5 THINGS YOU SHOULD BE CLEANING BUT PROBABLY AREN’T

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Hey, nobody’s perfect. With only so many hours in a day…something’s gotta give. Even so, in the interest of a clean, healthy home, we’ve uncovered five things you should be cleaning, but, like most folks, probably aren’t.

The dirty truth. What’s likely long overdue for a good cleaning:

#1 Trash/Recycling Bins

Phew that stinks! If you’re holding your nose every time you lift the lid of your trash/recycling bin, it’s time to kick the stench to the curb. Breathe easy. The folks at Household Management 101 have a solution to make this unpleasant task easier.

Step 1: In a bucket mix ¾ cup chlorine bleach, 1 gallon warm water and 1 tablespoon powered laundry detergent.

Step 2: Pour cleaning solution into bin and let sit for 15 minutes. Using a long handled brush, scrub the inside of bin. Hose down. Tip bin to drain out water. Turn bin right-side up and let thoroughly air dry. Lastly, spray inside of the bin with disinfectant.

#2 Microwave Grills

No doubt, you’re wiping down the obvious: the inside and front panel of your microwave. But if you have a mounted appliance, you might well be skipping over two important elements. Clean queen blogger Anna Moseley points out what they are and how to clean them.

#3 TV Remote/Game Controllers

Pass the remote? More like pass the germs. Just think about how often (and how many of you) have control of the remote controls in your house, and it’s clear why you’d want to disinfect them, especially during cold and flu season. Chlorine antibacterial wipes will do the trick. Staying at a hotel? Never use the remote without cleaning it. In a pinch, put the remote in a Ziploc baggy to create a germ barrier.

#4 Shower Heads

Wash away germs and mineral deposit buildup by soaking your shower head in white vinegar. You don’t have to remove your shower head to do it (but you can if you prefer).All you need: white vinegar, a rubber band and a plastic bag.

Step 1: Slip rubber band over the top of shower head (you may need to loop it around a time or two for a snug fit. Fill plastic bag with vinegar and slip rubber bag around the top of bag.
Step 2: Wait an hour, then remove bag. Turn on shower to flush. Polish to a shine with a clean cloth.

#5 Top Surfaces

Think of all the stuff you don’t see that’s accumulating dust: the top surfaces of everything from the refrigerator and cabinets, to ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, picture frames and moulding. Not to add to your to-do list, but you might want to make wiping down these areas top priority on cleaning day.
Have a clever cleaning tip? Dish the dirt on our Facebook page.

VISIONS OF VOGUE: AN INNOVATIVE LIFESTYLE BLOG BY JENNA COLGROVE

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The home furnishings and fashion industries share significant similarities whether that be in structure, design, or even the Pantone color of the year! When the two businesses intersect, the collaboration can be stunning. The same holds true for your own personal sense of style- from what you wear to the interior décor of your home.

We are ecstatic to introduce our friend and lifestyle blogger Jenna Colgrove, the creator of Visions of Vogue, an innovative blog for all things fashion, travel, and the home. Jenna’s musings help us envision a lifestyle that is both aspirational and achievable. Her personal style, a mix of high and low fashion, is infused with worldly influences including her recent visits to Japan.

To escape a world of Excel spreadsheets in the finance industry where she first began, Jenna turned to the more glamorous (and exciting) world of fashion and design working with big style icons such as Kendra Scott, Bobbi Brown, Sole Society, and Macy’s. She currently works as the Director of Strategy and Planning for a luxury cosmetics brand and enjoys the challenge of creating and sharing compelling imagery.

If you enjoy a sassy blogger with a passion for fashion, travel, and a good crop-top, check out Jenna’s blog here to see how beautiful and affordable fashion transcends into every part of life, especially the home! Also, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Jenna’s chic living room featuring Ashley HomeStore furniture and accessories.

5 TIPS FOR GETTING THE SECTIONAL OF YOUR DREAMS

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Are you finding that your sofa is not meeting your needs? Do you have to pull out extra folding chairs for every occasion? Replace that sofa with a sectional for more seating, flexibility and comfort. Sectionals come in all shapes and sizes and can have many fun features, so how do you choose?

