Interior decorating

Paint Like A Pro

A fresh coat of paint is the most inexpensive way to "remodel" a room.

But, as with all remodeling projects, the key to success is preparation. With so many tools and products available today, preparing for a painting project can be overwhelming and confusing for any do-it-yourselfer.

To make the project easier, professional painters recommend a few "must-haves."

All-Purpose Caulk

Joints should always be reinforced to prevent cracking by using a paintable, mildew-resistant all-purpose caulk. Water-based sealants have the added ease of soap-and-water cleanup.

Patching Products

To repair nail holes and chipped paint before painting, use a paintable, fast-drying, shrink-free patching compound. For holes in woodwork, be sure to use an epoxy with a soft texture, since a course texture will create a noticeable variation in the wood.

Sandpaper Or Sanding Blocks

Sanding is necessary to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere. A durable aluminum oxide, A-weight paper with 100- to 150-grit is suitable for most general-purpose sanding applications.

Masking Tape

To keep paint only on the desired surfaces, use masking tape to cover woodwork or hardware. Some brands are designed for delicate surfaces such as wallpaper and drywall. They feature a low-tack adhesive to allow easy removal without damaging the surface.

Drop Cloths

Protecting floors from grit, sawdust, caulk and paint spills is necessary on any job. Cloth drops are more expensive, but they work best, especially over carpets. There are also statically treated, pre-taped drop cloths that feature a pre-taped edge of professional-grade masking tape.

Once the walls are ready and flooring is covered, you can gather paint supplies.

Paint Brushes And Rollers

A quality brush makes it easier to apply paint evenly and accurately. Use a one- to two-inch, high-quality, nylon/polyester, angled brush because it can be used with all coatings, holds paint well and provides better brush control where detail is necessary.

Rollers should be selected based on the type of paint being applied. For a semigloss or gloss paint or for washable enamel, use a 3/8-inch nap, shed-resistant roller cover. For flat paints, choose a roller with a 1/2-inch-nap that's labeled "For Flat Paints."

Interior Latex Paint

For most indoor applications, a latex interior paint is the key since it is formulated to be washable, stain- and splatter-resistant and is easy to touch up. Latex paints are easy to work with, dry quickly and are extremely durable.

When it comes to home improvement projects, preparation is the key. By using the appropriate tool and products, homeowners can achieve a great-looking paint job in minimal time that gives them the satisfaction and pride of a job well done, without professional cost.

Bathrooms

Coordinate Bathroom Colors

(ARA) Listen closely ... do you hear what your walls are saying?

They might not actually talk, but the colors you choose for your bathroom do say something about the space and how it "feels." Are they lively and stimulating, quietly neutral, or calming and relaxing? The colors you choose play a large part in the overall statement your room conveys.

In addition, color can have a functional role in the bath, making a small room look larger, a low ceiling look higher, bringing cohesiveness with an adjoining room such as the master bedroom or quickly adding a touch of class to the showpiece powder room. With a minimal investment and a few quick color changes, a bath with a case of the "blahs" can become your favorite retreat. And with color doing so much to affect the feel of a room, the key is learning to use color correctly.

"Because there are so many home magazines and decorating guidebooks on the market today, people are more comfortable with using color," said Jay de Sibour, president of the Color Marketing Group. "Television and computers have further empowered consumers to make color decisions. In addition, traveling has exposed consumers to other influences and provided a wider color palette. Hence, we are seeing a broader and more confident use of color."

Great Bathroom Colors

What colors in particular are well suited to the bathroom? There is a wealth of information dealing with color from the Color Marketing Group, a nonprofit Virginia-based association that identifies and forecasts color trends, and from many Internet sites dealing with home decorating.

Because of its calming effect and ties to water, blue is a top color to consider for the bathroom. Blue emphasizes the bath as the room of relaxation and retreat. And blue comes in so many shades, consumers can create a whole different look depending on whether they choose a pastel or a more dramatic hue.

According to the Color Marketing Group, blue is also the dominant color for 2003, including new tones such as "cinder blue" (a gray or silver-type blue), "blue aire" (a retro '60s turquoise blue), "deep arctic" (dusty navy) and "ocean cruise" (a tropical pastel blue).

"Colors produce both physical and emotional responses," de Sibour said. "Blue is associated with the sky and sea, so it evokes thoughts of the environment. Psychologically, it has a calming effect. Because of these attributes, it will continue to be the most universally popular color, though you will start seeing many mixtures of blue and green becoming popular."

