Design Porch Railings

Porch railings add beauty and safety

Porches add charm and style to homes, providing a welcome mat to guests and a relaxation spot for homeowners. Porch railings add curb appeal to the front of your home while adding an element of safety to your porch. Whether building your porch from scratch or adding railing to an existing porch, take several steps in your design process to achieve a safe and visually appealing porch railing. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Contact your local building office to determine if you need a permit to add a porch railing. Ask for the specific building codes related to porch railings. The codes might indicate the required height of the railing and spacing of the spindles.

2. Assess the style of your home because it will impact the type of porch railing you choose. Keep the style in mind as you make the design plans for your railing.

3. Measure the length of your porch where the railing will run. Note any pillars or porch posts that will break up the length of the railing.

4. Decide if you want to build your own railing or use prefabricated railings. You can customize your own railing more easily than using prefabricated railings, but this option also requires more work.

5. Determine the height for the railing, which is typically between 30 and 42 inches. Make sure the height conforms to your local building codes.

6. Determine the spindle spacing on your porch railing. Wider spacing presents more risks for injury, especially for small children. Four inches is the maximum you should leave between spindles.

7. Choose the material for your railing. Common options include wood, wrought iron, vinyl or composite materials. The style of your home, your budget and your personal preferences impact this decision.

8. Choose the style of spindles you want for your porch railing. There are many different styles of spindles, including round, spiral and custom designs.

9. Choose a finish for the railing if you choose wood as the material. Stain or paint finishes the wood to create the desired look on your porch railing.

Tags: porch railing, your porch, your railing, your home, your porch railing, building codes

Decorate A Table With Photos

Using similar frames is key when displaying photos.

Decorating with photos might seem like a no-brainer to most homeowners, but the task is actually slightly trickier than how it appears. Too many accent or coffee tables look cluttered with framed photos, preventing the frames from doing what they're supposed to do: showcase the people and the moments of life that you'd like to share with visitors. You can still use framed photos as a decorative tool for your tabletops without falling into the common pitfalls that most homeowners do. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the width of the table you want to decorate. Divide the measurement in inches by six. The whole number of your answer is the number of picture frames your table can hold without looking cluttered. For example, if your table is 14 inches wide, two picture frames are the max it can hold. If your table is 38 inches wide, six picture frames are the max it can hold.

2. Lay out all the photographs that you plan to frame in front of you. Pick photographs that are connected by a theme, such as "childhood moments" or "family togetherness."

3. Put your chosen photographs into frames that consist of similar materials and styles. The frames don't have to be identical, but they should all be evocative of each other. For example, wrought iron frames, burnt copper-styled frames and styles of wood frames are all wise choices.

4. Arrange the frames so the biggest photos are in the back and the smallest ones are in the front. Place them so none of the photos blocks the others.

5. Place a small vase made of a material that contrasts the frames, such as ceramic or porcelain, in the back corner of the table. Fill the vase with bright-colored, short-stemmed flowers such as yellow roses or peonies.

Tags: picture frames, your table, framed photos, frames hold, inches wide, inches wide picture, most homeowners

Decorate A A Shabby Chic Loft

This loft living area is decorated in shabby chic style.

Loft apartments are often located in vintage commercial buildings that have been renovated and repurposed as living areas. Lofts often retain the industrial characteristics of the original building, making them perfect settings for shabby chic decor. Weathered brick walls and distressed floors make a suitable canvas for the timeworn look that is the hallmark of shabby chic style. Large windows invite understated shabby chic window treatments while worn but comfortable furniture brings coziness to a loft's wide open spaces. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Lay wood plank floors if the space doesn't already have them. Distress them if necessary until they look like they have experienced decades of use. Warm themup with faded and worn but still serviceable Oriental area rugs or whitewash the floors and leave them bare. Toss large, overstuffed floor pillows here and there to serve as casual seating. Cover the pillows with faded fabric with a small floral pattern.

2. Create conversation areas. Arrange large, overstuffed couches opposite each other. Cover them with white slipcovers or throw faded, worn quilts or chenille bedspreads over them. Place a large vintage table that has been cut down to coffee-table height between them. Choose a table painted white or pastel pink, green or blue. If the paint has worn off in spots to reveal the bare wood, leave it that way. Or opt for a vintage glass or marble-topped coffee table with timeworn but still graceful wrought-iron legs. Put small weathered dressers to work as side tables. Use pieces that have not been refinished. Dress them up with vintage linen handkerchiefs repurposed as doilies. Choose table lamps with chipped wrought-iron bases topped with white fabric shades.

3. Shop for a large armoire to act as both a room divider and media center. Find one with carved accents and peeling paint. Add mismatched vintage hinges and knobs. Push your bed against the back of the piece, hang a quilt or tapestry on it for a shabby chic headboard. Craft a privacy screen from weathered shutters or old doors hinged together.

4. Furnish the kitchen with large, freestanding hutches and cupboards, the more weathered the better. The cabinets don't have to all be the same color, but stick to a pastel or white palette. Hang open shelving to display everyday items like chipped stoneware and mismatched china. Place an unadorned, painted table in the middle of the kitchen and surround it with mismatched wooden chairs. Opt for a large dresser to serve as an island as well as providing storage.

5. Dress the windows with full-length cotton sheers. Also consider full-length, rumpled heavy linen, silk or satin curtains hung from wooden or wrought iron rods.

Tags: shabby chic, chic style, Choose table, faded worn, have been, large overstuffed

Decorate A Iron Canopy For A Wedding

Winding roses throughout your iron wedding canopy can add a romantic touch.

Wrought iron canopies or arches can add a romantic, old-fashioned look to any outdoor wedding. They can be used for years to come as a garden or yard decoration, giving a magical and nostalgic welcome to your home. Decorating the canopy for your wedding day can be quite easy, once you decide what type of look you are going for, and select the appropriate decorations to fit with your wedding theme.

Instructions

1. Create a romantic and fragrant mood by winding fresh roses or other flowers through the iron-work on your canopy. If using real flowers, make sure the stems are long enough to tuck through and around the different iron scrolls on the canopy to secure them. If using artificial flowers, you can use clear tape to secure the stems and hide the taped sections by winding green vines throughout the canopy as well. You can also use white or colored ribbons to tie artificial or live flowers to the canopy, making decorative bows on each bloom. One live vine to consider is wisteria, which features beautiful grape clusters of fragrant blooms. You can also use ivy vines.

2. Add strands of Christmas lights by weaving them around the entire exterior of the canopy. You can secure the lights to the canopy by using ribbons or floral wire. White lights can go with a wedding in any season, and colorful red and green lights can add a romantic touch to a Christmas wedding. You can hide the wires of the lights by wrapping artificial greenery around them on the canopy.

3. Add decorative touches to the canopy by using non-traditional items such as gold garland for a Christmas wedding, or strands of silver stars or silver bells which can be purchased at most craft or wedding supply shops. Both of these items can be attached to the canopy with clean tape or floral wire, or can even be woven throughout the sides of the canopy. You can also purchase yards of material, such as white chiffon on white silk, at your local fabric shop and drape it over the canopy to create a romantic tent-look, tying the material back on the sides of the canopy with white ribbons.

Tags: canopy using, canopy secure, canopy with, Christmas wedding, floral wire, romantic touch

Ornamental Fence Parts

Ornamental fences consist of panels, posts, gates and fasteners, with optional accessories.

An ornamental fence provides a decorative finish to yards and landscapes. It can help direct traffic to entry points as well as deter unwanted trespassers from cutting across lawns and gardens. Ornamental fences can be constructed of powder-coated steel, iron, aluminum or vinyl. They can range in height from just a few inches to well over six feet. Does this Spark an idea?

Posts

Ornamental fences begin with posts. Square posts are set into the ground at regular intervals to provide strength and support to the panels. The posts are buried beneath ground level and usually surrounded with concrete. The hollow posts can be capped with either a simple or decorative cap. The base of the post can be finished with an optional collar to hide hardware and provide a finished appearance.

Panels

A panel spans the distance between two posts. The most common type of ornamental fence panel consists of two horizontal bars with multiple upright bars spaced evenly across the width of the panel.

Gates

Gates provide access to areas surrounded by ornamental fences. The gates can blend in with the panels or can be elaborate with decorative scrolls and bars to highlight the entrances.

Fasteners

Fasteners attach the panels and gates to the posts. There are several types to choose from, including a collar style, which wraps around the posts and panels, and a clamp style that clamps the panel to the post to secure it.

