As nice as new patio furniture may look, it tends to take a beating from the elements. Rust can easily form and diminish the appearance of outdoor furniture. Fortunately, removing rust is not as difficult as one might presume, and can even be done with household items. There are several methods for removing rust and protecting patio furniture from future damage. Choose the most convenient method below to keep your furniture in top condition. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Remove Rust and Apply Naval Jelly
1. Brush away the rust with a wire brush.
2. Apply naval jelly to the area where the rust once was.
3. Once the naval jelly is dry, use sandpaper to smooth the area.
4. Apply a rust-inhibiting primer and multiple coats of paint that match the furniture.
Remove Rust and Apply a Waterproof Sealer
5. Scrape away the rust using a steel wool pad.
6. Use a clean cloth to ensure that all rust particles have been removed from the furniture.
7. Apply a waterproof sealer by following the manufacturer's instructions.
Remove Rust with Coca-Cola
8. Pour Coca-Cola into a bowl.
9. Dip a piece of aluminum foil into the Coca-Cola and crumple into a ball.
10. Scrub the furniture until all the rust is gone, applying more Coca-Cola as necessary.
11. Apply a waterproof sealer according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Victorian touches give this small bathroom a vintage look.
Small bathrooms come with their own set of design challenges. Because of their size, fixtures and furniture are scaled down sometimes resulting in a ho-hum space with little style. This doesn't have to be the case. Whether you prefer romantic Victorian décor or charming farmhouse style, with a few design tricks you can create a small but chic bathroom. And you don't have to live in a vintage home to achieve success. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Victorian
1. Choose a small pedestal sink and forgo the double sink arrangement possible in a larger bathroom. Hang an oval mirror in an intricately carved frame above it. Flank the mirror with reproduction or refurbished Victorian wall sconces. Be sure they are small enough not the overshadow the sink and mirror but large enough to provide enough light.
2. Shop for a slipper tub rather than a full size pedestal or soaking tub. Install a shower head and hang the curtain from a circular rod above the tub to avoid taking up space with a separate shower.
3. Lay black and white octagonal tiles on the floor. Install simple white subway tiles three quarters of the way up the wall. Wallpaper the upper half. Avoid wallpaper with large patterns, as they take up too much space visually. Choose one with a small floral or striped pattern.
4. Dress the window in sheer cotton or lace curtains. Add a vintage touch with a roller shade for privacy.
5. Tuck a small plank bottom chair into a corner to hold towels. Store linens and toiletries in a small chest of drawers like one originally built for a child's room. Place a crocheted doily on top and center it with a small china vase filled with roses.
6. Keep the color palette simple. Choose shades of white for towels, shower curtains and bathmats. Add a pop of color with an Oriental style throw rug.
Farmhouse
7. Drop a bathroom-sized, farmhouse-style, apron front sink into a small vanity. Remove the doors. Soften the look with a curtain to hide the plumbing and provide storage.
8. Install bead board three quarters of the way up the walls. Paint it white, light blue, pink or green. Top it with a shelf to hold toiletries and perhaps a collection of vintage soap dishes or medicine bottles. Paint the top of the wall the same color as the bead board to make the room look larger. Paint the ceiling white to fool the eye into thinking it is higher than it really is.
9. Hang an antique medicine cabinet above the sink.
10. Give the room vintage country flair with a small, wrought iron chandelier.
11. Paint the floor in a checkerboard pattern.
Tags: with small, bead board, space with, three quarters
Ironwork projects are a fun way to express yourself through artistic creativity. Small projects are made with the proper tools and furnace. Dedication and attention to detail are essential to working with iron because the metal must be bent while it is red hot and molded quickly into the needed shape. Ironwork is a difficult task that produces beautiful personalized gifts.
Candelabra
A candelabra is an elegant candle holder that has many designs. This type of candle holder holds many candles and may have them arranged in straight line or in a square. Creating the candelabra with iron works is a project that requires skill and speedy work. A small anvil is used to create the smaller curves in the candelabra arms. Each arm holding a candle will have matching designs, therefore precision and an ability to follow directions completely are essential skills for the completion of the project.
Window Box
A window box is a small metal box with an open top in which the box owner can place flower pots or other outdoor items. The box has long, thin hooks to latch onto the windowsill and yet allow the window to mostly close. An iron filigree window box adds style to a featureless window. Using a small anvil and pinpoint tools, the creator will build a box with creatively conducted filigree or flowery styled patterns in the side panels. The bottom panel can also be filigree, however, heavier items will, over time, cause sagging in a non-solid panel.
Celtic Cross Wall Hanging
A Celtic cross is a specific item that needs special care to bw created right. Begin with the base which is the bottom section of the cross. Then build the cross beams of equal length across and vertically and hammer it onto the top of the base. This section will need to be created using the specific Celtic knots, which are outlined lines crossing over each other in sharp corners and points, found on ancient Celtic crosses in Ireland. The circle around the arms of the cross can be either solid or can created with the Celtic knots also, depending upon the artist's desire.
Coat Hooks
Coat hooks are made ornamental pieces of the home's aesthetics by building them with eccentric curves and angles. Creating the hook with two or three unconventionally shaped hooks is easily done with quick action with the hammer and anvil. This project is perfect for a small gift due to the originality of the piece and the ever-present need to hang coats. Making a wall hook on a hinge also adds appeal as the hook then can lay flat against the wall when not in use.
Tags: candle holder, Celtic knots, small anvil, with iron
Sometimes, when you are working in graphics, you have to go beyond just editing photos or creating abstract shapes. Sometimes you have to create scenes from scratch. For example, you might have to create a yard scene for a landscaping business. One item you could add to such a scene would be a decorative gate. If you are working in Photoshop, creating this gate is fairly easy.
Instructions
1. Start Photoshop Click "File" in the menu at the top and then click "New." In the dialog that opens, go to and open a scene you have been working on to which you want to add a gate.
2. Click the "New Layer" icon on the "Layers" panel on the left. Select the "Brush" tool from the toolbar on the right. In the options, set the color and size to what you want for the bars of the gate.
3. Click the "Pen" tool from the toolbar. In the options at the top, set the mode to "Path." Use the tool to draw a path in the shape of your gate.
4. Right-click the path and click "Stroke Path." In the dialog, choose the "Brush" took and click "OK."
5. Click on the FX" icon on the bottom of the "Layers" panel. Click "Bevel and Emboss," then click "Inner Bevel" and click "OK." This will create a 3D effect on your gate. Save your work.
Tags: from toolbar, gate Click, have create, Layers panel, then click, tool from
A whimsical bed will pull a kid's bedroom together.
A bed creates a focal point in a child's bedroom. Choosing a bed style that matches the theme of your kid's bedroom will help pull all of the d cor together and give the room a finished appearance. There are dozens of styles of kid's beds, ranging from the traditional to the homemade. Does this Spark an idea?
Canopy Bed
A canopy bed has four sheer mesh material panels that attach at the ceiling and drape down over the four corners of the bed. You can draw the front panels back toward the headboard or leave them hanging over the bed. Canopies are typically one solid color. A pink or white canopy bed creates a soft focal point in a French- or princess-themed girl's bedroom.
Poster Bed
Poster beds are a traditional style that works well in a boy's or girl's room. Poster beds have four posts that come up from the baseboard on each of the four corners of the bed. Poster beds are typically wood. You can leave the wood the original color, or add a stain to darken the wood. You can also paint the posters to match the d cor of the child's room. Other variations of a poster bed include posters made from birch, plastic or iron.
Wrought Iron
Wrought iron beds have a headboard and footboard made from iron. Variations of the bed include having only a headboard, or adding posters. The wrought iron is usually formed into scrolls along the inside of the headboard and base board to give the bed more detail. Wrought iron beds can be the standard silver iron color or painted to look antique by adding white paint and gently sanding over the finished coat to give the bed a weathered appearance.
Fabric Panels
You can attach fabric panels inside a flat headboard or baseboard to create a frame-like design. Any fabric material, color or pattern works for this bed idea. You can glue the fabric on directly or use brads, bows or buttons to give the bed more decoration. You can also add padding behind the fabric to make the fabric piece pop out of the bed frame.
Tags: Poster beds, beds have, focal point, four corners, give more, iron beds, made from
Melted candle wax needn't diminish the look of your cast iron any longer.
