Functional Places to Put Your Samsung Laundry Pair

Functional Places to Put Your Samsung Laundry Pair

When purchasing a home, it’s not always a first thought to make sure there is a room specifically for the laundry machines. Generally, there will always be a setup in the garage for you to fall back on, but going out to the garage can be very inconvenient for washing clothes. From it being too hot or too cold to just feeling isolated, cleaning your clothes in the garage can be a bit uncomfortable.

For those of you wanting to get a new Samsung Laundry Pair and place them in a brand new area, here are a few setups that would help maximize your space to the fullest.

Hallway Closet

This laundry pair placement is usually the go-to after the garage. If you have a large hallway closet that can fit two Samsung laundry machines, you should take full advantage of it. Samsung washers come in sizes from 4.3 cu. ft. to 5.0 cu. ft. so you’ll be able to go as compact or as large as you want in order to accommodate your space.

This is a fantastic place to put your laundry pair because the closet keeps you in the house, and it usually connects rooms together, making it an easy place to drop off dirty clothes. Store your winter coats and everything else you had previously in your hallway closet somewhere else. It’s just too good of a spot to give up!

Laundry pair in mudroom

Mudroom

Not everyone has a mudroom, but if you do, placing your washer and dryer pair in it would be a convenient idea. The mudroom is located near an entryway of the home, making it the perfect place to remove clothes and wash them immediately. It’s a place that is meant specifically for removing your shoes and other dirty garments before tracking the mess they bring into the rest of the house.

For example: If you have dirty socks, just take them off and throw them in the wash. If you want a warm jacket before going out in the cold, throw it in the dryer for a couple minutes before leaving. It’s right there allowing you to keep your home immaculate by not tracking in wet, dirty clothes from the rain.

Bathroom

I’m sure you’re thinking that adding a laundry duo to a bathroom seems icky. We get it, there’s a toilet in there and having that next to your clean clothes sounds just wrong. But, let’s think about the positives.

You’ll be able to throw a load of laundry in on the Super Speed feature, and by the time you’re done getting ready for the day, it’ll be done! Not to mention, you’ll prevent your bathroom from ever getting littered in clothes and towels. You could even warm your towel up by tossing it in the dryer and pulling it out so it’s nice and warm when you’re done.

Laundry pair in kitchen

Kitchen

Putting your washer and dryer in the kitchen may seem like a counterintuitive idea, but it’s actually rather functional! Especially if you have a small space, putting your Samsung Laundry Pair in the kitchen can help keep your home open.
Depending on the way your kitchen is set up, this could require a little construction to ensure your washer and dryer is

pushed back against the wall and out of the way. You could even go with a Samsung compact laundry pair to help increase the space of your kitchen and avoid another crammed room. Not to mention, you could make breakfast for the kids and get some laundry done at the same time!

Visit our store to get help figuring out where to put your Samsung washer and dryer. Our experts will be glad to offer their services to make your home exactly the way you’ve always wanted.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

Spooky Cookie Recipes to Try in Your Whirlpool Range

Dracula Dentures for Halloween made of cookies and marshmallow

The witches are cackling, the jack-o-lanterns are glowing, and trick-or-treaters are getting ready for their favourite night of the year.

That’s right, it’s Halloween season! That time of the year when all you want to think about is scary movies and sweet treats. But the beginning of the month also means waiting 31 whole days until your excuse to chow down on candy and pumpkin-flavoured everything. How will you survive?!

How about practising your cooking talent and try new spooky cookie recipes in advance? That sounds like the perfect excuse to fire up your Whirlpool range and make some tasty treats to us! What better way to get your Halloween spirit on than indulging your sweet tooth – or sweet fang?

Try out a few of our favourite “scary” recipes, baked to perfection in one of our Whirlpool convection ranges, for an unforgettable Halloween!

Ghost Meringues

Halloween meringue with spiders on black wooden tableRecipe from Smart Schoolhouse

You’ll need:

  • 2 large room-temperature eggs
  • ¼ tsp cream of tartar
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 large decorating bag
  • Black decorators gel

How to make them:

1. Preheat your Whirlpool range to 200 degrees. As it heats up, separate out the whites of your eggs. You won’t be needing the yolks for this recipe!

2. Beat the egg whites and cream of tartar together by hand or with an electric mixer until frothy. Gradually add in sugar, continuing to beat until the mixture is stiff enough to hold its shape.

