Install Wrought Iron Balusters

Install new balusters.

Your staircase can make a dramatic statement in your home. Whether the stairs are at the entry, in your foyer or in another part of your home, they draw the eye upward and garner attention in a room. Old and worn-out wood balusters can make your home look outdated. Freshen up the look of your stairs and your whole home with new wrought iron balusters. Look for balusters that are similar to the size and shape of the current balusters. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the old spindles by cutting the wood or iron in half with a jigsaw. Fit your jigsaw with a metal cutting tool if your balusters are made of metal. Pull on each half of the baluster to remove it from the railing.

2. Reach into the old holes left by the spindles with pliers and remove any loose pieces of wood, iron or adhesive. Clean out all of the debris from the holes.

3. Measure the hole with a tape measure. Iron balusters 1/2 inch thick will need a 3/4-inch-wide hole. Drill the holes until the bottom hole is 3/4 inch deep and the top hole is 1 1/2 inches deep. Use a hole saw attached to your power drill to make these holes.

4. Measure the distance from the top of the stair rail to the bottom, including the depth of each hole in the railing. Trim the wrought iron baluster from the bottom to match this measurement. Use a circular saw and a metal cutting blade.

5. Combine the two-part epoxy according to the package instructions. Insert the epoxy in an epoxy gun. Squeeze the trigger of the gun to fill a hole in the bottom rail.

6. Put spindle shoes on the rail so they will sit properly on the baluster once installed. Spindle shoes are caps that rest on the top and bottom of the baluster to cover glue or gaps where the baluster meets the railing.

7. Slide the top end of the spindle into the hole in the top rail. Slide the other end of the spindle into the hole in the bottom rail.

8. Secure the spindle shoes to the bottom of the spindle with the included screws. Let the epoxy set.

9. Squeeze epoxy into the gap between the top of the spindle and the stair rail. Allow the epoxy to cure. Slide the spindle shoe into place and secure it with the included hardware.

Tags: your home, bottom rail, deep hole, epoxy Squeeze, hole bottom, hole bottom rail, holes Measure

Bid For Fencing Jobs

A good bid for a fencing project is well-researched and specific.

In the fencing business, customers often request bids for projects. They want to find the best deal, especially if the project is large, such as an entire subdivision. Whether you work as an independent contractor or represent a company, you need to carefully consider your bid for a fencing job. If you don't do your homework, you might actually end up losing money. Plan ahead and be specific in your bid.

Instructions

1. Gather information from the customer. Get as much information as possible about what the customer wants. What kind of fence? What kinds of caps? How many gates and where should they go?

2. Visit the property. You need to get actual dimensions for the fence line using a measuring wheel. You also need to examine the ground and the surroundings for obstacles that will make the work more difficult or time-consuming. For instance, very rocky ground requires hand digging as opposed to using an auger, or you may have to cut curbing or replace rock.

3. Check costs. Find out what you must pay for materials so you have an accurate idea of hard costs. Don't forget to include cement for posts.

4. Write up the bid. List the specific materials needed for the job along with the price you are charging. You probably want to add 10-20 percent onto the price you actually paid. Then add labor costs. A good estimate for labor costs is $7 to $10 per foot. If the site has not yet been developed and you can drive a truck to it and use heavy equipment, you might charge less than a bid that requires you to haul the cement several hundred yards and has a lot of shale. Put all this information on a form or type it so it is easy to read.

5. Plan for changes. Customers often change their minds between the time the initial bid is made and the fence is finished, so add a sentence to the end of your bid saying that the final bill will reflect the actual footage installed.

Tags: labor costs

Get Rid Of Green Water In A Swimming Pool

Is the water in your swimming pool green? Depending on weather conditions it can happen fast - almost overnight. Your water looks fine one day and then you get up the next and there it is ugly, green water. The green color you're seeing is a full-scale algae bloom. Algae are microscopic plant life that get into pools by rain or are carried in by dust. Some of them are free floating while others latch on and cling to the sides of the pool. Either way you can clear up your pool water, so don't despair - in a few days your water will be crystal clear again. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. What you'll need

Pool water chemical test kit

Unstabilized chlorine

Pool scrub brush

2. Use your test kit to determine the pH level in your pool water. It should be between 7.2 and 7.6. If it is outside of that range add pH Up or pH Down to adjust the level.

3. Scrub the sides and bottom of the pool with the brush to loosen any clinging algae.

4. Add unstabilized Chlorine granules (Shock) to the pool. The amount of Chlorine you add will depend on the capacity of your pool (150 grams for every 10,000 liters or approximately 5 ounces of chlorine for every 2500 gallons of water).

5. Turn on your pump and run your system for a day allowing the Chlorinated water to circulate and get rid of the algae.

6. Vacuum the white residue from the bottom of the pool the next day. The water should have cleared substantially, if it is still looking green repeat the "shock" process.

7. Clean your filter to remove any alga residue.

8. Rebalance your pool water.

Tags: your pool, pool water, your pool water, bottom pool, water should

Make A Double Bed Into A Daybed

A double bed can become a daybed with a few adjustments.

Many living spaces encourage the use of a daybed instead of a couch, particularly studio apartments and family room spaces that double as guest rooms. If the bed that you choose for a daybed is a double bed instead of the standard single bed, it's still possible to make it a daybed. However, some adjustments are necessary so that the double bed will still function as a couch. You'll decorate it as usual for a daybed, but you'll use more of some items than you normally would to compensate for the bed's size. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Position one of the double bed's longest sides against a wall. A double bed with a low headboard and foot board works best because it functions visually as either a bed or a couch. A tall headboard and foot board do not look as much like the arms of a couch.

2. Add bedding that looks more like upholstery than frilly bedding. For example, brocade and linen work well. A dust ruffle, if you use one, should be straight rather than full of ruffles. Tuck the comforter and the dust ruffle ends tightly so the bedding resembles the cushions of a couch. That will give the bed an upholstered appearance without an investment in upholstery.

3. Layer assorted pillows on the bed. Pillows help with a number of decorating issues. Because this daybed is a double bed, its sitting area is deeper than a typical daybed or couch. The pillows will correct this so that people sitting on the daybed can place their feet on the floor. Additionally, the pillows provide color and decorative style to the piece, allowing it to fit in with the furnishings. Place the tallest and largest pillows in the back, and put smaller pillows in front of them until the sitting space that's left allows someone to place her feet on the floor. Her back should still be supported by the pillows. Place pillows at both ends of the bed to create armrests.

4. Flank both ends of the bed with short bookcases. They will reinforce the bed frame and provide a place to put reading lamps and decorative knick-knacks.

Tags: both ends, daybed double, dust ruffle, feet floor, foot board, headboard foot, headboard foot board

Create A Faux Wroughtiron Headboard Easily And Inexpensively

Instead of buying the real thing, create a faux wrought-iron headboard easily and inexpensively.

Certain home-design projects are far too complicated for your limited skills. Creating a faux wrought-iron headboard is not one of them. This process is extremely simple, takes almost no time or effort, and the final result might astound you. Gather together your supplies and get ready to change the look and feel of your bedroom.

Instructions

1. Draw the design for your faux wrought-iron headboard with a pencil on a sheet of paper. Try to keep the lines somewhat straight and simple, just like a real wrought-iron headboard would be.

2. Transfer your design to the wall behind your bed using the pencil and a tape measure, measuring the spaces between "rungs" carefully to ensure everything is spaced out evenly.

3. Apply pieces of electrical tape to the surrounding lines you traced and to the rungs in the middle of the design.

4. Fill in the rest of the design by cutting and applying pieces of electrical tape.

5. Stand back and confirm that everything looks even and to your satisfaction. If one piece seems a little off, simply pull it up and replace it. When you're finished, from far enough away, it will look like there's a real wrought-iron headboard in the room.

Tags: wrought-iron headboard, faux wrought-iron, faux wrought-iron headboard, electrical tape, pieces electrical, pieces electrical tape

Join Pvc Pipe To Cast Iron Pipe

PVC pipe joins to cast iron pipe with a flexible rubber coupling.

Cast iron sewer pipe used to be installed in homes, along with lead and clay pipes, and it's still accepted by building code in many areas. Today, however, PVC is the most commonly installed type of sewer pipe. If a section of existing cast iron pipe is to be replaced with PVC pipe, the two different pipes join together with a flexible rubber coupling, which creates a watertight seal. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the section of PVC pipe and mark it at the point where it needs to be cut. Make a straight, perpendicular cut through the pipe at the mark using a handsaw, circular saw or miter saw. Scrape off any plastic burrs from the pipe end using a utility knife or sandpaper.

