Vermont Castings Wood Stove Specs

Vermont Castings, started in 1975 in Vermont, specializes in handcrafted fireplaces and stoves. The company is also very green. It uses 100 percent cast iron, including reclaimed rotors and brake drums, to make its stoves and fireplaces. The foundry runs on 30 percent nuclear power and 70 percent hydropower. If you want to purchase a Vermont Casting wood stove, search for a local dealer on the company's website. Does this Spark an idea?

Aspen

The Aspen Non-Catalytic Cast Iron Wood Stove has a cooking surface on top and an ash pan below the fire door. A noncatalytic stove requires high temperatures to produce a secondary combustion as opposed to a catalyst. The flue collar is reversible and 6 inches wide, and the stove comes with a bottom heat shield. You control the air supply thermostatically, and it comes with an infrared coated ceramic glass. The stove's dimensions are 15 inches wide by 24 inches high and 23 inches deep, and it can hold logs up to 16 inches long. It burns wood for up to five hours, and it produces 18,000 British Thermal Units (BTUs) per hour. It is 81.1 percent efficient.

DutchWest

The DutchWest Catalytic Cast Iron Wood Stove uses a catalyst to start the fire, allowing you to start the fire at a lower temperature. The iron is made of cast iron, and the accents are made of nickel. Three models are available under this series: 2460, 2461 and 2462. The 2460 can handle logs up to 19 inches long, and the 2461 can handle 22-inch long logs. The 2462 burns logs up to 25 inches long. These units produce between 35,000 and 55,000 BTUs/hour, and these stoves weigh between 380 and 634 lbs.

Intrepid II

The Intrepid II Catalytic Cast Iron Wood Stove comes in one of five colors: classic black, Majolica brown, ebony black, biscuit or enamel Bordeaux. It has a reversible flue collar and an ash pan. It produces 27,000 BTUs/hour, and it heats up to 1,200 square feet. Its dimensions are 21.25 inches wide by 24 inches high by 21.25 inches deep. It burns logs up to 16 inches long and produces 2.1 grams of emissions per hour.

Defiant

The Defiant Catalytic and Non-Catalytic Cast Iron Wood Stove series allows you to choose between the catalyst and noncatalyst method. These stoves are available in five different collars, and the ash pan swings out for easy cleaning. The flue is 8 inches wide on the noncatalytic model. The catalytic model is 31 inches wide by 28.5 inches high by 19.25 inches deep, and it produces 0.80 g of emissions per hour. The noncatalytic version measures 31.5 inches wide by 28.875 inches high by 23.625 inches deep and produces 0.75 grams of emissions per hour. Both units heat up to 2,400 square feet.

Tags: inches wide, Wood Stove, Cast Iron, Cast Iron Wood, high inches, high inches deep

Budget For A Deck

So you've decided to build a deck and create a beautiful outdoor space for your home. Before you head off to the nearest home improvement warehouse, though, consider the cost of this substantial project. Create a budget for your deck and your money will be well spent with no surprises in store. Read on to learn more. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Set an upper limit for your budget--the maximum you're willing to spend on the deck project. Then set an ideal budget for the deck. You will plan your project with this second figure in mind, but set aside enough money to cover your maximum allowable costs. If you are financing your project, include any interest to be owed in your final budget. It is best to set aside a small account for your project finances. This will make it clear just how much you have spent and how much you have remaining to spend on your deck.

2. Decide how your deck will be constructed and by whom. Will you be doing all of the work yourself or will you be hiring a contractor and/or subcontractors? These decisions will impact your budget significantly. Doing the labor yourself, you will have more money free for materials. Hiring someone else to perform the labor will mean that you have less money for materials, but the project may be finished faster. Or you could allocate your entire project to a company that will provide all of the materials and build the deck themselves.

3. Design a rough site plan for the deck and determine the size in square feet for your ideal deck. The size of your deck will in turn determine the amount of materials needed for the project. Visit a home center or lumber warehouse, and get cost estimates for the individual materials. Look at a wide range of materials, tools and stains. Talk to sales associates and they should be able to give you a rough cost per square foot estimate based on the different supplies you are interested in.

4. Take your estimates home and calculate the costs each material would have on your project. Different types of lumber, stain and other factors will determine different costs per square foot. To see if a cost per square foot will work in your budget, divide the cost per square foot into your total budget amount. If you have a particular combination of supplies you like with an estimated cost per square foot of $6, divide that into your $3,000 budget and you can have a 500 square foot deck. Check this against your plans and decide if you'd rather swap out some materials to stay on budget with the desired size of your rough site plan. Or, if you'd rather have a smaller deck with the slightly higher cost per square foot. Again, don't forget the costs for contractors, interest and building permits when crunching these numbers.

5. Draft your final site plan. Make this plan detailed and drawn to scale. Include landscaping that will stay in place, the exact dimensions of your house and any features that may impact the placement of your deck, such as fireplaces, air conditioning unit, a pool and property lines. Also determine how high off the ground your deck will be, measuring from the ground to 4 inches below the door threshold. Determine the placement for your stairs and measure the height from the ground to calculate the number of stairs and costs for those particular materials.

6. Purchase your materials and equipment in bulk to save on costs as much as possible. Buy your lumber immediately before it is ready to be laid down for the deck and used in construction.

7. Allow an emergency budget in your project account. Should necessary tools break, materials need to be replaced. Or if you decide to expand your project in any way, that reserve will do wonders to keep your deck project alive.

Tags: square foot, your deck, your project, cost square, cost square foot, deck will

Goth Your Bookcase

Add gothic accessories to your bookshelf to complete the gothed-out makeover.

If your collection of gothic literature is getting out of control and difficult to store, make your own storage solution that will let your favorite novels rest in peace. Use a few simple techniques to make your standard bookcase into a gothic centerpiece, sure to start a conversation whenever guests come to visit. You don't have to be a professional decorator to create a bookcase the Addams family would love; use this same technique to spruce up the rest of your furniture while you're at it. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Paint the entire bookshelf black. Coat it with at least two coats of furniture-quality black paint to protect the surface and make sure it is fully saturated in color. Let the paint dry completely after each coat.

2. Use sandpaper to rough up the edges of the paint job to make the bookshelf seem older. Focus on areas of the bookshelf that would normally receive the most wear and tear, such as the corners and any areas that stick out more than others. Gently rub these areas with light sandpaper until a little of the wood shows through the paint.

3. Tear pages out of old gothic novels, such as Bram Stoker's "Dracula" or Edgar Allan Poe poems. Try to find passages that describe particularly scary scenes.

4. Apply decoupage glue to the bookshelf, covering the back wall on the top shelf --- the one facing out. Cover the glue with the pages you tore out of the books, overlapping them as needed to cover the entire section of the shelf. Apply another layer of decoupage glue to seal the finish, then repeat this with the other back wall sections of the bookshelf.

5. Add gothic accessories to your bookshelf. Put a wrought-iron or black metal candelabrum on the top and add red glass votive candleholders around the shelves to the sides of the books. Purchase a gargoyle and perch him on the top shelf to ward off evil spirits, then fill the shelves with all your scariest books.

Tags: accessories your, accessories your bookshelf, back wall, decoupage glue, gothic accessories

Decorate An Intimate Room

Low lighting can create an intimate atmosphere in your bedroom.

Smaller spaces are often considered intimate, though large rooms can be decorated to feel intimate and cozy as well. Your bedroom is likely the most intimate room in your household, and should be decorated as such no matter how big or small the room is. The colors, furnishings and accessories you include in the room will determine whether it feels intimate and inviting or cold and open. Include any details that feel intimate or romantic to you, even if they aren't typically considered romantic. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Paint the walls a color that you and your partner enjoy and feel relaxed in. Choose a neutral color if you can't agree on a color, such as warm beige in a larger room or cool blue in a small room. Red is an intense color that can incite passion, but should be used in small doses. Put up romantic wallpaper with soft scrolling or floral patterns if you prefer more detail on the walls.

2. Arrange your furniture to promote intimacy, while still functioning to suit your daily needs. Low profile beds with lower nightstands can create an intimate feel because you're closer to the ground, making everything feel closer, while a four poster or canopy bed also invokes a sense of intimacy. Ornate headboards can make your bed appear luxurious and inviting, as well. Include a love seat, two chairs or a chaise large enough for two if you have enough space.

3. Add to your romantic design with linens that make you instantly feel like getting intimate, such as high-quality cotton or down comforters and satin sheets. Pile pillows onto the bed to make it inviting for you and your partner, perhaps adding a novelty heart or lips pillow. Color plays a large role in your bedding, as well. Choose a color and design that complements your decorating style, such as a white duvet cover with a simple heart pattern on one or both sides of the cover in your bedroom color, such as navy or red.

