September 9, 2014 • Page 14 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com Handy Tips for Revitalizing Paneled Rooms Paneling is a low-cost way to cover problem walls. In the 1960s and 1970s, paneling was very popular. Sold in large panels, paneling was relatively easy to hang, and quickly became a staple of dens and finished basements. But few of today's homeowners are enamored with the look of faux wood paneling. Those who purchase homes that have paneling on the walls often search for ways to transform the look of rooms in which the walls are covered in paneling. While paneling does go up quickly, removing it may not be as simple. Explore these options for giving paneled walls a new look. Paint over the paneling The fastest way to breathe new life into a paneled room is to paint over the paneling. The texture of the paneling will show from beneath, giving the room appeal without the dark hue of the wood or veneer panels. Consult with a paint store or home improvement center to determine the most effective way to cover up paneling with paint. Sometimes it is wise to lightly scuff the paneling with a fine-grit sandpaper so that the paint will adhere. Shiny or glossed paneling can be dulled with a de-glossing product. Sometimes a combination of a thick primer and color will grip the paneling and reduce the number of coats needed to cover it. Also, invest in a high-quality, professional-grade paint. It may cost a bit more, but such paint will be well worth it when it glides over the paneling, covering it completely. If you don't want the grooves showing between the panels, fill them in with spackle and sand down to create a smooth surface before painting. Cover the paneling Covering up the paneling is another tactic. Rather than coating the wall in paint, consider a wallpaper liner. Liners are essentially a thick, plain wallpaper that is applied on top of the paneling or used when dealing with damaged walls. In lieu of tearing down the walls and putting up new drywall, the liner will cover imperfections. Many of these products can be painted directly and may not require priming beforehand. This can be great for homeowners whose goal is to cover paneling quickly and easily. Those who prefer a patterned look on the walls can opt to cover paneling with a printed wallpaper. However, depending on the thickness of the wallpaper, this may be a two-step process. You may need to fill in the creases between the panels first, or first use a thick wallpaper liner to create a seamless surface. Cut the paneling If you desire a cottage or country look in a room, remove half of the paneling, leaving the bottom portion intact. Then place molding or a chair rail where you made your cut, creating a wainscoting effect. The top portion of the wall can be painted, while the bottom portion can be left as the wood color or painted a complementary color. Remove the paneling The most labor-intensive way to give a paneled room a new look is to remove the paneling. Pry at a portion of the paneling in an inconspicuous spot in the room to determine which method was used to install the paneling. Some people only tack it into place with small, finishing nails, while others glue the paneling to the wall for a secure installation. Glue will be much more difficult to remove and could further damage the walls and paneling in the process. If the paneling is too difficult to remove, covering or painting it may be a smarter option. Small nails can be removed by pulling at the panels. Spackle holes before painting over the walls. Paneling is an inexpensive decorating option that was first popularized 40 years ago. Though less popular now, paneling still shows up in homes and can be remedied with some relatively easy tips. n Metro Creative Connection Budget-Friendly Bathroom Transformatin Tips The allure of a spa-style bathroom is something few homeowners can resist. Such bathrooms can make for a welcome retreat after a long day at the office or an afternoon spent chasing kids around the yard. But as appealing as such a sanctuary may seem, the cost of creating a luxury washroom is more than many homeowners' budgets can withstand. Fortunately, a dream bathroom does not have to break the bank. In fact, there are several ways to make a bathroom worthy of the most comforting spa without stretching your budget. * Install a wall-hung mirror. If your idea of a luxury bathroom harkens back to a time before the advent of recessed medicine cabinets, then a wallhung mirror can give the bathroom an entirely new feel without much of a financial commitment. Flush-mount mirrors need not require the services of a contractor, but they can provide a sense of elegance that recessed cabinets cannot. * Replace bathroom countertops. A countertop replacement job may sound expensive, but such an undertaking is not very costly in the washroom, where counter space is typically limited. Since the cost of countertop materials is by the square foot, you can replace bathroom surfaces for a relatively small amount of money. Granite countertops can be beautiful, but such surfaces do not create the warm feel that many prefer in a luxury bathroom. A material such as soapstone is warm and inexpensive and can quickly give the bathroom a new look. * Embrace calm colors. Painting the bathroom is another inexpensive way to give the room an entirely new look. If the walls of your washroom are currently a vibrant color, consider a more calming tone to give the room the luxurious and relaxing feel you're aiming for. 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This can give the washroom a feel of antique luxury, and such washstands can found for a few hundred dollars. * Replace old fixtures. Though they are often overlooked, cabinet and door fixtures as well as towel racks can greatly influence the feel of a washroom. If the cabinet and drawer handles are old or outdated, replace them with more modern options. Such a job might be even more effective if you repaint or reface existing cabinetry. Neither task is terribly expensive, but both can give the washroom a more luxurious feel. The same goes for replacing old towel racks, which can be an eyesore if they're especially dated. Transforming a bathroom may seem like a significant and costly undertaking, but savvy homeowners can give their washrooms a new and luxurious look without spending much money. n Metro Creative Connection PR Olson Chimney Sweeps Dryer Exhaust Technicians Call Classi?eds 665-5884