How Tos – Page 2 – BrandSource Canada Blog

June 24, 2018

How to Mix and Match Dining Room Chairs

A room refresh can brighten your mood and encourage you to use the space more often. And let’s face it, we should all gather around the table and enjoy a meal together more. So in that spirit, we’re here with some fresh inspiration with a dining room décor idea: how to mix and match your dining room chairs. Want to jump in a Delorian and see some fashion forward ideas you can do now?

Host with the Most (Chair!)

One of the easiest ways to add a bit of pop and break up the sameness of full-blown dining room furniture sets is to swap out the two captains’ seats for a fabulous wing pair chair, or another statement chair. This is a particularly great option if you have inherited a classic set from a cherished grandmother and want to add in some whimsy and on-trend home décor without sacrificing heirlooms or memories.

Source: Kristina Wolf Design

Source: Silvergate Home Ltd. on Houzz

Colour Me Happy

Colour, oh beautiful colour, how you make us happy! When it comes to a dining room table with different chairs, it seems like the opportunities are endless when colour comes in. Here are a few examples of how you can play with colours in your dining room.

Same chair, different colours

Source: Brayer Design on Houzz

Source: Domus Nova on Houzz

Same colour, different chairs

Source: Jeanette Lunde on Houzz

Source: Lisa Petrole Photography no Houzz

Different chairs, different colours

Source: Emma Green Design on Houzz

Source: Godrich Interiors on Houzz

Find a colour, chair, or colour and chair combination that speaks to you and enjoy the happiness colour brings. A fun way to pick colours for your chairs and to look at what colours your favourite dishes and serving pieces are, this way your table-scape will always be Instagram-ready.

Mix It Up

Throw a bench in, use multicoloured chairs on the other side, and have the hosts flanking the table in style. Maybe add in a high backed sofa bench or some table height stools. The options really are endless when it comes to this mix and match dining room trend. Canadel has some really lovely on-trend pieces of dining room furniture that work really well as stand-alone items in a mix and match dining room.

Accents Galore!

We all dream of hosting the Pinterest perfect party, but ugly folding chairs from the basement don’t really help that dream stay alive. Draw from around the house (as long as they are table height) and grab all your accent chairs to create a look worthy of a spread in the latest Anthropologie catalogue.

Inspired? Shop our dining room chairs and tables to find the perfect addition to your new dining room.

Looking for more dining room inspiration? Find it on our blog.

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert

June 20, 2018

How to Clean Your Maytag Front Load Washing Machine

Your Maytag Washer may do a great job of washing your clothes, blankets, and towels, but it also needs a good washing from time to time. From dirt, sweat, blood, and more, your washer touches its fair share of filth.

If you don’t clean it out often, you may find that odours, germs, mould, and more are starting to take over your front load washing machine. With a little assistance from a natural ingredient such as white vinegar, you’ll get your Maytag Washing Machine cleaned in no time!

Spray Time

Take some of your white vinegar and pour it into a spray bottle, creating a convenient way to get the cleaning product where you need it. Then, you’ll want to spray it everywhere inside the laundry appliance. Spray it on the barrel walls inside the washing machine as well as along the gasket, and even the inside window. Let it sit for a little while before starting a cycle. This will allow the vinegar some time to really soak the scum so it’s much easier to remove.

Drain Plug and Filter

While the vinegar is working its magic on the inside of the Maytag Washer, move onto the drain plug and filter. This should be located somewhere near the bottom of your washing machine, depending on which model you have.

Once you’ve found your drain plug and filter latch, open it and lay a towel underneath. Detach your drain plug and allow excess water to pour out. Be prepared to find bobby pins, hair, and other things that pour out. Once everything has come out, put the drain plug back in its place and remove the filter which should be right next to it. Wash it in your sink with a toothbrush or a sponge to efficiently clean and rinse off all the gunk that it may have caught. Once that’s cleaned, put it back where you found it.

Return to the Inside

Get a warm wet rag and wipe down the inside of the washing machine. That includes the inside window, the gasket, and the inside lining of the washing machine. Really clean the gasket because that is where a lot of water is harboured creating mould and mildew.

Once that’s complete, you’ll want to start a cycle to thoroughly clean out the inside of your Maytag front load washer. Open the place where you put your laundry detergent and instead fill it with vinegar. Start a long and hot cycle, allowing your appliance to wash out more bacteria from inside.

