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 start living in a tiny house

How to Start Living in a Tiny House.

Living in a house smaller than some people's walk-in closets may not be for everyone, but those who are able to do so reap many benefits for themselves and for the world around them. Here are some steps that may help you with choosing the best type of small house for you and how to simplify your life so living in a small house is enjoyable and not confining.



Steps.

1. Do your research. There are many types of tiny homes, from as small as 9 square feet up to 837 square feet. Look at the designs, which range from traditional to ultra-modern in design. Some incorporate off-the-grid designs like solar/wind power, rainwater collection, and composting toilets.

2. Decide what you need from your dwelling and what you want from your dwelling. Most people need a comfortable, dry, quiet place to sleep; a clean place to perform personal hygiene (toilet, shower); a comfortable place to sit or lie down during the day; a place to store, prepare, and eat food for the day. You may want other creature comforts such as long-term refrigerated food storage, a clothes washer and dryer etc. But think of combining these appliances in one machine. Do you really need a dryer or could you dry your clothes outside ?

3. Look at the benefits of "living small:" less space to clean; less pack-ratting of unneeded clothes, broken appliances, etc.; lower energy bills and a greener environmental footprint; fresher food that is purchased, caught, or harvested on a more daily basis; more time available for outdoor activities and entertaining; no need to sell your home when you relocate (if your tiny home is towable).

4. Realize that small houses cost more per square feet than large houses. Designing for smaller areas is more complex, as items such as built-in furniture have to be custom made to take advantage of all the space. Compact appliances sometimes cost much more than full sized appliances. If you are designing or building your own home on a trailer bed, you need to take plumbing (grey water and black water storage and disposal) into consideration.

5. Decide if you will build your own home from plans, or if you will buy an already made home new, or if you will buy a used home. There are also "kits" available which come with all or most of the supplies for building the house, along with instructions. The cheapest option for small living is to buy a well-maintained used RV or travel trailer. Craigslist usually will have several listings under $5000. You get the advantage of having something already designed and constructed, but you have the disadvantage of not being able to fully customize your home to your needs and wants.

6. Pare down your belongings: we spend about 80% of our time wearing 20% of the clothes we own, so by getting rid of most of that wasted 80%, your life becomes immediately simpler.less laundry and less indecision about what to wear that day. Instead of having 3 TVs, 2 computers, a VCR, DVD, Blu-Ray, and 3 different game stations, reduce to one computer--transfer your movies to a hard drive and a flat screen monitor can double as a TV. A laptop with a TV tuner is even more energy efficient.

7. Be creative about storage and multi-function furniture: a bed platform could have clothing storage drawers underneath. If you make a built-in sofa (without a bed) you can use the space underneath to store lots of things. A table can be made with shelves for storage underneath the table surface. Or you could design a table that folds out of the wall, then folds up and down to become a bed. Use broad, deep shelves (including built-in) and drawers, and wall and ceiling mounted items, to minimize the proportion of wasted space above, below, and around the edges of items (due to packing geometry or falling-off-the-edge risk). Consider metal furniture to reduce the amount of space consumed by the furniture itself.



Question : Is it true that in most states people not allowed to live in homes on wheels?

Answer : In North Carolina, as in most states, I think, the prohibition against tiny homes on wheels is county by county rather than state law. We know of at least two counties in Western North Carolina that are tiny-home-friendly, and two others that are not. It takes a lot of research to find a welcoming tiny home community in any state.

Question : Is a tiny house practical for a musician who plays a piano and flute and owns a lot of books and music?

Answer : Your walls will be your best friend for storing your books and for the acoustics of your flute. Although it may be difficult to fit a piano in a tiny house, they make small electric pianos that have very good sound.

Question : How do I locate a tiny homes in my area?

Answer : Your local realtors should have listings. The movement has gained so much momentum, so it shouldn't be hard to find one. Texas, Tennessee, Colorado, Washington state and Oregon have the most tiny homes for sale. Many states sell kits to build them yourself or sell the blueprint/plans for you to base your home off of.

Question : How does it work if I want to get internet in a tiny house?

Answer : It works the same as getting it anywhere else, as long as your house is electrically sound and accessible.



Tips.

To "test drive" tiny house living, you can rent an RV for a limited period of time (like six months) and get a feel for what you need - and don't need - in terms of space.

Build/design for your needs and prioritize your wants and add them one-by-one to the house until it is the perfect balance of desires and space.

