Home Decoration

The gas and electric cooktops, with porcelain tops, are passé. The ceramic cook tops are the latest in things as far as the gadgets in the kitchen are concern. They are basically glass cooktops, in which the electric heating elements are placed under the glass. Obviously, they look chic and stylish. However, everything has its pros and cons and the same holds true for ceramic cooktops. The problem with them is that they are very prone to scratches and are very difficult to clean. Nevertheless, if you use the proper cleaning procedure and keep in mind a few tips, ceramic cooktop will be quite easy to maintain.

How to Clean Ceramic Cooktops

Items Needed

• Ceramic Cooktop Cleaner
• Paper Towels
• Razor Scraper
• Soft Cloth

Procedure

• Clean the ceramic cooktop with a ceramic cooktop cleaner after each and every use. For the purpose, let it cool down totally. Now, spread a thin layer of the cleaner over the whole surface. Take a paper towel and thoroughly rub the cooktop with it. After you are sure that all the stains have been removed, wipe off the cleaner. Now, take a soft cloth and polish the cooktop with it.
• The spillovers should be cleaned from the cooktop as soon as the food gets cooked and the cooktop gets cool. First, clean the spill over with a clean paper towel and then, make use of the cleaner.
• The areas which have gotten burnt during the cooking should be cleaned with the help of a razor blade scraper. Take the scraper in your hand, bend it at 45 deg angle and then, gently, slide it over the cooktop surface. After the stain gets removed, use spread cleanser. With the help of paper towels, clean the cooktop.
• The discoloration of the ceramic cooktop, left from aluminum or copper pans, has to be corrected by polishing it. Make sure to polish the cooktop, before using it again. Otherwise, the stains might become permanent.

Tips for Cleaning Ceramic Cooktops

• Do not put too much gap between two cleanings. The more often you clean the cooktop, the better it is.
• Make sure that you do not keep any plastic items near the cooktop. This is because plastic tends to melt down with heat and then, becomes very difficult to remove.
• Sliding pots and pans across the cooktop surface leads to development of scratches. Make sure that you don’t make the same mistake.
• Never ever use abrasive cleaning products for the ceramic cooktop. They scratch the surface and might lead to discoloration too.
• The bottom of pots and pans should be checked on a regular basis for scratches and scrapes. If found, they should be removed as soon as possible. These gouges might cause marks on the ceramic.

  

Having a fireplace in your living adds that element of old-world charm in your house. Not only does it provide warmth in cold weather, it also lends a touch of classic beauty to your home. If you have a specially built vent for a fireplace at your home, why don’t you consider decorating it or remodeling it? You may have to do a bit of research and consult decorators for that. Or if you are planning to have an artificial fireplace, you need to know the important specifications in order to bring out the real beauty and charm of it. Here are some tips as to how to go about decorating and remodeling a fireplace.

• First, you need to understand that decorating and remodeling is different for bedroom and living room fireplace. A living room fireplace needs to be more elegant and classy, while a bedroom fireplace needs to be cozier.
• The mantle for the bedroom fireplace is best decorated with a few ceramic or porcelain miniature figurines. It depends on what both of you like or believe in. One can use Feng Shui figures like a Buddha or a turtle or candles, family photographs, etc.
• Co-ordinate this look by adding a couple of rocking chairs or recliners or single sofas with cushions. The idea is to make the bedroom a cozy place where both of you can unwind together or with family. Spread rugs a bit away from the fireplace in order to avoid any fire accidents and have a low raise stool where you can keep coffee or books.

Design Ideas for Living Room Fireplace

• The living room fireplace design needs to be decorated or remodeled to make it the

  

  focal point of that room. You can get highly sophisticated tools like brush, tongs and poker designed in the most elegant manner to go with your living room. Keep these arranged properly in a thin, hollow circular stand right next to the fireplace.

• The mantle piece can be decorated with elegant figurines, abstract statues, clay figures, vases with flowers, etc. The idea is to create an elegant and classy look with a personal touch. Make sure you don’t have clutter like loose change, car keys, etc on it! You may also frame a certificate of honor or a photograph of yours with a celebrity and place it as the centerpiece.
• A fireplace in living room should preferably have a rectangular opening. You may always go for a modulation like having a slightly arched top or sides that open outward in flares. Co-ordinate the fireplace with your room. If your room has a brown, orange or yellow paint or wallpaper, you can go for a brickwork fireplace as it looks very rustic and classic. You can also go in for a contrast to highlight the fireplace like having a border of a different color.

