4 Easy Decorating Projects

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  How-to:
  Make a free-flowing canopy for a tester bed in less than an hour. Measure and cut fabric -- 8 1/2 to 9 yards for a queen-size bed -- then hem unfinished edges. Drape fabric across bed frame, allowing it to gently swag in the center and puddle on the floor.
  Tips:Change the canopy over your bed seasonally. Consider flannel or plaid during autumn and winter, and lighter, even translucent material during warmer months.
  To determine yardage: Measure the height from the floor to the top of the bedpost, double the number, and add the width between the bedposts. Then add 2 to 3 yards for the swag and puddling at the floor.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: 4 Easy Projects

  Jon Wayne Kishimoto

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  Hang metal tiles, like a large floral circle design, as artwork or use a square panel tile to frame a photo.
  How-to:
  With Krylon's Black Sea Satin, lightly spray-paint a 2- by 2-foot ceiling tile in Steel. (Note: Wear gloves to protect against tile's sharp edges.) Rub with a clean cloth for an aged effect; let dry. Photocopy an image to fit the center square; decoupage in place.
  Tip:Explore vintage books and antiques stores for images of architectural elements -- such as columns, arches, and cornices -- to display on the ceiling tiles.
  Tiles: Armstrong Residential Ceilings.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: 4 Easy Projects

  Ryan Benyi

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  Brighten sitting areas by adding pillows with decorative trim. When choosing trim, consider style, material, and form. Pom-poms look best with simple shapes and solid colors; for an elegant edge, pair tassels with silk on floor pillows; and for casual-classic, coordinate fringe with stripes and florals.
  How-to:Measure the circumference of the finished pillow, allowing extra length to accommodate the corners. Cut the trim to length and pin to the edges. Whipstitch in place.
  Tips:
  When purchasing trim, Waverly Fabrics (waverly.com) recommends checking the header: Some are decorative and meant to be sewn to the outside of the pillow; others are intended to be hidden in the seam.
  For a variety of trim, also visit mjtrim.com and conso.com.
  
  Pom-pom trim: Samuel & Sons Passementerie.
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: 4 Easy Projects

  Keith Scott Morton

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  Revive your chairs with a coat of paint and reupholstered seat cushions. Mix styles (the chairs above were found on eBay), then pull together the different looks with coordinating fabric.
  How-to:Remove the seat cushion. Prime the chair frame, then spray-paint with Krylon, moving the can in an even, back-and-forth motion; let dry. To cover the seat: Remove screws from base. Measure and cut fabric, allowing an extra 2 inches all around. Center fabric on seat, aligning pattern. With a staple gun, secure the center of each side, pulling fabric taut; continue around base. Trim excess fabric. Replace seat and screws.
  Tips:
  Krylon's H20 line is making aerosol more eco-friendly: The paint is water-based acrylic latex, has low odor, and cleans up with soap and water.
  If you upholster frequently, try Hitachi's Narrow Crown Pneumatic Stapler for a professional finish.
  For detailed product information, view the Dining Room Resource Guide (countryliving.com)
  
  Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc. Originally Published: 4 Easy Projects

  Jon Wayne Kishimoto