Don't try to cram too much stuff into your small home--it will make it appear very cluttered. This goes double for furniture: a full size sofa, a king size bed, a 6-person dinette and a large Club chair or reclining lounger won't leave a lot of space for you to walk around. An armless sofa, double-size or queen-size bed in a loft, and a folding table with 2 folding chairs that would allow you to seat 4 for dinner (using the sofa as seating) is more reasonable.

Warnings.

Not everyone will share your enthusiasm for living small. They will think you to be a little crazy to live full-time in something that they would consider living in only for one or two weeks per year at the most. If you are dating or married, be sure you and your partner are in full agreement on the subject of small living. If you are planning to have kids, be sure you know what will happen to your house at that time: will you build another small house and connect them together, or will you build a brand new house?

Be careful about air quality in a tiny house. Particularly if the house is constructed very 'tight' against air infiltration for energy savings reasons, and also particularly if more than one person is living there, or with pets. In a larger home, the larger volume of air inside the home is protection against a build-up of CO2 in the air that the occupants are breathing. With a smaller volume of air, and if the home is very tightly constructed, mechanical ventilation may be needed to replenish fresh air and avoid headaches or other symptoms of poor air quality. Of course, during good weather you can just open a window. During the colder months, air-quality can suffer.

There is a substantial investment involved in building or buying a tiny home. Be sure you are physically and mentally prepared.

Check local zoning codes for restrictions on minimum room size and RV/manufactured housing on residential lots. Many codes restrict houses to at least one room of 120 square feet and other rooms of a minimum 70 square feet. Some require the house to be built on a minimum percentage of the lot. You may be able to get exceptions granted to you, but be aware that many communities see small houses as something that depresses property values. Other communities see well-built smaller houses as something good for their infrastructure--less strain on the electric, sewer, and fresh water systems--and welcome them.

Used RVs and manufactured housing are prone to water leaks, so check for any if you choose to buy something pre-owned. If you design or build your own house, be sure to pay attention for potentially damaging water leaks.

Februari 22, 2020

how to create a minimalist home

How to Create a Minimalist Home.

Minimalism is one of the crowning architectural achievements of the 20th century. Spare and streamlined while still being inviting, minimalism is charming in almost any space. With less clutter to wade through and mentally process, the innate beauty of each piece of furniture or art in the home really starts to stand out.



Steps.

1. Change one room at a time. Unless you’re just moving into a place, it’s hard to simplify an entire house at once. Focus on one room, and let that be your center of calm. Use it to inspire you to simplify the next room, and the next. Then do the same outside!

2. Start with furniture. The biggest things in any room are the furniture, so it is always best to begin simplifying a room by looking at the furniture. The fewer pieces of furniture, the better (within reason, of course). Think of which furniture can be eliminated without sacrificing comfort and livability. Go for a few pieces of plain, simple furniture (here, an example of a minimalist coffee table) with solid, subdued colors.

3. Keep only the essentials. Whether looking at your furniture or anything else in the room, ask yourself if the item is truly essential. If you can live without it, get it out. Try to strip the room down to its essentials — you can always add a few choice items beyond the essentials later. Keep the whole design (house) on paper as simple as you can initially, with required components, and then slowly add décor as desired.

4. Clear floors. Except for the furniture, your floors should be completely clear. Nothing should clutter the floor, nothing should be stacked, nothing should be stored on the floor. Once you've gotten your furniture down to the bare essentials, clear everything else on the floor — either donate it, trash it, or find a place for it out of sight.

5. Clear surfaces. Same thing with all flat surfaces. Don’t have anything on them, except one or two simple decorations. Donate, trash or find an out-of-sight storage spot for everything else. It will make everything much more minimal-looking.

6. Clear walls. Some people hang all kinds of stuff on their walls. No-can-do in a minimalist home. Clear your walls except for one or two simple pieces of nice artwork.

7. Store stuff out of sight. This has been mentioned in the above tips, but you should store everything you need out of sight, in drawers and cabinets. Bookshelves can be used to store books or DVDs or CDs, but shouldn't have much else except a few simple decorations (not whole collections of things).

8. De-clutter. If you are clearing flat surfaces and the floor, and storing stuff in cabinets and drawers, you’ll probably want to de-clutter your storage areas too. You can do this in a later stage if you want.

9. Use simple artwork. To keep a room from being boring, you can put a simple painting, drawing or photo, framed with a subdued, solid color, on each wall if you want. Leave some walls bare if possible.

10. Use simple decorations. As mentioned in the above tips, one or two simple decorations can serve as accents for a minimalist room. A vase of flowers or a small potted plant are two classic examples. If the rest of your room has subdued colors, your accents could use a bright color (such as red or yellow) to draw the eye and give a plain room a splash of energy.

