Make An Outside Wooden Lamp Post

Display your candle lantern on a DIY wooden lamp post.

Traditional lamp posts were used to hold a hanging lantern-style lamp at entrances or on pathways. Add a lamp post to your deck or outdoor wooden staircase to accent your historic home. Instead of purchasing a wooden lamp post, you can make your own as a DIY project. Use a cedar post and leave it unfinished. Over time the post will weather to beautiful silver and gray tones. Complete the overall look of the lamp post with a decorative post cap and a wrought iron hook-style hanger. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Lay the cedar post flat on a work surface with one 4-by-4-inch end facing you. Place a center finder on the end of the post and mark the center with a pencil.

2. Drill a 1/8-inch diameter hole into the center of the post to the depth of the length of the threaded screw on the decorative post cap using a drill equipped with a 1/8-inch drill bit.

3. Center the threaded screw end of the decorative post cap over the drilled hole and thread it into the post until the bottom of the cap is flush against the end of the post.

4. Position the wrought iron hook 12 inches down from the bottom edge of the post cap in the center of the 4-inch width of one 4-by-96-inch side of the post using a tape measure. Drive the screws included with the hook through the mounting holes in the hook into the post with a screw gun.

5. Select a place to mount the post on your deck or steps and place a deck post mount in the selected place. Drive the screws included with the post mount through the mounting holes into the wooden surface with a screw gun.

6. Place the bottom end of the wooden lamp post into the deck post mount. Drive the screws included with the deck post mount through the holes in the mount into the post with a screw gun to secure it in place.

7. Hang a tin candle lantern from the hook to complete the outdoor wooden lamp post.

Tags: lamp post, post mount, wooden lamp, wooden lamp post, deck post, deck post mount, decorative post

Install A Sliding Gate Rail On Concrete

A sliding gate needs a track for the wheels as the gate opens and closes. Otherwise, the gate would go out of square and get jammed and could not be opened and closed. The gate rail is a piece of angle steel welded to a piece of flat-plate steel that the wheels run along. Before installing the gate rail to the concrete, a suitable primer should be applied to the bottom of the rail to keep it from rusting. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place the sliding gate rail in place and check that it is in the correct position. Mark the gate rail location on the concrete so that it can be put back in the correct location.

2. Drill through the flat steel plate of the gate rail about 16 inches apart along the rail's length. Use a steel drill bit that's the correct size for your concrete anchors. The gate rail will take a lot of abuse from cars driving over it, so use 5/8-inch concrete sleeves at a minimum.

3. Place the steel gate rail back into position on the concrete. Mark the location of each hole where the gate rail will be anchored to the concrete. Use a black permanent marker to indicate the inside of the hole onto the concrete.

4. Prepare a concrete drill bit for the size anchor you are using into a hammer drill. Place a piece of painter's tape on the drill bit to indicate the depth needed to secure the anchor. This should be the length of the concrete anchor and the thickness of the steel plate plus an additional 3/8 inch.

5. Drill the holes for the concrete anchor with the hammer drill. Keep the drill bit running straight as you drill. Blow out the holes of any concrete dust after you have drilled all the holes. Use a can of compressed air for this.

6. Tap the concrete anchors into the holes you drilled into the concrete. Check that the anchors are in the right direction.

7. Secure the gate rail to the concrete, using a socket wrench to tighten the bolt and lock washers down to the concrete anchors.

Tags: gate rail, concrete anchors, concrete anchor, gate rail, gate rail concrete, gate rail will, hammer drill

About Metal Vanity Tables

Modern vanity tables come in sleek metal designs with adjustable shelving and mirrors, making the vanity customizable to the needs of the user. Available in a wide range of colors (although black and white are most common), metal vanity tables fit with any decor and add an air of sophistication to dressing rooms and bedrooms. Does this Spark an idea?

History

Throughout history, vanity tables have reflected the lifestyle of the user and the craftsmanship of the era. Elaborate vanity tables with intricate detailing marked the Victorian era. Early American designs featured a heavy mahogany base with curved cabriole legs. Other designs featured a rich walnut base with claw feet.

During the 1900s, mission-oak bases with straight lines became popular. Hollywood vanities rose in popularity during the 1920s. These vanities, covered in veneer, came in variety of styles. Bird's-eye maple, oriental wood and zebra-wood designs gained popularity. The 1930s brought the appearance of waterfall furniture that featured rounded edges and large round mirrors. Art Moderne metal dressing tables, designed in wood grain that mimicked the look of wood, experienced brief popularity.

By the 1940s and 1950s, vanities made from hardwood featured a simpler design with the addition of a center drawer and smaller drawers down the side.

Identification

Modern metal vanities, available in a variety of styles, feature scrolled or ornate metal. Shelves may be glass supported by metal, like wrought iron, or simply an open metal shelf. Metal benches with ornamental features complement the design. Metal vanity tables appeal to the desire for sleek, easy-to-care-for designs that create an airy atmosphere while retaining a touch of elegance.

Function

These distinctive tables reflect the busy lifestyle of modern women. Adjustable mirror mounts or shelving provide the user with the ability to customize the table to fit her needs. The clean, airy look provides a striking background for vintage bottles and containers displayed on shelves.

Features

As a rule, metal vanity tables are lighter, easier to move and easier to care for than wooden vanities. Made from wrought iron, aluminum, pewter or painted metal, designs range from simple straight lines to elaborate scrolls. Benches with fabric cushions come in a variety of styles and colors to meet a wide variety of decorating needs.

Potential

Metal vanity tables are ideal for children's rooms, as they are durable, resist stains and scratches, and do not require the care that wood demands.

Tags: vanity tables, variety styles, base with, designs featured, metal designs, metal vanity tables

Southwestern Theme Decorating Ideas

If you like hand-crafted items, warm colors and symbols that recall Mexico and the American west, then a Southwestern theme will suit you. Add a little spice to a plain room with some simple textiles and accessories, or go for a full home redesign with furniture, finishes and even outdoor spaces dedicated to a Southwestern theme. Does this Spark an idea?

Palette

The Southwestern palette favors earth tones and warm hues. Think of an earthenware pot or a vivid sunset across a desert canyon and you have the key colors for your decor. However, you needn't rely only on rusty reds, terra cotta, clay browns and deep oranges for your interior. In fact, these shades filling a house might feel overwhelming. Balance the tone with some natural colors, such as lightly stained wood floors or green plants. Keep walls lighter and brighter with a golden yellow or antique white finish.

Furniture

Southwestern furniture comprises solidly constructed pieces with a craftsman's attention to details. A simple wooden cupboard might feature vintage bronze hardware. An iron-frame bed might be painted in a whitewash to give it a vintage look, and accented with throw pillows featuring Navajo Indian designs. A classic piece in Southwestern decor is a tall wooden cabinet with big doors that open to shelves and little niches, perfect for hidden storage or electronic equipment. Set aside money and space for an eye-catching piece like a rustic wooden dining room table with burnt orange table runners or a large painting of a desert landscape.

Accessories

Authentic Southwestern accessories often consist of pieces designed or created by Native Americans. Look for Pueblo Indian pottery or woven baskets. Even simple accessories, such as pillow cases, table lamps, place mats and throws, often feature traditional Indian symbols and motifs. No Southwestern home would be complete without a prominent woven rug, typically featuring repeated geometric designs set against a deep red background. You can emulate a Southwestern look with pieces such as wooden frames, mirrors framed in hammered tin and wrought-iron candle holders or lanterns.

Tags: Southwestern theme, with some

Decorate Wine Rooms

Transform your wine room into a sophisticated respite.

Decorate your wine room with a sophisticated style. Use the Tuscany or Napa Valley wine regions as inspiration when choosing the color scheme and decor pieces. Infuse the space with fabrics, hues and elements inspired by nature for a casually elegant look. Show the refined space off during small wine-tasting parties, or use the room as a place to relax and unwind. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Paint the room's walls with a rich, earthy tone for an Old World style. Splash the walls with a deep plum, pomegranate red, terracotta orange or olive green color. The hues will also complement stone wall accents.

2. Add soft lighting elements to give the space a warm glow. Hang wrought iron walls sconces featuring scrollwork details. Suspend a crystal chandelier in the center of the room for an elegant look. Place wine-scented candles on side tables and shelves.

3. Install an oak or mahogany wine bar to hold bottles, glasses and accessories. Display opulent crystal decanters, a chrome cocktail shaker, a wine aerator and other barware. Hang wine glasses on a rack overhead for convenience. Complete the bar with a mini refrigerator for chilling wine and storing cheese and other snacks.

4. Add warmth to wood floors with a large area rug. Choose a rug featuring a Tuscan landscape or vineyard scene. Pick a floor covering with shades of ivory, taupe and earth tones to complement the wall color.

