Clever Bedroom Storage Ideas
Finding a luxuriously large bedroom equipped with a walk-in closet isn’t easy. In fact, finding storage for all of your belongings can be a challenge in any size room. Fortunately, with a tiny-to-mid-sized bedroom there are clever ways you can create storage. Regardless of the size of your room, clutter can make the space unappealing, causing stress. These clever bedroom storage ideas will keep you clean and organized, no matter how big your bedroom is.
- Buy a bed frame that doubles as storage space. Some bed have drawers and shelves built right into their frames. Depending on what you want to place in drawers, you may not even have to get a bureau or armoire to house the rest of your things. If your bed frame lacks drawers but has space between the floor and the box spring, use plastic containers to stow extra bedding.
- Go vertical and hang shelves. Every inch counts when it comes to figuring out ways to create storage in small spaces. Use the entirety of your wall from top to bottom. Place a floor to ceiling unit next to the nightstand beside your bed to create an appealing visual. Hang shelves to get items up and off the ground. Consider over-the-door hanging storage for bulky items like shoes, scarves, and hats. This is also a great place to stow jewelry!
- Make your own built-in storage unit. If a part of your wall juts out, this creates the perfect opportunity for more storage. Installing custom cabinetry into the wall allows more room for clothes or accessories. The experts at Birmingham painters can help you match the doors of your cabinets to your existing wall color to give off a secret passage vibe, or use glass paneling so you can see what you’re looking for before you even open the doors.
- Mount a nightstand next to your bed. Traditionally, nightstand tables sit next to the bed, taking up valuable floor space. If you mount your nightstand to the wall, you can use the space under there for shoes or miscellaneous items that you don’t want laying around. If there isn’t space for a full on nightstand, a wide shelf mounted on the wall next to your bed can be a makeshift table top.
- Create a display using a bookcase. Are you a shoe fanatic or a lover of handbags? If you consider these items a work of art, use a bookcase or staggered shelves to showcase them! Doing this can give off the vibes of an art installation right inside your bedroom and save valuable space in closets.
- Don’t neglect the space above your headboard. Instead of hanging a painting or photo above your headboard, shelving or cabinet units can be a great installation above your headboard. Display a few of your favorite collectibles, but avoid cluttering the space, as this area will quickly collect dust.
Don’t feel discouraged by the amount of storage space in your bedroom. Using these tips can help expand the storage options in fun, clever ways. For more storage tips, reach out to St. Johns, NL interior decorator Robin Stairs.
7 Ways to Repurpose Old Furniture
You know it’s summertime when you drive by multiple yard sale signs. You might find a new table to use in your hallway, but have you ever thought about what you could turn that table, or anything else you might discover at a yard sale, into? With some creativity and a little elbow grease, you can turn almost any yard sale find into something one-of-a-kind.
- Adorn old drawers with colorful wallpaper. If you find a chest with a set of drawers that are looking a bit worn, cover the exterior of the bottom drawer with wallpaper. To do so, start by cutting the desired covering to the length and width of the drawer. Then, glue it down with Mod Podge and let dry. For an added pop, glue wallpaper on the left and right sides of the drawer. The color will not be seen unless the drawer is pulled out, giving you a colorful surprise each time you open it!
- Repurpose a vintage chest to use as a coffee table. Not only will it give your living room a unique piece of furniture, but it will also provides hidden storage space! Think of the blankets, remotes and magazines you can hide when you have company over. If you feel so inclined, you can strip the chest and re-stain it to a color that better matches your existing furnishings, or situate it as is for that old-world charm.
- Turn an old chair into an outdoor swing. Do you have a large tree branch in your backyard that’s waiting to be used? If you find an old kitchen chair at a yard sale, you can turn it into a backyard swing. Simply remove the arms and legs of the chair, sand it, and apply a fresh coat of paint. Then, drill four holes into the chair and thread through heavy-duty poly rope and hang the rope securely over the tree branch. To ensure you do so safely, read the full instructions here!
- Create a room divider with a bookshelf. If you have old books collecting dust in your basement that could fill a bookshelf, scour yard sales for one. Use this old find to serve as a storage unit and a room divider. Separate a large room to create two unique spaces with a repurposed bookshelf.
