Creating a sanctuary in your home has never been easier. Combine a few thoughtfully chosen pieces, and you instantly have your own private retreat.

The desk with the little filing cabinet from Ikea. Now which chair to use?

Other details...

Paint Types in House Painting

Choosing your paint is probably the most important thing you will do on your project. This is because most paints are designed for a specific purpose. Primer paints are designed to adhere to raw surfaces and then to stick to a protective coat over the top of it. In general, there are four types of raw surfaces that you might want to paint over, wood, masonry, drywall, and bare metal. You should be able to find a primer that will work on your bare surface. Do not be tempted to simply skip the primer coat as finish paints will sometimes not stick well to the surface, especially metals.

The big question for many painters is whether they should use oil or water based paints. Glossy oils tend to be more impermeable to water and will bubble up if the surface beneath is damp. Latex and other water based paints will make wallpaper peel. Industry experts have argued for a long time over which formula is better in general. For exterior applications, water-based paints have the upper hand. Besides allowing the house to breathe, they tend not to crack as readily. In addition, they have the great advantage of water clean up. In addition, if you are worried about the ultimate environmental impact, water-based paints tend to be friendlier to the eco-system. Oil paints usually have a stronger and more overpowering odor. You should always ventilate well when painting, but it will seem even more vital with oil-based paints.

Even so, oil is often the choice to make, especially when painting over a surface that was previously painted with an oil base. If you simply must use a water-based paint over an oil-based paint, you should sand down the finish then prime it so that the paints will adhere to each other.

Although the price is not always the best indicator of quality, it does serve as a good general guideline. Also, the warrantee on paint will indicate how long it is likely to last. Remember that even inexpensive paint is relatively cheap when compared to the amount of time it takes to apply it. Better to have a durable paint that lasts a few extra years than a cheap one that gives out in less than five years.

Pigments in paints also make a difference. Cheaper paints often have cheaper pigments, so they tend not to cover as well, requiring more than one coat. Here again labor is a factor. Two coats of a paint that costs you half as much, is really only doubling your labor. Yellows tend to be the fastest fading color. Titanium dioxide is reported to be the best pigment. If you are buying an expensive paint, be sure to check the can for this ingredient.

Solids are included in paints to thicken the coating. It is calculated as the percentage of the paint that finally adheres to the wall. Solids generally run more than 40 percent of the paint. Higher than 45 is considered good. Do not look for this item on the can, as it is not usually on the label. The solids and pigment are held together with binders. In an acrylic paint, you will want to have all-acrylic binders for exterior paint. For interior paints, this factor is not as important.

Oil and acrylic will both cover most exterior surfaces, but stucco is a special case. Be sure to use an elastomeric paint, which continues to cover small cracks that can develop. Old aluminum siding can be painted. The old paint should be removed and a coat of latex primer and an additional coat or two of exterior paint can then be applied for an acceptable and durable finish.

When you go into the paint store, you will be confronted with flat, satin, and glossy paints. You should use flat for general background surfaces that are not subject to much wear and tear. Satin is better in bathrooms and kitchens where you would like to be able to clean the surface repeatedly over the years. Glossy paints accentuate a surface and bring people's attention to it. It also tends to be easier to wipe clean. Use glossy paints on cabinets, banisters, some molding and places where little fingers are constantly smudging. Remember, though glossy paints are easier to clean, they tend to show imperfections in wood, drywall, etc.

It probably goes without saying that you should use exterior paints outside and interior paints on the inside. The fact is that exterior paints are designed to be more durable in the elements and interior paints are designed to adhere better to surfaces commonly found indoors. Recent years have brought about advancements in eco-friendly paints with zero or low VOCs. These are worth checking into especially for those who have health concerns or who frequently work with paint.

