For weeks I dreamed of a stellar staircase with dark stained treads, white risers and swirling teal stenciled leaves. Then reality happened and I found out there were some questions I should have answered first. Now that we have the answers, here is where we arrived. Those stairs needed padding and floor covering. Not wall […]
DIY tutorial
Fireplace Weatherization
Our fireplace has been a cold spot in our life ever since we moved in. You could feel the air move around it — and see it because it was enough that lighted candles would flicker in the wind! A couple of years ago, we installed a fireplace balloon which helped enormously. However, there was […]
How to install picture frame moulding
Boxy and boring! Our dining room needed all the help it could get! We added ceiling interest with a faux tray and chandelier moulding here. And a new chandelier. Added a chair rail. Then came picture frame moulding to change everything. Adding picture frame moulding is a quick and relatively inexpensive way to add architectural […]
Five Things to know about replacing a chandelier
A chandelier is jewelry for your room. It’s like the statement necklace or exquisite brooch that takes an outfit from good looking to beautiful. Chandeliers come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit any room or decorating style. Replacing your outdated light fixtures is an easy way to update a room. New lights […]
How to Install a Chair Rail
Installing a chair rail was a step in giving our boxy plain dining room some architectural character. Here’s what we did: You can purchase 12, 10 or 8 foot lengths of moulding and trim. Before buying, measure the room and take note of windows and doors. Determine the longest unbroken run and that will determine […]
Fireplace Draft Stopper Balloon
Preparing for winter. Just the thought of winterization sends shivers up my spine! But that has been on the agenda at Chez Charlene spurred on by predictions of a “brutal” winter for this area. Where we live, there seems to be more misses than hits with weather forecasts. Something about jet streams that change their […]
Welcome! I’m Charlene. I love to share quick and easy recipes, whatever I’ve learned in our last DIY project – anything that helps make life easier, better and more fun!! I hope you will find inspiration and add a pinch of joy to your day!