Tag Archives: lamp shades

Be Your Own Handyman With These Tips

TIP! If you have the available funds you should choose real hard wood floors rather than laminate. Laminate has its perks but cannot be refinished.

Home improvements can be very gratifying. You will feel so much better about yourself and your home when you put hard work into it. But, where do your start? This guide will give you great tips on how to get your home to look even better.

Lamp Shades

TIP! Using texturing techniques add interest to your walls and cover blemishes. This texturing process isn’t difficult.

Lampshades are not typically very interesting. Brighten up the room by making your own personal designs on your lamp shades and adding a bit of color. Spicing up your lamp shades will make a surprising difference in the personality of a room.

TIP! Spend some time shopping around for the best deals on the best products to use in your home prior to buying anything. Installing a new floor can be expensive, ensure you compare.

If you have small rooms in your home, they can feel gloomy, but they don’t have to! Light can be the answer! Do some window cleaning so they sparkle, then open your drapes. You’ll be shocked at how much more spacious the room appears. Pale colors can be added on your walls for a practical appearance. Your room will feel much less crammed as a result.

TIP! Houses with good curb appeal often sell for considerably higher prices than other similar homes. The thing you have to remember is that not all potential buyers see a view in the same way; some might consider it an expensive indulgence.

If you’re using a contractor, have a signed contract in place before work begins. You should take the contract to your lawyer so he can look over it. All information, such as warranties, completion dates, what work will be done and all costs involved should all be well defined and mutually agreed upon in the contract.

TIP! Most home basements are designed to let in very little natural light. This means the lights you install must be highly effective.

Improve your living room by using your luggage rack as a side table. Remove the glass from one very large picture frame, and use adhesive to secure it to your rack. Add some books, a pretty lamp, and your side table is complete.

TIP! Look for ideas for home improvement projects now. If you have a lot of ideas in mind, the easier it will be when a decision has to be made.

If you buy a drain snake, it can save some money. One of the biggest advantages is the lower frequency with which you need to purchase drain cleaners. Novices may not succeed at using drain snakes, and therefore it may be wise to ask a plumber for a lesson first. Snakes come in different sizes, so it’s important to know your drain size and buy the right one. Otherwise you may damage your drain.

TIP! When starting a project that uses brick, it is a good idea to invest in extra bricks. You may run into unexpected problems that necessitate the use of a few extras.

A high-quality door is a great investment. It’s what your guests will see when they walk up to your house, and what they’ll see when they walk out of it. If your door does not fit correctly and is not well insulated, you will lose heat and air conditioning through it. Locks or door frames that are in poor condition can significantly decrease your sense of security.

TIP! Adding windows and incorporating light into your room can create a more spacious feel. To make your ceilings look higher, place the drapes, curtain rods and valances on the wall that is above the windows.

Today, there is a new danger to look out for during home improvement projects. Don’t buy drywall that comes from China. Since 2005, a great deal of the drywall used in the U.S. building industry has been sourced from China. There is poor quality control in China which can end up causing problems. In extreme cases, Chinese drywall gives off harmful gases that can corrode wires in the walls.

TIP! Does your lawn have spots where grass refuses to grow? If the answer is yes, add some grass seed to your lawn. A lawn that looks bad will make your house look bad.

Have a budget for various home improvements projects if you want to keep your house up to date with repairs and updates. You will be able to keep your home in better condition if you allot a reasonable amount for home repairs. Place this money into a savings account specifically used for home repairs, and use it in the future.

TIP! If your bed set seems old and you want to try something really new, build your own new bed set. There may be some difficulty involved, but through work and patience, it can be done.

Look for ideas for home improvement projects now. You should start compiling a notebook with clippings of ideas you would like to incorporate into your home. You want to get the right color to your project early on, and avoid rushing at the last minute of your renovation which will slow down the process.

TIP! Give the windows in your home a quick makeover by replacing those old, worn-out blinds. In addition to ordinary wear and tear and damage from accidents, being constantly exposed to sunlight often leads to fading, bleaching, or other discolorations.

Many people feel there are few items as special to them as their home. This is why you should make it look the best it can. You should know how to do that now after reading the suggestions from this article. Use the tips that are relevant to your needs, and get started on a better home.

Home Improvement Tips For Making The Most Of Your Investment

TIP! Before you start on any serious improvement to your home, think about what style fits you. Narrowing down what style you will decorate in is a big step.

