| ...
the american dream is alive and well at paragon picture gallery, albertville,
al. in 1970, a young couple named wendell and bonnie glassco saw an opportunity
in something very simple: making inexpensively priced homes beautiful. today the
company is among the largest framed art manufacturers in the country, with
corporate showrooms in high point and las vegas and a sales rep network that... |
| ... a penetrating, permanent concrete waterproofing sealer.
originally developed to seal concrete for hazardous waste containment
applications, it accelerates the drying time for concrete and is an inexpensive
product for sealing concrete prior to installing vinyl, vct or wood flooring.
it is non-toxic and easy to apply.
contractors have been using bone dry for more than 35 years without... |
| ...ceramic tile counter tops are inexpensive, durable and easy to clean making
is a really good choice for countertops in the average home. because ceramic
tile is installed a portion at a time, it can be handled by most capable
do-it-yourselfers. ceramic tile counter tops are offered in wide range of
colors, textures and price points. some of the drawbacks of ceramic tile counter
tops are ... |
| ...ere very popular, and in recent years they have reemerged in contemporary design. flokatis are very shaggy, with a pile 3 or 4 inches long. they are cozy and have a great texture. they are relatively inexpensive and not too big, which make them easy to take with you to your next home. they are great in a bedroom or a living room or really any room that is not formal in the traditional sense. they ... |
| ...ut to size and finished on the
ends. laminate counter tops are available in lots of colors from such brands as
formica, nevamar, and wilsonart. laminate is easy to maintain; resilient
and inexpensive but it scratches and chips and is almost impracticable to
repair; it shows seams and front edge choices can be high-priced... |
| ...es seem that a great percentage of moroccan carpets are of the coarse weave and lurid dye variety, a quality which could be ascribed to morocco's close proximity to the west, with its availability of inexpensive artificial dyes and perhaps even more importantly its being a major tourist destination with a virtual tidal wave of airport art quality weaving generated in pursuit of the souvenir trade.... |
| ...sisal rugs make an interesting and comparatively inexpensive flooring. a sisal rug also provides a neat surface for modern furniture, as well as making good unifying background for a mixture of old and new pieces. sisal rug usually comes in natural colors, but can be dyed. dust and dirt usually fall through the sisal rug which can be lifted up for cleaning.
because sisal rugs are made from plant ... |
| ...arpet refers to goods made by machine. buy wall-to-wall carpeting and have it cut to any size, add borders, and have the edges bound. or select from any number of types and patterns available, either inexpensive copies or valuable collector's items. let your tastes, needs, and budget direct you.
throw rugs are a favorite in the kitchen. right in front of the sink, where you generally stand and cl... |
| ...onments like wet rooms, shower alcoves and walk-in showers or above
bathtubs to make their bathrooms more functional while adding a touch of
comfort.
swap out decor and accessories
a quick, inexpensive way to transform your bathroom is to update the decor and
other design elements. installing a new toilet seat, faucet or showerhead and
adding matching accessories, such as a toilet pa... |
| ...ironments like wet rooms, shower alcoves and walk-in showers or above
bathtubs to make their bathrooms more functional while adding a touch of
comfort.
swap out decor and accessories
a quick, inexpensive way to transform your bathroom is to update the decor and
other design elements. installing a new toilet seat, faucet or showerhead and
adding matching accessories, such as a toilet pa... |
| ...c, drops, scratches, and most importantly, spills.
engineered wood flooring was created to lower the cost of wood flooring and attempt to fix some of solid wood's shortcomings. it's constructed from inexpensive plywood or particle board and topped with a thin veneer of hardwood. this construction helps with installation flexibility and slightly improves indent performance, but it adds a new set o... |
| ...hout the day, using natural sunlight from your windows, to your overhead lighting in the evening, before making a commitment.
what can you do if your flooring has been installed already? a quick and inexpensive fix is to experiment with different types of light bulbs to find a more flattering color temperature. although the kelvin scale provides categories of color temperatures, there is a standa... |
| ...the vinyl polymer is based on the natural element chlorine.
chlorine gives vinyl two advantages. first, chlorine is derived from brine — a solution of common salt and water, and a readily available, inexpensive commodity. thus, vinyl is less sensitive to fluctuations in the world oil market than are totally oil dependent polymers.
second, chlorine has excellent inherent flame retardant propertie... |
| ...of threads, flat weave rug fibers typically won’t shed as much as other types of rugs — even in the case of wool, which typically sheds more than other rug materials.