4. Cover the windows with shades or blinds that allow you to fully control how much natural light you do or do not let into the room. Add flirty curtains, such as sheer panels, if you want something more. Heavier drapes, such as velvet, can add texture and help make a large room feel more intimate.

5. Put matching or similar lamps on either side of the bed to provide low lighting, which can help create an intimate mood. Dimmers will allow you better control of the lighting, which allows you more control in setting the mood. Colored light bulbs, particularly red, black or purple, can give off an intimate glow, adding to the ambiance. Candles are often associated with romance and intimacy, particularly in the bedroom. Consider scented candles to involve another sense -- smell -- in your intimate experience.

6. Hang wall decor that helps create the mood you want in your bedroom. Family pictures might make intimate moments awkward, whereas fertility tribal art, renaissance body portraits or other tasteful erotic art can add to the room's intimate feel. Mirrors, candle wall sconces or wrought iron sculptures are other options that aren't as bold.

7. Accessorize the room with curvy vases, your favorite flowers, a stereo or anything else that complements your intimate bedroom. For example, a bed canopy can create a cozy nook even in a large bedroom.

Tags: create intimate, color such, color that, complements your, feel intimate, intimate feel, lighting which

Install A Victorian Mailbox

Victorian residential mailboxes are usually embellished and ornate.

The Victorian style is one of the most identifiable in architecture, having been dominant from 1837 until 1901, during the reign of Queen Victoria. Reproduction Victorian style mailboxes are usually made from cast iron, and have common elements of adornment, ornate detail and embellishments. Most are square boxes set on a decorative post with a base. When installing a Victorian mailbox on your property, remember that it must be located on the right side of the road in the direction of the mail carrier's route. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Contact the local post office for proper placement guidelines. Mailboxes at the road are usually between 40 and 44 inches in height and set back 6 to 8 inches from the road. Call the utility companies in your area to make certain you won't be digging near any underground utilities.

2. Dig an 8- to 10-inch-wide hole at least 2-1/2 feet deep, using a post hole digger.

3. Add a 6-inch layer of gravel in the bottom of the hole for drainage. Set the post on top of the gravel.

4. Add more gravel around the post. Or use concrete,if your local authorities will allow it. Check with a level to make certain the post is plumb -- straight up and down. Back fill the hole with gravel or concrete around the post. Let it dry overnight.

5. Position the base in place, then slide the decorative post over the wooden post and secure it using the provided hardware.

6. Install the flag on the right side of the box, using a 3/4-inch bolt through the flag and the box. Attach the nut on the inside of the box and tighten it with the wrench.

7. Secure the box on the top bracket of the post using the provided bolts and nuts.

Tags: around post, decorative post, mailboxes usually, make certain, right side, using provided, Victorian style

Hang A Ceiling Wine Rack

If you want to hang a wine rack from the ceiling, either to save floor space or for design reasons, first take a good look at your ceiling. You will need a solid foundation to mount the rack on, and if the ceiling either has no solid studs or is compromised in some way, it may not be the best idea. The last thing you want is for that case of Bordeaux to come crashing down unexpectedly. The other thing to consider is that the temperature is higher at ceiling level. Red wine typically needs a long-term storage temperature of around 55 degrees Fahrenheit. That said, if a ceiling rack is the answer for you, it's not too difficult to hang. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Hanging the Wine Rack

1. Check the wine rack to see what the mounting points are and the diameters of the holes to use. If there is hardware provided, you may be able to use that, depending on what you find in the ceiling. If there is no hardware, you will need metal braces with holes punched in them to go around the bars of the rack.

2. Check the ceiling for studs. Use a stud finder if you have one, or you can drill small pilot holes. If you hit a solid stud, you can hang directly from it provided you can get a grip with screws. More likely, the studs will not be placed in line with the fixtures on your rack, so you will need to use anchors appropriate to your wall material. Use a little quick-drying spackling compound and a sponge to fill pilot holes, if necessary. You can dab on some touch-up paint as well, if the rack won't hide the holes.

3. Place the rack against the ceiling and mark through the holes from which you will hang the rack with a pencil. If there is no hardware on the rack itself, put the braces in place and mark through the holes in braces onto the ceiling.

4. If you are drilling directly into studs with screws, mount the rack. If you are using anchors, get plastic expanding anchors appropriate to your ceiling material (either Sheetrock or concrete). Make sure the anchors are rated for the weight of the rack and wine. A case of wine (12 bottles) weighs between 30 and 40 pounds. Calculate the weight of the wine accordingly and add on the weight of the rack. Drill the holes for the anchors per the instructions on the packaging. Fully insert the plastic anchors in the holes.

5. Mount the rack by screwing the screws into the anchors. Test the rack manually before filling it with wine.

Tags: there hardware, will need, anchors appropriate, anchors appropriate your, appropriate your, ceiling either

Sand Blast Wood

Use a sandblaster for removing paint, varnish and roughness from wood.

Removing multiple layers of paint or varnish from wood is time consuming, but sandblasting the wood removes the paint or varnish quickly, leaving a smooth surface. Sandblasting requires less elbow grease than sanding wood by hand with sandpaper. It can take hours or several days to hand sand a large surface, but sandblasting wood gets into small, inaccessible areas that sandpaper can't reach. Sandblasting is safer than using paint strippers that contain toxic chemicals, and it leaves a smooth surface that is ready for painting. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Lay out tarps around the sandblasting area. This helps with clean up when you finish.

2. Put on safety glasses, face mask and work gloves. Always wear protective gear when sandblasting.

3. Fill the sandblaster sand reservoir with coarse grain sand. Read the manufacturer's instructions for the exact amount of sand for your model.

4. Move the sand-holding valve on the bottom of the reservoir to the open position. Adjust the amount of sand you blast by how wide you open the valve. This type of sand removes heavy layers of blemishes, varnish or paint.

5. Stand 7 feet away from the item you sandblast to avoid backlash from the sand. Go closer only when necessary, and always keep protective eyewear in place while working.

6. Turn the power switch on, and practice using the sandblaster on a scrap piece of wood. Aim at the wood, and pull back on the trigger of the sandblaster spray gun nozzle. This lets you get used to the way the sandblaster feels while you use it. Once you feel comfortable using the sandblaster, start working on your wood project.

7. Move the sandblaster left to right in a repeated motion. Do not blast continually in the same spot, or you will damage the wood surface.

8. Adjust the pressure using the control knob on the sandblaster. Adjusting the knob toward the "+" increases the pressure, making the sand hit the surface at a harder rate. This strips away the painted surface quickly. Adjusting the knob towards the "-" decreases the pressure, making sand hit the surface slower. This strips away the painted surface slowly.

9. Change the spray width by turning the width control knob to the right. The sprayer widens the sand spray path. Use this option to sand larger areas at once. Turn the knob to the left and the sand spray path narrows. Use this option to sand a small, detailed area.

10. Pull the lever to the closed position on the valve on the reservoir. Empty the coarse sand from the reservoir after you have roughly stripped the wood surface.

11. Fill the reservoir with fine grain sand, which produces a smoothly sanded finish. Sand the wood the same way as instructed above.

Tags: paint varnish, Adjusting knob, amount sand, away painted, away painted surface

Decide If A Wrought Iron Bed Is For You

What is wrought iron? Would the bed make a good addition to your home?

Find out more and see if wrought iron beds are for you. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wrought iron beds come in a variety of modes and colors. The headboard and footboards are aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and they do wonders for the bedroom. They are tough and durable, which make it a good investment.

2. The decision of having a wrought iron bed is a choice based on your needs. Are there going to be children running in and jumping up and down on it? Will it be in the center of the room where the placement of the other furniture would not look right? There is the idea of balance. If a bed is not situated correctly, that throws off the symmetry of the room. If the wrought iron bed is three quarters to one side and there are nightstands on both sides, the bed would look out of place. Moreover, if the bed is placed against a window, will the morning sunlight wake you up prematurely? With a wrought iron bed, it will stick out like a sore thumb because of its uniqueness. The metal bed must be placed to heighten its special traits. Putting it in the darkest side of the room will not add to its luster.

3. If you are having a tough time deciding where to put your new wrought iron bed, perhaps you should hire an interior decorator. He or she will see the bedroom with new eyes and can give you valuable opinions on where to place your bed. If you have not purchased a wrought iron bed, but want to include it with your plans, the interior decorator will help you choose the best model and shade. In addition, he or she would be able to pick out the best comforter to go on top of your bed. Alternatively, they could select curtain that would highlight the wrought iron bed frame.

4. The choice of purchasing a wrought iron bed is a personal one. With so many patterns to choose, help could come from a friend, family member or from an interior decorator. Whichever selection, the wrought iron bed is an excellent way of spicing up your bedroom.

Tags: wrought iron, interior decorator, wrought iron, decorator will, interior decorator will, iron beds, make good

Install Porcelain Pedestal Sinks

A porcelain pedestal sink can fit easily into a small bathroom.

