles) was popular; as was shag carpeting.

Upscale Lifestyles

Those who could afford it were more likely to have an RCA or Quasar console television set, often with combination AM/FM radios and record players for vinyl 45s and 78s. Booth-style and box window seatings were also very popular.

Outdoor Decor

Metal shellback lawn chairs and gliders and Adirondack chairs and tables made wonderful additions to home porches and lawns.

Tags: 1950s Home, 1950s Home Decor, About 1950s, About 1950s Home, Home Decor

7 Ways To Use A Longaberger Crock

Display utensils in a crock.

A Longaberger crock can be used in many ways and will make a beautiful addition to not only your kitchen, but your home office, living room or even the bathroom. Think outside the box and consider the crock a wonderful display vessel for kitchen utensils, pens and pencils, and even your toothbrush or hair accessories. Does this Spark an idea?

Keep Kitchen Utensils Accessible and Organized

Instead of searching through the entire kitchen for your wooden spoons, spatula or kitchen scissors, use a Longaberger crock to keep everything within easy reach. A paprika-colored 2-qt. pickling crock will give you the storage space you need with a beautiful color and design. You can find other styles to match any kitchen, whether it is modern or country. Keep your counters clutter free with a versatile crock.

Store Fruits and Vegetables or Serve Soup and Salads

Display your fruits and vegetables on the counter during a party in a Longaberger classic green pattern Woven Traditions 2-qt. crock. Measuring 6 inches in diameter and 6 1/2 inches deep, it is perfect for grapes, strawberries or a quick salad for two. When you're having a dinner party or family get-together, serve chili or macaroni salad in a Longaberger crock to make a tasty statement on your table.

Prepare Individual Meals and Freeze

Using the 1-pt. salt Longaberger crock to prepare and freeze individual meals ahead of time is a simple solution to quick dinners for one. If you don't have a lot of time to spend cooking in the evening or if you need a simple solution for an easy lunch at work, use your small Longaberger crock with a lid to go from the freezer to microwave to table in a matter of minutes.

Organize Pens and Pencils

An organized home office is essential. You will be more effective if you are not searching for your favorite pen or wondering where all of your pencils are. A Longaberger salt crock and small loaf dish look beautiful and will keep items within easy reach. You can stash paper clips, binder clips and extra staples in the 8-inch-long loaf dish, and you will no longer be embarrassed to show people your office.

Display Flowers in a Distinct Container

If you love the look of fresh flowers, create an arrangement in a Longaberger crock that will keep your family room looking bright and sunny. A tall crock will be a pretty solution when you can't find your regular vase. A Woven Traditions Longaberger crock comes in colors to match any decor.

Collect Loose Change in the Laundry Room

Stash a crock in your laundry room to collect change.

If you don't enjoy doing laundry, creating a beautiful room can make it a little less distasteful. Decorate your laundry room with fun accessories, and begin collecting all of the loose change from pockets in a tomato-colored 1-pt. Longaberger crock. Adding bright colors to the room may brighten your day, and saving up change will allow you to treat yourself to a coffee without feeling guilty.

Contain Toothbrushes, Hair Accessories or Extra Cotton Balls

Keeping your bathroom organized and pretty when guests come for a visit is easy with a Longaberger crock. Combining a tall 2-qt. Longaberger crock in cornflower blue with a pint salt crock with a lid will give your bath a distinct style. Put your extra toothbrushes or hair accessories in the open crock and small items inside the lidded crock so items stay neat and tidy while the crocks add color to the room.

Tags: Longaberger crock, crock small, crock will, crock with, easy reach

Search A Creek Bed For Indian Arrowheads

You'll need both luck and preparation to find Indian arrowheads.

Archeological artifacts are fascinating legacies from past cultures that can teach us about the practices and lifestyles of vanished peoples. Although the term usually brings up images of lost tombs and gleaming treasures in the popular imagination, most artifacts tend to be more low-key. Arrowheads from Native American cultures are a common example in North America. They can be found almost anywhere that Native Americans lived or traveled in places like creeks and rivers.