In addition, blue is a color to use if your goal is to make a bath appear larger.

According to information compiled on the Better Homes & Gardens web site, peach is also a great color for the bath because it provides good reflection for the skin -- which is important in a room where applying makeup and shaving are everyday occurrences. Peach and other warm colors such as yellows, creams and apricots also provide comfort. These colors invite a person into the room with warmth and coziness. The only caution: the cozy feelings these colors create can make a small room look even smaller. When using warm colors, be sure to intersperse whites and neutrals to tone down some of their intensity.

For a quiet, restful space, the experts at Better Homes & Gardens suggest green as a soothing background color. Also found in the "cool" family of colors, today's greens are available in neutral tones that are understated and can be used as a colorful alternative to more traditional neutrals.

"Neutrals today are no longer the off-whites and beiges of just a few years ago. Today consumers are flocking to tinted neutrals that have casts of rose, blue or green," de Sibour said. "It is not an elimination of neutrals, but using toned neutrals."

The Color Marketing Group predicts that natural colors such as yellows, greens and browns will dominate home décor in upcoming months.

"We see a trend toward nature with less bright, more sophisticated colors coming into play as well as an overall softening of the palette," de Sibour said. "Also, people are looking for ways to make color more interesting by incorporating pearlescences, metallics, and translucences that add a sense of space and dimension."

The group also forecasts the return of violet and mauve, the latter taking on a dusty rose appearance. Other colors that we will be seeing in the home in coming months include berry tones like raspberry, pink-reds and currant (a brown violet). Accent colors include peach, orange and lemon-golds.

How To Add Color

Once you've decided on the colors that you want to add to your bath, consumers must know how to add these most effectively.

What mood do you want to set? All neutrals in a room provide for a calm, quiet environment, while related colors make for a relaxing effect. On the opposite end of the spectrum, strong contrasting colors create a lively, stimulating mood.

When decorating, use a minimum of three and a maximum of six colors. According to the web site homefurnish.com, it is best to choose a light color, a medium color and an accent. The accent color should be the darkest or brightest of the colors chosen and should be used in at least three places within the room. Two to three colors when blended in a room properly can really bring out a dramatic look, but adding too many colors can be overwhelming and change the otherwise positive use of color.

But where do you place these colors in the room? Here are some suggestions:

Floors

To "ground" the room, you will want to choose a flooring color that is a bit darker than walls and ceiling.

Cabinets And Vanity

Just like cool colors can make a small room appear larger, white cabinets can have this same effect. Dark cabinets should only be used in bathrooms that have plenty of light.

Countertops

Avoid using dark-colored countertops in the bath since they tend to show marks. Lighter countertops including neutral colors usually work best.

Faucets

Once only available in chrome and polished brass, today's faucets are offering homeowners a dramatic break from the ordinary and a definite way to add a colorful statement in the bath.

Walls

Paint is the perfect place to start experimenting with color. It's easy to apply, inexpensive and can easily be repainted if the color is not what you envisioned. Bathroom remodelers shouldn't let the fear factor stop them from using a color they really like. Start by painting a small strip of a wall and a piece of trim. Live with those colors in your bath for a few days to see if you really like them in the different lights before painting the entire room.

Other Places To Add Color

Use the secondary (or medium) color chosen for your palette for areas such as sink skirts, window treatments, and shower curtains. Then, choose the darkest and most dramatic color for towels, rugs and small accessories to spice up the room.

"A good rule of thumb is to decorate large surfaces with softer, neutral colors and use brighter, stronger colors for accents. You can also more easily change the look of the room by just changing the accent colors, plus neutrals are usually easier to live with," de Sibour said.

Final Tips

Make sure that as you shop for different elements of the room, you bring fabric samples and color swatches home. A color under the fluorescent lighting in a store may look very different in your home's incandescents.

Although it requires some work, one tip that may help you in the design process is to create a swatch board of all the fabrics for the room and coordinate it with your paint colors. This will help you to see all the colors in the room at a glance and be able to decide whether they work together.

By following these tips and color suggestions, you should be able to use color to make a style statement in your bath. So if your walls can talk, they will convey the message that you want!

Kitchens

Check Out Newest Kitchen Gadgets

Is your television almost continually tuned to The Food Network? Do you consider Emeril your hero? Is your kitchen considered the 'hub' of entertaining among your family and friends? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, you are not alone. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of people cooking and entertaining at home.

