Category: Furniture

 It’s easy to tell when a lightbulb needs changing because it will start to flicker, but other parts of the home won’t have such apparent signs to let you know when to get replacements. You could have missed out on clues that your windows haven’t been functioning properly for ages.

Like with every other home feature, a little bit of maintenance and cleaning can go a long way. If you’re not sure how to get started, you can turn to the window companies in Ottawa for advice. One incredible choice would be Golden Windows since they have been manufacturing window replacements for more than 50 years.

Decades of experience in the field makes them an excellent resource for all of your questions and queries. They have a helpful blog filled with tips for taking care of your windows like how to add caulk and weather stripping to improve efficiency and how to keep all of the parts clean so that they can stay in good condition for a long time. Unfortunately, regular upkeep won’t do much for your windows if they are exhibiting the following problems.

1. Cold air leaks

One of the first clues that you need to get rid of your old windows is that they are letting cold air sneak inside. If you aren’t sure that this is happening, you can quickly learn how to find air leaks without spending money on professional services —hold your damp hands in front of the glass surface on a windy day to see if you can feel any air forcing its way indoors.

2. High hydro bills

Another clue that your windows are leaking is that your hydro bills are unexpectedly expensive. Sealing up those pesky leaks and getting yourself some energy-efficient replacements will lower your home heating costs immediately — it will stop you from paying an estimated extra$300 every single year for the drafts.

3. Loud noises

When you can hear everything happening outside of your house as if it were beside you, you should take it as one of the signs to replace your windows and to increase the level of insulation — this way you can block out noise from traffic and the neighbourhood. The sounds of dogs barking or honking cars on the street shouldn’t echo into your master bedroom.

4. Old age

Older versions do not meet today’s standards of thermal retention and energy-efficiency. As a general rule, if you know that their installation was more than 10 to 15 years ago, you should have them updated.

If you notice even one of these signs, you should get high-quality upgrades installed right away. The trusted company Golden Windows can help you find the right replacement windows in Ottawa. Their options have insulating features like low emissivity glass and solid frames to ensure long-lasting results.

 Another clue that you need to switch up your windows is that you really want a refreshing change. There’s no better way that you can bring in natural sunlight, warmth, comfort and style into your home.

 

It is inevitable that at some point your flooring will get dirty, but how do you go about cleaning it? Whether you have carpet, laminate, hardwood, or vinyl, this guide is here to help.

Carpet cleaning tips

To keep your carpet looking good as new, try to schedule a deep clean at least every six months. Before you deep clean your carpet make sure to vacuum first to lift any debris off. To deep clean your carpet, we recommend a steam cleaner.

If you have your own carpet cleaner then you are ready to go, if not, fear not you can hire one. There are two methods of deep cleaning, wet extraction (steam cleaner) and dry extraction. Dry extraction involves spreading a dry absorbent compound over the carpet, before vacuuming it with the cleaning machine.

Using a water extraction method involves injecting a cleaning solution into your carpet pile and putting it under the pressure of a water-jet nozzle to work it deep into the carpet. The machine then vacuums up the solution along with the dirt, oil and grease that has built up within the carpet, giving your carpet a facelift, pulling the dirty solution back into the machine.

When steam cleaning, allow the carpet to dry for 24 hours to allow complete drying, so as to prevent mould or mildew growth in the carpet or padding. It’s important that when steam cleaning, you make sure you do not get your carpet overly wet, so as not to damage the underlay and carpet backing. Too much water can cause shrinking, odour and discolouration.

Make sure to choose the method best suited for your carpet type and brand, as a brand may have cleaning guidelines for your carpet, especially if you’re using high-quality materials like https://www.amtico.com/commercial/.

Cleaning Laminate Flooring

Your laminate flooring may be hard wearing and durable, but you still need to keep it in check with a good cleaning routine. The important factor about cleaning your laminate flooring is not to go too crazy with water, as you need to keep water from getting underneath the planks as it can damage your floor.

We recommend you dry mop to prevent any damaging of the floor, or when required, use a slightly damp mop for spot cleaning. However, you should never polish a laminate floor, should the finish of a plank look damaged the best option is to replace it.

When it comes to spillages, make sure you act fast. Use a clean, dry towel or sponge to soak up the moisture and dry well. It is important to act as quick as you can, as leaving the spill there for too long can stain your flooring as well as wear away the protective coating.

