Improving The Look of Damaged Walls in Your Home

Author: Jake Marsh

There are a number of issues why your walls might not be easy to get looking great. Maybe you have an older home that has had patching done to the drywall, or 1970s wood paneling in some of the rooms, or just a poor drywall installation job. If you're looking at buying a home that has wood paneling or had previous tenants who might not have been as drywall friendly as you would have liked them to be, don't fret! There are lots of options available for you that do not involve ripping out the wall and starting over.

While it is possible to just paint over wood paneling to brighten it up, some people prefer to wallpaper over it as well. With either option, make sure to clean your paneling with some TSP first and then prime it. If your paneling has deep groove in it you will want to use a wall paper liner that provides a buffer between the paneling and the paper. This helps keep the grooves in the panels from showing through. There are some thicker wall papers that can also be used with paneling but you are likely to get better results with a paper if there's a liner used underneath.

For an unusual wallpaper alternative, there is a marble faux finish paper that is unique in that you don't hang it in strips. Instead you tear the paper and wet it, then overlap the pieces. This gives the wall no seam lines and makes it a lot easier to hang by yourself. The product claims to cover narrow groove paneling with no filling as well, making it a good option for anyone tired of dark wood walls.

Another interesting option for walls with minor damage is textured vinyl wallpaper that you can paint. The paper comes with repeating designs, many of them plaster textures but there are also geometrics and florals ranging from traditional designs to modern patterns. There are even designs that mimic Victorian tin ceiling tiles if you care to paper your home's ceiling. You can leave these designs white, or paint them to match your decor.

For those with a more modular mind, there are wallpaper tiles and textured wall tiles made from a variety of wood or bamboo fibres on the market. These tiles can be large tiles of wallpaper that you can purchase by the square to mix and match colours or three dimensional sculpted tiles that you can leave white or paint to match your home decor. Because these 3-d tiles have such a pronounced texture to them, they can cover some fairly serious wall texture problems.

If your wall just needs a minor little fix or is just really boring, consider the possibility of wall stickers or wallpaper cut outs. Thankfully, we've moved along from the old days of the tacky wall paper border. Take a look online or at your favourite paint and paper store for ideas of what's out there. Don't let the kids have all the fun either because while some designs would be fabulous in a child's room, there are many neat designs that would perk up any room in the house.

Remember, no matter if you're looking to perk up your existing home or considering buying a home that needs some love, there are many options out there to make your space truly a reflection of you. Do some research into what kinds of options are available to see what would work best in your space and remember to have fun!

About the Author:

The Affinity Group is a prominent name in Denver real estate, with agents specializing in working with both buyers and sellers of real estate throughout the Denver area. Visit JakeMarsh.com for details about their services, property listings, and information about finding beautiful Arvada homes for sale.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Improving The Look of Damaged Walls in Your Home

How to get a Traditional Kitchen design

Author: bloom media

Many people are turning to a traditional kitchen design these days. It seems that the basic kitchen look is making a strong comeback after being down to the classy and new-age look. The traditional kitchen is one that, while it looks nice, is very functional. The kitchen will use many natural colors and materials. It will also use light to accent and highlight different aspects of the kitchen. Of course, as with any design there are many different options that you will have to make to create a kitchen that is truly your own.

Things you'll need:

- new cabinetry (or simply new cabinet doors)
- wood or stone tile
- marble, concrete or stone counter tops
- hanging, track lighting
- recessed ceiling lights
- under cabinet lighting kit
- paint, paint brushes and drop cloths

Step One:
Choose the colors of wood and walls that you want to use in your kitchen. This will help you choose the rest of the materials that you will need. If you need help picking out colors, look online at what other people have done and find a style that you like. These colors should be natural however. Many times an off-white with a black accent or a cherry wood with a dark accent color. If you want a lighter accent color you can choose an oak with a light accent color.

Step Two:
Cover everything in the kitchen and paint the walls the accent color that you desire. In most kitchens the walls aren't seen much, so you will not need a lot of this particular color of paint.

Step Three:
Order and install new cabinetry based on the wood color that you selected for your new traditional kitchen. You will be better off having someone come in and install the cabinets for you also. If you don't want to spend the money on getting all new cabinets, then look for companies that offer the doors only. Many times this can save you hundreds and it will still give you the same traditional look. You will want to include a couple of cabinet doors that have glass windows on them and display your nicer china or glasses in there.

Step Four:
Put up some under- and in-cabinet lighting. Your cabinet company can do this or you can do it separately. These lighting sets come in kits and you will want to make sure that you can put some lighting in the cabinets that have the windows on them as well as illuminating the area underneath the cabinets.

Step Five:
Replace the flooring that you have, unless you already have a stone tile or wood floor. The flooring you choose should either match your counter top or the cabinetry. Either way, have a professional come in and install the floor for you as well.