3. Prepare a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and spoon the mixture into a decorating bag. Holding the bag upright, squeeze out the meringue onto the sheet. Press the tip of the bag into the meringue as you squeeze to give the ghosts their curvy shapes!

4. Bake for about an hour until the ghosts are firm and a little brown on the bottom. Turn off the oven but leave the cookies in the oven for another hour or two to crisp and cool.

5. Once the cookies are firm to the touch, use a toothpick and your black decorators gel to draw spooky faces on your ghostly friends.

Peanut Butter Spiders

Halloween spider cookies on orange and black backgroundRecipe from allrecipes.com

You’ll need:

  • ½ cup shortening
  • ½ cup smooth peanut butter
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup white sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup sugar (for rolling dough in)
  • 1 ¾ cups flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 24 chocolates, either Lindt Lindor Truffles or mini Reese’s cups
  • 48 candy eyeballs
  • ½ cup chocolate frosting
  • Small pastry bag

How to make it:

1. Preheat your Whirlpool to 375 degrees and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Combine the first four ingredients together and beat until smooth. Add the egg, milk, and vanilla extract, continuing to beat the mixture.

3. Combine the other dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, and salt) in a small bowl and slowly add them to the wet mixture until it comes together into a dough. Separate the dough into 48 small balls.

4. Spread the remaining ¼ cup of sugar in a shallow bowl or tray and roll the dough balls through it, coating evenly. Place the dough balls on the baking sheet and bake for about 12 minutes, until golden brown.

5. Remove the cookies from the oven and quickly, before they start to cool, press a dimple into the middle of each cookie with a spoon or citrus reamer. Allow the cookies to cool for about 10 minutes before beginning to decorate.

6. If you are using chocolate truffles, cut the spheres in half (if you’re using Reese’s cups, you can skip this step). Place your candy into the dimple of the cookies with the rounded side facing up. Scoop some of your chocolate frosting into a pastry bag and squeeze a small amount onto the back of each candy eyeball, and stick two onto each chocolate candy.

7. Use the pastry bag to pipe 8 thin legs onto each cookie, starting at the base of the candy, to make your spider’s legs. Allow about 30 minutes for the frosting to harden before eating.

Dracula’s Dentures

Dracula Dentures for Halloween made of cookies and marshmallowRecipe from delish.com

You’ll need:

  • 1 package of refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough OR 1 batch of your favourite cookie recipe
  • 1 can vanilla frosting
  • Red food colouring
  • 1 bag mini marshmallows
  • 1 bag slivered almonds

How to make them:

1. Bake your cookie dough according to package directions. Be sure to place a layer of parchment paper between the cookie dough balls and the baking tray, so that they don’t stick. When the cookies are done, allow to cool completely. For a more authentic, denture-style look, cut the cookies in half.

2. While the cookies are baking and cooling, scoop some of your vanilla frosting into a bowl and stir in several drops of red food colouring. Mix until the frosting is smooth and a dark red to pink colour.

3. Spread a thin layer of frosting onto each cookie half. Place mini marshmallows along the round edges of your cookies (or around the whole thing if you haven’t cut your cookies in half) and add two almond slivers for fangs.

With these delectable delights on hand, you’ll be ready to take on any ghouls and ghosts that come knocking at your door! And if you need a new oven or range to do justice to these yummy monsters, come down to [store name], and we’ll help you pick out the perfect appliance to make all your Halloween treats.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

How to Keep Your Palliser Leather Couch Looking Brand New

How to Keep Your Palliser Leather Couch Looking Brand New

So, you made the decision to invest in your favourite leather sofa. While leather may be a material that can last a lifetime, it’s necessary to take the proper precautions to ensure that your piece will still look like your favourite piece years down the road. Luckily, it doesn’t take much time or dedication to make this happen – follow some of our tips and tricks to make sure your timeless Palliser piece looks in fact, timeless.

Protected Leather vs Unprotected Leather

The first thing you will need to do is a little research on what leather you are working with. Leather comes in many shapes, forms, classifications, you name it. The 2 main categories your leather will fall under are protected leather and unprotected leather – your first step will be identifying which category your sofa falls under.

For a little background, you may be looking at protected leather if your sofa features a topical, pigmented coating on its outer surface. This kind of leather is used in environments with lots of traffic – children, pets, spills, and so on due to its high level of durability. Unprotected leather (typically named aniline-dyed leather) has more of an unfinished look and is extremely soft to the touch. Discover which category your sofa falls into by checking online or asking one of our sales associates to help figure it out for you.

