Knowing how to cover furniture by decorating with sheets can spruce up your pad without having to cost a lot of money. Decorating with sheets can give you a lot more options for the overall look of your furniture. Sheets come in a wider variety colors and styles than what you can find in a furniture store. Not to mention a set of sheets is a lot cheaper than the hundreds of dollars it can cost you to re-upholster your furniture professionally. 

To cover furniture by decorating with sheets, you will need:

• Sheets
• Needle and thread or sewing machine
• Scissors
• Pen, pencil or marker
• Zipper or safety pins (optional)

1. Find a set of sheets that you want to use to cover furniture. Start with sheets that you're no longer using. If you don't have any old sheets you can use to cover furniture buy a new set to use for decorating with sheets. 
2. Measure the length and width of the furniture that you want to cover. Add one inch to the final measurement of your furniture. Adding the extra inch to the measurement will make sure that you cut enough of the sheet to cover your furniture, and allow them to slide over the furniture comfortably. Ease of use is important in decorating with sheets.
3. Lay your sheet out on a flat surface. Using the measurements taken from the furniture you want to cover, measure the amount of fabric you will need. Use a pencil, pen or marker to mark the places where you want to cut the sheet. Depending on the kind of furniture you want to cover while decorating with sheets, you may need to cut them to cover both the front and back of your furniture. 
4. Cut the sheets that you measured into the shape you need to cover your furniture.  Make sure you cut pieces for the front and back of the furniture that you want to cover if need be.
5. Put the pieces of the sheets you cut together. Make sure that the side of the sheets that you want to use to cover furniture are facing each other.
6. Use a needle and thread or sewing machine so sew the the sides together. Sew the sheets together along the edges of the fabric. Make sure that you leave one side open to cover furniture with the sheets.
7. Turn the sheets right side out. This will leave the side that you want to use to cover furniture facing outward. 
8. Slide the sheets over the furniture that you want to cover. Once the furniture is covered you can use safety pins to close the opened section, or you can install a zipper. We suggest pinning the open side closed or installing a zipper, this makes the sheets that you're using to cover your furniture easy to remove and wash when needed. If you sew the open side closed, you won't be able to wash the sheets.

The post Decorating With Sheets How To Cover Furniture appeared first on Made Man.

You've got a pretty cool apartment, and you need to know what are the bachelor pad essentials. Nevermind your not-so-hip roommates—it's your crib! Okay, maybe you are imagining disco balls that drop from the ceiling and circular beds that start twirling at the flick of a switch, not to mention Barry White's sensual voice wafting over the speakers, but let's get real: what's necessary for an awesome bachelor pad?

1. A well stocked fridge. You never know when you'll be bringing your 'lady friend' by your bachelor pad, and it would be nice to offer her something more than an old can of Bud Light. Stock some decent wines and maybe some crackers and cheese. Bonus points for fresh fruits like grapes or strawberries.
2. Plenty of toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning supplies, detergents … at the expense of sounding like your mother, we'll stop there. But owning the cleaning supplies is only half the battle: you actually have to use them. Keep your toilet clean and your trash can empty, and your bachelor pad will shine. And pick up those dirty clothes!
3. One stylish, grown up piece of furniture. Whether it's your grandfather's antique desk or that Eames chair you scored from an unsuspecting antique dealer, be sure to have at least one adult piece of furniture in your bachelor pad that says "I've arrived" or at least "I'm on my way, someday."
4. A decent collection of books and DVDs that belies the fact that you spend all your free time at bars trying to pick up women. Reach back to high school. Surely you read some classics at some point or another. Does "The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde ring a bell?
5. Mood lighting. No, we're not talking about that harsh, glaring overhead light. Invest in some lamps or at least a few candles you can strategically place around your bachelor pad. She'll be impressed that you're in touch with your feminine side, and you may just get to see a whole new side of her you weren't expecting…

The post Bachelor Pad Essentials appeared first on Made Man.

You a brought a jersey of your favorite football player, wore it once, and now you want to know, "How To Frame A Football Jersey?" You're so excited about how much fun you had while wearing that jersey at the game, but you would not dare wear that jersey again. You must savor the memories because that experience only comes once.  You want to be able to look at that football jersey and remember all the fun times you had while wearing it. Now it's time to figure out how to frame a football jersey, so you can have it  to remember forever.

