Archive for the ‘Remodeling’ Category

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Do It Yourself: How to Reupholster a Couch

Friday, March 18th, 2011

Sometimes a couch has great style and the structure is still in tact, but the upholstery has become faded, worn, tattered or stained. Reupholstering the piece is an excellent way to keep this gem out of the landfills and give it a second lease on a useful life. It’s also a great way to give a dated couch a fab new look. Best of all, you can do it yourself and get a new look for the just cost of fabric!

Step 1: Measure and Select Fabric

Before heading off to the fabric store, take accurate measurements of the couch: You need to measure the length, width, and height; arm length and depth; and the width, height and depth of seat cushions and backs. Write down these measurements by section so that the assistant at the fabric store can assist you in determining the total amount of fabric needed. Always purchase more than you think you will need, by about 10%. This will ensure that there is enough fabric for seams and any minor errors in measurements.

When selecting fabric, go for sturdy fabric that is fade and stain resistant; if you have children and pets, select a fabric that stands up well to repeated vacuuming and steam cleaning. Also be sure to select a fabric that works well with your decorative style, whether your room features tin wall crosses or wine wall hangings.

Step 2: Remove the Original Fabric

Carefully cut the seams of the old fabric; remove it and discard it. Take care not to damage the padding beneath. If the padding is in good shape, you can upholster over it; if not, you will need synthetic foam padding as a replacement.

Step 3: Trace out Fabric Shapes

Use a light colored pencil to trace the shapes of each section of the couch onto the back of the fabric. Add one inch of seam allowance all the way around for each measurement and carefully cut out the pieces for the frame; then trace and cut out pieces for each cushion.

Step 4: Attach the Fabric to the Frame

Using a heavy-duty staple gun, attach the fabric securely to the couch’s frame so that the staples are not visible. The new seams should be located in the same locations as the original seams; this will ensure a professional looking job and also prevent the mishap of installing a staple where it could injure someone. It is also less likely that the staples or fabric will stretch or pull loose if you use the original seam locations.

Step 5: Cover the Cushions

The final step is to cover the cushions with slipcovers. If possible, install a zipper on the cushions so that the covers can be washed when needed; check the fabric manufacturer’s directions, but in most cases, washing them inside out in cold water will result in the least amount of fading. The easiest way to make the slipcovers is with a sewing machine, but they can also be hand sewn. Sew the seat cushion so that it is snug and the zipper can be easily closed.

Photo credit to damph.

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Using Color to Update a Room Design

Sunday, February 27th, 2011

When looking for an affordable and easy way to update the appearance of a room, employing the use of color is an excellent way to get the job done, whether you hang a colorful kitchen wall art over the kitchen table or a vintage painted metal art above the fireplace. Colors come in and out of style, so just swapping outdated colors for newer trends is a really quick way to freshen up the look of a room. Or, if a room is too neutral and lackluster, adding color can transformative from a design standpoint. Here are a few color ideas that can help brighten any room.

Revitalize with Color

If avocado green or mustard yellow are primary colors in any room, it is way past time to update the colors in the room. If the budget is tight, cover furniture with slipcovers in more modern colors, paint walls and swap out accessories to create a fresh look in a room that desperately needs to move into this century.

Choosing Colors

Beige is the ultimate neutral and it is just about the safest color on the planet, which means that it blends well with any other color. The unfortunate side effect of being so versatile is that beige is also one of the most boring colors in the world. When it comes to ordinary, beige is the winning color. Sometimes by achieving the goal of being neutral, the room is versatile but has no particular character. The solution is simple, just punch up the design with a few bold pops of color. These accent colors can be virtually anything, because the background is invisible beige. Limit the accent colors to three or less, and spread the color throughout the room to keep the design feeling balanced.

Furnishings

Unfortunately furnishings also get outdated, and it may not always be practical to replace larger pieces of furniture on a whim; however, covering any piece of furniture with a colorful slipcover instantly updates its look. Add a slipcover that helps pull an accent color around the room, or make an outdated color, like mustard yellow, disappear by adding a beige slipcover to a piece of furniture. Slipcovers should only be used when furniture is in good shape; when a piece of furniture begins to fall apart the best solution is to replace it.

Striking Accents

One of the easiest ways to update color in a room is to swap out the accent pieces, like candles, throw pillows, wall decor and frames, for new options in modern designs and colors. Choose pillow patterns that include a sampling of each accent color found in the room, because they will help to tie the room’s décor together. Mix solid color and patterned pillow coverings to infuse a neutral couch with color. Update groups of candles displayed in the room to include fresh, new colors, and even pictures on the walls can mirror the new colors being spread through the room.

