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Caring for Your Live Christmas Tree

Caring for Your Live Christmas Tree

It’s finally December and there’s an exciting chill in the air as Christmas is quickly approaching. If you haven’t already, you’ll soon be pulling the decor out of storage and putting up your tree. While many people have switched over to using a faux tree, many still love the look, scent, and feel of a real tree. For those using a real tree, it is important to know how to care for and eventually dispose of your tree. Here are some tips and tricks from Wright Building Center!

Bringing Your Tree Home

Once you have found the perfect tree, you need to get it into water as quickly as you can. The sooner you can get your tree into water, the better because it will help to extend the freshness and life of your tree. If you are unable to immediately put it up in your home, keep the tree in a bucket of water somewhere cool, such as the garage. 

When it is time to put up your tree, the only thing you’ll need is a Christmas tree stand that will hold the tree upright and allow it to draw in water. When you select a spot in your home for the Christmas tree, be sure to choose one that doesn’t have too much direct sunlight.

How to Care for Your Tree

Caring for a Christmas tree is not as hard as you might think. In fact, it is much like caring for most other plants. Christmas tree care just involves watering your tree daily. It is important to monitor it and make sure that an appropriate level of water is maintained. Keeping enough water in your tree’s water supply helps ensure that it will stay fresher for longer. Otherwise, a tree without enough water will cause it to droop and lose its needles.

Getting Rid of Your Tree

When the holiday season is over and it’s time to dispose of your tree, there are many options for how you can do it. Two of these options are to chop it up or return it to nature. A tree can be sent through a wood chipper, creating wood chips that can be used for a variety of things, such as walkways or mulching a garden. Or, take your tree out into the woods and drop it off. The dead tree will make a perfect home for wildlife.

Holidays at Wright Building Center

We hope that this guide was helpful! For any holiday DIYs that you take on, choose Wright Building Center for a whole selection of hardware supplies, tools, paint, and more. Feel free to contact us with any questions today!

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Hot Colors for Interior Design in 2022

Hot Colors for Interior Design in 2022

2022 is fast approaching, which means we are about to see new color trends in interior design. Here are some of the top colors that our interior design team sees coming in 2022.

Gray-Green

Up first is gray-green. This color is a subtle neutral tone that can be used in many different ways, including adding a soft pop of color around the home. Gray-green tones are already being recognized by major paint companies as a hot color for the year.

Earthy Tones

Organic, earthy tones are going to be a huge hit in 2022. Greens of all undertones will be all over, from emerald tones or earthy tones. Overall, expect earthy tones to become a new neutral color. 

Citron

Sunny shades are back! Be on the lookout for buttery or citron yellow tones to start trending. These once again nature-inspired hues are perfect for creating a space that feels calming, beautiful, and simple. 

Deep Aubergine

Hues that are almost black are currently huge, one of the most popular being a beautiful shade of deep aubergine. This gorgeous eggplant color is a bold, sophisticated, and classic color that can perfectly tie together a space when complemented with neutral furnishings.

Chartreuse

We couldn’t put together a list of hot colors for 2022 without including chartreuse! This bright, fun green-yellow color becomes the star of any space that it is used in. This energetic color can be used in many different ways, such as paint for your walls or upholstery on your furniture.

Warm Neutrals

And, saving the best for last, are warm neutral colors. These warm-toned colors make any space instantly feel more cozy and comfortable. Even better, these shades are incredibly versatile, so they can easily match changing decor styles.

Interior Design at Wright Building Center

Ready to use one of these trending colors in your home? Check out Wright Building Center and talk to our interior design team today to get your project started!

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When Remodeling Home: Where to start

Home remodeling is no small task. If you are planning a home remodeling project, here are a few tips to help you get started: 

  • Figure out what you can do yourself, and what you’ll need a pro for. 
  • Find out what your budget is 
  • What is the design you are going for? 
  • Do you have all the permits you need? 
  • Time to get started!

A home remodeling project can be a tall order, considering the time it eats up, the costs, and making every little decision. It requires a lot of planning coordination, and working with various contractors, interior designers, and tradespeople. 

