by Jack Oldham

It’s possible to change the overall feel of a room and make it more appealing to visitors without performing a complete overhaul. The best way to achieve this is by carefully choosing accessories and furnishings that have a real impact on the atmosphere, whilst still making it a comfortable place in which to reside.

Whilst many people believe bold changes are required to accomplish this, there are a number of more subtle ways you can make this sort of difference.

One of the most neglected areas when it comes to home improvement is the window treatments in a home. Many people choose to concentrate on other choices, such as the wallpaper design, or the shadings of the wall paint, and simply do not pay as much attention to window treatments as they should. Many people seem to be of the train of thought that they don’t have much of an impact on the final appearance of a room. This simply isn’t true and a poor decision regarding window treatments could have a disastrous effect on the entire décor scheme in a room.

One option which can offer a number of advantages over its competitors in this case is wooden vertical blinds. According to many style experts and interior designers, these carry a more timeless quality than many alternatives. Window treatments such as blinds and curtains use different fabrics. In a similar way to clothes, fabrics and patterns can very quickly go out of fashion, rendering your window treatments out of date. The lack of patterns and varying colours on wooden vertical blinds mean that this is very rarely a problem.

Instead, these window treatments can go towards creating a contemporary look for any room, with the homeowner safe in the knowledge that not only the appearance, but the blinds themselves are made to last. The appearance isn’t as restricted as you may think either, as there are many types of wood available to make sure that your window treatments fit in with your existing décor. Here are a few tips to make sure you choose the right wood for your home.

Many people choose light woods for their wooden vertical blinds. Woods such as pine are a good choice for people wishing to create a brighter atmosphere in a room. This helps make the room more welcoming not only to you, but also to friends and family who may visit from time to time.

On the other hand, if your room feels a little bit on the large and unwieldy side then darker wood may be the right choice for you. Whilst having a large room is a nice dilemma to be faced with, you may feel that visitors could struggle to relax and kick back in your home as a result of the size. The key here is to create a cosy, relaxing atmosphere. Combining dark vertical blinds with dark décor and a piping hot fire is one way to achieve this.

Another idea is to use the blinds in conjunction with other pieces of décor and accessories to create the perfect atmosphere. Taking real care when selecting cushions, lampshades and other accessories as well as window dressings can go a long way towards making your house a home which appeals to you, your family and your friends alike.

by Lights On

It is very often that the visitors of our store, while admiring the beautiful play of colors on our crystal chandeliers, ask – how do you clean crystal?

Many think that cleaning a crystal chandelier is at least a very tedious task. Let us assure you – that is a myth. In reality, if you clean the chandelier the right way, then you will not need to spend much time on it at all and the process will seem easy.

It is just as easy to clean any regular lamp as it is a crystal one, but the effect of cleaning a crystal chandelier is much more noticeable.

The surfaces of a regular crystal are indeed attractive to the bits of dust, but in the surfaces of the Swarovski crystals the natural attractive force of the crystal is neutralized, using a special refining method made by Swarovski. Capillary forces do not allow water to hold on to the surface of the crystal in the same way they don’t allow dust. The dust may only lie on the surface of the cover, while water contracts itself in drops of dew, dripping from the surface without leaving a trace.

Lighting fixtures with Swarovski crystals do not require special care. You don’t have to untangle the numerous knots of suspended crystal strings, nor do you have to take off individual crystals.

A dry antistatic wipe and a brush are enough for you to quickly clean thin dust layers without any consequences.

In order for you not to leave fingerprints on the crystals (sadly, this type of stain is the one that most often worsens the appearance of the chandelier and is the hardest to remove), we recommend to go through this process in white gloves.

But what to do if your chandelier has crystals of another type, not Swarovski ones? A little dishwashing liquid, diluted in warm water, will help conquer very dusty or very dirty crystals. In this case, it is best to use microfiber wipes, even though it is possible to use a lint-free cloth made of cotton. The thinner the cotton, the better. The cloth should be moist. Then each suspension should be wiped, from top to bottom. After wiping, we recommend drying the crystal with a clean dry cloth.

After this procedure, you will see that crystal looks like a brand new one in the hand of a master craftsman.