Step Six:
Choose a new marble, granite, concrete or stone counter top. These counter tops can be very costly, so if you are looking save a little money you can purchase smaller slabs of counter top and have them lay them together. Multiple smaller slabs are much cheaper than one large slab. This counter top should contrast the color of the cabinets that you have selected.

Step Seven:
Put up recessed ceiling lighting. This type of lighting is economical and easy to install. Normally the kits are pretty cheap as well. This lighting will give you a softer, more calm light in your kitchen. The soothing light will help bring out the natural glow of the cabinets and counter top.

Step Eight:
Install track lighting above the island, if you have one. This type of lighting offers a more direct light while still being a softer tone. These lighting structures are also a great piece of décor that you can add to your kitchen.

Tips:

- Look at photos of other traditional kitchens for any additional ideas. Remember, it is your kitchen so do with it what you please.
- If you want to spend the money, a skylight is a great way to pull in more natural light and can literally transform a kitchen.

About the Author:

Nasreen Haque

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How to get a Traditional Kitchen design

Arizona Doors and Windows - So Many Options Are Available To Improve Your Home

Author: Joel Mclaughlin

Even better than a fresh coat of paint on your house is the look of a brand new Phoenix Arizona front door. Nothing stands out on a house more than the front door, and you undoubtedly want your home to leave a lasting impression of elegance and charm on your neighbors, friends, and passersby. There are many materials from which your new front door could be created, so no matter what your style, you’re likely to find exactly the door you want for your home. Traditional wood continues to be a popular favorite, and many are including artistic glass pieces in the center to add a touch of refinement. Metal doors are even more sturdy and durable than wood, and therefore make a popular choice among many, especially parents. Fiberglass is growing in popularity as a beautiful material from which doors can be created as well, and for those who love the environment, recycled materials can also be used to furnish the new entrance of your home.

Windows are another wise investment that will add beauty to the look of your home. There are so many windows styles to choose from that you may actually want to try some new styles altogether, rather than just replacements that will update your old windows. One of the most popular types of window that many people like is the awning style. This beautiful window opens upward to replicate the look of an awning above your window, so it’s a must-have on the front portion of homes for many consumers. Conventional casement windows also continue to be popular, but more and more people are looking into specialty and custom Phoenix Arizona windows as well. Since these windows are offered in a variety of shapes and sizes, it probably won’t be difficult for you to find a style you like. But just in case it is, custom designed windows are also an option that you can easily consider.

Besides the simple fact that your new windows and doors will be beautiful and eye-catching to the entire neighborhood, you can also save money on your monthly utility bills when you buy windows and doors that are energy-efficient. When windows and doors are energy-efficient, it basically means that your home will remain at a moderate temperature year-round despite what the weather man may have in mind. You can also purchase windows and doors with added storm protection included right in the materials. If you live in an environment where the weather is less than ideal or the elements are severe and damaging to the exterior of your home, you can take comfort in these types of storm protection materials. They can protect your front doors from the wear and tear of salty sea air or battering rain. They can also help keep the sun’s powerful rays from penetrating so greatly through your windows, so the beautiful red chair you have next to the bay window won’t be turning a dull pink color anytime soon.

About the Author:

Joel McLaughlin
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Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Arizona Doors and Windows - So Many Options Are Available To Improve Your Home

Italian designs

Many homeowners today still perceive European kitchen designs to be chunky and expensive. However, this is not true with Italian kitchen designs. Designs from Italy has always been in the forefront. Every year, Italian kitchen designs are showcased in International exhibitions all over the world, and they have received excellent feedback. Let's take a look at some of the reasons why this remains to be true today.


Reason 1: Sleek and streamlined designs.


Italian kitchens are well known to come in sleek and simple designs. For this reason, you can expect Italian designs to be more contemporary and modern looking. Of course, there are also traditional designs available if that is your preference. Most homeowners still prefer the simple but practical approach that Italian designs offer.


Compared to other European designs, which are mostly custom made, Italian designs are much simpler, and definitely less costly. A homeowner can even bring the entire kitchen along to a new home. It helps to have materials that are generally lighter. But there is another factor - its modular structure.


Reason 2: Modular structure.


The homeowner can bring the kitchen along when moving because the different parts of the kitchen can be easily taken apart, and easily fitted back again. You can't do that with a custom fit kitchen. Due to the modular structure of Italian designs, many homeowners end up saving a huge amount of money in installation fees.


Reason 3: Voids under cupboards and benches.


This is a unique characteristic of Italian kitchen designs. Voids are built-in deliberately to create the illusion of a bigger kitchen. This is possible because of the minimalist approach that Italian designs adopt. The next time you come across an Italian design, take a step back and observe closely. Most likely, you will see that the kitchen appears larger than most others.


Reason 4: Thinness is key.


