Jimmy Amiri

The popcorn ceiling may be one of the most hideous home construction trends ever. Thank goodness it is no longer en vogue. Unfortunately, a lot of homes still have popcorn ceilings. The good news is that the popcorn can be removed, and the ceiling refinished.

This post will discuss what to do after removing popcorn ceilings, based on advice from family-owned and operated Dallas Paints. Needless to say, the removal process is slow and messy. But once it’s done, the hard work is behind you. You can move on to refinishing.

1. Let the Ceiling Dry Completely

The first thing you will want to do after removing the popcorn finish is to allow the ceiling to dry completely. It could be that the drywall is fairly damp, especially if you used water to soften the popcorn prior to removal. You should also have used some damp rags to wipe down the drywall to remove any fine dust and debris.

2. Repair the Ceiling’s Imperfections

Removing a popcorn finish ultimately reveals plenty of imperfections in the drywall. In fact, one of the reasons for choosing the popcorn finish – from the builder’s perspective – was to avoid having to put the work into making the ceiling look perfect.

You are going to have a few things to deal with:

• Nails or screws
• Seams and butt joints
• Corner joints
• Various dings and scrapes.

All these things can be repaired with drywall compound and a selection of drywall knives. Do not bother with spackling. It doesn’t work as well, and you need to use more of it compared to drywall compound.

Minimize the Sanding

One thing you’re going to want to do is apply the joint compound in such a way as to minimize the need to sand. Sanding will still be necessary, but why do more than you need to? You can keep sanding to a minimum by applying multiple thin layers of joint compound instead of one heavy layer. With each layer, expand outward to create a smooth finish.

You may want to sand between each coat. However, you may not have to if you are careful and handy with a drywall knife. For your seams and butt joints, use a 12-inch knife for a nice, even spread. A 4- or 5-inch knife is sufficient for everything else.

3. Sand, Prime, and Paint

Your third and final coat of drywall compound is known as the skim coat. Here’s where you are applying the thinnest layer possible, just to smooth things out. Let it dry for a day or two. Once it is fully dry, sand it gently. You just want to knock down any edges. You don’t want to scuff the paper.

After sanding, clean away as much dust as possible with a broom. You don’t have to wipe down the ceiling again. Just sweep it with a broom and then put on your primer. Follow the directions on the primer can regarding coats and drying time.

The final step is to paint the ceiling. We recommend masking the wall for a clean, sharp line. We also recommend flat paint rather than semi-gloss or eggshell. Most people use a flat ceiling white. It is inexpensive, it goes on easily, and it helps hide any minor imperfections in your drywall work.

After one or two coats of ceiling white, that’s it. Those ugly popcorn ceilings will be nothing but a memory. Just for giggles, you might want to take before and after pictures. Seeing a clean, white, and flat ceiling will clearly demonstrate just how bad an idea the popcorn finish was.

Many homeowners are thinking of cashing in on the high home prices plaguing the housing market by putting their property on the market. If you’re considering selling, now’s the time if you want to get the process done quickly and profitably.

Before staking that ‘For Sale’ sign on your property line, however, consider some last minute home maintenance tasks. Any top-notch real estate agent would attest to the importance of not only presenting a clean and tidy home, but also a decluttered one as well. To get the best possible price for your home and really impress your buyers, decluttering is absolutely essential.

Can I skip the decluttering process?

Ultimately, the decision is yours. However, real estate agents across the nation estimate that decluttering adds substantial value to a home. In fact, according to HomeLight’s Top Agent Insights for Fall 2022, decluttering could add approximately $6,523 to a home’s sale price.

Consider this task doubly important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Buyers want spacious properties in case future stay-at-home orders arise. Families, especially, realize the importance of having enough space should another pandemic force everyone home.

Since most buyers are motivated by the need for more space, a decluttered household will truly impress buyers and increase your home’s value.

