Happens to me often as a plumber. After I fix a faucet and the homeowner turns the faucet lever for the first time, they are amazed. “The faucet turns so easily!” they exclaim. What surprises them is not that the faucet works so smoothly after they fix it, but that they never realized it didn’t work right until it leaked terribly or the handle couldn’t be moved.

Think about it. You walk into the kitchen or bathroom and, as you have done a thousand times before, you grab the handle of the faucet and turn on the water. Do you notice something? Probably not. Water flows; you turn it off and go on your way. Because you use the faucet every day, what you don’t notice is that gradually the internal parts of the faucet accumulate minerals from the water and the parts wear out. This makes the internal parts resist movement and therefore makes the handle increasingly difficult to move. Think of it as arthritis in the tap joints.

The good news is that you can save a lot of money by repairing the faucet yourself. Now, don’t let the plumbing scare you off. With a few common tools and some guidance, even the novice can get the job done and become a hero to his spouse or friend. I have listed a few simple steps below to help you repair a single-lever faucet. I’m only detailing single-handle faucet repair in this article because the steps to repair this faucet are unique and I don’t have the space here to explain a multi-handle faucet.

Please read the entire article before beginning the repair process. Once the actual repair begins, you can refer back to the individual steps to refresh your memory.

Single lever faucet repair steps:

1) First, determine the brand and type of faucet you are repairing; if you can actually locate a brand print on the faucet that helps immensely. There are over 100 different makes and models of faucets, and most of them have different parts. If you can’t find a name on the tap, a big help is a digital camera. Take a picture of the faucet and show it to the clerk at the plumbing supply store. Most likely, when an experienced employee sees the picture, he will immediately know what brand it is.

2) Once you know the brand of the faucet, or have a photo, you can purchase the necessary repair parts. You can go to the big box type stores or a local hardware store; each have their own particular strengths. Describe the symptoms of the sick faucet to the employee. Is it difficult to move the handle? Does the faucet leak around the base of the spout? (Kitchen faucets are notorious for this.) The clerk must know which parts to give you and can save you from having to make multiple trips to the store because you have the wrong parts. If you’re repairing a Moen brand faucet, it’s a good idea to purchase a “pull” tool to remove the old cartridge. There are different types of cartridge removal tools; An inexpensive plastic design or more expensive heavy-duty metal designs are available. For the homeowner, the cheaper plastic should work just fine. You can do your faucet repair without one, but using the removal tool makes life MUCH easier. (When doing repairs, the lowest priority for me is saving a few pennies on parts. I prefer to frequent a store or supplier that has a wide variety of quality parts and employs knowledgeable and helpful staff.)

3) TURN OFF THE TAP WATER. Have I emphasized this enough? Before disassembling the faucet, turn off the water supply. There are usually small chrome or brown valves inside the sink cabinet towards the back. If you’re like every other American I’ve ever worked for, your sink cabinet will be cluttered and those valves will be buried under every kind of shampoo and cleaning bottle imaginable. Add a hair dryer, makeup, spare soap, and toothpaste and… well, you get the idea. Dig through the rubble and locate the valves. If the valves do not turn easily, you may need to find the main water shutoff valve in the house and turn off the water there. If you need help finding the main water valve, see the how-to article on my website.

4) Once the water is turned off, close the drain plug in the sink. This little trick was taught to me by another plumber over 30 years ago. The reason for this? Most likely, when disassembling the faucet, a small screw or gasket will fall out and the closed stopper prevents the small piece from disappearing down the drain. Shiny. Before taking the faucet apart, if you want or need a detailed, illustrated breakdown of your particular faucet and its parts, these illustrations can usually be found on the manufacturer’s websites.

5) Remove the handle. There is often a removable plastic cap that covers the screw on the handle. Take off the cover and remove the screw. Some handles are attached by a set screw on the side of the handle instead of the top. Look at the handle, with a little research, it should be obvious.