If you are looking for a hardworking, reliable, and trustworthy person to paint the interior or exterior of your home, the only place to search is on Repairfinders.com. On this site it will only take you a couple of minutes to find a qualified professional in your area who is more than happy to paint your home, quickly, efficiently, and for a reasonable price. For all your repair needs there is only one place to go, and that is Repairfinders.com

It's a very simple design, so it doesn't need much - all it really needs is a good cabinet pull to help it blend more with the vintage pieces in the room.  The problem is the current pull has a 6" center between screws.  SIX INCHES!  If you've ever tried to find a beautiful pull with a six inch center you've probably ended up in tears, because it's practically impossible.  But look at this!

This is by Du Verre Hardware - each piece is hand cast and gorgeous.  They have a few really great retro pulls.  They are pricey (this pull is $45 - yikes), but it's worth it to invest in pieces that will move with you, and it's cheaper than buying a new cabinet.  I love it - I can't wait to try it out!

When I found the photos of Mattie's home photos on Flickr, I was blown away. A teacher, mother and woman in New Mexico, Mattie has transformed her home into a color wheel of eclectic finds. I found myself staring at her photos forever, trying to see every little element, from magnets on her 'fridge to cooking utensils in a hominy can on the counter.

But it's not just her home photos that are so interesting. Browse her flickr site and you'll find yourself following her through Mexican pueblas, outside and looking at the most interesting scenes.

Click here to see "Our Casita," the entire collection of at-home shots.

I'll also started my quarterly project of making a playlist for the season.   The "Fall" playlist on my iPod is as follows:

1. "Viva la Vida" - Coldplay
2. "Wonderwall" - Ryan Adams (NOT oasis)
3. "Shadowfeet" - Brooke Fraser
4. "Shy that Way" - Tristan Prettyman & Jason Mraz
5. "Five More Hours" - Gabe Dixon Band
6. "Hook" - Blues Traveler
7. "True Love" - Phil Wickham
8. "Faithful" - Fee
9. "Jungle Trail" - Steven Delepoulos
10."Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own" - U2 

There you have it... Fall's Jams... enjoy

Spectacular Hudson River and park views are warmed by glorious sunsets in this exquisite home featuring 2 bedrooms, a dining room (or possible third bedroom) and three full baths. The Meier-designed expansive interiors feature luxury finishes.165 Charles is an intimate, impeccably run 16 story full service condominium, featuring 31 exclusive residences. The exceptional amenities and services include 24 hour concierge, state-of-the-art fitness center, 50' infinity-edge lap pool, and professional screening room. Private storage and wine cellar are also available.

Looks beautiful - 6.55 million dollars anyone?

Neatniks! Come home, It's Clean!

Call (414) 745-6532

in the greater Milwaukee area

I just wanted to take the time to say, "Thanks." I've noticed that you really haven't been using me too much, and I couldn't be happier. I'm sure its because of all the other important things you have to worry about; work, kids, school, meals, etc. Of course, the house is looking a little unkempt.

Instead of using me, why don't you relax and let the professionals at NeatNiks! clean the house for you? You could go out, relax, or spend more time with the family! Let them use their sponges!

They give free estimates, too! I looked up their number for you. Its (414) 745-6532. Call today! And, thanks again.

Your sponge

Home interior design is indeed exciting, especially when you see the end result. First and foremost, you need to be creative and let your imaginations go wild. Think about colors that suit your personality and life style. Try to see beyond the ordinary in order to give a fresh approach to your home décor ideas. Even a broken dish can be used to make a mosaic pattern for your coffee table.

The following are some of the ideas about your home interior design:

Wall Paint:

This is one of the easy and simple interior design ideas. Simply add a fresh coat of paint to make your rooms look new and even larger. Bold colors are in fashion and a large number of people are actually going for them. However, go for such colors only if you are comfortable with it, otherwise light earthy shades are also in trend. You can even use contrasting colors on your walls and ceilings.

In order to create an illusion of height, simply paint your ceilings with lighter shades. On the other hand, use dark colors for bringing your ceiling down.