Where to focus

If you’ve lived in your home for a long time — or even just a few years — decluttering might seem like a hopeless task, but the best way not to overwhelm yourself is by tackling the process room by room. Start where buyers are going to be most focused on: the living room, master bedroom, and kitchen.

As those rooms are the focal points for most buyers, those are the most important areas to declutter. Next, check out your storage spaces. Remember, you don’t need to clear all your belongings from these areas, just make sure they appear neat and organized.

If you still have the energy once those areas are decluttered, target your office space next. While home offices are at the top of many buyer wish lists, they’re also infamous for clutter. Outdated financial documents, postcards, and work papers pile up over the years, so file away the necessities, toss away what’s no longer needed, and organize the space to the best of your ability.

How to get started

Start by labeling your boxes so you know what to keep, donate, or toss. From there, divvy up your tasks into a manageable timeline. If you’re having trouble finding the motivation or you keep getting overwhelmed, try one of these tips.

Set a timer for a certain amount of time — around 20 minutes depending on your timeline — and challenge yourself to fill your boxes with as much as possible during that time. If you do this everyday for a week, you’ll be surprised how much you’ll accomplish with jut 20 minutes of work each day.

Try the 12-12-12 method next. This one’s simple. Each day, collect 12 items to keep, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to toss.

If neither of those methods work for you, create your own decluttering schedule. Perhaps you’ll set a goal to complete a room each week or schedule out a day to tackle one of your closets.

You’ll be shocked over the worth of your home once the decluttering process is over, so contact a real estate agent today to get started on the selling process!

If you think about it “retro” really is a bit of a funny word. How exactly do you describe exactly what is or isn’t retro? Oxford Dictionary describes the word retro as “imitative of a style or fashion from the recent past.” This then begs the question how far back is the recent past? Could this potentially be yesterday? In addition to when the recent past period begins at what point does an item, such as a table or a chair cease to be classified as retro furniture and begin to be antique? Is it years, decades or longer?

Antiques, in particularly with furniture are often able to be classified into different periods. With most wooden furniture these period classifications are usually determined by the British Monarch at the time such as Queen Anne for items made between 1702–1714, followed by Georgian 1714–1820. Regency covers the 1820–1837 and then Victorian stems from 1837–1901.
There are many other sub classifications within these time frames, such as Chippendale (1755-1790) Sheraton (1790-1810), Empire Classical (1805-1830), Gothic Revival (1840-1860), Rococo, (1845-1870) just to name but a few, each of these with their own very distinctive characteristics, defined mostly by the materials used and the way they are crafted. There are also many earlier furniture periods, but items that old are somewhat scarce, and sometimes the features which stylise pieces of furniture become difficult to differentiate without distinct makers marks.

After the times periods described by the British Monarchy, things get a little more interesting. The Art Nouveau period (1896-1914) was introduced to the world at The Paris Exposition of 1900, with furniture styles reflecting similar style and designs used in jewellery and silverware, with long sweeping lines. This required extensive labour to create and despite it’s beautiful appearance made it not very conducive to mass production.

World War 1 put an end to this period and shortly after the war ended the period of Art Deco (1920-1945) came to be. With smooth straight lines enclosed with gentle curves, Deco designs used expensive materials, such as lacquered hardwoods & veneers combined with glass and steel. Its compact form and high build quality makes it still such a highly desired period still to this day.

Modernism or Mid-Century Retro(1940-1970) brought about the use of some new materials such as laminates, plastic and aluminium. Once again, like Deco, many of these designs are still quite popular, and sometimes depending on the materials used, can be considered to be Retro. A good example of what Retro furniture first started to be is what you would see in an American “Retro” Diner. Of course, anything new built from this time period onwards can essentially be referred to as retro, but unlikely anything within the last 5-10 years.

That being said there are always exceptions to the rule, with many reproduction items created today in the style of something built in the last 80 years. A good example of this is the Eames chair which is world famous and still in production by the original design company to this date. They have a famous advertising slogan “that something is not merely a ‘chair’ nor a ‘designer chair’ or even a ‘modern chair’ but an ‘Eames Chair’.”

