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

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

If you’re renovating your kitchen or bathroom but you need to watch the pennies, don’t think you have to go without some of the luxuries you long for.

Here are some tips to get that 5-star ambiance you want without paying an arm and a leg for it. Continue Reading

There are a couple of basic rules to remember when you’re searching for a suitable and reliable home improvement contractor.

Get several estimates, and speak to previous customers of each firm you’re looking at. You’d be astonished to learn how few people actually follow these simple guidelines, however. No wonder there are so many consumer complaints lodged with the Better Business Bureau, the Bureau of Consumer Protection and other agencies, against contractors. Continue Reading

People are living longer and healthier lives these days, and this is increasingly being considered by home designers and architects.

Most of us would probably prefer to stay in our own homes rather than move to a seniors’ living facility when we reach old age. Of course there’s no harm in planning ahead and bringing in changes designed to make your home safer and easier to get around, long before you actually need them. Then you’ll be all set to carry on enjoying your house when the time comes that you require a bit of extra help to remain independent. Continue Reading