Resources and Services
Design Ideas
Designer Touches with Drywall
Styles of drywall have changed a lot over the years. Using drywall techniques to add new architectural or design touches, or simply retexturing ceilings and walls, can dramatically change the overall appearance of a home with a relatively small investment. Following are some basic ideas to get you started.
“Bullnosed" or Rounded Corners
A common upgrade in new homes, replacing square cornered walls and windows with rounded ones will instantly update any home. Finishing circular windows and curved archways this way is an especially attractive touch.
Hide Flaws
Over time, walls can get so banged up or gouged that no amount of patching or painting can hide the damage that makes a home look old and worn. You can also hide undesirable features behind new drywall. A good example is enclosing an outdated masonry fireplace constructed with odd colored bricks or massive stones. This will modernize, lighten, and increase the decorating options in rooms previously overwhelmed by the fireplace.
Room Separation
Drywall can also be used to separate the combination living/dining rooms creatively. Building an arch with or without columns can divide a room without sacrificing space. Adding a false “header” to create an arch or overhead plant shelf divides the room. This technique works very well on vaulted ceilings without making the room look “cut up.”
Ceilings
In the dining room, create a lovely effect with sculptured ceilings. Replacing sprayed acoustic ceilings with textured drywall enables homeowners to clean, paint and apply crown molding or other special trim to their ceilings.
More Popular Entries
Additions & Remodels
Soundproofing Techniques
Small Kitchen Projects Can Make a Big Difference
Easy Financing Options for Remodeling
Agents (Real Estate), Appraisers & Home Inspectors
Home Inspections
The Final Walk Through
Townhouses
Appliances
Installing Appliances
Selecting Major Appliances
Repair Dishwasher and Water Damage
Builders (New Homes), Architects & Designers
Conventionally Framed Home Builder
Checklist: Preventing Builder Fraud
Workout Room
Carpentry & Cabinets
Tip: Dealing with Dryrot
Cabinet Options
Tip: Repair Laminate Countertops
Cleaning Services
The Importance of Air Duct and Vent Cleaning
Prevent Wear with Fabric Protection
Ways to Clean Your Carpet
Concrete, Brick & Stone
Installing Concrete
Tip: Repair Concrete Steps
Wunderbar Rebar!
Consumer Guides
Time for a New Roof?
Preparing a House for Sale
Upgrading Your Electrical System
Design Ideas
Drywall Textures and Styles
Prefinished vs. Unfinished Wood Flooring
Asphalt Shingles: The Wood and Tile Alternative
Electrical, Telephone & Data
Whole House Fans
Tip: Repair Home Entertainment Equipment
Convenient Electrical Fixtures
Expert Advice
Install a Front Door
Insulating a Crawl Space
Air Quality
Flooring
Hardwood Inlay
Cleaning Hardwood Floor Inlay
Steam Cleaning Grout
Handyman Services
Avoiding Home Repair Rip-offs
Some Assembly Required
The Benefits of Weatherstripping
Heating & Cooling
Tip: Types of Geo Thermal Heating Systems
Heat Pumps
Environmentally Friendly Solar Heat
Home Construction
More Return on Your Home Improvement Investment
Tip: Panelized Homes
Do Homework Before Building a New Home
Landscape, Decks & Fences
Asphalt Paving
The Attention Your Landscape Needs
Preparing Your Yard for Winter
Moving & Storage
Some Assembly Required
Preparing a House for Sale
Stowing it Away: Where to Put It
Other Services
Tip: Fire Protection or Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Your Children Safe
Wet Basements
Painting & Staining
Tip: Roller Marks - Interior Paint
The Right Tools for Interior Painting
The Basics of Interior Painting
Plumbing
Safe Drinking Water
The Importance of Clean Water
Find a Water Treatment Service
Quick Tips
Tip: Cleaning Fireplace Burns
Tip: Repair or Maintain Sprinkler Systems
Checklist: Basic Lawn & Landscape Care
Roofing, Siding & Gutters
Install Roofing Snow Melt Protection
Install or Replace Flat Roofing
Modern Roofing Options
SP Feature Article
The Internet Will Change the Buying of Services
Walls & Ceilings
Techniques for Wall Covering Removal
Create a Turn-of-the-Century Look With Metal Ceilings
Acoustic Ceiling Cleaning
Windows & Doors
Basic Door Lock Information
Installing the Correct Blinds or Shades
Choosing Between Blinds or Shades