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Interested in Modern Architecture? Explore Your Interest on Pinterest!

September 12, 2014 by

With its sleek, clean lines and open design scheme, modern architecture is fascinating even to those with no architectural experience. Here are two Pinterest boards with so many photos of modern homes and buildings that the possibilities for browsing are practically endless.

Modern Architecture
This particular Pinterest is dedicated to the more traditional styles of modern architecture. Frank Lloyd Wright homes feature wall-to-wall windows and natural elements that bring the outside in, while minimalist buildings designed by more current architects offer a tour of some of the very best modern structures from around the world.

Futuristic Architecture
If you take your love of modern architecture a step further, this board features homes so unique that they’re almost futuristic. Some of these buildings actually exist in cities around the world, while others are simply dreamed up and drawn in a cartoon-like way. Buildings like the twisted Cayan Tower in Dubai and the proposal for the open Hong Kong Alternative Car Park Tower, with its sides cut open in a way that almost looks like the building is sliced in half, are just a few of the fascinating buildings on this board.

Public Domain/Public Domain
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How to Care for Succulents and Cacti

August 5, 2014 by

Scroll through any design blog or flip through the pages of any magazine, and you're likely to come across images of succulents and cacti. These trendy, easy-to-care-for plants require minimal attention, but still deliver maximum impact when it comes to perking up a windowsill or shelf. Bonus: They're easily found at any home and garden store. Before you clear a spot in your apartment, here are two growing tips to consider.

· Water sparingly.
To check if your plant could use a drink, stick your finger into the soil. If it feels cold or damp, your plant doesn't need water yet. If the soil feels dry, soak the soil thoroughly, ensuring that excess water has a place in the pot through which to drain. Note that cacti and succulents prefer to dry out between waterings, and they won't tolerate wet feet. In general, these plants require more water during the spring and summer and less water in the fall and winter, when the plant goes dormant.

· Let the sunshine in.
Keep your plant in a spot that receives four to six hours of sunlight a day. However, be advised that most succulents and cacti prefer indirect light to direct light, as exposure to direct sun can cause scorch marks. Another sign that your plant is receiving too much sun is a yellowed, bleached appearance. Also note that your succulents and cacti will most likely need more water if they're placed in a very sunny spot.

Do you keep cacti and succulents in your apartment home? Share your growing tips below!

How To Care For Your Cacti & Succulents [California Cactus Center]
Care for Succulents and Cactus [Southeast Succulents]
Cactus and Succulent Care for Beginners [Southeast Succulents]

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How to Plant Your Own Terrarium

August 1, 2014 by

If you pay attention to interior design blogs, you’ve likely seen colorful terrariums popping up all over the place. These intricate indoor gardens may seem difficult to make, but with the right supplies and a few slow-growing plants, you can create your own terrarium to make your home look just like the pros’.

  1. Find the right structure. Terrariums should be built inside of a clear glass or plastic container so that you can see what’s going on inside. Something like a fish bowl, mason jar, or even a store-bought terrarium will work best. Do your best to choose the size based on how large you plants are.
  2. Form the garden bed. The success of your terrarium depends on the base. Start by lining the container with a one-inch layer of pebbles for drainage, and then add a ½-inch layer of activated charcoal. A 1 ½-inch layer of pre-moistened sphagnum moss goes over that to prevent the soil from slipping in between the pebbles.
  3. Plant your plants. Whether you choose succulents or herbs, they need to go on top of this well-draining garden bed. Remove your plants from their pots and cut away pot-bound roots. Place a layer of soil in your terrarium that’s just taller than your plants' roots, and plant the plants inside where the leaves won’t touch the glass.
  4. Decorate. Now that your terrarium is complete, it’s time to make it look pretty. Add some decorative rocks inside, and then place it in front of a well-lit window where your guests can easily see it.

How to Make Your Own Terrarium [HGTV]
How to Make Terrariums [About Home]
Terrariums: A Guide to Plants and Care [BHG]

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How to Remove Stubborn Grass, Oil and Sweat Stains

April 11, 2014 by

You're elated that your child's slide into homebase cinched the game; you're not so happy about the grass stain that you need to remove when you get home. Keep these stain-fighting tips handy so you can meet common household stains with a plan of attack.

