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The Appeal Of Stainless Steel
How did a material once relegated to the cold confines of commercial kitchens become the hottest trend in kitchen decorating? By getting the word out that it is extremely durable, hygienic, and water and heat resistant. Not to mention that it possesses eye-grabbing appeal.
First introduced to the residential market ten years ago, stainless steel has gained remarkable popularity in a relatively short period of time. Rarely is a new house complete or a kitchen renovation concluded without the addition of distinctive stainless steel appliances. The fridge, stove and dishwasher are the most traditional of stainless steel offerings, but recently the surge for steel has resulted in stainless countertops, cabinet faces and backsplashes. Although first depicted as a decorating trend, it is quickly becoming clear that stainless steel is a mainstream style that is here to stay.
Some homeowners are hesitant to decorate with the glossy steel for fear it will give off a cold feeling, not suited for a family kitchen. This is hardly the case if the material is mixed and matched with common kitchen materials. For instance, blending warm traditional kitchen finishes like maple or cherry cabinets with stainless steel will result in a fantastic, unique contrast. Stainless is also versatile enough to be partnered in a kitchen with black, white or bisque appliances.
The durability of stainless is another element of great appeal. The material is highly resistant to rust, discolouration and corrosion, easily maintaining its professional appearance for years. Perhaps the only drawback stainless possesses is its tendency to scratch easily, although some find the occasional mark adds character and substance. It also has an inclination to attract fingerprints, which can be a concern if children roam your home.
Fortunately, stainless steel is not a difficult material to maintain. Cleaning involves a wash down with a mild detergent, a rinse and then a polish with a dry cloth. Of course, before outfitting your kitchen with stainless steel style, be sure you have a proper bulletin board, as the non-magnetic tendencies of stainless make hanging your families' schedules on the fridge next to impossible. Depending on your perspective, this may be stainless steel's greatest quality of all!
First Impressions Count... For Buyers and Your Neighbours
The summer months are the perfect time to freshen up the exterior of your home. Whether it's for your pleasure or to impress potential buyers, you'll boost your home's curb appeal with these good old-fashioned cleaning tips:
- Edge the gardens, clean out debris
- Pull the weeds and rake the leaves
- Prune the plants and wooly shrubs
- Plant some urns by the entrance and flowers to the beds
- Tidy the garage of winter trappings
- Dispose of rusty broken garden décor
- Put out a fresh welcome mat and oil the front door
- Paint the windowsills, mailbox, and anything else that is looking tired
- Place clear light bulbs in exterior fixtures, and ensure burned out bulbs are replaced
- Reseal the driveway
- Hide the garbage cans
- Sweep the step
- Fix the saggy gutters
Who says cleaning has to hurt? Get the kids involved! Borrow or buy a power washer and have fun cleaning siding, windows, sills, railings, decking and patio furniture.
How to Make a Small Room Appear Bigger
Small rooms are the bane of the home decorator. How do you achieve a pleasing look that doesn't feel cramped and claustrophobic? Short of building an addition or knocking down walls, you are limited to a few, but effective, decorating tricks that create the illusion of space.
The strategic use of colour and light is the best way to achieve this. Choose light shades of paint or wallpaper for the walls. Lighter colours reflect light making for a brighter room. Use an even lighter shade of the same colour or white for ceilings and floors. A darker colour on the ceiling will make the ceiling look lower and tends to make the walls look as though they are closing in.
Avoid harshly contrasting colours. In fact, a monochromatic colour scheme that carries throughout the room into fabrics and accessories is very effective. Steer away from too many patterned items. The goal here is to blur perspective.
Anything you can do to bring light into the room will also give the effect of increased space. A corner wall sconce that casts light up onto the wall works well. Try to vary lighting effects for interest. A skylight is a great way to add light to a room, but isn't always practical or affordable. Mirrors are a great solution for small rooms. Place mirrors directly across from another for maximum impact. A mirror placed across from a window is also effective. Place a lamp in front of a mirror to add more light to your room.
If you have wood or patterned flooring, have it installed so that the lines run diagonally across the room. This makes for longer lines, which give the appearance of a larger space. When furnishing the room, pick objects that are proportioned to the size of the room. For example, opt for a loveseat over a full-sized sofa. Lastly, keep the clutter to a minimum. Avoid using a lot of knick-knacks and keep the room tidy and well organized.
A Breath of Fresh Air: Improving Your Home's Air Quality
Is the air in your home making you sick? It can be as innocuous as a persistent cough, rash or headache. But, for the very young, the elderly and those with respiratory disease, the effects of indoor air contamination can be far more serious. The very air you breathe could be affecting the comfort and health of your family. Recognizing the symptoms of poor air quality is the first step toward fixing the problem. Bad air can be the cause any of the following symptoms:
-fatigue
-headaches
-cold or flu symptoms such as coughing, congestion and sneezing
-redness or irritation of the eyes
-irritation of the nose or throat
-dry, chapped or irritated skin
-allergies
-asthma attacks
Your home may have bad air if you or your family continuously experience any of these indicators, primarily when spending time at home.
In some cases the cause is obvious. Cigarette smoke and pet dander, particularly in poorly ventilated areas, are common culprits. But in many cases, the source is hard to identify. You may be able to locate the source by centring your attention in rooms where symptoms are more severe. Your basement is a good place to start, as basements are breeding grounds for mould, another leading cause of poor air quality. Look for damp areas, mould and mildew and dust accumulation. Is there a musty smell in the air? Is drywall, carpet or drapery stained or discoloured? Chemical fumes from a recent renovation or fumes from an attached garage or workshop could also be to blame.
Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is an odourless gas caused by combustion sources like gas appliances, wood stoves/fireplaces and automobiles. Initial warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include sore throat, dizziness, headache and sleepiness - prolonged exposure can be fatal. Carbon monoxide detectors are available commercially and are required by law in some Canadian districts.
Solving the problem can be as easy as removing the source. Mould can be destroyed by cleansing the area with a mixture of one part chlorine bleach to four parts water. Wash the area thoroughly and let it stand for about 15 minutes before rinsing. To avoid recurrence, ensure that the affected area remains free of moisture. Contaminated carpet, underlay and furniture should be removed and discarded.
Routinely change furnace and air conditioner filters and keep your home clean and dust free. When removing the source is not possible or proves ineffective, there are other measures you can take:
-Improve ventilation in affected rooms
-Humid air can cause and exacerbate air quality. Consider purchasing a dehumidifier
-An air filtration system can be installed in the home
When symptoms are severe it is best to rely on a professional. Hire an environmental consulting company to analyze the air in your home, identify the cause and recommend a solution.
Seasonal Décor: Bringing the Outdoors In
Cooler winter temperatures and shorter daylight hours naturally limit the time we spend outside. Current interior design trends use nature punctuated w |