Home Care — Page 44

Easy DIY Home Improvement Projects for a Creative Space

November 9, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

There’s nothing like a good DIY project! This article from Decoist rounds up the best and the brightest. In fact, today we take things in a home improvement direction… You know when you want to spruce things up, but you can’t invest a week of your time in a long do-it-yourself endeavor? Today’s easy DIY projects get bonus points for do-ability and creativity.

We might also add that sometimes seeing a DIY project in action can spark an original idea, or a variation on the idea at hand. From furniture makeovers to paint-it-yourself projects, the pics below will inspire you with their innovation. Don’t forget to tell us about your favorites at the end of the post. Not to mention, let us know if you have a whirlwind idea of your own…

DIY Projects for the Walls and the Floor

Our first set of DIY projects involves some amazing paint-it-yourself endeavors that are easy and fun. All you need is a little patience… We begin by featuring these colorful painted patio tiles by Elsie from A Beautiful Mess. Boasting a ’60s look, these tiles were also inspired by Palm Springs style and Kate Spade. Pantone paint colors were used–how wonderfully vivid! Head over to A Beautiful Mess for all the details!

Colorful painted patio tiles

You’ve gotta love this next DIY painting project, especially because it involves freehanding the design at first. There’s nothing like getting to paint what your heart desires without worrying about measurements! The precision comes from the eventual addition of painter’s tape used to help define the lines, then a generous coating of the entire wall in white paint, only to peel off the tape for the big reveal. Confused? Don’t be. All the details for this Geometric Painted Wall can be found at Design Sponge…

DIY geometric wall

Speaking of freehanding it, that’s exactly what this next DIY project involves. It’s all about being brave and trusting that your artistic talent won’t lead you astray. Really! The key to this elegant look involves choosing a light color such as taupe to paint stalks, stems and flowers. Isn’t it lovely how this design combined with the wall sconce creates an Art Deco look? Read the details at Jan R. Miesse…

Subtle floral DIY painting technique

Let’s move into the kitchen… Emma from A Beautiful Mess created this DIY Kitchen Pegboard, which actually hangs in her dining room to free up space in her small kitchen. We think it’s DIY perfection! This project involves painting pegboard and wood for a frame (on which you’ll mount the board), as well as outlining items with a white paint pen, as shown below. Check out all the details at A Beautiful Mess…

DIY kitchen pegboard

Furniture DIY Projects

Next we move to DIY furniture projects that can make a big difference in your space. Let’s face it–outdoor furnishings are expensive. Especially if you’re looking for quality modern pieces. That’s why we love this concrete block bench from Better Homes and Gardens, which is super affordable and super easy (if you don’t mind hauling the blocks). Add pillows and a cushion, and your yard becomes an outdoor retreat! [via Curbly]

Concrete block bench

Wish you could design your own fabric? All you need is a Sharpie! Yes, this Awesome Patterned Chair Makeover from Little Green Notebook involves an IKEA chair and its white slipcover, plus a little creativity. The fluid look of the dots below gives the finished project character. If you’re wanting a different design, that’s between you and your Sharpie. Yes, the sky is the limit! [viaCurbly]

IKEA chair makeover

Yellow and white stripes will always say “chic” in our book. This Enamel Paint Project makes over a plant stand using oil-based enamel paint (love that shine). It’s quite simple, but it may require some patience due to overnight drying time in between coats. Apply his technique to any slotted furnishing you have using any kind of paint you wish! [from Fudgeyjoy]

Enamel paint DIY project

DIY Finishing Touches

We end with a trio of finishing touches that will add that extra special something to your interior. How fun is this Geometric Party Installation from Oh Happy Day?! It’s as easy as buying some wooden dowels and Styrofoam balls, then adding a dash of imagination. We think this installation can stay up well past the party…

Geometric installation

There’s nothing like a grouping of colorful artwork to make a big statement on your wall. This Illustrated Calendar Art project idea from AmeriFirst Home Mortgage can be done with the kids. All you need is a collection 8 x 10 photo frames, some colorful paper (make sure the calendar dates are printed on the page before you start), and some fun collage-style art ideas to give each month’s pic a different look.

Illustrated wall calendar pictures

Our final featured project involves jazzing up the ceiling with DIY pendant lights made from wooden bushel baskets. Note how the conduits are covered in rope for a nautical look. Featured on the DIY Network, this project was designed by Brian Patrick Flynn. It’s fun to see bushel baskets juxtaposed with crisp geometric wallpaper…earthy meets modern! Check out all the details here.

Wood basket pendant lights

Filed Under: Blog, Home Care, Home Remodel

Is Your Kitchen Fire-Safe? Put Your Knowledge to the Test

November 7, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Cooking fires are the leading cause of home fires, according to the National Fire Protection Association, which reports that they accounted for more than 150,000 home fires and $794 million in damages in 2012.

Do you know how to stay fire-safe when you’re cooking in the kitchen?

Put your knowledge to the test. See if you can spot the fire hazards in the infographic.

Then click here for the answers, and some more helpful kitchen fire safety tips.