To frame a football jersey you will need:

• a frame or shadow box
• poster board
• double sided sticky tape

1. The first thing you must do to frame a football jersey is figure out what size frame you will need for your football jersey. Use a measuring tape to measure the size your jersey. Purchase either a frame or a shadow box, the size of your jersey or a little bit smaller if you just want to fold the jersey to fit into it. Note, that the basic jersey frame size is 32" x 40".
2. Next, to frame a football jersey, purchase your supplies from your local supply or craft store. You will need your frame or shadow box,  poster board  or mat board, and double sided sticky tape.  To make it pop, and a little bit more colorful, get the the poster board to match a color in the jersey,
3. Now it's time to assemble everything. Place the poster board inside the frame. On the back of the jersey apply a generous amount of the double sided sticky tape.  Lay the jersey flat onto the poster board, and shape it to fit into the frame. Firmly push down on the jersey .  Replace the glass to hold the jersey in place.

The post How To Frame A Football Jersey appeared first on Made Man.

If your kitchen is too narrow for chairs, why not figure out how to build benches for a kitchen? You’ll be able to enjoy your morning coffee in the comfort of your kitchen, tucked away in an intimate corner. It is easy to build benches, and by painting them in chic colors, you can add whimsical flare to your kitchen decor.

To build benches for a kitchen you will need:

• 12 2×4 lumber, 22 inches (for the legs).
• 2 2×4 lumber, 38 inches (for long frame).
• 2 2×4 lumber, 14 inches (for short frame).
• 3 2×4 lumber, 12 inches (for reinforcing the bench frame).
• 3 2×4 lumber, 40 inches (for the seat).
• Box of 3 1/2” headless nails (16d 3-12”).

Follow these steps to build benches for a kitchen:

1. Build the kitchen bench frame. The first step when you build benches for a kitchen is constructing the frame. Stand the 38 inch, 2×4 lumber on its narrow side, facing each other. Then place the fourteen-inch, 2×4 lumber diagonally to form a square frame. Be sure to position the narrow frame parts (fourteen-inch) outside the frame, and the long parts inside, to create a 14×40 inch frame. Hammer the frame together using the headless nails.
2. Reinforce the frame. Insert one 2×4, twelve-inch lumber into the frame at the center (with the narrow part facing down), then add the additional 2×4 lumber supports at even distances on either side of it. Nail in place with headless nails.
3. Build the kitchen bench seat. Place the fourteen-inch, 2×4 lumber over the frame with the four-inch width facing up. The first and third planks will come flush with the sides of the kitchen bench frame. The middle plank should be placed in the middle, one inch apart from the others, on both sides. Hammer the lumber into the frame and frame reinforcements.
4. Attach the kitchen bench legs. With the bench facing down, attach the 22-inch legs in place. The legs will fit inside the bench frame at all four corners and at the center. Each bench leg will be built from two parts. Slide the first leg into a corner of the bench frame with the 4 inch side facing out, then nail in place. Next position the second part of the leg next to it, in the corner of the frame, to form a 90 degree angle. Again hammer in place, then repeat for the other three corners. For the center front and back legs, attach them on either side of the middle bench frame support, with the 4 inch side facing out.
5. Paint your kitchen bench. Now that you have successfully been able to build benches, sand and paint them in glossy, lively colors like lime green, plum purple, or apple red to brighten up your kitchen decor.

The post How To Build Benches For A Kitchen appeared first on Made Man.

Heres a Cricut home decor how-to for all the Cricut fans out there. The Cricut personal cutting machine has opened up a whole new world for craft lovers and home decor fans alike, but exactly how can you make a home decor statement with a Cricut? Vinyl wall quotes are quickly becoming a popular fashion statement in homes. Using a few simple tools, the Cricut does the work and you take the credit! 