Look at Your Room

No really, look at your room. Where is your leather furniture located? Is your piece by an air-conditioning vent or a window that gives your room lots of sun? If the answer is yes to either of those questions, it’s time for a little Feng Shui. Leather starts to crack when placed under extreme temperatures or when there is a lack of moisture. We suggest moving your furniture away from air vents, fireplaces, radiators and open windows that bring in lots of light.

Palliser 41049 Oakwood

Conditioner, Conditioner, Conditioner

Nothing will protect your Palliser leather couch better than regularly applying conditioner. Taking this extra step will stop your sofa or chair from drying out and developing cracks. If you apply a conditioner once or twice a year, you will be able to slow down the aging process of your favourite sofa. You only need to use a very small amount of conditioner – just enough to cover the surface of the sofa. Do not over condition.

Storage

Moving? Need to put your sofa in storage? When it comes to leather, how you store is important. If you can, start by getting your sofa professionally cleaned and thoroughly dried. Once this step is complete, you are ready to store. Two key thoughts to keep in mind: NEVER place heavy items on top of the leather sofa and always place your sofa on top of wooden pallets.

Leather care is simple if you do it right. Taking small actions – such as applying conditioner every 6 months and moving it from areas of high exposure to sun and wind – will help keep your sofa looking brand new.

If you’re looking for a new furniture and are interested in one with leather material, stop by our store to see our large selection today! And when you get the leather couch of your dreams, be sure to follow these tips and tricks so your leather sofa or chair truly lasts a lifetime!

Alex, Your Furniture Expert

How to Wash Your Pillow

How to Wash Your Pillows

When was the last time you threw your pillow into the washing machine? Never, you say? Let’s examine why this should be a regular practice, for your health’s sake!

Let’s be honest. Pillows are a breeding ground for bacteria yet not all are harmful. Moisture is the primary source of most bacteria, and there could be plenty of that during the summer months. Pillows do have a shelf life and if you own any older than two years, make sure that you wash them with some of the methods we describe below. Even if stains are not visible, bacteria are mostly microscopic and can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Here are some tips on how to get your pillows clean.

Read the label

All pillows are not created equal, so it is important to read the manufacturer’s suggested washing instructions. The outer shell or the filling may be dry-cleaning only so it’s important to get this step right to prevent damage to your pillow and your washing machine. Always load two pillows at a time to help balance the washing machine and use a small amount of soap.

Foam Filled Pillows

This variety is not machine washable, however, they always come with an outer zippered case that can be thrown into the wash every week. Whether your pillow is one solid piece of foam or cut up into little morsels, the best way to wash it is to fill a bathtub or large wash basin with mild detergent. The ratio should be 1 teaspoon to a gallon of water, and spot cleaning is always a good idea for stubborn stains. By completely submerging the pillow and squeezing it gently for about 10 minutes, it will get the job done. Rinse thoroughly until the water runs clear and squeeze out excess moisture. Lay flat to dry out of direct sunlight or heat. Repeat twice a year or when needed.

Foam Filled Pillows (Large)

Down or Fibre Filled Pillows

These can be easily washed in a top or front-loading machine with great results. If your machine has an agitator in the middle, make sure that you place the pillows standing vertically to avoid any damage. Always use a gentle soap, use the gentle cycle with warm water. The fun and noisy part is when you place them in the dryer with clean tennis balls (you should always have some handy for this purpose). The balls will serve to re-fluff your pillows to their original state, keep them moving in the machine and prevent clumping. Make sure the setting is on low heat and that they are thoroughly dry before you use them.

Feather Pillows

Before you toss these in the machine make sure that there are no tears or breaks in the seams or you will have a feathery mess in your washing machine! Using warm water and the gentle cycle will get these clean as can be! Giving them an extra cold-water rinse will seal the deal for removing any soap residue. For additional brightness, adding 1 cup of peroxide, which is a natural whitening agent, and ½ cup of white vinegar to your gentle detergent, your pillows will be restored to their original whiteness!

Don’t toss your yellowing or stained pillows out in the trash but give them a new life with a regular machine or hand-washing!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

How to Find the Perfect Family Freezer

How to Find the Perfect Family Freezer

Families eat. A lot. Keeping everyone happy, healthy and well fed is almost a full time job. You’re buying in bulk, you’re cooking big meals, you’re trying to find any edge you can to make the most of your time. And that means you’re looking for the ultimate meal planning hack.

