The Home Know-It-All

Stained Glass

Stained glass is a great way to add personality and a pop of color to your home décor both indoors and out. Forget those sweeping panoramas you see in the lofty halls of cathedrals; stained glass is a timeless look that can add some splendor to your own personal space in a fun and unique way. Prepare to see your home in a whole new light!

Sparkling Candleholders
Stained glass is meant to play with the light, not just let it through. So get creative! One of the best home uses for stained glass is as a candleholder. The light from the candle can create a beautiful and dazzling display. These kaleidoscopic candle holders run anywhere from $10 to $40, so you don’t have to drop big bucks to add a little color to your candle experience.

Wonderful Windows
You don’t have to break the bank to get a stained glass window. There are small window hangings and windows available that give you the same affect as a stain glass window, and for a fraction of the cost. From the classic and traditional (a butterfly, a hummingbird) to the more unexpected (logos of college sports teams, a set of golf clubs), you can surely find a look that suits your fancy.

Accent Away
Stained glass doesn’t just serve as a centerpiece to your décor – it can also complement the aesthetic you’ve already established. A Touch of Class offers many great stained glass accent pieces, ranging from a floral fireplace screen to a wine-bottle-shaped nightlight. Stained glass may be a time-honored art form, but that shouldn’t stop you from making it your own and really expressing yourself!

Table Toppers
If you’re tired of dull and utilitarian tabletops, stained glass can provide a light and luminous alternative. Mosaic stained glass tabletops provide a stylish and classical look to any room, deck, or garden. Although they’ll typically set you back about $300-$500, depending on the intricacy of the design, most mosaic tabletops are handmade and custom ordered from local furniture craftsmen. Indulge your inner designer and head to the drawing board.

Alfresco Appeal
We can all agree—I hope!—that pink flamingos and lawn gnomes should stay in the 60s, but outdoor decorations made of stained glass are timeless. There are a variety of ground-based panes available that will fit right into your garden or landscaping project, depicting everything from the Japanese symbol for “happiness” to a sunrise just breaking over the horizon. Stained glass wind chimes provide another superb (and tuneful) way to incorporate this ancient art form into your outdoor decorations. The bright colors and unique designs offered by these clever and cool chimes can tie together any deck or porch.

Until next time,
The Home-Know-it-All

Cool Indoor & Outdoor Fountains

Adding a fountain to your favorite space does more than enhance aesthetics. It also contributes comforting white noise and a splash of moisture to your indoor room. Outside, it attracts birds and other wildlife to make your garden a haven for Mother Nature.

Ready to install a fountain? I’ve picked a few favorites to get you started.

Sunset Tide Pool by Laguna Waterworks ($2,599 - $5,299, depending on size)
This one-of-a-kind fountain is handmade just for you. The manufacturers use a torch to “paint” the stainless steel and create the stunning iridescent colors. Available in a 34- to 60-inch diameter, the round fountain is ideal for a variety of spaces, and because of a low-voltage lighting tucked into its folds, the fountain can also function as a mood-enhancing night light.

Hospitality Pineapple by Brass Baron Fountains ($212.50)
Make a statement in your backyard with this quirky pineapple-shaped fountain. A verdigris finish on the all-brass fountain gives it a well-weathered look. I also like the Crazy Frog ($70) and the Standing Hippo ($169) from the same manufacturer.

Ceramic Solar Cascade by Smart Solar ($169.95)
A low-voltage solar pump re-circulates the water to make this fountain eco-friendly. Request the optional AC adapter if you plan to bring it indoors during the wintertime.

If you didn’t find a fountain to suit your fancy here, try Garden-Fountains.com, Soothing Walls, or Fountain Crafters to spot one that does. 

And be sure to leave a comment with a link to your favorites!

Until next time,
The Home Know-It-All

Just Right in Black and White

Take just one look in my closet and my favorite color combination is apparent: black and white. And even though it’s my favorite pairing for clothing, I also happen to think that black and white is a stunning choice for interior decorating. Why? It’s chic. It’s sophisticated. And most importantly, it never goes out of style.

White is light, bright, and airy—but too much of it alone looks sterile. Black anchors a room and adds serious drama—but an all-black color scheme overpowers. Pairing the two colors combines the best qualities of each and creates eye-catching contrast. Want proof? I love how the black chalkboard wall and cabinetry in this HGTV story stands out among the surrounding creamy walls and furniture.

When decorating with a black-and-white palette, play with patterns, textures, and shapes for visual appeal. In a cottage-style room, for instance, you might try pairing a larger toile-print fabric with a striped print—and plain black and white materials too. This BHG.com slideshow shows how to successfully decorate in black and white regardless of what style you’re going for. And get more decorating tips from Marion Jones at the South Beach Décor blog.

Black and white looks stunning on its own, but this combination also plays well with other colors. Team it with a splash of lime green, turquoise, pink, red or even metal for a fresh style update. Get inspiration from this BHG.com slideshow. Just make sure to keep the emphasis on the black and white.

Have any suggestions for decorating in black and white? Share here.

Until next time,
The Home Know-It-All

Make a Statement with Arches

Architectural details—wainscoting, moldings, ceiling treatments, cornices, and more—add instant flair and allow you to incorporate your personal style into your living space. One of my favorite architectural details? Arches. Simple or ornate, these curvy accents add visual interest and definition to entryways, windows, mantels, and more.

There are six basic arch styles used in home design— Flat, Gothic, Moorish, Roman, Segmental, and Tudor. They range from ever-so-slight curves to perfect horseshoe shapes, and they each speak to a different interior decorating style. Tudor arches convey old-fashioned elegance, for instance, while Roman arches are prominent in Spanish Colonial architecture. Learn more about each type of arch and see what they look like in this Realtor Magazine article.

Even at their most subtle, arches are graceful additions to any home. See for yourself by checking out the simple arches framing this BHG.com fireplace and this BHG.com window seat. Lovely, no?

But arches can also make a bold statement, too—especially if they’re custom-designed. You’ll find a slew of attention-grabbing arches in this CALFinder blog post.

Want to add an architectural arch to your home? Learn about the benefits of building custom arches here. And if you want to make a DIY project out of it, consider Easy-Arch, a pre-formed metal framing arch that snaps onto your existing wood framing.

Until next time,
The Home Know-It-All

Related Posts:
How to Build a Window Seat
Pick the Right Fireplace
Quick and Easy Window Treatments

Best Sites for Décor Deals

Many of us are working with recession-size budgets to renovate our homes. And that makes stretching our décor dollars very important. Lucky for us, there are several websites dedicated to helping us score interior decorating bargains. See for yourself. Then let us know what deals you come across.

• When it comes to finding one-of-a-kind and inexpensive pieces for your home, Etsy is the place to go. It’s an “online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade,” so everything comes directly from the maker, eliminating the middleman and decreasing your price.
• You know that your local dollar store offers great deals on everything from wrapping paper to cooking utensils, but did you know that you can also buy great interior decorations on the Dollar Tree’s website? You can’t beat a $1 picture frame, candleholder, or vase.
• If you’re a serious decorator and you’re looking for a serious deal, WishIHadThat.com might be your ideal shop. You’ll find everything from ceiling beams to marble carvings at a price that’s virtually impossible to beat.
• Fabric.com offers a huge selection of clearance fabrics, so if you’re in the market for new curtains or pillows, I’d suggest swinging by this site first.

So bargain hunter, what other sites are offering up good deals? Please, share them here!

Until next time,
The Home Know-It-All

What We’re Loving This Week: VivaTerra Misprint Collection

I’m moving to a new apartment soon and am looking for ways to spice up the bland white walls. (Sadly, there’s a no-painting policy at this apartment. But I feel the generous square footage more than makes up for that.) So imagine my happiness when I stumbled upon the eclectic Misprint collection from VivaTerra.

Every item pops with color and distinct personality. Perhaps best of all, everything is made from misprinted or smudged sheet metal, such as soup, soda, and juice cans that would otherwise be sent to the landfill because of their initial imperfections. Learn more about the inspiration behind the Misprint collection here.

There’s something for everyone in this line. If you’re an avid magazine reader like me, there’s the Misprint Magazine Rack ($89) that perfectly cozies up to any wall and stores a ton of glossies. Or if you want to brighten up your entryway and corral clutter at the same time, consider the Misprint Hooks in “Go” ($29) and “Green” ($42). Enjoy outdoor living? Then you need Misprint Hanging Lanterns ($69) to brighten up your deck or patio on warm summer nights. Heck, you can even buy a Misprint Waste Can ($35).

My personal favorite? The Misprint Kitchen Messages that spell out “Eat & Drink” ($98 for the complete set). I think these messages would be a festive, appropriate addition to my new kitchen.

Within the Misprint collection, you’ll also find messages for your potting shed and bedroom, too. And the collection appears to be growing, as new items are regularly added. I’m excited to see what’s next!

What’s your favorite item in this line?

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

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Best Bath Flooring

You’ve read about my fellow Home Know-It-All’s $200 bathroom makeover, so you know she replaced the carpet (ick!) with vinyl tile flooring—a much better choice for a bathroom.

(If you’re one of the unfortunate souls stuck with carpeting in your bathroom, this article can help you make it work.)

But what other options do you have for bathroom flooring? You’d be surprised by the variety on the market today. Here are a few of your choices:

Solid Hardwood
It may look fantastic, but solid hardwood isn’t necessarily one of your best choices for bathroom flooring. It’s easily damaged by water, and it can get rather slippery when wet. If you do decide to use it, be sure it’s sealed after installation, so no water can seep into the nooks.

Engineered Wood
Love the look of hardwood but don’t want to worry about upkeep in a bathroom? Engineered wood can be a great alternative. Because the top layer is real wood, it looks just like solid hardwood, but a plywood base makes it more durable. 

Laminate
Manufacturers are doing wonders with laminate flooring these days. From the wood look to the stone look, laminate flooring appears more like the real thing. Plus, it’s one of the most durable flooring options, so if you have little ones running around, this could be the best choice for you.

Sustainable
Go green in your bathroom with a sustainable flooring option. Although bamboo and reclaimed hardwood work well and look great in other parts of the house, the best sustainable choice for a bathroom is cork flooring. It feels warm underfoot and doesn’t get slippery. Just make sure it’s sealed properly to prevent water damage.

Stone
Limestone, granite, and marble are all great at resisting moisture, and they’re all extremely hardwearing. But they can get slick, and they’re up there in the price department. If you do have the money to install stone flooring (lucky you!), be sure to purchase a few bath mats to prevent falls.

Ceramic
Ceramic flooring is a bathroom favorite. It’s waterproof, fairly inexpensive, and available in a wide variety of looks, patterns, and textures. Check out the thousands of bathroom ceramic tile manufacturers here. There’s bound to be something that catches your eye.

Rubber
It’s not just for your workout room anymore. Because it is resilient, slip resistant, and quiet, it’s being seen in bathrooms more and more. Take a look at some of these possibilities.

Now what are your thoughts? Which flooring type would you choose?

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Related posts:
$200 DIY Bathroom Makeover: Installing Vinyl Tile Flooring
$200 DIY Bathroom Makeover: Wallpaper and Carpet Removal
Floor Tiling Basics
Radiant Heat Flooring
Eco-Friendly Flooring
Vintage Bath Design

$200 DIY Bathroom Makeover: The Room Reveal

Today’s the day I finally get to share with you the results of my $200, two-weekend bathroom makeover! Check out last Tuesday’s post for the lowdown on my self-imposed challenge. And then peruse the rest of last week’s posts for info on material selection, room prep, painting, and vinyl tile installation.

Before I show off the results, I wanted to share a few details about the finishing touches:

Cabinet Hardware
After the cabinets dried for a week, I attached the new door and drawer pulls—a quick and easy 5-minute task. Fortunately I saved the screws from the old pulls, because the trim on the top two drawers was thick enough that the new screws were too short. Saving the old, longer screws saved me from making another trip to the home improvement store, right.

Window Treatment
As I mentioned last week, I scored a fabulous deal on this great Spencer II Roman Shade from JCPenney. My bathroom window is a bit too wide and too shallow for an inside mount, so I went with an outside mount positioned just above the trim at the top of the window.

First I measured to determine bracket placement, ensuring there was enough space for the window hardware above the trimwork. After marking the placement for the first bracket, I predrilled holes and then used a screwdriver and mounting hardware to secure the first bracket to the wall, above. I did the same with the next two brackets, checking to make sure they were level before completely fastening them to the wall, right. The brackets on the window treatment fit over the wall hardware. Once the window treatment was in place, I extended the shades and marked where I could cut the excess length from the cords, right. Raising the shades again, I trimmed the excess cord and retied the decorative cord caps. 

