April 27, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner
Sure, ombre has been all over fashion and hairstyles, but guess where else it’s popping up? Interior walls! While not all trends are meant to last, this one is so attractive, it won’t be painted over. Check it out! :
April 24, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner
Previously, Chicago Handyman gave some tips on installing cork flooring, a very eco-friendly option indeed. Ready for an even cheaper, more eco-friendly flooring? Brown Paper Bags!
Sure, it sounds a little bit like a kindergarten art project, but it is actually a great floor and puts those lunch sacks to use.
To start, gather these materials:
While this may seem like a long list, it’s actually pretty affordable at under $100 and can be used for up to two or three rooms.
Following shopping, prepare the floors for the material. Whether this means pulling up ratty carpet or shorty wood, do so. Then sand down any high spots in the subfloor, removing nails and filling in any gaps.
Once the subfloor is prepped, begin tearing up pieces of the brown paper, separating straight edged ones from the more choppy. These pieces should be between 6″-12″ diameter and once torn, balled up and put aside until application.
With the Elmer’s Glue ready, begin to paint the first area on the floor with the glue and then put 5-6 paper balls in the glue mix. Dunk them quickly, squeeze them and set them aside until they reach the floor.
Then start laying the pieces! For a more natural look, overlap the pieces bit by bit. Make sure to watch out for tears or inconsistencies.
Finally, using an extension pole, apply the stain and poly to the new flooring. This will be the longest part of the process because both steps need ample time for drying.
When dry, this green, durable flooring will not only help the environment, but ignite dinner party conversation.
Need more details? Check out Lovely Crafty Home for a step-by-step guide.
Looking for more flooring? Call Chicago Handyman for a quote on floor installation today!
April 23, 2015 in Tech Toybox
Travel plans can be stressful. From confirmation e-mails to getting directions to the hotel, a phone can be dinging 5 to 10 times an hour.
Well, here’s a solution! Tripit automatically downloads travel plans, booking confirmation e-mails and GPS directions to one convenient app. It also suggests attractions and informs you of the weather, easily making it a go-to app for the constant traveler or weekend warrior.
April 22, 2015 in Idea Corner
In modern interior design, neutrals are always stressed as being the best pallet to go with. But not everyone can settle for a “blah” room. Enter… accent colors! These five tips from Buzzfeed will revitalize any room’s decor leaving it with a classy and colorful look.
1. Frame Up Some Color!
Don’t leave picture frames bare, add some colorful construction paper as backing to standard or black and white photos.
2. Colorblock Shelves To The Rescue
Whether in the living room, library or bedroom, organizing shelving items by hue will liven up all plain old built-ins.
3. Don’t Combat- Contrast!
Those pesky neutrals mentioned before? Use them to their fullest potential! Contrast a bright color with a neutral for dramatic yet balanced style.
4. Scrounge Up Some Colorful Flooring
Who says only walls or accessories can provide a burst of color? Technicolor rugs and flooring can liven up even the most bland rooms.
5. Stick To A Favorite!
Whether cerulean calls or bright green beckons, utilizing the color in a few key places will definitely catch the eye.
Check out more ways to revamp old spaces at Chicago Handyman’s Idea Corner!
April 21, 2015 in Tech Toybox
Whether you’re on a camping trip, sharing a room with a light sleeper or just looking to make your lighting just a little more eco-friendly, LittleSun’s Solar Power Lantern can work for anyone’s lifestyle.
Safer and more efficient than a flame lantern, LittleSun’s lantern only requires 4 hours of sunlight to produce 5 hours of LED lighting. It also provides 10 times more light than a traditional wick lantern.
Check out this power and earth saving lantern today!