6) Once the handle is removed you will see some type of device that secures the replaceable parts in place. Sometimes this is a horseshoe-shaped metal clip that slides out. Other times it is a kind of round screw cap that is unscrewed. Remove the retaining clip or cap.

(Some brands of faucets have a sheath that surrounds the horseshoe clip. This tube must be removed first and then the horseshoe-shaped ring can be slipped on. To remove the sheath, it is designed to be unscrewed or removed by grasping with pliers and pulling towards you. After removing the casing, grasp the tab of the horseshoe clip with pliers and carefully slide it to the side. These parts should come off easily.)

7) You should now see a plastic or brass cartridge that can be pulled out. If it’s a Moen faucet, this is when you use the removal tool. Follow the instructions on the tool packaging. Take care not to damage the faucet body during this process. Some faucet brands contain a plastic or brass ball here instead of a cartridge. Lift or remove this part. Underneath the round ball you should see two small rubber and spring seats. remove them. (In this step, all the removed parts should match the new parts you picked up at the store.)

8) Once the old parts or cartridge are removed, it’s a good idea to use a flashlight and look inside the faucet where the old part used to live. Do you see any pieces of debris or broken pieces of the old cartridge in there? If so, use needle nose pliers to remove it.

9) You can now install the new parts and work backwards as you reassemble the faucet, remembering to replace all clips and retaining rings. If you have any pieces left over, take the faucet back apart and find out where they go before turning on the water. Take your time and you should be fine

10) This is the most important step. After you put the faucet back together, the water is back on and you have tested it to make sure it is working well, show off your work to your spouse or friends. Watch their reactions as they marvel at how well the faucet works. Now, YOU are the hero, not the plumber who would have had to pay to do the repair.

The author assumes no responsibility for the work done by the readers of his articles. The plumbing repair articles are intended to be a helpful general guide for the homeowner.

Most of us own at least one car. But how many of us have reliable access to an automotive locksmith? Maybe not as many as they should be. But it really is one of those things that you shouldn’t want to wait until an emergency hits. You will save yourself a lot of stress in dealing with a car key issue if you have a trusted locksmith saved in your phone contacts.

There are so many situations where a specialized car locks locksmith service can help you. Let’s discuss the main ones below:

You’re locked out of your running car

Locking yourself out of your car is bad enough, but it could always get worse when you’re locked in while the engine is still running! In addition to feeling trapped outside in all the elements, you’ll run out of gas quickly if the car is left running.

If this ever happens, and hopefully you don’t have a small child or pet trapped inside, you might consider an emergency locksmith instead of calling 911 directly. Just make sure you’re in a relatively safe place and there’s no need for attention. medical or police

When you contact them, a skilled auto locksmith technician can get back to you quickly and unlock your vehicle doors. Whether your car still uses a traditional key or a more updated version with a key fob, an auto locksmith has the tools and knowledge to unlock your car door in an emergency. The best option is to get a mobile locksmith who specializes in vehicle locks, so you can get service right away wherever you are.

Your car keys are lost

Who has not lost their car keys at some point? While we’ve all been there before, it’s a different problem if your car keys have been lost for a long time. You need to have your car available at all times, and not having keys or spare parts can wreak havoc on your daily routine. While a trip to the car dealership may be an option to replace your keys, it’s usually an expensive option. Also, it takes a lot of time, depending on the type of key your car uses.

On the other hand, an emergency locksmith can offer a wide range of services on the spot. And this includes key cutting and key fob reprogramming. Also, a car locksmith service charges lower prices than car dealerships. Thus, you will have a quick solution to your dilemma and you will not have to exhaust your budget when you contact an auto locksmith.

Your key breaks or is stuck in the ignition

Most cars today have safety features when it comes to the switch and ignition. But failures can still happen when you least expect it. Your car key could be stuck inside, unable to control the ignition. Do not force the key out. It could make the problem worse. What you should do is call an automatic locksmith. The expert technician will be there when you need them to solve the problem! They can get the job done without causing major damage to your car’s ignition.