Growing your own plants can be a fun and rewarding Wildtree.co/ experience. Not only will you have the satisfaction of nurturing them from seeds or cuttings, but you’ll also end up with beautiful, healthy plants that are sure to thrive in your garden or landscape. And, if you’re lucky, you might even be able to sell some of your extras at a farmers market or plant sale!

If you’re thinking of starting your own nursery, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are six tips on how to create your own nursery by planting trees and shrubs:

1. Choose the right location. When selecting a site for your nursery, it’s important to choose an area that gets enough sun and has well-drained soil. Avoid low-lying areas that tend to stay wet or flood often.

2. Start with small plants. When you’re first starting out, it’s best to grow small plants like annuals, perennials, and herbs. These types of plants are easier to care for and don’t require as much space as trees and shrubs. Once you’ve gained some experience, you can start adding larger plants to your nursery.

3. Buy quality plants. When purchasing plants for your nursery, make sure to buy from a reputable source. Avoid buying plants from big box stores or online retailers that don’t specialize in horticulture. Instead, look for local nurseries or plant breeders that offer high-quality specimens.

4. Name your plants. Once you have your plants home, it’s important to label them, so you know what they are and when they were planted. This will help you keep track of their progress and make sure they’re getting the proper care they need.

5. Be patient. Growing trees and shrubs take time, so be patient! Don’t expect instant results; it may take several years for your plants to reach their full potential size and shape. In the meantime, enjoy watching them grow!

6. Set up a watering schedule. One of the most important things you can do for your plants is to water them on a regular basis. Depending on the climate you live in, you may need to water daily or even multiple times per day. Use a garden hose with a sprinkler attachment or drip irrigation system to water your plants evenly and without harming them.

Conclusion

Creating your own nursery can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these six tips, you’ll be well on your way to success!

Introduction

According to Iqaluit Dental Clinic, small rooms often become a chaotic mess due to their less square footage. However, decorating small living spaces doesn’t have to be a puzzle when you follow the correct interior design tips and tricks. Yes, it can be more challenging to make small living spaces attractive, but it can also be lots of fun to overcome that challenge.

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few interior design tips you can follow for small space living:

1. Invest in multipurpose or foldable furniture – Small apartments and homes benefit greatly from multipurpose furniture since they can do double duty to save floor space. For instance, you can choose a captain’s bed that comes with extra storage solutions such as drawers and shelves, a console table with drawers that includes hidden storage, or even a coffee table that includes shelving underneath for storage.

It is also recommended that you purchase a few stowable pieces of furniture for added flexibility. For instance, you can choose beds that turn into couches or side tables that convert into desks and avoid furniture and multiple furniture items.

2. Focus on the lighting – Small spaces can look smaller and more cramped if they don’t receive adequate lighting. Thus, ensure you don’t block the windows of the rooms with furniture or cover them up with blinds. Your goal should be to maximize the amount of natural light that enters the small space. One of the best ways to do that is to make use of large mirrors that reflect the natural light. Plus, they offer the added advantage of making the rooms appear larger than they actually are.

And, in order to ensure adequate lighting during the nighttime, you can combine ceiling fixtures such as an elegant flush mount or an attractive pendant light. Finally, if you want to create a cosy atmosphere, you can install table lamps, floor lamps, and scones.

3. Keep the rooms organized – In order to create a well-designed small living space, you have to get rid of all the clutter in your house since it helps to save valuable floor real estate. Additionally, you have to ensure you keep all the furniture and items in your house organized properly since it helps to maximize the floor space and prevents any issues with the flow of traffic around the house.

