Most of us are pretty good at cleaning our homes to get rid of dirt, dust and germs from surfaces like floors, tables and countertops. But most people pay a lot less attention to their soft furnishings such as sofas, easy chairs and upholstered dining room chairs. OK, you probably vacuum regularly, but how often do you shampoo, steam clean or spot clean your fabric-covered furniture? Continue Reading

You’ve found the perfect house or apartment to buy or rent, and you’ll be moving in soon. You’ve already started furnishing the place with a bunch of wonderful new pieces from local furniture stores – in your mind, that is. Soon reality sets in, though, and you remember that you have a lot of other financial commitments (such as the mortgage or rent) and there’s no way you can afford all those fabulous items right now. Oh well, it was nice to dream! Continue Reading

If you can’t find exactly the item of furniture you’re looking for to complete the décor in a room, perhaps you would consider buying an unfinished piece and finishing it yourself. Unfinished furniture is exactly what it sounds like –  an item that has been manufactured almost to completion, with only the finish on the wood missing. As long as you’re reasonably handy you can get the look you want with relatively little work, and at a price that’s far lower than you would pay for a finished piece. Some finishes such as shellac or marbling aren’t so easy for beginners to master, while others like paint or stain can be applied by virtually anyone. Continue Reading

Even if you don’t have a lot of money to spare, you can still give your home a tasteful new look.

There’s no need to resort to using packing cases as end tables – it’s just a matter of knowing a few tricks and cutting out unnecessary expenses.

One popular way to start your budget home makeover project is to scour your favorite magazines for ideas and keep a collection of interesting photos and tips. Figure out what you like and don’t like, in terms of color, style, comfort and accessories. Then you just need to add elements of your own personality to the mix. Continue Reading

Are you looking for ideas and tips for decorating small rooms and homes? Here’s a list of tips to help you make your home more spacious.

While some people live in huge, sprawling houses, many of us call a small abode home. There are those who live in tiny, but expensive apartments in big cities, those who have chosen to rid themselves of chattels and cleaning by downsizing, and others who simply prefer living in a more compact home. After all, it’s much easier to take care of a modest-sized space than a huge mansion. Continue Reading