Lights and Lamps:

In case your home or apartment does not enjoy enough daylight, you will need to be very careful in selecting good lighting. In fact, proper lighting can actually cover the flaws of your home and enhance the beauty of your home interior design. You can use glass chandeliers in your halls to make it look and feel beautiful. Use glass wall lighting and pendant lighting on your hallway. These lightings can also be used above a particular picture or art-work to highlight its beauty. You can even place a pair of wall sconces in your living rooms, dining rooms as well as in bathrooms. These types of lightings will help you to create an open air.

You can also get themed lampshades for creating a lodge, rustic, western, country or southwestern look. Be a bit more creative and go for natural leather or soft pigskin lampshades, which match the color and theme of your rooms. You can also use Native American pottery lamps, wrought iron lamps, kachina dolls and duck’s sculptures while redoing your home interior design.

Windows and Curtains:

Dressing up your windows is one of the good home décor ideas that can change the look radically. In case you want to avoid changing your curtains, you can easily hang a large framed stained art glass panel.

Some additional interior design tips:

• Use rugs or a set of coasters to offset your dining table.

• Add some indoor plants to hide ugly flaws of your rooms as well as to add freshness.

• Place some crystal and stained art glass vases along with fresh flowers. You can also use door wreath or a flower basket to enhance the décor of your living room.

For more ideas, Join RSVP Style community.

I don't remember how I got this idea, but I think it's working out pretty well.

We are very proud to announce that we will be the first gallery on the planet to receive the new Andre de Dienes “Platinum Edition Prints” of Marilyn Monroe published by OneWest Publishing.

Most photographers and or publishers will take the two or three best images in a series of images to feature as limited edition photographic prints. In the case of Marilyn Monroe and the photographic work by Andre de Dienes OneWest Publishing has said, print them all. Yes, OneWest Publishing has produced all of the out takes from 1945 until 1953 as “Platinum Edition Prints”.

Norma Jean Bakers (AKA Marilyn Monroe) first professional modeling job was with Andre de Dienes. He photographed her from 1945 to 1953 and to this day some people feel de Dienes captured the true Marilyn Monroe.

The word for it is ephemera; stuff that is not designed to last. Paper, usually. Pamphlets and postcards which are beyond monetary value, but which we instinctively keep. I save all my cinema stubs. I have a pile in one of my draws which dates back to 2003 when I first had the impulse. I have the ticket from my first ever poetry gig. I have a programme from Shakespeare's Globe which has the signatures of George Alagiah and Dame Judy Dench, among others. And I'm encouraged to continue collecting these things because I think they'll be interesting to some skinny kid - some lonely queer kid - who in twenty years' time might be fascinated to discover that I once read with so-and-so, or frequented Wagamama's with someone they've been studying in school.

It's been said already that there's something to be gained from engaging with the mundane. Once I'd finished updating the addresses, we sat for ages eating biscuits and she got pictures of her previous partners, her friends and family out. She rooted out a first edition of Audre Lourde's 'Cables to Rage' and lent me a collection of Essays by Barbara Christian. All these things are literally gathering dust in piles around her living room. It was all I could do not to out-stay my welcome and have her talk through boxes and boxes of stuff that is personal to her, thus invaluable to me.

It's another fruitless day on Friday.. sleeping late, waking up late.. and spend the entire day surfing internet and watching TV. But at least... I manage to complete 2 lectures of Thin Film.. which is SUPER DUPER boring and uneducational... maybe it's because of the accent or my ignorant that doesn't understand what he is saying..

