Now, this door comes off the stairs to the basement.  While the stairs are carpeted, our living room floors are wood (well actually they only look like wood).  I didn’t want to remove the carpet, on the bottom stair landing.  I like the little extra cushion that carpet offers.  When the door was shut I did want it to look like the step had wood floors, though.  So we compromised by cutting the carpet back to just under the door, and added a custom wood bullnose stair tread with the house numbers underneath.  

But my favorite part of the project was adding the little house numbers.  Okay, it’s not our house number, it is our wedding anniversary… May 3, 2001… yes we just celebrated our 12th anniversary!  YAY!  and I love the daily reminder it give of that special day!

Now let’s break this project down a bit!

Stair Tread Remodel

To give it a little more definition to the stair, we built it out approximately 1 inch from the wall.  We wanted the stair tread to extend around the base of the door casing on both sides for a clean look.

After framing it in with scrap wood,  I was able to wrap around the base molding.  The height of the base molding worked out to be the perfect height of the stair tread at 7 1/2″.  That was a nice plus!

The stair tread had to be custom cut to fit, just the way we wanted it.    We decided to just use a 2×8 pine board  for the tread.  I know it’s not a hard wood but it’s so much easier to work with and to shape.  We wanted the stair tread to bullnose out an inch on the front and about a half inch on the sides.  We started by flipping it over and cutting a grove out to the back of the front bullnose, by plunging the blade in with the circular saw.  

 After the back edge was cut out, we decided it would be best to route out the rest of the treat to a depth of 3/4″.  This allowed the top of the tread to be level with the top of the existing carpet and be able to create a bullnose at the same time.

  
We used a dark walnut stain that was a close match to our new floor.  And there you have it!  The final stair tread that finished it all off.  We are still waiting to finish the right side of the door moldings, when we get to finishing the trim in the hallway.
     

House Numbers

Here are the numbers that we found at the Home Depot.  These are exterior address numbers that you would typically use on the outside of your house.  They were exactly what we were looking for, though.

 The numbers come with a template card for installation, so we mocked it up to make sure we had them just right in the space.

 We drilled the holes and got ready to set them in place.  Each number had about two to three pegs that you fit into pre-drilled holes.  They fit pretty snug, so I didn’t bother gluing.

After the holes where drilled, we hammered the numbers in place with a rubber mallet.

There you have it!   A nice way to add house numbers to a stair riser.

What do you think about our house numbers, (I mean anniversary numbers)?

The post House Numbers Installed On A Stair Riser appeared first on Remodelaholic.

So, there are three strategies that the EPA recommends for reducing indoor air pollution, controlling sources of pollution, ventilating adequately and cleaning indoor air.  I’ve been collecting a bunch of great ideas for cleaning out your air. 

25 Ways to Clean Your Indoor Air!

Filters: 

1. Proper Filters:   Did you know that the air filter in your heating and cooling system can help create  healthier indoor air by capturing airborne allergens such as pollen, mold spores, dust mite debris, smoke, pet dander and smog from the air passing through the filter.  Sort of like vacuuming your air!  (and you don’t have to put much effort into the work it is doing!  Bonus!)

• Try out  the Filtrete Odor Reduction Filter which has a unique two-­‐sided design, with one side that captures large airborne particles and the second side that removes household odors.  It is the most effective 1” odor-­‐reduction filter at removing odors in the home—such as those from cooking, tobacco smoke, pets, mildew and cleaning chemicals—and is 65 times more effective* than other carbon filters {*Based on comparison of organic vapor capacity vs. other national retail furnace filter brands}   It last up to three months for odor removal and particle capture for air passing through the filter.  MSR Price: $15.99 which is a great price!  They can be purchased at Lowe’s,  Target,  Walmart, Costco and your local hardware store. Find a location near you by visiting FindMyFiltreteFilter.com

2. New filters: Change out your air filters regularly, the filter mentioned above lasts up to 3 months.  But if you are a big remodeler like me consider changing it out a little more often during times of construction!

3. Other filters: Don’t forget your other filters!   There are filters and screens around your home, for example  air purifiers, dryer lint screens, vacuum cleaners, range hood screens, bathroom exhaust fan grilles, etc.  Be sure to keep them clean or replace them as needed.  

