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Eco Friendly Homemade Cleaning Products In Your Pantry

Did You Know There Are Some Very Eco-Friendly Homemade Cleaning Products Just Lurking In Your Pantry?

You may be surprised to find out that some of the greenest and yet most effective cleaning products in your home are found right in your very own pantry.

They’re also some of the most affordable as well.

Simple items that you have sitting around your kitchen can do a great job of cleaning every room in your house.

Basic Baking Soda

One of the most versatile cleaning products in any home is plain baking soda.

It is a natural deodorizer and also works as a gentle abrasive cleaner that can remove stuck-on dirt and stains.

You can use baking soda on your sinks, countertops, tub, and even toilet.

It works well on a variety of surfaces and can even be used to clean silver with a little water mixed in.

You can scrub stainless steel pots and pans with it, and even remove stains from porcelain sinks.

A box or small bowl of baking soda will absorb odors in the fridge or in any other small space.

If you are unfortunate to have a pet cat urinate on your carpet, by regularly spreading baking soda on the affected area, you can effectively neutralize the smell completely.

Versatile Vinegar

Vinegar is perhaps the most powerful natural cleaner in your pantry—and don’t be afraid of the smell!

It will dissipate shortly after you’re through using it.

Vinegar can be mixed with water and used to wash floors.

A vinegar and water solution can be used to replace your glass cleaner.

Vinegar can remove build-up from shower heads and faucets.

It is helpful in removing odors and can be used to clean wooden cutting boards to remove strong smells like onion and garlic.

Vinegar can also be added to your laundry to remove odors and help brighten your clothes.

Leave It To Lemon Juice

Another easy-to-use green cleaner is lemon juice.

Mix a little with baking soda to make a highly effective liquid abrasive that will remove stains from just about any surface.

Lemon juice can be used to remove rust from metal—simply rub half a lemon on the rust to take it off.

Lemons can also be used to remove odors from a garbage disposal—simply drop a half down and run the disposal.

Lemon juice will remove those food stains from your plastic storage containers as well.

These cleaners are not only earth-friendly, but they are also budget-friendly and safe for kids and pets.

You can replace almost every cleaner in your home with a combination of these three pantry cleaning products that you probably already have.

It can save you hundreds of dollars and prevent your family from being exposed to dangerous chemicals as well.

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Best Kitchen Renovation Tips for 2017

Here we present the best kitchen renovation tips for 2017. Are you sick and tired of looking at the same old decorations over and over? Lots of people feel inexplicably anxious and nervous in their own home, and numerous studies show that a great deal of tension comes from not being satisfied with their surroundings. If you’re feeling this way too, it’s high time you acted on it!

The best place to introduce changes is the kitchen, but you can’t do just anything. Following trends and staying updated is vital because you don’t want just any change – you want something substantial! Therefore, you need to investigate and find out what’s trending right now as that’s the only way to come up with the most current renovation ideas for this season. Here are a few suggestions you might want to take into consideration and a couple of easy ways how to realize them on your own.

Create a Kitchen Island

People living in big homes are usually lucky enough to have a spacious kitchen as well – and what better way to organize your space than around a big kitchen island? This idea will not only solve your storage problems – just imagine how many utensils and appliances you can hide in there! – but also help you create a focal point and organize the dining area as well.

Your island doesn’t have to be too big if you aren’t comfortable with huge pieces of furniture right in the middle of your cooking area, but you can also create a smaller one that’s still highly functional. Even if your kitchen isn’t as spacious as you’d like it to be, you can create a compact island that will suit any space you have. And if you decide to make it on your own, it won’t be overly expensive, which is great for your decoration budget.

Go All In!

You don’t have to be Jamie Oliver to enjoy preparing food nor an experienced cook to appreciate the value of a good meal. Every cooking aficionado in the world will tell you how much their kitchen means to them and how comfortable they feel surrounded by pots, saucepans, bowls and cutting boards – not to mention expensive knives and high-tech ovens! That’s why one of the trends for this season is just perfect for these people: designing a luxurious kitchen area that’s fit for a king!