The Results
I’m thrilled with the outcome of my little bathroom remodel project. I got a lot of mileage out of my $200 and was able to complete the project in two weekends. Are there additional changes I’d make if I had more money to spend on this room? Sure. A new faucet, medicine cabinet, and wall art would be nice touches. But overall I adore my revamped little bathroom. The colors are soothing and warm up the diminutive space. The vinyl tile floor is attractive, comfortable underfoot, and much more practical than the old carpet. The vanity cabinet appears almost brand new thanks to several inexpensive coats of paint and new hardware. And the double Roman shade looks lovely, softly filters light during the day, and provides complete privacy when both shades are lowered.

All-in-all, my self-imposed bathroom makeover challenge was a success! Now it’s time for you to tackle your own—and when you’re finished, we want to hear how it turned out.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Related post:
The Ultimate $200 DIY Bathroom Makeover
DIY Bathroom Makeover: $200 and 2 Weekends
$200 DIY Bathroom Makeover: Wallpaper and Carpet Removal
$200 DIY Bathroom Makeover: Wall, Cabinetry and Trimwork Painting
$200 DIY Bathroom Makeover: Installing Vinyl Tile Flooring

$200 DIY Bathroom Makeover: Installing Vinyl Tile Flooring

As I mentioned in last Wednesday’s post, the decision to go with vinyl floor tiles stemmed from my tight budget for my bathroom makeover. But ease of installation (and the good looks of the Armstrong vinyl tiles I picked) will have me returning to vinyl tiles when I make over our family bathroom.

Though they’re super easy to install, careful planning and a steady hand for cutting is crucial for a professional-looking outcome.

Here’s what I did:

Step 1: Remove the old carpeting.

Step 2: Prime the floor. Since I was tiling a bathroom, I followed the manufacturer’s suggestion and primed the floor with the same KILZ I used for the woodwork and allowed it to dry completely.

Step 3: Mark a grid. I measured two feet from the longest wall toward the center of the room and marked with a pencil. I did this again at the opposite end of the longest wall. Next, using a straightedge and pencil, I drew a line connecting the two points. (If you’re working in a larger room, use a chalkline to snap straight marks.) I did the same on an adjacent wall so that the lines formed a T, right.

Next I did a test placement of tiles using the T as reference lines. It was quickly apparent that I’d have too many cut tiles in visible spots so I adjusted my reference marks accordingly and did another test fit of all the tiles, left.

For more about planning tile placement, check out these tips from Hometime. They work for vinyl and ceramic tiles—you just don’t have to account for grout lines if you use vinyl tiles.

Step 4: Set the tiles. Start in the center of the room where you’ve marked reference lines. Check the arrows on the back of the tiles and align all tiles in the same direction. Work in quadrants from the center of the room out and install all the tiles in that portion of the grid before moving to the next. Make sure to firmly position each tile as close to the adjacent tiles as possible; don’t leave any gaps. Then just peel off the backing and press the tile onto the subfloor. Really, it’s that simple!

Step 5: Cut tiles as needed. You’ll likely have at least one row of tiles that require cutting. First mark where you need to make the cut. To do that, place a loose, full tile on top of the last full tile next to the wall where you need to cut. Place another tile flush with the wall so that it overlaps the full tile. Mark the loose full tile. This is your cut line. I positioned a straightedge on the cut line and used a utility knife to make the cut, right. Since I have wimpy arms and hands, it required several passes with the knife before the tile was cut through.

To cut irregularly shaped tiles I had the best luck making a paper template. Once I got the template to fit properly, I placed it on a loose tile and used the utility knife to make a freehand cut in the proper shape. Then I did a trial dry fit of the tile before removing the backing paper. In some cases I had to make subtle adjustments before the tile would fit as I wanted.

Voila—a new floor!

Tomorrow I’ll walk you through the finishing touches and do the room reveal!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Related post:
The Ultimate $200 DIY Bathroom Makeover
DIY Bathroom Makeover: $200 and 2 Weekends
$200 DIY Bathroom Makeover: Wallpaper and Carpet Removal
$200 DIY Bathroom Makeover: Wall, Cabinetry and Trimwork Painting

$200 DIY Bathroom Makeover: Wall, Cabinetry, and Trimwork Painting

With the unpleasant work of removing wallpaper and carpet (check out Thursday’s post for details) behind me, I was ready to paint.

Painting Walls
Once I picked paint colors (I went with an eggshell finish for the walls and a gloss for the woodwork), I followed my fellow Home Know-It-All Julie’s advice on tackling interior wall painting. Then it was time to move on to the cabinets.

Painting Cabinets
Mindful of my self-imposed time constraints of two weekends to finish my bathroom makeover, I tried to streamline the cabinet-painting process without sacrificing the end result. Here’s what I did:

Step 1: Remove hardware, doors, and drawers. I was able to eke out enough space in the tub and in front of it to place all of the doors and drawers surface-side up in preparation for painting. In drier weather I would have set them up in the garage, but with damp springtime conditions I didn’t want to risk extending primer and paint drying time.

Step 2: Clean all surfaces. I mixed a bit of dishwashing detergent in hot water and gave all the surfaces a good scrub. Any all-purpose cleaner should do the trick. Rinse with clean water and allow to dry completely.

Step 3: Sand the cabinets. Some folks suggest sanding the entire surface. To save time I just ran my fingers over the surfaces to find any rough spots and sanded only those places. If you have the time, sanding the entire cabinet will result in an even better finished surface.

Step 4: Prime the surfaces. Since only my immediate family ever sees this room, I decided to prime and paint the exterior surfaces only and skip the door and drawer interiors. For past projects I’ve always used KILZ as a stainblocker/primer. I was happy to learn it’s now available in a low V.O.C formula.

I used a foam applicator to brush primer on the cabinet base first. (Watch for drips!) Next I primed the faces of the doors and drawers. Here drips seemed to appear after I’d finished one drawer and moved onto the next, so I kept checking previously primed surfaces to smooth out any that appeared before they had a chance to dry. Even though the primer could be recoated in 30 minutes, I gave it overnight to dry before applying paint.

Step 5: Paint the surfaces. Just as with the primer, I painted the base cabinet first, applying a thin coat to minimize drips. I used a small foam roller to apply paint to the flat surfaces, right. Moving to the doors and drawers, I applied paint to the flat surfaces with the same small roller and then used a small foam applicator to work around the raised moldings. In all I had to apply three coats of paint to the cabinets and allowed several hours of drying time in between coats.

Step 6: Allow curing time. While most paint dries to the touch in a matter of hours, it can take a week or more for the finish to completely harden. (Check the label for the waiting time before you can wash the painted surface; that’s a good indicator of how long before the paint fully cures.) Though I reattached the cabinet doors and drawers about 12 hours after I applied the last coat of paint, I left them slightly open for two weeks so they wouldn’t stick.

If you’re planning to paint high-visibility cabinets—such as those in a kitchen—and want a glass-smooth finish, take the time to read these detailed pointers from This Old House.

Painting Trimwork
Sadly, the only trimwork in the bathroom is an extremely basic profile baseboard molding and a similarly basic window trim. Not having enough cash in the budget for new trimwork, I applied the same cabinet paint to the molding. Since I was going to install new flooring and had already ripped out the carpeting, I didn’t need to worry about protecting the floor. My concerns while painting the molding were achieving a nice finish and not marring the freshly painted walls. I started by using a plastic hand-masker tool to protect the walls, but the paint tended to seep underneath and onto the wall so I quickly abandoned that approach. Since a week had passed since I had painted the walls, I decided to tape them with painters tape. This technique gave me a crisp edge between the trimwork and the wall.

Check in on Monday to learn how to install vinyl floor tiles. We’re almost done—and then it will be time to see the great $200 bathroom makeover results!

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

Related post:
The Ultimate $200 DIY Bathroom Makeover
DIY Bathroom Makeover: $200 and 2 Weekends
$200 DIY Bathroom Makeover: Wallpaper and Carpet Removal

$200 DIY Bathroom Makeover: Wallpaper and Carpet Removal

Yesterday I shared the product picks for my budget bathroom makeover (check out Tuesday’s post for details about my self-imposed bathroom renovation challenge). Today I’ll cover the least glamorous aspects of the room makeover: wallpaper and carpet removal.

Removing Wallpaper
I started by tackling the wallpaper. Since I was planning to ditch the carpeting I didn’t bother to protect the floor during the messy, tedious and lengthy process of removing the wallpaper. While some sources recommend using a scoring tool to enable a remover solution to penetrate the wallpaper, I’ve had bad luck with that approach in the past. In my first house, I scored right through the wallpaper into the drywall, leaving ugly marks across the entire wall—marks that multiple coats of paint couldn’t disguise.

So for this project I skipped scoring the paper. First I tested a small section of wallpaper and found that I could peel away the outer layer by hand without wetting the wall. I made my way around the room tearing off all the wallpaper, while the backing remained adhered to the wall.

This is where remover solution came in handy. I had great luck with DIF from Zinsser and, when my local home improvement store was out of DIF, Roman’s Piranha. Following manufacturer’s instructions, I combined a bit of the concentrated solution with hot water. Though the manufacturers suggest applying the solution with a sprayer, I don’t have one (and didn’t want to blow the budget buying one) so I simply wiped the solution on using an old rag. I slowly made my way around the room, saturating the entire wall with solution, then waited about 15 minutes for the solution to loosen the adhesive. Then, working in approximately 3x3-foot sections, I reapplied the solution and, using a scraper, scraped off the backing.

Since I was dipping the rag into the solution frequently, the remover quickly became gummy from adhesive, so I had the best luck by frequently discarding old solution and mixing new. The hotter the water I used, the better.

If you’re tackling a similar project, allow plenty of time for wallpaper removal. I spent more than half of the first weekend scraping every last shred of paper and adhesive from the walls. Once the walls were clear of wallpaper and adhesive, I wiped down the walls with a clean batch of solution followed by a rinse with clear water.

Tackling the Carpet
While the walls were drying, I shifted gears to the carpeting. Compared to wallpaper removal, carpet removal is quick and easy—though I felt it for days in muscles I hadn’t used in years. I checked each corner of the bathroom to find the easiest spot for me to pull up a bit of the carpet. Carpet is typically secured by carpet tack strips—thin pieces of wood with small, sharp tacks—nailed around the perimeter of a room. Removing carpet is first a matter of pulling it away from the tack strips. No skill or tools needed; just get a good grip on the carpet and tug. Since my bathroom is very small I didn’t worry about cutting the carpet into manageable strips. If you have a larger room, though, it’s easiest to handle the carpet this way. I did have to cut the carpet at the door between the bathroom and bedroom. I used a metal straightedge as a guide and a utility knife to cut through the backing.

Once the carpet was up I put on safety goggles and gloves before pulling up the padding. The padding was stapled to the subfloor and when I pulled the occasional staple would spring up. Most of the staples stayed in the floor until I pulled them out with a needle nose pliers. The few that wouldn’t budge I hammered flush into the subfloor.

With the padding and staples gone I went to work on removing the tack strips. Using a hammer and pry bar, I eased the strips away from the subfloor.

Now I was almost ready for the fun stuff. First though, I did have to patch a few nail holes and re-tape some drywall that hadn’t been properly taped the first time. For basic instructions for repairing a crack or retaping a drywall joint, watch this short, simple video from Easy2DIY.com. To patch nail holes, check out these easy steps from eHow or check out Home Know-It-All Katie’s pointers.

Stop back tomorrow to see the room starting to take shape with wall, cabinetry, and trimwork painting.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

DIY Bathroom Makeover: $200 and 2 Weekends

Armed with $200 and the motivation to upgrade my little bathroom, I hit the home improvement stores on a mission. I had a few basic goals I really hoped to achieve: remove the wallpaper and paint the walls, spruce up the dingy vanity, and replace the carpeting with a more suitable bathroom flooring material. If I managed to have any money left, a new window treatment would round out the makeover.

Wall color
I started with the walls, as that seemed the simplest place to begin and would inform the rest of my choices. Since the bathroom is accessed from the master bedroom, I needed a wall color that worked in the bedroom as well (which also suffers from a hideous circa 1960s wallcovering). I love our bed linens—a rich yet subtle combination of spicy browns, creams and golds—so I looked to them for inspiration.

My first trip to the store resulted in a pile of at least 30 paint chips in variations of creamy beiges and vanilla shades. What in the store seemed a jumble of similar hues became a fairly simple choice once I was home and spread the swatches on the bedding. Pale Sand 2 was the one. ($27.48/gal.)

Trimwork color
With the wall color chosen, I spread the paler color swatches around the wall color chip to choose the tint for the cabinetry and trimwork. I had high expectations for this color. In addition to coordinating with the wall color and the master bedroom bedding, the bathroom trim color was a test run for my kitchen cabinets, which I am also considering painting. Alabaster seemed the best bet for a warm, soft hue. ($31.98/gal.)