Many people find the flickering flame of a candle to be relaxing. Others enjoy the aroma, the rustic charm or the romantic atmosphere created by burning candles. Most, however, do not enjoy cleaning up the mess created by dripping or running candle wax. Fortunately, if melted wax has hardened on cast iron, cleaning up the mess shouldn't prove too difficult. Cast iron is extremely resilient and will not be permanently damaged by the wax or the cleaning process. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Place the cast iron object into a freezer for roughly 30 minutes or until the wax is noticeably frozen. If the cast iron piece is too large to fit in the freezer, fill a freezer bag with ice cubes and hold the ice against the wax until the wax hardens.
2. Remove the cast iron from the freezer or remove the ice cubes. Quickly tap the cast iron lightly with a blunt object, such as a small hammer or the handle of a screwdriver. This should cause some of the frozen wax to simply fall off the cast iron. If the wax does not fall off, use a small, plastic scraper to scrape the frozen wax from the iron. If the wax begins to soften during this process, re-freeze it.
3. Place a paper towel over any wax residue that remains on the cast iron. Use one hand to hold the paper towel in place over the waxy remnants. This will prevent the towel from blowing away after you turn on the hair dryer.
4. Turn your hair dryer up to its highest/hottest setting and switch it on. Pass the dryer over the paper towel, heating it and the cast iron simultaneously. The wax residue should begin to melt. As the wax melts, the paper towel will soak it up.
5. Wipe the cast iron with a clean towel and check your progress. If any wax remains, continue applying heat and soaking up the melted wax with a paper towel. Continue until you're satisfied you have removed all of the wax from the cast iron.
Add a touch of elegance to your home by decorating with an Italian style. Italian-inspired decorations and furniture pieces can turn your living room or bedroom into sophisticated spaces. Use a Tuscan theme, reminiscent of the Italian countryside, to create a charming, rustic look in your kitchen. Italian décor is enhanced by rich, neutral shades with bright pops of color. Does this Spark an idea?
Italian Chic
Use lush white leather furniture to create a chic Italian look in your living room. Enhance soft leather couches and chairs with silk-covered pillows in shades of deep red, golden yellow and burnt orange.
Add marble accents, such as hallway flooring, or opulent tabletops. Italian flooring elements include colorful mosaic, terra cotta and ceramic tiles.
Create a sleek, modern look by buying silver or chrome floor lamps with an abstract design. Enhance walls with Renaissance-style oil paintings, or brightly colored wall tapestries and rugs.
Tuscan Theme
Celebrate the Italian countryside by decorating your kitchen with a Tuscan theme, which includes grapes, wine and herbs.
Hang strings of purple grape-shaped lights around doorways and windows to provide soft lighting during dinner parties and intimate meals. Use vintage wine bottles to hold fresh-cut or dried flowers, and paint olive oil bottles with grape and vine designs.
Keep terra cotta pots of fresh Italian herbs, such as basil, oregano and lavender, handy for Tuscany-inspired recipes.
Replace your formal dinner table with a rustic, rough-hewn wood version, which is reminiscent of those used in Italian farmhouses.
Natural Elements
Italian decorating incorporates many natural elements, from fabrics to hardware. In the bedroom, use rich Italian silk bedding, or replace dresser hardware with wrought iron versions for a rustic look.
In the kitchen, hang copper lighting fixtures, and by a copper sink and coordinating faucets. Natural stone or marble counter tops will add to the organic feel of the space.
Tags: your living room, Italian countryside, living room, look your, rustic look
A well-seasoned wrought iron pan has a nice dark color, while new pans are light-colored and require seasoning before use. Season a new pan as you coat the pan with layers of oil and fill in the cracks and grooves of the pot. Benefits of seasoning the pan include allowing your food to slip from the pan easily and cooking without the addition of more oil to your food. Seasoning also prevents rust to the pan as the oil layer prevents moisture from entering the pan. Add this to my Recipe Box.
Instructions
1. Cover the bottom of the oven with tin foil to catch drips before you turn oven on to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove all packaging from the pan as the oven heats up.
2. Rub lard, shortening or vegetable oil into your pan. Cover the bottom and sides of the inside of your pan as you rub it into the nooks of the pan. Wipe off excess with paper towels; you want a very thin layer.
3. Place your wrought iron pan onto the top shelf upside down. Set the oven timer for 30 minutes.
4. Turn the oven off when the timer sounds. Open the door and remove the pan using oven mitts.
5. Allow the pan to cool down. Repeat one more time to get a good seasoning.
Old paint from outdoor furniture might need to be removed before applying a new color, or to restore the furniture to its original condition. Whether it be metal or wooden outdoor furniture, the appropriate solvent and the proper technique can remove the existing paint. The task can be completed in a timely matter if the right method is used. The right method will be determined by the type of paint that is being removed and the material of the furniture. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Choose a chemical paint stripper available in a variety of applications. Liquid and aerosol paint strippers are effective for removing up to two layers of paint, while a brushable paste-like formula can be applied in heavy coats to strip several layers of paint at a time.
2. Remove any cushions or coverings from the furniture. Clean the surface using a damp cloth to remove any loose dirt or residue.
3. Protect your hands with rubber gloves to avoid alkaline burns from the paint remover. Apply it to a manageable area using a brush, spray can or dry rag. Refer to the directions on the product label to allow the paint to soften for the instructed length of time.
4. Use a chemical-resistant blade to scrape the loosened paint from the furniture. Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby to frequently rinse the furniture of excess paint as you go.
5. Follow up the scraping with a medium grade of steel wool or scouring pad for a thorough removal. Wetting the furniture before scrubbing it will also help with hard-to-remove spots.
Tags: from furniture, layers paint, Outdoor Furniture, outdoor furniture, paint from
Store plastic chairs out of direct sunlight when not in use.
Plastic outdoor furniture is an inexpensive, durable alternative to wrought iron or teak patio furniture. Over time, though, it may become yellowed by exposure to the sun or become soiled. All plastics are easily scratched by strong abrasive cleaners or steel wool. Once they've been scratched, dirt and grime collects on the surface and is difficult to remove. To renew white plastic furniture, clean it thoroughly and apply a new coat of paint made specifically for plastic. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Set the white plastic furniture on a level, clean surface, such as a patio. Remove plants and other furniture from the area so you can work safely without tripping over obstacles.
2. Pour 1 tsp. liquid dish detergent in a bucket. Fill the bucket with warm water. Dip a sponge or scrub brush in the bucket and wash the plastic furniture thoroughly. Scrub grooves to remove debris.
3. Rinse the furniture with a garden hose to remove soap and dirt residue. Dry the furniture with a towel or allow it to air dry in the sun. Spray the furniture with glass cleaner and wipe it dry with the towel again. The ammonia evaporates and doesn't require rinsing.
4. Place the furniture on a piece of plastic sheeting to protect your patio. Apply spray paint to the chair or table, working from the top to bottom. Use long, even strokes to avoid streaks and drips. Allow the furniture to dry for at least one hour before use. Apply a second coat if you like.
5. Dip a clean cloth in automobile wax and rub a thin coating over the furniture. Buff with the cloth and allow it to harden. The automobile wax protects the furniture from dirt and rain.
Tags: furniture with, plastic furniture, furniture from, white plastic, white plastic furniture, with towel
Cast iron pipe is a very strong but relatively brittle type of pipe. Piping made out of cast iron can last for many decades but newer technology is rapidly replacing cast iron piping. Little, if any, cast iron piping finds its way into modern construction. Cast iron piping can be rather difficult to cut or otherwise modify and only a handful of tools are appropriate for cutting through this type of piping.
Properties of Cast Iron
Cast iron is made out of an iron-carbon alloy that is between 3.0 and 4.5 percent carbon and between 0.5 and 3.5 percent silicon. Small amounts of elements like sulfur, manganese and phosphorous are also used in cast iron. Cast iron can be made into complex shapes like piping in one production step and the material is linked with a low price tag. Cast iron even offers corrosion-resistant properties but simply cannot outperform cast steel or wrought steel.
Saws
Consumers have access to handsaws as well as power saws that are designed to cut through cast iron pipe. Hacksaws can be used to manually cut through cast iron but they are perhaps the least efficient of all the tools recommended for cutting through cast iron pipe. The consumer may go through several blades while cutting through the average cast iron drainage pipe with a hand hacksaw. Chop saws and reciprocating saws can be fitted with blades that are specially designed to cut through cast iron. Most metal-cutting blades provide enough strength to cut through cast iron. Saws are usually employed as a last resort for cast iron pipe cutting applications.
