There are definitely two schools of thought when it comes to spring cleaning one’s home. There are those who absolutely cannot wait to jump in and get started. After all, the end result is a spic-and-span home, a renewed sense of organization, and a fresh, clean start to a new season. Others simply dread the daunting tasks before them. Even if the rewards will be worth the toil, it is tough to see the forest through the trees.
This year, keep things simple. [Continue Reading...]
Wallpaper is beautiful, elegant and sophisticated. Used to personalize any space, wallpaper can remain and look great for years to come. However, there may come a point when you start to wonder if it’s time to get rid of the wallpaper. Here is what you need to know about wallpaper, including when it’s time to dispose of it.
Make Changes Easy
Before mounting wallpaper, take the time to apply wallpaper primer. Painted on, this primer will make it easy to take the paper down should you ever grow tired of the look. Affordable and easy to apply, you should always use primer before hanging the paper.
Love Your Home
You should love your home, and that includes the paint or paper on the walls. If you are no longer in love with the wallpaper, then it is time to get rid of it. Tearing the paper down will be simple if the wall was primed before the paper went up. If not, then you may be in for a little more work. [Continue Reading...]
Image by Romantic Crafts
Photographs are gateways to our past. Depending on the picture, one glance could have you transported back to a bygone era. Studying these types of photographs provides a meditative experience, and these photos are meant to be enjoyed by many people. When these photographs are portraits of our actual family members, they carry even more significance. That’s why you need to utilize the proper format in displaying those types of precious heirlooms, and that would be oval picture frames.
As you have probably already discovered many antique family portraits were taken to fit in oval picture frames. Typically these portraits are of a single person or couple. That type of picture is best displayed in an oval format. Even if the picture you want to put on display isn’t an oval design, you might find that reshaping the photograph to fit in an oval frame is going to be the best option. When considering this type of frame, you could draw out an oval mat which will allow you to judge exactly how the frame will look. The other consideration to think about is whether you’ll be hanging this portrait or placing it on a mantle or table. That choice should have a great influence on the type of frame design you select.
Most modern oval picture frames are composed of either solid wood or composite wood. In the solid wood category you’ll find light or dark selections of oak, mahogany, or rosewood. There is also a white wash stain which adds a distinctive look to this type of frame. The composite wood frames are created from pressed wood which allows for many other variables in terms of color and design. You could utilize ornate metal frames for tabletop displays. Typically, these types of frames are meant for smaller photographs.
You may happen to come across a photograph already encased in an antique oval frame. However, as a photograph like this is passed down through the generations, the glass cover could be cracked or chipped. This is easily remedied with a convex glass replacement that is custom fit to your antique frame.
When it comes to the particular style of oval frame you will be picking, the details of the photograph matter. For instance, if your portrait is of family patriarchs, then you’ll want to go with a more masculine choice of frame. The reverse holds true for portraits of the female members of your family, where you can utilize a more ornate style. The antique, vintage style of oval frames makes them a perfect choice for photographs that have a sepia tone to them. These frames also make for the perfect decorative accent to any room or hallway.
Picking the right oval frame is almost as important as picking the right photograph.
Inline Ovals provides one of a kind bubble glass replacement and some oval frame styles that are not offered anywhere else. They are truly the leader in the industry.
A few years ago we took the plunge (no pun intended) and set up an above ground pool. It is great for the whole family to enjoy together. Except for the lounge chairs on the surrounding deck. We purchased those flimsy fold-up pvc type lounge chairs the first year thinking we would replace them with higher quality ones later on. Well, we did. Now after 3 years, those are starting to show their age. This year I am replacing them with a better lounge chair.
When I went searching for the perfect chaise lounge, I found the Strathwood Basics Hardwood Chaise Lounge on Amazon’s bestseller list. It is very attractive and well-made. The reviews suggest it will last for years in all kinds of bad weather, which is good when you live in snow and rain country. Known for top quality products, this Strathwood lounge chair has the added benefits of such things as a sliding tray with five adjustable levels. What a perfect spot to hold that tall glass of iced tea and a good book while I enjoy the summer sun. [Continue Reading...]
Well I spent the day trying to revive my old chaise lounge and its cushions. The chaise lounge turned out great. I gave it a new coat of stain and varnish. But the cushions. Uggghhh!! I managed to forget to bring them inside for the winter and, needless to say, they are beyond repair. Not only are they moldy and musty, there are rips and tears where the neighborhood cats decided to use them as scratching pads.
Now there is nothing left to do but replace them. So I began my search online and have decide to buy lounge chair cushions from my favorite store, Amazon.
Having backyard furniture is a real treat our entire family enjoys. Relaxing on a chaise lounge, sipping an ice-cold lemonade and watching the lazy summer days go by. Aahh nothing like it. [Continue Reading...]
