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

how to organize a small apartment

How to Organize a Small Apartment.

Whether someone is seeking a more minimalist lifestyle or a small space is all that's in their price range, it's very common for people to live in small apartments. You might be wondering how you could possible fit all your belongings into such a small space. Luckily, with some smart creative organizing, you can maximize the space available in your living area, closets, bedroom, and kitchen.



Part 1 Avoiding Clutter in Your Living Area.

1. Attach hooks to the wall in your entryway. Jackets, purses, and bags can take up a lot of space if they’re thrown around. By installing hooks just inside the front door, you’ll have a designated spot for these items. That way you and your guests can leave your jackets and bags here, freeing up space in the rest of the room.

You could also use a standing coat rack for the same purpose. That way, you won’t have to worry about drilling holes in your wall.

There are also sticky hooks you could use that attach to the wall without the need for screws or nails.

2. Hang shoe organizers inside your closets to free up space. You might not realize that the inside of your closet doors have tons of space for storage. Hanging shoe organizers give you storage pockets for all your footwear that might otherwise clutter your floor or closet space.

Mount these organizers inside all your closets to get even more storage space.

Remember, shoe organizers don’t have to only hold shoes. They’re great for storing all kinds of things that might be cluttering your home!

3. Place space-saving corner shelves throughout your apartment. Maximize your storage room by using all of the corner space available in your apartment. Installing these shelves will give you more room for storage, or for displaying decorations to give your apartment some character.

You can either use shelves mounted to the wall, or get a few corner shelf stands.

4. Use floor-to-ceiling bookcases to take advantage of vertical storage. In a small apartment, all your storage must be done vertically. Tall bookcases are a great investment because they take advantage of this and let you store items from your floor all the way up to your ceiling.

Remember, bookcases aren’t just for books. They can store electronics, video games, file folders, or just about anything else that might otherwise end up in a drawer.

5. Find a pop-up coffee table to maximize your space. This type of coffee table opens up to reveal storage space inside. Some types also extend, allowing multiple people to use a seemingly small table.

You can also find a coffee table with drawers. This will still conceal storage space in a functional piece of furniture.

6. Get rid of things you don’t need to prevent clutter. One of the keys to living in a small apartment is minimizing the amount of things you have to store. You might organize your apartment perfectly but still not have enough room. In this case, it’s time to take a look at what you own and decide what you can live without.

Remember to donate things that are still in good condition. Homeless shelters, veterans’ organizations, and other charities would love to have your old clothes and other items.



Part 2 Making Space in Your Bedroom.

1. Get a bed with storage space. Some beds come with built-in storage space. This is a huge space saver in a small bedroom. If your bed has enough storage, you could avoid the need for a dresser or cabinet and increase your available floor space.

Some bed designs have built-in drawers. You could use these as a replacement for a dresser.

You could also invest in an Ottoman bed. With this design, the mattress lifts up to reveal storage space underneath. This space is perfect for clothes and linens.

If a bed with storage is out of your price range, you could also get a raised bed and use the space underneath to slide boxes.

2. Consider a Murphy bed if you live in a studio apartment. Your bed could take up a lot of space in a studio apartment. Murphy beds are designed to fold up into a compartment that looks like an ordinary cabinet. This frees up the space the bed was using saves a lot of room in a studio apartment.

Remember that Murphy beds can be expensive. Even cheaper models can be around $1,000. Consider your budget before making this investment.

3. Mount shelves above your bed for additional storage and décor. There is plenty of space above your bed for one or more shelves, avoiding the need for night tables that take up room.

Remember to test the height of any shelves you install above your bed. You should be able to sit up comfortably in bed without hitting your head, so make a mark on the wall where your head reaches up to.

Make sure any shelves above your bed are installed properly and the items you place on them are secure. You don’t want anything falling on your while you sleep!

4. Add a door hanger to your closet to free up closet space. You can maximize your closet space by installing a hanger rack on the inside of your closet door. This instantly doubles your space by allowing you to hang clothes on the normal closet rack and the door rack.

There are several models of door hangers available. The simplest just hook over the top of the closet door, making installation and removal easy.

5. Hang a full-length mirror on your door. A flat mirror can easily hook to the top of your bedroom door. This takes up very little space, and will make getting dressed a lot easier.

The added bonus here is that mirrors help rooms look bigger. If you're feeling cramped in your tiny bedroom, this addition could do the trick.

Hanging mirrors throughout your apartment could also make the rest of the space look bigger.

6. Get a laundry hamper and keep your dirty laundry in it. In a small bedroom, dirty laundry will accumulate fast. Designate a space for your dirty clothes with a hamper in your bedroom. This will prevent you from leaving clothes on your floor.

Also remember to do your laundry often! Your hamper will fill up quickly and you don't want the clutter to overflow.

Put your clean laundry away quickly too. Don't let a laundry basket take up your space.



Part 3 Maximizing Space in Your Kitchen.

1. Install wall hangers for your pots and pans. These take up a lot of space and you'll probably need your drawers and cabinets for storing utensils and cooking supplies. Take advantage of your kitchen's wall space by storing pots and pans vertically instead.

You could use screws to hang these hooks, or if you’d rather not drill holes in your wall, there are hooks that use sticky backs to attach to the wall.

The added bonus here is that your pots and pans will be easily-accessible, and you won't have to dig for them in a cabinet.

2. Mount spice racks to the wall to save space. You’ll probably run out of drawer space quickly in a small kitchen. Spice racks on the wall will give you room to store all your ingredients and keep your drawers free for utensils.

You probably have room for several spice racks, so feel free to install more than one for even more storage.

You can also use spice racks to store other things like napkins, cups, or salt shakers.

3. Use stackable shelves in your cabinets to stay organized. Cabinet space is precious in a small kitchen, so you have to make the most of what you have. By installing shelves in your cabinet, you can add two or even three rows of storage space that you didn't have before.

When stacking items, remember to organize them by weight. Heavy items like a crock pot should be on the bottom, and lighter items should be on the top.

4. Attach a folding table to your wall. If your kitchen or living area is too small for a table, there are models that hook to your wall and fold up. Like a Murphy bed, these tables free up space when not in use.

Some folding table models also include even more storage space inside the cabinet that houses the table. You can use this to store away any glassware or silverware that you might not know what to do with.

To further save space, consider pairing stackable chairs or stools with this table. Like the table, these can store away when not in use.

5. Store items above your refrigerator. There is more room up there than you think! The unused space above your refrigerator can add some more storage or decoration to your kitchen. For example, you could install shelves there and store cups, dishes, or even cookbooks.

A wine rack could also be a nice addition above your fridge.

6. Utilize the space above your cabinets for storage. Rather than collecting dust, this area can maximize the storage in your kitchen.

Extra pots and pans could fit nicely in this space. This would be convenient while you cook.

If there is enough space, you might even be able to install more shelves up here. This can store more silverware, or you can use it as an overflow area for some of the things in the rest of your apartment.

It's tempting to view these spaces as a junk area where you just throw things you don't need. Avoid that temptation! Keep these areas was well-organized as all your other spaces.

Februari 23, 2020

how to decorate on a budget

How to Decorate on a Budget.

Decorating on a budget is a creative exercise that can be rewarding and fun. Spend a little money to change the basics in your home or office, such as your curtains, cushions, lights, and accessories. Where possible, do as much DIY work as you can to save money. Quality furniture makes a room feel homely and classy, so keep an eye out for sales and bargains or consider refurbishing your existing furniture. Add colour and personality to your walls with home-made art, feature walls, and personal photographs. Enjoy the decorating journey!

Method 1 Changing the Basics.

1. Replace the curtains and lampshades if they look tired. These items are generally inexpensive, but can make a big difference to the way that a room feels. Consider purchasing matching curtains and lampshades to give the room a sense of cohesiveness. Purchase the items new or look in second-hand shops for a bargain.

If you’re a confident sewer, consider making your own curtains to save money.

This is a great way to quickly freshen up an office, lounge, or bedroom.

Paint or cover up your lampshades for a new look for less money.

2. Remove clutter from surfaces to make the space look fresh. Minimalism is a classy and popular look that is easy to achieve. Re-home as many items as you can from all your surfaces, such as desks, countertops, tables, and shelves. Leave only a few of your favourite items on each surface. Decluttering is a great way to bring more attention to the items that you love.