Cabinet hardware
Paint colors selected, I headed back to the store to peruse the selection of door hardware. Though there’s only one fairly small vanity in the bathroom, it requires seven pulls. I had to be careful so I wouldn’t blow my budget before I made it to the flooring department.

I’ve written and read enough home decorating articles to know that hardware is considered the jewelry of a room. But with two little boys in our family, even jewelry needs to be fairly basic to withstand their rough and tumble activities. As a counterpoint to the buttery color I picked for the cabinetry, I went with these (above) simple brushed nickel knobs. I like that in their simplicity they have a timeless appeal. At $2.57 per knob, definitely workable with my budget.

Flooring
I had always pictured my remodeled bathroom with a heated tile floor. Check out this information from the US Department of Energy to learn about the options for radiant floor heat. Unfortunately with my $200 budget, radiant heating wasn’t a consideration for this project. Still I was leaning toward ceramic tile as my floor covering of choice. It’s a natural pick for bathrooms. (Learn more about the top 7 bathroom floor picks here.)

I found several basic ceramic floor tiles for only $0.88 per square foot. I was almost sold … until I considered the total cost. My project would have required purchasing backerboard, tile nippers, snap cutter, thin-set mortar, spacers, grout, and a grout float. There goes the budget!

Instead, I made my way to the vinyl flooring aisle to check out vinyl tiles. Impressive! I went with these thicker tiles (above) that have a bit of texture and a more natural look. No one entering the room will mistake them for the real thing, but a pleasing look nonetheless. And still a bargain at $1.08 per square foot.

Window Treatments
Thanks to savvy choices for the walls, floor, and cabinets, I had enough money left in my budget to shop for a window treatment. I considered making one myself, but I’m not the best with a sewing machine and don’t really have the space to spread out all of the fabric anyway. So I prepped myself to be satisfied with a basic roller shade, but I soon discovered my window was too wide to find many off-the-shelf options.

I started an online search which resulted in lots of choices, but not many that fit my budget. Finally I found this Spencer double Roman Shade with a subtle scroll pattern that would add much needed texture and pattern to the room. Even better, it was on sale—almost a steal at $59.00 and no shipping.

Miscellaneous necessities: primer, $14.98; drywall tape, $5.96; filler, $2.98.

Project total: $198.17

Now that I had all the goods, the next step: room prep. Check back tomorrow for the lowdown on removing wallpaper and carpeting.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

The Ultimate $200 DIY Bathroom Makeover

In the nine years since I purchased my house I’ve dreamed and schemed about the ideal way to completely overhaul my tiny, carpeted (ugh!) master bathroom. I longed for a bigger space: One with a walk-in shower, deep soaking tub, heated tile floor, and two sinks so my husband and I wouldn’t vie for elbow room. A bathroom sans dingy carpeting, dusty blue floral wallpaper, and coordinating floral cabinet hardware.

(Unfortunately I ripped all the wallpaper out and threw it away before thinking to snap a picture. But here are the door pulls, a snippet of wallpaper from the adjoining bedroom, and the carpet, right.) Coordinated? Yes. My style? Definitely not. Practical? No way! Despite having a family bathroom almost to themselves, my two little boys frequently find their way into my bathroom. (Bathroom carpet + little boys = disgusting.)

The adjoining bedroom isn’t big, so expanding the bathroom would be tricky. Years spent studying small-space bathrooms and the configuration of the second floor of our house finally resulted in the perfect plan. It involved moving two walls—one between the master bath and a family bathroom, and another between the master bath and a hallway linen closet—resulting in a larger master bath and a slightly smaller adjacent family bath that would still provide plenty of space for our two boys. The smaller linen closet wouldn’t be a problem either—fortunately, the house has plenty of closet space. In the process, plumbing lines would have been moved.

Enter the current economic slump. My grand bathroom scheme would have cost tens of thousands of dollars. Not feasible right now … nor in the foreseeable future.

But I couldn’t stand the thought of living with a cramped, carpeted, dingy bathroom for another moment. Enter the new plan: a $200 DIY room makeover. Why $200? It was low enough to work with my recession-era budget yet ample enough that I figured with careful shopping I could make a real difference in the look of the room. And the two weekends? For the sake of family harmony, I determined that my husband and our little boys could entertain themselves for that length of time; any longer without Mom involved in weekend activities and we’d all be in trouble.

Interested in how my little remodeling project came together? Check back each day this week as I walk through my $200, 2-weekend DIY bathroom makeover challenge.

Need some inspiration for your own bathroom makeover? I love this one from Kohler and this one from HGTV. And when you get into the planning stage of your project, definitely be sure to check out the National Kitchen & Bath Association for helpful planning info.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Indulge with Chocolate Brown Decor

Chances are, you’ve got some form of brown in your decor—whether it’s your hardwood floors, leather sofa, or beige walls. It’s an earthy, cozy shade that’s a popular decorating staple for good reason. But today, I’m focusing on my favorite shade of brown: chocolate.

With its deep, rich finish, chocolate brown is sumptuous, warm, and comforting (though have you ever met any form of chocolate that wasn’t comforting? I didn‘t think so). Ready to see what chocolate brown can do for you? Keep these tips in mind.

Let there be light. Because of its dark finish, chocolate brown works best in rooms that receive lots of natural light—especially if you’re planning on painting all the walls. (Don’t have abundant sunlight streaming in? Consider opting for a lighter shade of brown.) Before you begin painting the entire room, test a sample spot to see how your selected shade looks during the day and at night.

Create contrast. Another way to keep a chocolate brown design scheme looking fresh rather than overpowering is to keep your woodwork, cabinetry, trim, and other accents a contrasting neutral color, such as white, cream, or light gray. This is especially important if you’re working with a small space. See how chocolate and cream are balanced in this living room. Dark brown also looks exceptional with pink, blue, yellow, and a bunch of other lighter hues. Sisal and bamboo accessories also enliven chocolate brown, giving it more dimension.

Go all out. Who says you have to stick to chocolate brown accents and furnishings to cozy up a room? When it’s paired with the accents I mentioned above, brown walls make a warm statement. See how chocolate brown walls—with cream accents—give this living room an inviting vibe without feeling too dark. And see how my fellow Home Know-It-All Julie’s mom used brown for her entryway, too.

For more tips on tastefully incorporating chocolate brown into your décor, check out this About.com article as well as this one from HGTV.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Easter Egg Decorating

Don’t get me wrong—I have nothing against a plain, ol’ Easter egg dye kit. In fact, I’ve seen some pretty stellar eggs made from those alone. But I want to shake things up this year. I want to really get creative. I want to—dare I say —forgo the kit entirely.

There are a few ways I can do that. Which technique would you use?

Naturally Egg-tastic
If you’re working with a recession-size budget or you’re a little tight on time, this may be the idea for you. (It’s definitely the method I’m leaning toward!)

All you need is turmeric, paprika, blueberries, and beets. Oh, and eggs, of course!
Grab at least four pots and throw one of the ingredients in each. You’ll need two tablespoons turmeric for yellow, two tablespoons paprika for orange, about a cup of blueberries for blue, and about a cup of chopped beets for pink. You can even try mixing the ingredients to create more colors. The blueberries and turmeric will create green, and the blueberries and beets will create purple, for example.

Once you’ve divided the ingredients, add water and boil. Remove the mixture from the stove, and let it cool. When ready, pour your natural dye into a bowl and add a half-teaspoon vinegar. Then just plop your eggs in and wait for them to get your desired color.

Egg-ceptional Coloring
This method is a cinch—but a little harder for the tots to help with. First, hard-boil your eggs. When they’re ready, turn off the heat, but keep them in water. Grab one egg with a paper towel, and while it’s still warm, draw on the shell with a crayon. The wax will melt ever so slightly to create a fresh effect. Ooh la la!

Egg-straordinary Dye
Here’s another technique that’s a breeze. Scoop food coloring paste into a glass, add hot water and a dash of vinegar, and your dye is complete! Next, you plunk the egg in and wait.

Those are some of my favorites, but there are a ton more ideas here.

Hope you have an egg-cellent time!

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

Not-So-Mellow Yellow

Ready to color your house happy this year? Say hello to yellow. Seriously. This cheery hue is the new “It” decorating color, and for good reason. 

The Pantone Color Institute specifically chose Mimosa, a brilliant, saturated, nature-inspired shade, as their 2009 color of the year. Why? It’s warm, nurturing, and it offers the reassurance we need in challenging economic times.

Whether you opt for Mimosa or saffron, yellow is fresh and fun. Here’s what you need to know about decorating with this lively color.

One happy hue. Nothing lifts my spirits quite like a sun-drenched day following a string of gray rainy days. (Maybe that’s why one of my all-time favorite songs is “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles.) When used indoors, yellow has the same mood-boosting effect.
This optimistic hue is associated with happiness, energy, wisdom, and reawakening. It enhances memory and stimulates appetite. And it’s also a notoriously spontaneous color (especially if you opt for a punchy shade like lemon or canary), so if you crave stability, you limit yourself to a softer shade or switch to a calmer color all together. Try blue or green.

Bold or buttery? Depending on the shade you choose, yellow can energize, soothe, or both. A pale, creamy yellow, such as butter cream, gives off a calm, quiet vibe—which is why it’s used in nurseries and home offices, such as my fellow Home Know-It-All Julie’s workspace. But even though her office hue is toned down, it’s no less cheery or warm.

Sunnier, citrus-y hues such as Pantone’s Mimosa are more daring and eye-catching (which is why road signs and taxis are often bright yellow). When using a more intense shade, remember that less is more. Scatter a few yellow accents such as pillows, draperies, flowers, or vases around. Or take cues from my fellow Home Know-It-All Randall and paint an accent wall. Randall opted for a more vibrant shade in her bedroom, but by sticking to just one wall, she created a bright space that’s not a bit overdone.

With just the interior painted bold yellow, this bookcase is a similar example of bright done right. 
Need help picking the right shade? Check out the sunny swatches in this House Beautiful guide.

Soaking up the sun. Ready to welcome this cheery hue into your home? Before you head to the home improvement store to pick out paint, remember that most yellows look twice as bright when they’re actually on the wall (especially if they receive direct sunlight), says Colour Me Happy writer Maria Killam.

Also consider what colors you’re paring it with. For example, fiery reds and oranges intensify yellow. Cool hues and soft, creamy yellows have a harmonious effect together. And teaming yellow with neutrals lets it truly pop—something this attention-grabbing hue was meant to do. See how yellow plays with other colors and surfaces here.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Eco-Friendly Painting

You’ve heard it here before: Painting is one of the easiest, most affordable ways to spruce up your home. Nothing says hello spring (or winter or fall or any season for that matter) like a fresh coat of paint on the walls, on a favorite piece of furniture, or even on a canvas hung on the wall.

That’s why today’s Green Around the House Challenge is all about greening your painting routine.

The first and most important step to painting greener is to select low- or no-VOC paint. Lucky for you, I’ve written on that very topic before. So all you have to do to understand why it’s important to paint VOC-free (and where you can find paint sans VOCs) is read this post.

But what about the tools you use?

The greenest option is usually the reusable option. When it comes to protecting your floors and furniture, do you have any old sheets you aren’t using anymore? Throw them down as drop cloths. Or buy a heavy-duty canvas drop cloth, which can be used over and over again. If you’re looking for a temporary fix, check out Trimaco’s Eco Drop biodegradable paint tarps, which are available for $3 at many Lowe’s stores. Or try an all-purpose cotton drop sheet from Reaves, which is made from 90 percent post-consumer recycled content, is washable, and will decompose when you decide it’s time to toss it. Or to avoid having so many drips in the first place, consider purchasing a Drip Catcher.

Moving on to paint trays, you can’t beat a quality, reusable metal paint tray. New models that are coated with Teflon make cleanup even easier—and they’re a cinch to find at stores such as Ace Hardware. Another option: biodegradable disposable paint trays made from recycled pulp fiber from Bio Pulp Works, also available at Lowe’s.

When it comes to paint brushes or rollers, opt for quality, durable supplies that can be washed and reused. Or if disposable is a must, look for options made from recycled materials, such as the Worktools Whizz Green Brush with a renewable bamboo handle and the Whizz Green Roller made from recycled post-consumer waste. Then there’s the Envirobrush, which features disposable bristles that lock into a reusable (and recyclable!) plastic handle.

Once you have your supplies, hop on over to this post on painting basics to study up before you begin. And after the fact, check out our painting cleanup pointers to make life easier. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy your new color!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

My Apartment: Before and After

As I mentioned in a couple of other posts, I just moved to a new apartment—and I love it. It took a few coats of gray, yellow, and teal paint and a couple inexpensive decorating tweaks, but the space is exactly what I wanted: light, sun-filled, hip, and relaxing.

