DIY Knobs

Knobs can be expensive but sometimes you don't want just "Plain Jane" knobs either. Here is how to give yourself faux ceramic knobs but without the costs.

Supplies: 

Wooden Knobs

Primer

Mod Podge

Paint

Envirotex Lite

Throw away brush

Stir Stick or Popsicle Stick

Throw away cup

Blue Painters Tape

Tissue Paper or Stickers

Printer

Step 1: Paint your knobs any color your desire and let them dry completely. If you would like to add more than 1 color to your knob, now is the time.

Step 2: Cut a piece of tissue paper and tape it to a piece of printer paper. Print any words or any graphic onto the tissue paper. Cut the words making sure it is a big enough square to cover the entire knob.

 Or, place any sticker onto the face of the knob.

Step 3: (Only if you are using tissue paper) Cover your knob in Mod Podge and place the tissue paper on the knob pressing the edges down smoothly. Make sure all edges and paper are sealed with Mod Podge.

Step 4: Mix your Envirotex Lite. This is what gives your knobs the ceramic look and feel. BE SURE TO READ THE DIRECTIONS!!!

Step 5: With a throw away paint brush, paint on the Environtex Lite. Make sure you cover the entire knob, not just the face. Let dry for 24 hours. And VOILA!

Note: An easy way to hold the knobs during the project so that they don't tip over and you don't have to handle them is poking the screw down into a shoe box....you have an instant knob holder.

A Day in the Life of an Interior Mall Employee - Rachel

Name: Rachel
Nickname: "Wall"
Years Employed at IM: Almost 4
Job Title: Product Developer

Describe a "Typical" Day for you:
E-mails, quotes, returns, tracking, answering phones, taking pictures, researching new products, blogging, facebooking, pinning... you know the usual.

Favorite moment with a customer:
Customer's name is Buddy. I'll never forget him. I had only been working here a year or so and every time he would call in the customer service girls would ask to get his name. He would always say, "It's her boyfriend. She loves me." Always cracked all of us up.

How does your office reflect you?
It's pink and zebra! It's part girly, part wild side (even though I don't have a wild bone in me) and all DIVA. I also have lots of pictures of my hubby and my doggy.

If you were stranded on a desert island with only 3 things from your desk what items would they be?
1. My sticky notes (you never know when you will need to make a list)
2. My lotion (you can't be stuck on an island with crusty skin)
3. Camera (if I come back alive it will make for a great scrapbook, if not, everyone will know exactly what happened)

Fill in the Blank
If you walk by my office you'll hear me talking (sometimes to others, usually to myself).
I'm known as the comic relief of the office.

Interior Mall Fabric/Products Used in Rachel's Office:
Premier Prints Fabric Tunisia Black

Wall Pops Heart of Hearts

Valentine's Day is just around the corner so it's time to start thinking about all those fun craft projects if you haven't already. Something that is fun, easy and super cute to do is a fabric heart wreath.

What you will need:
styrofoam heart
glue (place in a shallow bowl)
sharpened pencil or large knitting needle
1 1/2 yard of fabric cut into 2" squares. If you are using 2 fabrics use 3/4 of a yard of each pattern.

Wrap the square of fabric around the end of the pencil and dip it into the glue.

Then poke the pencil down into the Styrofoam heart.

Keep repeating that until the heart becomes full of fabric squares.

Voila! Finished!

What's your Decorating Style?!

I saw this quiz and thought it was interesting. You will need a piece of paper and a pencil to write down your answers.

1. Which of the following would you label your dream car?

1. A sleek sports car equipped with all the latest, flashy features - and it's got to be trendy!
2. A pickup truck that's as stylish as it is functional.
3. A mid-sized SUV that's cleverly styled to suit both car lovers and sports enthusiasts.
4. A classic car that represents history and offers a sense of formality.
5. A vehicle that helps you enjoy a weekend drive with the wind in your hair. 

2. Which of these meals are you most likely to prepare?

1. A tofu stir-fry with a Cajun kick - you like to entertain with exciting dishes.
2. Homemade pot roast and potatoes that give you a warm feeling.
3. A sampler platter - you enjoy taste testing a variety of foods.
4. Turkey with all the dressings - the perfect chance to use the formal dining room.
5. Finger sandwiches with no fuss, no muss. 

3. On a typical work day, which of these outfits would you most likely be seen wearing?

1. Black dress pants or slacks with a bold striped button shirt.
2. A pair of jeans to match a favorite comfy sweater.
3. A stylish outfit with a mix of patterns and colors to represent your individualistic style.
4. A formal dress or pant suit because you always dress for success.
5. A comfortable pair of khakis, a denim jacket and your signature leather sandals. 

4. If you could choose your favorite lighting fixture, what would it look like?

1. A clean and crisp wall sconce.
2. You prefer the light from your fireplace for that cozy ambiance.
3. A Tiffany-style art glass table lamp that showcases brilliant colors and a unique style.
4. A grandiose chandelier that welcomes guests into the foyer.
5. A natural style ceiling fixture that features material such as bamboo. 