Add the features you want to your home by using home improvement every once in a while. These are projects you can do by yourself, instead of paying another person to do them. Implement the tips in the following article to help you.

Shoe Boxes

TIP! You need a drill when you’re going to tackle home improvement projects. A drill allows you to drill different diameter holes, as well as screwing in a variety of screws.

Recycle shoe boxes to add more storage to your different rooms. You can cover the shoe boxes with fabric or wallpaper samples for an interesting decorating touch. You can add storage and decor by doing this.

TIP! To add a unique touch to a bookcase, invest in the help of some wallpaper. A design that is unique but visually pleasing can go a long way.

Without much decoration and personality, simple lamp shades are sometimes very boring. With stencils, you can brighten them up. Use paint or an ink pad to add designs that be taken from a template, then add them to your boring lampshades. You will add instant personality to your room, simply by brightening up your boring lamp shades.

TIP! Sealing up holes or cracks in your home can prevent unwanted bugs and reduce cooling and heating bills at the same time. Use caulk around your home’s baseboards, windows and even electrical outlets.

Often, rooms that are small in size can have a gloomy and closed-in feel, but they do not have to feel that way. Let in the light! Raise the window shades and give the glass itself a thorough cleaning! Once you let the light shine through, you will be shocked at just how large a little room can appear. Along with adding more light, you should lighten up the wall colors to add to the illusion. Suddenly, your little room will not seem cramped.

TIP! Chair cushions inevitably grow flatter with use. Set them in some sun if you want to bring back their shape.

If you want to decorate your own home, do your research. Review online resources, books and magazines to get ideas. Magazines can offer you some ideas for layouts to use in your home. In addition, these resources can inform you on how to perform cheaper renovation projects.

TIP! New cabinet pulls and knobs are a quick and easy way to dress up your kitchen. An old kitchen can be brightened up by using cabinet knobs, which are easy to change.

It can be simple to make window screens if you can’t find any you like. After cutting the frame kit to fit a window size, all that’s needed is to simply attach the screen by using an affordable tool and cording. There are windows that take special screens, but external screens can be added to any one with adapters that are simple to attach.

TIP! Identifying the volume of paint you need is essential to do before you start painting anything. You might spend more than you wanted to if you do not know what you are doing.

Before deciding on renovations for your home, go to several open houses in new subdivisions. Experience the very newest in options for decorating and see what the outcome of a home improvement project may look like before you get started. Many homes like this get a decorator to do furniture and window treatments to complete the look, so you are able to recreate the looks you like most and not have to make a lot of mistakes when you do your house.

TIP! Never hire an unlicensed contractor for a home improvement job. All states require general contractors to have some kind of certification.

There is no need to make updating your home impossible; you can easily accomplish many projects on your own. Even without experience, you can do most of your own home improvement projects yourself. Complete your own projects by applying what you have learned from this article.

Home Improvement Every Homeowner Needs To Know

TIP! You can generate visual detail and disguise imperfections by using textured drywall mud techniques. This texturing process isn’t difficult.

There are many motivations for considering home improvement projects. Home improvement can be a small thing or a major one, make sure you know what you are getting into. Regardless of the size and scope of the project, intelligent planning and execution will result in cost savings. You may even find that it is fun! Learn some tips that will help by reading on.

TIP! When planning your home improvements, it is important to pinpoint which room you want to start on. When you take on a single room it will take less time and money to see the results you want.

Without much decoration and personality, simple lamp shades are sometimes very boring. Brighten up the room by making your own personal designs on your lamp shades and adding a bit of color. This extra effort on your part will create a touch of individuality and transform your space into a personal reflection.

TIP! When employing a contractor for your project, it’s important to maintain your own records. Do not rely on the contractor to handle this for you.

Sign a contract before a contractor starts working on your home. You may also want to have the contract looked at by a lawyer. The cost, dates and warranty information should all be stated in the contract.

TIP! If your living room seems plain and boring, add an adventurous print to the room to liven it up. Think about using a leopard or maybe zebra print in your living room, but only in small doses! A great way to use prints is through accessories, such as pillows or rugs.

Think about what room you would like to improve first. It is much easier to begin in one room and complete it before beginning the next project. Before beginning any home improvement project, write out a detailed plan so you can keep a watch out for sales on the items you need. This is a great way to put more money back in your pocket and improve your home at the same time.

TIP! Tie or snip extra cord length on your window blinds. Children and pets have both been known to become tangled in these dangling cords, sometimes leading to strangulation.