KNOW THE LANGUAGE OF SECTIONALS

First, get familiar with sectionals and all their components. Two acronyms you’ll come across are RAF and LAF. When facing the piece, the position of the arm on the portion facing you is described as either right-arm facing (RAF) or left-arm facing (LAF). Basic sectionals are usually comprised of four pieces: LAF or RAF sofa, LAF or RAF corner chaise, armless loveseat and ottoman. They may also include a RAF or LAF cuddler, which is a seat attached to the end of an armless sofa or loveseat, sometimes on an angle. A symmetrical sectional will have equal seating on both sides. Other pieces that can be added include: wedges, armless chairs and dual reclining sofas or loveseats. A corner wedge is used to attach an add-on piece like a loveseat or armless chair to the main piece. Consoles may come separately or built into a sofa or loveseat. Usually they feature built-in storage space and cup holders. With these basics in mind, here are five helpful search tips:

TAKE MEASUREMENTS

Before the search, decide where the sectional will go. Will it fill a corner, sit in a room’s center or fit along a wall? Take exact measurements of the space you want to fill—reason being: certain styles will not work in smaller spaces. Take the length of fully reclined seats and the size of ottomans into account. Plus, factor in extra space for moving about the room. Once you have a size, decide on the type of seating. Deep seats easily accommodate tall people, while shallow seats with tight backs are ideal for short people or those who have difficulty getting up. Chaises are great for propping up legs.

DECIDE WHAT YOU LOVE

Think about your lifestyle and envision all that you want in a seating arrangement. What’s your favorite style? From contemporary to traditional, there are many looks to consider. What fabric would you prefer? For example, if you have small children or pets, you may want to consider stain-resistant fabrics. Crave something decorative? Look for features such as naihead trim, rolled armrests, curved feet and jumbo stitching. Configurations are also important. Traditional L-shaped sectionals, like the top-selling Jessa Place 3-piece sectional with a chaise lounge attached, are perfect for TV viewing. U-shaped sectionals are ideal for party hosting because facing seats encourage conversations.

NEED FUTURE FLEXIBILITY?

If you want the ability to reconfigure seating, there are several options. Reversible sectionals are ideal because the chaise can be moved from one side of the stationary piece to the other. For the ability to arrange each piece to your liking or the freedom to add as many seats as you want, modular sectionals are perfect. To find all the options with each sectional, ask what pieces are stationary, interlocking or separate.

ADD-ONS?

Recliners, power options, consoles and ottomans are some extra features to keep in mind. When exploring a sectional with recliners, find out which pieces recline and if they have power adjustment options. Usually 2 seats in a sofa or loveseat piece will recline and sometimes separate reclining seats can be added. Reclining features are a huge plus for space savings, especially if you do not have the room for separate recliners. Use an ottoman either for an additional seat or as a foot rest. Look for storage that’s sometimes available because it provides handy space for tucking away remotes, blankets and more.

VISUALIZE

Before you make your purchase, imagine the piece in your living area. Get a picture of it and hold it up to the space. Will it work for you and your family? Does it sync with your lifestyle? If your answer is “no” to any of these questions, keep looking. Does the sectional overpower the room? If you think it will, consider getting a smaller one or remove pieces. See if the fabric color will match your decor. Often a shade of the color of your room’s decor will work perfectly, but you can add a pop of color to the room using an accent color such as red.

With these helpful tips in mind, take time to explore all possibilities. You’ll be surprised what a difference a sectional can make in your home.

If you have a sectional, who claims what spots? Is dad stationed at the command center next to the console? Does mom relax on the chaise? What spots do the kids enjoy? What are your favorite features?

5 TIPS FOR GETTING THE SECTIONAL OF YOUR DREAMS

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Are you finding that your sofa is not meeting your needs? Do you have to pull out extra folding chairs for every occasion? Replace that sofa with a sectional for more seating, flexibility and comfort. Sectionals come in all shapes and sizes and can have many fun features, so how do you choose?

KNOW THE LANGUAGE OF SECTIONALS

First, get familiar with sectionals and all their components. Two acronyms you’ll come across are RAF and LAF. When facing the piece, the position of the arm on the portion facing you is described as either right-arm facing (RAF) or left-arm facing (LAF). Basic sectionals are usually comprised of four pieces: LAF or RAF sofa, LAF or RAF corner chaise, armless loveseat and ottoman. They may also include a RAF or LAF cuddler, which is a seat attached to the end of an armless sofa or loveseat, sometimes on an angle. A symmetrical sectional will have equal seating on both sides. Other pieces that can be added include: wedges, armless chairs and dual reclining sofas or loveseats. A corner wedge is used to attach an add-on piece like a loveseat or armless chair to the main piece. Consoles may come separately or built into a sofa or loveseat. Usually they feature built-in storage space and cup holders. With these basics in mind, here are five helpful search tips:

TAKE MEASUREMENTS

Before the search, decide where the sectional will go. Will it fill a corner, sit in a room’s center or fit along a wall? Take exact measurements of the space you want to fill—reason being: certain styles will not work in smaller spaces. Take the length of fully reclined seats and the size of ottomans into account. Plus, factor in extra space for moving about the room. Once you have a size, decide on the type of seating. Deep seats easily accommodate tall people, while shallow seats with tight backs are ideal for short people or those who have difficulty getting up. Chaises are great for propping up legs.

