Monday, January 31, 2011

Top 5 Tips To Save Wood Veneer From Damage

Proper care can ensure your wood veneer will remain beautiful for a long time!

Article taken off allbestarticles.com

Top 5 Tips To Save Wood Veneer From Damage

Wood veneer is an environmental friendly material developed by extremely thin sheet of lumber and is available at common home-improvement shops. Wood Veneer can give amazing wood grain appearance to furniture or other materials. Further they are of common use in making plywood that comprises of thin layers of veneer stuck together. They are particularly made of various species of tree, unfinished wood or finished one that comes in 3 mm thick sheet or lesser.

Wood Veneer can be used for cupboard remodeling, parquet floors, speaker covers, car interiors, furniture or kitchen cabinets. It is the best choice and cost effective way of replacing or remodeling furniture.

Some of the common types of wood veneer would include - Raw Wood Veneer, Rotary-Cut Veneers, Backed Veneers, Laminate Veneer and Backed Veneers. Depending upon the cutting method of veneer one can achieve amazingly diverse visual effects with woods grain and uniqueness. For example, two logs of one species that are cut in different ways will ultimately produce distinctive and individual veneers. All types of Veneer are made differently and have different use, but most of them are low priced and can last long with proper care

Following are 5 simple yet effective ways to protect your veneer from damage:

1. It is always better to wipe up wood veneer with a fresh cotton rag. This should be a routine because long drawn dust of surface can damage the veneer. Dust accumulated on it can cause scratches and damage it totally also. Always rub the wood veneer in just the same direction of wood grain, using additional cotton rag. Wipe off the veneer with the cloth rag, until it dries up. Microfiber cloth is an alternative to cotton rag.

2. Wood veneer is more delicate than a normal furniture piece at home. Any mark on the wood need to be taken care immediately, as it could leave an enduring mark on it. Simultaneously you should also avoid keeping heavy stuffs and hot items on it to avoid damage. And the more you avoid sun for veneer the more it will last.

3. For cleaning you should possibly go for wax-free cleaner for example, lemon oil or plain warm water. Chemical sprays and waxes can be harmful to veneer and in turn can leave marks on it. Soapy water is also good alternative to lemon oil.

4. Possibilities of veneer’s surface getting separated are high if not chosen carefully. All you can do is apply extra glue under veneer and let it dry before putting it in use. Yet, before purchasing veneer check with shopkeeper about the kind of veneer and substrate used. Also check if it comes with replacement guarantee.

5. Best way to protect wood veneer from damage and scratches is to use tablecloths, and other coverings like coasters. Veneer is not right product to apply any decorative products and photo frames. It is a great idea to place a table mat on the home furniture to guard the wood veneer from damage. Take proper care of veneer for it to last long!

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Stained Glass

Curious about stained glass? Watch these videos. Hopefully they'll inspire you to try doing a stained glass pattern yourself!





Monday, January 24, 2011

10 Tips to Prevent Decorating Mistakes

10 general tips before you undertake a decorating project.

Article taken off buzzle.com

Home Decorating 101: 10 Tips to Prevent Decorating Mistakes

Has the fear of decorating has overwhelmed you? Even if you have never held a paint roller or repositioned a sofa, take comfort. These tips will empower you and engage your creative gene.

1) The first rule is to be familiar with the space you will be decorating
Grab a pencil, tape measure, and graph paper and make a scale layout of the room’s perimeter. Even if you possess excellent spatial relational abilities, this is recommended because the best visual remembrances fail against the reality of a scaled drawing in front of you.

With the representation of the room, it is possible to determine the sizes of furniture you have or that you wish to purchase.

2) Making a checklist helps
Shopping for decorating supplies? Writing a list now will save you frustration later. Even if you do not purchase everything, check off what you get as you get it. Keep those paint chips, fabric samples and flooring swatches with you to coordinate with furniture, lighting and accessories, whether shopping online or in a brick and mortar store.

