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Holiday Home Furnishings

The holiday season gives us a reason to celebrate with loved ones, get stuffed on food, and for some of us, refurbish our home! While the Christmas season does demand festive decorations, we may also want to consider purchasing new furniture to accommodate our guests. Before you start spending, consider these options to make sure you’re catering to your specific gathering needs:

Dining Room

The dining room table is considered the centerpiece of every home during the holiday gatherings. Factor in these elements to make sure your dining room is both stylish and comfortable for your guests to feast:

Shape. The key to deciding on the appropriate shape for your table is to know the number of guests you’re expecting. Rounded tables provide a more intimate setting for small gatherings. However, it can have an opposite effect with larger groups – a round table that’s too big may leave your guests struggling to hold a conversation across the table. For a seating of 12, a rectangular table would be most practical. Oval tables fare well with medium-sized groups, while square or rounded tables work best with small groups. If you can, find an expandable table that allows you to remove its leaves to best serve gatherings of various sizes.
Style. The style of your table should match the overall style of your dining room. According to the experts of Cape Coral, FL painters, pairing the right furniture with the right wall color is the key. Antique-style furniture creates a more historical setting for your dining room while showcasing beautiful craftsmanship and pairs well with richly toned colors, like burgundy or navy. If your room is more contemporary, we suggest opting for a glass or marble tabletop in a room painted in lighter hues. When choosing materials, mahogany and walnut provide a formal appearance while oak, while cherry and pine give a casual and relaxed feel.

Living Room Furniture

Does your living room look uninspiring and in need of a makeover? Before you head over to the furniture store, make sure you get these things in check:

Measure your room. Take note of the length and width of the room.
Devise a floor plan. Sketch a few different plans to determine how much space you’ll need for holiday furniture.
Check the size of doorways. The last thing you want is to find out your newly bought furniture can’t fit through the doors. Make sure you measure your doorways accurately.
Consider how the room is used. If you plan to have your guests gather in this room during a party instead of staying in the dining room, consider increasing the number of furnishings you buy.
Determine the space for your Christmas tree. What is Christmas without a classic old Christmas tree? Make sure you set a space for your tree while leaving additional space on the ground for presents.

Once you’ve gone to the store and bought your furniture, it’s time to arrange it!

Sense of entry. Make your rooms open and welcoming to your guests by setting an easy path for them to walk through it. There should be a clear path that separates the seating areas and dining areas. This way, separate conversations can take place on each side.
Intimacy. If you have a large living room, consider arranging your furniture into small groups. Your guests can sit down in clusters to engage in conversation instead of having to lean over the coffee table to talk.
Forget about television. Television can be a means to relax at times, but for holiday parties, it actually serves as a diversion from good conversations. Rearrange your furniture so it faces the opposite direction and fosters conversation between guests.
Allow foot traffic. Don’t forget to leave some space between furniture to allow for pathways. By allowing enough space for foot traffic, our guests will be able to circulate your rooms with ease.

This time of year can be stressful if you’re not well-prepared for the heavy traffic of family and friends in your house. However, don’t let that ruin your holiday mood. With the right setting, you and your guests can focus comfortably on what really counts – each other!

Stain Removal Solutions

Owning a home is guaranteed to come with a fair share of messes. Sometimes, cleaning up can be a breeze. Other times, messes create set-in stains that require more work to remove. While there isn’t one cure-all solution to removing stains, you can treat specific stains with the right information and cleaning supplies.

The following cleaning keywords are mentioned throughout this guide. For reference, here are their definitions and/or instructions on how to make these cleaning solutions:

Tepid Water – A mix of two parts cold water to one part boiling water, also known as luke-warm water.
Tamp – To press lightly on an area, usually with a soft-bristle brush.
Enzyme Detergent – These types of detergent contain enzymes that are a type of protein that enables effective cleaning at lower temperatures. Common enzymes in detergents include Amylase (for starch stains), Lipase (for fat and oil stains), Protease (for protein stains), and Cellulose (for organic matter).
Washing Soda – When baking soda is heated to a high temperature, it breaks down to become washing soda. To make your own, simply heat baking soda on a shallow pan in the oven at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. The baking soda will turn from its powdery, crystallized, salt-like state into a grainy, dull powder of individual grains that can be used in a number of cleaning applications.