For example, remove everything from your office desk except for your pen jar, a photo-frame, and a vase of flowers to create a clean and fresh look.

Try taking items off of your coffee table and only include items that look nice or that are functional.

3. Add beautiful pillows or throws to bring colour to the room. This is an inexpensive and effective way to brighten up almost any space. Choose pillows or throws that match your colour-scheme and are made from fabric that you love. Place these items on your bed, lounge-suite, office chair, or ottoman. If you are decorating your entire home, consider purchasing matching pillows for both your lounge and your bedroom.

Purchase pillows or throws from a homeware store or make your own.

Buy pillow covers or fabric to cover existing pillows for a fraction of the cost of new ones.

4. Purchase new accessories to cheaply modernise the space. Household and office accessories tend to be inexpensive and can quickly change the look of your space. Consider adding new accessories, such as placemats, door handles, light-fittings, tapware, tablecloths, vases, and coasters.

If your budget is particularly limited, simply decorate one room at a time. This will give you a sense of completion as you finish each room.

Get a few houseplants to improve the quality of the air in your home and add fresh looking décor touches.

5. Add extra lamps or lights to give the room a fresh atmosphere. Lights are a wonderful way to change the way the room looks and feels. Bring a new standing lamp into the room, add a hanging light, pick a new desk lamp, or simply replace a bulb with a high-wattage option to brighten the space.

Avoid tampering with electrical wires in your home or office, as this can lead to electrocution. If you want to install new lights into your wall, hire an electrician to do the job safely.

String lights are also a nice way to add mood lighting to an area.

6. Use DIY skills where possible to refurbish cheaply. Hiring trades-people is often one of the biggest expenses when re-decorating. If you have a few decorating skills and the necessary tools, try completing the tasks yourself. Consider building your own deck, laying wallpaper, installing vinyl or hardwood flooring, or painting the exterior of your home.

This can often save you 100’s if not 1000’s of dollars.

Search online for DIY tutorials for almost any type of project. Ask professionals at a hardware store for tips as well.

Method 2 Finding Bargain Furniture.

1. Search second-hand stores and auctions for a bargain. Nice furniture helps to set the tone for the entire room, so it is worth searching for great items. This is an easy way to find quality pieces of furniture at a good price. Make sure to hunt around for furniture that is made from quality materials, as it pointless buying items that will quickly wear out or break. Opt for solid wood instead of laminate coatings and real leather instead of leather look-alikes.

Keep an eye out in your local paper for garage sales.

Search online for auction sites, such as Craigslist, eBay, and Gumtree. These sites often have furniture for sale.

Check to see if people in your area are selling items. If they are, you may be able to negotiate a great price on something that you can pick up right in your neighborhood.

2. Refurbish your existing furniture to cheaply upgrade its look. This is a great option if you are looking to spend very little and have some DIY skills. Sand the varnish off your wooden furniture and re-stain it or paint it. If the furniture has fabric, reupholster it or purchase new cushions. This will help to give it a fresh new look.

Sanding wooden tables and desks and painting them white is a popular decorating trend.

Search online for DIY tutorials to help you complete your refurbishments.

3. Buy unvarnished furniture and then stain it yourself to save money. Many furniture warehouses and stores will sell furniture that doesn’t have a top coat of stain or varnish on for a cheaper price than what you would pay on the store floor. Ask the manufacturer what kind of stain or varnish they recommend to use on the furniture. Apply the stain with even brush strokes and apply at least 2 coats.

This furniture is often higher quality than display models, as scratches can’t be hidden by varnish.

Desks and tables are easy items to stain yourself.

The display piece in furniture stores is often an unfinished piece that you can buy for less.

4. Keep an eye out for bargains to get quality items at a good price. Head to the stores during the big annual sales, such as Easter, Boxing Day, New Years, and Black Friday. Large furniture stores will often slash their prices by up to 75% during these sales. Also, keep an eye out for closing down and birthday sales for extra deals throughout the year. If you are willing to be patient, this is a great way to find furniture that you love that is within your budget.

Search online for sales in your area to quickly check the local deals.

Method 3 Decorating the Walls.

1. Decorate the walls with your own photographs to add personality. This is a great way to personalise your home and add colour to your walls at a very low cost. Frame your photos or print them onto a canvas. This can generally be done for less than $50. Search online for a photo printing service or contact your local printing shop.

For a modern and fun look, use sticky-tak to stick polaroids or small photographs onto your walls. Assemble them in a square, rectangle, or heart shape.

If you have a large wall, consider placing a few photos next to each other to make the wall look less bare.

Try printing stock photos from websites and framing them for an inexpensive way to add pictures and art to your home.

2. Upcycle old items into wall hangings to give a vintage look. This is a great way to reduce your waste and also create beautiful decorations. Try turning old planks of wood into floating wall shelves. Alternatively, make origami creations out of an old piece of paper and hang them on the wall. Another option is to use chipped plates to make a piece of mosaic artwork.

Be creative and express your own personal style!

3. Paint 1 wall an accent colour to change the atmosphere of the room. Painting is an incredibly inexpensive way to quickly and dramatically change the look of any room. Choose a colour that complements the existing wall colour and looks nice with your furniture.

White walls and a deep-blue feature wall are a beautiful combination. Light-grey walls and a pale-pink feature wall is another calming and pretty combination.

Hold different coloured paint cards up to your existing walls to help determine which colours will look good together.

Stencil 1 wall or cover 1 wall in wallpaper to create an accent wall.

4. Display your own art to showcase your unique style. Art makes your home feel extra homely and makes the space feel more interesting. Consider painting a picture, framing a completed puzzle, doing some embroidery, or simply hanging a piece of fabric that you love.

If you don’t feel confident making your own art, consider asking a friend or family member to design you a piece.

Hang your art on the walls or lean it on a desk or mantelpiece.

5. Purchase cheap artwork from thrift stores. This is a wonderful way to add artwork to your walls without breaking the bank. Keep an eye out at different thrift stores for art that you like. If you spot a piece that you like that has a bad frame, consider re-framing it, as this much cheaper than buying new art.

If there are no thrift stores in your area, search for online thrift stores.

Januari 27, 2020

how to decorate midcentury modern on a budget

How to Decorate Mid‐Century Modern on a Budget.

Mid-century modern style is a popular look that is both minimalistic and fun. The style is known for its retro furniture, romantic color schemes, and straight lines. You can take different approaches to styling your mid-century modern room depending on your personal style. Start by decluttering your house and maximising the natural light. Choose furniture and accessories that enhance the mid-century look, and keep an eye out in thrift stores and garage sales to find unique items at bargain prices.

Method 1 Changing the Basics.

1. Declutter your area. Whether you are decorating a bedroom, lounge, or a whole house, the area will look more mid-century modern if it is free from clutter. Remove any unnecessary items from surfaces, such as desks, benches, or tables. File any loose pieces of paper, throw out any rubbish, and keep books and magazines in one place. Place small objects, such as art supplies, stationery, or cleaning products, into boxes or cupboards.

Consider giving away any objects that don’t fit with the mid-century modern theme, such as any neon or sparkly items. Keep items like sturdy wooden frames and hardcover books. Just prepare to use them strategically.

Place a few candles on a dresser rather than a myriad of ornaments.

2. Paint the walls white and add a feature wall if you want a dash of colour. The majority of mid-century modern homes have white walls as this allows the statement pieces of furniture to stand out. Paint the interior walls white and if you want to brighten up a room, paint one wall a different colour.

For example, paint 3 walls in the dining room white and paint 1 wall pale pink. If you don’t like white, consider other neutral tones, such as light cream or grey.

The exception to this is areas where you have wooden wall panels, brick walls, or large feature windows. These were often centerpieces in mid-century homes and should be displayed and enhanced, not covered up.

Consider using wallpaper for your feature wall if you want it to have texture or pattern.

3. Open the curtains to maximize the natural light. Most houses get at least some light during the day. Make the most of the light to help create a mid-century modern feel. During the day, open all of the curtains in the house.

If you want some privacy during the day, consider purchasing sheer curtains. These give a light and breezy feel to the house whilst still giving privacy.

If there are any tall trees or hedges that are blocking the light shining through the windows, trim them back.

4. Incorporate wooden features into your home. A key focus of mid-century modern design is including wood into the home. Consider adding wooden flooring, a wooden bench top, or wooden doors to your house. Oak, walnut, and teak are popular types of wood used in mid-century modern design.

