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May 25, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

Give A Deck A Face Lift With Eco-Friendly Decking Tiles!

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Summer is here and in Chicago that means three things: baseball, tourists and backyard shindigs. As for the last on that list, Chicago Handyman has shared some valuable deck building tips before, but for those with not enough time or energy to take on the task, there’s finally a solution: decking tiles!

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These easily installed tiles take almost no time to install and cover up any weathered wood, concrete or soil. All that’s required is snapping them together and voila! This cost-saving, eco-friendly deck solution makes a backyard looks absolutely inviting. And the focus is finally back on the barbecue… not the ugly wood below guests’ feet.100498157.jpg.rendition.largest

 

For a list of more decking tile options, check out Better Home & Gardens wide array of choices. 

Ready for a brand-spanking-new deck? Call Chicago Handyman today for all summer decking needs!

May 20, 2015 in Home Improvements, Idea Corner

The Top 4 Design Trends Of 2015

Ready to attack a project? Well, before swinging a hammer or pulling off wallpaper, check out A Beautiful Space’s top 4 design trends of 2015 guaranteed to amp up the style of every space:

1. Bring On The Blue!

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Deep, rich blues are in vogue and for good reason! Dark navy and indigo are both bold and beautiful, ensuring an expressive but classic look. Add a splash or coat the room in the glorious shade- it’ll look wonderful either way!

2. Metallics Are A Must Have

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No, this isn’t another call for stainless steel or chrome. Instead, carve a different style path with brass or copper finishes. Switch up the hues of metallics throughout the home and don’t get locked in the stainless box.

3. Take On Texture

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Whether it’s texturized wallpaper or sponge applied wall contours, texture from walls to ceiling are definitely taking center stage in home design. Take advantage of this texture revolution!

4. Bring The Vacation Home

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Finally, a trend that requires traveling the world for inspiration! Whether the theme’s Morocco or Tanzania, earthy tones will definitely propel the home into the glamour that is 2015 home design.

May 15, 2015 in Idea Corner

Make A New Material Look Old & Rustic Again!

Screen Shot 2015-05-11 at 11.59.47 PMSome people dig the modern look. Others love vintage victorian. However, plenty of homeowners seem to have some cowboy(girl) in them and want rustic materials on a budget. The great news is there’s no reason to break the bank to get that barnyard luxury aesthetic. Instead, follow these simple steps from Paper Daisy Design to turn any type of wood into the countryside materials that dreams are made of.

Here’s what’s needed:

  • 1″x4″ boards
  • Nails
  • Hammer
  • Crowbar
  • Knife
  • Sand paper
  • Dark stain

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Start with the easiest step: distressing the wood. This is where all those inner frustrations of the week can barrel out. Stab and claw at the 1″x4″ boards with nails, hammers, crowbars, anything that would leave a dent or mark. Beat it up until satisfied.

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Next, scrape off the straight edges. Make sure to sand the distressed boards lightly to give the material an old barnyard charm.

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Finally, add the desired stain. Ideally, this stain should be dark and will require multiple coats. Don’t hesitate to mix different hues, this makes the pieces look even more weathered. Perform a final sand job to ensure the rural style has been achieved.

And, voila!

…what to do with these new materials? Check out Idea Corner’s plethora of posts on recycling reclaimed wood into something beautiful!