To remove grass stains:
This tip should help save Junior's uniform: As soon as possible, pretreat the grass stain with liquid detergent, then rinse thoroughly. If the garment can be bleached (check the label), then soak the garment in a diluted solution of bleach and water for no longer than fifteen minutes. If you'd prefer to steer clear of bleach, you can try rubbing a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda into the grass stain, letting it sit, then rinsing.

To remove oil-based stains:
Oil-based stains include mayonnaise, salad dressings, cooking oils, butter, face creams, and grease. First, apply talcum powder or cornstarch directly to the stain; this will help absorb the oil but may require several applications. Scrape or brush off the powder between applications, then toss the garment into the wash on a regular cycle.

To remove sweat stains:
Sweat stains are equally embarrassing and stubborn, but can be conquered if you follow the correct steps. Attack the stain with a cocktail of equal parts water and lemon juice, then hang the garment outside in the sunshine. (You'll need nice weather for this one.) The sunlight will help bleach the stain.

17 Easy Stain Removal Tips [Lifescript]
The Entertainer’s Guide to Stain Removal [Real Simple]
Quick 'n Easy Stain Removal [Ohio State University]

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5 Tips for Organizing Your Bathroom

March 21, 2014 by

It’s one of the most-used rooms in your home, which is probably why it's so difficult to keep a bathroom spic and span. Stop fighting through a mess of toothbrushes, damp towels, beauty supplies, and crumbling bars of soap and vow to get your bathroom organized with these five brilliant tips.

  1. Tackle that medicine cabinet. Because medicine cabinets have shelves, many of us use that as an excuse to overstuff them with loose products. Take everything out, clean those shelves with an all-purpose cleaner, and add a few bins or small jars to keep loose items organized.
  2. Keep towels off of the ground. Add a basket on the floor to keep a surplus of damp towels from accumulating on the floor.
  3. Divide drawers. Just because your sink has three drawers doesn’t mean they can only accommodate three types of products. Divide your drawers by using drawer organizers to split things up in more than the allotted ways.
  4. Make use of the garbage can. It’s safe to say that we all have a few items in the bathroom that are expired or unused. Go through all of your beauty products, soaps, shampoos, and medicines and pitch those outdated items.
  5. Add affordable storage. If you notice that you’re lacking the proper storage for certain items, make it yourself. Overturned wooden crates or decorative baskets are attractive examples for holding clean towels or toilet paper rolls.

    10 Tips to Organize Your Bathroom [She Knows]
    Quick Tips for Organizing Bathrooms [HGTV]

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6 Tips for Creating a Fabulous At-Home Bar Cart

March 14, 2014 by

Entertaining guests in your home is sometimes more fun than going out. Every gathering needs a well-stocked bar with delicious drinks for folks to enjoy. If your house is where the party is, check out these six great tips for putting together a swanky bar cart that will be the center of attention.

1. Get a great cart.
Depending on your personal style, select a cart that fits your aesthetic, whether it be modern, industrial, or vintage. Make sure the cart has a few different shelves or drawers for holding various accoutrements.

2. Select a stylin’ tray.
Find a tray that can be set on top of the cart, so you can prepare a few drinks to walk around and distribute throughout the party. Mirrored trays look swanky, while colorful plastic trays give off fun vibes.

3. Sport a cool decanter.
Bottles of booze are fine, but pouring your liquor into a cool decanter ups your level of commitment to style. Bonus: Label snobs won’t judge your selection; that bargain booze will appear fit for a king being poured from a crystal bottle!

4. It's in the mix.
Make sure you have the basics covered: gin, vodka, and whiskey. If your party craves one liquor over another, make sure it has a place on your cart, along with the appropriate mixers and garnishes.

5. Stock your toolkit.
You have got to have the right drink mixing tools on hand, like shot glasses, stirrers, shakers, and drinkware.