You will need:

• Cricut Personal Cutting Machine
• Cricut lettering/font cartridge
• Sheets of Vinyl (preferably 8.5 by 11 inches)
• Pencil
• Scotch tape
• Ruler

1. Choose a favorite quote or mantra, a font, and a font size. Surfing the web can help give you ideas, or come up with a unique one with your family, friends, or roommates. 
2. Select the cartridge with your font. Set the size using the screen adjustments on your Cricut. 
3. Insert the vinyl onto the feed tray and select “cut.” Repeat this step until all the letters in your quote have been completed, using as many sheets of vinyl as necessary. 
4. Place the letters on the wall space temporarily with a small strip of tape. Adjust them as needed until you have the layout of your quote in place.
5. Trace the letters with a pencil and remove the vinyl cut-out from the wall.
6. One at a time, remove the paper backings from the vinyl starting at the top, exposing the adhesive and placing inside your tracing. Use a ruler, press the vinyl to the wall as you remove the rest of the backing to prevent air bubbles from forming. Repeat until all letters are attached. Allow 30 minutes for adhesive to dry (unless otherwise noted on vinyl packaging). 

The post Cricut Home Decor How To appeared first on Made Man.

Change the look of your home whenever you're in the mood and learn how to sew couch cushions. Learning how to sew couch cushions gives you complete control over the look and feel of your couches. Once you know how to sew couch cushions, you will no longer be beholden to the trendy styles that are on display at furniture stores that may not fit in with your idea of home decor. Knowing how to sew couch cushions will also give you the freedom to change the look of your couches whenever the mood strikes while saving yourself a few bucks in the process.

Things you will need to sew couch cushions:

• Foam cushions
• Home decor fabric
• Zippers
• Needles
• Thread
   

1. Pick your foam cushions. The kind of foam cushions that you choose for how to sew couch cushions is going to determine how much fabric and thread you're going to need. The standard size for foam cushions is either 4in or 8in. Once you have your foam cushions picked out, you can get started on how to sew couch cushions.
2. Pick your decor fabric. Because your fabric is going to be used for couch cushions, make sure that you use decor fabric. Decor fabric is designed to be used for furniture and is more durable than fabric that would be used to make clothing with.
3. Cut fabric for the top and the bottom. Measure two 23"x23" squares of decor fabric. These two squares will serve as the top and the bottom of your couch cushions. It's important to measure about 1/2in over the true measurements of your foam cushions when you're getting ready to sew couch cushions. You will need the extra fabric to ensure that there will be enough room to pull the fabric over the foam cushions when you are done with the how to sew couch cushions process.
4. Cut fabric for the sides. If you're using a 4in foam cushion cut four strips of decor fabric that are each 23"x5 long. If you're using an 8in foam cushion you will need to cut four strips of fabric that are 23"x9 long. These four pieces of fabric will serve as the sides of your couch cushions and will be attached to the top and the bottom pieces of fabric.
5. Sew the sides together. Using a needle and thread, sew 5in of all four sides together. Make sure that you leave a 1/2in open on each side of your seams. This will ensure that you have enough room to attach the top and the bottom of the couch cushions. It will also ensure that there is enough room to to slide the fabric over the foam cushions when you're done with the how to sew couch cushions process.
6. Sew it to the top. Match the corners of the sides to the piece of fabric that you are going to use for the top. Once you have attached the top, repeat the same process with the piece that you will use for the bottom. Make sure that you leave one side open so that you can put the foam cushion inside when you're done with the how to sew couch cushions process.
7. Put in the foam cushions. When all of the pieces are put together, you can slide your foam cushions into the cover. Make sure you pull the fabric tight around the cushions to make sure that they look filled out and fluffy.
8. Close it up. The last step in how to sew couch cushions is to close the whole thing up. If you know that you're going to want to change your couch cushions at some point, this is the place for you to install the zipper. Attach the zipper to each end of the seams with a needle and thread. Now you will be able to take the fabric off of the foam cushions if it needs to be washed or when you want to change cushions. If you don't want to change the fabric after you are done with the how to sew couch cushions process, then sew the seams together to finish the how to sew couch cushions process.
    

The post How To Sew Couch Cushions appeared first on Made Man.

