Crystals add Sparkle to Your Home July 20, 2011
Posted by creatingyourspace in : Design and Decorating, Hardwood / Laminate , 1 comment so far
Since before diamonds were considered a girl’s best friend, crystal chandeliers have been a luxurious addition to many homes. They went out of style for a number of years, but they’re back and shinier than ever.
From the traditional look like this photo to modern sculptural pieces, crystal adds glamour and sparkle to any room. And speaking of any room, these appealing fixtures are now found in bedrooms and bathrooms as well as dining rooms in many homes.
If you have a traditional bedroom with rich dark wood floors, a crystal chandelier will reflect off the wood and add a warm glow to the room. Thanks to the dimmer switch, crystal pieces can add a romantic glow to a room as this photo shows.
Some of the most exciting happenings in crystal come from modern designers. A contemporary home can also showcase crystal
with some of the dramatic fixtures available today. For example, the photo below shows how crystals can work well with this very modern dining room. The sparkle is a perfect foil for the dining chairs upholstered in soft gold leather.
When adding in your crystal fixture, choose a style that will suit your home. A traditional home will do well with the classic look, but don’t hesitate to check out the newer options if your taste is more modern.
Finally, be daring. Crystals add that splash of bling to a room, creating a sophisticated and adventurous look. Choose the light that makes you smile. If you’re going for crystal, don’t hold back!
Create your own International Look at Home July 13, 2011
Posted by creatingyourspace in : Design and Decorating , add a comment
This tourist bazaar in Tripoli may seem completely removed from the back patio of a new home, but by borrowing a few elements from this scene, you can create a more exotic international feel to any location.
To start, consider adding arches to your patio cover rather than the more traditional columns. Take a look at the photo below. With the simple addition of the curves, you’re on your way to creating a unique look.
The raised trim on the columns gives them an additional element of interest. The photo below 
shows how a couple of simple circles on the columns create an appealing design.
The final architectural touch comes from the design in stone on the sidewalk in front of the market. It’s easy to create a similar feel just by using two different colors of tile to add a design to your patio.
Add the decorative touches needed by visiting your local import store. How about some pots in either earthenware or enameled in some of the vivid colors visible in the Tripoli market? You could lean them against the columns or place along the wall. Outdoor rugs come in eastern styles, and wall hangings would bring the feel of Tripoli to your back door.
With a little imagination and effort, you can give your home an exotic feeling without having to leave your back yard.
How To Remove BBQ Sauce From Carpet July 6, 2011
Posted by creatingyourspace in : Care and Maintenance, Carpet , add a comment
We hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend with your family and friends! We especially hope that you found some time to grill up some wonderful and delicious barbeque! Just in case some of this barbeque ended up on your carpet, we thought we’d share a few tips on how to properly remove it. We hope this information helps you!
Solvent – A non-flammable spot removal solution, or dry cleaning type solvent, is preferred. Exercise caution when using a solvent. Never pour it directly onto the carpet or allow it to reach the backing, because it can damage the latex that holds the primary and secondary backings together. Acceptable solvents include Carbona®, Energine®, K2R®, Goof-Off®, etc.
Detergent Solution – Mix one fourth (1/4) teaspoon of a liquid dishwashing detergent per one (1) cup of lukewarm water. NEVER USE A STRONGER CONCENTRATION! Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove detergent residues that may cause rapid soiling. It may be necessary to rinse with warm water several times to completely remove residues. (See Residue Precautions.) Care should be used in selecting a detergent. Never use a laundry detergent of any type, because laundry detergents may contain optical brighteners (fluorescent dyes) that dye the fiber. Do not select an automatic dishwashing detergent because many contain bleaching agents that destroy dyes and some fibers.
Vinegar Solution – Mix one (1) cup of white vinegar per two (2) cups of water. White vinegar is a 5% acetic acid solution. It is used most often to lower the alkalinity caused by detergent solutions or alkaline spills.
Warm Water – Lukewarm tap water should be used in most cases to rinse the cleaning solutions from the fiber. Failure to completely rinse the solutions from the fiber may cause accelerated soiling.
Ammonia Solution – Mix one (1) tablespoon of household ammonia per cup of water. Please note: Be aware that ammonia, if used improperly, can cause a color change. Be sure to test a hidden area.
Call a Professional – Professional cleaners have the ability and the equipment to use more aggressive cleaning solutions to remove stubborn spills. Always consider consulting a professional cleaner regarding any spot removal question. CRI – 1-800-882-8846.