No matter what type of car you drive, be it a traditional car with manual locks or a modern car with a key fob, the team at Magic Mountain Car Key Pros are experts in auto locksmith services in the Los Angeles area. They are here to help you in times of emergency. In these unlikely but likely events where there is no one to help you with a car lockout, calling your car locksmith technicians can get you back on the road as quickly as possible. Contact them today for fast, reliable service.

The living room is one of the places where you put a lot of effort because it is where we entertain our guests. However, even when we have guests over, they can end up in the kitchen somehow. Regardless of whether or not people may want to use your kitchen, it’s always important to put a little effort in there and design can impact the space in surprising ways. The kitchen is one of the areas that has to look as elegant as possible and must be comfortable and functional at all times.

Having a modular kitchen serves all the purposes you could want. There are many reasons why it should fit the modular option and they include:

Assembly

This is one of the best features. A modular kitchen can be assembled very easily. You can enjoy the flexibility in a great way, since you can move the whole kitchen, especially after moving. You can repair or modify the kitchen at any time without affecting any other part.

personalization

Modular kitchens are usually designed keeping in mind the needs of the customers. Depending on your personal preferences and the available space, the kitchen can be customized however you like. The color of the kitchen can be easily matched or you can even choose a design that contrasts with the whole theme of your home. This allows you to really personalize the entire space and also allows you to work within your set budget.

space savers

A modular kitchen has shelves that allow you to save space. You may notice shelves in small spaces and also in the small corners. There are others where you find them hanging on the doors. You can easily place your appliances along shelves or walls. Features are a great option, especially if you have a small apartment.

convenience

In the traditional setting, carpenters were hired to design the kitchen within your home. The approach was very time consuming and a lot of hassle on the part of the owner. As for modular kitchens, they are created inside a factory and then easily installed in your home. You only need to place one order and you will have the installation done within a month or so.

Beauty

Modular kitchens have a lot of chic style and contemporary designs. There are the sleek and refined ones, and there are also the sleek and modern designs that you can choose from. There are also many patterns that have great aesthetics and functionality. There is nothing wrong with having a beautiful kitchen.

Storage

Storage is always a big thing when it comes to kitchens. Modular kitchens have drawers, cabinets, and shelves for more efficient storage. This allows you to organize your items so that working and cooking inside the kitchen is easy and efficient. You can then declutter the kitchen giving it that clean and uncluttered look.

Design

Modular kitchens are intelligently designed. The design is made in a way that allows you to store frequently used things in very convenient positions within the kitchen. You can also separate the cooking and cleaning areas.

It seems that different people are reacting in different ways to the state of the current economy. Those who may have considered moving a few years ago have now decided to stay in their current homes and are pouring money into those much-talked-about improvements like remodeling a kitchen or redecorating the family room. Others are taking advantage of the buyer’s market and first-time homebuyer incentives and therefore have newer or larger homes to furnish. And then there are those who have grown tired of losing money in the stock market and have taken that money out to spend and enjoy. Some of those consumers are using that money to remodel and redecorate as well. Whatever the reason, there are a lot of consumers in the home furnishings market lately. So whether you choose to wear a designer, shop from a catalog, or spend your weekends visiting store after store, the question remains:

What should you look for to ensure you are getting quality furniture for your money?

The following are some guidelines to use when buying new furniture:

Materials: Whether you’re in the market for vanity items (dining tables, entertainment centers, vanities, cocktail tables, etc.) or upholstered pieces (sofas, love seats, or side chairs), the wood that’s the foundation of the piece must be solid wood. The hardwoods most often used for fine furniture frames are ash, rubber, and yellow poplar due to their strength, stability, and shock-absorbing qualities. Laminated hardwoods are also good for frames as they prevent warping. Woods for exterior surfaces, such as cabinets, for example, should be those that can be carved, finished, and polished, such as birch, walnut, cherry, maple, mahogany, walnut, and oak. To ensure that your furniture does not show signs of cracking over time, the preparation of the wood is very important. Because wood contains quite a bit of moisture, it needs to be air-dried for about three to six months, depending on its thickness. It should then be kiln dried for two to eight weeks, which ensures the stability of the finished furniture.

