Softening Your Walls with Color Wash

by: Pamela Cole Harris

If you like the soft look of watercolors, why not try using a color wash on your walls? In addition to a softer color, color washing can accentuate the texture of your plaster or stucco walls. And it�s so simple that even I, a faux-finish-impaired decorator, can do it

There are two techniques for color wash application: sponge or brush. Each requires a slightly different glaze formula.

Sponge Technique:

Color Wash Glaze: Mix together 1 part latex paint and 6 parts water in a bucket.

1. Mask off (using painter�s tape) parts of the room which will not receive the wash. Its best to cover the floor with plastic drop cloths (especially if you are as messy as I am).

2. Prime the wall with a low luster latex paint and allow it to dry completely before the next step.

3. Dip the sponge into the color wash glaze and squeeze lightly.

4. Beginning in a lower corner, apply the glaze to the wall in short, overlapping strokes. Change the direction of the strokes frequently. Work on a small portion of the wall at a time (3 foot by 3 foot is a good size).

5. Repeat moving upward until all the wall is covered.

6. Allow to dry completely.


Brush Technique:

Brush Color Wash Glaze: 1 part flat latex paint, 1 part latex paint conditioner (available at your local home improvement center), and 2 parts water. Mix in a bucket.

1. Mask off (using painter�s tape) parts of the room which will not receive the wash. Its best to cover the floor with plastic drop cloths.

2. Prime the wall with a low luster latex enamel paint and allow it to dry completely before the next step.

3. Allow the paint to dry.

4. Dip a paintbrush in the glaze and remove the excess against the side of the bucket.

5. Apply the paint in a criss-cross pattern.

6. Brush over the surface repeatedly to soften the look of the paint.

7. Wipe excess glaze away, if necessary. (Better get the industrial-sized package of paper towels!)


There you have it! A soft paint look perfect for your newly decorated room�And since you have the technique down to a science, why not come and do my family room? Powder room? Closet?

About the author:

Pamela Cole Harris has been a writer and designer for 35 years (Yikes, has it been that long?) Enjoy her tongue-in-cheek approach to inexpensive interior design at: http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.comand http://www.diy-homedecor.com

150,000,000 year old story of Limestone

by: Edward Green

Limestone is a type of sedimentary rock. It is chemically made up of the mineral calcite (calcium carbonate). Limestone is formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate on the floors of water bodies. Limestone is one the most widely known form of sedimentary rocks comprising about 10% of the sedimentary rocks.

The colour of pure limestone is white or almost white. But you would find that various limestone’s generally exhibit different colours because of the presence of impurities such as clay, sand, organic remains, iron oxides etc. It is more prominent on weathered surfaces. Limestone's are also found in varied forms because of the difference in the way it has been formed. So, you may get limestone’s that are crystalline, elastic, granular or dense.
Limestone finds wide-spread application in the construction sector.

You would find Limestone being used in architecture. Its ready availability and the versatility of the rock that allows it to be easily cut into blocks or more elaborate carvings make it very desirable for architects. It is also very durable and generally remains unaffected by exposure. The flip side is that it is very heavy and that’s why it is practically not possible to use it in tall buildings. Its cost is another detrimental factor. You would find that limestone used in humid climate remains unaffected, but it is very much vulnerable to acids. If a limestone structure is situated at a place where acid rain is frequent, you would find that the limestone undergoes heavy weathering destroying its beauty and shape.

LIMESTONE MAINTENANCE & CLEANING

Limestone is one of the most porous natural stones in nature. This high porosity makes it more susceptible to absorption of oils, dirt and grime than other natural stones. You would find it absorbing stains very easily. Most of the times it even absorbs stain from the dye in many grouts. So, before you grout the stone, an appropriate Impregnator must be used as a release. This allows you to have the best possible construction site protection. Application of impregnators doesn’t change the natural look of the stone. What the impregnator does is that it resists grout dye absorption, quickens up the removal of grout residue and during construction it also protects the limestone from stains.

Liquid poultice can be used to clean the surface. Generally, poultice available in the markets are safe for almost all type of marble floors. You can make use of a Marble Floor Machine, a brush and a wet vacuum to clean up the floor. If the area that you have to clean is very small, you can achieve your purpose with a hand brush otherwise you need an automatic scrubber for larger areas. If you find that your marble gets exposed to oils and greases, you would surely need an added protection. You will find a chemical generally termed as Pre Treat that is applied to the limestone surface after grout removal. The use of this added protector before using impregnator makes the porous surface of the limestone much more resistant to staining materials, especially oils.