Keep it out: 

4. Please Remove Your Shoes.  Believe it or not your shoes and covered an a fine layer of chemicals, dirt, bacteria and mold.  Those contaminates will settle onto your flooring, carpeting and rugs.   Then As you walk around you can stir up these particles, causing you and your family to breathe them in.

5. Fresh air.  Opening a window isn’t always the best choice.  Be sure to check the air quality and pollen levels outside before opening the windows.

6. Cooking:  When you are using your stove top, be sure to turn on your outdoor venting fan to help moist, smoky or chemical laden air to leave the house.

7. Dry Cleaning:  Try to get your dry cleaning done with a few days to spare for them to air out at the dry cleaners!  That way you can pick them up after they dried completely and have let let off most chemicals.  There are also less toxic dry cleaning options, so be sure to do your research.

8. Attached Garage:  Be sure to open you garage door fully before stating your car.  When you pull back into your garage, also be sure to leave the door open for a few minutes after turning the car off to allow fumes to escape.  Otherwise overtime the carbon monoxide can enter your home.

9. Fireplaces: Be sure your fireplace flue is inspected by a pro to be sure that it is working properly and keep those particles out of your indoor air. 

10. Bathroom Fans: When you shower or use hot water in your bathroom, be sure to use you bathroom fans to vent out all the steam and extra moisture in the bathroom air that can cause mold and mildew growth.

11. No Air Freshners!  Homeowners often turn to products to help mask odors in the home but often times do not realize that they may also contribute to poor indoor air quality.  According to the EPA air fresheners actually release VOC’s into the air.   Scented candles and incense may contain particulates, soot and chemicals.   For a safer air freshener, dip cotton balls in a sweet smelling extract or essential oil and stash them around the house.  (and don’t forget the odor eliminating air filters like I mentioned above!)

image source

 Cleaning Tips:

12. Clean Ducts!  Have your air ducts cleaned.  Make sure the contractor is a member of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (nadca.com) and uses not only high velocity air but a whip that is fed through the ductwork to loosen up any debris stuck to the walls of the sheet-metal.  A good resource for deciding when and why to clean you ducts is here. 

13.  Vacuum Often.  Ideally, you should be vacuuming twice a week.  It is a great way to get rid of excess dust, dust mites, lead, mold, and pet dander.  Use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA type filter, so that as you are cleaning you are not just spitting the dust back into the air.  Consider changing bags and or cleaning out filters outside.

14. Beware of Cleaners.  Household cleaners, even “green” cleaners often contain cancer causing chemicals (check out goodguide.com).  The best bet it to use TRULY nontoxic cleaners like baking soda, salt, lemon juice, essential oils and vinegar- check out this post 25 ways to clean with vinegar.

15.  Simplify. You don’t have to have harsh chemicals and antibacterial in the title to be able to clean something.  Opt for a nice HOT bucket of water and a bit of dish soap.   Scrub scrub!

16. Read Directions:  Ever wondered why that cleaner warns you to have proper ventilation?   Well, the answer is easy, you shouldn’t be breathing in those fumes!  Be sure to read and follow directions on any cleaning or other product you use in your home. 

17. Overspray!  When using any type of cleaner don’t spray cleansers directly on the surface you’re scrubbing. Avoid the chemicals being misted directly into the air.  Try pouring the cleaner directly onto a rag or paper towel first and then wiping the surface.  YOu can also try pre-wet wipes.

Finishes:

21. VOC Free Paints- More and more paint lines have options for VOC low or free paints. (volatile organic compounds= bad) Wherever possible opt for these types of paint, the fewer fumy chemicals you bring into your home the better.   Especially since off-gassing can continue for a long time.

22.  Control Dust Mites!  Whenever possible, opt for hard surface flooring.  Be sure to vacuum and or launder throw rugs often!

Plants and Pets:

23.  Pet Dander! This is a tough one and SO personal, I know I couldn’t handle it, but try to prevent animal dander. Most doctors suggest that people allergic to animal dander not keep household pets with feathers or fur.  OUCH!  If you are having problems with pet allergies you need to clean the air, walls and moldings and it may take some time.    If you can have your pet live at a friend’s or family member’s house for 2 months and clean the house thoroughly to see if your symptoms improve.  When they return see how your body responds.  If you decide to keep the pet there are a few things you can do to help yourself.  Ban them from any bedrooms, and be sure to keep the doors closed.