Use wooden laminate instead of wood to achieve a similar look at a cheaper price.

Wooden decor pieces such as wooden balls, wooden furniture legs and backs, and wood doors were all prevalent in mid-century homes.

Method 2 Choosing Furniture.

1. Choose a couch with straight lines and a bold colour. Couches and armchairs are big focal points in mid-century modern design. Pick a couch that has relatively straight arms and tall tapered legs instead of a couch with ornate rounded edges. Choose a bold colour to help the couch stand out.

A sea-blue couch paired with mustard cushions would be a great colour choice.

If a new couch doesn’t fit in your budget, consider adding a colourful throw to your current couch.

You can replace your couch's current legs with the quintessentially mid-century tapered wooden legs. These are available affordably from most home improvement stores, as well as online.

2. Add a mid-century style mirror as a statement piece. A mirror has the power to make a room look bigger and lighter. Place a large, round mirror opposite a door or window so that it can reflect the natural light around the room.

Consider choosing a sunburst mirror. These are an iconic accessory of the mid-century era. Find replicas online to save money, or search in thrift stores.

Alternatively, look for a mirror with a minimalist aesthetic. A large, circular mirror with a thin gold frame would also be great for a mid-century home.

Upcycle any mirrors you already have. If you have a mirror with a frame, repaint the frame to match the feature wall or lounge suite colours.

3. Add lamps, pendants, and soft lighting. Lighting is a key feature of the mid-century style. Choose lamps with thin stems to incorporate the clean and minimal lines of mid-century design. Pick pendants that attract focus and have sculptural elements. Look for floor lamps that arch over furniture. Choose bulbs that have more yellow tones rather than blue tones as this will create a softer look.

Consider using multiple lamps per room to create different pockets of light. Limit pendants to one per room as they are a dominant feature.

Look for pendants and lamps at garage sales to find unique designs at a bargain price.

4. Choose wooden furniture to give a natural look to the space. Choose shades of wood that mirror the colours of wood found in nature. Natural pines and medium-browns work well. Consider adding a wooden coffee table, wooden chairs, or wooden shelves. If you want more minimal amounts of wood, choose a couch with wooden legs.

If you have wooden furniture that has been painted, consider sanding off the paint to expose the natural wood.

Don’t be afraid to use laminate. This can create a wooden look at a lower price.

Look out for wooden furniture in thrift shops. This is a great way to get quality furniture at a lower price.

Method 3 Adding Accessories.

1. Place a few pieces of bold art on the walls. The mid-century modern style is fairly minimalistic. Avoid placing too much art on the walls and cluttering the space. It is best to pick a few favourite pieces for the walls in each room.

Large graphics painted with oil on canvas are a great mid-century option. Metal wall plaques fit with the theme.

Abstract metal and stone sculptures are also good artistic accessories for this style.

2. Choose indoor plants to bring a feeling of life to your space. A key theme of mid-century modern style is the blending of the indoors and outdoors. An easy way to achieve this look is by adding indoor plants to your rooms. Consider adding plants at different levels to bring a natural look. For example, place one plant in a hanging basket and another on a coffee table.

Peace lilies are a timeless looking plant that improve air quality. Cacti are another timeless option.

Plants with hanging vines or droopy leaves work best in hanging baskets.

Plants are integral to the mid-century look. If you can't keep real plants in your home, invest in some fake plants to get the look.

3. Choose bedding and pillows with bold patterns. Repeating patterns and geometric shapes are an iconic part of the mid-century decorating style. An affordable way to introduce these to your house is through accessories. Add patterned cushions to your bed or couch to bring detail and color to the rooms. Alternatively, pick a patterned bedspread that makes the bed the focal point of the room.

Avoid having patterns on both the bedspread and decorative pillows. Similarly, avoid pairing a patterned couch with patterned cushions. Patterns look best when paired with plain items.

Consider buying fabric and then the sewing cushion covers or bedspread yourself. This is a great way to find the pattern you want and save money. If you can’t sew, ask a friend or family member that has good sewing skills to help you.

4. Pick a neutral-coloured rug that has an interesting texture. Mixing different textures in your home is a great way to enhance the mid-century style. Look for a rug that has a different texture to the carpet and couches. Try to get a neutral-colored rug so that you don’t draw away from the furniture in the room.

A shaggy rug would work well in a space with a velvet couch. Sisal and jute rugs also compliment this style and are very durable.

Purchase a rug from a home department store or keep an eye out at garage sales.

Tips.

If you working with a low budget, keep an eye out for big sales throughout the year.

Search thrift shops to find authentic retro items.

The mid-century look is very popular, so you can find a lot of modern items made to fit the aesthetic. Take a look at your local discount home goods and furniture stores for inspiration.

Januari 23, 2020

how to redecorate your bedroom cheaply

How to Redecorate Your Bedroom Cheaply.

If you're tired of the way your bedroom looks but you're on a budget, don't worry, there are plenty of things you can do cheaply to improve your decor. Even just organizing and moving stuff around can make a big difference, as can adding color to your walls. You can also update your furniture and other items around your room so they look new or find fun or vintage knickknacks to add whimsy.

Method 1 Organizing and Redesigning.

1. Clean up your room to make it easier to redecorate. If you have clutter everywhere, just putting it away will make a huge difference. Organize what's on top of your nightstand, desk, or other flat surfaces, and find a place for everything on the floor. Put what you can up in drawers to get it out of the way and use organizers to make what's left look neat. Make sure everything has its own designated spot to go, and then take 5 minutes each day to put your things away.

While some items, like jewelry odds and ends, look pretty displayed, others, like charging cords, should be hidden away when not in use.

2. Move your bed to shake up the room. Your bed is typically a big piece in your room, so moving it can make a big impact. If your bed is off to one side, try putting it in the center of the wall, or vice versa. Then, when you add new linens and decorations, it will really stand out and make your room feel cheerful and comfortable.

3. Donate furniture to free up space. If your room is feeling a little cramped, take a hard look at what you have. Decide what you actually need in your room to make it the perfect space and get rid of anything that's just a landing space for clutter.

For example, if you have a chair in the corner that just ends up being a spot where you toss half-worn clothes, it's time to get rid of it!

Similarly, if you don't use your desk much, maybe you should get rid of it and free up space for a comfy reading nook. It's your bedroom, so decide what you want in your mini oasis!

4. Use furniture in unexpected ways. Try your bookcase out as a headboard at the top of your bed, for instance. Make your desk double as a nightstand, and turn your nightstand into a display area for your favorite collectibles. Keep moving things around to figure out the configuration you like best!

Get creative! You don't have to use things for their "intended" function.

5. Rearrange your artwork for a different feel. You don't have to add new artwork to your room to give it a different feel. Simply try new arrangements! For instance, group it all together on wall to make a bold statement. Alternatively, arrange a large piece behind your bed and then use smaller pieces on the opposite wall to balance it out.

Play around and try different things. You never know what will catch your attention.

6. Pick a color theme to create a cohesive look. Limiting the colors you use will help your room feel "decorated," not just thrown together. Opt for just a couple of bright or bold colors, and then you can even out the rest of the room with neutrals.

For instance, try complementary colors, like purple and yellow, red and green, or blue and orange. Alternatively, try analogous colors, colors that are nearby on the color wheel, such as pink, red, and orange, or purple, blue-purple, and blue. Then use grey, tan, white, black, or other neutrals as your background.

You could also just opt for the primary colors, red, blue, and yellow, for a very bright effect.

Method 2 Adding Color to the Walls.

1. Hang up a colorful quilt, sheet, or blanket on 1 wall. Many quilts and sheets have pretty patterns that can make a colorful statement. Try centering one behind your bed to create a focal point for your room, for instance.

You can nail or pin up the fabric if you don't mind putting a few holes in it. You can also safety pin it around a curtain rod, then hang the rod from hooks.

2. Paint a single wall or even a single stripe for a cheap option. If you can't afford much paint, don't worry. Try painting an accent wall, for instance. You can even just paint a large stripe down the wall behind your bed as a focal point. These options don't take much paint, but they can make a big difference to your room.

Make sure to use painter's tape to block off the area you want to paint. That way, you won't go out of the boundaries you set.