Final Tips

Stay away from furniture that is trendy, because it will become outdated too quickly. To create a trendy look in any room though, find furnishings with traditional shapes and neutral colors, and then simply add slipcovers and throw pillows to pull new but fleeting trends into the room’s design. Then when these new colors become outdated, simply swap out slipcovers and accessories for fresh colors to give the room an entirely new look.

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Designing a Five-Star Guest Room in Your Home

Monday, January 17th, 2011

If you have frequent guests that stay over in your home, it can be fun to design a guest room that is stylish and fabulous.  There are many methods that can be used to create a five-star guest room within the home, depending on your own preferences and what look you wish to achieve.  The following ideas will help you to create a comfortable and beautiful guest room that is based on the world’s most popular hotel suites.

Resort Style Guest Room

Some of the most beautiful guest rooms at resorts around the world can be mirrored in the design of your guest room.  From a posh suite on the Las Vegas strip to the infamous suites in luxury hotels in Hawaii, you can take inspiration for designing your guest room from these top choices among travelers. With comfortable arrangements for sleeping, soft fabrics, entertainment options, a private bath, and a place to sit and unwind, you can create this type of room in your home.  The color palette that you choose will play a big role, too, and using colors that promote tranquility and peace are the best choice for the resort-inspired room, too.

Adding a great mirror to the room is a nice touch, and a wall mirror that maximizes the natural lighting within the room adds the perfect element to the space.  Choose other wonderful accessories such as drapes or other window treatments that will block out the afternoon sun for an afternoon nap, a television with movie channel access, a hair dryer, and a Jacuzzi style bath tub.   A small room safe is also another good option that will allow your guests to store their jewelry and cash without worrying about losing it during their stay with you. Also be sure to add beautiful wall art the complements the style of the room, whether you choose classic framed art or something unique and vibrant like Southwestern metal art decor.

Technology-Friendly Guest Room

Since most people get online every day, providing your guest access to the Internet from their laptop is a good idea.  Guests of your home can enjoy a wireless Internet connection just like they would in a five-star hotel, but any type of Internet connection is fine.  Be sure to also provide your guest with a place to plug in their cellular devices without taking up the outlets in the room that are needed for other appliances or lamps.

Private Retreat Guest Room/Mother-in-Law Suite

The level of contentment that your guests feel will be partly based on the privacy that they can enjoy during their stay.  A mother-in-law suite is a good option when creating a five-star guest room, whether your guest room is in the basement, attic, or even a suite that is altogether separate from the house.  The typical mother-in-law suite/private retreat guest room should have the following amenities:

  • Private bath.  The bathroom in the mother-in-law suite should be a full bath and it should have a space for a tub or shower, sink, and toilet.  The bathroom should be stocked with luxury lotions, shampoos, soaps, shower gels, and of course, lots of fluffy towels.
  • Wonderful bed.  The bed in the mother-in-law suite should be full size or bigger, with a king-sized bed being the lap of luxury.  Provide fresh linens for the bed, and at least four pillows.
  • Place for sitting and entertaining.  A comfortable loveseat and arm chair are ideal, but be certain to add some things for the guest to entertain themselves with.  You can provide a small TV with access to cable or satellite, and a DVD player along with a few popular movie titles.

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Update Older Furniture on a Shoestring Budget

Monday, August 23rd, 2010

Don’t throw your outdated or shabby-looking furniture to the curb just yet.  You can update the look of furniture and find a new use for it in your home with very minimal cost and a little bit of elbow grease.  The following budget-friendly suggestions can help:

1. Painting or Staining

You can really refresh the look of an old piece of furniture with a new coat of paint that can take your piece from dirty, peeling and scratched to shiny, smooth and attractive.  Be certain to thoroughly clean and sand the surface of the piece before you paint it so that the new paint will last longer and look great.  Staining your wood furniture is also a good way to alter its appearance.  Use a polyurethane sealer for a glossy finish and to protect the piece’s surface.  You can paint a number of pieces using the same shade in order to unite furniture that is mismatched.  When refinishing, painting, or staining an old piece, think about ways that you can repurpose the newly updated item, such as turning an old buffet table into a TV console.

