Chic Home Life

Lana Hawkins

Environmentally Friendly Interior Design Options

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Our homes should be the safest places for us to be, and we often believe that to be true. What if we tell you that indoor air is often just as polluted as the outdoor, and that, because we spend a lot more time inside, it can be more harmful? One of the reasons for this is that we are using building materials which emit various toxins including formaldehyde. But these hazardous materials can be avoided and replaced with healthier, eco-friendly options. Another thing you should pay attention to when it comes to interior design is sustainability – you don’t want your living room to cost the world one oxygen-producing forest. Furthermore, it is imperative for your house not to waste energy. So, if you are ready to green up your home here are some steps you can take.

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1. Start With Eco-Friendly Flooring

“Greenovating” is much easier when you start from the bottom and work your way up. If you have old wooden floors, there is a chance they are packed with formaldehyde. You can replace them with options which are not jeopardizing your health as much as the one you have now. Some of the best and most eco-friendly materials you can use for flooring are reclaimed wood, bamboo, cork, Marmoleum, and stone.

2. Use “Green” Furniture

Don’t get rid of your old furniture just yet. Remember that the most eco-friendly thing you can do is to reuse or re-purpose old pieces. And if you have to acquire new furniture, you should decide for the furniture made of natural wood or other organic materials, such as bamboo.

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3. Make Your Walls Toxin-Free

Walls cover a humongous part of your house, and therefore you should be careful in choosing what you will use to cover them. A large part of paint colors on the market contains highly-polluting volatile organic compounds (VOCs), so you should make sure to choose the ones without VOC or with low VOC content. You can also use other types of eco-friendly wall coverings, such as wallpapers, wood panels, and cork.

4. Opt For Organic Textiles

So, you’ve got a natural wood bed, but you’ve covered it with synthetic fabrics? Bad decision. The textiles you are using indoor should also be organic. Wool is always a great choice for everything from carpets to mattress stuffing. Other fabrics you can use are jute, organic cotton, and sisal.

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5. Disinfect Drinking Water

Your local water supplier is probably already using some filters to purify the drinking water that reaches your tap. However, that is usually not enough. And if you want to make it clean and safe for drinking, you should opt for UV-Guard water disinfection system, which purifies the water completely harmlessly, without the use of chlorine and other chemicals.

6. Clear The Air

Now that the household’s water is clean, it is time to do something about the air. There are two ways to address this issue, and to achieve the best results, you can use them both. First is introducing house plants which will also improve the overall aesthetics. And the second one is getting an air purifier equipped with HEPA filter.

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7. Use Energy-Efficient Windows

Getting enough light is essential for energy preservation and a beautiful interior. However, if you own single-glazed windows, there is a danger of the sunlight harming your home. Furthermore, your home can lose a substantial amount of energy. If you want to prevent that, install double or triple glazed windows.

8. Change Your Light Bulbs

Incandescent light bulbs can be true energy vampires. Although it doesn’t seem like these small items can contribute as much to energy loss, but it is true. You will save a lot of energy, and money, eventually, if you replace all the incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) or LED lights.

kitchen appliances

9. Choose Better Appliances

Speaking of energy vampires, how old is your refrigerator? Or your stove? If your appliances date back ten or more years ago, then it is probably the right time to replace them, since they are actually making your bills go sky-high. Newer appliances usually have energy star ratings, and they can use more than 50% less energy than your oldies-not-goodies.

10. Use A Programmable Thermostat

Another thing designed to prevent energy loss – programmable thermostats are a small investment compared to how useful they are. How many times did you forget to turn the air condition off when you were leaving the house? Or how many times did you leave your heater on maximum capacity when you went to bed? With a programmable thermostat, you can program different settings on your AC/heater for different times of the day, and make sure it automatically turns off when you leave the house. If you decide for a smart thermostat, you can even control it from anywhere, using a smartphone app.

By greening up your home, you are not only making your home a healthier environment for your family, but you are also contributing the salvation of planet. We can actually say you’re making the world a better place.

Design Trend: Open Bathroom Concept for the Master Bedroom

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Once a feature of chic boutique hotels, the open bathroom concept can now be found in homes around the world. While the daring greet it with open arms, the skeptical ones have a look of disapproval. Nonetheless, no one can deny the fact that this bold concept creates an authentic and stylish ambiance. If you decide to introduce the open bathroom concept into your master bedroom, it will truly be a stunning décor statement.

open concept bath-1Image source: Maison Valentina

1.  Openness And Accessibility

Accessibility has become one of the most important features of interior design and is one of the main reasons why design enthusiasts have embraced the open bathroom concept. By introducing this enticing concept into your master bedroom, you’ll be able to create an ambiance of openness while limiting the use of space and maintaining its functionality. Also, your lovely bubble bath will be just a few steps away from your comfortable bed.