Chisels
A cold chisel and hammer can be used to chip through a cast iron pipe. Using a chisel and hammer to chop through a cast iron pipe requires a high level of expertise. The best method of cutting through a cast iron pipe involves drawing a chalk line around the pipe and slowly chipping along the line until the pipe splits. It should only take a few passes around the pipe until it splits because cast iron is somewhat brittle.
Snap Cutter
Snap cutters are the most efficient tools for cutting through cast iron pipe. Snap cutters are a plumber's tool-of-choice for cast iron pipe cutting applications --- they can make quick, clean work of cutting through a cast iron pipe. These tools do not so much cut as they do break. A snap cutter does not use a blade to cut through cast iron pipe; it uses a special chain that applies equal pressure at many equidistant points around a pipe. The pressure effectively snaps the pipe across a controlled area.
Tags: through cast, through cast iron, iron pipe, cast iron, cutting through
Wrought iron designs can offer either contemporary or traditional looks for entranceways.
Wrought iron gives properties a solid, classic look that enhances many architectural designs. Wrought iron railings are strong and last for many years with a minimum of maintenance. Though many people think of ornate railings like those in New Orleans, many new ideas for using wrought iron now provide more contemporary styling for the entranceways of homes. Does this Spark an idea?
Advantages of Wrough Iron Railings
Wrought iron is a durable metal that can withstand exposure to the elements when given periodic maintenance. It can be worked into a wide variety of designs and finished with a number of processes to give it a tough, long-lasting coating. Wrought iron does not rot or become infested with boring insects. Wrought iron also does not splinter causing injuries in hands. Wrought iron can easily be repaired by a skilled metalworker and can be re-finished to provide an attractive appearance, year after year. Wrought iron is cleaned with plain soap and water to remove dirt, road salt and tree residue.
Metal Finish Ideas
Plain, high-gloss black paint is the traditional finish for wrought iron railings that are often found at the entranceways of homes. However, wrought iron can be finished in a number of attractive finishes that provide a whole new look for front railings. A sleek, aluminum-toned railing can enhance the contemporary exterior design of your home. A bronze finish can give a more upscale look to any entranceway. A weathered patina finish can provide a unique look that complements more traditional home designs. Powder coating is a process that uses pigment applied electrostatically along with a resin for a tough coating for metals. An almost unlimited number of colors are available to match or contrast with any home exterior.
Creative Designs
Traditional scrollwork is not the only way metals can be worked. Simplified designs, such as mission or arts-and-crafts styling offer a streamlined, ultra-modern note to entranceways, or adapt classical designs in new ways to give your property a custom-crafted look. Panels can be worked into shell shapes for a coastal theme or into geometric shapes for a more urban theme. Sunrays, plants, ocean waves and other patterns can make your railing a neighborhood showpiece.
Personalize Your Property
Another look is to include imagery that is special for you or your family into the wrought iron design of your railing. This can include astrological signs, patriotic symbols, sports themes or family name initials. Botanical images can help to integrate your property into the natural environment. These items can be inset into the pickets of the railing in attractive repeating or alternating patterns to suit your needs.
Tags: Wrought iron, design your, entranceways homes, iron railings, look that
If you like a decorating theme that emphasizes hand-crafted items, natural materials and warm tones, Native American decor might work for you. The best aspect of decorating in a Native American theme is that it is simple to add a few key accessories and textiles for a quick update, or you can invest more money and time in a full makeover for the room or home. Extend the theme out to the garden by using earthenware pots to hold cacti and other flora and fauna native to the Southwestern United States. Does this Spark an idea?
Palette
The Native American palette is predominated by medium and dark earth tones as well as rusty reds. Wooden architectural details such as exposed beams, posts, door frames, window frames and stairs are often left unpainted, allowing the natural materials to show. Glossy and slick surfaces are not as common in this design scheme. Instead, emphasize rustic, distressed and matte finishes. Because many Native American textiles and accessories tend to be dark, you might want to lighten the overall palette by painting walls in an antique white, a pale beige or a mellow yellow.
Furniture
Native American style furniture is mostly made of natural materials, most notably wood, wool, leather, cotton, stone and paper. Bold patterns and shapes are common, such as a farmhouse-style dining room table with long benches for seating. Consider a coffee table with an eye-catching natural feature, such as logs for legs or a stone top. Imaginative upholstery integrates Native American motifs, such as arrowheads, animal skin patterns and diamonds. Wrought iron frames and embellishments are ideal for shelves, beds, cabinets, tables, wall art and outdoor pieces.
Accessories
Add bright swaths of color to your interior with Native American accessories. Fill baskets of contrasting weaves with lemons, limes, Indian corn, river stones, persimmons and other things from nature. Cover floors with woven wool rugs featuring Native American symbols and traditional designs. Use lighter cotton textiles on windows to allow natural light to pour in. Integrate splashes of cobalt blue for a bracing contrast to the earth tones and reds by lining a windowsill with blue bottles, setting a table with heavyweight blue glass goblets or creating a water-themed mosaic for a garden wall or table top. Invest in a key accessory to spark conversation, like a Old West wagon wheel or an ornate, tall wrought iron candle holder.
Whether it's bookshelf or a desk (pictured) furniture hinges come in all types.
Table, box, cabinet, and glass hinges come in variety of sizes and metals. Examples of butterfly or parliament furniture dovetail (V-shaped insertions) hinges (the knuckle protrudes from the door when fully opened, so it stands away from the wall) from the 17th and 18th centuries are found on old cabinets and desks dating from 1670. Although the extreme size exists on large heavy doors from these eras, the tiniest of hinges belong to the jewelry caskets (boxes). Furniture hinges today mimic hinges developed over the centuries. Does this Spark an idea?
Table Hinges
Table hinges lock in place when slid into a horizontal position. This holds the drop leaf when pulled up to extend the tabletop for more space (the table section makes the tabletop smaller when folded under). Other examples of a table hinge include a drop leaf table in a van or motor home that folds "up" when not in use. The card table hinge is usually a rectangular-shaped cavity in a piece of wood, stone, or other material of an antique or reproduction card table hinge, allowing the top to fold onto itself when not in use.
Butler Tray Table Hinge
Tables with a tray top for serving may snap flat. Originally, butler tray-table hinges were flush (the edges terminate in the same plane) within a table or desktop. The butler table hinge design allows carrying the ends of a table when flipped into a vertical position. Today, these hinges are used for short tables with leaves (pull-up sections).
Toy Box Hinges
Building a box with a toy box hinge for toys (shown) allows the lid to stay open.
Toy box hinges support a counterbalance to keep it from slamming shut when children open it to pull out favorite toys. Also used for cedar and blanket chests, the self-balancing feature of the toy box hinge holds the lid open to approximately 85 degrees.
Glass Door Hinges
Glass door hinges work on inset, twin overlay, and overlay glass door installations. A 94-degree opening angle and a three-dimensional adjustment on this hinge requires the door have a 26 millimeter hole for each of these attachments. Plastic material covers any part of the hinge and cover cap touching the glass door.
Special Purpose Furniture Hinges
With 20th-century lifestyles, furniture comes in kitchens, built-ins and recreational vehicles. The special-purpose furniture hinge stays open at 75 degrees. Doors 5/8 or 3/4 inch thick work best with this type of hinge. Once surface mounted, the special-purpose hinge is invisible.
Tags: card table, card table hinge, drop leaf, Furniture Hinges, glass door
Outdoor stairs are bound to require maintenance, especially if you live in a wet climate where there is a definite change of seasons that includes winter. Maybe repairs will be few and far between and only involve a small amount of effort. But understanding how stairs get repaired can help you in the process of designing the next set that you build. Following are some insights that will help in your task of replacing outdoor stairs. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Remove the defective treads with a pry bar and/or a 4-foot crowbar. Pull the nails out first with a cat's paw, and then use the long crowbar. Take your time so that you don't damage the existing stairs. If the tread is screwed in through the side of the stringer, then those screws have to be backed out with an electric screw gun.
2. Place the tread on a set of sawhorses and measure all dimensions. Select a piece of lumber that matches the size of the old tread, or at least select a board that can be made to match with a few simple cuts. The thickness of the tread should be matched when you buy the wood at your local lumberyard, but width and length can be cut on a pair of sawhorses with a circular saw.