The best way to keep your laminate in pristine condition, is to make sure you regularly vacuum. Daily maintenance can prevent scratching, even if your flooring was promoted as scratch resistant, it can still be at risk of floor debris making a mark. Make sure the vacuum is on tile mode, as opposed to carpet, so the beater bar is raised and can’t scratch the floor that way.

Keeping a well-vacuumed floor can help maintain the floors feel and finish, but if you’re not using a vacuum it is best to use a soft brush. A standard floor brush has hard bristles which can gradually cause scratching.

Of course, at some point, you may feel your laminate needs a thorough clean, particularly when no amount of dry mopping, brushing or vacuuming can remove the stains. Thorough cleaning is best carried out every few months, requiring a bucket with clean, warm water and a delicate floor cleaner or specialist laminate cleaner. Make sure you find a cleaning product to fit your brand of laminates care rules, especially if you have high-quality flooring from companies like Amtico.

Make sure when doing this you wring the mop out well and mop lightly so as not to drown the floor in moisture. Avoid puddles by regularly soaking the mop and wringing it out, ensuring it is just-damp throughout.

Cleaning a Hardwood Floor

Before cleaning your hardwood floor, make sure you know what finish it has. If you’re unaware of your floor’s finish, rub your finger across the surface, if a smudge appears the floor should be waxed.

If you have waxed wood floors, do not mop and sweep instead. Waxed flooring can be damaged by water, even small amounts. Vacuum regularly to ensure you maintain a clean floor.

A great tip for wood flooring scratches is to use a crayon. Simply get a crayon the colour of your floor and rub it on the scratch to fill the gap, before using a blow dryer to heat the area. This will heat the crayon and allow you to buff it with a soft cloth, blending it in to conceal the scratch.

Sealed wood floors tend to have a protective coating of urethane, polyurethane, or polyacrylic, to prevent stains and water damage. If your flooring has such a finish, you can create a cleaning solution to keep it in prime condition.

Mix a quarter cup of mild soap with water in a bucket to mop with, and thoroughly wring out your mop before use. After you have mopped, use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe up any excess moisture. We recommend cleaning high-traffic areas such as your kitchen once a week, but areas with low footfall need only be cleaned once a month.

To get an amazing shine on sealed wood floors, use boiling water and two teabags. Tea possesses tannic acid, a key ingredient in achieving a beautiful shine for hardwood floors. Let two teabags steep in the boiling water for a few minutes before pouring into a bucket. Wring out a soft cloth with the tea and start washing the floor to get a fantastic sheen. Make sure you steer clear of acidic vinegar solutions, as these can dull your flooring finish.

Cleaning a Vinyl Floor

Vinyl floorings worst enemies are dirt and chemicals. The first way you can combat these from getting into your home is with a doormat. Any grit that gets tracked into your home is like sandpaper to your floor. Chemicals from asphalt can be invisibly trekked in on your shoes to your floor, causing it to yellow.

For any debris that does get in, make sure you act fast and get it cleaned up before the dirt gets ground in. It’s paramount you sweep frequently, making sure to use a soft broom.

Make sure when you do give your vinyl a wash, you use the most delicate cleaning methods. Using a damp mop with lukewarm water will do the job, but if soap is required make sure you choose a cleaning product suitable for your vinyl, whether it be Polyflor vinyl or Karndean.

For example, no-wax vinyl and wax vinyl need different cleaning products. If you have a wax vinyl clean it with warm water, watching not to rub off the wax, as you will have to reapply it. Always rinse your vinyl after washing with clean, cool water, again on a well-wrung mop, or you’ll leave a residue on the floor.

Like laminate, make sure you don’t drown your vinyl. Over soaking your mop and cleaning will a surplus of water can lead to water getting into the cracks, seams, and edges of your vinyl. If water gets in, the glue bonds that hold the vinyl in place can be destroyed, causing curling corners and for it to become loose.

Do you plan on cooking at lot of meals at home? If the answer is yes, you’ll need to realize that you cannot do everything on your own. Without the right tools, appliances and supplies, you’ll never be able to cook those delicious foods. Unfortunately, there are plenty of items that you need. The good news is that some are more important than others. Some of the most important will be explored below for your consideration.