2. Adding a Slipcover

Alter the color and lines of a sofa or armchair dramatically using a slipcover.  A white slipcover that is draped rather loosely over a couch or sofa can give it the casual look that is currently in fashion.  Search discount stores for inexpensive slipcovers, or use a sheet that is large enough to cover the entire piece.  You can complete the look by adding some inexpensive decorative pillows.  Also consider sewing the slipcover or pillows yourself to save even more.

3. Changing the Hardware

If the hardware, drawer pulls and knobs on your chest of drawers, side table, or cabinets are rusty or tarnished with age or have simply gone out of style, you can easily change out the hardware to refresh the look of the piece.  Vary the styles of the knobs on a piece to create an interesting look, or paint the knobs using your own designs.

4. Decorating with Trim

Updating the look of old furniture using decorative trim is another option.  Ribbon, buttons, and fabric scraps can be useful to create a new look.  Simply hot glue or staple the item along the edges of a coffee table or the cabinet doors of an old hutch or other item. Hammered upholstery tacks can give an outdated piece great new definition and attitude.

5. Adding Tile

And finally, you can use old or leftover tile to create a mosaic tile accent on a table or the doors of an old armoire.  This adds a burst of new color and brightens up the piece.  Arrange the pieces of tile, seal them in place, or grout and seal them if you prefer for an updated look that is eye-catching and inexpensive.

Remember also that you can update or repurpose decorative items as well as furniture to make them more in step with your current style. For example, rusted outdoor metal wall art can be painted and used as an unusual focal point above your mantel; a metal fish wall hanging in dated colors, can be spray painted in modern hues and used as an accent in a sun porch.

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Painting a Basement to Appear Bigger and Brighter

Thursday, August 19th, 2010

How you paint any room can really determine how it looks and feels. So when you want to brighten up a basement, which is typically a dark and drab space, think paint. By using light and bright paint colors and adding sufficient light to the room, you can take a dull, drab basement room and turn it into a beautiful and bright room to that is a pleasure to spend time in.

Color and Vitality

When thinking about brightening up your basement, you might want to consider using some lively and energetic colors. Warm colors like red, yellow and orange are great color selections to bring some vibrancy and warmth to a cold, dull basement. However, these colors splashed across the expanse of a wall could certainly prove to be a little too bright and bold, and they could quickly overpower even a large basement space. However, if you tone the color down, you can create just the right balance of energy and brightness in your basement. For example, while yellow walls might be a little too stimulating, if you soften the yellow to a pale butter cream tone, you can use the color throughout your room and keep it looking light and fresh.

When you are considering painting the entire surface of a space in a single color, it is very important to paint a test patch on the wall before committing to the color for the entire room. The light and shadows in the room will have a very real effect on how the color looks throughout the day. Natural light during the day and artificial light during the evening will also play a big part in how the color looks. So it is a really good idea to live with the color on your walls for a few days before you decide on the perfect color for your basement walls.

Engaging Patterns

Another color that you should not overlook when you are painting your basement walls is white. There are many soft and creamy shades of white that work perfectly for brightening up a basement space. Now, if you are worried that white walls are just plain too boring for you, think about adding a stenciled design to your walls. Select a vibrant raspberry or mint hue and cover a focal wall with a stencil design, and you will keep your walls bright while bringing in the warmth of a wallpaper design.

If you are artistic, you might instead choose to add a hand painted mural. If you opt to create a stenciled pattern on your wall, make sure that none of the other patterns in your room compete with it. For example, do not bring in bold print in your furniture upholstery, though if you have throw pillows with a smaller print pattern, that should work fine.

Another way to add interest and design on plain neutral walls is with decorative wall art, like paintings and prints, tree of life wall art, wall crosses, or any wall decor that appeals to you.

A Little Shimmer

When you are painting basement walls try to use reflective finishes throughout your room, because they reflect more light throughout the room. For example, try to use a high gloss or semi gloss finish in the paint that you apply to your basement walls. However, since a shiny finish highlights surface flaws, it is more important than ever that you properly prepare your surfaces before painting.

You might also want to think about adding a focal wall in your basement using a metallic or pearlescent paint, both of which add a great deal of sparkle to virtually any space. These shimmering paints are probably a little overpowering for the entire room, but to paint a focal wall in metallic paint and the supporting walls in a high or semi gloss paint will brighten up the room significantly without overwhelming the room.