Accessories

Top panels are decorative finishes placed on top of the regular panels, and they're installed in a similar way. These can be as simple as an extension of the regular panels to provide more height, or a series of rings or spears to provide a more decorative flair. Finials are individualized finishes used on panels where the upright rails extended beyond the top horizontal bar of the panels. Finials can be attached to the individual rods or spaced throughout the fence panel. Finials can also be used as decorative post caps. Examples of finials are the fleur-de-lis style and the simple arrowhead-shaped point.

Tags: Ornamental fences, fence panel, ornamental fence, panels posts, provide more, regular panels

Decorate A Spanish Bungalow

Draw inspiration from your surroundings as you decorate your Spanish bungalow.

Create an ambiance of comfort and warmth with Spanish-inspired decor. Brightly colored accent pieces complement the earth tones, inspired by nature. Rustic furniture choices maintain the inviting appeal you wish to achieve in a Mediterranean-style home without overpowering the often smaller spaces of a bungalow. Tile flooring and vividly woven rugs tie the pieces together to create a Spanish bungalow you and your friends can enjoy for years. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Paint the outside of your home in colors of the sky or dessert. Accent with bold-colored shutters and bright doors and trim. Mimic sun-drenched outdoor spaces and wild flowers with your paint choices.

2. Paint the interior rooms in rich, earthy tones. The red colors of clay and terra cotta, bronze and orange sunsets or yellow sunrises offer plenty of inspiration for any room in your home. Choose lighter colors for rooms with limited natural light. Sun porches and well lit rooms can handle deeper paint colors.

3. Give your walls the appearance of plaster with various painting techniques.

Texture the walls as you paint. Mix the paint with drywall mud and apply it to the walls with a paint roller. Apply a second coat with a trowel to give your walls a stucco or plaster appearance. Apply the paint in half-moon motions. Use sponge-painting techniques if you prefer the appearance of texture but want a flat-paint wall.

4. Tile floors lighten rooms filled with heavy furniture pieces.

Replace carpet with Spanish tile flooring or even brick. The brick flooring is somewhat harder to keep clean but accents sunrooms nicely. Carry the tile flooring throughout your home.

5. Incorporate wrought iron and copper fixtures and accents into your Spanish Bungalow decor. Hang an old wrought iron gate above a console curio cabinet. Install antique copper sconces with a slight patina in the dining room. A multi-armed iron chandelier works well in a foyer that boasts a high ceiling.

6. Make use of large wood furniture pieces. Transform an old armoire into your entertainment center. Stain lighter oak end tables in darker shades and add heavy metal hardware. Put an old parson's bench in the hallway. Use an antique trunk as a coffee table.

7. Leather chairs provide comfort and style to your Spanish bungalow.

Flank a mission-style sofa with two overstuffed leather recliners or side chairs in the living room. Add a touch of formality with an ornate love seat. In the dining room use upholstered captain chairs that have been ornately carved around the entire table.

8. Brighten the room with a serape.

Accent the rooms with rich tapestries hung on the walls. Lay brightly woven serapes over arms of chairs and the sofa. Place several vases of fresh flowers on tables throughout your bungalow. Hang dried flowers and vegetables from windows and above the doorways.

Tags: your home, your Spanish, dining room, furniture pieces, into your, rooms with

Information On Metal Bunkbeds

Like their counterparts, made from other materials, metal bunk beds are designed to give a bedroom more living space. Metal bunk beds, however, are built to last and are ideal for dorm or bedroom use. Does this Spark an idea?

Styles

Metal bunk beds are available in several styles, including twin over twin, twin over full and twin over futon. Most metal bunk beds do not come with mattresses, but can be added separately for an additional cost. Storage drawers can also be added as optional equipment for an extra charge.

Features

Metal bunk beds are equipped with several features, including lead-free powder-coated finish, contemporary design and conformity with product safety standards. The beds have the ability to convert the futon portion into a full-size sleeping surface.

Prices

When shopping for metal bunk beds, prices will vary from store to store. In 2011, online metal bunk bed prices range from $330 to $776, with the twin-over-twin models running less than the other models.

Tags: bunk beds, twin over, metal bunk, metal bunk, Metal bunk

Decorate With Bed Frames

A bedroom should be a sanctuary--a place to kick back at the end of a long day and find relaxation from a hectic world. While overall bedroom decor should be warm and inviting, the bed should be the focal point: a spot you want to sink into and the piece of furniture that enhances the room's style and decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use a bookshelf (the same width as the mattress) as a bed frame headboard. Paint it a color that coordinates with the room's decor (or leave it as is) and use screws to attach it to a metal bed frame. A bookshelf makes a functional bed frame for a child's room: Store books and baskets (to hold clutter) on the shelves.

2. For a unique look, consider a wrought iron bed frame. Select white or cream in a shabby finish for a cottage or beach home, ornate, "curly" style for a romantic or Tuscan look, and nickel or black for contemporary decor.

3. Turn an old bed frame into new again. Lightly sand the bed frame and give it two coats of satin finish paint, letting each coat dry thoroughly. For a distressed finish, gently sand the edges of the bed frame.

4. For an inexpensive bed frame, use a metal bed frame that holds solely the box spring and mattress (no headboard and footboard) then create a virtual bed frame. Place three large king size pillows along the wall and three to five twin and decorative pillows (square and bolster style) in front to create a headboard appearance. Place a trunk, ottoman or leather storage cubes at the base of the bed to create a footboard.

5. For a romantic feel, consider a canopy bed frame that allows you to drape a sheer white curtain around the bed.

Tags: frame that, metal frame

Decorate A Small Home In Country Style On A Budget

Country style decorating is possible with a limited budget.

Decorating a small home means keeping furniture to scale. Oversized furniture or wall art would overwhelm a small home. Instead, use apartment size furniture and hang smaller pictures on your walls. Think "less is more" and accessorize sparingly to make rooms feel more spacious. Decide whether you want to do one or two specific rooms in country style decor or every room in the house. Look for bargains when shopping to stay within your budget. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Decorate your kitchen country style by using homespun plaid fabrics, gingham prints and white eyelet lace. To save money, make your own tablecloths, chair cushions, curtains or napkins with these materials and by following simple patterns. If you have a country motif such as apples or roosters, use stencils to accent your kitchen dish towels, paper towel holder or back splash.

2. Choose wooden furniture pieces at flea markets, garage sales, secondhand stores or antique shops. Any dents or light scratches will add country character. Alternatively, distress wooden furniture pieces you currently have with a light sanding. Another option is to paint furniture pieces and stencil on a floral design.

3. Save money by making your own plaid or gingham curtains. Decide from tieback curtain panels, valances, window swags or prairie curtains. Use buttons as accents. Another option is to choose curtain material with country themes such as roosters, barn stars, farm animals, birds, floral patterns or white lace. Opt for toile for a French country look.

4. Decorate your bathroom in country style to match the rest of your home. Toilet roll holders and towel bars made of pewter, white cast iron, wood or wrought iron are a nice touch with a country flair. Tin switch plates or a country themed motif on switch plates adds to the ambiance. Add floral wreaths and wooden signs or plaques to the walls. Coordinate your shower curtain, bath mat and towels with your favorite country motif, such as ducks or geese.

5. Accessorize your home with country accents that you can get at garage sales, such as vintage farm tools, kitchen utensils, wooden plaques, pottery, mason jars, antiques, colored bottles, candles and baskets. Barn beams add a country flavor to any room. Braided rugs look good in any room in the house. Make a quilt and hang it on a wall. Make a wreath for your front door or to decorate any room.

Tags: country style, furniture pieces, with country, Another option, country motif

Decorate A Small Cottage Bedroom

Decorating a small cottage bedroom is an act of love. Cottage décor is welcoming, bright and uncomplicated and brings a sense of contentment and relaxation to the dweller. Although a small room makes decorating a challenge, you can make the most of your small cottage bedroom by choosing the right paint colors and furnishings. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose a light and bright wall paint color. A pale yellow or light blue works nicely for a small cottage bedroom, making it cheery and sex-neutral for visitors. Use a white primer and an eggshell finish for a warm and color-correct result.

2. Place a twin or queen-size bed in the center of the room against a wall. A twin or full-size mattress would be a better choice unless you want to accommodate a couple. Then go with a queen if you have room. Do not use a footboard for the bed and you'll save space.

