<![CDATA[DIY Home Improvement, Remodeling & Repair Forum - Decorating and Design]]> http://www.houserepairtalk.com en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:12:09 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.houserepairtalk.com/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[DIY Home Improvement, Remodeling & Repair Forum - Decorating and Design]]> http://www.houserepairtalk.com recessed lighting in old house http://www.houserepairtalk.com/f108/recessed-lighting-old-house-7991/ Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:04:01 GMT Was on a business trip and ended up in an ultra-hip DC hotel recently. One thing that impressed me was their use of 3-inch recessed lights. Really made a tiny hotel room have dimension to it.

We've got an old plain austere '52 ranch in the near suburbs of Atlanta. I'm thinking about putting some small recessed lights in our living room. But, would love to hear thoughts on whether that's a mismatch of styles. (I.e. Are 3" recessed lights good for big city condos/hotels, but not suburban brick ranches?) I'm attaching a picture of our 17/11 foot front room. I've thought about putting three 3'' lights above the fireplace wall (one above each of the bookshelves, another in the center of the fireplace), and then two more along the ceiling above the couch. Design thoughts greatly appreciated.
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]]> Decorating and Design kelley4180 http://www.houserepairtalk.com/f108/recessed-lighting-old-house-7991/ Black and White Theme with Oak http://www.houserepairtalk.com/f108/black-white-theme-oak-7839/ Sun, 25 Oct 2009 15:10:25 GMT I have a room currently white walls. My bed has a light oak headboard, my TV stand is the same lite oak, and my ceiling fan is light oak. OH, and all my molding is light oak.

My thought is I would like to go with a black and white theme in my room, but don't want to replace all the oak I have. Will this 2 color theme look ok with all the oak? Also, I am going to put up some pictures, and had thought light oak frames to match, but would I be better off using black frames for some, and white for others? I plan to paint my walls a lighter gray color...

This is my first attempt for really decorating themes. Any help and suggestions is appreciated. ]]> Decorating and Design jjohnston http://www.houserepairtalk.com/f108/black-white-theme-oak-7839/ 1950 Apartment restoration/update http://www.houserepairtalk.com/f108/1950-apartment-restoration-update-7817/ Thu, 22 Oct 2009 21:43:57 GMT I am moving into a pretty little apartment complex, built in 1950.... good news is: I know the owner (my dad!!!) Bad news is.... it needs A LOT of work! Any suggestions on where to start? A few of the particulars are listed below: Small kitchen: currently has laminate *flooring *(that is... I am moving into a pretty little apartment complex, built in 1950.... good news is: I know the owner (my dad!!!) Bad news is.... it needs A LOT of work! Any suggestions on where to start? A few of the particulars are listed below:

Small kitchen:
currently has laminate flooring (that is definitely being removed) I was thinking 8 or 12in black and white checked flooring... the tiled countertops are yellow with flecks of gold (gotta go!!!) cabinets are white (likely to remain so after sanding and repainting them) Was considering removing a door or two so it's open shelving....

Living/dining room:
Hardwood floors (to be sanded and possibly stained before sealing) the two rooms open to each other but are most definitely two sep. areas.

Staircase:
Painted iron... definitely stripping ALL the paint off

Bathroom:
white hex tiles (which will remain, although be grouted with black) the tile has been painted several times and I am anxious to see what color it is, although i have the sneaking suspicion that it will need to be replaced regardless....

2 bedrooms:
hardwood floors

SIDE NOTE:
Any ideas on where I can find things like period door knobs/fixtures/switch plates for a reasonable price?

Wish me luck! this is a heck of a job!

*Will take and post pictures of the current state of the apartment next time I am in town! ]]> Decorating and Design Staci_25 http://www.houserepairtalk.com/f108/1950-apartment-restoration-update-7817/