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Archive for May, 2010

Planning your decorating

Planning sounds boring but it does save time in the long run. It helps you think the job through, make all those difficult decisions about colour-scheming, and get together everything you need before you start work.

Budget

If you’re going to redecorate a room, begin by deciding how far you’re going to go. Will you just repaint the walls, ceiling and woodwork? Will you be papering the walls for the first time, or do you want to replace the paper you already have? And how about changing the carpet and curtains, even the upholstery and the lighting? These decisions will often depend on the size of your budget.

You can probably do a quick room repaint for £50, but add some new wallpaper and you’ll at least double the spend. More extensive changes than this will definitely have you dipping deep into your savings. The choice is yours, of course, but be sure you know what you’re in for before you start.

Start a file

Unless you like white rooms, you’ll need paint colour charts, wallpaper and even fabric samples to help you decide which products to use. Buy a cardboard pocket file or a scrapbook from a stationer’s to keep them all in. Read the rest of this entry »

Finishing touches are how ordinary things become remarkable masterpieces.

For example, if you were to look beyond the sequins, a ballerina’s intricate tutu is just a plain leotard. Without that secret dash of something extra, the gourmet chef’s chicken tastes just like something you whip up for dinner any normal night. The same can be said for your home design – the little details like trim and moulding can make all the difference in the overall look and feel of your personal paradise.

Once upon a time, moulding was an installation nightmare that overwhelmed the most ambitious designers. Materials were heavy, difficult to manage, and still needed to be primed, painted, cut and positioned – certainly not a task for the average homeowner to undertake. Today’s materials eliminate some of those challenges, making moulding and trim installation a wonderful do-it-yourself task that is not terribly time consuming. But before busting out the caulk gun and your hammer, there is some preparation.
Living room decorative moulding and trim in home

Moulding and trim is both decorative and functional. Once installed, the details are eye appealing and add significantly to your décor, all while hiding joints from your walls, floors, ceilings, windows and doors. Mouldings are available in several materials that vary based on finish and price:

* Hardwood – meant to be stained or left with a natural finish; expensive
* Pine or Fir – typically paint grade; less expensive
* Polyurethane foam – can be painted or stained to resemble wood; most inexpensive and manageable

Each of these materials comes in a variety of styles. Prefinished options come ready to install without need for painting or staining. There is also minimal touch up necessary when installed correctly. There may be a limited selection at your local hardware vendor, so take your time researching all your options. Contact stores or manufacturers about catalogs with available styles and suggestions based on home design.
window trim style for home plan. Read the rest of this entry »