Renovation & Design
Renovation & Design
SOLUTIONS: Non-gel shaving cream helps remove streaks
QUESTION: I read your column in the Winnipeg Free Press each week and thoroughly enjoy the tips and solutions. We recently removed old wallpaper in the bathroom with fabric softener and some of the fabric softener ran onto the bathroom mirror. The glass at the top of the mirror will not wipe to a clear sparkling clean and it is cloudy/streaky. I have tried glass cleaners and vinegar and also different types of cloths but it is still cloudy/streaky. The problem is just at the top of the mirror because the rest of the mirror seems fine. Would you have a solution?
Also, we have a leather couch and in the top left corner it appears that some of the colour has rubbed off and there is a small black patch. I think that it may be worn over time from people's heads resting in that same spot. I have tried Dawn dish soap to rub it off but I think that the leather colour is gone so it cannot be fixed. Do you have any tips for this problem? Angie, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Spray a generous amount of non-gel shaving cream onto the mirror to remove the foggy cloudy appearance. Wipe and remove with a soft cloth. Next make a solution of cornstarch and water, wipe onto mirror and wipe off. Both solutions are great for zapping residue and giving mirrors a shiny appearance. Worst-case scenario, ventilate and spray on WD-40.
In terms of the leather, here are a few solutions to try: Wipe leather stain with a damp sponge until it is wet. Next rub with a piece of bread, to absorb stain. Or sprinkle the area with baking soda, leave for 30 minutes. Swipe back and forth with a damp brush until baking soda is absorbed. Or wipe leather with vinegar, doing this will break down the sweat stain and clean the area. If the colour is definitely gone, purchase a leather restoration product to bring back the colour. Lastly, I have heard from a number of people that Armor All is effective for removing stains on leather; just remember to always test everything on an inconspicuous area first.
QUESTION: You spoke at our women's retreat two years ago, and I am still using many of the tips that you shared, but now I am once again stumped. We have old (but good) plastic containers that smell, musty. My husband and kids want me to throw them out, should I listen to them? Darla, Clear Lake, Man.
ANSWER: Throw them out? No way! Use a pastry brush and smear the plastic interior with either mustard or toothpaste. Make sure that you cover every corner. Fill container with water and leave for a few hours, the smell will be gone.
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national bestselling Household Solutions series. Her website is www.householdsolutions.org. You can contact her at Box 429, Blumenort, Man., ROA 0C0.
Renovation & Design
Giving your home that trendy look for 2011
Dear Marc: I plan a complete redesign of my home and want it to be trendy. What are the trends in colour, texture and style coming up this year? -- Jasmine
Dear Jasmine: 2011 is one of the trendiest years to date. The colours are hot, the patterns are bold and the textures are of worldly influences. I've compiled the Top 4 of the year's hottest trends for those looking to design or renovate their homes in the coming months.
1. "Be bold, be different, be unique, yet keep it simple!" As most of you know by now, those words are my design mantra and I design every project with those words in mind.
It is very important we remember what design is all about. Design revolves around the idea one can truly personalize her home to be in tune with her taste and lifestyle in order to have an emotional connection with such a space. It has become very trendy to have a space that doesn't have a "cookie cutter" look; a space that does not look like every other space in the neighbourhood.
2. Colour is back and it's hotter than ever. No more taupe spaces paired with 10 different shades of brown! Those types of spaces were popular in the last few years but not anymore. 2011 spaces will showcase bold colours, such as deep purples, soft pinks, corals, greys, retro mint greens, deep blue/greys, sunny yellow and many more. We will see these colours in furniture, accessories and wall colours.
3. How we use colour has changed. The design process used to dictate we choose a neutral colour for our furniture, then pair the neutral-coloured piece with more vibrant accessories. This made it easy for the everyday homeowner to achieve a sophisticated look without a design degree.
The new design technique for 2011 dictates we start with a coloured piece as opposed to a neutral one and build our design accordingly. For instance, we choose a colourful purple sofa and on this sofa we place neutral-coloured accent pillows (grey) to balance the colours. We then keep adding neutral-coloured accessories around the piece to make the main piece of furniture the "star" of your design.
When you think about it, it really makes sense to accentuate your biggest investment and really make it "pop." If I spent a ton of money on my new sofa, I would want people to notice! For the everyday homeowner, this technique is quite simple to integrate into your new design process.
In order to properly use the new technique, choose a vibrant colour. Any of the new vibrant colours of 2011 will work with this technique. The colour scheme of the space doesn't change with the technique. We still have one to two bold colours on the larger design elements, such as the furniture or walls, and a neutral colour on the accessories surrounding the vibrant-coloured larger pieces.
4. Eco design used to be seen only in elaborate designer spaces, but no longer. Eco design is now for the everyday homeowner. With the wide array of eco-products now available on the market, it has become quite easy to design an eco space. Whether you are looking for eco textiles, paint colours or accessories, it can all be attained. Homeowners are now more aware of the impact certain products have on this planet and thus have become more eco-conscious.
With all the new trends emerging, keep in mind that your personal style should be the key determinant in designing your new space.
Marc Atiyolil is the editor-in-chief of Canadian Home Trends. To submit a question for Marc Atiyolil, visit CanadianHomeTrends.ca.