Pedestal sinks have the basin set on a column or pedestal. The basin is connected to the wall like a wall mount sink but is also supported by the pedestal. Pedestal sinks are great for small bathrooms because they do not have a large cabinet connected to them like a more common countertop sink. Pedestal sinks add an air of elegance and an almost sculptural look to any bathroom. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Set the pedestal and basin in place. Install the plumbing and fixtures. Prop a 2-by-4-inch piece of lumber against the basin to support it. Draw an outline of the pedestal's base on the floor with a pencil. Find the location of the lag screw holes and mark those positions on the floor too. Disassemble the basin and pedestal and set them to the side. Drill holes into the floor where the lag screws will be.

2. Set the pedestal and basin back in place with the 2-by-4-inch board brace. Tighten the lag bolts so they are secure but do not over-tighten--this could crack the pedestal's base. Squeeze a bead of silicone caulk around the pedestal base. Install the faucet and connect the water lines. Make sure to drain them before attaching the basin to the wall.

3. Drill a hole through to the blocking. Insert and tighten the lag screws until they are snug; again, avoid over-tightening, which could crack the basin. Place silicone caulk on the back of the basin. Take the lumber brace away and check the system for leaks.

Tags: pedestal base, pedestal basin, Pedestal sinks, could crack, silicone caulk

Uses For A Small Longaberger Baker'S Rack

Longaberger is a family-owned business based in Newark, Ohio. Longaberger is well known for its handcrafted baskets as well as pottery, wrought iron, fabrics, inserts and specialty food. Longaberger products are sold by independent home consultants, typically through home party demonstrations. Longaberger enthusiasts can buy directly from consultants or hold parties to earn free merchandise to add to their collections. One item that has been popular for over a decade is the small Longaberger baker's rack, which is made of wrought iron and consists of two shelves to hold various baskets and collectibles. Does this Spark an idea?

Using the Small Longaberger Baker's Rack Throughout the Home

The small Longaberger baker's rack can be used alone or with the optional wooden shelf inserts. The bottom shelf measures 15 inches long by 10 inches wide, and the top shelf measures 15 inches long by 7 inches wide. Many of the Longaberger baskets and pottery pieces are made to fit on the baker's rack and are both decorative and useful. However, there are other creative ways to use it.

The small Longaberger baker's rack can be used for both decoration and functionality in the kitchen. The Longaberger recipe box fits perfectly on the small baker's rack. If you have decorative pottery pieces such as a sugar bowl and creamer or a casserole dish that you don't want to hide in kitchen cabinets, they will fit nicely on the rack. Other uses for the baker's rack include holding napkins, salt and pepper shakers and spices.

Using the small Longaberger baker's rack in the bathroom will not only add style but function. Pretty jars filled with decorative soaps, cotton balls and Q-tips can be placed on the top shelf while decorative hand towels and washcloths can be folded and displayed on the bottom.

The Longaberger baker's rack can be used to keep track of everyday items on your bedroom dresser that are often misplaced. For men, place a decorative jar on the top shelf to drop in spare change at the end of the day and add baskets to hold the remote, cell phone, wallet and keys. Create a more feminine storage space for women by storing perfume, lotion, make up, a ring holder and trinket box.

Acessorize With Longaberger Baskets and Pottery

If you decide to accessorize the small Longaberger baker's rack with other Longaberger products, you will find that many of the baskets and pottery pieces were designed to fit perfectly. Besides the recipe box, the medium berry basket and bread basket both fit, as well as dozens of other baskets and pottery pieces.

Tags: Longaberger baker rack, Longaberger baker, pottery pieces, small Longaberger, baker rack, baker rack

Decorate A Patio In A Spanish Theme

Warm summer days spent taking refuge behind walls of lush greenery--reminiscent of that perfect vacation in the Spanish countryside--can be yours this season. Colorful ceramics and tiles combined with earthy terracotta are the key to surrounding yourself in Spanish ambiance this summer or at any time of the year. Try these other suggestions for an irresistible Spanish-inspired patio. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose a wrought-iron bistro set or simpler cushioned rattan chairs with a glass-top table. Since your furniture is probably the focal point of your patio, choose pieces that will infuse your patio with Spanish inspiration.

2. Place a cypress spiral or topiary at either end of your patio. Palm trees would also be a good choice, but they are more difficult to maintain in various climates.

3. Stucco your walls if that is a possibility. Otherwise, put up latticed walls covered with climbing vines around your patio to create the lush enclosed space for which Spanish gardens are known.

4. Install a Spanish-inspired painted or tiled garden fountain to instantly bring a taste of Spain to your backyard. Try one that mounts on the wall if space is an issue.

5. Set or hang Spanish-style terracotta or painted pots, filled with vegetation indigenous to regions of Spain, around your patio area. Choose colorful succulents, orchids, lavender, various herbs or an orange tree.

6. Hang a Spanish tile mural on the wall for a distinctively Spanish flair, or, if you want to get really ambitious, apply a tile mural to your glass tabletop.

7. Ornament an enclosed wall with an arrangement of ceramic Spanish plates and platters.

Tags: your patio, around your, around your patio, tile mural

Decorate My Den In A French Country Style

No matter where you look for inspiration, country style has some common elements. It's comfortable, functional and inviting. That things are imperfect only lends warmth to a country-style den, giving it the air of a place that has been well-used for many happy, peaceful years. French country is further inspired by old-world European charm and that delicate, finely detailed flair of French style. A French country den is a delightful place to spend time, but you don't have to live in a provincial farmhouse to capture it. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Capture the traditional look of stone or plastered walls of French provincial homes by selecting warm-colored paints, like sandy brown or antique white. Add glaze in a wheat gold, earthy clay or other warm color of your choice using a faux paint technique, such as rag rolling (see resources). This brings texture and ages walls instantly.

2. Ditch the carpeting and opt for hardwood floors. The older and more scuffed, the better, as that's part of the provincial charm. Alternately, consider stone tiles or vinyl flooring that looks like wood.

3. Mix basic farmhouse-style furnishings with ornate antiques (or replicas) and be sure they look well worn or distressed, with peeling paint or fading fabrics. Start with the most necessary furnishings and add more later if necessary, as French country style is fairly minimalist and extremely functional. Some excellent choices would be a turquoise settee and bent wood chairs for seating, a crackle-painted wood armoire for storage, and a long, distressed walnut table against a wall for home office space.

4. Group furniture so that each area of the room is defined with a designated function. Set aside an area for your home office and partially block it with a trifold screen for privacy. Place seating around a fireplace for a conversation area and anchor it with a floral throw rug. Create a reading nook in the corner with a cozy chair in front of a bookcase and a wooden bar stool beside it to hold a cup of tea.

5. Dress the windows in treatments featuring heavy linens or patchwork-style curtains that look as though they were sewn from scraps. For a bit more authenticity, install shutters and hang simple toile curtain panels or cheesecloth--tied back or knotted--to soften the shutters.

6. Layer your lighting. Choose a general light fixture that will serve most purposes, such as an overhead chandelier or strong torchiere lamp. Set wall sconces or reading lamps strategically throughout the room for task lighting. A side lamp with an aged, fringed shade and soft, low-watt bulb, or an oil-burning hurricane lamp, create ambience.

7. Accessorize carefully to keep the room from getting cluttered. Add toile or silk woven throw pillows with fringes on the sofa and cushions on hardwood seating. A quilt, tapestry or rusted wrought-iron gate door makes an effective wall hanging. A single, chipped porcelain vase holding dried lavender is all you need to dress up a coffee table and an arrangement of candles on a side table will provide a warm glow to your French country home.

Tags: French country, French country, home office

Use Patio Chairs Instead Of Traditional Kitchen Chairs

There's no reason why you can't bring such fetching chairs inside.

Decorating certain rooms of your house may seem like a no-brainer. When it comes to the kitchen, nearly every kitchen needs a table and chairs. However, using outdoor furniture such as patio chairs around your kitchen table will give the interior of your home a more outdoorsy feel with chairs that are very durable. The key to using patio chairs instead of traditional kitchen chairs is to blend them adequately with the decor of your room. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Examine your kitchen decor style, specifically the decor style of your kitchen table. Select patio style chairs that have a complementary design and material. For example, if the table looks country chic or shabby chic, wicker chairs are a wise move. Alternatively, if the table looks sleek and modern, wrought iron patio chairs or aluminum style chairs will work better.

2. Check the seat height of the chairs your select against the height of your table. The chairs should be at a comfortable height for sitting. Most table top heights are 28 to 30 inches high. The ideal chair seat height is 18 inches. Most armrests on chairs are 8 to 10 inches above the chair seat. You should be able to push in your chair against the table and have the arm rests slide neatly under. Make sure that the seat angle will give you comfortable posture at the table.

3. Practice sliding your chairs in and out from the kitchen table. You don't want to pick patio chairs that are just too heavy to move around in this fashion.

