Add Light with DIY Decor

(Family Features) When your home decor needs an upgrade, but expensive, ready-made items aren’t in your budget, DIY projects can be an easy and affordable solution for revitalizing rooms in your home. One simple way to enhance the character of a room is with lighted elements.

Add a glistening, on-trend look with a lighted canvas, which features twinkling lights that dance on shimmering glitter to lend a glam look to any room. The project, designed by crafting experts at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, can be adapted to any palette; just change out the color of the glitter to match the hues in your favorite room.

For a charming, subtle accent, this frosted jar and doily not only adds quaint flair – the jar also provides a soft glow of light. It’s perfect nestled on a shelf or sitting atop a dresser with similarly styled items.

Find more creative ideas to bring a touch of light to your home decor at joann.com.

Glitter and Lights Canvas
Crafting time: 3-5 hours
Skill level: Intermediate

Supplies and Tools:

• Foam brush
• 18-by-24-inch canvas
• Decoupage medium
• Ultra-fine to coarse gold glitter
• Craft knife
• 3 packages battery-operated warm white LED moon lights
• Duct tape
• Protected work surface

Instructions:

1. Use foam brush to cover entire canvas with layer of decoupage medium.
    
2. Working 12 inches from canvas, dust canvas with glitter. Apply glitter so bottom is fully covered, fading into less glitter at top to create an ombre effect. Apply additional layers of glitter to achieve a thick consistency at bottom. Mix types of glitters to create dimension.
    
3. Apply thin layer of decoupage medium over entire canvas to seal glitter. Tip: Ensure base layer is completely dry before applying top coat to avoid smearing glitter. 
    
4. Poke small hole in back of canvas with craft knife. Push tip of moon light through hole and secure in place with duct tape. Repeat, adding holes and lights over entire canvas. Continue ombre effect by placing more lights at bottom of canvas and less toward top. Apply layers of duct tape to hold lights securely in place on canvas.

Frosted Ball Jar with Doily
Crafting time: 1-2 hours
Skill level: Intermediate

Supplies and Tools:

• Ball jar (1-quart)
• Frosted glass spray
• Doily (8- to 10-inch diameter)
• Spray adhesive
• Hemp twine
• 1/8-inch ribbon
• Battery-powered tea light

Instructions:

1. Follow manufacturer’s directions and spray Ball jar completely with frosted glass spray. Allow to dry completely.
   
2. Spray working side of doily with adhesive. Press doily to jar, smoothing out any wrinkles. Allow to dry thoroughly.
   
3. Use twine and ribbon to embellish top. Place battery-powered tea light inside.

How to Maintain Marble Floors

(Family Features) Veins of color and unique patterns give marble tile a truly stunning appearance. However, maintaining that elegance may seem anything but effortless.

Common advice cautions against using vinegar, bleach, ammonia or other general-purpose cleaners, while taking care to prevent scratches from the wheels of an old vacuum or basic sand and dirt is paramount. With all these rules, it may seem impractical to care for a marble floor, but once you understand the basics, it’s actually quite simple.

Know the difference between etches and stains. “Marble is porous and can stain when it absorbs liquids,” said Jacqueline Tabbah, vice president of the family-owned stone restoration company International Stoneworks in Houston.

Stains can discolor marble and have a dark appearance; they are oftentimes caused by kitchen grease or makeup and lotions.

An etch mark is a chemical corrosion of the surface layer of the stone caused by the acids found in most household cleaners and in substances like tomato sauce, lemon juice and alcohol. Etch marks are often most visible at an angle, when they appear duller and less shiny than the surrounding surface.

If a spot is lighter than the surrounding stone, it’s most likely an etch mark. If a spot is darker than the surrounding stone, it’s probably a stain.

To remove stains, use a poultice, which you can buy at a hardware store. Spread it on the stain then cover the area with plastic wrap, holding it down with painter’s tape. The next day, remove the plastic, allow the poultice to dry completely and gently wipe it up. If the stain is still there but noticeably lighter, repeat the procedure. If it’s just as bad as it was, it will only come out with the help of a professional restorer. Etch marks can usually be prevented by wiping up spills immediately and using the right cleaners.

Be careful what you use to clean. Acids are the main enemy of calcitic marbles. Avoid cleaners containing vinegar or citrus, as well as abrasive powders and creams, which can scratch softer stones. Strong household cleaners like toilet bowl cleaner, metal cleaner or oven cleaners can cause irreparable etching or permanent color changes in stone.

Tabbah recommends a cleaner with a pH level of at least 7 or 8, or buying one that specifically mentions marble.

Mop carefully. “A microfiber mop is the main line of defense for your marble floor,” said Tom Workman, owner of Floor Cleaning Experts, a Florida company that cleans and restores commercial and residential floors.