ADVICE: Do not leave the suspension in a moist condition for too long – this may cause the corrosion of metal parts and connection parts of the lighting fixture.

Recommendations:

• Dry cleaning: dry cleaning is the way of cleaning your lighting fixture from dust using an antistatic duster brush

• Wet cleaning: If the structure of the fixture allows for crystal suspensions to be taken off, that will simplify the cleaning – just carefully wash them in cool water with special cleaning agents for crystals, then dry it with cloth. If it is impossible to take of the crystal suspensions, then carefully and without pressure, wipe the crystals with wet cloth

• Aerosol: we recommend rinsing instead, since many aerosols contain a multitude of solid particles which may leave a trace on the crystal

Also we would like to note, that if you are using any special cleaning agent for crystals, do try to make sure that the agent does not get on the armature of the chandelier, as it may be affected negatively by its chemical components.

ADVICE: Another good approach is a “dual-gloves” one. Take a pair of white, cot-ton gloves, and wet one of them with a liquid used for cleaning glass. Spray the chemical specifically on the glove, not the chandelier itself, otherwise it will for sure get into some part of the armature and cause corrosion. Wipe the crystal using a wet glove and immediately wipe it with a dry one right after.

Careful care and compliance with these easy recommendations will help you enjoy the beauty of lamps, crystal chandeliers, sconces and floor lamps for long, long years.

by Nicola Winters

During a time of financial hardship, homeowners can experience a real struggle in getting the most out of their property. With house prices falling, many families are forced to stay put and sit out the property slump. One piece of advice that investors and interior designers have suggested is utilizing the existing house, rather than hunting for a bigger one and losing money already invested. There has been a significant increase in investment of home extensions to create extra space whilst increasing the value of the property.

The problem with extensions is the sheer cost. Not many homeowners are prepared to shell out such a large amount of cash on something so extreme. A cheaper alternative would be to transform a garden shed into a living space. There are many uses for a garden shed but here are the top ideas:

Office

Many people are now choosing the option to work from home. Although appears ideal, there are many potential distractions when attempting to study or work around the home. With a separate space for work activities, all disruptions are kept out of sight and mind. Simply set up an internet connection and enjoy the benefits of both working from home and working in an office.

Playroom

Those who want to move to a bigger place are, usually, expanding families who are struggling to find the space to accommodate such active and playful members. Toys are frequently seen piled up in the corner of a living room with games consoles taking up the whole entertainment stand. An inexpensive and realistic solution to this is to transform the garden shed into a playroom. Toys, games and books can all be stored there, giving your child a safe place to spend the day.

Workshop

For those who work in the construction or practice a somewhat messy hobby, such as woodwork, an extra space to work is incredibly necessary. Not only will one be able to undergo their work in peace, log all their projects in one place and enjoy complete tranquility whilst getting creative juices flowing but children will also be kept safe from sharp blades and instruments.

There are many other usages for garden sheds, from art workshops, to theatre rooms, to libraries right through to music rooms. Depending on an individual’s interests and needs, garden sheds can provide a substantial amount of extra living space that costs a fraction of the price for an extension.

by Lights On

by Asha Stuttard

Need some more living space at home? With so many people working from home these days, for many families their home has morphed into being an office as well as a place to relax and rest your head. If you do work from home, it can be really useful to dedicate a space to work – especially if you can somehow separate it from the rest of the home.

One way of doing this is by putting an all-singing, all-dancing shed in the garden. A shed with power, heating and a phone line! If that’s too much to ask, or your garden’s not big enough, the next best thing is to transform the spare room or maybe even the dining room into an office.

A lot of today’s houses have dining rooms that are so small you can barely fit a dining table and chairs in them, let alone anything else. It feels more like a box than a room to entertain in. If you have somewhere else that you can sit down to eat, like a dining kitchen, or a conservatory that is part of the house rather than feeling externalised, the ‘dining room’ often becomes a bit of a box room – used for storage but nothing else.