Want to see it? Below are before and after photos to give you a glimpse of all the work that went into making it my home. We’ll post a few projects and design ideas used in my apartment in later posts, so if you’re curious how it was accomplished, keep an eye out for those!

Living Room


Dining Room

Kitchen

Bedroom

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Easy Being Green

Here at The Home Know-It-All, we’re all for going green and taking an eco-friendly approach toward life. But today, I’m focusing on a different form of going green—decorating with the color green, to be exact.

Whether you choose happy-go-lucky lime or earthy moss, green is a popular hue—and rightly so. Why, you ask? This nature-inspired hue is probably one of the only colors you can use all around your house (in differing shades, of course) and never tire of. And it’s easy on the eyes. Learn more about what this timeless hue can do for you—and your decorating scheme—here:

A feel-good hue. Green represents balance, prosperity, money, hope, renewal, good luck, longevity, and vitality. Like blue, its cool partner on the color wheel, green elicits a feeling of calm and relaxation (it is the most abundant hue in nature, after all). On the flip side, it’s also associated with jealousy, hence the phrase “green with envy.” Read what else the color green suggests at Inside Essence.

Selecting the right shade. With so many irresistible shades of green out there, it’s hard to settle on just one. (But who says you’re limited to one anyway?) See different ideas for using green in kitchens, baths,, and elsewhere around the house.

Lighter greens—especially those mixed with blue—create an aura of restfulness that’s perfect for spa-like settings (when you pair blue and green, you can create an alluring ocean-like setting). Muted greens, such as sage or olive, work with country-theme décor. Bright greens—such as Kelly, lime, or emerald—are fresh and stylish. Darker greens, such as forest or hunter, are formal and traditional (which is why they’re often used in studies and libraries).

Still can’t settle on the right shade? Lucky for you, greens look great when they’re layered too—this Apartment Therapy story shows several examples of how it’s successfully done.

Going green. We’ve already established that green is a versatile color that looks good in multiple rooms. Take the house of fellow Home Know-It-All Randall’s parents, for example. The kitchen boasts a mossy-sage hue that compliments the rich cabinetry and backsplash, and pops against the white trim. Upstairs, her sister’s bedroom is a playful lime green (which is especially trendy right now) paired with turquoise and purple accents. So you’ve got two completely different shades of green, and each holds its own.

And if you don’t want to commit to a paint job, experiment with inexpensive accessories first, such as these springy drapes from Target ($17.99–$19.99), these pillows from Anthropologie ($58.00 each) and these super-glossy vases from Crate and Barrel ($10.95-$14.95).

Another easy idea? Decorate with houseplants—something that never goes out of style. See more trendy green accessories at Decor8.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

What We’re Loving: Egg Press Cards

It’s no secret that I love stationery and cards (read about my slight obsession with thank-you notes here). And the next time a birthday or holiday comes up—or I just want to drop someone a line for the heck of it—I think I’ll buy custom-designed letterpress cards from Egg Press.

Why? Egg Press cards are playful, and they feature a variety of fresh geometric patterns, bold colors, and fun themes that are sure to elicit a smile. Every card has a distinct, quirky personality. Case in point: There’s one card with a bunch of different-size stone outlines on the front that says “You Rock.” (It just happens to be their top seller.) And then there’s one covered in hot air balloons that says “You’re Tops.” Love, love, love it!

Recently, Egg Press unveiled a new Moms, Dads, and Grads collection in time for spring. And as you’d expect, they’re all clever. The “Mom” repeat pattern card you see was actually inspired by the owner’s son’s quest for her attention. And then there’s the “Daddi-o” card with, you guessed it, a bunch of blue “O’s” throughout. Fun!

Basically, you’ll find cards for every situation. But Egg Press sells more than cards … you’ll also find paper dolls, children’s apparel, calendars, and stitch kits on their website—and these offerings regularly change.

So now that you know my Egg Press card picks, tell me: What’s your favorite card?

Until Tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Beautiful Blue

When I moved in to my current apartment a couple years ago, I had a few color options for my accent wall (which the maintenance team kindly painted for me free of charge): red, blue, green, orange, and brown. After much debate, I opted for blue—it seemed like the color that would best match my décor. Plus, it was the lightest option available, so I thought it would create the illusion of much-needed space.

As it turns out, I’m not alone in my thinking. When my city-dwelling friend, Bridget, and her husband, Travis, recently moved to a larger apartment in The Big Apple, they chose to paint the living room in their new apartment blue (see the pictures). They initially flirted with red and green, but in the end opted for blue because they figured it was a safe choice (this was their first foray into room painting), yet would still make a bold statement.

Once they settled on blue, Bridget and Travis decided to go all out with two shades of bright blue: A darker one for the accent wall and a lighter one for the rest of the walls. “I figured if were going to spend the time and money painting, we might as well make it really noticeable,” she says. And they’re quite happy with their decision: The energetic hues keep their living room feeling light and airy, and they look good with the oak and blond-wood furniture and white-painted trim.

If you’re pondering a blue decorating scheme, here’s how to make it work for you:

Boost your mood. An atmospheric hue affiliated with the sky and ocean, blue is associated with peace, tranquility, calm, stability, confidence, security, loyalty, truth, and cold, according to Apartment Therapy. This cool hue tends to have a calming, relaxing effect on people—especially the lighter shades (an overly dark blue may actually evoke feelings of sadness). That’s why it’s an ideal hue for serene spaces such as a bathroom or bedroom. Or any room, for that matter. Because it’s calming and rejuvenating, why not use blue in a room where people frequently gather? For example, the bright shades Bridget and Travis selected for their living room exude energy and playfulness—and that entices the couple to spend even more time there. “I love coming home from work and spending time in our apartment now. Even at night, the living area is so vibrant and happy feeling, and the blues make the area feel really open,” Bridget says.

Select the right shade. Navy, aqua, periwinkle, azure, robin’s egg, cerulean—the options are endless. And the specific shade you choose can really give a room distinct personality. As I mentioned above, bright blues such as cobalt or turquoise lend energy and zest. Pastel blues help a small room seem larger than it is. Deep blues such as navy impart a more formal, traditional look. Because they’re so rich, dark blues look best when used as an accent color or in patterns. This Whole Living article explains how to appropriately apply blue into your decorating scheme. For example, those of you who reside in a cool climate area are better off with a warmer shade of blue with a red undertone—if you go too pale, you might end up with something overly icy- or chilly-looking.

Color coordinate. Blue looks amazing on its own or with other shades of the same color (just see Bridget and Travis’s walls for proof—even though the paint is from the same color family, the accent wall still pops against the lighter blue walls). It also creates an alluring effect when paired with other colors. For an unexpected look, try blue and red—blue’s cool qualities and red’s rich, warm tones look striking together, and it’s an unexpected combo. Notice the red drapes in Bridget and Travis’s apartment—they draw the eye, yet are subtle enough so they don’t overpower the room. House to Home recommends adding small bright pink accents—such as fresh flowers—as an accent color (I love this idea!). Blue and yellow and blue and green also pair well together—read about how to do it tastefully here.

The shade of blue you pick affects coordinating colors—for example, bright cobalt blue looks best with equally bright hues like yellow. A lighter blue pairs well with other pastel hues. Want to know more? Hop on back to that Whole Living article I mentioned earlier.

For more inspiration, look no further than this Better Homes & Gardens photo gallery on decorating in blue.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Flea Market Finds

Lately I’ve been obsessed with blogs like Daily Danny and Design*Sponge that teach you how to recreate a flea market find into a stunning interior-decorating masterpiece. Just check out some of these and you’ll be riproaring and ready to head to the flea market too.

Problem is when I’m at the thrift store, consignment shop, or what have you, I don’t see these “finds.” Sure, I see them, but I must not really see them, or I’d see the potential. You see?

The solution: I’ve put together a guideline that’ll help me spot these makeovers-waiting-to-happen. Here’s what I’ve come up with:

1. Find your shop. From garage sales to estate sales to even rental furniture outlets, there are lots of places to purchase pre-owned merchandise. But it’s not likely that all of these locations will suit your fancy. For some, the mere thought of the crowd and rows and rows of vendors at a flea market is enough to make them shudder. A rental furniture outlet’s quiet warehouse of no longer rentable furniture might make more sense. And if you hate the thought of bargaining at an estate sale, perhaps an online auction is more up your alley.

2. Educate yourself. If you’re in the market for a new dining room table, consult furniture stores to see what a new version goes for, and then check out Craigslist, eBay, or GoAntiques to learn the going-rate of used pieces and see what’s available. (Online shops are often a great place to start not only because they’re informative but also because listings are typically posted by the owner, cutting out the middleman and lowering the price.)

3. Dress Appropriately. In this case, think jeans and a t-shirt. If you go too dressy, you’ll be uncomfortable and a seller might increase his price because he thinks you can afford more. (It’s sad—but true!)

4. Get there early and come back late. At flea markets, auctions, and other day sales, the true bargains are often gone by the time 9 a.m. rolls around, so if you want to spot a true find, go early. Prices are often steeper in the morning, however, so be sure to check back later in the evening when the seller’s only choice is to sell it or haul it home.

5. Inspect. Think you’ve found a steal? Examine it from top to bottom before buying. Although it’s unlikely you’ll find a piece of furniture in mint condition, be sure the damage is something you’re able to repair affordably.  

6. Don’t limit yourself. Although in your head you know you need a TV stand, the piece of furniture you purchase doesn’t necessarily have to be a TV stand. Perhaps you repurpose an antique chair or end table to fit your needs instead. Make a list ahead of time of everything you need. When you spot something you think you like, consult your list to see where it could potentially work.

7. Avoid electronics. With the exception of lamps, which can easily be rewired, avoid anything fueled by electricity—unless you have the know-how to repair it.

8. Get inspired. Scour magazines, websites, and books for ideas. Home Envy has some great advice, as does the DIY Network. Flea Market Finds & How to Restore Them ($7.98) and Flea Market Style ($20.90) are both filled with tips and tricks on decorating with “found” objects. And, of course, it never hurts to look around you. Restaurants, shops, and others’ homes are fantastic motivators.

Let me know how it goes! And I’ll be sure to post any furniture makeovers of my own.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

What We’re Loving: Wine Bottle Plant Nannies

It’s always the plant lover’s dilemma: how do you keep your plants looking their best when you’re out of town or too busy to water them as often as they require? I know it’s something I battle. And it’s something my mom, who travels frequently for work, struggles with too.

Oh, and have I mentioned, on what seems like a completely unrelated note, that we’re both fans of wine?

That’s why, when I saw the Wine Bottle Plant Nannies from Napa Style, I had to try them. So I ordered myself a set of four and another set for my mom’s stocking at Christmas.

The plant nannies are actually hollow terracotta stakes. Once you finish a particularly lovely bottle of wine, all you do is rinse the bottle out and refill it with water. Then you push the stake into the soil next to your potted plant and flip the bottle in place. As the plant gets thirsty, water soaking through the stakes is absorbed by the soil.

If your plants are small, this solution might not be the best option—a tiny plant would look strange dwarfed by a big empty wine bottle. With the right-size plant, however, it’s actually pretty cool.

Check them out for yourself. And while you’re on the site, take a moment to peruse Napa Style’s other home, garden, and kitchen products. You’ll find some terrific stuff!

Now, I want to know: What’s your foolproof technique for keeping your thirsty plants happy when you’re away? Leave a comment here so other readers can hear about your ideas too.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-Al

Buying a Desk Chair

Remember awhile back when I was on the hunt for the perfect desk? Although I never found the perfect one, per se, I chose this one. So far, it works smashingly, and I adore the fact that it’s so easy to put together and take apart, which will be great when I make my big move to a different apartment in a couple of weeks. (Look for more posts on moving, painting, and decorating that apartment soon!)

Now that I’ve got my desk dilemma behind me, I’m faced with another conundrum: Where do I find a perfect desk chair? Currently, I’m using one from my dining room, which doesn’t cut it. It’s not on wheels, doesn’t swivel, and isn’t the right height—a mixture that creates a lot of headaches and back pain.

For optimal back support, here’s what I’m looking for:

Wheels. I want to be able roll smoothly from my computer to my printer and back again, and I don’t want to have to worry about the casters breaking or getting easily caught on carpet.

Armrests. I have long, gangly arms, and it’s nice to be able to relax them on an armrest once and awhile. Contoured and cushioned would be ideal. 

High backrest. Lumbar support is a necessity, so I’m looking for a backrest that supports and maintains the natural S-shape of my lower spine. To keep everything in the proper position, a chair that supports my shoulder blades is also nice. 

