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Update Your Home With Wood Carvings

Whether your style is simple or eccentric, an easy way to update the look of your home is with wood carvings. Wood carvings can be used to accent your existing furniture or update the look of your room entirely. They are an affordable and easy way to give your home a finishing touch without a complete remodel. Whether you're using these wood carvings for aesthetic purposes or for their function, they will instantly update the look of your home. Here are a variety of different types of wood carvings and what they are commonly used for.

wood star applique

Appliques and medallions– This type of wood carving is typically used for decorative purposes, especially on plain furniture, cabinets, mantles and more. They are intricately carved with lots of detail, making them an instant conversation piece in your home. They can be glued or nailed to furniture as you please for an architectural detail. Popular examples of wood appliques are rosettes, grape onlays, circular medallions and traditional scroll designs.

wooden feet

Feet– Wooden feet are used to update the look of the bottom of your table, chairs or sofas. They are available in a variety of wood types and details to match with your existing furniture. This area is often overlooked by many homeowners, but appreciated by those with fine taste. Wooden feet can also help to make your furniture more stable.

wood pilaster

Columns and pilasters– Wooden columns or pilasters can be placed on ornamental trim or other flat surfaces to your liking. These wooden columns are a great way to bring the rich history of architecture into your own home. You can use larger pilasters or columns to separate rooms and walls for a more open feel, as they generally guide the eye upward to make the room appear more spacious.

wood corbel

Corbels and supports– Wooden corbels and supports blend function and beauty together in your home. Shelves and other structures are supported with these wooden carvings, which also can be used solely as a decorative accent.

wooden baseboard

Baseboards, mouldings and rails– These wooden items can be used to cover up uneven edges, cover the joint between the wall surface and the floor and protect your walls from abrasion and furniture. They also add a decorative touch to your room, which is an added bonus.

wood island leg

Island legs and turnings– Wooden island legs and turnings can be used on tables, and are often used in the kitchen. They are available in a variety of heights to match with the measurements of your table or island. These legs help support the table and also add style to your room.

wooden valence

Valances– Place a wooden valance above your window or door to add dimension to the room. Decorative grooves, patterns and arches on valances are an attractive way to spruce up your windows.

wooden opening

Openings– French Rinceau openings are a lovely piece of architecture that instantly warms your home. This elegant wooden structure often features intricate and elegant details such as an ornamental or floral motif.

wood pediment

Pediments– Wooden pediments are a simple way to transform the look of your doors and windows. Although they are pricier than other options, their elegant appearance is well worth it.

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What is Edgebanding?

edgebanding

Whether you are a carpentry pro and want to tackle making your own furniture or just a homeowner looking to enhance the appearance of your existing furniture, edgebanding can help get the job done.

Edgebanding can come in a variety of formats, including the popular peel-and-stick kind. This is especially easy for those who are doing a woodworking project themselves and want to get the project done quickly and easily. Other types require primer, glue, hot melt adhesives or a household iron.

Edgebanding comes in a variety of sizes and finishes to match with your existing furniture or carpentry needs. It is available in a variety of materials as well, with popular options including wood, wood veneer, PVC and acrylic. It typically is sold in rolls at hardware stores and is available in different thicknesses to match your home project. You can find edgebanding to match perfectly with your furniture's color, grain and wood type. It's easy to change the entire look of your furniture by applying edgebanding to it- you can take a simple plywood table and turn it into a rich maple with the help of this product.

Edgebanding is often used to cover the exposed sides of lower quality materials like plywood, PVC or particle board. By replacing these surfaces with wood edgebanding, it gives the piece of furniture or item a higher quality appearance. People who make their own furniture also often use this product.

When applying edgebanding, there are a few things to take into consideration. First, you should make sure that the surface you are applying it to is clean and smooth. Any dust, moisture or residue needs to be cleaned off so that the strips will stick properly. Next, always start with a larger piece- this way, you can cut it down to fit perfectly as needed. Lastly, after the edgebanding is applied, carefully trim or sand the surface. The material is very delicate, so be careful to use a fine sandpaper and to not be too rough to damage the material.

If you are going to be using edgebanding often (especially at the professional level), it may be smart to invest in some proper machinery. Edgebanding machines and edge trimmers are just two examples of products that can speed up the process and make it easier as well.