Feeling ultra busy lately.. but haven't seen much stuff done.... busy because of the many appointments and school work.. and because of my prcastination.. they are still there...

next week.. there is FYP meeting, prof comm oral presentation rehearsal + actual, Thin film quiz, BB Thanksgiving dinner, Dearie & gang birthday celebration dinner, kayaking on both days of the weekend.. busy hor.. that's why dearie gets unhappy when my schedule looks like superman's...

previously, I did a solo performance for some Johnny Walker or F1 (i still dunno wad function is that) dinner at the British Commissioner's house.. this is this the picture that my friend found on his friends facebook album... Nice attire right? but i think i looked quite funny.. it was a simple but great performance.. I sounded good... too bad it was short.. played for the start and end of the dinner, leading guest to and out of the dinning hall.. in between.. there's also a shorten haggis ceremony.... got a taste of Johnny Walker Blue Label i suppose.. very good liquour.. but have to down quite a huge glass within seconds.. some even spill out of my mouth..

i hope i can get my momentum of studying soon... and also my sleeping disorder corrected.. hope everything goes well soon...

]]> http://repairfindersdotcom.wordpress.com/?p=78 Fri, 03 Oct 2008 18:59:22 +0000 repairfindersdotcom http://repairfindersdotcom.fr.wordpress.com/2008/10/03/a-couple-of-things-to-think-about-before-you-start-remodeling-your-home/

If you are thinking about remodeling your home or office, there are many things to consider. One of the biggest is "should I do it myself?" There is no easy answer to this question, but you can help yourself decide by considering the following questions:

1. Do I have the time?

Remodeling can take a considerable amount of time, even for the experts. Most of the time remodeling is actually more difficult than new construction. One of the reasons for this is that you have to prepare the existing components of your structure to blend in with the new.

2. Do I have the know-how?

Your remodeling project will likely require some specific skills to ensure a successful result. These can include carpentry, painting, drywall finishing, flooring, plumbing, electrical, concrete work, excavation, etc. You'll want to carefully assess your abilities in the skills you'll need for your own project.

3. Do I have the tools and equipment needed?

Since so many skills are involved, most property owners do not have the needed tools and equipment. If you can get the tools by purchasing, renting or borrowing them, do you have the skills to use them effectively and safely?

4. Do I have enough help?

Remodeling can be very labor intensive; two hands are often not enough. You can always use someone to help carry materials or equipment, or you might need skilled help in order to complete the job in a reasonable time. If you need help, will you have access to the kind of help you need, when you need it?

5. Am I physically able to do the work?

Remodeling is usually strenuous work, involving climbing ladders, working on scaffolds or heavy lifting. You'll need to decide if you're physically able to do that kind of work for the extended period your project may take.

6. Do I have a clear idea of what I am trying to accomplish?

Can you draw the necessary building plans, or will you need to get someone else to do this for you? You may need to hire an architect if your remodel is very complex. An architect can help with traffic flow and other factors that may arise when you change rooms, or move walls and doorways.

7. What is my budget?

You should make a careful estimate of all the costs of your project before any work is started. Calculate the costs of all materials, equipment rental, tools, labor, subcontractors etc. Don't forget to add a budget for any unknowns or surprises that may be revealed later!

8. What kind of subcontractors am I going to need?

You will probably need some skilled subcontractors to perform specialized work that you can't do. Do you have the time to deal with those subcontractors personally, and do you have the knowledge needed to negotiate with them? If you are unprepared in this area, it can cost you a lot later on.

You may decide when you've finished answering these tough questions that you'll need some help. If you decide to hire a professional remodeling contractor, you should expect someone with years of experience in construction who can provide all the services listed above, including management of all the necessary subcontractors. Your contractor should take care of everything, and manage your project until it is completed in a timely and efficient manner.

Here's how to find a good remodeling contractor:

1. Go to Repairfinders.com

On Repairfinders.com you will find only the best qualified professionals in your area. All it takes is a couple minutes of your time to find the right one that is best for you.

2. Check out references

Get previous customers' opinion of the contractor and the work that was done. Talk to local vendors and suppliers to see if that contractor pays his or her bills.

