If your vinyl shower curtain liner has developed black spots, especially in some of the folds, it is probably mildew rather than dirt. It’s perfectly OK to wash it in your washer. Most good-quality vinyl shower curtain liners will survive years of washing. This method works very well with top load washers. Our first attempt […]
how-tos
Posted inAt Home, Blog
How to Restore Indoor Teak Furniture — Part 2
It is best to leave outdoor teak tables, chairs and benches unfinished and sanded to weather to a beautiful silvery-grey color (as shown in this photo). But if your indoor teak furniture, especially a table top, has been exposed to sunlight for several years, it probably has a rougher feel due to the grain being […]
Posted inAt Home, Blog
Turn a Boring Floor into a Piece of Art with Faux Paint
My husband turned to me a couple of weeks ago and said, “You know that vintage area rug you’ve got downstairs in our basement studio, trying to cover up the plywood floor? I’ve always hated that. What I’d like to see down there is something more artistic, like an acid-washed concrete floor.” So, I started […]
Posted inBlog, Gardeners Corner
Enjoy the Versatility of Lavender by Growing Your Own
An old-fashioned, fragrant herb, lavender colors the garden with a purple haze in midsummer. This herb is so popular, it has its own festivals. Lavender’s reputation is attributed to its beauty in the garden and diversity of use, from aromatherapy to crafting. The characteristics of lavender are legendary. Culinary, crafting and medicinal recipes have been […]
Posted inAt Home, Blog
Celebrate Summer by Making Your Own Cool Popsicles
Summer has officially arrived and for me that brings forth childhood memories of hearing the ice cream truck music off in the distance. I would scramble to the house and scrounge around to get enough change together before the truck passed me by. My favorite was the red, white and blue Rocket Pop. Mmmm… taste […]
Posted inAt Home, Blog
How to Restore the Color of Teak Furniture
A client who has a 1960s Danish oiled-teak dining table was recently inquiring how to safely restore the original color of the furniture. The table has dark spots in several places, and the client wanted to know what to do to get back the original look — rich and warm brown. If you have teak […]
Posted inAt Home, Blog
How to Properly Install a Bedroom Mirror
Installing a mirror is easy but it does require a little bit of planning. Here’s how to install a full-length mirror on the back of a bedroom door without a fuss. If the door is solid wood, then metal or plastic clips will work. However, many doors are hollow-core and screws will not hold a […]
Posted inAt Home, Blog
Home Décor Tips: How to Mix the Old with the New
A client asked me recently whether modern and traditional pieces can mix together in the same room. She had inherited some traditional sofas and chairs from her grandmother, but her husband prefers more modern and simpler look. The two styles are not mutually exclusive! The sizes, and especially the seat heights, are a more important […]
Posted inAt Home, Blog
The Top 4 Remodeling Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make
After years of dreaming and planning, you’re ready to remodel your house into the home of your dreams. Before you take the plunge, keep these four important mistakes far away from your project. 1. Not fully researching your remodeler By skipping this step, you can cost yourself frustration, time and money. Be sure to investigate […]