3) Establish a budget range
The guidelines of a budget save not only your wallet but sometimes your relationship. If you choose to splurge, at least you do so intentionally.

4) Walls and floors are your frame
Consider the floor and walls as your frame. Pay attention to the colors and coverings of your frame. As you decorate within this canvas, remember that this "frame" unifies your decorating, so it is most the logical place to start.

5) Lighting can set a mood
With the lighting possibilities today, you can set a mood in every room. Specialty glass, bulbs, dimmer switches and modules are available for everyone’s decorating style and budget.

6) Create interest
Stretch your decorating dollar and maybe your decorating comfort zone by mixing colors, textures and patterns. Take cues from pictures in magazines or displays in stores. Adapt ideas from design shows and make them your own.

7) Sense of style
Whether you prefer traditional, contemporary, or modern, decorate with your personal sense of style. Be bold not intimidated by mixing period pieces. Eclectic style works provided proportion, color, pattern and texture appear harmonious.

8) Research products
Happy consumers are those who do their homework before they buy. You may be a buyer instead of a shopper, but you would reap the rewards of some time spent learning more about the products you use to decorate—especially big-ticket items.

9) Balance and scale work together
When you look at the positioning of elements in your room and something hits a discord in you, chances are proportions clash. Getting the balance and scale right takes some practice. Again, take cues from other resources.

10) Use space effectively
It is eminently helpful to make scaled cutouts of the furniture and position all the pieces to your liking within your scale drawing. Gather large pieces to make the most of a focal point. Arrange some informal seating areas.

Monday, January 17, 2011

Selecting Marble Mosaic Tiles

Here are some basics you need to know before going marble mosaic-shopping.

Article taken off ezine.com

Selecting Marble Mosaic Tiles - Five Tips To Guide All Shoppers
By Fatih Ozaydin

Home repair is an important exercise to carry out occasionally. Some people opt to renovate one section at a time to cutback the cost. If you are looking to repair your floors and walls, tiles are a good replacement material. There are many tiles around, including marble mosaic. These look like the ordinary tiles only that they have patterned surfaces. These types of strips are good for interior and exterior decorations. If you have made up your mind to buy these patterned materials, the following selection tips can help you.

Purpose of your tiles - Although most tiles can enhance any room you have in your house, you have to be careful. A room such as a kitchen has more foot traffic and requires a strong marble tile. As most of you know, marbles are very beautiful stones, but the catch stains as well as scratches easily. If you want to design different areas, then investigate properly to know what tile type to use per section. If you want the best, try the carrara mosaic styles that originate from Italian quarries.

Varieties of finishes available - Marbles mosaic tiles have more than one finish. For instance, you can find tumbled styles made for either indoor or outdoor areas. They seem to have an antique appearance. Honed styles have matted appearances, but they have an amazing beauty. Polished are shiny, soft, clean and elegant. They portray a modern sophisticated house design..

Choose an appropriate pattern - The best thing with mosaic strips is their versatility. They come in many different patterns featuring basket, hexagon, dogbone, herringbone, diamond and so many others. You should give yourself an opportunity to choose beautiful packs of tiles. Any of them can easily enhance your walls, furniture, curtains and upholstery.

Types of marbles - Marble is a type of limestone stone mined in many regions around the world. For instance, you can find dark emperador mosaic from southern Spain. It is a lovely dark tone stone with natural hardness and dense. It has many applications too. Another type of marble is carrara mosaic, an Italian stone with very many users around the world now. You can buy Australian Bianco mosaic as well. There are still other styles of marble available. Try searching the Internet to find them.

Price Range - Usually, many vendors set their price ranges depending on the quality of a marble mosaic. Others have different rates for different types of marbles, such as carrara mosaic, dark emperador mosaics, and so on.