4. Add indoor style cushions to the patio chairs in a color that corresponds to one of the shades in your kitchen color scheme. Because you'll be using these chairs indoors, you don't have to worry about weatherproof fabrics and can truly choose, soft, comfortable cushions. Add a throw pillow here and there, if you desire.

Tags: patio chairs, your kitchen, chairs that, kitchen table, chair seat

Top Cafe Tables

Cafe tables provide enough space for drinks and small plates of food.

Fashioned after the French-styled bistro table, cafe tables are small in surface area and generally intended for two people. Ideal for cramped eating spaces or as a respite in an outdoor patio or garden setting, cafe tables also can add a bit of color and texture to a plain interior. No single cafe table can be considered the top choice. However, recommendations from top design experts and resources can narrow the available possibilities. Does this Spark an idea?

Cafe Collection - Ballard Designs

Apartment Therapy, the online portal connecting apartment and home dwellers to the basics of home design, directs its readers attention to the outdoor cafe tables from Ballard Designs. The Cafe Collection by Ballard Designs includes colorful, metal cafe tables in diameters of 24 to 36 inches. The rectangular table measures 38 by 25 inches. Ballard tables are ideal indoors in a kitchen nook or located on a balcony or patio. The cafe tables and matching chairs are lightweight and graceful in design and won't clutter the look of the room. Priced at $89 to $139, the tables are made in a red, black or white glossy finish. Chairs are priced separately.

Colored Cafe Table

Interior designer and writer for "Elle Decor" magazine, Mark Cutler highlights Smart Furniture's colored cafe tables as a great addition to any garden or patio setting. The tables are 18 inches in diameter and can be purchased in green, black, red, blue, yellow or frost. Tops are tempered, colored glass (frost is a frosted clear glass), which adds a light colorful look to the table. Priced at $115 each, the tables are height-adjustable from 19 to 31 inches. The adjustable height allows the tables to be used as cafe tables, end tables or at bar height.

Mosaic Cafe Table

Etsy.com showcases hand-crafted, artisan products of all kinds including mosaic cafe tables. One of the more colorful choices are the mosaic bistro tables hand-made by Half Moon Mosaics. The tops are colorful, Italian glass designs with wrought iron bases and table tops measuring 20 to 24 inches in diameter. A great choice for afternoon tea or morning coffee for two, Half Moon Mosaic designs are appropriate for indoor or outdoor use and are crafted in a variety of patterns. Hand-made cafe tables are a bit more expensive than manufactured ones; Half Moon's prices start around $480.

Tags: cafe tables, Ballard Designs, Half Moon, Cafe Collection, Cafe Collection Ballard, Cafe Table

Types Of Window Grills

Types of Window Grills

Window grills can be decorative, but for many people, they use them for added home security. There are many types of grills, with different materials and designs to fit the decor of your home. Metal window grills offer the best protection, but a home does not need to look like a prison for your family to be safe. With the proper grills, any home can be safe and look great as well. Does this Spark an idea?

Steel or Wrought Iron

Steel and wrought-iron grills are heavy grills that can be intimidating to a would-be thief. Although these grills are tough and hard to break through, they come in many designs that can add to the decor of any home. Some people may think that these types of grills would be prone to rust, but they are treated and homeowners typically will not have any trouble with these grills rusting.

Aluminum

Although aluminum is a lighter-weight material, that should not deter a homeowner from purchasing aluminum grills, because they are still strong and hard to break through. In fact, aluminum's light weight means less stress on the house where the grills attach. This is important if the grills are attached to wood.

Iron

Iron grills are the strongest of all of the types of window grills. Iron grills are very heavy, so that might be something that the owner of a wood home might want to take into consideration. When many people think of iron, they think of something that is large, bulky and unattractive. On the contrary, iron grills come in many beautiful types and designs that will surely add beauty as well as security to any home. The main drawback of iron grills is not the weight, but the upkeep. Iron oxidizes, getting dull and rusty over time. If a homeowner wants to prevent this from happening, they will need to repaint iron grills on a regular basis.

Tags: iron grills, break through, come many, designs that, hard break

Problems Drilling Wrought Iron

Wrought iron elements can decorate the interior or exterior of a home.

Wrought iron is a form of metal work that involves pulling hot, soft pieces of iron to create forms and decorative shapes. Wrought iron is featured in practical elements such as door hinges, as well as decorative fixtures such as lanterns and fences. In each case, drilling through wrought iron to affix it or install additional elements can present challenges. Does this Spark an idea?

Drill Bits

One of the biggest problems with drilling through wrought iron is the material's hardness. Many types of drill bits, including general multi-use bits, will break or quickly become dull from working with wrought iron. Specialty bits made from cobalt alloys or those specifically rated for working with steel and other hard metals will be able to cut through wrought iron, provided the bits are sharp. These bits are more expensive than general-purpose bits.

Rust

Wrought iron is prone to rust unless treated with a sealant or paint. Drilling through a treated piece of wrought iron will expose the vulnerable iron content inside, which will need further treatment to avoid rust. For example, if you drill a hole in a wrought iron fence to install a mailbox, you'll need to paint the inside of the hole before you install mounting screws, which won't keep moisture out well enough to avoid eventual oxidation. Refinishing rusted wrought iron is a time-intensive process that involves removing fixtures and working with harsh chemicals.

Centering

Because it is so hard, wrought iron presents a problem for workers attempting to drill at precise positions. Beginning to drill without assistance from clamps can make it difficult to produce a hole that is both straight and on-center. Removing wrought iron fixtures to clamp them to a drill press is the best option. If this isn't possible, you can drill a small hole to serve as a guide for a larger hole. This will prevent the large drill bit from shifting during drilling and producing a hole in an incorrect position.

Safety Problems

Drilling wrought iron also raises several safety problems. Even with the right tools, drilling can create metal shards that the drill ejects at high speeds. These shards can cause eye damage, which makes eye protection a necessity. Rough edges are another danger, which workers can safeguard against by wearing gloves and filing down the drilled area to reduce the chance of lacerations.

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Buy Disney Ornaments

Just about everyone loves Disney. Therefore buying Disney ornaments is relatively simple because you can get Disney items almost anywhere. Whether you prefer Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy or one of Disney's princesses, they are all available if you know where to look. The steps below will help. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check Disney's online store. They have Disney ornaments all year round and a lot of times you can get them at a discounted price, especially in the off-season.

2. Shop at gift stores like Hallmark. They carry a line of Disney ornaments and you may find some hard-to-find characters there. They also have sales throughout the year where you can get some great bargains.

3. Find stores such as Lenox or Grolier where you can get a subscription where you buy ornaments all year round. They will send you an ornament every month or so and you pay when you receive each ornament. Although their prices may be higher then in a store, your price is locked in for the life of the subscription.

4. Disney Theme Parks such as Disneyland and Disney World also carry Disney ornaments. This is the best place to find all your favorite characters, as well as ornaments on the parks themselves. You can also find ornaments that are dedicated to Walt Disney.

5. Amazon and eBay will have ornaments that have been out of stock for years. So if you really must have a particular ornament these may be the best places to look.

6. Check out sidewalk sales as well as yard sales. You never know what you may find. Since nearly everyone loves Disney, you just may find that ornament you've been looking for.

Tags: Disney ornaments, Disney ornaments, everyone loves, everyone loves Disney, loves Disney

Alternatives To The Wood Tongueandgroove Privacy Fencing

Grow a hedgerow for a natural privacy fence.

Robert Frost first wrote it in 1914, but the adage "Good fences make good neighbors" has never been more true than today. Try relaxing with a cool drink and a good book in your unfenced backyard and you'll be planning a privacy fence before you reach the book's second chapter. Tongue-and-groove wood fencing may reign king in most suburbs, but it's not your only option. Does this Spark an idea?

Brick

Once reserved for palatial estates, brick privacy walls make most homes feel grand. Cap them with concrete finials or decorative iron and install an ornamental iron gate. Unless you paint it, brick needs little maintenance. In addition to privacy, brick fencing increases security and reduces outside noise pollution.

Dry Stone

With a history dating back to the Neolithic period, dry stone refers to the process of interlocking flat or shaped rocks without mortar to create stone walls and other structures. Dry stone walls--occasionally called rock fences--require no regular maintenance and are nearly indestructible. Gate them with iron or wood. The oldest type of constructed privacy fence, a dry stone wall muffles sound and provides excellent security.

Hedgerow

Plant a hedgerow for a natural wood fence alternative. Use manicured evergreens for a formal hedge, or allow hedges to grow naturally to enclose a cottage garden. Use stately cast-iron gates with formal hedgerows and simple wood or wrought iron for natural hedges. Common hedgerow plants include holly, juniper, hawthorn, boxwood and hemlock. Formal hedgerows require regular pruning and shaping. Used in Europe since Roman times, hedgerows buffer sound and wind, provide privacy and offer refuge to birds.