- Use a dresser as an outdoor planter. Seek out a dresser with three drawers, as that will work best for this project. To transform it into a planter, open the bottom drawer completely, and then open the middle drawer about halfway so they resemble stairs. Fill the drawers with soil and plant the flowers and herbs of your choosing. To properly create this masterpiece, find the full instructions here.
- Transform a wooden ladder into a blanket hanger. Create a rustic blanket hanger, which would normally cost a fortune in a furniture store, from a recycled wooden ladder. To prevent splintered wood from making its way into the fabric, sand the wood and apply a coat of stain. Once that dries, simply lean the ladder against a wall and hang folded blankets along the rungs. To further prevent damage to your walls or floors, purchase felt pads to place on the feet of the ladder.
- Craft a window shutter into a mail holder. Paint a window shutter any color you please and install it in your kitchen. It can be used for holding important bills, invitations, or reminders. You can also add hooks at the bottom to hang your keys!
The sky is the limit with what you can create from yard sale finds – all you have to do is be resourceful! For more home décor and renovation ideas, check out Jarons Furniture on Pinterest.
Why You Shouldn’t Paint Your Kitchen Your Favorite Color
When it comes to interior design, there are no set rules that need to be obeyed, but there are suggestions that should be followed. This is especially true when it comes to kitchen design. The experts at CertaPro Painters of Mesa/Tempe say you should think twice before using your favorite color on your kitchen walls. Here’s why:
Design trends are constantly evolving. The media consistently tells us what’s hot and what’s not, and that includes home design. Think about it. Pantone and Sherwin Williams announce a new “Color of the Year” every year, and countless homeowners head to a home improvement store for painting supplies. Opt for a design that stands the test of time, like a monochromatic color scheme in a neutral color like white, beige, and gray. These shades are everlasting and are easily paired with pops of colorful accessories.
With neutrals, you’ll always have a clean slate. Your decorating possibilities are endless when you paint your kitchen a neutral color. By keeping your kitchen walls monochrome, you can confidently incorporate various colors and trends in your furniture and accessories. If you were to opt for a bold hue, you would have a much more difficult time accessorizing your kitchen.
You can create more space. Neutral shades do a wonderful job of giving the illusion that the kitchen is much larger than it actually is. Soft shades of white and cream help open a room and make it feel more spacious, while bold colors can overwhelm a space and shrink its appearance.
There’s more freedom in cabinet color choice. By no means does painting with a neutral hue mean that you are stuck with a dull and colorless kitchen. Painting your kitchen with a clean palette, you are able to accessorize with which ever colors and patterns your heart desires. Monochromatic wall colors mean you can choose dark or light cabinetry without having it clash with the walls.
Your kitchen will always appear fresh. A kitchen is one of the most utilized spaces in a home. You spend a lot of time in there, whether you’re preparing a meal or entertaining guests. Using a neutral color in the kitchen and playing with the accessories and decor will constantly make your kitchen feel new and refreshed without having to do an elaborate redesign.
While you may be tempted to be adventurous and paint your kitchen a bold color, keep in mind all of the benefits a neutral-colored kitchen provides. Use a color that is soft and clean for your kitchen, and play with bold colors on accent walls or in other rooms around your home.
Powder Room Design Tips
While a half bathroom might not seem like it requires much interior design thought, it is still a part of your home that allows you to make a statement! Typically, half bathrooms are utilized most by visitors. Many homeowners neglect their powder rooms, leaving guests with a less-than-impressive experience when they visit. Spruce your powder room up with these design ideas to leave your guests feeling welcomed and impressed when they stop by.
- Use fresh paint colors. Not only is painting a fast and inexpensive way to update any part of your home, but it can instantly convert the look and feel of your entire powder room. Opt for a color that is light and bright, as dark hues tend to make a room look smaller and more cramped than it actually. To give the illusion of more space, powdery blues and light lavenders are great colors for small bathrooms.
- Opt for open shelving. If your powder room lacks storage space, install shelving over the toilet or vanity mirror. There are plenty of options available specifically designed for these tight areas, so you won’t be losing much space in your powder room. Open shelving is a great way to store extra toiletries or washcloths and it provides a flattering and modern look.
