Add your personal style to a purchased roll-down shade kit by embellishing the shade with paint. Select two complementary colors to paint in alternating stripes on the shade. When you're done, hang your new shade and enjoy the view.

Decide if you want an inside or outside shade mount. The difference is the amount of light that can enter the room. While an inside-mount shade (like the one in this project) provides a cleaner look, it may admit more light around the perimeter than you want. If light control is important to you, use an outside mount.

Tools and Materials:

• Tape measure
• Air filter
• Window shade
• Tin snip or wire cutter
• Tape
• Foam roller
• Paint tray
• Hammer
• Mounting hardware

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Step 1. Measure the inside window opening to determine the correct size roller shade to purchase.

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Step 2. Peel off the cardboard frame from the air filter, separate the metal grid from the fiber filter and lay the first metal grid on top of the shade with a solid edge of the grid positioned toward

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Small bathrooms provide unique challenges and opportunities. The challenge is to make the most efficient use of a limited space; the opportunity is that small bathrooms, which tend to be used by guests, provide opportunities for dramatic or whimsical decoration that reflects your personal style. There are a wide variety of stylish options for fixtures, lighting and cabinetry for small rooms, in price ranges to fit any budget. Here are a few tips and creative options that can help you get the most out of your small bathroom remodel or renovation project.

Suites and collections. Leading manufacturers offer a broad mix of coordinated products that allow you to select fixtures to meet your needs as well as the specific space configurations of your bathroom. Try vanity combos and fixtures that maximize available space while protecting your investment with timeless designs that won't go out of style.

The illusion of size. Just because the bathroom is small doesn't mean it has to feel cra

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Pergolas can be more than just a stunning garden feature; they can also be a versatile part of your landscape. With the latest trend in building your own retreat, more homeowners are entertaining in their own homes. There are several new and inexpensive options available at The Home Depot, so it's easy to add this practical structure to complement your yard and create a multipurpose social setting.

According to the American Institute of Architects, Americans are taking ideas from their indoor spaces and using them as inspiration outside. Here are three uses for your pergola, along with some design tips to help you pull off each look with style and ease.

Set Up a Dining Area. Use your pergola for entertaining by setting up an outdoor dining table and chairs. Select an outdoor dining set, which come in a variety of sizes and styles and are rust-resistant.

Now consider showcasing your grill under the pergola as part of the dining area. Make it easier to entertain with a side table

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Regardless of how energy-efficient your entry door is, storm doors add insulation, security and versatility to your home.  Even the best storm doors, though, will need a few periodic adjustments.  Follow the door manufacturer's guidelines and the steps below to keep your door in good working order.

Tools and Materials:

• Screwdriver
• Windchain

Step 1. Test latches and adjust as needed.  A properly functioning storm-door latch draws the door tightly and securely into the frame and holds it in place.  A loose door lets air in around the edges. 

Step 2.  Add a wind chain if your storm door doesn't have one.  Wind chains prevent doors from blowing open and off the hinges.  Set the chain so that the door will not open more than 90 degrees.  You can temporarily disconnect the chain if you need to open the door further.








Step 3. Adjust door-closer tension to close the door securely.  The tension on most closers is adjustable so that you can set the door to close without slamming.  Most closers also l...Read More »

Few hour-long home improvement projects pay such yearly cost-savings dividends as replacing your old thermostat with a new programmable -- or "automatic setback" -- model. When used properly (and depending on the severity of the winters), you could realize a savings of up to $180 on your yearly energy bills.

Programmable thermostats make the best economic sense for every home. Note that the steps below can also be followed for installing a manual thermostat.

Tools and Materials

Screwdriver

Masking tape

Programmable thermostat

Step 1. Remove the cover plate. Turn off the power to your heating and air-conditioning system at the main service panel. Remove the old thermostat cover plate with a screwdriver.

Step 2. Remove the old thermostat. Unscrew the thermostat mounting screws and remove the thermostat body. Label the low-voltage wires to identify their screw-terminal locations using masking tape, and then disconnect the wires. Remove the thermostat base by loosening the mounting screws. Tape

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Enlivening interiors or exteriors can be as easy as painting trim. And you have two options -- either apply an accent color that complements the main colors of your wall and ceiling surfaces, or paint your trim white to embolden and emphasize the other colors. Typically, working with trim requires a paintbrush and takes longer than painting large surfaces such as walls. But don't rush -- it's worth the patience.

