Tag: diy

5 Tips for Refinishing Old Furniture

Posted on by Shannon Rooks

Not only is refinishing old furniture a great way to save some money, it’s also a fun hobby! Before you purchase a new table or bureau for your apartment try refinishing some old pieces to freshen them up with these tips!

1 – Check to see if the furniture has been painted. If a piece is painted, there’s usually a reason for it. A previous owner may have painted the furniture to cover up dents, scratches or other imperfections.

2 – Before you start working, check on the piece’s value. If it’s really old, it may be valuable in it’s current condition. Consult an antique shop for answers to your questions.

3 – Get inspiration. Check Pinterest for some photos of how other pieces look in certain colors before you get started.

4 – Don’t rush the sanding process. If you’ve decided to sand and re-stain the piece, make sure you have taken enough time to sand thoroughly. It will make a huge impact on the final product.

5 – Don’t forget the photos! Snap a before picture before you get started and don’t forget to snap the after for comparison. You’ll love seeing the difference in your new and improved furniture pieces.

5 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Pantry

Posted on by Shannon Rooks

When we think of spring cleaning we usually think of packing away clothes and washing the floors. Don’t forget to clean what’s behind your pantry door too! Get yours in tip top shape for the season with these great tips

1 – Start from scratch. Pull all of the items in the pantry out and put them on your counter so you can vacuum the floor and clean the shelves.

2 – Take inventory. See how many items you have, what can be donated, what is expired and decide which items are going to stay.

3 – Reorganize your shelves. Decide what is going where and stick to it. Put the kids snacks on the bottom shelf and the canned goods above. When you’re looking for what you need you’ll know exactly which shelf to go to.

4 – Consider using some baskets or plaster containers to help with your organization. If you buy snacks in bulk you can save space by emptying and recycling the large boxes and keep your snacks in a basket instead.

5 – Stick to it! Don’t let your hard work get ruined the next time you go grocery shopping. Keep your pantry in tip top shape by following these steps every couple of months.

5 Ways to Add Spring Color to Your Home

Posted on by Shannon Rooks

Spring is finally here! Adding pops of spring color to your home doesn’t have to be hard or expensive. Try on (or all) of these five, easy changes to make your space feel lighter and brighter!

1 – Change your couch pillows to new, spring pillows! This doesn’t have to be expensive. Instead of buying a whole new pillow, buy new pillow covers. You can find great spring pillow covers online at store like amazon.com. Cover your existing pillows for a quick and beautiful update.

2- While you’re switching out your pillows, try changing your throw rugs too. If your couch pillows have a bright-colored detail in them, try adding a throw rug to your room with the same color to match.

3- Flowers can make any room feel like spring! Add fresh blooms to your living spaces for a pop of color and the scent of the new season.

4- Switch our your linens. Try changing your hand and bath towels to a brighter spring color to give your bathroom a quick fix.

5- Change your artwork. If you have wall hangings, try adding a new print to your frames. You can purchase spring prints on etsy.com and print them yourself at a local print shop.

5 Tips for Setting a Table for a Dinner Party

Posted on by Shannon Rooks

Hosting a dinner party this weekend? Before you pull out the plates and flatware, keep reading to find our tips for setting the perfect dinner table for guests…

  1. Use a table covering of some sort (one that fits the theme of the night.) A tablecloth or table runner adds a beautiful touch to a standard dining table. Don’t have a table runner? A roll of brown craft paper can give a fun DIY touch to your table.
  2. Fill a glass water pitcher with cold water earlier in the day and pull it out to place on the table at dinner time. That way guests can refill their glass as needed.
  3. Try a fun napkin fold for the event! Watch this video here for some folding inspiration.
  4. Add the decor. Head to the local supermarket and get some fresh flowers to add to the table. Use small LED candles on the table as well to give your dinner a warm ambiance.
  5. Don’t forget about dessert! Save room on the table (and time) by plating your desserts ahead of time and keeping them in the kitchen. You can serve with coffee right after the meal.