Make Sense Out of Projects

It's not easy to admit that it's our own behavior that sets the tone in our home. We are just as responsible for the mess as we are for the good taste in decor.




SPRAY PAINT FOR FABRICS

We all hate it when mats, lamp shades or throw pillows don't come in the colors we like. Upholstery Fabric Paint by Simply Spray is a non-toxic, non-flammable aerosol spray can that allows you to paint over couches, chairs, pillows, linens, lampshades and more. Eco-friendly and water-based, the paint is an alternative to other harsh-smelling indoor sprays. Another plus is that it remains soft to the touch and is fade resistant. (It won't rub off either.) Cost is $12.99 per can. Details: simplyspray.com.




BAD HABITS LEAD TO CLUTTER

I know it seems that way, but clutter doesn't just happen. Most of the time, it's the direct result of a few bad habits that you may not realize lead to clutter, according to an article in the June edition of Good Housekeeping. The four habits mentioned are "Being afraid to let go of items," (in case you might need them later); "Not stepping up to tasks," (walking right by something that needs your attention); the worst of all, "Procrastination," (delaying a decision about what to do with your things); and "Buying too much stuff," (shocked?). Check out the mag on newstands now for solutions for each of these habits.




HOME REPAIR PROJECTS THAT MAKE SENSE

It is not fun when you realize that a home repair project you just finished - and spent your savings and time on - either isn't going to save you money or wasn't even necessary to begin with. "Green Sense for the Home: Rating the Real Payoff From 50 Green Home Projects" (The Taunton Press; $21.95) by Eric Corey Freed and Kevin Daum examines the issue and helps homeowners determine what projects make financial sense. Covering 16 projects you can do today (changing light bulbs or using less toilet water), 21 you can do tomorrow (adding solar power or installing a whole-house fan) and 13 you can do when building a new home (reclaiming your water and building with reclaimed or recycled materials), the book offers two different and sometimes opposing perspectives on each. An in-depth analysis breaks projects down according to their impact on the environment and, of course, your wallet.

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