According to Gina Provenzano, senior associate editor of Bon Appetit magazine, the reasons behind this increase all stem from the many external influences on our society.

"Foremost is the state of the world -- from global conflicts, a weak economy, and a diminished sense of security -- everything is uncertain," Provenzano said. As a result, we look to a place where all is good and safe to find comfort -- and that's at home, and the hearth of the home is the kitchen."

Today's kitchens have become both a haven for gathering and a focal point for the latest and greatest of cooking and convenience appliances. Provenzano notes that this combination is another reason for the 'chef as celebrity' craze presently under way.

So, with all this home cooking interest, today's consumer is looking for kitchen appliances and gadgets to not only enhance food preparation, but also make life easier and more comforting. Here are some of the latest products for the gourmet wannabe:

Three-Rack Dishwasher

Did you know the latest models of dishwashers now have three racks? A bottom rack designed specifically for items such as pots, pans and baking sheets. Just think of the room you'll gain on the other two racks if the bottom can hold these large and cumbersome items.

Pulldown Faucet

One of the most-used items in any kitchen is the faucet -- why not make it as functional as possible with a pulldown faucet? A button on the faucets allows cooks to interrupt the flow of water as the wand passes over the sink and puts water only where it's wanted. So, filling up a large pot or cleaning up after a holiday meal is no problem. A single-button activation feature switches the water stream from an aerated stream for everyday uses to a spray for power rinsing fruits and vegetables.

Warming Drawers

For the busy family or the frequent entertainer, warming drawers are the perfect answer. With the ability to set temperatures from 90 to 250 degrees, these drawers will keep food warm until guests arrive or the kids get home from practice. Because of their functionality and convenience, warming drawers are making their way into more and more home kitchens.

Refrigerators With Special Features

As compared to refrigerator models from a few years ago that just provided shelves for storage, today's units have baskets and individualized storage compartments to keep food organized and easy to find. In addition, if you are constantly combating myriad frozen foods that fall out of your freezer, look for a unit with where the freezer takes the form of a bottom pullout drawer.

Another new option in refrigerators is a 'quick chill' feature, allowing you to quickly cool wine or other beverages before your guests arrive.

Ovens That Do the Cooking for You (... Almost)

Ovens today do amazing things -- and if you haven't shopped for one in a while, you'll be pleasantly surprised. One recently introduced model will actually refrigerate food for up to 12 hours, then allows you to set a timer so it starts cooking at a designated time. When you arrive home, a hot meal is waiting for you. But if you get held up at the office, this smart oven will convert back to a refrigerator after a certain amount of time. Or, choose an oven that provides for both steam and convection cooking in one unit.

Some may ask if it's worth investing in a higher-priced appliance if it offers increased functionality in the kitchen. According to Provenzano, special 'bells and whistles' will make a cook's time and effort in the kitchen a little easier and provide more confidence.

"If you think about the amount of money one would spend in remodeling their kitchen, the differences in choosing the higher-priced items, while significant at the time, makes such an impact over the long haul, that I would encourage people, if it is financially appropriate, to opt for the higher-end appliances that best serve their needs," she said. "I would also recommend researching the pros and cons of each piece. Talking with designers, reading reviews and talking to real cooks is the best research a consumer can do when making such purchases."

Sink Accessories

Strainers, cutting boards, rinse baskets and plate racks that are custom fit to the sink will make it easy to wash and prepare your favorite fruits and vegetables, as well as cleanup after a meal. By purchasing items designed to complement your particular sink, you will ensure a snug fit and optimized workspace in your sink area.

Cappuccino Maker

What kind of host or hostess would you be without the ability to serve up a hot and frothy cup of cappuccino in a hurry? The latest machines let you make up to four cups in five minutes -- allowing you to have those after-dinner drinks ready at the same time you serve dessert. To complement this appliance, look into obtaining a coffee grinder or even a coffee roaster.

Filtered Water Dispenser

A must-have for every kitchen is a filtered water device. There are many types available, including filtering faucets, faucet attachments, countertop pitchers and in-refrigeration units.

Gadgets Galore

And what are some of the smaller items that make cooking easier?

A measuring cup with an angled wall makes it easy to measure liquids without having to hold up the cup.

Salad spinners are handy tools for cleaning lettuce, fruits and vegetables.

A microwave steamer allows you to steam vegetables or rice in the microwave for a quick dinner.