Need tips for Ernest Hemingway style decor? The best place to get tips for Ernest Hemingway style decor, is to take a trip to the Hemingway House and Museum in Key West, FL. This home turned museum was the place where Ernest Hemingway spent most of his time when he wasn't traveling. Ernest Hemingway himself didn't put much input in the over all style of the house, most of the pieces that give the house its style were collected by his wife Pauline during her travels or are a part of her over all vision. Despite not having much interest in home decor himself, Ernest Hemingway was an art lover who contributed to the style of the house in Key West with paintings and sculptures that were given to him by the likes of Pablo Picasso and antiques that he found during his travels. No matter who put in the work to giving the Hemingway house it's style the one tip for Ernest Hemingway style decor is that Ernest Hemingway style decor is a mix of ornate, European decadence, Spanish tiles and great art.

1. Change your lighting. A change in lighting is the easiest tip for Ernest Hemingway style decor. When the Hemingway's moved into their home in Key West, Mrs. Hemingway had all of the ceiling fans and lighting fixtures with chandeliers that she had purchased in France. While you don't have to spend thousands of dollars on chandeliers for your home, replacing those plain, boring light fixtures for something that is more ornate is a simple tip for Ernest Hemingway style decor.
2. Ditch the trendy sofa. Getting a vintage sofa instead of something that follows the latest modern furniture trend, is another tip for Earnest Hemingway style decor. Before you hit the big furniture stores, go to your local thrift stores to look for sofas. Try to find something that has the look of turn on the century French decor to give your living room the timeless style of Ernest Hemingway style decor.
3. Put up some paintings. During his life, Ernest Hemingway was a avid art lover; his home was filled with paintings and sculptures for local artists and famous friends. Find a great picture of a seascape for the walls or an interesting sculpture to put on top of an entertainment center is another simple tip for Ernest Hemingway style decor.
4. Replace your tiles. Get rid of the boring old white tiles in your kitchen and replace them with Spanish tiles. During his life Ernest Hemingway developed a love for Spanish art, and that love was reflected in the brightly colored Spanish tiles that covered the bathroom and kitchen of the Hemingway home. Replacing your tiles with something bright is another tip for Ernest Hemingway style decor.
    

The post Tips For Earnest Hemingway Style: D?cor appeared first on Made Man.

Want to know how to install insulation in cathedral ceiling? Installing insulation on a cathedral ceiling is a task that allows you to enjoy a nice comfortable atmosphere inside your home. Cathedral ceilings are a beautiful touch for any high ceilings, and can create an extremely dramatic appearance in a room. It is ideal to install insulation to Cathedral ceilings to restore any temperature loss from having a high ceiling in an open space.

To install insulation in a Cathedral ceiling, you will need:

• Insulation (R-38)
• Drywall
• Drywall screws
• Plastic sheets
• Power screwdriver
• Drywall plaster
• Hammer
• Insulation Glue
• Work Goggles
• Double sided tape
• Drywall saw
• Drywall Mesh
• Sandpaper
• Tall ladder

1. The first step is to remove the existing drywall. This can be done simply with a hammer to expose the existing wood frame structure. Be sure to remove any small pieces of drywall and screws to create a smooth surface to work on.
2. Begin to insert insulation.  The higher the R-value is for the insulation, the more protection the room will have. Apply a small amount of insulation glue to the ceiling to keep the insulation from falling during the installation process. Insulation is inserted in long strips between the wood frames. Gently press the insulation to the glue to form a strong adhesion.
3. Once all the insulation is installed, cover the insulation with plastic.  The plastic sheets will be screwed into the wood frames, and will act as an additional support unit for the insulation.  The plastic will also act as an additional barrier, preventing air from leaking through to the drywall.  The plastic can be attached with double sided tape to the wood frame.
4. Begin installing the drywall.  Drywall is rather easy to install, and should be done by screwing in the drywall to each wood frame structure, spacing screws about 12” to 14” apart.  Continue the installation process until the entire ceiling is covered. Apply drywall mesh at the point where the ceiling meets in the middle, as well as the location where the ceiling meets the wall.
5. Cover the entire ceiling with drywall plaster. Apply an extra amount over screws, as well as any space between the sheets of drywall.  Once the plaster has been applied, allow 2 – 3 hours for the plaster to dry before sanding.
6. Gently sand the drywall plaster.  The plaster gives off a lot of dust, so it is very important to wear your work goggles.  You may find that you need to apply an additional layer or plaster to fully cover any spacing caused by the plaster drying.  Once the plaster process is finished, you can now paint the ceiling and continue to use the room as you like.