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When to Use Oil Base and When to Use Latex Paint

Monday, August 16th, 2010

For painting novices and veterans alike, knowing when to use oil base paint and when to use latex paint can be confusing; it’s not like choosing outdoor wall clocks or fish metal art based strictly on what appeals to you.  Oil base paint is compromised of petroleum distillates and other solvents, whereas acrylic paint has a water base.  Their differences in chemical make-up effect where they are most effective.  Although both types of paint can provide great coverage on most surfaces, there are definite places where one works better than the other.

Galvanized Metal

Galvanized metal is the one surface where a clear choice is predetermined.  Acrylic base paints are the only option for applying paint directly to the metal surface.  Oil base paints should never be applied to galvanized metal surfaces, as the paint will not adhere and the painting effort will be wasted.

Concrete

Latex paint works well on concrete surfaces, because of its elasticity and ability to adhere to the rough surface.  Oil base paint will work on treated concrete surfaces, but should not be applied to fresh concrete.  A protective coating or sealant is necessary to make the paint adhere to the new concrete.

Wood

Both latex and oil paints work well on wooden surfaces.  As with concrete, it is usually a good idea to seal the raw wood with a protective coating before applying the oil base paint.  Some homeowners choose to use oil base paints on kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, thinking that the oil paint lasts longer and provides a more durable coating in these high-moisture areas.

Aluminum Siding

If painting the aluminum siding, forget about oil base paints and choose latex paints instead.  Oil base paints will not adhere to the aluminum surface and will simply run off the siding.  Latex paints provide a solid coverage with flexibility in the paint to account for contractions and expansions in the surface.

Chalky Surfaces

If the surface leaves a chalky residue on the hand when touched, the only paint that will provide excellent coverage is oil base paint.  Often, the chalky surface will be layered with oil paints and it will be the old paint coating that is creating the chalk.  Latex paints will have difficulty adhering to such surfaces and the coverage will not be as smooth as a coating of oil base paint.

Walls

Usually, it is best to paint walls with latex paint.  It is much easier to work with latex paints than it is to work with oil base paints.  Latex is easier to apply, has better stroke coverage and results in less odor and easier clean-up.  There is also a greater variety of options in finishes, colors and paint can sizes with latex paints.

Furniture

Wooden furniture can be painted with either latex or oil base paint.  Oil base paints are especially good for furniture that already has a coating of oil paint on it.  Typically, older outdoor furniture is painted with oil base paint.  Latex paints are good for decorative pieces and personalized rocking chairs, stools or trunks.

Knowing when to use latex paint and when to use oil base paint will help when deciding how to finish a surface.  Choose the option that provides the best coverage with the smallest amount of mess.  As always, if there is a question about which type of paint to use, consult a professional at the local paint store for advice.

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Best Choices for a Basement Ceiling Remodel

Saturday, August 14th, 2010

When you are completing a basement remodel, you have options to consider for adding a new ceiling. The different options come at different price points, so you can select your ceiling style by looks or price, whichever works better for you.

The Drop Ceiling

One of the more common choices when it comes to basement ceilings is the drop ceiling. There are many different styles from which to choose, and there are many different panel styles available, too. The reason that a drop ceiling is so popular for basement spaces is that it allows you to easily hide electric wiring, pipes and ductwork. However, in the event that you need to access any of these areas for maintenance, you can easily get to them by simply removing a ceiling panel or two. While some of the other choices like drywall are more affordable options, they are not nearly as convenient when it comes to making repairs on the substructures of the house. The other great thing that a drop ceiling offers is ease of installation for just about any homeowner. The main disadvantage with a dropped ceiling is that it lowers the ceiling by at least 4 more inches and if your ceilings are already low, this may not be a good choice.

Drywall

Adding a drywall ceiling to a basement makeover really gives the room a finished look. It is also one of the more affordable options when it comes to adding a new ceiling to your basement makeover. As you are installing your drywall panels, remember that there will be sections covering pipes, wiring and ductwork that may need to be removed for maintenance some time in the future; so make sure to attach your drywall sections to the ceiling beams with screws instead of nails. If you are opting for drywall instead of a drop ceiling, it may be worth your while to redirect wiring and pipes so that you can locate everything under a single panel for easy maintenance. Use one quarter inch drywall for easier installation.

Just Paint

If your basement ceiling is not littered with wires, pipes and ductwork, you may choose to leave your ceiling’s exposed beams as part of the room’s décor. Just spray painting the ceiling a single color may be all that you need to do to finish off the remodel. Painting the ceiling is probably the most economical option for finishing a basement ceiling. While a painted ceiling will not provide the same polish that a drop ceiling or a drywall ceiling will provide, in many cases, as in the case of a rumpus room, it is a perfect ceiling solution.