Removing Stains From Clothing

When it comes to clothing stains, acting as quickly as possible will yield the best results. Any type of liquid stain on clothing should be treated gently. Regardless of what caused the stain, start removing it by blotting up any excess liquid with a cloth, working from the outside-in so as to avoid spreading the stain. To remove the stain completely, determine what caused the stain first to take the best course of action.

Grease (Butter, Oil, Mayo): Use a dry solvent to treat the stained area, then rinse with isopropyl alcohol. Allow time for the garment to dry. Spray the remaining residue with diluted dishwashing soap, then soak the garment in an enzyme detergent before machine washing.
Fruit/Vegetable Juice: Remove sugars from the garment by spraying the area with diluted dish soap. To remove any remaining color, use an eyedropper to flush the stain with white vinegar and/or hydrogen peroxide. Finally, soak the garment in an enzyme detergent prior to machine washing.
Red Wine: Spray diluted dish soap onto the stain and use a soft-bristle brush to tamp the area. Be sure to brush softly to avoid pilling the material. Then, apply white vinegar and tamp again. After a few minutes, rinse the area with water. If the stain persists, try using hydrogen peroxide or ammonia, then treat with an enzyme detergent and machine wash regularly.
White Wine: Unlike red wine, white wine is much easier to remove. Flush the area with cold water, then use a diluted dish soap solution to treat the area. Follow up with a soak in enzyme detergent, then wash the garment normally.
Coffee/Tea: Remove the stain by using an eye dropper to flush the area with lemon juice or white vinegar. If there was sugar or milk in the beverage, treat with a diluted dish detergent and then an enzyme detergent prior to washing to help remove any residue.
Mustard: Remove excess mustard from the garment, dabbing to prevent spreading the stain. Use vinegar to flush the stain, then hand-wash carefully with a diluted dish soap solution.
Sauce (Ketchup, BBQ): Wipe away excess sauce, then spray on a diluted dish detergent. Soak in tepid water, then treat with enzyme detergent, and wash normally.
Soy Sauce: Spray the stained area with diluted dish soap, then tamp lightly with a soft-bristle brush. Flush with water and white vinegar and continue to tamp the affected area. If the stain persists, use a drop or two of ammonia, then flush with water. Finish the job by treating the area with an enzyme detergent and washing normally.
Vinaigrette: Treat these types of stains as you would a grease stain, then flush with white vinegar to remove any excess stain. Wash normally using an enzyme detergent.
Paint: For latex-based paints, the experts of Humble painters say that it’s important to act quickly. Start by scraping away excess paint with a spoon. Blot the area with dish detergent and water, then rinse away the solution. Repeat this process until the stain is removed. For oil-based paints, do not use water! Instead, use oil-paint solvents, like Distilled Turpentine, to safely remove oil paint stains. Simply spray the area with the solution and rub against the stain to remove it. Once the paint has been removed, soak the garment in warm water and dish detergent to remove excess grease.
Ink: Set-in ink stains are almost impossible to remove, so working on an ink stain as soon as possible is always the best course of action. Avoid blotting the area, and never rub the stain, as this can spread the ink. Barring that the ink has not set in, rubbing alcohol will work to remove the stain. Dab a cotton ball soaked with rubbing alcohol onto the stain. To prevent worsening the stain, use a fresh cotton ball once the ink has transferred from the garment to the cotton ball or sponge. Rinse the garment with water and allow it to dry, then wash it normally.
Blood (Protein): Spray the blood stain with diluted dish soap and allow time for it to soak. Rinse in tepid water and wash normally with enzyme detergent if necessary. Be sure to use cold water when dealing with blood stains; warm water can cause the blood to coagulate and spread, making the stain worse.
Urine: Fill a sink or bucket large enough to fit the garment with 2 parts hot water, 1 part cold water, and 1 part white vinegar. Soak the stained area for up to 45 minutes, then wash normally. Air dry the garment to ensure the stain is gone.