3. Examine the remaining stairs before the missing piece is put back into place. You might find more pieces that need replacing. If the stringers are bad, the whole set of stairs will have to come apart, but a riser can be replaced in the same manner as replacing the tread.
4. Make sure the anchoring system or wooden pieces that support the tread are in good condition. If they are metal, check each one for rust. If they are wooden you might want to replace them with metal brackets that fit underneath or make replacement wood pieces, just as a precaution.
5. Paint the new piece with paint, sealer or creosote. If the piece is pressure-treated, then this step will not be necessary.
6. Install the new piece with long, galvanized builder's screws (1 1/4 to 2 inches). Use a drill to put in a pilot hole. Make sure the head of the screw is flush with the surface of the board.
There are various ways in which your patio and pool can be tied together.
When adding a pool to your landscape, consider redefining your patio in a minor or even major way that will tie it to your new swimming area. Also consider adding adjacent water features that will enhance your landscape and add a new dimension to your backyard. Does this Spark an idea?
Tropical Getaway
A palapa adds a tropical flair to your patio and pool area.
An iconic feature for a tropical poolside patio is a palapa, an umbrella crafted from palm thatch. Install a palapa over your dining or bar area on your patio. Plant small palm trees and containers of vibrant-colored hibiscus on your patio. Put in a sand beach area adjacent to your pool on the opposite side from the patio. Rim the outer edge of your sandy beach with a stacked-stone wall to complete the natural look of your landscape. Add a freestanding fire pit and up lighting that highlights your palm plantings to create a nighttime ambiance that provides the flavor of the tropics.
Mediterranean Bliss
Citrus trees along the edge of your pool and patio lend a Mediterranean feel to your backyard.
Swimming pools are a classic feature in Mediterranean design, as are other water features. Bring a Mediterranean flavor to your poolside patio by adding flagstone or travertine tile to your patio's foundation. Carved stone or molded concrete tables and chairs featuring swirled pedestals are characteristic of Mediterranean design. Cushions, pillows and curtains in vibrant oranges, blues and gold add to the warm, sunny feel of your patio. Install rejas--decorative wrought-iron grills--outside your patio walls and fill them with the lush blooms of petunias, bougainvillea and geraniums. Construct an outdoor kitchen area out of light-colored stacked stone with a mosaic tile back splash behind the counter. Plant dwarf olive trees, citrus trees, Italian cypress, juniper or an herb border of sage, basil, oregano and rosemary to your patio surround to polish off the Mediterranean feel of your patio and pool area.
Victorian Splendor
Wrought-iron furnishings add Victorian flair to your pool and patio.
Ornate wrought-iron furniture is key to the poolside Victorian patio. Set up a cherub fountain as a stepdown between your patio and pool, with the connecting walkway splitting around this water feature. Plant a rose border around your patio and create an L-shaped miniature rose garden at one of your pool's far corners to tie the two spaces together. A circular garden house with a large number of windows will add a Victorian feel when positioned at the edge of your patio and abutting the pool. Elaborate concrete or marble urns filled with boxwoods or lavender add a lushness to your Victorian landscape.
Tags: your patio, patio pool, your patio pool, your pool, edge your
Contemporary kitchen designs are often added to modern homes.
Designing any room in the home takes creativity and vision. A room can be designed to highlight a specific interest, such as football, or focus on an inspiring work of art. Simple objects like an antique vase can be used as an inspiration to turn an ordinary room into a beautiful living space. Color schemes can also be applied to create a theme in designing and add a custom feel to the style of the room. Does this Spark an idea?
Classic Room Designs
A classic room design uses items and prints from the past to create a feeling of nostalgia and comfort. Designs can be centered around eras of long ago such as the Renaissance period or more recent periods of time such as the 1950s. Printed wall paper with floral or linear designs can be placed in room to complement solid color fabric furniture. Larger items made of wood like bookcases or coffee tables can be placed along side sofas to add to the classic look. Ornaments, fabrics or art relevant to the classic room design may also be placed on tables or bookcases to complete the style.
Ethnic Room Designs
Ethnic room designs center themes around a cultural objects and items representative of different areas of the world. Brightly colored walls with rattan furniture can be used to add a Middle Eastern flair to a room, while rustic wood bookcases with wrought iron handles and accents can complete a Mediterranean look. Small trinkets or art pieces, such as Buddha statues or handmade pottery, can be placed on table tops and floors with tropical foliage to represent a far-off land.
Contemporary Room Designs
Contemporary room designs use styles and decor that have a more modern or sleek feel to it. Furniture and drapery with muted tones, like brown and beige, can be used to create a relaxing and simple environment. Contemporary room designs can also focus more on the style of furniture, which may be more geometric or curved in shape, to produce clean basic room design. Contemporary furniture pieces and designs also aim to create an illusion of a wider space in small areas of the home, lending to the idea that less can also mean more.
Vintage fabric paintings can replace traditional headboards.
With a little creativity, you will discover that the options for shabby chic headboards are almost limitless. Transform traditional headboards by recovering them, or use wall hangings in place of headboards. Also try salvaging unusual objects or fixtures and using them instead of traditional headboards. Functional objects, such as shelving, can be used as headboards as well, which will help to conserve space and maximize storage in smaller bedrooms. Does this Spark an idea?
Old Windows
Salvaged antique windows from dumps or purchased at thrift or antique stores make handsome shabby chic headboards. For safety reasons, remove the glass from these windows before using them. If there are any sharp edges on the windows, try sanding them down or covering them with fabric. Once the windows have been safety-proofed, mount them over your bed for a headboard effect. Distressing the paint on the windows can further enhance their shabby chic appeal. If desired, fill the windows with fabric or decorative padding. You can also try hanging whimsical pictures, small mirrors, strings of beads, your hat collection or antique fans in the window panels.
Vintage Fabric Paintings
For an intriguing headboard, search for fabric paintings at thrift stores. A durable fabric painting is easy to hang about your bed, and it will appear funky and fun. Because these paintings are light, inexpensive and easy to store, you can even choose to purchase multiple fabric paintings, and swap them out as the seasons, your bedroom decor or your moods dictate.
Folding Screens or Doors
Wooden, metal or fabric screens can make excellent shabby chic headboards. Folding doors will work for this purpose as well. If your screen or door is wooden, you can paint it in distinctive shades or cover it in fabric. If your door or screen is metal, you can use it as an auxiliary hanging system for jewelry, ties, hats, scarves, gloves or pictures. If you door or screen is made of fabric, you can recover it with a vintage fabric, such as an old quilt, bedspread, curtain, table cloth or rug.
Fabric Headboards
Vintage fabric can quickly and cheaply take a regular headboard from bland to shabby chic. Almost any type of vintage fabric can be used to recover a traditional headboard, as long as you have enough of it. However, even smaller pieces of fabric, such as vintage handkerchiefs, can be stitched or glued together. Fabric coverings can be sewn to headboards, or may be easily secured with pins. If you use visible safety pins or contrasting thread to secure your fabric to the headboard, it will give your headboard an edgy, modish look. You can also frame your favorite vintage fabrics and hang them over the bed where a headboard would normally go.
Headboard Illusions
You don't necessarily need a real headboard at all to achieve a shabby chic headboard effect. Try painting or stenciling an old-fashioned headboard design directly onto the wall above the head of your bed, or hanging a bolt of fabric, ornate mirror, vintage mantelpiece or collection where a headboard would normally be placed. For a clever trompe de l'oeil, why not take a photo of an especially beautiful antique headboard, blow it up, frame it, and hang it over your bed? At first glance, it will appear as if the photo really is your headboard, and it will take viewers a moment to decode the illusion. Finally, you can always cut antique-print wallpaper in the shape of a headboard, and glue it to the wall above your bed.
Tags: shabby chic, chic headboards, shabby chic headboards, traditional headboards, your headboard
Country kitchen design does not have to look like a kitchen on a farm, complete with gingham curtains and pictures of cows. There is a modern variation of this design style. To create a modern country kitchen, use muted neutrals and rustic elements. Include aspects of roosters and other farm animals, but in a tasteful and understated way. Does this Spark an idea?
Animals
To create your modern country kitchen, use images of farm animals sparingly and in soft colors. Add geese, roosters or ducks to your kitchen by incorporating them as images on coffee mugs. Another idea is to have serving platters or plates with pictures of roosters on them. They should not be brightly colored; cream or yellow is ideal. Display the platters on lightly-painted shelves or display cases.
