Home Management Resources

How Do You Install Ornate Tin Ceiling Tiles?

2006-01-27T00:18:00.001-08:00

Use aluminum instead of tin.

An aluminum alloy has now been created to especially suit these beautiful art metal ceilings. Aluminum is a corrosion resistant, durable product which doesn't rust, unlike steel which is used by some manufactures of pressed tin. The panels are still widely known as pressed tin even though they are not made from tin.

How do the panels attach to the ceiling?

The easiest way to install pressed tin is to firstly fix building ply to the old ceiling or walls and then nail the tin to the ply. Timber battens can be used but building ply makes the job much easier. It is best to remove existing cornice before the ply is fixed to the ceiling.

Most reputable ceiling suppliers will offer detailed fitting instructions. If you lack experience in this area, you may prefer to employ someone with building experience. However, most metal ceilings are fitted by their owners. Fitting the ply to your existing ceiling is very much dependent on the type of ceiling you already have. Instructions on this aspect of the job are outside the scope of this article. If you are lucky enough to have timber ceilings then you can omit this step and nail straight on to the timber.

Finding the centre lines of the room.

When fitting your ceiling panels it is important to have them sitting square. Very few rooms are built truly square - even modern rooms. So, you need to find the centre of the ceiling and also the centre of the four edges of the ceiling. Draw clearly visible lines dividing the ceiling into equal halves and then quarters. You will start to lay your metal from the centre of the ceiling and then work out toward the edges. This method will ensure that any discrepancies in your ceiling are halved by the time you reach the edges of your room.

Cornice first.

These fitting instructions assume that you have already painted your panels before installation begins. Painting them first is the easiest way to proceed - especially if you want the panels painted in fine detail.

After drawing out your central line markings you must first attach your crown cornice. Most cornices have flanges along one side of their length which will later be covered up by the flat ceiling paneling. These flanges must be nailed to the plywood. The lower edge of the crown cornice is nailed to timber batten supports which are attached to the walls. Some manufacturers are now supplying aluminum strips which attach to the walls and then the cornice clips onto the aluminum strips. Ask your supplier for advice on installing their cornices.

Lay it out on the floor.

Before you attach the main ceiling paneling you should layout the panels on the floor to familiarize yourself with them and to get some useful practice for later on. When people walk into this room, from what direction do they see the ceiling? In order that the joins in the paneling are not visible you should lap the panels away from the main door into the room.

Main paneling.

Tacking nails should be used initially until you are satisfied you have everything in its final position. Tacking nails are quite long and must only be partially nailed in so that they can be removed easily with pliers. When you are satisfied that everything is in the right spot then you can systematically remove the tacking nails and finish the job off with small nails. Details of which nails to use should be in the manufacturers fitting instructions.

Start nailing the main paneling from the centre of the room out toward the edges remembering to be consistent with panel lapping. If you are using an all-over small pattern then you can continue to nail your panels right out to the cornices - trimming the outside panels so until they fit tightly up against the crown cornices.

If you are using a larger design in your main panelling then you will need to stop well short of the cornices so that molding strips and border/filler panels can be fitted. Most of the larger designs require a border or filler strip around the edge, otherwise they don't look so elegant when installed. Border or filler panels most usually have a small pattern on them which complements the larger main panels in the centre of the ceiling. If you require a border around your main panels then it will be worth consulting an expert to find out how wide the border should be. It is easy to upset the balance of your ceiling by having a border that is too wide or conversely too narrow. Ask your supplier for help on this topic. Please ensure you read your manufactures fitting instructions carefully after the main paneling is installed because certain parts of the ceiling must be nailed down in a particular order so that the ceiling is finished off professionally.

Accessories.

There are now delightful aluminum accessories which give a classy finish to ceilings. There are corner mitre attachments which hide any rough cutting in the area where the cornices are mitred. There are also rosettes to place at the junction of the molding strips.

Ceiling Medallions.

If budget and ceiling height permit then you might consider installing an aluminum ceiling medallion. These are truly works of art. They are all cut out by hand and because of this, they are not particularly cheap items to buy. However, the effect they create is absolutely stunning.

The Use Of Water In Home Decor

2006-01-27T00:18:00.000-08:00

People the world over have a natural attraction to water, and it is not only because drinking water is essential to our survival; nor because it is very important for cleanliness. Water has a fascination that causes millions of people to visit, or want to live by, the sea, waterfalls, lakes and large ponds.