To learn more about removing specific types of stains from your clothing, use this stain removal chart as a reference.

Removing Stains From Flooring

Spills are bound to happen in your home, whether you’re entertaining guests or have a house full of toddlers. As with all stains, the best way to remove a stain from any type of flooring is to first know what caused the stain. Use this guide to treat the type of flooring you have in your home with the right stain removal method.

Carpets: The most common carpet stains include juice, pet stains, coffee, blood, and ink. To remove these stains, a mixture of water, dish detergent, and white vinegar will usually do the trick. The vinegar will work to neutralize any odors, while the soapy water will work to remove the stain from the carpet fibers. Regardless of the cause of the stain, always remember to blot away any excess first, then blot the area with cleanser, and repeat as necessary until the stain is gone.
- For pet stains specifically, it’s best to use a commercial cleaner designed specifically to work on those types of stains and remove any set-in odors.
- For blood stains, it’s important to use a mixture of cold water and soap. Cold water will prevent the blood from coagulating and spreading, which can cause the stain to spread and sink deeper into carpet fibers.
- With ink stains, alcohol works best. Blot the area with a cloth soaked in alcohol to prevent the ink from spreading. Allow the area to dry, then vacuum away any excess.
- To remove water- and latex-based paints from carpeting, remove excess paint first, then a solution of dish detergent and water and a soft-bristle brush to remove the stain completely. For oil-based paint stains, remove the excess paint first, then use a solvent like Distilled Turpentine cleanse the carpet of the paint.
Hardwood: Removing stains from hardwood poses the threat of water soaking into the wood, which can cause it to rot. Conversely, using harsh cleaners can strip the wood of its finish, causing it to dull. The best way to remove stains from hardwood is to use a homemade cleaning solution.
- Rubbing the area with a damp cloth soaked in warm water will remove most stains from pets, blood, juice, and other sticky substances, like candy. Be sure that the cloth is not dripping wet when you use it to prevent excess water from soaking into the floor. For more stubborn stains, try using a cloth dampened with vinegar or iodine.
- To remove pet stains from hardwood, create a paste of white vinegar and baking soda. Layer this onto the affected area, and let it stand until it dries completely. Wipe up any excess paste to leave your hardwood floors refreshed.
- To remove paint stains from hardwood flooring, wipe or scrape away any excess paint first. Then, soak a rag in rubbing alcohol and use this to wipe away paint.
Tile: Contrary to popular belief, tile flooring can stain like any other flooring. For most tile floor stains, an all-purpose cleaner or any kind of tub-tile cleanser will work.
- For stains like blood, coffee, tea, or juices, blot the area with hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach for easy cleanup.
- To remove surface stains from gummy or waxy substances, place a bag of ice cubes over the area to harden the material. Scrape the area with a non-abrasive tool to remove the stain.
- For stains caused by grease or fatty substances, rub the surface with club soda to break down the fat, then wipe away the excess with an all-purpose cleaner.
- For dried-on nail polish stains in bathrooms or powder rooms, simply use nail polish remover to wipe the stain away.
- For paint stains on tile, it’s best to use a commercial paint remover and a cloth. Wipe the surface with this solution, and scrub with a soft-bristle brush if necessary.

To learn more about removing specific types of stains from your flooring, use this stain removal chart as a reference.

Removing Stains From Walls

Walls can become stained just like clothing and flooring. Because wall staining is so rare, not many people know how clean these types of messes. It’s important to dust walls prior to using any type of cleaning solution on the surface, as dust can quickly mix with these solutions and cause an even bigger problem. To make wall stain-removal even easier, use two buckets – one for the cleaning solution, and one for clean water to rinse the walls with.