5. Set up a table on which to hold intimate wine gatherings or dinner parties. Choose an oak or mahogany table and comfortable, leather-upholstered chairs. Use a vase filled with flowers as a fresh centerpiece.

6. Decorate with a wrought iron or wood wine rack displaying your favorite bottles. Depending on how many wine bottles you want to display, choose a rack with as few as four or as many as 100-plus slots.

Tags: your wine room, elegant look, walls with, wine room, wrought iron, your wine

Care & Maintenance For A Wrought Iron Fence

Pay particular attention to latches and hinges.

Wrought iron fencing is available in a wide range of styles, from simple square bars to highly-ornate creations such as the fencing surrounding London's Westminster Abbey. The one thing these fences have in common is that they are typically custom made and more expensive than other kinds of fencing. Protecting your investment is important, and maintenance is key. Does this Spark an idea?

Simple Precautions

There are a number of very simple precautions you can take to maintain the integrity of your wrought iron fence and keep it looking great. Cut back plantings so they do not touch the wrought iron. Avoid letting the spray from your lawn sprinklers reach the fence; consider drip irrigation for the area within the fence. Replace any missing caps so that water does not get into the posts. Inspect the fence carefully at least once a year. If problems are starting to show, it is much easier to fix them before they have done extensive damage.

Regular Cleaning

Clean the wrought iron fence regularly with soapy water (a capful of dishwashing liquid in a gallon of warm water) and a rag or sponge. A spray bottle is useful to get the cleaner into all the crevices of an ornate fence. Dry the fence thoroughly using old towels. Apply wax, such as car wax, to the fence to help protect the paint. Repair small scratches immediately by sanding lightly with steel wool and applying several thin coats of rust-resistant metal paint. Use a small brush. Pay special attention to hinges and latches, which can trap water and cause rust to form more quickly than it does on other parts of the fence.

Flaking or Bubbling Paint

As soon as you find flaking or bubbling paint on your fence, clean it off the wrought iron using a wire brush or a hand rotary tool equipped with a grinder. Sand the area down to bare metal. Fill any holes or pitting with a metal filler, then clean the area thoroughly before you spray on a rust-retarding primer. Paint the fence with a couple of coats rust-resistant paint. Use a small brush or spray on the paint.

Large Rust Spots

When you see large areas of rust, it's time to repaint the fence. Remove all the rust and flaking paint by scrubbing the fence with a wire brush. Remove deeper rush with a coarse file. If there is a lot of rust, use a wire wheel brush attached to an electric drill. Spray the fence with a commercial rust remover and sand the surfaces with 80-grit sandpaper. Clean the fence with trisodium phosphate, rinse thoroughly and let the fence dry. Apply a coat of rust-inhibiting metal primer and then finish painting the fence with black rust-resistant metal paint.

Tags: fence with, wrought iron, coats rust-resistant, iron fence, metal paint, paint small, paint small brush

Paint Woodard Wrought Iron Patio Furniture

Woodard wrought iron furniture is high-quality iron furniture usually sold for commercial use. It typically holds up well when exposed to the elements. However, no wrought-iron furniture is rust proof. All iron, including Woodard wrought iron, will need to be repainted occasionally to keep it looking its best and protected from rust. If you own pieces of this furniture, you know that it is expensive and definitely an investment that you want to preserve. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place the furniture in the middle of your driveway or lawn. Set your garden hose nozzle on its highest pressure setting and hose any debris and dirt from the furniture. Let the wrought iron dry completely.

2. Brush off visible rust with a steel-bristle brush. Use a piece of 80-grit sandpaper to reach crevices or to sand rounded areas.

3. Spray the entire piece of furniture with phosphoric acid. Phosphoric acid will expose any additional rust by converting it a crust of iron phosphate. Allow the acid to work on the iron for 24 hours. Go back over the furniture with your steel bristled brush to remove the remaining rust.

4. Prime your furniture using an oil based primer. Apply a thick coat of primer and allow it to dry completely.

5. Spray oil-based paint into the hard-to-reach spots or those that can't be easily painted with a brush. Keep a brush handy to smooth out any drip marks.

6. Paint the rest of the furniture with a good quality paint brush and allow to dry.

Tags: furniture with, wrought iron, iron furniture, Woodard wrought iron

Care For Cast Iron Planters

Decorative cast iron pieces can last for many years when cared for properly. Cast iron planters make a beautiful addition to the home flower garden, patio or entryway. Delicate pieces can even add a touch of whimsy to home décor. While proper care for cast iron planters kept outdoors requires a maintenance plan, the amount of work is minimal. Does this Spark an idea?

Protection

To prevent rust, cast iron planters must be properly coated by the manufacturer or the homeowner. There are a number of protective finishes on the market for use on cast iron pieces. If the piece comes unfinished, apply a rust inhibiting primer, paint the piece the desired color and finish off with a clear coat protective finish. For a natural look, simply apply a clear finish. Apply liquid car wax to the cast iron planter at least once a year to provide further protection. Closely monitor planters exposed to a seaside environment. Salt water quickly eats away the protective finish on cast iron pieces.

Repair chipped or rusted garden planters immediately. Use a wire brush to gently brush away any signs of rust and then apply primer, paint and a coat of protective finish. Seal all surfaces of the cast iron planter; rust spreads quickly, destroying cast iron pieces.

Cleaning

Thoroughly clean cast iron planters at least twice a year, preferably before and after the gardening season. Wash all surfaces with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water and rinse completely. Dry the cast iron planter, inside and outside, by hand.

Use a damp cloth to wipe dust and sand from the planter at least once a month. While completing the monthly dusting, check for any chipped surfaces, rust and areas where the finish has worn off.

Considerations

Never place soil and plants directly into a cast iron planter. Keep plants in removable pots for easy removal when plants require watering. Allow excess water to drain and wipe water from the pot before returning it to the cast iron planter. Do not allow water to accumulate in, on or under the planter.

Cover the cast iron planter during inclement weather. Keep the planter in a location that provides protection from winds that blow debris, dirt and sand against it. Thoroughly wash and dry the planter before storing it. Apply a fresh coat of car wax to protect it from dampness while it is stored away.

Tags: cast iron, cast iron, cast iron planter, iron planter, cast iron pieces

Paint Rusted Iron Porch Railings

Use a wire brush to remove the rust.

Unless they are galvanized, metallic surfaces will eventually rust when exposed to moisture. If left untreated, these surfaces will eventually corrode to the point of virtual decomposition. If your iron porch railings are rusted, you can enhance their appearance and preserve them against future damage by coating them with the appropriate type of paint. Before you begin, you must seal the rust with a special type of primer, or you will eventually see a recurrence of the problem.

Instructions

1. Clean the rusted iron porch railing, using a pressure washer. Wait 1 to 3 hours for the porch railing to dry.

2. Place fabric drop cloths below the railing.

3. Put on gloves. Scrape off the rust, using a wire brush. Use 80-grit sandpaper to remove smaller bits of rust.

4. Coat the rusted iron porch railing with an iron oxide primer, using a mini roller. Use a paintbrush to apply primer to areas of the railing not accessible to the roller. Wait 2 hours for the primed porch railing to dry.

5. Wash your painting instruments with mineral spirits.

6. Coat the primed iron railing with an oil-based metal enamel using a mini roller and a paintbrush. Use a new, clean roller cover. Wait a minimum of 2 hours for the painted porch railing to dry. Check the label on your paint can for actual recommended drying time.

Tags: porch railing, iron porch, will eventually, iron porch railing, mini roller

Keep Wrought Iron Fences From Rusting

Wrought iron fences add elegance to a home.

Wrought iron fencing provides security and adds elegance to gardens and lawns. Like many outdoor structures made of iron or steel, wrought iron fencing can rust. In addition, the curlicue designs often used in wrought iron fencing and railing can trap moisture, which can lead to rust. Check your fence periodically for flaking, pitting and discoloration. Regular maintenance will keep your fence sturdy and looking good. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Restoration

1. Inspect your fence for rust and cracks in the paint or rust-proof coating. Look closely at joints and decorative areas with crevices that can hold moisture, which can cause the metal to oxidize.

2. Mark all areas that need repair with paint or chalk.

3. Use sandpaper or steel wool to remove paint and accumulated dirt. A wire brush will help remove stubborn rust and flaking paint.

4. Rub mineral spirits into the metal with a damp rag to clean off any remaining rust. Allow the fence to dry completely.

5. Apply paint primer with a brush. Use smooth, even strokes to coat the panels and pickets. For large fences, use a spray gun. Let dry thoroughly.

