Thursday, May 31, 2018
How to care for your solid wood furniture!
This post is provided by Boris Goncearenco.
The furniture, made of natural wood, is distinguished by its high aesthetics, beauty and being environmentally friendly. Such furniture will always be in fashion and is sold by a big number of online furniture retailers like NY Furniture Outlets, Wayfair, etc. And although modern furniture made of wood is covered with all sorts of high-quality lacquers, you still need to know how to clean the furniture so that it will please your glance for a long time with its flawless appearance.
Basic care rules
Natural wood is one of those materials that require constant care. Wipe the wooden furniture with a damp and dry cloth at least one a week. The ideal option is a soft fabric or suede. Sometimes you can clean furniture with special tools, but these should not contain ammonia, abrasives or solvents. It will be also good to treat the surface with wax, vinegar or burdock oil.
Right climate for your furniture
For wooden furniture, the room temperature should not drop below 60ºF. However, too high temperatures also may have negative effect on furniture. For example, placing heating devices near furniture covered with wood veneers or made of solid wood can lead to deformation of the finish layer, appearance of blisters and bubbles. Relative humidity in the room with wooden furniture should not exceed 65%. It is advisable to avoid direct exposure to direct sunlight.
Cleaners and polishers
Hundreds of manufacturers of household chemicals offer a variety of means to care for furniture- cleansers, sprays, polishes, waxes, wet wipes, etc. When making your purchase, you should exclude products that contain acetone and silicone compounds. Preference should be given to polishes based on natural ingredients- beeswax, olive and linseed oil.
Avoid direct sunlight
On bright sunny days, especially if the room in which the furniture is located is on the sunny side, it is recommended to darken the windows with translucent curtains or blinds so that they scatter light and prevent direct sunlight from reaching the surface of wooden furniture.
Solid wood furniture care
There are also special features of care for the solid wood furniture:
1. When cleaning the facades, the wood must be wiped in the direction of the pattern, thus removing dirt from the pores of the wood.
2. Steam cleaning is not suitable for cleaning furniture from solid wood.
3. Dry cleaning of straight panels made of natural wood can be carried out with a vacuum cleaner and soft brush nozzle.
4. Water may not harm the surfaces of the facades, but it can adversely affect the base material. It is always necessary to immediately wipe the water that has fallen on the surface of the furniture so that moisture does not penetrate into its base, for example, through the seams or pores.
Most important thing to keep in mind
Monthly maintenance of solid wood and veneered furniture should contain:
-dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner with a soft nozzle
-wiping the surface with a soft cloth (flannel, suede or velvet) in the direction of the wood pattern so that the dust does not remain in the pores
-in case of scratches and other minor defects, it is better to wipe them with a special mastic of the appropriate color, applying it to a clean, dry surface
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Cottage & Bungalow decorative pillow and table lamp!
Recently, I was contacted by Cottage & Bungalow to review their beautiful products. After checking out their website, I immediately agree!
Cottage & Bungalow is a wonderful company offering distinguished coastal furniture, beach decor and accessories that are handpicked for their design and quality. On their website, you will also find custom handcrafted furniture of highest quality crafted by artisans. With endless selections from laid-back pieces to elegant and luxurious furnishings, you will find something you love at Cottage & Bungalow!
Here are some of my favorite items from Cottage & Bungalow!
Such beautiful pieces! I love how effortlessly chic and casual they look! For today's review, I have chosen a pretty decorative pillow and a table lamp to spruce up my guest bedroom. Here they are!
Check out my guest bedroom mini makeover!
I really love the new additions in my guest bedroom!
Measuring at 12"x16", this small pillow creates a big impact in the room, thanks to its beautiful intricate patterns. It really gives the room an added visual interest and a dose of boho flair, don't you think? It comes with an insert and is removable for the occasional cleaning.
This table lamp is absolutely stunning and brings me so much joy! Thanks to its coral design, this lamp exudes an effortlessly casual, coastal feel. The beautiful glass base adds a touch of style and elegance to the overall design.
Both products are truly gorgeous and well-made. I couldn't be happier with both my choices. Highly recommended!
On a side note, the first coral table lamp I received was broken during transit. However, I was sent a new lamp promptly. Needless to say, I am pleased with their amazing customer service!
Don't forget to check out Cottage & Bungalow when you have a moment. Currently, they are running a sale with a 20% on selected rugs, bedding and pillows with sales ending tonight!
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Tree management, removal and safety!
This post is provided by Jesse Hughes.
Trees live for a very long time but at some point they are likely to need to be removed, or at the very least pruned. When they are small this is not likely to be an issue but as they grow you are likely to need professional help.
This is particularly true if you are looking to use a tree removal service in Sydney. No matter how long your tree has been alive, regular maintenance will help it to stay healthy and extend its life.