About the author:
You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter on your web site as long as the byline is included and the article is included in it's entirety. I also ask that you activate any html links found in the article and in the byline. Please send a courtesy link or email where you publish to: admin@marblemasteruk.com

Edward Green owns and operates the highly successful Marble Master Ltd company. Marble Master specializes in Restoration and Refinishing of all types of natural stone and consultancy services to Architects, Restoration Companies and Interior Designers. http://www.marblemasteruk.com

How Closet Organizers Can Simplify Your Life: Getting the Most From Your Intimate Space.

by: Andrew Porter

Closet organizers have come a long way in recently years. There's more to them nowadays than just a shelf above a horizontal pole.

Concepts in closet organization have gone from simple home improvement to statements regarding lifestyle. And with the best use of space in mind, it is possible to get all your gear in one place, and keep it handy and orderly.

Admit it, weather going out on the town, preparing for that weekend romp or simply gearing up for work, you get a certain thrill selecting your outfit from a well organized display. What, this doesn’t describe your closet? These closet organizer tips will help.

One of the challenges with crafting any kind of closet storage space is that your needs may change. Most wood shelving is expensive, and it usually can’t expand as your storage needs evolve.

To make the most of your closet organization efforts, you first need to know the potential uses of your space and of the things you want to store. You may be able to use the space you have more efficiently.

Start with a general inventory. This can help you determine your space needs.

Do you and/or your spouse have too many clothes, shoes and other accessories? Are your dressers full and there just doesn't seem to be enough space in your closet?

Analyze your storage needs, inspect available spaces. Your situation isn’t as bad as it seems.

Closet kits today offer enough flexibility that you can change the design to suit your changing needs, which allows you to customize the closet to fit individual needs and lifestyles.

Or simply tame your piles with pretty colored baskets in all shapes and sizes.

Shoes used to be something that sat on the floor, then came simple shoe racks and shelves. This was great for organization and more protection for expensive shoes.

Closet organizers use the space in your closet that doesn't ordinarily get used, it expands your storage.

Some organizers simply hang the from the closet rod and store folded clothes, shoes and more on the shelves and in the mesh compartments.

Different components allow you to easily organize and add storage space to your closet; arrange it countless ways and reconfigure it as often as you like.

Telescoping rods and expanding shelves are so quick and easy, you can reconfigure your closet organizer system at any time.

With a hamper basket you have a dedicated spot within the closet for dirty clothes which will help anyone’s room – especially kids rooms – remain a little more organized.

Also consider ventilation: closets – especially those with
hampers – need some air circulation to remain fresh. You might also consider disposable air fresheners designed for use in the closet.

Organize your closet by season, work, weekend or his and hers clothing.

There are enough options on the market to go from basic to one-of-a-kind with add-on accessories such as shoe storage racks, extra closet shelving, wire baskets, and tie & belt organizers to fit your specific needs.

Grow your system as your needs expand and relish that “Glad to get dressed” feeling!

About the author:
Andrew Porter is an interior designer and frequent content provider for ClosetOrganizer4U.com For more on closets organizers, closet accessories, storage organizers and
design plans, visit: http://www.closetorganizer4u.com

Down and Dirty Real World Clean Sweep for Work at Home Women

by: Pamela Cole Harris

Most TV "Lose-All-The-Clutter-And-Gain-A-Lot-Of-Baskets-With-Labels" organizing shows concentrate on long term solutions to your messy, messy ways. But for those who work from home, sometimes clean and organized lags behind paycheck and deadline. But what if your mother-in-law is coming down the street and your home looks like the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew? Or what if your picky neighbor shows up unexpectedly? (She's borrowing sugar...AGAIN?) You need help QUICK! Here's some ideas for quick down and ..ummm...dirty cleanup (and a few ideas for items to have on hand for future emergency cleanups!)

1. Grab several large garbage bags and stuff in all clutter. Don't stop to sort. Just stuff it all in and move the bags to the garage. Keep the bags in the garage for a month. If you don't remember what's in the bag, or miss something which may have been stuffed there, then donate the entire bag to a thrift shop. (No fair peeking inside - if you didn't miss it, you don't need it!)

2. Invest in a couple of large storage ottomans. You will be surprised how much you can stuff in those ottomans between the time your mother-in-law gets out of the car and the time she rings the doorbell!)

3. Invest in under-bed storage boxes. No self-respecting neighbor will look under your bed. (If she does, you might want to reconsider your friendship! Who wants a neighbor you can't be messy with?)

4. Buy a sofa with a skirt. Those wonderful skirts can hide a multitude of sins...and a few dozen shoes and a big stack of newspapers, magazines and week-old potato chips.

5. Don't forget the laundry you can hide in your washer and dryer! Don't worry about how much it holds � just stuff and hide!