3. Use whitewashed furniture and bed headboard. Whitewashed furniture is very cottage chic and maintains the bright cleanliness of the room. Purchase a small side table and bureau to complete the room.

4. Select bedding. Cottage décor often dresses beds with a floral-themed sheet set and hand-quilted comforter. If you go with floral bedding, don't overdo it. Too much matching floral pattern will make the room look smaller, so use a floral sheet and a less-patterned quilt or comforter. Toss a white throw over the end of the bed to set off the patterns even more.

5. Place a mirror to reflect light from windows in the room. A mirror with a whitewashed frame or a barn wood frame will fit nicely over a bureau or near the doorway.

6. Hang a few short bookshelves around a window or high over the bed to provide additional display space. Add a few vintage cottage items such as a small birdcage, perfume bottles or water pitchers to complete the cottage look.

7. Use white window treatments, choosing between a white sheer curtain and white shutters. Both looks make the room feel cozy and welcoming as well as enhance a dreamy cottage ambiance.

Tags: cottage bedroom, make room, small cottage, small cottage bedroom

Metal Fence Ideas

Metal fences are a great way to enclose your yard while adding a personal decorative touch to your landscape. They can be both functional and appealing. There are many types of metal fences that are designed to be used in nearly any imaginative way you can conjure: enclosures, gates and accents. Does this Spark an idea?

Type of Metal

The type of metal you choose for your fence will determine its durability and design. There are three primary material for metal fences: chain link, aluminum and wrought iron. Chain-link fences are a practical and economical fence design with little ornamental value or privacy.

Aluminum fences have become popular because consumers can get aluminum fencing that has the look of wrought iron without the cost. You can enclose an area securely with a nice finish. Wrought iron is the top choice for high-end fence enclosures. It is a durable look that creates a classical estate look. Aluminum and wrought iron fences do not provide privacy as people can see into the property, but the fences are often part of the landscape design.

Design

Most metal fences do not innately create a sense of privacy. They are designed for security. There are different ways to incorporate privacy or landscape design with a metal fence. For aluminum fences, you can add to the design by planting vines along the fence to grow over it and add privacy or attach privacy screens to them.

Aluminum and wrought iron come in a variety of shapes. You can mount them flush to the ground so there is no barrier at the bottom of the fence or you can mount them in a brick or cement base. When looking at a base design, you can have a small foundation on the bottom or actually create a wall with cement and bricks and use the fencing to add ornate components as well as to create gated entryways. There are rounded tops or level fences, depending on your preference.

Cost Difference

Of course, with any home design project you must consider the cost and create a budget to accomplish your goals. For those on restrictive budgets seeking to create an enclosure to protect pets and family members, the best bet is a chain-link fence. Chain link can be purchased in a roll at a hardware or home improvement store for about $105 per 50 feet in 2009. Chain link is quick to install, thereby costing less in labor.

Aluminum fencing usually comes in sections between 4 and 6 feet wide. Look for competitive costs of approximately $250 to $350 per section in 2009. Wrought iron will require the most labor and is often custom-built for specific parcel needs. Expect to pay at least $100 per foot of fence in 2009.

Tags: metal fences, Aluminum wrought iron, Chain link, design with, landscape design, mount them, wrought iron

Decorate A Shabby Chic Vanity Table

A shabby chic vanity table is a useful furnishing for adding a sense of feminine beauty to a bedroom or bathroom design. The distressed white wood and intricate detailing make a shabby chic vanity table a showpiece for the room. These simple ideas will help with the decor for the vanity. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Select a patterned table runner or place mat. To bring focus to the center of the shabby chic vanity table, add a feminine place mat or table runner. Animal prints, decorative florals, and simple lace can provide a table area for placing a small assortment of feminine products and home decorations.

2. Add tall candles to the vanity table. For a shabby chic vanity table, tall thin candlesticks made from wrought iron or brushed nickel can be placed in the center of the place mat or table runner. A grouping of three candlesticks with candles in assorted heights will bring attention to the vanity area.

3. Complement the table with beauty products. Antique powder jars, perfume bottles, and powder compacts can be used to decorate around the tall candlesticks. It is better to use a few choice pieces than to fill the entire shabby chic vanity with an overabundance of accessories. Add dried flowers or wispy vine to the tabletop to provide a blending of all the elements.

Tags: shabby chic, chic vanity table, vanity table, chic vanity, shabby chic vanity, table runner, chic vanity

Design Bunk Beds

Bunk beds provide more sleeping space in cabins and vacation homes.

Bunk beds are one of the most efficient furniture designs for saving space. Many options exist for designs that blend sleeping space with extra storage, desks, bookcases and shelves. Back-to-back bunk beds provide multiple sleeping spaces for cabins and vacation homes. A bunk bed can be transformed into a cottage, a castle, pirate ship or anything else you can dream of for a themed, kid's room. No matter what type of bunk bed you decide to design, the most important thing to remember is safety. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Write down the basics such as layout, number of beds and building materials.

Brainstorm ideas for bunk bed designs and write them down. Think about the number of sleeping spaces needed and the type of building materials you want to use. For example, bunk beds can be constructed of lumber, wrought iron or an array of building materials. Decide on a layout for the beds such as one directly over another, an L shaped design or a loft design. Determine the mattress size. For example, bunk beds can be constructed with two twin-sized mattresses, a twin and a full or two full-sized mattresses.

2. Design in extra features and finishes such as paint color.

Include any extra features such as a built-in bookcase, desk, slide, shelves, drawers or built-in walls. Prioritize features that you deem a necessity. For example, design a place for extra storage if space is an issue, or a desk for a college student. Include themes and characters if designing beds for a kid's room. Ask your children for their input. Plan lighting options in each space if designing individualized sleeping compartments. Decide on paint colors and finishes for building materials used to construct the beds. Include ideas for embellishments such as decorative knobs or handles for storage drawers.

3. Graph paper will help you draw the bed to scale.

Measure the wall or walls that the beds will be built on or near. Use 1/4-inch graph paper to create a scaled elevation plan, which is similar to a floor plan. Draw the height and width of the wall you measured to scale, letting each 1/4-inch box represent 1 foot in either direction. Draw your bed design, using the same scale for a general idea of size. Create another scaled elevation on a separate piece of graph paper if the bed will be built on two walls or to view the design from a different perspective. Use these drawings to help determine approximately how big your bunk bed will be in regard to the rest of the room.

4. A home improvement store salesperson can help you with materials.

Take your scaled bunk bed design idea to your local home improvement store or lumber yard. Ask a knowledgeable salesperson to help you gather the materials needed to build your project and determine exact dimensions. Browse woodworking or DIY forums online if you run into a problem or need extra help. Post a question of your own if you don't find the information for which you are looking.

Tags: building materials, beds constructed, beds provide, bunk beds, Bunk beds

What Objects Look Good On A Sofa Table

Accessorize your sofa table to match the rest of your decor.

Sadly, the sofa table is overlooked in most living rooms. The tall table, relegated to behind the couch, is a resting place either for items leaving the house such as car keys or for items that get left behind such as junk mail. It's time to show that table some love and shower it with accessories and, perhaps, a piece or two of fabric. Get ready to shine, dear sofa table, and proudly join the rest of the living room. Does this Spark an idea?

Things to Consider

There are three items to consider before you start to accessorize your sofa table. First, the location of the table. Allow the primary use of the room to dictate the styling of the table. If the table is in a busy den, it's best not to crowd the table with precious collectibles for fear that they will be knocked over. If the table is in a formal living room that doesn't see a lot of foot traffic, your heirlooms can be safely displayed on that table. Second, consider the construction of the sofa table. A simple, but well-made, table with four legs and a top shelf will lend itself to any variety of country décor schemes while a table with wrought iron legs and a glass top works well with modern and contemporary. Third, determine the primary function of the sofa table, such as if the table will be merely decorative or if it will serve a purpose.

Make it Pretty

The table should reflect the room's theme or design scheme. Faux flowers in a rustic metal watering can, an antique trinket and a primitive-style doll would work in a room with a country theme. If country leave you cold, but the sleek lines of modern style make you warm, dress up your metal sofa table with plants in vibrantly colored containers or a row of books anchored by metal bookends. Peonies, either real or fake, in mismatched pink tea cups, a metal picture frame and a chipped metal bowl for keys works for rooms with French country, pretty country or shabby chic themes. If you wish to either disguise or protect the top of a sofa table, a table runner or simple piece of fabric works well.

