Decor-Blog.com

If you find yourself stuck with inheriting a kitchen or bath tile that is unattractive, don’t think that you must have it removed and replaced with different tile or wallpaper. Before you incur that time and expense, try repainting it yourself, or ask an artistic friend or relative to help.

This works best if there is a relatively small area to improve, and if the area is not near water. It probably would not be advantageous to paint an area that has constant contact with splashing water, since even the most resilient shellac may not offer adequate protection.

However, for decorative areas above a work area or counter space-or even a back splash-it doesn’t hurt to try this before ripping out the old tile. It may even be what the room décor may need to complement the color scheme.

Visit the local crafts store; acrylics are an excellent choice, as most are available in small bottles and are inexpensively priced. They also wash off clothes, brushes and grout easily, and can be mixed with other brands of acrylic paint. Plus, in the event the artist changes their mind about the style or color, this type of paint can be removed by scrubbing with soap and water, even if dried. (This is why a fixative, glaze or other protection is required after completion.)

Next, decide what colors would best suit the surroundings. Chances are, with the vast assortment of acrylics, you will find at least 4-5 tones of the shade you’re considering. Should you utilize 2 or 3 colors, it widens the range even more. Opt for 2 or 3 different paints, as fewer won’t be as interesting and more become too difficult when blending. (Blending is important as it can hide a lot of mistakes while still looking artistic!)

The initial step in implementing this project is to cover all grout with strips of masking tape. (If the area is larger than a few feet, aim to finish a section at a time, perhaps an area of 3 tiles across and 3 tiles down.) Then, start with the first color and dab over all tiles in the section. Use a flat sponge brush, since individual strokes are not needed with that type of applicator. Leave plenty of room for the other colors. Repeat with the 2nd color, and then the 3rd color (if used). By this point most of the original color is covered and other colors are somewhat overlapped. This process must be done fairly quickly, as acrylic dries more rapidly than other paints. The final step is to take a wet paper towel and start blotting into the colors. This will not only “blend” the paint but also lift out some of it, leaving a textured and layered effect. If a tile does not look the way you wish, simply wash off and redo. It may take some trial and error to determine how many tiles to work on at a time, but eventually it will become easier.

After all sections are complete, let dry overnight in order to see the finished project in daylight. If some tiles need more of a particular color, dab extra on; if others are too harsh or dark, dab with a wet paper towel to lift some color off. When satisfied, remove masking tape, let thoroughly dry, and then apply a coat of varnish or other clear protection. (Most are available in glossy, semi glossy or flat finishes.)

The time required to paint tiles will, of course, vary, but plan on spending longer than you originally expected. Allow an entire weekend in order to accommodate changes or repairs to the paint job; however, the process of doing several squares at once is the most efficient and provides uniformity for the blending process.

Although the time investment may seem like a lot, this is the type of project that provides ongoing satisfaction and compliments. People will never believe that you’ve done it yourself, as it really does add a designer touch to any space. Every time you’ll look at the handiwork, you’ll feel good that you have custom painted tile, and hopefully you will enjoy the process as much as the end result!

Article Submitted Via Our Submit An Article Page.

Working Better and Healthier with Fine Office Furniture
Comfort is the first consideration. Be it office chairs or desks, each of the furniture of an office ought to meet the standard of comfortability. A comfortable chair and desk in an office assure the workers a space to work better. Health surveys, be it UK or any other country, state that serious health problems like headache, body ache, mental stress or other psychological disorders are caused by poor sitting posture in office due to uncomfortable chairs. Thus, comfort level should come first. Affordability and style come next. It’s important that style of the chairs, desks, etc. is meeting the modern standard style. Office Furniture meant to be kept at reception has to be much more stylish than the one used at workplace.

Design Trends Worth Notice
Hi-tech and Tradition Perfectly Combined
The concept of "fittings" is what the systems are based on and allows the user to make an infinite number of configurations with the joints or fittings as they are called. The systems are great for any application from entertainment wall to storage units, and even beds

Convenience Taking Counts
Convenience seems to be driving many of the new furniture designs as it does so many other aspects of our lives. Take a cool computer desk for example. All the cables and computer components are contained within the desk and the top lifts for internal access. On the side of the desk reside the CD, RW/DVD, USB, and Hot Keys for a complete computer experience.

Multiple Configuration Options
Many designers are giving life to furniture that has multiple configuration options. The main reason for this emerging trend is versatility, allowing the piece to be used in spaces of various sizes. These modules are "based on shapes like graphically geometric, sinuous, and futuristic forms making this smart furniture useable in more settings. For example, magazine Rack are now taking more flexibility.

Outdoor Seating: Bring Indoor Comfort to Outside
An innovative approach to outdoor seating, a wide curving sofa, a semi-circular footstool, small elliptical table and an arching canopy which can be mixed and matched to create the ideal arrangement for your summer's leisure. The wide curving sofa when paired with the sweeping foot stool offers a huge base on which to recline and relax. Good outdoor furniture adds glamour and style to your gardens and patios.

Outdoor Furniture Choice
Cushions: Consumers want indoor comforts outside. Many companies sell furniture and umbrellas made with great fabrics, which are "pretty much indestructible.
Faux wicker: People like the look of wicker but want to leave furniture outdoors; hence the popularity of powder-coated frames covered by resin strips. Wicker feels like a vacation house.
Lounge seating: dinning sets are no longer the big draw. Customers want outdoor rooms to look more like lounges, experts say. Contemporary designs are a big part of this look.

Sofa Fashion
Sofa Bed with Multiple Function
There are many pieces on the market today that serve multiple purposes. One of my favorites is the sofa bed. I think sofa beds offer terrific functionality when needed and provide daily living requirements of being a great piece of furniture to lounge on. You will not always have overnight guests, but if you do, it is nice to offer them a place to sleep. Also, if your spouse, girlfriend, or boyfriend misbehaves, you can send them out to the sofa for a good night sleep!

Sectional Sofa: Functional and Space Save
A sectional sofa for a small space probably appears to be an oxymoron. How could there possibly be a perfect meeting of the two? Well, the honest answer is that in the right home, a sectional sofa could actually save you space! Centrally locating sofa pieces within a small living area not only lends to proper seating for conversation and intimacy, but could also make the space feel more spacious. If seating in one specific spot is not to your liking, with sectional pieces you have the ability to place them however you prefer. This would lend your own personal creative touch to the living room. When looking to purchase a sectional sofa, it would be a wise decision to locate a home furnishing store or website that sells each piece individually or as a whole. That way, if a set is too large you could subtract a couple of pieces and if a desired set is too small, you could add an extra piece. The ability to choose particular pieces allows you to mix and match, therefore, creating your own unique signature "look".

The Material Quality Really Cares
When purchasing outdoor furniture for your space, you need to get something that is made out of higher quality materials. If you don't, then what you purchase will end up breaking down under the elements and will have to be replaced sooner rather than later. Teak along with thick synthetic materials including polymer, resin, and recycled plastic. Every one of these materials will last for quite awhile. Plus, they are all very pleasing to the eye and can be made even more beautiful by the different finishes and colors that are applied to them, something that allows you to also personalize the look of your space. Like, if you just want that plain, sophisticated wood look, then you can get furniture made out of the Southern Cypress with just a clear finished applied to it. Or, if you are looking for something that has a little more flair and panache to it, then a great option would be to again get something made from Southern Cypress, but this time have a hand painted vibrant color applied.