After wiping the marble surround with a dry microfiber cloth, dip the cloth in warm distilled water. Wipe the damp cloth on an inconspicuous area of the marble surround to ensure the distilled water doesn’t have any minerals that can damage the marble.If the soot does not come off with the distilled water, try using a cleaner specifically designed for cleaning marble.
A quick way to remove soot from iron trim around a fireplace is to spray a cloth with WD-40 and rub it into the metal. It will remove the soot and leave the metal finish looking brand new. Safety tip: Do not use WD-40 while the fireplace is in use or still hot because the chemical is flammable.
After. The black-and-white ceramic tiles on the floor make a fun and fresh statement in the narrow space. Designer Susan Klimala of The Kitchen Studio of Glen Ellyn then added in more black, white and gray features to keep the palette calm and inviting. The most dramatic change comes at the end of the room, where Klimala replaced the brown tub with a sleek white tub and sliding glass door. Wall paint: Solitude, Benjamin Moore; Damask vanity with rollout shelves and internal outlets: Kohler; mirrors: Levico, Restoration Hardware; sconces: Cafe Series, Gatco; faucets: Kelston, Kohler; bathtub: Bancroft, Kohler; tile: Twenties Classic, Merola Tile, Home Depot; browse cement floor tileRead more about this bathroom remodel
After. A new color palette made all the difference, making the space feel light, airy and downright delightful. The client didn’t want an all-white bathroom that felt stark, so designer Laura Hay chose whites that had a more warm, limestone look. Other than the color, the family also updated the windows, vanity, sink, tub-shower combo and mirror. Wall color: Worldly Gray, Sherwin-Williams; vanity color: Aesthetic White, Sherwin-Williams; countertop and shower surround: London Gray, Caesarstone; sconces and vanity hardware: Restoration Hardware; vanity, storage cabinet and mirror: Timeless MillworkRead more about this bathroom remodel
11. Save up for one “forever” piece for your home. Part of the minimalist mindset has to do with valuing quality over quantity — and sometimes that means spending more on fewer pieces for the home. Of course, this is often easier said than done! So if you have your heart set on an iconic Eames lounge chair or vintage midcentury credenza, don’t just dream — start saving. Each month put aside a little money earmarked for your forever piece.Iconic Armchairs That Stand the Test of Time
9. Celebrate with cozy traditions. Especially in winter, when the weather can be dreary for weeks on end, anything that will boost moods is welcome. Try baking special breads or cakes, either for yourself or to share with friends; invite people over to decorate cookies; do a craft project; or share a bottle of wine and a few nibbles. Having a few hot drinks like cocoa and cider on hand to offer drop-in guests can make the winter seem a bit warmer.Hygge also applies to the act of cooking and housework. It you are in the right relaxed mood, even cleaning can be hygge. In Denmark, busy people will often use the term as a verb, saying, “we need time to hygge.” Hot-Drink Stations Hit the Spot
1. Sweden. Scandinavian style is characterized by the use of pale washes of color or white on walls and floors, a reaction to long, dark winters with few hours of daylight. Minimal ornamentation is key, while wood and other natural materials enliven the space and bring rich textures into the mix. In this Swedish house, the designer achieved a clean, minimalist look that’s also warm and homey.
4. Introduce lighter colors. Take a note from oh-so-trendy Scandinavian design and incorporate a few lighter colors into your bedroom. Scandinavian winters are known for being not just cold but long and dark, and the need for light is so inherent that most homes base their entire design around capturing it. Try incorporating shades of milky white, pale blue and cloud gray into your bedroom. They will accentuate any light that does come in during the day, giving your bedroom that brightness that you’re craving.
3. Switch to flannel. Nothing beats staying in bed on chilly winter nights reading a good book or having a Netflix binge. Make the most of your time in bed by switching out your summer cotton or linen sheets for cuddle-worthy flannel ones. Flannel is woven with a fluffy surface, which not only is super soft but holds in heat, helping you to stay warmer while you sleep. Browse sheets
1. Add texture with throws and pillows. If you’re looking for winter inspiration for your bedroom, look no further than your closet. All of the rich textures and luxurious materials that you love to wear during the winter — cable knit, fur, velvet, leather — can be incorporated into your bedroom design with textured pillows and throws. Don’t worry about sticking to one texture; layering several elements will help bring depth and dimension to your bedroom, creating a warm and cozy feeling that’s ideal for hibernating.My favorite winter accent for the bedroom? A faux-fur throw. Draped casually over the foot of the bed or on an accent chair, it’s beautiful and perfect for snuggling on chilly nights.