Clean the Surface

Last but not least, while your cycle is going, wipe down the outside. Feel free to use your vinegar spray or use an all-purpose cleaner to get the job done. Once your cycle is done, your Maytag washing machine will be ready for your next load of laundry.

Don’t wait for your Maytag Front Load Washer to start smelling before you clean it. Give it a good wash every couple of months to keep your garments looking and smelling fresh.

June 20, 2018

5 Ways to Clean Your KitchenAid Dishwasher

If you’re like us, you don’t like to spend any longer washing dishes than you absolutely have to. With a KitchenAid dishwasher, your dishes are done so quickly and quietly you might even forget it’s running. But your dishwasher is working hard scrubbing gunk and grime every day, and every now and again, it needs a good clean too. Follow these five tips to keep your dishwasher squeaky-clean and running smoothly.

1) Outer Beauty

The exterior of your KitchenAid might not be doing the dirty work of cleaning dishes, but you don’t want spilled food and water stains to hide the stainless-steel finish. Glass cleaner is great for getting tough grime and smudges off the surface of your dishwasher. Just don’t spray the cleaner directly onto the machine – the moisture could damage the electronic controls. Instead, spray onto a clean cloth and apply to the front.

2) What’s on the Inside Counts

You’d be surprised how much junk can get trapped in your dishwasher’s drain without you even noticing. Old bits of food and trash can gum up the works, keeping your dishes from getting a complete clean. When you crack open the dishwasher, you’ll want to start by cleaning out the filter.

KitchenAid dishwashers have a removable triple filter system that you can access by removing the bottom rack. Just twist the cylindrical upper filter counterclockwise, then lift out the mesh lower filter from under the propeller. No need for coarse scrub brushes or scouring pads, just rinse them both out under running water, and use a soft brush for ground-in debris.

3) The Secret Ingredient

It turns out, you don’t need expensive cleaning products to clear the gunk out of your dishwasher. All it takes is a bit of white vinegar. Leave a dishwasher-safe mug or measuring cup filled with two cups of vinegar on the bottom rack of your dishwasher, and run a normal wash cycle.

The acidic vinegar strips away all the hard-to-reach soap scum and food particles. Don’t add any detergent – the vinegar gets the job done all by itself. It’s effective, but be sure not to take this step more than once a month – too much vinegar could damage the interior of the machine.

4) A Sparkling Finish

To flush out any lingering odours, give your KitchenAid one more rinse with baking soda. After you’ve thoroughly cleaned the machine with vinegar, sprinkle baking soda all over the bottom of the dishwasher and run one last cycle. You should use the hottest water you can. This will leave the dishwasher sparkling clean and smelling fresh.

5) Daily Upkeep Works Wonders

Cleaning your dishwasher every once in a while is just a fact of life if you want spotless dishes and an odour-free kitchen, but you can take steps in between washes to keep your KitchenAid fresh and functional. Your sink is usually linked to your dishwasher, so run your disposal before starting a load of dishes to keep gunk from the sink from getting mixed into the wash. Also, checking the drain for large bits of food and debris after every cycle can help prevent buildup before it starts.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

June 20, 2018

5 Simple Tips to Keep Your GE Cooktop Clean

GE cooktops are the name of the game when it comes to high-quality cooking appliances. Electric, gas and induction cooktops from GE Appliances come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs to suit all your cooking needs.

But with all the cooking you’ll be doing on your GE range, how do you keep your appliance clean and free of food and oil buildup? Here are a few quick tips to keep your cooktop looking brand new.

Daily Maintenance

A messy cooktop can do more than ruin the look of your kitchen—it can also be dangerous. A buildup of food and grease on cooking grates can become a fire hazard. Grime stuck in the burners or on the cooktop surface can also keep your food from heating evenly and ruin your meal. This kind of messy buildup can be easily prevented by giving your cooktop a quick wipe down after every use.

Act Fast

Oil and grease stains are easiest to clean if they’re still wet. That means jumping into action as soon as you notice a spill.

Wet oil spills can be cleaned up by simply dusting them with cornstarch, flour, or baking soda. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then wipe it right up with a paper towel. If the spill has already hardened, pour on some dish soap and let it soak for a few minutes before going to work with a sponge. Try to avoid using anything too abrasive that might damage your cooktop, especially if you have an induction stove.

Start Simple

Most cooktop messes can be cleaned with simple soap and water. If you have a traditional gas range, start by removing the grates over the burners and soaking them in a solution of hot, soapy water. This should break down most of the grease and food particles and allow you to wipe the metal clean with a sponge or scrub brush.