2. Wet the outside end of the existing cast iron sewer pipe, as well as one end of the PVC pipe. Push a flexible rubber coupling half way onto the end of the cast iron pipe. Push the wet end of the PVC pipe into the other end of the rubber coupling -- the coupling is now halfway on the cast iron pipe, and halfway on the PVC pipe.

3. Tighten the metal hose clamps surrounding both ends of the rubber coupling with a screwdriver or ratchet. This will create a watertight seal between the two pipes.

Tags: rubber coupling, cast iron, iron pipe, cast iron pipe, flexible rubber, flexible rubber coupling

Ideas To Decorate And Match Salmon Walls

Let the silver color found on the outside of the salmon inspire you in selecting accessories for your home.

Salmon is a unique color choice for a full wall, but it has great potential to create a dramatic impression in your home. You can dress it up or down with accessories from a myriad of themes. Select a theme and accessories that give you a new look without having to invest in re-painting your salmon walls. Does this Spark an idea?

Beach Accents

Salmon is a great backdrop for stylish beach accessories. Hang a fisherman's net in one corner and fill it with iridescent sea shells or actual sea shells from a beach vacation. Stage palm trees along your walls in clay pots. Thrift shops carry many vintage beach items such as rustic beach signs which can be mounted in glass cases and positioned along your wall to create a gallery effect. Candles on top of large wrought iron candle stands accentuate your stylish beach decor.

Turquoise Highlights

For a bold complement to your salmon colored walls, try accessories in turquoise. Against salmon, this color appears to pop and looks best when worked into a bohemian themed room. Toss iridescent turquoise throw pillows with beaded trim on your chairs to match the color of your walls. Also, consider purchasing a turquoise arm chair to match the design. Turquoise vases and candle holders on top of cherry wood end tables complete this look.

Silver

Follow the prompts of mother nature by using the shade of silver found on the skin of salmon to match your walls. Silver accessories for the home are easy to find and create a modern look for your home. Silver clocks, coffee tables, and even a stainless steel coffee table make a great visual impact in your space. Consider a tall silver vase filled with peacock feathers for the entryway of your room. The varying colors in the peacock feathers make a great contrast to your space.

Tags: your home, your walls, along your, make great, peacock feathers, stylish beach

Fence For A Flower Garden

Placing a fence around a flower garden can serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. Fences keep climbing roses and multiplying lilies in their place while creating a decorative border between the lawn and garden. A fence also will keep the family pet and curious young children away from thorny roses and delicate hydrangeas. Add beauty to the landscape by coordinating the style of the garden fence with existing elements in the yard, making the garden fence look like an extension of the overall design of the home and surrounding landscape. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Map out the garden perimeter. Consider using the back or side of a shed, garage, barn or the house as one length of the flower garden perimeter. This will reduce fencing costs and keep the garden close to a supply storage area.

2. Choose fencing material. Garden fences made from wood, vinyl, wrought iron, plastic or wire are durable options. Be sure to apply sealant to wood fences, and choose metal fencing with a rust inhibitor applied.

3. Coordinate the garden fencing with other fencing, the color of the home or style of existing yard ornaments. Choose a white picket style fence to match a home with white siding, or add a decorative wrought iron fence to the garden area to coordinate with nearby wrought iron patio furniture.

4. Pick a fence height. Choose a low 6-inch fence to border decorative flower gardens that are unlikely to be disturbed. Choose a 36-inch fence if children will be playing in the yard near the garden, and a 6-foot-tall fence if grazing deer or other wildlife will harm the plants.

5. If your fence is more than 24 inches high, consider adding a gate to simplify garden maintenance such as weeding, watering and pruning. Shorter fences can easily be stepped over when you want to work in the garden.

Tags: garden fence, wrought iron, fencing with, flower garden, garden perimeter

Decorate Italian Bedrooms

A stone fireplace is a classic element of Tuscan design.

Italian style bedroom decor may have the contemporary gloss of a chic Rome apartment, or the rustic charm of a Tuscan villa. Either way, the bedroom can evoke Italy through furnishings and accessories imported from Italy, or with pieces inspired by classic Italian design. You can finish the look by integrating paintings, prints or textiles of Italian scenes such as street side cafes, vineyards or the Mediterranean coast. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Integrate Italian design elements into your bedroom decor. If you have the budget for a full bedroom redesign, you can consider exposed wooden ceiling beams, a stone wall, a stone fireplace, arched walls, columns or terracotta tile on the floors.

2. Set the tone with an Italian-inspired color scheme. For a rustic look, go with natural hues such as cream, stone gray, burnt umber or espresso brown. Keep dark woodwork, stone elements or brick unpainted for a rougher look, or subtly brighten it by adding a coat of thin whitewash. If you prefer a more contemporary Italian look, paint the bedroom with semi-gloss paint in black, gray or white and add metallic accents.

3. Furnish your bedroom with focal point pieces that have Italian style. The Tuscan farmhouse look may have shabby chic elements such as a wrought iron bed frame and solid wooden furnishings with weathered or distressed finishes. A modern Italian version contains low-slung designer pieces with sleek, angular frames.

4. Use textiles to soften surfaces and add accent color. A rich Mediterranean blue works well in most types of Italian decor, and can pop when combined with sunny yellow or mango orange. Keep the look cooler by accenting the blue with green or stark white.

5. Accessorize with Italian-inspired pieces that marry form and function. A painted ceramic vessel may hold bouquets of wildflowers. A line of Italian wine bottles on a floating wooden shelf function as candle holders. Black wrought iron, either painted or left unfinished, adds sculptural style to light fixtures, shelf supports and picture frames.

Tags: bedroom decor, bedroom decor have, bedroom with, decor have, Italian design, Italian style

Calculate The Cost Of An Iron Fence

Iron fences offer decorative and effective area barriers for just about any situation, from backyards to decks. This material is most commonly made in modular lengths, making it simple for anyone with a tape measure and calculator to estimate the amount necessary for a fence and to calculate the total cost. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the perimeter of the fence using the tape measure. It may be easiest to measure each side individually and add together once finished. This will be the total amount of fence panels needed.

2. Multiply the calculation from step 1 by 1.05 to accommodate 5% wasted material.

3. Divide the total length of fencing needed by the unit length of fence. Round to the next highest number if you calculate a decimal; most iron fences are manufactured in unit lengths like 8 or 10 feet. This will not only determine how many fence panels you will need, but also the number of fence posts, at one post per panel.

4. Multiply the number of iron fence panels and fence posts you plan to use by the unit cost.

Tags: fence panels, fence posts, tape measure, This will

Refinish Antique Wroughtiron Furniture

Restored wrought-iron chair

Wrought-iron furniture dates back to Roman times. In the 1880s it was used in the parlor, not the garden. It fell from favor over the years and was consigned to the harsher environment outside, becoming a fixture in gardens and backyards throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Wrought-iron furniture more often succumbs to breakage than the effects of weather, so older pieces are still plentiful. Repairs can be made to older pieces by anyone with basic welding skills; the pieces can then be refinished. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Use a metal scouring pad to remove loose rust from the wrought iron. Apply a thick coat of naval jelly to the furniture using the applicator that comes with the naval jelly. Allow the naval jelly to stand on the wrought iron for up to 15 minutes, then rinse it off with clean water--the spray from a garden hose works well. Repeat if necessary. To "convert" the rust, brush or spray a polymer-based rust converter on the wrought iron.

2. Allow the wrought iron to dry completely. If you use a rust remover like naval jelly, dry the furniture with an old towel, then paint it with white rust-proofing primer. If you use a rust converter, you can forgo the towel and proceed to painting the surface with white primer.

3. Paint the furniture the color of your choice, either with a brush or a paint sprayer.

Tags: naval jelly, wrought iron, jelly furniture, naval jelly furniture, older pieces, rust converter

Kitchen Lighting Of The 1920s

The 1920s saw the end of the fussy decorating style of the Victorian era and ushered in new styles that focused on clean, modern and simple lines. Homeowners had the choice of decorating in the art deco, Craftsman, colonial or Tudor decorating styles. When decorating with a 1920s style, choose the kitchen lighting decor that best fits the architecture and design of your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Art Deco

The art deco decorating style was a modern look for homes in the 1920s. Chrome and glass fixtures coordinate well with the clean look of an art deco kitchen. Pendant lighting with glass drops of varying heights work well in a colorful art deco kitchen and provides task lighting over work areas. Use pieces with bright chrome to enhance the modern look of the art deco pendant lights. Wall sconces in a bowl or fan shape can add more lighting to the kitchen. Homeowners in the 1920s preferred bright kitchens that appealed to the increased concerns about sanitation and cleanliness.