The kitchen is a great place to start a new home improvement project. Start by cleaning your walls. This will remove the grease and a lot of the old paint. Re-painting your kitchen with tan colors will amaze you, since it will have a totally different look when the painting is completed.

TIP! More than ever, people are discovering hidden dangers associated with home improvement. Do not buy drywall, sheet rock, or wall board that is made in China.

Use bleach to sanitize your commode. The bleach may stink for a bit, but germs will be killed and you will know that everything is as clean as can be. You can use scented bleach for a nicer smell.

TIP! A great way to help make projects affordable is to set aside a budget for needs that arise. Dedicating some money to maintaining your home each year will help it stay in better shape in the long run.

Before taking up a new home improvement endeavor, seek additional help from family and friends. Completing projects can be hard if you ask for help after the task has already begun. You might also have problems completing the project on time, which can add more stress and work to your life.

TIP! A fresh coat of paint, or a new color on your garage door, adds instant curb appeal. Garage doors often get exposed to different elements, making them look worn and dingy.

Here, you’ve found only a few ways that you can begin improving your home. Be careful, home improvement is a hobby that could be addictive if done right. Following the tips in this guide will help you do it right. Once you have done a few projects, you’ll be eager to take bigger projects in home improvement.

Clear, Unvarnished Tips For Home Improvement Projects

TIP! It’s a good idea to use many fans during the summer months. Ceiling fans do an excellent job of ensuring air circulates throughout the room, and this will help to cool things down.

Know your own capabilities, and know too when you should call a professional. Read this article to get a better grasp on which jobs you can do on your own, and which ones may need an expert to be completed.

TIP! Genuine wood floors are a better choice for your money instead of laminate flooring. Laminate looks almost like real wood and is easy to care for, but it cannot be refinished.

When trying to keep your home cool in the summer time, employ the use of lots of fans. Ceiling fans are great for increased circulation and cooling. You can place some smaller fans around your home as needed. This will help you lower your electric bill during the summer months since fans use less electricity than an AC unit.

TIP! Try painting stripes on the walls prior to panel installation. Even the most meticulously installed paneling tends to show small areas of the old wall beneath.

If you are in a dwelling with limited space, and don’t have the space for both a washer and dryer, think about buying a unit that combines the two together. There are different types and styles of combination washer/dryers, but most types will fit in about the same space as a dishwasher. A washer-dryer combination is a one-stop solution for washing and drying clothes in a tight space.

Lamp Shades

TIP! You should not get rid of your old doors. The first step is taking them out of their frames so they’re easier to sand.

Without much decoration and personality, simple lamp shades are sometimes very boring. You could easily create an original lamp sage with some acrylic paint and some stencils. This livens up the room without having to buy new lamp shades.

TIP! Use your old luggage rack as a table in another area of the house. Secure glass from a big picture frame onto your luggage rack by using permanent adhesive.

If you have some wallpaper, you can make a nice looking bookcase. Choose a design that is different and eye catching. Apply the chosen wallpaper inside of the bookcase. This way, the design will be visible behind the books. This can really tie the room together and make a very nice aesthetic look.

TIP! To get the most bang for your buck, purchase high-quality materials. The reason is that when one sells a home, homeowners take furnishings and items of decor along with them.

The first step to a kitchen or bathroom renovation is turning off the water! Find the shutoff valve before you do any work near pipes or other water supplies. By doing this, you are making sure that you do not get a flood.

TIP! Start forming a plan now. Start planning ahead of time to compare as many different ideas as possible.

The bathroom is a very important part of a home that’s being sold. Bathrooms need to be in better shape than most other rooms since they are so much harder to update. A new buyer may be scared off by expensive changes needed to make a bathroom functional. Be sure your sink, shower or tub are working. If they’re not, be sure to replace them. Floors made of linoleum may look pretty good and go in rather quick, but they should always be swapped out for a professional tile finish.

Natural Materials

TIP! In areas of your home that you wish to be restful, use a color scheme that is analogous. Analogous color schemes are right next to one another in the color wheel, a good example is red and orange, violet and blue, or green and yellow.

If you can afford it, purchase natural materials for use with indoor projects. Materials that come from Mother Nature are better than their synthetic counterparts. They’re better looking and also a lot more durable. Expensive natural materials can end up being cheaper due to their longevity.

TIP! One simple way of adding fresh touches to your home is to get new electrical outlet covers and replace the old ones. Over a period of time, the outlet covers will become discolored.