Plantings are often exempt from zoning regulations and homeowners association rules, so hedgerows may not be subject to the same height and front yard restrictions as constructed fences.

Bamboo

Bamboo offers several privacy fence options. Constructed options include picture frame and rolled fences. Picture frame fences have multiple plank-framed sections filled with vertical clumps of bamboo cane. For rolled bamboo fences, attach bamboo panels--made of cane rows tied together with reeds or wire--to fence posts set into the ground along the fence line.

For a living bamboo fence, plant running or clumping bamboo along your fence line. Running bamboo grows faster, but it's invasive. To keep the bamboo from spreading throughout your yard, dig a trench and add a root barrier of plastic, metal or concrete. Like hedgerows, living bamboo fences may be exempt from height and other zoning restrictions.

Plexiglas

Plexiglas privacy fencing complements contemporary and mid-century modern homes. Framed in wood or metal--and sometimes curved for dramatic effect--translucent Plexiglas panels provide privacy without blocking light.

Tags: privacy fence, bamboo fences, exempt from, fence line, hedgerow natural, living bamboo

The Best Place To Stay At Cable Beach In Nassau Bahamas

Sun, palms and aquamarine water, part of the luxury.

Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa, the Five-Star, Five-Diamond and all-inclusive property, is located in Nassau at Cable Beach. According to Frommer's website, the Sandals Royal Bahamian Hotel & Spa is the "most upscale Sandals resort in the world." It is a favorite for honeymooning couples and is an adults-only resort (18 years and over). The posh retreat is elegantly decorated in Edwardian style and has neoclassical and Palladian architecture.

Environment

The 405-room resort sits on 13 private acres. Guest rooms are located in the Manor House, the main building or the 1998 Windsor Building. The Royal Village contains villas with plunge pools and private settings, some with views of the ocean or Sandals Cay, a sand spit. Easy access to Cable Beach doesn't require climbing up or down stairs.

The Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa has its own private island, Sandals Cay, only a half mile away via complimentary shuttle boat. The Cay offers two powdery white-sand beaches, a large swimming pool with swim-up bar, a seafood restaurant and a spa.

Accommodations

Luxury rooms and suites are well appointed with formal English furniture, including king-size four-poster beds. Some suites have terraces with wrought iron railings overlooking the ocean. Rooms may surround a lushly landscaped garden, overlook the pool or face the ocean. Wi-Fi service is available in the public areas of the hotel, and some in-room wired connections are available. Butler service is available at an extra charge with some of the suites. Room rates range from deluxe to expensive but include dining, alcoholic beverages and anytime snacks.

Restaurants

Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort & Spa features nine on-site restaurants and nine bars, including two swim-up bars. Cuisines offered include local Bahamian, Asian, French, English, Mediterranean, Italian, and U.S. southwestern grilled specialties at Arizona's. Spices is a buffet open for three-meals a day. Advance reservations are necessary at the Baccarat Dining Room, which offers white-glove service.

Activities

Guests can enjoy the full-service spa with three cold and hot plunge pools on Sandals Cay. The health club offers daily fitness classes, cardio machines and weight-lifting equipment. Non-motorized water sports are free to resort guests and include kayaking, canoeing, snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing. Golf is also available for additional fees.

Insider Tip

On Cable Beach, between the resort's two piers, are hammocks located on a rocky shelf with small private beaches at each end of the shelf. Above the beach is a secluded soaking spa for 24 people with a view of the ocean.

Sandals Royal Bahamian Hotel & Spa

W. Bay St., Cable Beach

The Bahamas

242/327-6400

sandals.com

Tags: Cable Beach, Royal Bahamian, Sandals Royal, Sandals Royal Bahamian, Bahamian Resort

An Alternative To Automatic Gate Openers

Gate with subtle automatic opener.

Automatic gate openers use a motor of some type to open gates from a distance. There are many different kinds of gate opening systems, and if one does not work for you, then switching to another system may address the issues you are struggling with. Power sources, types of gate movement and detection methods are only some of the aspects that can be changed. Does this Spark an idea?

Swing and Sliding

Generally, gates can either swing or slide open. Sliding gates open by moving out toward the sides of the gate in parallel motion, ending in predetermined slots. Sliding gates require some sort of ground-based pulley system or sheath that the gates can slide in and out of. These are simplest types of gates for motors to operate. Swing gates swing inward or outward to open. The swinging motion is often harder for motors to control, so larger motors are needed that can produce more power. Swinging gates are used when there is not enough room for a sliding gate or when a swinging gate looks better for cosmetic reasons.

Button and Detection

With electric gate openers, there are generally two ways the gate is told to open or close. The first way is by remote, the same way a garage door works. A remote sends an infrared or radio wave signal to the motor of the gate, which then opens, and closes again when a second command is given. Detection systems use either infrared beams or pressure plates to detect when a car has pulled up to the gate, which may then open or simply be activated to wait for a further command.

Battery

If you are unsatisfied with an electric gate hooked up to the power grid, you may prefer a battery-based gate instead. These gates have more flexibility in terms of placement, since the battery can be based nearly anywhere and cords run to the gate motor for operation. The battery will need to be recharged periodically, however, and eventually replaced.

Solar

Many newer automatic gate openers use a solar system to generate electricity for the gate. Solar panels are constructed near the gate, and sunlight is turned into electrical energy that is stored in a battery. This energy is used to open and close the gates, while the battery does not need to be manually charged or replaced.

Retractable

Some people may choose to switch from an automatic gate opener to a manual gate. While you have to step out of the car and open these gates by hand (or have someone else do it for you), these gates also preserve all their aesthetic qualities and are not marred at all by motors, cables, traction devices or solar panels. If this is preferable, you may also want to consider a ground-based electrical system, which costs more but does most of its work underground, leaving the gate mostly in its original condition.

Tags: gate openers, electric gate, gate which, gate which then, open close, Sliding gates, these gates

Create A Mexican Haciendastyle Courtyard

Relax in your Mexican-style courtyard.

If you want a rich, inviting look for your courtyard, Mexican-style decor and colors are ideal because they utilize warm earth tones and natural materials. No matter what your budget is for a courtyard overhaul, you can add subtle touches with accessories and plants, or and add natural stone and paint to complete the ambiance. Transform an ordinary courtyard into a vibrant outdoor space for relaxing or entertaining in as little as a weekend's time. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Paint the walls within the courtyard with vibrant colors such as yellow, pumpkin, rust, red or green. Use light colors in the courtyard to brighten up the space, or choose darker tones to balance out the amount of sunlight that flows into the area.

2. Cover the courtyard floor with terra cotta tiles, and add colorful Talavera accent tiles to create a border around the courtyard. Stain concrete floors with brown or rust colors to replicate the look of terra cotta if you're on a budget.

3. Place plants in Talavera ceramic pots around the courtyard. Add color to the courtyard with flowers such as Mexican daisy or Mexican bush sage. Plant agave, Mexican fan palms or yucca palms in flowerbeds surrounding the courtyard, or add a trellis with a vibrant flowering vine, such as bougainvillea.

4. Decorate courtyard walls with wrought iron accents, or ceramic sun faces and lizards. Place a stone water fountain in the courtyard to create a relaxing ambiance. Use brightly colored fabrics in red, blue, white, green and yellow to serve as tablecloths, chair cushions or throw pillows on your outdoor furniture.

5. Illuminate the courtyard with wrought iron sconces, chandeliers or candeleros. String twinkling lights over the courtyard to provide extra lighting and create a romantic ambiance.

Tags: courtyard with, around courtyard, terra cotta, with vibrant, with wrought, with wrought iron, wrought iron

Quick And Easy Ways To Paint Porch Rails

Quickly paint your porch rails any color you like.

After years of wear and tear, porch rails may become chipped, leaving them look outdated. Some homeowners may find they just want a new look. There are three quick and very simply ways to paint your porch rails so they look like new. Does this Spark an idea?

2-inch Brush

You can quickly paint your porch rails using two very easy tricks. First, use a small brush. The smaller brush will perfectly coat and paint the rails without excess paint falling off the ends of the brush. Although you'll have little or no paint drips, it's still a good idea to lay tarps down under the rails to protect the porch from any accidents. Second, use a plastic cup. Instead of lugging a large paint can outside or filling up a paint tray, fill a large plastic cup with the paint. This way, you can hold the cup in your non-dominant hand and paint with your dominant hand. You'll have the paint with you where ever you go, which will help you paint much quicker.

Mini-Paint Roller Kit

You can purchase mini-roller kits any home improvement store to quickly and easily paint your rails. The kit will come with a foam, 4-inch roller, handle and a mini-paint tray. The tiny roller will help you effortlessly and without streaks paint the rails without a big mess. The foam on the roller also will help you paint even decorative or shaped rails with ease. And the small paint tray will make it much easier for you to work quickly.