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Spotlight on JVJ Hardware

JVJ hardware

When choosing knobs for your vanity or kitchen cabinets, the options can seem overwhelming. There are a variety of materials, styles, colors and brands of decorative hardware out there to choose from. If you're looking for polished, elegant options that mesh well with traditional or contemporary decor, you may want to check out what JVJ Hardware has to offer.

JVJ Hardware describes their product offerings as “quality hardware at affordable prices since 1959”. The company was born in 1991 when the existing company, Maxwell Company, decided to branch out and incorporate bath accessories and cabinet hardware. JVJ Hardware is named after the wives of the three original partners- Judy, Virginia, and Jackie. Through hard work and dedication, the company has grown into a multi-million dollar corporation that has been able to maintain a personal touch with its customer base.

JVJ Hardware currently carries a variety of bath accessories, cabinet hardware, door hardware and other specialty accessories. Their knobs and pulls offer a whimsical touch to your home, making them in inexpensive way to update the look of your kitchen or bathroom. Some of their popular knob collections include “Classic“, “Murano“, “Pure Elegance” and “Pure Elegance II“. Choose from ball knobs, crystal knobs, drop knobs, round knobs, square knobs or straight pulls. Gorgeous base materials such as crystal, glass, solid brass and turquoise set these knobs apart from the rest. With finishes ranging from 24K gold plated to oil-rubbed bronze, you're sure to find the decorative hardware to match your existing decor or your new vision for your home.

Here are a few of the many hardware knobs that JVJ Hardware offers.

satin nickel knob

This frosted rose glass knob features a lovely satin nickel finish for a base. The beautiful rose color would look lovely in a country-style kitchen or a woman's bathroom for a feminine touch.




brass cabinet knob

This acrylic crystal knob features a solid brass finish on the base. The crystal appearance adds an elegant and luxurious touch to your cabinets, while the solid brass finish will match with most existing hardware items in your home.




cabinet drop pull

This pendant drop pull features an old world bronze finish for a vintage and elegant appearance. The knob is a pendant shape in gold with brown stripes throughout for an interesting and unique appearance. This knob would look lovely on both dark and light kitchen cabinets.

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Shoe Storage Ideas

In every home, storage is a large concern. This concern becomes even larger in terms of bedrooms and closets, where the items typically outweigh the amount of space designed to store them. In addition to clothes, shoes take up a large area of space in homes. In order to make the most of the space you have, you must learn how to organize and store your shoes in the most effective way.

First, you should go through your shoe collection and decide which items should be saved. Try to get rid of anything you don't wear at least a few times a year, things that don't fit anymore, and anything that is starting to look discolored or has tears or holes. After this, your inventory should be a little smaller and it will be easier to work with.

After you've gotten rid of unwanted shoes, try to organize the rest of your space (whether it be your closet, bedroom area or mudroom) to make room for the shoes. You'd be amazed at how moving around furniture or locating your T-shirts to a new dresser can make a huge difference. Then it's time to find the best types of shoe storage for your space. Here are some great ideas for how to store your shoes.


shoe shelves(source)

Floating shelves– These attractive shelves are great for showing off shoes that are interesting to look at or a designer brand. Displaying them higher up on a shelf not only makes them the focal point of the room, but it also prevents them from getting dirty or marked up from being next to other shoes.



door shoe storage(source)

Over-the-door organizers- Make use of every inch of your home by hanging your shoe collection on the back of your door with one of these organizers. This not only hides the shoes when the door is open, but keeps them protected and organized in their own separate pockets.



shoe bookcase(source)

Bookcase– Instead of displaying your favorite reads, why not display your favorite shoes? Bookcases are usually the perfect height and width to store your typical heels, flats, sneakers and sandals. You can also group them by shoe type, season or color to create an organized area and make choosing a pair easier. Make your shoe collection look like a prized piece of art!




