Refresh Your Bedroom with Textiles

Once you’ve built the bed of your dreams: the right frame, mattress, pillows, and quilt – it’s time to dress it up to suit your tastes.  Maybe you’re just looking for a quick change – a refresh.  Some way to give your favorite space a new look without having to start from scratch.  Textiles can make the visual change you want, without the impact on your wallet.

Bright, clean, and fresh. This room can invigourate or relax.

Color:  As a general rule, the color(s) you choose for your bedroom should be calming and soothing.  However, one man’s pale blue is another’s teal.  It’s all about taste and choice.  Check out this article from HGTV about trends in colors for bedrooms.  Choosing a solid color in your bedding or rug will make the pieces more versatile, and will allow you to use those pieces to “anchor” any other fabric choices you make.

Artwork/Décor:  Wall art comes in all shapes and sizes.  A reproduction of a fine art master, a painting from a local artist, or even a collage of family photographs.  Let what you choose tell a story about you, or speak to you.  After all, you’re not decorating this space for anyone else.



Classic, and classy. This sophisticated setting is right for reading or resting.



Windows:  Function is important when choosing window treatments, especially if you find yourself sleeping in far past the sun’s arrival.  However, a combination of blinds and curtains will give you the practicality you need, with the artistic freedom that you want.  Choose sheers for a light, breezy look; choose saturated drapery fabric for a dramatic feel.  It’s all up to you!

Bedding:  Don’t be afraid to mix and match!  If you choose a base piece in a solid color, you are free to combine patterns and neutrals in pillow cases, throws, and cushions.  Don’t feel limited by a “bed-in-the-bag” collection – branch out!  Duvet cover sets allow you to easily switch the look of your bedding (with the added bonus of being much easier to wash than a whole comforter!)



A pop of color, bold patterns, and a variety of textures
bring a piece of personality into your bedroom.



Your bedroom may be the most important room of your home.  You start every day there.  You end every day there.  It’s your sanctuary, your cocoon, your hideaway.  It’s important that it feels comfortable, as well as comforting!

Playtime in the Kitchen

Having the kids in the kitchen doesn’t have to create a recipe for disaster!  Involving kids in meal preparations can increase quality time spent, an opportunity to learn about cooking, and increase the likelihood that kids will want to try new foods.

Little chefs like to taste while
cooking -- just like big chefs!

 Children learn best when they are busy and interested in what they are doing.  Cooking offers such a variety of actions:  spreading, mixing, stirring, kneading, and more! Kids don’t realize that there’s something else going on as well – learning. Cooking also involves talking, reading, following directions, and measuring.  Children learn about how food changes during cooking:  melting, dissolving, floating and sinking.

Make kids a part of cooking, and they’ll appreciate what they are eating.  Don’t forget to give them clean up assignments, too!

Everyone cooks, everyone eats,
and everyone helps clean up!

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

• Cooks of all ages always wash their hands before working in the kitchen.

• Sampling should be done when the dish is done, to prevent illness.

•  Expect spills and messes.

• Give children  quick, simple jobs, and give instructions one at a time. 

• Children get excited and forget. Repeat directions as often as needed.

•  Young cooks need constant supervision.

•  Everyone cooks, and everyone cleans up!

Tips on Being Safe in the Kitchen, from KidsHealth.org:  http://kidshealth.org/kid/watch/house/safe_in_kitchen.html

The Association of Junior Leagues International has games, activities, and recipes geared toward Kids in the Kitchen: http://kidsinthekitchen.ajli.org/

How to Choose a Refrigerator

There are a number of things to consider if you're in the market for a new refrigerator.  What do I have to spend?  How much space do I have?  Do I want a side-by-side, top or bottom freezer model?  Is an ice maker a must-have?  How much food will I be storing?

So much to consider.

Removable and adjustable shelves make
using your space efficiently, and cleanup easy!

Let's start with size.  As a general rule of thumb you need 8 to 10 cubic feet of fresh food storage for two adults.  For each additional member of your household, add  another cubic foot to the total.  (So, for a family of four we're talking 10 to 12 cubic feet.)  You want to choose a size that you can keep comfortably full, because a mostly-empty refrigerator will not be as efficient (leading to higher utility bills.)  And remember:  make sure that you have the physical space in your kitchen for whatever size you choose.  Take careful measurements and bring them with you when you shop!  There's nothing worse than finding the "perfect" appliance, only to dicsover it won't fit in your available space.