However, there are many steps you can take to ensure your home remodeling project goes smoothly. They will help you not only start the project easily, but move through the process quickly and easily. 

Home Remodeling: What can you do yourself? 

It can be very difficult to remodel an entire home at one time. Saving money is a big part of the game. The best way to save time and money would be to first, decide what aspects of the remodel you can take care of yourself, and what you will need a contractor to do. 

With basic home remodeling skills, tasks such as painting, installing floors, installing baseboards, and various other smaller tasks can be tackled by an amature. However, things such as demolition or large scale installations will most likely require help. 

If you are on the edge on weather or not you can do something. Look it up! A Few YouTube videos can give you some much needed confidence to take care of a lot of your home remodeling projects.

Creating a Plan and Budget 

The primary goal of a budget is to reduce stress by giving you the peace of mind of knowing how much you are going to spend on the project before you even start. There is a lot to consider here: contractors, paint, flooring, countertops, cabinets, repairs, and more. Not to mention labor, which can be a big cost. This only increases the importance of finding a trustworthy contractor. One contractor might take much longer than another charging the same rate, the difference between the two could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars.  

Design 

If you are doing a full house, home remodeling project, it is important to make sure the house matches the design all the way through. This is why planning for the design of the home before beginning is important. Feel free to be creative about specific rooms, but for symmetry it is usually good practice to keep the main rooms, living, kitchen, master bedroom, and bathroom flush. There are many designs to choose from, whether you find them online, use an interior designer, or simply look around at other neighborhoods. 

Acquiring Permits

Depending on your home remodeling project, you may require a permit. Small projects like painting do not require a permit, but it is always good to check if you are unsure. Changing the structure of a building, installing new windows, plumbing, or electrical work are common changes that will need permits. The fastest way to double check is to simply call your local sitting office and ask!

Need more Home Remodeling Help? 

If you have any more questions or are looking to get started with your next home improvement project, don’t wait to call the home remodeling experts at Wright Building Center! We would love to help you achieve a home remodeling project, you can be proud of! Contact us today!

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Getting Your Home Ready for the Holidays

Wright Do-It Center

Hosting can be stressful, especially during the holidays. During this time, interior design is ramping up, gifts are being bought, and decorating is in full swing. Here are a few tips to help you prepare your home for the holidays! 

A Little bit of Organization 

Sometimes the day before is a little too late to get  absolutely everything ready to go however, there is still plenty you can do. Decluttering is the first major step in getting the home looking nicer. Remove anything unnecessary from countertops, and tables, throw away trash, and if you run out of time, simply storing things somewhere out of sight to come back to later is always an option. 

Adding Lights 

You might know your home interior design layout like the back of your hand, but others probably don’t. Make sure all of your lights, including outdoors, work properly. You can even spice things up with motion detecting lights if you have time to do so. This will make navigating porches, hallways, and bathrooms, much easier. 

Interior Design: Making Space Where you can. 

The foyer is usually the first thing your guests will see, so it is always a good idea to make the space feel welcoming. 

  • Put down a nice rug, or a welcome mat at the entrance. 
  • Declutter any shoes, jackets, umbrellas, etc. 
  • Have plenty of hooks, or a place to take jackets. 
  • Add storage for shoes if possible. 

Add an extra eating space, or bar area. 

The kitchen is the center of attention during a lot of gatherings. That is why it’s important to keep it clean for your guests. 

  • Have a station for coffee either in the family room or present visibility in the kitchen. 
  • If you like to socialize while cooking, place extra chairs around your kitchen to make it welcoming. 

Need more interior design help? 

If you want more tips about décor this year, let us know! Wright Building Center has a large team of experienced interior designers that would be happy to help you have the nicest house on the block this holiday season. Contact us today!

