Sunday, May 24, 2009

From Flea To Fab

WHITE SIDEBOARD WITH A CRISP NEW COLOR AND UPDATED KNOBS, THIS SIDEBOARD BECOMES A COTTAGE-STYLE KEEPSAKE.


Step 1: Sand the sideboard thoroughly, and then wipe clean.
Step 2: Prime and then apply two coats of white paint, allowing each coat to dry thoroughly.
Step 3: Using a dry brush, add glaze to the edges of the piece where normal wear and tear would occur. Pay particular attention to moulding and raised areas. Wipe off excess with a rag.
Step 4: Brush on a clear protective finish, and allow to dry.
Step 5: Install new cabinetry knobs using the hardware included.

MATERIALS
white primer
paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Honeymilk 7003-4, eggshell)
glaze (Faux Translucent Color Glaze, raw umber)
protective finish (Clear Satin Protector)
knobs (Belwith; small, Model PA1117-WOA; large, Model PA1118-WOA; special order)

TOOLS
paintbrushes
sandpaper

*Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.


CHECKERED CHEST


A BASIC THREE-DRAWER CABINET RECEIVES A PLAYFUL PAINT TREATMENT.

Step 1: Sand the chest, and wipe clean.
Step 2: Prime and then paint the outside of the chest in a satin finish. (We used a pale yellow.)
Step 3: Following the manufacturer’s instructions, mix your desired paint color (we used rust in a satin finish) with the clear glaze.
Step 4: Dip the wall weaver brush in the glaze. Run the brush across one drawer. Repeat a few times to get the lines straight and to cover the drawer. Repeat for the remaining drawers. Allow to dry.
Step 5: When the first coat of glaze is completely dry, dip the wall weaver brush in the glaze again, and run the brush in the opposite direction, crisscrossing your previous lines. Repeat for the remaining drawers; let dry.
Step 6: Tape off the edges of the top and the drawers using painter’s tape.
Apply white paint to the edges, and let dry.
Step 7: With a pencil and ruler, mark off every inch on the edges. Using an artist paintbrush, paint every other inch in red. Allow to dry.
Step 8: Brush on a clear protective finish, and allow to dry.
Step 9: Install new drawer pulls using the included fasteners.

MATERIALS
white primer
paint (Valspar Ultra Premium; Delightful Moon 3004-6A; Jekyll Club Cherokee Rust 2011-7; Du Jour 7002-6; satin)
glaze (Faux Mixing Glaze, clear)
accent paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Posh Red 1011-4, satin)
protective finish (Clear Satin Protector)
pulls (brushed nickel, #58649)

TOOLS
6-inch wall weaver brush
artist paintbrush
painter’s tape
sandpaper
ruler
pencil

*Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.


ANTIQUE CHAIRS
A FINISHING GLAZE THAT GIVES AN AGED LOOK PLUS DAMASK SEAT CUSHIONS ADD OLD-WORLD CHARM TO DINING CHAIRS.

Step 1: Using a screwdriver, remove the screws from the underside of the chair cushion. Lift off the seat cushion.
Step 2: Distress the chair using an awl to make worm holes, and beat wood lightly with a hammer, including edges, to give a worn look.
Step 3: Sand the chair thoroughly, and then wipe clean. Prime the chair, and allow to dry.
Step 4: Brush on two thick coats of white paint. Use rags to rub in paint so that some of the wood grain still shows through. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly.
Step 5: Brush on two coats of blue paint. Use rags to rub in paint so that some of the wood grain and white paint still show through. Allow each
coat to dry thoroughly.
Step 6: Rub antiquing glaze onto the edges and other parts of the chair as needed to give them an aged look. Allow to dry.
Step 7: To highlight the edges, apply the accent glaze randomly so that it looks rubbed off in some areas. Allow to dry.
Step 8: Spray on a clear protective finish, and allow to dry.
Step 9: Remove the old fabric from the seat. Lay the seat on a drapery panel, and cut around it, adding 3 inches to the length on all four sides. With a staple gun, staple the panel to the seat from underneath, turning under raw edges. Pull tight, and fold in at corners as if you were wrapping a present. Cut off any excess fabric as you staple.
Step 10: Reinstall the seat from underneath the chair using the original
screws. Repeat for each chair.