Bench tops, cupboards, table tops, etc. are all created thinly. Having thin furniture in the kitchen means a few things. Firstly, everything is a little lighter and are therefore easier to handle. Secondly, this creates a modern look and feel that you can't achieve with thick materials.


Reason 5: Easily integrated with kitchen appliances.


No kitchen is complete without the right kitchen appliances. Such appliances include huge items like hood, stove, fridge, and other small items like kettles, utensils, etc. The goal here is to maintain a consistent look throughout the whole kitchen. For example, since this is an Italian kitchen, don't go around putting bulky items in the kitchen. In the midst of the simplistic design, those items will surely look out of place. Consult your kitchen designer on the right type of appliance to buy for your new kitchen design. Your designer probably already has a few ideas in mind. All you need to do is to choose the design that you like best. Kitchen appliances that go best with Italian kitchens are those that adopt a similar approach - minimalistic, simple, and contemporary looking.

About the Author:


Contact us on our website if you are looking for modern italian kitchen or italian kitchens.

Interior Decorating With Wood Blinds and Shutters

Author: David Kraft

Adding wood blinds or shutters to a room's interior is a great and popular way for homeowners to add a sense of warmth and elegance. Both options will help to add sun protection to any room and will add privacy and additional insulation from heat or cold. You can't go wrong with either choice, and ultimately the decision comes down to what you like the most for your home.



Available in a wide variety of colors, finishes, and sizes, wood shutters have withstood the test of time and are a staple of modern interiors. Plantation shutters differ from traditional shutters in that their louvers are a bit larger and have a more contemporary look. Both plantation and wood shutters are extremely easy to clean, adding to their appeal.



Shutters come in painted or wood stains in both wood and faux wood styles and will enhance nearly any room. If you have odd shaped windows, do not fear - shutters can be purchased in custom shapes to fit a wide variety of window shapes. Finally, shutters are the only window treatment considered an improvement to a home that ads value to the house by the IRS, so they truly are an investment.



Shutters can be found in different variations to fit a wide array of window styles as well as personal preferences. Shutter openings can be split vertically in the middle of the shutter or in multiple vertical panels. They can also be split horizontally, allowing independent control of the top and bottom of the window. Although shutters look like a simple DIY project, you are likely best served by hiring a professional to install them, ensuring proper leveling and attachment.



Similar to wood shutters, wood blinds are a bit less expensive and are normally available in the same variety of materials, colors, and finishes. When installing wood blinds or shutters, pay attention to make sure that the finish matches the trim of the window to create consistency. Like shutters, wood blinds can be bought with different sizes of slats to get the interior look that you want.



If you are looking to add visual appeal and warmth to doors or windows, you can't go wrong with wooden blinds. They can be mounted inside or outside of a window casing and are available in custom sizes to fit most windows. They can also be mounted vertically or horizontally to get the look that you want.



The truth is that you cannot go wrong with either wooden blinds or shutters. In the end, it comes down to what kind of personal preference you have. Both will add visual appeal and will give you more light and insulation control. Both can be custom fit to most windows and are available in a number of colors and finishes. For an even better look, enhance your blinds or shutters with fabric window treatments. This is especially important in rooms with a lot of blinds or shutters as the fabric can help to break up all the wood.

About the Author:
David Kraft is a freelance writer with many areas of interest and specialization. For more information about Denver Plantation Shutters please check out his Denver blinds site.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/interior-decorating-with-wood-blinds-and-shutters-811168.html

Selecting Living Room Curtains

Author: David Beart

It is time to select your living room curtains and you are in a panic. You have visited all the stores, viewed all the choices and still don't know what to choose. As with all design decisions, there is no right or wrong choice. But there are some guidelines that might make selecting your living room curtains a little bit easier.



Style is one of the first things to consider. This will be determined by the style of furniture you have chosen, the size and shape of your windows and even the architecture of your home.



The most common style of curtain is the pinch pleat drape. Fabric is gathered at the top of the drapery and "pinched" together creating a pleat. It is then attached to a curtain rod with a small metal clip at the back of the pleats. This treatment offers a full and luxurious look but can be expensive due to the amount of fabric needed.

A less expensive option is the tab top curtain. In this style a tab of fabric simply loops over the curtain rod allowing the drape to hang to the floor. This look offers a casual and relaxed feel to a room.



A contemporary version of the tab top drape would be the grommet top. Large grommets are placed at the top of fabric and a rod is woven through. A grommet is a hole in the fabric surrounded by a metal ring. Using this style in your room will create a clean and contemporary look.



If you have a beautiful view from your windows and/or privacy is not an issue, hanging stationary panels might be a good choice for you. Panels of fabric are gathered together on a short rod and hung on either side of the window or door. They are not functional but add color and softness to a room.