6. Use a new brush to apply a top coat of oil-based paint over the primer. Apply with smooth strokes. Pay careful attention to intricate areas making sure to coat completely on all sides. Let dry thoroughly and apply a second coat.

Prevention

7. Check a new wrought iron fence after installation for scratches and oxidation. Scratches and other damage to the surface could allow moisture to reach the metal and cause oxidization.

8. Note all areas where moisture could accumulate, such as decorative motifs, hinges and joins. Spray hinges and moving parts with a rust blocker.

9. Spray isolated areas of oxidation with rust remover. Wait 15 minutes for small areas or up to two hours for heavily rusted sections. Rinse with water. Repeat if any rust remains.

10. Prepare an entire wrought iron fence for a coat of rust converter by removing all large flakes of rust with a wire brush. Leave small areas of rust, since they will be neutralized by the converter. Use a degreaser to clean any oil or grease from the metal.

11. Apply a rust converter with a roller in large areas and a brush in small detailed ones.

Paint the rust converter over the entire surface, including the undersides of areas.

Let dry.

12. Paint primer over the rust converter with a roller, brush or spray gun. Allow to dry.

Apply two top coats of oil-based paint, using long strokes, to give your wrought iron fence long-lasting protection.

Tags: rust converter, iron fence, iron fencing, wrought iron fence, your fence

Interior Parisian Design Ideas

The Eiffel Tower is an inspiration for Paris-themed decorating.

The iconic Eiffel Tower remains the unanimous symbol for Paris, the City of Lights. This eclectic and stylish city sets trends in the world of home design and decor. Parisian homes display elements of Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical designs. Though you may not live near the Louvre, the Notre Dame Cathedral or the Champs-Elysees, incorporate the mood of Paris into your home by featuring elements of these styles. Does this Spark an idea?

Color Palette

Emerald green, peacock blue and deep red dominate Parisian decor. Accented by gold and black, the room appears colorful and artistic. A bright blue dining room wall paired with canary yellow curtains provides a French provincial feel. Crimson red curtains and gold accents contrast dramatically with black and white toile wallpaper in a Parisian living room.

Parisian Furniture

When choosing furniture for your Paris-inspired room, remember high style and comfort characterize Parisian decor. A bistro table and chairs set accented with brightly colored cushions brings the cafe atmosphere into your home. Furniture should look worn but not shabby. Distressed dark wood chairs and bureaus bring European flair to a dining room or den. Vanity tables are an absolute necessity for a Paris-style bedroom. Wrought iron, white wood and crackled-finish furniture work together to add the eclectic charm of Paris.

Parisian Accessories

Any Parisian room of your home must be outfitted with numerous accessories. Black picture frames and lampshades lend an authentic Paris feeling. An ornate gold mirror hung above the fireplace or adorning the walls creates interest for the eye. Black and white posters, photographs and paintings of the Eiffel Tower or the River Seine bring the sights of Paris into your room. Parisian accessories compete for attention, resulting in an eclectic masterpiece.

Tags: Eiffel Tower, into your, your home, dining room, into your home

Modern Country Decorating Ideas

Wood bedroom furniture

The modern country decor style mixes simple elements with sleek, contemporary details. Look for furniture featuring clean lines and simple wood finishes. Country-inspired floral patterns get edgy with vibrant colors and bold designs. With its classic look and feel, a modern country style will work in any room in your home. Update boring spaces using bright colors, rustic materials and nature-inspired decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Living Room

Enhance your living room with a classy country style. Choose dark wood furniture, such as teak or walnut, for a sophisticated look. Decorate with a matching couch, love seat, entertainment center and coffee table set. For a fresh, modern style, choose ecru or light beige upholstery. Add a pop of country-inspired color to the space with rust orange decorative pillows and a throw blanket. Hang a wrought iron chandelier as a casually elegant touch. Dress up neutral-hued walls with wrought iron sconces filled with rust orange and pomegranate red candles. Liven up the coffee table with a vintage wood tool crate filled with red and green apples. Fill empty wall space with a wreath made of dried flowers or herbs. Stack a trio of woven baskets from largest to smallest; use them to store sewing supplies, pictures, or any other small items.

Kitchen

Create a relaxed, elegant kitchen design using elements of French country style. For an airy look, choose light oak or whitewashed kitchen cabinets. Pick a light wood dinner table set featuring clean, simple lines. If it is time to replace your counter tops, buy ones featuring natural stone for a modern look. Decorate a vintage baker's rack with an antique crystal vase filled with elegant calla lilies or white roses. You can also display white and blue toile-patterned porcelain plates. Enhance the kitchen table with a periwinkle blue table cloth or runner; use a large glass vase of colorful wildflowers as a centerpiece.

Bedroom

Infuse your bedroom with charming modern country style. Buy a matching dark wood bed headboard, night stand, desk and dresser set. Add soft color to the space with a butter yellow or soft green comforter featuring a brown tree branch design; enhance the bed with brown leaf-shaped decorative pillows. For a luxurious touch, place a warm cashmere blanket at the foot of the bed. Cover windows with sheer curtains that catch the breezes. Decorate the night stand with an antique glass Ball jar filled with daisies. Use a small lamp featuring a country-inspired punched tin shade as a soft lighting element.

Bathroom

A modern country decor style is ideal for bathrooms. Splash the walls with a fresh white hue to set the backdrop for a clean look. Hang a white cloth shower curtain featuring vibrant orange, yellow and red flower designs. Roll coordinating colorful towels and tie them with twine; store them on wood wall shelves. Buy a vintage wood vanity table and chair set. Hang gauzy white curtains or natural bamboo blinds for a casual look.

Tags: country style, filled with, space with, coffee table, color space, color space with

Decorating Ideas For A Glass End Table

Many people love the clean, clear look of a glass end table.

A glass end table adds a stylish, modern touch to your home and provides a wealth of opportunities when decorating. Once you get your end table home, however, deciding what kind of decor will maximize the look of your glass-topped table to its full potential can be difficult. By exploring several decorating possibilities, you can determine which look works best for you. Does this Spark an idea?

Lighting Options

You can place an end table near a chair or at the end of a couch to support a table lamp to gain additional light for reading, sewing or knitting. Even though a glass end table looks delicate, it can easily support the weight of an ordinary lamp. Select a lamp with a cut-glass base in a shade that matches the glass of your tabletop. Alternatively, choose a lamp in a material that matches the frame and legs of your table, such as wood, chrome, wrought iron or brass.

Floral Options

Few things match the delicate beauty of floral blooms to form a contrast with the stark, shiny surface of a glass-top table. Choose a glass vase, and fill it with bold flowers like poppies, chrysanthemums, peonies or sunflowers that will reflect on the table's surface and create a burst of color. Alternatively, fill a window box made from distressed wood with simple flowers like petunias, pansies or daisies in colors that complement your decor, and place it in the center of the table or along the rear edge.

Reflective Options

The shiny surface of a glass end table lends itself perfectly as a host to other reflective items. Place a mirrored tile in the center of the table, and set a crystal figurine in the center of it to maximize the shine and glitz of your table. Alternatively, arrange a plethora of crystal gemstones in a variety of colors around a grouping of candles. The glow of the candlelight will reflect off the tabletop and the gems to create an ethereal glow.

Artistic Options

When you are artistically talented, the options for decorating a glass end table multiply exponentially. Create a pattern of flowers or a sunburst design with acrylic paints to decorate the top of your end table. Cover your design with a clear preservative to prevent damage to your work. If you'd rather work with mosaics to create an interesting border around the edge of your table, collect an array of pottery or glass shards in different colors, and glue them to the surface in a colorful arrangement.

Tags: your table, glass table, center table, design with, flowers like

Spanish Styles For Decorating With Red Tile Flooring

Red tile floors are a common feature in Spanish interiors.

Tile is the most commonly used flooring in Spanish decor styles. All of these Spanish styles share a very similar color palette of reds, oranges, yellows, greens and blues. These colors represent the countryside and bring to mind warm, balmy evenings and alfresco dining, and create a warm, welcoming, homey atmosphere. However, each style has its own unique aspects that create a slightly different finished effect, from the very rustic to the more formal. Does this Spark an idea?

Spanish Style

Create a traditional Spanish feel with a textured paint or faux painting techniques, such as ragging or color washing, to give texture to the walls. Combine white woodwork, painted furniture and stucco-style plaster with bold colors such as rusty reds, burnt oranges, terracotta, yellows, greens and blues. Add rustic-looking tapestries to the wall and ethnic-style rugs to the red floor tiles to soften the hard surfaces. Use plenty of dark wood and choose rustic furniture, piled with highly decorative cushions and throws. Add white-painted interior shutters to the windows and complete the look with wrought iron accessories.