Regular shelves– Organize your closet so that the old sweaters or purses that took up your shelf space reside in a new home, like a dresser or hanging racks. Then use the new shelf space to store your shoes. Since shoes are shaped differently than clothing that can be laid flat, it's best to store oddly-shaped items where they will fit. The sweaters and tees can fit just about anywhere, so simply rearrange where each item goes to make more room for your shoes.



wire shoe rack(source)

Wire rails– Wire shoe rails can be installed to any existing drawer or shelf to keep shoes organized and stay in place.



pullout shoe drawer(source)

Pullout organizers– Drawers or shelves that pull out from a cabinet or closet help save a ton of space. They also make your closet look much less cluttered, since the shoes are hidden away when not in use. Pullout organizers and their hardware are available at many hardware stores and are fairly easy to install yourself.



shoe lazy susan (source)

Lazy Susan- Much like the version you'd see in your kitchen cabinets or pantries, a shoe lazy Susan holds your favorite footwear on all areas of the product. Simply spin the organizer to see all the pairs- it's quick, easy and fun.



shoe box storage(source)

Re-use old shoe boxes– Most of us probably throw away the cardboard boxes that our shoes come in, but you can reuse them to store some of your favorite pairs. Stack them up in a bare section of your closet or room. To keep track of which shoes are in which box, photograph each pair of shoes and tape the photograph to the side of the box. There's no need to rummage through your closet trying to find your favorite pair- you can just find the picture and open the box. If the old boxes seem too ugly, you can always wrap them in attractive paper to match your home.



shoe ladder(source)

Ladder- Storing shoes is probably one of the last things you would think of when it comes to rolling library ladders. However, you'd be surprised how easily your high heels hang over the rails. The vertical height of the ladder allows it to easily fit in a room without taking up too much space. Try fitting a few pairs of your favorite heels on an old ladder for a chic way to keep them organized.

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Spotlight on the Iron-A-Way

ironaway

Built-in ironing centers are a practical way to save space in your home. Whether you typically iron clothes in your laundry room, living room, kitchen or bathroom, having the hardware built into the wall certainly will come in handy. These ironing centers are constructed with the typical homeowner in mind, helping them get their household tasks done with ease while saving space in their home. One of the most popular types of these ironing centers is the Iron-A-Way.

This innovative product will make your home function more efficiently. When not in use, the Iron-A-Way resembles a typical cabinet on the wall. The iron and other hardware is neatly tucked out of sight, leaving your room looking clean and tidy. When you are ready to use the ironing board, just simply open the door, pull the ironing board down and begin ironing.

The Iron-A-Way eliminates the hassle of typical ironing. Ironing boards are bulky and long, which makes it hard to find space to effectively store germanonlinecasinos.com them in your home. You may have to store your ironing board in a room far away from where you do the ironing, making each time you iron a long process. This product allows you to install the hardware in the room you typically iron in, saving you time and space and eliminating the hassle.

Each Iron-A-Way comes with a ventilated ironing board, premium hot iron storage, a timer, storage shelves, the ironing board's cover and pad, a hot iron rest, a garment bar for hanging your freshly-pressed items, and more.

There are also a variety of customizations you can make to your ironing center. Some of the ironing centers have a swivel which allows you to turn the board horizontally for easier ironing. The doors can come in a variety of wood species and can be painted or styled to your liking to match your room's decor. Or, if you'd rather not have a door, that option is available as well. The various models are different sizes to fit your wall space perfectly. You can install the ironing board at the height of your choice and even install it so it is flush with your wall or cabinet.

Eliminate the chore of ironing with the help of this Iron-A-Way ironing center and our various ironing accessories- including ironing board covers and our pullout/foldout ironing board.

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Update the Look of Your Fireplace

Whether you're installing one for the first time or simply remodeling a room in your home, updating the look of your fireplace can change your entire living space. Fireplaces are often one of the focal points of homes and are usually located in the living room. Since they are seen and used by homeowners and guests quite often- especially in the cooler months- it's essential to make sure your fireplace is working properly and looking its best. Here are a few simple ways to update the look of your fireplace.

plinth block

Plinth blocks. Plinth blocks are square pieces of wood that serve as the base of columns, mouldings or pilasters. They add a nice transition from the moulding to the baseboard and add a decorative touch to your fireplace. They are available in a variety of sizes and styles to fit best in your home. It's important to make sure that the moulding is not wider or thicker than the plinth. Some people prefer to create their own plinth blocks, but they are available at most hardware stores and wood retailers.

fireplace mantel

Fireplace mantels. Another way to update the look of your fireplace is to install or change your mantel. These mantels are decorative pieces of framework that are placed above and around the fireplace. They are available in a wide range of materials, including fine woods, granite, stone, brick, marble and more. Wood mantels can be sculpted and carved with intricate patterns and details, setting your fireplace apart from the rest. You can also choose the color of your fireplace mantel- wood mantels can be painted, glazed or distressed for different colors and finishes. White mantels convey a clean look, while a bolder color will certainly make your fireplace the center of attention.