11. Prefer plain window treatments. Bare windows, or simple, solid colored curtains, or simple, wooden blinds are good. Too much ornate stuff around the windows is clutter.

12. Adopt plain patterns. Solid colors are best for floor coverings (if you have any), furniture, etc. Complex patterns, such as flowers or checkers, are visual clutter.

13. Make the most of subdued colors. You can have a splash of bright color in the room, but most of the room should be more subtle colors - white is classic minimalist, but really any solid colors that don’t stress the eyes are good (earth colors come to mind, such as blues, browns, tans, or greens).

14. Edit and eliminate. When you've simplified a room, you can probably do more. Give it a couple of days, then look at everything with a fresh eye. What can be eliminated? Stored out of sight? What’s not essential? You can come back to each room every few months, and sometimes you’ll discover things you can simplify even more.

15. Have a place for everything. In a minimalist house, it’s important that you find a place for everything. Where does your blender go? Aim for logical spots that are close to where the thing is used, to make things more efficient, but the key is to designate a spot and stick with it.

16. Sit back, relax, and enjoy. Once you've simplified a room, take a moment to look around and enjoy it. It’s so peaceful and satisfying. This is the reward for your hard work.



Question : I'm an 11-year-old girl and I'm trying to go minimalist, but my family are hoarders. What should I do?

Answer : You could just stick to maintaining a minimalist bedroom, but you might also try talking it over with your family. Maybe you could convince them to get rid of some stuff they don't need anymore, or at least put some things away in an attic, basement, or storage unit.

Question : What is the best color to paint a room that gets sun in the afternoon, to create a minimalist look?

Answer : A nice teal does wonders. It will brighten your room even when there's no sunlight.

Question : My room is bright teal. Should I paint it white?

Answer : That's up to you! If teal is getting old, then you can paint it white, but adding wall art and posters are also great ways to keep a room fun or just change things up. I suggest mandalas, because they are colorful and trendy!



Tips.

Accent decorations. A home completely clear of things could sometimes be a bit boring, actually. So instead of having a coffee table completely free of any objects, you could have a simple vase with a few flowers, for example. Or a clear desk might just have a family photo. An otherwise empty wall might have a tasteful piece of art. Modern minimalist home décor is not plain and empty, but rather is an attempt by the owner to produce home beauty with simpler or less ornamentation.

Clear surfaces. In a minimalist home, flat surfaces are clear, except for one or two decorations. There is not a mindless array of knick-knacks, and there are definitely no stacks of books, papers or other items.

Quality over quantity. Instead of having a lot of stuff in your home, you as a minimalist (or minimalist in training) would choose just a few really good things you love and use often. A really nice table, for example, is better than 5 pieces of press-board furniture.

A minimalist home is less stressful. Clutter is a form of visual distraction, and everything in our vision pulls at our attention at least a little. The less clutter, the less visual stress we have. A minimalist home is not only more calming, but also more appealing. Think about photos of homes that are cluttered (for example the A&E series Hoarders), and photos of minimalist homes. The ones with almost nothing in them except some beautiful furniture, some nice artwork, and a very few pretty decorations, are the ones that most appeal to us, even if only subconsciously.

A minimalist home is easier to clean. It's hard to clean a whole bunch of objects, or to sweep or vacuum around a bunch of furniture. The more stuff you have, the more you have to keep clean, and the more complicated it is to clean around the stuff. Think about how easy it is to clean an empty room compared to one with 50 objects in it. That's an extreme example, of course, as this article doesn't recommend you have an empty room, but it's just to illustrate the difference. Minimalist architecture uses the idea that less is more; ornamentation must be quality rather than quantity. The building (house) is stripped to the bare minimum leaving only necessary walls, simple large windows and a flat roof. This can produce the "great room" — the combining of the living room, kitchen and dining room that looks spacious. The style can use natural colours that can easily be seen in nature and the beauty of natural materials for finishes like real stone tiles, real metal and smooth wood panelling, etc. Such a style uses modern building materials and modern manufacturing processes, and not surprisingly, modernists may like the look and feel of such a home style.

Examples. The photo at the top of this article is a nice example of a minimalist home. Traditional-style Japanese homes (think wabi sabi for example) are another great example of minimalism.

Minimal furniture. A minimalist room would only contain a few essential pieces of furniture. A living room, for example, might only have a couch, another chair or love seat, a coffee table, a minimalist entertainment stand (not a huge one with a bunch of shelves), a television, and a couple of lamps. It could even contain less (couch, chairs, and coffee table, for example). A bedroom might have a simple bed (or even just a mattress), a dresser, and perhaps a night stand or bookshelf.

