Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa December / Jan 2016 | Page 41

Recharge & Reorder
Get creative with drawer space. Outfitted with divided
storage (typically used in kitchen drawers) and a power
strip, this drawer serves as a charging dock and daily
organizer for cell phones, music players, and other
electronics. Drill a hole through the back of the dresser
and drawer to accommodate electrical cords.
Light Up the Kitchen
Dress up an eating area with a fresh light fixture.
Replacing an existing fixture is your easiest option: Just
turn off the power at the breaker box and connect the
wires.
Give Your Yard a Boost
With flagstone, you can easily make an outdoor patio
in a weekend -- no mortar required. Add potted plants
and outdoor seating, such as a bistro set or an eclectic
mix of colorful chairs, to create a quaint backyard
escape.
Paint or Paper a Wall
Self-adhesive and repositionable wallpaper creates a
romantic accent that’s easy to apply, remove, and reuse.
It works like a giant sticker. Peel the decorative paper
off the backing and adhere it to a primed and painted
wall. To create a curvy top edge, use your mirror to
inspire the outline of your design. Cut the shape from
kraft paper and test the look. Tape the pattern on the
decorative paper applied to the wall; use a crafts knife
to cut around the template. Peel away the paper above
the cut.
Look Up
Give your ceiling a little eye candy. Beautifully highlight
a coffered ceiling with colorful paint, and keep the
trim white for a bold visual effect. Placing a ceiling
medallion around a fan or light fixture is another way
to add architectural flair overhead. Decorative ceiling
medallions are available in all shapes, sizes, and styles.
Switch to Energy-Saving Windows
If you have a window that faces the prevailing winter
winds, replace it with a high-efficiency unit. If the
window opening is a nonstandard size, you’ll probably
have to order the new window.
Patch Holes in Walls
Whether an art-arranging project went awry or you’re
tired of looking at dings around the house, concealing
wall blemishes is a weekend-worthy project. With a
putty knife and surfacing compound, you can easily
repair nail holes and other minor wall imperfections.
For larger holes, place an adhesive patch over the area
and spread an all-purpose drywall compound over it
www.reimag.co.za

with a trowel. Depending on the size of the wall hole,
the compound may need to dry overnight. Paint over
the patch when it is dry.
Light U H