When it comes to choosing the style of your refrigerator, there are three basic choices, bottom mount, top mount, and side by side. A bottom mount refrigerator has the freezer compartment on the bottom and the refrigerator on the top. The theory behind this design is that you spend more time in the refrigerated compartment of your refrigerator than you do in the freezer. Having the refrigerator on top should therefore save you a lot of unnecessary bending. A top mount is the traditional refrigerator that has the freezer on top. This is the setup you see most often. A side by side refrigerator has a freezer and refrigerated section that are adjacent to each other. They often seem less roomy, all though their capacity can be the same as a top or bottom mount model.

Many refrigerators let you choose which
way you would like the door to open.

Now for the bells and whistles.  Before you head out to shop, decide which features are a "like to have" versus a must have.  How much storage do you want in the door?  Which shelves do you want to be adjustable? Do you want spill-proof solid shelves, or is the traditional wire shelf okay?  Some refrigerators have internal-only ice makers, while some have access in a door, along with filtered water.  Access to ice from the door saves energy, because you don't have to open the door every time you want ice.

Also be SURE that the model you are choosing has a door that can be installed to open on either side, or opens from the side you need.

For more information on Energy Star appliances, and how to keep you home energy efficient, visit:

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=home.index

The Never Ending List #10

Minimizing Waste

The “Waste Management Manual“ for the IKEA group was established in 1999 requiring all stores to sort the five most common waste items, at a minimum. In practice, this ensures that almost 75% of the waste is sorted in the stores and more than 80% is (at the end of life) recycled or used for energy production.

IKEA works actively to reduce waste in manufacturing. Where possible, waste from one manufacturing process should be used in the production of other items. IKEA recycles large quantities of material, such as cardboard, paper, plastic, wood, metal and glass.
 
Most IKEA stores provide collection points for customers to return recycleable items such as cardboard, recycleable batteries and low-energy bulbs.
 
IKEA attempts to repair products rather than simply discarding them. These products are used as spare parts or sold at reduced prices in specially designated areas of the store.

To read more about the IKEA Never Ending Job, visit: 

http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_GB/about_ikea/our_responsibility/the_never_ending_list/about.html

Smart Storage Tips for your Kitchen

Smarter on the inside

A brand new kitchen may look the same as the one you have, but act totally different. Improving the inside functionality is the difference between finding the garlic press while the oil is hot or interrupting your cooking to tear through your drawers.

Specialized inserts make
your frequently-used items
ready to go when you are.

Change to pull-out larders 

You don’t have to empty your cabinet to get

the bowl in the back. Replace your old cabinet shelves with pull-out larders or drawers. They provide a better overview and make reaching way into the back a thing of the past.

 

A place for everything, and
everything in its place.

Organize the drawers

Always pulling out the corkscrew when you’re reaching for the whisk? Drawer organizers keep everything from plates to chopsticks orderly and easy-to-find.



Less digging, less reaching --
what you need close at hand.

Use clear containers

Organize your drawers and cabinets with transparent containers. They maximize space and provide a quick overview. Fit containers together sideways or stacked, and watch how unruly packages of rice, flour and beans line up and behave.

Clearer on the Outside
Crowded countertops, messy cookbooks and piles of stuff make a dream kitchen a nightmare to work in. Extra workspace and storage solutions put everything in order again and give you more space to cook.

Close at hand, but off the counter!

De-clutter the countertop

Get more countertop-space by hanging utensils, herbs, and more on the wall. A wall-hanging system gives you more room to chop, and puts the things you use most in easy reach.

Added surface for prep, and also
convenient clean-up

Extend your workspace

Where should you put the mushrooms while you chop the onions? A fitted tray or chopping board over the sink gives you an extra drop-off zone and more workspace.

Prductive use for empty space,
and a nice place to display
showier pieces.

Add open shelving

It’s easy to get stuck thinking about cabinet space. But adding open shelving is a way to maximizes empty walls and corners, while giving the kitchen an airy feeling. Shelves and brackets can be placed almost anywhere, and the length can be varied to accommodate your space and storage needs.

Refresh with Fresh Flowers

Add a splash of sunshine!

Nothing brings the outside in like fresh flowers.  It's the perfect way to beautify your home, brighten your day, and catch a beautiful scent.  It's an easy and accessible addition to any room, and can be as custom as an order from your local florist, as grab-and-go as a pre-made boquet at the grocery store, or as close as blooms freshly cut from your own garden.

The most important tip here is:  Choose what you like!  Chances are there are varieties, colors, and fragrances that you enjoy already.  You may also want to consider your existing decor, the current season, or even the containers you have at your disposal.

Spring arrangements often feature daffodils and tulips.  Their soft/bright color options make a wonderful introduction of the season after a bland, dark winter.

Summer blooms, like Dahlias or Sunflowers, are often bright and vibrant.

