Patios

If you aren’t crazy about having a huge slab of cold looking concrete, think about using pavers instead.  These smaller slabs can be arranged in geometric patterns, giving your patio a unique and old charm.  Imagine these slabs separated by thin lines of grass, softening its appearance and then adding some potted plants and patio furniture to make a calm retreat.  Pavers also give you the opportunity to decide on the size of your patio area and enlarge or shorten it without a great deal of work involved.  If money is a concern, you can create an outdoor space with pavers a little at a time without a lot of inconvenience.

Driveways

You have already probably seen a house or two in your neighborhood where the owner has used pavers in place of poured concrete or asphalt.  I probably also don’t have to tell you the great impact that such a driveway creates on the overall impression of the house.  You may not know it, but often, using pavers for your driveway can actually boost your home’s value both in dollars and in finding a buyer.  I always think that pavers immediately evoke an old-world elegance to any home whether it is modern or Victorian.  There are different sizes when it comes to pavers and of course, you can also create all kinds of unique patterns to create a wow factor.

Retaining Walls

We’ve talked about retaining walls in a previous post but pavers are a great choice to use since they are easy to stack on top of each other.  With pavers, you can build a secure wall that reaches any height while also adding some additional charm to your yard.  Because there are so many colors and textures to choose from, you can decide to use pavers to create a focal point or you can decide to use them as an element that will softly blend into the overall appearance of your outdoor space.

Walkways/steps

What better way to add some curb appeal to your home than by using pavers to create a welcoming walkup or front steps?  I would recommend selecting colors that echo the colors of your home’s exterior or, if you are looking for something really unique, you could choose pavers in a bold color to create a statement.  You can also space them apart in your yard around flower beds and gardens and plant small mosses around them to make them appear as if they have been there for a long time.

What would you do with pavers around your home?

Tools/materials

Hammer                                                              tape measure                                                    awl

electric drill/bits                                                Phillips head screwdriver                              utility knife

7/8 inch spade bit/chisel                               two 1/8 inch hole saw                                    combination square

Step one – drilling the hole

If your door does not have a hole for the doorknob, you will need to drill one.  For this step, you should use a couple of wood shims to keep the door in position, putting them between the bottom of the door and your floor.  Generally, the doorknob is about 36 inches above the bottom of the door but you may want to check with the other doorknobs in your home to make sure.  If they are different measurements, then you will want to make sure that you put your hole at the same height as the others so that you have some unity.

Once you have the correct height, use the combination square to draw a line across the edge of the door where it will close against the doorframe.  You also want to continue that line that you have just drawn onto the side of the door where you will be making the hole.  Your lockset should come with a pattern that you fit over that part of the door and the pattern will be the base of the lockset.  Now put the awl into the center of the drawing and you can use a nail to do the same thing with the drawing that is on the edge of the door.  Then go ahead and take off the pattern and drill the hole for the door knob and for the latch plate that will fit on the edge of the door.

Step two – put on the latch plate

Again, if you are working with an undrilled door, you also need to put in the groove for the latch plate and this is simply done by using the latch plate to create an outline that you cut with the utility knife.  The spade bit or chisel is then used to remove 1/8 inch from that outline, creating a perfect indent for your latch plate to be installed into.

If you have a pre-cut door then all you have to do is simply attach the latch plate into place with the screwdriver, making sure that it is even with your door.

Step three – put in the knob

Your lockset has two distinctive knobs.  One of these knobs has an extended piece that is referred to as the spindle.  This knob is your outside knob and once you have your latch plate in place, you are going to put your outside knob into its place, making sure that the spindle goes through the hole in the latch piece, which should be sitting inside the round hole.  Then you take your inside knob, which controls the lock, and attach it to the spindle, securing it to the door with the screws.

NOTE – if you are putting a new door into a new door frame, you will probably need to install what is referred to as a strike plate.  If this is the case, you want to make sure that it lines up with the latch plate before securing it.

