Monday, April 29, 2013

Tips on How to Clean Your Kitchen


Nothing says "good morning!" like a clean and sparkling kitchen. Achieving cleanliness in the face of an endless parade of hungry family members is another matter.

Spray Surfaces

Empty the garbage can, and replace any can liners. Pre-spray all counters and the stove top before you begin to clean using a degreaser or a multisurface spray cleaner. Move around the room and spritz flat surfaces lightly.
Degrease


Wipe Down All Surfaces

Wipe down walls and backsplashes, cabinet faces and the fronts of kitchen appliances with a cleaner-dampened cleaning cloth. Use an extra spritz of multisurface cleaner to remove fingermarks, smears and stains.



Clean Sink

Scrub the interior of the sink with a powdered cleanser or a spray degreaser. Use a toothbrush to rout out dirt around sink rims and drains. Rinse, then use degreaser to clean fixtures and the sink apron. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.


Scrub Counters and Wipe Clean

Back to the counters, this time to wipe them clean and dry. Use a scraper to remove dried-on foods, and a small tile brush to loosen soil where the backsplash meets the countertops.


Scrub Stove Top

Return to the stove top, and use the toothbrush to remove softened food from around the burners, knobs and dials. Tackle stubborn blobs with a scraper. Wipe dry with a fresh cleaning cloth.



Sweep Floors

Sweep or vacuum the floor, and then damp-mop. Pay extra attention to the areas beneath the sink (water spots) and stove (grease). Shake and replace any mats or rugs. Put away tools, cleaners and apron.



Tips for Decorating Your Kitchen Cabinets


Remodeling a Kitchen is one of the most expensive and time consuming projects a  home designer can undertake. One of the biggest expenses is reworking the cabinetry to fit your new design aesthetic. High-end cabinets can run your remodeling bill through the through the door, and you do still want to have the cash to fill these new cabinets of yours. If it isn't broke, then why fix it? If you have cabinets that can be revamped to accommodate your new design, then don't spend hundreds, even thousands, of dollars to replace them. Let your cabinets speak for themselves, using these helpful tips.

Paint or refinish: A new paint job is one of the most underrated design techniques around. Think about paint the way you'd think about a new haircut: When you feel like it's time for a change, nothing says more than a dramatic aesthetic overhaul. Adding a new color scheme to your kitchen by way of your cabinets can drastically change the style of your space. Don't underestimate the power of a new finish, either. Paint isn't the only trick you can have up your sleeve, sanding and refinishing old wood cabinets can also make a big difference in the overall feel of your kitchen.

Replace hardware: Dull cabinet hardware speaks volumes about your knack for design. If you're still hanging on to the original handles and knobs, then it may be time for a complete hardware overhaul. Lucky for you, many craft and boutique stores have gotten hip to this design trend, and are offering a wide variety of styles at a range of prices. Feel free to use these tiny touches to display your personality in fun and interesting ways. Go for a modern look with sleek hardware, or a fun bohemian feel with a hodgepodge of selections. If paint is like a haircut, then new hardware is the perfect accessory, so highlight your best features!

Add windows: Cabinet windows can immediately brighten up your kitchen space, and are relatively easy to install on your own. Take the measurements of your cabinet doors, and buy glass sheeting or tile from the hardware store. Be as creative as you like: You can arrange a tiled pattern, or stick with a sleek, solid look. You can hire someone to cut out the middle of your cabinets, or you can try your hand at carpentry. Make sure you have the proper equipment to ensure safety, and to prevent yourself from a design disaster.

Line the interior: A quick and easy way to liven up the feel of your kitchen cabinets is to line them. Much like wallpaper can touch up boring, lifeless walls, cabinet liners can add a surprise pop of style to any drab cabinet. They are available in solid colors, and fun patterns. They are affordable ($7 to $15) and easy to lay out. Not only will they add a bit of flair to your cabinet's interior, but they'll also add a bit of extra padding for your more fragile dishes. Since they won't break the bank, you can consider replacing them once a year for variety and cleanliness.

Reorganize: Cluttered cabinets can make kitchen redesign out of the question. Remember that moment in old cartoons where the closet would open, and the character would become buried under piles of clothes, sports equipment and the occasional rubber chicken? Don't let that happen to you. Take the time to go through your use of cabinet space. If it seems like your stockpiling coffee mugs and hoarding cereal bowls, then it might be time for a garage sale. If you have small children, then you should also consider the accessibility of some of the more frequently used kitchen items. Place kid friendly dishes within arm's reach, so your kids don't have to take up indoor mountain climbing when they want a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

Work with what you've got: If your cabinets aren't too shabby, consider retouching the areas around them. Use your cabinets as a focal point, and design your new kitchen accordingly. If you recently repainted or refinished and you want to tie the room together, then buy a few color coordinated statement pieces to adorn the walls or the counter-tops. Picture frames, candles, refrigerator accessories and countertop appliances can all be used in conjunction with your cabinet design.