3. Is the contractor local?

Does he or she have a local office, address or phone number? It's easier to keep track of a local contractor; avoid hiring from out of town or state unless you thoroughly check them out.

4. Look at the contractor's work

Make sure you look at previous projects or photos of completed work.

If you're looking for someone who has roots locally and is likely to be around to stand behind the work done on your project, you might also find out if the contractor you're considering is involved in the community or in non-profit organizations, or provides support for community projects.

Your living room is in general supposed to be done in a way that you can sit there comfortably for hours and relax while doing your favourite thing. You become so much in love with your living area and its cushiony sofas that you do not want to spend any time out of that room. If you have some open area outside your home or on the terrace, then you can change the look, feel and atmosphere of that place with a little effort and imagination. Arrange for some deep seating patio furniture there and that space too become enjoy your day and unwind your thoughts.

When you put deep seating wood furniture in that area, you can be assured about the comfort. Such a design has a large and wide area to sit with a back rest which can be made adjustable according to your demand. Place soft and cozy cushions on the sofa and you feel like floating on air. You should carefully and thoughtfully select the water resistant material for the cushions. Sunbrella fabric cushions are the best as they are designed in a manner to hold water for many years even if they are left out in open.

Deciding upon the material to select for your patio sofas, you should go for the best thing available. For the outdoor furnishings, teak is the best kind of wood which is beautiful and durable as well. The premium teak literally can withstand any kind of the harshest weather. Teak is the most sought after material for making outdoor furnishing, because it requires very little maintenance. Teak is quite naturally resistant to insects, warping and other such elements and it makes an ideal wood for manufacturing sofas. You do not have to be bothered about sealing, staining, etc. if you have a teak sofa.

Apart from teak, other suggested kinds for durability are cedar, pine, redwood and shorea. The sofas made from teak wood are not only durable and stylish but also well-equipped with the set of comfortable cushions.

While selecting the design and style for your patio furniture, you will fine a large number of options. Apart from full patio sofas, there are single chairs, loveseat, and even chaise lounge. You can choose from them according to your outdoor space. So with laying down, if you wish to enjoy reading a book or taking a nap in your patio, you should go for a good modern patio sofa.

In order to entertain some people, you can place some chairs with table to arrange drinks and other things. There are endless possibilities and you can decorate your outdoor settings according to your budget and taste and you are sure to have magnificent outdoor surroundings in your home without sacrificing style and comfort.

Using your imagination you can have more fun designing different kind of seating arrangement in the garden or your porch area and invite a group of friends to enjoy a different kind of environment. With such a beautiful outdoor setting where you can have all the fun in the world and enjoy the time in your patio.

Restoration Hardware Metal Easel

How to use it:

- An easel is perfect for odd size frames, a frame too small to hang by itself on a wall, a "one of a kind" piece that isn't suitable for a grouping, or any piece you want to especially display.

- Use it on an entry or hall table, in a table scape, on a side table or in the study. Art Easels look especially smashing in table scapes since they add height and a strong vertical element. When positioned on a side table, angle it away from the corner and towards the seating grouping for a more dynamic display.

-Use it to display anything you wish to "vice", such as a rare or important book, record album, or a matted vintage family photo.

-Use it to rotate children's artwork or any art you want to easily rotate in and out of the same frame.

How to get it: Restoration Hardware, in store and online.

Retail Price: $89

I hope you enjoyed my retail pick for this week! Don't forget to check in next week!

-Janelle Steinberg  BA, ASID Allied

Principal and Director of Design

J Steinberg Design

!!!

My eventful coming week include a FYP project meet, a thin film test, a BB dinner and a kayaking weekend. Juggling with both ECA and final year is really difficult, but I guess I managed to cope with it, thus not feeling the fustration as often as before.

My procrastination habit shows signs of improvement, but still serious enough to waste 5 hrs of precious time staying awake and surfing internet randomly.

I hope I can have sometime to take out my chanter and practice new tunes without feeling guilty soon.