Filed Under: Appliances, Blog, Home Care

The Importance Of Curb Appeal

November 6, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Great infogrpahic from dooremporium.com

Filed Under: Blog, Home Care

Will Cork Float for Your Bathroom Floor?

October 25, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Get the facts on advantages, disadvantages, costs and installation to see if a cork bathroom floor is right for you

There are a lot of factors to consider when picking out a material for the bathroom floor: price, aesthetic, installation, maintenance, sustainability and more. Cork is an especially hotly debated material choice for bathrooms. Although it’s often used for its natural mildew resistance, there are different opinions about its ability to stand up to a wet environment. Here you’ll learn all about the pros, cons and cost factors of cork flooring, to help you decide if it’s a good fit for your bathroom. Could this sleek, environmentally friendly material work for you?

Will Cork Float for Your Bathroom Floor?

Architects, interior designers, and more ∨Before you throw your next party, browse a wide selection of barware, glassware and serveware.
A home remodeler or residential architect will see the potential in the architecture and building design of your home.

Filed Under: Blog, Home Care, Home Remodel

Seattle Landscaping Ideas: 12 Monthly Tips for Year-Round Success

October 25, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Today’s infographic comes from Akina Designs.

Filed Under: Blog, Home Care

Textural Wallpaper Imitates Scrap Wood Without the Work

October 25, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

The charming mismatched look of a weathered scrap wood wall can be achieved with a lot less time and effort using a wood-textured wallpaper series by Dutch designer Piet Hein Eek. The patterns range from rustic barn wood stripped of white paint to time-worn cottage-style wainscoting.

It’s the designer’s second collaboration with Dutch wallpaper company NLXL; the first was based on ‘waste furniture’ and came in a soft palette of pastels and creamy off-white, with individual strips looking like the legs of dismantled tables and chairs. Scrap Wood Wallpaper Texture 4

The new collection is even more convincing, with a matte finish that eliminates tell-tale glare. While it may not have the tactile benefits of real scrap wood, nor the sense of history, it’s a fun way to get a similar look.

Filed Under: Blog, Home Care, Home Remodel

Expand Your Living Space: Build A Deck

October 22, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Extending a home’s outdoor living potential is quickly gaining popularity. This is a great infographic from http://www.ricksfencing.com/

Filed Under: Architecture, Blog, Home Care, Home Remodel

How to Light Your Bathroom Right

October 17, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

The bathroom is one of the only rooms in a multibodied household where we’re expected and encouraged to lock ourselves inside. With that kind of permission, it makes sense to use this private space as a luxurious sanctuary. Make the most of your haven by giving it the proper lighting.

I spoke with two lighting experts about how best to transform a bathroom into a relaxing, functional refuge with light. Here’s their advice.

How to Light Your Bathroom Right

Kitchen designs, bathroom designs, and more ∨Whether granite countertops, a custom kitchen island, or built-in wine holders are new kitchen musts, discover thousands of kitchen designs to help make your dream come true.
Find new home builders who can help you create a dream kitchen, complete with multiple kitchen island cabinets, a large dining table and a creative kitchen cabinets design.

Filed Under: Appliances, Blog, Furniture, Home Care, Home Remodel, Technology

Home Maintenance Checklist for the First Year

October 12, 2013 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

After buyers move in to their new home, they should be prepared for some home fixes to present themselves each season, says Rich Escallier, a handyman in Chicago. “If you can go six months without finding something that raises your blood pressure, you’re lucky,” Escallier says.

CBS MoneyWatch recently released a checklist of routine maintenance and small home repairs that home buyers should expect to do their first year to help avoid more costly problems from surfacing later on:

During move-in week: Turn on all major appliances and run them for a complete cycle. Even if the buyer already completed a home inspection, they should test again, experts say. After all, “if you have a minor leak under the dishwasher, that water leaks into the subfloor and you can’t see it,” says Daniel Cipriani with Kade Homes & Renovations in the Atlanta area. “But you’ll start to notice the hardwood floor buckling.”

45 days after move-in: Change the HVAC system filter and vacuum out the air intake vents. “Capturing dirt and dust with the right filter can go a long way toward preserving the new home appeal for a few years,” CBC MoneyWatch notes.

Six months after move-in: Inspect the exterior of your home in both the summer and fall to ensure rainwater is draining away from the home properly. Also, clean out clogged gutters and downspouts. “Landscaping should be negatively graded away from the house,” Cipriani says. “People don’t think it’s a big problem, but otherwise water pools against the foundation and doesn’t have anywhere to go.”

Every year: Inspect the home’s roof for any missing shingles and gaps around the chimneys. Also, check the ceilings inside the home for any water spots and indications of potential leaks.

Experts also note that every two years, home owners would be wise to hire a professional HVAC contractor to inspect their furnace, air conditioner, and hot water heater. A ruptured reservoir could potentially spill 40 gallons of water in a mere few hours so experts recommend home owners install a water alarm with sensors in the collection pan underneath the hot water heater. The sensors cost about $25 and can help save home owners from costly water damage.

Source: “Repairs Every New Homebuyer Should Make,” CBS MoneyWatch

Filed Under: Blog, Home Care