Seasonal StrategiesPack up seasonal stuff in clear plastic bins with big, easy-to-read labels that let you know what’s inside. Store them out of sight in an easily accessible place. When storing seasonal clothes, Thomas says, “wash and dry-clean out-of-season clothes before you put them in storage, because antiperspirant, cologne and makeup residue attracts insects.” Thomas also advises making sure items are dry before you store them. “Dampness will lead to mildew and a musty smell,” she says. “Never store clothes in plastic bags like those from dry cleaners. Store them in cotton zip-up bags. No mothballs. No exceptions.”
Curvy surround with sliding cover. This innovative tub, which the designers call the 007 Spa Deck, includes cedar decking set into a stainless steel frame, with a cover that slides into place. The swoop of the deck echoes the roundness of the hot tub, helping the tub look at home in the landscape.
Wood and stone. A stone wall makes a striking backdrop to this redwood hot tub tucked among the trees. The tall stone pillars also help block wind and provide privacy.
Perch with a view. Another concrete design, this tub is set at an angle to take full advantage of the dramatic view of Carmel Valley, California. The concrete surround set into a wooden deck has a sleek and simple look that works well with modern homes.
Natural cover. Why stop with just a wooden tub? A wooden cover made to match will protect your tub beautifully between uses.
Low-slung modern. A partially sunken tub like this sleek modern one is easier to make private than a fully aboveground tub. Here simple wooden decking stairs surround the tub on one side, while thick hedges and trees on the other provide a feeling of protection and privacy.
November: Hobbies and crafts. Get ready for holiday crafting and gift wrapping by clearing out your stash and organizing supplies this month.Clean out gift-wrapping supplies, tossing empty tape dispensers, out-of-ink pens and shreds of gift wrap and ribbonDownsize your craft stash by donating spare fabric scraps, yarn, scrapbooking paper and other materials — many organizations (schools, retirement centers and the like) are happy to accept donations of craft supplies, and there are even some craft-specific donation centers, like Scrap in San FranciscoKeep works in progress together in bags, bins or boxesHabit to cultivate: Take the time to put away your craft supplies neatly when you are done working. A messy stash makes it more likely you will buy something you already have simply because you couldn’t find it!
October: Dining room and entertaining supplies. With the big holidays coming up over the next few months, October is a good time to get ahead of the curve and sort out your entertaining arsenal.Get rid of worn-out and stained tablecloths, placemats and napkinsCount your dinnerware and serving pieces and consider whether you have enough, too much or too little for the amount you entertainGet rid of decor, table linens and serving pieces that you don’t like or that no longer fit your lifestyleHabit to cultivate: Just like creating a wardrobe with lots of pieces that work together, think of creating an entertaining wardrobe that you can mix and match, rather than having lots of distinct sets of dishes.
April: Bath and beauty products and medicine cabinets. Give your daily routine a spring cleaning by sorting through all of those bottles and jars hiding in medicine cabinets, on counters and in drawers.Toss expired makeup and skin-care items, as well as anything you do not use or likeClean drawers and shelves before returning itemsStore heat- and moisture-sensitive items (medications and some skin-care products) away from the bathroomHabit to cultivate: Keep a list of your favorite bath and beauty products and order them online rather than shopping in person. This helps avoid overshopping and impulse purchases.
Plan big home projects for the year ahead. Thinking of remodeling the kitchen or bath, painting the exterior or adding on? Use Houzz to save your ideas, resources and inspiration, and start contacting pros to help make your project a reality.Share: What’s on your to-do list this January? Tell us in the Comments!MoreYour Winter Home Maintenance ChecklistSimple Pleasures: Stocking Up for Winter
13. Hidden range hoods. A statement range hood can make an ideal focal point in a kitchen. But in more compact spaces, the last thing you may want is another bulky appliance. Instead, consider hiding a hood behind some elegant cabinetry, as was done in this Australian kitchen. Coupled with under-cabinet outlets, the hidden appliance allows the small amount of backsplash to appear large, streamlined and elegant.See more on hidden range hoods
12. Millwork feature walls and detailing. Shiplap, millwork panels and reclaimed wood boards have been around for a while now. But with affordable big box store options and the relative ease with which the average homeowner is able to DIY these materials as accents, expect to see this trend to continue for some time, especially as bedroom feature walls.
3. Clean entryway floors. If winters are cold where you are, road salt and melting snow can mean entryway floors take a beating. Pick up clutter and give the floors a good mopping. To keep floors looking their best between cleanings, stash a few old towels in a basket near the door to wipe up messes.How to Clean Your Hardwood Floors
Q