Construction: Floating joint systems are used in the construction of most fine furniture because they allow the wood to expand and contract as it reacts to heat and moisture. Look for joints that are glued and nailed. Mortise and tenon construction is used on both the box items and the frames of the upholstered pieces. Dovetail construction is most often referred to when discussing drawer construction. When looking for upholstered pieces, ask about the seat frame. The 8-way hand tied construction is the best. In this process, hardened steel coil springs are hand tied at 8 points to provide comfort and proper seat support. Steel bands under each row of springs ensure long-lasting comfort. The sinuous spring construction is also acceptable. S-shaped springs are linked with steel wire to ensure a consistent seating platform. With either build, look for pieces that have solid wood legs that can be finished by hand in the color or stain of your choice.

Cushions and Upholstery: Ask about the different levels of cushions for your upholstered furniture. Premium furniture manufacturers offer different levels or upgrades for cushions. The one you choose depends on the look you are interested in. For example, the standard cushion offered by most fine furniture companies uses a 1.8-density foam core encased in a cotton fabric that has a combination of down, feather, or blown fiber blend in sewn channels. Upgrades are often cushions that have greater firmness and support or a greater amount of feather and down for that sink-in feel on your chair or sofa. If you are in the market for an upholstered piece, it is best to choose a supplier that offers custom upholstery. This means that they will offer you a wide variety of fabrics for you to choose from to customize the look of your piece without having to deal with an outside upholsterer. Custom pieces are often more expensive than those offered in some standard colors, but when investing in a piece of furniture that will be in your home for years to come, it’s often worth the extra expense.

Metal balusters are common decking materials. In fact, this material is commonly used in many things around the house because it is very strong and complements wood and other materials beautifully. It is also often used for outdoor deck work.

Advantages

There are many advantages to using metal balusters, whether on interior or exterior projects. One of the most obvious reasons contractors and homeowners may prefer them is their strength and durability. Any form of this material is usually strong and very durable. They can withstand the natural elements quite well and can last a long time even with exposure. Despite being durable and strong, this material is also malleable enough that it can be shaped and fabricated into many different shapes and designs to suit homeowner and contractor preferences.

Metal balusters used outdoors are usually treated with some type of rust-preventing coating so they will last longer despite being exposed to rain, sun, and other elements. It is this malleability that also attracts manufacturers due to the many different types of designs and shapes that can be made from the material. The material itself is a statement that many homeowners like to have in their homes. Wrought iron complements wood very well and can be used in several different aspects of the house, not only on outside terraces but also on railings and stairs.

Disadvantages

There is a very clear disadvantage in using metal balusters in the house, especially on outdoor terraces. This disadvantage is the fact that most types of this material rust easily. This is especially true for iron which is commonly used for ironwork and other aspects of houses. Measures must be taken to ensure that the rate of oxidation of the material is reduced or avoided. This means extra expense to make sure rust doesn’t easily overtake you.

There are other options instead of iron that are not as prone to rust. Examples of these include, but are not limited to, aluminum and titanium. These can be more expensive than iron, but they are very good options for the material that will not rust or deteriorate. Another disadvantage that this type of addition to decks could bring is the fact that they are quite strong. In most designs they are used to complement wooden floors and are fixed directly to them. In some cases, the wood can warp and move, which means that the strength of the iron can exceed that of the wood, and the wood would break or splinter.

These are just a few of the advantages and disadvantages that come with using metal balusters in and around the home. It is best to consult a reputable contractor who knows what he is doing and has extensive experience working with this type of decking material and other household projects. Beware of contractors who immediately agree to anything that comes their way, even if it compromises the design of the project.

