Monday, January 26, 2015

How to style a bookcase

Styling a bookcase isn't as difficult as you may think. It takes a bit of work but the effort is worth it. There are some thinks that you need to know, before you can start styling your bookcase.


1. Gather up all the items. Items you want to put into the bookcase. Lay it out so you can see it.



2.  Work with large items first. Like vases, books, or picture frames. You can place it in the center or on either side, left or right.




3. Group items that are similar.  It can be a collection of some sort. Grouping items that are similar have a much bigger impart then staging them apart.



4. Layer in the accessories. You can layer books horizontal or vertically. Layer them on top of each other and in between accessories.



5. Don't need to fill every space. There is no need to pack in every shelf. Leave some space, otherwise it will look too cluttered.



6. Finish with mementos. Add personal and unique items. After all this is YOUR bookcase.  There may be some tweaking after you're done. Step back and access your work. Change things up a bit until you get it just right! After all,  I always say the devil is in the details!!






Monday, January 19, 2015

Is it wood? Or is it something else?

Is it wood? Or is it something else? Wood flooring has been around for a very long time. But unfortunately, wood flooring was not always possible. Wood does not do well on concrete. It can also be very pricey. But today, there are so many wood-like products. You can have the look of wood, without the problem wood flooring can create.


Vinyl Flooring - Great for mud rooms, or any room that has a high traffic area. Easy to install. They have strips of adhesive that attaches to one another.


Ceramic or Porcelain Tiles - These tiles look so real, it's hard to tell the difference. They even have hand-scrap wood tiles. Great for kitchens and bathrooms.


Engineered Wood Floors - They are resistant to higher moisture levels. They can be glued down, and can be applied over concrete slabs.  There is a layer of real wood on the surface. Once installed, it's nearly impossible to differentiate between engineered and the "real thing". That's what makes them so popular. They are also less expensive then real wood flooring.


Laminate Floors - Relatively easy to install. They can be use over concrete slabs. Less expensive then wood, but they are made of recycled wood fiber, so if they get wet, they will expand. Laminate floors have come a long way since their introduction. The quality is much better. Nowadays they have a much more realistic "wood" look to them.


Wood Flooring - Wood, nothing beats the real thing. Otherwise, why would they try so hard to replicate it? What is it they say, imitation is the best form of flattery. Wood must be very flattered indeed!!

With all the different types of "wood" flooring there is, it's easy to find the look of "wood" flooring, in the selection you like, and at the the price that you want to pay!!








Tuesday, January 6, 2015

Refurbishing old and new furniture pieces!!

Refurbishing old furniture can be a great way to reuse an old piece that would, otherwise end up in the dump. But it's not just old furniture that can be refurbished. You can refurbish new pieces as well, giving them a more custom look!


















As you can see from these pictures, there is a lot you can do.  Whether you paint, change out the hardware, add mirrors, or cut off the legs, all it takes is some imagination and determination. And viola, a whole new look!!