Fireplace accessories. An easy way to update the look of your fireplace is with accessories. Display your favorite photos, antique items and beautiful flowers on your mantel to add a personal touch to your room. Your favorite piece of artwork or a decorative mirror will also add interest to the space. Some people even choose to display their television above their fireplace mantel! Keep any fireplace accessories nearby in a clean and attractive manner, like a handsome log carrier or fireplace tool holder.

Clean. Cleaning your actual fireplace and the surrounding areas will instantly update the look of it. Sometimes a little cleaning and a fresh coat of paint is all a fireplace mantel really needs. Make sure you use the appropriate products and are careful of the debris. If it's best, hire a professional to clean your fireplace and the mantel.

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Ideas for Rolling Library Ladders

One way to add beautiful and functionality to your home is to install a rolling library ladder. These ladders help you easily reach things on high shelves or areas, and have the added bonus of beauty and classic style. They can be installed in almost any room in your home and can easily be customized to your liking. Below are some popular options of library ladders in your home.

rolling library ladder(source)

Use a rolling ladder in your closet as a way to reach items stored at high levels. Closets in particular  are usually small, so proper storage and organization is key. Many times this leads to seasonal or less-used items being stored in higher places that can only be accessed with the boost of a ladder.




wooden library ladder(source)

It is called a rolling library ladder after all- so why not use it in that room? If you have a large library in your home, a rolling ladder provides easy access to each and every book. In addition to the functionality, these ladders add an elegant touch to your library that guests will enjoy.




kitchen ladder(source)

Installing a rolling library ladder in your kitchen is a great way to reach pots, pans and even food items. Whether you install it in the main spot of your kitchen or inside your pantry, you can access items that are stored on the highest shelves with ease.




wine cellar ladder(source)

Reach high bottles safely and easily with the help of a rolling ladder. Opt for an elegant and luxurious wood type (and stain) for your wine cellar.




loft ladder

(source)

If you have a loft in your home, a rolling library ladder is a must. Whether the loft is for storage, hides a bed or is a space for children to play, the ladder allows them to easily access the hidden space.




bathroom ladder

(source)

An unexpected place to use a rolling library ladder is in your bathroom. You can store linens and toiletries for guests in the higher cabinets and easily reach them when the occasion approaches. The ladder also doubles as a space to hang towels.




rolling library ladder

(source)

Instead of your typical wooden library ladder, why not add a pop of color to your home? Paint your ladder a bold color for an interesting take on the classic ladder. It will instantly brighten up your room and add an element of visual interest.




You can easily build your own rolling library ladder with the help of CS Hardware. We offer rolling library ladder hardware kits, wood ladder kits, custom wood ladder kits and ladder accessories on our website. Simply select from our options of rolling ladder components and easily assemble the pieces once they arrive. Your home will be looking good in no time! For more inspiration in the form of photos, check out our Pinterest board full of ways to use your rolling library ladder.

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Blacksmith Dan Nauman

It is rare to find someone these days who is as dedicated and passionate about their craft as Dan Nauman is. Master blacksmith Dan Nauman practices his work at Bighorn Forge- his shop that is located in Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Nauman began forging in 1979 and has since opened up other shops and become a full-time forger. He has taught, demonstrated and lectured about forging at a variety of institutions and locations across the country, sharing his wealth of knowledge and exceptional work of his craft with others. You can sign up for a forging workshop or blacksmith class here.

Nauman designs and makes a variety of work, including door hardware (handles, hinges, latches, door knockers), fences, railings, gates, fireplace tools, lighting (chandeliers, candelabras and wall sconces), sculptures and window hardware (curtain rods, grilles and false balconies). His variety of work can be seen in homes, businesses and institutions alike.