Buy paint on sale or that's been mixed wrong if you want to paint the whole room. If the store doesn't mix the color right, it has to do it again. The "mistake" paint is usually then put on discount. You can find a variety of colors, but you have to go with an open mind, as you'll have fewer options. You can also look for paint sales, which often happen around holidays, particularly during the summer.

3. Use stencils or paint a mural. Pick up a set of stencils, and use them to create a design on part of your wall. For instance, you could create a large floral arrangement, a funky collection of animals, or a series of feathers. Sketch the design out in pencil first to be sure you like it! You could also use acrylic paints to draw something fun on one wall or in one corner.

Alternatively, try adding a series of shapes up a wall in 1 or 2 colors, such as hearts or diamonds.

4. Create your own abstract art on foam board. You can pick up poster-sized foam board from the dollar store or another cheap store. Then, create your own art! Add blocks of color across the board at a diagonal, paint stripes, or simply let your imagination guide you! Once you're done, hang it on the wall with double-sided tape or adhesive strips.

Another option is try concentric circles or squares or paint your own sunset.

5. Frame small prints and make a collage on your wall. Prints are usually fairly cheap, so you can get small ones from local artists. Then, purchase cheap frames at a dollar store. Group them together on your wall, and it will work like a much larger piece of art.

Try to put pieces together that have similar themes, moods, or colors.

Another option is frame cheap pieces of scrapbook paper from the craft store. These pages cost less than a dollar and come in all kinds of colors and patterns!

6. Cover all or part of a wall in paper. Buy pretty scrapbook paper or tear up a used book that's seen better days. Then, you can either use double-sided tape or a cornstarch paste to adhere the paper to the wall. You can cover a large area with book pages. Both of these fixes are temporary, so you can take them down and redo them when you want!

Method 3 Making Old Items Look New.

1. Cover your lampshades with new fabric. Choose a thin, light-colored fabric so you still get some light through it. Measure out the fabric and wrap it around the lamp. Use sewing glue to hold it in place, and tuck the edges under to form "seams."

Cut the extra fabric off at the top and bottom and glue it over the edge on the inside.

2. Change up your throw pillows with new fabric. If you have throw pillows on your bed or chair, simply adding new covers can make a huge difference to the way your room looks. Measure the pillow and cut 2 pieces of fabric with an extra 1 inch (2.5 cm) on each side. Turn the fabric inside out and match up the edges. Sew along 3 sides and turn the pillow cover right-side out. Stuff your pillow inside the cover, and then sew a slip stitch along the final edge.

Look for clearance fabric at the craft store. You'll find odds and ends of fabric for less.

You can also use cheap sheets from the thrift store to recover pillows.

To sew a slip stitch, fold the edges of the seam over like the ones on the other sides of the pillow. Tie a knot in your thread and pull your needle through the inside edge of one side of the seam, starting in one corner. Run it through the inside edge on the other side of the seam. Keep going back and forth all along the seam to sew it up, knotting it at the end to hold it in place. Tuck the knot inside the pillow.

3. Get new bedding to transform the look of your bed. Your bed is the center of your room, so when you change it up, you change the whole feel. Try changing out your sheets and comforter/duvet for a whole new look for your room!

Bedding can be reasonable if you shop smartly at big box stores or online. You can even find it at thrift stores, but make sure to wash it in hot water before you use it!

4. Update your furniture with paint or new hardware. When painting, unscrew the handles and take out any drawers. Fill in any holes or scratches with wood putty, and then sand the surface down with 150-grit sandpaper so it accepts paint. Use a paintbrush to apply your new paint; opt for indoor acrylic paint or latex paint. You may need to apply more than one coat for an even finish.

For a smoother surface, apply primer first.

Always work in a ventilated area.

You can even try spray painting your furniture! When spray painting, make sure to hold the can at least 6 inches (15 cm) from the work surface and keep it continually moving to get an even coat.

You can also buy new handles for your dressers and other furniture. The hardware store sells these pretty cheaply, or you can look online.

5. Update old lamps with spray paint. Pick a spray paint that's meant for the material of the lamps, such as one meant for metal if they're brass. Take the lamp apart, and then use the spray paint to add a new color to the lamp! Put the lamp back together when you're done.

This works best for standard table lamps with a lampshade. Make sure to take the lampshade off.

Always spray in a well-ventilated area, holding the spray paint at least 6 inches (15 cm) from the surface. Keep moving the can when spraying to get an even coat. You may need to do multiple coats.

For a smoother finish, try wet sanding the paint with a very fine grit wet sandpaper once the paint is dry.

Method 4 Adding Fun Decor.

1. Pop a new, small rug on the floor to update the look. Whether you have worn-out carpet or hardwood floors, you can make them look new with a rug on top. Rugs can get expensive, so try going to a discount store and opting for a small rug. Even a tiny one can jazz up your floor!

Place it along one side of your bed so it acts as a floor mat or throw it in the center of the room to add pizzazz to a larger area.

2. Put a throw over the end of your bed for a pop of color. Throw blankets are fairly cheap. You can even get small, fleece ones for $5 USD or so in the winter. Pick a color that goes with your theme, and then use the blanket to add some of that color to your space!

If you have yarn around, you could also learn to crochet or knit, and then make yourself a small blanket.

Alternatively, buy a piece of fleece fabric from a craft store. It doesn't unravel at the edges, so if you cut it evenly, you can just fold it to create a splash of color at the foot of your bed.

3. Hit thrift stores and vintage stores for fun knickknacks. You can find fun and funky items to add pops of color to your space. Look for items that fit the theme you're going for, either in color, shape, or style. Also, try re-purposing containers and using them in new and unexpected ways!

For instance, use a vintage teacup to hold your bracelets or find a fun tray to gather all your odds and ends.

If you're going for a cat theme, look for fun knickknacks with cats on them!

Garage and yard sales are also a good source of vintage knickknacks.

4. Ask your relatives if they want to part with any of their decor. Sometimes, people are just getting tired of what they have around the house, and they may be willing to give it to you! Of course, be polite when asking and graciously accept what they give you.

You could put a call out on a social media for any knickknacks people are getting rid of, such as "I'm looking to redecorate my bedroom! Is anyone getting rid of knickknacks or decorations in their household?"

You could also check your attack or storage areas in your home to see if you have anything you can repurpose.

5. Create a shelf or a tray out of a cheap springform pan. You can likely find one of these at the dollar store. Turn it on its side and hang it on the wall. Put something small inside like a succulent for a cute little display!

You can even spray paint it for some more pizzazz or add a small string of battery-powered lights.

You can do something similar with other cheap baking trays. Spray paint a rectangular baking pan to use as a place to gather odds and ends on your dresser, for instance!

6. Put a few small plants in a sunny corner. Live plants really liven up a room, and they're fairly inexpensive. All you need is a container with a drainage hole in it, some soil, and the plant. Try some small succulents, small ferns, or ivy, for instance.

You can use many things as containers, including teacups, mugs, spray painted food cans, or small glass jars. Just be sure to drill some holes in the bottom for drainage.

Another option is to get a pretty vase and add some fake flowers. That way, you don't have to water them!

7. Scatter some cheap lighting around your room. If all you have is a harsh overhead light, add some lamps and wall lighting to make your room feel cozier. Even a cheap string of patio lights strung along the top of your headboard can add a romantic feeling to your room.

Also, try adding some small desk lamps in various places or a cheap kit that you attach to the wall, such as a colorful paper star lantern.

Question : What if my parents allow me to do some parts of this wikiHow project, but I can't buy new furniture?
Answer : You could skip the new furniture, and just rearrange your old furniture to make the room look different, or you could check rummage sales or thrift stores for cheaper items.

Question : What if my parents doesn't allow me to do this wiki project?
Answer : Ask them politely, but if they don't give permission, you can tell them the benefits from it.

Question : What if I like a certain theme (like Tim Burton), but the stores that I go to don't carry anything related to that?
Answer : In many instances, it's a whole lot easier to buy decor and memorabilia online. You can find specialty stores that will definitely carry items related to your chosen theme.

Question : What if the colors don't match my room?
Answer : Then find a unique way to decorate that describes you. Add pictures and trophies if the objects you have right now do not match well, find other things that will.

Question : I only have 15 dollars. How do I create a more grown-up room?
Answer : Try charity/goodwill shops. You might find some quality used items.