Electric or induction cooktops can typically be cleaned easily by wiping them down with a bit of dish soap or cooktop cleaner, hot water, and a sponge. Just make sure the stove has cooled before getting started. This should do the trick on most cooktops, but for tough stains, you might need to step up your game.

Getting Tough on Stains

If your cooktop has too much baked-on gunk to clean with simple soap and water, there are a few more tried-and-true methods that should restore its natural shine. Vinegar is one of the most popular ways of cleaning up tough stains.

Just spray down the burners and cooktop with some white vinegar and allow to sit for about 20 minutes before wiping off with a clean cloth. Baking soda can also be effective—just make a paste out of water and baking soda and spread it on any tough stains. Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes, then scrub it all away with a sponge or brush.

Restoring Sparkle

When all the grime is removed from your cooktop, you’ll want to do a final polish to remove any soap streaks. Wipe down any stainless-steel surfaces with a bit of rubbing alcohol and cloth to leave your GE Appliances looking brand new. Be careful—alcohol is flammable, so make sure it’s all evaporated before using the stove.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

June 20, 2018

4 Steps to Clean a Whirlpool Washing Machine Filter

Even though Whirlpool washing machines have the ability to efficiently clean clothes at lightning speed, it doesn’t mean they can do the same for themselves. Washers need a good washing too, especially when it comes to the washing machine filter.

The filter is one of the most important parts of the cleaning process because, without it, your washing machine pump would get clogged easily. By cleaning the filter, you protect your washer from lint, coins, hair, and so many other clog-worthy obstructions from getting through. By cleaning the filter, you protect your washer from breaking down.

Follow these steps when you decide to clean out your Whirlpool Washing Machine filter:

Step 1: Locate the filter

Your first step is to find the filter’s location. Usually, it will be on the bottom right of the washing machine, making access rather easy. Of course, your model may be different so you may need to consult the user’s manual or give your washer a quick look over to find it.

Step 2: Pull It Out

Before opening the filter compartment and pulling it out, put a washcloth under the opening to ensure no water leaks out and makes a mess. It’s normal for a little bit of water to pour out, so don’t worry if that happens to you!

Step 3: Scrub the Filter

The best way to thoroughly clean your Whirlpool Washing Machine filter is with a toothbrush. The fine bristles get in the hard to reach places and really scrub away at any grime. If you don’t have a clean toothbrush just laying around, use the rough side of a scrub and clean away.

All you need is a little warm water and soap while you wash it and your filter will look as good as new. If your filter is still looking pretty gross, just soak it. Leave it soaking in hot water and soap for a few hours before continuing your scrub job. Filters work better when they are cleaner, so the more you can wipe away, the fewer problems that will come your way.

Step 4: Don’t Forget About the Inside!

Before connecting the drain filter back to the washer, remove any debris from inside the hole where the filter will reside. You may find unwanted items taking up residence there. Remove them and then slide the filter back into its newly cleaned home. Make sure it’s screwed all the way in, and close it all up!

You may believe that cleaning your washing machine filter is a waste of time, but if you don’t, your whole washing machine could cease to function. It’s crucial that you take the time to clean yours out so your Whirlpool Washer can last a long time. Plus, not having to spend money on repairs is always a good reason to clean out your filter regularly. With a Whirlpool Washer, the job is quick and easy, so that you can spend your precious time doing the things you actually want to do.

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

June 20, 2018

3 Tips for Keeping Your Fruit and Veggies Longer

It seems everyone I know is trying to ‘eat better’ with more fresh fruits and veggies. We are all also trying to reduce our food waste, but with new fruits and veggies to experiment with and changing schedules, it can sometimes be hard to keep everything alive and ready to eat.

Of course, your appliances can do a lot of the work by being set to the right temperatures and taking advantage of all the drawers, doors, bells and whistles, but we have a few other handy ways for you to help keep fruits and veggies around longer so they can be enjoyed and not wasted.

3 Innovative Ways to Optimize Food Storage in a Refrigerator

1) Washed N’ Ready

For veggies like carrot sticks and celery that you want to grab‘n go, washing them, cutting them, and placing them in a container with a bit of water keeps them fresh longer and more likely for you grab (since you know they are clean and ready to munch on).

When fresh summer berries come into season I like to buy them by the bushel, but I know there will always be some mouldy mushy ones going out in the bin a few days later. To avoid this, whatever doesn’t get eaten that very first day home gets chopped and ready for fruit salad, or into a freezer bag for a quick pancake topping.