Cabinets take up a lot of space in your kitchen, and regardless of whether or not you intend them to be, are often the focal point. Don't neglect them! Simple aesthetic enhancements can make a huge difference in the overall style of your kitchen. You don't need to take out a second mortgage to remodel your kitchen, you just need an eye for design, and an idea of exactly what you want to accomplish with what you have.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Tips for Outdoor Decorations on a Budget



The key to an enjoyable space is the ability to relax and enjoy it. And it can be hard to relax when you know you just spent a fortune on your décor. After all, who wants to lounge on a $3,000 chair after getting out of the pool? No one wants a stain to ruin their day. If anything, in a relaxing space, you should enjoy that you can make a stain and be OK with it. In the end, it's all about what you feel comfortable with. Here are some cheap and easy outdoor decorating ideas that won't break the bank, or stress you out.


Treat Yourself

Surround yourself with things you love. Take items from around the house or yard that you enjoy, and group them together in a way that brings life and creativity to the area. Anything will work, even a small collection of glass bottles that you've been meaning to recycle. Simply fill them with daffodils or other cute spring flowers from your garden and place them on your side table. That, or hang homemade chimes from a few tree branches, adding a relaxing breeze sound and styling with trinkets that you love. For example, tie together some old Christmas tree ornaments that you hate having to store all year.

Adding Color

The outdoors have a lot of natural color, but try punching it up with something brighter, such as a strong purple or orange, to really bring things to life. The easiest way to do this is with coordinated place mats, glassware and dishes. It's even better if the color matches your plants. There are typically great tableware and dining sets available at stores like Ross or Target that you can pick up for under $20. Cute, fun and cheap to boot!



Surface Space

Don't spend a fortune on a patio set. Instead, make your own outdoor table! Discovery Channel star Christopher Lowell suggests pairing a wicker basket or large terra-cotta pot with a piece of glass to create a quick and easy patio table. Just be sure to use safe pieces, in case kids or pets are around who could hurt themselves. Simply flip the basket/pot over into the grass or dirt, let it rest so that it's secure in the ground, and then toss the glass on top! For extra security, consider using hardware glue to keep the two together more safely.

Easy Breezy

Really enjoy your summer breezes with a simple hammock, or lie back in a recliner chair under a colorful umbrella. We recommend tying your hammock to two large, rooted trees, rather than to stakes, as stakes can often slide and move around in more healthy soil or grass plots. Umbrellas, on the other hand, work wonders in the dirt. Both hammocks and umbrellas can be found for very reasonable prices at secondhand stores or even discount department stores.

Au Natural

There's always appeal when nature palettes are involved, particularly in the outdoors. Consider adding bamboo place mats to your table or wicker chairs for a more rustic feel. Also, with wicker tables, chairs, etc., you can wind vines or flowers through the holes for an extra touch of natural oasis. Basically, you can do anything your heart desires, and most of your supplies are already there!

For your personal outdoor space, you want it to be special and relaxing. For this reason, you shouldn't have to stress to put it together. Instead, take some ideas from ours above, and enjoy the benefits of a cheap, easy and incredibly summer-friendly backyard plot.


Tips on How to Set up a Home Office



Have you ever tried getting any work done in your living room? It's a little difficult with a TV staring at you in the face, luring you into watching your favorite programs or movies. And don't think you can get your work done with the TV on in the background, because that never works either. How about working in your bedroom? It's probably not a good idea to try and accomplish anything that makes you feel tired with your bed in close proximity. The kitchen probably doesn't have enough workspace, and although the dining room table might work, some people aren't fond of working where they eat, especially if their work can get a little messy. If you are looking for a place in your home where you can be the most productive and get the most work done, then it's time to set up a home office.


Workspace

A desk is the most common piece of furniture that defines a specific area in your home as an office space. When shopping for a desk for your home office, think about the type of work you wish to complete at home, and the budget you have to work with. If you are using your home office as your primary workspace for a home business, it wouldn't hurt to splurge a bit on a double pedestal desk made of mahogany. If you are an architect, you would probably require a specific desk suited for your trade, like a standing desk or architect's desk. Some desks come with almost everything needed for a home office setup including a chair, shelves, computer and monitor space, drawers and a storage cabinet.

Your office chair is arguably the most important piece of furniture in your home office. The type of desk you decide on will determine the type of chair you use for your home office. If you prefer a stool over a rolling chair, make sure you have enough clearance space and that you're not seated too high above your workspace. Select a chair that is comfortable with adequate support to reduce any strain on your back. Don't be afraid to splurge on your home office chair, it can be the determining factor of how much time you enjoy spending in your home office.

It is important that your workspace not only provide you with adequate function for your work, it also needs to be comfortable. Think of your workspace as your command center, a cockpit and your throne. Unlike an office space outside of the home, your home office is where you reign and have complete control. Furnish your working area however you see fit.

