Category: wood

  • Does Your House Have Dry Rot Damage – How to Spot It and What to Do About It

    Does Your House Have Dry Rot Damage – How to Spot It and What to Do About It

    Your home is often your pride and joy. You put a lot of work into making sure it is maintained, beautiful, and works for your needs. Over time, issues will arise that need attention, and it’s up to you as a homeowner to identify these possible problems and know how to respond to them.

    timber frames

    One issue that can happen to homes, especially as they age, is dry rot. Because so much of your home is made from wood, it can be prone to dry rot, which will, in turn, affect the structural integrity and strength of the property if serious enough. Knowing how to identify dry rot and understanding the steps you need to take to remedy the situation as quickly as possible will help ensure that your home stays strong.

    Here we’ll take a look at what dry rot is, how to identify it, and what to do about it.

    What Exactly is Dry Rot?

    Dry rot is an issue that affects wood; it is progressive. Dry rot is actually a fungus that spreads through the wood, rotting it as it goes. As the wood rots, it becomes weak, crumbles, and even breaks, which is why it will affect the structural integrity of your home if the damage is extensive. You cannot reverse the process.

    timber frames

    The reason dry rot occurs is because moisture has somehow gotten into the wood. As the moisture spreads through the wood, the rot is able to continue damaging more and more of the structure as it goes.

    What Does Dry Rot Look Like?

    So, how can you tell if you have dry rot? It’s actually pretty easy to detect to the naked eye. Typically, there is no need to have a professional come out and determine whether or not you’ve got dry rot.

    timber frames
    MC513

    The red flags you want to look for are areas of timber that look damaged. The damaged area turns brown and has broken and crumbled pieces around it. There may also be grey strands on the timber and even spore dust that is brown or orange in color. Not to worry, the dust is typically harmless.

    What to Do About Dry Rot?

    Fixing dry rot should actually be a two-step process. You want to fix the area that is damaged and replace the compromised wood, plus you want to take preventative measures to ensure the moisture no longer seeps into the wood, therefore, stopping dry rot from happening again. This means eliminating or at least reducing excess moisture.

    timber frames

    Often it can be best to call in a professional to assess the damage and then make the necessary repairs. This ensures the job is done correctly, the house keeps its structural integrity, and further issues with moisture are remedied.

    Don’t Let It Go

    When it comes to dry rot, it should be taken as a serious issue. Leaving it unresolved will allow the dry rot to progress and in serious cases, affect the structural integrity of your home making it unsafe to live in.

    timber frames

    Thanks to Sacramento Handyman for partnering with us on this post

  • Ideas for decorating around exposed brick

    Ideas for decorating around exposed brick

    Exposed Brick

    Exposed brick is a beautiful thing.  Being a beautiful thing you can just leave it on it’s own to shine, but setting it off with great decor, lighting, and furniture arrangement is paying it the homage it deserves.  The spaces below do just that.

    exposed brick

    I love that the brick in this room is made more sophisticated by moulding and columns.  Adding the floating shelves between columns is a nice touch too.

    exposed brick

    How STUNNING is that chest? And the play of all the linear directions between the chest, brick, and shutter is really cool too.  It’s also inspired me to re-style my shelves and dressers!

    2 images above via DecorPad

    exposed brick

    In this entryway the modern wallpaper with the aged brick is a beautiful contrast.

    exposed brick

    Painting this brick white keeps it from clashing too much with the polished counter top.

    exposed brick

    I love the simplicity of this space and the mixed materials between the fireplace, brick, wood, and glass.

    exposed brick

    Modern but warm

    4 images above via Dering Hall

    Want more brick?  Check out Brick and Wood

     

  • Moroccan Interiors: beautiful and airy spaces

    Moroccan Interiors: beautiful and airy spaces

    Moroccan interiors have a soft spot in my heart ever since our trip to Morocco.  With the ease, focus on comfort, and beautiful craftsmanship it’s hard to find something not to like.