Food: Commercial cleansers, like the all-purpose “Magic Erasers” work well, but if used to scrub a wall too harshly, they can strip the paint from the surface. Luckily, it doesn’t take much to make your own stain-removal solution to remove food stains from your walls. Use dish soap and warm water to safely and effectively remove food stains.
Beverages: Sticky soda spills can do major damage to your walls. To remove stains caused by carbonated beverages, combine 1 gallon of water, 1/2 cup of ammonia, 1/4 cup of washing soda, and a 1/4 cup of white vinegar in a bucket. Use this mixture to wash the soda residue from the wall, working from the bottom up to prevent further staining. Rinse the solution from the wall with clean water and a clean cloth, then dry the walls with a fan.
Dirt & Grime: Mix 1 cup of ammonia with 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1/4 cup of baking soda in your cleaning solution bucket. Add this mixture to a gallon of warm water, then wipe your walls with a sponge or cloth to remove caked on stains from dirt and grime.
Arts & Crafts: When kids get their hands on crayons, markers, pens, and other non-erasable writing tools, you’re bound to find some markings on your walls. For crayon marks, sprinkle baking soda onto a damp sponge, then lightly scrub the wall surface to remove the crayon. For permanent marker stains, use a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol to dab the stain. For ink stains, try using nail polish remover.

To learn more about removing specific types of stains from your walls, use this stain removal chart as a reference.

These stain removal tips brought to you by Sherry Anne Interiors, a Temecula, CA interior decorator.

Redesigning Your Living Room

Your living room is often the first space your friends and family see when they enter your home. It is a space for entertaining, lounging, and enjoying. Discover how you can easily and efficiently turn your living room into the lounge space of your dreams! Ask yourself the following questions to create a plan for your living room redesign.

What will you use the area for? The first and most important consideration you need to address – how the room will be used. A family of four will utilize a living room a lot differently than a young newlywed couple. Once the room has a purpose, you’ll be better equipped to determine the types of furnishings and accessories the space needs.
What are the measurements of the space? Take measurements of your living room from wall-to-wall. Measure the windows and doorways and any built-in structural elements the room has, like a fireplace, as well. This will allow you to create a workable floor plan.
What is your budget? Outline what you have to spend on your living room. Include every aspect, from furniture, to paint color, to any additional services the room might require, like carpet installation or floor staining. From there, you’ll be able to create your wants and needs list.
What do you need? More importantly, what do you want? When designing any part of your home, it’s important to think about your needs and wants. Once you have your measurements, you’ll be able to get a more accurate idea of the types of furniture and accessories you can fit into the space. For the living room in particular, you’ll need to include the basics, like a sofa, armchair, and coffee table. If your living room has the space, then you can consider adding extra accent items, whether it’s a decorative side table or an accent chair. Once furnishings have been addressed, you can consider your wants, like an elaborate chandelier or a festive accent plant.
Are there room for upgrades? If you have wiggle room in your budget, allocate those funds to upgrades! Whether it’s the more expensive paint option that doesn’t require a primer coat or an electronic furnishing, these minor upgrades can make a major difference in the design and comfort levels of your living room.
Have you settled on a theme? When you’re designing your living room, it’s important to choose a style and stick to it. According to the design experts at Colorado Springs painters , knowing your theme will guide you when it comes to choosing furniture, accent pieces, decor, window treatments, and even paint color. For instance, if you want to create an eclectic look, mix and match furniture textures. If you want more of an old-world style, opt for bulky wooden pieces with elaborate carvings. Defining the space with a particular style will help you tie the overall design together.
Have you focused enough on the living aspect? When designing any space in your home, it comes down to your personal tastes. As long as you feel comfortable in the space you have created, you’ve done your part. If you’ve filled the room with breakable vases, stiff chairs, and other elements that make the room feel cold and un-inviting to your guests. When you’re done with your redesign, give your living room a comfort test! If you’re happy with the furniture, color scheme, and decorative accents, you’ve done your job.

Decorating your living room should be a fun and exciting experience! When you’re done, you’ll be able to enjoy a space that you personally hand-crafted. Follow this sage advice to create the living room of your dreams!

This post brought to you by Westway Electric Supply, and online retailer of electrical supplies, components, and parts.

Furniture That Simplifies

Homeowners are always on the lookout for the newest innovations in home furnishings. Furniture pieces that make our day-to-day lives simpler are what’s trending now. You may be wondering, “How can a piece of furniture make my life easier?” The experts at Jarons Furniture Outlet invites you to discover how to make your home more functional with a few simple furnishings.

