{via Velvet & Linen} With our children back to school, our thoughts go to finding a great place for our children to do their homework and study. Of course we would love for the space not only to encourage our children to do their best, but also a place that is lovely to look at. The study in the above picture is such a room, now if I had a study in my house like that I would never leave it. {picture via Better Homes & Garden} A small niche or closet makes a perfect study area. Things to incorporate in a good study area- Good lighting shelves for storage cork-board chalkboard study supplies fresh air- either from a window or fan comfortable chair good surface to spread papers out on. {picture via Pottery Barn} [sc:adsense ] Ideas for where … [Read more...]
Ultimate Guide to Summer Home Improvement
Summer's here and it's the perfect time for DIY projects! Need some inspiration? You've come to the right place. We've pulled together a few dozen of the coolest summer projects ever. Read on to find amazing ideas to improve your home this season. Spruce up your interiors with these fantastic ideas. Try your hand at this surprisingly simple stenciled wallpaper from The Lovely Cupboard. The project takes very little materials and costs only $15. It does require both precision and patience, but as you can see, the results are totally worth your investment. Create a one of a kind painted glass table top with this tutorial from Kara Paslay Designs. Got blank walls? Leigh Dusek wrote a great guide on how to fill a large blank wall on a budget. And over at style list.com, you can … [Read more...]
How to Make Stainless Steel Shine
How to Clean Stainless Steel With Olive Oil & Vinegar When you bought your beautiful stainless steel appliances, the helpful salesperson probably didn't mention that within minutes of installation they would look like they'd been licked by a hound dog and wiped off with a piece of buttered toast. Well you can have bright and shiny stainless steel in your kitchen - without the overpriced stainless steel cleaner you'll find in stores. First, pour a little olive oil on a rag. Wipe the stainless steel surface all over with the oil. You'll be amazed at how it effortlessly lifts fingerprints and shines your appliances. Then dampen another rag with white vinegar and rub over it again. This method not only cleans and shines your stainless steel, but it will keep it smudge free for … [Read more...]
How to Clean Throw Pillows
Photo Credit: M.Markus How do you clean throw pillows for the couch without turning them into a lumpy, misshapen mess? Throw pillows covered in silk or wool must be dry cleaned, as should* throw pillows filled with down. Hopefully, if you have down filled throw pillows, they have a zippered cover that can be washed separately. *It is possible to wash down pillows on the delicate or hand-washing cycle of your washing machine, but this is a choice you must make as a consumer, knowing that your pillows may be damaged. Keep in mind that front loading washing machines tend to yield better results than top loading. Check the tag of the pillow, you know the "to be removed only by the consumer under penalty of law tag?" This should give proper care advice, but as most of us find these tags … [Read more...]
How to Clean Hardwood Floors
Clean your wood floors with ease. Image Credit: Mirage Flooring Hardwood floors are absolutely lovely in a home. They look great with almost any décor and can make a small space seem much bigger. In the winter, they stay a bit warmer than tile floors. They are more hygienic than carpeted floors and more durable than linoleum. For all the positive traits of wood floors, they do have one tiny drawback. They can be tricky to maintain. In order to keep them looking their best, wood floors need to be cleaned often and cared for without the use of harsh chemicals or abrasive tools. Here’s a little guide to help you keep your wood floors in tip top shape – without a lot of hassle. Choose a mild cleaning solution. Supermarket shelves are laden with a variety of wood floor cleaners … [Read more...]
How to Creatively Fill a Large, Blank Wall on a Budget
Do you have an empty wall in your home you have no idea what to do with? It can be a big wall or a nook that just needs something. In my old home I had such a big wall that needed breaking up. Now I have an empty wall in a nook with a slanted ceiling. I love collages on walls of all types, however the holes in walls drive me crazy. I also love to change things up on a regular basis and need flexible options. When I discovered how to make floating bookshelves I was hooked. You can make them big or small and use as many as you need for your space. As a bonus, floating bookshelves are very cheap! See Page two for directions: … [Read more...]