Question : I'm trying to have a color palette, but I have lots of books in all different colors on my shelves. What should I do?
Answer : You could organize the books on your shelves based on the colors of the rainbow (ROYGBIV). This color sequences is pleasing to most people and doesn't clash with any single color.

Question : I want to copy a room I found on YouTube, but the stores are really expensive. What can I do?
Answer : Improvise, and be creative. Paint is your cheapest and best decorating tool. Browse flea markets, consignments shops, thrift stores or online virtual yard sale sites for other items. Look for items similar to what you liked from the YouTube video. Overlook the color as you can paint anything.

Question : What if my parents don't allow me to do this?
Answer : See if you can get them to compromise. Come up with some non-permanent ways to change your room, like new light bulbs, putting up posters, moving furniture around, etc.

Question : How can I decorate if I don't have money?
Answer : Go to a thrift or second-hand store such as Goodwill and try and find items you like. You may also find things on wish.com and hollar.com which have great home decor at cheap prices, but you'll need a credit card to shop there.

Question : What can I do if my house is rented?
Answer : Just avoid using things like paint or making any holes in the wall. Other than that, you can still use these steps to decorate your room.



Tips.

If you live with your parents, get their permission before doing anything permanent!

Warnings.

Always paint in a well-ventilated area as the fumes can be harmful! Go outside or in the garage with the door open.

Januari 19, 2020

how to make your house look luxurious on a tight budget

How to Make Your House Look Luxurious on a Tight Budget.

We use our homes to help distinguish ourselves from others. For many, their homes are a part of their self-definition. Simply put, the way you perceive yourself reflects the way you live. Chance are that if your house bores you it also bores your visitors. Maybe it is time for a change.

Home décor could be expensive and those interior designers don't make it any easier with the crazy hourly rates, but there are simple fixes and solutions that will make your house look appealing and majestic.

A tight budget should never stop someone from designing his or her own home for comfort and luxury. After all, home is where you really are yourself. To start your remodeling all you really need is efficient planning, a handy hardware shop, and a little elbow grease.

Method 1 Reducing Clutter.

1. Reorganize your furniture.

Most luxurious homes are spotless because they place their furniture in a way that is clutter free.

Hide your clutter in baskets and decorative bowls.

Create a theme for each room.

See-through bookcases, shelves, and nooks are your best friend. Place antiques, pictures, or anything of value on open display.

Method 2 Bring Greenry In.

1. Place vases or bowls of greenery around the house. This will revitalize a dull room.

A bowl of artificial fruit in any room can be used to liven up the monotonous environment.

A vase full of flowers, acorns, twigs, or any element of nature added to a room is a sure-fire way to add class and elegance.

Method 3 Lighting.

1. Invest in quality lights that set up your focal point for a room.

Lighting is a functional necessity that effectively effects the mood and tone of any room.

It is best to install a dimmer on overhead lights to control mood lighting.

2. Use light for first impression and decorations.

Foyers determine the first impression of the home. A centered chandelier provides a warm welcoming aura around a house.

3. Ensure decorative fixtures should be compatible with space where they will placed.

A bedroom, for example, cannot accommodate a chandelier as large as one that fits in a foyer.

Make sure the size of a fixture is proportional to room size to avoid clutter, awkwardness and an eyesore.

Method 4 Choosing the Right Paint.

1. Use neutral hues on the main floor. Many luxury homes use creams, browns, and honey shades to paint their first floor. Bold colors are usually used on more private rooms such as the bedrooms, or bathrooms.

Neutral hues create a calm, clutter-free, and classic environment.

Neutral hues allow furniture to take center stage.

2. Remember that rich dark painted walls require light furniture.

Dark colors should always be in high gloss, as to add more light and shine to them.

Family and dining rooms are typically darkly painted rooms.

Red is a color that can easily fail you if not matched precisely with complementing the furniture.

3. Use light paint to make a room look larger.

Warm colors cause a glow to emit from the room.

Warm colors convey strength and togetherness.

Cool colors cause a fresh and relaxing aura to surround its area.

Cool colors create a soothing effect. Cool colors are recommended to be used in bedrooms.

Method 5 Accessorizing and Using Antiques.

1. Add three to four vertical mirrors to a wall.

Mirrors can break up a wall without having to add a lot of artwork and also make a room appear larger. If possible, place your mirrors adjacent to windows and doors leading to the outside; this is a good way to let more light in and can even create the illusion of having more windows.

2. Add different sizes of framed art, photo, pottery, or posters.

Do not place a small frame alone on a large wall.

A small wall should generally contain only one large picture frame or multiple small and medium frames.

3. Follow the symmetry and asymmetry rule. This will help you to decide on what accessories you plan to use.

Candles work well with symmetry.

Antiques are best designed in an overlapping fashion using asymmetry.

Vases are also another item that works well with asymmetry.

4. Accessorize with rugs. The perfect sized rug is essential for the classy look you are trying to achieve. Many luxury homes use rugs that are larger than the furniture's space because it allows the room to look larger.

The right rug can cause the right illusion.

Depending on the original flooring of the room, a rug could be plain or it could contain motifs as long as it goes well with the floor and the furniture.

Method 6 Achieving the Cathedral (High-ceiling) Effect.

1. Place curtains at the highest point of the wall.

Avoid placing curtains above windows, it makes a wall seem shorter than its actual length.

Use curtain tie backs to create an elegant look surrounding the windows.

2. Keep all clutter away from windows and manipulate light settings.

Placing accessories near window frame blinds a person from appreciating the design it also makes space look smaller.

3. Feature half-painted walls, to give the illusion of taller ceilings.

Vertical striped rooms look larger than other rooms.

Painting walls a light color on the bottom half and a darker color on the upper half of the wall adds definition and length to any room.

4. Purchase the right furniture. Do not just base your furniture on appearance. Consider functionality.

Low furniture profile is perfect for low-ceilings, it increases the space between the furniture and the ceiling causing the ceiling to look higher than it actually is.

5. Raise the doors to the height of the ceiling. This will make your ceilings look taller.

The taller you place a door the more the illusion seems authentic.

6. Paint the ceiling a light color.

This tricks the eye to believe that the ceiling seems higher.

7. Add high shelves.

This will delude the eyes into believing that the ceiling is actually higher than it is.

8. Avoid clutter. This includes pendant lighting, and chandeliers.

Tight spaces should stay free of extravagant materials in order to not make space seem confined.

Method 7 Adding Architectural Trims.

1. Create dimension in your house. This gives an elegant and luxurious look.

Molding creates a paneled look which draws an eye's attention to certain areas of the room.

Molding keeps the spacing even, symmetrical, and aesthetic.

Wide molding is better than narrow as it dramatically improves the appearance of your home.

2. Add molding to your kitchen cabinets.

Molding the top your kitchen cabinets will cause a modish and eye-pleasing also adding an extra level of polish to the kitchen.

3. Add trims around the edges of your windows.

This will add appeal to your bland windows.

The heavier the molding around the windows you add the plainer the curtains should be. Remember simpler is better.

Tips.

Remember less is more. Do not try to do too much at the same time. Keep things simple.

Maximize your space.

Design to fit your plot and budget.

Think about safety, storage, and lighting

Januari 16, 2020

how to decorate your room for free

How to Decorate Your Room for Free.

For most people, the bedroom is more than simply a place to sleep at night. Redecorating your bedroom can help create an environment that is relaxing, reflects your personality, and even provide a better night's rest. Adding recycled pieces or simple DIY flourishes can help transform your room to fit your needs. You can also incorporate elements of Feng Sui to convert your room into a sanctuary.

Part 1 Planning and Reorganizing.

1. Make a 2-dimensional floor plan of your room and furniture. Use a tape measure to measure the dimensions of your room (length and width). On a piece of graphing paper, draw a scale image of room where 3 grid squares = 4 inches or 1/3rd of a foot.

Include in your floor plan the location and size of doors, windows, closets, fireplaces, etc.

Make scale drawings of furniture on a separate piece of paper. Measure the length and width of any large pieces of furniture (e.g. bed, dresser, couch).

Cut these out and rearrange them in your drawing to see how much space you have to work with.

Carry this plan and furniture cut-outs with you if go shopping or "dumpster diving", so you know if you have enough space for something before bringing it home.

2. Make a list of design ideas. In a search engine such as Google or Bing, type in "easy bedroom decorating ideas" or "cheap bedroom diy".