Useful Guide to Freezing Your Fruits and Vegetables

2) Store Properly

When it comes to our fruits and veggies, how and where we store them is just as important as WHO we store them with. In some cases that means storing them separately (here is a handy guide to help).

Did you know apples kept with potatoes helps keep potatoes fresher longer? But kept with bananas both the apples and bananas ripen even faster? There are lots of other great food hacks for storing fruits and veggies here.

Another great tip I learned recently was to wrap celery in tin foil. I know! But it works, I tried it. Reader’s Digest has this and 40 other crazy uses for aluminum foil.

3) Get Preserving!

The best way to ensure you keep your fruits and veggies is by preserving them in all their seasonal bounty. Canadian preserving sensations Well Preserved offer up hundreds of inspired recipes to help you start (and fall in love) with the art of preserving and reducing your food waste.

Looking for some tips on how to store your cheese best? We’ve got those here: Tips for Cheese Storage in Your Fridge.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

June 20, 2018

6 Things to Consider When Buying a Dining Room Set

When we were young, a sofa and a coffee table in front of the TV often acted as our dining room. But as we grew older, the need to have a more “formal” dining place for entertaining and/or family dinners suddenly started to make sense.

If this is the first time that you are shopping for dining room furniture, and because buying a new dining room set is a major decision, here is a list of 6 things you need to consider while shopping.

1) Space

The first thing to think about is the space you have for the table. I suggest that you draw out the room dimensions first. You will need to allow 42 to 46 inches (107 to 117 centimeters) between the table and the wall edge in order for a person to rise comfortably and push their chair away from the table.

2) Traffic Flow

Review the traffic patterns by considering where traffic enters and exits the room. Does the hostess have room to move around the table? Do you plan to serve “family-style” or will the guests serve themselves? If family
and friends are getting up and down you will require more traffic space.

The following sketch shows you how to calculate traffic flow.

3) Table Size

In order to accommodate serving dishes, you will need to look at a table that is a minimum of 36 inches to 42 inches (91 to 107 centimeters). If you don’t need a large table now but would occasionally like one for those special occasions, you may want to consider a table with one or more extensions (leaves).

Your guests need to be comfortable. You need to allow 24 inches (60 centimeters) of table space per person around the table in order to ensure your friends and family can enjoy their time around the table together. For extra elbow room allow for 30 inches (76 centimeters). How many people usually sit at the table? Here’s a useful drawing to save you some time:

4) Table & Chair Height

Table height is another consideration. Most tables are 30 inches (76 centimeters) in height. The height of the chair seat is generally about 18 inches (46 centimeters) from the floor. In most cases the distance from the tabletop to the seat of the chair should be at least 12 inches (30 centimeters).

Tables over 30 inches, commonly known as pub-height tables (42 inches) or counter-height tables (36 inches), are also available from many manufacturers. These tables are particularly suitable for more casual environments.

Just like tables, chairs are available in various heights (for obvious reasons). Most collections will offer two heights – the highest chairs can also be used for lunch counters.

5) Table & Chair Design

Another thing to review is the leg style of the table. The selection of a custom table allows you to select what leg style suits your style preference as well as your entertaining needs. You will want to note that the selection of a pedestal style base gives you more seating space since none of your guests will have to struggle with the table legs.

When it comes to choosing your chairs, you must consider not only your preferred style but also comfort, especially if you like to spend long hours chatting around the table. The back of the chair, as well as the seat width, will determine how comfortable the chair is.

A bench is another very popular option that is perfectly suited to small spaces since it can slide completely under the table when not in use.

Depending on your lifestyle, the type of cover you choose for your chair (or bench) will be equally important. Wood, plastic and metal chairs, or one with leather covers, are ideal for young families, whereas a fabric cover, especially plain, will require more care. Fortunately, you can now find high performance fabrics that are stain resistant and easy to clean.

6) Multifunctionality

Is there some adjacent space nearby such as counter or bar height area in an open concept kitchen/dining that can be used for serving dishes or even to seat additional guests? Sometimes the younger generation likes the feel of being part of the event but appreciates the freedom that sitting at a bar stool brings.

Speaking about serving dishes – you will want to consider a server or open buffet to have those extra plates and platters readily available for that uncle who insists on a healthy second helping.

Console tables and occasional furniture are also great ways to maximize the service area of your dining room. Once the focal point of more formal spaces, the hutch over a buffet is almost no longer used.