As the monsoon season comes, it brings with it the problem of mildew. Mildew is basically a mold i.e. a living organism. It thrives in places and environments that are warm and humid. This is why out clothes get affected by mildew around monsoon season. If you happen to find mildew on you clothes, it is better to act upon them right away. This is because the more time mildew stays on your clothes, the more damage it can cause. In case you do not know how to get mildew out of clothes, we are here at your service. Given below is the complete procedure of removing mildew from clothing.

Getting Mildew Out of Clothes

Items Needed

• Brush
• Water
• Detergent
• Chlorine Bleach

Procedure

• First of all, take the clothes soiled by mildew out of the closet. It is best to take them out in the driveway/garden.
• Now, take a brush and rub off the loose mold growth.
• Leave your clothes outside, in the sun, for a couple of hours. The sunrays and heat will kill the mildew.
• Soak the stains that have remained after brushing, in cold water.
• Take some detergent and wash the clothes in hot water.
• Do not dry the clothes in the machine. Allow them to dry in the sun.
• In case the mildew stains still remain, prepare a diluted solution of chlorine bleach. Put 2 tbsp bleach in 1 quart (little less than 1 liter) of water.
• Soak the stains with this diluted solution and put the clothes aside for 10 min.
• Now, take warm water and rinse the clothes properly.
• Wash the clothes as usual, rinse them and put them in the sun, to dry.

Tips

• In case of non-washable clothes, it is better to go to the drycleaner. Make sure to identify the stain before handing over the clothes.
• Do not use chlorine bleach in case of silk, wool, nylon and spandex clothing. It might damage them.

Create a themed bridal shower that the bride will love.
From the magazine, Simply Creative Weddings

By the Book…
Being a bridesmaid is an honor — and a lot of work. One of the biggest jobs is hosting a prewedding party that your friend, the bride, will love.

The best bridal showers take their cue from the personal taste of the bride. Is she the outdoorsy type or a bookworm? Would she prefer a mountain of lingerie or a library of special edition books?

If she’s the latter, you can take a novel approach by incorporating a book theme into your pretty-in-pink party.

Find more pink party ideas in this article. And, check out our Bridal Shower Tips article as well, using the link below.DecorationsPretty in Pink
Pink and green set the scene for the oh-so-important prewedding party. Cover utilitarian tables with easy-to-make linen tablecloths.

Circles and rings cut from decorative card stock shower the room in polka dots. (For hanging, fishing wire is sandwiched and glued between the circles.)

The no-sew chair covers mimic an elegant wedding veil and are fashioned from two yards of white tulle caught up in a pink tulle bow.

Avoid the expense of professional floral arrangements by using a creative container. For centerpieces, we filled the bottoms of large glass bubble vases with candied almonds, then placed a cylinder vase toting a small bundled bouquet inside.

Take Your Seat
Simple paper and vellum circles tucked inside dahlia petals reveal guests’ names, above. Ribbon markers tucked inside purchased journals display each guest’s initials — another clue to seat designations and a thoughtful guest favor.

The napkin at each setting displays the bride’s monogram and becomes a sweet gift just launder after the shower and present the set to her.

Menu IdeasTasty Treats

Make-ahead appetizers make shower day more relaxed. Serving food buffet-style establishes a casual atmosphere, encouraging guests to chat. You’ll save time and money, and partygoers will appreciate the variety.

With loads of fresh produce nestled in a pesto cream cheese spread, Open-Face Sandwiches add big bursts of color to the buffet.

Antipasto Kabobs
Serve up meats, cheeses, and vegetables kabob-style, and you’re sure to please even the most finicky eater. These no-cook Antipasto Kabobs are easy to make, easy to serve, and easy to eat.

To serve, cut plastic foam to fit inside a dish, stick in the kabobs, and cover the foam with candy. Keep the kabobs refrigerated until it’s time to serve.

Punch
Strawberry-Lime Punch

To maximize table space, use a pedestal to give refreshments a lift. Our punch bowl also can serve as a platter when turned upside down.

Our punch bowl is decorating with an ice ring of strawberries and limes and pairs nicely with appetizers as well as dessert.

Raspberry Cheesecake Tarts
A simple white serving dish makes a striking presentation when topped with Raspberry Cheesecake Tarts.

Floral place mats keep tabletops interesting. Use purchased mats that coordinate, or make your own from decorative papers you’ve laminated at a copy shop.

Advice on planning the perfect master suite.

Architects and designers create spaces following a basic design rule: Take advantage of your room’s good points. Use these ideas to help make the most of your space.