Dishes And Utensils

Once you’ve prepared a delicious meal, you’ll want to make sure that everyone will be able to enjoy it. Regardless of the size of your family, you can guarantee that you’ll need dishes and utensils. If you want to think outside of the box and save yourself some many, you may be able to solve this problem with plastic forks and paper plates. Just make sure you get good plates or your food might end up in your lap.

Glasses And Mugs

While you’re at it, you need to make sure that your guests will be able to enjoy their meals with beverages. This is why you’ll need some glasses and mugs. There are plenty of options out there. You can buy plastic cups and save yourself some cash. Either way, it is pertinent to make sure that you have enough to meet and exceed the needs of everyone.

Microwave

If you really want to cook delicious foods in a hurry, you’ll definitely want to invest in a good microwave. A microwave is going to be an inexpensive solution to your food preparation problem. Just throw the food into the microwave and hit the right button. Before you know it, the food will be ready to go. It couldn’t be easier. Just make sure you get a good microwave by taking advice from The Kitchen Professor.

Appliance

When it comes down to it, you’re going to need some appliances. You cannot cook or store your foods properly without appliances. At the very least, you’re going to need a good refrigerator and a stove. The fridge will ensure that your items are kept fresh for as long as possible. A stove and oven combination can be used to prepare foods in an abundance of ways. These items might be expensive, but they’re essential!

Knives

When you buy chicken, you’re going to receive a big slab. In order to prepare that chicken stew or soup, you’ll need to cut it up into smaller pieces. With that being said, you’re going to need some very good knives. Be sure that the knives have a sharp edge. And, make sure that they’re going to last for as long as possible. Do that and you’ll be satisfied with your investment.

A Crock Pot

Finally, you will definitely want to think about investing in a good crock pot. It’ll make a big difference in the long run. With this type of appliance, you can quickly and easily prepare delicious soups and stews. Just make sure that you get one that is going to be safe to use. Do that and you’ll have great meals at your fingertips.

If you are stuck between choosing a wooden door or a fiberglass door to install in your home office, you are not alone. At first glance, they seem so similar that you may be mistaken in believing that they are equivalent, but they have some distinct differences which you need to be aware of before you make your decision. There are pros and cons to both, and both short-term and long-term financial aspects to consider.

The Pros of Wooden vs Fiberglass Doors

Wooden doors are associated with high end decor, and are the first choice in terms of quality and aesthetic design. They add a timeless style to your property which fiberglass doors cannot match. They can also be intricately carved and designed with an artistic finish, and can be repaired fairly easily if scratched or tarnished. They are also quite straightforward and practical in their installation, and can be fitted and maintained by almost anyone with the correct tools and materials. Like fiberglass doors, you can sand, varnish or paint wooden doors to the exact texture and finish you desire.

Fiberglass doors also have their own advantages, the main ones being superior durability and weather-resistance. Fiberglass doors have been known to outlast wooden doors, going for many years without becoming rotten, misshapen, or dilapidated, and require minimal maintenance, compared to wooden doors.

Fiberglass is very stain- and scratch-resistant, and can provide as much as 5 times more energy-efficiency than wood. Additionally, you can stain and finish fiberglass doors to give them a wooden grain appearance to simulate a wooden architectural style.

The Cons of Fiberglass vs Wooden Doors

On appearance alone, you may not immediately be able to discern a visible difference, but on closer inspection you can see that wooden doors will deteriorate in ways that fiberglass doors do not. Unlike fiberglass wooden doors become faded over time and may even begin to peel. Wooden doors are less energy-efficient, and require regular maintenance in order to remain durable and effective. Exterior wooden doors also have a tendency to experience damage from moisture, as they are more exposed to the elements, which causes them to swell and warp. Furthermore, wooden doors carry risk of insect infestation, which fiberglass doors do not.

Fiberglass doors also have their disadvantages, the main one being their overall aesthetic; there’s just no substitute for an authentic vintage style wooden piece, no matter how well the fiberglass variant has been designed. Furthermore, installation and repair or fiberglass is specialized and costly, requiring special tools and professional skills.