Hacienda Style

"Hacienda" is the Spanish word for estate. This style is a slightly richer version of the traditional Spanish style. Use a faux brick paint effect to create an accent wall, and combine the red floor tiles with brightly colored, ornamental wall tiles and paint. Use a typical Spanish-style color palette of reds, oranges, yellows, blues, greens and gold. Mix and match different finishes, textures and patterns to create a bold, expressive look. Stick with simple, rustic furniture and accessorize with copper, terracotta and gold items.

Mediterranean Style

Mediterranean style is also known as "modern Spanish," and combines Spanish, Greek and Italian design features. Use faux paint techniques to create a textured appearance on the walls, along with the typical Spanish-style wall color palette, with extra blues and lavenders. Team the red floor tiles with mosaic tiles in areas such as backsplashes, table tops and accessories such as mirrors. Combine wood furniture featuring ornately carved legs and feet, wrought iron pieces and overstuffed, cozy-looking sofas. Add a Moroccan feel with a wrought-iron fireplace screen and filigree light fixtures.

Mexican Style

As with the other Spanish-influenced styles, add texture to the walls and use reds, oranges, yellows, greens, pinks and brown. Choose bold, deep shades but avoid bright hues. Combine these colors with lots of intricate patterns such as mosaic tiles to create a really bold, colorful look. Use light-colored, rustic wood furniture combined with natural materials such as leather and rattan. Complete the look with brightly colored woven blankets and throws, and a few pieces of Mexican pottery.

Tags: color palette, floor tiles, oranges yellows, reds oranges, reds oranges yellows, yellows greens

About Decorative Wrought Iron Planters

Hanging baskets and windowboxes add comfy Old World flavor to homes.

Wrought iron planters are a wonderfully way to add interesting accents both in and outside the home. Wrought iron is durable, blends with any décor and can be made into any size or shape needed. Wrought iron planters can also allow you easier access for better maintenance of plants. Whether using tall or short planters, freestanding or wall-hanging, wrought iron planters allows your decorating imagination to run free. Does this Spark an idea?

Identification

Wrought iron is a term usually used to describe objects made out of metal, usually steel, that have been worked by hand into decorative objects like railings, balconies, wall decorations and other objects. Today, these objects are rarely wrought by hand, but they retain the name to describe the rustic craftsmanship and Old World flavor of the pieces. Wrought iron decorative planters can be very ornate or very simple in design, and a variety of styles are available for your decorative and gardening needs.

Freestanding Planters

Many sizes and shapes of freestanding wrought iron planters are available. You may require a very large planter with wheels to fit a small tree that can be rolled in and outside of the house whether climate conditions demand it. Some freestanding planters can have several shelves for a variety of plants that complement each other, such as coleus grown alongside a flowering plant like geranium or chrysanthemum. Small freestanding plants can be used as accents both inside and outside the house to showcase special plants like orchids or African violets.

Wall-Hanging Planters

Wrought Iron wall-hanging planters bring a beautiful Tuscan effect to areas inside and outside the house. They can be painted in a variety of finishes to match furnishings or house paint. Wall-hanging planters are particularly good for trailing vine plants and those with lush, hanging blooms.

Windowbox Planters

Wrought iron windowbox planters lend a peaceful, Old World look to homes that suggests both tranquility and order. The windowboxes can be found in a variety of sizes and finishes. Garden stores and nurseries often stock wrought iron windowbox planters.

Hanging Basket Planters

Another attractive look for homeowners is wrought iron hanging basket planters attached to overhangs on porches and entranceways. These can hold foliage species like spiderplants and ivy, or flowering varieties like morning glory, trailing verbena or petunias.

Custom-made Planter Designs

You can find any number of wrought iron planters in stores and garden centers across the country, but it may be that you need one in a particular size or design that is not available. You can still get the planter you need by finding a local blacksmith or metalworker to custom-create the planter exactly to your specifications. These craftsman can work metal into almost any type of planter that will last for years and be a showpiece for your home or garden.

Tags: iron planters, outside house, accents both, inside outside, inside outside house, iron windowbox

Put A Mattress On A Metal Bedframe Without A Boxspring

Can I Put a Mattress on a Metal Bedframe Without a Boxspring?

Mattresses are typically sold with a matching box spring, a covered wooden frame with rigid springs, to provide support to the mattress and evenly distribute the weight to keep the mattress in top condition. There are some options for metal bed frames that allow you to use your mattress without a box spring, but they may not provide the best support for the mattress. Does this Spark an idea?

Mattress Protection

Most mattresses are designed to be used with a box spring or another foundation. New mattresses are typically sold with a matching foundation that is designed to evenly distribute the weight of the mattress and absorb some of the stress that the mattress sustains in normal use.

Metal Bed Frames

The typical metal bed frame only has side rails, which will definitely not hold the mattress up. Queen and king bed frames will usually have a center rail, as well, for additional support. This will hold up a mattress without box springs, but it will put a huge quantity of stress on it.

Some types of metal bed frames are marketed as being able to be used without a box spring. Most have a system of metal rails and curved metal support that eliminate the need for a box spring. The advantage of a bed frame that does not need a box spring is that the frame, instead of being at a level just six to 10 inches above the ground to leave space for the box spring, sits much higher, usually about 16 inches above the ground. That way the mattress can be at a normal height but you'll have more than a foot of storage below it.

Mattress Warranty

If you purchased a new mattress with a warranty, check the conditions of the warranty before opting for a bed frame without a box spring. Sometimes the warranty will be invalidated or ineligible for full coverage if you do not use your mattress with the matching foundation. This is because the mattress may sustain undue stress or damage when it is used on a metal bed frame or another surface rather than its box spring or foundation.

Tags: with matching, without spring, above ground, Bedframe Without, Bedframe Without Boxspring, distribute weight

Clean Outdoor Glider Swings

Since outdoor glider swings are essentially rocking benches mounted on a fixed base, dirt and grime can build up over time. Glider swings are typically made of wood, metal or a combination of the two, and some models may also have plastic arm rests or seats. Like most other forms of outdoor furniture, swing gliders can easily be washed with soap and water and rinsed off with a garden hose. However, certain types of wood stains or surface finishes may require additional cleaning steps. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wash painted or stained wood with mild soap and warm water, using a soft cloth or sponge. Rinse thoroughly with a hose. Dry the wood thoroughly with a lint-free cleaning cloth.

2. Clean plastic parts with a mild detergent and warm water. Scrub away stubborn stains with a nonabrasive powdered cleaner. Remove any mildew stains with a bleach solution of one part liquid bleach to nine parts water. Rinse thoroughly with a hose. Allow the plastic to dry completely, and then polish it with car wax and a lint-free cloth.

3. Clean cast iron or wrought iron parts with warm water and mild soap. Rinse thoroughly with a hose. Dry the metal with a cleaning cloth. Inspect the coating for cracks, and touch it up with rustproof exterior paint if needed. Apply a protective coating of car wax or spray wax, using a lint-free cloth, once the paint is dry.

4. Wash aluminum parts gently with warm water and mild soap. If the aluminum is discolored, clean it with a 50-50 solution of distilled white vinegar and water. Retouch scratches on powder-coated aluminum with paint designed for outdoor use on such surfaces. Allow the paint to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Rub the metal with car wax to protect it from moisture.

5. Brush dust and dirt from cushions, and then wash them with warm water and mild detergent. Remove mildew stains with a plastic scrub brush and a bleach solution of 1 cup of liquid bleach to 3 gallons of water. Rinse the cushions with plenty of cool water from the hose. Stand the cushions on edge, and let them air-dry completely. Store them in a dry location to prevent mold and mildew.

Tags: warm water, thoroughly with, mild soap, Rinse thoroughly, Rinse thoroughly with

Design A Spanishstyle Home

Design a Spanish-Style Home

Spanish-style homes are characterized by thick adobe walls and subtle, earth- and sea-inspired colors. The design is warm and inviting and incorporates outside areas as living space. There are usually several entryways into the house, each with its own courtyard or patio. Though the earliest Spanish-style homes had small windows, now homeowners design large windows to allow the sun to play a role in decorating the home and offsetting the typically heavy furnishings. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Design a home with a low-pitched roof covered with heavy terracotta tile. Stucco the exterior walls with earth-toned colors.

2. Use black wrought-iron balconies and architectural details such as stair rails, outdoor lighting and fences. Place large clay pots on the balconies and fill them with grasses and shrubs.

3. Extend the walls of the house to create courtyards for the entryways. Center fountains in courtyards and plant lush gardens. Tile the walkways.

4. Create a home with an open floor plan and arched doorways between the rooms. Plan large, arched windows without window coverings, or install interior shutters. Build a barrel ceiling in the living room.

