Category: Home Improvement

by: Guy Morris
It has often been said that the heart of the home is the kitchen. If that is really true, then why is it that some kitchen designs just don t seem to support more than one cook or guest at a time? You can turn your kitchen into a functional and beautiful workspace and gathering place for the entire family. Even if you have limited square footage, there just may be more room for expansion, storage, and oh yeah, cooking in your kitchen than you think.

Counters & Cabinets

Storage is definitely a consideration in designing a functional kitchen. If you are limited by floor space, just look up. There is often a great deal of space between the counter tops and ceiling that just isn t being used in a kitchen. Look at the space above the refrigerator. Is yours just collecting dust or take out menus? If so, add a cabinet and you ve got a great place to store seldom used platters or treats you want to keep hidden from the children.

Kitchen cabinets also don t have to be limited to one side of the countertop. If your kitchen design has a peninsula or island, you can use the ends and back side for more cabinet storage space.
Kitchen cabinets come in more styles and finishes that you can imagine. However, if your budget is limited then you don t need to replace them for an entirely new look. Cabinet refacing lets you select cabinet patterns that are up to date and beautiful.

New countertops don t always need to be included in this home improvement project either. Laminate countertops come with repair strips that will give new life to a worn surface.

Laying Out Completely New Kitchen Designs

If your budget calls for a complete renovation, then now is the time to really think about layouts and maybe calling in some specialist. The basic theory is that there should be no more than 2 steps between work stations. That means you should be able to go from the sink to stove in 2 steps; from the range to the refrigerator in 2 steps and so on. However, with today s extra large sized kitchens that s not the case any more. You still should choose layouts that consider how much time it takes to accomplish the normal tasks of putting dishes away from the dishwasher or getting foods from the refrigerator to the stove.

The newest gadgets in these mega kitchens make timesaving and energy efficiency into an art form. There are refrigerator drawers right next to the range and microwaves that brew your coffee while making your toast!

Fixtures and Furniture

The finishing touches are what make kitchen designs more inviting than ever. The furnishings, light fixtures and even the cabinet hardware can make kitchens into real living rooms. Look for task lighting that can highlight work spaces and then radiant lighting for atmosphere. You can even turn the legs of old furniture or newel posts into bases for centre islands to make you kitchen furnishings blend with the rest of the house. Get creative and enjoy doing much more than cooking in your new kitchen.
2024
About the author:
Guy Morris is author and designer of the website http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com. He is featuring kitchen cabinets and articles on kitchen designs http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com/kitchen-designs.html.

by: Allan Wilson
As we love to have a comfortable place to sleep so do the animals. So there are various types of beds for the pets to give them a comfortable sleep. Most of us have the dog as a pet. For the pets we specially have these beds designed for their fullest comfort. This type of beds mainly includes the outdoors beds, luxury beds, and puppy beds. For the various types of
dogs there are various types of beds like the large dog beds and the small dog beds. Whereas when we look out for a bed for a cat then there are various types of beds depending upon the breed and the size of the cat.

Comfort and luxury:

The beds not only provide comfort but also look great due to the
material used. Some of the pet beds are made up of the micro velvet nylon. The specialty of this is that it is washable. Due to the flexibility of the pet bed it can be used in traveling. The other advantages of these beds are that the machine can wash it and the covers are also removable and replaceable. Pet beds are available in various colors.

Material used for the pet beds:

The material used is not just for comfort but for style also. There are various types and sizes of these pet beds. Some of the pet beds are rectangular in shape. The material used for the pet bed is polyfiber, which is washable and removable. There are various sizes of the beds right from small to extra large. Some pet beds are round in shape for the protection of the animal. These beds are used specially when the animal is small in size
or by age. The thick inner cushion provides with the fullest comfort to the animal.

Other varieties of pet beds:

The other varieties of pet beds mainly include the ones with the shape of a doughnut while others are reversible. The reversible beds have an advantage that both sides can use them. The inner cushion is removable and it can be washed easily. Some of these pet beds have an additional advantage of a crate pad.

Bed for cats:

The beds for cats are mainly required so that they are shielded from the winter and protected from the floor, which is cold. Most of the cat beds are made specially considering the window or the porch. To make the cats more comfortable the beds have a system of heating. This controls the temperature of the
bed and the cats are prot2024d from cold.

Other advantages of the Pet beds:

The pet beds give the animals their own space and the house has a more organized look. These beds can be bought online also.

