Tag: Decor

There are Charlie Brown Christmas trees and then there are gorgeously plump pines, but somewhere in the middle are the perfectly sparse and aesthetically clean option: the sparse tree.

Typically, a sparse plant isn’t necessarily a good thing. But designers are turning the tables these days. Emily Henderson made the 7′ Unlit Artificial Balsam Fir Christmas Tree from Target in her Portland house look effortlessly chic, using a combination of gorgeous black and white ornaments, plus a touch of red and gold.

Similarly, Bri Moysa of Emerson Grey Designs took an IKEA tree and made it look much more expensive by adding in natural elements and simple ornaments.

The sparse tree effect works especially well if don’t have the space in your home to get a massive tree or you’re just looking for something new and different. It somehow manages to appear both farmhouse chic and clean and modern all at once, and it works in both formal settings or more casual rooms.

Investing in a good artificial tree also allows you to change the look from season to season, using it in a variety of rooms and settings. Many faux trees are pre-lit, so you won’t have to struggle with wrapping and camouflaging cords, which also detracts from the clean aesthetic you’re seeking.

Here, lifestyle blogger Julie Blanner created a delicate skinny tree, dressing it simply in garland for a look that lets the beauty of the tree itself shine through. It’s a clean, peaceful aesthetic.

And, here, Blanner dresses the same tree with pale pink glass ornaments and faux crystal and pearl garland for an understated yet gorgeous appearance. It’s an excellent example of “less is more.”

Are you a fan of the sparse Christmas tree trend?

Article by Taylor Mead and Erricca Elin Sansone for House Beautiful.

Source: https://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/a25311057/sparse-christmas-tree-trend/

Article and photo’s by Debbie @ Painted Therapy

As the times changed, so did my design style. When it became clear that my stairs needed an upgrade, and I was unable to find an affordable runner carpet that I liked, I went for the full-on painted stairs. Although there were a few glitches along the way, it was a pretty easy project to do.

MATERIALS AND TOOLS 
– Paint
– Primer
– Tape measure
– Painter’s tape
– Carpenter’s square

STEP 1: Prime and tape

I decided to go with a low-luster enamel paint. I chose the Porch and Patio Floor paint from Behr and had it color-matched to go with my furniture. After first priming and painting the stairs in my base color (which happens to be the same color as the house’s trim), I went to work on taping. I used a tape measure and decided how wide I wanted my center “runner” to be, used the angle to get a straight line, and then used painter’s tape to create a line on each step. It definitely gets tricky going over the lip and trim pieces, so you want to make sure you seal the edges well.

Photo: Painted Therapy

STEP 2: Measure

After getting the first piece of tape on, I marked the width of my trusty DVD case (we were watching The Lion King, so why not?), made a straight line with the angle, and applied this next line of tape parallel to the first (making sure again to seal the edges well). Then I did it all over again on the other side of the stairs.

Side note: I have a sweet reader who reminded me of a very special tip (that I forgot until AFTER the stairs were painted). Paint over your tape edges with your base color. If you do so, you will seal the tape with the base color, and the next color (in my case gray) cannot get under that pesky tape. BRILLIANT!

STEP 3: Paint.

Once I had finished the stripes, I then painted the tread of the stairs. You may want to paint every other step, giving yourself a dry place to step up and down, but I chose not to do that, since there was enough dry room on the sides. Let it be noted that I did use a paint additive to give the stairs a little rough texture and create traction. I didn’t want my little girl to wake up one January morning, socks on feet, and slipping down the stairs to me. Additive can easily be found in the paint section of your paint store.

Photo: Painted Therapy

And there she is! I’ve decided I like the stairs. They are much easier to clean too, as I just sweep down and vacuum up. I chose not to put poly on the stairs, but I have no problem with them looking “worn” over time. By then, I’m sure my decorating style will have changed again anyway.

This guide comes to us from Debbie—wife, mother of two, and the creative force behind the popular DIY blog Painted Therapy. Eager to try anything, from painting stairs to making art from old shipping pallets, Debbie is on a mission to prove that home improvement can be both fun and therapeutic.