If it is difficult to start the process of clearing out clutter, try finding out what you use organically. For example, clothes - each time you wear something, turn the coat hanger around and after a certain time, you can see exactly what you don't wear. This will make it easier to clear once you see which clothes you don't need.

Februari 10, 2020

how to decorate your home on a budget

How to Decorate Your Home on a Budget.

If you’re on a budget, it might seem impossible to redecorate your home. After all, home furnishings and decor can be very expensive if you buy everything all at once. Luckily, though, there are plenty of ways to save money as you freshen up your home’s appearance. Try buying items a little at a time, and buy second-hand or find great sales whenever you can. Also, look for creative ways to repurpose items you already have, or even upcycle things you find while you’re shopping!

Method 1 Adding Personality with Small Details.

1. Display your favorite items out in the open. Showing off something you already have is a great way to decorate without spending any money at all. If you have a piece that always makes you smile, like a special heirloom or a painting you love, put it somewhere you spend a lot of time, like your bedroom, kitchen, or living room. As you’re choosing other items for that room, try to think of what will go with the pieces you love the most.

For instance, if you hang up a painting in your living room, look for throw pillows or a rug that have some of the same colors as the painting.

Get rid of items you don’t love and just display the decor that you really like. Your favorite items will become statement pieces, and you’ll appreciate what you do have more.

2. Choose brightly-colored items to draw attention to an area. If there’s a feature in your home that you really like, such as a mantle with interesting molding or a bookshelf where you keep your books, draw attention to it with bright colors. Your eye will automatically be drawn to the brighter shades, making that area really stand out.

For instance, you might put a bright glass vase on a shelf to add a pop of color, or you could hang a colorful painting on the wall above your fireplace to show it off.

Look through the things you already have to find bright colors, or buy accent pieces on sale or at secondhand stores.

3. Arrange items in odd-numbered groups. For some reason, people find odd numbers of items more pleasing to look at than even-numbered groups. As you’re deciding where to place decor around your home, you can elevate the styling by sticking to odd-numbered arrangements.

For instance, you might try stacking 5 books together on a shelf, flanked by 2 heavy bookends, or you could use an odd number of picture frames if you create a gallery wall.

You could also make a tableau out of different objects, such as a vase, a painting leaned against the wall, and a small bowl filled with pretty rocks.

This is a simple trick that you can use to freshen up your decor without buying anything new!

4. Buy sheets and bedding on sale to update your bedroom. Look for seasonal home sales throughout the year, and when you find a good one, buy new sheets, pillowcases, and a comforter for your bedroom. This small change can make your bedroom feel more luxurious and can pull the room together, and if you find a good deal, it doesn’t have to cost very much money.

If you have a sewing machine, you can even make your own sheets!

Just buy throw pillows or a throw blanket in a fun new pattern or color if you can’t afford to buy a whole set of bedding at once.

5. Buy or make new throw pillows for your couch to personalize your living area. Throw pillows make your couch seem more inviting and comfy, and they can also help pull the design of your room together. Choose pillows in a color that’s used somewhere else in the room, or find them in a design that goes with the theme of the room.

For instance, if your room has a nature theme, you might choose pillows with a design featuring leaves, trees, or birds.

You can even recover your old throw pillows to give them a new look. Buying pillow covers is cheaper and can change the look of items simply and inexpensively.

6. Make your own curtains to add a pretty touch to any window. Curtains add a touch of elegance to a room, but buying drapes can be very expensive. If you can’t find a good sale on curtains you love, try making your own. Just sew a pocket into the top of a long strip of fabric, hem the other end, and run a curtain rod through the pocket.

You can also make your own shower curtain to freshen up your bathroom! Just make sure you use a waterproof shower curtain liner so the fabric doesn’t get water-stained.

Shower curtains and sheets can be fashioned into curtains as well. If you find a pattern or color you love, don't hesitate to use these for drapery.

7. Update your cabinet pulls, faucets, and other small hardware. The knobs on your cabinets and drawers, the handles on our sink and bathtub, and the knobs on your appliances can all get grimy and dull over time. Replace them to freshen up the look of your bathroom and kitchen without spending a lot of money.

Tip: If you like the hardware you already have, but it’s seen better days, try giving it a good clean with melamine foam or oxygen bleach.

8. Add a touch of nature with houseplants, flowers, and fruit. Houseplants are calming, beautiful, and good for the environment, making them a perfect addition for indoor decor. However, if you’re afraid you don’t have a green thumb, you can fill a vase or a bowl with fresh flowers or fruit, and change it whenever they start to turn brown.

You can even use artificial plants or flowers, but remember to dust them regularly!

