DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION ARTICLES How To Projects
Updating an Old Fireplace
I have a fireplace with three different bricks going through. They are reddish rust,black, and then some white. I don't know what furniture color to use and I am at my whits end. The room is empty now. I have cream walls and all medium oak floors.Please help!
PA
Sometimes when faced with a challenge like this you have two options. You can paint/camouflage it or you can accentuate it to make it look like this is what you wanted to do all along. In your case, the best bet is to paint the bricks. Don't panic! It's an easy process and will look great! However, don't be surprised if your husband "balks" at first, but once the guys see the difference it makes they are sold.To paint the bricks on an inside fireplace (not the firebox bricks) first begin by cleaning the bricks with a powdered cleaner or powder dishwashing soap. After this dries wait about 24 hours and apply one coat of KILZ (a shellac based primer). Then apply two coats of quality oil base (alkyd) paint in a color to match your wood trim. Then get ready to step back and reap the compliments.
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Painting Paneling
So many folks are interested in " updating " their older wood paneled den walls, but are leery of painting the paneling. Well my motto has always been that once you have the necessary info and the right tools and plenty of time… " GO FOR IT"! Again, once you know the correct paint tips, the results will be an eye opener!
Start by washing the paneling with a vegetable based soap to remove cooking grease and furniture polish that has built up over the years. When finished, the walls should be dull and smooth, not filmy. Next you'll have a choice of either lightly sanding the wood using 0000 sand paper (extra fine) or getting the same results by using a product, which de-glosses the surface and adds tac to the wood. If you sand by hand, be sure to go with the grain of the wood. Using the liquid sandpaper? Please READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS VERY CAREFULLY…this stuff is REALLY strong and can be toxic if you don't have the windows open and the A/C on blow and go!Next you'll apply an OIL BASED PRIMER. If there has been excessive cigarette smoke or a heavy build-up of cooking grease on the walls, use a SHELLAC BASED PRIMER. These two primers are different than paint and require separate clean-up tricks, so be sure to ask the paint store clerk to assist you on selecting the right one for your job. Also insist that the primer be tinted to a shade as close as possible to the finished topcoat color. Speaking of color, I always advise AGAINST a white or a really light color. Using a medium color, (one that is found in the middle of most paint charts) will give the room a more comfortable and homey feeling. Remember that the color you select will always look lighter on the walls, especially if the paint is oil base or alkyd! And don't forget the ceiling; a ceiling that is painted a pale tint will compliment the paneling and give the room that extra touch of class. Again, stay away from white, it tends to be cold and looks gray.After the primer has dried for at least 24 hrs. you're ready for the last step. The type of paint you select for the top coat will be based on how you intend to use the room; here's an example: for homes with sticky little fingers or cleaning concerns, use an ALKYD SEMI-GLOSS otherwise latex enamel or even latex flat paint will do. Now for the most important step… leave yourself enough time to finish the job. Remember this is NOT a one-day project!
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How to Measure for Wallpaper
Measuring for any wallcovering can be an intimidating challenge; what if I order too much?…what if I don't order enough ??? both of these scenarios can cost you big bucks! So to get you quickly educated in the practice of measuring like a wallpaper pro, here's a few tips to keep in mind:First take an accurate measurement of your room and be sure to use only a metal tape instead of a flexible fabric tape or yardstick . Determine the lineal footage of the room by measuring the length of each wall and then adding all together. Then multiply the total by the height of the wall surface to be covered. Then divide by the appropriate factor or what I like to call the "magic number" for the size of wallcovering you are using. Use this example to help:
Room size: 10 x 12Ceiling height: 8'20 ½ EURO roll: divide by 2510 +10+12 + 12 =4444 x 8 = 35235225 = 14.08 or 15 single rolls . Since euro rolls are only sold and packaged in double rolls, you will have to order and purchase at least 16 single rolls or 8 double rolls TIP: be sure to order at least 1 double roll extra for any future repairs or problems. Here's the rule of thumb for the "magic number divide factor" for each of the three types of residential wallcoverings commonly available.27" AMERICAN ROLLS divide by 3020 ½" EURO ROLLS divide by 2536" NATURAL ROLLS divide by 36.