About the author:
For more interesting articles about home improvement, home decor and generally anything that helps improve your home then please visit: http://www.pokingaroundthehome.com

by: Alison Cole
Are you handy? Think you can build a gazebo from scratch? There are plenty of gazebo plans available free in libraries and online. There are also blueprints available for fees ranging from $8 to $200. The more expensive gazebo plans are architectural blueprints, which are much more specific and best suited to the experienced contractor. But a talented home improvement buff can make good use of the less expensive options available.

A good free gazebo plan is available from the Build Eazy website. There you will find links to complete plans for 5 basic gazebos of varying sizes and styles to suit most tastes and uses. There plans are free.

There are several things to think about before starting to build a gazebo. You will need some basic carpentry tools such as a level and a screw gun. You will also need a compound miter saw or sliding compound miter saw. These machines afford the angular cutting abilities you will need when fashioning the various sections of the gazebo. The sliding version is best for larger pieces of wood.

You can either bolt the gazebo to a concrete slab or pre-existing wood floor, or you can create the gazebo with a built-in floor. In the latter case, you will need to pour one concrete pier for each post. Contact your local building department to find out how deep the concrete piers should be, and whether there are any underground cables you should try to avoid.

Three kinds of woods are commonly used to build outdoor structures: pine, cedar, and redwood. Pine is the softest and easiest to work with, but it decomposes the fastest. Cedar and redwood are harder and more expensive, but age well.

Alternatively, you can build a metal or vinyl gazebo. But unless you have all the heavy machinery for fabricating the parts, you ll need to buy a gazebo kit. These come in sections for you to assemble using the included hardware. A level and a screw gun are usually all that are needed. You might need help from a buddy, especially for the roof sections.

There are lots of options when it comes to building your own gazebo, and you don t have to be a carpentry star to get really good results. And just think, when you re done building your gazebo, you can sit inside it and just enjoy the shade.

About the author:
Gazebos Info provides detailed information about spa, garden, patio, canopy, screened, metal, and vinyl gazebos, as well as gazebo plans and kits. Gazebos Info is the sister site of Awnings Web.

by: David Chandler
Most people would like to revitalize their interior walls with some
colorful paint, but are too afraid to make the leap from off-white or
beige. The homeowner is afraid that a daring color choice may not
match their furniture, will be too bright, and have a host of other
reasons.

Painting your walls is a basic element of design and can enhance
any room for only $50. Your furniture and artwork can take on a
new look with a designer flare just by painting your walls.

So, the first question you may ask is how do I choose the right
color? Below are some recommendations to help you choose.

The first recommendation is to choose a tinted neutral. Instead of
choosing rich, deep colors for your first project, you will likely feel
more comfortable with a neutral color such as beige or gray and
thus will not date the room or create a jarring palate that you will
easily tire of.

At your local home improvement store, you will be faced with a sea
of color swatches – hundr2024of versions of basic beige and gray to
choose from. So before you visit your local paint store, consider
these steps in choosing the right color for you.

If you like the feel of a warm and cozy room – think of fireplaces,
brown leather and sunsets – then you’ll want to start with a beige
tone.

Now, consider your furniture and accessories. What colors do you
see? If you have a lot of black or navy, you may wish to choose
beige with orange or pink undertones to keep the look warm. If
you have browns or reds in your furniture, select cooler beige with
ashy tones to avoid ‘overheating’ your room.

If you prefer a cooler, airy look – chrome, glass, and shades of icy
blue – then select gray tones. Some stores will have a ‘true gray’
color swatch which you can use to compare with their designer
selections. On comparison, you will notice that each gray has
undertones. Some will have blue or lavender tones; others may
have green or even a hint of pink.

Using the same guide as stated above, identify the main colors of
furniture and accessories in the room. Use green or pink toned
grey with cool toned furnishings to avoid it from feeling like an
icebox. Use blue or lavender undertones in rooms with warmer
colored furnishings.

If you undecided between beige and gray, than the easiest color
to work with is green. Keeping it in a muted tone will make it very
easy to live with, and will work with most color palates.

Painting your rooms with color will bring a finishing designer touch
to your home.

A Primer on Selecting and Using the Right Table Saw
by: Jim Laframboise

Just imagine – the sharp, toothed blades of a table saw ripping through your stack of wood, cross cutting them with pinpoint accuracy on the marked line. Or consider this scenario: trimming little pieces of wood to create a straight cut catering to the dimensions of a life-size model dollhouse. Making accurate cuts cannot be stressed enough in the woodworking game. Marking and cutting precisely along the layout line may seem like a science, but it does not need to be. By realizing the intricacies of an adept table saw, you’ll work like a pro.
To begin with, table saws are very versatile pieces of cutting equipment. They have the capacity to tackle both thin and thick pieces of wood and adapt with different cutting methods like ripping, beveling (forming a cut angle other than a 90 degree angle) and mitering. The trademark home improvement tool, table saws have a less margin of error than widely misused circular saws that have a tendency to mis-cut from time to time. It all begins and ends with the type of blade used. Most standard table saws are equipped with a 10-inch carbide blade, excellent for general-purpose use. However, the introduction of new & improved blades into the market has created a variety of cutting options for the wood shopper. Replace carbide blades with the 12″ 60T (tooth) Tungsten Carbide Tipped Saw Blade and you can really notice a major difference in each cut.