6. Don't hide the clutter in closets! It's the first place your mother-in-law will look!

7. If all else fails, just say you are getting ready for a yard sale and you were just beginning to price your treasures! (Care for some old magazines? Just a quarter each! How about a couple of half-eaten bags of cookies? I'll make you such a deal!)


As a freelance designer and writer, my priorities are time with my husband, time with family, answering my reader's questions, and meeting my writing deadlines. Placed proudly at the bottom of my list is housework. If you work from home, don't feel guilty for trying these ideas. As my mother always told me, "You can always do housework when you can't find something interesting or fun to do!"

About the author:
Pamela Cole Harris has been a writer and designer for 35 years (Yikes, has it been that long?) Enjoy her tongue-in-cheek approach to inexpensive interior design at: http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.comand http://www.diy-homedecor.com

How to protect stone floors from staining

by: Edward Green

We are working almost daily with stain removal from natural stone surfaces. In fact I would say that in some instances we visit the same house more than 3 times in as many months.

Stains in stone are something that should be left to the professional. Sure, there are many quick fix websites offering advice but let me tell you, if you don't get it right first time it may be that the tile will need replacement and finding a match is nearly impossible.

Nowadays, Stone Seals and sealants are in abundance, but which one is right for you?

Firstly - Never let the builder, renovator or floor installer apply the seal. The seal is an arduous task that needs careful consideration and correct application. I probably remove over 10,000 sq mtrs of poorly applied Lithofin stain stop a year where the application has basically wiped it onto the floor leaving it porous and not sealed at all. So the householder has not only paid for the Lithofin seal but for us to remove it and provide the correct sealer for the stone.

"The Correct Sealer" I hear you cry. Yes, I am afraid to say that they are many types of sealer for many different stone types and what tasks the stone needs to do. Firstly there are water based and solvent based sealers. Other questions to consider are;

Does the stone get heavy traffic?
How often is the stone cleaned?
what type of beverages does the household use?
Any Allergies within the residents?
Type of finish preferred (matt), (Shine) etc?

DO we use water based?

DO we use Solvent Based?

Does the seal ever need topping up or replacement?

You get the picture;

The truth is if you do not use a professional Stone Sealer Applicator such as Marble Master you are usually throwing your money down the drain. A sealant application professional will be able to help you make the correct choice.

We offer warranties with all of our applications of stone sealant. The most common home and office stone seal give a 15 Year Warranty. This means to you that if at any time during 15 years the sealer doesn't perform the whole product is reapplied FREE of charge.

Our impregnating sealers make treated indoor or outdoor surfaces easier to clean and maintain and to look good for longer. Dry-Treat does this by using nano-technology i.e. engineering at a molecular level. Our flagship product, STAIN-PROOF :

Guards engineering concrete, terracotta tile, cast stone, pavers, sandstone, limestone, brick, slate, marble, granite, porcelain, terrazzo, vitreous tile and grout against damage from water, water borne salts, oil based stains and graffiti;

Makes surfaces stay cleaner;
Stands up to weather and traffic;
Retains a natural look;
Eliminates the occurrence of efflorescence;

Is suitable for a wide variety of home, commercial and industrial applications, including: building facades, floors, walls, stone bench tops, swimming pool surrounds, public areas, patios, garages, kitchens and entertaining areas, and Is backed by a 15 year warranty
About the author:

Edward Green owns and operates the highly successful Marble Master Ltd company. Marble Master specializes in Restoration and Refinishing of all types of natural stone and consultancy services to Architects, Restoration Companies and Interior Designers. http://www.marblemasteruk.com

Kitchen Trends: Adding Spice to your Kitchen

by: ARA

(ARA) – Veering away from its utilitarian roots, the function of today’s kitchen has broadened to become a social gathering space for friends and a homework space for kids. Fall is a good time to spice up your kitchen’s comfort level and transform it into the nucleus of your home.

“Most people are nesting at home, surrounding themselves with things that bring convenience and comfort to their living space,” says Billy Beson of William Beson Interior Design, Ltd. in Minneapolis, “including the kitchen, where the sky is the limit with today’s design options.”

According to the National Association of Remodeling Industry, kitchens rank third as a home remodeling project. In fact, the return for homeowners at resale, on minor home-improvements projects, is 88 percent of their renovation dollar, according to “Remodeling.”

“Repeatedly, homeowners comment that our natural quartz countertops are the crown jewel of their kitchen, and that they love the look and color,” says Lisa Bien-Sinz director of marketing of CAMBRIA, the only quartz countertops producer in the United States. “We’re seeing customers remodel their kitchens and incorporate one of today’s hottest trends -- quartz.”