Storage Ottomans. These tiny accessories pack a big punch! They are a functional place for resting your feet, beverages, or snacks while you’re entertaining. In addition, they serve as mini storage units where you can also stow spare blankets, throw pillows, magazines, or books. Keep your home comfortable and organized with a storage ottoman, which you can find in a number of colors, styles, and sizes.
Pullout Couch. If you’re a homeowner who’s constantly entertaining guests, a pullout couch is a must have. They turn any room into a spare bedroom, instantly adding space for guests to sleep. Plus, pullout couches are now designed to be more comfortable than ever, with pillow-top mattresses in all sizes.
Hall Tree. When you think about your hallway or entryway, your mind probably doesn’t jump right to storage. Fortunately, there are furniture pieces out there that can transform these spaces into functional storage and make your life easier! Hall Trees are great catch-alls for front entryways, mudrooms, and hallways. Depending on the style you choose, they can provide shelving for books or shoes, as well as racks to hang coats, keys, and bags.
Rolling Cart. If your kitchen is on the smaller side, you know the struggle of finding enough counter space to cook a meal. With a rolling cart, you can instantly add an extra countertop for meal prepping and serving. You’ll find options that are collapsible, making them easy to store when not in use, or more permanent options that can serve as a desk or homework station when not being used for cooking. Look for one with wheels that lock so that you can have the extra space where and when you need it!
Storage Chest. Incorporating a chest into the layout of your master bedroom adds storage for bulky blankets, sheets, and pillows. It also creates a resting place to get ready in the morning, or to set your clothing out on the night before. In addition, a chest at the foot of your bed can make packing for trips easier, as you can rest your suitcase on it without worrying about mussing up your bed. Chests come in a variety of styles, including padded chests that can serve as a bench for added seating.

Make your furniture work for you! Find all of the furniture you need to simplify your life at Jarons Furniture Outlet.

Clever Bedroom Storage Ideas

Finding a luxuriously large bedroom equipped with a walk-in closet isn’t easy. In fact, finding storage for all of your belongings can be a challenge in any size room. Fortunately, with a tiny-to-mid-sized bedroom there are clever ways you can create storage. Regardless of the size of your room, clutter can make the space unappealing, causing stress. These clever bedroom storage ideas will keep you clean and organized, no matter how big your bedroom is.

Buy a bed frame that doubles as storage space. Some bed have drawers and shelves built right into their frames. Depending on what you want to place in drawers, you may not even have to get a bureau or armoire to house the rest of your things. If your bed frame lacks drawers but has space between the floor and the box spring, use plastic containers to stow extra bedding.
Go vertical and hang shelves. Every inch counts when it comes to figuring out ways to create storage in small spaces. Use the entirety of your wall from top to bottom. Place a floor to ceiling unit next to the nightstand beside your bed to create an appealing visual. Hang shelves to get items up and off the ground. Consider over-the-door hanging storage for bulky items like shoes, scarves, and hats. This is also a great place to stow jewelry!
Make your own built-in storage unit. If a part of your wall juts out, this creates the perfect opportunity for more storage. Installing custom cabinetry into the wall allows more room for clothes or accessories. The experts at Birmingham painters can help you match the doors of your cabinets to your existing wall color to give off a secret passage vibe, or use glass paneling so you can see what you’re looking for before you even open the doors.
Mount a nightstand next to your bed. Traditionally, nightstand tables sit next to the bed, taking up valuable floor space. If you mount your nightstand to the wall, you can use the space under there for shoes or miscellaneous items that you don’t want laying around. If there isn’t space for a full on nightstand, a wide shelf mounted on the wall next to your bed can be a makeshift table top.
Create a display using a bookcase. Are you a shoe fanatic or a lover of handbags? If you consider these items a work of art, use a bookcase or staggered shelves to showcase them! Doing this can give off the vibes of an art installation right inside your bedroom and save valuable space in closets.
Don’t neglect the space above your headboard. Instead of hanging a painting or photo above your headboard, shelving or cabinet units can be a great installation above your headboard. Display a few of your favorite collectibles, but avoid cluttering the space, as this area will quickly collect dust.