24.  Plant it! There are several great plants that can help your air to be cleaned of toxins.  One caveat to adding plants is that you have to be SURE to control the water and not create a mold or mildew problem!!!  Also if you have children or pets, be sure to know what plants are poisonous before bringing them into your home.   Great air filtering plants include

• Orchids: may seem like a hard to plant to care for, but they actually thrive on neglect.  Don’t kill them with kindness (too much water and sunlight).  They filter: xylene , a pollutant found in many glues and paints.  Orchids respire and give off oxygen at night – so they’re great for the bedroom!  And they just look so good in decor which is win/win!
• Palms:  hardy, exotic looking  and easy to grow, palms filter formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide
• Philodendrons need very little attention! They filter xylene, a toxin found in glues and leathers.
• Aloe Vera - Aloe is mostly know for medical uses like relieving burns, but why not a two-fer!  Easy to keep alive, and sculptural looking!   Aloe filters formaldahyde!
• 19 other great plants  a few other options, rubber plant, Janet Craig dracaena

Safety Warnings:

25.  Lethal Fumes: Beware of lethal fumes and be sure to have adequate alarms for these types of gases, carbon monoxide, radon and second hand smoke.  Be sure to install a carbon monoxide detector and have a radon test preformed in your home, and please do not smoke indoors or allow friends to.

Filtrete  Healthy Home Remodel Contest 2

The post 25 Ways to Clean Your Indoor Air appeared first on Remodelaholic.

So today I am sharing a little version with you that I made for Easter.  Yeah wow, that was a while ago, but okay that is how I roll!

Texas Sheet Cake with Nutella Glaze Frosting Recipe

The Cake:

It is SO good!  I am telling you your family will love you for it!  And be sure to share with the neighbors!

Be sure to check out these other great Nutella recipes! 

Whole Wheat Nutella Brownies Recipe	Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies Recipe
Quick Microwaved S’mores with Nutella	Caramel Nutella Chex Mix Recipe

The post Texas Sheet Cake With Nutella Glaze Frosting Recipe appeared first on Remodelaholic.

As you well know, I can’t get enough of built-in furniture–whether it’s shelves, beds, seating, or anything else!  I love the efficiency of built-ins, and I really love the character and presence that they add to a home.  It’s a sure-fire way to transform a house from builder basic to high-end custom.  Here are a few of my favorite built-in projects from around the web.

Craft room cabinetry from Infarrantly Creative

Window seat from Centsational Girl 

Master closet shelving from Sawdust Girl

Library bookcases from Thrifty Decor Chick

Closet converted to mudroom from Coordinately Yours

It’s official:  beautiful built-ins really do make my heart go pitter-patter!  I’m excited to show you the built-ins DIY-ed by today’s guest blogger.  All the examples I just showed you were white, but our guest blogger let the gorgeous wood tones show through, and I love the warmth it adds to her room.  Take a look!

Submitted by:  Ramblings from the Burbs

Hi!  I’m Becky, a spray paint aficionado, pneumatic tool enthusiast, and designer/photographer wannabe.  I’m delighted to share our big DIY project with you, today.

We starting with some horrible 70′s wood paneling about 3 years ago….

snd decided one evening that it was finally time for it to go….

But we had a plan to install a fireplace…

(and DIY every bit of it)

The framing, fireplace, and drywall went up relatively quickly… 

but finishing it and the built-ins where a drawn out process over the last 3 years (thanks to numerous other projects and the birth of two kids).

We built some plywood cabinet carcasses and put stone veneer on the fireplace…

and installed maple face frames…

and because I had to make this truly difficult a beaded frame detail…

then trimmed out the mantel and cabinets with crown molding…

and built some inset doors…

 

and drawers…

and added hardware.

and after a long sanding and finishing process we are FINALLY done!!! I thought it would never end but we’ve decided this box was officially checked on our never ending to do list. Here are some shots of the long awaited results.

