5 Summer Cleaning Essentials

Summer may be one of the best times to kick back and relax, but it’s the perfect time for germs to start working overtime. We’re not talking about airborne germs, as they thrive the most in the winter during flu season. These are the ones that produce mold and awful smells that you can’t seem to tell where they’re coming from. To help avoid cleaning even more than you have to, or worse having to throw items away, we’ve put together an essentials list for some of the most popular summer cleaning needs.

1. Water Rings - Hot days call for cold drinks, but cold drinks on hot days mean bad things for wood. There is one trick to removing them though, and it involves something you store in the fridge. Weirdly, that item is mayonnaise, and if you spread it on and leave it for 15 minutes to an hour you’ll be mark free! Don’t leave it too long though, as the mayonnaise will spoil and become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria.
   
2. Washer - The summer heat brings the mold out. One place that is prone to mold is your washer, and it might seem weird but you need to wash it. Run your washer with detergent on the hottest temperature it can be set at. After, let it air dry by leaving the door open before using again.
   
3. Bathroom - Like your washer, this is a great place for mold to grow. When you shower, the humidity from the steam can leave water in lots of places that don’t easily dry out after getting damp. To prevent this from happening, run the bathroom’s fan while in the shower and for at least 15-30 minutes after. Also remember to leave the shower door or curtain open after exiting as it will allow the inside to dry faster and eliminate potential mold.
   
4. Garbage Cans - No matter what time of the year, leftover food can make any garbage can smell rancid. But when the heat is increased, it seems to make it a hundred times worse. For outdoor cans, clean them at least once a month in the hotter months, as the stronger the smell the more it will attract unwanted animals.
   
5. Grill - By now hopefully you’ve heard how dangerous those wire brushes are for your health. If not, it’s time to throw them out and use another tool. To give your grill a really good cleaning though you’ll need to remove the whole grid and clean with an oven cleaning solution. If removable, you should also clean the heating plates as it will allow for a better flow from your propane.

Summer cleaning may not be the most fun activity, but if you avoid it, things tend to get smelly. Do you have any other essential summer cleaning activities you do? Let us know in the comments section what’s on the top of your cleaning list.

4 Often Forgotten Living Room Essentials

One of the most common gathering places for any family or group of friends is the living room. From game night to watching the big game, many memories are made here. Decorating this space can be hard though, as you don’t want it to be too cluttered, but you also want to show off your style. Often times though, essential things can be left out if you’re a new apartment or homeowner. To help you make your living room a little more homey we’ve put together a list of essential, but often overlooked, items you should have in your living room.

Chair - Often times if you are a new home or apartment owner your first purchase is a sofa. But as soon as you start to invite guests over, it’s important to have separate seating for them. Although you might think your large couch is big enough for three people, there’s nothing worse than being a third wheel in that situation.

End Tables - Another first essential on your list will most likely be a coffee table to fill up the space between your TV and sofa. If it’s within budget, also consider getting a side table. End tables are great for setting down drinks without disturbing others in the room, and are a great place to hold lamps.

Area Rug - If your living room is already carpeted, then you’re free to move on from this paragraph. Area rugs add extra style and comfort to a room. They are essential for cold winters as they will keep your feet from the shock of an ice cold floor after watching a movie cuddled up under a blanket. You can also use them to show off your style, or add another color to the room for better matching elsewhere.

Proper Lighting - As we’ve said before, essential lighting in a room comes from three different light sources. If the only source of light in your living room is an overhead light, then your next purchase needs to be a table lamp. As we said before, end tables are essential for holding lamps, but stand alone lights also will bring great accent lighting to your space to make it feel more homey.

Did we miss anything that you think is essential to every living room, but is often forgotten? In the comments section, let us know your favorite forgotten piece. If you like any of the featured items in the post, you can find them online or at a store near you!

Futon: The Greatest Piece of Furniture

The word ‘great’ has many definitions, ranging from quality to quantity. Don’t get it twisted though, we’re talking about the quality. Whether you're living on your own for your first time, have kids, or even grandchildren, futons come in handy for all walks of life. The futon’s history can be traced back to Japan, as their original form was a quilted mattress that was placed directly on the floor. It wasn’t until 1982 when a Cambridge woodmaker saw an opportunity for the flexible bed.

Space Saver

One of the best parts about futons is the small amount of space they take up. They are perfect for any game room, living room, or studio apartment. By day they can be utilized as a normal couch for sitting and entertaining on, then at night when all the guests have left, or are staying for the night, it instantly transforms to a bed.

Low Price

You can find expensive futons, but for the most part they usually cost a lot less than the typical bed or sofa. This makes it great for the struggling college student or recent graduate. Also, they are great for grandparents who may not be able to afford a new bed for when their family comes over to stay the night.