Both moving and still water are not just attractive to the human eye, but seem to have a therapeutic value. Moving water in particular is said to give off negative ions, which help to negate all the positive ions generated by modern living and can be harmful to our well being. Whatever the reasons, though, the fact is that people love water in nature. Closer to home, they like to bring those effects into their own gardens with water gardens, waterfalls, ponds and fountains.

What about within the home itself? Many of us bring nature and gardens into our home with plants, and decorative plant pots. It is therefore only one small step to bring in water features too. Water can, and does, play a very useful role in home decor; not on the grand scale in the average home, although it can do in a country mansion or more palatial home, but in miniature and in imaginative and decorative ways.

There are three main ways to use water features as home decor:

Indoor Waterfalls

By having an indoor waterfall in the home, you can bring to your home the sound of running water, which has such a relaxing effect. However, an indoor waterfall can do far more for your home. There are so many varied designs now, using quite a variety of materials, that you should be able to find a feature waterfall for the home that suits your decor, whether modern, traditional, or olde worlde.

There are basically two types of indoor waterfall: wall hanging, and free (or floor) standing. So, as far as the placing of the waterfalls is concerned, you have plenty of choice to fit in with your interior design. They come in many sizes, too, from very small right up to a very grand size of 6 feet plus in height and width. For the larger wall hanging waterfalls, you do need a substantially built wall on which to fix them. However, they can and do look very impressive; and the larger the size, the more potential you have for the sounds of flowing water.

The materials and finishes used can be chosen to fit in with either a modern or more traditional decor. Some of the most popular frames are stainless steel and copper, with a range of finishes to give either a shiny modern look, or an antique look with an aged finish. As in natural waterfalls, natural stone is often a feature of the indoor equivalent, as are pebbles. Slate, in many colours, is especially effective in indoor waterfalls.

Indoor Fountains

Indoor fountains are much like the waterfalls in terms of materials used. In fact, the names waterfall and fountain are often interchangeable when it comes to home decor. However, what you probably imagine as a water fountain can be found, and are often available in table top size. These can be very small, but still a delightful use of flowing water in the home, whether used on a table as a centrepiece, or as an ornamental feature on a sideboard.

Designs of the table top fountains can be quite delicate, and utilize decorative materials, such as jade and bamboo, in some unique ways. These table top fountains can go well in even a small modern home.

Fish Aquarium

While many people keep an aquarium because they like fish, and do so as a hobby, there is also a lot of potential to use an aquarium as a home decor feature. The sound of the water comes from the bubbling of the filter, while much additional movement and colour comes from the fish themselves. When you add some attractive lighting to the tank, you can create a very soothing water feature for the home.

As with fountains and waterfalls, an aquarium can be in a very wide range of sizes, free standing or built into a wall. The maintenance, of course, is much higher than for that of a waterfall or fountain, but you may well consider that worthwhile for all the pleasure the fish may bring.

If you have space, there is no reason why you should not combine all three of these types of water features. They are all attractive in their own way, and can complement each other in a larger home.

Add A Modern Designer Touch To Your Bathroom With Proper Shower Curtain Rods

2006-01-27T00:17:00.000-08:00

Bathroom accessories like shower curtain rods have significance of their own. These are no more the less noticed accessories of your bathroom but have become one of the most important items for your shower area in the bathroom. Gone are the days when people just used to hang shower curtains on some metals wood rods. Lifestyles have changed now and people are quite aware of the design and styles of shower curtain rods.

The shower curtain rods can have a great impact on how you feel while taking shower in bathroom. While dull shower curtain rods can dampen the look of bathroom trendy rods make bathrooms look really cool. However, you have to make sure the color and design you are choosing for your shower curtain rods match your bathroom walls and tiles used in bathroom floor.

The selection of rod will also depend on the type of curtain you want to hang. If you are planning to hang dark colored curtains, then go for metallic shower curtain rods with curved knobs. If you are planning to cover your shower area from four sides, use rectangular shower curtain rods. Use curved shower curtain rods that will fit built-in tub units and various other shower units. You can also use crescent shower curtain rods that will fit your tub opening. There is also another type of shower curtain rods, which are called shower enlarger rod. You can use this rod when you require enlarging the shower area in your bath.

Ideally wooden rods should be avoided as a shower curtain rods since these rods go through wears and tears every time you open and draw the curtain.