Paneling is also a popular choice and does not require any drywall plastering or painting.

The post How To Install Insulation In Cathedral Ceiling appeared first on Made Man.

Taking the time to learn how to restore vintage wall sconces can add an elegant and personal touch to any room. Restoring antique lighting requires a bit of expertise to turn antique and vintage wall sconces into something beautiful and useful once again. Many lighting stores specialize in the restoration of vintage lamps and sconces, but doing it yourself is a rewarding pastime. Whether you love hunting for bargains and treasures on in vintage and antique stores, or inherit them from your grandmother, follow these guidelines to learn how to restore vintage wall sconces.

Things you will need to restore vintage wall sconces:

• Soap and water
• Old toothbrush
• Metal polish
• Rags
• Electrical wire and plugs
• Electric tape
• Wire end caps
• Metal paint
• Enamel paint
• Small paint brushes
• Turpentine or mineral spirits

1. Clean vintage wall sconces thoroughly. Old wall sconces are often made from metals such as steel or brass, and sometimes from porcelain. With an old toothbrush, a rag or sponge, and a small bowl of warm, soapy water, gently remove any dirt that has accumulated on the wall sconces. Brush dirt and dust away, working carefully to not remove any painted finishes on the sconces.
2. Use metal polish and a soft rag to polish the vintage wall sconces. Carefully apply metal polish in sections to the wall sconces, allowing it to dry fully. With a soft rag, buff the polish off the metal areas leaving a bright shine, and remove any residue from crevices on the wall sconces. Use the toothbrush to remove the remainder of the polish that is caught in the tiniest corners. Some wall sconces are plated. Avoid buffing so hard that the metal surface becomes scratched or worse, is removed.
3. Touch up chipped areas of metal with metal paint. If you are handy, use the metal paint and a very small brush to dab a tiny bit of paint on areas that may have chipped on the vintage wall sconces. Be careful not to use a lot of paint, which may drip or run. Allow the paint to dry before doing other restorations. Rinse the brush in mineral spirits to clean.
4. Touch up with enamel paints on porcelain wall sconces. Most collectors suggest not changing a thing on an antique or vintage piece. However, if you have a wall sconce with a chip, you can take a tiny bit of enamel paint matching the color of the porcelain and very carefully apply it to the chipped area to conceal it.
5. Restore old, frayed wiring on the wall sconces. Remove any old wire that maybe frayed or crack and replace with new electrical wire. Some lighting specialty stores sell wire wrapped in silk or fabric thread that may be used to restore vintage wall sconces providing a truly original look to the lamp. Add plugs at the end of the wire or, in the event the wall sconce attaches to a junction box, place electrical caps on the ends of the wire to protect them until you attach the wall sconce to the wall.

Antique and vintage lighting will add to the mood of any room and provide a lovely, old-time feeling for almost any decor. Learning to restore vintage wall sconces to add to your home's atmosphere is a rewarding hobby for new or experienced collectors.

The post How To Restore Vintage Wall Sconces appeared first on Made Man.

These five coffee table centerpieces for men will add easy style to your home. Most men, regardless of their design tastes, will want coffee table centerpieces that are practical and require little to no maintenance.

1. Fruit. A large bowl of fruit is a simple and easy coffee table centerpiece that also keeps your fresh fruit in plain sight to enjoy. Choose a low bowl in a color that blends with your home, a dark wood or colored glass dish are both nice choices. A variety of apples will add a blend of soft autumn colors, while oranges will add a fresh fragrance to your home.
2. Pinecones. A glass bowl filled with pinecones on a coffee table can make a nice centerpiece in the fall and winter months. You can dust the pinecones with some light paint to mimic snow, or leave them plain for a rustic touch.
3. Candles. Many men view candles as a feminine centerpiece, but when done right, they can add a great touch of style to your coffee table. Opt for several candles of varying sizes and shapes and avoid matching tapers. A mix of pillar candles in different colors can be nestled together on a tray to provide a great focal point to your home. Bonus, you can light a couple of the candles to instantly set the mood.
4. Snacks. Most men love the idea of having snacks handy in their living room. A few small bowls arranged together on the table or on top of a decorative tray are a great centerpiece. Fill them with a couple types of nuts, dried fruit, or other non-perishable snacks to have on hand for yourself and guests.
5. Bamboo. While flowers can be too much for many men, bamboo is sleek and elegant, without being frilly. Lucky bamboo plants are also easy to maintain and can grow with little sunlight. Clusters of bamboo stalks can be found in various shapes and sizes and placed in pots or stones or bowls of water on a coffee table. An odd number of stalks is considered lucky and various numbers provide different benefits, happiness (three stalks), health (seven stalks), or good fortune (nine stalks).