Expectations are extremely important with large purchase items like flats. This is especially true with hardwood floors. There is no doubt that a new hardwood floor will add a dimension of beauty and warmth to your home. Many consumers are unaware that hardwood floors have some unique characteristics that make them not the perfect choice for everyone. This article is not intended to discourage you from buying a hardwood floor, but these four little-known facts about hardwood floors should be considered before you make a purchase:

1) Hardwood floors are guaranteed to scratch

There are various finishes that manufacturers put on hardwood floors to make them more scratch resistant. The most popular finish these days is aluminum oxide. Hardwood floors also typically carry a 5 to 50 year wear warranty. However, wear warranties generally only guarantee that the veneer will not wear out completely. There are no guarantees against scratches in the wood flooring business. All hardwood floors, regardless of the finish treatment or quality of the wood, will be susceptible to surface scratching. With that being said, be sure to prepare your home for a hardwood floor prior to installation. It’s a good idea to use furniture protectors, mats, and rugs to protect hardwood floors from scratches. Also, you may want to consider installing tiles at the entrances, as this is the area where the most traffic usually occurs. If there are large pets or children in the house, you may want to consider looking for a laminate floor, which is much more resistant to scratches.

2) Hardwood floors are guaranteed to bleed

Wood floors are by no means a soft product, but they can be susceptible to dents from heavy use or drops. No hardwood floor is dent-proof, but different species of wood have different degrees of hardness. The Janka test is used to measure the hardness of a species of wood. Using this test, wood species are scored based on the force required to embed a steel ball into the wood. It is said that the higher the score, the better the species of wood with permanent dents and wear. Northern red oak, the most common wood species used for flooring, is the standard by which all other species are compared. It has a score of 1,290. There are species of wood that score over 3,000 on this test, and while they may wear better with daily use, they will probably dent if something heavy like a hammer or food can is dropped on it. wood. . If you’re really concerned about your floors’ ability to resist indentations, you have other options. There are high-pressure laminates and “wood-look” porcelain products that are much more resistant to pressure and wear. Also, an aged or hand-scraped hardwood floor will do a better job of hiding dents and other wear and tear in your floor.

3) Hardwood floors are guaranteed to age

The aging of most floor coverings is generally related to the way a floor loses its shine over time due to wear and tear on the floor. If I were to say, “Your carpet has aged,” you’d think it’s time to buy a new carpet. However, one of the most unique attributes of hardwood floors is their ability to look better over time. Hardwood floors already come with a lot of character and natural beauty. With proper maintenance, normal use and traffic should add to the beautiful character of your hardwood floor. A real hardwood floor can also be refinished to restore its original luster and shine. This is something that cannot be done on wood-look products like laminate, vinyl, and porcelain.

These are all good attributes, but what I really want to mention in this section is the photosensitivity of hardwood floors. Wood tends to change color over time when exposed to sunlight. In fact, some hardwood floors can take up to a year and a half to mature to their full color. Other floor coverings, on the other hand, can be vulnerable to fading or discoloration when exposed to prolonged sunlight. So while sunlight makes other floor coverings look older over time, it beautifies hardwood floors, allowing them to achieve their true color. This is an important attribute for consumers to know, because a newly laid hardwood floor will not always look like the sample you saw in the showroom, allowed to reach its full color.

Consumers should also be aware of moving their rugs and furniture periodically to prevent discoloration. Exotic hardwoods and hardwoods with a natural finish tend to be the most photosensitive. Most hardwoods darken and get bolder over time, but some woods like Santos mahogany actually turn lighter in sunlight. If you are really concerned about the effect of sunlight on your floor, buy a hardwood that has been stained with a darker stain, or buy a species like northern red oak, which is a less photosensitive species.

4) Hardwood floors are guaranteed to be affected by moisture

Wood floors are extremely sensitive to moisture. That includes changes in surface moisture, subsurface moisture, and humidity. Damage from moisture-related issues can cause wood planks to crack, cup, or warp. It is important to hire a skilled installation team that is familiar with wood and its reaction to moisture. Proper maintenance by the consumer is equally important. Standing water should be cleaned up immediately and hardwood flooring should be kept in a climate controlled environment.

