Decorating with Wine Corks

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Do you love wine? Well then this article is for you.Yes, wine does have positive health benefits, but do you know what else it has? Corks that can be reused for many different projects. If you don’t already save your corks, then bookmark this page and return once you have, because you’ll be needing quite a few to tackle any of these projects.

Trivet

For this kitchen product you’ll need at least 40 corks. First, you’ll need a base. A piece of wood will work, but for best results hit up your local craft store for a thin sheet of cork. Using a hot glue gun, or other strong adhesive, glue the corks down two at a time. When gluing down the corks, position each set opposite direction of the one before. (see image below)

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Back Splash

This DIY project is one for the real wine lover in your life. The reasoning behind that is because you’ll need a lot of corks. Like the trivet, you’ll need a base for the project, but wood is recommended. To maximize your corks, cut them in half and then glue the corks to the board. Once finished secure the wood to the area behind your kitchen’s sink using nails, or any adhesive that will hold your board securely. Need an example of what this will look like? Check out this DIY blog post.

Succulent Holder

Do you enjoy gardening but don’t have much of a green thumb? Try growing succulents. For this project, you’ll need to head to your local flower shop and find the smallest succulents they have. First, carve out the wine corks using a small knife. Make sure you don’t carve all the way through though, as your next step is to add dirt. Finish your new plant pot with the smallest succulent available. If you want to take it next level, glue a magnet to one side of the cork and hang the plant right on your fridge!  

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Table or Dresser Top

Want to wake up everyday to the sight of wine? (Well, sort of!) For this project, you can use an end table, night stand, or even your dresser. Like the back splash protector, you’ll need quite a few corks. As before, you’ll want to begin with a baseboard for your creation. Depending on the size of dresser or table, you’ll want to cut the corks in half before securing them to the backing. After securing the corks to your desired piece, finish them off with a couple layers of polyurethane for a smooth finish like the rest of your wooden furniture.

Have any other cork-inspired decorating ideas? Let us know in the comments below. And if you’re looking for more furniture to go alongside your newly corked creations, visit us online or at the store nearest you!

6 Pet Friendly Decorating Tips

Living with a pet, or multiple pets, is awesome, until springtime comes around. For humans, we simply take off our extra layers of clothes, slap on some sunscreen when needed, and we’re good to go. For our fur-covered friends, the cooling down process is a little more messy. You know the drill: lint rollers in hand any time you decide to leave your home, avoiding black clothing at all costs. In order to help keep your house looking and feeling clean during this shedding season and throughout any other accidents and mishaps your pet might have, we’ve come up with a few tips to help you out:

1. Area Rugs - Let’s face it, inevitably your fur baby will have an accident here and there, especially when they are young. To prevent your pet from ruining a whole room’s worth of carpet, spring for area rugs instead of wall-to-wall carpeting. You’ll be able to easily remove the carpet for cleaning, and if needed, all together.
   
2. Spill-Proof Rugs - No, we’re not talking about a carpet that will repel any liquids that may fall on them. You probably know that your animal will get excited and run around sometimes, and if you have all wood or tile floors, it can become dangerous. At the entrance to rooms with harder floors, lay an area rug to prevent your little friend from sliding, and possibly injuring themselves and others.
   
3. Color Matching - Looking for a new couch or chair for your living room? Try picking the color based on your shedding friend’s most prominent color. You know they’re going to shed, so why not let the hair be discreetly hidden until you get the time to clean each week? In no way is this a permanent solution, but it will help out when those unexpected guests drop by for a visit!  
   
4. Bedding - According to studies, nearly half of America's dogs sleep in the same bed as their owners, and a little over 60% of cats do as well. And although you’d probably like a fancy bedspread, you’ll want to go with one that is machine washable. This way you can easily wash it when an accident occurs or shedding gets out of hand.
   
5. Pet Entrance - Does your dog love to get covered in dirt and mud every time they step a paw outside? Designate one entrance way for when your furry friend comes in and out. They may not like it at first, but after getting into the routine it will help you keep the mess under control. Store extra towels and brushes in this entrance for a quick clean-up as well!
   
6. Special Place - For those who choose to keep their pets off the furniture, create a special place for your pet. This doesn’t mean just throw down the latest blanket on its way to the trash, but make it special with a proper bed and toys. If you want them to use their own space, you have to make them want the space!

Looking to replace furniture that your family of pets has unfortunately gotten the better of? Visit us online now, or find the store location nearest you!

Spring Cleaning: 5 DIY Living Room Updates

When you think of spring cleaning, you most likely don’t think of adding anything to the rooms you are freshening up, but that doesn’t have to be the case! If you’re already cleaning your living room, why not improve it? Now we’re not saying you need to start with a clean slate, but just updating to give the room a fresh, new look. We’ve come up with 5 simple and inexpensive do-it-yourself ways you can update your house or apartment’s living room in one afternoon.

1. Add Nail Head Trim - Spice up your plain, boring ottomans or couches with a simple nail head trim. This is a great DIY project that can be completed in one simple stop at your local fabric and craft store.  
   
2. Gallery Wall - Have a large wall in your living room that you can’t seem to ever figure out how to decorate? Then a gallery wall is perfect for you. Whether it be a collection of your favorite paintings, or simply photos of your family, end an afternoon on a high note by creating one yourself.
3. Fresh Paint - The best way to update any room is with a fresh coat of paint. But you don’t always need to focus on the walls! Try painting your ceiling for a change. It will instantly add a talking point for any guests that stop through.
   
4. Divide It Up - A lot of the time living rooms are connected to other parts of the house, but there never seems to be an actual door in the doorway. Install full length curtains to bring a new look, and possibly a new color to the space.
   
5. Install a Light Dimmer - This task may not seem too simple, but with a few tools, you can have movie theater quality lighting by the time the sun sets. Follow this DIY guide to properly install your new switch, and get the popcorn ready for your new and improved “home theater.”

If you’re still looking for ways to update your living room beyond today’s tips, stop in and upgrade your room with our selection of lighting, rugs, upholstery, and more! Visit us online now to find the location nearest you!