American Craftsman

The Craftsman style of interior design has simple elegant lines, brass and bronze fixtures and colored glass. Common colors for the glass in a Craftsman light include caramel or amber shades. The warm colors add an inviting appearance to the 1920's kitchen. Craftsman d cor has a simple, warm and rustic appearance.

Colonial

Colonial architecture and decorating styles experienced a revival during the 1920s. The kitchens in a colonial revival home were more luxurious than early colonial homes. More homeowners had access to electricity, and modern appliances made their way into colonial kitchens. The lighting choices for a colonial revival home include elaborate and elegant ceiling lights with multiple bell globes situated above a table set up for meals. Candle-shaped lighting fixtures are a favorite choice for the nostalgic decorating style as well. Finishes for the fixtures include brass, antique copper and brushed nickel.

Spanish Eclectic

Spanish or Mediterranean style homes experienced a revival during the 1920s. For the ceiling lights in a Spanish style kitchen, select pieces with dark wrought iron that have a Gothic appearance. Wall sconces with electric candles create the look of a bygone era in the modern kitchen. The lighting fixtures should have a heavy, hand-hammered appearance to decorate the kitchen in a Mediterranean or Spanish revival style.

Tags: decorating style, ceiling lights, colonial revival, colonial revival home, deco kitchen, decorating styles, during 1920s

Tell The Age Of Antique Furniture

Determining the age of antique furniture is not an exact science, but there are certain indicators of age evident in furniture. How a piece is constructed is a common measure of age. You should look at the screws, nails, wood, joining and hardware. The condition and quality of materials are used to gauge the age of a piece. The wear and tear of a piece of furniture also helps to tell its age. A legitimate antique is one hundred years old or older. It should have a bit of scarring to show for its time. Here are a few tips on determine the age of a piece of furniture.

Instructions

1. Measure the tabletop for round tables. Wood shrinks over time, and only in one direction. Round tabletops should be out of round, meaning they should be slightly oval. Measure the tabletop from top to bottom and from left to right. You should have a discernible amount of difference between the two measurements.

2. Remove a drawer in cabintry. The corners should be dovetailed together. If you see one large dovetail, the piece could be early eighteenth century. By the nineteenth century, cabinetmakers were using several smaller dovetails to join together the sides of drawers. Look at the craftsmanship of the dovetails. If each dovetail is the same size and evenly spaced, they were crafted on machinery. This puts your piece into the Victorian era at the earliest.

3. Look at the nails used in the construction of your piece of furniture. If you're unable to remove any nails, look closely, using a magnifying glass, at the nail head. If it is square, but not perfectly so, and worn thin, it could mean your piece was constructed before 1820. If the head is square, but shows little sign of wear, then the nails are not a good indicator on this piece.

4. Look at the screws. Is the slot off center? If so, the screw could be handmade. Handmade screws were used until around 1815. You need to remove a screw and examine it to be certain it is handmade. The cutting of the shaft should be uneven and the end blunted rather than pointed. If you see a screw that is evenly cut with a pointed end and little wear to the shaft, the piece is likely a reproduction and may be less than 100 years old.

5. Check the areas around the handles. Are they more worn than the rest of the piece? Take hold of the handle. Look at where your skin comes into contact with the handle and the area around it. Years and years of handling and contact with skin oils should leave a patina on both the handles and the surrounding wood.

Look at how the handles and hinges were fastened onto the piece. Does the type of screw or nail correspond with the era the style of hardware represents? If the screws look newer or the style of the hardware differs from the style of the rest of the piece, the hardware is no longer a good indicator.

The hardware on your furniture can be used to date the piece, providing it is original hardware. The style will tell you which period the piece represents, but there are literally hundreds of different styles used throughout the centuries. Do not depend only on hardware style to date a piece.

6. Look on the underside or backside of the piece. Find an area of raw wood. Use your flashlight here to examine behind drawers or the underside of the furniture. If there are circular saw marks, the piece was made after 1850. If the saw marks are straight, the wood was cut with a handsaw, dating it before 1850.

7. Look at the underside of the feet of a chair. These areas should be worn out. Rungs should have discoloration or be worn down where you would place your feet. Check out the back of the chair. Are there nicks from it being banged against walls for many years?

8. Look for discoloration from hot bowls and spilled liquids on dining tables. Look for the edge to be worn down and rounded. Table legs should be nicked from kicks and the feet flat from being dragged.

9. Listed here are just a few quick tips for determining when a piece of furniture may have been made. To verify--and certify--when any piece was constructed, screws and nails need to be examined, hinges removed and bits of veneer scraped off. But if you are looking at a piece and need a quick idea, these few tips will help you along.

10. Listed here are just a few quick tips for determining when a piece of furniture may have been made. To verify, and certify, when any piece was constructed, screws and nails need to be examined, hinges removed, bits of veneer scraped off. But if you are looking at a piece and need a quick idea, these few tips will help you along.

Tags: piece furniture, piece constructed, screws nails, should have, when piece, your piece, been made

Decorate A Cowboythemed Mantel

Create a cowboy-themed mantel with rustic flair.

A fireplace mantel is often the focal point of an entire room, so its decoration is important for the overall style and design of the space. Western, cowboy-themed mantels are rustic and weathered and often feature items from the Old West in interesting and unique ways. By mixing and matching large items, such as weathered mirrors, photographs, paintings and clocks, with iconic decorative accents, ranging from cowboy hats to steer skulls, a cowboy mantel with visual interest and rustic charm is attainable for most homeowners who desire a Western look and feel to their homes. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Create a mirror display. Enhance the overall look and feel of the rustic space by hanging a barn wood-framed mirror over the center mantel area. Further the cowboy-themed mantel with a rope lasso, colorful bandanna and cowboy hat arrangement on the left side of the mantel surface for an visually pleasing, Western-inspired design.

2. Incorporate a sculpture. Hang a painting of a cowboy on horseback in a heavy, rustic frame above the middle fireplace mantel. Amplify the Western-themed decor with a wrought-iron horse sculpture and weathered spurs on one side of the mantel for an unusual, asymmetrical cowboy arrangement with artistic style.

3. Select a unique cowboy-themed display. To create a more unusual cowboy-themed mantel, hang a rustic steer skull above the center mantel area, and place a set of three small, medium and large wrought-iron candlesticks on each mantel end to make a simple arrangement with maximum rustic appeal.

4. Display a horseshoe collection. Mount a variety of vintage horseshoes on a rectangular piece of barn wood and prop it on the middle mantel space. Arrange a pair of antique cowboy boots on either side of the horseshoe piece to make a cowboy-themed grouping with Old West style.

5. Hang a Western photograph. Display a large photography print from renown photographers, such as Ansel Adams or Georgia O'Keeffe, over the center mantel wall as a focal point for the entire cowboy-inspired room. Place a potted cactus on the left and right sides of the mantel shelf for a more modern interpretation of a cowboy theme.

6. Create a mantel clock focal point. Highlight the overall cowboy decor by decorating the mantel with a Western-themed mantel clock with icons such as horses or wildlife silhouettes. Place the clock in the middle of the mantel, and flank it with a stack of vintage, hard-bound, Western books on either side for a crowning touch to the entire room.

Tags: mantel with, center mantel, cowboy-themed mantel, focal point, arrangement with, center mantel area

Find The Right Wine Rack For You

Wine rack shopping simplified

Now that you have bought several bottles of your favorite wine you will probably need a place to store them. This is s short guide to find a wine rack that is right for the type of storage one will need to store wine even if you are just starting out or an avid collector of wine. There are several different types of wine racks. Well-designed wine racks help keep wine still and also to keep the cork moist so the wine cork does not dry out and allow air into the bottle. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Begin by counting how many bottles of wine you own and that you are planning to store. It is also helpful to find out about how long it will be before they be consumed. For instance, if you have about a dozen bottles of wine ready to be drunk within two months, then all you will need is a wine rack that sits on the floor in a closet or somewhere on a north-facing wall of the house. But if you are a serious collector and want to store your wines for more than a year to up to ten years, then you will need a larger wine rack that can hold hundreds of bottles of wine. Even up to getting a cellar or a converted basement area that measures at least 3 meters square will easily hold 100 dozen bottles of wine.

2. Figuring out where you need to place the wine rack is the next step. The best place for wine storage is a cellar or cellar-like place that is cool, dim and has a stable temperature also that has little movement, slight humidity and with few to no odors. The worst place to place a wine rack is on top of the refrigerator, where the wine will be exposed to a constant vibration, changing temperatures, heat from the kitchen and constant exposure to light. In most modern homes, the cellar-like place can be a large closet, a walk-in wine pantry, space under a stairway, a specially constructed and insulated room with wine racks and a wine cellar with a cooling system or even a converted corner of the garage.