5. Your dream house is:

1. A stunning home with large windows and clean lines that overlooks water.
2. A remodeled farm house with plenty of space for friends and family.
3. A stylish condo in a hip metropolitan neighborhood.
4. Only a spacious modern-day castle will do.
5. A rustic log cabin surrounded by nature.

If you chose:

Mostly A's: You are a contemporary decorator. You favor sleek, streamlined designs and form that follows function. Your living room tends to have leather furniture and your home decor often features metal and glass with minimalist details.







Mostly B's: You are a country decorator. Floral prints and comfy sofas with ruffled skirts may adorn your home. You enjoy heart-warming coziness that you get from your fireplace. Unpretentious is your motto.






Mostly C's: You are an eclectic decorator. You're not afraid to mix up your home decor by crossing different periods and styles. Furniture with textured fabrics linked only by color may be sprinkled throughout your home. You like home decor that represents your individualistic side.



Mostly D's: You are known as the traditional decorator. The moment guests step into your home they are imbued with a sense of history. Queen Anne-style furniture probably graces your dining room. Formal, symmetrical and graceful sums up your home decor.




Mostly E's: You are a casual decorator. You live only by three words: relaxed, informal and comfortable. Neutral, earthy tones placate every room. You enjoy home decor that pays tribute to nature and textured fabrics.

A Day in the Life of an Interior Mall Employee - Shelly

Name: Shelly

Years Employed at IM: 11

Job Title: Business Manager/Webmaster

Describe a "Typical Day" for You at IM:
I'm always working on e-mails and programming projects. I am a part time firefighter and full time zookeeper at the office.

Favorite Moment(s) While Here at IM:
I love listening to the intelligent (or sometimes not so intelligent) conversations around me.Quite entertaining. Wait... not so intelligent??

How Does Your Office Reflect You?
I have pictures of my family, personal artwork, kids artwork and lots of lists and reminders of who and what I need to do and be.

Fill in the blank
There is just not enough outdoor light in my office.
If you walk by my office you'll hear me typing.

Custom Draperies: The Whats and the Hows

Window treatments can completely change the look and feel of any room. If you have gone from bare bones windows to adding at least a valance you know what window treatments can do. Just like a vehicle, there are so many "makes and models" it can be overwhelming figuring out what all the different types look like and what will ultimately suit your needs best. I have pulled together some of today's most popular drapery panel styles in the hopes that it will enlighten you and make your decision making easier.
Let me start by saying that I am only focusing on drapery panels right now. I will delve into valance, swag and cornice board options down the road.
First let's look at the most common types....

Tab Top drapes are stylish and clean. They remove the need for drapery rings thereby keeping the look simple, yet attractive. Tab tops are a very modern look.
Rod Pocket drapes are the most common drapery type. They are simple, traditional and for those sewers out there are relatively easy to make.
Grommet Top drapes like tab tops are stylish, modern, clean and minimalistic. Grommet tops are growing exponentially in popularity and many drapery hardware companies are beginning to manufacture designer grommets to add that special touch.
Pinch Pleat drapes give your window a luxurious, designer look and feel. These are typically used with drapery pins, curtain rings that use gator clips or traverse rods.
Inverted Pinch Pleat drapes works great if you are wanting your panels to stay stationary. Inverted pinch pleat drapes bring a fullness to your window and your room.
Goblet Pleat drapes are considered to be among the more luxurious designs for window treatments. They are better suited for curtains that are both long enough to graze the floor and are fully lined to maintain their unique shape.
Cartridge Pleat drapes  are tailored and sculptural with smooth unbroken folds, this treatment gives a sleek, streamlined look that works well in just about any setting.

No matter the style you choose you can't go wrong with drapery panels. You will absolutely love what they will do for your room.

A Day in the Life of an Interior Mall Employee - Carrie

You've heard our sweet southern voices on the phones and you've read our blog posts for years but who are we really?? Over the next few weeks we will be showcasing each one of our fabulous employees in a series called "A Day in the Life of an Interior Mall Employee". Get to know us in our home away from home. See our offices, learn about our jobs and put a face to our name.

First up... Carrie.

Name: Carrie

Work Nickname: Krazy

Years Employed at IM: 6

Job Title: Product Development/Marketing

Describe a "Typical Day" for you at Interior Mall:

I check my email and answer any that need immediate attention, then I check my lists and piles of things that need to be done. I add any new products to the web, update old products and work on upcoming print ads.

How does your office reflect you?

I have pictures of my son, my friends, and my family all over my office. I also have sarcastic things up like, "I still miss my ex-husband but my aim is improving." :)

Fill in the blank

I'm known as the "Wild Child" of the office. Although I don't think I'm THAT wild.

Interior Mall Fabrics/Products used in Carrie's office:
Mulberry Silk 9014 Fuschia
Mulberry Silk 9046 Kiwi
Mulberry Silk 9040 Black

Grab our NEW button!

I just updated our blog button. Feel free to grab it and post it on your blog too!