 

Here’s some info on the products and materials that we used:

Gas Fireplace – Kozy Heat Fireplace® Theif River Falls Model
Stone Veneer – Cultured Stone® Country Ledgestone
Cabinet Boxes – 3/4″ Birch Plywood
Cabinet Face Frame/Trim – Maple Hardwood
Cabinet Door Frame – Maple Hardwood
Cabinet Door Panel – 1/4″ Maple Plywood
Wood Stain – General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain in Shaker Maple
Wood Finish – General Finishes PolyAcrylic Water Base Top Coat
Door Pulls - Cosmas Oil Rubbed Bronze Handle Pull 
Drawer Pulls - Cosmas Oil Rubbed Bronze Bin Cup Drawer Handle Pull
 
The biggest investment was the gas fireplace. We were able to find the stone veneer on Craigslist for a steal. We also got a deal on the maple hardwood by utilizing short cutoff boards from a local woodworking fabrication and supply shop. The price of the hardwood averaged less than $1/board foot.

The post Amazing DIY Fireplace and Built-Ins appeared first on Remodelaholic.

We’d love to see what you are doing! Hop down to the party to link up your creations (home, food, craft, or otherwise) and see what everyone else is creating, too.  featured image via Cottage in the Making

Get more 4th of July ideas on my Pinterest board

4th of July Mantel | Landee See, Landee Do

Healthy Strawberry Blueberry Poke Cake for the Fourth of July | Dashing Dish

4th of July Breakfast Sundae: Blueberry Buttermilk Waffles | The Nesting Project

Star Spangled Banner Printable Set | HMH Designs

Make Your Own Kids’ Flag Shirts for the 4th of July | Make It and Love It

Gettysburg Address Wall Art and Printable | Less Cake, More Frosting

Watermelon Blueberry Salsa | Love and Olive Oil

Oversized Wooden Painted Flag | Tidbits from the Tremaynes 

Patriotic Tablescape | Cottage in the Making

Healthy Cheesecake Yogurt Cupcakes | Skinny Taste

And now, the party! We  had some great projects last week. The 3 most-clicked links were

Simple Deck Redo | Homey Home Design
Deck and Secret Garden | Homeroad
Inspiration for a Quick Patio Makeover | Craftivity Designs

Thanks for linking up — I can’t wait to see what (and who) will come to the party this week! 

Remodelaholic’s Anonymous Party Rules

• Your post must contain a link to www.remodelaholic.com in order to participate.
• Please link the direct URL of the post: no homepage links, no business links.
• You may link up to 3 posts each week.
• Always keep your links family friendly. We reserve the right to remove any links for any reason.

PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD ABOUT THE PARTY!

The post Top Ten 4th of July Ideas & Link Party appeared first on Remodelaholic.

I’ve got the answer right here in front of you… The Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese for Grownups. But what makes this the ultimate? It’s low in fat and calories! Which means one thing…you can eat more! Ha–and it doesn’t chintz on taste! It’s amazingly flavorful. Oh and I forgot to mention it takes less than 30 minutes to make! Yep! It’s true. Scooore!

Like many of you, I grew up on Mac-and-Cheese. We’d come home from school and want a snack and mac-and-cheese seemed like the answer. We’d doctor it up with all kinds of things: Sometimes we’d mix in cooked ground hamburger; other times we’d mix in sliced hot dogs; and there were a couple of times we were scientists and added Ranch dressing or hot sauce (it wasn’t too bad!). But most often we’d eat it alone. Now I’ve grown up and, well, I will admit I’ve outgrown the boxed version of Mac-and-Cheese and have been on the manhunt for a recipe that will make my taste buds sing.

I’ve tried several different kinds of homemade mac-n-cheese recipes and none have lived up to what I would want to put on this blog. However, I came upon a Weight Watchers’ magazine and they had this recipe posted in it; but I embellished it! I have a hard time leaving recipes alone. The recipe seemed a little too blase to me, so I doctored it up with some onion and garlic, which doesn’t add many calories at all, and made it into the ultimate mac-and-cheese for grownups. And guess what? My taste buds sang. If you’re aren’t a fan of onions or garlic, it’s just as comforting without!

Recipe inspired by Weight Watchers 5-ingredient 15 Minutes Recipes, Winter 2013 Thank you, Cassity, for allowing me to guest post today! And I would love it if you stopped by Bakerette.com for a bite! You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Stumbled Upon. I hope to see you around! If you liked this recipe, you might also like these recipes found at Bakerette:  

- Jen {Bakerette.com}

The post The Best Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe! appeared first on Remodelaholic.