Archive for June, 2007
Looking for something different?
I found this wonderful site today that has so many different things that are great if your looking for just that thing to make your room special. They carry things that you really wont see anywhere else, such as tables that look like books, and This classic Da Vinci image That comes to life in a synergy of art and history as a substantial bas-relief wall sculpture.
I have already set aside a huge wish list from this site as it really is wonderful. They also have wonderful mirrors that you can use in your fung shui designing.
One thing I really like about this site is they have a Gothic section, I have a good friend who is really into the Gothic lifestyle and she is opening a clothing store soon, she was looking for some great things to decorate it with. Of course she asked me where I would go and I didn’t have an answer for her, now I do! That really is how I found the site. This item really caught my eye for her shop, Gothic-style dragon talons that seem to claw their way right through your wall!
So check it out if your looking for something different and fun for your home.
Cleaning up
One of the hardest things for people to do is organize anything. Some people have a knack for it, but most do not. So what are some things that you can to to keep yourself from living in a zoo like environment?
One way is to go through everything and toss what is old, broken, really dirty or what is just not used anymore, then take a look at what you have. Do you really need all of these items? If yes decide where you use them, in the kitchen, living room, bedroom? Once you decide that, put them away, yes I know easer said then done, but theres more.
If your short on storage and cash, first check out garage sales, these are great places to find inexpensive storage or furniture that can be used for storage, keep in eye out for deep bookcases or shelves. Baskets are another great find, keep them small so that you can use them in the shelves.
Another way to keep down clutter is to work out a weekly cleaning schedule, again I know easer said then done, if your a active family that doesn’t have much time, work out a daily pick up schedule that has each person doing on small thing, be it take out one garbage can or dust on piece of furniture, you can write up one chore for each person in the house to do everyday, or every other day.
The last thing I want to say is make sure you have plenty of good storage, if you can’t reach it or open it, it’s not good storage, find something else.
Tips for summer decorating
With spring comes an urge to bring in the new, and with summer, the urge to celebrate with friends and spend time outdoors. With all of the fabulously frivolous and reasonably-priced interior design ideas out there, why not indulge a little?
Plastic Tableware
You see it everywhere, bursting off the shelves in a riotous cacophony of bold color. Plastic tableware and outdoor decorations are an inexpensive way to give voice to your creative side. One interior design tip to keep in mind when shopping for acrylic serving sets: keep it cheap. Part of the fun of buying low-cost deck accessories is that you get to replace them next year.
Silk Plants
Those who consider it kinder to refrain from torturing live plants into an early grave with our black thumb must be thankful for silk. The use of silk plants is a wonderful interior design tip for summer as well as winter. Some spaces just are not plant friendly. For those, placing a few silk plants around the area adds a cooling, calming illusion. Remember to clean your silk plants periodically as they tend to collect dust and other allergens.
Funky Lighting
Patio lights come in a style and flavor to fit every taste. Careful use of these fun accessories in an enclosed deck or solarium is another great summer interior design idea. You can even deny your Christmas lights their summer hiatus and turn these areas into an enchanted summer getaway. No matter your lifestyle, there are interior design ideas to fit your budget and make your summer sizzle at home.
How to Texture Drywall
Step One
Purchase a large bucket of premixed drywall joint compound from your local home improvement center, lumberyard or hardware store. (A 4 gallon pail will cost you about $15.) Also pick up a wide-bladed taping knife or straight-edged trowel (8 to 12 inches wide–—less than $10) for spreading a thin coat of the compound on the wall.
Step Two
Remove everything from the walls including switch plates and receptacle covers. Clear furniture away from the wall to be textured and cover it. Spread drop cloths on the floor.
Step Three
Strip any wallpaper before texturing. The high moisture content of the drywall compound can cause wallpaper to loosen–—and leave you with a time-consuming mess.
Step Four
Start by edging all along the baseboard, corners and ceilings with a thin layer of the compound. About 1/8 of an inch is fine unless you want a very rough texture, in which case you will want to go thicker. You don’t have to be exact–—after all, a varied texture is what you’re looking for.
Step Five
Cover only a small area at one time until you figure out how fast you can work. Drywall compound stays workable for a fairly long time, but don’t get carried away with how much area you try to cover at once.
Step Six
Create texture in a wide assortment of ways: use old paintbrushes, wallpaper brushes or sponges to stroke or swirl texture on the wet surface; use your fingers to make all kind of designs; use stencils to apply pre-created designs. One fun idea is to have your children make hand prints and footprints in the wet surface. Anything goes.
Step Seven
Alternate between applying the compound and texturing it until the entire wall is covered.
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