Weekend Warrior: Painting Wall Panels

(photo: DIY Network)

Owning an older home can sometimes come with its own design challenges. How many of us have been inside an abode with wood paneling that reminds us of the Brady house (from the show, 'The Brady Bunch')? Before you encourage your friends (or yourself) to tear up your walls, consider a little paint. Paint has the power to completely transform a room making it look brand new. Whether you are on a budget or want to tackle a project that is not too labor intensive, try painting wall panels. Turning once again to the DIY Network, here is a pretty straightforward project that requires a couple days and a little money.

Click Here to view the How to Paint Over Paneling project on the DIY Network

Materials & Tools Needed

trisodium phosphate (TSP)

drywall compound

primer

painter's tape

water-resistant paint roller

putty knife

paint tray

drop cloth

Step #1: Inspect and Prepare the Paneling

In some instances you may be able to remove the paneling and paint the walls directly. But often paneling was installed with both nails and adhesive, and you could damage your walls if you try to remove the paneling. Also, in some cases the paneling was placed directly on the wall studs with nothing behind it.

When you're ready to start painting, make sure that your paneling is made of solid wood. Some paneling actually consists of a vinyl print that simulates the look of wood. To check, sand a small area on the wall. Vinyl coatings come off quickly, revealing the pressboard underneath. If your walls have a vinyl or thin veneer finish, you'll need to take extra care when painting them.

Another point to consider is the texture you want your walls to have. If you want a smooth finish, you can fill the paneling grooves with wood filler, a time-consuming job, or hang a liner over the paneling and paint the liner. Otherwise, you can simply paint the paneling for a look of added depth and texture. 

Step #2: Place the Drop Cloth

After gathering materials together, move any furniture out of the way and place a drop cloth on the floor near the wall.

Step #3: Wash the Paneling

Wash the paneling with trisodium phosphate, also known as TSP, to remove grease from the walls.

CLICK HERE to view the rest of How to Paint Over Paneling project

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Warm Up Your Bathroom During Colder Months with These Tips

(photo: seen on Tacky Raccoon)

It seems more and more areas around the U.S. are finally starting to see winter weather. Though delayed, most of us can expect below freezing temps, ice and snow that will leave us feeling quite chilly. Our homes will soon become our safe haven against the inclimate weather as most will opt to stay indoors to weather the storm. Warm showers however can quickly turn frigid as the bathroom tends to be one of the chilliest places during winter. Don’t let your bath suite turn into an ice box this winter. Here are three ways to help keep your bath toasty without any costly improvements or renovations.

3 Ways to Keep Your Bathroom Warm During the Colder Months

Myson Wall 8-Bar Towel Warmer, Bed Bath and Beyond

Towel Warmer – Keep yourself warm post shower with a towel warmer. Warmers are not only great for keeping your bath linens hot, but can even reduce mildew. For those who have both the space and budget, install a wall-mounted towel warmer in your bath space that you can use throughout the year. The Myson Wall 8-Bar Towel Warmer will bring luxury to your bathroom without the need for major electrical work (pre-wired electrical cord). For those with a tighter budget or cramped space, try the Conair Thermalux Towel Warmer. Compact in size, this mini towel warmer can hold two towels while keeping them heated for up to 20 minutes. Place this on your countertop of near your shower area for easy access. Just be careful not to spill water.

Holmes Heater Fan with Bathroom-Safe Plug, Home Depot

Bath Heater – Not everyone gets super cold in the bathroom during winter so it’s best to have something that is easily adjustable. A portable bath heater is the perfect option if you share a bathroom with multiple people or want quick heating without investing in something too permanent. The Holmes Heater Fan with Bathroom-Safe Plug uses digital thermostat controls for your desired comfort level. Equipped with a bathroom safe plug, pre-heat the heater with the timer before even stepping foot in the bathroom.

Ditali Bath Mat, West Elm

Plush Bath Mat – There is a reason why we wear slippers when it’s cold as they help protect our feet and keep them cozy. Introduce that same concept into your bathroom during the winter months with a plusher bath mat. The Ditali Bath Mat brings a functionality and fluffiness into your bathroom that really allows you to sink your feet. Place one next to your shower, near the sink and in front of the toilet to retain heat in your bathroom. At least you won’t have to walk on ice cold floors.