5. Paint the interior walls in pale blues, yellows and greens that evoke the sea. Create mosaic tile patterns for the floors. Install dark beams on the ceilings in common areas.

6. Furnish the home with oversized chairs and sofas upholstered in leather. Accessorize with wall sconces and iron chandeliers, pottery and old-world paintings in heavy frames.

Tags: home with, Spanish-style homes

Paint A Storm Door

Make an old storm door look brand new with a coat of paint or two.

If you've ever wondered "Can I paint a storm door?" the answer is yes! Metal and even wooden storm doors are easily painted, allowing you to give a new look to your door without spending a fortune.

Prepping Your Door for Painting

The first step in painting the door is removing it from its hinges if possible. While a door on its hinges can be painted, the job is much easier and usually turns out better if the door can be positioned horizontally for painting.

If the screens or glass in the storm door can be easily removed and replaced, remove them as well. Not only will this save you the time and trouble of taping them off, it will also make prepping the door easier.

If the door has flaking paint or rust, the next step in painting it will be to sand it or, in the case of a wooden door with many layers of paint, stripping it either manually or chemically. If you can't remove the screens or glass from your door, protect them by covering them with layers of plastic, as sanding or stripping can etch glass or destroy screens.

After all the rust or flaking paint is removed, clean the door's surface to remove any dust or particles that will mar the paint's surface. Use tack cloth or a damp rag to clean a door that has been sanded; for a door that did not need sanding, clean the door with an all-purpose cleaner that does not leave residue behind.

Choosing Your Paint

Storm doors are exposed to the elements and therefore need a paint that can withstand the effects of heat, cold, wind and rain. Make sure you buy a paint that is intended for exterior use.

Using a primer is also a good idea. Primer will ensure better paint adhesion to the door while also resulting in a color that is truer to the shade you picked out.

The three paint options for the door are spray paint, latex or enamel. Spray paints work best on metal doors. For best results, sand and primer your metal door before using spray paint.

Latex or enamel paints will give better coverage on wood storm doors, although there are varieties of spray paint that will work well. Again, consider priming the surface before painting it.

Painting Tips

Follow these tips for a painless storm-door-painting project:

---If you were unable to remove screens or glass from your door, use easy-release painter's tape to tape plastic or paper to the surfaces before painting. Painter's tape leaves little or no residue behind.

---If possible, paint your door in a protected but well-ventilated area such as an open garage or shed. A protected area keeps debris from landing in your paint, but ventilation is a must.

---Painting is often a slow job. Give yourself plenty of time to do the job right. Allow time for the both the primer and the paint to dry between coats.

---When using a latex or enamel paint on a wooden storm door, using a brush or foam paint applicator will ensure the best coverage.

---When spray-painting a metal door, protect the surrounding area from overspray.

---The key to spray-painting is to apply thin, even coats. Keep the bottle moving to avoid concentrating paint in any one spot.

---Give your door ample time to dry before attempting to re-hang or use it. Follow the drying times listed on the paint you use.

Tags: your door, clean door, paint that, screens glass, spray paint

Create A Tuscany Bar

Decorate Home Bar Tuscany Style

In Tuscany, Italy bars are neighborhood cafes where you go to relax and enjoy morning coffee, a quick lunch, or a drink after work with friends. The gathering of friends around your home bar can resemble the relaxation and friendship the bars in Tuscany offer. Here are a few tips on decorate a home bar Tuscan style to bring in the warmth and relaxing feel that the bars in Tuscany offer. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Tuscan Wall Décor

Paint the walls of your home bar with deep red or use a wallpaper mural with a Tuscan theme. Depending on the location of your home bar your can use the wall space to hang a tapestry depicting the Italian countryside or use a wrought iron wine bottle holder with colorful bottles of wine. Wall lighting sconces should be made of wrought iron and provide a softer glow instead of a sharp light. Wall planters filled with colorful flowers, preferably the sunflower, can add the colors of the Tuscan style decorating to your home bar. If you do not want flowers hang bunches of grapes from the wall sconce complimented by some greenery.

2. Tuscan Style Furnishings

The use of wrought iron and dark woods will bring the look of Tuscany to your home bar. There are also options for marble or tile bar and table tops that can be used. The bar itself does not have to take up much room. Place a small table with wrought iron chairs in the bar area so friends can gather and have a drink or coffee.

3. Add a Touch of the Tuscan Café

There should always be a coffee machine at your home bar. Place the newspaper or your favorite magazines on the table and have a pack of cards ready when friends gather at your Tuscan style home bar. A Tuscan style bar can easily be set up outdoors. Mimic the look of the Tuscan Café with a grouping of a small table and chairs, a water fountain or other water feature, and a window box or planter filled with colorful flowers.

Tags: your home, Tuscan style, wrought iron, with colorful, bars Tuscany, bars Tuscany offer, colorful flowers

Care For Monkey Pod Wood

Care for Monkey Pod Wood

Monkey pod wood, also known as Acacia wood, is a durable and naturally resinous hardwood that is harvested from fast-growing Acacia trees. People have recognized the value of monkey pod wood since biblical times; it is mentioned in the book of Exodus as the material that was used to construct the Ark of the Covenant. Today, monkey pod wood is often used to make fine natural furniture and tableware. Proper care of your monkey pod wood will help your wood retain its beauty for many years. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Keep monkey pod wood furniture out of direct sunlight to prevent the wood from drying out. Place patio furniture made of monkey pod wood under a tree, canopy or patio umbrella to protect the wood from harmful ultraviolet rays.

2. Wipe down the surface of your monkey pod wood furniture with a soft cloth that has been dampened in warm, soapy water, as needed, to remove any sticky spills. Allow your monkey pod wood furniture to air dry.

3. Treat monkey pod wood furniture with a wood preservative or furniture wax to seal the wood after cleaning, or as needed, to restore its shine. For best results, use wood preservative or furniture wax products according to package directions.

4. Cover patio furniture made of monkey pod wood during rainy or snowy weather to prevent the wood from warping due to excessive moisture.

5. Wash tableware made of monkey pod wood in warm, soapy water. Rinse the tableware under warm running water to wash away any bubbles. Place the monkey pod wood tableware in a dish rack and allow it to air dry.

6. Rub monkey pod wood tableware with a non-toxic mineral oil to restore its shine. Allow the mineral oil to soak into the wood completely before use.

Tags: monkey wood, monkey wood furniture, wood furniture, made monkey, made monkey wood, wood from, your monkey

Simple Country Home Interior Decorating

Decorate every room in your home, from your bedroom to your kitchen, in simple country style.

Country-style decor evokes a feeling of relaxation, warmth and comfort in a casual atmosphere. Use of rustic home furniture and accessories as well as fabrics in traditional prints help create the look and feel of a country home. Design a charming interior space by decorating all the rooms in your home in a simple country style. Does this Spark an idea?

Bedroom

Create a cozy country bedroom by painting the walls in navy or light blue, hunter green, red or yellow. Remember to paint smaller rooms in lighter colors so that the room appears larger. Or you can use country-style wallpaper in a plaid or floral print instead. Don't hang curtains if you have enough privacy. Just let the natural light in. Otherwise, cover your windows in gingham or lace curtains, or wooden shutters. Decorate with a four-poster bed made of oak, pine, cherry or walnut, or of brass or iron. Use floral patterns, stripes or patchwork bedding, and add a dust ruffle, a quilt, throw pillows and shams as accents. Add a simple dresser, chest of drawers, wooden chest and bedside tables. Place a kerosene lamp, or a lamp with a wrought-iron, antique brass or copper base, on each bedside table. Quilts can be displayed on a wooden ladder.

Bathroom

Bathrooms can be painted white or the same colors as the bedroom. Choose a shower curtain with a nature theme or one with a plaid, floral or toile print. Claw-foot bathtubs and pedestal sinks work well in a country-style bathroom. If you have a larger bathroom, choose a sink with wooden cabinets. Add warmth by hanging plants and flowers, such as English ivy or violets. Accessorize with candles and by placing towels in wicker baskets. Hang gingham or lace cafe curtains over windows, or use shutters or blinds. You needn't hang curtains if you have enough privacy.

Living Room

Choose from dozens of country furniture styles for your living room, including wing chairs, rocking chairs and a sofa, and chairs and ottomans upholstered in toile, plaid, stripes or floral print or in denim. Other furniture pieces might be oak, pine, cherry, walnut or iron coffee and end tables. Accessorize with wrought-iron candlesticks, rustic candle sconces, wooden bowls, wicker baskets, antique oil lamps, punched-tin lamps and clay jars. Hang landscape or floral still life paintings, and lay a colorful floral area rug on a hardwood floor. Cover windows in layered valances or swag curtains.