1. Plan for the bed. Provide a blank wall suitable for a bed and oriented toward the best view the room provides. Allow a wall 14 to 15 feet wide if you’ll have a king-size bed flanked by side tables. Placing the headboard against an interior wall frees up exterior walls for ample windows.
2. Make the most of rooflines. Placing a master bedroom on a new upper level creates a private getaway, but it can create challenges when designing rooflines and integrating the space to maximize the impact. One alternative is to expose angular ceilings for added design interest. In this house, for example, careful planning gave the master suite four dramatic bisecting gables.
3. Control sunlight. Give adequate thought to managing daylight at different times of day and year. Movable daylight controls, such as draperies and shutters, provide flexibility, but you can also take advantage of awnings and deep eaves that shade windows.
4. Build it in. The architect regularly looks for opportunities to design custom built-ins. It’s efficient storage space and eliminates the need to bump out into the room with furniture. Many people prefer built-ins to furniture as it gives a room an all-of-a-piece look.
5. Define spaces with storage. Use storage to separate spaces within a master suite. Try a configuration composed of a bedroom and a bath separated by a short hall fitted with two closets.

Bedroom Lighting

Bedside Basics
When lighting a bedroom, you want to create an atmosphere of quiet relaxation, while providing bright spots for reading and other activities. Develop a combination of general and task lighting based on these examples, and remember that dimmer controls let you vary the light to suit different moods and tasks.

Swing-arm or other bedside fixtures cast a peaceful light and illuminate bedtime tasks. If you want to add mood lighting without making the room too bright, supplement your bedside light with soft sources such as a fireplace or candles. A dimmer switch can also give you more control over the room’s brightness.

When your bed is the focal point in the room, create drama with recessed downlights near the head of the bed. Separate controls allow snoozing and reading simultaneously on opposite sides of the bed. Table lamps elsewhere in the room will help make the space usefully bright.

Active people love a room awash in a bright, warm glow. This design combines an overhead fixture, which casts a wide beam of downward light, and uplight fixtures that illuminate shady corners. By wiring the overhead light and the uplights separately, you can have some or all of them on at one time.

In this article, we will tell you about how to choose a bed. We will provide you with some bed buying tips and if you keep these tips in mind, you’ll surely get the best deal.

Tips On Buying Bed

• The most important thing that you should look for, while buying a bed, is the comfort. Unless and until the bed is comfortable, you won’t enjoy sleeping on it. Therefore, you should always sit for a while on the bed and check if you can feel the comfort or not.
• Don’t compromise on quality, even if you have to pay little extra money. Do a complete homework and then go about shopping for a bed.
• As important is the mattress in ensuring comfort, equally vital is the frame of bed. These days, you can find beds, the frames of which are specially designed to provide support to the box spring and mattress. The quintessence of a comfortable bed lies in its firm foundation.
• It’s a good practice to go through the reviews about the bed that you are planning to buy. If you are suffering from some physical health ailment, you should consult your doctor regarding the kind of bed he/she recommends. It is especially vital for people suffering from spine problem, because they require bed that can provide support to their back.

Most landlords do not allow you to make drastic changes to their homes or install new cabinets and shelves, according to your needs. Organizing homes remain a priority for busy students or office going people or even housewives with scores of other work to take care of other than children. Small apartments often have lesser space and if we are not organized, the clutter and chaos can make out very lives overwhelming, as we seem to spend most of our time finding for one thing or the other. Allergies to dust and bugs may make our life a living hell too. Here are some top-class ideas and tips to face the challenge of making better use of small rooms and areas in our rented apartments and homes and live more efficiently:

• Buy some storage units and keep things in the place they are needed. After using things, put them in their place immediately.
• Clutter or things to be discarded occupies much of our usable space and make our homes look disorganized and makes us loose our precious time in finding little things that keep disappearing in it. So get rid of it now!
• Don’t leave things undone. Pay those bills, file paper properly, do the dishes on time and mend the leaking taps and squeaking doors. Work finished helps us to relax better and avoids much of the clutter.
• Remember the lesson - ‘Make a place for everything and keep everything in its place.’
• Transform your junk drawer into a neatly organized storage unit by removing all items from it and lining it with a newspaper. Toss aside the things that are useless and categorize other things into families such as nails and screws, hammer and screwdrivers, wires of all types and other such categories. Make compartments in the drawer using separators such as ice cube trays, small boxes and containers and keep your things as categorized before.