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2011 Was Worst Year for New Home Sales. What Can You Get Under $275,000?

(photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images via USA Today)

It’s never easy to hear the news that the economy we thought was stabilizing still has major difficulties in some areas. Just yesterday, news broke that 2011 was the worst year for new-home sales since 1963. Roughly 302,000 new homes sold last year that is less than the 323,000 sold back in 2010. “Although this decline was unexpected, it does not change the story that housing has likely bottomed,” adds Jennifer H. Lee, senior economist at BMO Capital Markets. To remain competitive during these hard times, more and more builders have lowered sales (the median sales prices in December 2011 was $210,300).

All this talk of low sales has us thinking about what one could buy. What incentives are builders using to entice those who still have buying power to invest in a brand new home? Are there still new homes out there that are affordable? With a budget of $275,000, we began our search on REALTOR.com to find affordable deals across the country. Take a look at some memorable homes we found along the way.

So what is the future of the housing market?

We honestly have no clue, but it would appear there may be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. Even with the sour news of new home purchases, sales still rose in the final quarter of 2011. In addition, sales of previously occupied homes rose in December 2011 for the third straight month. What has been your experience with the housing market?

National Newly Constructed Homes Under $275,000 by Region 

(Northeast)

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Fishtown Townhouse

Price: $205,000

Size: 1,403 swft

Year Built: 2011

Rooms: 3 bedroom/3 bathroom

Features: Stainless steel appliances

MLS ID: 5995756

(Midwest)

Grand Rapids, Michigan - Fairmont Square Townhome

Price: $194,321

Size: 1,889 sqft

Year Built: 2011

Rooms: 2 bedroom/3 bathroom

Features: Energy Star Plus certified home, main level hardwood floors, sunroom, private fenced-in patio, rec room

MLS ID: 11048179

(South)

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma - Williamson Farms Single Family Home

Price: $214,900

Size: 2,035 sqft

Year Built: 2011

Rooms: 3 bedroom/2 bathroom

Features: 3-Car garage, fireplace

MLS ID: 251886

(West)

Denver, Colorado - Denver Northeast Single Family Home

Price: $196,800

Size: 2,002 sqft

Year Built: 2012

Rooms: 2 bedroom/3 bathroom

Features: 2-Car garage, gated entry, main floor bathroom

MLS ID: 706395

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Daily Discovery: Love of Cooking Dish Towels

Like most people we know, we enjoy the art of cooking and how you can transform simple ingredients into amazing dishes. These Love of Cooking Dish Towels are the perfect gift for a hostess, housewarming party, newlywed or anyone who enjoys crafting up edible dishes :) Made of 100% undyed cotton, these cookware-inspired dish towels are extremely absorbent and functional. We love the visual breakdown of commonly used items that may help those new in the kitchen.

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Weekend Wrapup: January 27th-29th 2012

Happenings This Weekend:

• (1/25-1/29) Tacoma Home and Garden Show, Tacoma Dome, Tacoma, Washington. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
• (1/26-1/28) OASIS Gift Show, Phoenix Convention Center, Phoenix, Arizona. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
• (1/26-1/29) Interior Design Show Canada, Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, Ontario. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
• (1/27-1/29) Northern California Home & Landscape Expo, Cal Expo, Sacramento, California. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
• (1/27-1/29) Greater Montgomery Home and Garden Show, Renaissance Montgomery Convention Center, Montgomery, Alabama. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
• (1/27-1/29) Madison Lake Home & Cabin Show, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wisconsin. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
• (1/27-2/2) The New York Gift & Home Textiles Market Week at 7W New York, New York. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
• (1/28-2/2) New York International Gift Fair, Jacob Javits Convention Center, New York, New York. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here

Happenings Next Weekend:

• (1/30-2/3) Las Vegas Market, World Market Center, Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
• (1/31-2/26) Marin Designers Showcase House benefiting The Center for Volunteer Nonprofit Leadership, Belvedere, California. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
• (2/1-2/3) Design San Francisco, San Francisco Design Center, San Francisco, California. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
• (2/2-2/4) Home Design Show, Miramar Design Center, Estero, Florida. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
• (2/3) First Friday, Ohio Design Centre, Beachwood, Ohio. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
• (2/3-2/5) Ocean County Home Show, Pine Belt Arena, Toms River HS North, Toms River, New Jersey. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
• (2/3-2/5) Lodi Home and Garden Show, Lodi Grape Fest Grounds, Lodi, California. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
• (2/3-2/5) Linn County Spring Home & Garden Show, Linn County Expo, Albany, Oregon. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here
• (2/4-2/5) Battle Creek Live Green Home Show & Green Vehicle Showcase, Kellogg Arena, Battle Creek, Michigan. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here

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16 Near Spill-Proof Dinnerware Every Child Should Use

(photo: seen on Boon)

Children may be our pride in joy, but sure do know how to make a mess. From accidental spills to unwanted stains, it is only inevitable for unwanted occurrence to...occur. While we can't teach children to never make a mess, there are some products out there to make life easier. All parents should have a hefty inventory of anti-spill dinnerware and accessories. Not only will these items help to keep your children clean, but will also protect the surfaces of your home. Take a look at some of our favorite spill-proof items.

Juice Pal Insulated Juice Box Holder (One Step Ahead)

16 Spill-Proof Dining Products Every Child Should Have

1. Juice Pal Insulated Juice Box Holder (One Step Ahead)
2. AUTOSEAL Kids Trekker Cup (Contigo)
3. Gyro Bowl
4. bibi Non-Slip Feeding Bowl with Cutlery (Bizzie Baby)
5. Palette Plate Feeding Set (Skip Hop)
6. Crayola Insulated Drink Containers (Geek Alerts)
7. Explora Weaning Bowls with Lid & Spoon (Tommee Tippee)
8. Verso Snack Dispenser (MoMA Store)
9. The Lunch Box (OOTS)
10. Motorized Ice Cream Cone (Wildline)
11. Dombo Cup by Richard Hutten (Unica Home)
12. Benders Adaptable Utensils (Boon)
13. Bento Box (Plastica Shop)
14. Rebel Collection designed by Johan Verde
15. Storage System - Octo (Baby Brezza)
16. Uni Jr. Dinnerware Set, Mod Daisy (Precidio)

Verso Snack Dispenser (Marlo Taepper, 2011 - MoMA Store)

The Gyro Bowl

Storage System - Octo Green (Baby Brezza)

Uni Jr. Dinnerware Set, Mod Daisy (Precidio)

Bento Box (Plastica Shop)

bibi Non-slip Feeding bowl with cutlery

Boon Benders 

Crayola Insulated Drink Container (Geek Alerts)

Dombo Cup by Richard Hutten (Unica Home)

Explora Weaning Bowls w/ Lid & Spoon (Tommee Tippee)

Motorized Ice Cream Cone (Wildline)

OOTS Lunchbox

Palette Plate Feeding Set (Skip Hop)

Rebel Collection designed by Johan Verde

AUTOSEAL® Kids Trekker Cup, Contigo

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The Real Estate Corner: Luxury on the First Road in South Africa

There are a many places around the world that boast gorgeous views and culture, but a few on our bucket list of places to see. South Africa is one of those places that has breathtaking views and an unforgettable history. While there still remain sentiments of heartache and divides, the country as a whole is best known for its rich and natural beauty. This home in Johannesburg stopped us in our tracks upon sight. Boasting six bedrooms and four and a half baths, this Hyde Park home sparkles among its surrounding habitat.

For us, the outside of the home steals the show with manicured lawns and enough space for lounging and entertaining. Areas like the rose garden, ponds, fountains and olive grove put the stamp of luxury on this multi-family home making it a dream place to dwell.

While the exterior of the house appears very glamorous, the interior seems...livable. Many of the furnishings do not appear over-styled and posses a comfort that is not common in posh homes (many of the furniture is for looking and not using). Take a photo tour through the rest of the home and let us know what you think. Could you see you and your family living here? To learn more about the property, click here to visit the Sotheby Realty listing.

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