November 3rd, 2011
Children often clamor for bunk beds when they share a bedroom with another sibling and have grown tired of the limited play space available at floor level. After all, squeezing two beds into a single room leaves little extra space for free play, whereas two beds stacked one on top of the other provide just as much sleeping space but leave more available room on the floor. Unfortunately, not everyone has the option of purchasing a high quality, pre-built bunk set. So if you want to put bunks in your kids’ room but can’t afford to buy a set, you’ll just have to build the structure yourself.
Since you’re trying to save money and have never built a bunkbed structure like this before, let’s start with a simple design. To build a twin-over-twin sized bunk structure that adequately and stably sleeps two children, you’ll first need to have the appropriate building material for the main frame. Wood is a good choice for first-time builders, as it is easily cut and manipulated, and won’t require welding or other more advanced processes that metal bunks would need. When choosing a wood, select something strong and durable. Most hardwoods work well, such as birch, oak, or cherry. If you’d like to save on expenses, you can choose pine as well. Pine is perfect for painting later so you don’t have to stick with the natural wood color if you don’t want to. If you do choose pine though, be sure to uses a southern yellow pine. White pine is quite soft, and wouldn’t be stable enough for bed building.
Once you’ve picked out and purchased your building material, you’ll have to lay everything out to begin building. Start with the base of the lower bunk, as this will help to support the rest of the structure. When all else fails, always start from the bottom and work towards the top. Since this is your first bunk building project, measure the width of the base slightly larger than is typical, to provide extra foundational support. The base should extend several inches further than the size of the twin mattress being placed on it, and it should be completely flat. Use a level to ensure the base is flat in its entirety before moving on.
Once the base has been constructed, you’ll have to assemble four beams that will support the top bunk. Use as few separate pieces as possible, as that will help to improve structural integrity. The beams should be evenly spread out, and you can use supplemental cross pieces to connect the beams for further support. You can use metal clamps and nails to secure the wood.
After that section is finished, you’ll simply need to build the support section for the top bunk. This layer should be slightly smaller than the base, and considerably lighter (though still strong enough to support the full weight of a body). Line up the top section so that is sits directly over the base, and so that weight is distributed evenly between the four beams. If effectively installed, there should only be a little give on the support beams when a body moves around on the top bunk, and the base should be stable regardless. Once stable, you’ll be able to craft some bars for the top bunk to prevent rolling off, and you’ll also have to install a small ladder so your child can climb to the top bunk and access it easily.
Paint and design is up to you or the taste of your children, as really, your concern should be on bed sturdiness and child safety. Though exact measurements will depend on the type of building material you use and the construct of the room you’re putting the bunk bed set in, so long as you test for sturdiness and strength along the way, the set should hold up well.
Posted in Tips & Ideas | leave a comment » | Posted by Susan
October 26th, 2011
Are you renting a house or apartment and forced to live with white walls? You don’t have to anymore. The hottest, newest product for wall art are decals. They are removable graphics that let you be creative. Some are even MOVEABLE!
My favorite site for wall decals is Blik. Blik was the brain child of Scott Flora, an architect, and Jerinne Neils, a food writer. While trying to decide what to do with their own walls they came up with this brilliant idea. The application of their product is perfect for any home or business space. I love the flexibility. Change your mind, no problem. This is perfect for a child’s room. The walls can be changed as they get older. Bringing them from infancy to teenage years easily.
Blik’s newest product is the pattern wall tile. You can create a feature wall, an accent over the bed, cover closet doors, or well you name it… we can go on and on. The tiles are self-adhesive and can be repositioned and moved easily. These self-adhesive fabric tiles are eco-friendly, non-toxic and free of both PVC and phthalates.
So there are no longer excuses for you to live with white walls. Get creative and have fun.
Posted in Living Green, Tips & Ideas | leave a comment » | Posted by Susan
July 7th, 2011
Sherwin-Williams has an app for you. Introducing the iPhone, Blackberry and Android app that helps you choose a color palette for your home. It’s call the ColorSnap® app.
You can search for specific colors or browse the full Sherwin-Williams color palette and fine tune the colors using lightness, saturation and hue features. The ColorSnap® app also helps you select coordinating colors, so if you suffer from color stress this is the tool for you.
Did I mention this is all for free? Go to the Sherwin-Williams web site to download the ColorSnap® app.
Posted in Tips & Ideas | leave a comment » | Posted by Susan
July 7th, 2011
If you want to make a dramatic change and add sophistication to a room then paint one or two walls black. Dark walls make your room look larger. It’s best if it’s the wall opposite your sofa in the living room or bed if it’s the bedroom. Make it the wall you will see the most and make it visually interesting by adding a great abstract painting or a grouping of smaller paintings. Artwork really pops against black.
Carry the black to other parts of the room with your accessories: Candle sticks, pillows, lamps or a large mirror with a black frame. Found a brass chandelier at a flea market? Spray paint black and give it new life.
I recently visited Inspired Interiors in Fort Lauderdale and they have a black wall that looks spectacular. They specialize in painted furniture and the black walls set off the furniture beautifully. The artwork in this photo is the beautiful work of Gisele Haselbarth.