Using space effectively is an important art, especially when you are living in small apartments. Know the difference between not having enough space to store your things and not making the best use of your space. Here are some ideas that you can use to keep your home organized and make the best use of available space:

• A sliding drawer or a shelf can be added underneath a cabinet, furniture pieces or a dresser for greater hidden storage area.
• Desk full of papers and files make your work seem overwhelming. So keep it clear with the help of a full-suspension filing cabinet strong enough to hold all your files away from your view.
• For kitchen cabinets, you may use plastic multiple-level shelves that can be readjusted easily.
• Furniture pieces with hidden space and storage are an asset for those living in small apartments such as coffee tables and ottomans with storage area underneath or under bed boxes, which are great for keeping your quilts and linens.
• If some of your shelves have too much of space, while others are too full, you may want to readjust them according to the space required. Move them a little or add another shelf in between to make more use of the space.
• If you do not have enough space to display all your collectibles at once, rotate them. Put some of your things on display, while you store others safely, and then bring them out once a month and replace the things you have displayed already. This will make your home seem new every time someone visits you.
• It is very important that you get rid of all the things that you don’t like or are not of your use anymore.
• Make best us of your wall space by adding shelves, pegboards and corner shelves that can be used to hand up your utensils and tools or display your prizes and collectibles.
• Make use of corner shelves for keeping picture frames or small things in the living room or soap, shampoos, toothbrush and other accessories in the bathroom. They acquire less space and look great.
• Storage units are great when it comes to saving space and being organized. Spices on a spice rack, canned goods in racks, earrings and other small items in cheap ice trays, pens and pencils in a pen stand not only avoids clutter but are also easier to find when you need them.
• To make more space in the closets, add one rod to hang longer clothing on one wall and two or more rods on the other wall to hang shorter clothing.
• Use your common sense and keep things where they are needed most. Your china, utensils and spices belong to kitchen, toilet paper, napkins and towels to bathroom, lines and quilts to bathroom, videos and CDs in your entertainment area and scissors and glue stick to your work area. Make space for the things needed in the area there itself, so you don’t have to ransack or run over the entire house to search for a thing you need frequently.
• You can also use portable file boxes to hang the file folders, on-the-desk trays and caddies to keep your papers and storage accessories to keep your diskettes and CDs.
• You may also want to rearrange the rooms and customize them according to your needs. If you are used to read or work in your living room, with your TV on, you don’t need a separate office or study that can be used for other purposes while your living room needs to be rearranged to serve both as an entertainment area and work area.

Living in an apartment that does not have adequate storage space is not a juggling circus anymore. Today, there are many types of accessories and furniture available in the market that allows for versatility and flexibility in their use and help us to make most of the space available to us for storage and work. Here are some of the tips to live big in a small home and maximize our storage space:

• A sofa or a futon that can be unfolded to become a bed is a great asset to accommodate any guests or visitors.
• Bathroom storage units and cabinets are great for keeping napkins, towels and other bathroom accessories.
• Bookcases and armoires are great for storing up things from clothes to books to files to entertainment centers.
• Instead of heavy, bulky chairs, you may use ottomans with storage area underneath or a bar stool set that can be stacked in the corner when not in use.
• Tables and dressers with slide-in drawers or shelves can give more space to keep your magazines, newspapers and other accessories and even pet-feeders.
• Use under-sink area for maximizing storage area in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Vertical slide-in shelves in the kitchen can be used to hang pots and pans.
• You can mark out different sections in the same room, simply by using room dividers or privacy screens.
• You may find some great deals of shabby chic or recycled furniture pieces in garage sales that can help you to keep things hidden from view and yet easily accessible at fraction of the cost.
• You may use cheap colorful PVC pipes as curtain rod, a rack to dry your clothes on or a coat rack.

Here are some wonderful home cleaning tips and solutions from grandma’s times when all these cleaning products were not so readily available. They are inexpensive, easy to prepare and more environment-friendly than many of the products in the superstores. Exercise a little caution while using them.

• Clean the stubborn stains in your bathtub by applying a paste of hydrogen peroxide and cream of tartar on them using a toothbrush and then rinse them thoroughly.
• Club soda is known for removing spots and stains instantly. Pour little of it on the spot and after one or two seconds blot the area with a damp sponge.
• Mix one tablespoon of household bleach in a spray bottle full of water and use it as a spray disinfectant in the kitchen, around the sink and counters, especially after you have cooked meat.
• Mix together 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 4 tablespoons of white vinegar and 1 quart of warm water and apply it on all kinds of woodwork to clean them and make them shine using a soft cloth. Dry the item with a separate and clean cloth.
• Pencil eraser is great to clean black scuffmarks on the floors made by heels of the shoes.
• To remove stains from carpets, try a mixture of ½ cup of mild dishwashing liquid and 2 cups of boiling water. Use a damp sponge to apply the mixture to the carpet and clean it.
• To unclog a drainpipe, pour a cup of salt and a cup of baking soda down it and then pour lots of boiling water down it to dissolve the grease and clear it.
• Use a clean rag moistened with club soda or white vinegar to bring the shine back to stainless steel.
• Water can leave spots and rings on wooden furniture that can be cleaned using a damp cloth and a mixture of toothpaste and baking soda.