Take a clue from homeowner Katie in our "D-I-Why Not?" video, and turn a catch-all storage space into an attractive home office. Our simple steps will give you beautiful new flooring and wall treatments in a matter of hours.
How to install laminate flooring
Today's easy snap-together laminate flooring comes in many styles to dress up a home office decor scheme, and it resists most scratches and stains. The foam backing even helps quiet your office so you can better concentrate on your big ideas.
Here's what you'll need:
- Tape measure
- Straight-edge
- Angle finder
- Hammer
- Level
- Wall spacers
- Saw with a fine-tooth blade
- Laminate flooring
Measure the square footage of the entire floor space. Buy that much flooring material plus about 5 to 10 percent extra to allow for multiple cuts and inevitable waste.
Decorator tip: Cut the flooring planks in different lengths for visual variety and a more dramatic floor pattern.
Make sure the floor is level before you start; gaps between the old and new surfaces can create a wobbly floor.
Next, lay down plastic sheeting as a moisture barrier to prevent condensation from damaging your new floor.
Start in a corner, and install your laminate flooring planks atop the plastic sheeting. Apply the small plastic wall spacers between the wall and the flooring planks for a snug, even fit. Continue placing planks end to end, snapping them together.
Imagine that: You've created an amazing new floor in less than a day!
How to make a decorative bulletin board
Now get the messy piles of home office paperwork off your desk and organized on your wall, and add a decorative flair to the room.
Here's what Katie used for her project:
- Pre-cut plywood sheet (sized to your needs)
- Cork board squares
- Spray adhesive
- Fabric
- Staple gun
Apply spray adhesive to the plywood, and carefully place cork board squares onto the wood until they're secure.
Place a piece of your favorite fabric atop the cork board.
Stretch the fabric over the back of the plywood, making sure it's taut, and secure the material with a staple gun.
Now mount your new decorative bulletin board above your desk, and start pinning your most important papers in style!