6. Cool it off.
This is important to keep the drinks tasting fresh. Get a bucket or put the ice in a festive bowl with a pair of tongs.

Assembling the Perfect Bar Cart [The Intentional Apartment]
Create and Stylize the Perfect Bar Cart [Guest of a Guest]
How to Style a Bar Cart [DIY Playbook]
How to Style a Bar Cart [Style Within Reach]
How to Style a Bar Cart [HGTV]

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Easy Ways to Create a Spa-Like Bathroom at Home

March 7, 2014 by

The peace and tranquility of a spa is closer to home than you might think! Simple touches, like adding fresh flowers and swapping out old towels, can give your bathroom an instant spa makeover. Here are five elements that will help you transform your bathroom into a spa.

1. Plush towels
Upgrade to plush, hotel-quality towels in white or shades of cream. Instead of folding the towels, roll them into a cylindrical shape and arrange them in a wicker basket next to your tub or shower. Having a cozy bathrobe on hand couldn't hurt, either!

2. Glass containers
For a clean, chic look, take cotton swabs and balls out of their store packaging and place them in clear glass apothecary jars. Give your hand soap the same treatment by pouring it into a clear or tinted glass dispenser.

3. Candles
Group sweet-smelling candles on your vanity or on the side of your bathtub. Opt for candles infused with botanical essences to up the spa feel. Just remember to blow them out when you leave the bathroom!

4. Luxe bath products
Make every shower or bath a spa-like experience by splurging on grooming products. The lather from your favorite shampoo or soap will breathe new life into your bathing routine.

5. Fresh flowers
While it's probably not cost-effective to sprinkle rose petals into your tub before every bath, consider placing a vase of fresh orchids on your vanity. Even a green houseplant will add a touch of serenity to your bathroom—just choose a plant that will thrive in high humidity.

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5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Party Tablescape

January 24, 2014 by

Throwing a party means making sure all details are covered, including a fabulous tablescape. Don’t get overwhelmed creating an amazing centerpiece; instead, just follow these five great tips for setting a memorable table. 

1. Pick a shape and stick to it.
If you’ve got square or round plates, stay within that element so as not to clutter and overwhelm the eye. Pick up a few candles and vases full of similar shaped blooms, and you’re good to go.

2. Get a great tablecloth.
Sometimes, the right tablecloth can make a world of difference. Choose one with a gorgeous design and tone down your dishware or pick a bold color and spruce it up with interesting patterns on the plates.

3. Use what you have.
Personalize your table with old pictures, personal mementos, or local flair. This will add just the right amount of personality and creativity to your spread.

4. Plan out your seating arrangement.
Make a plan to determine who is sitting where and set the table accordingly. If not everyone drinks wine, you don’t need a wine glass at each place.

5. Get a great centerpiece.
If you dishes are much to look at, make sure your centerpiece is! Create a beautiful seasonal arrangement of flowers or plants or use candles to create a more intimate ambiance.

Creating the Perfect Tablescape [Common Floor]
How to Create a TableScape [Examiner]
How to Create Amazing Tablescapes [Lonny]
Set the Tone for Your Holiday with Tablescaping [Grand Forks Herald]

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Keep It Clean: Home Maintenance in Just Minutes a Day

April 12, 2013 by

Do you feel that your home falls instantly back into its messy state just a day or so after you clean it? Well, you're not alone. Hectic lives mean that it's not always possible to clean your space thoroughly every day. But paying attention to a few critical spots can help keep things feeling clean, even if you've just got a few minutes to spend each day. What are the most important spots?

Kitchen
Keep your sink clear of dishes — use your dishwasher or do them by hand. Afterward, wipe the sink, the stove, the counters, and the kitchen table.

Bedroom
Sure, we're all in a rush these days. But a few minutes spent making the bed can make everything a little more pleasant. Likewise, keeping your clothes put away in closets, chests, or hampers helps reduce clutter.

Bathroom
Spend some time cleaning the sink, the toilet bowl, and the tub or shower. A shower spray lets you make the last task much more efficient.

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