Say hello to your family freezer.

If you’re serious about making the most of your menu, you need to start storing food. Made a nutritious stew? Freeze it. Organic produce on special? Freeze it. When you plan to cook and buy in bulk, your freezer will pay for itself a hundred times over. You’ll have ready-made dinners, you’ll go grocery shopping less often; not only will it save you money, most importantly it will save you time.

So what do you need to know?

Chest Freezer vs. Upright Freezer

Once you move beyond your refrigerator’s freezer capacity, you basically have two options. A chest freezer, or an upright freezer.

Chest Freezer by Danby

Chest Freezer by Danby

You can store more food in a chest freezer. They run quietly, and they don’t dry out food as quickly as their upright counterparts. They’re more energy efficient, and in the event of a power outage they maintain temperature and can keep food frozen for up to 24 hours.

The downside here is access. With a deep compartment, it’s easy to lose sight of food at the bottom. A chest freezer also won’t offer you an auto defrost option, so be prepared to defrost the unit about twice a year.

Upright Freezer by Whirlpool
Upright Freezer by Whirlpool

An upright freezer has a smaller footprint than a chest freezer, so they’re a more comfortable fit in the home. With shelves and bins, your food is better organized with easier access. Many upright freezers offer an auto defrost function, which is a definite plus. And with a wide selection of finishes, they’re easy to integrate with an existing kitchen.

That said upright freezers don’t always hold a consistent temperature, especially on the door. In the event of a power outage, you have a lot less time before you suffer spoilage. And finally, for what you gain in organization you lose in storage space. Compared to a chest freezer, the shelves and bins can account for up to 30% of the interior space.

Whatever style you decide, it’s a good idea to buy the smallest freezer that will fit your needs. You’ll save energy, you’ll save money and you’ll reduce frost build up.

Stone Cold Features

Door Lock: Great if your freezer is in the garage and you’d like some added security. But it’s best for keeping little ones safe and out of the cold.

GE Freezer with door lock

GE Freezer with door lock

Alarm: If the temperature in the room is too hot or too cold, the freezer will not operate correctly. With a heads up, you’ll be able to plan accordingly.

Storage Solutions: Some chest freezers come with optional storage bins and shelves to increase organization.

Auto Defrost: About twice a year, or when the ice builds up about half an inch, you’ll need to defrost manual freezers. It’s a time consuming chore, but with the auto defrost feature the unit uses a heating element to prevent ice from forming.

Upright or chest, now you know what to expect from a freezer. And if you’re anything like me, that means you’re ready to see what’s out there.

Don’t get left out in the cold. Head over to our Brandsource store for a great deal on your family’s new freezer today.

Isabelle, Your Appliances Expert

Finding the Perfect Fridge From Top to Bottom

Finding the Perfect Fridge From Top to Bottom

Finding the perfect fridge isn’t easy. With so many styles out there it can feel overwhelming trying to make sense of it all. Do you need a Top Mount, a Side by Side, or maybe a French Door fridge? How do you know which fridge is right for you?

Whether you’re looking for a top of the line statement piece, something large and reliable to hold lots of groceries, or even something smaller to put snacks for the kids there’s a fridge to fit every need, at every budget.

With this guide to help, finding your new fridge couldn’t be easier.

Top Mount Refrigerator

Amana_Top Mount Refrigerator

Top Mount Refrigerator

With a full-width freezer on the top and a larger full-width refrigerator on the bottom, Top Mounts refrigerators offer exceptional value in a more traditional style. With the freezer at eye level, it’s great for families that store a lot of frozen foods but keep in mind that the top freezer design makes it less energy efficient compared to similar bottom freezers.

Available in a wide range of finishes from 24 – 33 inches wide, Top Mount refrigerators are perfect for singles and small families. At 15 – 21 cubic feet they offer fantastic storage capacity at an affordable price.

Bottom Mount Refrigerator

Bottom Mount Refrigerator

Bottom Mount Refrigerator

No surprises here, the Bottom Mount refrigerator has a full-width freezer on the bottom and a larger full-width fridge on the top. Many people prefer the convenience of an eye level fridge since they use it more often. And with both door and drawer freezers available, you’ll still have an easy time getting to your frozen foods.