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Cleaning Leather
Question: I've watched you various times on programs (Decorating With Style, Our Place) and wondered if you could help me.I have a leather chair in my livnig room that my husband LIVES !!!! in. There is a blue stain (from his dungarees and sweat) on the seat, along the arm's and in the back where he rests his head and I can't seem to get it clean.Can you help me?
Thanks for your time!
Husbands and their chairs!!! What are we going to do? I understand your frustration, for my husband, it's his home office leather desk chair. No matter what he's wearing, (dirty garden and work clothes etc.) he'll just "plop" right down! Well, we're in luck because leather is made for men like ours. Because it's a natural product it will take years of abuse with just minimal care. After you get it clean, you'll need to establish a monthly cleaning routine and try to avoid the mess it's now in. Here's how to clean up your husbands "throne":Start by shaving a bar of Neutrogena clear soap into a small mixing bowl. About 2-3 lengthwise strips of the soap should be plenty.Next add ¼ cup of HOT water and whip up a tall head of lather. A wire wisk works the best.Using a clean white cotton cloth, dip it into the lather…don't get the cloth wet, just use the lather. Then rub the lathered cloth onto the soiled leather areas. Don't be afraid to rub really hard in a circular motion. Then just blot it dry. It will take a few hours for the leather to go back to the original color so don't panic on the "dark" spot of color you will see.After the soil is removed and the chair is completely dry I recommend using good leather cleaner. COACH CLEANER is the best and you can get it at most any upscale department store in the ladies handbag department.Clean your heavily soiled frequently used chair with the leather cleaner at least once a month to keep it supple and free from built up dirt residue.
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Give Wallpaper and Antique Look
Applying a finish over the top of existing wallpaper in order to recreate the look of a centuries old existence is one of the hottest 'new' tends in decorating today. To keep the technique simple I recommend that you consider this approach: First inspect and re-glue any portion of the wall covering that is pulling away from the wall surface. Next using a super heavy duty FLUFFY lambswool paint roller ( available in most paint stores for about $ 14.00 each ) apply 1 -2 coats of a premixed stain/poly product like POLYSHADES by MINWAX. The color shade I like is Pecan because it is a warm neutral light brown shade similar to the tea stain technique that only faux pros know how to carry off. The thick POLYSHADE mixture will go on blotchy and will need to be lightly wiped or buffed with a clean lint free towel, piece of plastic wrap or even a rough sea sponge depending on the look you want to achieve. Once this dries, you'll be amazed that your old wallpaper pattern could look this good once you add a little …instant age!
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Scratch Marks on Solid Surfacing
To eliminate the whitish scratch marks and dulling stains on all dark toned solid surfacing, here's a tip that I found to be useful on my own newly installed dark bronze CORIAN countertops.Since the scratch marks from dishes, kitchen utensils and other rough footed items will show up more dramatically on a dark color countertop I became frustrated when the appliance cleaner the manufacture recommended didn't work to my satisfaction. So I exterminated and voila … this works to eliminate the scratch marks into the glossy finish of the almost indestructible countertop. And since this is 99% of where the scratching occurs in the darker toned solid surfacing, you will be re- glossing the surface every time you follow this trick. The trick is simple and inexpensive; a small can of readily available GEL-GLOSS a one step fiberglass – marble and acrylic cleaner and polish will do the trick nicely especially when you apply the heavy white liquid to the scratched area. Let dry for at least 10 minutes and then buff with a 6" rotary electric car buffer. The buffer is the key to making this trick work ….. and for under $ 20.00 this is a small investment especially when you consider the cost of the solid surfacing. And relax, buffers are easy to use and lightweight to handle - I found my buffer and extra thick wooly pad in the wax/polish isle of my local auto parts store and keep it handy for quick touch ups.