Silicon mats are great for baking and eliminate the need for foil or parchment paper.

So watch out, Emeril! By outfitting your home's kitchen with the latest appliances and gadgets, not only will you make your life easier, but you will amaze your friends and family with your exceptional cooking prowess.

Who knows? Maybe your kitchen will be one day featured on The Food Network.

Bedroom

Creating a Romantic Getaway

Bedrooms aren't just for sleeping anymore. With larger master suites being built in today's homes, bedrooms have evolved into comfortable getaways for people to relax and unwind from their hectic schedules.

The extra square footage leaves room for many decorating possibilities in this personal retreat. This season's eclectic blend of sleek, contemporary styles and opulent, classic details are combined to create the perfect romantic escape.

"The current trend in bedroom furnishings is leaning away from the standard set of a bed, two nightstands and a few dressers all of the same style and collection, toward a more romanced and eclectic combination of pieces to create a personal refuge or escape," said Greg Mononen, product developer for Arhaus Furniture. "People are adding romantic elements to their bedrooms in their furniture, wall colors, fabrics and accessories."

European-Style Romance

Furniture can be the first building block in creating an amorous atmosphere within a room setting. Mononen said he is seeing many romantic European influences from Italy, France and the British Isles. For instance, the woods used in today's furniture are richer and deeper, like cherry and walnut with java, cocoa or sienna stains.

"We're also seeing a European trend of mixing and matching stained wood with painted wood or iron. This idea of blending eclectic items is beginning to carry over into the United States," said Mononen. For instance, combine an iron bed with a pair of hand-painted nightstands for a European-inspired look. Complete the look by incorporating a stained or distressed dresser, a lingerie chest or a hand-painted armoire.

"We definitely encourage those bedroom shoppers that want to move away from the bedroom 'set.' This trend gives home furnishings the feeling of being collected or acquired over many years," said Mononen.

When mixing these different furniture pieces, it is important to keep one element a constant throughout the room. This could be a similar style, color or scale. By doing so, you will be able to pull it all together much more easily by adding a few finishing touches and accessories.

Accessories That Set The Stage

Luxurious pillows, throws, duvets and other accessories can help create an atmosphere of romance.

"Opulence is key in developing a romantic theme," Mononen said.

He suggests combining high-thread count sheets with richly textured fabrics like silks, tapestries, linens and velvets for bedding. Fresh flowers, candles, chandeliers, and beaded lamps or pillows can also add extravagance.

"For a truly romantic look, try using a chandelier over the bed or over each nightstand for an elegant and unique lighting option," Mononen said.

When choosing fabrics, paint and accessories, Mononen recommends using shades of color that depict your personal style.

"Think about colors that look good on you or colors of clothing you typically have in your closet. If you choose colors you typically like to wear in clothing, you'll probably also enjoy incorporating that color palette into your bedroom décor," he said.

Trend: Bedrooms Become Grand

"With larger master suites being built in new homes, we're getting more requests for additional furniture pieces in our bedroom collections," Mononen said. People are looking for pieces that are both stylish and functional because they are spending more time in their bedrooms.

"Armoires for televisions, wardrobes, trunks and seven- or nine-drawer dressers are very popular choices because they take up more space in larger rooms and provide a lot of storage," he said. Even nightstands are larger, providing more storage space with drawers and shelves.

Another new trend in bedroom furniture is higher headboards and lower footboards on platform beds. These updated proportions work in today's larger bedrooms and allow for easy late night television watching.

Dining Room

Add Flavor To Dining Table

There's just something about gathering for a meal that invites conversation and evokes laughter.

From dinner parties to family celebrations to even the simplest family meal, the dining table is the heart of the home and redecorating your tabletop can add an inviting flavor and style to dining.

"Dining areas are fun to decorate because you can express something personal about your family," said Robert Zollweg, corporate creative director for Libbey, a tableware producer. "The most important thing to remember when decorating is to make your decor a true reflection of you."

Your tabletop accessories can add personality and pizzazz to your family's own gathering place on a reasonable budget. According to Zollweg, some of today's most popular tabletop themes include:

Seasonal: Each new season brings a wealth of new colors for decorating. Create the ambiance of a beautiful spring day or a crisp fall evening using the colors of the season, along with hand-gathered or silk leaves for decoration.

Patriotic: Never has Old Glory been more inspiring than she is now. Extend your patriotism to the tabletop with red, white and blue accessories, along with flag-inspired dinnerware and glassware.