Because the compressor doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the freezer cold, Bottom Mount fridges are more energy efficient than Top Mounts, and comparable models will cost less to run. Expect to find them in all finishes ranging anywhere from 30 – 36 inches wide with 19 – 24 cubic feet of storage space.

French Door Refrigerator

GWE19JMLES French Door Refrigerator in Slate

French Door Refrigerator

What started out as a tweak on Bottom Mount design, has grown into one of the most popular refrigerator styles in the world, the French Door refrigerator. The split doors offer an attractive, easy access to the fridge compartment, without demanding a lot of space.

Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator 4 doors

French Door Refrigerator, 4-Door

French Door refrigerators come in a number of configurations from 3, 4, or 5 doors, produce and chilling drawers, and some models even offer flexible temperature controls to expand your available refrigeration or freezer capacity. With so much versatility in their design, it’s no wonder they’re the go to style for many families.

Available in all finishes, French Door refrigerators offer the most features on the market and measure anywhere from 30 – 36 inches wide, with 18 – 32 cubic feet of storage.

Side-by-Side Refrigerator

Whirlpool Side by Side Refrigerator

Side by Side Refrigerator

The Side-by-Side refrigerator offers a full-length freezer and refrigerator in one unit. Their column styled design makes them an attractive addition to any kitchen, and the full-sized compartments offer tons of storage options. Measuring anywhere from 32 – 48 inches they boast 20 – 30 cubic feet of space making them a good choice for any family.

Built-In/Counter Depth Refrigerator

Built-in Panel Ready

Built-In Panel Ready Refrigerator

At the higher end, Built-In models are the refrigerator of choice. Built-In Panel Ready units can be outfitted with whichever panelled finish you choose, including the same cabinet exterior as your kitchen for a seamless look.

Built-In models are available in most styles, and from narrow columns to extra wide models, they offer the most size options of any design. Up to 84 inches high, with widths of up to 48 inches, they are designed to impress. And no question, they’re impressive.

Built-in Refrigerator

Built-in Refrigerator

Counter depth refrigerators offer a similar built-in look with a cabinet that extends just past your countertop. More wallet-friendly than a built-in model, some manufacturers even offer panel ready options.

Compact Refrigerator

Danby Compact Fridge

Compact Fridges

If you’re looking to expand your existing refrigeration, or you’re in the market for something smaller, a Compact Refrigerator or Mini Fridge are great options. Perfect for dorm rooms, bars, and offices these small units are more popular than ever.

From 1 – 6 cubic feet, compacts come in either All Fridge or Fridge/Freezer combinations, in a variety of styles and colours.

Undercounter and Built-In Drawer Refrigerators

KithchenAid Undercounter Fridge

Undercounter Refrigerator

Undercounter refrigerators are built-in beneath a standard countertop. With their compact design, they’re perfect for entertaining or extra storage. In addition to fully functional refrigerators and freezers, beverage centres and wine coolers are popular options. Usually measuring anywhere from 15 – 24 inches wide, undercounter models are available in a variety of styles including single and double drawer options.

Undercounter Refrigerator

Double Refrigerator Drawer

Now you know what’s out there; top to bottom mount. It’s time to hit the stores, hit the sites, and whatever you do don’t give up. Your perfect fridge is waiting for you.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

How to Clean Your Microfibre Furniture Sofa

How to Clean Your Microfibre Furniture Sofa

When shopping around for a new couch, Signature Design sofas by Ashley are where it’s at. Especially if you love nothing more than to sink into a couch and laze about, you’ll want a microfibre suede sofa to fulfill your inner couch potato.

While it’s a lovely addition to your family room, it won’t look that way for long if you never take the time to clean it. Dust and dirt will find your micro suede couch and it will do some considerable damage. In fact, micro suede is an intimidating fabric to clean, but if you know how to do it right, it’ll be much less scary. Keep your microfibre suede sofa fresh and clean for years to come by taking a couple minutes every month to wipe it down properly.

Suck It Up

Before gathering a ton of ingredients to make a cleaning solution, check the dust level of your couch. Chances are it only looks dirty, but really, it just needs a good dusting. If that’s the case, pull out the vacuum and get to work! Couches tend to absorb a lot of dust and dirt, so vacuuming your couch every once in a while is a nice way to make it look new again. If you just suck it up, you and your couch will be a lot happier.

