Showing posts with label interior design. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interior design. Show all posts

Monday, April 14, 2014

Outdoor Living: Pillows and Other Accessories | Pottery Barn

Here are some ideas on how you can decorate your outdoor living area into a cosy relaxing haven.




Monday, March 24, 2014

How to Make Your Own Nautical Centerpiece : Themed Centerpieces

Find out how to DIY your very own nautical centerpiece from an experienced crafts professional.




Monday, March 17, 2014

How to Make a Gallery Wall

Transform your ordinary wall into a gallery wall.




Monday, March 10, 2014

The Indigo Collection | Pottery Barn

Take a look at how these indigo pieces inject personality into any room.




Friday, February 28, 2014

Monday, February 24, 2014

Mating Vertical Cabinet Trim With Baseboard : Good Wood & Slim Trim

Wade Shaddy gives you tips on merging a vertical cabinet trim into a baseboard.




Monday, February 17, 2014

How to Spackle Nail Holes before Painting | Pottery Barn

Sherwin-Williams demonstrates how to conceal nail holes on your walls before you start painting them.




Monday, February 3, 2014

Friday, January 31, 2014

Youthfully Teenage Bedroom Ideas

Discover more interior design inspirations for the teenager in this video.




Monday, January 20, 2014

Neutral Wall Paint Ideas | Pottery Barn

A renewed insight on why neutral wall paint colours are a wonderful choice!




Monday, January 6, 2014

Monday, September 30, 2013

Interior Design First look and Next Up on The Design Network...

Designers Alexandre Blazys and Benoit Gerard transform the hallway into a lounge area and office.




Monday, July 22, 2013

Room tour #48 Shared Bedroom winner

In this video, Rebecca deals with Amirah's request from Singapore to do a makeover for her room which she shares with her 3 sisters.




Monday, July 15, 2013

beach ocean themed rooms

Wow! Check out this amazing ocean-theme bedroom and living room.




Monday, May 27, 2013

Sisal Stair Runner | The Garden Home Challenge With P. Allen Smith

Sisal rugs - made from durable natural fibres and static-proof - are great as stair runners.




Monday, May 13, 2013

Interior Design Seashell Candles ... a DIY project!

Here's some beach inspired home decor ideas for those who love the ocean. San Diego Interior Designer Rebecca Robeson and Greyson Darrow guide you through the process.




Friday, May 10, 2013

How to Decorate Rooms for Moms & Babies: Baby Room Décor

Preparing for your baby's arrival but unsure on the essential items needed for your baby nursery? Christina will give you some guidance.




Monday, May 6, 2013

The Grout Solution

You know that icky black stuff in between your tiles? The grim that takes so much effort to get rid off? Well, apparently there's an easier and greener way to do it. I'm all for green methods, especially if it means I have to break into much less sweat. Heh.

Why is it important to maintain the grout?
Cleaning the grout isn't just about keeping up appearances. The grout should be maintained for hygienic purposes as well. Mould and mildew can accumulate in the spaces between the tiles. When this happens, it can lead to contamination and disease.

It is only natural for grout to become dirty, because after all, it does get exposed to traffic, air, and water. It is not about preventing the inevitable. It is about finding easy solutions to cleaning up the scum.

Use oxygen bleach to clean the grout.
Powdered oxygen bleach is an ideal cleaning method because it is safe and non-toxic. These two descriptions are golden, considering that tiles are used frequently in kitchens. Also, oxygen bleach does not release harsh fumes when they are used.

The oxygen bleach cleans the grout by breaking down the molecules that make up the stains on the grout. To use the oxygen bleach, mix it with warm water. Soak the tiles, especially the grout lines, for about 15 minutes. Simply scrub away the stains after.

Commercially available chemicals are definitely effective in cleaning up grout. However, they are not the only answers. Explore other greener solutions, such as oxygen bleach and even baking soda and vinegar. Not only are they inexpensive, they are also better for the environment.

Maintain the grout every day.
Keeping the grout looking clean is not just a once-a-week thing. Many homeowners – this one included – would agree that the easiest way to keep the space looking clean is to take small, constant steps. The same principle holds true with grout. When mopping the tiled floors, add a little bit of oxygen bleach powder to the water.

Another way to ensure that the tiles look new is to install a means of ventilation in the room. Grout becomes mouldy when there is excess moisture. Place an exhaust fan in the kitchen or bathroom so that the humidity is regulated. Keeping the moisture at bay will lessen the need for vigorous cleaning.

Finally, clean up spills as quickly as possible. Grout is porous so when staining agents come in contact with it, (Orange juice! Tomato sauce! Wine!) it can be discoloured. Prevent this from happening by mopping up the mess with soap and water.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Buzz Off!

Solving your mosquito problem

Mosquitoes are more than just an annoyance. They can be a serious problem because they are potential carriers of diseases like malaria. Fortunately, there are ways to control their existence at home.
















Keep your surroundings clean.
Routinely check the home and nearby areas for places where mosquitoes can breed. Get rid of any stagnant pools of water, as these are where mosquitoes lay their eggs. Do not just look at the obvious places - mosquitoes can even breed in puddles that form near the garden hose. Some species only take 4 days to turn from eggs to adults!

Mosquitoes can be quite clever and it does not take much water for the larvae to survive. For instance, mosquitoes can lay their eggs inside trash cans, if water collects at the bottom. Make sure the flower pots have sufficient drainage so there is no standing water.

Clean out the gutters of the house regularly. If leaves and other debris collect in the gutters, the water will not drain properly. These places can be used as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

For places where the water can be drained, a good tip is to put a few drops of dishwashing liquid to the water. The soap will prevent the eggs from developing into adult mosquitoes.

Keep the mosquitoes away.
Be proactive in keeping the mosquitoes away. There are some easy steps that can be done in order to make your body less attractive to these pests. Aside from specially formulated lotions to keep mosquitoes away, there are some household items that can be used.

Mosquitoes do not like the smell of fabric softener, so use them when washing the clothes. It is also a good idea to stuff a few fabric softener sheets on your pockets while working in mosquito-prone area. Another interesting method is to use a minty-smelling substance such as mouthwash or a cold rub. Simply apply to exposed areas of skin to prevent bites.

In the event that you have already been bitten, do not scratch. Use calamine lotion or spritz on some hairspray to the affected area to stop the itching.

Use plants as natural repellents.
Mosquitoes are naturally adverse to some plants. Citronella, lemongrass, and horsemint have scents that mosquitoes cannot stand. Another useful plant to have around is rosemary. Aside from being a wonderful addition to recipes, rosemary can drive away mosquitoes as well.

Some flowering plants can also be used as a means to keep the mosquitoes at bay. An example is the marigold. Plant these on the ground, or place them in flower pots as a cheerful means of protection.