    Moroccan interior bedroom

    One thing about Moroccan homes that I loved were the courtyards. Granted, I don’t live in a climate where an open, roofless home would be practical, but it was so nice to come in from the busy street and have a little privacy while still feeling like you are outside.  Ornate wood and plaster carving also adorns a lot of riads in Morocco.

    Moroccan interior

    Part of the ease of Moroccan interiors is that there are always places to plenty of places to relax and lounge.  Layers of textiles also promote comfort.

    2 images above via The Poetry of Material Things
    Moroccan day bed lanterns

    Moroccan interior

    Beautiful.

    Moroccan interior

    I would love to be able to take home an ornately carved door or column and have it installed in my home.

    Moroccan interior bedroom with canopy

    Yes please! The daybed in white with and airy canopy.

    4 images above via Theia Interiors

  • Luxurious Bathrooms

    Luxurious Bathrooms

    Our master bath is in desperate need of a facelift.  You can tell the previous owner tried to make it look upscale based on the tile they used, but the execution is so DIY …like, gunky caulk lines DIY.  This winter, painting and caulking our master bath will be a priority project.

    I take baths pretty often in the winter, and there is nothing like a cozy tub!

    A chandelier over the tub! tres chic.  The windows, the marble vanity, the rug, it’s all so gorgeous without trying too hard.

    I adore that tile!

    If you like the spa feel, go for white or natural elements like wood, stone, and foliage.
     4 above via Domino

    Modern luxe is all about materials, and mixing them well.
    via Amber Interiors

    This looks like heaven. The small tile, walk in shower, stacks of fresh towels!
    Pinterest
    via My Paradissi
    Which is your favorite?

  • Old barns converted into beautiful family homes!

    Old barns converted into beautiful family homes!

    Historic barns turned into functional living spaces

    I spent the better part of this weekend scrubbing out my barn and stalls by hand this weekend due to a broken pressure washer, so I have barns on the brain.  Our barn is just a small metal pole barn with two stalls, but it doesn’t make it hard to imagine the amazing open concept layout someone could create with a grand old barn of wood or stone.  Here are some pretty examples I found.


    I love the contrast of the dark wood floors and the white walls and beams.
    via Architectural Digest

    If the wood is kept dark, it’s a good idea to incorporate large windows for natural light and white or light walls (unless you like dark interiors!)
    via Architectural Digest

    via OneKindDesign

    I’m not a fan of taxidermy as decor, but that door opening to the yard is pretty fantastic!
    via OneKindDesign

    Beautiful light stone and natural wood floors make this barn conversion quaint and pretty.
    via OneKindDesign

    I think the photo above and below are from the same barn.  I don’t know if I could live on concrete floors, but I like the white plank walls and the rustic furnishings.

    via OneKindDesign

    via OneKindDesign

    Okay, this may not be for everyone, but how amazing would it be to be able to keep watch over and observe your animals while going about your daily household duties!
    via Great American Country

    So pretty in every way!  The large windows, vaulted ceiling, and character-rich hardwood floors are so pretty.

    via OneKindDesign

    The barn exteriors are often just as beautiful as the interiors!
    via Architectural Digest

    via Architectural Digest

  • Beautiful bathroom’s with tubs!

    Bathrooms with stand alone tubs always make for a stunning appearance! Here are some bold and some beautiful examples for inspiration on how to incorporate your stand alone tub.

    I love the way this bathtub is styled.  The art, the plant, the velvet upholstered bench.  It’s so beautiful!
    via DecorPad

    I really like tubs by a window. Can you tell?  This tub and the tub placement seems like the perfect place to spend a lazy evening.
    via DecorPad

    1 Hanson St. residence, Boston. PEG Properties & Design. EMBARC Architecture + Design Studios. Kennedy Design Build. Benjamin Gebo photo.:
    via georgianadesign

    The tub is pretty, but how about those shiny tile floors and the marble sink?!

    pinned by barefootstyling.com  freestanding tub + antlers:
    via bloodandchampagne

    Rustic meets modern with this modern bathtub.