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Halloween DIY- Floating Candles

Halloween DIY – Floating Candles

With Halloween around the corner, the Wright paint department at Wright Building Center has a trick that will surely be a treat in your home. A very popular decoration that some may find daunting is actually easier than you thought. Floating candles……yes like the ones in Harry Potter. These candles are such a whimsical fall decoration that look difficult but are quite easy. Here is what you need:

-Battery Operated Candles

-Metallic Gold Spray Paint

-Flat Black Spray Paint

-Painters tape

-Hot Glue Gun

-Fishing Wire

First, you want to tape off the flame part of the candle so as to not get paint on it. Following the directions on the can, you will want to spray the entire candle with the flat black. Allow the candles to dry. Then, using the gold paint, apply it to the candle with a heavier color on the bottom and lighter towards the top to create an ombre effect on each candle. Allow the candles to dry again for 24 hours before full use. Then, attach the fishing wire with hot glue and allow it to dry completely before hanging. Be sure to make check that the fishing line is nice and secure. Finally, hang your candles from the ceiling to give them the floating effect. 

So, that doesn’t sound too hard, but where should you get the supplies? Well, that answer is just as easy as the project itself! The Wright paint department at Wright Building Center can help with your paint supply needs, and you can find the rest of the supplies at a local craft store.  So, if you are a Hogwarts fan or just want a fun Halloween DIY, this easy project is sure to please! To learn more about Wright Building Center, visit our About page or give us a like on Facebook!

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Hot Decorating Trends: Floating Shelves

Hot Decorating Trends: Floating Shelves

Chances are that if you’re into home decorating diy projects, then you’ve seen floating shelves. Floating shelves have become one of the hottest decorating trends. These shelves are nothing new, but they have risen to new popularity. These shelves may look difficult to install, but in reality, they should not take more than a few hours to get installed. Or, if you’re feeling crafty, making your own floating shelves is one of those diy projects that can easily be completed in 2-3 weekends. 

Before making or purchasing floating shelves to install, you need to decide exactly where they will be placed. Using open wall space for your floating shelves is the best location to install them because it maximizes their storage and decorating potential. Here are some of the common places to install floating shelves.

Good Places to Install Floating Shelves

Bathrooms: Having enough storage space is often tricky in bathrooms. Floating shelves can be made in small, thin configurations that allow you to add functional yet beautiful storage space to your bathroom.

Kitchens: Chances are, you’ve probably wished for more storage space in your kitchen before. Floating shelves can offer your more storage space in a way that is more convenient and takes up less space than cabinets. 

Home Library: Using floating shelves can create a cute, impromptu library space in your home, without dealing with the boundaries that traditional bookshelves have. Floating shelves can be placed as far apart as they need to be, allowing you the chance to customize them the fit the perfect height for your books. 

How to Install Floating Shelves

Floating shelves need to be installed using brackets on a wall stud that will support their weight. Using a stud is what allows you to create the effect that the shelf is floating. To find a stud in your wall, you can use a stud finder. We recommend that you find the studs before making or buying your floating shelves to ensure that the shelves are compatible.

Once you have your studs found, shelves made or purchased, and brackets ready, it is time for the install. Make sure that you install your shelves level by using a chalk line and pencil marks. Once you have your level line ready, install the shelves and you are ready to enjoy your new shelves!

DIY Projects with Wright Building Center 

So, for your next diy project, come out to Wright Building Center to get the supplies you need. Check out our large line of supplies as well as our rental items. Contact us today to learn more!

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Stain Wood the “Wright” Way

So you’ve gotten the wood you need from the lumberyard, and built something beautiful. Congratulations! Now it is time to start staining. Staining is a fantastic option for finishing wood, because it adds shine and protection without completely hiding the grainy look of the wood. When painting wood, paint usually steals the show, but with stain, you really highlight the natural wooden look. One thing to keep in mind however, is to make sure you are getting quality wood from a trusted lumberyard that won’t crack, and ensure that you are applying the stain evenly. Stain is trickier than paint, in that if it is unevenly applied, you can usually tell. Don’t get discouraged if your first staining project doesn’t meet your expectations; staining takes a while to master, but soon you will be a DIY expert! 

Make sure to use Test Pieces from your Lumberyard

When you first buy wood from the lumberyard, make sure to set aside some test pieces. These are just a few extra boards or trim that you can test the stain on first before moving onto the real deal. If you are working with furniture, using the underside of a shelf or leg is usually the best option for stain testing. Testing lets you know just how much sealant you need and how many coasts to apply, to make your wood look great! Make sure you are getting your test pieces form the same lumberyard, and are using the same wood to ensure the tests are accurate to your project. 