A dry microfiber mop draws in dry hair and dirt. For deeper cleaning, saturate the mop with water. The thin microfibers have tiny triangular wedges that lift grease and oil as the mop glides across the floor. The small amount of water won’t stain your marble.

Soften water in showers. “If you have hard water, a water softener is a must,” Workman said.

Mineral deposits build up slowly but surely, requiring professional honing and polishing to remove. If you don’t use a water softener, leave the vent fan on after showering and squeegee the walls after use.

Use a doormat. Place a mat outside your front door and another mat or rug inside. They’ll absorb dirt and sand before it gets to your marble floors.

Don’t shy away from marble. Caring for it is easy if you follow these simple rules. For more information for caring for marble floors and other stone surfaces, visit naturalstoneinstitute.org/consumers/care.

Shower image courtesy of MS International
Marble tile image courtesy of Teresa Meek

Save Time with a Dream Closet

(Family Features) If you’re one of the 57 percent of women who believes having an organized closet would make finding what you want easier and faster, there’s no time like the present to stop dreaming about having a beautiful and organized closet. Take charge and start the project now.

Having a disorganized closet is a problem for at least one in four women, according a recent ClosetMaid survey. Some women (1 in 10) are even depressed when they open their closet doors. What’s more, some research suggests the average American wastes as much as 55 minutes a day (roughly 12 days a year) searching for things they can’t find.

Introducing some organization is a simple way to alleviate these worries. Whether you reside in an apartment in the city or a home in the suburbs, your best starting point is to create a plan of attack. Professional organizer Barbara Reich of Resourceful Consultants offers these tips for getting started:

Assess your needs. Ask questions like: Do you have a walk-in closet or a reach-in? Need to create one within a room? Do you prefer more shelves over hanging space? Is shoe storage important? Do you prefer a flexible system, like wire, that can adapt to your changing needs or do you prefer something with a designer look? Are you a DIYer or do you require professional assistance?
 

Define your taste and style. Do you prefer modern or traditional? Or are you more eclectic?

Identify the product that works best for your needs and your budget. One option to consider is ClosetMaid SpaceCreations, a designer-inspired, DIY-acquired option that provides customizable storage inside and outside of closets. Available in Classic White or Premier Dark Java, it’s easy to install and is extremely versatile with different accessories and options like shoe shelves, drawers and acrylic dividers to provide a completely personalized look. As an added bonus, this storage option can be adapted for a nursery, mudroom or pantry. A handy online design tool or a complimentary professional designer can assist you with the layout and design.

Let the organizing fun begin. Before you restock your new closet, scrutinize your wardrobe and accessories, and get rid of items you won’t ever wear or use again.

Once you’ve got everything neatly in place, enjoy your newfound organization, but be vigilant about keeping your closet in order. Dedicate 15 minutes each week to keep it looking as good as new.

7 Ways to Add Functional Style to Your Closet

Shine the light. A trendy light fixture can add fun and bling while providing adequate lighting to illuminate all the treasures your closet has to offer. Diffused lighting is a good way to chase away shadows and ensure none of your favorite garments and accessories get left in the dark.

Organize by color. When you’re ready to hang clothes in your newly designed space, sort garments by style; group dressy tops, casual pants and so on. Then take your organization another step further by hanging like colors together. The streamlined color palette is pleasing to the eye, but it also makes it easier to select the right combinations and avoid overlooking any options.

Hang clothes with care. Give your clothes some TLC and make the switch to high-quality hangers. Not only do uniform hangers make your closet appear more organized, they help keep your wardrobe in tip-top shape by preventing stretching. Slim velvet hangers are optimal for saving space, but if you have the room, a heavier wooden version is even better.

Add some special flair. It’s not just the structure that affects the overall mood of your closet. One easy way to add some personal charm is with colorful and patterned fabric drawers. They provide a home to hide and consolidate more personal belongings and add pops of color and style to your shelves.

Make creative use of wall space. If you have some unused wall space, this is the perfect place for a dream board. A simple cork surface is all you need. Add pictures of your favorite outfits so you can remember pairings that made you feel great. You can also use the space for inspiration and add wish list items from magazines or photos of looks you’d like to try.

Dedicate a container for capturing rejects. Avoid hanging on to unwanted items by designating a container to capture clothing destined for donation. When the bin is full, transfer to a cardboard box and drop off at a local charitable organization. A similar approach can be used for items that need repair; when a few items have accumulated, either haul out the sewing machine or head to the nearest seamstress for professional assistance.

Don’t forget the floor. While much is made about the wall space, the floor is an important element of your closet, too. For carpeted rooms a rug may be more ornamental, but if you have hardwood floors, an area rug can be a safety feature that keeps you from slipping in your hurry to get dressed and out the door.