flat weave rugs are relatively inexpensive. flat weave rugs are wonderful examples of fine craftsmanship, but they take much less time to make than hand-tufted or hand-knotted rugs. as a result, they’re easier to make and typically... |
| ...pile/li>
repels water and stains
feels luxurious
flame resistant
resists static electricity
mmay shed initially
cotton natural
strong and stable/li>
soft and generally inexpensive
durable for high-traffic areas
washable perfect for kitchens
ttends to attract dirt easily
viscose derived from a natural fiber
soft and comfortable/li>
easily d... |
| ...c, drops, scratches, and most importantly, spills.
engineered wood flooring was created to lower the cost of wood flooring and attempt to fix some of solid wood’s shortcomings. it’s constructed from inexpensive plywood or particle board and topped with a thin veneer of hardwood. this construction helps with installation flexibility and slightly improves indent performance, but it adds a new set o... |
| ...illumination isn't just useful, it can open up a room and highlight beautiful architectural features. all lighting should be dusted, but for those fixtures that are old, outdated, or broken, consider inexpensive replacement options. something as simple as replacing glass globes can add high-impact style. adding task and accent lighting is another smart investment. for example, under-cabinet lights... |
| ...r new home to eliminate the risk of any former keyholders accessing your new space. do this even if you know the former keyholders because you never know who they shared keys with. this fix is quick, inexpensive and it provides you with peace of mind.
* flooring updates. redoing a floor is always easier when the floor is empty.whether you’re choosing to redo wood floors or lay tile before you m... |
| ...recently, homeowners are changing the facades of their kitchen cabinets and painting them instead of staining them—a trend that has grown tremendously. add new knobs to complete the look for an easy, inexpensive way to give your cabinets a facelift.
swap pillows and throws. you can’t change your couch every time the season changes, but switching out pillows and throws is a great way to give sea... |
| ...d visual interest to your kitchen design by contrasting the upper and lower cabinetry or creating a standout island in a different tone.
simply updating the hardware with a colorful twist can be an inexpensive alternative for adding color as well.
think about sinks
once overlooked as an option for introducing style in the kitchen, today's kitchen sinks accommodate a wide range of designs a... |
| ...resents your style.
style on a budget
of all the rooms in a home, kitchens and bathrooms still get the most attention. unfortunately, getting that dream kitchen or perfect bathroom isn’t always inexpensive.
for those who have uncompromising taste, but are on a budget, mixing materials is the ideal solution. for instance, say you had your heart set on a marble island and surrounding counte... |
| ... design aesthetic in their living spaces.
an unusual hero of this new design trend is the wooden pallet, which can easily be purchased at any hardware store. with some creativity and know how, these inexpensive items can be re-purposed to create a personalized statement in your home that you'll love.
re-imagine your wall
today, walls are for paint and pictures, but even if you've fallen in love... |
| ...n. "these simple steps will help keep you headache-free and your driveway clear."
inspect and replace the spark plug. change your spark plug every 100 hours. the good news is they're inexpensive and easy to replace. follow this how-to video to learn how.
add fresh fuel and fuel stabilizer. fuel has a shelf life of about 30 days if left untreated. before revving your snow blowe... |
| ...sider adding a subfloor if the surface slopes or is uneven.
many homeowners gravitate to the warmth and soundproofing effect of carpeting in basements. low-pile or berber carpets resist wear and are inexpensive options. a moisture-barrier pad between the carpet pad and the carpet adds another level of water resistance and reassurance.
now is a great time to finish your basement. you’ll enjoy the... |
| ...ts from the four largest energy leaks in your home — the folding attic stairs, the whole house fan, the fireplace and the clothes dryer? here are some tips and techniques that can easily, quickly and inexpensively seal and insulate these areas.
attic stairs
when attic stairs are installed, a large hole (approximately 10 square feet) is created in your ceiling. the ceiling and insulation that wer... |
| ...our bed. rectangular shapes work best for most beds and you can get creative by trying patterns such as stripes, chevron and diamonds.
6. install faux panel moulding. no moulding? no problem! buy inexpensive frames and paint them the same color as your baseboard trim. adhere the frames to the wall (without the backing and glass) for a simple, yet dramatic, look.