Friday, January 14, 2011

Interior Design For Small Condos

Watch this for some great tips for small condos.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Choosing the Right Interior Paint Finishes

Confused about the different types of paint finishes? Read on.

Article taken off http://interiordec.about.com

Choosing the Right Interior Paint Finishes
Tips on choosing the right paint for the job

Even after a homeowner has chosen the perfect color for a room, there's another very important decision to make. With 5 or 6 paint finishes to choose from, you should learn the benefits of each and determine the right one for your job. Should you use flat or satin and why? Browse these tips on selecting the perfect paint finishes for your interior home applications.

Matte Finish
Whether called flat finish or wall paint, this type of interior paint has a matte surface. This paint finish is usually used on interior walls. It's expecially good if you have to camouflage small wall bumps, cracks, or other imperfections, as this finish does not reflect light. While some flat paints are advertised as washable today, you may need to touch up scratches or marks by covering with a bit more paint, so be sure you keep some on hand after you've finished painting.

Flat Enamel
Flat enamel is a paint with a durable flat, matte finish. It's a good choice for powder rooms and halls, as it holds up to occasional cleaning.

Eggshell Finish
If you can picture the very low sheen of the shell of an egg, you have an idea of how an eggshell paint finish will appear. With only a slight hint of shine or gloss, it's good for walls and holds up better with cleaning than a flat finish paint.

Satin Finish
Satin finish paint has a smooth, velvety look with a bit more gloss. It is most often used for windows, doors, trim, or ceilings, but can also be used as wall paint. This is particularly suitable for kids' room walls, kitchens, or bathrooms, or in areas which get a lot of traffic. Paint with a satin finish is formulated to hold up to cleaning and light scrubbing.

Semi-Gloss
Semi-gloss paint is most often used on doors, trim, and cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms. It is easily cleaned and lays down a nice, subtle shine, without being too glitzy. Take care with pre-paint preparation work, as poorly prepared surfaces can be a bit distracting when highlighted by a semi-gloss surface.

Glossy
High gloss paints have an almost reflective quality, as their shiny finish mimics the look of enamel or plastic. Though not widely used in home interiors, it is becoming more popular for a dramatic look on cabinets, trim, and furniture in very formal and very contemporary settings. This finish will magnify any surface imperfections, so careful preparation and sanding is essential before painting with high gloss paints.

There are some particular application specifics that you should consider when selecting an interior paint finish.

Cleanability and Durability
While most manufacturers have developed all paint finishes with good cleaning qualities, a general rule is that the shinier the paint finish, the better it will stand up to washing and cleaning.

Kid-Friendly Finishes
When painting children's rooms, many painters recommend using an eggshell or satin paint on the walls and semi-gloss for doors and moldings. These finishes are formulated to better withstand repeated cleanings.

Rustic Looks
In order to give a worn or old look, use flat finish paints for walls or furniture. If cleanability is an issue, you might select a flat enamel for trim or an eggshell finish for walls.

High Gloss Looks
Rather than choosing a high gloss paint for a whole room, use it sparingly in select locations, such as doors and trim. The brilliant surface can appear a bit cold and uninviting. Remember to spend extra time preparing the surfaces to be painted glossy, as this finish tends to really point out any surface imperfections.

Ceiling Paint
If you're looking for a basic white ceiling, you can buy pre-mixed, matte finish paints off the shelf at almost any paint or home improvement store. Because cleanabiltiy or coverage is not a particularly important consideration, some ceiling paints use cheaper formulations. If you need an exact color match for the color scheme of your room, choose regular tinted flat wall paint.

Ceiling Finishes
Ceilings in most rooms are painted with a flat finish paint. You could also select an eggshell finish if the surface of the ceiling is flawless. Choose a glossier finish for good light reflection, but only if the ceiling is newly resurfaced and has no blemishes.

Kitchens and Baths
Any room, such as a kitchen or bathroom, that will be exposed to water, splashing, or steam, is best painted with a semi-gloss paint. A guest bath or powder room which will have less-frequent use, could be painted with lower-gloss paint, such as satin or eggshell finish.