Source: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/29359-dream-it-do-it-how-to-paint-a-staircase/#.VXHkqs9VhBc

By Rachel Sokol for Reader’s Digest

 © Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

Cleaning with a Swiffer

Swiffer products may be convenient and easy to use, but cleaning experts say they’re not safe for all surfaces. From marble surfaces to wooden decks, there are a few areas where you shouldn’t be using a Swiffer to clean

Marble surfaces

Remember your chemistry lesson on pH balances, acids, and alkalines? There are acidic foods like cheese and beef, and alkaline ones like avocados and lettuce. The same is true of cleaners, says Carol Smith, the owner of Hire A Maid. “Because the Swiffer Wet Jet has a pH level of ten, making it alkaline, it isn’t suited for any delicate surfaces like marble that require a neutral six to eight pH cleaner,” she explains. “We really like the Weiman line of products and use their Laminate & Stone Floor Cleaner for marble.”

Laminate floor

Again, the Swiffer presents an alkaline issue. Plus, it might not be the most effective option, says Amanda Weatherholt, crew leader with Housekeeping Associates of Ann Arbor, Michigan. “The Wet Jet leaves the floor streaky and just moves the dirt around—it does not clean the floor,” she says. Her solution: “I have found the best thing to use on a laminate floor is a small drop of Dawn dish soap with hot water,” she says.

Vinyl floor

“Swiffer Wet Jet is a very poor choice,” says Dean Davies, cleaning and maintenance supervisor for U.K. home service company Fantastic Services. “It takes a lot more effort to scrub tough spots, and it won’t be as effective as the regular mop.” What’s more, says Davies, you will need at least four pads to clean a regular-sized kitchen. “It’s an environmental and economic disaster!” he says. “And the floor can end up sticky and even dirtier because their cleaning solvent tends to dry very fast, leaving a sticky residue if not cleaned fast and well.” He recommends using something like this commercial-grade microfiber mop to clean a vinyl floor or an E-Cloth mop to remove the most stubborn of stains.

Wooden deck

If you want to clean off your grungy wooden deck, step away from the Swiffer. “The Wet Jet is not suitable for wooden deck cleaning, because its pads are almost as thin as paper towels,” says Davies. “Wood deck surfaces are often harsh and will most certainly strip apart the Swiffer pads.” Instead, Davies says, use a regular mop and Citra Clean Concentrate Cleaner, “as it will be gentle to the wood and won’t leave any marks.” If your deck is a mess and your Swiffer is your cleaning option, check the label to see if it’s formulated for your wood’s finish. Swiffer is safe on finished floors but steer clear of using it if your deck is waxed, oiled or unfinished.

Plastic mats

The plastic surfaces in your bathroom just won’t get very clean with a Swiffer. And you may not realize that your plastic mats—and shower curtain liners—can be tossed in the washing machine to remove spills and grime, says Jennifer Gregory, brand manager of Molly Maid. “Wash them with a towel, which will generate scrubbing action on the plastic items,” she says. “Washing machines can also disinfect: Add a half cup of vinegar and run it on a sanitizing cycle. Don’t worry—the smell does not linger!” Just don’t toss them into the dryer, where the high heat could damage the plastic, warns Gregory. 

Carpets and rugs

Your home’s carpet may be harboring harmful bacteria, germs, and allergens without you realizing it, says Gregory. A Swiffer won’t properly clean it; instead, keep carpets clean by instilling a strict “no shoes” policy indoors, she advises. “Also, vacuum carpets and area rugs several times a week,” she says. “If you have an infant or a toddler, daily vacuuming is recommended; the vacuum can remove surface debris easily.” You should also get a professional steam clean at least once a year to give it a deeper clean, Gregory suggests.

Indoor wood floors

“The Swiffer is fantastic at covering tiled and wooden floor space; it’s obviously less effective at accessing floor corners, and actually this is where most dirt and dust tends to build up,” says Sean Parry, founder of London-based cleaning company Neat. His team ensures a thorough cleaning by pairing a Swiffer with a standard mop like the Vileda microfiber mop for the corners. “Sometimes when we encounter a particularly dirty floor, we find that the best solution is to simply hand-wipe the area with a microfiber cloth,” Parry adds. “This is obviously more time-consuming, but it’s unusual that we’ll have to hand-wipe an entire floor.” 