The open bathroom concept is a great idea for smaller homes with limited floor area – instead of cramming your bathroom into a small, dark room, you can tear down the walls that separate your bathroom and bedroom and erase the limits that divide these two areas. This way, you’ll create a single, multi-functional space that will gain a completely new dimension and a trendy look.

open concept bathroom-2Image source: Home And Decor

2. Lighting And Airiness

Along with openness comes airiness that will make your open floor space feel much more enjoyable due to increased natural air flow. Your bedroom and bathroom will also be brighter because natural light will penetrate even to the darkest corners of your space, giving it a more positive, warm and inviting feel.

When it comes to artificial lighting, you should create a lighting plan that will meet all of your needs. While bedrooms have gentler and more intimate lighting, bathrooms require a lot of focused light. Dimmers are a stylish and flexible solution that will suit both purposes of your multi-functional space. You can easily switch between brighter and subtler light depending on your needs. If you install a sink and vanity in your bedroom, as well, you should complement an overhead light with side lights if possible because a single overhead light gives a rather unflattering reflection.

open concept bathroom-3Image source: Baby Watchome

3. Privacy and intimacy

Privacy is one of the major issues of the open bathroom concept and the main argument of the skeptics. While it might be true that by tearing down the wall you might be giving up your privacy to some extent, it can also mean that you’re erasing the barriers between you and your partner. You might even deepen your intimacy and bring it to another level or rekindle the flame. Of course, this concept typically doesn’t entail the installation of the toilet in your bedroom – some things should be left behind closed doors.

Nonetheless, if you’re still worried about your privacy but like the idea of having the open bathroom concept, there’s no reason to give up yet. There’s plenty of practical and stylish design solutions that will enable you to both maximize your privacy and have a chic open floor master bedroom. From movable walls to stylish wooden privacy screens to lovely gauzy curtains, your options to maintain privacy are numerous. Also, room dividers are often quite trendy, so they will both ensure that you have your peace and quiet and elevate your room décor.

open concept bathroom-4Image source: fearfully-n-wonderfullymade.com

4. Spa-Like Ambiance And Relaxation

Bathrooms were once nothing more than areas meant for quick showers and other unavoidable actions throughout the day. Now, they are considered to be personal sanctuaries with a spa-like atmosphere where you can escape from the world at least for a while. Bathrooms have become oases of relaxation and tranquility where you can nurture both your body and your mind. And with the open bathroom concept, personal home spas have been taken to another level. With subtle lighting, stylish freestanding baths, and intimate ambiance, this concept has transformed bathrooms and bedrooms into romantic and intimate personal havens.

open concept bathroom-5Image source: Pinterest

5. Style And Décor

The open bathroom concept is undoubtedly a bold design statement that will elevate your décor. However, incorporating such a daring concept into your home requires careful consideration. It’s essential that you implement this concept subtly and skilfully to create a harmonious and balanced look.

Depending on your style and taste, you can choose between bathtubs and showers and decide whether you’ll introduce the sink and vanity, as well. Most importantly, it’s essential that you hire a reliable plumbing professional who will eliminate the risk of subsequent leaks and floods. You should find contact information of a respectable and experienced plumber who will have both theoretical and practical knowledge to do the job. Otherwise, a faulty work can cost a fortune in the future.

As for décor, you should aim at creating a balanced look that will have that spa-like feel. Neutral color scheme with pops of bolder hues, the use of wood and plants and plenty of candles will help you design a wonderful open bedroom-bathroom space. Perhaps the controversy of the open bathroom concept has made it even more popular, but it will certainly create a sense of authenticity in your home. With appropriate lighting plan, the use of room dividers and stylish decoration, your multi-functional space will exude openness, airiness, and stylishness.

6 Helpful Tips That Will Improve The Curb Appeal Of Your Home

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House porch with beautiful landscape

First impressions are lasting ones, and they tend to make or break property sells. Buyers and renters form an opinion about the house within eight seconds of laying their eyes on it. Gnome-filled yards and plasters that peel off the building turn people away and prompt them to move on. On the other hand, houses that look great from the outside make people crave to see what awaits inside. Here is how to add character and style to the exterior and wow the viewers and drive-by-inspectors.

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1. Setting The Outdoor Stage

The property’s outer appearance is what constitutes its street appeal. Some houses naturally have a ton of it, while others demand you to roll up the sleeves and put in some money. Of course, older houses involve more work and investment. Regardless of these differences, though, rule number one is that to set the stage, you have to start with decluttering.

Scattered clutter and rubbish are the first victims of this task, but you should also deal with items such as garden hoses, kid toys, old doormats, etc. Furthermore, replace or spruce up features like letterboxes that suffer from weather exposure. Do not overlook the detail and see how your house number holds up: This element is both about functionality and aesthetics.

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2. In New Light and Tone

Outdoor lighting works miracles for the curb appeal of any house. It highlights architectural features and makes the property look warm and alluring. New fixtures can make a big visual impact and attracts buyers to stop by your home. A good garden lighting, for example, subtly snuggles up to the front of the house and summons a shimmering sensation.