You should have angled, square-edge and oval paintbrushes handy to tackle sharp edges along with flat and tight trim areas.Tape the borders of all trim to avoid splattering paint on the walls of the room. Place a dropcloth down to avoid getting paint spatter on your floors or floor covering. And protect yourself from harmful paint vapors with a mask or respirator.

Painting the room and trim yourself is a great way to reduce the cost of your project. Consider obtaining paint samples before purchasing a large amount of paint to ensure that the color is a match for your walls

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All good wood fences need help staying in good shape. When they're damaged, you must first decide whether to repair or replace. Armed with the techniques shown here, you can make a wood fence as good as new (or nearly so) with minimal need to replace sections.

Begin by removing any parts that get in the way of the repair. You can either remove the fencing with a pry bar or cut out the damaged section with a handsaw. When repairing a post, remove the fencing and rails connected to it.

Once the repair is complete, use new nails when replacing fencing and rails.

Tools and Materials

Cleaners
1×4, 2×4 and 4×4 posts
Nails
Deck screws
Lag screws
Carriage bolts
Fiber scrub brush
Wash cloth
Wire brush
Hammer
Screw gun
Ratchet and socket wrenches
Handsaw
Circular saw
Drill
Drill bits
Spade
Shovel
Cold chisel
3 lb. sledgehammer
Wood chisel
Clamps
Safety glasses
Work gloves
Pry bar

Cleaning the fence

Scrub wood fences with a fiber scrub brush and a mild detergent solution to remove most stains. For tougher stains, add 1 t...Read More »

Cabinet refacing is a cost-effective way to give your kitchen a whole new look by replacing cabinet door and drawer fronts and veneering the exterior of the cabinet boxes. Your kitchen layout stays the same and the cabinets stay in place, so you avoid the inconveniences associated with major renovation and demolition.

Enhancements like organizers, shelving, mouldings and other accessories add the finishing touches.

We'll explain basic refacing options available to you here, so you can be confident in getting the most out of your investment.

Refacing generally consists of replacing or renovating three main components of your cabinets:

• Doors: Select material, overlay, styles and finishes.
• Hardware: Choose hinges and handles.
• Accessories: Enhance your cabinets with shelves, organizers and more.

Choosing doors

The doors are the most visible component of your cabinets and one of the heavily used items in your kitchen. They're also a key element in transforming the look of your cabinets. D...Read More »

Install a bathroom grab bar to avoid slipping when stepping out of a shower, and enhance your bathroom's safety and utility.

Tools and Materials

1/8" drill bits
Pencil
Level
Tape measure
Safety glasses
Silicone sealant
Power drill
Studfinder
Phillips screwdriver
6 mounting screws, 10x2" Stainless steel
Grab bar

Step 1. Locate the center of the wall stud by using a stud finder. (Note: Studs are usually 16" apart.) Make sure all screws are mounted firmly into a wood stud.

Step 2. Place the grab bar on the wall where desired, so that the mounting holes are positioned over a wood stud. Use a level if needed to assure proper positioning. (Note: Don't loosen the hex bolts underneath the flange.) With a pencil, mark the mounting hole locations.

Step 3. Remove the grab bar from the wall and carefully drill pilot holes as marked. Make sure the holes are drilled into the stud.

Step 4. Install the grab bar with the accompanying screws. Make sure the screws are secured tightly.

Step 5. Slide the escutcheons on ...Read More »

Make your holiday season complete with the sight and scent of a real tree. There's no denying the
special holiday feeling that comes with bringing home a fresh-cut, rich-green Christmas tree.

Whether you crave a more traditional experience or simply enjoy the festive smell of pine in the air, selecting and decorating a real Christmas tree is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy.

Fresh-cut or live Christmas trees require a little extra care and attention, which can become an important part of your holiday traditions. Before you begin to shop, consider:

• Where do you plan to place your tree?
• What tree height and width are best?
• Are you interested in a particular type of tree?
• What is the difference between a fresh-cut tree and a live one?
• How can you help your tree thrive throughout the holiday season?

Planning

Before choosing the ideal location for your fresh-cut tree, it's important to find a spot that is cool and free from drafts. You also want to make sure that the tree is plac...Read More »