MATERIALS
white primer
paint (Valspar Ultra Premium; Statuesque 7002-5; Palisade Blue 4006-3B; eggshell)
antiquing glaze (Faux Antiquing Glaze, asphaltum)
accent glaze (Faux Metal & Patina Glaze, gold metallic)
clear protective spray (#39449)
drapery panel**

TOOLS
staple gun and staples
screwdriver
awl and hammer
utility scissors
paintbrushes
sandpaper

*Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.
**Selection varies by market.


STENCILED TABLE
A FRESH COAT OF PAINT AND AN ELEGANT STENCIL PATTERN LIVEN UP THIS PIECE.


Step 1: Sand the top of the table, and wipe clean.
Step 2: Prime and then apply the base color to the tabletop. Allow to dry.
Step 3: Select your desired stencil pattern found in the paint department at Lowe’s. Use painter’s tape to hold the stencil in place, and lightly stick the stencil to the tabletop. Use the pouncer brush to paint the pattern on the
tabletop. Carefully move and place the stencil as needed until the tabletop is covered. Let dry.
Step 4: For a metallic finish, use the same stencil, and dab a metallic glaze over the painted patterns; allow to dry.
Step 5: Tape off the tabletop using painter’s tape. With a small edger brush, paint the edge of the tabletop with the accent color. Allow to dry. Using a rag, highlight the edge by rubbing lightly with the metallic glaze.
Step 6: Brush on a clear protective finish to the entire tabletop.

MATERIALS
white primer
base paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Romano 7003-15, satin)
stencil**
stencil and accent paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Leather Satchel 3003-7B, satin)
glaze (Faux Metal &
Patina Glaze, gold metallic)
protective finish (Clear
Satin Protector)

TOOLS
pouncer brush
small edger brush
painter’s tape
sandpaper

*Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.
**Selection varies by market.


PLUSH BENCH
A TIMEWORN BENCH IS RESTORED WITH THE HELP OF PAINT AND A NEW SUEDED FABRIC SEAT.


Step 1: Using a screwdriver, remove the screws from the underside of the bench seat cushion. Lift off the seat. Using a hammer and putty knife, pry off the old upholstery tacks, fabric, and padding. (You may need to wear gloves.)
Step 2: Sand the bench thoroughly; wipe clean.
Step 3: Prime and then paint the wood in your desired color.
Step 4: Select a piece of 1-inch-thick foam rubber and quilt batting at your local fabric store. Cut the foam rubber to fit the bench seat. Cut a piece of quilt batting 3 inches longer on all four sides of the bench top.
Step 5: Place the foam rubber on top of the seat board, and lay the batting over it. Using a staple gun, staple the batting to the underside of the seat board, pulling the batting tight. Cut off any excess.
Step 6: Cut the drapery panel 3 inches longer on all four sides of the bench top, and place it over the batting, pulling tightly and stapling it to the underside of the seat board. Fold in the fabric at the corners, and staple underneath as if you were wrapping a present. Cut off any excess fabric. Replace the reupholstered seat board, securing it from underneath the chair using the original screws.
Step 7: Hammer in upholstery nails on all four sides of the bench. We paced
the nails 11/2 inches apart.
Step 8: Highlight raised areas of the bench legs with bronze glaze.
Step 9: Brush on a clear protective finish over the wooden areas, and let dry.

MATERIALS
gray primer
paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Leather Satchel 3003-7B, satin)
drapery panel (Designables, #170658)
upholstery nails (#58195)
glaze (Faux Metal & Patina Glaze, bronze metallic)
protective finish (Clear Satin Protector)

TOOLS
staple gun and staples
screwdriver
hammer
putty knife
utility scissors
small paintbrush
sandpaper

*Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Instant Patio

When looking for extra living space, this suburbanite decided to focus outdoors on his neglected backyard. With a cramped patio, a chain-link fence, and an uninviting landscape, the yard lacked style, but it was the perfect canvas for crafting a functional outdoor room. To transform the area, the homeowner extended the patio, added all-season plants, and invested in a new gas grill. Keeping costs low and impact high, he tamed his backyard jungle and created a cozy terrace ideal for sitting down with a good book or hosting an impromptu barbecue with friends.


Ready, Set, Grill

1
This stainless steel gas grill features a fully enclosed cart for strength and durability.


2 The grill’s porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking surface is perfect for preparing meats and vegetables. With a 28-burger capacity, the grill can cook enough for a large party.


3 Tea olive trees conceal the chain-link fence, while garden trellises cover part of the garage exterior.


4 The all-weather wicker construction of this chair and side table withstands extreme temperatures; the cushions are made of UV-protected fabric.