Check the Instructions

It’s important to find out if the couch can actually handle liquids before you start spraying your cleaning concoction all over your couch. Some suede sofas can even be stained by water, so be sure to check the label underneath your Signature Design by Ashley couch cushions, just to be cautious.

What You Need

Luckily, it doesn’t take much to create a cleaning solution for your couch. Use these three ingredients and other items to help your sofa look and smell clean once again.

  • Water
  • Dish soap
  • White vinegar
  • Spray bottle
  • Towel
  • Suede eraser
  • Scrub brush

How to Clean Your Microfibre Furniture Sofa (2) (Large)

Mix the ingredients

Take a little bit of water, soap, and white vinegar and pour them into a spray bottle. A spray bottle is best so that your cleaning solution lightly covers a large area and doesn’t drench your couch. But if you don’t happen to have a spray bottle on hand, feel free to combine the ingredients in a bowl and dip a hand towel into the mixture instead. If you do have a spray bottle, go ahead and spray all over the couch, or just over the spot you want to clean. Use a towel to scrub the wet area in circular motions, which will ensure the dirt will get scrubbed off and will leave a pristine looking suede couch again. Your couch will probably look a bit darker than normal after spritzing it with water – but don’t worry! Once it dries, it will be back to its regular colour again.

Erase the Mess

For those of you who don’t find mixing natural ingredients enticing, a suede eraser would be a great and easy tool to use on your micro suede couch. It works just like an eraser and when rubbed on a dry stain will gently remove the unwanted marking. Be sure to use a scrub brush to wipe away the debris after you’re done with the suede eraser. For a quick cleanup, use this method of cleaning on smaller messes that have already dried up. Your Signature Design by Ashley will appreciate the love.

Alex, Your Furniture Expert

Where to Splurge and where to Save: In the Guest Room

Where to Splurge and where to Save In the Guest Room

When you close your eyes and envision your dream home and the guest room you’d have, I bet it’s a serene oasis filled with comfort, style, and all the luxuries of a fine hotel including white bed linens. Here’s the trouble with this though, it’s not real life for most of us. For many of us, a guest room is a spare room, an office, a reading room, spare TV room, and so much more. Because honestly, who has enough rooms to keep an entire proper bedroom (and then some) in their house for the odd guest? Nope, for most people, a guest room is a multi-functional room and should be treated like such (rather than just another bedroom).

With that in mind, it’s time for another edition of Splurge VS. Save: Guest Rooms.

Where to Splurge

Sofa Beds

Yes, sofa beds. Forget about a traditional mattress in the guest room and make the room much more functional (and multi-purpose) for your everyday life by investing in a quality sofa bed. Not only will you enjoy a quality sofa bed in its sofa form on a day to day basis for reading, working, or vegging with Netflix, but the quality of the sleeping experience will make it a happy one for guests.

This room offers up a serene oasis for every day working and living, while offering up the same for guests when the room requires – the best of both worlds!

Source: Houzz

A funky sofa bed in a kid’s room is also a fun way to add extra sleepover space.

Source: Houzz

Lighting

As a multi-functional room, you’ll want to make sure you’ve got the right lighting for all your needs. Depending on all the room’s various uses (reading room, guest room, Netflix, or office) you’ll want to be sure you have appropriate task lighting or ambiance for each. And while of course, you can really splurge on each fixture – what we mean here is, splurge on the amount of lighting – really make sure you have a great ceiling light, floor lamp, and maybe a small desk or side table lamp to create the most inviting space for any need.

Where to Save

Bookshelves

With incredible big box store bookshelves at bargain basement prices, this is where you’ll want to save your pennies. Adding some moulding to multiple store bought units and covering up the tell-tale big box ‘holes’ gives your multi-purpose guest room huge amounts of storage for a small price. The bonus is not only are all your books, photos, and other collectables displayed but your guests also have a good book at their disposal as they snuggle into your comfortable sofa bed.

Source: Houzz
Source: Houzz

Side Tables

In your master bedroom, a good side table is a must. In a guest room, however, is where you can use fun alternatives depending on how much an actual ‘side table’ is needed (ie: when that awesome sofa bed you splurged on gets used). Forget the traditional pair and maybe opt for one or better yet, scrap them all together and use a funky occasional chair when there is a need to pop a little alarm clock, a book, and that ever-important small bedside lamp.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out this great round up on The Spruce of bookshelf hacks.