Spray Paint

The fastest and easiest way to paint your porch rails is with outdoor spray paint. You may, however, need the assistance of a friend. You can lay tarps on the bottom of the porch to prevent spray from dripping, but enlist a friend to hold a tarp behind the rails where you're spray to avoid getting the spray everywhere else. Spray paint comes in a wide variety of colors and even in primers to give your porch rails a even and thick coat. Simply shake up the can and apply a light and even spray along the rails.

Tags: paint your, porch rails, your porch, your porch rails, paint your porch, will help, help paint

Ideas For Arbors In Gardens

A series of arbors becomes a flowering tunnel from the house to the garden.

An arbor provides support for climbing plants, a sheltered resting spot and a visual break in the garden. Arbors can be made of branches, cut lumber, shaped metal, cane and even plastic, although natural materials blend in most seamlessly with the landscape. A slender arch can be used to mark a transition between flowerbeds. A more substantial arbor can be the doorway to a garden adventure. Does this Spark an idea?

Enduring Arbor

A wrought iron arbor is strong enough to hold years of cultivated heritage roses without bowing or bending. The sturdy arbor will age in place beautifully if it is thickly covered in vines or can be refreshed each season with a new coat of paint when it supports annual climbers. Look for unusual arch shapes or line up two arbors to form an extended entry. Attach roses to begin training them to cover the arbor. Once they are grown, they will hold fast to the support, but initially you should tie three or four large canes with plastic garden tape or twine. Twine will eventually rot, but the roses may not need securing after the first year or two. Position the arbor at the border of the garden and the patio, and use stepping stones to make a small stair from the lawn or garden path to the paving.

Self-Contained Arbor Seat

An arbor made of branches woven into an arch with a built-in bench made from wood is a solitary sculpture in winter and a delightful alcove for reading a good book in summer. Plant a climbing vine like clematis or honeysuckle that will embroider the arbor when it's in bloom and die back to reveal the great lines of the structure in late fall and winter. Set several of these natural arbors around a larger garden, tucked in among hedges, or in a small orchard glen.

Arbor Room

A large arbor covering a paved area in the garden creates a shady room for outdoor dining or relaxing. Place worn wood furniture under a wide arch, or two arches, fashioned from tree trunks of red cedar and covered with wisteria or bougainvillea. A string of lights or some solar lamps turn the respite into a conversation spot at night. Instead of an entry, this arbor becomes a destination, accessed by a steppingstone path half-overgrown by ground cover. Plant walls of shrubs and ferns on all sides of the arbor and paving for a sense of privacy in the middle of the garden.

Garden Gate

Invite visitors to your garden with a welcoming arbor, covered in lilac or morning glory, over a low gate. A white-painted barrel-vaulted arbor with a picket fence that swings open in the middle yields a classic look. An arbor of weathered wood over a brightly-painted door in turquoise or emerald green hints at a secret garden beyond. A garden gate arbor can be a break in a stacked stone wall or a high wall of faded vintage brick, or it might be part of a fence that is similarly planted with climbing vines and shrubs.

Tags: fence that, made branches

Paint A Cast Iron Door Stop

Maintain an eight-inch space between the door stop and the spray nozzle.

Add a colorful finish to a cast iron door stop by applying paint. Unfortunately, unlike porous wood surfaces, bare cast iron is ill-suited for adhesion and will reject painted finishes unless it is treated with a particular acidic base primer. Once the door stop is properly treated, it will accept a new finish. Coat the cast iron with a paint formulated to remain resilient under trying circumstances. Apply the new finish, using the appropriate application method, or the paint may ultimately sag.

Instructions

1. Remove the door stop if it is fixed to a wall or baseboard.

2. Scrub the door stop with a water-based degreaser, using steel wool. Rinse the cast iron with wet rags and dry it with shop towels.

3. Place painter's tape on portions of the door stop that are to remain unpainted. Cover the floor with masking paper and/or a drop cloth.

4. Coat the cast iron with metal etching spray primer. Maintain an eight-inch space between the door stop and spray nozzle as you apply. Allow a minimum of three hours of drying time.

5. Coat the cast iron with acrylic or oil-based spray enamel. Maintain an eight-inch space between the door stop and spray nozzle as you apply. Allow a minimum of three hours of drying time.

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Authentic Italian Decor

If you've just gotten back from an Italian vacation and are wondering encompass the same great style in your own home, it's much easier than you think. With the right pieces of decor and a few coats of paint, your home will feel like a Tuscan getaway in no time. Does this Spark an idea?

A Room's Walls

A simple change in wall color can update any space. It's an easy do-it-yourself trick, and it's not too expensive. A gallon of paint is under $30 and can transform a room. For an Italian-inspired space, choose colors that are warm in tone. Browns, oranges, yellows and olive greens are good choices.

A color isn't the only thing on walls to make a room feel as though its in the middle of Tuscany. The wall's texture is another factor. For a quick fix or a modern-Italian mix room, flat walls will do. However, for the full effect, add a faux finish to the walls as well.

HGTV's "Create a Tuscan Bath Retreat" author, Matt Fox, creates a faux-stucco effect by combining a latex satin base coat with joint compound. Creating a fan pattern with the mixture on the walls with more mixture in some areas than others helps create the stucco look in a room.

Furniture

When one thinks of Italian decor, "Old World" usually comes to mind. Antique-Italian furniture is the perfect addition to an Italian-themed room. However, it's easy to get the Old World look without having to have "old" furniture. Italian style is about warmth and a homey feeling.

Distressed wooden furniture is the key. Sturdy-wooden pieces like end tables that are a little worn on the edges add to the quality of a home that has lived through generations, like many Old-World Italian homes have. Floods of memories and family gatherings embody antique furniture, but even faux-antiques can pull similar thoughts out of guests in a room with this style.

Floor

While furniture is a major component of an Italian-inspired room, what it sits on is as equally important. The usual preferred flooring for an Italian room is terra-cotta tile. However, HGTV's look at "Tuscan Style" reveals that worn-wood and stone with mosaic-inlay are ways to achieve an Italian look as well.

Any of those flooring options, with an aged-looking throw rug, will help achieve an Italian feel to a room. If flooring isn't an option, a throw rug over your current floor will add a bit of Italy anyway.

Accents

The warm look and feel of an Italian-inspired room continue from the wall to the accent pieces. Throw pillows, throws and other decorations with warm hues and attitudes complete a Tuscan space. If you have a brown wall, try adding olive-green throw pillows with a yellow or gold-tone throw or curtains.

Decorative-glass pieces and mosaics are also popular in Italian style. Try a mosaic-table top with wooden or deep-red vases, or put mosaic-glass vases on your antiqued-wooden furniture. Get vases and glass pieces with the same family of colors to enhance the warmth in the room.

Wrought-iron is also a popular style in Italian rooms. Candle holders, lights and table bases can look Old World and antique with iron pieces. It also adds some contrast to the wood texture of the furniture.

Tags: achieve Italian, also popular, Italian style, Italian-inspired room, your home

Types Of Hacksaw Blades

The frame and the blade make up the common hacksaw.

Hacksaw blades, designed to cut mainly metal, are categorized by the number of teeth per inch. The standard hacksaw blade has 14 to 32 teeth per inch. The set of the teeth, how they are angled in relation to the sides of the blade, determines how well the blade cuts. Hacksaw blades cut many things from thin copper tubing to unruly rusted bolts. Garden hose, water pipes, plastics and old fencing all succumb to the hacksaw blade. Does this Spark an idea?

32 teeth per inch

A hacksaw blade with 32 teeth per inch gives a finer cut and is good for cutting thin gauge steel or thin-walled tubing, copper tubing or heating duct.

24 teeth per inch

Hacksaw blades with 24 teeth per inch are used for medium steel and regular walled tubing. According to the Aviation; Integrated Publishing web site, 24 teeth per inch are also good for cutting angle iron, heavy pipe, brass and copper. Lug nuts, stubborn bolts and iron re-bar are cut with this blade.

18 teeth per inch

Hacksaw blades with 18 teeth per inch are used for hard metal iron pipe and large pieces of steel. If you are cutting an old metal water pipe or a chain link fence frame, use this blade.

14 teeth per inch

Hacksaw blades with 14 teeth per inch work well with soft metals like aluminum and tin. This blade cuts electrical wire, aluminum chairs and plastic for windows.

12 teeth per inch, bi-metal

Bi-metal hacksaw blades have 12 teeth per inch and are used for pipe, tubing, plastic, wood or high speed steel. This blade is good for cutting garden hose, picture frames and plastic chairs.

Set of the teeth

The blade on the right shows the wave set pattern.