9. Make your own art with inexpensive picture frames. Framed art doesn’t have to be expensive to look amazing. Buy several inexpensive frames that are the same color, shape, or size. Then, frame photos of your loved ones, pressed flowers, old calendar pages, or even pictures you print out from online!

Group several frames together to create your very own gallery wall.

If you have small keepsakes you’d like to display, place them in a shadow box and hang them on your wall.

Method 2 Finding Cheap or Free Items.

1. Rearrange the furniture you already have in your house. The easiest way to refresh your home is to rearrange your furniture and move your decor around. Think about how you’d like your space to look when you’re finished decorating. Then, go from room to room, looking at each piece of furniture or decorative object. Try to imagine how you could re-use each piece, and you might be surprised what you can come up with!

Sometimes just moving a big piece of furniture, like your couch or your bed, can give you a whole new perspective on a room!

With a little imagination, you might find that the nightstand in your spare room would make an awesome TV stand, or an old trunk could become the perfect coffee table!

Try to keep as many of your current possessions as you can. You’ll spend a lot more money redecorating if you try to replace everything at once.

Use things that you wouldn’t normally use for different purposes - like an old trunk as a coffee table or a scarf as a wall hanging.

2. Ask your family and friends if they have furniture or decor they don’t want. Reach out to your network and let them know you’re trying to change things up around your house. Keep in mind, however, that you shouldn’t take anything unless you really like or need it. Otherwise, you’ll just be adding clutter to your home.

If you know anyone who is moving, they might be happy to get rid of some items and you could take them off their hands. Even they aren't perfect, you can paint items or change them up to fit your style.

You can even post on social media asking if anyone has a specific item that you’re looking for.

3. Shop secondhand to find pieces you love at a deep discount. If you’re shopping on a budget, thrift stores, secondhand stores, yard sales, flea markets, and estate sales can be a great way to find items you wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford. Sometimes you can even find new or like-new items at a huge discount.

Secondhand shops tend to have a lot of turnover in their inventory, so you may want to visit the same shops a few different times through the redecorating process, especially if you like the kind of items they carry. If you need to, travel to shops in nearby neighborhoods to find a wider selection.

Shopping after the holidays and during the spring is a good idea, because people tend to clean out their homes then.

Don’t be discouraged from buying something that has chipped paint, a dent or is slightly worn - this can all be easily fixed and adds character.

If you notice that an item has been at a certain shop for a while without selling, ask the manager if they’d be willing to sell it to you at a discount. This can be especially helpful if you’re buying large furniture, since the store will sometimes be eager to reclaim their floor space.

Tip: Pay attention to the prices of items, even in a secondhand shop. Some shops, especially those specializing in antiques, can still be quite pricey.

4. Look for sales if you’re buying new items. Don’t feel that everything you buy needs to be secondhand. Many retailers offer big sales throughout the year, especially around holidays. Look in your local newspaper, watch for TV commercials advertising sales, or check the stores’ websites so you’ll know when a sale is coming up.

You can also sign up for emails from some of the stores you like so you can be notified when a sale is coming up. There are even websites that are dedicated to finding deals, and you can sign up for email alerts from them as well.

Check your favorite stores online - there is usually a discount for online shopping and it will save you time as well.

Also, don’t forget to check the clearance section once you’re in the store. Often, shops will put a steep discount on merchandise that’s left over from a seasonal promotion or an older collection. These sales are typically not advertised.

5. Refinish or reupholster furniture to give it a new look. When you’re shopping, especially if you’re looking at secondhand items, pay more attention to the shape of the furniture than the color of it. You can sand away the existing stain on wood furniture and restain it or paint it to give it a whole new look. You can also reupholster fabric-covered furniture, like couches, recliners, and dining chairs!

Sometimes, you can save a lot of money by buying unfinished wood furniture. That means the wood is still in its natural state, and it hasn’t been sealed or stained. Try looking online to find a store near you that specializes in unfinished furniture.

Try changing out the drawer pulls on a dresser to give it a fresh, updated look. Even better, you can buy inexpensive drawer pulls from a home improvement store for just a few dollars!

You can even replace the foam in worn-out cushions to make the piece seem as good as new.

6. Don’t try to redecorate everything at once. If you’re on a budget, it’s not practical to try to buy everything all at the same time. Instead, try to embrace the idea that redecorating your home is a long-term project. Make a little time on the weekends to hunt for a great deal or a unique treasure that you’ll love.

It might help to focus on one room at a time, but don’t let that keep you from buying something for another room if you see a great deal. If you're redecorating your living room first but you see the perfect comforter on clearance, for instance, you might want to buy it if you can.