While it may be tempting to do the work yourself, there are several good reasons why the management, removal and safety of your trees should be entrusted to a professional:
Regulations
In Australia, you cannot remove or even prune certain trees without getting permission from the local authority. Even if the tree is diseased or a danger; it needs to be verified by a professional.
Alongside this if you prune a tree that you do not think is on the list and you turn out to be wrong you can face a hefty fine.
The prudent and recommended approach is to get a professional in to verify the type of tree you are dealing with. They can confirm this is writing, allowing you to prune your tree or use their services.
Safety
Have you ever seen a tree fall? You may be surprised to discover just how far it can go and how much damage it can do in the process.
Of course, you would be attempting to make it fall in a certain place, but unless you are a professional this is harder than it appears.
A professional tree removal specialist will have the right equipment to bring your tree down without causing harm to other properties or people nearby. You will be grateful you used them.
Insurance
A good tree management company will have all the relevant insurances to cover you and themselves should anything go wrong with the felling or pruning.
Trees are surprisingly heavy, even a large branch can squash a car. It pays to have the right insurance to ensure there are no issues after the event.
Knowledge
Knowledge is often underrated but it is essential. You may think that your favorite tree is dead and needs to be removed, a specialist will know if it is or if it can be saved. They have the knowledge to help you make the right decision for the tree and your surroundings.
The opposite is also true; sometimes a healthy tree needs to be removed simply because its roots are starting to cause an issue for your foundations or the road nearby.
You may not spot the issue but a tree specialist will. This is why it is so important to create a schedule for your tree maintenance and to find a professional firm that will handle all your needs.
Their assistance will ensure you are complying with all the relevant regulations and your trees are removed and managed in a professional and environmentally friendly way.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Five Tips For Decorating Your Home On A Budget!
This post is provided by Boris Dzingarov.
Home décor projects do not always have to be expensive. There are tons of simple ideas that you can implement without investing much money or hiring an expert. By investing in the beauty of your home, you will boost the serenity and value. Below are some simple tips you can apply to get the beauty you want without breaking the bank.
Make A Budget
If you will be buying anything, make a budget and identify how much you can comfortably spend. Without a budget, you may be tempted to spend more than you can afford because home décor items are very attractive.
Highlight Your Plan
What do you want to achieve at the end of the project? Which rooms do you want to transform? Which ones should be given a priority? These are some of the factors you should consider when planning for an interior decor project. You can have as many items on your list as possible. However, when it comes to implementing, tackle one project at a time. This will allow you to focus and get the best output.
Use What You Have
If you are not ready to invest any money, start with what you have at home. Use the beautiful fabric you have to sew new covers for your throw pillows. Rearrange the shelves and paint some of your walls with a new colorful paint. Be careful with the paint to avoid damaging your furniture and floors. The empty bottles can also be transformed to colorful flower vases with a little spray paint. There is so much you can do with what you already have at home.
Check out some DIY ideas on the internet and use your creativity too. You will be surprised by how much DIY can help in transforming your home into a beautiful space.
Hire An Expert
You can hire an expert even when on a tight budget. You only have to list a number of suitable interior decorators and compare their rates to choose the most affordable one. Alternatively, you can hire a consultant to create a design for you and then you handle the rest of the work by yourself.
Shop Wisely
When you go shopping, take your time and compare different options. Look for the most affordable option that suits your needs. For instance, ePlanters has a variety of indoor planters, each with a varying price. While all of them are beautiful, not each of them will be suitable for your project. Do not forget to look for offers and discounts as these can help you in saving money.
Another shopping tip is to shop for second-hand items. Take advantage of your neighbors’ garage sales and look for online deals too. You can get some very good deals when you shop for used products. Many people associate second-hand products with poor quality and damage, but this is not the case. Most of the second-hand items are normally as good as new.
By making use of what you have, doing it by yourself, shopping wisely, and seeking affordable interior decor services, you will be able to decorate on a budget.
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Four Ways To Greenify Your Bedroom Design!
This post is provided by Boris Dzhingarov.
So, you have decided you want to be more eco-conscious in your home, and now it is time to renovate your bedroom with a greener approach. Figuring out where to start when you have never done anything like this before can be difficult, but with a bit of research you should have no problem coming up with new additions that are in line with your goals and principles. With that said, here are four things you can do to add flair and cleanliness to any bedroom.
Organic Bedding
The bedding is often overlooked during bedroom design, but if you are wanting to go full green it would be best to opt for organic bed sheets, blankets, and pillow cases. Conventional bedding is typically made in a factory using all sorts of potentially harmful chemicals that are not only bad for the environment but are also not ideal for skin contact on a regular basis. Furthermore, when you shake up the bedding, all of those fibers and chemicals are released into the air, creating allergens and airborne toxins that are not present in organic bedding sets. Fortunately, popular brands like SOL Organics have extensive catalogs of all kinds of bedding made from fully organic and eco-friendly materials.