3. Deciding the right type of material for the wine rack is another important step. If you are looking for a more modern look, stainless steel for the wine rack is probably the best. If you are looking for a traditional look of wood, then you can choose from simple pine to oak, walnut, cherry, cedar or even mahogany. If you are looking for something a little different, you can have a wine rack made from wrought iron which can be molded into a variety of shapes and then coated in various colors to match your home decor.

4. Deciding the right style for you depends on how much space you have available. Anything from space for a freestanding wine rack, to wine racks that fit into the fitted cupboard, even hanging or mounted to the wall if space is limited or stackable wine racks that allow someone to increase storage space. These are all something that will depend upon the space you has available for your wine rack.

5. The stability of the wine rack is important while figuring out the best wine rack for you. The stability of the wine rack will depend upon the materials that you choose for the wine rack as well as how many bottles that you can store. The wine rack should have shelves that are at least 13.5 inches deep for storing full bottles of wine. Also if your wine rack has a manufacturer provides a warranty, keep that nearby in case something should happen to the wine rack or your wine bottles.

6. Other things to ask yourself while choosing your wine rack is to make sure that there is enough space for your current wine bottles and space for new bottles. Also to make sure there is a enough room for you to rotate them occasionally to preserve there flavor. Also if you have other bottles of wine such as Champagne or Burgundy style of bottles, you'll need space for those larger bottles.

7. The last point is what is the budget you have planned for the purchase of your wine rack. Most wine rack stores, whether online or down the road, will stock a range of wine racks to suit all budgets and tastes. Make sure to pick a wine rack that you like and that fits your needs as well as your budget.

Tags: wine rack, bottles wine, wine racks, your wine, rack that, wine rack that, your wine rack

Decorating A Teen'S Room With A Black Iron Headboard

Use a black iron headboard as the inspiration for a teen-friendly bedroom.

Decorating a teenager's bedroom is no easy feat. Fortunately, you can expand upon ideas that never seem to go out of style. Use the headboard as an excuse to infuse a black color palette into the room. The headboard is also the basis for zebra-inspired decor. Repurpose the vintage headboard into an artful dresser attachment. With these projects, your teen's bedroom is transformed into a chic place to relax or entertain friends. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Zebra Patterns

1. Tie two large zebra print bows around the finials of the headboard. Tie smaller ones around the spindles, altering the placement of the bows to create a zigzag pattern across the top.

2. Zebra pattern pillows serve a practical purpose as well as add a decorative touch to the room.

Purchase a pink satin comforter in the shade of your choice. Accent the top of the bed with zebra pattern pillows and a striped neck roll pillow with pink bows tied on the ends. Purchase pink trimmed zebra print pillow shams. Tuck a zebra striped bed skirt between the box spring and mattress.

3. Lay an oversized zebra print rug on the floor. Accent the rug with a few smaller pink rugs.

4. Paint the wall behind the headboard in pink. Accent the wall with a row of six black and white photos. Use three black and three white frames to display the pictures, alternating the colors. Hang the frames from 3-inch wide bows. Hang the black frames from white bows and the white frames from black bows.

5. Paint the remaining walls in the room white. Adhere black and pink vinyl polka dot clings to the walls.

Repurposed Headboard

6. Don protective latex gloves and a paper face mask. Sand and strip a low chest of drawers with paint remover in a well-ventilated area.

7. Stain the dresser with ebony wood stain to match the black wrought iron headboard using a paint brush or rag. Allow the first coat of stain to dry overnight, and then apply a second layer.

8. Screw 2-inch by 2-inch posts vertically into the back of a low chest of drawers with a screw gun and 3-inch screws. The posts should be no more than 6 inches shorter than the dresser in order to provide optimum support. Correlate the posts with the positions in which the ends of the headboard are to be adhered. Screw the sides of the headboard into the braces with 3-inch screws.

9. Decorate the headboard for a girl by hanging photo ornaments from the top of the wrought iron headboard with brightly colored ribbons. Hang a makeup mirror in the center. Complete the dresser by wrapping green chenille stems and bright fabric daisies around the spindles.

10. Arrowheads are easily transformed into bedroom decor for a guy's room.

Adorn the headboard for guys by threading craft wire through the ribbons of award medals and hanging them prominently in the center of the headboard. Wrap the wire around the top rail of the headboard. Flank the medals with primitive arrowhead necklaces. Secure black 3-inch by 3-inch photo frames to the spindles with small link chains.

Tags: frames from, iron headboard, zebra print, 3-inch screws, Accent with, around spindles

The Best Way To Remove Rust From Wrought Iron

Restore your wrought iron by removing rust spots promptly.

Rust is created when metal comes into contact with moisture and oxygen. Finding this reddish-brown corrosion on your wrought iron railings, furniture or other fixtures is disheartening. You don't have to replace or toss out rusted wrought iron. With the right products and removal methods, you can get rid of it rather quickly. It's important to treat rust on wrought iron at first sight so it doesn't spread further. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Scrub off as much of the rust as possible with a wire brush. If the rust is especially deep, use a coarse sandpaper to scrub it off, then go over the spot with a medium-grit sandpaper.

2. Buff the affected areas of the wrought iron with a fine steel wool pad to restore the appearance of the metal.

3. Dampen a fine steel wool pad with a small amount of kerosene if any rust spots remain. Rub over the spots with the pad until the rust is gone. Wipe down the affected area with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

4. Apply a rust inhibitor to the wrought iron after all the rust has been removed. This will help to prevent rust from forming in the future.

Tags: wrought iron, your wrought iron, fine steel, fine steel wool, rust spots

Stop Rust On Wrought Iron

Wrought iron, also known as rod iron, is a hard metal used for fencing, railings, gates, outdoor furniture and other objects. Because iron is so susceptible to rust, the best way to stop rust is to remove it. If you don't remove the rust, it continues to spread. The rust forms when the rustproof coating on the wrought iron wears off, leaving the metal exposed to water, humidity or other forms of moisture. Keeping wrought iron free of rust requires regular maintenance. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Pour white vinegar onto a paper towel and apply it to the rust on the wrought iron. The vinegar has ascetic acid that helps to loosen the rust.

2. Leave the vinegar on the wrought iron for 30 minutes.

3. Scrub off the rust with a steel wool pad. Try not to scratch the iron.

4. Repeat the vinegar treatment if rust remains on the wrought iron.

5. Apply liquid wax to the wrought iron with a paper towel. The wax creates a protective coating to prevent further rusting.

Tags: wrought iron, paper towel, wrought iron

What Are Panel Beds

Panel beds often have a headboard made from a large panel of wood.

From swirly, feminine wrought iron beds to massive mansion beds, there are many types and styles of beds in the furniture industry. To name a few more, there are captain's beds, canopy beds, four-poster beds, brass rail beds and sleigh beds. Yet another style of bed is the panel bed. While you may have heard or read this term before, you might be wondering exactly what a panel bed is. Does this Spark an idea?

Definition

A panel bed is a bed with a headboard or a headboard and footboard made from large panels, usually wooden panels, according to the furniture glossary at the Simple Bedroom Furniture Store's website. Often the panel is divided into sections with molding, just as paneling on a wall is. While panel beds are typically traditional in style, they can also take on the look of just about any decorating genre.

Traditional

If you prefer to go with a traditionally styled panel bed, look for one in a dark cherry stain with lots of molding detail, or one stained deep mahogany with exquisitely carved details. Another traditional yet more "casual cottage" style is a panel bed inset with louvers, in a manner similar to shutters. This style has a traditional yet beachy vibe, especially when distressed and painted white, pale blue or sage green.

Contemporary

For a more contemporary look, choose a panel bed with a smooth, clean surface that is free of moldings and carvings. Natural woods with a high-gloss finish have a contemporary flair, as do lacquered panel beds in bright, bold colors. The key to keeping the look modern is to stay with clean lines and to choose minimalist simplicity over multiple decorative details.

Rustic

Rustic doesn't necessarily mean old and worn. Rustic can be rich when textures, colors and materials are combined in interesting ways. An old panel bed covered in layers of peeling paint might look sad by itself, but when dressed with shearling blankets and placed on a thick flokati rug, the result is quite luxurious. Natural, knotty pine also has a rustic quality, as does an oversized panel headboard with iron accents and simple, chunky carvings.

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Fence For Flower Beds

The type of flower fence depends on what purpose it will serve.

