Black & White Floor Have you admired one of those striking black and white tile floors in a magazine or showhouse and dismissed ever having one because you thought it was too formal? Well, think again. This look is very easy to work with. Imagine a sleek and shiny modern kitchen with a black and white floor. Or perhaps you like country; that could work, too, with smaller gingham black and white checked material at the windows, a touch of weathered paint, and a few antiques thrown in. Then there is the French provincial look with pine furniture, rush seats, and fancy curtains with lots of hanging brass pots. So you, too, can have this beautiful look in your kitchen.

Pattern Blends Are you trying to create a cozy feel in your decorating by adding pattern, but are afraid to mix more than three? Don't be! You can use up to six different patterns together by using similar colors and varied scales. First choose a dominant pattern, one with a large scale. Use it on one of your room's largest elements; the draperies, perhaps. Then repeat it on articles of less importance, such as chair seats or pillows. Next you can use tone on tone, as in a stripe on a sofa or bedspread. Then use small scale patterns in your accents such as a needlepoint pillow or artwork. By using many patterns together, you can create a rich look with style and visual interest.

Community College Feel like you're stuck in a rut, working alone in your garage or basement? Maybe you need a refresher on basic skills, or just want access to industrial-sized machines. Many community colleges offer outstanding inexpensive woodworking programs. Current or retired professionals, who are eager to share their skills, often teach these classes. Although some of these departments are geared mainly toward training young people for production jobs, others will be very receptive to students who want to learn how to do fine, one of a kind work. Go meet the teachers at your local schools. You may be in for a very positive experience.

Decorative Painting Are your rooms looking drab and in need of a little something to perk them up? Try some decorative painting. You could paint a trellis and vine around and over an open doorway. Continue it down the hall for a surprising touch! Do you have a blank wall? Why not paint a mural on it? Try a beach scene, or maybe a forest with animals. If you' re not that artistic, you could start by painting a floor to look like large stones or a rectangular rug pattern that appeals to you. Experiment with it and have fun--you can always paint over it.

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall Thinking of adding a hanging mirror to your home decor? Consider using a vintage wooden window as your mirror frame. Scout out antique or architectural salvage stores to find the size and shape you want. Consider a multi-paned window for an interesting effect. Then, take the window to any home center that cuts glass. They should be able to cut mirrors to fit the panes.

Once again, great tips!

Thanks. I need to find them again and post new ones. My inbox overfloweth if I get too many subscriptions going, and my first devotion is to Geo where I was left on my own to find things to make it fly or sink. Thus far we remain aloft. Pop by and check it out. You ARE and inhabitant of the known Universe? If so, I have something there that should be of interest. Even if you are a little kid! Do you have earthquakes where you live? Active volcanoes? I do!