4. Utilize the vertical space – Install built-in bookshelves and extend the kitchen cabinets all the way to the ceiling to take advantage of valuable vertical space. Get creative with storage solutions, hang beautiful artworks on the empty walls, or even a simple vase with natural plants to make your rooms more attractive. Adding greenery in small living spaces also helps to brighten up the ambience of the environment.

Conclusion

Iqaluit Dental Clinic suggests you make use of the nooks and corners of your small rooms to make more efficient use of the space. For instance, you can keep a bar table or a desk area without cluttering the room, but it will certainly make the space more functional.

Decorating your home requires a lot of time, effort, and money. You need to be well-prepared with a budget to ensure you get the best outcomes. However, even when on a budget, there are some ways you can brighten up your room. We are talking about the walls. If you don’t have sufficient money or time to paint it, don’t worry. We have compiled a list of several ways of decorating your walls without necessarily painting them.

• Wall Stickers

You can change the look of your wall by using wall stickers or decals. They are cheap, and you don’t have to punch holes in the wall. Even better, you have plenty of options online.

• Wall Art

Artwork is a valuable accessory and a pleasing décor for your wall. If you know how to draw, you can DIY. If you don’t, you will only spend a little money. It is now easy to get paintings online, and there is a lot of magic you can make on the wall with wall art.

• Wallpaper

Wallpapers are vital pieces for wall transformation without painting. They are affordable, and you are spoiled with options. If you want to use wallpaper, click here to find the best products for installing and removing wallpaper. You can choose a pattern or use a plain color so your wall can brighten again without using paint.

• Lights

You can also brighten and jazz up the walls using lights. There are all sorts of lights in the market. So, ensure you make the right choice. Go through the wall assortments and find something that will sparkle the wall.

• Photos

This is an old but popular way of decorating the walls. Gather beautiful pictures and make collages. You will need to spend on the frames. Even though you might have to punch holes in the wall, it will be cost-effective and a good way of decorating the wall.

• Mirrors

A wall mirror not only brightens your room but also makes it look bigger. Therefore, if you have a small room, make it look large by investing in quality wall mirrors. Choose different shapes and sizes and know where to place them.

• Tapes

Tapes are used like wall stickers. They are easy to install and pocket-friendly. Look for a beautiful pattern you can stick on the wall. Make sure you use a washi tape so it will be easy to remove when necessary.

• Empty Frames

How about hanging empty frames if you do not want to include photo art on the wall? Paint them in different colors and design them in different shapes. Then, hang them strategically on the wall for a better look.

• Wall Quotes

Do you know a famous quote you can put on the wall, look for famous phrases and inspirational quotes and paint them on the wall? You can do it professionally or DIY if you are good at it.

Takeaways

There are various ways you can spice up your walls without painting. These are the main and simple ones you can try out. They are cheap, and you don’t have to go through the messy job of repainting your walls.

Introduction

According to Matt Davies Stockton, a pool is a big investment. You may have dreamt about having one in your home for years and now you’re finally able to afford a home with a large backyard to do that. However, you need to consider quite a few things before installing a pool. Let’s check them out.

The Considerations

1. Zoning laws and other legal issues – Before you commission a contractor for digging out the backyard, it’s important to make yourself aware of the local zoning ordinances. Your pool shouldn’t violate the local zoning laws under any circumstances. Many cities in the US have very strict liability and maintenance laws for swimming pools and you would be charged with hefty fines if you don’t follow them.

2. Longevity – The heat wave is intensifying every year and during the summer season, it is tempting to opt for quick and easy installation of vinyl-lined or fiberglass pools. However, those materials are far from durable and that means the pool won’t last many years.

Instead, you should make sure that the pool lasts as long as possible since it’s a big investment. That’s why it’s worth the extra cost and time of 4 to 6 weeks for making a concrete pool. When you build a concrete pool, you’ll also have an easier time negotiating with your home insurance company to extend the policy to your pool.