The post 5 Coffee Table Centerpieces For Men appeared first on Made Man.

It’s easy to learn how to paint trees. The prep work can be a pain depending on what kind of bark you are trying to paint. The easiest way is to use spray paint and primer.  This reduces the prep time for painting trees dramatically.

In order to learn how to paint trees you will need

• Spray paint of your choice
• Primer spray paint
• Newspaper or drop cloth

1. First, decide on what color you would like to paint your tree. Deciding on what color depends on a couple things.  You might consider picking a color that matches your landscaping. You could also use bold colors to make a tree stand out. You might also look at what color foliage the tree has and make a decision from there. Keep in mind that certain trees change colors during the fall, so you might want to factor that in.
2. Next, you will need to primer your tree before painting. Spray paint primer comes is a grey color and will really help your next paint color stick out. Painting a tree without primer will take too many coats, so applying a coat of primer first will save lots of time.
3. Cover the tree thoroughly in primer. Spray throughout the tree evenly for the best results. Make sure primer gets into the divets in the bark for the best results. Let dry for at least three hours. If you can, let it dry all night.
4. Apply your spray paint. After the primer has dried thoroughly, apply your spray paint.  Make sure you spray evenly, going from top to bottom. You should hold the paint about 12 inches away from the tree. 
5. If you have a delicate tree, check and make sure paint won’t kill it. Some trees are more sensitive than others and applying paint may hurt your tree. Check with an arborist if you are unsure.

The post How To Paint Trees appeared first on Made Man.

Are you wondering how to pick a Bayliner floor? If you are tired of your current flooring or the flooring is worn,  replacing a floor is not a hard task for a handy man. The hardest part can be choosing which style, color or type of flooring to actually install.

1. Geographical location. Geographic location may dictate how to pick a Bayliner floor. If area's of the floor will be exposed to moisture and/or wetness it is best to stay away from carpeting, vinyl, hard wood, etc. Choose durable material that will adhere well for longer use.
2. Budget. Calculate how much money you can reasonably afford to spend (plus install if you are not installing the flooring yourself). Budget may play an extremely important factor in how to pick a Bayliner floor. Look through sales flyers in the local paper or look online for estimated prices on different types of flooring as well as sales.
3. Material. Knowing which material to purchase can save you from having to re-install flooring in a couple of years. Choosing which material will work best is part of the elimination process in how to pick a Bayliner floor. Using laminates can give a wooden floor appearance without the maintenance and/or warping associated with hard woods.
4. Pattern. To pick a Bayliner floor that will work well in the smaller area's you want to choose a small pattern on the flooring or carpeting material. Staying away from stone, brick and other large patterns will be more pleasing aesthetically.
5. Consider style. Whichever material you choose to install on a Bayliner floor, style is an important factor that should be considered. Patterned flooring may clash with current seat covers, etc. if you only budgeted enough for re-installing the flooring.
   

The post How To Pick A Bayliner Floor appeared first on Made Man.

What are 5 high school reunion table decoration ideas suitable for your graduating class' big gathering?  The planning and coordination of a high school reunion can be a daunting task. Simply tracking down old classmates and securing an acceptable party venue becomes quite time consuming alone without even considering other party planning tasks such organizing the catering, entertainment and activities.  If you are still in search of decorating ideas, there are five table centerpieces that reunion guests will enjoy without requiring hours of your precious party planning time.