Make it Personal

No matter what your design scheme, you can never go wrong with family photos. Display the photos in frames either made of the same material or in the same color or in an eclectic mix. Photographs printed in either sepia tone or black and white pop when in rustic red frames and complement a country theme. Metal frames scream modern and fun; candid photos in vintage metal frames will work with French or American country. Display trinkets and souvenirs from trips either in shadow boxes or under hurricane vases.

Make it Work

For some, the sofa table must function in the room and the accessories must not only be decorative, but useful as well. If your table has more than one shelf, use the top for everyday items such as a ceramic bowl as a catchall for house keys and a horizontal or vertical metal file for magazines and other mail. Use the secondary shelves for baskets that can hold mittens, hats, gloves, maps, umbrellas and other necessary items that while vital, aren't used every day.

Tags: sofa table, table with, sofa table, country theme, design scheme, items that

Historic Railing Ideas

Railings have a rich and varied history.

Choosing a railing style for your home is personal preference, but all railings must meet building codes. Historical railings often don't meet these codes because of newer height requirements. If your railing is pre-existing, it may be protected by your community's historical society, although many iron railings that existed before World War II were cannibalized as scrap for the war effort. Choosing a historical railing for your home certainly adds a hint of nostalgic beauty to your property. Does this Spark an idea?

Gothic

Gothic railings are often heavily ornate.

Gothic railings gained popularity in the 1800s and are heavily ornate. The iron pickets are usually set close together and are often capped with spikes or fleur-de-lis, due to heavy French influence. The designs are endless, with scrolling and beautiful artwork incorporated into the railings.

Victorian

Victorian railings are easily recognized for their detail.

You can lend your home a Victorian flair by mimicking the railings that were popular in that era. Made of either wood or iron, they were typically white-washed and heavy on craftsmanship and detail. The brackets in a wood railing may have been neweled, squared off or even curved for added texture. Iron work was often lighter weight and finer than the Gothic style.

Old South

Antebellum homes were large and imposing.

The Antebellum plantation homes of the Deep South feature a wide array of railings, but the most recognizable are the homes with towering columns surrounding them. The railings of either wood or iron stretch between the colonnades, often on multiple stories of the home. Some of these majestic houses and their railings date to the late 1700s. This is an excellent historical railing idea for imposing homes.

Tags: your home, either wood, either wood iron, Gothic railings, heavily ornate, historical railing

Build A Dining Room Table For Less

Dining Room Table

You can build a dining room table for less money than you'd probably expect. A basic dining room table consists of a top piece and sturdy legs or other suitable base. With only a few minor tools and elbow grease, you CAN build a dining room table for less. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Searching for pre-existing table parts is one of the most cost effective ways to build a dining room table. Go to your local thrift shops or hit some weekend garage sales before you end up at the home improvement store.

2. Look for a suitable table top or base piece. Note that standard dining room tables should be 28" to 30" high. A vintage cast iron treadle sewing machine base stands 28 1/4" high, for example.

Attach a suitable table round by inserting screws up through the existing screw holes in the top iron plates of the base piece. Your one-of-a-kind dining room table will be ready in record time to serve you in fashionable style.

3. Build a dining room table for less by "cannibalizing" table parts. Pair an old oak table top with FREE metal table legs found by the side of the road waiting for the bulky item pickup. With a little time in refurbishing, the end result is a recycled sturdy dining room table.

4. Shop in your own home or with other family members. This iron table base was originally purchased at Pier 1. The manufactured tile top was cracked and the base was set aside.

To fix a base like the one pictured, first wet sand, spray primer and paint the iron legs. Cut a table round out of plywood, top with a piece of vintage table linen. Sandwich linen between the plywood round and a same sized glass round top.

You'll be hard pressed to build a dining room table for less than that! :)

Tags: dining room, room table, dining room table, build dining room, dining room table

Crafts Using Corrugated Plastic

Crafts Using Corrugated Plastic

Crafts using corrugated plastic are known for their waterproof, lightweight and durable natures. The plastic is easy to cut with a craft knife and simple to secure with glue or string. You can paint, decorate or cover it with almost anything, which makes the plastic extremely versatile. From jewelry boxes to model planes, corrugated plastic is a popular material.

Container Craft Ideas

Make a wide variety of container crafts using corrugated plastic, glue and decorations. Cover a wood frame with plastic panels to create a basic toy box. Paint the plastic with colorful animals and objects to give the toy box a cheerful style.

Glue bead edging around a small plastic box to create a fancy jewelry box.

Cover a plastic box with velvet and place a potpourri satchel inside to create a fragrant keepsake box.

Costume Craft Ideas

Use your creativity to come up with a unique costume using corrugated plastic. Wear beige corrugated plastic boards trimmed with brown felt to create bread for a sandwich costume. Add felt cheese, meat, tomato and lettuce behind the board to create a sandwich filling.

Cover two plastic circles with silver paint to dress up as a CD disk.

Cover triangular pieces of the plastic with red paint to create bloody knives for a monster costume.

Model Building Craft Ideas

Corrugated plastic is strong enough to create a self-supporting wall, making it an ideal material for creating model buildings. Create a replica of a famous skyscraper with intricate architectural details or build a lopsided haunted house with cartoonish details. Use the plastic as a frame and roof for a model hotel or for a model train station.

Model Plane Craft Ideas

Model planes are the most popular crafts using corrugated plastic. The plastic is light and strong enough to create a sturdy shell for remote-controlled planes. It allows them to achieve flight using less power and helps prevent damage if a crash occurs. The plastic is also versatile enough to create a decorative shell for traditional model planes.

Sign Craft Ideas

Creating signs is a popular craft when it comes to using corrugated plastic. Many industrial and business signs use the plastic as a base material.

Cut white corrugated plastic into ghost shapes to create a "Happy Halloween" sign on your front lawn. Paint a rectangular piece of plastic with a wood pattern to create an old-fashioned welcome sign to hang by your front door. Splash some plastic with colorful paint to create a "Disaster Area" sign for a child's bedroom door.

Toy Craft Ideas

Save money by creating your own toy accessories with corrugated plastic. Make a couch for fashion doll or a bathtub for a baby doll using the plastic and some decorative paint. Create a doll high chair, carrier or cradle with plastic, wood and decorative embellishments. Build a simple carwash for toy cars, a fort for action figures or a barn for stuffed animals.

Tags: Craft Ideas, plastic with, corrugated plastic, corrugated plastic, enough create, using corrugated, corrugated plastic

Incorporate A Log Home Look In A Kitchen

Give your kitchen the rustic look of a log home.

Log home d cor is a mix of rustic-lodge, Southwestern and American-country design. It draws its essence from centuries-old pioneer cabins with rough textures, handcrafted furniture and natural elements. Today's log homes, whether built from kits or crafted by hand, offer every amenity available in other architectural styles, including contemporary kitchens set against log walls. If you don't live in a log home but long for the inviting warmth of one, you can still achieve this rustic look in your kitchen. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Lay a wood-plank floor. Choose a soft wood such as pine that weathers quickly for a rustic, log-cabin vibe. Or, opt for more durable hardwood or tile for a country look. Warm the floor with an oval braided rug or an Oriental area rug. Use nonslip backings to avoid taking a fall.

2. Clad the kitchen island with bead board. Paint it a country color like gray blue, barn red or mustard yellow. Top it with butcher block. Substitute your kitchen island with a vintage chopping block or weathered farm table.

3. Light the space with a chandelier crafted from deer antlers, one made from black wrought-iron complete with lights designed to look like candles, or pendant lights with punched-tin shades.

4. Install a farmhouse style sink, deep with an exposed apron. Couple it with wood countertops. Install a brick or punched-tin backsplash.

5. Switch out traditional cupboards for open shelves fashioned from logs or pine planks. Opt for free-standing antique storage pieces such as pie safes, or jelly or Hoosier cupboards.

6. Camouflage your appliances with custom-made wood panels designed to blend in with the rest of the room's d cor.

7. Dress the windows with curtains made from material featuring country designs such as stars and hearts. Go more primitive with a piece of burlap or linen tacked to the window frame and tied back with twine.

8. Surround a farm table with bentwood dining chairs. Soften them with cushions sewn from a vintage quilt or Indian blanket. Center the table with a wooden bowl filled with balls fashioned from rags like those used to make rag rugs. Opt for a basket filled with pine cones or dried hydrangeas.