In that case, take a couple of days to go and choose some furniture suitable to work at – a desk or a table that you can put the pc on, and run a phone line point into the room too. While you’re at it, look at a sofa bed sale and see if you can find a two-seater sofa bed that will fit neatly into the same room. That way, you create a guest room and office at the same time. Cheap furniture today is so easily available, and the quality is reasonable, too, as long as you don’t go for bargain basement cheap!

by Clements Interiors

Follow this fail-safe plan before you start.

Unlike the homes in the magazines, most of us will never own a Schonbek crystal chandelier to tower over a twelve-seater dining table.  In fact, these days we’re lucky if there’s enough floor space in our homes for a dining room at all! Multi-functional, small scale and affordable is the way many of us live. And as more people move into and vie for premium spaces in the cities, large spaces will continue to be an expensive option.

We all want our homes to look good. But money, time and resources often limit what we can accomplish in our homes.

Consider the routine “Clearance Sale” sign hanging in store windows the same time each year.  We are repeatedly tempted and set adrift in the often confusing sea of home décor when we see something on sale.  Often eager to cash in on a good deal even though “it doesn’t go with anything else in the house.” But then we think, “But it’s on sale. And it’s such a great price.”  While shopping the ‘sale’ sections keep these 4 words in mind:  STICK TO THE PLAN.

Here are some Golden Rules for designing your plan and a home you’ll love over time while keeping your budgetary reality in mind:

• Hire a Professional

What’s your plan for your home?  Don’t have one?  Consider hiring a  professional, even if only for a few hours, to help you establish a long term plan and develop a list of priorities and “to do’s”.

• Tailor Your Timelines

Tailor your timelines to meet your budget requirements.  Does your budget allow you to purchase all the items for your home at once?  If not, take your time (which for many means months/years) and do it properly.  Do it once: do it right.

• Dress Your Home with Classics

Is your budget driving your timelines?  Could your long term schedule cause your finished rooms to be out of style a year from now?  Would you buy a shirt for $1000.00 that’s trendy today but you KNOW will be dated tomorrow?  Not likely if your budget is a concern.

Dress your house like you dress yourself.  Dress your home with classics.  That’s where to spend your money.  Consider buying furniture in the same way you would buy a great pair of black pants, or a little black dress or that pair of jeans you’ve worn day in and day out for 3 years.  Spend more on classics and get good quality that will last for years to come.

• Break the Bank (When Necessary)

Splurge (if you can) when needed.  Is that classic sofa taking up more of your budget than you anticipated?  You may need to compromise and spend more on  those classic pieces that will last forever.  Just remember: Do it right the first time and do it only once.

Don’t sweat the details of your budget.  If you planned on only spending $1000.00 on a sofa, and end up spending $2000.00 because you’re buying a great classic, adjust your budget accordingly and plan on spending less on all those great accessories (which by the way are also chuck-able because they were so affordable!).  Your bottom line can stay in tact while all the other numbers flex.

• Buy Smaller Trendy Items

If you must buy trends but are on a budget, don’t break the bank on these items.  When it comes time for you to get rid of it because the trend has passed, you won’t flush your money down the drain.

Make trendy purchases small, disposable ones: Things you won’t be afraid to get rid of like lamp shades, make-shift draperies and throw pillows.

• Buy Colours You Like

Buy colours you like, not what the colour trend is for that year.  If you like it today and you liked it 10 years ago, chances are you’ll like it 10 years from now too.

Trends are called trends for a reason: Here today, gone tomorrow.  If you must have some of this year’s hottest colours, put them on smaller items – toss cushions, throws and other accessories.  A good rule of thumb:  put classic neutrals on your larger, more costly items and change the smaller ones to follow trends or even to reflect seasonal changes.

• Keep the Big Picture in Mind

Eclecticism is an art.  If you’re not sure about mixing styles and patterns, and you’re making a major purchase, err on the side of caution and go back to your master plan.  Stick with neutrals and classic lines.  That bright orange leather slipper chair with the brushed metal legs on sale for $50.00…does it fit in with your French Country boudoir?  Not likely, right?  Don’t buy it (unless it’s for your modern home-away-from-home).

• Shop!