1. Photo collages serve double duty.  It is fun, or sometimes funny, to take a trip back in time through old high school photographs.  Create fun collages from old high school yearbooks, school newspapers or by requesting the donation of personal snapshots for the event.  If necessary, yearbooks and photos can be scanned onto a computer and digitally processed rather than risking loss or damage to the originals.  Attach the photos on cardboard cutouts or even display in an array of inexpensive picture frames to create not only unique reunion centerpieces—but conversation pieces as well.
2. Bring out the school colors in balloons.  Simply tie up Mylar balloons in coordinated school colors and weight them down with similarly colored cellophane bags of hard candies.  If you plan enough balloon centerpieces, each guest can take one home as a party favor as well—making this a great budget conscious centerpiece.
3. Use the school mascot.  Find a variety of mascot likenesses and group them into centerpieces for the various tables.  This may be an expensive or time consuming option depending your school’s mascot, but remember you may be able to ask the school for permission to use some of their many mascot artifacts for the event.  It may be fun to see how the beloved mascot changed through the years as well.
4. Create activity centered table centerpieces.  This may be easier for smaller schools with more limited activities, but can be adapted easily for larger schools as well.  If you cannot create a table dedicated to each activity, pick ones with the largest class participation or teams or groups that were very successful during the reunion class’ senior year.  Collect memorabilia from members or use themed items to represent the various activities and interest of the classmates to create groupings on each reunion table.
5. Revisit the senior prom theme.  What were the prom table centerpieces so long ago?  Try copying those—or updating them to modern times. It may be fun to even use a mixture of the past and present in the “tablescape” to update the original theme.

Using nostalgic centerpieces such as these often help get conversations started and help old friends reconnect at milestone high school reunions.

The post 5 High School Reunion Table Decorations Ideas appeared first on Made Man.

Looking for 10 contemporary living room decor tips? Want to weave comfort and modern chic into your living room decorating? Achieving a modern look through the right upholstery, furniture style and fabric, colors, art and lighting is not only easy but rewarding. Your living room will imbue you with a sense of cleanliness, efficiency and sophistication, along with  a desire to spend quality time there, reading or sipping wine with friends. Here are some contemporary living room decor tips to spark you decorating imagination.

1. Contemporary room hues. Contemporary living room decor should float against a palette of unpretentious hues. Paint your walls in pale earth tones. Keep window casings and floor molding in white. Paint your ceiling a slightly darker shade than your walls to create a chic lid over your contemporary decor.
2. Contemporary furniture hues. Set against the pale palette of the room, contemporary furniture takes center stage. Choose your favorite color as the palette of your furniture but do not blend hues. Select a single color for the furniture, then repeat the wall and ceiling colors in any accent pillows. Keep only the furniture you really need and spread it apart to create a roomy feel.
3. Contemporary furniture fabric. If new furniture is outside your budget, look for contemporary furniture in closeouts, or give your old furniture a facelift with faux leather slipcovers.
4. Contemporary window treatments. Contemporary living room decor imbues windows with a soft appeal. Choose white or sand colored roman shades or pale bamboo blinds. Do not add curtains to your windows, though you can enhance the appeal of your contemporary window treatments by draping gauzy, matching shawls across the top of each blind.
5. Contemporary living room rugs. In contemporary living room decor a rug plays the part of a pond on which your living room floats. Select a darker shade of the same palette you used for your walls, trading sand for taupe or eggshell for caramel.
6. Contemporary eclectic style. Contemporary living room decor is reflective of a time when rules are abandoned in favor of imagination and innovation. To give your contemporary living room a chic flare, look for objects that embody tradition but in a fresh way, like whimsical clocks, wrought iron coffee tables, tiffany lamps on modern pedestals.
7. Contemporary living room lighting. Contemporary living room decor looks best in transient light. Install modern light fixtures on the ceiling and add a dimmer to the light switch. In this way, the light in your home can change to match outdoor natural light, never over-powering it.
8. Contemporary living room art. Contemporary living room decor relies heavily on art. Choose paintings that look at life in a fresh way, like portraits in sharp tones or landscapes siphoned through the eye of the artist. Introduce a different color scheme from that of your furniture, to enhance the impact of your contemporary living room art.
9. Contemporary living room atmosphere. Enhance the beauty of your contemporary living room decor with water fountains that fill the air with the soothing sound of falling water. Select water fountains made of earthy elements like rocks or slate, or add a whimsical element to your contemporary living room decor with the figures of carved animals or mythical beings.
10. Contemporary living room fire. Tamed fire enhances the beauty and atmosphere of contemporary living room decor. For a hearth, choose a wrought iron fireplace screen that will not conceal the flames. Place candelabras on the mantelpiece and floating tea light candles in a porcelain bowl atop the living room table.