Wood
Use natural materials in the kitchen, such as wood, stone or tiles made of ceramic. Light wood or white cabinets are ideal in this kitchen. Add glass fronts on the cabinets for a modern touch. Use hand-painted tiles as the backsplash in the kitchen. Keep them in earth tones and soft colors, including sage green and cornflower blue.
Rustic
Add rustic touches to your kitchen. Hang a wrought iron rack from the ceiling and hang copper pots from it. Add framed prints with images of farm houses. On one of the shelves in your kitchen, display three vintage milk bottles for a homey feel. A vintage tea kettle and serving tray also looks nice.
Colors
Paint the kitchen walls in a soft neutral color, such as cream or tan. Another option is a muted sage green. Paint the trim and the doors a crisp white color. Keep the appliances in the kitchen in similar neutral tones.
Tags: your kitchen, farm animals, images farm, iron rack, modern country
Painting patio furniture with a brush often seems like tedious work when other outdoor chores beckon. Many homeowners speed the process and produce excellent results using spray paint to bring weathered furniture back to life. Beginners will discover that part of this art involves spraying just the furniture. The work is not hard but some planning is important to keep paint going where it belongs and off nearby plants, paving and the painter. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
Preparing Furniture for Spray Painting
1. Remove all old paint chips and peeling paint. This might involve sandpaper, a putty knife, or other removal tools, depending on whether furniture is metal, wood or plastic.
2. Sand chipped and peeled areas until edges are smooth, either by hand or with an electric sander (a sanding wheel on your electric drill speeds work greatly). Lightly sand all other surfaces of the furniture to provide the slightly rough surface that ensures good adherence of new paint. Remember to include parts of the furniture not necessarily seen but still exposed to paint-damaging weather: the bottoms of seats and insides of legs or the undersides of arms, for example.
3. Wipe down sanded furniture to remove sanding grit with wet towels or rags. Dry furniture thoroughly before spray painting.
Spray Painting Your Furniture
4. Spread drop cloths over your work area. Include any neighboring objects or structures that would not welcome a coat of paint -- the garage wall, your lilacs or the swing set. Once the floor area is covered, use tacks or tape to secure drop cloths on vertical surfaces or over objects to a height of the piece of furniture you are painting. Unlike the drips of paint on a brush, you need to counteract droplets of paint going in many directions.
5. Don protective clothing, including eyewear and face mask (you are one of the objects that does not welcome a coat of paint!).
6. Holding can in upright position, tip your furniture piece so that you can paint underside areas (undersides of seats, armrests, table tops, rungs, etc.) with a light coat of paint. Keep the can moving; staying in one place or trying to cover with a heavy single coat will produce dripping and clotting of paint. Let dry thoroughly and apply a second light coat of paint to complete coverage.
7. Proceed the same way with visible, top sides of your furniture: two light coats with complete drying in between. For surfaces that receive heavy wear, such as chair seats and backs or the top of a table, be prepared to add a third coat. Sanding lightly between coats will improve the adherence of the paint.
8. Use a small foam or bristle brush to smooth drips and cover final areas needing touchup.
Atwood products are sold in both the United States and Canada.
Among its lines of chassis components, seating hardware systems and windows and doors, Atwood of Elkhart, Indiana, produces gas stoves bearing the Wedgewood name for recreational vehicles. The three models are a high-output range, a wide-door output range and a high-output cooktop. Various accessories for these stoves are also available. Does this Spark an idea?
High-Output Range
The high-output Wedgewood Vision range is a gas stove equipped with linear valves that allow it to operate at a large range of temperatures and settings, from simmer to boil, according to Atwood. Maximum output for the burners is 9,000 BTUs in the front and 6,500 BTUs in the back. Two types of high-output Vision ranges are available: one with a 17-inch-tall oven and one with a 21-inch-tall oven.
Wide-Door Range
The wide-door, high-output Wedgewood Vision range is similar to the Wedgewoodf high-output range. Oven door heights and burner capacities are the same. The wide-door range, however, has a bigger door. Additionally, it is equipped with a single and centralized output burner that improves flame distribution, according to Atwood.
Cooktop
A cooktop differs from a full range in that it is nothing more than the burners and their controls. Otherwise, the Wedgewood cooktop is identical to the two full-size ranges. The cooktop is designed for tight spaces and kitchens that have ovens but no stoves.
Tags: according Atwood, equipped with, high-output range, high-output Wedgewood, high-output Wedgewood Vision, Vision range
If you wish you could live in Italy's green rolling hills, amongst vineyards and welcoming locals, with windows overlooking a mix of farmhouses and villas, you should consider decorating your living room in a Tuscan design style. By using a combination of the right colors and textures, the ideal ambient lighting and the proper furnishings and accessories, you can come home to a room that makes you feel as though you have been swept away to a Tuscan village. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Start from the ground up when decorating your living room. Select flooring that looks as though it belongs in a Tuscan villa. Some suitable choices include terra cotta tile; travertine, which is a natural stone closely related to limestone; wide, rustic wood flooring or marble with decorative inlays.
2. Apply stucco to the walls in your living room to add Tuscan character to otherwise smooth and untextured walls. Paint walls in a warm, rich color such as ochre, terra cotta or burnt sienna. You can also perform wall treatments such as glazing or color washing, which give walls a rustic, aged appearance.
3. Adorn walls with rich, storied tapestries or a hand-painted mural depicting the view of a Tuscan garden or verdant countryside. Scrolled vanilla white, deep brown or camel-colored crown molding on corners, around fireplaces and along the ceiling, as well as rosettes or ceiling medallions are opulent choices that will take your living room to the next level.
4. Light your living room with lamps and fixtures that look provincial and aged. Wrought iron chandeliers, burnished sconces and bronze or iron lamps with amber-colored glass or fabric lampshades are all apt choices.
5. Accessorize and furnish your living room with Tuscan-inspired finds, such as detailed wrought iron wall decor, candelabras or plant stands, furniture in dark, rich or rustic, reclaimed woods and pieces decorated with mosaic tiles. Don't worry if your furniture is mismatched and eclectic, as this is consistent with true Tuscan homes.
Tags: your living room, living room, your living, decorating your, decorating your living, living room Tuscan
A bed canopy adds romance and elegance to an adult's bedroom while giving a child's bedroom an airy, fairy tale feel. The drapes of fabric give the bed a feeling of privacy while giving the room more height. When constructing your bed canopy, use a circular curtain rod to make the canopy more stable and use a light gauzy fabric for the drapes. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Install the circle curtain rod above the bed by using screws and a drill. For an extra degree of security, predrill the holes and insert screw anchors before attaching the circle shower curtain rod to the wall.
2. Measure the distance from the curtain rod to the floor.
3. Measure the circumference of the curtain rod, multiply by 2 and then divide it by 4.
4. Cut four rectangles of fabric that match the measurements you found in steps 2 and 3 using a pair of sharp scissors.
5. Hem both long sides and one short side on each rectangle by folding the edges down twice, creating a fold that ¼ inch deep both times and sewing them flat.
6. Fold the unfinished edge of one rectangle down, creating a fold that is 2 inches deep, and iron it flat.
7. Slide a strip of fusible interfacing that is as long as the short edge into the fold, and iron it in. This creates a firm top edge.
8. Attach curtain clip rings to the fused edge of the rectangle, spacing it so there is one every 4 inches.
9. Repeat steps 6 through 8 for the other three rectangles.
10. Hang the fabric rectangles from the shower curtain rod and spread the fabric around and over the bed.
Treat the wine lover in your life with a basket filled with wine and snacks.
Treat a wine lover to a wine-related holiday or birthday gift as a thoughtful touch. Consider the recipient's favorite types of wine when choosing the ideal gift. If the wine connoisseur frequently hosts parties and loves to entertain, treat him to wine-inspired items to keep his home bar stocked and decorative.