Shower curtains come in different size and shape, as far as the rod width is concerned. You have to select one that will fit your bathroom structure, design and shower area.However, since shower curtains are usually lightweight curtains, light metal rods are perfect to hang the curtains. As far as the length of the rod is concerned, it will depend on your bathroom height. The shower curtain rods need to be durable and long lasting because these rods have to withstand daily use.

However, you must not forget that your shower curtain rods too need to be maintained like the curtain rods you use in your rooms.

How To Give Your Room A Face-Lift Inexpensively!

2006-01-27T00:16:00.000-08:00

Looking for ways to improve your home's appearance...without spending a fortune? Here's how I gave our old family room a burst of color - without bursting our budget!

I was tired of looking at the same old earth tones in our family room. Everything seemed so “safe” and blah.

With winter storms blowing in every week, I wanted a fresh burst of spring! But I had to stay within a budget as we just finished up with holiday spending.

I browsed through Pier 1 Imports and with great ease I collected a few colorful and well-made items and put those together to coordinate an outstanding new look for our family room that screamed “fresh and alive!” I began by removing the throw pillows that came with our sofas. I replaced them with bright gold pillows. I was just looking for a splash of color to brighten those sofas.

On the walls, I relocated a hanging clock and took down old tired pieces of artwork and replaced them with paintings with the same vibrant gold color to honor the new theme: new life! Pier 1 had some gorgeous silk florals on sale and I teamed them up with a handsome red hand blown glass vase for a stunning look.

Finally, I grouped a cluster of simple white glass candle holders of various sizes, inserted brand new scented yellow candles and the look was elegant, yet comfortable and new. For less than $150 I changed a tired room and gave it a clean, fresh new look.

That’s all we needed!

We didn’t need to paint, buy new furniture etc. It just needed a lift, and our spirits soared.

You don’t always have to think big when redecorating. Something as small as new throw pillows and new scattered throw rugs might be all you need.

Have fun!

Hardwood Floor - Important Facts

2006-01-27T00:15:00.000-08:00

A hardwood floor can be a beautiful addition to any home. As with any product that you might buy, you should always research the different types of hardwood floors on the market today to see which is best for your needs.

Hardwood floors are a long-lasting product known for both its natural beauty and also durability. In addition, its affordable, easy to keep up, good for the environment, and also healthier for you than some flooring.

Not only are hardwood floors affordable, but they can also add value to your home if you are trying to sell it. In fact, as your home increases in value, so does the floor. A hardwood floor is very sought after in a buyers market, as well as in home remodeling and also new construction.

A hardwood floor can be very easy to maintain. Routine maintenance may be a little more than just the sweeping and vacuuming that you are used to, especially since you have to make sure to protect it from moisture and also heavy traffic areas that may become scratched. Maintenance is as simple as using an area rug where traffic is heaviest, and/or floor protectors on all furniture. The use of a hardwood floor cleaner is key to making sure it stays as beautiful as the day it was installed.

You may not know this, but a hardwood floor is known to be ecologically sound. They come from sustainable, natural resources, unlike in the past where wood was cut down without any though to what could happen in the long run to the forest. Today, the timber used in a hardwood floor is cut from forests that are managed in a way to ensure resources for future use. According to statistics from the U.S. Forest Service, just about twice the amount of hardwood timber is put in each year when new growth is harvested.

The EPA, or environmental protection agency, has stated that the quality of your indoor air can be a top threat. But, a hardwood floor can help you to maintain a healthier living environment.

Hardwood floors do not harbor such things as dust mites or mold. This helps to create a better quality of air in your home, alleviating symptoms for those who suffer from different types of allergies.

Also, hardwood floors can help to avoid the accumulation any artificial substances, such as pesticides. A study recently conducted by the EPA found that pesticides used in both homes and gardens can accumulate on surfaces such as floors, but hardwood floors can reduce that.

The selection/variety of hardwood floors are great and choosing one can be tough. There are many types of species, colors, and grains to choose from. Today’s manufacturing technology allows for different stains and finishes, sizes, and also styles, colors, and finished. Although red oak natural and maple natural are the most popular, darker colors are great for formal interiors and lighter colors are great for a more casual look.

Make sure you choose a hardwood floor that not only compliments your home and décor, but you will also be happy with for a long time.

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2006-01-26T01:36:00.000-08:00

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