Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. You re-painted the living room and now you can t stand your old furniture. Well, you re in luck. Lots of new imports means there s never been a better time to buy furniture. Before you shop til you drop, though, do some online research. Find out what pieces you like and locate showrooms where you can try them out in person. Bring paint chips and fabric samples with you. If you re going to be living with this piece for years, you shouldn t just go by the picture: Quality of construction and comfort are something you need to see for yourself. If you have kids, pets or you like entertaining, be sure to find out how easy or how difficult it s going to be to clean the piece you re considering. And think of all the places in your home where it could come in handy. Years down the line when you re furnishing a teenagers basement hangout or an in-law apartment, you ll be glad you chose something versatile and durable. Measure your room to be sure that big sectional couch will fit where you want it without looking too big or too small for the room and to make sure it ll fit through the door! There are some great room planning tools available online to make buying furniture easy. You can map out your room, enter your measurements and try out the different pieces and configurations until you know what works in your space before you buy. Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008
Keep these things in mind when you need to repair old furniture. First, make sure you've removed all the old glue from the joint. Then check the joint to be sure there are no gaps you need to fill before gluing. Apply your glue, then clasp the joint. Be careful not to bruise the wood; use wooden pads if you need to. Wipe off all the excess glue and allow plenty of drying time.
Don't throw out that rusty old patio furniture - salvaging it can be a great weekend project. Use a wire brush or sandpaper to remove all the rust and flaky paint.Wash and dry it, then give it a good coat of metal primer. Choose a good outdoor metal paint and apply a couple coats. Invest a little elbow grease and you've got something worth saving.
Bob visits with Alex Krutsky at the cabinet and furniture classrooms of the North Bennet Street School in Boston. Bob and Krutsky discuss the school's admissions process, which does require previous carpentry experience. Bob then examines a furniture project by student Tommy MacDonald. MacDonald's elaborate casework example is based on an original design made in Salem, Mass., in the 1780s by craftsman Henry Russ.
The Miami condo is completed with the last touches to the balcony patio. David Southard, the project supervisor, created a free-standing bench of spruce, painted white with stainless-steel bolts to resist rust. It is topped with a fabric-covered, mattress-like cushion and throw pillows as accents. The floor has an all-weather vinyl rug from the Frontgate catalog and a pomegranate ceramic urn from Tuscany as a color accent, also from Frontgate. A custom pedestal table, made from leftover Formica used in the kitchen and edged to match the counters, has colorful stools that welcome guests to the outside and a view of Biscayne Bay.
Meg Tarvin from Frontgate is with Teresa Fogolini and Bob as they move to the poolside lanai and the furnishings that bring indoor living outside. The Estate Plantation chair they have chosen is sturdy, durable, and designed to live outdoors. It sits on a rug that is polypropolene, woven in Belgium, waterproof, and UV protected. Even the clock-thermometer is like indoor wall art, yet it is meant to live outdoors. The buffet has all-weather wicker baskets, stainless steel hardware, and finishes meant to withstand the weather. Even the glassware is elegant, but unbreakable � perfect for outdoor living. Fogolini explains that she and Jim Minardi live outdoors most of the time, so the cast aluminum chairs and table designed for outdoors are perfect for them. The stainless-steel cooler bowl with cast aluminum base is loaded with drinks for a party. Minardi is already at the grill with steaks for the upcoming housewarming.
Here's another great tip from BobVila.com. To get your home ready for entertaining, first look at it with the eye of a realtor. Does it need a little TLC to feel more welcoming? Do you need to update your wallpaper or change the paint color? Re-upholster the furniture? Are your drapes worn or do they just need washing? Maybe purchasing a key new piece of furniture or just some throw pillows will be enough of a change to freshen up a drab house. Remember, not everything has to match or be perfect; it should just be clean, uncrowded and inviting. Also, remember that lighting can make or break a room. This is a great time to add dimmer switches or a new floor lamp in that dark corner. Halogen track lighting gives you the control you need to wash a wall or focus on your favorite artwork without making your guests feel like they re in the spotlight. Clear off as many surfaces as you can. Framed photos make great conversation starters, but arranging them on a wall instead of your coffee table will clear the way for food, drinks and games. If you re going to have overnight guests, pay special attention to the spare bedroom. First, get rid of the clutter that always ends up there. Add a fresh coat of paint, an area rug, new bed linens, all in one color family or theme. Simple touches like putting bottled water, fresh towels and guest soap in a large, wicker basket will make your guests feel pampered. With a few updates, you ll enjoy having your friends and family over and you ll love it even when the party s over! Find out more at BobVila.com: The ultimate home improvement web site! BobVila.com 2008
If you're a woodworker or do-it-yourselfer, keep these tips in mind when you're building your home workshop. With a workbench and some simple tools, you can do your own repairs, build weekend projects, or even make your own furniture. Gather basic tools as you need them. Collect them slowly and tailor them to the type of projects you and your family like to do.