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Painting lawn furniture
Old and out of date wrought iron furniture can be updated without a lot of effort or $$$$. To give your furniture a wonderful custom vertigris finish, check out these tips. Here's how:
Start first by covering the floor with a drop cloth before you start…. this job is extremely messy! Start by cleaning the metal with 0000 steel wool to remove any rust or light dirt. Next, rip a small section of a household sponge (cutting with scissors will not give the same effect) and dip lightly into oil base paint. I recommend Sherwin Williams #1203 alkyd gloss, but any dark blue - green teal color will work. Apply the paint - dipped sponge in a blotchy pattern over the entire piece making sure to leave several sections of the original black color showing through.
Before the paint starts to dry and become dull, begin this next step. Using a small cheap nylon paint brush, break the bristles by crushing the tips into the palm of your hand to create a perfect "effects tool". With a light twisting motion, twirl the dry brush through the still wet paint. This will automatically drag and swirl the paint into the light and feathery pattern found in expensive VERTIGRIS FINISH furniture. After the swirled paint has dried completely, you can protect your "new piece" from the weather by applying a light coat of liquid car polish.
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Decorating for Your Private Times
Recently I have come to realize the importance of making time for me…notice I said MAKING time not carving out, nor fitting in, not even finding time for me, but rather actually making time in my busy life… just- for- me! It was a difficult transition going from high energy & always moving and never taking the time just to be still and actually think. For me it was an illness that got my attention and turned my thoughts and priorities inward- no not for selfish reasons but rather for the benefit of all of God's creations. It's my true and honest belief that once we stop "running" we can actually start living and really appreciating the natural beauty and gifts we were put here to discover; thus a huge win/win for all of creativity and humanity. For it's only when we stop and really "smell those roses" can we truly begin to experience all that life has to offer and we can then discover what we are capable of giving in return. While using my newly discovered skill for making time for me, I've realized that creating a comfortable space just for my most private meditations and talismans was paramount in keeping me on the relaxation path. Here are a few decorative ideas that I've used to create a relaxing and peaceful environment so that I can continue to shine with the light of peaceful creativity:
- Take long showers and indulge with a herbal in a body scrub that leaves the skin feeling smooth and refreshed ( see attached easy to make recipe )
- Burn a sweet lightly scented incense stick in a potted live plant so that the droppings will fall into the leaves fertilizing the plant thus not ruining the furniture… as an added benefit, you'll love the way your home smells
- Take the time to discover the true pleasure of journaling. To make it more of a treat, discover the treasures of fine leather and hand made paper found in wonderfully attractive blank page journal books…and be sure to store it away in an equally "special" place such as wooden altar box. These are available through specialty catalogue companies such as ILLUMINATIONS. To get your free catalogue of unique gifts and relaxation decorative accessories, call 1-800-226-3537 to request your copy.
SOOTHING SHOWER HERBAL EXFOLIANT
26 oz. Non- iodized sea salt
4.2 oz. Commercial body / bath oil (Neutragena, Keri, Baby oil etc.)
1 tea. ROSEMARY pure essential oil
10 drops TEA TREE pure essential oil
15 drops LAVENDER pure essential oil
1 ½ tea. LEMON pure essential oil
8 tbl. Finely chopped fresh herbs
Yield: (3) 8 oz. Containers
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Painting over cigarette damage
Question:Our painted kitchen walls have turned yellow from cigarette smoke and cooking grease. We seem to paint every year and it's now worse than ever! What type of paint do you recommend?
It's not the paint but how you prepared the walls before you painted is the culprit! All of the old stains kept bleeding thru adding to the new dirt and damage because you didn't use the correct primer and do the necessary homework. To get an 'A' on a fresh new kitchen, you'll first need to wash the walls and ceiling with a granulated cleaning powder. After this dries apply 1 coat of a shellac base sealer. I recommend KILZ. Remember to read the label for clean-up instructions; unlike paint, turpentine and water is not used with this product. Then paint with 2 coats of a latex enamel or alkyd semi-gloss. Be sure to open the windows for plenty of fresh air in the kitchen and if you are pregnant or have upper respiratory problems STAY OUT OF THE HOUSE!!! and let another do this job!