Dining Room

Create an inviting atmosphere by making the focal point of your dining room a large, rectangular wooden table over a floral area rug. Use bench seating, or use hardwood chairs with natural rush seating or cushioned wrought-iron chairs. Decorate the table with a central floral arrangement or a large bowl of fruit. Set the table with place mats and cloth napkins in plaid, floral, nature or gingham prints. For a more formal setting, accessorize with an antique wooden china cabinet. As with your living room, hang landscape or floral still life paintings in your dining room, and cover windows in layered valances or swag curtains.

Kitchen

Country kitchens should have shelves over cabinets to display pottery, vases, cookbooks and punched-tin lamps. Country kitchens might have wood cabinets and cupboards with wrought-iron latches, knobs and drawer pulls. Or cabinet doors may be covered in sheets of punched tin. Install a pot rack with copper pots and pans over a kitchen island. Decorate with a basket filled with flowers, fruits or vegetables. Cover windows in lace, checked or plaid gingham cafe curtains. A country kitchen is enhanced by hardwood, brick, natural stone or cement flooring.

Tags: plaid floral, with wrought-iron, cafe curtains, cherry walnut, Country kitchens, country style

Art Deco Bar Decorating Ideas

Strong curves in furniture fit an art deco theme.

Art Deco is a bold, adventurous style characterized by contrast, combining geometric shapes and strong curves, plump, overstuffed cushions and hard, shiny surfaces. The spirit of the art deco movement was exuberant optimism after the first World War, and uplifting themes are found in the artwork, the shapes and the decorative embellishments.

Art Deco Bar Furniture

The furniture in an art deco style bar should be rounded and intimate. Seating should be overstuffed but tightly controlled, resembling tuck and roll automobile upholstery as opposed to the loose, pillow-like cushions that appeared during the 1980s and are still popular today. Chairs and couches should curve slightly inward, and bar and table edges should be rounded and smooth.

Geometric embellishments on wood furniture are common in art deco decor and add to the overall idea of contrasts. The most recognizable examples include sunbursts and geometric fan shapes. A dimensional fan-shaped overlay on a lacquered wood surface typifies art deco.

Colors, Patterns and Textures

For an authentic art deco look, use gem tones in reds, golds, deep purples or royal blues. For patterned fabrics, choose bold geometric, oversized floral or exotic animal prints.

Materials and Finishes

To create the contrast inherent in art deco, use highly reflective hard surfaces, such as heavily lacquered woods, glass, chrome or metals. Inlaid and overlaid embellishments are common, ranging from inlaid glass marbles to intricate fretwork overlay.

On the Walls

Art Deco artwork features stylized people in elegant dress with elongated, curving shapes. Themes that represent opulence and indulgence are common, and art often featured peacock feathers, grand pianos, people dancing, lounging or enjoying cocktails, tropical plants and exotic animals. For a budget-friendly option, consider stenciling silhouettes of dancing figures spaced around the room. For example, the wall adjacent to each booth could feature the silhouette of an elegant dancing couple superimposed over a moon or sunburst shape in a glimmering paint color just a little paler than the wall color.

Lamps, Statuary and Plants

Perhaps the most iconic representation of art deco is the lady lamp, featuring a nude or elegantly dressed bronze woman in a dramatic pose, holding either an incandescent orb or a translucent flat circle with a bulb behind it. These mass-produced low-wattage lamps are still on the market today and can be used to create intimate and dramatic table lighting perfect for an art deco bar. Continue the theme with bronze, wrought iron or ceramic representations of elongated whippets, panthers or peacocks. Add contrast and exoticism with feathery potted palm trees.

Geometric lamps also represent art deco. Look for architecturally designed lamps inspired by architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Tags: furniture deco, geometric shapes, should rounded

Ideas To Make Your Own Full Size Bed Headboard

Whether you are creative or are just trying to save money, it is possible for you to make a full-sized headboard that will not only fit your decor but your budget as well. Many items can be repurposed into headboards fairly inexpensively. Sometimes, faking a headboard can be the most stylish and frugal way of all. Does this Spark an idea?

Structural Headboards

Create your own padded headboard by stretching fabric over wood or a canvas frame. The piece can be finished with staples on the back for a quick and simple headboard. You can also try added padded sections and buttons to your headboard to personalize the look.

A piece of plywood also works well to create a simple, clean headboard. The blank wood also allows for a lot of customization options.

You can reuse an old door to create a headboard by cutting it to size and finishing it as you like. Antique window panes can also be repurposed into a headboard by removing the glass and installing plywood or fiberboard to the back for structural integrity.

Repurpose the mirrors and frame from an old dresser or vanity to create an interesting reflective headboard.

Create a country cottage decor instantly by converting a piece of wooden fencing into a headboard for your bed. Color or stain it as you like and consider adding decorative elements such as mini scarecrows or fake birds to the corners to complete the look.

For a more industrial look, consider using pieces of chain link fencing to create a headboard that can be customized with photos, magnets, etc.

Try using sturdy bookcases as a headboard that doubles as a storage center for knick-knacks, books, lamps, etc.

An embellished metal screen can be used as an alternative to wrought iron headboard.

Faux Headboards

An alternative to the traditional full-sized headboard is creating a headboard that is actually part of the wall. Try attaching a variety of letters and shapes to the wall above the head of your bed to make an interesting "headboard." Stencil a wrought iron-like design on your wall to create a modern and less-expensive take on the elegant designs. Attach a series of framed images on the wall above your bed to create a colorful wall headboard. Use sections of wallpaper or wallpaper decals to section off a faux wall headboard. Hanging a large painting over your bed can also be another simple alternative to the traditional headboard.

Tags: headboard that, alternative traditional, create headboard, full-sized headboard, into headboard, repurposed into

Hang An Ikea Wine Rack

Screw anchors help secure your wine rack from inside the wall.

The furniture and housewares company Ikea specializes in pieces that can be used in different ways, not the least of which is the Vurm wine rack. The Vurm wine rack is a stainless-steel rack capable of holding four bottles of wine, and you can use it in one of two ways. You can either lay it flat on its back or hang it on the wall -- as of February 2011, it is the only Ikea wine rack that you can hang up. To make sure that it hangs sturdily and is capable of supporting your bottles, you need to take the proper precautions when hanging it. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use a stud finder to find studs in your wall, if applicable. A stud is the most secure place to hang anything, especially something like a wine rack that is used for supporting weight.

2. Determine where exactly you want to hang your wine rack. Hold the rack up against the wall in that spot and place the level on top of it. Rotate your level from side to side until it is perfectly level.

3. Place the tip of a pencil through each of the wine rack's four holes to mark where you need to drill. Set your wine rack down out of the way.

4. Drill four holes into the wall where you marked with your pencil and push a screw anchor into each hole.

5. Line your wine rack back up with the holes where the anchors now are. Use the power drill to screw four screws through the wine rack holes and into the anchors -- the wine rack is now in place and ready to hold your wine bottles.

Tags: wine rack, your wine, your wine rack, wine rack, four holes, holes into

Decorate With Western Decor Ideas

A stuffed and mounted head can add a Western look to your home's decor.

Make your home cozy by incorporating Western-themed decor. Western-styled decorating can bring a rustic charm into your home and make an austere home more hospitable. From furniture to wall art, western-themed pieces give your home a sense of cohesiveness and style. Don't be afraid to shop outside your comfort zone by hitting flea markets, antique stores and even yard sales to find the perfect Western accessory for your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pick furniture and accessories made from natural materials. Decorating with a Western style emphasizes the use of wood, leather, rock and bone. Leather sofas, chairs made from horn and weathered tables can bring out a Western look in a room.

2. Use animal skins. A bear rug on the floor, or a cow hide throw can add a little zing of Western flair within a room. Incorporate skins native to America; horses, sheep and even raccoon skins can work to your advantage when decorating. Find a pillow or seat covers in a skin for a distinctive look. Use faux skin if you prefer.

3. Add wrought iron or metal elements. A large, weather-beaten Texas star made out of tin or a wrought-iron bed frame can add rustic charm to a bedroom. A metal antique sculpture made out of bronze or copper can also work. Keep an eye out for metal lamps or wall sculptures.

4. Show some stone. Set out a couple of picture frames bordered with pebbles or small stones or consider outlining a fireplace in stone and mortar. Combining stone decorations with other elements like pine wood and animal skins will help complete the look.

5. Bare natural wood. Knotty pine floors and walls can instantly give a room a rustic and cabin-like feel. Use bare wood with a clear stain whenever possible. Look for dining tables and chairs, desks and coffee tables made in natural honey colors.

