Catching up
on work from the living room sofa always seemed like a pleasure—up until it
became a full-time affair. When the coronavirus pandemic struck earlier this
year and sent office workers home, many of us discovered that such improvised
setups can also become wormholes of household clutter, nagging family members,
and ergonomic strife.
With
companies like Facebook and Twitter leading the charge to make working from
home the new normal, the home office is finally top of mind once again. Whether
used every day of the week or for an occasional evening brainstorm, a
well-designed space can help shut out distractions, center the mind, and
inspire creativity. Your home office should be a direct reflection of your
personal style, passions, and aspirations. One of its biggest advantages
compared to a corporate office—where workers are often limited to customizing a
cubicle with quirky calendars and potted plants—is that you can do anything you
want.
Compared to
the upper-crust home work spaces of the 18th and 19th centuries, much has
changed. Technology has largely done away with the need for floor-to-ceiling
stacks of books, but it has also introduced an armada of plasticky components
like monitors, printers, and scanners bursting with messy cables—none of which
are as appealing to look at as antique globes, sextants, or Roman statuary. As
a result, many designers aim to eliminate or hide as much of an office’s
technological wizardry as possible. Fortunately, the Wi-Fi universe we now live
in allows for a much less tethered feel than the old desktop computer. Many of
those peripherals don’t even live in the office anymore—we now mostly put them
in closets.
People
aren’t printing as often as they used to, so the need for filing cabinets has
disappeared, which frees up space for a secondary seating area. You absolutely
need a comfortable desk chair, but we also like to include a lounge chair with
an ottoman or a chaise for those moments of concentrated reading and thinking.
At the end
of the day, a home office isn’t just a place to get things done—it’s a
reflection of who you are. It should be designed to your style and your taste,
it should allow you to be your best, most productive self.
CA
Interiors can assist you in creating a new working environment in your home
that reflects you. Contact Sue Hamilton on 082 950 3142.
Believe it
or not, it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning your home. Spring
cleaning is important for everyone, particularly if you’re an allergy sufferer.
You owe it to yourself and your family to enjoy a clean that’s more than
dirt-deep. Think allergen-deep.
And you
don’t have to dread spring cleaning. Just follow our top 10 spring cleaning
tips and tricks for allergy sufferers:
1. Make a Schedule
Scope out
your home: What areas need the most work? Where do you skip during routine
cleaning? Those are the best places to start. Regardless of where you start,
having a plan for when you’re tackling each room will keep you focused on the
task at hand.
2. De-clutter
Decluttering
makes you more efficient and keeps you organized. But more than that, clutter
has psychological influences. It signals to your brain that work isn’t done.
Studies have shown that a disorganized home adds to your stress level. The scientific
implications of inhaling dust – combined with the psychological stress of
coming home to a pile of unsorted laundry or cluttered desk – can take a toll.
Set aside
some time to:
Organize your closets
Dust and organize your office
Look through that dreaded junk drawer
You may be
surprised how fresh you feel after you eliminate unnecessary stress from your
life.
3. Always Work from Top to Bottom
When you
think about how to spring clean your home, it’s important to start from the
ceiling down. This will force debris downward and keep you from having to
re-dust or re-clean your space. If you have a vacuum with an extension hose,
use it to get cobwebs and dust from your ceilings and fans first. Then dust
your furniture and other items before vacuuming all the dust and debris off
your floors. It will save you time.
4. Use the
correct Vacuum
Finding the
right vacuum is one of the most important parts of spring cleaning. Remove more
than just dust and build-up when you vacuum. A high-quality HEPA vacuum catches
particles you can’t even see. It traps pet dander, allergens and all household
particles in your home.
It’s one of
the best spring cleaning supplies you can arm yourself with. Using a vacuum
with HEPA filtration will remove dirt and dust, but it will also remove
allergens and impurities from your air. You’ll see this suggestion on just
about every spring house cleaning list.
5. Think Green When You Spring Clean
You want to
start spring off on a clean note, so don’t expose yourself to chemicals and
toxins. A steam cleaner is one of the best green products for spring cleaning.
It can be used to clean your microwave, tile, hard floors, kitchen appliances,
bathrooms, and even outdoor areas. Since steam cleaners only use hot water
vapor, they are a 100% natural and chemical-free cleaning solution. But keep in
mind – not everything can be steam cleaned.
If you don’t
have a steam cleaner, one of the best natural combinations for cleaning is
white distilled vinegar, baking soda, and water. These ingredients are
affordable, non-toxic, and have worked for ages when it comes to cleaning.
6. Walls and Windows Need Love too
People
almost always clean their floors, but they typically forget about walls and
windows. Not all dust settles on the floor and other surfaces. Just use a damp
towel to wipe down walls and blinds (starting from the top). Remove and wipe
down the window screens outside. When it comes to the actual window, we don’t
suggest using chemical cleaners. A steam cleaner with a squeegee is a great way
to clean windows.
