Hardware show introduces clever products for homeowners

“’Tis not knowing much, but what is useful, that makes a wise man.” — Thomas Fuller, M.D. (1608-1661), English churchman and historian

The National Hardware Show was here in Las Vegas recently and I wasn’t particularly interested in “hardware” per se, but I just knew there would be some good ideas for homeowners to capitalize on. And I was so right.

There are always additions or improvements you can make to your home with a contractor or trades person, but I like to find very useful, cool things that you can do yourself if you want to. And I wasn’t disappointed at this show.

A wonderful complement to any wall space is crown molding. The molding tends to “finish” off a wall and add character and depth to any room. There are quite a few choices when considering crown molding, and some can be very expensive and quite difficult to install.

In another lifetime, I imported plaster crown molding from England. As beautiful as it was, the expense, the fragile nature of the product and the difficulty in installation were big considerations for that product. There are wooden moldings also — requiring exact measuring and very precise installation.

So, while strolling through the National Hardware Show, I spotted the Easy Crown Molding booth and had to stop in to see more about it. Firstly, the words plastic and peel and stick can be a little underwhelming, but when I actually saw the product I was impressed.

In reality, these words are all descriptive of the product, but when you see it, even up close, you don’t realize it. And when you realize that crown molding is up at your ceiling, you don’t really know what it’s made of anyway. I think it’s worth a check-out; go to the company’s website, www.EastCrownMolding.com.

Some of the highlights of the presentation are: no tools required, cuts with scissors; no measuring, adjusts to length; and preapplied peel-and-stick adhesive.

The sales staff said it can be used to hide speaker wires, which is one thing I never considered. Now that’s a very easy fix to what can be an awkward situation. It’s definitely worth checking out.

There were quite a few other products that I liked, but unfortunately I don’t have the space to do it all today. But one I do want to share is one of my favorites, the Murphy Door company (www.TheMurphyDoor.com).

The company calls itself “the leading producer of bookcase door systems on the market and the name you know and trust when it comes to space saving and concealment bookcase systems for doorways.”

When I saw its booth, I just saw the very handsome bookcases displayed. When I walked in to check them out, I realized they are doors. You just pull them out like you would a door. And Murphy Door folks are very keen to say these are definitely for the do-it-yourself crowd.

There was a selection of woods, and sizes — single doors and the French door setup. Flush mount and surface mount are available, as well as multiple finishes: cherry, unfinished, natural, knotty alder, hickory, maple and oak.

The shelves can hold up to 300 pounds, providing great storage space. And they are so pretty. When you see them you would never know there is an opening behind them. Voila, secret passages. Or closet doors. Or a door to anywhere. It’s definitely worth checking out.

So, if you have any thoughts about adding a little something extra to your space, these two products might help you out.

Both were pretty to look at and would add style and interest. And maybe make you feel wise.

Carolyn Muse Grant is a founder and past president of the Architectural &Decorative Arts Society, as well as an interior design consultant/stylist specializing in home staging. Send questions to creativemuse@cox.net.