And if you can, shop a lot.  Just to clarify, “Shop” does not mean ‘Buy’.  Just shop (like when Mom used to take you into the city to “window shop” for all those amazing things we couldn’t afford).  Shopping will help you recognize what a good deal is and avoid impulse buys.  And it will help you be available when the good deals are available.  Always check out the clearance items.  Sometimes they’re junk, sometimes they’re goldmines.

• Spread the Word

If you can’t shop a lot, find someone who can or tell all your friends what it is you’re looking for.  Ten sets of eyes are better than one!  Use the Internet whenever possible to source new items before you spend precious hours scouring stores.

• Test Drive

Never buy an upholstered item without sitting on it first! Big mistakes can be made shopping on line for items that need to be comfortable.

• Read the Small Print.

Find out return policies before you buy.  Most custom pieces and window treatments can’t be returned.

• Follow a Floor Plan

Never (and I mean NEVER) buy anything without a first having a floor plan drawn up.  If you’re handy, tackle the plans yourself.  If not, a few hours of a professionals time is relatively inexpensive when compared to the alternative:  buying a sofa and loveseat that don’t fit in a room.

Ask yourself:

a) Do I know for a fact that I have enough space for this, and if so, will anything else fit in the room?!

b) Will this fit through my doorways?

c) Will this fit up my stairwell?

• Remember the Government.

Oh, that nasty word: taxes.  They often kill a budget that’s not built properly.

• Reuse and Recycle

Take a look around your house and find the hidden gems. What can be  painted, reupholstered or refinished?  What would a piece look like with new hardware or new legs?

Put your thoughts and plans on paper ahead of time. If your budget won’t let you to hire someone to do it for you, consider hiring a professional for a few hours just as a consultant.

A good decorator or designer can be your ‘sober second thought’. They’ll ask the questions you might not have considered during your planning. Best of all, they’ll help you develop a good strategy in your quest for a new and improved space!

Happy shopping!

Important Safety Resolutions to Start Your New Year Off Right

New year, new opportunities indicates weekly trips to the gym, carrots instead of candy and an opportunity to break bad habits. How about a resolution that goes beyond 2012 and keeps your children and home safe for years to come? This year, make it a priority to childproof your kitchen and clean beyond the countertops to keep your family happy and healthy all year long.

“Your kitchen never gets a day off,” said Doug Rogers, president of Mr. Appliance Corp. “Between hot appliances and sharp cooking utensils, kids can often be in danger of hurting themselves. Fortunately, homeowners can prevent most accidents by making a few simple adjustments and educating their children about kitchen safety.”

Follow these resolution tips from Mr. Appliance to keep your kitchen clean and your kids safe:

Refrigerator

• Keep items not safe for kids on higher shelves. Place juice boxes, apple slices and cheese sticks on the lower shelves for a healthy snack within your child’s reach.
• Soak refrigerator removable parts in the sink with warm, soapy water to remove stains from food spills to keep new produce as fresh as possible.
• Position refrigerator shelves to make it difficult for children to climb inside and close the door leaving your kitchen with a dangerous hide-and-seek spot.

Stove and Oven

• Turn pot and pan handles in and away from the edge of the stove so curious hands can’t pull them down.

• Remove oven racks and wash them by hand with warm water and soap to remove caked on food that can burn in your oven.

• Establish a “safety zone” marked by a small rug or area of the kitchen to keep kids several feet away from the oven while it’s hot.

Microwave Oven

• Wipe interior microwave surfaces with a mixture of two tablespoons baking soda and one quart water to remove food stains and keep your microwave clean for future use.
• Encourage children to use an oven mitt when removing a hot plate or bowl.
• Heat a microwave-safe bowl of vanilla extract for three minutes to give your kitchen a fresh scent.

Dishwasher

• Keep the dishwasher closed when you’re not loading or unloading. Sharp utensils inside can be dangerous to children.
• Create a “safety zone” when opening the door to a steam-heavy dishwasher to avoid burns from the hot steam. Teach children to wait for dishes to cool down before unloading.
• Give your dishwasher a fresh start to thoroughly clean your dishes. Remove food residue by running an empty dishwasher with a cup of white vinegar.

Most of these resolution tips can be accomplished in a matter of minutes and keep your home safe and energy efficient, too!  If you find a problem that you can’t handle, contact an appliance repair professional to help.

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