Before starting a project you find online, write-out the instructions and compile a list of materials, including tools.

Gather together any tools or materials you need before beginning your project.

3. Clean your room. Create more space and reorganize by getting rid of anything that is unnecessary or outdated.

Clean out and organize your closet, under your bed, and other places in your room where stuff has accumulated.

Donate any furniture, clothing, or electronics that are in good condition. A good rule of thumb is to donate or throw out anything you haven't worn or used in the past year.

4. Rearrange or add furniture. Create more space in your bedroom by moving your bed against the wall or place a comfortable chair next to the window to make a comfy reading nook.

You want everything currently in your bedroom to fit comfortably before adding anything new, especially if you have a small bedroom.

Add a bed skirt so you can store things under your bed without them being seen.

Switch-out a bedside table with one that has drawers for storage or several shelves to hold books.

5. Maximize the storage potential of your bedroom. Create additional space by installing extra shelving in your closet or purchasing a combination of plastic and decorative storage bins.

Attach hooks or shoe bags to the back of doors.

Use the vertical space in your closet to install high shelves as a space to store out-of-season clothes and accessories.

Decide what you want to place in each storage bin and label it. Use these labels to avoid throwing anything in a bin that does not belong. This will help you stay organized.

Arrange storage bins on a shelf or the bottom shelf of a bookcase for easy access. If the bin is in a visible location, use a decorative canvas bin or wicker basket.

6. Rearrange your bedroom according to the principles of Feng Sui. Your bed should be raised off the floor and if possible, avoid placing it in an area that receives direct sunlight during the day.

Do not place mirrors opposite your bed.

Stimulate your other senses by adding lightly scented candles or spraying diluted essential oils. Lavender has been shown to decrease heart rate and blood pressure.

7. Create a more relaxing space. Replace any light bulbs that emit a bluish light with soft white LED bulbs. Blue light stimulates brain activity and may make it more difficult to fall asleep.

Look through your house for lamps that have LED soft white bulbs and swap them with bulbs from your bedroom. Most interior lamps use 40- or 60-watt bulbs, but check first before exchanging a light bulb from another lamp.

Incorporate warm, bright colors as accessories (lamps, vases, pillows, etc.), but do not make them the dominate color in your bedroom.

Part 2 Decorating with Re-purposed or Recycled Items.

1. Find free things. Find a freecycle network within your area or ask friends and relatives for old unwanted items.

Look for furniture made from real wood that can be refinished.[9]

Unless it is in good condition, avoid second-hand plywood, particle board, or laminate furniture. While these surfaces can be cleaned and repainted, refinishing techniques such as sanding or sawing can release airborne pollutants such as formaldehyde.

2. Go to garage sales. Check your local newspaper or Craigslist for garage sales in or near your neighborhood.

You are more likely to find things for free if you go later in the day, preferably after 12:00 p.m.

3. Ask for old swatch books at the wallpaper store. Use recycled wallpaper to decoupage old lamps, vases, or furniture for free.

You can also use wallpaper to line shelves or the bottoms of drawers.

4. Move furniture and art from other places in the house for a fun change. For example, move a bookshelf from the living room to your bedroom.

Look for design inspiration in your own house. Use a painting, decorative pillow, piece of clothing, or floor rug as the basis for a new design theme or color palette in your room.

Ask permission from housemates before moving anything.

Part 3 Making Your Own Bedroom Accessories.

1. Make your own throw pillows. Throw pillows make a great accent piece and can add color. However, store bought pillows are often expensive. While having sewing skills or access to a sewing machine are helpful, they are not necessary.

Make a 'no sew pillow' by using two pieces of felt that are the same.[14] Place the felt pieces together and use scissors to cut 2 inch wide by 5 inch long strips along the edges. Leave a square at each corner. Tie the strips together around an insert pillow or cotton batting.

Use two t-shirts that hold sentimental value, but don't fit anymore to make a pillow. Cut-out a square or rectangular piece (depending on what shape and size you want your pillow) from each shirt. Place the two pieces together and sew together three of the four sides. Stuff with cotton batting or even other t-shirts before sewing the final edge.

You can also stuff a pillow with fabric scraps or use an old pillow as an insert pillow.

2. Make your own curtains. Drape fabric over the top and down the side of a curtain rod and then slide a valance or swag over the rod.

If you live in an area with a lot of light-pollution from streetlights, signs, car headlights, etc., you might want to use darker fabric to block outside light. Too much light exposure at dusk or at night can disrupt your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, known as its circadian rhythm.

Make your own curtain rings. Attach your curtains to the rod by tying hooks with fabric, rope, or ribbon. You can also dress-up cheap curtain wrings by wrapping them in different colored fabric.

Use a bed sheet to make a curtain ruffle that can be sewed onto the top or bottom of your curtains.

Use inexpensive small hooks, pegs or doorknobs to "hang" or tie curtains off to the side.

3. Make your own flower arrangement. Search garage sales, flea markets, and second-hand shops for silk flowers, or cut and dry real flowers.

Make an arrangement of dried grasses and wildflowers found along the roadside.Cut the flower and at least 8 inches of stem when they are in peak-bloom. Remove any leaves along the stem. Tie the flowers together with a piece of twine and hang them upside down in a dark, cool, dry place until completely dry, about 2-3 weeks.

4. Make a jewelry tree for your dresser. Arrange several dry branches in a vase. Fill the vase with pebbles for stability. Decorate the tree by draping earrings, necklaces and bracelets over the branches.

5. Hang some of your drawings, paintings or old calendar pictures on the walls. They don't necessarily need a frame. Attach them to the wall with a couple of common pins or mount them with poster board or foam board.

6. Experiment with DIY design ideas. Make a decorative mat or bureau scarf.

Stylize a plain lampshade by wrapping it in metallic ribbon, wrap it in gauzy fabric, or cover it in old maps or pages from your favorite book.

Make a mobile of odds and ends to hang from the ceiling. Attach old keys or origami birds with string to a metal coat hanger. This adds a fun, whimsical atmosphere to the room.

Question : I share a room with my sister and my mom wouldn't allow some of these ideas, but a few might do! Anything else?
Answer : I love some of these, but you need to agree with your sister. If you two agree, and your mom says no, ask her why she doesn't want that idea. She must have a good reason. A cute idea that she won't say no to is to put some books on your shelf landscape-way with up to five on each other, and put a few trinkets, such as glass animals, on top.

Question : My room is awesome, but my brothers always enter it without permission and break stuff and open my drawers. I have tried reasoning with them, and my parents won't stop them either. What do I do?
Answer : Try to save up money to get locks, either to get installed on your bedroom door or on your drawers. Also, find a hiding place to put your most valuable stuff. Remember, the harder you look, the harder they'll look, so go simple.

Question : How can I make space in my room?
Answer : Make sure everything is picked up off the floors, and get rid of all the old things you do not want.

Question : What are some ideas for DIY projects for small rooms?
Answer : You can make the room calmer or brighter to make it appear bigger by using washi tape to cover light switches or plugs. You could also make decorations with washi tape or cardboard for your door.

Question : I don't have a lot of money. What can I do for free?
Answer : You can use some of your own drawings or paintings or even some from another room to accessorize. You could also ask family members who have a garden for some nice flowers or plants to decorate. Go to a garage sale and look at what they have for some possible ideas as well.

Question : Can I have an example of some DIY projects?
Answer : You could do something as simple as decorating a simple lamp with some fabric or even writing quotes or putting accessories on a dresser. There are endless possibilities.

Question : Where can I get free suggestions on how to decorate my room?
Answer : There are a lot of online sights that offer decorating techniques. You can take an old dresser or desk and make it a decorative piece by writing quotes or drawing on it for decor.

Question : How should I decorate a loft bed?
Answer : Buy some nice sheets or reuse some from a garage sale or even at your own house. Go to a garage sale to find some decorative pillows or throws to add. You could even use some fabric to make a curtain for around it.

Question : I share a room with my sister and we have different tastes, how do I decorate?
Answer : You can always decorate your half of the room! If that's not convenient, then add a few small touches that don't clash with your sister's style. You could also just talk it over with your sister and try to compromise, there's got to be a few things you can agree on!

Question : How do I get teenage room decor for free with DIY?
Answer : Use the tips here to create things that vibe with the teen's style.