9. Hang bunches of dried herbs from ceiling beams. Add baskets and vintage wrought-iron frying pans. Highlight the walls with framed prints in old-West themes. Lean a kiva ladder, such as those found in Southwestern d cor, against the wall as open storage for dish towels and aprons.

Tags: your kitchen, farm table, fashioned from, filled with, island with, kitchen island

Country Decorating Ideas For A House

Antique kitchen items are at home in a country kitchen.

Country style is symbolized by things such as antique rocking chairs pulled up to a blazing fire, a lace curtain billowing in the breeze, brightly colored quilts stacked on a primitive bench and old crocks lined up on a vintage sideboard. The essence of country style is comfortable, cozy and welcoming. Country style is not about where you live. You can capture it in a city apartment as easily as in a rural farmhouse. Does this Spark an idea?

Living Room

Create a focal point by hanging a colorful quilt above the couch. It can be new or vintage, but be sure to use a hanger designed specifically for quilts. Group a collection of antique spools on one side of the mantle and balance it with a bouquet of hydrangeas in a pottery vase. Realistic-looking silk or dried flowers work well and last indefinitely. Put a vintage steamer trunk to use as a coffee table. Place an antique plank-bottom chair next to the fireplace or in a corner. Arrange a group of primitive dolls on the seat. Hang muslin tab curtains in your windows. Install wide-plank pine floors and dot them with braided oval rugs. Choose traditional furniture such as camel back sofas and wing chairs upholstered in toile or homespun materials. Install crown molding and stencil a border below it. Paint the walls in warm earth tones, authentic colonial colors or pale shades of country blue.

Bedroom

Choose a bed in a traditional design such as a sleigh bed or four poster. For a more casual look go with a painted iron bed frame. Coordinate sheets in country prints such as faded florals, hearts and stars. Use the sheets with quilts in the same color palette. Stencil a border around your door and windows in the same print as your bedding. Hang wooden shutters at your windows and pair them with crisp, white tieback curtains. Display a collection of vintage Teddy bears on a window seat upholstered in blue ticking material. Craft bedside lights from canning jars or crocks. Tuck a wicker rocker and wrought iron floor lamp in a corner for a reading area. Hang pajamas and robes from a vintage clothes tree. Paper your walls in calico prints or paint them a creamy white that allows the colors in the room to take center stage.

Kitchen

Vintage Hoosier cupboards are good stand-ins for traditional built-in cabinets. Large jelly cupboards can act as roomy pantries. An antique pie safe is a convenient place to store kitchen linens. Antique butcher blocks and farm tables make handy islands. Display vintage kitchen items on open shelves above tile or sealed-wood counters. Grow herbs in pottery flower pots on the windowsill. Stencil a country motif on your cabinet doors and hang cast iron pots above your stove. Hide the refrigerator and dishwasher behind custom cabinets built to look like antique cupboards. Install a farmhouse sink. Paint wood floors in a muted checker board design.

Bathrooms

Instead of buying a ready-made vanity, give your bathroom a vintage look by converting an old dresser to do the job. Install a claw foot or soaking tub, either vintage or new. Cover the floor with black and white octagonal tiles and the walls with bead board painted white. Dress the windows with vintage tablecloths sewn into curtains. If you have the space, bring in an antique armoire to hold linens. Hang towels on a quilt rack or roll them and place them in a large basket. Put in a pedestal sink with porcelain fixtures. Hang a curtain under it to hide cleaning products. Replace an ordinary mirror with a large antique one in a weathered gilded frame.

Tags: Choose traditional, kitchen items, them with, your windows

Buy A Hibachi Grill

Hibachi grills are portable charcoal grills that work well when you're out camping or preparing a leisurely meal on the backyard deck. The hibachi originally comes from China, although many people associate it with Japan, which does manufacturer quality versions. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Start by looking only for a high quality cast iron hibachi and not cast aluminum. The best designs are from Japan. Importing a cast iron grill from Japan is probably cost-prohibitive, but cities with a large population of Japanese people have specialty stores where a high quality hibachi can be purchased.

2. Look for a hibachi with a single grill for quick meals. Some larger hibachi grills have three grills but the two-grill models are fine for most people. Look for a hibachi that is large enough to handle meat and vegetables or fruits at the same time.

3. Shop at the backyard grill section of large department stores at the end of summer or in the fall. There are great deals on hibachi grills at this time of year.

4. Buy a hibachi that is easy to clean. Some hibachi designs make cleanup difficult. A hibachi will last for years if properly maintained and not abused so although the grill is iron, handle it with care.

5. Anchor a hibachi for maximum safety. The hibachi is easy to knock over. Find a grill that is designed with a wider bottom to stay upright.

Tags: cast iron, from Japan, hibachi that, high quality, Look hibachi

Replace Patio Furniture Fabric

Patio furniture

Patio furniture fabric is generally found on cushion chairs, sofas and hard-seated chairs. Sometimes patio furniture and upholstery fabric can become torn or ruined. If upholstery over cushions is torn, the cushions can get wet and mildewy. Redecorating patio furniture upholstery for a new pattern or color is easily accomplished with a few simple steps. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Reupholstering Cushions

1. Remove the patio cushions from outdoor sofas and lounge chairs. Find a clear, dry spot to work, or take the cushions inside to a craft table. Take upholstery fabric scissors and carefully cut one end of each cushion open---if there is not a zipper on the cushion allowing easy access to the foam inside.

2. Remove the cushion. Inspect the cushion for water damage. Look for darkened spots, which would indicate mold. Soak a mold-covered cushion in a mixture of bleach and cold water to remove the mold. Take a cap from an empty bottle of laundry detergent and fill it with bleach. Mix two cap-fulls into a utility tub or large bucket half-full with water. Make sure the cushion lays flat and is completely submerged.

3. Use new upholstery fabric---something that can easily be sewn, but is durable enough for use outside. Make sure to choose several yards of fabric in the pattern of your choice; 4 to 6 yards of fabric is generally enough to cover most outdoor patio furniture sets.

4. Take the fabric and measure the cushions. Cut enough material to cover both sides and edges. Sew pieces together on a sewing machine.

5. Reinforce the edge along the seam to strengthen. Leave one end open to insert the foam or cushion. Insert the foam, and sew shut the open end by hand. Repeat for other cushions.

Replacing Chair Fabric

6. Tip an upholstered chair without cushions onto its side. Remove any nails holding the hard seat of the chair in place a claw hammer, unless the seat pops out easily. Remove the seat

7. Remove the stapling holding the fabric to the seat with needle nose pliers.

8. Apply new upholstery by stapling the new fabric to the edges of the seat with a staple gun, pulling the fabric tight as you go. Trim off excess fabric, and staple the remainder of fabric in place along the base of the chair.

9. Replace the nails holding the seat to the chair.

Tags: chair Replace, fabric generally, furniture upholstery, Make sure, nails holding

Decorate A Room Mexicanstyle

Use warm, natural colors in the space.

If your home is in need of a style transformation, yet you're not sure what type of style to choose when redecorating, consider infusing your home with Mexican-style decor. The earthy colors and natural materials make this style of decor warm and inviting, turning your home into a cheery space where friends and family will enjoy gathering and spending quality time. From the color scheme to the accessories, you can easily transform your home into a Mexican-style retreat. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Bring natural materials into the room you are decorating. Tiles that feature a colorful pattern are ideal for a countertop or a backsplash. Cover the floors with planks of natural wood or terracotta tiles. Hang a decorative chair rail made from dark wood around the room. Suspend worn, dark wood beams from the ceiling. Cover the ceiling with copper or tin tiles.

2. Paint the walls in the room a color that exemplifies an hacienda-style home. Choose a natural, yet warm color, such as burnt orange, golden yellow or terracotta. To give your walls the feeling of adobe, use a putty knife to apply stucco to the walls prior to painting.

3. Furnish the room with pieces made of natural wood, such as cherry or oak. Use an oversized reclaimed wood table for the dining or coffee table. Flank an overstuffed brown suede couch with wooden rocking chairs. Frame your bed with an antique wood headboard purchased from a thrift store or a headboard upholstered with leather. Add in some wrought iron or brass pieces, such as side tables, as well.

4. Choose light fixtures that are made of wrought iron, brass or wood. A wood or wrought iron chandelier placed above a dining table will draw attention to the space. Set brass table top lamps covered with leather shades on bedside or accent tables. Hang wrought iron wall sconces that feature an engraved design on either side of the mirror in a bathroom.