One way to combat the effects of moisture on your floor is to choose an engineered wood floor. Engineered wood flooring is a much better option than solid because its construction adds dimensional stability to the planks. Plywood layers under the veneer are laid crosswise, reducing the wood’s ability to expand and contract along the grain when there is a change in humidity levels.

If you’ve never heard of electromagnetic radiation, it may be in your hand right now. If you’re one of those people who enjoys the convenience of your cell phone and keeps it by your side 24 hours a day, you probably have electromagnetic radiation in your hand. Mobile phones emit this type of radiation and it affects us, even at the cellular level. In fact, it is known to cause health problems and several studies have been conducted on the subject.

Computers also cause this type of radiation. It is not something that is going to affect you much if you only get on the computer from time to time, but there are many people who work all day in front of a computer. In fact, those who work from home on the computer may stay in front of it much more often than someone who works in an office on the computer. This is when you might start putting yourself at risk from electromagnetic radiation. If this is the case, you will probably want to take steps so that you do not develop any health conditions from this radiation.

There are other things that do emit radiation, such as convection ovens, laptops, microwaves, etc. These things may not be considered as harmful as a computer or cell phone, because you don’t stand there with the convection oven pressed against your ear all day. One of the dangers of cell phones and electromagnetic radiation is young children. Because cell phones are so convenient, many people have gotten rid of their home phones and use cell phones exclusively. Also, they allow their children to talk on their cell phones all the time, and children are much more susceptible to these radiation pulses than adults. The radiation can reach the soft tissue of our brain.

As people become more and more aware of the dangers of this sort of thing, companies have started selling items that will shield people from electromagnetic radiation. For example, there are products that you can place in a room to shield you from pulses that come from the appliances or devices in that room. There is a range of radiation protection. There are even small products that are similar that you put on your cell phone or laptop that will protect you too. This is great, because you can feel free to talk or work without worrying that you will develop cancer and other diseases. Plus, if you’re not home with your room protection device, you’re still covered.

Taking care of your family is like second nature, yet many people just don’t know that these things really aren’t safe for them. One suggestion is to use a hands-free device for your cell phone. Also, keep your phone away from your body instead of keeping it in your pocket or holding it at all times. This, along with the above items you can buy to keep your family safe, electromagnetic radiation is something you won’t have to worry about anymore.

Stainless steel kitchen appliances are becoming popular with a large number of people for many different reasons. The recent trend of switching to these types of appliances is due not only to the clean look and attractive design that stainless steel offers, but also to the increased strength and durability it offers.

Kitchen appliances made of stainless steel account for the majority of kitchen appliances being produced now, and it doesn’t look like this trend is going away anytime soon. Now, there are not only refrigerators and ovens, but this trend is also spreading to small appliances, such as microwaves, toasters, can openers, blenders and range hoods. For those looking to start a kitchen remodeling project, stainless steel appliances can give your kitchen a sleek, stylish and attractive look that is sure to be the envy of all who visit.

These types of kitchen appliances not only offer a simple, clean and uncluttered look, but also durability and resistance to stains and corrosion that allows them to last for many, many years. Since stainless steel has been used in commercial kitchens and restaurants for several years, this same design also gives many home kitchens a professional yet functional look. The shiny metallic look is popular in many aspects of today’s society and in the fashion industry as well, and steel often denotes a feeling of strength and elegance that was previously only obtainable by a wealthier class of people.

However, before you rush out and buy new stainless steel appliances, there are a few things to know about the benefits and potential drawbacks of steel. The first thing to know is that people buy these types of appliances mainly for their appearance. Stainless steel appliances don’t necessarily perform better than other high-end products simply because of the finish, but you can expect the same results as another model of the same brand appliance that has a different finish. It is the sense of style and appearance of this type of home appliance that attracts so many people.

In interior design and home decoration, there are many styles to choose from. There are the “pure” styles and then the mix-n-match styles. Two of the most common styles are the rustic chic style and the industrial style. Many people think that these looks are one in the same. I am here to explain why they are not the same style. First, a couple of questions.