Wine-Inspired Picnic Basket
A picnic basket filled with wine and complementary snacks is an ideal romantic wedding or anniversary gift for a couple. Consider the recipients' food and wine preferences when stocking the basket. Choose a high-quality woven picnic basket featuring a wide, adjustable leather strap and a decorative cloth lining. Look for a basket featuring two plates, two wine glasses, a silverware set and a wine bottle opener. Include a tablecloth or blanket along with the gift. Fill the basket with a bottle of fine red or white wine, depending on the couple's tastes. Complete the gift with cheese and other snacks, such as roasted nuts, gourmet crackers, jams, decadent chocolate truffles and in-season fruit. Pair a complementary cheese with your wine choice, such as brie with merlot or Havarti with Bordeaux.
Personalized Wine Accessories
Surprise a wine enthusiast with customized accessories she can use to outfit her home bar. Have the pieces customized for a one-of-a-kind gift. Choose an elegant lead-free crystal decanter featuring an inner dome to increase the oxygenation process of fine wines. Look for an eye-catching wine decanter with a gently curving design and an easy-to-pour spout. Have the decanter engraved with the recipient's monogram for a sophisticated look. Complement the gift with a set of two or four matching monogrammed crystal wine glasses. As a charming touch, include a set of wine charms featuring designs that reflect the recipient's hobbies, such as golf or music.
Decorative Wine Rack
A wine connoisseur is likely to own a lot of wine bottles, so delight him with an extra storage option. Choose a decorative wine rack in a color, material and style that matches her home d cor theme. Pick a hanging sculpted rack made of iron or stainless steel for a contemporary look. If the recipient has a country-inspired home, choose a rustic wood crate-style rack constructed of oak, mahogany or walnut wood. An arched wrought iron wine rack will give the recipient's home a Parisian flair. You can also get creative with a steel-and-copper electric guitar-shaped rack.
Tags: basket featuring, basket filled, basket filled with, filled with, filled with wine, gift with, picnic basket
The Spanish influence is evident in Mexican style furniture and architecture. The elaborate wrought iron, the bright colors contrasted with washed out creams, blues and greens, and the use of leather and cotton fabrics are all derived from Spanish designs. Mexican style furniture is seen throughout the southwest United States, as well as in Mexico and Central America. Its use of natural materials blends well with the tropical climates and with the outdoor living lifestyle. Does this Spark an idea?
History
In the 16th century, the Spanish landed on the shores of Mexico and conquered the indigenous peoples. Captain Hernan Cortez was the first of such invaders. He brought with him a religious influence, and Catholicism became the reigning belief system. And with this system came the Franciscan monks. The monks brought an austere style to the architecture and furnishings of Mexico. Missions were built that were minimal in style and forwent ornamentation. The furnishings were simple and rustic. But Spanish Colonial landowners were more elaborate in their interiors. Furniture was large and heavy. Armoire doors were carved with imagery and chests were gilded or painted.
Effects
Contemporary Mexican furniture is a mix of Franciscan austerity and Spanish Colonial detail. But even in the most colorful and elaborate of interiors, the Franciscan restraint is evident. This mix creates an almost definitive eclectic feel to Mexican style furniture. Simple pine chairs with wicker seating are common to many Mexican households, as are heavy armoires indicative of the Spanish Colonial style. Leather upholstery is paired with brilliantly colored woven blankets. The subdued colors characteristic of the Franciscan influence are paired with the intricate carvings of wood chests.
Features
Mexican country style furniture is often made from pine. The designs are simple. Cabinetry doors are paneled and the hardware is black or dark metal. Hinges are placed on the outside and handles are large and functional. The simplicity of design is indicative of the Franciscan influence. The Spanish Colonial style is more elaborate, with emphasis on rich colors and intricate patterns in fabrics. Spanish Colonial furniture is usually made from oak. Hinges are hidden on cabinetry, but handles are more detailed and prominent. The wood used in Mexican style furniture is usually either waxed or painted. Chests and armoires are considered important pieces of furniture, as they are used to hold objects dear to the owner.
Types
Leather is an important part of Mexican style furniture. It is used for the seats of the barrel style reed and wicker chairs. Couches are almost always upholstered in leather. Though the dark reddish brown color is most common, white leather is popular in more contemporary Mexican interiors. The arms on chairs are usually thick, and the hand rests are curved. Often, the back and seat is upholstered in leather and decorative nail heads are used. Round pedestal tables are as popular for dining as trestle tables. Accessory pieces, such as sofa tables and end tables, tend to be smaller in scale with little ornamentation.
Geography
The Spanish influence on Mexican design dates back to the 16th century, and that influence is pervasive throughout the southwest United States as well. In Mexico, furniture is often used both indoors and out. Wicker and reed are commonly used materials for interior and exterior furniture. Dining tables are long, sometimes trestle style and used outdoors as well as in the kitchen. Wood is still the most commonly used material and it is sometimes painted in bright colors. In Arizona and New Mexico, the style is commonly referred to as "southwest style." Tables are smaller, and paint colors are more subdued. Where bright reds, yellows and greens are evident in Mexico style, the same colors are more muted in the southwest.
Elegant yet comfortable, old world Italian decor has classic charm. Robust colors and grand architectural elements create a lavish backdrop ideal for entertaining. You can update a room quickly with rustic finishes and tile details that evoke a Tuscan villa, or spend more time and money on a full Italian home makeover. Personalize your old world style by integrating into your Italian decor family heirlooms, favorite Italian handicrafts and framed artwork. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Design your home with classic Italian architectural elements. Columns, arches and pedestals create an elaborate look, while a stone wall or fireplace has a homey effect.
2. Paint your walls with earthy hues. Rich terra-cotta red, golden yellow, olive green or cream work well in old world Italian interiors.
3. Accent your walls with hand-painted details. Create a faux vintage fresco design of an Italian landscape or ocean view by watering down paint or using milk paint to apply it, or by sanding away at a painted image to make it look distressed and timeworn. For a simpler effect, add a stenciled pattern of vines and flowers. If you prefer not to paint, try applying vinyl wall decals along the base of walls or around window and door frames.
4. Furnish your home with solid pieces featuring distressed finishes or artistic touches. A long wooden dining table might consist of weathered gray wood, while an armoire or cabinet features a painted scene, embossed trim on the wooden frame, hammered tin panels inset into the doors or tiled shelves. Wrought iron adds an old world touch to bed frames, headboards, table frames and shelf supports.
5. Illuminate your Italian decor with multiple sources of light. A wrought iron candle holder adds ambient light to an entryway table or fireplace mantel, while a Murano glass chandelier serves as a focal point in the living room or dining area. Supplement ambient lighting with task-oriented lighting such as floor lamps and table lamps with stained glass shades.
6. Accessorize your interiors with Italian handicrafts and foods. A painted Italian ceramic vase or bowl holds bright lemons and limes. A rustic wooden shelf in the kitchen serves as a display area for bottles of olive oil and wine.
Tags: Italian decor, architectural elements, home with, Italian handicrafts, walls with
Window boxes are a decorative way to bring color, style and elegance to any window design. Their fairytale-like appearance make them an intriguing addition to a variety of window styles. Old World rustic cottages, Tuscan villas and French chateaus provide attractive motifs for a window box design. The incorporation of curtains and blinds to a window box decor also makes a visual statement on both the interior and exterior of the home. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Select a window box design.
Choose a window box. Select a window box that harmonizes with the theme and decor of the home. Rustic wrought-iron window boxes can be used for homes that have an Old-World design element, such as English Tudor or a Tuscan villa motif. Wooden window boxes are an attractive design for cottage or country homes. Fanciful metallic or contemporary synthetic window boxes can be used to adorn windows with a more modern structure.
2. Choose colorful flowers.
Add colorful flowers and soil to the window box. It is important to select annuals that are best suited for the window design. Check the amount of full sun or shade flowers would be subject to in the window box. Add flowers to the window box that require a fair amount of water but are not easily damaged by wind or rain. Since installed window boxes are a permanent feature, they cannot be removed during adverse weather conditions. As a result, flowers need to be tolerant of the temperatures and weather conditions in the area. Provide adequate soil, so the flowers will be able to retain water and nourishment.
3. Decorate with colorful shutters.
Decorate the exterior of the window. Complement the outside of the window with decorative wooden shutters or artistic window treatments. Scrolling wrought iron, board and batten shutters and ornate wooden accents can be used to draw attention to the window design. Paint shutters and window trim a vibrant color to accentuate the details of the window and window box. Shades of blue, green and brown tend to be the most attractive color options due to their earthy and natural harmony with the outdoor world. Cheerful red or yellow paint colors can also be used to make an artistic statement in an exterior window design.
