A Shelf for Everything and Everything On Its Shelf

Do you have stacks of books without a “home?” Or maybe you’re using temporary shelving like cinderblocks and plywood. When it’s time for an “upgrade” it’s not too hard to channel your inner carpenter. While building a shelving unit from scratch might feel like a big project (especially if you’re a busy person) here are some ideas that will save time, space and get you started.
 
1. Look up!
 
Most closets have a great deal of space above the clothes bars. This is the perfect place for “hidden storage.” Properly mounted, sturdy shelves can hold everything from books or old LP’s (remember those?) to linens, seasonal decorations and more. The sky and your imagination is the limit!
 
2. And while you’re in there…
 
Is there room at the ends of your closet for shelves? Chances are there’s wall space on either side of the closet. These end spaces are a great place for shelves for shoes, pillows, blankets, and yes, books!
 
  3. What about under the window?
 
Imagine creating a cozy window seat! If you’ve got windows that are not too high off the floor, then you can create a book nook! Under the window, build two rows of study shelves and create seating on top! You can use ready made cushions or pads, or you can get “fancy” and make your seating upholstered. All you need now is a nice cup of tea! Ahhh.
 
 

4. Stairs and landings
 
These can be clutter areas OR you could create a statement with a bold,  beautiful bank of shelves filled with books at the top of your stairs or on a landing. Adjustable brackets are easier to install when building a shelving project with multiple shelves. This makes your project more versatile too. Worried about whether or not it will really be beautiful? Here are some tips to  make sure they are.
When using plywood, apply iron-on edge banding. This is a veneer that can be purchased at home centers. It’s as easy as it sounds. Iron it on to the ends, trim off the excess and voila! Beautiful ends.
Polyurethane Trim. Also at home centers, this trim can be cut stapled, nailed, glued and painted just like wood. It’s an easy way to add elegance to your “top of the stars” project.
Remember it’s a focal point not an eyesore. Use contrasting paint or stain to make it stand out and look like a beautiful decorative piece.

5. Or you can make it simple.
 
Of course you could just go out and BUY a book case or cabinet, but remember safety first! We’re in earthquake country so please remember to anchor any cabinetry or shelving units to your walls. If you have carpeting, wait until the case has settled into the carpet before screwing it to the studs in the wall. If you want to be able to move the bookcase without unscrewing it, consider using chain latches. Fasten the chains to your studs with 2-1/2-in. coarse-thread screws. Position the tracks so there will be just enough slack in the chains for you to detach them.
 
If all that sounds like too much work (especially in the heat of summer) we’re here to help! We can mount those shelves, anchor your cabinets and more! Our July special will let us help you without breaking the bank.  

Read on for our July special offer!

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Making an Impact Without Breaking the Bank

If it’s time for a fresh look in your home, but you’re afraid it will cost a fortune, you’re in luck! Our feature this issue is all about making your humble abode look new – but without spending a lot! Here are 5 quick tips to get you started.
 
  1. Start at the front.
 
The first thing you, or anyone who visits your home, will notice is the front door and handle. Spruce up that front door with a new coat of paint! And don’t forget the trim. One bonus of repainting is that you’ll need to clear off the porch, which is the perfect opportunity to de-clutter and put away anything that doesn’t belong there!
 
Also consider cleaning the door handle – or even upgrading to a new one! You probably don’t even notice the door handle, but it’s the first thing people look at when they’re new to your home!
 
Add some beautiful healthy plants and viola! The front of your house has gone from blah to ah!
 
2. A little paint can have a BIG IMPACT!
 
Consider painting the following:
 
a) The ceiling (anything but white)
b) The walls and use a contrasting color for the trim
c) Your kitchen cabinets
d) Unmatched furniture using the same color (like white). Of course this would not add value to any antique or vintage pieces, so choose carefully.
 
3. Shed a little light on the subject
 
Adding track lighting can have a huge impact, especially in a dark room. Or consider accent lights instead of table lamps. Spotlights too can make a big difference. All of these options can be easily and inexpensively obtained at home or discount stores.
 
