Tag: decorating

3 Tips for Picking the Perfect Area Rug

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An area rug can make a significant difference in the aesthetic and feel of a room. You can add style, affect the sense of space and tie together all of your furnishings in one step. But how do you choose the right rug for the room? Everybody’s taste is different, but here are the main things to consider when picking the perfect rug:

Rug Size vs. Room Size

The size of the room is the first thing to consider when choosing a rug. Most designers advise centering the rug in a room so it isn’t touching any walls. That said, be careful not to choose too small a rug. A rug that’s too small for the room can make the entire space feel more cramped. Instead, try to find a rug that will let you keep 10 to 20 inches of bare floor on each side.

Color & Pattern

Color is another great starting point when choosing the perfect rug. The color of your area rug will affect the palette of the entire room, so consider your existing color schemes in your choice. If you have a room with lots of color and pattern, try a more neutral or single-colored rug to ground the space. Conversely, a brightly colored or boldly patterned rug can enhance a room with lots of neutral tones.

Lifestyle & Maintenance

Practicality matters with area rugs. You want to choose a rug that will match your lifestyle in addition to your design. Think about the purpose of the room and the amount of regular traffic the rug will endure. Also consider elements like moisture, probability of stains and amount of direct sunlight. A dining room rug should ideally be easy to clean in case of food or drink spills, and a bathroom rug should be resistant to damage from humidity.

Flat-weave rugs are easiest to clean, while cushy, high-pile rugs often need professional shampooing. You can usually find all of the maintenance information for a rug on its tag, but if you want more information, you can consult a vendor or rug cleaning surface for advice.

An area rug can serve an important utilitarian purpose as well as a stylish one. Choosing the perfect rug for your space will enhance the aesthetic and your enjoyment of the room.

Kitchen Cabinet Update: All New or Refreshed?

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Photo by Jafar Mansuri on Unsplash

To resurface or replace? That’s the question. Consider replacing if:

  • They have significant water or humidity damage.
  • They’re poorly constructed and/or falling apart.
  • The design frustrates. You could do better starting over.
  • The style can’t be easily updated, for example, floral moldings.
  • The cost to refinish is more than new cabinets. It can be.

    • Otherwise, you may want to refinish what you have to make your cabinets.

    How to Replace Cabinets

    Replacing cabinets rarely involves building them yourself. Most kitchen remodeling professionals don’t even do that. You can purchase pre-made cabinets. They’ll fit in most kitchen. But don’t forget to measure.

    Start by evaluating how the cabinets are attached. Most cabinets simply unscrew from the wall for clean removal. You can now hang new ones in their place. But remember, if you need to stain or finish, always do that and let them dry before hanging. It will just be easier when they’re on the floor or a work table.

    If it’s just the hardware you don’t like, consider replacing it instead of the whole cabinet. That’s generally a small job that just needs a screwdriver and new handles.

    How to Give Cabinets a New Look

    A coat of paint or stain can work wonders. But know that refinishing actually takes a lot longer than hanging new. Plan for three to eight weekends of work and a semi-functional kitchen during that time. The more cabinets, the longer it will take. Let’s get started

  • Choose your resurfacing medium. Polyurethane, varnish, paint, lacquer, shellac, penetrating oil or vinyl are all excellent choices. Purchase this, a stripping agent, clothes and brushes and your local home supply.
  • Ventilate. Open some windows and turn on your stove vent to keep the smells from overpowering you. Safety first.
  • Clean the surfaces. They may have collected years of grease, dust and hand oil.
  • Protect your kitchen by laying down plastic 
  • Remove the hardware and soak it in soapy water. Scrub it, if needed. But a good soak should do most of the work.
  • Strip & refinish the cabinets according to the instructions on the finish you choose. If you’re getting creative with alternating colors or finishes, you may want to remove the doors and lay painter tape to create crisp contrasts between shade. 
  • Once dry, replace your glistening hardware. And you’re done. 

    • *Pro tip* Some woods soak up oils like a sponge, so you might need multiple coats to achieve the desired look. That’s one reason the job takes multiple weekends since each layer must dry.

    Incorporating Antique Doorknobs into your Decor

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    Image by savannaholson0 from Pixabay

    There are many people who are looking for new and inventive ways to decorate their home. In order to get the most out of this process, it is important to pay attention to detail. The doorknobs are a commonly overlooked source of decoration. One of the ways to add a little bit of personal style and flair is to replace the existing doorknobs with a classic, antique, ornamental doorknob. Those who are looking for ways to replace their existing doorknobs should take note of the step by step instructions.

    Take Off the Old Doorknob

    The first step in replacing a doorknob is to remove the old one. Take a screwdriver and remove the current knob from the inside portion of the door. Once the screws have been removed, the doorknob will release. This will allow the user to remove the knobs from front and back of the door at once. 

    Remove the Latch Plate 

    The next step in replacing a doorknob is to remove the latch plate. This is on the inside lip of the door. Most latch plates use small, Philips head screws. Once the screws are removed, the latch can be pulled out. This step is also needed for those who are replacing the deadbolt of their door.

    Fasten the New Latch Plate to the Door

    Once the old latch plate has been removed, the new one can be fastened in place. Make sure that the tapered edge of the turning lock is facing against the strike plate on the frame of the door. Use the screws that come with the latch plate to fasten it in place. The latch plate should fit snug to the door when this step is finished.

    Install the New Spindle and Doorknob

    With the latch plate in place, it is time to attach the antique doorknob. The exterior portion of the doorknob should have a long spindle that is connected to it. Insert the spindle into the latch plate that has just been installed. The spindle should stick out to the other side of the door. Use the plate and hardware that comes with the doorknob to fasten it in place. Once this has been completed, the interior handle should slide over the spindle with ease. Make sure the parts have been aligned and the doorknob is in place. Make sure to try out the new doorknob to ensure it works properly.

    Decorating with Antique Doorknobs

    Now that people know how to replace an existing doorknob, there are plenty of antique, ornamental styles to choose from. The floral designs of a classic antique doorknob will still fit well with almost any style or decorative scheme. While some people think that antique doorknobs might be past their prime, they still have plenty of use when it comes to decorating styles today. The details of an antique doorknob can bring an entire room together.