Choosing the right table saw requires a bit of strategical thinking and an analysis of your current woodshop situation. Table saws for under $200 are for occasional-use suitable for fast ripping on small lengths of wood. $200 to $400 table saws are frequent use, mid-range machines excellent for taking care of most ripping jobs. Investing in a $400 plus table saw remains your best bet for extensive woodworking projects like carpentry and furniture making. They are powered by quieter motors and cover a large surface area with more cut depth, taking on the thickest slabs reserved for the most hardcore woodworkers.

If you frequently cover large, intensive projects – look for a table saw with more work-support surface. Many saws come with table extensions that allow them to cut more towards the center of the wood piece. However, the portable table saw is the No. 1 option for polished woodworkers today. It is more convenient than bulkier, heavier table saws and usually constructed with aluminum for easy transport. In addition, leg sets could be purchased to complement its use. Adjustments to different depth and range of cuts are done by simply raising and lowering the blade according to wood thickness. In addition, blades can be tilted to conquer bevel cuts. Whatever you do – make sure you install blade guards or have a locking fence come standard with it. Your fingers are for using, not for disposing carelessly. With the right table saw selecting mindset, you should be able to purchase the right table saw that you’ll use for years to come.

by: Marcus Peterson
The quality of the wear layer determines frequency of refinishing of hardwood floors. Poor quality products can not withstand being refinished even once. The thicker the wear layer, the more refinishing it can withstand. Good quality engineered flooring can be refinished two or three times depending on subfloor s smoothness and experience of refinisher.

Refinishing a hardwood floor is a time consuming process and requires the proper techniques, tools and patience for the best results. The process consists of three stages: sanding, staining and finishing. You can rent a floor sander from a home improvement store or flooring company. It is a heavy equipment you may need assistance in using it. Remove any nails, staples or tacks from the floor to prevent tearing the sand paper. Use 20 grit sandpaper in the sander. Make sure that sander follows wood grain direction instead of across the grain. If the machine is switched on, it should not remain static. After sanding entire floor, replace 20 grit sandpaper with 100 grit paper to remove lines and scratches on the floor. The room should be well ventilated while sanding, and it is important to wear a dust mask.

After sanding, you may either stain your floor it or leave as it is. Sweep sawdust after sanding is completed. Fine dust can be removed with shop vacuum. If you choose to stain your floor, apply stain in the corner to see whether it is of your choice or not. With the help of brush apply stain in the room. Then you can even it with rag. If required, coat once more after the first coat dries. Let the floor dry completely. Then go for the finish. Work area should be ventilated properly as vapors in the finish are harmful to your health. Mix the finish well in the container. Use a brush or roller to apply the finish. Drying may take over three hours. Apply second coat which should be left and least overnight, and up to three days, for drying.

Refinishing is a means to increase durability of the floor and enhance its appearance, and is a three-stage process of sanding, staining, and finishing.

About the author:
Hard Wood Floors provides detailed information on installing, cleaning and refinishing various types of hardwood floors, including engineered, solid, long-strip, exotic, pre-finished, and cheap hardwood floors. Hard Wood Floors is the sister site of Bamboo Flooring Web.

by: Robert Clarke
Anyone with older aluminum siding is well aware of the paint chalking problem. Just rub your hand along the old siding and the chalky old paint will be all over your palm. Trying to get paint to stick to this could be a real problem. This is due to oxidation of the paint. Siding manufacturers originally referred to this problem as a benefit . They called it, self cleaning , as the paint literally washed off the house.

Older vinyl siding is also a problem. UV light fades vinyl siding over time and the siding becomes very unsightly.

Many unfortunate homeowners and contractors have experienced the dismay, when they repainted their homes, only to find the new paint peeling off a few months later. Both problems with older aluminum and vinyl siding can be overcome with proper cleaning, surface preparation and re-painting.

Cleaning

You will need to rent a powerful pressure washer with at least 3000 psi. You will want a pressure washer powerful enough to remove most of the old chalky paint off the aluminum siding or, to remove any dirt buildup on the old vinyl siding.