If shopping isn’t your favorite thing to do, find a friend who’ll be happy to go with you. That will help make the experience more fun for you.

Don’t feel like you have to finish one space at a time. Especially if you're on a budget, it can be hard to wait for the perfect piece to go on sale or to find it second hand. Pick up things when you find a good deal and it will all come together eventually.

Method 3 Making Cheap Updates.

1. Paint the walls with a new coat of paint to freshen up a room. If you own your home or have permission from your landlord, painting is an inexpensive way to brighten everything up and make it look newer. Take everything out of the room that you can and cover the floor with a drop cloth. Then, cover the wall in 1-2 coats of primer, let those dry, and go back over the walls with your chosen paint color.

Light colors will make a room look larger, so avoid very dark colors in a small room.

Cool colors like blue and green are relaxing, so they’re a great choice for bedrooms. Warm colors are very inviting, so they’re great for living areas and kitchens.

You can even get creative by painting one wall a different color or by adding stripes, chevrons, or chalkboard paint to your walls.

If you love the look of wallpaper but don’t have room in your budget, use a stencil to paint a pattern on your walls instead!

If you have dark trim or wooden doors, you can paint those too for a fresh, updated look.

2. Change the light fixtures in a room for a quick upgrade. Dated or ugly light fixtures can bring down the look of a room, even if you don’t consciously pay attention to them. If you can find a good deal on a new light fixture, changing it yourself is usually pretty easy. Just turn off the power to the room at your circuit breaker, remove the old light fixture, and rewire the new one. Take care to match up the negative and positive wires, then attach the new fixture to the ceiling with the provided brackets and screws.

Don’t feel that you necessarily have to buy new light fixtures. Sometimes, all it takes it a good cleaning or a coat of spray paint to bring new life to the light fixtures you already have.

Adding a new shade or cover is inexpensive and can quickly update the look of older fixtures.

If you don’t feel comfortable working with wiring yourself, it might be worth it to save up and have an electrician do the job.

Tip: If you have a lot of lamps, try updating your lamp shades!

3. Cover the back of a bookcase with contact paper to give it a new look. Bookcases provide a lot of practical storage, so even if you’re not in love with yours, it might be best to keep it. Luckily, you can give it new life by covering the back walls with colorful contact paper, wallpaper scraps, or even fabric. This will brighten up the bookcase and will provide a nice contrast to show off whatever you’re displaying on the shelves.

You can also paint your bookcase, if you’d like. Paint it a different color from the walls to make it stand out, or paint it the same color if you want it to look like it’s a part of the wall.

4. Add architectural trim to your walls. Architectural trim, also called molding or decorative trim, can make a room look expensive, but it doesn’t necessarily cost a lot. Try installing it around your ceiling or floors, on your cabinets, or around your windows to create an upscale look on a budget.

You can even find stick-on molding, making this project easy and cheap!

To mimic the look of moldings, add trim 6 inches above your floor trim and paint the gap to match the trim. This will give you the look of architectural trim for less than half of the usual price.

5. Add rugs to bring warmth to a room. Carpeting and rugs create a cozy, warm feeling, but replacing your carpet can be very expensive. Instead, look for sales on area rugs that match your theme or color palette for each room.

If buying a new rug is too expensive, visit a flooring store and ask if they have vinyl remnants. These are pieces of vinyl left over from previous projects that are too small to re-use, but are often large enough to use as an area rug. To personalize the look even more, paint a design on the remnant with acrylic paints and seal with concrete sealer.

6. Hang mirrors to make a room feel larger. Look for large mirrors at secondhand shops and home improvement stores, then install them wherever you need more space. Mirrors help create an optical illusion that a space is larger than it really is, so wall mirrors are a great touch in smaller rooms or narrow hallways. In addition, the mirrors will reflect any light that’s in the room, making it look brighter.

If you like the shape of a mirror but not the frame, try painting it!

If you have an unframed mirror in your bathroom and can’t afford a new one, you can frame your mirror in by attaching moldings around all four sides.

Question : Can I use a blanket as a rug?
Answer : If it is a tightly woven blanket it might work, but make sure it can be walked on without sliding around a lot. Also make sure it can be cleaned well and won't be torn or unraveled if used as a rug. There are certain bath mats that can be used for house rugs, too. It's great if it can be machine washable.

Tips.

Look for DIY design ideas for fun projects to decorate your home that you can do yourself!

Warnings.

Whenever you're painting, priming, or sanding something, make sure the room is well-ventilated, and take regular breaks to get fresh air.