Style

Futons are great for anyone who has an ever-changing style. Because they are removable from their frame, you can easily cover your futon with any design that you choose. The removable mattress can also be easily replaced if the one you originally purchased becomes worn or uncomfortable. They also come in a variation of frame styles, from wood to metal. And if you don’t like how they look in one room, they’re light enough to move from room to room until you find the perfect place.

The versatility of futons are undeniable, they seamlessly switch between couch and bed. They also bring support that those old pull out couches could never compete with. When you sleep on a futon, it feels like your normal bed. In the comments section below, let us know what you think the greatest piece of furniture is! To purchase any of the futons pictured above, visit us online and at a store near you!

How to Choose the Right Dining Room Table

There are few things that bring people together better than food. With that being said, it’s important that the place where we hold these gatherings be comfortable and welcoming. A dining room table will last you for years to come, and if you’re raising a family around one, it’ll be a place where they will have lots of memories. Because of all this, your decision on the style and size is very important. To help you choose the right one for you, we’ve come up with some tips to help you pick out the right one for you.

Size

This factor is important in two ways, because of the amount of people you will be hosting at the table, and the amount of space you have to use. First, measure the room in which you will be placing the table. This will give you the best indication of how long a table you can purchase. You must also remember to leave space for the chairs to come out, and it’s recommended to have at least 36” between the table and wall. If you want it to be easily accesible to get around the table at all times, shoot for a slightly larger distance of 48”. Also consider the amount of people who will be sitting at the table, on both normal and special occasions. Do you have other guests that join you and your family? Consider a larger table than you may need if so, and look into one that may have a removable center board if you’re limited in your day to day space.

Shape

Choosing the right shape partially has to do with the size of space where your table will be located. For smaller rooms, consider a round table as it takes up less space, but also allows for comfortable seating all around. If you’re more of a traditionalist, then the rectangular table will be just what you’re looking for. For a more modern look, consider a perfectly square table. Square tables are harder to find in larger sizes, but can really impress your guests with its different vibe.

Texture

Last but not least is the texture. Are you looking for a durable table that will last for years to come with lots of use, or one that is meant to show off your style? For a more durable use, avoid purchasing an all wooden table as water can easily damage the finish and leave lasting impressions. For a fancier, modern look consider an all glass table. And if you need a table that is durable like wood, but easy to clean like glass, look into getting one with an epoxy finish.

Do you have any other important factors you consider when choosing the right table? Let us know in the comments section below! To purchase any of the tables featured in this blog, visit us online or find a showroom near you.

Fourth of July Decorating Do’s and Don’ts

The Fourth of July for many is peak summer time. We take off work, hang out with friends, and watch fireworks. For some, it also means hosting a social gathering at their house or apartment. If you are this year’s host, or have been a past host, then you understand the stress of making sure everything is red, white, and blue enough. To alleviate that stress we’ve put together a list of dos and don’ts for decorating and celebrating our nation’s independence.

Do - Display Flags

From flag poles to sticks, get as many flags for the holiday as you can. Sure it’s not Flag Day, but what other day can you wear an American flag bandana, t-shirt and shorts and be celebrated for your style? If you think you’ve got too many flags, then buy a few more. The flag is the most well known symbol of our country and it deserves to be seen by all. Plus you can save them for your Olympics watching parties in the upcoming months!

Don’t - Display Flags Improperly

Have you ever taken the time to learn the rules of displaying a flag? Remember people have given years of their life and lost many friends protecting what this flag stands for. Don’t ever use the flag as a tablecloth, and remember to inform the children about not letting it touch the ground, even if it’s just a small stick version.

Do - Cover Everything in Red, White, and Blue  

Like we said before, this is the one day you can go all out and no one has the right to judge you. If you are hosting, it’s your job to make sure everything that a guest might touch has some shade of red, white or blue. And if you’re working with a budget, skip the American flag printed items and get the solid colored items, like napkins plates and even flowers.

Don’t - Buy Expensive Decorations

Unlike most other holidays, we as Americans don’t generally pre-decorate for this holiday as we do others. Go for the cheap stuff, because at the end of the night it’s a lot easier to throw things out than it is to wash and put away. Come late Monday night the realization that you have to work in the morning will hit you, and very hard. Keep it simple with plastic cups, paper plates and lots of cheap streamers and hanging decorations.

Do - Be Careful

One of the best parts about Independence Day is the fireworks. From sparklers to city-wide celebrations, the flashing lights attract our eyes. This Fourth of July make sure anything that can catch on fire is far away from any display you set up. Be the example and teach young kids the importance of safety and make sure none of the prideful decorations you put up don’t come down in flames.