    This tub in a small bathroom was carefully measured for and the rest of the bathroom is kept sparse.  The natural light is amazing!
    via DecorPad

    If you aren’t shy and/or have a lot of privacy outside, and outdoor bathtub would be an indulgent way to spend a summer day!

    via DecorPad

    How would you or have you incorporated a tub in your bathroom?  Keep in mind that you don’t always need to purchase a new tub.  You have options for refinishing a tub or reglazing it.
  • Planked Ceilings

    Planked Ceilings

    Planked ceilings come and go but some stand out more than others!
    Most don’t think elegant at first when hear plank wood ceiling, but this will definitely change your mind!
    Some call it cozy, I call this gorgeous! 
    Brick "rug" is a cool idea. Don't have to worry about scraping the wood with the chairs. Hmmmm . . .:
    via bhg
    It can create a rustic outdoor setting inside.
    It can fit in with a more modern decor.
    It can easily add a touch of character to any room.
    Do you love planked ceilings?
  • Some Fall DIY Favorites

    Some Fall DIY Favorites

    There are so many simple fun DIY’s for fall but here is a preview of some of my favorite!
    DIY Falling Leaves. These are 2 of my favorite things and I'm totes making this happen this fall.:
    via brit
    Fall and leaves go hand in hand but beautiful glitter with lots of great fall colors is definitely a winner!
    DIY Fall Chalkboard. Great for the holidays. Make a large one for the kitchen, and small ones to place around the table for thanksgiving as place cards. Could even use the small ones for labeling food dishes on the buffet table.:

    There’s something so refreshing about have nature in your home. This wood slice sign is such a creative way to bring the outdoors in.
    What is fall without a pumpkin? And I especially love a personalized pumpkin. What a fun way to add a little fall fun to your front porch.
    A wreath is great for any season but to me, fall is one of the best times! They can be simple, natural, and stunning. 
    What are some of your favorite fall DIY’s for your home? I’d love to hear in the comments below.
  • Revamping the Fireplace

    Revamping the Fireplace

    With Fall around the corner I am thinking of all the things I’d like to get done before the weather get’s too cold! One of the most obvious things that stuck out to me was revamping the fireplace! 
    Giving it a new face lift and making it the centerpiece of the room is a great start.
    This is also a great time to get it check out, cleaned out, and ready to go! You might even get a great discount if you go ahead and schedule maintenance now before the rush comes. 
    I also love the look of fresh firewood by a fireplace. Even if you aren’t a fall decor kind of person, this definitely fits the cold weather theme!
    And last but not least, arranging your furniture to display all your hard work!
    Are you excited for fall?
  • Decorating on a Budget

    Decorating on a Budget

    For those of us who have the desire to change the way our home looks, but don’t have a winning lottery to do so, here are a few things you can do to decorate on a budget:
    Lend farmhouse charm to your dining room with a grain bin repurposed as a buffet. The deep drawers are suited for storing linens and party staples, such as candles and special occasion china! http://www.bhg.com/decorating/storage/projects/from-flea-market-finds-to-savvy-storage/?socsrc=bhgpin041615fleamarketstorage&page=16
    via bhg
    Check out your local thrift stores, flea markets, and yard sales! Get a great piece of furniture that might cost you a couple hundred brand new, and make it yours for just a few bucks.
    Ask family and friends for unused furniture! Chances are high someone you know has something in their basement they don’t even know is down there anymore. Take it off their hands and in your home!
    We love these different sized vintage mirrors! More flea market chic home accents:http://www.bhg.com/decorating/decorating-style/flea-market/flea-market-chic-home-accents/?socsrc=bhgpin052413marketmirrors=15
    via bhg
    You might be surprised to find that you already own a fantastic piece of furniture that just needs a little TLC. Some paint and new hardware can make a huge change without much of a dent! My tip on spending less on paint? Buy a sample size bucket instead of a gallon especially for small pieces.
    A little advanced diy for me but still a good one! I may have someone else do it for me ^^
    Don’t want to buy expensive shelving? DIY! Wood and stain are much cheaper than pre-made store bought. 
    Be creative! Take the time to search and find the right pieces for the right price or see if you can make it yourself! You may be surprised at how much you can do with a tight budget.