Creative Uses for a Niche

Tips for Tuesday

Some houses have interesting architetural features like columns, crown molding or fireplaces. Some of these features are useful. Others, like a niche, are pleasing to the eye fomr the outside, but serve little function inside.

So what's a homeowner to do with the space that's often not much larger than a closet?

Do you need storage? Install a rod for hanging clothes or shelves for totes. Then put a curtain across the front to hide the items from view. If the space has a window, cover it with a transluscent fabric or drapery to let light in, but hide the contents from the outside.

Do you need an office? Install a desktop, add a file cabinet underneath, shelving above, and you have yourself a small space for paying bills or writing out your grocery list. You may have to run electricity to the space, and a hole/grommet in the desktop so you can have a light and laptop there for you.

Do you like to read? Build a bench, add a cushion and pillows, and the natural light form the window will give you a serene place to read and relax.

Do you need a place to hide toys? Build a bench in the space, add a hinged lid (with safety clasps), or doors on the front. The toys will have a home and your kids will have a place to sit and read.

Do you have an unusual collection to display? One that won't get ruined by sunlight? Install shelves across the window and use them to display items like colored glass bottles or prisms.

Is there limited space in the bedroom? Push a twin bed into the space and use the window and draperies as a makeshift headboard.

If you don't want to build anything permanent in the space, then place a comfy chair and lamp in the nook for reading, place a small desk for doing homework, put in a small bookcase for open storage, or use the space for a small dresser.

What creative uses have you come up with for a niche?

Utilizing Space Under a Staircase

Tips for Tuesday

When your house is small, space is at a premium. You want to utilize every nook and cranny for storage or living. One space that is often overlooked is under a staircase. If your stairs go down as well as up at the staircase, the space is already utilized by both sets of stairs. However, if you have a set of stairs going to an upper level, but no staircase going down, the space under your stairs is open.

There are many things you can do with this space, depending on the width, depth and your needs. Here are a few ideas.

• For shallow spaces, install bookcases. These can be either custom-made or pre-made that fit into the space. Since bookshelves only need to be 10"-12", this works well for a narrow staircase, or a wider staircase where you want to split the area into two uses. Adjustable shelves work best to accommodate different sized books.
• For wide and tall spaces, build in a small office. Wire the area for lighting, and build in a desk and shelves. This area works great for homework, bill-paying or a small computer nook.
• If the area is cool and dark, install shelving and use the space for food storage--canned goods, root vegetables, grains, etc. Keep grains sealed to keep out pests.
• In basements, the space under stairs is ideal for seasonal items or luggage--items you do not need to access often.
• Install hooks along one wall, and shallow shelves along the opposite wall to create a cleaning closet.
• Under wide staircases, install drawers for storage.
• Install open shelving for displaying art collections.
• Create a 'mudroom' with hooks for coats and a bench for shoe storage.
• If the area can be temperature controlled, install wine racks for your collection.

Using Nature to Decorate for the Holidays

Tips for Tuesday

Sure, the tinsel, glass ornaments and lights are part of the holiday tradition. They are what make the tree pretty, or the tables shine. But have you thought about going back to nature with your decorating? Why not use real branches and evergreens to decorate your home? Or berries and popcorn?

Then, when the holidays are over, you can compost your decorations, rather than storing them in plastic tubs or tossing them in the landfill.

Here are some natural decorating ideas:

• Cut birch or other logs into various lengths, then drill holes large enough for a tea light candle. Cut a long length and drill with several holes and place it on your dining room table or in the fireplace.
• Pine cones and evergreen boughs make a great potpourri.
• Insert cloves into an orange, let the orange dry out, and you'll have a wonderfully smelling ornament or decoration.
• String popcorn and raw cranberries on thread and use as garland. Stale popcorn works better than fresh (and you won't be as tempted to eat it!)
• Cut lengths of evergreen branches from a variety of evergreens and place in a vase as you would a floral arrangement.
• Make your own evergreen garland by tying branches together. Or use a circular form and interweave the boughs to make a wreath. Decorate with berries and dried flowers or fruits.
• Citrus and pomegranates in a bowl make colorful centerpieces.

Safety During the Holidays--Decorations

Tips for Tuesday

The holidays are fast approaching. Along with them, are the stresses for preparations. Among these is decorating the house. While not as dangerous as it used to be with live trees and hot lights, there are still risks involved.

Decorating
• Choose decorations made with flame-resistant materials.
• Keep candles away from combustible materials, including trees.
• Never leave candles burning unattended in a room.
• Use non-breakable ornaments in homes with small children and pets.
• Keep trimmings with small pieces out of the reach of small children.

Trees
• Purchase artificial trees that are fire resistant.
• If purchasing a live tree, check for freshness and keep it watered. Cut several inches off the bottom of the trunk for better water absorption.
• Place trees away from heating sources such as radiators or fireplaces.
• Make sure the stand is steady so the tree doesn't tip. If you have carpeting, place a board under the stand.

Lights
• Don't use electric lights on metallic trees.
• Before hanging lights outside, check to make sure they are for outside use.
• Don't use nails or tacks to hold up lights. Use plastic clips instead.
• Look for burnt out bulbs and frayed wires before hanging lights.
• Plug all outdoor lights into ground fault circuit interrupters.
• Turn off outside lights during rain or snowstorms.
• Turn off all lights before going to bed.
• Use heavy gauge extension cords.

Decorating on a Budget

Frugal Friday

We all like our homes to be pretty. And wouldn't it be wonderful if they could look like model homes? Or those glossy photos in magazines?

While we may not all be able to afford the furniture and accessories, there are ways to achieve the look without the expense. Here are some frugal decorating tips:

• To give a room a new look, try rearranging the furniture. Place a chair on a diagonal, or move a lamp. You'll be surprised how little changes can make a big impact.
• Check your local paper for hotel sales. When they remodel, they often sell the barely-used, high-quality furniture at very low rates.
• Buy cheap, ugly framed art at yard sales, then toss the art and keep the frame.
• Purchase photo books or calendars, carefully take out pages, then frame the photo for inexpensive art. This looks expecially sophisticated when hanging a series of connected photos like gardens or black & white images.
• Outdoor furniture tends to be less expensive than indoor. Use it when you can for playrooms and basements. It's also more rugged than indoor furniture.
• Use beach towels to recover indoor-outdoor furniture.
• Check classified ads and Craig's List for deals on furniture. Many people are practically giving furniture away when they are moving.
• Purchase lamps and shades at thrift stores. Paint the bases, and decorate the shades for a new look.

What have you done as an inexpensive decorating project?