The Bottom Line

When it comes to cost factors, there are a few things to consider. High quality fiberglass doors are more modern and tend to be pricier, however they will cost less over the years in terms of maintenance and energy-efficiency. Wooden doors may be a smaller up-front investment, but it is vital that you budget for regular maintenance in order to keep them at their optimal level of visual appeal and functionality. On wooden doors, basic maintenance and repairs can be carried out at home with minimal training or experience.

About the contributor

Apex Window Werks is the company that provide wooden window glass replacement and repair services in Chicagoland area. Get in touch with them today for a free estimation for your project. They offer best price and quality services.

When you walk in the door of your apartment home, you want to instantly plop onto the sofa, snuggle into your bed, or dip into a warm bath, but comfort is much more than just a physical feeling. When we are truly comfortable, all of our senses are at ease, and your apartment’s décor  is incredibly important in creating that atmosphere.

Decide what Comfort Is to You

Before you decorate, you have to think about how you relax. For some, comfort may be a room with soft couches, open space, and bright light, while others may prefer a library full of dark greens and blacks, stained wood, and plenty of comfortable chairs for reading.

Calming Colors

Regardless of your preferences, neutral elements will help you relax when you step in the door of your luxury apartment home. Surround yourself with calming natural décor like wood accents. Add a bonsai tree and a wooden coffee table for serenity, and surround that with a white couch and end tables to keep the neutral appeal.

Think About All of your Senses

If you have a room full of warm yellows, browns, and corals, but the windows are drafty, you’ll see warmth, but you certainly won’t feel it. Make sure to complement your warm colors with a matching blanket. Also, keep sound in mind when possible; your study shouldn’t be right next to the hallway or kid’s room, for instance.

Update Textures

Many luxury apartments have stylish hardwood floors, so why not contrast the natural look with bold colored black linins and layered throw-rugs. Add a rustic coffee table to the mix to bring the style together.

Give it a Personal Touch

While you want guests to feel at home, you’ll be the one spending most of your days at your new apartment. Create a photo wall art with pictures of pets or family, or add family heirlooms onto floating shelves to give your modern apartment a vintage vibe.

Keep it Natural

Nothing compliments a upscale apartment like a beautiful branch and flower arrangement in a glass vase or a statement-making rubber plant next to an ocean-blue vase or glass sculpture. Plants help give life and structure to otherwise cluttered areas.

 

According to a survey, less than 32% of the Americans are satisfied with the size of their current homes, they either want a smaller place or a bigger one.

It might be surprising to some, but smaller homes are also in demand as they are easy to maintain and afford. However, most people are on a lookout for bigger homes as cluttered spaces look unattractive.

While you might not necessarily be able to increase the space you have, you can take steps to at least make your home look bigger than it actually is.

To help you in this regard we have compiled a list of six things you can do to make your home look bigger.

1.    Rearrange Your Furniture To Make it Easier to Move Around

Many houses have too much furniture stuffed in one room. This can make the room look cluttered and small. Moreover, poor arrangement of furniture can also make it difficult to move around from one corner to the other.

If your room is too difficult to move around, and you have to stumble over things on your way to the next room, then consider rearranging your furniture.

Try to do that in a way that it doesn’t block the entryways or the way points from one corner to the other. Moreover, get rid of things that you do not need. A lot of us like to accumulate things for no reason.

If you have furniture that is of no use consider getting rid of it. You can sell it online for a good price or just hold a garage sale.

2.    Buy Furniture With Thinner Legs

If you’re moving to a new place then consider investing in new furniture with thinner legs.

Thinner legged furniture creates an illusion that there is more room available there then there actually is.

3.    Buy Furniture That is Low and Long

If your apartment or room has a lower ceiling, it can make a room look small. You can make it appear bigger by investing in furniture that is lower and elongated.

Such furniture can create an illusion that your ceilings are higher and your room is wider. Scandinavian furniture is one of the best options available as not only is it short and long, it also has skinny legs.

4.    Use More Light In The Room

Proper lighting is of huge importance. It does not only make the room look neater, it can also make it look bigger.

Go for light colors as dark colors absorb light which can make a look appear smaller. Rather go for light colors such as white and off-white. You can also pick light shades of green and blue.

5.    Declutter Your Counters And Floor From Unused items

It’s not just big things like furniture that can make your room look less spacious, little items like toaster in the kitchen or floor lamps can also make it look untidy and full. Plus, they take floor space which can be a killer.