Sanding your Wood 

Make sure you are sanding your wood thoroughly. Getting the smoothest possible finish on your wood is key to a clean look. Any part of the wood that is a little rougher than the others will absorb more stain, and thus be darker than the rest of your wood. You should be spending most of your project time sanding the wood. It will pay off, when you have a clean, smooth surface that will take the stain evenly. Before you start sanding, it is always good practice to use a stainable wood filler to fill in any cracks you may have in your wood pieces. Start with 80 to 120 grit sandpaper, and slowly work your way up to 180. Your final run through should be with about 220 grit sandpaper. If you want a more rugged finish, you can sand corners and edges less for a more vintage look. 

Apply Sealant 

Always cover your wood with sealant before staining. It is possible to stain unsealed wood, but it really is not recommended. Mark three sections of a test piece of wood. Apply the sealant at full strength to one section, water down the sealant by half for the second section, and leave the third section unsealed. Then test all three sections to see which one you like the best. Use the same brand sealant and stain to ensure you are going to get compatible results. 

Apply Stain and finish the Edges 

Once you have made the decisions regarding how much sealant and stain to apply, and you are happy with the look of your test pieces, you are ready to apply the sealant. Be generous with the amount of stain you add on the initial brush. You can rub off any excess stain with a lint-free painters rag by gently rubbing the stained area. Make sure to rub the stain in a circular motion, like you are buffing a car, to distribute the stain evenly. 

Finish with Another Coat of Sealant 

While stain itself is a protective coating, it will last longer and shine more if you add another layer of sealant on top of your last coat of sealant. Keep in mind that outdoor items will need a different sealant than indoor items. 

Your trusted, Local Lumberyard 

Staining becomes easier and easier with practice. If you need more help, are looking to purchase stain, or wood, do not hesitate to contact the lumber experts at Wright Building Center today! We would love to hear about your project, and help you make it special, the “Wright” way!

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Choosing the ‘Wright’ Hardware for Your Cabinets

Choosing the ‘Wright’ Hardware for Your Cabinets

There are so many elements that go into working on the interior design of your home. One of those elements is choosing the perfect hardware for your cabinets. Hardware is one of the little details that is easily overlooked when working on a home, but it can make a huge visual impact when picked correctly. So, how do you choose the ‘Wright’ hardware for your cabinets? This guide will help you choose the hardware that is right for your space and style.

Hardware Types

Before you can choose your hardware, consider whether you are wanting knobs, pulls, or a mixture of both. This decision can be made by thinking about the functionality of the cabinet or drawer. Knobs generally work best to open cabinets but can be used on drawers as well while pulls are easier to grip because of their size and are often used for drawers. In addition to function, it is also important to think about the visual appeal. Knobs are often smaller and make less of an impact while pulls are larger and make more of a statement. 

Hardware Styles

After you’ve decided what type of hardware, it is time to look into specific styles of knobs or pulls. There are many different styles, ranging from modern to rustic and everything in between. Some knobs are small and flat while others are round and taller. Pulls are the same way. They range from more traditional styles to a more modern ledge pull style. Choosing the ‘Wright’ hardware will require you to consider what the design of the space around it is going to be. You’ll want to make sure that whatever you are choosing fits in well with the style of other elements in the space.

Hardware Finish

The last step before installation is to choose what finish you want your hardware to have. Hardware comes in a variety of different finishes. This is another decision that will be influenced by the stylistic elements that the drawers or cabinets will be sharing the space with. Think about the cabinet, drawer, and wall colors, as well as what other items such as your appliances or faucets look like. All of these should play a part in selecting what finish you choose for your hardware. Once you’ve made this decision, then you can move on to purchasing the hardware in the sizes that you need and installing it.

The ‘Wright’ Hardware at Wright Building Center

Still have questions about picking the ‘Wright’ hardware? Don’t worry! The interior design team at Wright Building Center can help you make the perfect choice for your space. Come visit our team in Murphysboro or Sparta today!