Start at the top course of siding and work your way down. You will need to keep the pressure wand fairly close to the siding surface to effectively remove the old paint. In some areas, you may find that the paint comes off to the bare metal. Be careful near windows, corners, soffits and doorways. The water under pressure, can be forced behind these areas causing damage. You can add TSP or other cleaning solutions to the reservoir for mildew, algae or other grime built up. If you do use a cleaning solution, be sure to completely rinse it off with your pressure washer. You should allow your home to dry for several days in dry, sunny weather before proceeding to the painting process.

If you are repainting vinyl siding or vinyl coated aluminum siding, you may need a surface de-glosser. This is a solvent type product used to remove any shine on the surface and to help your first coat to adhere better. You will have no trouble finding a good de-glosser at your local paint supply store.

Application

I like a commercial type 2024ess sprayer. It will draw the paint directly out of your 5 gallon paint pails, through the hose and into your spray gun. These are available to rent at many tool rental locations and even some paint supply stores that supply contractors. If your paint is real high quality latex, it will be thicker than regular latex paint and will require a more powerful airless sprayer.

Priming

This step is equally as critical as the step above. Actually, the cleaning and surface preparation phases will make or break the results of your project.

I like a latex paint additive called emulsa-bond for the first coat. Emulsa-bond is a bonding agent you will add to the first coat of paint or primer, to help it to bond to the old siding.

I buy the best grade exterior latex paint, rather than oil or other solvent based paint. Latex paint seems to keep up with the expansion and contraction of the siding very well. The high quality latex paint I buy needs no primer. I add the bonding agent directly into the first color coat. Check with your paint supplier whether or not to use a primer. The rule of thumb is, when in doubt, use a primer. If you use a primer, add the bonding agent into it before applying. There are also bonding agents available for oil or other solvent based paints. One type is called penetrol. These are usually available at a painting contractor supply store.

Many contractors will spot prime areas, especially where bare metal is exposed. I don t like spot priming because it can lead to an uneven looking top coat. When I put a primer coat on, I prime the entire home. This gives a uniform surface finish later on.

Finish Coat

Your top coat will be color only. You should check with your paint manufacturer to see if you need one or two top coats after the base coat. Like I mentioned above, buy the highest quality exterior paint.

In Conclusion

Proper cleaning and surface preparation are the two main ingredients to a successful painting job. A bonding agent in the first coat is also very critical to avoid paint peeling off later on. Using these techniques, I ve re-painted homes that have lasted far longer than the original factory applied finish.

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You may reprint the above article in your electronic or print newsletter; however, please include my byline and bio and keep the article intact. I retain all copyrights.

About the author:
Robert Clarke has operated home improvement companies over the last 30 years. He is the owner of ContractorsUSA,Inc, a nationwide contractor referral service at http://www.contractorsusa.info/. Get more information about aluminum and vinyl siding at http://www.contractorsusa.info/install-vinyl-siding.html

by: ARA
(ARA) – Reality shows have saturated television programming, especially in the area of home and garden design. You can trade spaces with a neighbor, enlist a professional to recreate a high-end designer room on a budget or secretly call in a design team to remake a room as a surprise for a loved one. This makes for compelling television watching . . . especially when the transformed spaces and the shocked reactions of the room makeover victims are revealed. But these reality shows are not real. They do little to showcase the benefits of working with professional interior designers who can help you trade spaces, change rooms or design on a dime, but better.

Although some design show hosts have a formal education and professional background in interior design, many do not. The professional design talent would be the first to tell you that the magical world of television, with its strategic editing and instant gratification, is far different from the real world of interior design where good results require careful planning, patience and expectations.

Although a design show s budget may be $500 to $1,000, that amount doesn t include the cost of hiring and using professional labor. These shows have designers and multiple contractors on staff who make sure the inexpensive supplies are translated into aesthetically pleasing (although not necessarily functional, practical or safe) furniture, accessories, window treatments and wallcoverings.

After watching episodes of these shows, some viewers may mistakenly believe that any home improvement project can be accomplished within a very limited price range and a smidgen of time, creating unrealistic expectations that can only lead to disappointment. Disillusionment will turn into delight, however, if you take the time to find and hire the right professional interior designer who can develop a design solution and practical budget specific to your needs.

Qualified interior designers can make a huge impact when it comes to home renovation and remodeling. Designers are creative problem solvers who can analyze lifestyles and needs, optimize traffic flow, organize and effectively use available spaces, select color palettes, and interpret personal preferences. And unlike most of the design reality shows, professional designers listen and adhere to their clients needs and preferences before recommending a design course to take.