Tags: your home, animal skins, made from, rustic charm, Western look

California Swimming Pool Law

California swimming pool law requires owners to follow the Swimming Pool Safety Act.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for children 1 to 14 years old, fatal drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related, unintentional death. Hundreds of accidental deaths and even more injuries result from drowning and near-drowning incidents each year in California. California’s Swimming Pool Safety Act strives to ensure pool builders and owners abide by California swimming pool law with any swimming pool structure, including but not limited to pools, spas, hot tubs, non-portable wading pools and portable spas. Does this Spark an idea?

Swimming Pools

The California Pool Safety Act defines a "swimming pool" or "pool" as any structure containing water more than 18 inches deep for which recreational bathing or swimming is the intended purpose. The definition includes both above-ground and in-ground structures and includes, but is not limited to the above-mentioned structures. California swimming pool law requires any structure defined as a pool must be equipped with drowning prevention safety features, including an enclosure (fences and gates) or safety pool cover, pool or exit alarms and self-closing, self-latching doors and gates.

Features

In California, all fences around a swimming pool are required to be a minimum of five feet tall with no more than two inches of clearance from the bottom of the fence to the ground. They must be non-climbable to prevent children from climbing into a yard with a swimming pool, spa or other pool structure as defined by the Pool Safety Act. Gates leading to the pool area must be 5 feet tall, self-closing and self-latching; therefore, gates must be equipped with a spring to return them to the closed position when opened and must automatically latch upon closing. If the main door of the garage allows access to the pool area, it must also be self-closing and self-latching. All gates must also open away from the pool area, as small children are believed to be more likely to try pushing a gate open first before pulling. Fences and wrought iron gates must not have any openings between the vertical pickets that are larger than 4 inches in diameter.

Enclosures/Pool Covers

A pool "enclosure" is defined as a wall, fence or other barrier that prevents access to a swimming pool from the home, other adjoining building or from the area or yard outside the barrier. Safety pool covers must meet the definition of an "approved safety pool cover," meaning it must be a manually or power-operated pool cover that passes all the performance standards set forth by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).

Exit/Swimming Pool Alarms

The Pool Safety Act defines an exit alarm as a device that makes a clearly audible, continuous alarm sound when a window or door that permits unimpeded access from the home or other adjoining building to the pool area, is opened. The residence or building must be equipped with exit alarms that can either be battery-powered or connected directly to the wiring of the home or building. A swimming pool alarm is defined as an alarm, that when put in the pool, will activate with an audible alarm sound upon detection of accidental entrance into the water. Pool alarms must meet and be certified to the "Standards Specification for Pool Alarms" according to the American Society for Testing and Materials. The Standards include pressure, laser, sonar, surface motion and infrared-type alarms.

Considerations

A building permit must be required in the state of California before construction can begin on any new swimming pool or spa, or prior to the remodeling of any existing swimming pool or spa on the grounds of a private, single-family home. Before a final approval can be issued for the completion of construction or remodeling work, the drowning prevention safety devices required by the California Pool Safety Act will be inspected by a local building code inspector. If no violations are found, final approval will be issued.

Tags: Pool Safety, pool area, swimming pool, California swimming, equipped with

California Building Code Fence Requirements

Fences can add safety and privacy to any location.

The California Building Code outlines the state's fencing requirements. Different municipalities in California have the right to amend these requirements, as long as the minimum requirements are met. Those who build an illegal fence in a California city will have a civil suit brought against them. Illegal fences will be viewed as a nuisance. Before starting construction on any fence, be sure to check the laws that apply. Some fences need a permit before they can be constructed, while others do not. Does this Spark an idea?

Swimming Pools

The California Building Code requires all swimming pools that are deeper than 18 inches to be enclosed by a fence at all times. The fence itself must be at least 60 inches in height. The clearance at the bottom of the fence cannot exceed 2 inches. The purpose is to ensure that children cannot crawl underneath the fence and gain access to the pool. All swimming pool fences' gates must be self-closing and have a latch that is at least 54 inches from ground level. All fences must be designed to prevent children under the age of 5 from climbing over them.

Personal Fences

Personal fences in California, or fences built around a person's private property, are required to follow specific guidelines outlined by the California Building Code. Fences that do not exceed 6 feet in height do not need a construction permit. Fences can be built up to 8 feet without a permit, but only if the top two feet are made out of barbed or razor wire. All fences built within 5 feet of another building must be constructed with non-combustible material. The City of San Diego states that backyard fences cannot exceed 72 inches in height, while front-yard fences cannot exceed 42 inches in height. These requirements are supported by the California Building Code.

The Permit

Those looking to build a fence that exceeds the height regulations in California must first apply for a permit to build. The permit is valid for two years from the date it is issued. However, the permit will become invalid if no construction has started within the first 6 months of the permit being issued. In the event that the building permit becomes invalid, the person wishing to build the fence must apply for a new one and pay the fees. These guidelines can be found in Section 105.5 of the California Building Code.

Tags: Building Code, California Building, California Building Code, cannot exceed, cannot exceed inches, exceed inches, inches height

Make A Stencil Headboard

Add instant charm and whimsy to a bedroom by making a stenciled headboard. Stencil headboards can be made in any color, shape or design. Ad added bonus of stenciled headboards is that they are easy, quick and inexpensive to replace when you feel like redecorating your bedroom. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Find the perfect stencil design. You can select a traditional looking headboard or something a bit more whimsical, such as a picket fence or wrought iron gate.

2. Purchase enough of the stencil design to make the entire headboard all at one time. This way you do not have to wait for the stencil to dry before moving on to the next section.

3. Clean the wall where you intend to stencil your headboard with warm water and soap.

4. Draw a light pencil or chalk line to mark the top and sides of your headboard.

5. Move your bed away from the wall before you start painting, to give yourself plenty of room to work.

6. Tape the stencils in place. Stand back and make sure it is the right height and width.

7. Use a stippling brush to apply stencil paint. Both the paint and the brush are designed specifically for stenciling. Remove the stencils carefully, once the paint has completely dried.

Tags: stencil design, your headboard

Build A Sturdy Awning

You can build your own awning out of wood that will be sturdy enough to handle most weather situations. An awning is basically an additional roof designed to provide protection from the elements. After you've constructed your awning, you can make it more aesthetically pleasing either by finishing it with roofing materials or by painting it. You can customize your awning to match the decor of your home or business. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the intended dimensions of the frame of your awning; take into consideration the desired length and slope of your awning.

2. Cut your lumber into five separate pieces: two beams for the upper support, two beams for the lower support, and one longer beam for the front.

3. Cut two 45-degree angles into two pieces of lumber with your miter saw. The miter saw has the ability to cut angles. The angles should both be on the same side of beam; these pieces will provide the slope of the awning.

4. Screw the ends of the long piece to the tops of the two side pieces with two long screws. Place the sloping beams on top of the short beams and screw them together with two screws. Screw metal brackets into both sides of the support beams.

5. Place the awning frame against a wall and screw the brackets into the wall.

6. Cut two triangular pieces of plywood for the ends of the awning frame; nail the pieces to the frame by placing nails along the perimeter approximately every 6 inches. Place appropriately sized plywood onto the front of the awning and nail them into place in a similar fashion.

Tags: your awning, awning frame, brackets into, support beams

Get Rid Of Wrought Iron Interior Railings

Dated interiors can be rapidly spruced up by the removal of those wrought iron railings in your home and with the addition of new wooden railings in their place. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Start by removing all iron railings from the stair treads and floor areas near your stair.

2. Remove these by just unscrewing the lag bolts into the wood which hold these railings in place.

3. Take measurements: for instance the length of the slant and all other slant or level railings. Add 6" of length to each of these measurement to allow for proper fit.

4. Decide what components you like for the units in the new railings. You'll need to decide on balusters, newels and top rail. Usually a 1 x 6 wood board will be the bottom component.

5. Decide what wood specie you prefer and if you care to stain or paint the new railings.

6. Contact me if you would like additional help in deciding which components to use. Visit a big box store and take time to watch the videos they offer in the stair and railings department. This will educate you in a short time. While there, you can also physically see and touch some of the basic choices in stock at these stores. Although, there are other specialty places at which you can buy your supplies, most of the time the prices are ok at these big box stores.

Tags: Decide what, iron railings, these stores

Design A Grey Living Room

Design a grey living room.

Grey is a modern interior decorating color that coordinates well with almost any other accent color. Grey in the living room offers a cool and calm design that is elegant and comfortable. According to DecoratingSecrets.net, grey colors range from solid grey, which represents strength, to soft grey, which symbolizes innocence and fragility. Grey can be used to soften bright accessories in a living room design. Decorating a living room in grey allows you to create an environment that is peaceful and calming. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Chose a light grey paint color for the walls. Opt for flat or satin paint, and avoid using glossy paint that has a metallic sheen. Use the light grey paint to serve as a neutral backdrop for wall art and decorative accessories. Choose white paint for the trim around the doors, baseboards and ceiling molding.