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What Materials are In Style in Interior Design

Looking for what the next big interior design materials are out there? Well, you have come to the right place! Take a look at the next big trends, and get inspired with ideas on how to make your space stand out. 

Retro/80s look 

Fill your space with spectacular colors, neon, and definite shapes to create a room that pops! In 2021 the 80s started making a comeback and you can see it in many modern homes. Many young homeowners want to say goodbye to simple colors and patterns and bring interior design materials into their homes that are unique in color, texture, and design. At Wright, you can find a large selection of intricate colors, shapes, and textures to fit your retro look, just ask one of our fantastic designers how you can get in on the 80s action! 

Wellness / Nature 

Nothing calms a room down like a natural look. Perfect for any lifestyle, natural interior design materials utilize elements such as natural stones, plants, greeneries, light woods, and cream-colored materials and granites. The modern wellness design is sleek and comfortable. It is the perfect option for someone who wants a modern look without having to sacrifice the homeliness of their living space. When you want clean, elegant, beautiful, the wellness design trend is the train you will want to hop on. 

Sustainability 

Diving a little deeper into nature is sustainability interior design materials. This is a more rugged look that really embraces natural textures and colors. The emphasis here is earth-friendly materials with plant-like finishes and natural colors. This trend really stands out in the diversity of the textures it utilizes. You can choose anything from a smooth finish to a cobblestone look, and still maintain a natural-looking, beautiful room. 

Luxury Minimal 

Less is more nowadays and nothing screams that better than the luxury minimal interior design materials. This design is very heavy in metallics and premium stones like marble. Meant to give off that sleek modern look while adding a bit of color to keep things interesting. This is a great choice for a minimal maintenance design while still having quality looks. 

Vegetable Fiber / Organic 

Another nature-focused trend, organic materials are known for their hot colors and variations in pattern. Here you’ll still see stones such as marble, but they will rarely be a singular color and have patterns that pop out. This trend makes a lot of use of vegetable fiber, giving off a handmade look that is calm and inviting. An organic look is perfect for calm and creative spaces, as this look really sparks the imagination. 

See for yourself! 

Do you have more questions or want to see these designs in person? Contact Wright Building Center Today! WE would be happy to show you all of our fantastic designs and get you paired with a professional interior designer to find what would look best for your space. Contact the team at Wright Today!

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How to Find What Style of Interior Design Fits You

How to Find What Style of Interior Design Fits You

There is an incredible number of different interior design styles out there. With all of the options and styles, it can be hard to find the ‘Wright’ design for you. Luckily, the team at Wright Building Center is here to help you find the style that suits you. Here are some tips for finding your perfect design style.

Peek into your closet

It may sound silly, but taking cues from the clothes in your wardrobe is a great starting point to finding your personal design style. Chances are, you’ve filled your closet with clothes that you are comfortable wearing and enjoy, so take note of the colors, patterns, and the materials that you find. For example, if you find a lot of black and white clothing, this might be a good place to begin as a color scheme for your home. 

Visit places that spark inspiration

Take a trip to a museum, art gallery, hotels, restaurants, and more to draw inspiration for what you like. Document stylistic elements that you enjoy and see if you can find a common theme in everything that you like, such as a color, pattern, or material. With this inspiration, you’re one step closer to finding your perfect design style!

Create a ‘mood board’ for your style

Inspiration can come from anywhere, so take a stroll around your home and take notice of what decor/style items capture your eye and spark interest. Gather these objects that interest you or make you happy and create an arrangement with them. When you’re happy with the arrangement, snap a picture of it so that you can use it as inspiration as you move forward in finding the ‘Wright’ design style for you. In addition, search the internet for inspiration and incorporate what you find as well as what you currently have into your mood board.

Embrace the freedom to change your mind

It’s ok if you start to change your mind about your personal design style. It’s very likely that your style will change over time, so embrace the change by experimenting and trying new things. In addition, give yourself permission to start over. 

Find your ‘Wright’ design style with Wright Building Center

At Wright Building Center, we have an incredible interior design team who is here to help you make your space look and feel perfect. Contact us today to get started or to learn more about interior design at Wright Building Center.