Decorative Ideas for Tall Mantels

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Candles and photos are ideal for decorating tall mantels. A mantel high above your home's fireplace affords you multiple decorating options. When choosing decorations for a tall mantel, select those that people will be able to see from below. Small ornaments and photos, for example, will not be visible if the mantel is well above eye height.

Decorating a tall mantel with trophies and other symbols of your accomplishments is suitable if you want a prominent place in the home to display them. Sports trophies and plaques from work are ideal for a mantel. When they are high off the ground, they do not clutter tables and do not require you to build a separate display case. Additionally, they are safe from people who might damage them accidentally.

Pillar candles add a pleasant ambiance when placed on a mantel over a fireplace. Not every style of candle, however, suits the space. If the candles are too short, you might not be able to see them from below. If they're too tall, their flame could be dangerously close to the home's ceiling. A group of pillar candles of varying heights creates soft lighting in the room. If desired, change the candles so their color suits the season.

A seasonal garland adds cheer to a mantel, especially during a family get-together. The garland can be comprised of either real or artificial plant life; in the winter use pine boughs, and in the autumn use maple tree branches with yellow and orange leaves. When you don't have a seasonal holiday to celebrate, create a generic garland with flowers and leaves that matches the room's decor. For an extra touch, thread a string of white ornamental lights through the garland.

The size and number of framed pieces of art you add to a home's mantel depend on the distance between the mantel and ceiling. In a great room with high ceilings, for example, use large framed art or family photos. When you have a mantel close to the ceiling, use several smaller pieces of art or photos. A thoughtful touch is to feature photos of deceased family members so they are remembered at family gatherings.

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Glaze or Metallic Wall Ideas

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Using a glaze or metallic finish is an ideal way to create an accent wall. When painting a room, you may usually find yourself relying on the color to spice up the look of the walls. However, while color is an effective way to add dimension to your walls, a textured finish can provide an added boost that makes your room pop. Using a metallic or glazed finish for your walls may require some extra work, but the finished look is usually well worth the effort. You can choose from several eye-catching metallic and glazed looks for your wall, so you can find the ideal finish for any room in your home.

One of the easiest ways to create a metallic wall is to use paint with a metallic finish. You can find the paint in a variety of colors, so you aren’t limited to gold, silver or copper. While you can paint your walls with solid metallic paint, the effect may be too flashy depending on the color of the pain and the size of your room. An interesting alternative is use a metallic paint and satin finish paint in the same color to paint stripes on your walls. The effect is subtle, but it provides texture and sheen that give your walls an eye-catching look.

If you are decorating a room in an old-world style, consider creating an accent wall with a faux metal patina finish for your walls. A patina faux finish utilizes several of paint to give your wall an antiqued look and interesting texture. Start with a basecoat of matte white or black paint. After it has dried, use a brush or sponge to apply a layer of dark green paint, stippling the color on to avoid harsh lines. While the green coat is still wet, sponge on a layer of turquoise paint. Choose a metallic paint such as gold or silver to go over the turquoise as a highlight. To smooth out the sponging marks, use a rag to gently pat the surface and add texture.

For an elegant look on your walls, a glazed silk faux finish is an attractive option. Begin by painting the wall with your chosen semi-gloss base color. Wait at least a day after you apply the second coat before applying the faux finish. To make the glaze, mix one part tinted metallic glaze and one part translucent glaze until thoroughly combined. Use an angled, synthetic brush to apply the glaze in a 2-foot section at the top corner of your wall and a 2-foot section at the bottom. Before the glaze dries, use a roller to cover the entire wall with the glaze. Next, drag a wallpaper brush down the wet glaze in a single, smooth motion, keeping the line straight as you move toward the floor. Wipe off the brush and repeat the process on the next section of wall. Repeat the entire procedure until your entire wall is covered.

Like a faux silk finish, a faux denim wall finish requires the use of a glaze. Apply a basecoat of semi-gloss paint in a blue shade and allow it to dry before applying a second coat. After the paint has dried for 24 hours, measure out small sections that are approximately 42 inches in width and apply the glaze in a thin layer with a thoroughly saturated roller. Near the ceiling and trim, use a small brush to apply the glaze. While the glaze is still wet, use a dry denim weaver brush to go over the area, moving left to right in a smooth, even strokes. Between strokes, wipe off the brush so it remains fairly dry. Next, go over the entire section in horizontal strokes before completing the same procedure with vertical strokes.

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Ideas for Driveways With an Incline

Gardening & Plants Landscaping Interior Design Home Improvement HomeHome Maintenance & RepairGarages & DrivewaysDrivewaysIdeas for Driveways With an Incline

Enhance the look of a dull driveway. Although they are frequently neglected when it comes to decorating, driveways are often the first part of your home your guests will see. Therefore, it is an opportunity to make a good first impression. While driveways are largely functional, they can also be ornamental. If your driveway is situated along an incline, there are many ways to enhance the look of this feature. Regardless of your budget, you can find a decorating option that will wow your visitors.

A dull gray, concrete driveway can be enhanced with brick or stone pavers. Install the pavers on your own along the surface of the driveway, as well as along sidewalks and paved pathways to and around your home. This not only makes the driveway more noticeable and pleasing to the eye, it will often increase the property value of your home. Before you begin, prepare the surface by power washing to remove dirt, oil and algae from the driveway's surface. A concrete base is always recommended when paving a driveway on a slope.

Landscaping with ornamental grasses and plants will enhance the look of your driveway and create a welcoming atmosphere. Line the incline of the driveway, and move out toward the yard to make the space look full. Along with plants, place decorative lanterns in the soil along the length of the driveway. This will make the area visible for you and your guests as they drive up onto the property at night, while creating a special ambiance at the same time.

To make your driveway stand out from the rest of the block, paint or stain it to match your home. Although it requires special paint, concrete can absorb paints and stains easily. You can also pour new concrete that has colored specks in the stone that become more visible when water is added. To showcase the incline of the driveway, consider painting it to create a gradient-like effect. Start by painting a lighter color at the area closes to the home, and move down the slope gradually with darker colors.

Because your driveway is designed on an incline, rainwater will run down the length of the driveway and into the street or gutters during a heavy rain or whenever you irrigate your property. To keep this rainwater from damaging your landscaping, especially along the bottom of the driveway, use mulch, gravel or thick shrubs to keep the water from washing soil down and damaging your landscape. At the foot of the driveway, plant grasses and plants that can withstand occasionally waterlogged roots, such as tropical plants that are used to rain.

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