Adjustable height. When sitting, the soles of your feet should rest on the ground, so the chair height should adjust depending on my shoes. Plus, I want guests to be as comfy as possible using the chair as well.

Comfy seat. I’m not saying I want one of those plush seats that you sink into—in fact, those make it hard to maintain your spine position and can cause major back pain—but I do want one that feels nice. And it needs to be wide enough and long enough to fit all of my tush and thighs.

Want more proof that these qualifications are necessities? The Ergonomic Review lists “5 Important Factors in Finding a Good Ergonomic Desk Chair.”

Now I need your help. I’ve found a few chairs that meet my approval. Which do you vote for?

Ikea Jerrik Swivel Chair ($319). This one meets all of my stipulations—strong wheels, built-in lumbar support, adjustable height, armrests, cozy seat, and high backrests. Plus, I like the modern look. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Except, maybe, that the price be slashed in half.

Turnstone Let’s B ($399). Another pricey one, but it, like the previous chair, matches all of my desires. It also comes with a seat depth adjustment, so it would fit even the most long-legged individual. Plus, it’s available in green—my favorite color!

CB2 Surf Office Chair ($199). Although this one doesn’t offer all the necessary amenities—no comfy armrests—the price is a little more manageable, and I love the sleek lines and yellow color.

Target Sydney Office Chair ($159.99). This one may or may not offer lumbar support, and it has no armrests or snug seat. But it is cute! And maybe its curves would fit my body perfectly. This is definitely one that I’ll need to test drive before purchasing.

What’s your favorite? Have you spotted a more suitable option not listed here? 

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

Seeing Red

Tomato. Fire engine. Crimson. Cherry. Cranberry. Merlot. Regardless of what shade you choose, decorating in red makes quite a statement. Red is bold and invigorating yet warm and welcoming. And it’s a versatile hue that can be used whether your style is decidedly country or cutting-edge contemporary.

Because it’s such a vibrant hue, I thought red would be the perfect color to kick off The Home Know-It-All’s new color series. Because color is a vital part of decorating, we’ll devote a blog post every once in a while to a specific hue. And if we happen to skip over a color you’re crazy about (or that you’re pondering for an upcoming project), let us know.

In the past, we’ve posted about the effects of color on your emotions. Ever the intense color, red generates energy, raises blood pressure, increases your heart rate, stimulates appetite (which is probably why it’s often used in kitchens and dining rooms), and exudes vitality. It’s also, of course, associated with anger.
Here’s what you might not know: Red may sharpen your memory, making it an ideal hue for a home office. A recent University of British Columbia study concluded that seeing red can make your work more accurate because it aids attention to detail. Read about the study here.

Ready to take the plunge with red? Here’s how to make the hue work for you.

Keep it simple. Red typically looks best when it’s applied in small doses—too much can feel overwhelming. That’s why it’s perfect for an accent wall or single piece of furniture—it rightfully remains the center of attention because it’s not competing with other elements. Or consider leaving your walls neutral and decorating with red furniture. Accessorize with small, tasteful accents such as red curtains, accent pillows, candles, artwork, picture frames, vases, and more.

Play with patterns. Bold red-and-white patterns—whether on wallpaper or accent pillows—add unexpected impact. Personally, I’m partial to damask or toile, but that’s the traditionalist in me. For a more modern example, see the punchy pattern in this kids’ room.For visual appeal, try mixing and matching a few patterns—just make sure to keep red as the unifying element that ties them together.

Team up. Red is a versatile color, and it plays surprisingly well with white, black, brown, green, blue—you name it. So well, in fact, that Designer Brian Patrick Flynn refers to red as “the bold neutral” in this all-about-red article. I use subtle hints of yellow and orange to accent my red-theme bedroom, because they keep the bright hue in check (and it reminds me of autumn, my favorite season).

So, tell me: How do you feel about red? What’s your favorite shade?

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Valentine’s Day Decorating

Whether you love it or hate it, Valentine’s Day is right around the corner.

And while I don’t necessarily appreciate the amped-up mushiness the holiday promotes (ick), I do enjoy casually decorating for it. Oh, and I especially love all the candy that goes on sale February 15. Conversation hearts, anyone?

But seriously, back to the decorating. Even if you’re not a huge fan of Valentine’s Day, who doesn’t need a festive pick-me-up by the time February rolls around? I do! But I certainly don’t go all out like I do for Halloween or Christmas—just a few accents of red and pink here and there. It takes the blah out of winter.

And I definitely don’t go overboard on spending, either. I just use items I already own or I head to Walgreen’s, Target, and other nearby retail stores for inexpensive, playful decorations. For example, there’s a great heart-theme tinsel garland set from Walgreen’s, perfect for draping over the top of my entertainment center. On my windows and mirrors, I’ve got a couple Valentine’s Day-theme Snoopy window clings. (Who doesn’t love Snoopy?) Atop my wine bar, I’ve got red champagne flutes and dessert cups from Christmas—it’s nothing major, of course, but see how easy transitional decorating can be?

And because I love cake stands, I made sure to put my white one in the holiday spirit by wrapping colorful paper and ribbon around it a la this suggestion from Better Homes and Gardens. And then I gave my votive candles a kick with this BHG idea (I used small glass beads rather than the little candies).

There’s not much too it, and it can be fun—just do as little or as much as you like. If you’re feeling particularly crafty, try these handmade decorations from Martha Stewart. Have kids? They’ll enjoy the holiday crafts on Kaboose. In the meantime, I’ll be busy mailing the dozens upon dozens of frosted heart-shaped sugar cookies I baked this weekend. Mmm.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

A Decorating Magazine Memorial

The current economy is taking its toll on many things—and the decorating world isn’t an exception. Sadly, it seems like some of our favorite home-related magazines are dropping like flies lately. So we thought it was time to take a break from our DIY projects for a moment so that we could pause and honor our fallen favorites.

Domino
The most recent magazine to bite the dust, this high-end shelter pub produced by Condé Nast was created for busy, style-focused folks who swoon over colorful decorating ideas and the advice of world-class designers.

Country Home
This one was particularly hard for us to say goodbye to, since many of our friends were among the current and former editorial staff at the time it folded. Plus, it didn’t matter whether you lived in the city or country—this lifestyle magazine offered terrific images and ideas about antiques, decorating, weekend projects, and more.

Blueprint
This baby had a short shelf life, which is sad because it had potential! Called a “fresh, fun guide to personal style” for twenty- and thirty-something women, it never quite gained the following Martha Steward Living Omnimedia thought it would.

O at Home
The spinoff of O, The Oprah Magazine featured plenty of Oprah’s friends’ cribs and the same energy that people love about the original pub, but it wasn’t enough to sustain this quarterly magazine.

Home
We didn’t spend as much time with this one, but apparently Hachette Filipacchi Media’s attempt to reposition it with a focus on home remodeling fell flat.

House & Garden
This baby had a long history and although it was a bit high-end (OK, a lot high-end) for our budgets, it was still fun to ogle over each issue. (The sad thing is that when you go to their website, it directs you to the Domino website since House & Garden folded. Oops! Now where will they send readers?)

Cottage Living
We might not own cottages, but we still enjoyed taking a peek at the pages of this Time Inc. magazine geared toward rustic-minded homeowners.

Now, some of these pubs still have online content that’s worth checking out. But as we all know, that’s not quite the same as being able to fawn over slick magazine pages and tear out the ideas you absolutely must hold onto. Sniff.

What great, gone titles did I miss? Share your thoughts here!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Quick Cabinet Upgrades

My cabinets are not in good shape. We’re talking drawers that don’t close all the way and cabinet faces that are peeling off in places. Not to mention the fact they’re dated as all get out. But I like the layout of my kitchen and the configuration of most of the cabinets. And I don’t have the cash to spend on redoing our kitchen right now anyway (really, who does?).

So I’m looking for ways to make do with what I have. Depending on the type of cabinets in your kitchen, these quick fixes might work for you too.

Deep-clean your cabinets. If your cabinets are in good shape and the style suits your taste, perhaps all they need is a good scrubbing. With some soap, water, and elbow grease you can chase away years of grease and grime and have your cabinets looking good as new in no time.

Replace cabinet hardware. This is one we’ve discussed before because it’s one of the easiest, least expensive ways to update your cabinetry. Learn about cabinet hardware options, then place an order!

Refinish ’em. Refinishing won’t work for me since the top layer of my cabinets is peeling away in places, but if your cabinets are in good shape, painting or staining them (after you clean them, of course) may be all that’s needed. And it can be done in a long weekend.

Reface ’em. One of my best bets for whipping my kitchen into shape without gutting it involves refacing my current cabinets with veneer. That means pulling away all that ugly veneer that’s peeling off now and replacing it with new stuff. My neighbors recently refaced their cabinets—which were a lot like mine—and added new wood cabinet doors. The transformation was amazing—and cost much less than a complete cabinet replacement. Learn how you can tackle refacing yourself from Rockler Woodworking and Hardware.

Have a BLAST. Cabinet BLAST, a new St. Louis-based company, offers an easy DIY alternative to refacing. The company’s custom-made decorative panels are easy to install and can be removed without damaging the cabinets, so even renters can spiff up their kitchens. Unfortunately, this option won’t work for me either. But if you had the right cabinets for it, I recommend checking out the copper inserts. Some of them are pretty cool. (And you can request free samples!)

Dream away. If temporary solutions won’t cut it, grin and bear those ugly cabinets for a while longer. And in the meantime, start saving your money and gathering ideas from books, magazines, friends’ homes, and more. Learning about the differences between stock, semi-custom, and custom cabinetry is a great place to start.

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

Great Indoor Planters

Whether lined up in a row, clustered in groups, or standing solo, planters are an easy way to spruce up a deck or patio. But they also add charm indoors too—especially during winter. And there’s no better time than winter to give your décor a boost with plants and herbs housed in decorative containers. Here are a few of my favorites:

\ White delight. As you very well know by now, I’m a fan of classic style. And that’s why I can’t take my eye off the simple, timeless Wirework Cachepots from Gardener’s Supply Company ($44.95/set of three). The watertight steel pots feature a crisp white finish and are accented by a simple scalloped wirework design. Plus, each planter in the set is a different size—small, medium, and large. The result? A grouped display that adds dimension.

Modern-minded. If your style is more cutting-edge contemporary, then you’ll like the sleek style of the column-shape Self Watering Cubico Flower Pots from Indoor Flower Pots.com (prices range from $29.90–$289.95 depending on size; if you want the sub-irrigation system included, add $60.85). These pots come in a variety of glossy or metallic hues, such as silver, espresso, and scarlet red.

Living art. Whether you hang it above your sofa or place it in your entryway, the Indoor Living Wall Planter from Gardener’s Supply Company ($189) is quite the conversation starter. The planter comes in two forms: an indoor kit, which hangs on the walls, and a freestanding kit, which is a floor display. Both create instant drama. Bonus: watering is easier than you think. Water trickles down from the top reservoir into each pocket, and excess water collects in the bottom tray—not on your furniture.

Au naturel. For a rustic tabletop plant display, try the Carved Wooden Cachepots from Pottery Barn ($24–$34.00, depending on size). Made of renewable solid mango wood, these hand-carved planters add simplicity and warmth.

Taking a stand. Okay—plant stands aren’t exactly containers. But they corral several plants at once and therefore save space. I like the deep finish of the Powell Contemporary Merlot Plant Stand from Stacks and Stacks ($95). It fits neatly in any corner, and there’s a shelf underneath for extra display space.
If you’re really short on space like me, there’s the diminutive Bamboo Tabletop Shelf from Improvements Catalog ($19.97, on sale). Like its name suggests, the tiered shelf’s metal frame resembles bamboo, and its got three shelves to hold your favorite petite plants.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Decorating to Discourage Winter Blues

Melancholy washed over me last week as I took down my cute, apartment-size Christmas tree, packed away my ornaments and decorations, and returned them to their resting spot in my basement storage unit. Once bedecked in festive holiday gear, my apartment suddenly seemed barren and dull. Talk about a letdown.

But it didn’t last for long. I decided to rescue my living space from the winter doldrums by adorning my sofa with a bold new throw, topping my wood entertainment center with a candle display, and displaying the new dishes I got for Christmas. Here are a few other ideas for discouraging the winter blues at home:

Hot hues. Take the chill out of the season by adding a vibrant new color into your decorating scheme, perhaps by painting an accent wall or simply adorning sofas and chairs with punchy pillows. 2009 brings a variety of luscious color trends, such as yellow, purple, hot pink, sapphire, rich brown, orange, and more. Need help deciding which color is best for you—and how to tastefully incorporate it into your decor? Learn more from The Decorating Diva.

