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Seltzer that Spill
Keep an unopened bottle of clear soda water or
seltzer on hand for carpet spills – even tough ones like wine, animal urine or
food. Gently scrape off (or mop up) as much of the spill as possible, then soak
the stained area with seltzer. Let it sit for awhile while the bubbles work
more of the spill up to the surface. Blot carefully with a clean, white
absorbent towel (paper or fabric), making sure not to rub the stain back into
the surface or spread it further. This process will often eliminate the entire
stain. If not, it will keep stains from drying and setting before they can be
removed by conventional cleaning methods.
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Clocks are Tops
Need a gift for newlyweds or a new home?
Whether designed for a wall or to grace a shelf or
table top, there’s nothing like clocks to mark a big event.
Today’s looks include familiar classical styles,
marvelous Retro themes and whimsical styles with a youthful feel.
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How Deep Is Your Rug?
To find out what size rug you need, consider function, floor space and furnishings. In dining areas,
sit in a chair a comfortable distance from the table. Measure the space from the back of the chair to
the table, add an extra six to eight inches for “scooting room” and look for a rug that will be bigger
than the size of the table plus this extra distance on all sides. This way, chair legs will never dangle
off the edge of the rug and make eating a wobbly woe. If you plan to add a rug to a living room, arrange
all of the furnishings before measuring your rug space. Measure the space you want to place the rug and
adjust the sizing so the rug does not end in front of any furnishings.
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On Target Off-Whites
Eggshell, cafe au lait, ivory and porcelain are not often easy to
discriminate with the naked eye. To help select the perfect neutral
for your decor, gather paint swatches and strips and cut each shade
into a loose square. On a sheet of white poster board, arrange and
rearrange the squares and analyze how your favorite shades look not
only against the white background, but next to similar shades. If
possible, set a color-selection station next to a window in the room
you want to paint. Move your materials to various spots in the room,
so you can test how the shade looks in different intensities of light
before you decide on your favorite hue.
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How is Your Ceiling Feeling?
Bring new light into your rooms by opting for color rather than the standard
white ceiling. Pale tones, such as peach, lilac and mint can cast a cheery tint
to a sunny room. For rooms with less natural light, coat the ceiling with your
own sunshine using citrus colors or light blues to make a skylight without punching
a hole in your roof. To add intimacy to lofty spaces, “lower” high
ceilings with warm plum tones or a deep red.
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Spring Cleaning
Expand your living space by getting organized and getting rid of clutter.
Donate excess dishware, toys and clothing to local charities or pack them in
clearly labeled boxes and stow them in an attic or basement. Install shelves
in the kitchen or den for utensils and knickknacks, so they are out of the
way yet still in sight. A shelf near the front door is a handy spot for
keeping items that need immediate attention, such as overdue library books or
outgoing mail. Avoid build-up by immediately sorting and tossing anything you
don’t need.
It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s …
Your Chandelier!
Passing the peas poses a problem when the dining table is obstructed by a
low-flying chandelier. Keep mealtime lighting out of the way but still in
sight by hanging fixtures a comfortable distance between the table and
ceiling. For an eight-foot ceiling, dangle fixtures about 30 inches above
the tabletop. If your ceiling is higher, add three or four extra inches of
space for each additional foot.
Touchy Feely
To brighten cozy spaces or tone down rooms with high sheen, add texture to
your decor. Smooth, glossy materials like leather or glass add light and
luster to a room, while rougher textures, such as wool or natural wood, absorb
light to make a space soft and casual.
Crayon Be Gone
When crayon art jumps outside the lines and onto your painted or washable
wallpapered walls, use a multi-purpose lubricating oil to make the misplaced
Monets disappear. Spray the oil directly on the spot, then use a clean cloth
to wipe the crayon away. For added cleansing power, dab a damp sponge in
baking soda and rub lightly on the mark. Once the crayon is gone, rid walls
of residue by sponging them with a mixture of one or two drops of liquid
dishwashing soap and one cup of water. Dry with a clean cloth.
Everything Under the Sun?
Want new furniture and home accessories to last? Keep them away from your windows!
Printed cottons or silks are especially susceptible to sun fading. Always keep
these delicate fabrics far from direct sunlight. In especially bright rooms,
simply try closing curtains during the hours of peak sun exposure. Even with
the best fabrics and leathers, fading and wear are inevitable. Another tip:
flip cushions and pillows, allowing fabrics to age evenly and gracefully.
Smoke and Mirrors
Trying to work with a small space? Accentuate architectural details or a prized
piece of furniture by placing a mirror on the opposite wall. It gives the
impression of an expanded room, while doubling the visual impact of something
you love. Use the same trick to replicate a favorite view within your room. It's
great Feng Shui and increases positive energy throughout the space.
Flip It!
A quick lesson in mattress maintenance that proves very valuable:
your mattress needs to be flipped – at the very least – four times a year.
(Some manufacturers recommend monthly, especially if you regularly sit on the edge
of your mattress.) This will ensure the most even wear for a comfortable fit for years to come.
Of course, if you’re still tossing and turning the night away, it may be time for an entirely
new mattress. Remember, as idealistic as it may seem, doctors still recommend an uninterrupted,
eight hours of sleep every night.
They Might Be Giants
To make a room appear
bigger and airier, fill it with light-colored furniture, window treatments and
bedding, while draping walls, floors and ceilings in a similar palette. Keep it
tidy - allowing eyes an easy path to absorb the combination of all elements.
Another great trick: hang pictures of landscapes or abstracts with vanishing or
receding perspective (like a pathway to a distant point) to give the eye a
greater sense of depth.
It’s amazing how a small piece
of advice can pay off with big
savings of time and aggravation.
Stay informed – check for new Quick
Tips every time you visit Your Home Magazine.
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