Outdoor kitchens are great for extending the living space of your home. A patio can be turned into an outdoor kitchen simply by having a place to cook, such as with a gas grill and some seating, such as lounge chairs. It can be outfitted with furniture and appliances and accessories to match your country style decor inside.
I recently had the chance to try out the the Weber 586002 Q 320 Portable Outdoor Propane Gas Grill. This gas grill is designed to be a long term investment. It is a quality appliance that has been carefully crafted. The cooking area allows for big meals to be prepared. You can easily cook 18 burgers, 36 hot dogs, or two whole chickens at a time.
And it sleek style look good in your outdoor kitchen.
Those who want a stainless steel gas grill that will last a long time, with consistent cooking temperatures and an easy set up, that’s suitable for family cooking are looking for a top quality product. [Continue Reading...]
Every year about this time I get the spring cleaning bug. Maybe it comes from being cooped up inside all winter. Or maybe I have a little bit of my Grandma in me. She would do major spring cleaning and fall cleaning every year. From the curtains and walls to the closets and down filled mattresses. I can remember seeing rows and rows of sheets and curtains hanging outside on the clothesline. And oh– the wonderful smell. I still love the way may bedding smells after I line dry them.
Here are my tips for spring cleaning bedding including quilts and comforters.
Keep in mind most padded bedding is filled with either wool, polyester fiber or cotton batting or all natural down fill. It is usually held in place by yarn or all-stitching. Those filled with cotton or polyester fiber are usually washable. Delicate,older quilts and comforters will need special care when cleaning at home.
Blankets and Bedspreads
Most bedspreads and blankets are washable. Bedspreads should be washed routinely. to keep them from becoming heavily soiled. Stains can be treated with a pre-wash spray.
A commercial size washing machine will be needed for extra large bedspreads. [Continue Reading...]
Choosing upholstery fabric for your sofa or chair can be a daunting task. Take the time to learn the terms associated with fabric to help you choose an upholstery fabric for your home.
Words like patterns, solids, durability and thread count are being thrown around in the design world today.
Fabric choices include cloth, leather and many high-tech synthetics. Upholstered sofas and chairs are the most visible sign of quality and fashion in any home. With everyday use these pieces of furniture show soil and wear quickly so the fabric must be durable yet stylish.
Here are some things to consider when selecting upholstery fabric.
Durability should be one of the first things you look for. Consider where the furniture piece will be located.
Is it used daily? Is it a sofa the kids will be jumping on or will it be used in a room used only to entertain guests?
Then you need a fabric that is tough, tightly woven and durable. Fabrics with woven in patterns wear better than printed fabrics. [Continue Reading...]
One way to quickly change the look of any room is by sewing pillow covers. Pillow covers can be removed, washed or changed easily. But the best thing about pillow covers is how easy and inexpensive they are to make.
The list of items you will need is short.
You need:
about a yard and a half of fabric for the cover
a pillow insert
any trim you want to add
a sewing machine.
Look for fabric for your throw pillows from fabric and upholstery stores that will enhance your room’s decor.
You need to preshrink the fabric and trim. Check the cleaning instructions when you purchase your fabric but most can be cleaned in your washer and dryer. [Continue Reading...]
When making plans to do a home decorating project you need to visualize your end result. You can do this by writing down your ideas and goals and collecting and organizing photos of how you want the room to look. Then you will be able to see the end result easier.
Here are some helpful home decorating tips to steer you in the right direction.
Make a list of ideas and goals. You need a plan for which room and what areas of the room you want to change or decorate. Think about what types of
chairs for seating and tables you need.
Make a budget. There is no worse feeling than picking out all your home decorating needs only to find out you don’t have enough in the budget for everything you want.
Materials and accessories can become costly depending on what your decorating plans are. Accessories and finishing touches are often overlooked when planning a home decorating project. You need to thing about everything that will go into the room when planning the budge. Be sure to shop and plan within your budget to keep from being disappointed.
What style are you decorating around? Is it traditional country or a more modern country look?
Traditional country decorating provides a sense of warmth and coziness, while a more modern theme might be less cluttered with more contemporary lines. Remember when you are deciding on a decorating theme that you will most likely have to live with it for several years. So choose a theme or a style you can live with.
This home decorating tip might be a little harder to do. you should to sit down and sketch your plan on paper. Using a pencil and paper, sketch a plan of the room you are going to decorate. It is helpful to make small cutouts of the furniture you will be using in the room. Spend time arranging and rearranging the items to go in this space.
Your imagination and your creativity are two of your best assets in home decorating.
Perhaps one of the most helpful home decorating tips is to make use of your own creative abilities. When your project begins, if an idea pops in your head or you discover you’d like to try orange instead of beige, go for it. Often times it’s those off the wall ideas that make a space look astonishing.
These are just a few of the many helpful home decorating tips to help you along your project. They can be found in home decorating magazines, books or on the Internet.
Decorating your home is meant to be an exciting and fun occasion.
So what is your best home decorating tip? Share your tips in the comments below.
