Tag Archives: basement

I Spy in the Basement Part 1

This week, in between a killer work week and trying to prepare for a big family event, I decided that I would attack the basement. Last year, we had the basement mostly finished. I say mostly, because it is technically finished, with a real floor, insulated walls and a ceiling. I also say mostly, because we have some small bits of painting to do, and we are considering putting in both a small bathroom and a heat source down there eventually. With the basement getting finished, it was possible to move the bulk of the toys down there and turn … Continue reading →

Keeping Your Basement Dry

Late winter and early spring are prime times for getting flooding in your basement and water damage to any belongings that you might have stored there. Melting snow and ice can create plenty of water that seeps in to your basement. At the same time, heavy spring rains can find their way in to your home through the basement. There are several things that you can do to prepare your home and keep your basement dry. If you have frequent flooding in the basement, consider purchasing a sump pump. A sump pump system will remove any water from the basement … Continue reading →

Going Green in the Garage (and Basement)

Do you want to start a new project in your home? How about going through your rooms and see what changed you can make to go green and lessen your family’s impact on the planet? There are so many changes that you can make, from the small to the large. We’ve already covered the bedroom and the bathroom. Now, let’s take a look at the garage and basement. Let’s first examine insulation. Insulating the basement can really do a lot to reduce your heating costs. Even if the basement are isn’t heated, having it insulated can still reduce the impact … Continue reading →

Free and Low Cost Artwork

We just mostly finished up our family room, installing new carpet and painting the walls. It looks great, and there are only a few things left to do in the room. One of the big tasks that is remaining is to select some artwork, including pictures for the walls. Right now, everything is blank. Artwork could really warm up the room and add some personality. Do you have any ideas for free and low cost artwork? Here are my ideas. My computer is filled with thousands of digital photos that we took, including scenic photos of flowers, birds, the woods, … Continue reading →

Suspended Artwork

Suspended artwork is a classic look that is also a hot trend right now. It is rare when those two things come together, so take advantage of a new look that will be able to stay with your decor for years to come. Suspended artwork gives the look and feel of art that is hanging from the wall, or suspended by a visible hook or fixture. You may have seen this look in country decorating magazines. It is a favorite way of hanging art for Martha Stewart, who usually showcases her frames as being suspended by ribbons. To update the … Continue reading →

Affordable Nursery Ideas

Decorating a nursery is more joyful than decorating any other space in the home. Getting the baby’s room ready is an exciting time, the prelude to wonderful new experiences. Of course, you want your baby’s room to be gorgeous, but let’s face it; not everyone has a fortune to spend creating a nursery that looks like a page that fell out of a magazine. That’s okay! Creativity goes a long way. You can create a wonderful, comfortable nursery for your baby without going into to debt to do so. A fun idea, one that will also help stimulate your baby … Continue reading →

Kid’s Clutter: Making Room for Birthday or Holiday Gifts

Whether it’s a birthday, major holiday, or another special occasion, our kids tend to be the recipient’s of lots of gifts. They get goodies from us from friends, neighbors, and other family members, and it doesn’t take long for the accumulation to become overwhelming. While many gifts have sentimental meaning, there are also those toys that kids “had to have” that they have since gotten over or outgrown. These items can be handed down to siblings or donated to make room for new stuff. If there are toys that your child still plays with occasionally and you really aren’t ready … Continue reading →

What is a Tablescape?

The term tablescape is often used interchangeably with terms like tabletop arrangement or centerpiece. However, a true tablescape is actually a bit more complex. While tablescapes often adorn the center of the table, they are more than centerpieces. They are design plans, an overall look that addresses the entire table or surface as well as its surroundings. Every item is chosen specifically to complement not only other items on the table but also other elements of the space. A tablescape should also incorporate elements of the season or occasion. A breathtaking tablescape display can set the mood for the entire … Continue reading →

Basement Floor Savings (And Garage Floor, Too)

As you might now know, I am blogging over at the Home Blog (as well as here at the Frugal Blog and there at the Computing Blog), and I am sharing my family’s adventure as we clean out our garage. Now that the garage floor is nice and clean, my husband has mentioned painting it. Not only will it look much better painted, but it will help improve our home. Having the garage floor painted will also help it serve another function, as an impromptu place for gathering with friends and family during parties, when we need to expand our … Continue reading →

Home Week in Review: August 20 – 26

More Dining Room Ideas Last week, in Start Decorating the Dining Room, we talked about getting design plans together for fall decorating and beyond. With the holidays approaching, now is a good time to start planning and even picking up a few things here and there to change the look and feel of your dining room. This week, there were some ideas including layering rich color, flooring options, and new dinnerware. Easy Ways with Artwork Artwork can make a dramatic difference in any space, giving it more sparkle, color, and texture, and making the room feel more finished. Give pop … Continue reading →