5. Decorate the space with accessories made of natural materials. Cover the windows with linen curtains or serapes. Drape woven blankets on couches, chairs and beds. Set candlesticks made from pewter on tables or ledges. Place pictures in natural wood or wrought iron frames. Place a large wooden bowl in the center of a table. Woven baskets serve as decorative storage options. Incorporate clay sculptures in the room. A carving of the sun hung on a wall serves as a focal point for the space.

Tags: wrought iron, your home, natural materials, natural wood, dark wood, home into

Christmas Decorating Ideas For Lamp Posts

Spruce up a lamp post with holiday decorations.

A lamp post in the front yard provides an ideal opportunity to add some Christmas spirit to the landscape. Even a simple decoration added to the lamp post makes it more festive, drawing appreciation from neighbors and passersby for your holiday spirit. For a unified look, choose decor that fits well with other Christmas items you place outside your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Lights & Bows

For a simple decoration idea that goes with nearly any landscape, add lights and bows to the lamp post. String lights in a spiral or vertical pattern to cover the lamp post and the base. White or colored Christmas lights work equally well. You can also choose rope lights or chasing lights if you want something with more pizazz. Complement the lights you're using in other areas of the landscaping. Sticking with the same type of decor makes the display look more coordinated. Place a bow right below the light itself to dress up the display.

Wreath

Another simple option is to hang a wreath on the lamp post. There are several options for style and look. Choose the size of the wreath based on your lamp post size. A giant wreath on a small lamp post will look too big, while a small wreath on a large lamp post might get visually lost. Real pine wreaths and artificial wreaths work equally well, so use whatever you prefer.

Candle

This decorative idea adds a little more creativity to the lamp post decoration. Turn the entire lamp post into a giant candle with the light posing as the flame of the candle. Wrap the post with colorful cellophane or foil wrap. Add a bow around the middle as an accent. The top of the lamp post creates the flame. Wrap yellow cellophane around the top portion of the light, tying it into a point at the top.

Christmas Covers

Purchase a specialty lamp post cover in a Christmas shape. These holiday covers fit over the light part of almost any lamp post. They are about 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide, making them a very noticeable.

Garland

Choose garland made from a material that will stand up well to the weather. Pine garland, either real or artificial, is a good choice. Another option is to choose a vine garland with winter berries on it. Twist the garland around the lamp post, securing it at both ends with wire. Combine this decoration idea with lights and bows for a better effect.

Tags: lamp post, decoration idea, equally well, lights bows, post with, simple decoration

Homemade Christmas Crafts From Window Boxes

Transform window boxes into Christmas craft projects guaranteed to delight loved ones.

Spring feels so far away when Christmas cheer is in the air, but you can remind your loved ones of its ultimate arrival by re-purposing window boxes to create unique gifts for every age and stage of life. Window boxes come in a variety of materials, from wood to wrought iron. So pick the medium that best suits the person opening your gift, and you'll understand the true meaning of "a gift that keeps giving."

Instructions

1. Make or find a wood window box with a scalloped or other decorative edging. Turn the box over, paint the exterior a color that matches the gift recipient's interior and morph the former window box from flower holder to decorative shelf. Give your loved one a bonus: Wrap a few of the recipient's favorite collectibles in tissue paper or tuck them inside the box so she has a few pieces to display once she turns the box over and mounts it on the wall.

2. Convert a window box from floral receptacle to a fun toy bin for kids by building or buying a large wood window box, painting it a bright color to match the child's room and adding decals or cut wood embellishments. Consider painting the toy bin/window box white and giving the child acrylic paints and brushes so she can create her own art on her new catchall.

3. Help a loved one transform a disorganized kitchen into the model of neatness by tacking decorative napkins into the interior of a wrought iron or prefabricated wood window box using either a needle and thread or glue. Place brackets or other hardware into a baggie with a note that invites your gift recipient to hang and use your decorative innovation to collect everything from take-out menus to bread and snack bags that tend to wind up littering kitchen counters and drawers.

4. Give a family you adore a clever, efficient way of gathering essentials by crafting or buying a wood window box that will serve as the family's go-to headquarters. Paint the box an attractive color. Use stencils to letter this message: "Don't Leave Before Checking This Box!" Provide brackets to mount the former window box on a wall beside the door so homework, lists, gloves, scarves and easily forgotten items can be claimed on the way to the car. Add cup hooks for car and house keys.

5. Welcome a baby into the family with this Christmas gift idea for the parents: Refinish a window box of your own making or purchase an unfinished one. Sand and paint it to match the nursery. Use stencils to letter, "Welcome to the World, Tiffany," or another message. Fill the interior of the box with disposable diapers and count on giving parents-to-be an ingenious example of your creativity and love. Include brackets and hardware needed to mount the box on a wall adjacent to baby's changing table.

Tags: wood window, former window, gift recipient, loved ones, stencils letter, window from, wrought iron

How Make My Front Door Look Rustic

Chipping paint and a simple wreath convey rustic charm.

A door is one of the central focuses on the front of a house. It provides the opportunity to add some color and style with paint and accessories. Old, rustic doors look appropriate on older country homes. To achieve this look, you can either wait for nature to take its toll over the course of many years or you can create your own faux rustic door with paint, simple tools and some suitable embellishments. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose a paint color form a palette of historic colors. These colors contain a hint of neutral pigment, making them look less bright and new. Choose a finish with only a little bit of sheen, like eggshell or satin. Consider using a milk paint, which dries to a durable, matte finish.

2. Apply the paint using a brush with stiff bristles. This will leave more texture and visible brushstrokes. Exaggerate the texture of the grain of wood on your door by painting in the same direction.

3. Allow the paint to dry. Distress the surface by sanding the door with steel wool or sandpaper. Follow natural patterns of wear and tear. Sand off paint around raised trim and the edges of the door panels. Continue removing paint until you have antiqued the doors to the desired degree. Hit the door with a hammer to create dents, for an optional, highly distressed effect.

4. Change the hardware on your door. Choose heavy, old-fashioned reproduction pieces to achieve both function and style. Dark wrought iron is an appropriate choice for a rustic door.

5. Select an appropriate item to hang on your door as decoration. A wreath made from evergreen clippings or other natural materials adds a seasonal touch. Alternatively, hanging a primitive sculpture made from wood or old tools is another option. Buy folk art objects at rural antique stores or make your own from old or discarded objects.

Tags: door with, your door, made from, paint simple, rustic door

Make Porch Glider Cushions

Long, warm evenings spent swaying slowly in a porch glider are as about as romantic as it gets -- until your behind goes to sleep. Soft memories deserve soft foundations. Fortunately, it's not hard to make porch glider cushions. Choose a heavier fabric like denim or duck, use some creativity, follow a few simple steps and you will be sitting pretty in no time. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of your porch glider seat.

2. Fold your fabric so that the printed side is facing in, and cut two pieces of fabric that are 4 inches longer and wider than your glider seat.

3. Pin the fabric together on the two long sides and one of the short sides. Place the pins perpendicular to the fabric, with their heads at the edge, so you can remove them as you sew. Stop pinning 4 inches from the unpinned short side.

4. Cut four pieces of grosgrain ribbon into 12-inch-long pieces. One at a time, fold them in half and pin the fold between the right sides of the fabric -- two at the pinned corners, and the other two 4 inches down from the open end, where those corners will be. The trailing ends should be between the two pieces of fabric so that they will be sticking out when you turn the fabric right side out.

5. Sew the fabric together, starting at one of the grosgrain ribbons near the open end. Backstitch to anchor the ribbon -- making sure you don't sew over the trailing ends -- and then sew down the long side. Backstitch over the second ribbon and sew the short side. Finish the other long side by backstitching over the two remaining ribbons.

6. Fold the loose edge of the open short side back 2 inches (wrong side to wrong side) and pin it. Turn the fabric over and do the same to the other loose edge.

7. Cut a strip of Velcro the same width as the open short side of the fabric. Pin the loop part of a Velcro strip to one folded-back edge, and the hook part to the other. Make sure they line up properly. Sew them on.

8. Turn the fabric right side in. Spray both sides with Scotch Guard and allow to dry according to the instructions on the can.

9. Stuff the fabric cover with the polyester fiberfill. Use the Velcro to close the short end, and tie the cushion to the glider with the grosgrain ribbons.

Tags: short side, fabric that, fabric right, fabric right side, fabric together

Support A New Tub So It Doesn'T Flex

New tub installed in a remodeled bathroom.