Dining room furniture will always remain a personal choice influenced by factors such as lifestyle, style preferences, budget, space available and the number of years we wish to keep our furniture. Whatever the case, don’t be afraid to think outside the box when choosing finishes or combining unexpected elements.

Bon appetit!

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert

June 4, 2018

School’s Out for The Summer: Your Survival Guide for Staying in the City

Summer is indeed the time of year when most of us will let go of the pressures of day to day living, working, raising families, or running businesses. While our Canadian winters are long and cold and cater to avid skiers and snow-fort builders, our summers can be equally memorable, rejuvenating, exciting and extremely fun-filled.

So, school is out for the summer and the plan is to stay in the city! Now what?? Using some imagination, doing a little research, and creating a plan is how this summer can be the one they’ll remember! Whether you use the internet or look over the local papers, summer activities abound in every community and neighbouring towns.

Some tips:

1) Make a list of you what your family enjoys doing and start looking around for matching activities. Get your family involved to pitch in their own ideas.

2) Separate the days trips from the overnighters as they will require different logistics. Get a whiteboard to keep everything straight!

3) If your budget is a concern, a great option would be to rent a tent trailer or caravan to minimize hotel costs. Trailer parks are plentiful and have many conveniences.

4) Consider what your children are learning in school and include trips to eco-museums, farms, and hands-on interactive activities like pottery, painting, and cooking. Make it as fun as it is educational and memorable. Give your children some choices or if they are old enough, ask them to look for what’s happening in and around the community that they would enjoy doing.

5) International street festivals which bring other countries into your city are always an exciting and inexpensive way to learn about other cultures. Visit your local tourism office or Google your city along with keywords like things to do, summer activities, festivals.

6) Consider a neighborhood block party with local families bringing foods from their countries of origin and activities that everyone would enjoy. Make it a BYOC – bring your own chair potluck! If your block won’t permit such an activity, take it to the neighborhood park!

7) Make sure that some of the activities include some quiet time at a local beach or park for a picnic or a de-stressing day to kick back and relax. When you teach children that tuning out is an equally important activity, they will learn a valuable lesson of how the mind, body and spirit need nourishing in different ways.

8) Before you head out on day trips or overnighters, make sure you check for and replace summer clothes and shoes that no longer fit, out-dated sunscreens, bug sprays and bug bite lotions, damaged or broken summer toys and accessories.

9) Stock up on healthy non-perishable or long-shelf life snacks granola bars and trail mixes. Making your own can be a fun activity for everyone. If you don’t have any recipes, just Google: healthy snacks to go and you will surely find many your children will enjoying preparing….and eating!

Summer in the city does not have to be boring if you plan ahead, and get everyone involved! Variety is the key and adding some downtime will keep the engines revved up until school starts up again!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

June 4, 2018

5 Things to Consider When Creating Your Dream Outdoor Entertaining Space

Source: Earthscape

Everyone dreams of having a little outdoor retreat to call their own. A place that you and your family can go to just enjoy the fresh air and the warm sun. Everyone’s dream space looks a little bit different, but no matter what end result you’re after, there are five elements you must consider.

#1 The Furniture

In order for your outdoor living space to feel like a true extension of your home and to make it cozy and welcoming, you need to start from the ground up by selecting your furniture and accessories.

First, pick your dining set. Depending on the size of your patio, several options are available. Think in terms of seating; if you like to entertain several guests at the same time, consider a dining set that offers at least 6 seating places. If all you have available is a small balcony, then a 2-piece set is what you need. A small server on wheels may be a good choice to keep those large platters or refreshing drinks off of the dining table.

Wouldn’t it be nice to relax and enjoy a drink (or two) in a more casual setting? How about an outdoor living room? Larger spaces will easily accommodate a sectional while others may require individual pieces such as a loveseat and armchairs. When selecting your pieces, make sure that your guests will have enough room to maneuver around.

Source: Hobson Landscape

To cozy up your new outdoor living space, consider adding an outdoor rug to bring the seating area together and coffee table and/or side tables to provide a spot for those delicious summer cocktails and cold beers. Garden stools and bar carts are also other items you can consider to make your space more practical.

But before making your final decision, make sure you have a look at the materials. Not all materials are created equal and not only would they affect the care and maintenance of your outdoor furniture pieces but they will also have an impact on how you would be able to store them when comes winter.

Want to learn more about outdoor furniture materials, read our previous blog Outdoor Furniture: Types of Materials.