3. Type of pool – In the United States homeowners opt for one of the three main options available. You can choose to build a pool out of concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl-lined material. Make sure that you assess the advantages and disadvantages of all those types of pools before you stick to one. If you’re a regular homeowner who lives in a warm climate and looking to have a good time with your friends and family, a concrete pool is usually the best choice in every way.

4. Maintenance – While discussing pool costs, the upfront installation cost should not be the only thing on your agenda. You need to make sure that you have the time and money to maintain your pool. When pools are maintained properly, they can be precious assets that help to shoot up the price of your property while selling it. On the other hand, a pool that is not constructed properly and is not maintained regularly becomes a liability. 

5. Circulation system – Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor pool that’s full of bleached chlorine water or salt water, make sure you get a good quality circulation system to keep it clean and fresh. The circulation system should be capable, efficient, reliable, and automated for the most part.

Conclusion

Matt Davies Stockton suggests that you carefully assess your options and educate yourself about the zoning laws and other legal requirements before installing a pool. You also need to think about the pool budget and maintenance cost before you can think about decorating it with fancy lights and other features.

If you’re looking for ways to improve your home’s interior design,  BoCo Interior Designs is the right place. This article will share tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect look for your home.

1. Start with a plan.

Before you start making changes to your home’s interior, it’s essential to have a plan. This will help you determine what changes need to be made and how to make them. Once you have a plan, you’ll be able to focus on making changes to achieve the look you’re going for.

2. Consider your style.

When planning your interior design, it’s essential to consider your style. This will help you choose furnishings and decor that reflect your taste. If you’re unsure what your style is, take some time to browse through magazines and online galleries to get an idea of what you like.

3. Think about functionality.

In addition to considering your style, it’s also important to consider how you’ll use the space. For example, if you’re planning to use the room for entertaining, you’ll need to ensure enough seating and that the layout is conducive to conversation. On the other hand, if you’re planning to use the room as a home office, you’ll need to ensure enough space for your desk and other furniture.

4. Choose the right colors.

The colors you choose for your home’s interior will play a significant role in the overall look of the space. Therefore, it’s essential to consider both the light and dark tones. You’ll choose light colors if you want a room to feel bright and airy; however, if you want a cozier feel.

5. Add texture.

In addition to color, texture is another crucial element of interior design. Texture can be added through fabrics, furniture, and accessories. By adding texture to a room, you can create interest and depth.

6. Consider scale.

When you’re furnishing a room, it’s essential to consider scale. For example, if you have a large room, you’ll want to choose more significant pieces of furniture. Conversely, you’ll want to select smaller pieces if you have a small room.

7. Accessorize.

Accessories are a great way to add personality to a space. When selecting accessories, choosing items that reflect your style is essential. In addition to style, you’ll also want to consider function when selecting accessories. For example, if you’re using the room as a home office, you’ll want to choose desk accessories that are both stylish and functional.

8. Make it personal.

Another tip to make a space feel like your own is to add your twist. This can be done through photos, art, and other items that reflect your interests and personality. By adding these personal touches, you’ll create a space that truly feels like home.

In conclusion, these seven tips help you achieve the perfect look for your home. With these interior design tips, you’ll be able to create a stylish and functional space. Get started today!

The hospitality industry continues to grow daily, providing investors with great opportunities. Restaurants are among the areas you could be considering dipping your toes in. To make it in the food service industry, you need to stand out. You have a bright idea in mind, an irresistible design that won’t just capture eyeballs but also attract consumers into your establishment. So, how do you go about it? Would DIY be the right approach, or would hiring this restaurant construction company be the best strategy?

It is tempting to pursue almost anything without enlisting professional services in the modern DIY-driven world. As you design and develop a restaurant, though, hiring an expert is more productive. Sure, a DIY, on face value, provides a money-saving solution. In the long run, though, you won’t save as much, which is not a smart business move. Enlisting this restaurant construction company offers many benefits that can fast-track your progress, among the top including:

Regulations adherence

How much do you know about your local building codes and regulations? The regulations are in place to keep everyone safe, and while you might not give them much weight, they can come back to haunt you. Falling into the wrong hands of the law could result in hefty fines. This can also drag the process since you have to make changes to ensure regulation adherence. It will cost you more money, beating the savings logic you employed when pursuing a DIY.

