HowToDoThings.com Design & Decorating

How To Hang a Picture on Brick

Andrea143 — Sat, 08 Apr 2006 22:59:00 -0500

To hang a picture on brick, you can use one of two hanging tools depending on the amount of masonry around the brick. Brick clips cost approximately $5.00 for a pack of two, and can be purchased at Hobby Lobby, or online. You will need not need tools to install these clips, which only work on brick that is exposed at least 1/8 inch.

How To Remove Wallpaper

Victoria116 — Thu, 06 Apr 2006 11:09:00 -0500

Removing wallpaper can be a daunting task, especially if you are dealing with a large room that is papered from top to bottom. The task can be made easier, however, by following a few of these tricks:

Assess the situation. If the wallpaper has been on the walls for 30 years, it will indeed be more difficult to remove than wallpaper that is only a few years old. For ancient wallpaper, plan to spend some extra time and effort on getting it removed.

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How To Create a Bed Canopy

genepooldesign — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 20:35:09 -0500

There are several variations when creating a bad canopy. This how-to will focus on a "ring" canopy, a rather simple design appropriate for beginners, yet still fun for more advanced crafters. At a cost of between $10 and $30, it won't break your budget. A ring canopy is a hanging type of canopy, so before you attempt this project, make sure you are able to install a mounting hook in your ceiling.

How To Use a Portable Air Conditioner

Staff468 — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 12:07:00 -0600

Now that you've finally decided on which portable air conditioner to buy, it is important that you follow these tips so as to use your portable air conditioner properly:

Venting. Rule #1 for air conditioners is to have them vented properly, either through a window or a wall. A portable air conditioner vents warm, humid air from indoors to the outside. When it comes to venting your portable air conditioner, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions as venting standards will vary from unit to unit. You'll often receive a venting kit or the option to purchase one as part of your portable air conditioner package. The kit will include a hose and a window kit that provide venting options for a variety of window sizes and styles. Make sure that the window you intend to install the vent on matches the type of window covered by the kit (i.e. sliding or casement).

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How To Make Your Home a Resort

Youshouldown — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 23:53:38 -0500

In today’s world of home channel popularity and all things fashionable, making your home magazine-perfect and envied by all isn’t such a hard or expensive thing to do. Even the smallest changes and additions can make a huge difference for less than a weekend getaway. After all, you live in your home before and after the getaway.

How To Choose a Flatware Set

Marilisa560 — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 19:17:03 -0500

I have used, purchased, broken, cherished, tried and discarded many different styles and types of flatware in my lifetime. And I have learned a secret: 'Not all flatware is created equal.' Even comparably priced flatware varies in several important ways. And nowhere is it so evident as it is in flatware options, that you get what you pay for. Here are some considerations for anyone planning to begin a bridal registry, set up housekeeping, purchase new flatware or replace flatware.

How To Restore an Old Glider Bench

genepooldesign — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 16:37:38 -0500

Lawn furniture is made to withstand the elements, and usually it holds up quite well to years of falling rain, searing sunlight, wind and inconsiderate birds. If you're like me, you don't want to part with that poor, weathered, yet still comfortable glider bench. With a little elbow grease, new hardware, and some protective enamel paint, you can breathe new life into it, without spending more than $20-$30. This is a terrific weekend project, which can be completed by 1 or 2 motivated people in 2-1/2 days' time.

How To Compare Moving Companies

Staff468 — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 16:06:00 -0500

Let's face it: moving is always a big pain in the butt. You have to pack everything up, carry heavy items around awkward corners and hope you don't break anything fragile. While you may be excited about moving into a new house or apartment, I'm willing to bet that you're not excited about the actual act of physically moving your belongings. That's where a moving company comes in handy.

Moving companies, while they are always going to be more expensive than moving on your own, save you a lot of energy and stress. There are so many things to worry about when you're moving to a new place (and potentially town), that the few extra dollars required to hire a professional moving company may be well worth it to you. Plus, once you've calculated your final U-Haul bill (including gas, mileage, and your time), you may find that the price difference isn't as big as you thought it was.

How To Choose the Right Style Home

Youshouldown — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 15:38:40 -0500

Homebuyers often confuse one style of home for another. When searching for your next home or trying to determine the style that matches your needs, it's important to know the different styles of homes available and on the market. Below is a breakdown of the many styles and their descriptions.

Bi-Level: A bi-level style home is typically a one-story floor plan that has been raised above ground level, where another level of living such as a basement or additional rooms resides. They are often considered ranches or split-level homes. In fact, when you enter the front door and have to climb stairs to get to the kitchen or main living space, you're typically in a bi-level style home.
Bungalow: A bungalow style home is a compact 1-1/2 story house that contains smaller rooms. There will typically be 2 or more bedrooms on the main floor, along with a bathroom and living space.

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How To Decorate a Child's Room

Elizabeth69 — Fri, 07 Apr 2006 11:04:00 -0500

So, your baby has declared that they aren't a baby anymore and want their bedroom to be more "grown-up." As hard as it can be to see them getting older, little kids must turn into big kids. Decorating a room to reflect their developing personalities can be an enjoyable experience for kids and parents alike.

Begin by getting exact measurements of the room. Take note of where closets, windows and doors are. If you will be using existing furniture, measure each piece. Write all measurements down.
Make a simple drawing of the room dimensions on plain paper and then make several photocopies of this drawing. You can "re-arrange" the room on paper until you come up with the perfect plan.
Sit down with your child to get ideas of how they envision their "dream room." Take notes.

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