Decorative fences designed to provide an attractive border for a flower bed are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials. Your choice largely depends on the design you find pleasing and the function you want the fence to provide. If you have a problem with pets or other critters trolling through your garden, a taller fence can also act as a barrier. Ultimately, you want to put a fence that acts as a border while adding to the beauty of your garden, rather than subtracting from it by hiding too many of the blooms. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose a fence. Determine what you need the fence to do: provide decoration, keep your flowers from being mowed with the lawn, keep out small children or keep out critters. Border fences are between 12 and 18 inches high, according to The Fence Bible, by Jeff Beneke. The ruler size fence delineates flower bed and the lawn, which protects your flowers from being mowed and adds a decorative touch. The taller fences keep out children and animals.

Some flower fences look like small, white picket fences, others resemble a wrought iron fence, down to their Victorian points. You may also choose form a variety of plastic border fences that protect against weather conditions. Your choice should complement the style of your house.

2. Measure the perimeter of your flower bed. Divide your diameter by six to determine the number of ground stakes you need to sturdy your fence. Fencing stakes and border fences are available at home improvement stores. Gail Damerow, author of Fences of Pastures & Gardens, recommends wooden stakes at least 1 inch in diameter.

3. Mark your fence line with string. Secure the string with rocks or two of your stakes. Measure the part of the border fence you want planted firmly in the ground. Dig a trench equivalent to the measurement of planted fence using your string line as your guide.

4. Position your flower bed fence in the trench. Place your fence so it rests on the front part of the trench. Place your corner stakes. Secure your corner stakes in each end of your perimeter.

5. Tap your stakes into the ground behind your fence. Place the stakes six inches apart all the way along the perimeter to give a uniformed look to your fence. Step back a few feet and view the position of each spike. Once they are all correctly spaced, go back and firmly hammer them in place.

Tags: your fence, being mowed, border fences, corner stakes, fence provide

Create A Victorian Garden

The years between 1850 and 1890 are considered the height of the Victorian era, characterized by ornate decor and elaborate gardens. Victorian gardens were not simply beautiful outdoor spaces, they were considered outdoor parlors for both entertaining and impressing guests. If you would like to create your own Victorian garden, a few tips will help get you started. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Plant a fine blade grass for your lawn, the most important element in any Victorian garden. A picturesque Victorian garden will have a perfectly manicured lawn that looks and feels like soft velvet. For brand new lawns, have rolled grass installed by professionals, or fill thin patches in your current lawn with seed. Make sure you keep your lawn properly mowed and edged to create a sharp, clean Victorian look.

2. Plant shrubs along pathways, to define property lines or to hide the foundation of your home or porch. Carefully manicured shrubs may also be used to hide an unsightly fence or to frame doorways or large windows.

3. Consider an ornate cast-iron fence with an elaborate gate to accentuate the Victorian style of your garden. While picket and wood fences were common during the Victorian era, they were almost always hidden under shrubs or vines. Cast-iron fencing was definitely the most popular, and present in virtually all Victorian gardens.

4. Select a wide variety of garden ornaments to create a classic Victorian atmosphere in your garden. Typical ornaments included stone urns, birdbaths and fountains, gazing balls, sundials, fish ponds and of course, gazebos. Seating is also important in your Victorian garden, and might include stone benches or cast-iron furniture.

5. Plant classic Victorian flowers in your garden in neat flower beds, along walkways or in window boxes. Roses, tulips, pansies and snapdragons were some of the most popular flower varieties of the era. You might also consider a trellised archway with climbing roses.

Tags: Victorian garden, your garden, your Victorian garden, classic Victorian, most popular

The Best Way To Preserve Cast Iron Antiques

With the proper care, cast iron cookware will last a lifetime.

Cast iron has been used for centuries as a naturally nonstick cooking surface. Its durability allows you to use cookware that is decades old, as long as it isn't cracked. Even if it has signs of age and rust, cast iron can usually be restored to its original luster. The act of "seasoning" your cookware, or heating it with shortening or oil, will prepare it for cooking and create the nonstick surface cast iron is famous for. Cast iron contains no chemicals and requires very little cleaning. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Restoring cookware

1. Inspect the cookware for cracks. Rust can usually be scrubbed away, but surface cracks will render a piece of cast iron unusable.

2. Use steel wool, salt and a little warm water to scour away rust.

3. Rinse lightly with water and dry completely with paper towels. Alternatively, dry your cookware in an oven set to 150 degrees F; check your pan every 10 minutes until it is completely dry.

Seasoning

4. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Oven temperatures can vary from 250 degrees to 500 degrees for this step, but 350 degrees is a standard medium baking temperature and is sufficient for this purpose.

5. Smear the inside of the cookware with a thin layer of solid fat. Rub lightly with a paper towel to remove excess.

6. Bake the cookware upside down in the oven for one hour, then turn off the oven and wait until it has cooled completely. The surface should be very smooth and have a light sheen. Food should not stick; if it does, reseason your pan. Seasoning more than once won't hurt it --- in fact, it will make the surface more durable.

Cleaning

7. Allow the cast iron to cool until it is safe to touch, then scrape off excess food with a soft, heat-resistant spatula.

8. Use a little water and scrub very lightly to remove stubborn food particles. Add mild soap, if desired; but since high cooking temperatures will kill any bacteria, it is not necessary. Do not use harsh detergents or clean cast iron in the dishwasher: It will remove the oils, and you will have to reseason your pan.

9. Dry thoroughly using paper towels or the oven method described in Section 1. Water will cause cast iron to rust.

Tags: cast iron, cast iron, cast iron, lightly with, oven degrees, paper towels

Types Of Iron Fence Designs

Wrought iron fences are a classic and elegant mode of fencing in one's property or protecting a particular area, such as an in-ground pool. Iron fences are designed in a variety of styles to suit individual tastes. Does this Spark an idea?

Terminology

A spire is a vertical piece of wrought iron that serves as a post in the fence. Typically, spires are spaced 6 inches apart, and can be upwards of 5 1/2 feet tall. Spires are also referred to as vertical members. A horizontal member is a piece of iron work that is placed sideways and runs parallel to the ground. Horizontal members typically appear at the top of a wrought iron fence. A finial is the ornamental top of the spire. A scroll is a decorative addition to fence designs that resembles a letter C with ends that curl inward in a loop or spiral design.

Essex

The Essex fence is designed to have a regal appearance and is the type of fence used to gate palaces in Europe. An Essex fence is distinguished by its repetition of scrolls placed back to back along the top portion of the fence with a spire running between them. The finials of an Essex fence are also noteworthy for their rounded, spear shape.

Concord

The Concord is simpler in design than the stylized patterns of the Essex. It has rounded finials similar to those of the Essex, but does not have scroll patterns. Instead, a series of circle-shaped rings separate each spire.

Concord Deluxe

The Concord Deluxe is a slight variation on the standard Concord. Its basic elements are the same, but its design includes shorter spires called dog pickets, which are located between each of the taller spires. One dog picket is located directly below each wrought iron ring, and is approximately 1/4 the size of the spires. Like spires, dog pickets are typically spaced 6 inches apart. A Concord Deluxe fence is made up a vertical wrought iron pole placed every 3 feet, alternating between dog pickets and spires.

Arche

An arche gate is stripped of the decorative elements of other gates. It is commonly used to balance ornately decorated gate doors. An arche gate is a simple row of vertical spires tipped with pointed finials.

Pool Fence

A pool fence is used to cordon off a pool area to protect passersby from drowning. In design, a pool fence looks similar to a Concord fence because it has consecutive rings; however there are no finials located above the rings.

Tags: wrought iron, Concord Deluxe, Essex fence, arche gate, fence used, inches apart, spaced inches

About Interior Walls

About Interior Walls

An interior wall serves as more than just a place to hang a dartboard. Walls serve several functions around the home, one of which could be vital to the house's overall construction. Interior walls are often created from a fairly cheap and ugly material, but that doesn't mean the wall itself has to remain an eyesore. So many different decorating ideas can turn a wall into a wow that you may end up wanting to add more walls just to try them all. Does this Spark an idea?

Function

The main purpose of interior walls are to separate rooms. They offer privacy and create an interesting and useful floor plan for the resident. A secondary function of interior walls is to showcase artwork, photographs or serve as a backdrop for televisions, stereo systems, furniture or other home accessories. Some walls, known as load bearing walls, have a function far more important than either of these: They support part of the home's structure, taking on tons of weight in the process.

Types

One of the most common materials for interior walls is drywall. Walls made with drywall are lightweight, easy to use for building but also incredibly easy to accidentally puncture with minimal force. Older homes may contain interior walls made of rock, wood, adobe or wooden frames covered with layers of plaster. These walls are much heartier than their modern counterparts, but drywall is cheaper and much quicker to put up.

Features

Interior walls don't have to be a big, boring white slate. Interior paints now come in so many colors, tones and textures that any wall can become a masterpiece with a paint roller and a little time. Wallpaper is still a popular wall covering, as is wood paneling, while other wall coverings include faux marble pieces, velvet appliques, wainscoting, stencils and wall words, which are stickers that spell out a particular word or phrase.