A professional restaurant construction company understands the local building codes and the applicable regulations you need to follow. They will ensure you are in adherence, facilitating smooth progress.

Safety

Even for simple remodels, handling construction materials exposes you to safety risks. Investing in the right tools and gear is not cheap, even when you opt to lease. It also takes more than cutting-edge equipment to get the job done and right. Those hours spent watching DIY guides can’t match the hands-on experience a professional has accumulated over the years. What price tag can you place on your safety? Injuries can sideline you and your progress, derailing your dream to establish and run a restaurant.

Enlisting this restaurant construction company takes such concerns out of the equation. The experts know the ins and outs of the construction process. They’ve also invested in the right tools and accumulated hands-on experience handling them and construction materials. Here is the icing on the cake; the best companies carry liability insurance. It means that you won’t be liable for any injuries or damages incurred during the process.

Time-saving

Spending time on things you aren’t the best at is not the most productive way. Why not focus on making your brand unique instead of watching the tutorials and reading DIY guides? Hiring the experts takes more weight off your shoulders, allowing you to concentrate on your core functions. Moreover, with their resources and experience, the pros can handle the process within a portion of the time you would take. A project that could take you weeks can be completed within a few days by the experts. Such speed helps you get started with your restaurant business within your timeline.

Cost-effectiveness

DIYs save you a few bucks but are more costly in the long run. Do you know the right materials, or only buy by following what the sweet-talking salesperson at the store recommends? How about the exact quantity, and how would you deal with a surplus? Such straightforward concerns can dig deeper into your finances than they should. This is since you are not approaching the process from an experience point. You rely on what others have to say and, in some cases, only avail information that works to their advantage.

Beyond the materials, DIY constructions also tend to be inadequate. This translates to recurring repairs and maintenance expenses. In the long run, such recurring expenses will cost you much more than hiring an expert. Long-term problems from the inadequate construction are a major hiccup. This is since you might need significant repairs that could even mean losing some business days, translating to lost customers.

Hiring restaurant construction companies from the designing and development to the final touches save you more money. Sure, you will need more upfront cash injection to hire the professionals. Nonetheless, this saves you more expenses during and after the construction. From considering your unique needs to ensuring you invest in the right materials, professional construction eliminates long-term problems to fast-tracking the process. As such, the return on your investment is better than DIYs.

Dependability

You need a comprehensive construction strategy, but the plan is only as productive if you stay on course. The least challenges during the process can knock your DIY efforts off the course. This can derail the progress, meaning more costs and completion way out of your set timeline. The professionals understand the complexity of the construction process. As such, they have measures to minimize problems, counter them, and stay on track. Such dependability means you can rest assured that your project will align with your timeline and budget, supercharging the progress.

A professional touch

You need a unique, appealing, spacious, efficient, clean, and updated space for your restaurant. You have the idea in mind, but turning it into the final space is not as straightforward as you might anticipate. For instance, while focusing on aesthetics, you might miss out on some functionality aspects. The professionals can turn your idea into an amazing restaurant building. Their artistic work and experience, plus the outsider’s perspective, can help you develop a space that exudes your uniqueness, attracting more business. A professional touch is easily overlooked. Nonetheless, it is almost always the difference between a messy and well-organized safe space, utilizing updated utilities, and offering an irresistible appeal.

Hiring this restaurant construction company offers many benefits, whether you are building from scratch or remodeling. Not every company is the right fit, though. You must diligently evaluate a company to ensure industry experience and a good reputation. Once you hire the right company, you can partner with them for immediate and future needs. This saves you from the hassle of searching every time you need to repair or remodel as you grow your restaurant business.