4. Add light-colored window curtains.
Add curtains to the interior of the window. Sheer fabrics, soft cottons and fresh linen materials provide an airy element. You should be able to tie back the curtains or slide them to the side of the window so you can water and tend to the flowers in the window box.
5. Choose window blinds.
Select decorative wooden, vinyl or fabric blinds that can be adjusted to moderate the amount of sunlight that enters the room. Since light-colored and fair textured materials are used in the curtain design, blinds will provide the needed privacy and room darkening features that may be necessary during the brightest part of the day. Choose blinds that can be drawn completely up to the top of the window so window box watering and maintenance won't be difficult. Beige, white or natural wood stain colors are the best options for blinds, so the attention is not drawn to the blinds themselves but to the artistic and colorful outdoor appeal of the window box.
Birds are an integral part of the wildlife society. Although beautiful and pleasant, birds can cause serious problems especially when they gather together in large numbers. Bird excrement has a high acidity and can destroy nearly any surface including stone, concrete, steel and wood. Accumulated droppings can destroy roofs, clog gutters, discolor paint and rust metal. The health problems are also a huge concern if bird droppings are inhaled or accidentally ingested. Several steps can be taken to properly remove bird excrement from outside hard surfaces.
Instructions
Instructions
1. Use a garden hose to saturate the area.
Use a garden hose and saturate the area of bird excrement with water at low pressure.
2. Wear rubber gloves when cleaning bird excrement.
Mix a solution of 3/4 cup of chlorine bleach, 1 gallon of warm water, and 1 tablespoon of powdered laundry detergent in a bucket. Be sure to wear protective clothing, including overalls, hat, boots, rubber gloves, ventilation mask and goggles.
3. Spray soltution directly on the area
Pour the solution in a spray bottle, and spray the solution directly and thoroughly on the bird excrement.
4. Pigeons leave excrement everywhere
Let the solution sit for about five to seven minutes to kill the bacteria and disinfect the hard surface. The longer that the solution sits on the the hard surface the better the disinfection works.
5. Use a high pressure sprayer with hose tor remove the excrement.
Take the garden hose/sprayer and spray the excrement with water at high pressure until it disappears or almost disappears.
6. Remove any excess excrement, residue or stain by rubbing with a wet sponge or rag.
Tags: bird excrement, garden hose, bird excrement, excrement with, excrement with water, garden hose saturate, hard surface
Vinyl coated fence, like this one, is just one of the many types of vinyl fencing.
Whether you're thinking of putting a new fence in your yard or you have an old farm fence that's looking a little worse for wear, a vinyl fence can enclose your space and add curb appeal to your property. Although vinyl fence quality varies, you can find a number of high quality vinyl fences on the market. Vinyl fence requires no regular maintenance after it's installed, unlike wood fences, which need yearly maintenance. A vinyl fence will cost you about twice as much as a wood fence in the beginning. Does this Spark an idea?
Residential
Vinyl residential fences come in a wide variety of designs, including privacy fences, picket fences and ornamental fences, such as wrought iron lookalike models. Although many residential vinyl fences are only available in a few colors, such as white, tan, gray, clay and almond, some manufacturers provide a wider selection of neutral colors, like Colonial white or a shade of ivory. You can purchase a vinyl residential fence from a specialty manufacturer or from your local home improvement store.
Agricultural
Many vinyl fencing manufacturers started out making vinyl agricultural fences before getting into the residential market, and a number of agricultural vinyl fence options are available today. You can purchase a historic-looking split rail fence in vinyl, which looks like the ones created from logs by pioneers, or go with the more modern post and rail fence, which features flat board rails. Vinyl agricultural fences are available in a wide range of neutral colors, including white and tan. Depending on where you live, you may be able to pick up a style of vinyl agricultural fence at your local home improvement store, but chances are, you'll have to go to a specialty store.
Vinyl-Coated
If you're looking for a more inexpensive option but you still want the durability of vinyl, think about using a vinyl-coated fence. Typically used for industrial or residential applications, vinyl-coated fences usually have a steel core with a vinyl sheath covering. Fences are available with varying gauges of wire fence to suit your needs. Vinyl-coated fences offer a wider color selection than other vinyl options, featuring colors like black and hunter green as well as the standard neutrals. You can purchase vinyl-coated fence from a private retailer or your local home improvement store.
Tags: home improvement, home improvement store, improvement store, local home, local home improvement
An intricate wrought iron fence can take a lot of patience to repaint.
Reminiscent of British parks and Boston Common, wrought iron is perhaps the most elegant choice for fencing. Properly cared for, a wrought iron fence will last for decades. Once a year, you should wipe down the fence with white vinegar on a cloth. Apply a coat of car wax to help preserve the paint and keep rust away. Once rust does set in, or the fence begins to blister or flake, it's time to repaint.
Instructions
1. Scrub all the surfaces of the fence with a steel wire brush to remove rust and flaking paint. Areas where the paint has bubbled means there is rust underneath the paint. Break through the bubbled paint with a screwdriver, then use the steel wire brush to get rid of flakes. For really heavy rust, you may need to use a coarse file to remove it. You should wear goggles and protective gloves to remove the paint. If there is a lot of flaking paint or rust, consider wearing a respirator.
2. Spray the fence with a commercial rust remover to eliminate any rust you may have missed. Depending on the size of the fence, you can use spray cans or a paint sprayer rented from your local home improvement store. If your fence is mounted on a brick surface or near plantings that could be damaged by the spray, place old newspapers under the fence.
3. Sand the surfaces lightly with 100-grit sandpaper. A sanding block that conforms to the surfaces you are sanding is the most efficient tool for accomplishing this task. In the rusty spots, you must get down to bare metal to ensure all of the rust is gone.
4. Apply a coat of oil-based clean metal primer and let it dry according to the manufacturer's instructions. Again, your choice of spray cans or a paint sprayer will depend on the size of the fence. Rust-Oleum and APOC® 250 Fast Dry White Metal Primer are examples of metal primer that would be suitable for this step.
5. Paint or spray the fence with black rust-resistant paint for exterior use. Follow the manufacturer's directions regarding the number of coats you should apply and the drying time between coats of paint.
A metal frame increases the strength of a wood gate.
While wooden gates are a common sight in gardens and along pathways, a wooden driveway gate can set you apart from the neighbors' wrought-iron conformity and add a rustic touch to the premises. Wooden gates of such dimensions have a tendency to warp or sag, however. This drawback can be compensated for with the addition of a metal frame to buttress the gate and help it retain its shape. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Dig a hole 36 inches deep and 12 inches in diameter on either side of your driveway in the desired location for your gate. Mix concrete in a wheelbarrow, according to the directions on the packaging, and fill the holes to a depth of 6 inches. Wait a few hours for the concrete to harden.
2. Place a wooden gatepost in each hole and secure them in place with string then use a carpenter's level to ensure they are perfectly vertical. Fill the holes with more concrete up to within 4 inches of the surface, use a trowel to smooth out the surface then wait 48 hours for the concrete to cure.
3. Assemble the frames for the gate pieces by following the directions provided with the metal gate frame system. The Artistic Ironworks' two-piece frames simply require you to bolt a horizontal 2-by-4 to the top and bottom of the pair of metal pieces, as does Hoover's Adjust-A-Gate. The Artistic four-brace system requires an additional vertical 2-by-4 on either end to create a rectangular wooden frame with metal reinforcement screwed on at the corners. Remember to make the frames 2 inches narrower than the space between the gateposts.
4. Complete the gate pieces by cutting 1-by-4 boards to the desired height of the gate and screwing them side-by-side to the wooden portion of the gate frame, two screws per board. Taper the corners of these boards or cut them to different lengths to create a curved top if desired. Screw the hinges of the metal frames to the gateposts and attach a latch to the gate to finish.
Tags: gate frame, gate pieces, hours concrete, metal frame, with metal
An iron fence adds a decorative accent to a home and it also provides protection from animals such as large dogs. These fences come in sections that are installed between fence posts. The project presents a bit of a challenge for the average homeowner. With the proper preparation and tools, the task can go smoothly. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Unpack the fence section from the shipping carton and separate the hardware and components.
2. Install the fence post caps by placing one on top of each fence post. Drive one of the supplied screws through the side of the fence post cap and into the fence post to secure it.
3. Lay one fencing section on the ground and place two two fence posts on either side. Slide the ends of the fencing section into the sides of the two fence posts. Screw in the attaching hardware (if applicable) to secure the fencing section in place.