Considerations

Interior walls are not always permanent. A wide variety of temporary walls are available, allowing homeowners to change the layout of their floor plan on a whim. Room dividers can be made of wicker, decorative jigsaw-like cardboard puzzle pieces, silk on a wooden frame, wrought iron, stained glass or just about any other material that can be propped up to serve as a wall.

MIsconceptions

Other wall functions are equally as important as separating rooms and hanging artwork. The load bearing wall, for example, may look identical to any other wall in the house, but it could bring the house down if removed or damaged. Walls are also filled with some of the home's vital necessities. This includes fireproof materials, insulation, plumbing and wiring for the electrical and other systems. Unwanted things may also end up in the walls, such as hordes of insects or their eggs, dead mice or a lost gerbil.

Tags: About Interior, About Interior Walls, floor plan, Interior walls, load bearing, material that, walls have

Hanging Curtain Rods If There Is Nowhere For The Middle Bracket

Light curtains may be necessary for this project's success.

Most curtain rods come with three brackets for installation -- one for each side and one for the center. If a window is made in such a way where the center bracket is not possible, though, all hope is not lost. With a few adjustments, the center bracket is not needed for hanging curtains. Select a solid metal or wrought-iron curtain rod for the project for proper stability. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure and mark the spot for the curtain rod brackets. Depending on the bracket, there will be multiple holes. Mark the spot for each of these holes on the wall on either side of the window.

2. Drill the holes for the brackets. The holes need to be at least 4 inches deep for the project. Use the markings as a guide for each hole.

3. Place wall anchors in each drilled hole. Most anchors push into the drilled holes. Be sure the anchors match the size of the screws for the project. The anchors provide additional stability for the brackets, giving extra strength to the supported rod.

4. Place the brackets over the anchors and insert the screws. Use 4-inch screws and tighten down into the anchors.

5. Place lightweight curtains on the wrought iron or steel curtain rod and place on the bracket. The stability provided by the heavy-duty rod combined with the wall anchors will hold the curtains in place without the center bracket.

Tags: center bracket, wall anchors

Get Curtain Poles For Bay Windows

Bay window rods allow you to easily hang curtains over a bay window.

Bay windows are beautiful. While their unusual angled shape is striking in itself, they also let in plenty of natural light and provide panoramic views. However, when it comes to curtains and curtain rods, homeowners are often perplexed at handle a bay window's unusual shape. Special bay window curtain rods, as well as a few other options, take away the difficulty in decorating bay windows. Does this Spark an idea?

Ready-Made Bay Window Curtain Rods

Bay window curtain rods are designed in several pieces but work together as one rod. They are specially designed so that each of the three rod sections is individually adjustable in length. This allows you to tailor each rod section to your specific bay window for a custom fit. While they are not as readily available as standard curtain rods, you can purchase them at specialty home stores and online. You may even be able to find them at some fabric stores or mass merchandise retailers.

Corner Connectors

Corner connectors are small hinged implements that fit into the ends of standard curtain rods in place of finials. Corner connectors allow you to connect curtain rods, while their hinges give the rods joints. You then bend the rods at the joints so they fit the shape of your bay windows. Install the rods on the wall with standard curtain brackets. Find corner connectors at specialty home stores, fabric stores or online. Before purchasing corner connectors, make sure they will fit your rods.

Custom Bay Window Curtain Rods

Some companies will manufacture custom curtain rods just for your bay window. In this case, either you or someone from the company measure your window, and the manufacturer custom makes a single rod that is just the right size, shape and angle to fit your bay window. Custom curtain rod fabricators may be hard to find. Call a wrought iron shop or try an online search.

Other Options

There are alternatives to hanging curtains on a bay window curtain rod. For example, hang three separate rods closely together, one over each window, and hang a single curtain or a pair of curtains on each rod. Another option is to forgo curtains all together and install a blind or shade over each window. Another option is to hang a long single rod across the outer wall of the window, as if you were hanging a curtain across a doorway.

Tags: curtain rods, standard curtain, your window, Another option, each window

Bedroom Ideas For Metal Bed

Whimsical metal artwork make ideal adornments for a whimsical metal bed

With its funky design and unique material, a metal bed can definitely be the centerpiece of any bedroom. The first trick is to make the metal bed the bedroom's showcase, by embellishing it with the proper finish and making sure all other decor matches. Choose an overall theme that starts with the bed frame and is tied together with the rest of the room's accessories. And make sure you have a little fun. Metal bed frames come in all types of styles, from the ornate to the simple. Any will work with a number of themes. Does this Spark an idea?

Distressed

Distressed metal and vintage decor will give the room a cozy, shabby chic feel. Distress the metal by first using sandpaper to slough off any sleek or existing color. It doesn't matter if your sloughing is uneven or rough, that just adds to its distress. Pick two similar shades of paint. Using sea sponges, splotch the frame up in uneven, messy applications. Finish off the distressed bed frame by banging random areas with the tip of a screwdriver to make small dents. Throw on a vintage bedspread, complete with fringe if possible, and fill the room with flea market finds. Keep extra bed frame paint to use on any used furniture, picture frames and other accessories.

Sleek

A metal bed also works well to give the room an art deco, futuristic feel. In this case you want to sand the frame evenly and perfectly, perhaps using a motorized sanding tool. Choose a metallic or glossy spray paint and evenly coat the frame so it glistens and shines. Accompany this look with a geometric patterned bedspread, fiberglass furniture and accessories that look like they came out of a spaceship, such as metallic floor lamps, chrome picture frames and wall art that uses lots of mirrors.

Whimsical

Metal beds can also be used to transform the room into a whimsical and wacky haven. Prepare the frame by again sanding off any old paint and repainting it a cheery hue or, if it is good condition, by simply adding details with paint pens. The bed frame's metal bars make for a great canvas to add paint pen flowers, vines, bumblebees, smiley faces, ladybugs or a host of other fun designs. The frame is also ideal for attaching metal artwork with wire across the top of the head or foot boards, as long as it doesn't interfere with the feet or head. Top off the whimsical bed with a faux fur bedspread and throw rugs, wood furniture that has also been embellished with paint pens around the borders and knobs and colorful postcard collages on the walls and ceiling.

Tags: give room, metal artwork, paint pens, picture frames, with paint, with paint pens

Decorate Tuscan Homes

Wrought iron decor gives your home a Tuscan look.

Tuscan-inspired decorating is an effective way to decorate in a Mediterranean style. It gives your home an intimate appeal and European flair. This style is not difficult to accomplish, especially with the availability of Italian artwork, dinnerware and home decor available in department and home decor stores. Tuscan decor lends excitement and rich colors to the home and gives it a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for relaxing with friends and family or entertaining guests. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Purchase wrought iron tables and chairs or other types of metal seating to decorate your dining room and patio areas. The curves and ornate features on this type of decor add to the Mediterranean ambience. If you are leaning more toward a rustic Tuscany style, use wood tables and chairs with straw seats.

2. Paint your walls with warm earth tones of gold, grape, deep red and olive green shades. Neutral colors work well also and provide an effective background for bold colors in the decor. Another idea is to use rich textured wallpaper to accent the rooms.

3. Buy prints or canvas art with scenes of the Italian countryside, such as vineyards on a rolling hillside or an Italian village. Utilize pictures of grapevines, jars of olives or wine bottles in the kitchen area.

4. Use throw pillows, afghans and area rugs with bold colors that exude a Mediterranean appeal. Choose prints with curvy, fluid lines or Tuscany-inspired floral prints.

5. Hang metal wall art made of wrought iron or black metals. This gives the room an old-world look that is so prevalent in Italian homes.

6. Display dinnerware that has the look of heavy pottery and bold florals or curved lines. Use crocks or pottery throughout your home on your end and coffee tables.

7. Use splashy flower arrangements in a large scale and fill the room corners or niches with silk or real potted plants to create a cozy setting.

8. Purchase colorful tile to use in your kitchen backsplash or other areas of your home. Tile is used often in Mediterranean homes, restaurants and other buildings.

Tags: your home, bold colors, gives your, gives your home, home decor, tables chairs, wrought iron

Get Mildew Off A Wrought Iron Gate

Keep your gate looking its best by removing mildew stains.

The decorative nature of a wrought iron gate is spoiled by ugly mildew spores growing on the surface. Since wrought iron is neither porous or organic, dirt, debris and dust must be present on the surface of your gate for mildew spores to grow and develop. While keeping the wrought iron clean and maintained prevents mildew, you must kill and remove the stains that already exist. With the use of effective household supplies, you can get mildew off your wrought iron gate and prevent it from spreading to nearby surfaces. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. A hose wets the wrought iron surface quickly.