Januari 21, 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 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 your home with pastel colors

How to Decorate Your Home with Pastel Colors.

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

Method 1 Starting with Splashes of Pastel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pastels can add a soothing effect to your bedroom.

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

Method 2 Painting with Pastels.

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

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

Make sure not to get paint outside of the stencil.

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

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

For white or black walls, any color will do.

For blue walls, consider a light yellow.

For red walls, consider light blue or pink.

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

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

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

Method 3 Decorating with Pastel Furniture.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tips.

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

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

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

Warnings.

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

Desember 27, 2019

how to recycle items into home decor

How to Recycle Items Into Home Decor.

Home decorating doesn't have to be expensive. You probably have many ordinary items that can find new life as decorations. So before you donate or dump anything, look at it with a creative eye. There might just be a way it can become part of your beautifully unique home.

Method 1 Using Garbage for Decor.

1. Make a lighted garland with old yogurt cups. A cute garland can be made with 10 empty yogurt cups of the same size. You'll also need gold acrylic paint, small paint brushes, a string of Christmas lights with 50 lights, thick ribbon, tulle netting, and an X-acto knife. You can get these supplies at a craft store.

To start, clean out the yogurt cups. You should also remove any plastic seals around the cups. Use the acrylic paint to paint the bottom halves gold. You may need to paint in two layers to get the color to stand out.

Cut about 80 strips of ribbon and tulle netting into 6 by 11.5 in (15 by 29 cm) strips. Alternating between and tulle netting and ribbon, tie bows along the wires of the Christmas lights.

Use the X-acto knife to cut a small "x" in the bottom of each yogurt cup. Push a yogurt cup through every fourth light. When you're done, you can hang your garland up in your home.

2. Create a jewelry holder with a wine bottle. If you have a clear wine bottle laying around, don't throw it away. You can make a jewelry container from the bottle. This can be a nice gift for yourself, or for a friend who wears jewelry. You'll need acrylic paint in your chosen color, gorilla glue, and an old salad plate.

Clean the wine bottle and remove any labels. Then, pour some acrylic paint into the bottle and swirl it around until the inside is painted. Add more paint if necessary. When the inside is roughly evenly coated with paint, pour the excess paint back into its original container.

Coat the bottom of the wine bottle with gorilla glue. Then, glue it to the salad plate. Set aside to dry for a day and then use your creation as a jewelry holder.

Once it’s dry, drape necklaces and bracelets around the mouth of the bottle.

3. Use newspaper or magazine pages to make a lampshade. If you subscribe to a magazine or local newspaper, tossing old papers may account for a lot of your waste. Instead of discarding old magazines or newspapers, use them to cover an old lamp. For this craft, you'll need a lampshade, old newspaper or magazine pages, Mod Podge, and a foam brush.

Use some scissors to vertically cut the newspaper or magazine pages into 1 inch (2.5 cm) strips. Apply a layer of Mod Podge to the lampshade. From here, apply the newspaper or magazine pages in strips until they cover the lampshade. Smooth out the paper as you go and trim any excess paper from the edges of the lamp.

When the lamp is covered, you should apply another layer of Mod Podge. This will give it a smooth, clean finish.

4. Glue rope around tin cans to make storage containers. With some twine, yarn, or braided or sisal rope and empty aluminum cans, you can make cute storage containers. Any kind of old can will work. You will also need a hot glue gun, scissors, and a plastic lid. You can use a plastic lid from something like a nut can as long as the diameter of the lid is at least 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) larger than the diameter of the can.

Begin at the bottom of the can. Apply a layer of glue around the can. Loop the rope around the can. Hold it in place until it’s dry. Then, apply another layer of glue around the can. Loop the rope up further, holding it in place, and let it dry. Keep going until you reach the top of the can and then cut the rope at an angle and glue the end to the edge of the can.

Take the plastic lid and apply glue all around the edge. Tie the rope around the edge and hold it in place until it’s dry. Circle the rope inward towards the center of the can, gluing it down as you go. When you reach the center, cut the rope off at an angle.

Method 2 Making Use of Old Kitchen Supplies.

1. Make cupboard handles with an old spoon and fork. If you have a spoon and a fork you no longer use, you can make a cute set of cupboard handles for your kitchen. At a craft or hardware store, get 4 aluminum screw posts. You should also get bonding glue. You might need to bend the utensils to get them to work for this project.

On one end of the fork, use the bonding glue to attach a screw post to the flattest area. Do the same with the spoon. Then, add another screw post to the other end of both utensils, making sure the screws are level with each other. Set the spoon and fork aside in a safe place to dry for 20 minutes. If you want, you can spray paint the new handles for a pop of color.