What kind of lockset are you installing?

Natural materials

As I have already stated, wood is the primary material used in arts and crafts decor.  In addition, other natural materials are also used such as glass that is made from sand, handmade tiles from clay and other natural ingredients, cotton, stone, leather, and linen. While brass and silver dominate in other interior decor, they are almost entirely eliminated in the arts and crafts style.  Cabinet doors and other furnishings are usually given wooden handles in place of metal ones.

Crafted by hand

The arts and crafts movement emerged in the 19th century when handmade goods were still rather common.  As a result, furnishings and accessories created during this period were all done by hand, resulting in some the most beautiful pieces in the home products industry.  They are also simple in appearance, which is another reason why I like them so much – the emphasis being placed on the material it was being made out of rather than the design or style.  It may be difficult today to find handmade furnishings for your home but there are several examples out there and I do know that there are still furniture makers who incorporate the arts and crafts style in their pieces.

Soft light

Aside from wood, stained glass is also incorporated into homes that feature the arts and crafts style.  Especially popular are the Tiffany lamps with their stained glass lamp shades and stained glass panels which can fill an entire window.  These are quite colorful and usually provide the only source of colors in the public areas of the home.  Stained glass windows and lighting pieces also create a soft light that makes the wood in the home glow, giving it that warm inviting appearance.  For these accessories, wrought iron or antiqued brass is used in place of regular metals.

Built-in pieces

In homes that have been built with the arts and crafts style, built in furniture is quite common such as cabinets, shelves, buffets, and even dressers.  These are all made out of wood and which is usually oak or cherry because of the appearance it gives in the room.  These built-in pieces can take up an entire wall length and their handmade structure makes them one-of-a-kind furnishings.

Simple accessories

If you take a walk through a home that is decorated in a true arts and crafts style, you will find that the accessories are very simple.  Usually, you will find a potted plant or two in the room, depending on its size and perhaps an Oriental rug or two.  The fireplace is also a necessity with the arts and crafts style and these are easy to incorporate with options in electric and gas fireplaces now available.  Adding accessories should be done with caution and with the idea that it should bring attention to the beauty of the wood in the space.

What do you like about the arts and crafts interior design?

Clear the area

More than likely, your air conditioning unit, called the condenser, is sitting outside next to your house, unlike swamp coolers, which sit on top of the roof.  Keeping the condenser free of debris is a must during the months that you are using it.  Every couple of weeks, you should give this area of your yard special attention, removing any weeds growing up around it and keeping vegetation away from the front of the unit where the grill and fan are located.  Any type of debris on the ground (leaves, toys, and plants) should be removed so that they do not interfere with the operation of the fan itself.

Plant a tree

You may be wondering what planting a tree has to do with a central air conditioner but planting a tree can actually save you money.  Because the condenser is the part of your system that keeps the air cool you want to keep it out of the sun as much as possible.  Choose a tree that is going to provide a lot of shade (for this you might want to consider transplanting an adult tree since a young tree can take a couple of years to grow) and position it so that its branches will protect your condenser.  If you don’t like the idea of planting a tree, or you don’t have the space for a tree, consider putting up an awning or some type of protective structure instead.

Regular Checks

At least once a month, I recommend performing a check on your system to make sure that it is working properly.  You will want to especially check the hoses and air ducks for any signs of leaks and address those problems immediately.  These can happen more often than you realize, affecting the effectiveness of your system and its efficiency.  At the same time, check your filter too to make sure that it is not ready for changing.  During summer months you will need to change your filter more frequently—I change mine every few months—but it is also going to depend on how much you use your air conditioner.  If you find something that you are not comfortable with addressing, be sure and call in a trained air conditioning professional to address the problem.