By now, you know that there are some things which are better left to professional contractors. By using helpful advice like that above, you should not only be able to identify home improvement projects fall within your skill set, but also know how to save both your time and money.

Home Improvement Projects Can Be A Pain. These Tips Will Make Your Project Go Smoothly

TIP! Prior to purchasing a home, have it inspected by a professional. Home inspectors inspect the home for repairs that are necessary.

Home improvement often has a lot of disappointment in store. Hiring a lousy contractor, failure to plan and unrealistic ambitions are some of the reasons this happens. In this article we will discuss some important tips to help your next home improvement project go well. Keep reading and start planning.

Lamp Shades

TIP! Wood or tile floors are worth the expense if your budget can afford them. Real wood can be refinished, but laminate cannot.

Lampshades with no design or color are dreary and boring. You can pep up your lamp shades by getting some stencils and acrylic paint, and decorating them to your taste. Spicing up your lamp shades will make a surprising difference in the personality of a room.

TIP! It is possible to expand storage capacity by using old shoe boxes. You can use fabric and wallpaper remnants to decorate the boxes.

You can add some flare to your book case by putting some wall paper there. Choose a design that is both interesting and one of a kind. Apply the chosen wallpaper inside of the bookcase. This way, the design will be visible behind the books. The wallpaper will make your bookcase look better and stand out.

TIP! Small rooms can seem cramped and gloomy, but they do not have to stay this way. You can invite the light inside.

Prior to starting any home improvement project, enlist the helps of family and friends. If you don’t ask for help until you’re already knee-deep in the project, you might find it difficult to find someone to help you. You might have a hard time finishing on time, which would add more stress.

TIP! Which room do you want to work on first? You may find that working on a single room is much easier to manage in terms of funds and scheduling. Identify the main area you want to work on, then look for deals or sales that will help you complete the project.

If your house has no shower, you should think about installing one. Showers are much more accessible than tubs, plus they can really reduce your water use, particularly if you have a lot of children. Taking a shower for five minutes only uses 25 percent of the water a tub uses.

TIP! Have a decent lighting fixture installed in all of the commonly accessed room; the new view can create a huge impact on how you view the walls and furniture. Having a bright room will feel warm and inviting to members the house.

Solar lights won’t do anything to improve the value of your home. The electric models are a better investment to add light and safety to paths and walkways. These lights are high in quality and will last you a long time.

TIP! When planning to do home improvement work on your house, a good homeowner will spend his money on high class materials and fixtures as opposed to buying pricey decor and furnishings. The reason is simple, decor and furnishings are taken when you move.

Install a pergola to add character to your home’s exterior. Once a garden fixture, it has become a popular choice for adding an inviting look to your home and yard. A bit of help from friends and a pergola kit can make it easy to install your pergola in as little as a weekend.

Kitchen Floor

TIP! Seal your tile grout. Remember that grout is a porous substance.

Though your eye may see your kitchen floor as level, installing cabinets requires using a level. Begin at your kitchen floor’s highest point, and then place a line across the wall’s length where your cabinets are going to be put in. This is needed to ensure that the counters are going to be level.

TIP! Don’t let the contractor try and charge you more to get the work done quickly. A contractor might have reasons to want to do the job quickly.

Homeowners should use their best judgement when dealing with a contractor. Sometimes getting a second opinion is the best option. Contractors, even those with stellar reputations, could take advantage of homeowners who place too much trust in them. If the contractor mentions any problems or issues, homeowners should have the information validated before investing any more money in the project or modifying the construction schedule.

Properly Manage

TIP! You could make a dramatic statement in your landscaping by using flowers that are mature instead of young seedlings. When you do this, you will have color instantly all around the exterior of your home.

If you do not properly manage your home improvement project, you can easily run into problems. The advice from this article has shown you how to properly manage your projects. Using this advice is critical if you really want to increase the value of your home.

Great Ideas For Home Improvement!

If you are a beginner or a professional, finding inspiration for new projects can be hard. The following article will give you advice on how to tackle your project.

Oil Based Paint

TIP! Put bleach in your toilet bowl to keep it clean. Bleach has a strong smell, but it is terribly effective at killing germs.

Repainting the porch may be necessary in your home improvement efforts. Make sure you apply a high quality exterior paint product. It’s important that you select paint that has the same base. For example, you want to use oil paint over oil-based paint or latex paint (water) over paint with a water base. Be careful with oil based paint on surfaces that have foot traffic because it become slippery when wet. However, oil based paint is fine on house trim.