Wet the wrought iron fence with hose to keep mildew spores from becoming airborne as you clean.

2. Pour 1 gallon of hot water into a bucket. Add 1/2 cup non-ammonia detergent to create a mildew-killing solution.

3. Rubber gloves keep mildew spores off the hands, preventing transfer elsewhere.

Wear rubber gloves to avoid contact with mildew spores and irritation from the detergent solution.

4. Dunk a scrub brush into the detergent solution. Begin scrubbing at the top of the wrought iron fence, working on a 2-foot section at a time.

5. Rinse your scrub brush as the mildew stains and spores are removed. Apply more of the non-ammonia detergent solution and continue to scrub the entire fence.

6. Spray the fence with the hose to rinse it. Allow the surface to air-dry.

Tags: wrought iron, mildew spores, detergent solution, fence with, fence with hose, iron fence, iron gate

Replace Metal Porch Railings In Concrete

Corrosion can mean having to replace metal porch railings.

Metal porch railings are often installed with the vertical supports installed into concrete steps, porches or landings. This can allow water or ice to pool at the base of the supports, causing corrosion, and the eventual failure of the railing. Replacement will involve removal of the old railing, which can be fairly easily accomplished with the right tools. Installation of the new railing will not involve setting the new railing's supports into the concrete. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Loosen and remove the lag bolts attaching the railing's banister to the side of the house.

2. Cut off the vertical supports of the railing at the level of the concrete with a reciprocating saw. Be sure the saw has a metal-cutting blade attached. File off any excess metal sticking up from the concrete.

3. Put the new rail in position. When purchasing new rails, make sure that they are built with an integrated flange and mounting holes on the bottoms of the vertical supports. These can be screwed directly into the concrete, making it unnecessary to make a hole or dig out the old support base. This design is also more resistant to corrosion. Mark the position of the mounting holes on the bottom of the vertical supports onto the concrete.

4. Drill holes with a three-sixteenth-inch carbide bit at the marked locations. Place the rail in place, lining up the mounting holes with the drilled holes. Secure the banister to the wall of the home with lag screws.

5. Insert corrosion-resistant masonry screws into the mounting holes and screw them into the holes in the porch with a socket wrench.

6. Patch the old holes in the concrete with concrete patch mix. In most cases this won't be necessary -- the supports for the new railing will probably match the location of the old railing's supports.

Tags: mounting holes, vertical supports, into concrete, concrete with, holes with

Sound Proof A Door

The neighbor's dog barks at your front door all night long. Or maybe the hallway outside your apartment is busy all night long. Perhaps you like to practice your drums in the middle of the night. In any case, you need to provide some sort of sound proofing for your door. Here are some steps to follow. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Change the door. Most interior doors are hollow core and don't stop sound. If you rent and the landlord doesn't want to change the door, ask if you can change the door while you live there and then re-hang the original door when you move out.

2. Replace the door with a medium-density fiberboard door. They are not expensive and they do stop a lot of sound. There are also special sound-proof doors on the market.

3. Create a better door seal. Attach a metal door sweep at the bottom of the door. It not only keeps the cold out, but it blocks noise as well. Set the sweep to just barely brush the floor as it closes. Also put foam seals around the doorjambs.

4. Hang a specially made sound-proof doormat over the existing door. This works best if the door is flat. Depending on the doormat you choose, you can attach it with adhesive or peel-and-stick backing.

5. Look behind the molding in the frame of the door. If there is no insulation or filler there, then it's not sound proof either. There are sound-proofing caulks available to use in spaces such as this.

6. If possible, hang two doors from the same doorjamb. This pocket of air between them creates a dead space that sound proofs your door.

Tags: change door, night long, stop sound, there then, your door

Decorate With Cast Iron

Create a classic bedroom with a cast iron bed.

Cast iron offers a durable choice for home decorating, with a wide range of furniture and accessory options. Cast iron items have been a part of American homes since the times of the earliest settlers. Hand-forged iron provided the fireplace tools and andirons essential to the fireplaces used for heating American homes. Beds, coat racks, end tables, dining sets, candleholders and other choice items create a timeless look in your contemporary home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Arrange a cast iron bed in a dominant position in the master bedroom, with the foot of the bed facing the door, if possible. Otherwise, place the head of the bed against one wall, positioned so the bed has a clear view of the room's main door. Add two large pillows to make the bed comfortable for sitting up in. This will add support and cushioning for reading or watching TV.

2. Add two or three decorative cast iron items to the bedroom to coordinate with the bed. For example, set a pair of cast iron candelabra on the dresser and pair them with candles that match the bed linens. Use a cast iron floor lamp to set off a sitting area in the bedroom or as a reading light.

3. Select a cast iron dining set for a dine-in kitchen, sun room or dining room. A vintage wrought iron patio dining set offers a lively indoor choice. Wrought iron is hand shaped, and cast iron comes out of a mold. Add tie-on cushions in a color that accents your room to make the chairs comfortable. For example, choose print cushions that include a color from your curtains.

4. Arrange cast iron end tables in the living room with one at each end of the sofa. Add cast iron fireplace tools next to the fireplace and andirons. Andirons are the decorative supports for firewood that fit inside the fireplace. If there isn't a fireplace, add cast iron candle holders to the coffee table and any other cast iron decorative items that suit the room, such as cast iron bookends and a cast iron trivet under a pottery bowl on an accent table or sofa table.

5. Arrange a cast iron bench in the entryway with a cast iron coat rack. This creates a convenient place for shedding boots and outdoor gear. Antique school benches with cast iron details offer a conversation piece, and the desk area provides room for a welcoming floral display.

Tags: cast iron, cast iron, Arrange cast, Arrange cast iron, American homes

Oversized Front Door Ideas

This arched double door stays true to the building's decorative style.

Oversized front doors can give a home an elegant look - and make it simpler to move in large pieces of furniture. Design ideas range from doors that look like they protect a fortress to those that allow you to open up your home and mingle with nature. When considering oversized front doors, take into consideration the overall style of your home, the amount of privacy desired and the amount of natural light you want in your entryway. Does this Spark an idea?

Glass Doors

Opening up to widths of 39 feet, wood or aluminum framed glass doors fold open or come in a paired-panel frame system that allow you to open your front door as little or as much as you like. This type of oversized front door is great for storefronts or to show off decorative elements within a home in locations that have scenic views you want to share. This glass door style, however, may not be ideal if you live in an area prone to wind damage, unless you also install a hurricane shutter system.

Barn Doors

Perfect for homes in the country, those made of stone or homes with a rustic feel, barn door-type doors, or solid double doors, can come with wrought iron accents and distressed finishes. Barn door-style front doors do not generally come with windows, so they are ideal for helping keep a home cool in the summer. Pair this type of door with a long front door pull so it is easier to open.

Double Doors with Beveled Glass

Similar in style to barn doors, double doors with beveled glass allow refracted light to illuminate a home during the day and offer privacy at the same time. Pair this door style with sidelights containing beveled glass to make the entryway appear larger. For a unique look, use different colors of beveled glass for a stained glass effect. Make the design more energy efficient by backing the glass with insulated clear glass on either side of the pane.

French Doors with Wrought Iron Accents

A twist on the French door style, consider creating a double door with wrought iron accents over the windowpanes for added protection. The wrought iron can be in a decorative style for added elegance and dimension. The wrought iron addition to the front door can add extra protection against home invasions or accidental broken glass, and still allow natural light to illuminate an entryway during the day.

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Cheap Ways To Use Room Dividers

Cheap Ways to Use Room Dividers

If you want to create a new look in a room, consider using a room divider. Room dividers offer decorating options limited only by your imagination, such as art pieces, headboards or to hide clutter. Furniture items you may already have can double as room dividers. Look into purchasing a Japanese folding screen called a Shoji, which adds beauty and class to any decor, plus you can use one in a wide variety of ways to divide your rooms inexpensively.

Bookcase Dividers

Use a tall, free-standing bookcase as a room divider. With an open back, you can decorate it with a variety of items such as plants, photos, art work, knick-knacks and of course, books. The open back also allows light to flow through. If you desire privacy on one side of the bookcase, hang an inexpensive window shade on that side, which you can pull down for privacy or leave up as needed.

For enclosed bookcases in a child's room, for example, hang a bulletin board on the solid bookcase side. Arrange the bookcases side by side or back to back.

Curtains and Fabric

Hang sheer drapes from the ceiling by mounting a ceiling track for an inexpensive room divider. Use any sheer fabric of your choice to allow light to flow through while still offering privacy. This also makes an effective room divider for young children sharing a room since they can open and close it safely without cords.