DECIDE WHAT YOU LOVE

Think about your lifestyle and envision all that you want in a seating arrangement. What’s your favorite style? From contemporary to traditional, there are many looks to consider. What fabric would you prefer? For example, if you have small children or pets, you may want to consider stain-resistant fabrics. Crave something decorative? Look for features such as naihead trim, rolled armrests, curved feet and jumbo stitching. Configurations are also important. Traditional L-shaped sectionals, like the top-selling Jessa Place 3-piece sectional with a chaise lounge attached, are perfect for TV viewing. U-shaped sectionals are ideal for party hosting because facing seats encourage conversations.

NEED FUTURE FLEXIBILITY?

If you want the ability to reconfigure seating, there are several options. Reversible sectionals are ideal because the chaise can be moved from one side of the stationary piece to the other. For the ability to arrange each piece to your liking or the freedom to add as many seats as you want, modular sectionals are perfect. To find all the options with each sectional, ask what pieces are stationary, interlocking or separate.

ADD-ONS?

Recliners, power options, consoles and ottomans are some extra features to keep in mind. When exploring a sectional with recliners, find out which pieces recline and if they have power adjustment options. Usually 2 seats in a sofa or loveseat piece will recline and sometimes separate reclining seats can be added. Reclining features are a huge plus for space savings, especially if you do not have the room for separate recliners. Use an ottoman either for an additional seat or as a foot rest. Look for storage that’s sometimes available because it provides handy space for tucking away remotes, blankets and more.

VISUALIZE

Before you make your purchase, imagine the piece in your living area. Get a picture of it and hold it up to the space. Will it work for you and your family? Does it sync with your lifestyle? If your answer is “no” to any of these questions, keep looking. Does the sectional overpower the room? If you think it will, consider getting a smaller one or remove pieces. See if the fabric color will match your decor. Often a shade of the color of your room’s decor will work perfectly, but you can add a pop of color to the room using an accent color such as red.

With these helpful tips in mind, take time to explore all possibilities. You’ll be surprised what a difference a sectional can make in your home.

If you have a sectional, who claims what spots? Is dad stationed at the command center next to the console? Does mom relax on the chaise? What spots do the kids enjoy? What are your favorite features?

SPRING AWAKENING: FRESHEN THE BED IN A BEAUTIFUL WAY

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The birds are chirping. The buds blooming. And the air…so fresh and fragrant. Even if you’re not a morning person, spring awakenings have us waking up on the bright side. Time to bid adieu to winter’s heavier look and feel, and lighten up with a tip-top top-of-bed refresh.

Let your style blossom with the ultimate top-of-bed ensemble:

Sheet Dreams. It feels awfully good to tuck away the flannel sheets until next winter and unfold a fresh set that’s light and luxurious. In terms of quality, we hear it all the time. Go for the highest thread count you can afford. Yes, thread count matters, but it’s not the whole story. Take into account material, too. Among your options:Egyptian Cotton. No question, you can’t beat 100% Egyptian cotton sheets. Fabrics made of Egyptian cotton are not only softer, finer and last longer than any other cotton, but they also soften over time to the delight of those who spring for the best.

Sateen. With their high luster, sateen sheets appeal to those who love a touch of sheen. More often than not, sateen sheets are made of cotton (and sometimes rayon). Because of a “mercerizing process,” sateen sheets resist mildew, making them a good choice for folks with allergies. They also drape well and have a high-thread count.

Microfiber. Made from materials such as nylon, polyester, recycled plastics or wood pulp, microfiber sheets, which consist of very finely woven fibers, are exceptionally thin and smooth yet quite strong. Keep in mind that microfiber sheets retain body heat. If you prefer a cooler bed, cotton sheets might be a more comfortable choice.Tip-Top Style. Few things transform a bedroom quite like a crisp, new comforter, quilt, duvet cover or coverlet. And what better time than spring for an update? And it’s not all about florals. With a touch of texture, vibrant solids are far from boring and quite lively. Geometric patterns, trellis and lattice prints and ikat designs are beautifully on trend this spring.Pillow Talk. For a quick, easy and affordable spring top-of-bed makeover, a plethora of accent pillows speaks volumes. A blend of highly textural fabrics and brilliant pops of color might be all you need to bring a fun and flirty springtime feel to the bedroom.

APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS: DECORATING WITH FLORALS

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 Here we are, in the delight of early May when the flowers are starting to beautifully bloom. What if you could make the stunning sights of spring last all year long? You can, simply by bringing the outdoors inside with floral furnishings and decor!

Seasonal Swap Out

What’s more simple than propping a few floral throw pillows on a sofa or chair? Not much! We’re especially loving our painterly Home Accents pillows in blue and orange. They’re designed for indoor/outdoor use so you can even add them to a porch swing or patio furniture if you’re so inclined.

Dreaming of Spring

Bright and cheery bedding sure makes waking up on the right side of the bed easy! ThePaislette 4-Piece Quilt Set combines the perfect shades of lime and turquoise for a stylishly spring look. And the mix of paisley and florals is a foolproof way pull off the pattern mixing trend.

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On a Field of Flowers

Want to feel like you’re sitting on a field of flowers all year long? Simply add a floral accent chair to the living room or master bedroom. Our Shoshana chair showcases geometric flowers in a to-die-for shade of aquamarine. The creamy background and gray details help tone down the bright flowers and make the look more livable even in the dead of winter. Of course, if you want your home to really scream spring, you can select a chair with a more intense color palette, like the stunning Daystar.

What are your favorite ways to incorporate floral decor into your home? Tell us in the comments below!

Tips for Planning the Perfect Kitchen

Your kitchen space is the heart of your home, and that’s why it’s so important to plan out its design layout thoroughly. While it’s a good idea to design your kitchen according to your tastes and styles, it’s also extremely important to design your kitchen space around your needs and wants. But which is more important; your kitchen needs or your design desires?

Form or Function?

Everyone wants to have the perfectly designed kitchen space. Whether you’re going for a traditional kitchen design or you’re into a more modern look, choosing form over function can be a big mistake. Be sure to design your kitchen layout around your appliances to achieve maximum working efficiency.

Often referred to as the kitchen triangle, the space between the three most used kitchen features should be limited in distance from one another to increase the working kitchen’s efficiency. If you make sure that your sink, refrigerator and stove top are within close proximity of one another, you’ll be sure to make your kitchen space as useful as possible.

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Countertop Landing Spaces

If you like to cook, you’ll want a good amount of countertop space to make cooking easier to do. One of the best places for additional countertop space is between the range and the sink. This area is commonly used for cooking pots and pans and should be as large as possible for a kitchen that’s used for cooking more than eating. For kitchens that serve as an eating place as well as a cooking place, multi-level surfaces ensure that kids and adults alike can easily access eating spaces without getting in the way of hot pots and pans placed on lower countertop levels. Caesarstone offers some of the best countertop landing spaces that are perfect for a wide variety of kitchen applications ranging from cooking to eating.

Shelving

Open shelves are often neglected in many modern kitchen designs. But the fact of the matter is that these spaces are crucial to making cooking and cleaning easier in the kitchen. Spice racks around stove tops and ovens provide chefs with easy access to essential cooking materials without slowing down cooking production times. Corners that provide storage space in cabinetry can be a waste of space. Fill these areas with open shelving to help maximize kitchen storage to its fullest potential.

Utensil Storage

More often than not, utensils like knives, spatulas and spoons that are used for cooking go into a drawer. This not only eliminates precious storage space, but it makes finding the right utensil for the job difficult at best. Hanging utensils on a magnetic rack can help free up crucial drawer space for more important items in the kitchen.

Message Center

Modern kitchen spaces aren’t just for cooking any more. They are a gathering center for the family and are often used as a place for relaying important messages. A simple message center with a chalkboard makes any kitchen space feel more like home. Best of all, message centers work great as a small office space when a phone and countertop space is set aside in these essential kitchen areas. 

Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales 70% OFF: Design Tips and Ideas for the Modern Kitchen

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There’s a reason the kitchen is called the heart of the home: It’s where you and your family gather to cook, to eat, to socialize, and, sometimes, just to catch up over a quick snack or a cup of coffee. In many homes, the kitchen has evolved into an all-purpose room, including a dining table, computer desk, entertainment area, even a fireplace.

