Archives for February 2015

10 Secrets of Successful Secondhand Furniture Shopping

February 17, 2015 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Design professionals offer tips on how, where and what to buy

Buying furniture secondhand is the recycling of the design world. Secondhand pieces don’t use any more raw materials, don’t require any more energy to be produced, reduce waste and pollution, and don’t require any additional packaging. On top of these pluses, antiques and previously used pieces have that great sense of story and character.

While seasoned secondhand shoppers would probably be able to dish out this advice in their sleep, it can often be difficult to know where to start looking if you’re not in the habit of hunting. Four professionals very much in the know offer 10 great tips to ease you on your way.

10 Secrets of Successful Secondhand Furniture Shopping

Filed Under: Blog, Furniture

That Gap Under the Deck: Hide It or Use It!

February 16, 2015 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

6 ways to transform a landscape eyesore into a landscape feature

At last you’re ready to install the deck of your dreams. Before you begin construction, it’s important to consider how to address the underside of the deck and accompanying staircase. If the deck will extend from the second story, this can be quite a lot of potentially usable space. There will be less space to address if the deck will extend from the ground-level story, but the eye will still be drawn to that dark (often weedy) slit of earth.

So how do you maximize this awkward space? Whether you want to completely hide this area, create a semiprivate screen or turn it into storage, here are six ideas to help transform what’s often a landscape eyesore into a landscape feature.

That Gap Under the Deck: Hide It or Use It!

Filed Under: Blog, Home Care, Home Remodel

Swirl Faucet: Lattice Water Effect

February 15, 2015 By EmmanuelFonte 2 Comments

In a bathroom, the surfaces and fixtures usually take center stage. The Swirl Faucet concept puts the focus not on the faucet, but on the water.

The concept from designer Simin Qiu features two internal turbines that spin in different directions. The water flows out in a delicate lattice pattern.

Filed Under: Appliances, Blog

Valentine’s Day Thought: Words Matter

February 14, 2015 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

If you don’t mind, let me be a little self-reflective.

Twelve years ago today, I was diagnosed with cancer. Valentine’s Day, what a great day to get that news. I’m proud to say, I didn’t just survive the disease. I vanquished it. With help from my surgeon, my oncologist, the amazing nurses, radiation techs, family, and friends, I more than survived.

The word cancer is awful, and the disease is brutal. Most of us know someone who has been affected by it, or is in the midst of a battle with it. I can attest to the fact that my mindset and the power of the words spoken by people around me, made all the difference.

In some way this reminds me of a time when I was young. I defended a mentally-challenged student when I was in kindergarten and first grade. That led to taunting and bullying from other students. The words they used hurt me deeply. When I would argue my case, I was told “stick and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt me.” That expression is complete malarkey!

Speak hope, life, and love to those around you. YOU can change the trajectory of someone’s thoughts today. Words matter! Use them to make a difference.

I love my life! Thank you for being in it.

Filed Under: Blog, Random Thoughts

Home Energy Saving Tips for Winter

February 13, 2015 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Blog, Home Care

How To Increase Home Value With Less Than $5000 [infographic]

February 12, 2015 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Blog, Home Care, Home Remodel

Your Guide to a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Home

February 11, 2015 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Use our 7-day plans to bring order and cleanliness to each room of your house

Clutter getting out of hand, or just feel it’s time for a deep clean? Our seven-day plans for cleaning and organizing your home, room by room, offer a flexible blueprint for bringing serenity to your space.Each plan is organized with the first few days requiring the most work, so you can get started on a weekend. This will allow you to get a jump start and finish up smaller tasks in the evenings during the week — but you can always pick and choose among tasks to better fit your needs (and your time). Jump to the room that needs the most help or start at the beginning and do them all.

Your Guide to a Spotless, Beautifully Organized Home

Filed Under: Blog, Home Care

How to Have a Little More Fun With Your Decor

February 10, 2015 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Quirky and unexpected details and accessories will raise your decorating game in 2015

It’s easy to go for tried and tested decor, but giving your home an offbeat twist can be more fun. If you’re new to adventurous interiors, you can dip a toe in the water by focusing on little details that pack a punch.

How to Have a Little More Fun With Your Decor

Filed Under: Blog, Home Care

10 Ways to Make Your Home Theater More Awesome

February 9, 2015 By EmmanuelFonte Leave a Comment

Check out these ideas for bringing more tech sophistication to your media space

Home theater technology has never been better — today you can even exceed the audiovisual quality of your local cinema. Whether you want to host the perfect film night, entertain after a dinner party or simply keep the kids quiet for a few hours on a rainy afternoon, there’s a home theater solution out there to suit your needs. Here are 10 suggestions for bringing Hollywood magic into your home.

10 Ways to Make Your Home Theater More Awesome

Filed Under: Blog, Home Remodel