7. Don’t Be Scared of the Kitchen and Bathroom
Don’t fear
cleaning your bathroom! Here are a few common trouble areas:
Kitchens
Wipe down your cabinets.
Go through your pantry and refrigerator. Wipe down the shelves, and
throw away any old items.
If you have stainless steel appliances, be sure to use gentle
cleaners or a steam cleaner to avoid scratching or other issues.
Bathrooms
Change your shower curtain.
Go through your cosmetics drawer or medicine cabinet and throw away
any expired items.
Consider installing or upgrading to a new bathroom fan. Replacing
an existing fan or adding a new one can help to ensure your bathroom
remains in top notch condition. They are great for ventilating moisture
during showers and removing odors/vapor removal. Depending on the unit you
select, it may even come with built-in lighting, automatic operation, and
other user-friendly features.
8. Don’t Forget About Your Air
Replacing
furnace and HVAC filters is one of the most important and overlooked parts of
spring cleaning. In fact, replacing a standard filter with a more robust one
with a high MERV rating will help keep you healthier as you enter spring. It
will catch smaller, irritating particles. Air conditioner ducts build up dust
during winter, and upgraded filters catch unwanted particles so they don’t
enter your space. It’s an inexpensive way to make sure you’re breathing clean,
healthy air.
The best
way to ensure healthy spring air void of allergens, indoor chemicals or odors
is with an air purifier. If anyone in your home suffers from allergies or wakes
up stuffy during allergy season, adding an air purifier to his/her bedroom will
help.
9. Have Severe Allergies? Protect Yourself.
Cleaning
will more than likely unsettle all the winter dust on furniture and fixtures.
If you suffer from allergies or are using heavy-duty cleaners, be sure to read
the labels. For safe spring cleaning, wear rubber gloves, masks, scarves and
even hairnets. Protective clothing will help guard against skin irritations and
allergic reactions.
10. Let Spring Cleaning Set a New Tone
If your
space feels dark and heavy, you can make small changes to help make it light
and fresh for spring. Adding new colorful pillows or art are great ways to
change up your space. Replacing items like bedding, towels, table linens, and
even window treatments are other ways to transform your rooms for spring and
warm weather ahead.
Wallpaper is making a comeback! There are now many
different patterns, colours and textures available, which cannot be imitated by
paint. If you are considering wallpapering an entire room, or just a feature
wall, here are 3 great benefits of wallpaper we think you should know.
Wallpaper Looks Unique
Source: Hertex
It’s not every day you step inside someone’s home and
see a wallpapered room or wall. It’s something special, something different. As
the popularity of wallpaper increases, so does the range of colour, pattern and
texture options. From traditional filigree wallpaper, to modern textures, even
wooden and leather finishes – whatever you’re looking for, you can find it.
For a less intense look, you can wallpaper a feature
wall, in built shelving or an alcove. This adds interest to a room and creates
a sense of depth.
Wallpaper Can Be Budget Friendly
Source: Hertex
Wallpaper is affordable for two reasons:
There is a wallpaper product for any budget. An increase in popularity has seen and increased number of products and brands available, and different brands cater for different budgets. You can also wallpaper a small area, which means you don’t have to buy rolls and rolls of wallpaper.
Although wallpaper has a higher installation cost than paint, it does last longer.
Wallpaper is Durable
Source: Hertex
Modern wallpaper can last up to 15 years, whereas
paint may need to be touched up every 3 years or so. Wallpaper is tough and
easy to clean. You can even purchase vinyl varieties of wallpaper that are even
easier to clean!
To ensure the longevity of your wallpaper, it’s best
to avoid wallpapering bathrooms and kitchens, as this will expose the wallpaper
glue to excess moisture. Moisture can cause the wallpaper to peel. Bedroom,
lounge rooms and dining rooms are well suited to wallpaper.
Because wallpaper lasts so long, when it does
eventually begin peeling, you may not be able to find an exact match in order
to retouch the damage. It’s best to buy an extra roll or two, just in case.
Source: Hertex
Along with interior and exterior painting, we install wallpaper. If you would like a quick, accurate quote, please give Sue Hamilton a call on 082 950 3142 or email sue@cainteriors.co.za
Shopping
for furniture is very confusing because there is so much to consider. Your
quest for choosing the right upholstery will not just rely on your budget and
designs. Among the considerations will be: modern or classic? Low or high back?
Detachable or fixed cushions? With this, another question is essential: leather
or fabric?
The benefits of having fabric for upholstery
Upholsteries
come in different styles and varieties, so there are many options to choose
that will fit your home style. Compared to leathered types of furniture, with
the fabric types, you can experience the following benefits:
Comfort
The feel in
fabric upholsteries depends on the material of the textile and the support
system (the frame and cushions). Regardless, the comfort you can experience is
something you can always savour and experience. The fabric’s softness and
warmth offer you calm and relaxation, easing all your stress away. Moreover,
its softness can provide cosiness no matter the season, unlike leathered types
that bring sticky and hot feelings in summer and more coolness every winter.