Don’t feel discouraged by the amount of storage space in your bedroom. Using these tips can help expand the storage options in fun, clever ways. For more storage tips, reach out to St. Johns, NL interior decorator Robin Stairs.

7 Ways to Repurpose Old Furniture

You know it’s summertime when you drive by multiple yard sale signs. You might find a new table to use in your hallway, but have you ever thought about what you could turn that table, or anything else you might discover at a yard sale, into? With some creativity and a little elbow grease, you can turn almost any yard sale find into something one-of-a-kind.

Adorn old drawers with colorful wallpaper. If you find a chest with a set of drawers that are looking a bit worn, cover the exterior of the bottom drawer with wallpaper. To do so, start by cutting the desired covering to the length and width of the drawer. Then, glue it down with Mod Podge and let dry. For an added pop, glue wallpaper on the left and right sides of the drawer. The color will not be seen unless the drawer is pulled out, giving you a colorful surprise each time you open it!
Repurpose a vintage chest to use as a coffee table. Not only will it give your living room a unique piece of furniture, but it will also provides hidden storage space! Think of the blankets, remotes and magazines you can hide when you have company over. If you feel so inclined, you can strip the chest and re-stain it to a color that better matches your existing furnishings, or situate it as is for that old-world charm.
Turn an old chair into an outdoor swing. Do you have a large tree branch in your backyard that’s waiting to be used? If you find an old kitchen chair at a yard sale, you can turn it into a backyard swing. Simply remove the arms and legs of the chair, sand it, and apply a fresh coat of paint. Then, drill four holes into the chair and thread through heavy-duty poly rope and hang the rope securely over the tree branch. To ensure you do so safely, read the full instructions here!
Create a room divider with a bookshelf. If you have old books collecting dust in your basement that could fill a bookshelf, scour yard sales for one. Use this old find to serve as a storage unit and a room divider. Separate a large room to create two unique spaces with a repurposed bookshelf.
Use a dresser as an outdoor planter. Seek out a dresser with three drawers, as that will work best for this project. To transform it into a planter, open the bottom drawer completely, and then open the middle drawer about halfway so they resemble stairs. Fill the drawers with soil and plant the flowers and herbs of your choosing. To properly create this masterpiece, find the full instructions here.
Transform a wooden ladder into a blanket hanger. Create a rustic blanket hanger, which would normally cost a fortune in a furniture store, from a recycled wooden ladder. To prevent splintered wood from making its way into the fabric, sand the wood and apply a coat of stain. Once that dries, simply lean the ladder against a wall and hang folded blankets along the rungs. To further prevent damage to your walls or floors, purchase felt pads to place on the feet of the ladder.
Craft a window shutter into a mail holder. Paint a window shutter any color you please and install it in your kitchen. It can be used for holding important bills, invitations, or reminders. You can also add hooks at the bottom to hang your keys!

The sky is the limit with what you can create from yard sale finds – all you have to do is be resourceful! For more home décor and renovation ideas, check out Jarons Furniture on Pinterest.

Why You Shouldn’t Paint Your Kitchen Your Favorite Color

When it comes to interior design, there are no set rules that need to be obeyed, but there are suggestions that should be followed. This is especially true when it comes to kitchen design. The experts at CertaPro Painters of Mesa/Tempe say you should think twice before using your favorite color on your kitchen walls. Here’s why:

Design trends are constantly evolving. The media consistently tells us what’s hot and what’s not, and that includes home design. Think about it. Pantone and Sherwin Williams announce a new “Color of the Year” every year, and countless homeowners head to a home improvement store for painting supplies. Opt for a design that stands the test of time, like a monochromatic color scheme in a neutral color like white, beige, and gray. These shades are everlasting and are easily paired with pops of colorful accessories.

With neutrals, you’ll always have a clean slate. Your decorating possibilities are endless when you paint your kitchen a neutral color. By keeping your kitchen walls monochrome, you can confidently incorporate various colors and trends in your furniture and accessories. If you were to opt for a bold hue, you would have a much more difficult time accessorizing your kitchen.

You can create more space. Neutral shades do a wonderful job of giving the illusion that the kitchen is much larger than it actually is. Soft shades of white and cream help open a room and make it feel more spacious, while bold colors can overwhelm a space and shrink its appearance.