Monday, January 10, 2011

Laminate Flooring - Pros and Cons

Trying to make up your mind about laminate flooring? Here are some pros and cons.

Article taken off about.com

Laminate Flooring - Pros and Cons

Laminate flooring faithfully reproduces wood, stone, and other natural materials. Plus, laminate is easy to install. But there are a few negative aspects about laminate flooring. Let's look at all angles of laminate flooring.
Laminate Flooring - Pros

Easy to Install. Pergo says you can install 300 square feet in a weekend. Older types of laminate flooring required you to glue pieces to each other. Newer types of laminate flooring have a "click-lock" design. This "click-lock" design is often combined with a dry glue that is already on the product and requires just a swipe of a wet (with water) sponge or cloth to active it.

Very Durable Surface. Unlike wood, which can dent, laminate flooring is almost impervious to dents and scratches. Laminate flooring has what's called in the industry a "wear layer" that protects the photographic layer underneath. Some manufacturers, DuPont in particular, give very generous 10+ year warranties on this wear layer.

No Bad Pieces. Unlike real hardwood, which comes with many imperfect pieces that need to be thrown out or re-engineered, there are no defects in laminate flooring.

Good for Moist Places. Laminate flooring can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, and other places where you encounter "topical moisture" (as Mannington calls it). But it will not tolerate standing pools of water. However, let's be clear that neither solid hardwood nor engineered wood can tolerate standing water, either. For heavy moisture, you need a very impervious surface like vinyl or tile.

Easy to Clean. Just use a vacuum or broom. Mop with a slightly damp mop. No floor waxing needed.

Resists Stains. Laminate flooring's tough surface resists stains. And if you do get a stain, it's easy to clean off.
Laminate Flooring - Cons

Not Real Wood. Some people are bothered by this, some aren't. Technically, there is wood in laminate flooring--a wood chip base layer. But, for all intents and purposes, laminate flooring isn't wood.

Hard Under Foot. Foam underlayment helps dampen this feeling, but it's still there.
Slippery. Traditionally, laminate flooring has been very slippery. More currently, though, manufacturers have been developing slip-resistent wear layers.

Lower Resale Value. Good hardwood or engineered wood gives better value when selling your house.

Not Sandable or Refinishable. This is probably the biggest disadvantage of laminate flooring. If laminate flooring is heavily worn, deep scratched, or grooved, it cannot be sanded or refinished like solid hardwood: it must be replaced.

Friday, January 7, 2011

Futuristic Interior Design Ideas

Is Back To The Future your favourite movie? Check out these futuristic design ideas.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Feng Shui for 2011

Start off the year with some Feng Shui for good luck and prosperity.

Article taken off kenlauher.com

Feng Shui Basics: 3 Easy Ways to Feng Shui Your Home or Apartment in 2011

Are you looking to make 2011 your most successful year ever? There's no reason it can't be -- and Feng Shui can help you get there. As you know from reading our Feng Shui tips every day, Feng Shui doesn't have to be hard. There are simple, basic steps you can take to help the chi flow through your space more effectively.

Here are three easy ways to Feng Shui your home or apartment in 2011.

1. Use your stove for cooking - Even if you only boil water, make sure to use your stove regularly. Your stove represents your career and how others see you. Raise the chi in this area by making sure your stove is clean and using all four burners regularly. If you eat out a lot, you can also save money in 2011 (improving your wealth) by using your stove to make home-cooked meals instead.

2. Feng Shui your entry way - A good Feng Shui entry way is brightly lit and welcoming. Follow the tips in this video to Feng Shui your entry way in 2011.

3. Place your bed in the command position - You'll get a better night's sleep and experience greater health, wealth and happiness by making sure your bed is in the command position of your bedroom. Follow these tips for the right Feng Shui bed position.