His work varies widely, but always features the highest of quality and most imaginative of details. His works often feature flowing forms, different types of metal and intricate designs. He is often inspired by the natural world and the teachings of Jesus Christ. He takes materials most people would consider to be junk or antiques and uses them as tools to create beautiful art. His methods are based on controlled use of the hammer, using accepted forging discipline.

Nauman has won two international awards for his design and workmanship from the “National Ornamental and Miscellaneous Metals Association” (NOMMA) for a chandelier made for the “Captain Frederick Pabst Mansion” in Milwaukee, WI, and for a sculptural gate made for a private party residing in Port Washington, WI. He has also received two grants to study and promote famed metal master Cyril Colnik’s work through a video documentary. Later on, he had the opportunity to redesign the Cyril Colnik galleries at the Villa Terrace Decorative Arts Museum.

CS Hardware is excited to feature some of Nauman’s beautiful work on the hand forged iron pieces on their rolling barn door. You can purchase these indoor rolling doors at CS Hardware’s website and see the different roller strap styles he created. To learn more about Nauman, you can visit his website or blog.

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The Best Home Remodeling & Improvement Blogs

Over the years, the internet has changed the way home remodeling works. There are so many more resources available for homeowners, contractors and interior decorators than ever before. In addition to using Pinterest or iPhone apps for your home remodel, there are also a large variety of blogs out there. Here are a few blogs you should be reading for inspiration, tutorials and resources when remodeling your home.

Remodelaholic (http://www.remodelaholic.com) – One of the most popular remodeling blogs out there, Remodelaholic is written and run by a couple who love everything and anything DIY. Not only do they produce high-quality content, but they also take user submissions as well. Over the span of the blog, they have successfully remodeled three separate houses, sharing their ups and downs along the way.

Apartment Therapy (http://www.apartmenttherapy.com) – Their motto is, “Saving the world, one room at a time”, and they do just that. Apartment Therapy sets out to “help people make their homes more beautiful, organized and healthy by connecting them to a wealth of resources, ideas and community online”. This blog is known for its beautiful images and wide variety of topics (including everything from outdoors to style).

Ikea Hackers (http://www.ikeahackers.net) – This blog features tutorials of how to modify and repurpose Ikea products. The blog takes reader submissions and always has original content due to the popularity of Ikea furniture. This is a great space for creative people to come together and share their ideas and get inspiration for their own furniture remodel.

Young House Love (http://www.younghouselove.com) – Another reader favorite, this blog focuses on a couple’s journey of remodeling their first home together. Complete with DIYs, personal stories and plenty of before-and-after shots, this blog is full of useful resources and inspiration for any home remodel on a budget.

Charles and Hudson (http://charlesandhudson.com) – Charles and Hudson features articles that focus on the quality, design and innovation in the world of home improvement. The blog’s popular categories include DIY, design, tools and outdoor articles. If you’re looking for something that focuses less on the interior design and more on the construction, this is the blog for you.

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Spruce Up Your Cabinets with Decorative Hardware

One way to easily improve the overall aesthetic of your home is by adding decorative hardware to your cabinets. Popular hardware decorations include pulls, knobs, and handles. Choosing the right type of cabinet hardware will draw attention to the cabinets and enhance the beauty of your room. Here are a few ideas for adding new hardware to your cabinets.

plain cabinet knob

Match your hardware to your existing décor. If you have a stainless steel sink, choose matching cabinet pulls to pull the room together. Keeping similar colors and materials together in the same room provides a pulled-together and classic look. The finishes of the hardware is also something to take into consideration. Match your cabinet hardware finish with that of your kitchen. Popular finishes include stainless and brushed metal, a matte finish, an antique look or textural designs.

kitchen cabinet knob

Keep it simple if you want your cabinets to blend in. If you want another item in your kitchen to stand out, keeping your pulls and knobs simple will do the trick. Choosing colors and materials that are simple and match closely to the color of the cabinets themselves won’t take the attention away from other areas in the room.

funky knobs

Add funky hardware to spice things up. Drawer pulls come in a variety of shapes and sizes other than the standard circular knob. Try whimsical pulls shaped like animals, food or everyday objects. Other options include knobs and pulls that are made from recycled materials, such as glass or rocks. To completely change the look of your cabinets, change the size of the hardware. Larger pulls can even out the kitchen’s proportions, while smaller pulls may make the cabinets look larger.