There’s more freedom in cabinet color choice. By no means does painting with a neutral hue mean that you are stuck with a dull and colorless kitchen. Painting your kitchen with a clean palette, you are able to accessorize with which ever colors and patterns your heart desires. Monochromatic wall colors mean you can choose dark or light cabinetry without having it clash with the walls.

Your kitchen will always appear fresh. A kitchen is one of the most utilized spaces in a home. You spend a lot of time in there, whether you’re preparing a meal or entertaining guests. Using a neutral color in the kitchen and playing with the accessories and decor will constantly make your kitchen feel new and refreshed without having to do an elaborate redesign.

While you may be tempted to be adventurous and paint your kitchen a bold color, keep in mind all of the benefits a neutral-colored kitchen provides. Use a color that is soft and clean for your kitchen, and play with bold colors on accent walls or in other rooms around your home.

Powder Room Design Tips

While a half bathroom might not seem like it requires much interior design thought, it is still a part of your home that allows you to make a statement! Typically, half bathrooms are utilized most by visitors. Many homeowners neglect their powder rooms, leaving guests with a less-than-impressive experience when they visit. Spruce your powder room up with these design ideas to leave your guests feeling welcomed and impressed when they stop by.

Use fresh paint colors. Not only is painting a fast and inexpensive way to update any part of your home, but it can instantly convert the look and feel of your entire powder room. Opt for a color that is light and bright, as dark hues tend to make a room look smaller and more cramped than it actually. To give the illusion of more space, powdery blues and light lavenders are great colors for small bathrooms.
Opt for open shelving. If your powder room lacks storage space, install shelving over the toilet or vanity mirror. There are plenty of options available specifically designed for these tight areas, so you won’t be losing much space in your powder room. Open shelving is a great way to store extra toiletries or washcloths and it provides a flattering and modern look.
Create a mirror wall. Instead of including a small mirror above the sink, install a large mirror that will cover up an entire wall in the bathroom. Since mirrors create depth and dimension, covering an entire wall with a mirror will create the illusion of a larger space.
Incorporate a pedestal sink. One easy way to create more space in a half bathroom is to ditch the large vanity basin sink and install a skinny pedestal one instead. Not only do pedestal sinks clear up more room, but they are versatile and can match virtually any theme or color scheme.
Install sconce lighting. If you are looking for a refined way to include more lighting into your powder room, sconce lighting is an optimal choice. They’re small and don’t take up too much space, and are also available in many different colors and design options.

Just because your powder room is small doesn’t mean that it deserves design neglect! Follow these tips and tricks to transform your half bathroom into a relaxing and inviting environment. For more design inspiration, contact the professionals at CertaPro Painters of Des Plaines.

How To Remove Paint Stains

Painting can be a messy project if it’s not handled properly. Drips and accidental paint spills can do major damage to flooring, clothing, furniture and even skin. As a general rule, you want to clean up a paint spill as soon as it happens. Unfortunately, this can’t always be done, and a dried paint stain must be dealt with. This guide explains the two most common types of paint used in house-hold applications, and the best methods to remove them.

Types of House-hold Paints

Before you handle a paint stain, you’ll need to understand the type of paint that caused the stain.

Oil Paint: Oil-based paints are typically used for exterior applications because they grip the surface that they are covering better than a latex paint would. Oil paints take more time to dry than other types of paints due to the additives, sometimes as long as 24 hours. These additives give the paint a glossier finish, but make it very difficult to remove.

Water-/Latex-Based Paint: Water-based paints are best for interior applications. This type of paint dries rather quickly because the moisture in it evaporates. While water-based paints aren’t as durable or as shiny as other paints, they are very easy to clean up after. Typically, only soap and water are required to do the job. Latex paints tend to last longer than other paints, having a better resistance to cracking and a better color retention.

Paint Removal

Oil Paint Removal: Oil based paint is difficult to remove from a surface, but it’s not impossible. Normally, the use of chemicals is required. Turpentine, acetone, kerosene, and other varieties of chemical paint thinners do a decent job of removing oil paint, but they can also strip the surface of its original color, particularly in clothing. Test the surface you’re trying to remove the paint from prior to emptying a container of paint stripper on it.

