So here is a very simple and natural method for cleaning those splatters in our oven. It really is as easy as I had heard.

Simple household minerals such as baking soda can clean like magic. The key is using enough of the minerals. Sprinkle baking soda all over the bottom of the oven until it is covered completely with about 1/4 of an inch of baking soda. Then, using a clean spray bottle, spray the baking soda with water until the baking soda is thoroughly damp but not flooded. After that, go off and do other things. When you think of it, dampen the baking soda again if it is drying out. Before you go to bed, do that again. When you wake up in the morning, the baking soda can effortlessly be scooped out of the oven with a sponge, bringing all the grime with it. That’s it!

Now if your Thanksgiving turkey creates havoc in your oven, you’ll be ready!

Cord Manager

Run this track along the back side of your desk and simply slip your cords into it. Has self-adhesive back and Velcro® release.

Cable Drop

Great for laptop users…no more fishing for the dangling printer cord or accessory USB cable.

Cable Box

Can handle the more complicated cable configurations.

Incorporating small items that have great function and design can eliminate frustration and bring more joy to your working day. Sometimes the simplest design is the best.

Interior design for an uncomplicated life. Make life even more fun.

In Imperial China, the Emperor appointed a messenger to bury a 3 foot bamboo pole in the ground. This hollow tube was set in the Earth vertically with a feather placed at the bottom. It is said that when the Earth warmed up the feather would float to the top of the bamboo pole. At this moment, the messenger would pluck the feather from the bamboo tube and run with it to the Emperor. The Emperor would then declare that Spring had arrived.

Well the feather has risen for me and I am ready to come out of hibernation. Here are some ideas for sprucing up your space… a sort of rites of Spring, if you will.

• Wash your front door. Wipe away the winter blues and trim back any dead branches from surrounding plants.
• Walk through your house and gather up any items that are cluttering your space and either store them or give them away.
• Touch up paint on walls that are showing wear.
• Change your bed linens to lighter and brighter colors.
• Make a refreshing drink for yourself and sit in the sunniest spot in your house.

Happy Spring!

For eco-friendly interior design contact Lou at Lou@LouStewart.com

1) Are you employed or have a steady income?
2) Do you like the location of your home?
3) What’s in your future? relocation, marriage, divorce?
4) How are our nerves? Remodeling is stressful and requires you to do lots of research.

Here are some reasons to remodel now.

a) Materials and labor are lower
b) It is easier to find contractors and subcontractors
c) You’ll get your space just the way you want it.

Posted by Tom on http://millennialliving.com/topics/home-remodeling/planning-remodel

Number 1:

A professional Interior Designer is experienced and will save you time and money by avoiding costly mistakes.

Number 2:

They know what to expect during the renovation and design process so they can help you organize and plan the process.

Number 3:

They will coach you along the way and help guide you through the many decisions you will be making.

Number 4:

An Interior Designer will keep you on schedule which keeps cost down.

Number 5:

And finally they have contacts and references that can help you get the job done by responsible, trained pros.

1) Taking a 10 minute shower saves about 1/3 of the water over taking  a full bath.

2) Install a Dual Flush Toilet which has 2 separate buttons for liquids or solids. This toilet can save about 200 gallons of water a year.

3) Invest in a Grey Water Systems that reuses water from your bathroom sink to flush the toilet. You can save 40% of fresh water used.

Saving water with good bath design.

Here are some great ideas from an article by John-David Hutchisonon to help you determine if a building product is really green or not……

When assessing the “greeness” of an environmentally friendly  building product I generally look at the following criteria:

1) Where does it come from - Is it a readily renewable resource? Is it locally manufactured? How are the raw materials and final products transported?

2) How is it made – What are the ingredients in the manufacturing process? Is there fair trade involved? Does it have a large amount of recycled content? How much energy does it take to produce?

3) How does it effect the environment after it is used – Does the material off gas? What is its care and life span? Is it recyclable at the end of it initial use? Very few materials can meet all of these criteria and this is not an exhaustive list, but these are essential issues to be weighed initially and balance out for the best options for each product – one product may work for a certain project but not be feasible for another.

Consumer demand for greener products is on the rise as the general public becomes more informed. This is a beginning. We have a long way to go and along the road there will be challenges. Green washing, resistance to change, and comparatively high initial cost are just a few of these hurdles. Among the bigger challenges will be the inherent human trait of not wanting to change; we have been building the same way with the same materials for quite some time.

Conversely, as consumers, we have become accustomed to the Wal-Mart World. We want it cheap and we want it now. The perception of “saving” may cost us more due to the lack of quality and shorter life span of these goods. An important aspect of green building is longevity and quality of product. At first this may seem expensive but over the long run green may be “cheaper.”

To learn more about eco-friendly interior design click here.

Love the shelf below the mirror and the lightness of the vanity

bath design

Within these blogs, I hope you will find inspiration for your home and office. The subjects are varied and random, however the intention focuses on helping you create a home that is both beautiful and supportive to you and your family. Please let me know if you are in search of any particular design solutions as this is also meant to develop into a dialog. Happy designing.