If you have a deep bay window, hang curtains in front of it as a divider to create a nook for relaxing or reading.

Create New Rooms

Make yourself a home office using a room divider, such as a folding screen, if you do not have an actual room for an office. Simply surround your computer desk and chair with the screen.

Divide your large living room with a room divider to make a separate dining area. A divider in this room can also create a play area for your children.

Make two furniture groupings in a long room to divide it. For example, Megan Connelly, author of "The Smart Approach to Kids' Rooms, 3rd Edition," suggests, "One way is to make a sleeping space apart from the play and work zone. Use area rugs to anchor each group in the divided space. You can also use square shapes, such as area rugs, to 'widen' the space."

Room dividers become especially useful for studio apartments where you can create a separate kitchen and bedroom easily and inexpensively.

Headboard Ideas

Create a headboard for your bed by placing a folding screen room divider behind your bed or a bookcase the same width as your bed. Hang fabric or draperies behind the head of your bed for another inexpensive headboard.

Hide Clutter

Place a folding screen across a corner and create a small storage area. Hide clutter, storage boxes, laundry hampers or your children's toys behind the screen.

Tags: room divider, folding screen, area rugs, Cheap Ways, Cheap Ways Room

Pink Girl'S Room Ideas

Give little ballerinas a bedroom inspired by their interest.

When a young girl's favorite color is pink, it's tempting to go overboard purchasing all the cute, fluffy pink accessories manufacturers make. Buy too many and the pink overtakes the space, preventing favorite items that express a girl's interests from standing out. Avoid overindulging little princesses by limiting purchases to items that fit within a streamlined theme designed to express their newly developing personalities. Does this Spark an idea?

Parisian Shopping Spree

Even young girls dream of shopping sprees in Paris, so consider taking inspiration from the iconic black and white striped shopping bag. Start with a bright, saturated pink on the walls. Paint a simple, black-outline mural of the Eiffel Tower or a street scene of Parisian shops on the wall. Mimic the shopping bag in the bedding with a striped comforter or white sheets and a solid black comforter. Continue the Parisian theme with a wrought iron nightstand reminiscent of French bistro tables. Stack pink and black hat boxes below the end table and on shelves to incorporate additional storage while maintaining the shopping spree theme. Complete the d cor with a few framed, vintage illustrations from French Vogue.

Ballerinas and Roses

Treat tiny dancers like prima ballerinas with a room inspired by the bouquet of roses they receive at their premier performances. Avoid turning the room into a tutu by selecting a pale robin's egg or Tiffany blue wall color. Run a white crown molding and chair rail around the room to add a touch of formality. Select a dusty pink coverlet with tulle ruffles or trim. Hang dance recital outfits as wall art by framing the tutus in shadow boxes with dried roses and tickets from the performance. Create floral frames for photographs of the little ballerina by hot-gluing pink silk roses around white wood picture frames. Fill pink satin pointe shoes with cream silk rosebuds to display on shelves or hang in the window.

'50s Rock 'n' Roll Jukebox

Rock 'n' roll may be here to stay, but young singers don't need a bedroom covered in the risque photos of their favorite performers to express their interest in music. Mix modern memorabilia and decor from the decade that gave birth to rock music with an eclectic '50s diner design. Scour flea markets and record stores for inexpensive '50s album covers and records. Hang the albums in an alternating pattern on neon pink for the walls, or attach them floor to ceiling at the head of the bed to create a faux headboard. Balance out the blast of pink on the walls with a butter yellow sheet set and a neon blue comforter with a nifty '50s print. Accessorize dressers shelves with 3-D models of pink Cadillacs and other model cars with '50s fins. Search thrift stores for a vintage poodle skirt to hang as art in a shadowbox frame, or pull together a complete '50s outfit to display on a dressmaker's mannequin.

Tags: pink walls, express their, items that, their interest

Repaint A Wooden Fence

An easy way to refresh the beauty of your home or garden is to repaint your wooden fence. It's a fairly easy process, although you'll want to set aside a few afternoons to dedicate to the task! Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Prepare the Fence for Painting

1. Using soap and a garden hose, or a power-washer, thoroughly clean your fence. You want to remove any dirt and debris, which may interfere with the following steps.

2. Using your scraper in conjunction with your coarse sandpaper, strip away the existing paint. This is a pretty slow process, but keep at it! If you see any splinters or chipped wood, sand the area smooth. If there are any loose nails, hammer them into place, remove them or replace them.

3. After you have stripped your fence of its old paint, sand the surface of the wood smooth. Then apply a coat of primer, like Zinsser.

Paint Your Fence

4. After the primer has completely dried, apply one coat of exterior latex house paint in the color of your choice. Give it 24 hours to dry.

5. Apply a second coat of latex house paint. Allow to dry for another 24 hours.

6. Apply one coat of sealant. Allow to dry, and apply a second coat. Now you have a fence as good as new!

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Shape A Wrought Iron Rod

Shaped Wrought Iron Fence

The strength of wrought iron makes it an effective barrier material, but it is also malleable. This allows it to be shaped in a variety of designs, either for practical use or decorative accents. While wrought iron is malleable, it is also very hard and requires special tools and techniques to shape it. Knowing shape a wrought iron rod can help you create decorative and practical changes to wrought iron fencing. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Bending Angles

1. Put on safety glasses and a face shield. These will protect your eyes and face while using the chop saw.

2. Cut a length of wrought iron rod with a chop saw. You may remove the safety glasses and face shield when you are not operating the chop saw.

3. Rotate the bending block in a benchtop metal bender to the desired angle. Most benchtop metal benders have a two-sided bending block which bends to 60 or 90 degrees.

4. Place the wrought iron rod workpiece in the metal bender between the bending block and the guide rollers.

5. Pull the bending handle, pressing the bending block against the workpiece and the guide rollers. Continue to pull the handle until the desired angle is reached. The more you pull, the greater the angle of the bend will be.

6. Move the bending handle back to its starting position and remove the workpiece from the metal bender.

Bending Curves

7. Put on safety glasses and a face shield. These will protect your eyes and face while using the chop saw.

8. Cut a length of wrought iron rod with a chop saw.

9. Place the wrought iron rod workpiece in the benchtop metal bender between the feed roller and guide rollers.

10. Pull the bending handle until the workpiece is held firmly in place between the feed roller and guide rollers.

11. Rotate the crank handle to press the feed roller against the workpiece and guide rollers to begin shaping the workpiece. Keep rotating the crank handle until the desired curve is achieved.

12. Pull the bending handle back to its starting position and remove the workpiece from the benchtop metal bender.

Tags: guide rollers, metal bender, benchtop metal, bending block, bending handle, benchtop metal bender, face shield

Sew Replacement Slings For Patio Chairs

Sling chair fabric can be replaced.

Sling chairs can be wonderfully comfortable to sit in and long-lasting. However, it is not uncommon for the fabric on sling chairs to wear out long before the frame does. Fortunately, you can replace the fabric portion of a sling chair. Many companies make replacement slings, but sometimes the satisfaction of having done it yourself is worth the effort. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Measuring Replacement Fabric

1. Measure the length of your chair. Measure from the top of one sling rail to the bottom.

2. Measure the width of your chair. Measure the chair width at three different spots where the bolts and spreader bars are attached. Measure from center of the sling rail to center of the opposite sling rail. Average these three measurements and round up to the nearest 1/8th of an inch. This is your width measurement.

3. Determine the amount of fabric you will need based on this measurement.

Ordering New Splines

4. Take the length measurement from your chair.

5. Add 3 inches to 4 inches to this measurement.

6. Double the overall measurement so that you will have enough spline for each side of the sling.

7. Contact a sling chair repair company and order a sling spline. It typically is sold by the foot.

Making Your New Sling

8. Add 1 inch to your length and width measurements.

9. Mark your measurements on the fabric.

10. Cut your fabric.

11. At both ends of the newly cut piece, fold the width of the fabric over 1/4 inch, twice, making a rolled hem.

12. Topstitch the rolled hem and iron it flat.

13. Take a spline and lay it on the lengthwise edge of the fabric, leaving 1 inch to 2 inches of spline hanging over either end. Fold the fabric 1/4 inch over the spline.

14. Using the zipper foot on the sewing machine, stitch down the length of the fabric, encasing the spline inside the hem. Alternatively, you can pin the spline at either end of the fabric, remove the spline, stitch down the length of the fabric so that the pocket hem is the width of the spline, and then thread the spline through the pocket hem you have just made.

15. Reassemble your sling chair according to manufacturer's directions.

Tags: sling rail, your chair, chair Measure, down length, down length fabric, length fabric