How to Prepare for and Live With a Power Outage
December 26, 2014 By Leave a Comment
When electricity loss puts food, water and heat in jeopardy, don’t be in the dark about how to stay as safe and comfortable as possible
You probably know the ominous feeling: As a storm or hurricane sweeps through your community, you’re huddled safe at home or in a nearby shelter … and without warning, the lights all flicker and die. You’ve lost power, and experience says it could be a while before you get it back. What do you do now?
If you’re one of the lucky folks who has a generator, the going won’t be so bad, and you can live in relative comfort until the power’s back on. But generators can be expensive, beyond the reach of many of us. If a storm is coming and you could be facing days or even weeks without electricity, these steps can help you make it through.
What to Know About Adding a Reclaimed-Wood Wall
December 23, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Here’s advice on where to put it, how to find and select wood, what it might cost and how to get it done
Adding reclaimed wood to your interior is a quick way to introduce warmth and texture. Used in abundance, it has a rawness that can balance overly neutral or modern spaces and anchor sprawling floor plans. But while installing reclaimed-hardwood floors or countertops can get expensive with the amount of staining, sealing and labor needed, an accent wall of reclaimed wood can be a smaller investment that makes a big visual statement. Here’s what you need to know before getting started.
14 Bathroom Design Ideas Expected to Be Big in 2015
December 22, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Award-winning designers reveal the bathroom features they believe will emerge or stay strong in the years ahead
If you’ve been thinking about giving your bathroom an overhaul but aren’t sure how, one way to start is to look to the latest design trends for inspiration. We’ve made it our mission to find out what design ideas are expected to make a splash in 2015 to help make planning your bathroom makeover project a little bit easier. To compile our list, we enlisted the help of four award-winning designers, who share here their predictions for the looks, finishes and features they think will be on everyone’s radar next year. They also reveal how they would work these ideas into their own projects.
How to Use Full-Scale Decor to Make a Small Space Feel Bigger
December 21, 2014 By Leave a Comment
With a less-is-more approach, even oversize furnishings can help a compact area seem roomier
In today’s furniture market, “condo size” (compact) furniture is a common solution for modern small-space living. But I believe you can often achieve the biggest impact, and the most satisfying results, with a less-is-more approach. Rather than choosing smaller furnishings, indulging in a few full-scale (or even oversize) pieces can create the look of a full-size space without compromising.
35 Interesting Facts About Coffee [infographic]
December 20, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Drinking coffee in the morning is an ongoing ritual in my home. A hot cup of coffee with a pastry is one of my favorite ways to start a day. I love the smell, the taste, and the warmth that a cup of coffee gives each morning. I am not alone in my ritual, a lot of people do the same thing each morning, afternoon, and evening. Coffee is a huge industry that people around the world contribute to. This infographic contains some interesting facts about the history and consumption of coffee.
Medicine Cabinets: Should You Get a Recessed or Wall-Mounted Style?
December 19, 2014 By Leave a Comment
Here’s what you need to know to pick the right medicine cabinet and get it installed
More than a storage place for aspirin and toothpaste, a medicine cabinet greets our reflection in the morning and ushers us to bed at nighttime. It’s the go-to for most of our everyday needs and a must in the bathroom.
Despite medicine cabinets’ utilitarian function, selecting one may not be as straightforward as you might think. Recessed cabinets look great but might require more work than you bargained for. Wall-mounted options are easier to install but can take up much-valued space. Here’s help for figuring out which approach and style are right for your bathroom.
