Preparing Your Fireplace for the Cooler Months
On chilly fall mornings, there’s nothing quite like curling up in front of the fireplace with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Here are some tips to make sure your fireplace is ready before the cool, damp mornings of autumn set in. Clean the fireplace For traditional wood-burning stoves, the National Fire Protection Association […]
Design with a Focal Point in Mind
Any designs you create cease to exist without a definitive “focal point.” But what is a focal point, and why is it so important in design functions? Based on the Gestalt principle, a focal point or emphasis works as the star of the room. It captures the attention of the viewer and accentuates the surroundings. […]
The Home Office Re-Imagined
2020 has changed so many things, especially how and where we work. Before this year, many of us only conducted a few hours of business a week at home. We answered emails on our smartphones or did a little work on the laptop while sitting on the couch or at the kitchen island. McKinsey recently […]
Grill Maintenance
No matter what the seasons, it’s always a good time to grill. Here are some tips to keep your barbeque clean – and safe – throughout the year. Clean lightly after every use by turning the heat on high until the grill no longer smokes from burning the food residue (approximately 10 minutes). The remaining […]
Managing Your Energy Use and Cost
As families are spending more time at home, they will probably notice that they are using more energy than they typically do. Here are a few recommendations we have so you can conserve energy and keep electric bills manageable. Turn off lights when not in use. Devices that are plugged into an outlet can still […]
Kitchen Storage: Now and Later
Is it important to have an organized kitchen? This is a question that many of us have asked—and answered—these last few months. As we adjusted to a new stay-at-home work/school environment, we have experienced just how functional our home truly is. The kitchen has long been the hub of the home. But as this space […]