Today’s kitchens are practical, welcoming, and fun. They feature sophisticated colors and innovative components. They also look more like the rest of the house, complete with furniture-like cabinets, wood flooring, and artwork. The perfect recipe for a beautiful kitchen calls for giving a lot of thought to both the components and the activities that take place in the room, from cooking and cleanup to snacking and socializing. Above all, the perfect kitchen is both comfortable and a pleasure to work in. Here are ten simple elements to consider for your well-planned kitchen.

Style

The design of your kitchen may be classic or contemporary, casual or formal, high-tech or homey—whatever reflects your style preference. Because the cabinets, countertops, and appliances comprise the major components in a kitchen space, you’ll want to decide what your overall style will be before choosing them. If you’re worried about combining looks with practicality, many designs strive to blend traditional looks with modern conveniences. A generously proportioned kitchen with classic materials and up-to-date amenities proves to be both stylish and practical.

Style

The design of your kitchen may be classic or contemporary, casual or formal, high-tech or homey—whatever reflects your style preference. Because the cabinets, countertops, and appliances comprise the major components in a kitchen space, you’ll want to decide what your overall style will be before choosing them. If you’re worried about combining looks with practicality, many designs strive to blend traditional looks with modern conveniences. A generously proportioned kitchen with classic materials and up-to-date amenities proves to be both stylish and practical.

Photo by Leslie Williamson

Photo by 

Leslie Williamson

Originally appeared in Miller House in Columbus, Indiana by Eero Saarinen

Photo details

1 / 10

Layout

Kitchen layout studies in the 1950s introduced the term work triangle, whose three legs connect the refrigerator, sink, and range or cooktop. An efficient work triangle reduces the steps a cook must take during meal preparation and, whenever possible, is notinterrupted by traffic flow. Today, the work triangle is being challenged by other options; nevertheless, it is still a valuable starting pointfor good kitchen design. If your space is small, you might want to consider a one wall kitchen or a galley kitchen. Gaining in popularity are minimalist kitchens, in which obvious kitchen elements such as the refrigerator and upper cabinets are downplayed or tucked out of sight and the kitchen area has the same sensibility as the living space it has merged with. Deluxe kitchens are expansive spaces that often have two or more work zones.

Cabinets

Your first decision is whether to keep your existing cabinets, perhaps refinishing or refacing them, or to replace them. If you replace them, you will need to decide if you want “fitted” or “unfitted”cabinets. A fitted kitchen, the almost universal choice since the mid-20th century, consists of banks of matching upper and lower cabinets with appliances incorporated into them. “Unfitted” kitchens generally have a mix of styles and colors. The cabinets are more furniture-like. Upper cabinets may float singly on the wall or may sit on the countertop like a hutch; shelves may take the place of cabinets. Other decisions include cabinet construction and style and whether you want stock, semi-custom, or custom cabinetry. You’ll also want to decide on the materials and finishes. You can always mix things up, choosing different materials and complementary ones, to bring personal style to your kitchen.

ENTERTAINMENT CENTERS & SECTIONALS & COFFEE TABLES! OH MY!

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The Triple Threat for the Perfect Home Theater

Dinner and a movie… the quintessential date night. As nice as it is having a night out on the town, sometimes you just want a quiet night in. With the right living room furniture, you just might favor your home theater even more than the movie house. Here are the three key pieces of furniture to help make your home the ultimate destination for dinner and a movie:

Super-Sized Sectional

Since movies keep getting longer and longer, comfort has never been more important. What better way to get cozy than with a power reclining sectional? You can position the footrest and chair back at just the right positions for maximum comfort. With the ability to kick up your feet, lean back and sink into plush cushions, that three hour film won’t seem nearly as long. For an authentic theater-style experience, consider a sectional with built-in cup holders. Now that’s handy!

Lift-Top Coffee Table

Gone (finally) are the days of the unsightly TV dinner tray. In its place is one of the most innovative pieces of living room furniture to date: the lift-top coffee table. As its name suggests, the table’s top lifts upward, allowing you to dine from the comfort of your sofa. The addition of casters allows you to easily pull the table in close. It’s simply ingenious!

Entertainment Center

It might go without saying, but every home theater needs an entertainment center. Some units offer cabinet doors with the option of speaker cloth inserts, allowing for an authentic surround sound experience while disguising unattractive speakers. The ultimate entertainment center will provide plenty of nooks and shelves for Blu-ray players, video game consoles and all of your other gadgets and gizmos.

Feast and Flick

Once you have your home theater set up, it’s time for the fun part: picking a main course and a feature film. What would you choose for a cozy night in?