4. Trim vegetation away from your windows.
 
It’s always a little surprising how much brighter your home is when you’ve trimmed away bushes and trees from the window. Sure we don’t really notice them much because they grow slowly but a nice trim can make a huge difference in the amount of light that comes through your window.
 
5. Spruce up your yard.
 
If this task seems daunting consider doing this in small stages. Start by creating a small focal point such as a bird bath or bird feeder and decorate this area with lush plants and/or a pretty bench or some other decoration. This creates a nice oasis and might inspire you to create another vignette. A little bit at a time and soon you will have accomplished a yardscape makeover!
 
Here’s a hint: If you want to make a small yard look bigger, use curves! A curved path, for example, fools the eye into thinking the area is larger than it really is!
 
Bonus Tip: Use ordinary items in not so ordinary ways:
 
When you get creative, you can find items that are very useful in ways that were not intended. A computer cart could be a good serving tray or towel rings might make great handles for something else. When you go shopping with the idea that you want to re-purpose your purchase, the sky can be the limit!
 
Do you feel like these are great ideas, but “who has the time?” Want help implementing some of these tips?

Read on for our July special offer!

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True Confessions of an Energy Guzzling Home

I may look like an ordinary house to you, but in reality, I am a secret energy guzzler.
 
But now it’s time to confess and let you in on it – so you can fix the problem, save energy and money. Here are my 7 Energy Secret Energy Guzzling Sins.
 
1. I don’t have enough insulation.
 
Insulation is not just for the winter months, it’s for the summer too. When you had that insulation installed years ago, it was great, but if you did it on a budget, it may be time to add more or if it’s moldy, get it replaced. Of course in the attic insulation is only part of the secret sin. I don’t have a fan circulating the air and my roof is a dark color, so the insulation has to work even harder to keep the house cool. Shhh. don’t tell the insulation…it might get mad!
 
2. I’ve been tricking your air conditioner too. When you set it to 72 degrees, your air conditioner has a big job to do. A simple fix is to set it higher perhaps 75 – 78 degrees. The ceiling fan is in on it too. It’s lazy. If it doesn’t have to work, it keeps the air conditioner working hard while the low energy fan has a nice vacation on your ceiling. Don’t tell the air conditioning, but if you get a programmable thermostat installed, your home will stay comfy without you having to think that much about it.
 
3. I love my windows. They’re big, they’re beautiful and they make you want to look outside. Am I right? BUT when you leave the curtains open all day to admire the view, guess who has to work harder. That’s right. The air conditioner. He’s such a hard worker. When you close your curtains or even get new insulated ones, you’ll give the air conditioner a break and save a little power.
 
4. The fan wanted me to let you know not to get any big ideas and leave it running all day and night. Its dirty secret is that it cools people, not rooms. Turn it off when you leave the room to save a bit on your energy bill. (Besides, it’s lazy, remember?)
 
5. While I am on dirty secrets… your light bulbs have one too. Did you know that  most of the energy that an incandescent bulb puts out is in heat not light?? That’s right, by switching to LED or energy efficient lights, your home will be bright and cooler because your lighting won’t be heating the house.
 
6. Then there’s the water heater. Yes it’s got a secret too. You could be using too much energy if it’s set higher than 120 degrees, especially if it’s a tank water heater. Who knew?
 
7. Full load confessions. Finally the dishwasher and the clothes washer want you to know that they use the same amount of energy for a small load as they do for a full one. If you bought one of those new fangled ones recently, it may actually work better when it’s full. By making sure the appliances have full loads – and only running them when it’s cooler outside (evenings), then you won’t heat up the house and you’ll save on your power bill.
 
As your house, I am sharing these confessions with you because I think you can take the truth! If you’ve noticed me looking a little tired and run down in places, I could sure use some help…BUT I am not asking you to do it yourself. I sure do enjoy when John with the Fix-It Professionals comes by. We have a little quality time together and you get to relax. John’s June Special makes this month a great time for a little Handy visit.
 
Thanks in advance,
 
Your house
ps read on for the June Special 

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