Source: Owen Landscape Architect on Houzz

#2 The Kitchen

If your outdoor living space is going to include an outdoor kitchen, you’ll want to coordinate your counters and any appliances you’ll be installing, whether that’s a BBQ, fridge, or a sink.

The layout of your outdoor cooking space will have a huge effect on how quick and easy it is for you to navigate while using it. Think about the functional layout of the appliances but also consider the aesthetic appeal.

If you plan on having many guests over, it may end up being a better choice to have the grill on full display to the seating area, but you should also think about whether the layout will be conducive to conversation so that those in the kitchen can converse while cooking.

You can learn more about outdoor kitchen design in this article: Become the King or Queen of Your Outdoor Kitchen

#3 The Mood

Source: Earthscape

Once the basics of your outdoor living area have been put together, it’s time to figure out the mood of it. These next elements are going to bring things together and completely decide the mood of your outdoor living space.

First, think about lighting. The perfect lighting will transform your space in the evening and invite your guests to relax and linger. Add candles, lanterns, or strung lights to make your space welcoming. If you can, add a chandelier on a dimmable switch to help you set the mood for any occasion.

Your surroundings are also a big component of the mood you want to create. Think about privacy and install large plants and privacy screens where needed. This is when you’ll likely begin thinking about the landscaping around the entertaining area.

Finally, what is outdoor entertaining without music? Wireless outdoor speakers controlled via your smartphone now comes in different shapes and sizes, you just have to pick the right ones for you.

#4 Heating & Cooling

Source: Partridge fine Landscape

No one will ever want to use an outdoor living area that’s too cold or too hot all of the time. That’s why you need to think about patio heaters or a fireplace for the cooler nights.

For the hot days, think about shade which can come in the form of a basic umbrella or an elaborate patio cover that can be retracted as needed. Use natural shade where possible to help keep the seating area comfortable. Outdoor fans may also help make your living space more enjoyable too.

Whenever you add an element into the space to help control the climate, think about whether it is controllable (like a fan or fireplace that can be turned off).

#5 The Uninvited Guests

Finally, to keep your outdoor living space in full swing with nothing bugging you, consider the extras that you might find useful to install in your outdoor living space.

One such extra is an insect repellent like a bug zapper that will keep the area around your outdoor living space fully enjoyable all day and night. Citronella candles, OFF Deep Woods spray, mosquito nets are other options that can also help you enjoy the outdoors.

Now, are you ready to put together your dream living space? Go ahead and have fun in making your backyard your family’s own personal oasis.

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert

May 23, 2018

Curb Appeal: Prettying Up Your Porch

Spring is the perfect time to up your home’s curb appeal. Of course, there’s the usual round of yard work, repairs, and other necessary tasks that need to get done, but this year you can reward yourself (and your home!) by prettying up your porch.

A welcoming porch sets the tone for your guests before they even enter. We’ve rounded up our top three ways to make your porch pop this Spring.

1) Fresh Front Door

Source: post Architecture on Houzz

Make your entrance pop with a fresh coat of colour. Country Living magazine has their top 10 colour trends for doors, and boy are they bright! A cheerful statement for sure and one we don’t see slowing down any time soon.

Trying to find a colour that speaks to you? The DIY Network has 28 ideas for inviting doors.

2) A Porch Perch

Source: Evergreen Interior Designs on Houzz

If your front porch is big enough to accommodate a pair of comfortable outdoor chairs or small bench or sofa, make it happen. If you’ve never experienced the joy of reading on your porch watching the world go by, you won’t regret this discovery. Not only will you get to know your neighbourhood a little bit better, but you’ll also help your house say “come on in”. I mean, don’t you just want to meet the people who have these nice rockers on their porch? They seem like nice people.

Source: Highland Homes, Inc. on Houzz

3) It’s the Little Things

A fresh planter, fresh numbers on the house, a floral wreath, or vintage finds, small details make all the difference. Canadian blogger Laurie decorates her porch seasonally, adding personal touches and little details that make her porch uniquely welcoming.

The outdoor rug and small decorative birds make this porch pop.

Source: Everything Home on Houzz

Incredibly minimalist, yet the overflowing greenery from the planters is the small personal touch this porch needed to seem welcoming rather than cold.

Source: Wendy O’Brien Interior Planning & Design on Houzz

This seaside-inspired porch would not have been complete without the seashells by the door.

Source: The Cottage Building Company by Houzz

We hope you’re inspired to make your porch pop this summer.

Alex, Your Furniture Expert

‹ 1 2 3 4 5 ... › Last »