2. Select a contrasting accent color for furniture and accessories. Choose a sofa that is orange, blue, black, red or yellow for a strong visual appeal. According to Interiordezine.com, grey is often used as an anchor for another color. Add throw pillows, candles and vases that combine grey with the contrasting accent color. Grey diffuses the color saturation and helps the room blend together in an elegant manner. Avoid using more than two contrasting accent colors in the room.

3. Select electronics, computers, television screens and hardware that have silver metallic finishes. Select aluminum, stainless steel, brushed nickel and wrought iron metal finishes that coordinate with the grey living room colors. Use these silver metallic colors for table accessories like candle holders and on the wall as picture frames for photos and wall art.

4. Choose another neutral color like soft brown or off-white for floor coverings and window treatments. Select a solid or patterned throw rug that includes the same shade of grey as the grey in the wall paint. The floor covering can also include brown or off-white accent colors. Opt for window treatments that are brown or off-white to contrast with the light grey walls. The bold accent color can also be incorporated into the fabric for the curtains.

Tags: living room, accent color, brown off-white, contrasting accent, light grey

Building Aluminum Fence Posts

Aluminum fencing can serve a variety of heavy-duty purposes for commercial businesses. This type of fencing is very versatile and durable, offering numerous options for color, length and durability since aluminum fencing resists rust and holds painted-on colors well.

Business owners and homeowners alike often choose to install their own aluminum fencing with pre-fabricated options. However, it is possible to fabricate aluminum fence posts using some raw materials and basic tools. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cut aluminum post tubing to the proper length using the aluminum saw. Posts for aluminum fencing usually span at least 2 feet beyond the length of the actual fence. Cut as many posts as needed for the fence configuration.

2. Separate the posts into designated corner posts, end posts and line posts. Corner posts have holes in two adjacent sides, end posts have holes in just one side, and line posts have holes in two opposite sides.

3. Drill holes in the aluminum fence posts to correspond with the fencing, drilling holes based on whether the posts are corner, end or line.

4. Dig holes at least 2 feet deep to accommodate the posts. Starting with the first post hole, fill with concrete and insert the post, allowing the concrete to set. Repeat with each hole.

Tags: have holes, posts have, posts have holes, aluminum fence posts, aluminum fencing, fence posts

Decorate In A Room With A Brick Fireplace

A fireplace provides a room with a beautiful focal point.

Homeowners who have a room with a fireplace are lucky on many levels. Not only does the room possess a natural focal point in the form of the fireplace, but the fireplace itself becomes part of the decor. Decorating this type of room set up offers a number of options to the homeowner. Depending upon the type of brick, the decorating style can be anything from rustic to ultra-modern. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Paint the wall and the fireplace brick if the brick is old and starting to look worn out, or if you just want to pull the look together with color. If you opt to paint, consider painting the fireplace and the wall that houses it one color, like mustard yellow, and the walls around it a different color; this adds more emphasis.

2. Place a large throw rug in the space in front of your fireplace. You can position your couch, a large coffee table, plus your chairs around the rug. It will serve to pull the eye to the room's focal point, the fireplace.

3. Hang artwork on the wall above the fireplace. A number of options exist for you from a large photographic print to an oil painting. Make sure that the art you select fits the theme of the room.

4. Enhance artwork with decorative candle wall sconces. For example, if you've chosen some cast-iron decorating accessories for the rest of the room, look for cast-iron wall sconces to hang beside your artwork above the mantel. This pulls the room together visually.

5. Decorate the sides of the fireplace with floral arrangements. You can try a dried flower arrangement filled with tall grasses and seed pods, or something more elaborate like a rose topiary. Make sure that the arrangements are placed far away from the front of the fireplace to avoid fire hazard.

6. Select an appropriate lamp for either the fireplace's mantel. You can go with one lamp in the middle of the mantel or opt for two, one on each end. You'll place decorative accessories like family pictures around the lamps.

7. Look for a decorative fireplace screen and matching room divider. For example, if you've chosen a forest-themed fireplace screen, look for a standing divider screen with a similar motif.

Tags: focal point, example chosen, fireplace screen, Make sure, Make sure that, number options

Find Out What My Longaberger Baskets Are Worth

Find Out What My Longaberger Baskets Are Worth

Since 1978, Longaberger Basket company has sold handcrafted wood baskets in home parties through its consultants. Consumers purchase Longaberger baskets because of their beauty, durability and collectibility. Some Longaberger baskets may be worth much more today than their original purchase price, creating a solid investment for the buyer. If you are redecorating, downsizing or need some extra money and want to sell your Longaberger baskets, investigating their worth helps you make an educated selling decision.

Instructions

1. Identify and inventory the baskets you want to sell as exactly as possible. If you can find the original purchase receipt, check your purchase date and the name of the basket. If the basket has a brass tag, the name and sometimes a year will be listed on it. Measure the basket, note whether there's swinging or stationary handles, check the signature on the bottom, and gather all accessories that came with the basket such as a lid, liner and plastic protector insert. Search the Internet for pictures of your basket to identify its name and date if you do not know what it is.

2. Look up the basket by name and year in a current year print or Internet guide to collectible pricing that specializes in Longaberger Baskets.

3. Check Internet auction sites and online classified ads for your specific Longaberger basket model and year to see what other people are paying for similar baskets online and in your area. Because a basket is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it at that time, checking completed auctions and active listings gives you a to-the-moment idea of what you may actually be able to get for the basket.

Tags: Find What, Find What Longaberger, Longaberger baskets, Longaberger Baskets, original purchase, want sell, What Longaberger

Hotels & Motels In Florence Al

Situated along the banks of the Tennessee River is the city of Florence, Alabama. This Southern city has an extensive historic downtown area and features many restored historic homes. Travelers will enjoy visiting the Indian Mound museum and the Kennedy-Douglass art museum. For outdoor activities, Florence has many public parks that are perfect for bird-watching, nature lovers, and there are walking trails and several golf courses, including the Robert Trent Jones Shoals Courses. For visitors in Florence, there are numerous hotels to choose from that are situated in restored historic buildings and conveniently located near the downtown area.

Veranda on Walnut

Situated near the University of North Alabama campus and in the Walnut Street Historic District of Florence, is the Veranda on Walnut. Immediately upon arrival, guests will notice the ivy-covered black wrought iron gate that leads up to the large front porch of this stately two-story house. The house was built in 1915 and has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1976. The Veranda on Walnut features three guest rooms and suites. The Amanda Suite includes a queen-size canopied bed, a lounge, fireplace, television, coffee maker, refrigerator and private bath. The Christopher Suite features a king-size bed with a sitting room, television, fireplace, private bath with robe and slippers and coffee maker. The Falena room has a queen-size bed with a private bath and television. The Veranda on Walnut provides popcorn, teas and coffees for guests. A full breakfast is included in the room charge.

Veranda on Walnut

414 N. Walnut St.

Florence, AL 35630

256-767-3929

verandaonwalnut.net

Wood Avenue Inn

Located in near downtown Florence is the Wood Avenue Inn. This Victorian mansion was built in 1889 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This inn offers five guest rooms, all uniquely decorated. Rooms include a king-size beds, private baths, two twin-size beds or queen-size beds. One room includes a private porch. To maintain "Victorian serenity", rooms do not have telephones or televisions. Both are available in the nearby game room and guest's lounges. All room fees include a romantic, candlelight breakfast. The hotel offers packed picnic basket lunches or lunches is the hotel's Wisteria Garden.

Wood Avenue Inn

658 N. Wood Ave.

Florence, AL 35630

256-766-8441

woodavenueinn.com

Holiday Inn

Found near the Tennessee River, located in downtown Florence is a Holiday Inn. Guests will be able to walk to the shops and restaurants in Florence from this conveniently located hotel. The Holiday Inn offers rooms with two queen-size beds, one king-size bed or suites. Both smoking and non-smoking rooms are available. All rooms feature a flat-screen LCD television with movie channels, a clock radio, iron, refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, desk area and complimentary wireless Internet access. The suites include a separate sitting area with a sleeper sofa. Amenities provided by the Holiday Inn include a business center, fitness room, indoor swimming pool, hot tub and a complimentary hot breakfast. Dining options near the Holiday Inn include Rosie's Mexican Cantina and O'Charley's Restaurant.

Holiday Inn

505 S. Court St.

Florence, AL 35630

256-767-8282

hamptoninn.com

Tags: Veranda Walnut, coffee maker, Florence 35630, private bath, Wood Avenue