Instructions

1. Read up on Native American settlements or migration routes in your region. Ancient people tended to live and migrate along rivers and other freshwater sources for practical reasons. Cross-reference this with modern maps to identify creeks where Native American hunters might have dropped arrowheads.

2. Get permission from the owner of the land where you plan to search for arrowheads. Plan your expedition so that you can go searching when the water level of the creek is at its lowest. Take care to wear rubber boots and other appropriate apparel if you are going to be wading into water.

3. Focus your efforts on bends in the creek where there is a buildup of debris. Use your rake to remove as much of the debris as possible before using your trowel to load scoopfuls of sand into your sieve to check for arrowheads. Both your rake and your trowel are best if they are made of plastic. If not, you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging possible artifacts while sifting through the sand.

4. Check the roots of any trees lining the creek because tangled roots can catch and hold onto small artifacts such as arrowheads. You probably won't be able to move the roots to any great extent, so use your trowel to dig around in the sand and to load up your sieve.

5. Separate arrowheads from anything else that you might find during your search. Native American arrowheads tend to resemble an isosceles triangle in shape, and they total less than 2 inches in length. Most are made of a knappable stone, which is glassy, almost crystalline, and fractures like glass. Flint and obsidian are prominent examples. Check to see if the artifact has a point or protrusion where it could've been attached to a shaft and whether flakes have been knapped off on both sides of the artifact to give it the right shape.

6. Store any arrowheads that you find into a zip bag because old arrowheads can be very fragile after sitting so long exposed to the elements.

Tags: Native American, your trowel, your rake, your sieve

Replace A Wrought Iron Fence On Porch Steps

Replace your old proch step fence with a new wrought iron fence.

A wrought iron fence railing placed on a set of porch steps provides a touch of class to the look of the steps, as well as a safety feature to help prevent falls. As time passes, however, the fence may loosen in its mountings and become a hazard. The fence also may begin to rust, becoming an eyesore rather than an attractive addition. Replacing a wrought iron fence often is necessary in these cases. Removing the old fence and installing a new one can prove difficult depending on the nature of the damage and on how the existing fence is mounted. With the correct tools and procedure you can quickly replace the fence with a new one that again adds to the décor of your porch steps. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Inspect the bottom of the wrought iron fence to determine in which manner the fence connects with the porch steps. There are two primary mounting processes. Either the fence is screwed to the steps with masonry screws or embedded directly into the concrete.

2. Remove the existing fence. For a fence mounted with screws, remove the screws securing the fence to the house using a cordless screwdriver, and then remove the screws placed through the base of the legs of the fence into the steps. Cut a fence embedded directly into the concrete free. Use a reciprocating saw fitted with a metal-cutting blade to cut through the legs of the fence. Make the cut flush with the surface of the concrete so that the supports for the legs are level with the surface of the concrete. Remove the railing once you have removed the supports.

3. Examine the concrete for damage around the mounting holes. Fill in any cracks in the concrete with epoxy resin and allow the resin to dry for two hours.

4. Clean the steps where the fence was located. Use a wire brush combined with a pH-neutral concrete cleanser to remove any staining from the steps. Rinse the steps with water to remove cleanser residue.

5. Measure the steps for the new fencing, making sure to note the rise and depth of each step. Purchase the new fence from a home improvement store or a metal fabricator. Buy a fence that installs into the concrete using lag bolts through a welded plate on the fence legs for secure installation.

6. Place the new fence onto the steps where you intend to mount them, check that the new fence holes will not overlap the old ones, so that you get a freshly secure anchor point for the bolts. Mark the fence mounting locations through the mounting holes both on the side of the house and on the steps using a pencil.

7. Use a hammer drill equipped with a concrete drill bit the same size as your lag bolts to drill holes into the steps at the marked areas.

8. Mount the wall brackets for the fence to the wall of your home using wood screws.

9. Place the fence back onto the steps, aligned with the newly drilled holes. Slip the end of the fence into the mounted wall brackets. Secure the fence to the steps by placing a lag bolt through each fence-mounting hole in the base of the fence. Use a socket wrench to screw the bolts into place, slipping a washer between the bolt and the mounting hole.

Tags: iron fence, wrought iron, into concrete, porch steps, concrete Remove, directly into, directly into concrete