Once you’ve purchased a chemical paint remover (which you’ll find available in pastes, liquids, sprays, and other forms).

If the oil paint landed on a wood surface, sand off as much of the paint as you can, then use the paint stripper to remove the rest.
If the oil paint landed on a carpeted surface, you can try pulling as much of the excess paint out first , then using the paint thinner to remove the rest.
To remove oil paints from the skin, wash with soap and water first. If that doesn’t remove the paint completely, use baby oil, a combination of olive oil and salt, a homemade sugar scrub, or even mayonnaise to gently strip paint from your skin.

To make the job even easier, heat up the oil paint on whatever the surface may be, then scrape what melts off. Finish the job with the chemical paint remover of your choosing.

Always remember to wear protection when using chemical strippers to avoid any health-related issues.

Latex Paint Removal: Luckily, there are a few ways to clean up a latex paint spill. If the paint spill is still wet on any kind of surface, soap and water will usually remove it.

To take latex paint off of most surfaces, remove as much of the paint from the surface first, then use the soapy mixture to gently dab the surface clean. If the paint is on clothing, soak it in water first and then machine wash regularly.
If the latex paint has dried on a surface, scrape as much of the dried paint off. Use pliers, putty knife, or another type of scraping device, taking care to avoid scratching the surface. Then, soak the area with a mixture of water and dish soap, scrubbing after a few minutes to begin removing the caked on paint.

If you’re struggling to remove latex paint with soap and water, you can find water-based latex paint removal products in a home improvement store. These solutions are mixed with water and then blotted on the paint stain. When you’re shopping, check the type of remover before you make a purchase – there are a variety of options available specifically designed to work on certain surfaces.

Remember, paint stains are preventable! Trust experts, like those at CertaPro Painters of North Raleigh, to tackle your interior or exterior painting project mess free.

Elegant Bedroom Ideas

As a homeowner, it’s safe to say that your master bedroom is your favorite part of your home. It’s your sanctuary, the space you rely on at the end of the day to just unwind and relax. Many times, people think a bedroom should be comfy, cozy, and inviting, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be elegant, too! If you consider your style comfortable yet chic, these design tips are perfect for you!

Neutral color scheme. Neutral themes are anything but boring – they’re timeless and easy to match your décor and furnishings around. Experts suggest starting with fresh, neutral color like beige, gray or white as a base for your elegant bedroom design. From there, you have the freedom to incorporate pops of color in your décor. Working around a nude color palette allows you to play with furniture upholstery, wall decor, bedding and more.
Add a statement piece. To create an elegant bedroom, include one or two pieces that will stand out and capture the attention. Lay down a captivating throw rug or install a dramatic painting. By limiting your number of statement furnishings, you avoid creating a bedroom that feels busy. For a smaller bedroom, play with your bedspread design and make that the statement piece in your room.
Decorate your bed with pillows. Add some elegant drama to your room with lavish throw pillows. Avoid going overboard with decorative pillows. Instead, Mimi Wilson, a Gainesville interior decorator, recommends using the rule of odd numbers. Odd numbers are more visually appealing, so if you have two sleeping pillows, incorporate three accent pillows to create a balanced look.
Include extra seating. The main piece of furniture in a bedroom is a bed, but that doesn’t mean that you are restricted to just that. For instance, you might also want a space where you can sit and read. Small arm chairs like this Milan wood accent chair or a bench at the foot of your bed are perfect for creating such a space. By incorporating additional seating into your bedroom, you add dimension and create an upscale feel.
Install decorative lighting. The way a room is lit creates the ambiance, but a dramatic chandelier or lamp also adds style to a room. It’s important to consider the size of your bedroom before you settle on a light. For instance, if your bedroom has high ceilings, you can work a chandelier into the space. Work within the space to find a light fixture that creates a look of balanced elegance.

If your master bedroom isn’t already your favorite part of your home, or if you’re simply looking to upgrade, follow these easy tips and tricks for transforming your bedroom into a space of luxury and elegance.