Remove the existing handles from a cabinet in your kitchen. Screw your new spoon and fork handles into the cabinet. You may have to drill new holes in the cabinets to correspond with the new handles.

2. Use a mason jar as a soap dispenser. Mason jars that once contained jams can be repurposed as soap dispensers for your bathroom. You will need to purchase a speed steel drill bit, which goes for about $10 at a hardware store, to do this craft. You'll also need a soap pump. You can use the pump from an old lotion bottle or buy a pump at a craft store.

Mark the center of the mason jar's lid. From there, drill a hole in the lid big enough to feed the soap dispenser pump through.

Fill the jar with soap. Screw the lid back on. You should now be able to pump soap through the mason jar.

3. Turn old glassware into fun display domes. If you have any old glasses, particularly stemless wine glasses, you can create cute display domes. Tumblers and canning jars also work well. Using an adhesive glue, glue a small decoration on the bottom of each glass. The decoration is up to you. You can purchase small figurines at a craft store, or use old knick-knacks from around your house.

You can place these domes over a variety of objects. You can use old figurines, photographs, or any other tiny item you'd like to display. Leave the domes in areas on the house, like a buffet table, for display.

4. Stamp gift wrap using wine corks. If you're making crafts around the holidays or a loved one's birthday, you can make a cute decorative wrapping using wine corks as stamps. You'll need some kind of craft paper or solid colored wrapping paper, an x-acto knife, acrylic paint, and glitter.

If you want to do a snowflake pattern, use the x-acto knife to carve 4 small triangles into the cork. If you want to simply use a dot design, leave the cork alone.

Wrap your gift in the kraft paper or blank paper. Then, dip the cork in the paint. Use scrap paper to blot off excess paint. From here, stamp your pattern onto the gift. Then, sprinkle the paint with some glitter. Let the package dry, and then decorate with a bow and ribbon as you wish.

Method 3 Making Crafts with Old Clothes.

1. Use a mitten to make a seasonal penguin doorstop. If you have an old mitten, you can use this to make a seasonal penguin doorstop. You will need an old black mitten, a needle and thread, a sewing machine, felt in orange, red, and white, Ziplock bags, 2 cups (~434 g) of sand, as well as a pair of sewing scissors.

Turn the mitten inside out. Sew closed the thumb opening and then turn the mitten right side out.

Take your white felt and cut an oval shape out of it, about half the length of the mitten. Sew it onto the mitten, a few inches below the top of the mitten. Cut a triangle shape out of the orange and sew it just above the top of the oval. Cut out 2 small circles, position them toward the top of the mitten as the penguin's eyes, and then sew on the top.

Fill your Ziploc bag with sand and close it. Place this inside the mitten with the bag pointing upward. Then, sew closed the opening of the mitten.

Cut a long strip of red felt and cut frays into the edges. Tie this around your penguin's neck as a scarf.

2. Make a pillow with an old shirt, quilt, or blanket. Pick out an old shirt, quilt, or blanket you no longer use, as well as a pillow that's in need of a cover. You can make a beautiful pillow out of this old fabric.

Trace out the shape you want. You aren’t limited to a square shape, and in fact a small circular throw pillow may work best. You can use a pen or pencil to draw around the edge of the pillow on either side of the shirt, quilt, or blanket.

Cut out your shape using sewing scissors.Then, pin the pieces together. You want the sides that will be the outside to be facing toward each other. This way, the seams will be invisible.

Sew seams along 3 edges and three-fourths of the fourth edge. When you're done, turn the fabric right side out.

Stuff polyfill stuffing, which you can buy at the craft store, through the hole that you left in the one edge. Make sure to stuff the pillow until you can’t really fit anything else.[9]

When your pillow is completely stuffed, sew the open edge shut.

3. Make a planter with an old pair of boots. Sturdy boot shafts work best for this project, but they aren’t essential. You can also use old rain boots. If there are holes in the soles or cracks in the rubber, that’s actually perfect, because you want them to drain a bit. The boot will look great on a porch or deck, especially if it is a bright color or pattern.

Drill a few holes in the sole. This is only necessary if the boots are still watertight. Make small holes and just enough to provide some drainage.

Put something heavy in the bottom. You can use gravel, pebbles, or anything else that will anchor the boot while still allowing it to drain.

Fill each boot about halfway with potting soil. Place one flower or plant in each boot. You can use practically anything that doesn’t require a lot of room for its roots.

Top up the potting soil. Don’t bury the roots too deep, especially if they tend to be shallow for that particular plant. You want enough to protect them.

Desember 22, 2019