Posted in Tips & Ideas | leave a comment » | Posted by Susan
June 23rd, 2011
Since leaving my parents home I’ve always lived in small spaces. It was sometimes a challenge but you learn to get creative with space. The most ingenious thing I’ve seen lately is the Coffee Table Bed by Julia West Home. It’s a good looking coffee table and quickly becomes a bed for one. Perfect for someone who doesn’t have a guest room.
Julia West Home is located in Toronto and from what I can tell they don’t have an online shopping cart. They have other double duty furniture pieces on their site at JuliaWestHome.com. Check it out, dove-tail joints, I give this one a thumbs up.
Posted in Miscellaneous, Tips & Ideas | leave a comment » | Posted by Susan
March 1st, 2011
A little vintage, a little right now!
This is a classic look that instantly adds sophistication to any room. Robin Bruce is creating tufted furniture in a 21st Century way. Unexpected fabrics and new lines give this classic a new life.
Robin Bruce by Rowe offers a line of tufted furniture that is affordably beautiful.
RobinBruce.com
Posted in Tips & Ideas, Vintage Suite | leave a comment » | Posted by Susan
February 17th, 2011
One trend I’m hearing about this past year and still going strong for 2011 is the painted ceiling, not a white ceiling but a magnificent color painted on the ceiling. This is a daring trend because….I don’t know about you but I never want to have to paint a ceiling twice. My arms hurt just thinking about it. This is most definitely a time to hire a pro.
I recently visited a friend who moved into his new condo. His ceiling is painted with stripes of different widths. The color choices for the stripes are perfect. This is a drop ceiling over the kitchen. It probably is used for air conditioning duct work. I think this solution is the best I’ve seen for turning a low ceiling area into an asset. I was sorry I didn’t bring my camera. So here is the photo taken with my iPhone.
He hired professional painters. I think they did a great job. The stripes were perfect. What do you think?
Posted in Tips & Ideas | leave a comment » | Posted by Susan
January 3rd, 2011
Pantone has named Honeysuckle the Color of the Year for 2011. It’s a daring color. I once had a bathroom painted that color. It’s great for a small room like that. Probably a little too much for the walls of any other room in the house. But I think as an accent color it would be magnifico.
Benjamin Moore has named “Vintage Wine” as the 2011 Color of the Year. It’s a very sophisticated color. It works with a neutral palate but a little dull for my taste. I love how they used it on the ceiling. Color on the ceiling is another trend.
Many trend sources are showing purple as a major trend with turquoise as a close second. I love both of these as accents in a neutral room as the pop of color.
The use of Black or white is still very much “IN”. One way to make a sophisticated update to your home….Paint all the doors a rich black. It’s very stylish.
If you’re looking to make a change in the new year but don’t want to spend a lot then consider paint. It makes a big impact and it’s easy to change. Be bold. You will love the results.
Posted in Tips & Ideas | leave a comment » | Posted by Susan
December 8th, 2010
It’s almost impossible to decorate your home for the holidays without spending tons of money. On almost any given day we find ourselves grabbing an extra ornament, buying a new wreath or spending enough on a menorah to feed the family for a week. As the penny pinching mother of two girls I know how tricky living on a budget can be (especially during the season of treats, toys and tinsel), but you can find small ways to live large… without spending large.
* Make Your Own: It might sound cliche, but making your own ornaments and wreaths is one of the best ways to decorate your home without going over budget. But if you aren’t a crafty person, help your home look festive by adding small amounts of baby’s breathe flowers, candy canes or pine cones wear needed. Try spray painting pine cones in beautiful colors (a fun activity for the kids) and filling small baskets or bowls to create a simplistic center piece.
* It’s Ornamental: Consider buying a large container of cheap, basic ornaments (the simple, shiny kind in a universal color) and dotting them throughout your house. Fill up an empty candle holder, arrange them around a centerpiece or vase, or add them in a bunches on top of cabinets or windowsills with candles throughout…voila!
* Get Wrapping: If all else fails, use an affordable holiday ribbon to wrap the staircase banister, dining room chairs or small throw pillows (as if you’re tying a holiday bow on a present). And remember to turn of your Christmas tree or seasonal lights during the day to save electricity (you’ll thank yourself later!)
Bailey Vincent Clark is the founder of Makeover Momma.com: helping busy, budgeted women feel fit, fashionable and fabulous after kids. In addition to hosting Makeover Momma TV weekly and working as the “New Mom” voice for Walmart.com, she is a full time mother of two girls in small town Virginia.
© Photo Courtesy of Etsy.com
Posted in Living Green, Tips & Ideas | leave a comment » | Posted by makeovermomma
February 10th, 2010
You’ve probably seen Flor Carpet tiles on one of the many interior design television shows. They are a great flooring solution if you have children, live in an apartment or your just looking for a product that is customizable and encourages your creativity. You can create a unique design of your own by mixing and matching tiles. They are easy to clean and for the stubborn stains just replace the tile. Quick to install, easy to clean and eco-friendly, what more could you want?
Get samples or a catalog at http://www.flor.com
Tags: eco-friendly, floor tiles
Posted in Living Green, Miscellaneous, Tips & Ideas | leave a comment » | Posted by Susan