There are four different sets, or angles, of the teeth, according to the Aviation; Integrated Publishing website: Alternate set, where one tooth leans to the left and one tooth to the right the length of the blade; double alternate set, with two teeth to the right and two to the left; raker set, where single teeth alternate, but every third tooth is straight; and the wave set, where short sections of teeth bend opposite each other. According to Builder Bill, this wave pattern, with its fine cut, works best on sheet materials.

Tags: teeth inch, with teeth, Hacksaw blades, with teeth inch, blade teeth

Make A Boxpleated King Size Bedskirt

Make a bedskirt out of fabric you choose to fit your king-size bed.

A box-pleated bedskirt adds clean, tailored lines to the look of your bed and the overall look of your bedroom. Purchasing a box-pleated bedskirt that fits a king-size bed, however, can be an expensive endeavor. You can easily make your own box-pleated bedskirt out of any fabric you choose. While this project does take careful premeasuring and planning to ensure a properly fitting bedskirt, the sewing itself is straightforward and appropriate for intermediate-level sewers or confident beginners. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the length of each side of your king-size box spring and the length of the drop from the top edge of the boxspring to the floor. Write down both of these measurements.

2. Cut a piece of fabric for each side of your boxspring. Figure the length of each piece by adding 8 inches to the length of the measurement you took for each side. Figure the width measurement by adding 1 inch to the length of the drop measurement you took.

3. Hem the bottom edge of each rectangle by folding one of the long edges of each rectangle 1/8 inch up toward the wrong side of the fabric. Fold up again 1/4 inch, and iron and pin into place. Sew each pinned hem with a 1/8-inch seam allowance.

4. Measure the length of each rectangle and divide it into thirds. Make a mark on the top edge of each rectangle with the fabric marker at each third; for example, if the rectangle is 90 inches long, make a mark at the 30-inch mark and the 60-inch mark.

5. Make a mark 2 inches to the right and 2 inches to the left of each mark. In this example, you would make a mark at the 28-inch mark, 32-inch mark, 58-inch mark and 62 inch mark. Measure and make these marks on all your rectangles.

6. Bring each mark to the left or right of the center mark over so it touches the center mark to create the box pleat. For example, you would bring the 28-inch mark over to the 30 inch mark so that the marks touched and you would pin the marks in place. You would then bring the 32-inch mark over to the 30-inch mark so that the marks touched and you would pin the marks in place. Use several pins next to your center pinned areas to hold your pleats in places. Repeat with all your marked areas to create a series of box pleats in your rectangles.

7. Sew down the top edge of each fabric rectangle using a straight stitch to keep your pleats in place. Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance and sew through the pinned areas of all of your box pleats. Remove your pins.

8. Pin one of the long rectangles to one of the short rectangles with the short edges wrong sides together. Sew together with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Repeat with all the rectangles until the entire series is sewn together.

9. Place the king-size flat sheet on your boxspring, and trim it down to size so it is about 1/2 inch larger than the top of your boxspring. Turn your sewn-together side rectangle panels inside out, and fit it over the sides of your boxspring. Pin the top corner pieces to the corner pieces of the sheet. Pin the rest of the top edges of the rectangle to the side rectangle pieces.

10. Sew the side rectangle pieces to the sheet using a 3/8-inch seam allowance. Backstitch and remove your pins when done. Turn right-side out and iron your box pleats so they stay flat and in place. Place the bedskirt on your boxspring.

Tags: your boxspring, each rectangle, seam allowance, your pleats, box-pleated bedskirt

Instructions For A Picket Fence Headboard

Picket fence headboards are an inexpensive way to update a child's bedroom or a guest room. A picket fence headboard is quick to build and you can install it in less than an hour. Whether a garden or country theme, a picket fence headboard allows you to bring the outdoors inside and provides a whimsical look to your bedroom decor. Does this Spark an idea?

Styles

If you're not sure what style you want, visit home improvement stores such as Home Depot or Lowe's. There are often displays in the lumber or fencing department so you can see how each style will look and get an idea of which one best suits the theme of your room. French Gothic Concave style has an arrowhead shaped tip and the pickets are not all the same height. The fence is tallest on either end and slopes downward toward the middle. Dog Ear style has pickets that are straight on their tops with the edges cut at an angle. The pickets are typically all the same height. Stockade style has a triangular picket top with a rounded point. The pickets can either be the same height or concave similar to the French Gothic style.

Materials

Picket fences typically come in eight-foot lengths and four- or eight-foot heights, so depending upon the size of the bed and the style of the fence, you may only need to purchase one. You can make your fence out of wrought iron, vinyl or wood, so determine whether you are going to need to cut the fence into a smaller width before choosing which material to use. Wood and vinyl are the easiest to cut; cutting wrought iron will require a special saw blade or tool. However, if your decor is more sophisticated, wrought iron may be more appropriate. If using wood, you will need to also purchase paint or stain because wood picket fences are sold untreated. Vinyl coated fences are usually available in either white or black so if that fits into your planned color scheme, vinyl would reduce the amount of work involved to complete the project.

Instructions

Measure the width of the bed to determine how much, if any, you need to cut your fence length. If trimming is required, start with the outside pickets and work your way in. For concave designs, be sure to take an even number of pickets off each side, or the finished headboard will not be symmetrical. Based on the style of bed and the height of the picket fence you bought, adjust to the desired height, if needed, by trimming from the bottom using a circular saw.

For wood fences, paint or stain as required, then wait until fully dry before attaching to the wall. For vinyl fences attach to the wall using drywall anchor screws on the top and bottom. Wrought iron fences require heavier mounting screws, so make sure you use screws specifically designed for use with iron so the headboard will stay attached to the wall.

Tags: same height, fence headboard, French Gothic, headboard will, paint stain

Repair A Steam Iron

You can repair your steam iron if necessary.

Although many different kinds of steam irons are available on the market, they all perform the same basic functions: They use water, pressure and heat to remove wrinkles from clothing. The basic makeup and parts of most steam irons are also fairly simple, so repairs aren't difficult. It is usually beneficial, however, to purchase a new iron rather than attempt to fix a broken one, but you can repair the broken one if necessary. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Unplug the iron, and allow it to completely cool down before beginning any repairs.

2. Inspect the steam vents from the outside, and use a pipe cleaner or other small utensil to remove any excess buildup that is blocking the vents. Be careful not to let the buildup fall down into the steam vents.

3. Clean the steam iron's directional spray tip. Minerals and other debris can build up on the nozzle over time and will greatly hinder the use of your steam iron.

4. Pour equal parts vinegar and water into the steam iron's water supply tank. Put the steam iron above an empty pot, and turn the iron on. Let it steam the solution until all the water/vinegar solution is gone.

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About Pier Mount Lighting Fixtures

About Pier Mount Lighting Fixtures

Pier mounted lighting is the latest thing in outdoor lighting fixtures. They come in styles that will fit any type of house - Victorian, Craftsman, Modern or Rustic Log Cabin. They make your outdoor space more pleasant and easier to use on a warm summer's night when you do not want to be driven indoors because your outdoor lighting is inadequate. Does this Spark an idea?

Types

Pier mounted lighting is usually made from materials such as wrought iron or cast aluminum. You can buy a complete unit - light, pole and base - or buy the parts separately, but it is advisable to purchase everything from the same manufacturer since parts from one may not fit into parts from another. You can also buy adapters for use with other types of outdoor lighting.

Features

One of the best features of pier mounted lights is that they are low voltage lights. They can be attached to a deck or patio directly instead of being attached to the side of the house. Pier mounted lighting fixtures are specially made to be out in the unprotected areas and are extremely durable and weather resistant. They will look like new for many years into the future.

Function

These fixtures are only for outdoor use. They are made for a patio or deck and made to cover a larger area. They can be installed at the same time as your deck is constructed, or can be added on later. If they are installed at the same time, the cords are able to be hidden in the posts and they look like a part of the deck, but if you have to add them later, it is perfectly OK. You just need to get creative about hiding the power source.

Significance

Pier mount lighting fixtures will not only save you money on your electric bill, but they will also improve the security around your home. Take a look at a light that is attached to the house. It doesn't cover nearly as much area as a pier mounted light would.

Identification

Make sure that the unit you purchase is certified to be able to be in a wet location. If you do not see the certification, pass it up. The width of the pole will be different than in regular outdoor lighting, so you need an adaptor if you want to use a regular light as a pier mount. But it is recommended that you use a complete pier light set.

Tags: outdoor lighting, lighting fixtures, mounted lighting, Pier mounted lighting, About Pier

Mechanical Properties Of Wrought Vs Forged Steel

Carbon steel can be prepared at the point of origin for use in various building and metalworking applications in several different ways and there are subtle structural and mechanical differences between cast steel, forged steel and wrought steel. These differences can help to determine what applications the metals can safely be used in, as well as what strengths and weaknesses the metals will have. Most people know that cast metals are metals that are made molten and then poured into a mold, which leads to their final finished shapes, but most people do not know the difference between wrought steel and forged steel. Does this Spark an idea?

