44 The Queens Courier • at home • MARCH 17, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com AT HOME Spring into home improvement with WEEKEND WONDER PROJECTS Sprucing up your home for spring doesn’t have to mean spending huge amounts of time and money. In fact, there are many projects that you can complete in a weekend that will improve the look and feel of your home. With a little guidance and the right tools, you can easily get your home in top shape by Monday morning. Paint refresh Commonly recognized as one of the most easy and cost-effective interior updates, painting is a weekend project that can completely transform the aesthetic of your home. When purchasing paint, a quality product will ensure your end results are beautiful. Low-quality, inexpensive paint will likely require a number of coats to get the coverage needed - resulting in more time and money spent. To avoid increased time and cost, use a premium line of paint like Pratt & Lambert’s Accolade, which guarantees excellent hide and outstanding durability. Popular among interior designers, Accolade is available in more than 1,000 colors to complement any style. When choosing paint for your next weekend project, remember that a quality product will achieve the best end result and save you time and money in the long run. Lighting update Tired of the same old lamps sitting on your end tables but don’t have the funds to revamp your lighting decor? A new lamp shade will completely change the look of any piece. You can also easily transform pieces by renewing the lamp bases; a quick walk down the spray paint aisle will show limitless possibilities of colors and finishes. You can even renew plastic pieces with Krylon Fusion for Plastic, the first paint of its kind. Create a cohesive look by bringing that new finish to your hanging fixtures as well. Accessorize Adding trendy, fun accessories will give any room a new and more put-together look. Think vases and bowls, wall art and rugs. When adding accessories, look for colors that complement what is already in the room. Plants and flowers can also add energy and color, some with the added bonus of a pleasant aroma. Furniture renewal One easy way to update furniture on a budget is by recovering it or using slip covers. Premade covers are available in a wide variety of fabrics and designs, or you can create a custom cover for your sofa or armchair. More ambitious crafters may actually reupholster furniture to create a completely newlooking seating option. After repadding and covering cushions, sand and stain or paint wood pieces for a completely modern feel. Modern flooring Carpet has seen better days? Replace it. Hardwood is scuffed and dull? Refinish it. You can also achieve the look of natural wood or stone flooring with luxury vinyl tile. This affordable option is no longer your grandmother’s vinyl, now available in a variety of natural finishes that are both durable and modern. If replacing isn’t in your budget, simply give your flooring a good cleaning and use accent rugs to cover blemished areas. Check off a project on your home improvement to-do list this weekend, and enjoy the results through spring and beyond. Courtesy of ARA
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