Page 28 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • May 4, 2011 ����������������������������� Dressing up rooms is easily achieved by hanging artwork on the walls. However, hanging them at the right height, ensuring they’re straight and avoiding errant holes in the walls can prove more challenging than many would like to admit. Some people hang pictures at the wrong height. Others miss the stud in the wall and have to keep trying over and over to get the picture to stay vertical. There are some tips to follow that cut down on needless work and make the process a bit easier. Using templates is one of the easiest ways to hang pictures. Simply trace the outside of the frame onto a piece of paper or cardboard for each picture that will be hung. Then use a tape that isn’t very tacky to temporarily hang karen/janineon the wall. Play with placement 3-2-11 the templates so that an idea of layout and the finished product can be HomeImpDecBanner6x realized. This is particularly helpful if multiple framed photos or artwork will be displayed. 6 x .75” This method enables homeowners to step back and view the entire picture, instead of having one hand on the picture frame while eyeballing placement. Plus, it eliminates the need to punch holes into the wall only to find the frame is not placed where one desires. After the placement is finalized, hang the frames, one by one, removing the templates in the process. Another key tip to remember is that it isn’t essential that a wall beam is tapped into when hanging a picture on the wall. While homeowners should certainly attempt to locate a beam when hanging heavy items, sometimes the stud doesn’t fall where it will be aesthetically pleasing to hang the frame. In such instances, expandable wall anchors can provide more stability. Tricks for hanging artwork right the first time There are different anchors available depending on need. Some are plastic and can be pushed into a hole in the drywall. Once a screw is used in the anchor, the anchor will fan out and grab onto the back of the drywall. Metal anchors may be spring-loaded and provide even more strength. Here are some other pointers to keep in mind. Try grouping four pictures together in a square or rectangle to create the illusion of one larger picture. Always hang pictures at eye-level. When hanging a picture or artwork over the sofa, only leave a few inches so the picture is the focal point. Keep scale in mind. Don’t place one small picture on a large wall. Conversely, don’t put a large picture on a small wall. Consider the use of similarly hued picture frames or ones all of the same style to lend a cohesive look to the photo arrangements. When hanging art over a piece of furniture, it should not be longer than the width of the furniture. Pull colors from the furniture and other décor so photos or artwork coordinate with the design style. Think about illuminating the artwork. An upward or downward facing spotlight can make the picture pop in the room. Use an art shelf to display photos and other knickknacks. It will take up less space on the wall and can offer a contemporary feel to the room. Pictures can be hung diagonally going up a staircase or anywhere there is a natural progression of height. Hanging pictures vertically gives an air of refinement. This arrangement looks good next to a doorway. PLEASE TAKE MY HUSBAND ! Need someone to help tackle the honey-do list ? Mature local resident can work on anything from cars to faucets. No job too small. If you are looking for a responsible individual to help you around the house … PLEASE CALL MIKE AT 201-327-3255 (ARA) For years, homeowners considered railing the icing on the cake when considering a deck. They believed the railing was nice to have, but not essential. Those same homeowners are now realizing that finishing their decks with a complementary railing system can provide the added safety and beauty needed to truly capitalize on their investment. While the deck is the foundation of any outdoor living space, adding railing can dramatically change the look of that space. Style and placement of railing can make the space appear open or closed and polished or rustic. Railing can be installed in colors to match, offset, or complement the existing deck or porch. “Over time, consumers have seen the more finished look that railing provides and responded accordingly,” said Stephen McNally, vice president of sales and marketing for TAMKO Building Products. “We’ve seen significant increases in our annual railing sales and had to step up production to meet the customer demand for these products.” Installing a railing system is a great option for homeowners who have already invested in a deck and want to continue adding to the value of their home with a small remodeling project. Railing projects provide a big “bang for your buck” by carrying a smaller price tag than a full deck or other Deck and porch railings enhance safety larger remodeling projects. In addition, many new railing systems are designed for do-it-yourselfers and contractors with prepackaged kits and pre-routed pieces. Composite railings are gaining popularity because some products are strong enough on their own and do not require metal reinforcements. Tam-Rail Composite Railing is an example of this type of material. The railing is made with a patented three-layer technology that encloses a blend of foamed wood composite material between two layers of PVC. The resulting system is so thick and rigid that it doesn’t require metal reinforcement to meet building codes. Despite this three-layer strength, the product is still lightweight and low-maintenance. “Composite railing, in particular, is now seen as an attractive building product that performs well at an appealing price,” McNally said. Some of the benefits of composite railing systems like Tam-Rail are hidden fasteners, a wide variety of railing lengths, fixed-angle bracket adapters, stair kits, and the ability to install the post mounts in concrete, wood or composite decks. Whether adding railing to a porch or a deck as a doit-yourself weekend project or a professional contracting job, installing railing will add instant style and impact to your home at a reasonable price. ���� ��������������������������������� ����������������������������� The Villadom TIMES is giving you the opportunity to present your quality services and merchandise in its special Home Improvement & Decorating section. In The Villadom TIMES, you’ll get the exposure you need in 56,000 homes right in your market area. And, as always, your Villadom TIMES advertising message is conveniently delivered each week by US mail to every residence in the 12 Bergen County towns listed below. M B onmouth each ������������� ��������� ���������������� ������������������ ������������� ���������� WEDNESDAY YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD NEWSPAPER PLANTATION SHUTTERS and BLINDS LLC ��������������� ������������������ ��������������� ������� ������� WEDNESDAY ����� ������ ���������������������������������������� ZONE 1 - Wyckoff, Midland Park, Franklin Lakes ZONE 2 - Ridgewood, Glen Rock ZONE 3 - Ho-Ho-Kus, Allendale, Waldwick, Saddle River, Upper Saddle River, ZONE 4 - Ramsey, Mahwah ������������ Call The Villadom TIMES today to place your advertisement. 4-20-11 Pat/Janine