Before you decide to go all in, make sure your budget can withstand these changes – besides installing an enormous kitchen island, you’ll also need new cabinets and countertops, as well as a number of new appliances and a whole set of utensils. Finally, don’t forget a new floor, which you can decorate with a new rug, a fresh coat of paint on the walls and some kitchen furniture. Creating a luxury kitchen requires a lot of work, time, money and effort, but the results are quite spectacular and the level of elegance is something no ordinary kitchen can match.

Comfortable Dining

Speaking of furniture, you don’t need a king-size kitchen to have a comfortable dining room. While most families still live in homes where these two areas are physically separated, others prefer blending these zones together and creating an open area for cooking and eating. That’s precisely why you might want to think about this idea as well – no matter how big your home is, you should try to make room for dining, even at the expense of a second bedroom.

There are a few ways to create a small dining area and you should research all of them before finding the one that suits you the most. While some people value practicality and simply install a breakfast bar into their kitchen, others make their own collapsible tables that don’t occupy too much space yet allow comfortable dining. However, being able to insert a dining table and a few chairs in your kitchen is still the best idea out there – but only if your home is big enough.

Green, Green, Green

Eco-friendliness has been one of the most popular home decorating trends for a while, and kitchen decorations are no exception. Saving our planet and preserving natural resources as much as possible are among the biggest concerns of our generation and something we need to do in order to make this world a better place for our children. When it comes to designing an environmentally aware kitchen, things are quite simple – all you need to do is use natural materials, insert some greenery and find a way to cut back on using too much water and electricity.

First of all, use second-hand materials for your countertops and cabinets and recycled wood for your floors. After that, pick only eco-friendly wall paints that will give your kitchen a dose of elegance, but also help us save Mother Earth at the same time. Also, get some plants and flowers that will turn your kitchen into a green paradise and start researching water purification – you won’t believe what a reliable UV home water treatment can do for your water consumption and health!

In the end, focus on finding new eco-friendly appliances. There is a huge selection of Energy Star products on the market, so you need to get ones that will save you energy and water on a daily basis – keep in mind that green fridges, ovens and dishwashers use about 25% less energy than regular models.

Illuminate Your Food

Cooking outdoors is probably among the most enjoyable activities in the world – with the sounds of nature everywhere around you, and lively colors of trees, grass and the sky surrounding you, there’s no way your food can be anything less than remarkable! However, while this is always an option for people living in houses with big backyards, those occupying small apartments in residential buildings can never experience this freedom. Luckily, there’s one thing they can do – fill their kitchen with natural light and fresh air.

The most effective way to incorporate nature into your kitchen is by installing extra-large windows and keeping them open as often as possible. This way, you’ll not only make your entire home full of fresh air, which is important for your health, but also turn your kitchen into a brighter place. Fresh air and natural light will inspire you and make you a better cook, which is something every single member of your family will definitely appreciate.

Other Ideas

Some of the other kitchen renovation trends you should look into this year include energy-efficient LED lights, touch-activated faucets, microwave drawers, bold and vivid wall colors, high ceilings, rustic decorations, as well as smart kitchen gadgets that bring the Internet of Things right between your oven and your sink.

Loft Ideas and Attic Conversions

Making Use Of Vacant Roof Space With Innovative Loft Ideas And Attic Conversions

Loft conversions and attic areas are popular right now and not only add much more ‘often needed space’ to a home, but they can also often add thousands of dollars in value to your home.

Lofts are often a forgotten space in many homes, used as a storage area for old furniture, suitcases or sentimental items.

It can be difficult to picture your dusty, old loft as being anything more than it is.

However, a simple web browse of “loft conversions” will bring up so many imaginative ideas that you’ll wonder why you have neglected this space for so long.

Read on to discover the many ways you can turn this forgotten space into a functional part of your home.

Bedroom/Guestroom

Bedrooms are a popular idea for loft conversions, especially for families.

It will help to accommodate a growing number of children.

This can also be useful as siblings grow older and need separate rooms.

Ensure you take note of the ceiling slope, as this can be incorporated into the design of the bedroom.

The part of the room where the ceiling is the lowest is the ideal place to put the headboard of your bed.

This allows you to make better use of the rest of your space without having the bed dominate.

Inject some color into your home decor andmaximizee your loft by using pastel paint colors and adding in a skylight or velux window.

Mirrors are also an excellent trick to make a room look bigger. For a dramatic appeal, create a mirrored wall.