Classic Gourmet: Create an upscale tabletop with crisp white dinnerware featuring clean lines, coupled with classically designed flatware. Continue the look with a simple fruit bowl as a centerpiece.

Here are other tips and ideas to enhance your dining experience:

Grin and bare it. Many times, beautiful tabletops are hidden under dated tablecloths. If you have a wooden table, consider getting it restored to its natural beauty.

Stack it up. To give your tabletop a modern look, stack all dinnerware to be used during the meal. Stacking largest to smallest -- dinner plate, salad plate and bowl on top -- adds a festive look.

Creative presentations. Consider alternative uses for everyday items to give a new twist to your tabletop. Don't limit your glassware to beverages only. Serve a sweet treat in your favorite goblet, martini or margarita glass. Or arrange several patterned glasses for impromptu vases, creating a simple, yet elegant centerpiece using an assortment of styles and sizes.

Create a fiery ambiance. Decorating and lighting in the dining area play a large role in achieving the ambiance you want for entertaining. Since most of us aren't lucky enough to have a fireplace, create a warm, fiery atmosphere by placing votives and pillar candles around the table, as well as around the room on shelves or other small furniture.

Less is more. If your style is simple, accent your place settings with one focal point at the middle of the table. This could be a large vase of flowers, three-wick candle or hand-crafted centerpiece.

City sophistication. If you love the night-life attitude, add a little drama to your dining room. Black and white accents used in conjunction with bold flatware gives the feeling your décor is straight out of a Parisian restaurant.

Mix and match . Who said all your place settings had to match? If you have a collection of different styles, use them together to create a fun, casual atmosphere.

Accessibility. When rearranging, it's important to be able to bring food in and clear it away easily. Place your furniture so that doorways are free and clear, preventing accidents and making serving and clearing more efficient.

Comfort. For even your most formal meals, family and guests must be comfortable in their surroundings. Many people prefer their dining areas dimly lit to ensure a relaxing atmosphere. Comfortable furniture is also a must, so "test" chairs before buying them, or add decorative cushions to the ones you already own.

Living Room

Furnish Your First Home in Style, Even on a Budget

Chances are, after saving every penny for a down payment (not to mention paying off all the wedding expenses), you don't have much money left to spend on decorating your first house. But don't worry; with a little planning and creativity, you can turn your house into home sweet home without breaking the bank. And you won't have to give up comfort, individual expression or warmth.

Furnishing a home on a budget is simple if you pay attention to some basic money-saving tips. First, figure out what your needs are by asking yourself the following questions:

How long do you plan to be in the house? Is it a starter home, or will you live there for a long time?

What furniture do you need for your lifestyle? For example, do you entertain frequently? Do you expect many overnight guests?

What do you use each room of the house for?

Do you have enough storage?

Second, dream big. Read through decorating and lifestyle magazines to find your "dream" rooms. What would your house look like if money were no object? Start a file with pictures and ideas that you'd like to copy. Draw up a floor plan of the room or rooms you will be decorating. Make a list of the furniture you currently own, noting what you want to keep and what you'd like to replace.

Finally, draw up a budget. How much can you realistically afford to spend? Now it's time to go shopping.

One way to save money is to buy "flat-pack," or ready-to-assemble furniture. Ready-to-assemble furniture offers several advantages. First, you don't have to wait for delivery. Because the furniture is in boxes, you can load it in your car and have it in your house the very same day. Another advantage is price. When you invest a little of your own time and labor putting the furniture together, you save money.

Don't let the thought of assembling a large piece of furniture intimidate you. "Today's ready-to-assemble furniture features streamlined designs and fewer parts to assemble," says John Ledek, vice president of marketing and merchandising for Bush Furniture. To help make assembly hassle-free, the company's Web site provides online assembly tutorials, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.

Bush offers a wide selection of ready-to-assemble furniture. The company's Birmingham line is ideal for furnishing a first home. The pieces feature a timeless, classic design with a warm plank cherry finish that will complement any room.

The Birmingham Collection includes bookcases, entertainment centers and desks that can be used in more than one room, providing a coordinated look throughout your home. In addition, the classic design group includes other diverse pieces such as occasional tables for the family room and dresser, chest and headboards for the master or guest bedroom, which allows you to easily mix the pieces with other furniture you already own, whether it is traditional or more modern. "You can have a classic family look at a starter price," said Ledek.