Despite
this undeniable comfort, its suppleness should be something that is not too
much, to the point that the furniture will not get wrinkled or sag easily. It
should keep its shape every time you get up.
Care
The fabric
upholsteries’ wear and tear quality depend on the fabric grade. As expected,
high-quality fabrics tend to endure weariness better. Moreover, because of its
material type, it is easier to clean and maintain. Since most fabric furniture
is made with stain-resistant finishes, it can be easily cleaned up when spills
happen. A handheld steam cleaner or certain specialty products can do the
trick. Also, unlike leathered upholsteries, the fabric ones cannot be scratched
or have any unpleasant markings. Especially if you have pets cosying around
your home, the fabric ones will be perfect for you.
Colour and Pattern Choices
Another
advantage of choosing fabric types in upholstery is its unlimited textures,
colours, and patterns. There is undoubtedly a particular colour and style that
will surely match the over-all design of your home. It can be an excellent
opportunity to express you and your family’s style and personality: either you
go for bright colours or bold patterns that grab your guests’ attention or you
will choose something neutral and calming style that will be perfect for your
home’s decorative pieces.
Costing
If you are
concerned about your budget, yet you still want the best, the fabric type will
suit both of these goals. Better quality fabrics mean higher prices, yet this
is even more affordable than purchasing the leather types.
Tips in choosing the best upholstered fabric
Most of the
time, colour, and design are the first things to mind when buying fabric
upholstered furniture. While this is also essential to consider, several
factors are equally important too and CA Interiors can assist you.
Durability
The
robustness of the fabric should depend on the piece of furniture, what area it
will be used in, and personal attributes at home, such as the presence of
children and pets. If the furniture is something that is used daily, opt for
more durable fabric types.
Style
In
considering the fabric style, always choose something that will complement not
only the furniture but the interior design and feature of your home.
Colour
Another
crucial factor in selecting upholstered fabric is the colour. With lots of
colours and combinations to check on, always ensure choosing something that has
a significant impact on the furniture, especially when the furniture is a large
one like sofas and tables.
Benefits Of Using Fabric For Upholstery Guide
If you are
undecided about the fabric colours and designs for your upholstery, contact Sue
Hamilton at CA Interiors to get exceptional fabrics for your furniture. With
lots of choices you can check on, you will definitely never go wrong in having
the fabric type that will bring out the best in your upholstery!
Draw the
curtains in style with the latest design trends for fabric window dressings.
When it
comes to choosing fabric window dressings for your room, there’s a lot to think
about. Not only do you need to make a choice on the fabric, colour and pattern,
but also the style and what it has to offer functionality-wise, as well as how
it will be installed in your space. Each has its benefits, and some
potential drawbacks, but you can be certain some styles are more en vogue
right now than others. So, we’ve picked some of the most on-trend ideas for
fabric curtains and blinds for every room in your house to inspire your
choices.
Double up
Getting the
balance right between privacy and allowing natural light into your home is one
important thing to think about when choosing soft-furnished window dressings. A
blackout curtain is important in a bedroom, for example, to ensure you can
sleep through light summer mornings, however, every time you close the
curtains, you don’t want to be plunged into pitch darkness.
Layering a
blackout textile and an opaque textile has become the go-to solution – whether
it’s a curtain and a voile or clever double layer blinds.
Hidden tracks
For a less
cluttered look, more and more of us are opting for discreet, tracked curtains.
Not only do these offer a sleeker option to a traditional curtain pole, it
means that curtains can be hung directly from the ceiling, helping to make
rooms feel taller and adding a dramatic statement.
Tab top curtains
As we try
to transform our homes into peaceful, relaxing spaces, we’re moving away from
fussier styles such as pencil and pinch pleat curtains. Look for styles with
soft, natural undulations for a more casual feel.
To stick
with the softer feel you’re looking to create, choose curtains with tab tops,
which means there’s no curtain rings or other hardware involved, while still
giving you lots of control over how the curtains sit on the pole.
Abstract geometrics
Geometric
patterns are a popular choice for curtains and blinds, especially in homes with
a contemporary style. For an up-to-date take on the trend, look for fabrics
with more unusual shapes, colours and patterns than standard triangles or
hexagons, for example. These will help ensure the space feels sophisticated and
stylish for 2020.
Plant-inspired patterns
‘Biophilic
design’ is a buzzword for 2020 – it basically means creating a home that’s more
connected with nature. As well as filling our homes with plants,
nature-inspired prints are a big trend, especially where they can help link the
interior of your home with the outside – windows therefore make the perfect
spot for a plant print pattern!
Scaled up prints
In the same
way that wall murals have become a big wallpaper trend (literally), look out
for oversized fabric prints for curtains too. We love the idea of using a
border print on curtains or a blind for a more interesting way to bring pattern
to your home, such as this cactus patterned voile.
Inspired by any of these curtain and blind trends?