Autumn arrangements, like the outdoor foliage, turn to rust-colored and subdued hues.  Speaking of outdoor foliage, why not bring in some maple or oak leaves when planning your fall arragement?

Amaryllis is the traditional winter-blooming flower, and looks beautiful accented with pine boughs.  Holly and ivy are also popular, with bright berries and greens holding a promise of spring color to come!

Don't limit your arrangement to whatever fits in your existing vases!  Many (water-tight!) containers can hold and accentuate your fresh arrangements.  Float fresh blooms in a beautiful bowl; fill a glass pitcher to bring beauty to your kitchen.  The possibilities are endless!

Find more tips and hints here:  http://www.flowers.org.uk/public/

Choosing a Mattress

You wouldn’t buy paint without knowing what kind you need for the job. The same goes for mattresses. It helps to know what you’re looking for before you go shopping. Just ask a few simple questions about your sleeping habits, and you’ll know what features you need to improve your sleep.



Dreaming of a new mattress?

First, do you prefer to sleep on your side, back or stomach? Why? David Bauman, U.S. mattress expert for IKEA , explains, “To be comfortable, your body must have healthy support for your back and body, while minimizing pressure points. So it’s important to get a mattress that supports your body according to your sleep position.” Back sleepers need a firm mattress for support. If you sleep on your side, your shoulders and hips need to be gently cradled by the mattress, so a plusher feel is the way to go. The stomach sleeper’s ideal mattress is not too firm (it doesn’t have enough give) and not too soft (an overly giving one arches the spine).

Next, think about body types. The heavier the person, the firmer their mattress should be. Lighter-weight sleepers will like a soft mattress since it won’t create pressure points at bony points such as the hips and shoulders.

Finally, do you normally feel warm or cool in bed? For warm or hot sleepers, a spring mattress allows air to circulate through its coils to keep you cool. A foam mattress, on the other hand, is a natural insulator, perfect for chilly sleepers.

Gardening Together

Gardening is a wonderful way to introduce kids to the surprises of nature.  Kids already have an attraction to the earth (be it sand, dirt, or mud pies.)  Gardening with your kids is an opportunity to discover the wonder of the earth, learn lessons, and make memories.

 

Gardening together:  growing plants, growing imagination, growing together.

 Kids take to gardening in many ways, and no one is quite alike.  Tailoring your expectations going in will go a long way in making it a fun experience for everyone.

Preschoolers:  This is all about play and fun.  Plant watermelon or apple seeds.  Pull a few weeds, or play with worms.  Watch ladybugs or ants crawl about – it is about learning and experiencing, not necessarily “accomplishing” anything.  Answer questions, tell stories about the life cycle of a seed… exploring the world together with a grownup is the name of this game.

Kindergarteners:  These little explorers see discovery and possibility everywhere.  Set up a small plot or flower pot of their own to plant and tend. Help them gather supplies to make their attempt a success, but lend a hand only when needed.

Elementary Age: Reading is fun!  Your child can read seed packets, make plant markers, and count out their own money at the gardening center.  Turn them loose on their own project and see what they can create – the doing is still the most important part.

Middle School: Here you an incorporate a little more planning and structure.  Kids can plan a garden on paper, planning in heights and colors, or making sure the cucumbers or squash have enough room to grow.  Building arbors or fences are in their realm of skills now, and they may find it fun to participate in a local fair or 4-H. 

Tweens and up:  If they’re not too “cool” to garden, Tweens might enjoy more community-focused projects, allowing them to indulge in chatting with friends while putting their green thumbs to work.  Gardening may give them a great opportunity for independent studies or biology projects for school.  Plant these green (thumb) seeds early, and you may grow a future botanist or at least a life-long gardener.

Choosing the Right Cooktop

From quick-heating glass ceramic cooktops, to energy efficient and precise induction cooktops or easy-to-control gas ones, there is a wide range of options.

Ceramic is often available
in black or white.

Ceramic Cooktops

These cooktops give an even heat and have a smooth easy-to clean surface of tempered glass. Some have variable cooking zones that provide effective heat and that can be adapted to the size of the cookware.



Indicator lights warn when
surfaces are hot.

Induction cooktops

Induction cooktops get the job done faster than any other cooktops. Not to mention they are also easier on both your energy bill and the environment. Induction cooktops operate at a much higher level of efficiency compared to other cooktops because they transfer their energy directly to your pots and pans so very little heat is lost to the surface or the surrounding atmosphere. Usually found at a price only affordable to the few, our induction cooktops are available at a price that make them accessible to more people than ever before.

Gas cooktops in black or
stainless coordinate with
your other appliances.

Gas cooktops

Many avid cooks swear by gas cooktops. They respond almost immediately when you increase or lower the heat, giving you lots of control and accuracy. And because the flame responds so quickly the burner doesn’t need extra time to heat up or cool down.