Storage

Shelves, closets, filing cabinets and drawers are storage options you need to consider when setting up your home office. Will your desk come with built-in storage space, or do you need to buy a separate piece of furniture for your storage needs? Like your workspace, the primary function of your home office will determine what type of storage you'll need. If you are using your home office for your own business, you might need more storage space than a home office used for paying bills and keeping home records. Plastic storage bins and moving boxes may substitute a storage unit, but it would be wise to invest in a filing cabinet for organizational purposes.

Equipment

The next thing to look into when setting up your home office is the equipment you'll need to get your work done. Most home offices will require a telephone, fax machine, waste basket, printer and computer. If you plan on doing a lot of work that requires frequent internet use, get a high speed internet connection. If you expect to receive numerous phone calls throughout the day, it wouldn't hurt to get a second phone line along with a fax switch for easier use of your fax machine. Some people may want to substitute a laptop for a home computer if they feel limited on space. Don't forget to purchase any specific equipment necessary to perform your job functions if you plan on working from home.


Lighting

Proper lighting is important for reducing eye strain and headaches, while providing a comfortable workspace. A well-lit room can also keep you from falling asleep, and help you stay energized and invigorated while working from home. While the room you are using for your home office may already have light fixtures, don't be afraid to add a desk lamp or other forms of task lighting to increase work visibility.

Accessories

Certain job functions will require specific accessories for your home office. Some home offices may require a marker board or map of the world on the wall. Other home offices might need more than one computer monitor, especially if you run an online business. Aside from work related accessories, consider filling your home office with items and décor that pleases you. Sports memorabilia, movie posters and magazine cut-outs might not be appropriate for a workspace in a shared office, but can be utilized in your home office which you are in charge of. The great thing about having a home office is you get to create a work environment catered to your likes and needs to help you complete your daily tasks with as much ease and comfort as possible.

Create a Reading Nook at Home.



Imagine a window seat with a little built-in bookshelf, a quilt and an overstuffed cushion. Add some bright but not glaring natural light and you're in heaven, right? That perfect little spot will probably look adorable, too.

Let's take a look at a few ways you can transform an ordinary space into a bibliophile's dream space by creating your own reading nook at home.


Creating Your Reading Space

Even if you don't have a window seat -- or a fainting chair, you can create a reading corner worthy of your next romantic (thriller, horror or fantasy) indulgence. The trick is to annex a space and to segregate it naturally within your decor. This is usually accomplished by anchoring the space. Here's how it works: Imaging placing an area rug in front of a couch in a conversation area by, say, your fireplace. Now that space looks like a natural grouping within your living room (or family room). The rug anchors the space and the nearby furnishings. It's a different way of looking at furniture placement. Any number of items can act as anchors to define a space. Here are a few:

  • Rugs
  • Room dividers
  • Sofa tables (containing lamps, plants or other accessories)
  • Wall art groupings like prints, quilts or tapestries
  • Task lighting like track lights or floor lamps
  • Furniture groupings set apart from other spaces (like a chair and ottoman turned toward a window and away from the interior space)
  • Wall shelves or other architectural elements
  •  File cabinets or desks (within an office)

All of these tricks define smaller spaces within larger rooms. They can work in combination to create an effective reading nook within a larger space.
The Little Things Make a Big Difference

Defining the space for a reading corner is just part of task. A space will only work if it possesses most of the following elements:

  • Quiet
  • Comfort
  • Adequate light
  • Peripheral privacy
  • Storage



Of the elements on the above list, quiet is the most important. Although it's probably possible to concentrate on the last chapter of a great book while someone has your flat screen or sound system blaring, a little quiet does make for a more satisfying reading experience. Placing a reading nook in a family or media room may sound like a viable option, but consider when and how the space will probably be used. If there are likely to be conflicts with noisy activities, choosing an alternative location for a reading nook is a good idea.

Peripheral privacy is a nice "extra" you'll appreciate. It makes it possible to concentrate (smile, get misty eyed, grimace) without being observed or having to tolerate someone invading your space at the wrong moment.
Lighting

We mentioned the importance of lighting a moment ago, but it bears repeating. Comfortable reading always requires adequate illumination. The conventional wisdom is that a reading friendly light bulb should be around 100 watts to avoid eyestrain. Your bedside lamp may be less than that at about 60 watts (and you read by it, right?), but for prolonged reading, go with better light -- you'll avoid headaches that way. Incandescent bulbs or full spectrum light bulbs that mimic natural light offer less glare too.

Here's another tip: Try placing your reading nook in or near a window. Natural, indirect light is easy on the eyes and helps elevate mood and promote a sense of wellbeing. You'll enjoy your book more and probably tackle your post book chores with a better attitude, too.
Shelving

When you love books, storage always becomes an issue sooner or later. Having a place to store your book treasures will keep you from donating all your favorites to a community book drive prematurely -- and regretting it later. Actually, modular wall shelving is very economical and easier to install than ever before. From floating shelves made of wood or glass to wire shelving that looks refreshingly modern and efficient, adding shelves near your nook will keep your collection close, where you can sneak a peek at your favorite poems ( or old love letters) every now and then.