Lofts can also make a great functional guest room.

Generally, they are a smaller yet large enough to fit all the guest room essentials.

All you need is a bed, a table with storage and a few key decor pieces to create a welcoming space for your guests to enjoy.

You could also opt for a flexible sofa-bed so that the room can double as a lounge.

Bathrooms or Ensuites

Having an extra bathroom or ensuite off the main bedroom is always beneficial for families.

A loft bathroom can also be a tranquil and private escape after a long day.

Imagine creating a quaint, secluded little bathroom where you can lie in the bath and relax away from all the stresses of work or home life.

Loft bathrooms do require a lot of thought because lofts are often unconventional spaces.

Depending on your space, you may have to make certain compromises to get the most out of your loft bathroom.

Sacrificing a bath, for example, means that you could have a bigger shower.

A wet bathroom is also an option. You would have to make sure you have waterproofed the whole room and that the floor is at a slight gradient so that drainage is sufficient.

Bath and shower combos are a viable alternative because they give you the best of both worlds.

Office Or Study Areas

For those dreaming of a nice office space to organize their paperwork and work from home peacefully, look no further.

Your loft area can serve as a perfect space for this purpose, as it is tucked away and secluded from the rest of the house.

Multifunctional furniture is a must for loft rooms.

A desk that doubles as an inbuilt storage unit will maximize your space and allow you to incorporate other pieces into your room.

Keep in mind, if you are planning to use this area as a study, you will want to include as much light as possible so that you are not straining your eyes while reading or typing.

Make use of natural light and strategically place a window or skylight to keep your loft light and open.

For many, office spaces can become a chaotic, disorderly area in their home which they prefer to keep out of sight.

Loft offices are easy to conceal, so you won’t have any issues keeping this spot hidden from guests on those messy days.

Lounge and Living Spaces

A massive entertainment space might not work, but a cozy little room with a couple of beanbags, trendy rug and a TV, can be a great little getaway for kids and teenagers.

You can even include a ledge or built-in storage space to store books or toys.

Enjoy some peace and quiet after a long day by giving your children their own chillout zone to explore.

That being said, there’s nothing wrong with creating a cozy getaway for yourself!

You can enjoy some alone time or relax with your partner while watching a movie in your own private lounge area.

Renovating lofts on top floor units can also feature a spectacular view which can raise your property’s market value significantly.

The entertainment and recreation possibilities are truly endless!

Personal Gyms or Exercise Rooms

A small loft area is a perfect space to install a mini home gym.

You will be able to fit in cardio essentials such as a treadmill or exercise bike.

Add a yoga mat and some dumbbells for those floor exercises and you’re in business! Incorporating a skylight is essential to liven up the area, giving you a fresh and motivational place to do your daily workout.

Personal gyms are a great idea for people who are constantly on the go.

Everyone knows what an ordeal it can be to prepare your gym gear and get yourself to your overcrowded venue.

Not to mention the costly membership fees! Avoid all of this by bringing the gym to you.

This could also be highly useful for personal trainers and small business owners who operate in the fitness industry – doubling as a professional and convenient office.

A loft conversion is a timely commitment but well worthwhile for you and your home.

Making the most of each space in your home is important because it can open up a number of possibilities for you to expand on your designer home.

Don’t let your loft become a dusty storage area! Turn it into a valuable space that you and your family can enjoy for the years to come.

Author Bio

As Managing Director of Mazzei Homes, a leading custom home builder Melbourne wide, Daniel has a strong ambition to innovate the building experience for those looking to design quality homes.

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Paris Apartment by Diego Revollo Architect

The stunning Paris Apartment by Diego Revollo Architect.

Welcome to the three chic apartment designed by the architect Diego Revollo for a Brazilian couple in one of the most charming addresses in the French capital.

“A Life Project”. That’s how the couple defines the 100m2 dreamed pied-à-terre in Paris.

The apartment is located on the penultimate floor of a five-story building, built in 1856 in neoclassical style, that underwent through a retrofit respecting the original features.

The neighborhood is not any quartier: it is the 8ème or Champs-Elysées.

The design was developed in Brazil but the apartment had been retrofitted, the architecture office only designed some of the coating, such as joinery, all performed in Portugal.