5 These gray-toned pavers fit together like puzzle pieces. They impart the natural feel of real stones but are easier to install.

4-burner gas grill (Char-Broil, Commercial series, #242266)
cushioned chair (Beaufort Collection, brown, #119237)
side table (Beaufort Collection, brown, #119244)
small chair (Key Largo Collection, brown, #119225)
pavers (Provence, #73784**)
6-piece grill tool set (stainless steel, #128593)

*Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of plants.
**Selection varies by market.

Monday, May 11, 2009

The Grass Is Greener

Surprise guests with these lush place mats.

1. Make a 14- x 18-inch template from cardboard.

2. Using a marker, trace the template onto the back of a piece of indoor/outdoor carpet (#151360). Repeat for the number of place mats you need.

3. Use sharp utility scissors to cut the pieces of carpet. (One square yard or 3 linear feet of carpet should yield four place mats.)

Shadow Box Scrapbooks


We all treasure our family’s vacation and holiday pictures as well as keepsakes from travel or special events, but finding a way to exhibit them isn’t always easy. Our May Unwind & Design project will help you and your guests create a unique display using personalized shadow boxes. This is a great excuse to get together with friends for an afternoon filled with creativity.

MATERIALS
cube shelves (sets of two; black, #228264; white, #213283)
cork (#34744**)
wallpaper or shelf liner
thumbtacks (#58204)
clear pushpins (#58210)
clear tape†

TOOLS
hot-glue gun and glue sticks†
screwdriver†
utility knife†
utility scissors†
pencil†

*Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools.
**Availability varies by market.
Add these items to your Unwind & Design hostess tool kit.



STEP-BY-STEP

Step 1: Remove the hanging hardware from the back of each cube shelf box using a screwdriver. With a pencil, trace the perimeter of the box onto a piece of cork. Cut out the tracing using a utility knife.

Step 2: To create a wallpaper or shelf liner background, trace and then cut the paper to fit over the cork. Use a hot-glue gun to attach the paper to the cork. Let dry.

Step 3: Attach the cork to the back of the box using a hot-glue gun. Press down to help the cork adhere, and allow to dry.

Step 4: Using thumbtacks, pushpins, clear tape, or glue, decorate the inside of the box with your favorite photographs and souvenirs. Larger items can stand alone on the shelf’s base.

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Pretty as a Picket

Create a sturdy frame with rustic charm.

1. To create each frame, measure from the picket’s pointed end, and then cut four 24-inch-long pieces from the 4-inch-wide picket-fence boards.

2. On a flat surface, arrange the pieces to form an 8-inchsquare opening (as shown). Join the pieces with wood glue and two #8 x 11/4-inch wood screws at each intersection, drilling from the back.

3. Lightly sand the frame. Paint one side (we used Valspar Ultra Premium, Whitewashed Oak #7006-23, flat, and Valspar Signature Colors, Laura Ashley Home, Sky Blue 4 #LA1304, flat); allow to dry. Paint the other side, and allow it to dry overnight. Lightly distress the finish using sandpaper.

4. Remove the protective film from two 8- x 10-inch clear acrylic panels (#72055). Center a photo between the panels. Place the panels on the back of the frame, with 1 inch overlapping the top and bottom pickets. Predrill holes for screws using a 3/16-inch bit. Secure the panels to the top and bottom pickets using chrome clips (#138888) and #6 x 1/2-inch wood screws.

5. Attach two picture hangers (#52716) to the back of each frame for hanging.

LAKE House LIVING

This family’s shared second home is always bustling—and at times, busting at the seams— with children and grandchildren. In order to accommodate their growing family, they decided to expand the outdoor living space.

The new covered, screened-in pavilion is the perfect spot for the family to enjoy the fresh air and view of the lake while staying warm during cool nights. A Cultured Stone fireplace and a convenient kitchenette make the area cozy as well as functional. A sliding screen door connects the pavilion to the new deck. Outside, a large built-in gas grill provides ample space for cooking burgers and veggies for the entire family.

A small lower deck offers a landing for folks headed down to the water. Here, parents can watch their kids swim or simply enjoy a relaxing, quiet moment closer to the lake.

To tie together the look of the new outdoor entertaining area, Cultured Stone was chosen for the outside deck as well as the pavilion fireplace. “It has a great feel that’s rustic and sturdy,” one family member says. “It’s perfect for a house at the lake.”