Cleaning

During that monthly check, I also like to clean the condenser and the air ducts to make sure there are no blockages from dust and other debris.  You should make sure that you read your manual for directions on the proper way to clean your specific unit but you should be able to simply use a hose to wash it down.  I would not use any chemicals for the cleaning process—the point of the cleaning is to remove anything that could make your system work harder.

Are there things you do to keep your central air running smoothly?

Annuals

Annuals are flowers that will only last one year but they often have a longer blooming period.  Choose bright colors such as black-eyed Susans that will bloom from about the middle of summer into the fall months, Calendulas, the California poppy, moonflowers, morning glory, or marigold.  Just remember that you will need to replant your annuals each year but I like them because you can give your home’s curb appeal a new look more easily.

NOTE:  Some flowers that are annuals can also act as perennials.

Perennial

Perennials can live a couple of years, which provides some stability for your flowerbeds.  They have shorter blooming periods, which is why it is important to create a mixture of these in your yard with the annuals.  These plants can live up to five years, depending on the soil and the environment.  Plants that fall under this category include baby’s breath, blazing star, sea lavender, Lupine, forget-me-nots, Thyme, Rosemary, and the bird of paradise.

Biennial

Biennial flowers have an interesting lifespan.  They essentially settle into your flowerbed the first year but will not produce any flowers.  The flowers actually bloom the second year, and, usually, the plant will die not long after the blooms appear.  Examples of biennial flowers are foxgloves, hollyhocks, parsley, carrot, and pansy.  Many vegetables are considered biennial and I have a good friend that uses these plants in her flower garden to create texture and depth.

The permanent flowers

As you are planning your flower beds, be sure to put in some plants that flower consistently year after year.  The most common type of this plant is the rose bush and rose bushes are extremely popular for flower beds and gardens.  What is nice is that there are so many colors to choose from and you can plant miniature rose bushes if you do not want your flowerbed to be dominated by the roses.  Many permanent flowering plants come in the form of bushes or small trees and I think this is because the bushes have a tougher network of roots, making them more resilient against cold or hot weather.

Greenery

Having just flowers in a flower bed can be a bit distracting, so I always like to see some non-flowering plants among the flowers.  I think these kinds of plants break up the colors of the flowers and can easily provide some depth or height to your garden.  Ferns, mosses, succulents, and ivy can give flowerbeds a softer appearance and add a feeling of lushness to your curb appeal.  There are several kinds of nonflowering plants that have a brilliant foliage and they have different seasons which can maintain your home’s focal point throughout the entire year.

Do you use flowerbeds as part of your curb appeal?

Give it a sophisticated look

Most times, people think that a nursery has to be cartoon characters and decorated in shades of baby blue and pink, but I believe that you can create a nursery that is for a child but also for a parent.  Don’t be afraid to look at other colors such as turquoise, red, green, and even black and white.  It is absolutely okay if you steer away from the traditional decorating themes of the nursery and create one that fits your personal style.  After all you are going to be spending a lot of sleepless nights there and you might as well make it a place that you will enjoy being in.

Comfortable chairs

Why should one parent have all the joy of being with the baby?  If your nursery is large enough, I would make room for two comfortable chairs so that you both can sit and talk as you wait for your little one to fall asleep again or to finish eating.  Most parents prefer the gliding rockers and you should be able to fit two into the room with relative ease.  You can also get a cushioned arm chair that is situated on a rocker foundation.

Footrests

While you are at it, don’t forget to include a couple of footrests.  Being able to put your feet up at the end of the day or while you are spending some quality time with your child will make it a much more comfortable and relaxing experience for you.

Add a regular twin bed

Another way to add convenience for you (and let your spouse get some sleep) is to put in a daybed or a twin bed so that you can sleep near the baby if he/she is having a hard time sleeping or is sick.  This way, you won’t have to put your complete reliance on a baby monitor which you might sleep through.  It’s also a great way to prepare for the future when your child will be graduating from the crib.

