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Tips For Cleaning Lawn Furniture & Other Household Items

November 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

f_01310577479_20077199212577231.jpgLawn furniture is a terrific addition to any yard, especially if it’s large. Simply put, lawn furniture consists of anything that you would find inside of your home. Realistically, you could recreate a living room right in your own back yard. A bench, which is one of the most popular types of lawn furniture, could be used as a sofa while other chairs strategically placed could surround a wooden centerpiece coffee table.

For the family who loves to dine outdoors following an afternoon barbeque, an umbrella covered table with matching chairs is the way to go. Protection from the sunlight is provided by the umbrella while the seating offers a comfortable place to enjoy lunch. Swings are equally popular among the nature lover who is content to enjoy all of the beauty that nature has to offer. From a bird trotting through the grass or a honey bee bouncing from one dandelion to the next, an outdoor swing can provide a front row seat.

In order to keep your lawn furniture polished and ready for use, there are a few tips that will make the art of cleaning much simpler.

Lawn Furniture Tip # 1
Many commercial cleaning products are designed to be used as furniture polish, but a number of individuals suffer from allergies and are sensitive to the harsh smell of such products. In addition to this, many parents are not comfortable using harsh cleaners around their children. A good substitute for cleaning your lawn furniture may include a wet rag with anti-bacterial dish washing liquid being applied just before scrubbing. Be sure to rinse the soap away after you are done for a shiny, polished look.

Lawn Furniture Tip # 2
Even outside, dirt and dust can be a problem. Rather than leaving your lawn furniture covered in nature’s gunk, take a sheet of bounce to remove any loose products. Dust is attracted to Bounce and will cling to it right away, but this will only work on material that is not stuck to the surface. Once you are through, toss the bounce in the garbage and be on your way.

Lawn Furniture Tip # 3
Planning a dinner under the stars to celebrate your fancy new lawn furniture? If so, several lit candles will add to the beauty. You could use either a regular or scented candle, but make sure to use a jarred product to avoid a problem with wax. Without the security of a jar or candle holder, this could be a real problem. Make sure to put out the candles after use and bring them back inside the home.

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Many Don’t Like Victorian Furniture

November 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

f_21310577491_interiors-18.jpgCan you imagine that many people don’t like Victorian furniture? Once it was thought that Victorian furniture was great, but it seems that over the years that idea has changed. But still for some Victorian furniture is something of great value, and many still enjoy having a little piece of Victorian in their home.

Did you know that there are even 3 types of Victorian furniture? Many people probably don’t know that. But yes there are different types of Victorian furniture. The first is very large and highly decorated, the second is smaller but still highly decorated, and the third is smaller and is hardly decorated.

But the first type is rarely seen on the market, because they are found in Victorian homes. Even if the home is sold it is likely that the furniture will stay in the home. One reason is that it would be too hard to remove it from the home, as it will be too large and heavy.

The second type is more popular and many people are buying them these days. The furniture is a lot smaller yet it still looks like the first type of Victorian furniture. This way it can fit better in your home and be better to transport. It is also decorated and carved very well like the first type, which appeals to many people.

The third type of Victorian furniture is simpler and less decorated of the other two. Yet it still looks pretty nice and appeals to some people, because it is a lot less expensive then the first two types of Victorian furniture. Good places to look for these are at auctions and antique shops.

So if you really love Victorian Furniture, there is one that can fit your budget. You won’t have to compromise the style for a cheaper piece of furniture.

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Don’t Build Without A Hardwood Floor

October 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

f_11310577243_homefountain2.jpgAs an interior designer, I get the privilege of working with people in all of the stages of designing and building the home of their dreams. I cannot imagine a better job because I can hardly wait to get out of bed each morning to get to work. I love helping people talk through and make decisions about the big and the small parts of designing and creating the home that is best for them. There are only a couple of things that I insist on in the building process, but having a hardwood floor at least somewhere in the home I will not compromise on.

I believe that adding a hardwood floor or two into your home plans is one of the best things that future home owners can do. Why? Because nothing adds beauty, uniqueness and a level of class like adding a hardwood floor to a home. We have all been in homes that boast lovely hardwood floors, so we all know what it feels like and looks like to add that kind of beauty and elegance to a home.

There are many great ways to add a hardwood floor into the plans of your dream home. Many people choose to put a hardwood floor into their entryway, kitchen and dining room of their home plans. This can be a great idea because it really makes a great first impression to everyone that enters your home. It allows people to see that you really value your living space and that you cared enough to place a hardwood floor where many of your guests would be and where much of your family time would be spent.

Another great place to include a hardwood floor into your house plans is to the master bedroom suite. Nothing adds elegance and class to a master suite like plans for a hardwood floor. We’ve all been in master suites that feel a little bit like a kids room because they are covered with carpet that you’ll find throughout the rest of the home. Perhaps the better choice is to set your master suite apart by having a hardwood floor throughout the room and the bathroom. This way your room feels special and sacred at the end of a long day.

There are so many options for including a hardwood floor into your house plans, I’m not sure where to start or how to end. Just know that a hardwood floor is a great addition to any house plan and that it can be budgeted in to your plans with ease.

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