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Bird bath make over
Spruce-up an old concrete birdbath by giving it a bath of color. Simply take a blue-green oil based paint (Sherwin Williams #2257 works the best) and thin it with 75% mineral spirits. Then brush the mixture onto the concrete surface. Once the paint dries and has fully soaked into the concrete simply smear the entire birdbath with vanilla yogurt. (SEE who said I can't cook!!) Now it will be ready for the final touch…a good burial! That's right, just dig a hole and bury the birdbath for about 2 months. When you dig it up, the yogurt will have aged to a mossy green color and the thinned paint will be a perfect accent color for the new "ANTIQUE" birdbath.
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Basic Building Blocks of Decorating
Creating a design-savvy end table arrangement is always a tricky challenge unless you know the "pro" secret of using the basic building blocks of any decorating arrangement; 1 table lamp, 3 – 5 hard cover books, 1 small green plant, and 1 large candle . Create this no -fail arrangement by first centering the lamp towards the rear of the end table. Next add the books propped against the right side of the lamp. To complete the grouping, the plant goes on the left side of the lamp and the pillar candle in front of the plant .
To compliment the different decorating styles, be sure to select a lamp and plant container that will compliment your design and color scheme; brass and crystal lamps always work well in a traditional home. To give your table top arrangement that final touch , don't forget the style and color of the candle. For homes with a traditional décor, add a bright brass base and tall crystal hurricane to a tall ivory colored pillar candle. For arrangements in a contemporary styled home, use a large and heavily textured 3 wick candle situated on top of an oversized polished nickel base.
See, decorating like a pro is easy…. once you USE the basic building blocks of design !
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Quick and Easy Brass Lamp Update
Just in case you were wondering, yes, shiny brass is OUT and the new IN metals for lamps and decorative accessories all feature an age worn appearance such as burnished pewter, rusty toned irons and opaque silvers. The fact of the matter is that while these latest metal trends are the current metals of choice for decorative finishes and accessories , most folks are still stuck with tons of shiny brass lamps and countless bright gold- toned book ends. So in an effort to still retain those glaringly yellow metal items, whose only fault is a color issue, here's a quick way to instantly transform the brass metal to a stylish browned toned rusty iron finish…..and it's affordably done with shoe polish!
But before you begin you must first understand that the reason why brass is out and these so called new metals are 'in' , is that metals also go through a dating cycle much like trendy colors. But unlike the limited run of a color scheme generally lasting 8 - 12 years, metals stay current on a longer time table . Popular during the 70's, 80's, and 90's, the reign of shiny brass has come to an end now that the new HOUSEHOLD generation is taking hold. In other words, metals will change on average every 25 -30 years or just about the time when a new generation is reaching the age range to be able to purchase a new home. As an example, my mothers generation decorated their homes using antique brass and dull looking metals. My generation, the baby boomers, ushered in the advent of bright chrome and shinny brass. While the bright chrome had faded early in the 70's, the popularity of shiny brass had continued until about 2 years ago ( 2002) . It's then that we began to see the next generation of metals appear to be used extensively in new construction and in the decoration of homes. And today in 2004. it's now the next generation's turn; that of my 28 year old son's generation to begin to decorate their homes in the new silver toned pewter and rusty metals.
Now that you know WHY you are changing the lamp metal color, here's HOW to do it!:
To start, you'll need to collect three new containers of a quality wax shoe polish in the following colors: Brown, black and rusty brown. You'll also need to pick up a liquid shoe polish with the attached sponge dip applicator in cordovan.
After placing the lamp on a few sheets of newspaper or protective drop cloth, remove the shade and harp ( the wire piece that holds the shade ) and lightly clean the lamp with a brass cleaner making sure to remove all residue . Also, at this time if you'd like to give the lamp a more rustic appeal, you may 'swirl wipe' a pattern into the shinny surface using a heavy grit sand paper ….the more circular the pattern the better as long as you go in the same direction throughout the entire lamp.