If you are an avid do-it-yourselfer, a designer can set a cohesive renovation plan so you can tackle your own project efficiently, realistically and on budget. When a job is more complicated, a designer can assemble a team of specialists, provide access to a variety of resources that you might not be familiar with and seamlessly manage your entire project from beginning to end. Designers can be consulted for their skills and expertise at any level of need or any size or scope of project. You ll find that the collaboration between homeowner and designer leads to tremendous results, which will exceed expectations. Best of all, you ll be surprised at how little designer fees add to the overall renovation budget, especially when you factor in eliminating the risk of costly mistakes.

Design reality shows have made the world of interior design accessible to viewers of all ages, income levels and cultures. People are learning that a well-designed space increases functionality and contributes to a family s sense of well being. You should view these shows as a source of inspiration and entertainment, but work with a professional interior designer to create a home you can live in and enjoy for years to come.

To find out how to locate a qualified interior designer in your community, check out the American Society of Interior Designers free Worldwide Referral Service at www.interiors.org. To learn how to choose and work with an interior designer, go to the ASID Web site at www.asid.org.

Courtesy of ARA Content

2024 About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content

by: Mike Yeager
Bathrooms aren’t just about the basics but are about the bathroom accessories! Bathrooms have become places to relax and unwind. They are not just for doing your business and leaving. People have spent time in designing a place to find peace and quiet! And the bathroom accessories that you have in there will help accomplish this!

Yes, bathrooms have toilets and bathroom sinks. Yes, there are reasons that we need these spaces in our homes beyond for the point of relaxing, but these rooms can be stylish and elegant or fun and relaxing just the same. Some might think, a toilet is a toilet. Go into any home improvement store and find the aisle of toilets. Yes, there are many to choose from. Its not just about which works the best. No, its about how the look and feel. There are lots of different options even for toilets!

Now consider the other bathroom accessories that you can customize to your liking to create the bathroom of your dreams. For instance, bathroom lighting fixtures. Bathroom light fixtures come in many options. Some may be bright and seem simple while others may be funky and fun. In different colors, shapes, styles these can add an added touch of sophistication or style. Or, maybe adding lighting that is dim and smooth as opposed to bright. This can create a great atmosphere for relaxing.

Other bathroom fixtures to think about are bathroom faucets and bathroom sinks to think about as well. In every aspect of the bathroom, you will find different styles, shapes, and colors all to help make the bathroom of your dreams. Many options can be put together to show an overall style of the bathroom. Many can carry the same theme throughout the bathroom as well. So, there are many things you can do to create a great bathroom.

Adding bathroom accessories will help you create the bathroom of your dreams. A place to come home to, to relax and find peace and quiet.

About the author:
Mike Yeager
Publisher
http://www.a1-bathroom-4u.com/

by: Jimmy Sturo
Roman shades are a simple and practical window treatment to accent a room or to provide privacy from bright sun or noisy neighbors. A Roman shade is a piece of fabric that is mounted at the top of a window. The fabric is pleated such that when the Roman shade s string is pulled, the fabric folds up in regular intervals. Not only does it look better than a boring plastic shade, it uses less fabric than other window treatments making it a cheaper alternative to ornate window treatments.

Classic Roman shades have overlapping folds when the shade is lowered, but more different treatments do exist. Flat Roman shades have no folds when the shade is lowered. These shades, when made with sheer or light fabric, can soften bright southern lighting into a subtle, soothing light. A more elaborate sunburst Roman shade has extra fabric at the bottom, which is folded into a half-sunburst. These cheerful shades are perfect for breakfast nooks, in the kitchen, or in a young girl s room.

Roman shades can be made at home or purchased. Making your own Roman shade will be an exercise in mathematical patience. The fabric must be fitted to the window, and the hooks to draw the Roman shade up must be placed at regular intervals. Patterned fabrics are more challenging because the patterns should not clash when the Roman shade is raised. Roman shades for sale only need to be installed and come in varieties an amateur may find to difficult to make. For example, some stores like JC Penney, sell cordless Roman shades perfect for houses with small children. Roman shades for sale come in hundreds of fabrics or even made of wood. The least expensive Roman shades start at around $30. Interior designers can also make Roman shades just for you, but these will be more expensive than store-bought or homemade Roman shades.

Visit home improvement stores or search online for Roman shade ideas, instructions, or even to purchase Roman shades perfect for your home.

About the author:
Roman Shades Info provides detailed information about bamboo, fabric, discount, and custom Roman shades, as well as advice on how to make Roman shades, and more. Roman Shades Info is the sister site of Shutters Web.