Friday, December 31, 2010

Upholstered Headboard

Rest easy on this simple and sophisticated headboard. Made from peg-board, carpet padding, and a shower curtain, this DIY project adds texture and style to any guest room.



STEP-BY-STEP

Step 1: Cut two 1 x 4 x 6 boards to 53 inches long, and lay on a flat surface.

Step 2: Create the frame by using the remaining two 1 x 4 x 6 boards as sides, and use the cut 53-inch-long pieces as the top and bottom parts.

Step 3: Using a saw, cut a sheet of peg-board to 5 x 4 feet. Note: This size is for a queen bed. Adjust accordingly for other bed sizes.

Step 4: Place the peg-board piece on top of the 1 x 4 boards, and align the corners and edges.

Step 5: Starting at the corner and using the peg-board holes as guides, drill pilot holes through the 1 x 4 boards.

Step 6: Place a 1/4-inch washer over each pilot hole, and attach the peg-board piece to the 1 x 4 boards using wood screws. Repeat every 10 holes until all of the x 4 boards are attached around the edges of the peg-board piece.

Step 7: Lay the carpet pad on a table, and place the peg-board assembly on top. Leaving an extra 6-inch drape over the edge, cut off excess pad around the perimeter of the peg-board piece.

Step 8: Use a staple gun to attach the carpet pad to the 1 x 4 frame, pulling gently to maintain tension. Continue until the pad is secure on all sides.

Step 9: Gently turn the assembly over, and spread the curtain fabric over the padded frame.

Step 10: Staple the fabric to the underside of the frame, making sure to pull tight. Tip: To pull the fabric evenly, staple in the middle of each side first, and then do a couple more on each side, working outward. Cut away padding as necessary so fabric can be stapled to wood directly.

Step 11: Use utility scissors to trim excess fabric after stapling.

Step 12: Adjust corners and fold, stapling as you go.

Tip: Cut away excess corner padding and fabric.

Step 13: Turn the assembly right side up. From the bottom side, find each hole, and punch an awl through the fabric to the surface.

Step 14: Using a hex drill bit, drill a hex bolt through each hole gently. Secure with two washers and a hex nut. Continue in a straight line around the edges of the headboard, using the peg-board holes as a guide.

Step 15: Attach D-ring hangers to the back of the headboard, cutting away excess pad as necessary.

Step 16: Hang on the wall using appropriate hardware for your wall type.

Bringing the Outdoors In

Relaxation comes easy in a bath that's renovated with nature in mind.


Slate flooring, dark wood cabinetry, and a landscape-inspired color palette come together to create a luxurious master bath retreat.


The Inspiration: The pool terrace and landscape influenced the design and materials used in this master bath redo. The homeowners have a great view and direct access to the pool via the bath’s new windows and door.


Transform an unfunctional master bath into a peaceful space that’s visually cohesive with the nearby pool for homeowners Karen and Lindsey Tauxe.


With custom-look details, such as deep drawers and decorative toe-kicks, the twin vanities have an upscale flair. Double sinks give both Karen and Lindsey plenty of room, and the solid-surface countertop is easy to clean.


Nature-inspired Design


Shelving: Organization fosters serenity. Spacious vanities hold many personal items, but bulky supplies and towels find a home on shelves in an adjoining private alcove.

Shower Tile: Recognizing Mother Nature as the expert on color and composition, Lillian mimicked the look of earth, trees, and sky with horizontal bands of tile in the shower. The slate-tile floor slopes gently into the shower—without a threshold—for a clean, unbroken line.

Mirrors: Customized mirrors amplify light and multiply views of the pool terrace outside.

Natural Light: Plentiful light is as essential to a healthy garden as it is in a bath for such tasks as shaving and applying makeup. The existing small window and solid door were replaced with two large windows and a glass-panel door. Between-the-pane blinds ensure privacy.




Neatly sandwiched between double-pane glass in the windows and doors, built-in blinds eliminate the need for window treatments. The twist of a dial allows the Tauxes to control light and privacy.


Make It! Framed Mirror


Create a stylish rustic frame by mounting a frameless mirror on painted plywood and surrounding it with painted wood shims.

1. Cut 4 inches off the 36-inch side of a 24- x 36-inch board.

2. Sand, prime, and paint the board and shims in your desired colors. Allow to dry.

3. Using a framing square, center the mirror on the plywood with a 4-inch border at the top and bottom and about 1 5/8 inches on each side.

4. Use a pencil to outline the mirror on the board. Turn the mirror over so that the back is facing up.

5. Coat the back of the mirror with contact cement, and flip the mirror over. Place it inside the pencil outline, using the framing square to straighten. Allow cement to dry.

6. Using contact cement, place the painted wood shims around the mirror, overlapping the mirror’s edges.

7. To add interest, paint several different colors, and randomly place the shims.