Energy-saving tip! You’re using the cooktop a lot. By choosing an induction cooktop that heats up quickly you’re saving a lot of time and energy. The induction cooktop is also more efficient in transferring heat to the pot compared to other types of cooktops. Use the right sized burner for the size of pot or pan you are using. If the burner is bigger than the pot it wastes energy. Also always use a lid when bringing e.g. water to the boil.

Learn more about saving energy and Energy Star appliances at www.energystar.gov

DIY Cushion Covers

There’s no need to toss those old throw pillows!  Refresh your bedroom or living room without breaking the bank – all you need is some fabric, a needle and thread, and a little bit of time.



Never feel limited by the selection of pre-made
cushions and covers again! Almost any fabric can
be stitched into a great accesory for your home.



What You’ll Need:

• Fabric (avoid delicate or lightweight stuff, I also recommend pre-washing it so you avoid any awkward shrinkage later.)

• Ruler, yard stick or tape measure

• Pencil or tailor's chalk

• Scissors

• Iron

• Pins

• Needle and Strong thread (Or a sewing machine if you are so inclined.)

Start with your existing cushion.  Remove the cover, if possible.  If you can’t, be sure to choose a thick enough new fabric that will hide the old cover.  Measure the cushion from corner to corner.  Then, on the back side of your new fabric, draw a rectangle that is the same width as your cushion and twice as long.  (What about seam allowance?  Making the cover the same size as the cushion will make sure it stays all plump and full-looking.  If you’d like a little “wiggle” room, or if you plan on removing and washing the cover, add a half inch to each dimension.)

...Just make sure you don't
get carried away!

Lay your newly cut rectangle flat with the pretty side down.  Fold the short edge over ¼” and iron flat.  Then fold it another ½” and iron it flat – pin it to secure.  Use a running stitch to fasten the edge down, and remove pins.  Repeat this with the other short edge.

With the pretty-side up, fold the short ends toward the center of the fabric until the length is the same as the length of your cushion.  Pin the non-sewn edges together, leaving the short ends open.  (Making a sort of “envelope” for your cushion.)  Using strong thread (or doubling-up standard thread) backstitch down each of the pinned side about ¼” away from the edge.  Keep your stitches as even and straight as possible, looking out for puckering or gaps.

Trim any loose threads, and look for any errant pins… Flip the whole thing inside out, insert your cushion, and voila! A brand new cushion.

The Never Ending List #56

Efficient transport of products
Lee, a co-worker in one of our Californian stores, came up with a way to improve the packaging of ALÄNG table lamps. Lee discovered that the box could be shrunk as much as 30 percent if only the lamps components were rearranged. So, Lee tipped off IKEA packaging technicians in Sweden who in turn conferred with suppliers. Now, thanks to a great initiative and teamwork, each pallet of product holds 24 ALÄNG lamps compared to only 18 before.

Our products are transported in flat-packs so we get more items in each load. This results in fewer journeys which equates to less fuel consumption and fewer emissions. 

To read more about the IKEA Never Ending Job, visit: 

http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_GB/about_ikea/our_responsibility/the_never_ending_list/about.html

Move it, Monsters! Beat it, Dust Bunnies!

Everyone in your home appreciates
smart, easy storage solutions!

The area under your bed at home may be the most under-used storage area in your home.  If you have a king-sized bed, you may be sleeping over storage space equivalent to a 4’x2’ closet! (Why should the monsters and dust bunnies have all that space to themselves?)

There are two ways to approach planning your under bed storage solution: 

(1) the dimensions of the space, and (2) what you plan on storing.

If you’re starting with space, be sure to consider how many sides of the bed are accessible – this could influence whether you choose more square options or more rectangular.  Also, don’t forget to measure how much space there is between the floor and your bed frame.  Few things are as frustrating as finding the perfect solution only to discover it won’t fit underneath the bed.

If you’re thinking more about what you can use the space to store, you’ll be choosing solutions that fit the objects.  There are so many specialized solutions, to store your shoes to ornaments to your wedding dress.  Not sure what to use the space for? Use it to store your off-season linen and bedding, or clothing.  Nest and store your unused luggage until that next great vacation. 

You can store a lot under your bed, but you want the solutions to be handy and easily handled.  No one wants to pull their back out with unwieldy containers, nor do you want to find yourself half-buried trying to pull boxes out from the far corners.  Take a carefully planned approach and there won’t be room for any monsters under your bed!




Craft and Art supplies can be convenient and protected
in water-proof under bed storage boxes.

 


Whether it's on- or off-season, under bed storage
keeps equipment contained and nearby.