Indoor tiles

In lieu of a Swiffer, Parry likes the E-Cloth Deep Clean Mop. “Although it has a similar design to the Swiffer, with a large rectangular mop head, we really like the fact that E-Cloth is an entirely water-based technology,” he says. “It’s actually so effective that only a small amount of water needs to be sprayed from the mop head to give a great result when cleaning. No additional cleaning products are required, which means no chance of soapy residue or potential damage to different flooring types.” 

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/home-and-garden/8-things-you-should-never-clean-with-a-swiffer/ss-BB187CZ6?ocid=msedgntp#image=9

By Saundra Latham for Cheapism©

Flat-Packed Frustration

Anyone who’s bought furniture at Ikea knows that making your way through the maze-like store without overspending is just half the battle. Once you get home, you face the daunting task of assembling your finds, with only the wordless, cartoony directions to assist you. Want to save yourself some frustration? We talked to experts to find out which of Ikea’s most popular products are the ones that might have you learning how to curse in Swedish — and what Ikea newbies can do to set themselves up for success.

Pax Wardrobe

Why you should think twice: “This is what I’m hired to build the most, and I think it’s because the closets are so large and intimidating,” says Roger Chong, owner of Ikea Installers in Los Angeles. “There’s a lot of elements that go into properly installing these units. You’ll have to properly build the frame, make sure it’s square, know how to safely attach it to the wall, build all the interior components, and start putting them in one by one. The hardest element of the job is that they’re just super heavy and really bulky.”

Hemnes 8-Drawer Dresser

Why you should think twice: Assembling the Hemnes is “like the 4,000-piece Lego Death Star,” says Adam Tate, owner of New Jersey-based All Assembled. “There are a lot of pieces and it will take some time. This dresser will take you a weekend or month to build depending on your tolerance, skill level, and the tools that you own to get the job done. Pine is Ikea’s wood of choice for this unit, but pine is soft! Pine gets marked up easy. If you are into the Bohemian look, okay — this is for you, because it will weather and dent and can come damaged due to particles left over in the packaging.”

Nordli Bed With Headboard and Storage

Why you should think twice: “With most other furniture assemblies, you reach an ah-ha moment where you see how it all comes together,” Chong says. “This one, you probably won’t get that moment until the very end. Because of the nature of the design, it’s a very low-profile bed, so you’ll find yourself laying down on your stomach or back a lot, just to attach all the pieces. This bed also has the most drawers of any bed frame at Ikea, so you’ll spend half the build time assembling drawers and adjusting them so the alignment is correct — this is a nightmare for someone with plush carpet. … I wouldn’t recommend this as a solo job if you’re a novice.”

Nordli Dresser

Why you should think twice: “Ikea markets these dresser units in images of two to 16 drawer units, which makes it a very versatile, desirable storage solution,” Tate says. “However, Ikea does not supply instructions on how to fabricate the many configurations. Instead, there is a manual in every box that only shows configurations for that particular section. It’s up to the user to figure out how to get it all together to make the various configurations. Again, another modular product that leaves it to the consumer that has relatively little knowledge or skill to complete or create these complex assemblies. The product comes in many different boxes, and you don’t  know what box to open first.”

Friheten Sleeper Sofa

Why you should think twice: “These are tough because of the mechanical components involved,” Chong says. “There are brackets with springs and wheels and pulleys. This assembly requires you to be aware of exactly what goes where and when. The spring-loaded sofas also hold a lot of tension, so you have to be cautious for the sake of safety. And then you’ll find yourself reaching into hard-to-reach spots to attach and tighten other parts. In the end, there’s not really any leeway for error. If you messed something up, the mechanics won’t operate the way you expect them to.”

Besta Entertainment Center

Why you should think twice: “Every cabinet, door, drawer, and drawer front is boxed individually and has individual instructions for building the component in the box, but not what you saw hanging in the showroom,” Tate warns. “The frames and cabinets assemble easily, but trying to figure out how this all goes together is a lot more complex, including getting it on the wall securely. If you have defects in the wall, like bulges or bows, it gets more difficult to mount. Hanging rails or cleats to mount to units are available for an added fee and don’t come with the system; you need to ask for them, and you need to buy the correct amount. Ikea uses the metric system, and the bracket holes will not match up to wall-stud spacing. You will need to use a combination of screws into studs or drywall anchors, mollies, and toggle bolts. And if all that is a foreign language, you need to find someone to do this for you.”

To see more Ikea nightmares, click below.