A bathtub shouldn't flex, crackle or pop when you fill it with water or step into it. It is helpful to understand what is flexing and why. A full bathtub is heavy, sometimes 500 to 600 lbs. with the addition of a person. If the subfloor underneath the bathtub is inadequate, the wood will flex under its weight. Most people have walked across a floor or deck that flexes because the joists are too far apart and the subfloor is too thin for the load. In addition, fiberglass or acrylic tubs are not as rigid as cast iron tubs. Bottom line: If the underside of a bathtub isn't supported well, the floor and tub material are likely to flex. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Put your new bathtub in the the room you'll install it in 24 hours before installation to allow the tub to adjust to the climate at the location. Review the installation instructions and check your stud-and-subfloor layout and condition to make sure they comply with the directions. Your walls should be open to the studs. You should have a substantial subfloor installed that is level and well supported

2. Cut a hole in the subfloor using a reciprocating saw at the drain location as indicated in the tub manufacturer's instructions.

3. Trial fit the tub in the tub alcove. Set the tub flat on the floor and position a level on top of the tub. The tub should be level in all directions. If the tub is not level, use a floor leveling mortar, a form or material suggested by the tub manufacturer to level the floor under the tub.

4. Position shims between the raw studs and the tub if the alcove is larger than the tub. Screw through the tub flange and the shims into the studs to secure the tub in the alcove. Check the level of the tub as you work to make sure it remains level.

Tags: level floor, make sure

Use Chemical Stripper On Curly Wrought Iron Furniture

Curly wrought iron furniture can get a whole new look if stripped and repainted.

Curly wrought iron furniture is beautiful but sometimes needs new paint. The old paint must be completely removed before the piece can be repainted. Chemical stripping products are effective but can be toxic. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Getting ready

1. Put on protective clothing: a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and sturdy shoes.

2. Cover the work area with a drop cloth or several layers of newspaper. Place a bottle of clean water nearby.

3. Arrange the brushes and bucket of water for accessibility.

Removing old paint

4. Put on the rubber gloves and eye protection. Pour about a cup of the stripper into a small bucket. Turn the furniture upside down so you can access it. Starting in hard-to-reach places, brush a thick coat of stripper onto the furniture.

5. Let the stripper work for five to ten minutes. The old paint will start to bubble up.

6. Using the scrub brush, rub briskly to remove paint. Some will come off easily; parts will still adhere to the furniture. Rinse the brush in the bucket of water and repeat.

7. Choose brushes according to the space you are working in. A diagonal-cut brush is excellent for getting into the narrow places in curly designs, like flowers and leaves.

8. On large pieces of furniture, apply stripper to two separate areas so you can scrape one while the stripper is working on the other.

9. Rinse repeatedly to remove traces of stripper. Change the rinse water frequently.

10. When all the paint has been removed, use a clean sponge to rinse the entire piece.

11. Allow to dry thoroughly before applying primer.

Tags: wrought iron furniture, bucket water, Curly wrought, Curly wrought iron, iron furniture, wrought iron

Diy Rustic Table Decoration Ideas

Incorporate dried leaves into your rustic table decorations.

Create rustic centerpieces and other table decorations for a "country" themed party or event, or simply to add something special to your cabin's dining room table. Rustic and country decor generally includes simple wooden items, earth-toned and gingham fabric, wrought iron pieces and natural items such as twigs and branches, dried leaves and flowers and vines and pine cones. Any old or antique items you can incorporate into your rustic decor pieces will also work, as will any handmade items you own. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Rustic Floral Arrangement

1. Use a small section of a hollowed-out log, if possible, or use an earth-toned vase instead.

2. Place items such as twigs, small evergreen branches, dried flowers in earth tones -- such as rusted orange or red -- and other greenery in your log or vase. Fill in gaps with pine cones, acorns and dried leaves. If desired, wrap some of the bare twigs with earth-toned and gingham fabric.

3. Set up a "bed" on which to place your rustic floral arrangement, such as one made of dried leaves. Gingham fabric is another good base. You can also simply scatter acorns and twigs around the vase.

Toolbox Centerpiece

4. Use an old, rustic-looking toolbox as the base for a centerpiece. The more worn-looking the box, the better, though you may have to sand a few rough edges to avoid guests receiving splinters or cuts from touching the centerpiece. Line the inside of the box with a gingham or earth-toned linen.

5. Fill the box with assorted rustic items, such as wrought-iron tools, dried wildflowers, one or two small, old-fashioned teddy bears, bits of antique-looking lace or strands of straw tied together with twine.

6. Set out a few edible items around the toolbox, such as assorted nuts and berries, candied apples and roasted pumpkin seeds. Place these items in small wooden bowls to match the toolbox.

Mini Christmas Tree Decoration

7. Tie assorted pieces of gingham ribbon onto the branches of a plain, mini Christmas tree. The tree can be real or fake depending on what's available to you. Tie the ribbons in bows near the middle or edge of the tree branches.

8. Affix a large, earth-toned bow at the top of the tree, and allow pieces of the bow to cascade down the tree.

9. Fill wicker baskets with dried flowers and arrange them around the Christmas tree. Use flowers that match the gingham ribbons as closely as possible, such as dried red roses and carnations if using red gingham.

10. Place candles in between the baskets of flowers if desired. Use off-white and earth-toned candles in wooden candle holders. Keep an eye on the candles if you decide to light them, as they will be near dried flowers and baskets, which can easily catch fire.

Tags: dried leaves, dried flowers, items such, your rustic, branches dried

Care For A Wrought Iron Fence

A well maintained wrought-iron fence adds an attractive touch to your home landscape.

Real wrought-iron fences are made of iron that has been drawn out and shaped with repeated applications of force and heat. Though wrought iron is considerably more durable than wooden fences, wrought iron requires regular care and maintenance to maintain an attractive appearance. With just a little simple, commonsense care, you can keep your wrought-iron fence looking just as beautiful as the day it was installed. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use a wire brush to remove any rust from the surface of your wrought-iron fence. Work gently to avoid nicking or gouging the soft wrought iron.

2. Wipe dust, dirt and other grime from your wrought-iron fence with a soft cloth that has been moistened in a solution of warm water and mild liquid dish soap after rust removal and as needed to maintain its appearance. Allow the fence to air-dry or dry it with a soft, dry cloth, if desired.

3. Treat your wrought-iron fence with a rust converter product after each thorough cleaning. Apply one coat of rust converter to the surface of the wrought iron according to the application instructions on the product label.

4. Wait for the rust converter to dry, then apply one coat of an oil-based primer. Make sure to use a primer that has been specially formulated for use on wrought iron.

5. Apply two coats of an oil-based paint that specifies it is safe to use on wrought iron. Apply the paint according to the application instructions on the product label. For best results, choose a paint color that is historically accurate and matches the original color of the fence.

Tags: wrought-iron fence, your wrought-iron fence, your wrought-iron, rust converter, that been, wrought iron, wrought iron

About Southwest Interior Decorating

Saltillo tiles with animal prints are considered good luck.

Defined as much by architecture as by furnishings, the southwest style of interior decorating reflects the styles of a range of cultures. The characteristics of southwest decor also reflect the local regions, from desert plains to mountainous terrain. Southwest design schemes are a mixture of cultural heritages and the surrounding landscape. Does this Spark an idea?

History

Southwest decorating roots date back to the 16th-century invasion of Mexico by the Spanish Conquistadors. The Spanish brought with them the design concepts of ornate carvings in furniture and brilliantly colored tiles and pottery. Over time, the Mexican native motifs such as coyotes and local plant life blended with the Spanish influences.

Native American influences are evident in southwest design as well. As the southwest deserts became inhabited by settlers, goods were traded. Blankets and pottery made by Native Americans were incorporated into the settlers' homes. Styles from Mexico to the south and the local natives throughout the southwest began to merge together.

Features

The southwest design incorporates the colors, textures and materials of the surrounding landscapes. Color palettes range from soft pastels resembling the sandy deserts to bolder colors borrowed from sunsets and plant life. Textures are highlighted in hewn woods and natural woven fabrics. Materials such as stone and wood are highlighted in oversized fireplaces and handcrafted furniture.