Rod pocket panels are a very inexpensive window treatment. A pocket of fabric is created at the top of the curtain and a rod is slipped through and attached to the wall. They are generally held open with a tieback of some sort. This can be a matching piece of fabric attached to rings on the wall or something more decorative.



Adding a "topper" to your curtains is something you will want to think about. This can be a simple ruffled valance that covers the rod to a more elaborate swag scarf look. Perhaps a tailored box cornice is more your style. Or maybe you want the beautiful wood or metal rod to show. This decision will be based on the type of curtain you have chosen and the overall design style of your living room.



All of these styles are available off the rack, reducing the cost. But if you are looking to add creativity and uniqueness to your room there is nothing more beautiful than selecting living room curtains that have been custom tailored for your home.



Budget is something we can't ignore. As with all things, the amount you are able to spend will determine the type of curtain you choose.



A curtain purchased off the rack that is unlined can be very inexpensive. They are ready to hang and offer an immediate solution to any light or privacy issues you may have. However, they are often poorly made and will have to be replaced often. The color and pattern choices are limited.



Conversely, curtains custom made for your windows in a fabric chosen by you and properly lined can be very costly. There can be a long delay in getting these made, leaving you without window treatments for a while. But the end result will be curtains that give your room a unique look and the custom workmanship, including lining, will allow you to enjoy these curtains for a long time.



Lining your curtains is something to consider.



If you live in an area that is prone to lots of cold weather you may want to add a thermal lining to your curtains. While this will add to the cost, it can reduce the amount of energy used in your home as well as add life to the curtains by protecting them from the sun.



If you are fortunate to live in a sunny area, adding a cotton lining to your curtains will protect your fabric from the harsh rays of the sun. It can also help reduce the amount of sunlight entering the room, thereby protecting furniture and carpet from fading.



However, living in a sunny area can make it difficult to sleep during the day. The bright light can create problems if you work nights or have a baby in the house. Often the light coming into the room can make it difficult to watch television. For these reasons, you may want to consider a blackout lining. These opaque linings keep out any unwanted light and while they will add to the cost of your living room curtains, the extra sleep may be worth the extra cost!



Lastly, appearance is something to take into consideration. Lining adds body and weight to curtains, allowing them to hang properly. Your home will have a uniform look from the outside if all your curtains are lined.




Window treatments can be a costly addition to any home but taking time to make the right choices when selecting your living room curtains will save you money in the long run. The end result will be a beautiful living room you can enjoy for years to come.

About the Author:
David Beart is the owner of the Professors House. Our site covers cat information, household finances, family forums, recipes and other household issues.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/selecting-living-room-curtains-807503.html

Tuscan Home Decorating Ideas

Author: Joey Pebble

Tuscan decorating is inspired by the Tuscany region of Italy. In the time of the ancient Roman Empire, people would escape from big city life in Rome, by going out to live in the hills of central Italy, where things were calmer and more peaceful.

There people would live simpler lives, more in touch with the natural world around them. It is these elements of peace, simplicity, and natural weathered beauty, which are the cornerstone marks of Tuscan decorating.

Natural stone is probably the most common element associated with this decorating style. Slate is especially Tuscan, with its natural clefting face, which resembles the rocky hills and mountains found in the Tuscan region. A weathered, worn, comfortable look is also often associated with this style, and most natural stones actually get more beautiful the longer they are weathered and worn.

Marble is another type of natural stone which is often associated with the Tuscan style. Rich marble floors were a hallmark of wealthy roman homes, and the beauty of the polished glistening material is still prized in homes today. Tumbled marble drink coasters are another popular stone item for this particular trend.

Other Tuscan stone decorating elements include cobblestone pathways, sandstone lined windows, and marble arches. Terracotta is also a popular material, and is most often found in roofing.

Part of the draw of Tuscan decorating is the philosophy of durability over glitz. Those who moved away from the city of Rome were tired of all of the pomp and fanfare of city life, and were instead interested in well made, weathered, and worn objects, that could stand up against the ages.

Copper and distressed hardwoods are also signs of Tuscan Decorating. Copper pots, kettles, and bowls can be mixed and matched with hardwood furnishings to create a look which blends naturally with the earth.

The colors used in a Tuscan decorating all get their cues from nature, and the earth. Deep browns, rich greens, and burnt oranges collide, with sunset reds, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that just feels like you are at home.

The Tuscan decorative style was born of people’s desire to escape from the flash and glitz of the big city, into a quieter, simpler, more peaceful world. This was true for those who lived in the ancient roman capital, and it is true of us today. Even as the world gets faster and brighter, people still just want a little piece of serenity in their homes.

About the Author:

This article brought to you by Joey Pebble, a designer of rustic slate wall clocks, chess boards, and natural stone decorative accessories. His line of home décor products is noted for the beautiful natural stone features which are the centerpiece of every work.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/tuscan-home-decorating-ideas-799737.html