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/shopping-all/the-hardest-ikea-items-to-assemble/ss-BB19zxQr?ocid=msedgntp#image=13

Redbook© article by Jennifer Vishnevsky

 © Morten Falch Sortland – Getty Images

1) Add a touch of color to your stairs

Staircase remodeling can cost a lot, and this trick will save you money if you do it yourself. Sarah Logan, editor of The Bunny Hub, recommends that you paint your staircase so that it looks like it has a carpet runner. “This gives you the cozy look and feel of a carpet, without the maintenance of owning a carpet,” she says.

 © GeorgePeters – Getty Images

2) Focus on those fixtures

Upgrading a room doesn’t have to break the budget. “Without undergoing a major renovation or gut job, you can give your kitchen and bathroom a facelift by replacing handles and knobs,” says Bonnie Heatzig of The Luxury Real Estate Authority. “You can find knobs at places like Anthropologie or an antique store to add character and invoke your personality into your home.”

Consider replacing light fixtures to change the vibe of the room. They’re also pretty easy to install. “Think chandeliers in an entry foyer or over the dining table or new lighting over the bathroom vanity,” says Heatzig.

 © JodiJacobson – Getty Images

3) Update your switch plates

It’s a quick, easy and affordable way to update a room. “For each space, I typically pick a finish to mimic,” says Leann Greto, head of product development/merchandising at Garrett Wade. “For example, I swapped all of my kitchen switch plates for stainless to match my appliances and give the room a more cohesive look. If you have a bit more time you can create your own custom plate with an easy decoupage method.”

Start by photocopying or printing out a textile in your room. It could be embroidery on a pillow or a stripe or texture from a window treatment. Once printed, cut the paper about 1/3 inch larger than the plate all around, brush the front of the plate in varnish, press paper to the plate, fold over the edges to the back and trim corners. Use a sharp knife to slice the switch hole open and again carefully fold to the back, folding over the edges to the back and then just again brushing on the varnish on the back of the plate to secure the paper. Allow to fully dry before securing to your wall.

 © John Keeble – Getty Images

5) Spruce up your storage

Liz Jeneault, vice president of marketing at Faveable, recently upgraded her home by adding trendy storage ottomans to her living room and daughter’s room. “I feel it’s something that every woman and mom should try,” she says. Not only do storage ottomans add an aspect of elegance to your living space, but they’re also great for storing toys, blankets, magazines, and other items that end up getting tossed around.

“If I need to pick up my living room in a hurry because a friend is making a surprise visit, I just simply throw my toddler’s toys and other items in the storage ottoman and then the room looks perfectly clean,” she says. Having a storage ottoman is a simple home improvement trick that can help make things just a little bit easier on women and moms everywhere.

 © Sisoje – Getty Images

10) Frame a bathroom mirror

If you have a boring mirror, this is a great way to make it one of a kind, according to ProTip resident handyman and pro Rob Shaw. You’ll need a chop saw, construction adhesive, and eye protection. First, choose a trim that would look amazing around the mirror edges. Measure the dimensions of your mirror, noting the longest measurements from corner to corner.

Set the chop saw’s table to a 45 degree angle and cut. Be mindful that you will need to move the table to -45 degrees for the next cut, you should end up with a 45 and -45 cut on each piece for perfectly joined corners. Size up your pieces before applying adhesive and paint, and decorate accordingly. Then apply construction adhesive to the back of trim pieces and use masking tape to hold them in place starting low and finishing with your top piece last.

You can read about more home improvements here:

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/cleaning-and-organizing/home-improvement-tricks-that-everyone-should-know-according-to-the-experts/ss-BB19rIMn?ocid=msedgntp#image=10

Article by Sarah Crow for Bestlife©

Keeping your home clutter-free may be a worthwhile endeavor, but storing your less frequently used items anywhere you can find space isn’t always a smart move. In fact, if you’re stashing all those items in your basement, you could be making a costly mistake. From moisture to mice, there are countless ways those things stored beneath your home could come to harm. If you want to ensure you’re not accidentally ruining your prized possessions, read on to discover which things you should never store in your basement.

1. Firewood

That pricey cord of firewood won’t do much good to keep you warm if it’s kept in your basement. The humidity in your basement can make that wood damp—and less than ideal for starting a fire. Worse yet, it could lead to a bug or mouse problem in the future.

