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Old Silver November 28, 2011

Posted by creatingyourspace in : Design and Decorating , add a comment

With the high price of silver today, jewelry and flatware are constantly increasing in cost. But if you want the charm of silver in your home, check out shops that sell antique silver and silver plate items.

In big cities like New York, you can find stores that sell nothing but silver. The most expensive and popular pieces will be polished in the front window and in cases running inside the store. But if you want to discover an unexpected charming silver frame or box, move to the back where the silver is unpolished and crowded on open shelves.

Most of this is not sterling but silver plate, but if you’re looking for a piece or two to add an old-fashioned charm to your home, it really doesn’t matter. Find something that captures your imagination and then bargain to see what price you can get to before you buy.

If big cities aren’t in your reach, head out to antique stores or festivals. Antique silver napkin rings add a special feel to your table for holiday dining. They don’t have to match. How about a few serving spoons to add style to your buffet? You’re likely to be able to find a sugar and creamer set that would dress up a brunch or just your own breakfast table.

Yes, you do have to polish silver, and it can’t go in the dishwasher without destroying its patina. But you’re not buying a raft of it, just a few pieces. If you don’t use it every day look for a bag made of Pacific Silvercloth to hold it – the fabric is imbued with fibers that keep silver shiny.

Whether your taste is contemporary or traditional, with wood flooring, carpet or tile, a touch of silver – particularly old silver – brings back sparkling memories of another time.

Is your Garage Under Control? November 21, 2011

Posted by creatingyourspace in : Care and Maintenance, Hints and Tips , add a comment

Are you looking for a garage band to help hide the mess behind the performers? Never fear, you can take charge of your garage again. Getting your garage under control can be addressed with the same tactics used to straighten out a closet, although the task is much larger.

To start, don’t try to do it all in one day. Divide the process into parts and focus on one job at a time.

The most important step involves making sure your garage is safe. If you have a corner or wall that looks something like this photo, it’s time to fix it.  Storing gas, paint, oil or solvents all together without safe containers is an accident waiting to happen. Contact local waste control authorities to find out where to dispose of hazardous waste. Then follow their instructions to clear up this situation.

Next, sort through the clutter that has collected over time. You may want to focus on clearing up one wall before going to the next to keep from getting overwhelmed. As when you clean out a closet, don’t put anything back in your garage that you don’t need.

When possible, look for opportunities to store materials on the wall rather than on the floor. This makes it easier to clean the garage with a hose without having to move items in and out. Take a look at this wall. Just some inexpensive pegboard and a few hooks helps tools stay tidy and easy to find.

While you have your garage in shape, you may want to take advantage and paint or cover the floor. Walking on raw concrete floors brings dust into your home, requiring more cleaning of your home’s flooring. Concrete paint is available, or take a look at some of the newer resin coatings that seal the cement and look very attractive.  By cleaning up and fixing the floor, your garage will look fine, even without a garage band to add cachet.

Reading Cubby November 14, 2011

Posted by creatingyourspace in : Carpet, Carpet Cushion, Design and Decorating, Hints and Tips , add a comment

If you have children that love to read, they might find a cozy spot on their own to settle down with their books.

For this fellow, the soft carpeting and perfectly-sized space provides all he needs to get comfy with his books. For other children who are not natural readers, it pays to create an area that encourages reading and other quiet play.

If you would like to designate a place in your home for your children to read, you don’t need a lot of space or money to make it happen.

Start by choosing a quiet and out-of-the-way place to fix up. This may be a corner of a bedroom, a basement room, the space under the stairs, or even the back of a large walk-in closet. Find a place as free of distractions as possible.

Make sure the selected spot has sufficient lighting. This may be just an overhead light fixture or a floor lamp. For a chair, a table lamp may work. Look for lighting that is positioned to shine on the pages without glaring.

Comfort is the final requirement. For some children this may mean a corner like this boy found. Others may want pillows or cushions to create a little nest. A comfy chair and maybe an ottoman could be another preference. Consult with your child to determine the right choice.

It’s nice to have a shelf or table to hold current books. With a good place to read, you may find your child spends more time on this enriching activity.

Put the “Girly” in your Little Girl’s Room November 7, 2011

Posted by creatingyourspace in : Hints and Tips, Kids , 1 comment so far

Many little girls dream of a dressing table like this one. You can create a similar look with a little imagination and effort.

Dressing tables are almost always available at used furniture shops for very reasonable prices. This table originally sported a dark wood finish, but a light sanding, a coat of primer and another of bright white paint brightened its look.

The original hardware was feminine enough to keep. The table top already had the cut-to-fit glass, but if your choice doesn’t, it’s a good way to keep everything easy to clean.

The final feminine touches come from a silk flower garland and a collection of pretty boxes and bottles. The garlands can be found at hobby or some fabric shops in almost any combination of colors and flower types.

The rest of this room is just as pretty and feminine as this corner. The simple white curtains are trimmed with pink ribbon, and a pink flowered area rug connects this corner to the rest of the room. Add a bedspread that coordinates and your daughter is on her way to having the girly and inviting room of her dreams.

Include your daughter in the planning and execution of her room’s new look. She will enjoy the experience and you will have the chance to show her that she can make her dreams come true with enough effort and time.