Winter whites. There’s something magical about the season’s first glistening snowfall—but when January and February roll around, many of us are sick of the thick white stuff. And while a white decorating scheme might seem an odd choice this time of year, I assure you it’s not. It’s light, bright, and soothing. In fact, a creamy white color scheme and sparkling accessories can actually recapture some of the magic winter holds. Line your tables with white linens and dishes. Create a warm glow with a display of white pillar candles in silver or glass candleholders. Place white roses or other equally creamy flowers in a pretty vase. Those are just a few of the options. Don’t believe me? Then glean winter white decorating inspiration from this Better Homes & Gardens article.

Going green. As I type this, I’m admiring the hearty spider plant perched atop my desk. While the mounds of brown grass outside my window aren’t exactly a pleasant sight, my houseplant’s long, variegated leaves perk me right back up.

In a variety of unique colors and shapes, indoor plants and herbs are an easy way to enliven your indoor décor—especially if they’re housed in a pretty pot or planter—and satiate your green thumb during the winter months. They also improve indoor air quality. Check back soon to learn more about great indoor planters and choosing the best houseplant for your lifestyle.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Loft-Style Living

When my friend Katie first told me she was moving into a one-bedroom loft rather than the townhouse she had been considering, I thought she had gone crazy. Ever the traditionalist, I like my living quarters to have distinct rooms, and I prefer classic style over modern.

But my skeptical views toward loft-style living vanished the minute I entered Katie’s new place for the first time. Yes, it’s essentially still one large, open space, but it’s filled with function and flair. As you can see, Katie’s loft is a prime example of how cutting-edge contemporary style can be comfortable. Here’s how she did it:

Warm hues. Katie’s loft has concrete walls and floors. And although expanses of solid concrete have the potential to look bland, stark, and super-industrial, Katie’s loft is anything but. That’s because one wall is painted a warm, sandy brown color and large pieces of artwork adorn many of her other walls. Plus, her living room furniture—a black futon, olive green sofas, a soft area rug, and plenty of accent pillows—add character.

Flexible furnishings. The key to making the most of undefined space is to strategically arrange your furnishings, and to opt for portable furnishings whenever possible.

• When Katie desires a bit more privacy—or doesn’t want people staring at her closet/bedroom area, she uses a large, painted folding screen (a work of art in itself) to close off the space.
• A moveable stainless-steel kitchen island with a flat top for food prep and space underneath for storage rests in the center of Katie’s kitchen. When Katie needs more space, all she has to do is roll the island against the wall.
• Katie’s closet and living room lacked lighting fixtures when she moved in. So she purchased several floor and table lamps, which she can move about as needed.

Smart storage. Kitchen cabinet space is limited, so Katie relies on tall metal shelves to corral her dishes, cooking gear, and bar ware. Because all these items are exposed, artful arrangement is key—rather than randomly placing items on the shelves, Katie created an appealing display. And she took the same approach in the living room. Though her two massive bookshelves are filled with DVDs and books (this is one avid reader, folks), she incorporates decorative items throughout so nothing appears cluttered. Also in the living room: A pretty trunk and compact black filing system, which keeps papers and other small items out of sight. And in the loft’s only closet—a large space with only one long clothes bar, Katie customized the area with lots of open, stacked storage cubes to house shoes, accessories, and T-shirts, making her morning routine more of a breeze.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Make Your Own Artwork

Are your walls looking a little bare and your dining room table lacking a centerpiece but your wallet’s practically empty? Well, you don’t have to have an art degree or even consider yourself crafty to create homemade artwork for your house or apartment. In fact, you need no skill at all to complete these easy projects. Go ahead, give ’em a spin. (And send us pictures when they’re completed!)

No-Art Frames. Head out to the flea market and pick up a few glassless frames in all different shapes and sizes. Give them a fresh coat of paint and hang them to create a display that requires no artistic ability whatsoever. Need to see it to believe it? Blueprint can show you how it’s done.

Fabric Art. If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a couple bolts of fabric lying around that you’ve been meaning to turn into pillows or curtains. But you just haven’t found the time—or the patience—to actually do it. Instead of breaking out the sewing machine, stretch the fabric over a wooden frame like this. Don’t have any fabric? Head to your local thrift store and snatch up all the 50-cent scarves you can find. They work perfect for this project.

Etched Glass. Gather all your old jelly, pickle, and mason jars to give them an updated look with an etching kit. Then, head to the library to find a book of simple illustrations or download some from the Internet. (Be sure to pick basic designs because you’ll be cutting them out with an X-Acto knife later.) Using a copier, transfer your illustrations to clear, adhesive label sheets and cut out the part you want etched on your jar with an X-Acto knife. Stick the sheet to your jar, brush on the etching cream, and wait five minutes. Finally, peel back the adhesive, and you’ve got a beautifully etched jar. Want more in-depth instructions? Head over to the Design*Sponge. (And if you’ve never visited that site, hang around awhile—there are even more easy DIY art projects there.)

Flower Power. Although you may not have the photography skills to appropriately capture the bouquet of flowers your sweetie recently sent, I promise that you can still use them to create artwork. You’ll need a computer and flatbed scanner. Pick out a few of your favorite blooms and place them facedown on the scanner. Press “scan,” and try fiddling with the settings to see what interesting effects you can create. Print the artwork on a high-quality inkjet printer, or save it to a disk for your favorite photo lab to print. Visit Cottage Living for complete directions.

And for a healthy dose of inspiration, check out what the creative folks at Cardboard Safari have been cooking up. Their handmade cardboard alpine tree would look pretty nice on my dining room table this time of year. Perhaps I’ll buy it and pass it off as my own (wink!).

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Hang Up Your Coat—And Stay for Awhile! - Part II

With the Antigravity Chandelier, you get two for the price of one. One coat hanger and one chandelier, that is. Now you can illuminate your entryway and organize it all at the same time. The designer, Jun Tase of Japan, is known for his multi-functional work, so be sure to check out his magazine rack/stool and chair/table when you visit his site.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Hang Up Your Coat—And Stay for Awhile!

For some odd reason, I’ve always had quite the affinity for coat racks and coat hangers and anything that puts my warm winter coat at arm’s length when it’s below zero outside. They’re a nice way to get clutter up off the floor, and they organize belongings within eyesight. They come in a huge range of shapes, sizes, and colors, and as an added benefit, they encourage guests to take off their coats and sit for a spell. So what’s not to love?

Here are a few of the genius coat racks we’re now lusting after

Get ready to catch a wave with this wall-mount hanger—available in both black and white for distinct contemporary style—from designer Nanni Holén of Design House Stockholm. Hang it at different angles to create playful shadows and make room for all your coats, scarves, and hats.

Like the natural look? Well, it doesn’t get anymore green than the Entwined Root Coat Stand ($259) from VivaTerra, see above right, a truly organic, eco-friendly company that you should check out immediately. This coat stand is handmade out of a dense wood, and because each limb is unique, your stand is sure to be one of a kind.

For the more traditional readers out there, here’s the Victoriana Iron Coat Hook ($16 for one and $28 for a set of two) from NapaStyle. This 5-prong, 15-hook hanger is ideal for tight spaces and folks with lots of coats. Finished with a rust patina, it takes you right back to the Victorian Era

 And finally, these Tree Hooked Coat Hooks ($75), see above left, are really growing on me (get it?). You can find them at Elsewares, a design-passionate company with more than just a couple items I’ve been eyeing. Combine the hooks to create one sprawling coat rack or hang one all on its own. Either way, they’re sleek, modern, and just the thing my apartment needs.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Budget-friendly holiday decorating

The day after Thanksgiving, I didn’t go shopping. Instead, I slept in and spent the afternoon digging through box after box of my mom’s Christmas decorations for items that I could use to get my apartment in the holiday spirit. And yes—I had permission to snag some sweet holiday gear such as a miniature Christmas tree, Peanuts-gang ornaments, and more.

But I didn’t stop there. When I got home, I headed to the local crafts store for some inexpensive red and green pillar candles in varying heights and put them on a large silver candle saucer for an easy and inexpensive centerpiece on my coffee table.

The key to holiday decorating on the cheap? Use your imagination—and items you already have around the house. Take those old glass jars that sit unused in your kitchen cabinets for instance. Now’s the time to put them to good use. Place a tealight inside and tie a festive ribbon around the neck of a jar. Group several jars together for a dazzling display of lights.

As for those old gift boxes you’ve got laying around? Real Simple has the perfect solution: Tie a ribbon around them, as if you were wrapping a present, and display your “gifts” on the mantel or another shelf.

Or you could do what my good friend Katie does: Arrange multicolor glass ball ornaments in bowls and glass hurricanes. (The folks at Better Homes and Gardens recommend using a clear martini glass for a sophisticated touch. Love, love, love it!)

If you have a sweet tooth like me, you’ll enjoy these candy topiaries, made by hot glue-ing Christmas-theme candies to foam topiary trees, found at crafts stores. Display your trees on a large candle stand.

Of course, there are tons of other ideas to get your home ready for the holidays in no time—and keep your hard-earned dollars where they belong: your wallet. What budget-friendly holiday ideas do you recommend? 

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

It’s Holiday Decorating Time!

I don’t know about you, but now that Thanksgiving is over and there’s a dusting of snow on the ground, I’m itching to get out the holiday decorations. In fact, odds are I’ll have the tree decorated and a few random holiday knickknacks on display before you even have a chance to read this post.

Last year, we wrote about all sorts of holiday-related topics. So, to kick December off, I thought I’d direct you to a few that might be helpful as you tackle this year’s holiday decorating. Then stay tuned, because this month we have a slew of new holiday-related posts on tap—including quite a few to help you enjoy the holiday season without breaking your budget. Enjoy!

• Easy Holiday Decorating
• Hanging Outdoor Lights
• Festive Outdoor Décor
• How About a Green Christmas?
• Green Gift Wrapping

And if you missed it, be sure to check out yesterday’s post on holiday decorating safety.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Holiday Decorating Safety Tips

You’ve successfully stuffed yourself with turkey and pumpkin pie, watched football until your eyes bulged, and slept it all off in your comfy recliner. Now it’s time to decorate. That’s right, it’s time to lug the holiday decorations up from downstairs, wrestle with garland, climb tall ladders, and hang fragile glass ornaments—all while listening to cheerful holiday tunes. Sounds like fun, right?

Truthfully, I can hardly wait, but I do realize decorating is hard work. And many folks begrudge it not only because it’s time consuming but also because it’s a little unsafe. Limit the number of hazards you face this year by following these guidelines:

Ladders. Before you even think of climbing a ladder, ask yourself: Is the ground firm and level? Is your ladder the right height for the job? Are you under the ladder’s weight limit? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, you better rethink your objective—or go buy a new ladder. I’m pretty fond of the Little Giant Ladder System, ($435). With minor adjustments, it can switch from an A-frame to an extension, to a stepladder, and even to scaffolding.

Lighting. After you’ve unpacked your lights, check for any broken bulbs and toss strands with any cracked sockets or frayed or bare wires. Look for the Underwriters Laboratory label on the packaging to verify the lights were examined for safety. If you plan to use any lights, decorations, or extension cords outside, ensure they’re rated for outdoor use. Be mindful not to overload circuits, extension cords, and plug-ins, and always remember to switch everything off before heading out or going to sleep. 

Trees. Plan on decorating with a real pine this year? Water the tree daily and spray it with flame retardant to prevent fires. And if you prefer to go the more fake route (like me!), look for the “flame resistant” label before lugging your artificial tree home. For either tree variety, try buying shatterproof ornaments this year. That way, if you get a little clumsy, you won’t be sweeping up dangerous shards of glass. Lowe’s sells some nice-looking ones, and Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, Michigan boasts the largest variety I’ve ever seen.

For more holiday safety ideas—especially if you have small children—check out this article.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Last-Minute Thanksgiving Table Decor

My grandmother may have stopped hosting Thanksgiving a few years ago (we now gather at my aunt’s house), but thinking of her Thanksgiving table still makes me smile.

That’s because she knew how to trim her table in style. Her base was a cream-color tablecloth topped with an autumn-hue floral centerpiece and my personal favorite: Edible turkey place card holders handmade with fudge-dipped cookies, candy corn, and other yummy tidbits. Her table was traditional, yet it certainly wasn’t stuffy. You could call it formal yet festive. And that’s the look I want when I host Thanksgiving someday.