What do you think when I say rustic chic? Are you thinking of a country house, a log cabin with wooden tables and exposed beams? Or do you think quilts, weathered reclaimed wood with chicken wire, and galvanized metal? Both descriptions are correct when it comes to rustic elegance.

Now what do you think when I say industrial design style? Do you think about hardwoods, pipes and other metals? Maybe dark, neutral colors, old typewriters, and wood-burning stoves? If so, they have the right idea of ​​industrial design.

Both rustic chic and industrial design have common elements but also have their distinctive differences. Let’s look at each one individually and then maybe we can really see the difference.

rustic chic

The rustic chic design is lighter, more feminine and focuses on natural wood colors or light tints. Like light colored paints and aged woods. Decor items would include mismatched hardware, chicken wire, galvanized (rusty) metal, exposed wood beams, and specific wood furniture. For me, the easiest way to remember rustic chic is to think of a perfect little cottage on a prairie with its simple colors and used items.

Industrial

Industrial design is darker and more masculine. It has dark neutral colors and dark woods. It incorporates a large number of polished or brushed metals. Common features include exposed ductwork, pipes, and basically anything we usually try to hide when building a home. Decor items include old metal items, hardwood shelves, and things that remind you of America’s blue-collar industrial age. An easy way to remember this layout would be to think of a warehouse or commercial kitchen converted into a house or apartment.

These two design styles have many things in common, such as the use of woods or metals, but the colors and finishes of those woods and metals are different. It is very common today to find people who mix and match these two styles to create a rustic industrial style home. They complement each other very well and create a cozy yet practical home. You can find lots of great pictures of rustic industrial houses on the internet to get more details on how they work together.

Whether you decide to style your home one way or another or mix them up for an even broader spectrum of opportunities, just make sure your home speaks to who you are. Your home is a place where you can be yourself! Let it be a perfect window into your soul and show off your rustic or industrial home with style. Have fun decorating your home with your new knowledge.

An old colonial house with refined taste and a touch of carefree vintage charm. The combination of old patinated rustic doors and fresh clean lines, a mix of old and new, results in an exceptionally curated home that is astonishingly eclectic and beautiful.

Renovating an old 19020 Spanish house completely from the inside out, but retaining every original detail so that the character of the house remains unchanged, was my husband’s dream. Updating the kitchen and bathrooms and all the wiring and plumbing, but keeping the original hardwood floors and making it functional for our needs, is a challenge my husband took on. We open up the spaces, knocking down walls that weren’t necessary, making the living room the focus of the house. Adding texture and stucco and several coats of finishes took almost a year to get the look we were going for. The 200 year old Indian gates were used as garden gates, their arched shape and fantastic medieval design contrasting with the rustic look of the house. We kept all the original tiles, along with the arches that are the highlight of Spanish architecture. The doors had to be replaced so we ordered custom door panels from India with beautiful carvings, each bedroom had a unique opening giving the house a stunning design statement. The bedroom headboard was created with old Indian doors and the carved nightstands with pops of color made for the perfect eclectic design element.

Rustic cabinets in the kitchen sit amicably next to Spanish-style architecture, all against eggshell-white walls. A massive dining table, custom built from antique doors, gives the farmhouse an eclectic, rustic vibe, perfect for family dinners. Natural light plays on the old wooden patinas through the large open windows and arches, filling almost every room with its energy. Vintage country-style coffee tables and bullock cart benches complement the fresh modern steel appliances and bring a clean feel to the space.

At the entrance with its old brick tiles stands a damchiya, an old colorful mirrored Indian chest that welcomes guests with its energy. A bouquet of dried flowers rests on the trunk, and next to it is a huge floor mirror made from an old arch. Carved floral and paisley accents blend perfectly with the eclectic Spanish style. The charm of a restored Spanish house from the 1920s and decorated with vintage furniture and architecture is the gift my husband gave us!!