- Create a mirror wall. Instead of including a small mirror above the sink, install a large mirror that will cover up an entire wall in the bathroom. Since mirrors create depth and dimension, covering an entire wall with a mirror will create the illusion of a larger space.
- Incorporate a pedestal sink. One easy way to create more space in a half bathroom is to ditch the large vanity basin sink and install a skinny pedestal one instead. Not only do pedestal sinks clear up more room, but they are versatile and can match virtually any theme or color scheme.
- Install sconce lighting. If you are looking for a refined way to include more lighting into your powder room, sconce lighting is an optimal choice. They’re small and don’t take up too much space, and are also available in many different colors and design options.
Just because your powder room is small doesn’t mean that it deserves design neglect! Follow these tips and tricks to transform your half bathroom into a relaxing and inviting environment. For more design inspiration, contact the professionals at CertaPro Painters of Des Plaines.
How To Remove Paint Stains
Painting can be a messy project if it’s not handled properly. Drips and accidental paint spills can do major damage to flooring, clothing, furniture and even skin. As a general rule, you want to clean up a paint spill as soon as it happens. Unfortunately, this can’t always be done, and a dried paint stain must be dealt with. This guide explains the two most common types of paint used in house-hold applications, and the best methods to remove them.
Types of House-hold Paints
Before you handle a paint stain, you’ll need to understand the type of paint that caused the stain.
Oil Paint: Oil-based paints are typically used for exterior applications because they grip the surface that they are covering better than a latex paint would. Oil paints take more time to dry than other types of paints due to the additives, sometimes as long as 24 hours. These additives give the paint a glossier finish, but make it very difficult to remove.
Water-/Latex-Based Paint: Water-based paints are best for interior applications. This type of paint dries rather quickly because the moisture in it evaporates. While water-based paints aren’t as durable or as shiny as other paints, they are very easy to clean up after. Typically, only soap and water are required to do the job. Latex paints tend to last longer than other paints, having a better resistance to cracking and a better color retention.
Paint Removal
Oil Paint Removal: Oil based paint is difficult to remove from a surface, but it’s not impossible. Normally, the use of chemicals is required. Turpentine, acetone, kerosene, and other varieties of chemical paint thinners do a decent job of removing oil paint, but they can also strip the surface of its original color, particularly in clothing. Test the surface you’re trying to remove the paint from prior to emptying a container of paint stripper on it.
Once you’ve purchased a chemical paint remover (which you’ll find available in pastes, liquids, sprays, and other forms).
- If the oil paint landed on a wood surface, sand off as much of the paint as you can, then use the paint stripper to remove the rest.
- If the oil paint landed on a carpeted surface, you can try pulling as much of the excess paint out first , then using the paint thinner to remove the rest.
- To remove oil paints from the skin, wash with soap and water first. If that doesn’t remove the paint completely, use baby oil, a combination of olive oil and salt, a homemade sugar scrub, or even mayonnaise to gently strip paint from your skin.
To make the job even easier, heat up the oil paint on whatever the surface may be, then scrape what melts off. Finish the job with the chemical paint remover of your choosing.
Always remember to wear protection when using chemical strippers to avoid any health-related issues.
Latex Paint Removal: Luckily, there are a few ways to clean up a latex paint spill. If the paint spill is still wet on any kind of surface, soap and water will usually remove it.
- To take latex paint off of most surfaces, remove as much of the paint from the surface first, then use the soapy mixture to gently dab the surface clean. If the paint is on clothing, soak it in water first and then machine wash regularly.
- If the latex paint has dried on a surface, scrape as much of the dried paint off. Use pliers, putty knife, or another type of scraping device, taking care to avoid scratching the surface. Then, soak the area with a mixture of water and dish soap, scrubbing after a few minutes to begin removing the caked on paint.
If you’re struggling to remove latex paint with soap and water, you can find water-based latex paint removal products in a home improvement store. These solutions are mixed with water and then blotted on the paint stain. When you’re shopping, check the type of remover before you make a purchase – there are a variety of options available specifically designed to work on certain surfaces.
Remember, paint stains are preventable! Trust experts, like those at CertaPro Painters of North Raleigh, to tackle your interior or exterior painting project mess free.