Showcase your wardrobe in style with ClosetMaid SpaceCreations.

Find more creative closet solutions at ClosetMaid.com.

Add Life to Outdoor Spaces

(Family Features) Once the structural elements and hardscape features of your outdoor living space are in place, it’s time to turn attention to the details that really bring the area to life.

Vibrant textiles like cushions, pillows and rugs can all soften the look of a space while adding colorful charm, but another effective place where you can introduce plenty of character is the landscaping.

Often, homeowners treat the landscape and the architectural components of an outdoor living space as distinct design elements. Making the landscape seamlessly integrate into the area not only transforms the way the space looks, it enhances the outdoor ambiance.

Create Climate Control
One of the first considerations is the functional benefits landscaping can bring for needs such as shade. Quaking aspens and birch trees are beautiful and fast-growing options, or for a more traditional look, some maple trees grow quickly and certain varieties create a dazzling display of color. Another popular option is the Bradford pear, but this tree can be brittle and is prone to splitting so choose it with care. Flowering trees such as the tulip tree or dogwood are other fast-growing options. If a tree is impractical for your space or simply not your style, you might instead consider large flowering bushes, such as the lilac or Rose of Sharon.

Keep Prying Eyes Out
When it comes to privacy, there is also a multitude of options. Ornamental grasses come in a surprising array of colors and looks, and many grow high enough to shield a private lounge or eating area. Alternatively, you could consider a lush climbing vine paired with a trellis. Dwarf trees and shrubs also lend privacy when planted in close proximity. Another stylish option is to put oversized planters into play. Fill them with the vegetation of your choice for an instant eye block topped with live plants. For an outdoor kitchen, make these vessels do double-duty by making them the basis for your herb garden.

Set Boundaries
If your outdoor space doesn’t have a clearly defined perimeter, you can easily introduce borders using a line of shrubbery or bushes. Low-growing options can help maintain an open feel while adding some definition to the area. Creating specific boundaries not only lends an aesthetic touch, it can help guide traffic patterns; for example, encouraging visitors to keep to a stone path.

Go Low Maintenance
If you’re leery of adding too much work with plants that need frequent care and attention, there are several options that require little effort. Succulents are a great way to add texture, interest and color to a planter or table-top pot. For more color, opt for low-maintenance perennials that require little water. After your initial planting and fertilizing, you’ll need to water during dry spells in the summer, but for the most part, they’ll require little extra attention through the year until it’s time to trim them back for winter.

Consult with experts at your local nursery or garden center for advice on the trees and plants that work best in your climate zone, and find more tips for creating your ideal outdoor living space at eLivingToday.com.

Enhance Your Outdoor Living Space
No matter the season or the region, outdoor living is more popular than ever, as homeowners look to “bring the indoors out” and create spaces that are true extensions of the home. The newest designs in outdoor living spaces do not simply feature the look of the indoors, but the functionality as well.

Regardless of the size of your deck – or budget – these simple tips from the experts at Trex can add interior function to your outdoor oasis:

Absolute Al Fresco
While grilling and al fresco dining are longtime hallmarks of backyard entertaining, outdoor kitchens are now finally living up to their name. From storing seat cushions to keeping drinks cold, today’s outdoor kitchen accessories can make outdoor spaces look as put-together as the rest of the home. Among the newest advancements is the Trex Outdoor Kitchens collection, which features outdoor cabinetry and functional elements such as trash bins, ice chests and storage drawers that eliminate the need for back-and-forth trips inside the home.

Railing Redefined
Even railings have taken on a more functional role in today’s backyards. One of the most popular trends is “cocktail railing,” which provides a flat surface for drinks and plates. By using a matching deck board to create a shelf for the top rail, you can achieve a look that complements your home’s deck while making great use of space.

Lights, Please
Lighting is another “bright” idea for adding versatility to the outdoors. Lighting systems that incorporate deck lighting and other exterior lighting work together to create ambiance that can be adjusted for any setting. By choosing which outdoor elements to highlight, it’s easy to change the look of an outdoor living space without moving any furniture.

Material Matters
Just because people are spending more time on their decks doesn’t mean they’re willing to put in extra hours for maintenance. Wood alternatives, particularly wood-plastic composites, are especially popular due to their low-maintenance features. Unlike wood, composite decking such as Trex Transcend resists fading, staining, scratching and mold – and won’t rot, warp, crack or splinter. No sanding, staining or painting is required, and food and drink spills wash off easily with soap and water. The latest generation of composite decking also features wood-grain patterns and rich, saturated colors that look and feel more natural than ever before.

For more information and outdoor living inspiration, visit trex.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (patio with orange cushion chairs)