Wrought Steel Starts as Cast Steel

Wrought steel begins life as cast steel that is poured into ingots or molds. After it has cooled, the steel is reheated and rolled into a final finished shape. This means that wrought steel has some of the structural properties of cast steel, such as additional weight of metal required to have the same structural integrity as a similar piece of forged steel. Wrought steel is also less likely to be used in high-tension applications and it may be harder and more brittle than forged steel.

Forged Steel Can Be More Durable

According to Steel Forge.com, forged steel is more durable in certain applications because, although it begins life as a casting as well, it is hammer forged using large hydraulic hammers that force the atoms and molecules of the steel into alignment as they hit it. Wrought steel does not undergo this same process, which makes forged steel harder and less likely to crack when struck. Striking tools and axes are often made of forged steel because they are used to hit things, and the brittle nature of a cast steel would lead them to breaking rapidly if they were not forged.

Carbon Mixtures

The amount of carbon used in the mixture determines the final strength of a piece of wrought or forged steel. There are as many possible blends for carbon mixtures as there are applications for the finished metal. This is true for both wrought and forged steel, which can be made either harder or softer depending on the particular blend chosen. However, forged steel tends to be more flexible than wrought steel in the final product regardless of the blend, which can also contribute to making it less susceptible to breakage.

Fine Steel versus Course Steel

Fine grained steels are tougher than coarse grained steels when it comes to the hardness. The graining of the steel depends on the method by which the steel was forged or wrought and the composition of the steel. Either forged or wrought steel can be made with either hard or coarse grains. Forged steel may be, but isn't necessarily always, more fine grained, in part because of the hammer-forging process.

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Types Of Fences & Walls In Phoenix

Walls and fences in Phoenix must adhere to city zoning rules.

Phoenix, Arizona, features several zoning laws regarding fences for residential and commercial properties. Like many other cities across the nation, residents must follow the zoning ordinances regarding the fence type and height when planning to erect a fence. Before purchasing a fence, contact the local zoning office to determine if the rules regarding property fences have altered, or if a special permit is required. Does this Spark an idea?

Standard Yard Fences

The City of Phoenix allows residents to place a fence in their front and back yards. In the front yard, a homeowner may erect a fence up to 3 feet tall. The fence can be made out of standard steel wiring, wood or wrought iron. Toward the rear of a property, homeowners may erect a fence up to 6 feet tall. Back yard fences can be made out of wire mesh, wood, wrought iron as well as cinder blocks. While these restrictions are applicable to all properties within Phoenix, homeowners wishing to erect a taller fence in their front or back yards may apply for a zoning adjustment variance. As of 2010, the cost for applying for a variance is $350 for residential properties and $985 for non-residential properties.

Private Tennis Courts

Residential tennis courts must be fenced in. The City of Phoenix zoning ordinance requires all private tennis courts to have a fence at least 6 feet in height. If you desire a taller tennis court fence, you must contact the zoning department to determine if a permit is required. The type of fence able to be constructed for a tennis court can be manufactured out of standard wire fencing, wood or wrought iron.

Swimming Pool Fences

Public and private swimming pools within Phoenix are required to have a barrier fence. This fence must be constructed around any body of water measuring 18 inches deep. The fence must be constructed out of non-climbable materials, and it must be at least 5 feet tall. If a wire mesh fence is used, the mesh must feature an opening no larger than 1 3/4 inch. No opening within the fence can be wider than 4 inches, and all latches must be at least 4 1/2- feet tall. The fence must be constructed at least 20 inches away from the water's edge.

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Decorate In Italian Provincial

The sophistication of Italian Provincial styling will bring warmth to any home. Do not be fooled by the heavy and overly ornate furniture portrayed by inexpensive manufacturers. Seating is straight lined and barely ornate with tight-fitted cushions. Its core is based on Italian furniture of the 18th and 19th centuries. New acquisitions mixed with current furnishings can bring the Tuscan countryside to your doorstep. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Research the antique furnishings of provincial Italy. Photographs of country estates of the period are excellent as well as travel books about villages in the provinces of larger cities. Auction houses are good sources for investigating or purchasing furnishings.

2. Decide on a completely traditional look or one with casual furnishings mixed in. Use a soft color palate of earth tones mixed with muted reds, light moss greens and blues.

3. Take an inventory of any available furnishings you possess that will suit the atmosphere. Pull together small wooden occasional tables, footstools, straight-backed wood kitchen chairs, farm tables, long mirrors with gilded and carved frames, wrought-iron candle holders, small brass lamps with simple shades, area rugs, delicate illustrative art and throw pillows.

4. Purchase furnishings as your budget allows. Italian Provincial interiors are simple and graceful. The look is light and airy. Start with a sofa, a pair of side chairs and several occasional tables. Hunt in thrift stores and garage sales for bargains. Restore plain chairs. Make them look worn by sanding off some of the finish, or whitewash them and add lines of gold around the frame. Recover the cushions with a flat woven tapestry fabric.

Use Asian inspired area rugs and sheer drapery hung to the floor with rings on thin brass rods in the living room and bedrooms. In the kitchen, think "farmhouse." Paint the walls a soft yellow or peach. Hang utilitarian copper cookware on the walls, or dangle them from a cantilevered wood shelf. Add an old dresser painted blue and a rustic wood side table at working height.

5. Use decorative objects sparingly. It is better to collect a few great pieces than overload with a hoard just to fill space. Antique or reproduction ceramics, candle holders and small lamps are the basic items.

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Make Furniture Cushions

Simple cushions can add accents.

Pillows and pillow covers are easy to make. Create your own color scheme and style by selecting unique fabrics or using quilt blocks as the basic fabric. The fabrics and construction can be as simple or complex as you wish, depending partly on your level of craftsmanship. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Simple Throw Pillow

1. Measure the area where the pillow will usually rest. For this type of pillow, measurement need not be exact, but should be close.

2. Select a fabric that will provide an accent or blend in with the general decor of the intended location. Bright cottons are often a good choice. If the couch or chair the pillow will rest on has a design, solid colors are a good choice. If the intended spot is a solid color, a bright print or stripe may be appropriate.

3. Measure out the intended shape on a piece of newspaper. Make a half-inch border around the original measurements. This is your seam allowance. Cut out the pattern along the outside line.

4. Fold the fabric so that the right sides are together (inside out). Pin the pattern to the fabric, placing it in one corner of the fabric to have less wasted material. Cut out the two pieces of material at the same time.

5. Remove the pattern, but pin the two pieces of material together, keeping the right sides together.

6. Sew up three sides of the pillow, using a sewing machine. Leave the fourth side open. Turn right side out.

7. Stuff the pillow. A fiberfill pillow form, loose cotton stuffing or a foam pillow form are all good choices. If none of these are available, an old quilt bat, cloth rags that cannot be used for anything else or even straw will do. If straw is used, it is a good idea to use a double layer of fabric, as it can be a bit prickly.

8. Fold in the edges of the fourth side, after the pillow is satisfactorily stuffed. Use a whip stitch to sew up the fourth side about three-fourths of the way across. If a loose stuffing has been used, you can now add a little more stuffing to make sure the pillow is well-filled. Finish sewing up the side and complete the seam with a sewing knot.

Replacement Cushions

9. Place the old chair or couch cushion on a newspaper and draw around it to get the outline. This is especially important if it is an over-stuffed chair with a cushion that has little ears that extend to either side of the seat.

10. Use a cloth tape measure or string to determine the circumference of the outer rim of the cushion. Measure the height of the cushion from the bottom edge where it rests on the chair to the top edge where people normally sit on it.

11. Draw a line about a half-inch out from the pattern line you made tracing the cushion shape. This is a seam allowance. Cut out the pattern on the outside line.

12. Select your fabric. Upholstery fabric, medium-weight denim or medium-weight canvas are good choices. If it is not possible to match the original fabric, select a color that will complement the existing upholstery.

13. Cut two pieces using the pattern. Then use the circumference length to measure the length of the edge section and the height of the cushion to determine the width of the edge section. Add a half-inch all around for a seam allowance. Cut out the edge piece.

14. Pin the edge piece to the top piece, keeping wrong sides together. If at all possible, use a sewing machine to stitch the two pieces together. Pin the bottom to the edge piece, keeping wrong sides together. Pin the ends of the edge piece together. Stitch the ends of the edge piece together. Stitch three sides of the bottom together. Turn right side out.

15. Insert the old cushion or cut a cushion shape from foam and insert it. If neither of these options are possible, stuff the pillow firmly with cotton fiberfill, old rags or straw. (The last two are last resorts for when nothing else is available.)

16. Double check to make sure the cushion fits the chair. If you have a good fit, tuck in the edges along the opening on the fourth side on the bottom. Stitch it shut, using a whip stitch. You may want to stitch along it twice to make sure it will not pop open.

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