If you’re in charge of Thanksgiving this year, chances are you’ve made a few trips to the grocery store and whipped up a few make-ahead items. But have you thought about how to top your table? Worry not—you can wow your guests with these ideas for topping a terrific Turkey Day table in little time:

Centerpieces. Your centerpiece may be the crowning touch atop your Thanksgiving table (aside from the turkey, of course), but that doesn’t mean you have to spend hours creating it. If you think the only time you’ll have to create a dazzling centerpiece is the mere minutes between when you pop the rolls in the oven and when notoriously early Aunt Mabel rings your doorbell, then you’ll definitely want to check out Real Simple’s 60-Second Centerpieces. After all, what could be more simple—and more stunning—than clustering different-size candles together? (Taking necessary fire precautions, of course.) Even better, if you’ve got a few extra minutes to spare, hollow out those gourds you used for fall decorating and insert tea lights. Voila—instant, nature-inspired candleholders. Or gather up those gourds and arrange them in a pretty basket. Heck, I personally love the look of scattering pumpkins and gourds atop a basic orange table runner. Or purchase a dozen autumn-hue roses and plop them in a round vase for an elegant look.

Place cards. Hosting a crowd? Designate seating arrangements with spiffy place cards worthy of the holiday. Making place cards can be as easy as folding and decorating pieces of cardstock or printing pre-made place tags such as these from Ben & Jerry’s or these from American Greetings. Or see how Martha Stewart makes rustic place card displays with wine corks and a basic template.

Speaking of seating assignments, part of the challenge tabletop decorating lies in figuring out where to seat everyone. The key is to seat people based on personalities. For example, if your dear cousin Debbie is somewhat of a gossip monger, you’re probably better off seating her next to a new guest—whether it’s your son’s girlfriend or college roommate—who might not mind the constant chit-chat. Get the scoop on strategic personality-based seating arrangements from Real Simple.

Placemats. If you think your table needs placemats, but nothing you have seems suitable, enlist your kids’ help. These downloadable placemats from Better Homes & Gardens will keep the kids busy for hours—and they’ll add instant personality to your table.
See? I told you it was easy. Now, just breathe.

Happy early Turkey Day,
The Home Know-It-All

Thanksgiving Door Decor

Thanksgiving is almost here and I already have visions of my aunt’s traditional holiday feast dancing around in my head. It’s true. I am seriously craving green bean casserole as I type this.

But before your guests make a mad dash to the table, they’ll have to walk through your front door. And that’s where you can set the stage for a warm, welcome gathering. Greet guests in style with festive door decor that celebrates the season with nature’s bounty—acorns, leaves, mums, seeds, you name it. The options are endless and you’re only limited by your imagination.

Need a little inspiration? I suggest you browse this Better Homes & Gardens slideshow. It features 19 nature-inspired ideas for fall wreaths and door decorations. My favorite wreath by far is the first one, made from beautiful berry blossoms that will set your front door ablaze with autumn color. It’s simple, yet it’s gorgeous.

Have kids eager to help out with Thanksgiving prep? Put them to work making this friendly homemade sign with cardboard squares adorned with acorns, cinnamon sticks, and twigs. (If you want another kid-friendly option, you should definitely check out this version from National Geographic Kids.)

I love the look of fresh flowers any time of year, so it’s no surprise that I was attracted to Southern Living’s Thanksgiving door wreath. This stunner features chrysanthemums and pheasant feathers that make a bold statement. And it has a longer shelf life than you may think: When the flowers wilt, you can replace them with new blooms or with leaves.

Do you have any handmade wreaths that you’re particularly proud of? Send pictures of them to us here at The Home Know-It-All—you’ll inspire us and other readers.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Cool Cake Stands

Whenever I whip up a cake, cookies, brownies, bars, or any other sweet treat, I proudly flaunt the results on the footed clear glass cake stand that rests atop my wine bar/sideboard. (Heck, even if I cheat and bring home store-bought bakery goods, I still show them off.)

If my kitchen/dining room/living space were large enough to corral multiple cake stands, you can bet I’d have a collection in different colors and styles. Until that day comes, however, I just have to put the one I already own to good use, make a mental wish list, and ooh and aah over my favorites.

Simply sophisticated. I’m in love with the Flirt Ruffle Cake Stands from Potluck Studios (available in three sizes; prices vary) because they exude quiet elegance. The white finish works well with most decor, and the scalloped edges add instant flair. I think these stands are the perfect backdrop for a fancy dessert.
If you like the look of ruffled edges but want to spice up your decor with a bold hue, try the Emile Henry Ruffled Cake Stand in red from Williams-Sonoma ($70).

Birthday bonanza. Blowing out birthday candles has never been more fun. The Singing Cake Plate from Lenox ($69.95) rises to the occasion—literally—with its brilliant birthday-inspired design. It’s the epitome of fun. And should you feel so inclined, Lenox also makes a personalized one for just a few bucks more.

Petite treat display. Sure, it’s easy enough to arrange cupcakes on a basic cake stand. But it’s much more enjoyable to display them in style on a stand made just for small goodies: The Cupcakes ’N More Mini Dessert Stand by Wilton ($15.79, [photo top left Courtesy of Wilton] for a stand that holds 24 cupcakes; you can also buy different sizes). The stand boasts a towering design with wire spirals to corral your cupcakes; the wire spirals have a non-toxic, non-chip silver-finish. Another feature to celebrate: The stand easily collapses for easy storage when it’s not in use.

Basically there are cake stands for every interest. Case in point: If you love elephants, here’s a stand just for you. Or if you’re a nature lover, make a statement with this one, which is bedecked with hand-polished aluminum butterflies around the base. Want something whimsical? Don’t pass up this one, complete with ceramic high heel shoes that forms the base. (Would you expect anything less from a footed cake stand? Bad pun intended.)

But there’s always something special about a custom creation—why not take a Plain Jane cake stand and jazz it up? Get inspired by Martha Stewart’s jeweled cake stands. Or give old plates, vases, and candlesticks a second life with this cool idea from Design Sponge. I had a friend make several cake stands for her wedding last autumn (to showcase the luscious cheesecakes her talented mother made for each table) and the results were nothing short of stellar. Check out antiques stores and flea markets for vintage plates, vases, and candlesticks.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-Al

Decorating the Nursery

When you have a baby, you spend more time in the nursery than all the rooms in your house combined. So when planning how to decorate that space, don’t just think of your baby—keep yourself in mind as well. The way I see it, there are four essentials for any infant’s abode. So if you’re expecting, take note, and let me know how the decorating goes!

1. Color
Bright colors can stimulate your baby’s mind, so pick colors that are vibrant but not too overwhelming. (Remember you’ll be staring at them as well, so don’t choose a color that’ll give you a headache in a matter of minutes.) Consider making the most vivid hue an accent in the bedding or curtains. If you get stuck, check out this article. It explains the difference between warm and cool colors in the nursery and examines the emotions associated with each.

Need a painting refresher course? Read this post from awhile ago.

2. Flooring
No doubt about, durability is key here. It’ll keep you from worrying after every spell or mishap. Go with stain-resistant carpet or hardwood floors if possible. Already have wall-to-wall carpeting? No problem. Purchase a resilient area rug to cover heavily trafficked spots. Rosenberry Rooms has oodles of adorable rugs for both boys and girls, and they’re capable of withstanding anything you—or your baby—throws at them. I think this one is my favorite, but this is a close second. And this is a solid third.

3. Bedding
There’s an immeasurable amount of bedding options for your baby’s crib, so the choice is all yours here. Some of my preferred shops? Poshtots.com sells a wide variety of linens in sophisticated patterns that grow with your child from infancy to toddler age. Dreamtimebaby.com is another great place to look for bedding in all patterns and colors. And be sure to check out Babyearth.com for eco-friendly options.  

4. Furniture
Last but not least, you’ll need furniture. We’ve already touched on a few options in this post from last June and explained the importance of selecting “mature” furniture that won’t go out of style as soon as your little one reaches age two. So look for pieces that are versatile. I’ve got my heart set on this crib/changing table from Piccolini ($2,100) that coverts to a bed and desk when needed.

In addition to baby furniture, you also need a rocking chair for yourself. Find one with plenty of back and neck support, and spend time sitting in one before buying it. This one ($1,200), also from Piccolini, looks pretty comfortable, and I love the lime green color.

What else do you need? Here’s a checklist from the Expectant Mothers Guide so you’re sure to remember everything.

Good luck and congratulations!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Real-Life Green Design

I love reading about all the fantastic environmentally friendly materials on the market and am constantly updating a list of “dream” green improvements I’d like to make to my own home. But sometimes it can be tricky to imagine such eco-friendly options in my house because most of the green homes I see in magazines and online are the sort that are way out of my price range. That’s why I find these peeks at real-life green design so refreshing. See for yourself:

• Natural Home is one of the best places to find—what else?—natural home decorating ideas. I highly recommend a subscription, or hop on over and check out the website. The small Idaho strawbale home in their most recent issue is terrific.


• The ultimate stop for real-life green design ideas might just be Re-Nest. They have a whole section of their website devoted to green house tours that you must check out. “Anne’s Sunny Renovation”—which you can see here—is my favorite of the day. Although honestly, my favorite changes about every time they post a tour of a new home!


• Another can’t-miss blog for real-life green design? Jetson Green. Make sure you check out the Pinon House, an eco-focused redesign of a 1950s mid-century modern ranch house (no wonder I love it so!).


• You can also find some great ideas for designing green from the personal blog of green guru Danny Seo. On Daily Danny, he regularly posts images of rooms from his own house and gets so excited about purchases he snags at thrift stores and auctions that you can’t help but be bitten by the green bug too.

Where else do you go for real-life green design ideas? Let me know—I’d love to post them here!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Decorating with Linens

The other day I was searching the Internet for decorating ideas when I happened upon this Real Simple story about decorating with linens. I was instantly hooked, because the ideas were easy, practical, and they allowed me to use materials I already had in my apartment.

For example, if you’ve got an oversize dishtowel lying around, why not transform it into a cute apron? That’s what I did this weekend, and it totally came in handy last night when I made a yummy but very messy three-cheese penne chicken bake. Another cool idea? Recycling a tablecloth into a punchy seat cover. With the right fabric, this project would work amazingly on my dining room chairs. As for those old pillow shams taking up precious space in my dresser, I think I might just turn them into colorful place mats.

But the decorating opportunities don’t end there. If it seems like your linen closet is bursting at the seams, why not put some of your seldom-used linens to work by making pillowcases, tablecloths, shower curtains, you name it? I’ve got a vintage linen table runner draped across my dresser at home. And while it’s not the most innovative decorating idea by any means, it adds just the right touch of femininity.

Other uses for those older linens? Martha Stewart suggests hanging lengths of linen from bookshelves to protect your favorite novels from collecting dust or creating a clever window shade with raw linen.

These ideas, of course, barely scratch the surface of possibilities. What ideas do you have for decorating with linen?

And, because it’s Election Day, I can’t leave you without reminding you to do your civic duty: Get out and vote.

Happy Election Day!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Green Entertaining

The holiday season is right around the corner. Considering that Americans produce 25 million tons of holiday-related garbage each year and buy a whole lot of stuff in preparation for parties, perhaps it’s time to start thinking about environmentally friendly entertaining.

To get you started, here are some of the key areas where you can go green—and still throw one heck of a party.

Invitations. If you’re sending out snail-mail invites, opt for recycled paper products. Or, better yet, if it’s not a super-formal event, send an Evite. Online invites are free, easy to create, and arrive almost the second you hit “send”—no postage required.

Food. Shop for local and organic ingredients as much as possible. I realize, particularly this year, that food in general is pricey and organic even more so. Make organic entertaining easier on your budget by going light—rather than whipping up a five-course meal, why not stick with appetizers or desserts? It will be less expensive and you won’t have to purchase mass quantities of food, so you can focus on quality instead. Of course, as Green Savvy reminded me, don’t forget the organic wine and beer too!

Dishware. Use real plates, cups, silverware, and napkins rather than disposable items. If you don’t have enough for the whole crowd, ask to borrow a friend’s dishware. Or take a trip to your local Salvation Army or a secondhand store to see if you can snag extra plates and silverware for cheap. Who cares if the plates don’t match? If you must go the disposable route, purchase biodegradable options. Many, like VerTerra’s organic and compostable dinnerware, are so attractive you may want to wipe them down and reuse them after all!

Decor. Sure, themes are great, but they often involve purchasing a lot of items you don’t already have on hand. Instead of buying all sorts of paper products, streamers, and goofy seasonal items, opt for the less-is-more approach by decorating with objects you already have or nice pieces that, once purchased, can be reused again. I particularly like the suggestions in this Fine Living article—for instance, green guru Danny Seo suggests using glass jugs as wine decanters for one party and the same jugs as flower vases at another. Or, if you do purchase decorations specifically for the big event, why not use them as gifts for guests? Then you don’t have to worry about buying party favors too.