House Plants
What better way to go green than to add some actual greenery to your surroundings? Plants not only give your bedroom a more natural appearance, they also provide the benefit of releasing fresh oxygen and aromas into the air, which can make a for a more airy and fresh feeling overall. Of course, they also add an extra artistic touch that simply can not be matched by plastic plants or paintings.
Motion Sensor Lighting
A great way to save on your energy bill and reduce your bedroom's carbon footprint is to install motion sensor activated lighting that only turns on when someone enters the room and turns off automatically when you leave. Likewise, you may want to opt for dimmable lighting fixtures to avoid using the full blub wattage during evening times when stronger lighting is not needed.
More Sunlight
In addition to using motion sensors and dimmable lighting, another way to reduce your dependency on artificial lighting is to let more natural sunlight into your bedroom through the addition or expansion of windows or sky lights. Using partially translucent curtains- those that let light in but do not let light out- is a good way to boost natural room lighting without compromising privacy.
It All Adds Up To Eco-Friendly Style And Comfort!
Many people associate environmental consciousness with hippies and rustic living spaces, but in reality, there are many modern home designers who have begun to specialize in organic and clean interior design. As a result, it is now easier than ever to find wholesome components and additions regardless of the theme or style you are going for. Ultimately, all of the above improvements can be done in the course of a weekend and once you have finished you will be glad that your bedroom is clean, energy efficient, and tailored to your ethics and preferences.
Thursday, May 3, 2018
Four Signs You Need A New Air Conditioning System!
This post is provided by Zoe Price.
Sometimes it is hard to know whether you need to repair or replace a major appliance. The issue gets more complicated when the items are a constant source of maintenance and repair. Here are 4 signs you need a new air conditioning system.
It Is More Than Ten Years Old.
There are several reasons you want to replace an AC as it ages. The first is that it is wearing out, and every day that goes by, the odds of a catastrophic failure go up. The second is the fact that technology is getting better every year. The newer air conditioners are more efficient than your existing unit, just as new refrigerators use a third or less of the power your twenty-year-old fridge uses. If the air conditioner is more than ten years old, you will probably want to replace it with something more reliable and energy efficient.
The Cost To Repair Is Half Or More The Cost To Replace.
Depending on who you ask, it is time to replace something when the cost of a repair is one third to one half the cost of a new unit. This rule of thumb comes from the known trend that once you have a big costly repair, you are due for another one, and two repairs worth the cost of a new unit are not worth it. In that case, it would have been better to just replace the unit. Two repairs that are both a third of the cost of a new unit mean it is on its way downhill, and you would save yourself a lot of aggravation if you just put a new unit in.
You can get quotes from contractors for the cost of the repairs. To get the cost of replacing the unit, use Porch's air conditioning installation calculator.
It Just Does Not Do The Job.
It is possible that the air conditioner is undersized for your home. If you bought a right-sized unit, you could keep your house comfortable and do so without as high of an electric bill.
Another issue is if you keep finding the unit failing to keep its cool. Maybe the unit keeps leaking refrigerant. Perhaps your system is generating fumes and debris that keep clogging the filters. In either case, its deterioration is preventing it from working properly. You could continue with all the little fixes and recharges, or you could simply get a new unit that works well.
Poor Indoor Air Quality
If you are constantly changing your air filters and can not get rid of that smell or aggravating fine particulate in the air, you may need to replace your air conditioner. There are times when the issue is a blocked drain or filters that need to be replaced, but if maintenance to clear those common causes just does not cut it, you may need to replace the air conditioner instead. This is especially true if the unit is generating a chemical or burning smell before spreading it through the house.
If the unit is getting old or expensive to maintain, replace it. And if you think it is the cause of your poor indoor air quality, it needs to be checked out at a minimum, if not replaced.
Tuesday, May 1, 2018
Product review- Latest Bedding quilt set!
Recently, I was offered a chance to try the Black Bear Lodge Quilt Set from Latest Bedding.
I have received a queen set which includes 1 quilt and 2 shams. The quilt measures 86 inches wide x 86 inches long and each pillow sham measures 20 inches wide x 26 inches long.
The Black Bear Lodge Quilt Set features moose, black bears, evergreen trees and snow-capped mountains with a reversible native print. I can envisioned this bedding in an alpine cabin or rustic lodge or in a child's bedroom with a wilderness adventure or a camping theme.
Made with a combination of cotton and polyester, this bedding is machine washable. Unlike most bedding set, this bedding set is thin enough to be use during spring, summer and fall. During cold winter months, this quilt can be used as a bed topper for extra warmth.
Thanks to its multi-colored design, this rustic bedding quilt set can be used with a variety of sheet sets and blankets. The reversible design is so versatile. When the quilt is fold over slightly, you can get a peek of the native print which adds another layer of visual interest to the overall design. Such a nice touch, don't you think?
Don't forget to check out Latest Bedding for more lovely beddings when you get a chance!
*I have received this product to review for free but the views and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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