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert

Which kitchen layout is best for me?

When it comes time to remodel the family kitchen it’s time to start thinking beyond the traditional triangle (fridge, stove, sink) and think instead of functional work zones or task centres. The good news here is, unlike focusing on the triangle, focusing on functional task centres works with all the various kitchen layout options.

Source: Houzz

To see a great resource on kitchen layout types, check this one out from HGTV. It’s even got free downloadable templates. Top 6 Kitchen Layouts

The room or space you have to work with will really help guide which ‘shape’ your kitchen overall will take. But since today’s kitchens are used by multiple people at the same time, rather than just one person, we no longer need our kitchen to work for one – we need it to work for all of us. This gives us a lot more freedom to place our appliances in spaces best suited for them in the room, rather than letting a boring triangle dictate its placement. Even the smallest of galley kitchens can be configured for optimal multi-person work zones with the right amount of planning and consideration.

Source: Houzz

So, which layout is right for you? The short answer is whichever one you like best (and works for your space) will be the right layout for you. Where you’ll want to really put your thinking cap on is looking at your daily cooking and eating habits and seeing what work zones you need, and how you and your family use the space – or don’t and how much you bump into each other!

Make a list of common activities, like chopping or mixing, and you’ll start to see your space take shape. You can then place the sink the best place for a view of the yard, the oven or cooktop in the best place to watch and chat with guests, and the fridge in the best place to unload groceries – regardless of how they meet (or don’t) in a triangle.

Want to learn more?

The key in planning your kitchen’s layout is to make sure it works best for you and your family’s daily life.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

5 Ways to Keep Your Nightstand Clean and Tidy

5 Ways to Keep Your Nightstand Clean and Tidy

Clutter is distressing! What’s worse is clutter next to where your bed. Just when you have organized this space, non-essentials seem to appear magically while your eyes are shut! There is an interior design concept that states anything with a flat surface will accumulate clutter. There is also a principle that states that things will accumulate to fill the space available to it. Either way, junk and other things grow exponentially if we let them.

A nightstand should convey, to some degree, a space of rest and relaxation. A book, a candle, and a lamp are ideal for this space. So, why do we find an old crumpled receipt, stale candy, or last night’s crumb-filled dish? Distraction, laziness, or mental exhaustion are some reasons why we let things run amok, especially on our nightstands. Unlike any other space, your bedroom must promote restfulness and relaxation so here are some tips on how you can keep your nightstand functional, organized, and clutter-free.

Tip #1 Use Decorative Baskets

When you opt for a clear glass table with a couple of shelves, everything is visible, so you really need to keep that thing neat and tidy! Using decorative baskets with specific functions will keep things in their place. If you are reading a couple of books, designate a basket for that on a lower shelf while keeping the top shelf for a candle, a favourite picture and lamp only.

Tip #2 Drawers, Drawers, Drawers

Drawers, drawers, drawers. The best way to keep things away from view is to designate a drawer for them. Keeping the flat surface clear with minimal essentials, using the drawers for things such as books, candle accessories, extra bulbs for your lamp is the best way to keep things neat.

Tip #3 Trays Are Chic & Functional

Using a tray on top of your nightstand can be chic and functional. Include only small items including reading glasses, hand lotion, and perhaps a glass of water.

Keep you nightstand clean and tidy with trays

Source: chango & co.

Tip #4 Put It on a Shelf

If you are a true minimalist or have a small space, a decorative shelf hung on the wall on either side of your bed will keep things tidy. The least amount of surface space you have, the less will accumulate; remember the principle above! An adjustable lamp, a small painting leaning against the wall and just enough space for a book will serve the purpose.

Tip #5 Go Camouflage

If you need motivation to keep things tidy, then choose a nightstand that is the same colour as your wall! Anything you place on the surface will stand out so choose what you leave on it wisely. Choose a piece of furniture that can easily be painted over when you change up your wall colour.

If you’ve noticed, I never mentioned adding your devices on your nightstand. Not only is the vibrating, and blue light distracting but energetically it is not conducive to a good night’s sleep. I suggest that you create a designated area away from your bed to recharge your devices.

Additionally, interior designers are encouraging clients to focus on creativity as well as functionality. Bedroom sets are not as popular as they used to be. Clients are now inspired to focus on the best bed design while mixing and matching nightstands and dressers that suit their needs. Have fun, get creative and keep things tidy!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert