how to decorate your home with pastel colors

How to Decorate Your Home with Pastel Colors.

Pastel colors are comforting and whimsical. Though they have been used in homes for years, pastel colors have become a popular color palette. Pastels are often used in a child's rooms or beach house, but they can be used in any room in your home. You can start by adding splashes of pastels, paint with them, or decorate with pastel furniture.

Method 1 Starting with Splashes of Pastel.

1. Look for pastel accessories. If you only want to add small touches of pastel to your home, then adding small accessories is the best way to do it. For example, in the kitchen you could put out a light blue butter dish. In the living room, look for light green coasters. In the bedroom, add a lampshade in a light pink or purple color.

For a bold look, choose all pastel accessories. Or, simply add a few here and there.

2. Add pastel pillows. A good way to add a touch of pastel to your home is to put pastel throw pillows on your couch, chair, or bed. Consider the colors that you already have in your room when choosing pillows. Choose colors that would pair well with the existing colors in the room. If you have a lot of neutral colors in the room, almost any color will work, like light pink, green, blue, or yellow.

Colors like light yellow and purple are great for creating a relaxing environment.

You could also put a pastel throw blanket on your couch or bed.

3. Put out pastel tableware. To add pastel to the kitchen, buy pastel plates and cups. This will add a touch of pastel to the kitchen without being too overwhelming. You can leave them set out on the table to show off at all times, or only set them out when a meal is being served.

Look for pastel tableware at any home decorating store, or at big-box stores.

For a feminine and glamorous feel, pair the pastels with metals like gold and brass.

4. Set out pastel planters. You can use planters to decorate both the inside and outside of your home. If you can't find pastel planters, you can paint them on your own. Set them outside of your door, or put your indoor plants inside of them. You can choose one color, or choose an array of colors for a cheery look.

Put a few planters in various sizes and pastel colors together for a fun, colorful vignette.

5. Buy a pastel bedding set. A pastel bedding set will add more than just a splash of color to your room, but it won't overtake the room if it is the only pastel. Look for a bedding set with a comforter (or duvet cover), sheets, and pillowcases. They can be in a solid color, or in a design, like stripes. If you don't want all of your bedding to be in pastels, just buy a comforter.

Pastels can add a soothing effect to your bedroom.

If you don't want the bedroom to appear to “girly,” you can choose pastel colors like light blue and green.

Method 2 Painting with Pastels.

1. Use stencils to create a pastel design. If you don't want to commit to painting your entire wall, you can use stencils to add traces of pastels. You can find stencils at many art and home improvement stores. Choose a stencil in the design of your choice. Buy a pastel paint in any color, like light purple or yellow. Hold the stencil up against wall and paint the color onto the wall.

Stencils are usually made of flexible plastic. Stencils in the shape of flowers and geometric patterns are especially common for walls.

Make sure not to get paint outside of the stencil.

You can stencil an entire wall, a single strip or section, or anything in between.

2. Choose a pastel color for the molding if you want a subtle look. Painting the wall molding in your home is another way to add some color to the room without painting the entire wall. You can choose to paint just the molding near the ceiling, or all of the molding in the room. Consider the color your wall is before choosing a pastel color.

For white or black walls, any color will do.

For blue walls, consider a light yellow.

For red walls, consider light blue or pink.

3. Paint one wall to create a focal point. Painting one wall in a room is a way to make the pastel very noticeable without taking up the entire room. The best wall to paint is the one that is directly in front of you when entering a room, or the wall that the couch side tables are in front of. Choose a color like light blue or green for a relaxing vibe. Choose light pink if there are reds in the room that you'd like to tone down.

4. Paint the room in pastel colors for a bold look. It is also an option to paint the entire room in a pastel color. If you do this, you should only have a few other pastel details or none at all. Too much pastel can take over the appearance of the room. That may, however, be your goal. Choose a color that can go with a range of furniture, like light blue or light yellow.

Painting a room in a pastel shade can make a small room appear larger.

Method 3 Decorating with Pastel Furniture.

1. Paint chairs for an accent feature. Update wooden patio or kitchen chairs with a fresh coat of paint. If you don't already have wooden chairs, you can look for some at vintage shops or yard sales. You can choose to paint all of the chairs one color, or use a different color for each chair.

Light green, pink, and purple would look nice together for patio chairs.

2. Paint cupboards to spice up your kitchen. Painting cupboards is a way to add an accent of color without a large commitment. You can update your own cupboard, or choose to buy one from a yard sale or vintage shop. If you're painting one that is wooden or a different color, make sure to use a white primer first.

3. Reupholster the furniture in solid pastels for an understated feel. If you don't have furniture that you can paint, it is an option to reupholster old furniture. You can reupholster on your own, or you can take it in to have it reupholstered. If you aren't sure how to reupholster furniture, then it is best to take it to a professional. If you are reupholstering on your own, make sure to purchase fabric made specifically for reupholstering furniture. It will only be a decorative piece of furniture if you don't.

You can find upholstery fabric at arts and crafts stores, like Jo Ann's, and at most fabric stores.

You can find upholstery fabric in several types of materials, like leather, wool, cotton, linen, polyester, and wool.

4. Choose printed pastel furniture for a fun look. If you don't want a solid shade of a pastel color, look for furniture that incorporates pastels into the design. You may want to look for a chair that is mainly light pink, but has black stripes. Or, you can look for a black chair that has yellow polka dots. If you're reupholstering furniture, look for fabric that has pastel shades in the design.

Another example of printed pastel furniture would be a couch with a paisley pattern in pastel colors.

If you don't want to change your furniture, you can add pastel ottoman in front of your chairs and/or couches in a pastel color, like light blue or green. The light colors, however, would be more likely to show dirt.

Tips.

Put out flowers in a light pink or yellow flowers to add a temporary, but noticeable touch of pastel to your home.

Using a lot of pastel colors can create a feminine look, which can be balanced out with dark, solid colors, if desired.

You can use pastel to tone down brighter colors in your own, or use it to contrast dark colors.

Warnings.

Using too much pastel can make the interior in your home look childish or like an Easter egg. Unless you desire this look, try to not use too much pastel in one room.

Desember 27, 2019

how to use metallics in your home decor

How to Use Metallics in Your Home Decor.

Nothing transforms an ordinary room faster than adding some metallic. Not only does it brighten up your space, it instantly adds a touch of glamor and modernity. However, like with many trends, it’s important to keep from going overboard. A sophisticated room can turn into a funhouse with just a few too many metallic accents. If you’re interested in using metallic in your home décor, there are a few design techniques you should keep in mind.

Part 1 Adding Accessories.

1. Start small. If you’re new to this trend and haven’t played around with metallics before, don’t go big right away. Try adding a few small pieces to a room first, just to get a feel for how it works in your home – and to confirm you like metallic décor! Adding a metallic gold vase as a table centerpiece or hanging up a mirror with bronze trim are examples of ways you can add a bit of bling to your space without feeling overwhelmed.

2. Purchase versatile items. If you aren’t a professional interior decorator, you might not have a grand vision for your space. That’s OK! You can always buy a few items that can work in several places around your home, and you can play around with them. Look for pieces that can work in your bedroom or your living room, or the bathroom or the kitchen. You can move things around and experiment.

A metallic picture frame is a small touch that can add a lot to a space, but can also work in virtually any space. The same goes for metallic lamps, trays, bowls, and so on.

3. Try out things that aren’t permanent. If you aren’t ready to fully embrace this trend yet, why not purchase a few temporary metallic accessories? For example, consider using fun golds and silvers in your holiday or seasonal décor. You can find festive throw pillows, table settings, display trinkets, and so on. If you still love the metallic trend when the season or holiday ends, you can get some décor that is more permanent.

4. Use one metallic statement piece. If you don't want to fill your home with various metallic pieces, or simply only have one metallic piece that interests you, why not just use it solo to make a statement? Whether it's a metallic tea tray on your coffee table or one metallic piece of art on your mantle, one statement piece will draw the eye immediately. You don't need to add metallics to every corner of the room to embrace this trend in your home.

Part 2 Choosing your Metallics Wisely.

1. Consider the different types of metallics. After all, not all metallics are created equal. A shiny, smooth gold will create a different effect in a room than a hammered gold. Any metallic with an antiqued finish will look darker and older, and a metallic with a brushed finish will be more matte. If you’re not interested in traditional gold or silver, don’t overlook copper and bronze décor! Also, don’t be afraid to mix and match metallics to create a lot of interest.

Again, if you aren’t sure which one you’ll prefer over time in your home, try out a few smaller, temporary pieces! You can get an idea for your personal preference without committing to anything or shelling out a lot of cash.

Don’t buy a certain type of metallic simply because it’s recommended with your color palette or someone suggested it. Choose a metallic that you personally love, and you won’t get sick of it.

2. Gather inspiration from the professionals. If your space needs a makeover, try heading to Pinterest before heading to Home Goods. You can also find decorating ideas from interior design magazines and websites. Even if you have experience decorating your home, it never hurts to check out what other people are doing. You can see how the professionals are using metallics in homes, and you might discover combinations or ideas that you never considered.

3. Repurpose things you already own. Giving your own furniture or décor a metallic makeover is a great way to save a little money and extend the life of your belongings. Instead of tossing that plain wooden dresser you’re sick of, give it a makeover. A coat of black or white paint with some metallic knobs or accents will make it look like a whole new piece. The same goes for old chairs, tables, desks, and so on. You can find metallic spray paints in every hue at a home improvement store.

Part 3 Balancing Out the Space.

1. Pair metallics with soft fabrics. To bring balance to the room you’re decorating, it’s a great idea to pair opposites. In other words, try blending your metallic décor with soft fabrics. A vibrant gold bowl placed on a faux fur place mat creates a beautiful contrast. Adding a metallic throw pillow to a soft velvet armchair strikes that same balance.

Not only do these pairings create balance, but they also allow the metallic element to really stand out.

2. Use a neutral color palette. Using metallics to decorate your home is a pretty bold choice, and it’s typically best to let those elements be the focal point. In order to do this, try to keep the rest of the room fairly neutral. Pair your metallics with colors like gray, white, cream, black, and so on. Not only is this extremely modern and on trend, it’s also much more welcoming and “livable.”

Pairing some already flashy metallic décor with colors like hot pink or electric blue is certainly a bold choice, but you’re likely to get a bit sick of it after awhile.

3. Let the metallics have the spotlight. The other tips have alluded to it, but the key to using metallic in your home décor is to let those pieces have the spotlight. By keeping the rest of your décor neutral, soft, and simplistic, you’ll ensure that your space doesn’t become overwhelming. For example, if there’s a metallic coffee table that you love, go for it! Just keep the couch and rug neutral, and let that table have the spotlight.

The added bonus of keeping your spaces pretty neutral is that you will be able to swap different metallic pieces in and out as you like!

Desember 20, 2019

how to build a tiny house

How to Build a Tiny House.

Many people have one very big loan, and that is a home mortgage. A mortgage can end up costing much more than your house is worth and takes much of your lifetime to pay off. One creative way to sidestep this problem is to make the choice to live in a tiny house. It is also a great way to live a minimalist life, avoiding being tied down by too much stuff. This article will start you off with some basic steps to cover when seeking to build a tiny house.



Part 1 Planning Your Build.

1. Figure out what kind of lifestyle you want to live. Your needs for mobility, stability and space will determine the type of tiny house you will be seeking to develop. Consider the following:

If you intend to move a lot, then a trailer-based home is probably a good choice.

If you think you'll maybe move once or twice, then you can use a bigger trailer base for your house a rent a truck to move it for you when the time comes.

Build onto the tiny house. You also have the option of building extensions to the main house, such as a deck or rooftop patio.

If you have a spot to build on, then you can do normal construction on a spot of land (this tends to be more expensive and permanent).

2. Determine what needs your home must meet. Sit down and make a list of all the things you want in your home. Of course, this is a tiny house, so you need to focus on the necessities, as there isn't any room for a lot of stuff. Examples of important basics for the house include:

One or more beds.

Appliances such as the oven, fridge, stovetop, microwave, etc., remembering that all of these will likely be much smaller than those you'd have in a standard size house.

Washer-dryer combo instead of two different machines.

3. Find a location to either park the trailer base or to build your tiny house in situ. Choose a location with accessibility to water and electricity. If this is not possible find a way to come up with alternatives. For example, many people prefer to use solar power and collect rain as part of the tiny house philosophy.



Part 2 Creating a First Draft of the House.

1. Map out all the things you want in your house. As you do so, keep in mind the exact amount of space you have to work with. It will always be less than you expect, so don't be surprised if you have to let go of some dream ideas but see this as an opportunity to be inventive rather than giving up on everything.

Include plenty of storage space and clever ideas such as stairs that include storage underneath.

This step works best by making an electronic floor plan of the house, or you can also make a actual model by hand so that you get a good sense of how it will look in your hands.

2. Scale the design so that the dimensions of your model will be accurate when building the house. A key aspect of this step is to build the house around the appliances you want. Go online and find the appliances that you will buy and go to the specs of the product. There will be dimensions for you to include in your floor plan/model.



Part 3 Making a Budget.

1. Work out the budget by concentrating on the main elements involved. These are appliances, labour, building materials and tools. Usually to build the house with all the desirable (kitchen, trailer, siding, etc.), an average cost is about $35,000 for a 24 ft trailer house. Keep in mind that the smaller the trailer, the cheaper the build. And, if you want fancier things and bigger size, the tiny house can cost up to $100,000.

2. Work out the appliance budget. With the appliances that you have selected in your floor plans as a base, include how much you can spend immediately. Then work out how much you can spend over time (that is, how much you can deduct from your paycheck towards the build).

3. Determine what you can do yourself. Then include the amount of labour that you can put in for things you can do yourself.

4. Figure out the cost of labour for professionals (i.e. plumber, electrician, builders).

5. Cost the tools you will need for your build. Renting the tools when necessary is one way to go so you don't have to put too much money into tools that you will not use again. For some basic tools it might be a better idea to just buy and own them if you don't already have them.This list provides a rundown of the tools you'll likely need.

Air compressor – Drives air powered tools like framing nailers and paint sprayers.

Caulking gun – Used to apply caulking and building adhesive.

Chalk line – Helps mark strait lines so that paneling, siding, and roofing stay in line.

Chisel – Used to finish cutting notches in wood.

Circular Saw – Handheld saw for cutting wood. Very versatile.

Clamps – Very useful when you need a second set of hands and none are available.

Crowbar – Good for amplifying elbow grease, and pulling nails.

Drill – Used for drilling holes and driving screws.

Dust Masks – Essential for protecting your lungs during dusty work.

Eye Protection – Essential for protecting your eyes during most cutting and other debris flinging work.

Framing nailer – Makes driving nails much easier.

Gloves – Essential for protecting your hands from splinters and abrasions.

Hacksaw – Used for cutting metal like pipes, nails, etc.

Hammer – Used for persuading lots of things on the job site, most commonly nails.

Impact driver – Like a drill, but drives screws better when the job is tough.

Level – Used to keep everything strait and level.

Miter saw – Used as a chop saw when many identical angered or strait cuts are needed.

Pliers – Used for pulling nails and most anything when your fingers aren’t tough enough.

Reciprocating Saw – Commonly used for demolition but also very handy for cutting nails and rough cuts on wood.

Rubber mallet – Ideal wen gentile persuasion is needed.

Socket wrench – Good for turning nuts in tight places, like when bolting your tiny house floor framing to the trailer.

Screwdrivers – Needed for turning screws and useful for opening paint cans.

Staple gun – Good for hanging vapor barriers, roofing felt, and can be used on house wrap.

Table saw – Ideal for making long strait cuts.

Tape measure – Used constantly for keeping everything accurate.

Tin snips – Used for cutting thin metal, like the aluminum flashing you’d use between your floor and trailer.

Toolbox – Helpful for keeping everything organized and transportable.

Utility knife – Used to cut thin material like roofing felt, house wrap, and vapor barrier.

Wire cutter – Used when wiring your tiny house.

Wrench – Necessary for turning nuts on bolts, like when connecting your tiny house to the trailer.

6. Put together a materials list. A typical list of materials that you will need in your tiny house. The amount of each that you will need depends on your build, and the cost will therefore reflect what type of tiny house you're building. Here are standard materials needed:

Trailer (varies in the size and length, wood for floors, walls, ceiling, and interior structures.

Installation for the walls, floor and ceiling (recommend Roxul - fire and water resistant).

Class D tires for the trailer, Typical house siding, Typical shingles for roof, Drywall.

Doors and windows, Cabinets and storage closets (many can be built from reclaimed wood if feasible).

Toilet (composting, RV toilet, or a actual functioning toilet).

Shower (typically small standing shower is used, a small tub can be added with creativity).

Sinks (kitchen, and bathroom), Counter-tops, Plenty of screws, braces, and nails.

Pipes for plumbing and propane lines for heating and water lines.

Electrical circuit wiring, outlets, switches, and breakers.

Tyvek wrapping for protection (or similar suited to your area).

Heating system, Regular appliances as selected by you.

Metal sheeting for flashing the trailer base (galvanized for durability).

7. Include solar power elements, as needed. If solar panels are going to be added, then you'll need the following as well: A charge controller, deep cycle batteries, and inverter to store charge and convert from DC to AC power.



Part 4 Constructing Your Tiny House.

Build the foundation of your tiny house

1. Level the trailer using jacks for the trailer. This step is important to do properly or your house will be tilted.

2. Build a frame on the trailer that your house will be built. Anchor the frame to the trailer so that your house does not slide off the trailer during transport keep in mind the weight distribution so that your house does not tip over.

3. Add galvanized sheet metal to flash the bottom of the trailer. This helps protect the home from rodents, water, and other elements from the bottom.

4. Put a floor frame on top. Add the insulation (Roxul) for more protection.

5. Install the sub floor on top.

Wall Framing

1. Build the walls as you had designed in your floor plans. Leave room for the windows and doors, as well as putting in the studs, and weight barring headers.

The headers are one of the aspects that are against building code, but are necessary for a tiny house, as every wall is a weight bearing wall.

You must ensure that everything is perfectly squared.

2. Double check that the windows and door fit in the spaces you made for them. Do this before you put the walls up.

At this point you might want to move anything inside the house that will not fit through the door depending on the design.

3. Sheath the walls while they are still down. Then raise the walls (with help, for safety reasons). Make sure that the walls are perfectly squared with the floor and other walls.

4. Secure the walls to the trailer with anchors.

Adding the Roof

1. Make sure that walls are perfectly parallel with each other before installing the rafters. Apply a spring brace to secure the walls and make them perfectly straight while installing the rafter

Double check the distance between the walls at the top for a good cut.

2. Construct the trusses per the plans that you made. Ensure that the height is under 13.5 ft to stay street legal (this may vary between countries, so check with the road authorities first).

3. Begin the sheathing process. Cut out the boards and glue the truss edges. Use clips to secure the sheets of wood into place and secure with nail/screws

4. Apply the Tyvek covering for more protection on the sheathing boards.

5. Install the reflection barrier followed by the furring strips and shingles.

Adding the Windows, Doors, and Siding

1. Make sure that door and window holes were cut in the walls that were put up.

2. Put Tyvek wrap outside the house for protection

3. Tuck the Tyvek wrapping into the window cut outs. Begin applying flash tape to the window sills to prevent water and heat from entering.

4. Install the windows and secure with a couple screws along the side. Then test the functionality.

5. Apply flashing tape to the outside of the window to insure it is sealed. Leave the bottom unsealed for water drainage, just in case.

For the doors, do the same thing as windows and flash the doorway then start installing the door frame.

6. Install the door. This can be made or purchased.

7. Install locks and door knobs.

8. Begin the siding process by taping the Tyvek seams and installing the furring strips. Paint both sides of the siding before putting up, to prevent rusting.

9. Hang the siding with a nail gun or as the product describes.

10. End the work on the outside by installing fascia boards and a drip edge.

Part 5 Creating the Interior of the Tiny House

1. Install a lofted platform at an optimal height for the sleeping area. This is a common practice in a tiny house. It will also need a ladder or staircase to reach the loft area.

2. Get electrical and plumbing installed by a professional at this point. Do not do this yourself unless you are a professional in these fields.

Make sure you instruct the professional on where you want your outlets, lights and sockets for your tiny house to accommodate the floor plan, such as gas lines for the propane to the stove/oven or water lines to the water heater and shower.

Put in the smoke and CO alarms at the same time.

Consider the power usage or your appliances and adjust accordingly.

3. Begin insulating the home from the inside. Make sure to put foam in the edges so that it is completely sealed.

Make sure that all materials are not affected by the foam, as some do react and that is not a good outcome.

4. Install the major fixtures now. This includes the heater, shower, toilet, sink, and water heater (preferably tankless). The heater weight should be considered in conjunction with the weight of the tiny house as a whole, and a safety zone and materials placed around it.

5. Install the desired flooring. For example, you could use hardwood in the living area and light tiles in the kitchen and bathroom areas. Splashbacks can also be used.

6. Install drywall and/or wall panels.

7. Construct the cabinets and counter tops for the kitchen. It is great if you can use recycled wood for these purposes. Include hookups and openings for the oven, fridge, and sink, etc.

8. Construct and install the bathroom vanity and storage. Install vents and the toilet.

9. Build in the storage units as per the initial design. You may also realize other possible storage options, so remain flexible and open to relevant changes.

10. Put in bulbs and outlet covers.

11. Decorate as desired. Your tiny house is complete. Now you can move in and enjoy your own space.



Question : How do I add a bathroom?

Answer : You need to decide whether you want it to be a whole little room of its own or just a cupboard-style loo with tiny shower. Keep it at one end of the tiny house and make sure it's well ventilated. Keep in mind weight if you're adding a bathtub.



Tips.

While planning make notes of the materials you will use in there largest quantities as most stores will give you better deals when you buy in bulk. However it is necessary to know exact quantities as to not over buy, then your just wasting your money.

Keep in mind the Material while building, so most building materials come in increments of 4 to 8 feet, so build the house around those dimensions to keep it easier.

Warnings.

- Loans are hard to get when there is no much that you have to put up for collateral, it is almost impossible for someone just starting out to get a loan on a none.

Laws - building codes are generally made for regular houses, and city building codes usually frown on most of the common practices the tiny homes follow.

Land - It is hard to find a piece of land to set your tiny house up on, in-city is almost impossible, and outside in a rural area will not have proper hookups.

When putting up the walls, it is important to have help, as this is very dangerous for one person to do alone.

Februari 24, 2020