In order to spice up your kitchen and create a comfortable yet attractive space, consider these trends:

* Color: Bold to natural hues – Adding color changes the look and feel of a room. Selecting a colorful countertop is a practical and decorative option for sprucing up a kitchen. When deciding on a color palette for your kitchen, Beson suggests choosing five adjectives that describe how you want the space to feel. “These five adjectives can be your barometer in finalizing your color choice,” said Beson. “For example if you want your kitchen to be cool, light, airy and open, then stay natural and avoid dark woods, black countertops and lots of pattern.”

* Countertops: Natural and no maintenance – Quartz is leading the trend in natural countertops. This natural stone is available in a dazzling array of color. As you expand functional space in the kitchen, a quartz countertop is a smart choice, especially for an island, because it is non-porous, it is especially suitable for food preparation, durable enough to withstand active kids, yet so attractive it makes for a gorgeous centerpiece.

* Backsplash: Colorful tiles add a unique statement – Spark your creativity and accent your kitchen walls with a customized backsplash. Mix-and-match colorful tiles into a one-of-a-kind design. This accent will add character to the wall behind your sink, and life to your kitchen.

* Food Safety in the Kitchen: A safe surface for the entire family – While sweet aromas can lure anyone into the kitchen, bacteria, mold and mildew invisibly lurk in the food preparation space no matter what’s cooking. Gourmet chefs and food-safety conscious parents often have to scrub the countertops before and after serving a delicious fare, but no more.

Today, ideal surfaces for kitchens are non-porous countertops, such as CAMBRIA. Unlike granite, CAMBRIA is non-porous resulting in extremely low moisture absorption, reducing the potential for bacterial growth. In fact, The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF, International) has certified CAMBRIA Quality Quartz Surfaces for both Splash Zone and Food Zone preparation.

CAMBRIA has more advice to offer homeowners seeking answers to questions about color selections and mixing and matching with existing cabinetry to enhance their kitchen living space. For additional information about CAMBRIA, call 1-866-CAMBRIA or visit their Web site at www.CAMBRIAUSA.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Bring style to your home's walls

(ARA) - With families holding onto their homes for longer periods of time, more and more people are looking for ways to update and bring more style to their interior design. Wallpaper has made a comeback, and there are many new ideas and trends out there that will give your house a beautiful new look.

Creativity is key to successfully decorate with wallpaper, which doesn't have to be relegated to the living room or kitchen. Consider trimming a door, or enhancing your closet with an artistic print. Wallpaper can also compliment an enclosed porch, but don't be afraid to let it embellish a terrace or balcony.

In addition to changing where people hang it in the home, wallpaper has also undergone several new looks.

One popular trend modernizes an older style. Damask prints are bold patterns, mimicking the woven fabric designs from centuries ago. But now they are accented with new colors and sheens. These prints work well in living rooms, but also add style and boldness to entryways and bathrooms.

Damask patterns with softer designs can be paired with flowing curtains and elegantly-styled furniture. Stronger prints can be paired with solid-colored modern furniture and sheer drapes for a daring look.



Another new wallpaper trend is decorating with paper that is easy to remove or change. Also called peel-and-stick wall coverings, these products enhance the durability, texture and visual design of your walls with easy installation. This allows you to decorate short term for a party or a season, or try out different wallpaper patterns and colors for a long-term new look. It's also a great choice for children's rooms, because as they grow older and their tastes change, you can easily give the room a new look without minimal work.

One very popular style is to customize your room with wallpaper murals. This allows you to bring a beach scene into your living room, a jungle image into your indoor patio area, or even install a "French door" opening out into a garden landscape in your bedroom. And if you have a sports room, you can bring the game up close and personal with a mural of the stadium.

"Wallpaper murals are one of my favorite design options because they make a huge impact in a room at an affordable price," says Jonathon Fong, a Los Angeles-based interior decorator and author of "Walls that Wow." "If you were to have a decorative painter replicate some of the great designs available in wallpaper murals, it would cost thousands of dollars."

"The imagination is the only limitation when it comes to wallpaper murals," says Todd Imholte, president of MuralsYourWay.com, a leader in the decorative products industry for more than 40 years. "They can recapture a landscape from a favorite vacation, create the illusion of a fairytale setting or decorate a room with artistic patterns and designs better than paint or regular wallpaper."

With more that 5,000 images taken from photographs and specialty artist as famous as Leonardo da Vinci there's a good chance you will be able to find that perfect image to turn your wall into an eye-catching focal point. The company can also create custom wallpaper from a personal photograph or artwork.

Canvas murals are also a new, more environmentally friendly wallpaper option, which provides new texture for your walls. It is a great option for walls that receive a lot of sunlight because canvas has a matte finish and doesn't reflect light, which could distort an image. And they go up just like wallpaper!

Courtesy of ARAcontent