Contemporary living room decorating requires only that the palette of the room be pale, and the hues of your furniture and art be distinct from one another. You can weave a million combinations within these guidelines, but remember to place emphasis on the creative spirit and keep your furniture sparse and comfortable. Overcrowding which is common in traditional decor stands in contrast with the contemporary, utilitarian look at life. After all, this is the age of inventions and practicality.

The post 10 Contemporary Living Room Decor Tips appeared first on Made Man.

These 5 best apartment living room colors for men can upgrade your bachelor pad, being that men may not always be considered as creative at interior decoration as the female eye for detail. Living room colors set the desired mood in the room that you tend to spend the most time entertaining company in. Choosing the right color to bring your apartment's living room to life is as simple as understanding how color effects our senses, the themes that individual colors represent, and the overall look that you are trying to convey. 

1. Blue. Other than black, blue tends to be the only other color people associate with masculinity – but don't run straight for the navy blue as militant proof of manhood . A more relaxed greenish, aqua blue, or a blue with hints of gray mixed with it can create a cool, soothing atmosphere for your living room. 
2. Yellow. This color symbolizes joy and sunshine, and is a very inviting color to make your living room immediately a comfortable location. A nice light yellow can blend well with reds, whites, blues or grays – and possibly cheer you up when your spirit needs a lift. 
3. Orange. At first glance orange may appear to be a bold choice, but a bright pumpkin orange, or a calmer burnt, autumn orange can give your living room a brilliant glow. You can still mix and match orange with other earth-tones like brown, forest green or beige, and still maintain a cheerful, overall glow. Remember, you want people to feel comfortable when they enter, not get a sense of doom and gloom – and orange can help make this happen. 
4. Brown. When picking the right shade of brown for your living room, think about hues that will be lively, yet blend well with other colors. Chocolate brown works really well, as does a sandy, light beige color. When going with brown as a main color for your living room, the colors for accessories that tend to blend well with browns are blue, black, and yellow. 
5. Red. If you are a guy that is a true romantic, or are looking to appeal to women the moment they enter your living – go with red. Don't let the stereotype of red being a "feminine color" push you away from making a dramatic, powerful choice like red to add some warmth and passion to your living room. Plus remember, red has several various shades that span from dark pink to almost burgundy, and red blends well with black, yellow, and white. 

The post 5 Best Apartment Living Room Colors For Men appeared first on Made Man.

A recent study showed that single men change their sheets four times a year. (Not us! Never us!) Here's some female advice on how to redress your bed to impress.

The post How to Upgrade Your Bed appeared first on Made Man.

Almost no one goes to libraries anymore, which is a real shame. It’s mostly because e-books and the internet are so prevalent, and also because you can’t watch reality TV or the World Series at the library.

But there’s still one library that’s very much in vogue. It’s called the Libreria del Vino, and rather than issuing James Patterson novels and encyclopedias, it’s a damn attractive means of storing wine bottles. We can thank Australian furniture makers Living Edge for this, and they will gladly make one to your custom specifications. All you’ve got to do is ask. And pay for it. And wait about 12 weeks for it to be completed.

The wine library would be a great addition to your living room, wine cellar or particularly large kitchen. Of course, if you happen to own a bar or restaurant, by all means, put one of these things in it.

The bookcase-like piece is made on a modular design with six different modules, so whether you’re looking to hold a few dozen bottles or a few hundred, they’ve got you covered. You can even choose the type of wood and the color of the finished product.

And there are extras, too. They can install backlights for illumination purposes, as well as rails with a rolling ladder. Although that last one actually seems pretty necessary, because how else will you roll from the Barolo to the Chianti to the Malbec?

Once you’ve got a 300-bottle custom wine library in your house, walking and reaching for things has pretty much been ruled out.

The post This Modular Wine Library Would Make Even Miles Raymond Swoon appeared first on Made Man.

It’s time to up your bedding game.

The post 5 Ways Your Bed Can Make You More of a Man appeared first on Made Man.