Homemade Cleaners Toolkit: 5 Essentials to Make Your Own

Last week, I was helping my brother clean out his apartment when he complained about the prices of eco-friendly cleaners. Always looking for converts, I recommended he start making household cleaners himself — it takes very little time and all you need are these five essentials.
You can use these five basics to clean almost everything in your home, from fixtures to floors to laundry to the bathroom. Making household cleaners is one of the easiest DIY projects around and it will make an enormous difference in your home. In addition to being eco-friendly and inexpensive, it also reduces indoor air pollution.

THE FIVE ESSENTIALS:

Vinegar: This is the natural-cleaning powerhouse. It does so many things around the house that it has merited its own post time and time again. Vinegar cleans, adds shine, disinfects, and gets rid of of bad smells, mildew, and other household funk.

Baking Soda: Mixed with vinegar, it makes sinks and toilet sparkle. Mixed with a bit of water, it works great on bathtubs and gets rid of the stuck-on food on your stove top. A good, basic scouring tool.

Lemon or Tea Tree Essential Oil: A few drops will make any cleaner antibacterial.

Liquid Castile Soap: A little castile soap, like Dr. Bronner's, goes a long, long (long) way. Mix it with water to clean your counter tops (vinegar can ruin marble and granite). Also good for dishes, floors, and anywhere else that needs basic, gentle cleaning.

Rags: Make 2012 the year you reduce your paper towel usage! I color code mine for different uses: blue for my kitchen counters, green for the bathroom, and pink for dusting.

FIVE CLEANING RECIPES TO GET YOU STARTED:

Glass Cleaner: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of lemon or tea tree oil.

Toilet: Pour in one cup of baking soda, followed by one cup of vinegar. Clean with toilet brush as usual and flush.

All Purpose Cleaner/Kitchen Cleaner: Pour 1/4 cup Dr. Bronners into a one quart bottle and fill to the top with water. Add 2-3 drops of essential oil. Spray and wipe off with a damp cloth.

Linoleum Flooring: Mop with half a tablespoon of Dr. Bronners mixed into a half gallon of hot water. You can also add a few drops of essential oil.

Dishwashing Soap: Fill squirt bottle with one cup of castile soap, 3-4 tablespoons of water, and 5 drops of lemon (or other citrus) essential oil.

Painting Fabric on Furniture?

With the new year upon me I have felt the overwhelming urge to make sure I'm up on the trends for this year. I consider myself pretty current on fashion and home decor but I've been seeing a repeating trend in home decor that I just can't seem to wrap my brain around... Painting Fabric on Furniture. I'm assuming if I'm this confused most of our readers probably are to so I've set myself on a mission to not only understand how to do it but to feel confident enough that I would. Here's what I've found:

Things You'll Need
• Drop cloth
• Transparent paint
• Opaque paint
• 2-inch wide nylon paint brush
• 3-inch wide nylon paint brush
• Scrub brush
• Soap
• Water
• Hand-held shampooer
• Bleach
• Sponge
• Heat gun

Directions
•1 Choose your color. If you have a light-colored fabric, stick with a transparent paint as your main color. If you have a darker piece of furniture, use an opaque paint that's a couple of shades darker than the original color, but in the same color family. The same goes for furniture with patterns. Rather than trying to hide the patterns, which will result in thicker coats of paint that will be uncomfortable and could possibly result in cracking later, stick to muting the pattern as opposed to hiding it.

•2 Prepare your furniture. You can't paint over dirty furniture. Clean your furniture thoroughly with either a scrub brush, soap and water, or a shampooer with hand-held attachments. Don't use spray-on upholstery cleaner since it leaves behind residue. Make sure you rinse the fabric well. Gently blot stubborn stains with bleach, using a light touch. Allow the furniture to dry as much as possible before you begin painting.

•3 Mix and apply the first coat of your main color. Mix your paint as follows: 1/2 paint and 1/2 water. Start with short, even strokes on the front of your furniture with a 3-inch wide soft-bristled brush. After you have finished painting the entire piece of furniture with the first coat, if you're not satisfied with the coverage, mix your paint again. This time with only 1/4 water to 3/4 paint and apply a second coat.

•4 Add your accent color. Mix your accent color with only 1/4 water to 3/4 paint. Using a sponge, dab the accent color over your furniture fabric. Don't press too hard or it will overtake your main color.

•5 Prepare your furniture--again. Air dry for 2 days. Then, using a heat gun, dry thoroughly to set the paint. After you've completed this process, repeat it to really set the color. Allow the furniture to sit for another 2 days. Shampoo, rinse and dry your furniture with the heat gun. This is absolutely necessary to prevent paint from adhering to clothing, etc. Once you have completed this process, it will be ready for use.

Although I still don't feel like an expert on the subject, I would feel confident enough to at least try this method on a CraigsList pick up or garage sale bargain. I've seen the results and with most fabrics you can't even tell it's been painted. Think of the money that you could be saving by painting on new fabric rather than having to re-upholster. Now don't get me wrong, some fabrics NEED TO LEAVE but if it's just a matter of not liking the color on a chair or sofa, why not just paint it?

Instructions provided by EHow.com

Picture provided by Apartment Therapy