Hiding these items in storage since you don’t use them every day can significantly help make your room more spacious. You can also get cabinets to store such items. They can built in the kitchen, bathroom and other corners as well.

Just get in touch with a good company to help you with this. It is an investment but one that can provide you with many benefits. They will not only keep your home neat, but will also help sell it quicker and at a good rate. However, make sure to get in touch with a company that is affordable and works with a reliable ringlock scaffolding supplier so that your work is done in a safe manner.

6.    Use a Mirror

One of another recommendations the interior designers give is to use a mirror to make a room look bigger.

More trick you into thinking that your room extends more than it actually does. However, the most important thing here is to place the mirror in the right manner.

They do not only help make a room look bigger, but they can also be used to reflect light which can brighten the room and reduce the use of bulbs.

Even though these tricks won’t make your room physically bigger but they will certainly give it an illusion of being one.

Renovating your kitchen is a long and difficult process. There are many decisions that have to be made, from the type and locations of the appliances, to the lighting design, and even the kind of flooring you want to install. Making your perfect kitchen is important as your family will spend a lot of their time there. If it isn’t to your liking, then you will be forcing yourself to be in a space that is not ideal. Therefore, turning your kitchen into the perfect paradise for you and your family should be a top priority.

There are many ways to make your kitchen into your own. The structural changes of the kitchen are important, true, but those factors are not what is going to make the kitchen your personal haven. You need to change the design aesthetic of the room to accurately reflect your tastes, and there are many ways you can do this.

The Flooring Sets The Tone

There is a great debate amongst homeowners when it comes to kitchen flooring: which is better, wood or tile? Although there are many different options that can be used for kitchen floors, wood and tile command by far the biggest portion of the market share. As such, those two materials are often the ones that get discussed. The debate is a heated one, with many proponents and opponents of both types of flooring. Both have their benefits and detriments.

Wood flooring offers many advantages, but mainly, it will have a higher return on investment than tile. If you are ever looking to resell your house, hardwood flooring is always a consistent selling point that is agreeable to almost every buyer.

Wood floors also have the added benefit of being able to offer continuity throughout your house. Being able to continue your design aesthetic throughout the floor of your house is nice to be able to do, especially if you have an open-concept floor plan.

These types of floors are very durable. Depending on the type of wood you choose, however, (whether it is a soft or hard wood, and how it is treated) being installed in a high-traffic area like the kitchen can cause some dents or scratches to occur. If your hardwood floor becomes damaged, it will need to be re-sanded, which is a task unto itself!

Wooden floors are more expensive than their tile counterparts. They are also more susceptible to water damage. Treating your wooden floors will help stop water damage from occurring. However, a kitchen has many appliances that use water to function, and can leak at any time. Finally, wooden floors can be difficult to clean, as there can be grooves between slats that can accumulate crumbs and other debris.

Tile flooring is preferred by some homeowners because it is cheaper than wood. Tile also can come in a large variety of styles, making it suitable for almost any design choice. The versatility of tile is often one of its best attributes, as homeowners can always find a tile that fits their needs.

Tile is extremely durable, hardly needing maintenance throughout its life. While some individual tiles may crack or break should the subflooring fail, it is easy to replace just the one tile. Fixing a single tile is a lot less intrusive than re-sanding an entire wooden floor. Cleaning tile can be a bit more time-consuming than wood, as the grout must be treated and cleaned as well.

Finishing Up Your Design With Cabinets

The type of flooring you choose does establish a particular design style, however, most floors are versatile enough that they alone cannot set an aesthetic. The look of your kitchen will only be completed when you choose the perfect cabinet.  

There are many different types of cabinets on the market. Installing a particular style of cabinet will solidify how you want your kitchen to appear. Cabinet installation and repair is a necessary part of completing your kitchen’s look, something San Diego Kitchen Pros specializes in. The finish of the cabinets needs to align with your kitchen ideal. The color palette is an integral part of any kitchen design. As the kitchen cabinets occupy most of the space in a kitchen, their color and finish will be the anchor of your aesthetic.

The style of the cabinet itself can also affect your kitchen’s style. The type of wood, whether or not the grain is visible, or if the wood has any beveling, are all choices you will have to make.

