Add a Cozy Fireplace to Your Kitchen - How to Remove Dark Stains from Wood • HouseCalls Newsletter

Thought for Today: ”The best way to teach your kids about taxes is by eating 30 percent of their ice cream.” -- Bill Murray

How a Wall Mounted or Portrait Fireplace Can Add Warmth and Ambiance to a Room

This fireplace is really different. It’s mounted on the wall at eye level when you’re seated and is often referred to as a portrait fireplace. Ideal for a family room or den, this design is especially well suited for the kitchen where it can add cheerful warmth in more ways than one. The burner puts out an impressive amount of heat and can be directly vented through an exterior wall. What better way to start the day on a chilly morning than with a steaming cup of coffee, a newspaper, and a flickering blaze over your shoulder?

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How to Remove Ugly Black Marks from Wood Surfaces Plus More Finishing Tips

Here is a collection of wood finishing tips that might be useful across a wide range of finishing projects. Wood finishing is part science, part technique, and part art. In wood finishing, there are certain methods that work best in a particular situation. This is a compilation of several of my favorite wood finishing tips.

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How to Make Your Own Contemporary Concrete Countertop

When I first learned of concrete being used for countertops, I didn’t think I would like them. But I do -- enough, in fact, to have one in my own home. What I like about this particular version is that you can, indeed, do it yourself. The form is made from inexpensive materials easily available at any home improvement center. I think you’re going to like both the process and the end result.

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This Week's Vision of Home by Fred Swan

Silhouette

Fred Swan is a Vermont artist whose paintings are nostalgic and heartwarming. To me, they stir the emotions and bring back cherished memories of my childhood in rural upstate New York. In the past, I have shared many of Fred's works. In response to your requests, here's an encore presentation.

To see more of Fred’s work, CLICK HERE