Types

Southwest styles include Spanish colonial, Western and contemporary. Spanish colonial is characterized by the use of painted tiles, ironwork and ornate carvings. The color palette includes jewel-toned blues, deep reds and gold. Furniture is oversized with silver or wrought-iron hardware. The Western design is more rustic and incorporates artifacts associated with Native Americans, cowboys and ranch life. These may include painted pottery, Kiva fireplaces, woven blankets used as wall hangings, farm tools, wagon wheels and cowboy art. The color palette includes earth tones such as forest green and brick red.

Contemporary southwest design includes a lighter color palette with emphasis on mid-tones and creamier shades. Fewer furnishings and accessories are used in contemporary southwest decor. A collection of Kachina dolls, for example, may be highlighted but few other accessories added. Saltillo tile floors, area rugs with geometric designs, smaller furniture with minimal carving and wrought-iron wall sculptures define contemporary southwest design.

Geography

The southwest region of the United States lends itself to outdoor living almost year-round. This regional quality encourages the blending of indoor and outdoor decor. Southwest interior decorating often includes exterior rooms.

Outdoor kitchens and family rooms play a role in southwest design. Furnishings include wrought-iron furniture with cushions, built-in benches, chimneys and fire pits, and painted concrete flooring.

Misconceptions

Southwest interior decorating may include artifacts associated with desert life. Items such as cow skulls, Indian war bonnets, plastic cactus plants and fake tomahawks, however, are not a part of southwest decor.

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Restore A 1950s Style Table

Restore your 1950s table and make it fit with your kitchen.

A vintage style kitchen isn't complete without a 1950s style table. Typically made with a Formica top and chrome legs, the tables have matching chairs, covered with vinyl. Modern day companies now make replica tables that look just like the authentic ones. Whether you purchase a reproduction or have a real table from the 1950s, you still have to deal with scratches, stains and other damage to the table. When you restore the table, you remove all those potential problems. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Squeeze a few drops of dish soap or mild detergent into a plastic bucket and fill with water. Mix the liquid with your hands, until the soap and water combine. Dip a soft cloth in the solution and wipe down the top of the table and the vinyl with the solution. Wipe down with a damp cloth and then dry everything with a soft cloth.

2. Spray window cleaner or glass cleaner over the table and wipe down with a soft cloth. The window cleaner removes any streaks left behind by the soap and water, giving the table top a cleaner look. Buff the table softly with a dry cloth, to remove any traces of the cleaner.

3. Apply a thin layer of colored epoxy to any scratches on the surface of the table. Press the side or edge of a wood craft stick onto the table and pull it across the epoxy, wiping off any epoxy that spills over the top of the scratch. Use rubbing alcohol poured on a paper towel to wipe off any excess epoxy. Let the epoxy dry completely.

4. Pour liquid household cleaner on any stains and let sit for at least an hour. Blot away the cleaner with a paper towel and apply more, if the stain remains. Rinse any excess cleaner away from the table with fresh water.

5. Rub distilled white vinegar over the metal legs of the table and the matching chairs. Use the dull side of a piece of aluminum foil to rub the vinegar onto the chrome or metal surfaces. The mixture removes rust, dulls the appearance of scratch marks or pitting and makes the chrome shiny again.

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Prep Cast Aluminum For Paint

Cast aluminum is used in a variety of outdoor and indoor applications. Everything from architectural detail pieces to gas grill bodies can be cast from aluminum. The casting process makes the aluminum last for years indoors or outdoors. It's resistant to oxidation and rust, but extreme temperatures and weather can have a negative effect on its surfaces. Painting cast aluminum provides an additional protective barrier and extends its useful life when the surface is prepped properly.

Instructions

1. Remove any built-up grease, rust and dirt by lightly scrapping it with a wire brush. Do not apply enough pressure to mark the cast aluminum. Penetrate only the built-up grime with the wire brush bristles.

2. Degrease the entire surface by applying a degreasing cleaner formulated for cast aluminum. Such a cleaner is available at any grocery, automotive or hardware store. Follow the package instructions for application instructions.

3. Clean the aluminum with a sponge dipped in a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water to remove any chemical residue left behind by the degreaser.

4. Tape any of the areas that are not to be painted by wrapping them with painter's tape.

5. Apply two to three coats of primer to the cast aluminum. Follow the primer manufacturer's application instructions. Spray-on primers work well with the sculpted details of cast aluminum.

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Prevent A Gas Grill From Rusting

Proper storage and cleaning will prevent most rust from occurring on your grill.

Gas grills are often packaged with summer as an unbeatable combo and often they are. A grill requires a bit more care than what we give it during the summer and requires proper storage during the winter to prevent issues with components. Rust is another issue altogether. A dirty grill, or one left to the elements, will form rust in one season. Proper care and cleaning will prevent unsightly and foul-tasting rust from forming on the grill body and grates. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Close the grill and turn it up to the highest heat. Allow the grill to cook for a few minutes. Keep the knob turned to the on position and turn off the gas. Allow the grill to sit until it is cool.

2. Scrape the grill grates with a brush to clean off any sticky food bits. Remove the clean grates from the grill and spray them with a spray cooking oil to coat and protect them from rust.

3. Clean the inside of the grill with an old cloth and soapy water. Scrub the metal, shiny bits with aluminum foil and baking soda to improve the shine.

4. Cover the grill with a grill cover while it is not in use and place it in a location free from rain and the elements. Remove the propane tank if it is stored inside.

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Home Decor & Lamp Ideas

Folding screens can add to your decor while filling in a blank wall space.

Decor ideas -- from the use of folding screens to fill a corner, to the addition of wallpaper with matching fabric, and the incorporation of pin-up lamps as space-saving reading lights -- make a space more useful and appealing. Whether done by craftsmen, or as do-it-yourself projects, these easy ideas have eye-pleasing results. Does this Spark an idea?

Electric Candlestick or Oil Lamps

If you have a favorite pair of candlesticks or an attractive, old oil lamp, consider electrifying them to add some lighting in an imaginative way. Any lamp repair shop can handle the conversion, or you can purchase the kit to do it yourself. To add shades to your lamps, either purchase them at a home improvement store, or buy the metal rings at a craft store and add your own fabric, for a unique look.

Wall Makeover

Give a new custom look to a ho-hum bathroom, bedroom or den with the addition of wall coverings with matching fabric for the curtains. There is a wide selection of patterns to suit every taste and style, available at wall covering and home improvement stores. Cover the walls with a pattern you love, then use the matching fabric for the window treatments and shower curtains. Add solid-color accessories to complete the look. Another idea is to purchase enough fabric to cover your walls. Hang this fabric onto your walls, as you would wallpaper, using wallpaper glue. Use leftover fabric to make matching curtains for your room. This type of wallpaper, using fabric, was popular in the Victorian era.

Pin-up Lamp

If you are short on space on your desk, table or night stand, remove your standard table lamps and hang pin-up lamps instead. By hanging wall lamps, you reclaim table space for trinkets, books, picture frames or small clocks. Pin-up lamps come in a plethora of styles, from clean-lined contemporary and charming brass colonial to primitive wrought iron and elegant cut crystal.

Folding Screen

Have an eight-foot sheet of plywood cut into four twelve-inch wide panels, and fit them with hinges. The screen can be upholstered with fabric, wallpapered, mirrored or painted to match the wall. This is a great way to fill an empty corner and provide hidden space for storage of fishing gear, cat boxes, clothes hampers or golf clubs. The screen can be split into two-panel sections and placed on either side of a window -- instead of using drapery panels -- for a smart, tailored window treatment.

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Clean A Rusty Iron Bed

Remove rust from iron using household vinegar and prevent it by using petroleum jelly.

Rust can naturally occur on iron due to exposure to oxygen over a long period of time. Rust on an iron bed can be very unappealing and give an impression of poor cleanliness. Rusty iron is also weaker structurally than iron that isn't rusty. Rust appears very easily and frequently if the bed is not looked after properly. Use household vinegar to remove rust, and use petroleum jelly to prevent rust from appearing in the future. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Apply a generous amount of vinegar to a soft cloth. Scrub the rusty areas of the iron vigorously, re-applying vinegar to the cloth often. Allow the iron bed frame to soak in the vinegar for an hour. The vinegar will loosen the rust from the bed frame considerably.

2. Rinse the bed with water and scrub using steel wool. Repeat this process until the rust is removed and your iron is shiny.

3. Apply petroleum jelly to a paintbrush. Smear a thin layer of petroleum jelly to your iron bed, taking care to ensure application to the joints. Repeat this process annually to prevent rust from reappearing on your bed.

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