4. Measure the length between the two fence posts with a tape measure. Dig two holes with a post-hole digger this distance apart where the fence will be installed. Each hole should be about one foot in diameter and about two feet deep, but this may vary depending on your fence size and soil type. Make sure the holes are deep enough to support the fence.
5. Set the fencing section into place with the posts set into the holes. Shovel some dirt around the fence posts to hold the fence in place. Use a carpenter's level to ensure the fence is straight and level. Level both the top of the fence (along the top rail of the fencing section) and sides of each post. Adjust the fence as necessary to achieve a level setting.
6. Combine the concrete mix and the proper amount of water in a wheelbarrow. Pour the concrete around the fence posts until it is two inches below ground level. Level the fence posts one last time and adjust the fence if necessary.
Tags: fence posts, fencing section, fence post, around fence, around fence posts
With space always at a premium in households, shelving is a good alternative for storage. Wall shelving ideas are creative and add a new touch to any room. Added space created by wall shelves solves problems of miscellaneous items that are usually lying around, such as pictures, clocks or baskets. Does this Spark an idea?
Space Savers
Anywhere there is an open space on a wall, attach a wall shelf unit to the wall. Shelving units come in various sizes that are mounted on the wall. Wood grain, white, silver and gray finishes are available. Bracket styles are available as well. Bracket styles, which make the shelf look like it is free floating, include wrought iron and wood.
Corner Shelving
Corner shelves incorporate little used space in the corner. Wood corner shelves are up to five shelves high and are commonly wood or wrought iron. This style is good in a bedroom or living room. A dining room benefits from this style as well to display antique stemware or dishes.
Create a wall decoration in addition to storage space by placing three or more shelves in a random pattern on the wall. Live plants, photos, candles and knick-knacks can be displayed.
Other Items
Consider other items for wall shelves. For instance, a wall wine rack is excellent in the bathroom. Attach the wine rack to the wall, roll a towel up and place in each hole. This space saver creates much needed space in the bathroom.
While in the bathroom, anchor a full-size (5 feet tall) shelf unit to the wall. Attach a decorative sheet to the sides of the shelf and the formerly open shelf is now serviceable as a multi-tiered bathroom cabinet. Many things can be stored in this unit. Toilet articles, extra toilet tissue, additional towels, hand towels and washcloths will quickly fill the wall unit.
Milk Crates
Plastic milk crates in multiple colors and attached to each other with vinyl snap strips are excellent in a child's bedroom. Attach the crates to the wall at the child's height. They hold books, stuffed animals, car collections, doll collections or any other important items important to a child's life. After all, children are proud to display their things as well.
Tags: Bracket styles, shelf unit, shelf unit wall, unit wall, wall shelves, wine rack
Keeping your porch railings painted is just as important as keeping the rest of the house painted. Porch railings usually also have spindles in between them, and at least a support post on each end. For this job you will only need basic painting tools. The length of time it takes to paint the railings really depends on how big the porch is.
Instructions
Painting Porch Railings
1. Place drop cloths underneath the railings on the porch floor. The drop cloths will keep paint drips off of the porch and eliminate unnecessary cleanup. Pour paint into the paint pot. Place the roller screen into the paint pot. The roller screen is used to roll off excess paint on the roller to help eliminate dripping.
2. Start with the lower railing. Use your paint brush to paint the lower flat part of the railing in between the posts. Paint the edge of the railing also. Paint the underneath side of the upper railing with the paint brush. Use the 4 inch roller to quickly paint the spindle. After you have used the roller on the spindle go over it with the paint brush to make sure that the spindle is well covered.
3. Continue to move across the railing using the previous pattern. Paint the flat portion of the railing with the paint brush and use the roller to paint each spindle. Use the roller to paint the top rail and smooth over it with the paint brush.
4. Move to the opposite side of the porch rail. Paint the outer edge of the lower rail with the paint brush. Use the roller on the outside of the spindle. Go over the spindle with the paint brush. It is best to periodically move from one side of the rail to the other side. By alternating sides you can avoid having runs in the paint.
5. Paint the larger support posts with the roller and go over it with the paint brush to make sure that the posts are covered well. Roll a portion of the post and use the brush to smooth it out. Continue this pattern on each post.
Tags: paint brush, with paint, with paint brush, over with, over with paint
Use the Tuscan countryside as color inspiration when decorating in an old world style.
Old world decor is an eclectic mix of Tuscan and French country styles, among other European touches. The style combines rustic, earthy elements with rich, elegant fabrics and patterns. Old world style is comfortable yet refined, making it ideal for both formal dining rooms and farmhouse-inspired kitchens. When decorating your home with an rustic, old world style, include a mix of polished and natural textured pieces. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Decorate with earthy Tuscan-inspired colors. Set the stage for old world style by painting walls a neutral ecru or tan shade. Choose a rich burgundy couch and love seat set featuring rustic wood details. Add an artistic touch to a bathroom with a wall mural featuring rolling Tuscan fields of green and gold. Create an inviting kitchen with sunny yellow walls and plates featuring dark red rooster patterns.
2. Create an old world style with distressed, timeworn materials. Choose a rough-hewn dining room table constructed of reclaimed barn or old farmhouse wood. Replace outdated kitchen countertops with natural stone versions. Hang a vintage handmade quilt on an antique wood rack. Use a vintage cedar chest as a coffee table. Display porcelain plates featuring grape designs on a vintage baker's rack.
3. Enhance your home with rich fabrics featuring an old world flair. Cover a formal dining room table with an opulent gold and brown brocade runner. Hang a damask shower curtain featuring a large rose pattern in your bathroom. Decorate a den or living room wall with a tapestry displaying rustic shades of brick red, burnt orange, chocolate brown and sage green. Create a romantic old world-inspired bedroom with deep red velvet drapes held back with gold cords featuring tassels. Create a French country look with black-and-white toile curtains.
4. Display rustic wrought iron accent pieces. Hang a wrought iron chandelier featuring lacy scrollwork over a dining room table. Install wrought iron sconces on either side of a bed. Use wrought iron towel racks in a bathroom.
5. Recreate the look of a Tuscan or French countryside with an abundance of green plants. Display a fragrant lavender plant in a rustic terra-cotta pot in a bathroom. Create an indoor herb garden featuring basil, oregano and other Italian-inspired flavors in your kitchen. Wrap ivy around shelves, racks, windows and doorways.
A chandelier, whether festooned with crystals, adorned with candles, or simply a vintage piece restored with a can of spray paint, adds a look of romance and timeless elegance to any room in your home. They can often be found at flea markets very inexpensively, or can be purchased new at many home decor shops. No matter where you purchase your chandelier, adding one to your home will give your decor a romantic look. Does this Spark an idea?
Bedroom
No matter what kind of decor is in your bedroom, a chandelier placed over your bed adds an air of mystery and a feel of romance. A chandelier dripping with crystals and lights that can be dimmed is an elegant piece perfect for a French-themed bedroom; an older, restored, wrought-iron chandelier that you spray painted white looks fresh and pretty in a shabby chic bedroom against a backdrop of crisp linens and fresh flowers.
Dining Room
Dining rooms often have light fixtures positioned from the ceiling. Update your dining room and give it a romantic feel by replacing this light fixture with a chandelier. A soft, small chandelier with lights covered with small shades that you cover yourself with vintage, romantic fabrics gives your dining room a personal touch.
Bathroom
A bathroom may seem like an odd place for a chandelier, but a long, relaxing bath in a lovely bathroom with a claw-foot tub, thick towels, candles and a dimly lit antique chandelier would be a luxurious, romantic and peaceful at-home spa experience. If you don't have a claw-foot tub, you can still get the romantic feel in your bathroom by using lots of soft white on the walls and a chandelier in place of harsh overhead lighting.
Living Room
A living room is often considered the heart of the home, and is the place where many families gather to relax in the evening. Make your living room a soft, romantic space by using muted colors such as blues, greens, yellows and soft-hued taupes. Cover any hard edges with soft vintage tablecloths. Hang vintage chandeliers over your seating areas so that they provide soft light, but also act as a decorative element. If the chain from which they hang is unsightly or too harsh for your room, wrap the chain in a soft silk, satin or white cotton ribbon.
Tags: chandelier soft, dining room, over your, romantic feel, with crystals