Throughout the space, a warm color palette of green, gold, and brown is classic and mimics nature. Even accessories, such as lantern-style outdoor light fixtures, contribute to the homespun feel. True to the homeowners’ original intentions, the new space lovingly brings together many generations of this large family.

In The Pavilion
1 The kitchenette allows for small-scale cooking and meal preparation. Built-in cabinetry and open shelving provide plenty of storage space. A galvanized light fixture above the sink illuminates the task areas.
2 Outdoor furniture, featuring all-weather wicker and a shatter-resistant tempered-glass top, holds up well indoors and out.
3 The stainless steel sink—with a tall, curved faucet to allow room for large pots—is surrounded by a durable granite countertop. A ceramic tile backsplash covers the wall behind it.
4 Rustic-style outdoor lanterns with seeded-glass globes brighten the space and add antique character.
5 The ceiling fan has the same rustic charm as the wall lanterns. A vaulted ceiling allows light to fill the room.
6 Weather-resistant cushions offer comfortable seating.



Out on the deck

1 The built-in stainless steel gas grill is surrounded by Cultured Stone for a natural appearance.
2 The grill’s multiple burners allow users to cook meat and vegetables simultaneously.
3 This chiminea burns wood, charcoal, or artificial logs.
4 Outdoor furniture from the Herrington collection features a rust-free cast
aluminum frame and an aged-bronze powder-coated finish for durability; the umbrella is fade and stain resistant. The deck, railing, and steps are made of ChoiceDek engineered decking materials. ChoiceDek offers a firm, non-slick surface that does not splinter or require sealing, staining, or treating.




PAVILION
Rough cost estimate . $13,635*
Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,640
Paint and stain . . . . . . . . . . . $250
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,205
Kitchenette . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,790
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $550
Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,200

APPLIANCES
outdoor ice-maker (Summit Appliance, Model BIM-40-OS, stainless, special order)
outdoor refrigerator (Summit Appliance, Model SPR7-OS, stainless steel, special order)

PAINT AND STAIN
kitchen cabinets and shelving (Valspar Ultra Premium, Roasted Sepia #6006-2C, semi-gloss) pavilion walls (Valspar Ultra Premium, Sandalwood #6008-2B, semi-gloss)
pavilion trim and ceiling (Cabot Clear Solution)
concrete stain (Quikrete Semi-Transparent Concrete Stain, Tuscan Sunset, Vaquero Brown)

MATERIALS
Cultured Stone and capstones (Owens Corning, Weather Edge Ledgestone, Wisconsin, Model CSV-2091, special order)
lap siding (4-inch-wide, 12-foot-long planks, James Hardie, Hardiplank, smooth, #102334)
lumber rated for outdoor use
screen (#14436)
roofing (Owens Corning, Black Onyx, #10086)

KITCHENETTE
sink (Franke, stainless steel, #171199)
faucet (Price Pfister, Marielle, stainless, #184478)
countertop (Granite, St. Cecilia Classico, special order)
backsplash (American Olean, Russet Weddington, #47326)

LIGHTING
exterior wall fixture (Portfolio, rustic brown, #80551)
exterior wall lantern (Portfolio, rust finish, #24232)
sink fixture (galvanized, #190827)
ceiling fans (52-inch, Hunter, Northshore, #190608)


DECK
Rough cost estimate . $10,830*
Appliances . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,080
Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,860
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $470
Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,300
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . $120

APPLIANCES
built-in gas grill and side burner (Jenn-Air, stainless steel; liquid propane grill, #168931; liquid propane side burner, #223668; or natural gas grill, #168934; natural gas side burner, #223669)

MATERIALS
composite decking (Weyerhaeuser, ChoiceDek, Woodtone, #179330, #179332†)
Cultured Stone and capstones (Owens Corning, Weather Edge Ledgestone, Wisconsin, Model CSV-2091, special order)
lumber rated for outdoor use
countertop (Granite, St. Cecilia Classico, special order)

LIGHTING
landscape lighting (LiteSounds, Model LS2400-K, black, #233625)

FURNITURE
deck (Herrington; dining table with lazy Susan, #119175; dining chairs, set of two, #119177; market umbrella, #119191; umbrella base, #119184)

ACCESSORIES
chiminea (#126294)
galvanized tub (#3712††)

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.
**Does not include lead time for special-order materials.
Available by special order in some stores. Pillows shown are not included with outdoor furniture.
††Availability varies by market.