Choose safe nursery furnishings

When you are shopping for furniture for your nursery, it can be easy to think that you can simply use the dresser as a changing table.  However, you are putting your child at risk and that sweet frail baby is only going to be immobile for a very short time.  Changing tables are designed to give you more control over your child’s actions as they get older, something which is a necessity for active babies.  Make sure that your changing table and crib come with safety features so that you can prevent any accidents as your baby grows.

How would you make your nursery more parent friendly?

Sort it

I am man enough to admit that I have items in my closet that I keep holding on to and consistently have not worn for at least a couple of years.  The rule is that if you have not worn the item of clothing in the past year that it is simply time to get rid of it.  Yet, how many of us really follow this rule?  I know I don’t but this year I am going to follow the rule and get rid of the blazers, dress pants, and other clothing that are just collecting dust.

Label shoe boxes

I actually already do this little organizing tip (See, I am not as unorganized as you thought).  If you have a lot of variations when it comes to shoes, try to put them in individual boxes and then put a label on each box describing the shoes that are inside.  For example, I have several pairs of loafers so I write the color of the leather and the brand to help me easily find the ones I want.  What I do is reserve the boxes for the shoes that I don’t want getting scuffed and then I have a larger storage container box that I throw my tennis shoes and casual sandals into.  For you ladies, you can use large shoe boxes to store handbags.  My sister does this with her husband’s shoe boxes to keep them looking like new.

Buy organizers

Luckily, I have a couple of different organizers in my closet but I could use a few more.  One thing that you should be sure and do when you shop for organizers is to measure your closet space so that you get the right dimensions.  I also recommend having a combination of drawers, storage boxes, shelves, and hanger space so that you have places for all of your clothing.  There are some great organizing kits out there on the market that fit right into your closet and, to get the most out of them, I would make sure that they fit the entire length and width of your space.

Make it attractive

If you have a walk-in closet space, treat it as you would one of the rooms in your home to make it a pleasant place to be.  Add a small rug, organize your clothing by colors, and use woven baskets and color coordinated storage items to create a space that looks fun and inviting.  This may also help encourage you to put things away in their proper place instead of treating it like a catch-all.

What tips can you share in organizing your closet?

Area rugs

Rugs with large floral designs printed on them are easy to find and work well in rooms that are based in solid colors.  Because these large rugs are definitely attention getters, you want to be careful not to put other items in the room that will compete with it.  I recommend putting in decorative pieces that are the same color as the floral print so that it will tie the whole room together.

Linen

The great thing about linen is that it is easily changeable and will fit into a storage cabinet when the season ends.  Linen is also a focal point in any bedroom so you will not have to do a lot of changes in reference to wall color and rugs, unless you are creating a whole new look for your space.  I would look for bright colors against a soft colored background, such as gray, so that it will not overwhelm the room.

Wall Art

I have seen a lot of different forms of wall art that incorporate this season trend and choosing a large and brightly painted floral print can add a modern feel to any room.  Use a toned down frame so that it will not contrast with the print itself and then you could echo the colors in the print in small ways throughout the room.

Pillows

Pillows are a hot trend right now too, so why not combine the two trends together?  If you have a sofa or a set of chairs that are in neutral colors, adding some pillows with brightly colored flowers on them is a great way to liven up the area.  I have even seen pillows that are designed for outdoor use with the oversized flowers printed on them, which not only creates an atmosphere that is modern, but also fun.  With pillows, you can put them around your home and even create a fun display where each pillow has a different oversized floral print on it.

Wallpaper

This kind of method may not be for everyone because if done wrong it can be really overwhelming, but there are many different wallpaper designs on the market that showcase the oversized floral print right now.  My advice when using wallpaper is to make sure that your entire space is going to be planned around the print on the wallpaper.  Use solid colors as much as possible and avoid mixing prints unless you are using the same color scheme as in the wallpaper.  I would also make sure that the furniture colors are neutral in order to avoid a clashing issue.

What do you think about the oversized floral trend?