Tips.

Spray paint any mismatched furniture to match your room's décor.

Turn a wall into a chalkboard by painting it with chalkboard paint, or designate one wall as an art wall and paint what ever you want.

Minimize damage to walls when hanging pictures or posters by using blue sticky tack or reusable adhesive hooks. You can also buy an inexpensive picture or mirror hanging kit from a hardware store.

Turn a twin bed into a daybed by pushing it against the wall and placing pillows along the back edge.

Keep your room feeling fresh by washing bed sheets and pillow cases at least once a week.

Make a wall collage using photos, posters and anything cute.

Turn on your favorite music and renew your spirit along with your room. Music can change a room's atmosphere completely without any need for redecoration.

Planning is the most important first step for any redecorating or DIY project.

Select a theme or color scheme and stick to it. This will help you stick to your budget by preventing you from buying anything that does not 'go'.

Remember if you are under-aged or living in someone else's house, ask permission before decorating.



Warnings.

Be careful moving furniture. Ask for help if you think you may need it. Strained backs or broken toes are never fun.

Always let someone else use a nail and hammer if you're inexperienced. Throbbing thumbs or cracked walls certainly don't add much to a room.

Refrain from using power tools unless you have received proper training or obtain guidance from someone who is experience. Always wear a face mask when stripping old paint or sanding furniture.

Januari 15, 2020

how to decorate a mandir on janmashtami at home

How to Decorate a Mandir on Janmashtami at Home.

Decorating your mandir on Janmashtami is a great way to celebrate the Hindu festival in your own home. Hang things like flowers, lights, and torans on the mandir, decorating the entryway or edges. Place Lord Krishna idols and other statues inside the mandir, creating a scene or simple decorative pattern. However you choose to decorate your mandir, use bright colors and shiny materials to make your decorations truly stand out.

Method 1 Hanging Flowers and Other Decorations.

1. String flowers along the mandir to add floral embellishments. Use fresh flowers such as yellow marigolds, or opt for plastic or silk flowers that will last for years to come. Line the edges of the mandir with flowers, or hang them across the entryway to make them more of a focal point.

Make your own flowers out of paper and string them on a durable string, if desired.

Use tape or adhesive hooks to attach the flowers.

2. Hang lights in or around the mandir for a twinkling effect. If you have access to a power source, or you have lights that are battery operated, this is a great way to add light to your mandir. Use tape to attach fairy or LED lights across the edges of the mandir, or line the inside of the mandir with lights to create a glowing effect.

Using adhesive hooks is another good way to attach the lights.

3. Display a tapestry or hang drapes to cover larger areas. If you have a festive tapestry you’d like to display, hang it using push pins or hooks so it’s covering the back board of your mandir. Colorful drapes or curtains can be hung from the corners of the mandir, or spread out to cover a section of it if desired.

Purchase curtains or drapes from a market, or use a saree instead.

Hang a tapestry so it's covering the drawers of the mandir to decorate the bottom half.

4. Attach torans to the outer part of the mandir to string them across. Torans look great strung across the top of the mandir, as they make a great focal point. Pick out colorful ones with beaded embellishments or floral decorations, and hang them using tape, hooks, or push pins.

You might also hang a toran along the top of each door of your mandir.

5. Use bright, textured paper to cover the surfaces of the mandir. Hang glitter paper along the back of the mandir or attach crepe paper to the sides of the mandir to create a more festive design. Use several sheets of paper to cover the entire back board or each door, if desired.

Use colors like orange, red, or blue.

Consider making peacocks or flowers out of paper.

Cover the entire back board with glitter paper, or create a design using different patterns for a more intricate look.

Method 2 Displaying Figurines or Objects.

1. Embellish a royal jhula using colorful stones or fabrics. Decorate a jhula that you already have using things like small flowers, pieces of silk, or sequins, or opt to make your own. Create a jhula using cardboard before decorating it and placing it in your mandir.

Decorate the swing with garland or colorful ribbon.

Use glue or tape to help you create the jhula.

Consider painting your handmade jhula for a more detailed design.

2. Display butter pots in your mandir to symbolize the butter thief. If you already have small butter pots, place them in different spots in your mandir for added decor. Decorate them using paint, lace, or sequins to make them stand out even more.

Consider tying a string around each butter pot and hanging them from the door of your mandir if they don’t weigh too much.

Fill your butter pots with pulled-apart cotton balls to create the image of butter spilling out.

3. Create a representation of Vrindavan by placing statues around the mandir. Choose statues of cows, peacocks, small houses, and villagers to place inside the mandir. Decorate with flowers and plants to create a more naturalistic setting to complete the scene.

Arrange the statues and greenery to resemble a real city or village.

Lay pieces of shrubbery on the surface of the mandir to resemble grass and greenery, and place the cows in it to look like they're grazing.

Line village houses in a row with villagers working in their gardens.

4. Decorate a Lord Krishna idol in bright colors and materials. Pick out your favorite Lord Krishna idol and wrap it in shiny materials like silk or metallic fabric. Glue glittering stones onto the idol around its crown to add a sparkly element, if desired.

Cut fabric into strips to create shawls to wrap the Krishna idol in, or glue sequins onto a piece of fabric before draping it around the idol.

If you want to be able to remove the decorations after you’re finished with them, stick to wrapping the idol in fabric or using adhesives that will come off easily.

5. Place flutes around the mandir as a symbol for Krishna’s flute. Decorate your bansuris, or flutes, using peacock feathers, sequins, or sparkly tape. Place the flute, or multiple flutes, inside the mandir to the side in honor of Lord Krishna.

Glue sequins along the flute in a pattern of yellows and greens, or attach small beads to the flute for a more embellished design.

Tips 
Consider creating a rangoli design in front of the mandir for a more traditional decoration.

Januari 14, 2020

how to decorate ganesh murti at home

How to Decorate Ganesh Murti at Home.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that honors the Hindu deity Ganesh. Each year, at the culmination of the festival, Ganesh murti, or idols, are immersed and dissolved in water. To make your own murti, sculpt a natural clay, such as terracotta, into the form of Ganesh. Create a makhar, or a throne, for the idol, then adorn it with craft jewels, flowers, colorful fabric, and candles. Throughout your home, celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with decorations such as diyas, strings of lights, and beautiful door hangings.

Method 1 Making Your Own Ganesh Murti.

1. Sculpt the murti with natural, biodegradable clay. Immersing murti in water sends Ganesh, who has resided in the idol to listen to your prayers, back to his heavenly abode. Terracotta clay and other natural choices will dissolve during the immersion ritual. Not only is this consistent with the ritual’s spiritual meaning, it’s better for the environment.

During Ganesh Chaturthi, hundreds of thousands of idols may be immersed in a single city. Idols made of materials that don't dissolve, such as plaster of Paris, pollute the bodies of water in which they’re immersed. In some areas, laws require Ganesh murti to be made of natural clay.

Furthermore, undissolved idols are often removed from bodies of water, gathered into piles, and destroyed, which disrespects Ganesh.

2. Roll out 3 large balls of clay for the body, base, and head. Make the balls roughly the same size between 1/3 and 1/2 of the height you want the idol to be. For instance, if you want a 9 in (23 cm) idol, make each large ball about 3 to 4 in (7.6 to 10.2 cm) in diameter. Squish the first ball between your palms to make a flat, 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) thick circular base, then blend the bottom of the ball for the body onto the base.

After smoothing the ball for the body into the base, attach the ball for the head onto the body. At this point, it should look a bit like a snowman sitting on a flat circle, with the joints between the clay balls blended together.

Dab your fingers in a small cup of water to moisten the clay and make it more pliable.

If you have trouble keeping the sculpture stable, insert a toothpick halfway into the top of the ball for the body. Then place the ball for the head onto the body; the other half of the toothpick goes into the head. The toothpick acts like a frame and holds the 2 balls of clay together.

3. Make 2 long cylinders for the legs. Roll 2 pieces of clay into 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) long tubes with diameters of about 1 1⁄2 in (3.8 cm). Then attach 1 end of each tube to the rear and bottom of the body to form the legs. Bend the legs so they curl around the front of the body in a sitting position, then smooth 1 end of each leg to the back of body to form the hip joints.

Remember that toothpicks or small sticks can help you attach the body parts to each other if you have trouble keeping the idol stable.