7. make a statement (wall).... |
| ...big difference when it comes to dressing up your home. however, adding a touch of personal style doesn't have to break the bank; you can actually make a big difference by adding simple, practical and inexpensive accents in every room.
in the living room
an easy way to add character to your main living space is to incorporate pieces that tell a story. treasured mementos from a special vacation ... |
| ...lusion of depth. achieve a look that is more "now" with a stucco-like finish. using some simple painting tools, multi-tone paint and a material such as joint compound, you can easily - and relatively inexpensively - create a stucco surface that adds genuine texture you can see and feel.
touchable textiles
the use of diverse fabrics is an age-old method of introducing variety and polish to a we... |
| ...ing the cozy charm of autumn into your home:
pull in nature
this season is all about celebrating nature's bounty, so bring that celebration home. pumpkins and gourds of every shape and color make inexpensive additions that brighten any tabletop or mantle. or, place as many of these beloved squashes you can on a bale of hay outside the front door for a display the whole neighborhood can enjoy.
... |
| ...ng a room with furnishings in neutral shades is actually the simplest way to embrace new decorating trends. give a monochromatic room an instant makeover with pillows, artwork and tchotchkes. it's an inexpensive way to change things up whenever the mood strikes.
6. be neighborly - even if you only have room for a small pot of flowers, make your front porch welcoming. if possible, set out some ch... |
| ...
* glassware: forget the matched set of glassware. quirky or vintage mix and match glassware makes a unique statement and makes it easier for guests to remember which drink is theirs.
* menus: use inexpensive chalkboard paper instead of a traditional tablecloth to transform your table into an interactive writing surface. or as an alternative, grab candles and write menu items directly on them w... |
| ...aid prints are a great way to evoke that welcoming, home-style country feeling. keep your eyes open for one-of-a-kind antiques and wood furniture to accent your country retreat. a perfect - and often inexpensive - place to start is your local antique store, flea market, or even yard sales. after all, one person's trash is another person's vintage treasure.
select delicate, yet comfortable, fur... |
| ... but just because you're thoroughly washing, scrubbing and disinfecting your home, doesn't mean you need to turn to cleansers with harsh ingredients and chemicals. in fact, you can easily clean using inexpensive products already in your kitchen, such as vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice. use these tips to clean your home naturally.
start seeing clearly: after months of winter weather, windo... |
| ...touch of a signature scent."
start at the beginning. the entryway of a home is the first thing guests see, so make sure it's impactful. tidy up the outside area around the front door, and add some inexpensive pops of color with a planter full of seasonal flowers. on the inside, think about updating the walls with floral or damask wallpaper, or even a painted chevron pattern.
engage all the s... |
| ... years and owner of warren brothers mechanical contractors in stafford springs, conn. warren uses saniflo brand macerating plumbing systems.
"this technology," he continues, "makes it possible to inexpensively install a brand new bathroom in any room in the house, including the basement."
up-flush technology isn't new, having been invented a half-century ago, but its application is growing... |
| ...lorescent lighting, can make a noticeable difference.
time is money. save it with gps. time and fuel are wasted by installation and delivery crews getting lost on the way to a job. gps systems are inexpensive. the resulting energy cost reductions and improvements in crew efficiency can be substantial.
communicate what you’re doing. customers and employees respond positively to sustainability... |
| ...rlooked in a home but really gives a room life. if a live tree is too much of a commitment, incorporate an artificial tree, plant or arrangement. use a stylish pot and cover it with moss to create an inexpensive accessory.
3. create visual and tactile variety. achieve a warm and inviting atmosphere using soft lighting with lamps and dimmers. also use a variety of textures in the room. if there'... |
| ..."
try these budget-friendly decorating tips from matthews to help get you the priceless design you've always wanted without breaking the bank.
shed a little light: give your kitchen an instant and inexpensive makeover simply by replacing outdated fixtures such as faucets, lighting and hardware. you can also add a tile backsplash or under-cabinet lights to really dress up your kitchen. not only ... |
| ...The weavers in the town, located south of Tabriz, specialize in the production of inexpensive silk rugs. The medallion design with spandrels is the most frequently woven... |
| ...ic to color in a silk screen design painted on the base. The back of the base is then painted with thick Latex glue and covered with a sacking material. Mostly this method is used in China to produce inexpensive versions of their handknotted rugs... |
| ...o keep water from soaking into the material, staining it, or causing it to swell and buckle. However, it isn't waterproof in the same way as sheet vinyl, natural stone, or ceramic tile. Yet, it is an inexpensive alternative and does offer good water-resistance.
Technically, most waterproof laminate is more water-resistant than fully waterproof. This is because while the individual planks ... |
| ...tenance forms a significant part of the budget. More complex installations like stone or tile are more expensive, both in terms of materials and labor, while carpet or laminate flooring is relatively inexpensive to install. Similarly, maintenance costs for hardwood or natural stone can be high due to the need for regular sealing or refinishing.
Finally, the element of style and trends play... |