Do you have any other Independence Day decorating tips? Let us know in the comments section below! Have a happy and safe Fourth of July from all of us at Home Decor Outlets.

How To Choose The Right Sofa

The staple piece for traditional American living rooms and game rooms is the sofa. It’s where families meet for discussions, to watch cartoons and cheer on their favorite hometown teams to victory. Unfortunately, sofas are also one of the most expensive pieces of furniture, so picking one isn’t just an easy decision. There are many things to consider before even heading to the store, like a budget and how much room you have for one. To help you pick out the right sofa, we’ve come up with a short list that covers nearly all the aspects of a new sofa.

1. Size - This is definitely the first and most import thing to consider when purchasing a sofa. Not only do you want to measure the area in which you’ll be putting it, but also the hallways, stairs and door frames to guarantee you can get it there. Another great way to understand the amount of space it will eventually take up is to cut out a paper outline of the sofa. You can then move it around and see the possible places it can be positioned.
   
2. Color - If you’re an indecisive person, then this is a decision you should sleep on, maybe a couple nights just to be sure. If you want to go with a calming feel to your room, try a sofa that is similar or matching to the room or curtains. If you have more of a bold personality, consider using the sofa as a statement piece that will catch any viewer's attention.  And remember although the color may seem permanent, you can always have a couch upholstered.  

3. Feel - This factor is one that you may overlook at first, but then quickly realize how important it is. Avoid buying a sofa online, as even the most descriptive words will not give you the true feeling. If you’re looking for a long lasting, supportive couch then a traditional foam cushions is what you’ll want. On the other hand if you prefer a softer, more relaxing couch go for one that is feather, as it will give you that sinking feeling you’re looking for after a hard day’s work.
   
4. Design - One of the last things to consider is the basic design of the sofa. If you’re looking for a couch that fits a large number of people on it, choose one that has three cushions. When there’s only two it forces the third to have to sit on the crack of the cushions, and no one likes the feeling of sinking in between the cushions. Also consider how high off the ground you want the couch. For rooms with ceilings lower than 8 feet, choose a sofa that sits closer to the ground. Also, consider the leg or no leg look for your sofa. If you’re the type that likes lots of end tables, using a skirt to cover up the legs will make the room seem less cluttered.

Do you have any other factors that you take into consideration when choosing a sofa? Let us know in the comments below! You can also find the sofas pictured above in a store near you or online as well.

Summer Decorating Tips

The Summer Solstice takes place on June 20 and marks the first official day of summer. If you haven’t already begun to change over your decor for the warmer months, then now is the time. Put away your throw blankets and bring out the beach chairs and volleyball nets. With longer hours of light, it means that those bright colors we love to decorate with are back in style. From the blues to the yellows, break out all the summer decor you can find. To add to your current collection, we’ve put together a few ideas that you can make yourself, or purchase, to truly bring all the summer vibes to your living spaces.

Seashells

If you travel to the beach this summer, then try to remember to grab some seashells of all sizes. They can be made into multiple DIY projects for use all around your house. For those larger conch shells, rinse and bleach them to eliminate the smell and then fill them with water to make a vase for flowers. If you find a number of seashells for that are similar in size, with some hot glue and a couple screws you can turn any dresser into a beach themed masterpiece. Lastly, if you have any open, shallow shells, use them as candle holders or a place to grow a small succulent plant.

Outdoors

One of the best parts about summer is spending time outside. It may be hot during the day, but once that sun starts to set the real fun always begins. Bring your indoor life outside and enjoy the weather with throw pillows for your chairs and tablecloths for more proper dinners outside. Another great idea to help you spend more time outside is converting an old cot that you may have to an outdoor daybed/couch. Push the cot up against a wall and add the throw pillows and you’re good to go. Another great way to give any of your outdoor or indoor lights that summer nautical feeling is by roping them. Take some glue, old or new rope, and layer it on top of itself while you glue it around the lamp.

Wreaths

Here’s a simple way to brighten up your front door. We often only associate wreaths with the winter months and holidays, but these ideas will change not only your mind but your guests’ minds the moment that they walk through your door. The first simple summer wreath you can make is with an old sun hat. Take one of those oversized straw hats that you thought was cool and stylish at the time and add some wild flowers, or fake, bright colored flowers directly into the top of the hat. Another wreath idea is simply using summer flowers for your wreath, such as sunflowers or pansies.

What’s your favorite way to decorate for the summer months? Let us know in the comments section below and tag us in any of your best summer decor photos on Facebook!   

Image via Pixabay: https://goo.gl/Tk3ek0