Some Things to Think About

With any type of home renovation or decorative decision, certain considerations come into play; these apply whether you are building an addition or simply choosing between a metal fish wall hanging or large outdoor wall clocks. First consider your budget, and that may make the decision for you. If you have ample budget to make a couple of selections, then consider the overall look that you want to achieve in the room. And finally, think about the personal enjoyment and added value you’ll achieve.

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Urban Living: Creative Solutions for Tight Spaces

Friday, June 25th, 2010

Anyone living in a city understands what it takes to live in a small space, and they become very creative at finding storage solutions just about everywhere. Using every inch of space to your advantage is the key for creative storage solutions in tight urban living spaces.

Unused Wall Space – Oftentimes there is vacant spaces beneath  behind drywall: You can build recessed shelves use these spaces as extra storage to stash anything from clothing to canned food.

Reclaim Closet Space – If you have a closet that is too small for what you need to store, then perhaps it is time to revamp your closet. You can install a floor to ceiling bookshelf in your closet and create your own personal library, or you can turn a closet into a home office by mounting a folding desk to the wall. Add shelving, pocket files and a bulletin board, and it will rival its full sized counterparts.

Handy Drawers – Rather than use shelving for storage, consider using drawers instead. Quite often things get lost in the backs of cabinets, especially if the shelves are at all deep. By replacing the shelves with pull out drawers, you can see every available inch of storage clearly. Make sure that you can pull your drawers all of the way out so that you can clearly see every nook and cranny.

Think Vertical in the Kitchen – Kitchen cabinet space is at a premium in a small apartment, and it is hard to find enough space to keep all of your appliances as well as all of your cooking supplies. So make the most of any unused vertical space that you have in your kitchen. Wire shelving for dishes and foodstuffs, is a great way to use extra wallspace. A ceiling rack for pots and pans uses space that would otherwise be wasted, and a wall mounted pegboard is great for storing utensils and tools. A wine wall art bottle rack and tree wall art cup holder are also great solutions for utilizing small patches of wall space below or beside cabinets.

Bathrooms and Foyers Go Vertical Too – Bathrooms are typically a small room in any home, so make generous use of towel racks. For example, a ladder towel rack uses wall space to its best advantage. Adding coat racks and wall mounted shoe racks in a foyer is a great way to organize outerwear.

Perimeter Shelving – In many homes there is enough space about eighteen inches from the ceiling to install shelving around the entire perimeter of a room. Using decorative baskets or bins to create a uniform look, you can store all kinds of things on these shelves. Items that are seasonal or that you only use occasionally are perfect candidates for this type of storage.

Unexpected Storage Spaces – If one area of your apartment is feeling cluttered or stuffed to the rafters, look to other rooms in your apartment to spread the load. For example, if your office area is feeling full, you may wish to convert a little used dining room hutch into office supply storage.

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Sew a Straight Line to New Living Room Decor

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Personal touches give any room personality and designer flair and nothing can change up the look of a room or give it a fresh seasonal touch like fabric. Fabric can be used to create throw pillows, slipcovers, and table runners that can be swapped out when seasons change or whenever you’re hankering for something new. Choose fabrics with colors, designs and patterns that give your living room a decorative punch. You don’t have to be a sewing whiz to create these updates for your living room; you just need to be able to sew a straight line. A sewing machine will make the job quick and easy.

Photo credit to cauzinha.

Start with new throw pillows:

Changing the throw pillows on your living room couch and chairs is a great way to give your living room a fresh new look. Decide on the size of the pillows you’d like and choose your fabric; you can choose two complementary fabrics for the front and back of your pillows and mix fabrics from one pillow to another, choosing colors and patterns that accent and unify the room. For each pillow, cut two equal size squares or rectangles of fabric and place them on top of each other with the finish sides of the fabric facing. Sew up three sides of each pillow, leaving a seam allowance of about one half-inch.

On the fourth side of the pillow, sew along the edges, but leave the middle third of the seam open. Turn the pillow right side out and stuff it with chopped foam filling or polyester fiber, then simply hand stitch the opening and enjoy your new pillow!