2. Snacks

It may be convenient to use your basement as a de facto pantry, but if you’re storing food down there—especially stuff in easily chewed-through plastic or paper bags—it may not be long before your house is home to unwanted visitors.

3. Pet Food

The same goes for your pet’s food:  If you’re storing Fido’s kibble in your basement, you’re asking for pests to make it their home.

4. Cardboard Boxes

While plastic storage boxes may keep things safe in your basement, cardboard boxes could actually attract pests.

5. Humidifiers

A surprising item you shouldn’t keep in your basement? Anything that creates moisture, such as humidifiers. Instead, add a dehumidifier to your basement to keep pests at bay.

6. Magazines

Think you can safely store that stack of old magazines you’re saving for inspiration in your basement? Think again. “These are a food source for insects such as silverfish, and stacks/piles provide a safe place for spiders and insects to hang out,” explains Troyano.

7. Instruments

While you may want your kids’ instruments to stop cluttering up the living room, the basement isn’t the right place to store them.

“The basement is the worst place to store an instrument,” says Lucas Workman, a brass repair technician at Siegfried’s Call, a New York-based horn outfitter. “Moisture…can affect the finish of the instrument. The residual water in them can grow into mold, [and] the pads and the fabric in woodwinds can start to crack.” 

8. Photos

Your beloved family photo albums won’t be long for this world if you’re keeping them in the basement. “Your photos will not survive humid environments and over time, even dryness will make them brittle,” says Karin Socci, a Master Certified KonMari Consultant and owner of The Serene Home. “It’s far better to transfer the media to cloud-based formats so that you will have images that are easy to share.”

9. Family Heirlooms

If you’ve got family heirlooms you’re hoping to pass on, it’s never a safe bet to store them in the basement. “A pipe could burst or unusual weather activity could cause unexpected flooding,” says Socci. “If you have ever witnessed the aftereffects of a flooded basement, you know that water and mildew spare nothing.”

10. Paperwork

The deed to your house, your car title, and your tax return should be stored somewhere safe—but your basement isn’t that place. “Documents should not be kept in either the attic or the basement,” says professional organizer Susan Santoro, founder of organizing website Organized31. Instead, she recommends keeping them in a climate-controlled home office, or somewhere else with fewer temperature fluctuations.

11. Bedding

Humid environments, like basements, are prime real estate for mold and mildew, meaning you won’t want to store bedding down there unless it’s well-sealed. Even if they don’t get moldy, you probably don’t want to press your face and body against something that smells like a basement, anyway.

12. Toys

Your children’s beloved toys have no business in your basement. Firstly, there’s the ever-present risk of mold and mildew. Secondly, basement storage means you’re risking water damage courtesy of burst pipes. Thirdly, the brutal cold and intense heat you may find in a basement without an HVAC system can also cause the batteries inside electronic toys to burst. And lastly, two words: pest damage.

13. Bikes

Putting your bike in the basement may keep it out of the way, but it can also make it unusable when you need it. The temperature fluctuations in your basement can cause your tires to lose pressure, so it’s best to store it in a more climate-controlled space when possible.

14. Wine

If you want to keep your wine delicious and drinkable, your basement—with its fluctuating temperatures—isn’t the place to do so. According to Wine Spectator, the ideal conditions for storing wine are between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and between 50 and 80 percent humidity—parameters your basement is likely to exceed, especially if you also use it as a laundry room.

15. Gasoline

If your basement is home to your furnace, it’s probably a good idea to keep spare gas cans somewhere else. As a general rule, anything combustible, like gasoline, should be given wide berth from potential fire hazards like furnaces.

16. Cat Litter

Surprisingly enough, cat litter is yet another product you’re better off keeping out of the basement. In addition to potentially clumping when it’s exposed to moisture like the humidity in your basement, if you’re actually letting your pet use your basement as a bathroom, litter dust could actually corrode your furnace, according to the experts at Standard Heating & Air Conditioning.

17. Propane Tanks

The temperature fluctuations in your basement make it a poor choice for storing propane. Propane tanks can explode if left in extreme heat, so if your basement gets unseasonably warm, it could spell danger. 

Source: https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/career/17-things-you-should-never-store-in-your-basement/ss-BB18GCDu?ocid=msedgntp#image=18