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New life for old furniture. Save money while reveling in the thrill of the hunt by reclaiming antiques and thrift-store finds. Jan Jessup, director of communications for the Calico Corners | Calico Home stores offers these tips:
Do you like the shape? Upholsterers can plump up cushions, lengthen a skirt or remove tufting if the structural frame of a piece of furniture is sound.
Is it made of hardwood? Check under the skirt or beneath the fabric dust cover. A piece that has good weight is probably made from hardwood and likely has denser stuffing and a better-quality frame, making it a suitable candidate for reupholstering.
Shop at home. Pieces that have been banished to the basement can benefit from new hides, cushion filling or plumper arms.
Snap a photo. Before taking possession, snap a photo of the piece and get an opinion from an upholsterer. Find out about styling options and approximate costs for labor.
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Creating a spa-like bathroom experience. Even in tight financial times, Americans dream about lavish home spas with multiple shower heads, steam showers and garden soaking tubs. Bob Hitchner, director of tankless sales at Rheem, recommends these tips for designing a home spa:
Hot-water necessity. A garden tub can empty a 40-gallon water heater. Work with your designer and plumber to determine water heating options appropriate for your home.
Audit usage. Do an audit of your household’s peak hot-water demand
Go green. Save energy by using tankless, solar or super-insulated tank water heaters.
Go with the flow. Compensate for heavy water use by installing a low flow showerhead in second and third bathrooms.
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Pet dental health. Studies show that two-thirds of pet owners do not provide their pets with dental care, and more than 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats develop gum disease by the age of 3. Use the “3Ds of Daily Brushing, Dentistry and Diet” recommended by the Healthy Teeth for Pets online campaign:
Daily brushing. A daily pet toothbrushing routine will remove plaque and slow the development of tartar.
Dentistry. Get pet teeth checked annually or semi- annually. A teeth cleaning performed by a veterinarian is the only way to remove tartar.
Diet. Diet is important for good oral health. Look for dry dog diets that help block tartar formation.