Make a slip cover for an ottoman:

Start by measuring the width and length of your ottoman by stretching a measuring tape from the bottom of the ottoman, up the side, across the top and down the other side; do the same in the other direction. Add one inch to each measurement; this will give you the size of the piece of fabric you will need. A sturdy fabric is a good choice for an ottoman.

Arrange the fabric with the right side facing down on top of the ottoman and pin the four corners of the fabric together. Slit the flaps so that there is a seam allowance of one inch. Take the fabric off the ottoman and, using the sewing machine, sew four straight lines to create seams where the fabric is pinned. Turn the fabric right side out and place it over the ottoman to check the fit; remove the slip cover once again and sew a one inch hem along the bottom edge.

Sew a table runner and coasters:

Make a table runner by cutting two pieces of fabric at the length and width that you need. Lay the two pieces on top of each other, right sides facing each other, and sew three sides together, leaving one short end open. Turn the fabric right side out, iron flat and sew the fourth edge. Add tassels or fringe to each end.

Make coasters from two 5×5 inch squares and a piece of batting cut to the same size. Layer the pieces as follows:  Lay the back piece right side up, the front piece right side down and then the batting. Pin the pieces together and sew all the way around with a one-quarter inch allowance, leaving a two inch opening. Snip the corners, turn the coaster right side out and sew the opening closed.

Fabric is an inexpensive way to update your decor. You can even frame fabric and turn it into unique wall art decorations that coordinates perfectly with other accents in the room and invites your creativity. For example, mount two framed fabric panels balanced by a large unique wall candle holders.

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Easy Sewing Projects to Update Bedroom Decor

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

abric is one of the greatest decorating tools available; use it to unify colors in a room, create contrast with color and design and add texture and interest. In a bedroom, where your goal is to create a tranquil atmosphere, fabric can be used for all these decorative purposes and also create a sense of comfort and ease. If you can sew a straight line on a sewing machine, gather up bolts of your chosen fabrics and get busy making piles of throw pillows for the bed, new window treatments, bedding and accessories and give your bedroom a fresh dose of personality.

Photo credit to cedwardmoran.

Easy-to-Sew Window Treatments

New curtain panels can give your bedroom a totally new look; side curtain panels in your chosen style make a fabulous second layer over textured flat folding shades, traditional wooden blinds and roll-up or honeycomb shades. To determine how much fabric you’ll need measure the distance from the curtain rod to the floor and add the length you desire for the top pocket and bottom hem. If you want your curtains to puddle on the floor, allow for an additional 18 inches. Determine width by measuring the width of the window plus four inches; this equals the width of one curtain panel to cover half the window.

Once you have your fabric cut, sew the side hems on your panels. Place the fabric on a clean work surface, right side down; fold the fabric in from the long edge one-half inch then iron flat. Fold it another one-half inch, iron again and sew the hem in place. Now make the top pocket for the curtain rod by folding and pressing a one-half inch hem along the top edge of the fabric. Fold over the width needed for a pocket to accommodate the curtain rod, then iron and sew the seam. Finally, create the bottom hem using a half-inch fold that is pressed with an iron, then fold, press and sew the final seam. Bottom curtain hems are usually three to five inches. Repeat the process for the other curtain panel.

Make a Table Skirt for a Side Table.

If you have a side table in your bedroom that really doesn’t coordinate with your decor, a table skirt is a great way to disguise it and help it blend in. If you don’t have a side table and would like one, you can make an inexpensive round or square top table out of plywood then drape it in a gorgeous fabric skirt for an ultimately chic look at a bargain basement price. To make the skirt, just cut the fabric to size and sew a hem around the bottom edge.

Create a Bed Skirt

Create a finished look for your bed, or hide an unsightly box spring with a fresh bedskirt. Start by measuring the width and length of the box spring and add one inch to each of those measurements. Next, cut an old sheet in inexpensive fabric to match your measurements. Measure the height from the top of the box spring to the floor and add one inch; this is the ‘drop’ of the skirt. You’ll need three pieces of bed skirt fabric, with two pieces as long as the length of the box spring and the third piece as long as the width of the box spring.  Cut the width for each piece to equal the ‘drop’ measurement.  Now simply sew the three pieces together and sew them to the flat sheet. You may leave the side corners of the bed skirt open or sew them together.

Now, the money that you saved through your sewing projects leaves a little left over for a trip to the unique wall art store to choose beautiful new accessories for your room. From soothing metal fish sculptures, to Tuscan style vineyard paintings, tropical wall art or French country framed art, there are thousands of items that will give your bedroom a personalized look.

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