The decoration came from Parisian suppliers, summarizing the classic but unpretentious elegance brought to the two-bedroom property, hallway, bathroom, toilet, kitchen and living room with dining and office areas.

The décor is a nice mix high & low. The art was acquired in the marchés aux puces and in the Galerie Maeght, one of the most prestigious establishments, representative of the history of modern art with names such as Braque, Miró, Chagall and Calder.

As for the furniture, the manufactures range from Scandinavian, as George Jensen, Italian, as Minotti and B & B Italy, French, as Serge Mouille, to brands like Christophle, Au Bon Marché, with its great collection, and Roche Bobois known as the French house temple.

Architect – Diego Revollo

Photographer – Alain Brugier

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Bermondsey Wall Duplex Penthouse

FORMstudio has dramatically reconfigured this 240 m2 Bermondsey Wall Duplex Penthouse, creating a spectacular open-plan living space on the upper floor. The practice’s radical design approach cleverly rationalises the available space and celebrates the apartment’s spectacular views out over the Thames.

From the entrance, a view of the river draws the visitor forward into a double height space, from which an elegantly detailed stairway leads upward, revealing the impressively spacious open-plan dining and living area above.

The penthouse is arranged over the top two floors of a prominent high-rise residential development, originally designed by Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands – a Design and Build project with an internal layout that divided both the entry and upper levels into a labyrinth of cellular spaces.

The former arrangement ignored the spatial potential offered by the distinctive, soaring wing roof and the spectacular wrap-around views over the river and to the City beyond.

FORMstudio’s fundamental reconfiguration was made possible by specifying a fire- engineered solution to Means of Escape, making use of full-height doors held open on electro-magnetic holds and concealed in wall linings.

On the lower level, a spectacular river-facing master bedroom suite, includes a floor-to ceiling glazed oriel window cantilevered out over the water and equipped with a rotating Citterio-designed circular sofa, to exploit the Canaletto-like panoramic view. Two further bedroom suites accessed off the linear entrance route complete the rational spatial arrangement of the lower floor.

The generous upper floor space features subtle changes in floor level, creating an interior landscape that defines areas for sitting, dining/cooking and working without the need for dividing walls. The raised level of the principle living area has dramatically improved sight-lines to the river view from a sitting position and created on-level access to the terrace doors.

An integrated 5.3m-long under-lit sofa and 5m-long white acrylic kitchen island with suspended steel hood further articulate and define the interior landscape, emphasising the dramatic scale and visual coherence of the space.

From mobile phones, to cars, to hotels, the level of sophistication expected by the consumer has soared at an exponential rate over the last twenty years. This has prompted a fundamental rethinking of the required specification for high-end apartments.

This one-off project, for a developer more usually involved in building 10+ unit new-build apartment schemes, clearly demonstrates that sophistication commands an enhanced price tag, adding considerable value for the developer client in the process.

FORMstudio has successfully identified the significant development value in the differential between a flat with a 1990s ‘high end’ specification and a bespoke architecturally designed apartment – this impressive penthouse responds perfectly to the exacting standards expected at the top end of today’s market.

About FORMstudio

FORMstudio aims to create places that can be inhabited and experienced by people in a natural and instinctive way. Enjoyable places with a tranquil sense of simplicity, which create a supportive and uplifting backdrop for life.

Individual solutions are developed for our clients which are an intelligent, inventive and sustainable response to the complex matrix of issues that shapes each project. Solutions with a lucidity and apparent simplicity which belie their underlying complexity.

Listening, analysis, discussion and clarification are at the heart of an inclusive approach that recognises the fact that some of the best ideas are generated in the space between people rather than by individuals.

Studying together, and later teaching, at The Bartlett (UCL), directors Malcolm Crayton & Jeremy Lingard first recognised the strengths of combining their shared enthusiasms and complementary skill sets in a collaborative design approach driven and tested by discussion. An approach that has been honed over the years and is at the heart of the practice’s working method today.

Supported by talented staff including three Associates, who have added further core technical, energy use and design expertise to the practice, the directors maintain a direct involvement in the development and evolution of every project. Investing in people and celebrating diversity, FORMstudio aims to engage with and draw out the particular individual strengths of its staff, developing experience and knowledge base through practice and ideas sharing