Cleanup. Set out bins or bags in which guests can toss recyclable items such as cans and bottles. That way, you don’t have to mess with fishing them out of the garbage can later. Once it’s time to tackle the dishes, scrape rather than rinse them to save water. Cleaning items in the dishwasher is much more efficient than hand-washing, so fill the dishwasher as full as possible (but not overfull) before running it. Odds are you won’t be able to get everything in one load if you’re entertaining for more than a few guests. If you can’t handle waiting to clean all the dishes in the dishwasher, fill the sink up with water rather than leaving the water running to wash the rest. Also, consider what you’re going to do with all that leftover food. If you won’t eat it yourself, can you send it home with guests? Or make plates to take to a homeless shelter?

If you’re looking for more ideas on how to green your entertaining, let Danny Seo walk you through everything you need to throw a green party, from food and drinks to décor and entertainment, at Epicurious.com. Or steal ideas from “A Night of Eco-Chic Entertaining” over at Notes on a Party.

What great green entertaining advice do you have? Share here—and happy holiday party planning!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Transitional Fall Decorating

Clearly you know by now how I feel about autumn’s rich hues. But my apartment tells a much different story. That’s because I’ve got one small wall shelf dedicated to my favorite season, lined with a small display of miniature pumpkins and gourds. Oh, and then there’s the delish apple-cinnamon scented candle that infuses my living quarters with an autumnal scent regardless of the season.

It’s about time that my apartment reflects my sentiments toward autumn—especially since it’s now the end of October. And since I’m on a budget (and I bet a lot of you are, too), I’m especially interested in fall décor that lasts through the time I bake a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie (my best contribution) or, even better, December. Long-lasting, multipurpose decorations are something worth celebrating on their own.

My grandmother is steering me well on my way to achieving this goal: For my birthday, she surprised me with some festive red tableware. It was intended for Christmas entertaining, but its rich jewel-tone hue lends itself to a variety of purposes. (A talented decorator, she’s also the reason why I have assorted gourds in my apartment.)

One project I can’t wait to dig into tonight was actually inspired by The Home-Know-It-All, and it involves poking cloves into an orange to make a pumpkin face. (I love the way they smell.) When Halloween is over, I can create new designs with new oranges. Easy schmeazy!

And once I’ve got my oranges finished, I’m going to adorn my dining room table with these cornhusk votives, a la Martha Stewart. The pretty craft involves wrapping votives in dried cornhusks and tying a white ribbon around the middle. If you’re crafty, check out her other ideas.

I especially love interior designer Libby Langdon’s take on transitional autumn decorating. For Halloween, she lines her fireplace mantle with a display of white pumpkins and votive and pillar candles. But the radiant glow looks fresh through Turkey Day. Another idea? Making twig hurricanes by hot gluing twigs to a cylindrical vase. Learn how to make them here.

If you’ve gathered a bounty of farm stand produce—pumpkins, gourds, apples—put them to good use with these tips from Real Simple.

Because Halloween is just around the corner, I’ll leave you with these fabulously frightful (and quick and easy, of course) decorating ideas to impress your trick-or-treaters. Even if you’re decorating the day before, no one will be the wiser.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

All for Area Rugs

If you have a particular room in the house lacking a certain something, chances are a well-appointed area rug is the missing piece. Providing a boost of color, depth, and personality, area rugs pull rooms together nicely.

You can find area rugs in an abundance of styles at most home stores and on the Internet, so often the hardest part of rug shopping is picking your favorite one. That definitely was my dilemma when I started browsing. Here’s what I couldn’t resist:

Bridget Rug in Blue
Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

Flower power. I was instantly drawn to the Bridget Rug in Blue from Pottery Barn ($99-$599, depending on size) because it matches my brown-and-blue living room color scheme. And I love the fresh floral design, which would surely make a bold yet sophisticated statement.

If you’re a floral fanatic like me, also check out Pottery Barn’s Kaley Bloom Rug ($149-$799, depending on size), which is abloom with a cool chrysanthemum pattern inspired by a 19th-century Japanese wood-block print. Choose from three lively colors: orange, green, and yellow.

Back to basics. There’s no doubt that patterned rugs add flair, but sometimes they can overwhelm—especially if you already have a lot going on décor-wise. If that’s the case, a single pop of color might be all you need. Take the simple—but no less eye-catching—Hanson Rug from Crate & Barrel ($19.95-$269, depending on size), for instance. The tonal rug comes in a variety of luscious hues: berry, pumpkin, plum, and fern. What’s more? Its high-low weave creates depth. Another bonus: The rugs reverse to a darker color so you get even more wear out of it.

Milliken NFL Rug
available at www.homedepot.com

Team spirit. Oh yes, that’s right. In the heart of football season, I can’t help but shamelessly pay tribute to my all-time favorite NFL team—The Green Bay Packers—with this awesome Milliken Green Bay Packers NFL Rug from The Home Depot ($99-$379, depending on size). Although it would seriously clash with just about everything in my apartment—except for my game-day attire—this Packer Backer would gladly sport the green and gold rug during football season. And worry not, all you Cowboys, Vikings, and Steelers fans out there: There are rugs for just about every team.

Want information for selecting the ideal interior area rug? We’ve got you covered. So do the folks at Lowe’s.

Oh, and if you’re looking for rugs based on a certain color, shape, or pattern, you can easily categorize them on Target’s website.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Cool Bookcases

If you’re a bookworm like me, chances are you’ve got more books than you know what to do with (and stacks of magazines, of course). The lone bookshelf in my apartment is absolutely overflowing, and I’m thinking I need another one.

I had no idea there were so many cool options out there! Maybe that’s because I’m ever the traditionalist and adore classic bookcases like the Dolce Dark Walnut Bookcase from Target ($149.99) and the Graham Desk and Hutch combo from Pottery Barn ($599-$1,598), which combines bookshelf space with a desk in a very refined package.

Intrigued, I did a little searching around on the Internet for some sweet bookcases. Here are just a few of my favorites:

Graphic pop bookcase
Photo courtesy of PBteen

Think pink. True, the Graphic Pop Bookcase from Pottery Barn Teen ($499) wouldn’t go with my décor now, but I definitely wish I would have had this in my bedroom when I was a teenager—it’s the perfect blend of girly and edgy, thanks to its pink interior and circular cutouts. The unit comes with five deep shelves; three are fixed and two are adjustable. You’ll also find a cord cutout and mouse hole cutouts on every shelf—perfect for storing electronics.

Photo courtesy of
Peter Pepper Products, Inc.

Sleek statement. I asked my honey for his input on bookcases, and he picked this Peter Pepper-Envision Floor Standing model ($1,431; price varies with options) because of its clean, contemporary styling. And I love it too, because its four glass shelves (you can choose from two widths) provide ample room for storing all your novels, yet the unit itself doesn’t consume lots of floor space. Another benefit: You can choose a black, cool grey, or natural maple background panel finish.

Soho Bookcase
Photo courtesy of World Market

For a different, equally contemporary option, check out the ebony-finish Soho Bookcase from World Market ($269). It’s got a simple, four-tier design, but it makes a big statement.

Wall art. Seeking a small-space option? I always am, as you very well know by now. And that’s why I was drawn to the functional Corner Space Saver Bookcase from Stacks and Stacks ($45.99). As its name points out, this awesome unit fits neatly in any corner. And it’s got a stylish shape to boot. I’m sold.

Corner Space Saver Bookcase
Photo courtesy of
stacksandstacks.com

Multitasker. The Exotic Retreat Bookcase/Room Divider from Target ($299.99) is one hardworking bookcase. Not only does it meet the standard requirements of a bookcase—to hold books and provide display space (obviously), it also functions as a room divider. And thanks to its unique shape and rich dark finish, it looks darn good doing it. Also check out the customizable Puzzle Bookcase from Crate & Barrel ($99.95-$379).

Want to see some really creative bookshelves? Then you have to hop on over to Freshome. My favorite? Definitely the Equation Bookcase. But the Quad Bookcase is pretty nifty too. Whatever your style, you’ll find oodles of cool bookshelves on this site.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Cool Candle Sleeves

I absolutely love the old chandelier that hangs in our dining area—it’s one of those great antiques loaded with dangling clear glass pendants. What I don’t love about it, however, are those terrible fake plastic sleeves below the bulbs that are supposed to look like candle bases, complete with dripping wax. Can you say “ugly” and “fake”?

That’s why I was so excited when I received an email about kaarsKoker (it’s Dutch for “candle sleeve,” in case you’re wondering) replacement sleeves, which come in all sorts of great styles to fit your décor. We’re talking houndstooth, stripes, peacock patterns, an array of solid colors—and even skulls if you’re ready to get into the Halloween spirit.

Best of all, the sleeves aren’t ridiculously expensive (they range from $12–$23 a pair), so it’s pretty darn easy to change them with the seasons, the holidays, or your moods. I’m contemplating ordering some myself, just as soon as I figure out which ones would look best with my retro wallpaper. Mom, any suggestions? (Yes, I always ask my mother for decorating advice. Don’t you?)

Also, be sure to check out the kaarsKoker blog as well as what other great design blogs such as design*sponge and Simply Stated have to say about the chandelier sleeves.

And if you have any DIY ideas for hiding those boring old plastic chandelier sleeves, share them here!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Decorating for a Cause

Whether you're looking for the perfect piece of art for the wall in your bedroom or are hunting for a home-focused gift your best friend will love, consider purchasing home décor items that support a cause. By shopping these socially conscious sites for all your home-related needs, you not only score some great products, you also support artisans all over the world.

Capiz Shell Candleholder.
Photo courtesy of Ten Thousand Villages.

Ten Thousand Villages—This company works with more than 120 artisan groups from all over the world to supply fair trade home décor (think furniture, vases, wall art, pillows, and more) at reasonable prices. (Fair trade, in case you’re wondering, ensures that the artisans who make the goods earn a fair wage and have opportunities for improving their quality of life.)

Plates with Purpose.
Photo courtesy of Radiant Ideas.

Radiant Ideas—Find great fair-trade lamps, pottery, vases on this site. And be sure to check out the recycled glass plates, bamboo bowls, and cute acorn baskets too.

Coiled Harmony Basket.
Photo courtesy of SERRV.

SERRV—Previously known as A Greater Gift, SERRV International is a nonprofit alternative trade and development organization that works to promote the social and economic progress of people in developing regions of the world by marketing their products. You can browse everything from furniture and textiles to hand-woven baskets and candles on the site.

Bamboolicious set.
Photo courtesy of Original Good.

Original Good—Among the ethically sourced gifts, housewares, and accessories sold here, you’ll find fabulous bamboo bowls and serving dishes and kitchen textiles such as potholders and table runners.

Stray Dog Designs, Frosty Glass Lamp.
Photo courtesy of eConscious Market.

eConscious Market—This company bills itself as a “for-benefit” online commerce site that sells ecologically and socially responsible products. Best of all? It donates a minimum of 10 percent of each purchase to the nonprofit organizations listed on the website. You’ll find mattresses, bedding, furniture, lighting, rugs, and even energy-saving appliances—talk about a one-stop shop!

And be sure to check out Ethical Shopper while you’re at it. This site provides info on great products and companies that are socially conscious, environmentally aware, community oriented, and more.

What great green or socially conscious sites or stores do you visit when it’s time to buy? Share them here!

Until Friday*,
The Home Know-It-All

*Note: The Home Know-It-All is cutting back on posting through the end of September to spend some time whipping her home into shape. But check back for another post soon!

More DIY Headboard Ideas

It seems most of you are in the same boat as me: You just can’t justify the expense of a real headboard (or you can’t bear the thought of lugging it up three flights of stairs). Either way, you’ve been checking out our DIY Headboards post from last October instead. (It’s our most viewed entry!) But perhaps you didn’t find anything to suit your fancy then. If that’s the case, you’re in luck. I’ve dug a little deeper and discovered even more great DIY headboard ideas.

My personal favorite? Headboard decals! They’re easy, fast, and—most importantly—cheap. Dali Decals offers a few ornate options, and I especially enjoy the trees for you nature fans out there. And if you’re shopping for a kid’s headboard, this castle from Comptoir D’Enfance may be just right for your princess.

Illustration courtesy of Randall Noblet,
Lexicon Media

Salvaged shutters can also make a pretty sweet looking headboard, above. Stop by the nearest salvage yard, pick up two or three, sand away, and apply a quick coat of paint or polyurethane. Voilà, you’ve got yourself a rustic-style headboard. I like A Soft Place to Land’s take on this approach.

For a truly individualized headboard, Ready Made has got the right idea.  Use one of your digital photos or scan a photo from a magazine, import it into this online program, and print the multiple pages. Hang them with simple, flat thumbtacks above your bed.

Still not finding what you’re looking for? I’ve got a few other ideas up my sleeve, so be sure to check back soon to see even more DIY headboard ideas.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All