Next is the fun part. With a standard shoe polish blunt edge applicator brush, simply dip into the solid pad of brown wax polish and tap onto the lamp in a random fashion making sure NOT to cover all of the shinny surface. Repeat the process the using each of the other two colors but in diminishing amounts….in other words you will have more brown polish than black on the lamp, but when finished, you will still see bits of the original brass color peeking through.
Wait for the wax polish to dry for at least 3 hours and then randomly dab several hits of the liquid cordovan polish over those areas on the lamp which still have a shiny brass color. This also includes those hard to reach areas such as the metal folds and collar area. Be prepared for the liquid polish to run and look bubbly white, however rest assured, it will dry to a raised area in a dark blacky red coloration.
Now comes the final application of color. After the liquid polish has dried for at least 24 hours, using once again the brown wax polish, dab a light swirling pattern of polish over the entire lamp covering all surfaces. And then guess what ….wait again!
Okay, almost finished…. When the last bit of polished has dried, you then simply apply a thin 'misting' layer of satin polyurethane and wait for all of the compliments on your 'new 'lamp' !
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Painting and Staining Concrete
For the last few years today's flooring options have really been limited by your imagination and also by the depth of your pocketbook. AND it's not more evident than when considering the type of finish to apply over a concrete floor. With so many options in regards to color, texture, and finish it's no wonder that easy to keep concrete flooring is the hottest trend in decorating today! BUT before you take the plunge and remove the basic wall to wall carpeting, 20 year old sheet vinyl flooring or your plain old tile squares consider this: concrete floors are cold to the touch and hard on your feet not to mention your back! Also because of the solid cool surface under your furniture the entire room will feel cool and bare UNLESS you incorporate lots of area rugs and interesting textured wall treatments to compensate for the cool flooring underneath. With these facts in mind here's a few pointers to get you started on creating a dynamite looking floor!
BEFORE YOU BEGIN….take a peek!
Creating a great looking finished concrete floor takes more time and effort than other types of floors, but once finished you'll have a virtually maintenance free floor that will last for decades. Start by examining your concrete floor checking to see if the entire floor has been sealed during the building process. If the floor is "slick" feeling and beads water it's a sure bet the concrete has been sealed with a clear specialty sealer. If you can research the exact sealer used with your builder you'll be ahead of the game; otherwise assume the floor has been sealed and only select products specifically for use on SEALED concrete floors.
Now you must perform a two step check for moisture, otherwise you will only end up disappointed when all of your hard work and efforts begin to peel off in sheets! The procedure to check for surface moisture is simple, just lay a few sheets of newspaper on the floor and check it in a few hours. If it's curled and soggy damp…BINGO! This means you have a water drainage problem and a specialist needs to be brought in to stop the water mitigation (outside water coming into your house) prior to painting/staining your floor. If nothing happens then proceed to step #2. In this step you are checking for a phenomenon called RISING DAMP. This simply means that the temperature of the underlying subsoil is warmer/cooler than the top layer of the concrete and this is causing a thin film of condensation to form. Also by checking for RISING DAMP you will have a fool proof way to know if your floor has been sealed since a sealed floor usually does not allow condensation to form. You can make this check by taping a 10"x10" square of aluminum foil directly and tightly to the concrete floor, wait 24 hours and then remove. IF the underside of the aluminum foil is covered with moisture you'll either have an unsealed porous concrete floor OR an improperly sealed floor; in either case knowing this information will allow you to select the proper quality of paint or stain for your floor.
NOW THE FUN PART…selecting the look
With so many options available be sure to ask a lot of questions and explore different sources of professional treatments in your area. Now that you know whether your floor is sealed or unsealed more importantly, if you have a water problem you'll be better able to refine your search and settle on the one treatment PERFECT for your floor!
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Deborah Burnett appears regularly on HGTV, National TV and worldwide radio with design ideas and decorating tips. She is a nationally recognized health and wellness design authority and keynote presenter bridging the gap between science and evidence based epigenetic design which explores how the body and brain are affected by the interior environment. As a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine she specializes in research and design pertaining to how color, light, sound and daylight affect sleep.
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