The cabinet handles are also a significant contributor to your kitchen’s look. Some homeowners may decide to leave their cabinets handleless, as they would like their kitchen to be sleek and modern. Not having any handles will play into the decluttered kitchen trend. Your can also choose to install handles that match the metal finish of your appliances. Doing this will tie each part of your kitchen together, thus completing the design in a simple and elegant way.
Bio

Christine is an assistant for San Diego Kitchen Pros and she enjoys home design and remodeling.

With gaming becoming more and more popular, the gaming industry is advancing faster than ever. Many gaming enthusiasts will research and invest in the best and latest gaming accessories. Consoles, monitors, keyboards, and joysticks all upgrade the gaming experience to the next level.

It’s been around since the early 2000’s, but more recently, there has been some serious advancements and demand for the gaming chair. It’s hard to believe how much a piece of furniture can actually impact the gaming experience.

If you’re looking to up your game as a gamer, but are still on the fence about whether or not to make the investment, check out these 7 reasons why you should have a gaming chair:

1. Improved Posture

Sitting with poor posture for long periods of time can eventually lead to health problems. Sitting in really isn’t so great for the body in general. In fact, it can hinder the flow of blood to the lower body and put unnecessary pressure on your muscles and joints.

Gaming chairs are specially designed to help with all of these problems. The best chairs will have an ergonomic design that takes strain and pressure off of areas in the back and neck. It can also improve circulation of blood throughout the body.

Adjustable height and neck/head support also help to protect your neck and upper back from injury and discomfort.

2. Better Performance

Just the fact of improved comfort will help you perform better. Not having to pause and readjust or stretch as often will save you time and cause fewer interruptions. You can sit for much longer and further develop your skills.

Another way that gaming chairs can help improve your gaming performance is that you can actually purchase specific types of chairs for specific types of games. Getting a chair specific to the types of games you prefer can greatly improve the way you interact with the games by offering better controls.

Also, improved positioning of controls allow for more comfort and dynamic range of motion while operating them.

3. Better For Your Eyes

Gaming can really put a strain your eyes, causing headaches and impaired vision. Gaming chairs allow you to adjust the height and angle of the chair to line up your eyes directly with the screen. This is especially important when using a large or multiple display monitors.

It’s also helpful that most gaming chairs are easy to move around, so you can move closer or further away from the screen as needed.

4. Completely Adjustable

Your simple office goes up and down, and that’s probably about it. Gaming chairs can be completely customized to your body and preferences. Adjust everything from height, angle, where you need lumbar support, and even the angles of the armrests.

You can remove and add parts as you desire. Some chairs even allow you to adjust the rock, rotation, and swivel.

5. More Durability

If you’re spending hours a day in one spot, over time it usually starts to wear down. Gaming chairs are designed to be strong and sturdy for much longer than average chairs. A good gaming chair can be a part of your life for a very long time.

Top of the line metals, cushions and upholstery provides you with lasting support for years, without wear and tear. Even for the most intense, competitive gamers.

6. Increased Concentration

You’re most focused when you’re most comfortable. Sitting and playing for hours on end on a couch or average office chair are sure to eventually cause aches, pains and even numbness. At some point the only way to find relief is going to be to get up and walk around, stretch, or move to another seat completely.

There are plenty of other things around you to be distracted by. Don’t let your discomfort be one of them.

7. Optimal Comfort

It’s worth mentioning a hundred times. If nothing else, ultimate comfort is the reason to invest in a gaming chair. Sitting uncomfortably can make coming out of an hours long gaming session feel even longer than it actually was – and not in a good way.

Gaming chairs offer customized comfort. Once you get all the little adjustments set to your specific preferences, it’ll be like no chair you’ve ever sat in before. You’ll actually be able to feel the difference even after you get up. Proper cushioning and support is provided in every perfect spot.

As mentioned above, genuine comfort can mean increased focus and concentration and improved performance.

Besides better performance in gaming sessions and optimal comfort, gaming chairs can protect your health and wellbeing for years to come. They can help reduce eye strain, improve blood circulation and support joints and muscles.

If you’re already spending the time and money to invest in gaming gear, go ahead and start looking for a gaming chair as well. Even if you’re just a casual gamer who experiences the occasional aches and pains of poor posture and seating, you’d still benefit from one. It’s worth it for your gaming experience, comfort and overall health.