TIP! Use PVC cement and PVC primer to attach two PVC pipes. These products are recommended in order to keep your pipes from leaking, as other cements and glues will not work.

Without much decoration and personality, simple lamp shades are sometimes very boring. You can spice up your lamp shades by painting them using stencils. This will give your rooms some personality, taking away from the reality of how boring an ordinary lamp shade can be.

TIP! Installing insulation in your attic is an excellent way to economize on the cost of heating in the winter. Heat naturally rises, which means tons of heat will escape from a poorly-insulated attic, especially during the colder months.

Make sure that the home improvement work you do can be easily seen. If you are selling your home, potential buyers can only judge the house by the things they see. Even though cosmetic improvements are not usually the most vital improvements, when the goal is the sale of your house, they are!

TIP! When a contractor comes out to assess problems and begin work, a contract should be written. If you have a clear contract, you won’t be taken advantage of or surprised with unexpected charges.

After a while, ceramic tile loses its shine and looks grungy and worn. A safe, but effective method is by mixing vinegar and water together. Just use an ordinary bucket to hold a mixture of your solution, then mop as usual. You will likely find that the build-up of dirt has been removed and that the floor will appear as new.

TIP! Before deciding on renovations for your home, go to several open houses in new subdivisions. At an open house, you’ll get a much better idea of current styles and how they might look in your home than you could get by taking a trip to the hardware store.

Before doing any home improvements, ask your loved ones for help. If you delay asking for help until the project has already begun, it might be hard to get someone to help. You might have a hard time finishing on time, which would add more stress.

TIP! A great improvement idea for a home with children is to pad sharp furniture. You can find cheap corner protectors in any store, or apply foam tape yourself on sharp edges.

If you are new to home improvement, you should definitely seek the advice of someone that specializes in the task you hope to complete. A little information from a professional can be a great help, especially if it keeps you from wasting valuable money and time. If you fail to speak with a professional, you may make some very costly mistakes.

TIP! If you think about it, it should be obvious why a good front door can make a property up to 10% more valuable. It is possible to freshen the appearance of your entry door by purchasing one of the many styles of knob and lock combinations available on the market.

You should not underestimate the importance of a nice door. Whoever visits you home will see your door first and again as they leave. Also, if you have one that is old or damaged, heat may be escaping from it. Finally, if the door locks or frame are poor quality, then it can be easy for a burglar to break down the door.

TIP! A garage door that is re-painted will add curb appeal to any home. Garage doors are subject to rain and snow year round, so it’s no surprise that they lose their luster quite quickly.

Start forming a plan now. If you continuously hunt for home improvement ideas, you will have a wealth of interesting projects in mind once you are ready to start working. You’ll be much less stressed during your project if you don’t feel rushed.

TIP! Using bowls of lemons or a bouquet of flowers are simple ways to spruce up a kitchen. Fresh fruit or a nice flower arrangement can perk any kitchen up.

Highlight you home’s unique exterior features with down-facing outdoor lighting. You can even place lights in a tree so it looks like natural light. This lighting can also showcase any lawn furniture or garden statues that you have.

Smoke Alarms

TIP! Pay attention to the weather. You might not want to put a pool in Alaska.

You can reduce your home owner’s insurance premiums by installing smoke alarms and checking them regularly. You might notice more of a savings with an older house. And obviously, smoke alarms may save your life and not just your wallet.

TIP! If you want major work done to your house, hire someone who has plenty of experience. Architects, contractors and designers have the proper education and experience to do the job the right way.

Home improvement has much more to do with saving money than it does with spending money. New appliances can help you save on electricity. Repairing the roof and increasing the amount of insulation will lower your heating and cooling costs. Careful planning can help in the long run.

TIP! In rooms that are most used, installing ceiling fans will help circulate your home’s air. Using these fans can decrease the need of using your air conditioner during the hot summer.

You can complete home renovations by yourself. For big, complicated jobs you should hire a contractor. Replacing a faucet, light fixture or painting are easy, though. Doing things yourself can really keep costs down.

TIP! When considering residing your house, you should look for different varieties of insulation. There are several different types available, with varying prices associated with each.

Whether you have experienced or are a novice, a home remodeling project can be rather overwhelming. Use what you’ve learned here to take the stress out of completing your projects, and get started today.