4. Attach the arms and the trunk to the idol. Make 2 more 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) tubes with 1 1⁄2 in (3.8 cm) diameters. Attach 1 end of each one to the top of the body to make the arms. Roll a final 2 to 3 in (5.1 to 7.6 cm) tube with a diameter of about 1 in (2.5 cm), and blend it into the front of the head for the trunk.

With wet fingertips, smooth each of these joints. Blend the arms where they meet the body to make shoulders, and smooth the clay all around where the trunk meets the face.

Pinch the ends of the arms to slightly flatten them into hands. Bend one arm upward at the elbow and wrist so the palm faces forward to represent a mudra, or a symbolic hand gesture. Position the other arm so its palm faces up.

5. Sculpt an object associated with Ganesh for your murti to hold. Make a ball of clay about 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) in diameter. Mold it into a symbolic object associated with Ganesh, such as rope or uneaten sweets, and place it in the upward facing palm. To make a rope, simply roll the small ball of clay into a long, thin cylinder. Next, curl it into a loop and place it on Ganesh's palm.

Make uneaten sweets by dividing the clay ball into 3 or 4 smaller balls, then place them in the upward facing palm.

6. Blend the ears onto the head. Make 2 balls about 1 in (2.5 cm) across, then squish each one between your palms to make smooth, flat ears about 2 in (5.1 cm) and 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) thick.

Place the ears on the sides of the head, then blend the joints between the ears and the head.

7. Add the tusks and a crown. Place 2 small tusks on either side of the trunk, then make a crown by stacking 2 or 3 clay cylinders about 2 in (5.1 cm) in diameter and 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) thick on top of the head.

Ganesh has a broken tusk, so make one about 1 in (2.5 cm) long and the other about 1⁄2 in (1.3 cm) in length. Both tusks should be tubes about 1⁄4 in (0.64 cm) thick, and the longer one should taper to a point.

Get creative and make small balls and other shapes to adorn the crown with jewels.

8. Draw eyes and markings with a toothpick and safety pin. With the point of the toothpick, draw small eyes above and on either side of the trunk. Then add the Aum symbol to the forehead with the pin. Even with the pin, it might be tough to draw the symbol so small, but just do your best.

You can also make lines to add details to the crown, ears, belly, and other body parts. Visualize Ganesh or look at an image, and fine tune the murti until you’re happy with your representation of the deity.

The idol will be immersed and dissolved in water, so there’s no need to bake it or otherwise set it.

9. Use vegetable-based pigments if you choose to paint the murti. Painting the murti is optional; many people now prefer the natural look of an unpainted clay idol. If you do paint it, go for natural, vegetable-based paints instead of metallic or chemical-based products.

Vermilion, which is a deep red, would be a good color choice. It's associated with Ganesh and religious festivals.

Vegetable-based paints are eco-friendly and won’t harm the body of water in which you immerse the murti. In some areas, idols are required to be unpainted or colored with non-toxic pigments. Search online for your city's government website to check your local ordinances, or look for newspaper articles on regulations related to Ganesh Chaturthi.

Things You’ll Need : Terracotta clay, Toothpicks, Small cup of water, Sculpting blade (optional), Vegetable-based paints (optional), Paintbrush (optional).

Method 2 Creating a Ganpati Makhar.

1. Cut out a cardboard circle that’s larger than the murti. Trace a circular object, like a plate, over the cardboard as a guide. Just make sure it’s large enough to be a suitable backdrop for the murti. Cut out the circle using scissors or a utility knife.

The circle will be a backdrop, so it needs to be bigger than the murti. For instance, if your idol is 8 in (20 cm) tall, make the circle at least 10 to 12 in (25 to 30 cm) in diameter.

If you’d like, decorate the circle’s perimeter with small scallop shapes, triangles, circles, or any design you find pleasing. Use your imagination! Cut designs directly into the circle’s edge or cut out shapes and glue them around it.

2. Create a base by cutting designs into a cardboard box. Choose a cardboard box that’s at least 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5.1 cm) wider than the idol's base; a shoe box would probably work well. To add visual interest, cut decorative arches, triangles, or other designs into the bottoms of each side. Again, get creative and come up with designs that you find beautiful!

If you're using a box without a lid, cut a piece of cardboard to fit the opening, then paste it over the top. This part of the makhar is the base or platform upon which Ganesh will sit.

3. Paint the circle and base or cover them with colorful paper. Choose vibrant paints or construction paper to color the makhar. Sky blue or pale turquoise would work well for the circle and top of the base, as the murti would stand out well against a light color. Ganesh enjoys the color red, so that’s a good choice for borders and other details.

If you’re using construction paper, cut the paper to fit the circle and the base’s sides and top. Use a glue stick to attach the paper to the cardboard.

If you’re painting the cardboard, allow it to dry for 6 to 8 hours before decorating it with craft jewels and beads.

You won't be immersing the makhar in a body of water, so it's okay if you use paints and other craft items that aren't biodegradable.

4. Glue beads and craft jewels to the cardboard. Using a hot glue gun, place large, colorful jewels around the edge of the circle and perimeter of the base. Create patterns around the larger jewels with rhinestones and other smaller ones. Then glue jewels and chains of beads around the platform’s edges to create a decorative border.

Leave most of the circular backdrop blank; just make a jeweled border about 1 in (2.5 cm) thick around the circle’s perimeter. If you’d like, glue a few beads or rhinestones to the backdrop here and there to make stars.

5. Attach the circle to the base and stabilize the joint with cardboard. Cut a rectangular piece of cardboard about 4 to 5 in (10 to 13 cm) long to secure the circle to the platform. Hold the bottom edge of the circle on one side of the platform. Then place the cardboard rectangle on the back of the makhar so it overlaps the joint where the circle and base meet. Once you’ve lined up the pieces, glue them together with the hot glue gun.

Hold the circle to the base for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the hot glue to set. Give it 30 to 60 minutes to completely dry.

Since it’s on the back of the makhar, the cardboard piece that holds the circle to the base won’t be visible. Although it won’t be seen, you can still paint it or cover it with colorful paper if you’d like.

Things You’ll Need : Cardboard box, Utility knife or scissors, Hot glue gun, Craft jewelry, Craft beads, Paint (optional), Paintbrush (optional), Construction paper (optional).

Method 3 Decorating Your Home.

1. Hang colorful dupattas around the makhar. Use thumbtacks to secure the dupattas, or colorful scarves, to the wall behind the makhar. After hanging the dupattas, place a small table in front of the wall, and set the makhar on the table.

If you don’t have dupattas, use lengths of any colorful fabric.

Place the murti on the makhar after you’ve set the table in place.

2. Adorn Ganesh and the makhar with flowers. Scatter flowers on the table around the makhar, and place vases with flowers on either side. Weave together a small garland of flower, ribbon, or paper, then place it around Ganesh’s neck.

Remember that Ganesh is fond of the color red; red hibiscus flowers are often used to adorn Ganesh idols. Erukku flowers and banana leaves are also associated with Ganesh.[20]

3. Place diyas, candles, and strings of lights around your home. Diyas are oil lamps that are lit during puja (prayer) and are typically made of brass. Place a diya by the makhar, and light it before you perform puja to Ganesh. No Hindu festival is complete without light, so decorate your entire home with candles and strings of LED lights to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi.

Your decorations can be as ornate as your budget and time allow. If you’d like, simply place diyas and votive candles around your home. You can also go all out and run strings of light all around doorways and the edges where walls meet the ceiling.

4. Welcome family and friends with vibrant door hangings. Purchase store-bought beaded door hangings, or make your own. You could tie and hang long strands of beads from the craft store, or string together ribbons, flowers, and lights. Hang your decorations on your entrance and, if you'd like, on doors throughout your home.

Use thumbtacks or small nails to attach your door hangings to the top of the door or jamb.

Wind chimes could also make an interesting addition to your door hangings.

Tips.

Remember the murti is part of a spiritual ritual. You should show reverence and contemplate Ganesh while making the idol.

While making your own murti is an act of devotion, you can also purchase store-bought idols and thrones. Keep in mind it's best to choose eco-friendly options.

Warnings.

Be careful when using sharp blades or a hot glue gun. Do not touch the tip of the glue gun while it’s hot. Allow it to cool completely before putting it away.

Avoid leaving lit candles or diyas unattended.

Januari 13, 2020