Furthermore, the front door with a fresh coat of paint emanates feel-good and welcoming vibes, while, an eye-catching entryway steals the show. Well-placed stepping stones beautify the appearance, protect the lawn from foot traffic, and guide visitors to the front door. Marble, sandstone, and Portland stone are some of the most popular solutions for steps and paths.

Beautiful entrance porch

3. Do Not Allow Beauty To Take A Backseat

Homeowners with a front deck or verandah should take advantage of these features and make them fully shine. This can be accomplished by assembling a seating area with quality chairs, benches, ottomans, cushions, accessories, and tables. In any event, nice outdoor, weather-resistant furniture is an absolute must.

A front porch with new woodwork or tiles is also worth considering, as it represents one of the first features that the visitors encounter. At last, a decorative front fence is a superb option to line the yard and improve the sense of security, which is paramount to those who have children or pets. A picket fence can be built within a day and it will make the property appear bigger and more alluring.

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4. Exterior Makeup

Façade is one of the crucial aspects of the curb appeal. Thus, ponder on an exterior facelift: repainting, re-pointing, fixing defects, enhancing the siding or trim, and or rendering over ugly facades. High-grade solutions like sustianbe fibre cement cladding are always preferable. It is a durable coating system with excellent sound-proofing properties and low maintenance requirements.

Such a pre-finished compressed facade is ideal for green homes and those owners who aspire to go green. What is more, with an unlimited color choice, you can certainly boost the aesthetics. Speaking of which, the choice of the paint color is of the utmost importance, and it should not be as crazy as one on the front door. In fact, it should match the era and overall design of the building.

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5. A Green Sanctuary

Next, turn your attention to the front garden and strive to achieve an immaculate look. That is to say that trees, branches, and shrubs must not ruin the pretty picture and obfuscate the features of your home. So, trim overgrown foliage, do away with weeds, and add some fresh mulch.
Introduce splashes of color to the front with new plantings and eliminate dead spots. Put your green fingers to good use and create a manicured, inviting lawn. Those who can afford it should also consider incorporating a brand new turf. This investment could add thousands of dollars to the sales price and pay off multiple times.

 

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6. Beauty Is Only Facade-Deep

A book is often judged by its covers and a house by its façade. Therefore, take a long, critical look at your home from the street and be objective. Take care of anything that blocks the view and obscures the beauty of the building. Maximize street appeal to make a style statement and an immediate impression. Your house will become a standout magnet for buyers, so do not miss your chance to put the best face of your home forward and spark attention in the neighborhood.

Retro Is The New Black

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The winds of change are sweeping across the interior design landscape, and they echo the timeless charm of the bygone eras. Considering the past for inspiration evokes images of grandeur, nostalgia, peerless style, and swell design. There is a lot of freedom to enjoy but also some rules to follow. After all, the retro style is an eclectic amalgam of old styles and new forms. Thus, it is time to think beyond the obvious and borrow ideas from the eternal design heaven. [Image source: jianaii.com]

 

retro-2Image source: hallofhomes.com

Retro spirit through ages

To capture the retro feel in your home, you have to harness the visual power of retro designs, furniture and color trends. First off, wood is an absolute must, an element which dominates the retro interior space. So, make sure to expose its bare, flawed beauty. Avoid plastic and paint overlay that only obfuscate the true wooden color.

The allure of the Victorian Era can be felt in many modern homes, and oak furniture is one of the ways to infuse elegance and grandeur. Likewise, grandfather clocks and circular dining tables work well in Victorian-inspired spaces. Of course, it is possible to head even further back to the Renaissance luxury.

Time flies by fast. Now the ’90s are now encompassed by retro style. You may remember the presence of the white sensation in the kitchens, for instance, a trend which is still prominent today. It features an all-white uniform look, however, to make thing interesting, you can break it up with elements such as wooden flooring and dark kitchen countertops.

retro-3Image source: pinterest.com

A match made in heaven

Furniture is the crown jewel of retro style. Many designers’ darling, the modernist furniture, was all the rage in the 1950s. It combines prime function and advanced design methods and does not tolerate fancy artwork and frivolous ornamentation. Such furniture is a great centerpiece in any room, provided that the area matches its aesthetics with a clean and open layout and straight lines.

Summoning the retro sensation in this fashion does not have to cost an arm and a leg: Invest in a Dejavu chair or a nice dining table. If you know what you are doing, you can also put together a killer combo of retro lines of furniture and modern finishes. For example, witness the splendorous marriage of curvilinear or circular forms and lacquer finishes.

Furthermore, lighting fixtures pose a great way to add more charm to the space. They highlight architectural and design features and serve as an overarching essence of the stellar style. In the ’50, oversized lighting fittings have captured the imagination of numerous homeowners, so do not hesitate to go striking and bold with pendant lights. One can easily find appropriate lighting online and use it as a focal point.

retro-4Image source: decoist.com

Born to be wild?

If we proceed to the turbulent but also love-driven era of the ’60, we come across natural motifs like floral wallpapers. The longing to reconnect with nature also meant that people strived to bring the outdoors in, and the history repeats itself today. Aim for a bohemian feel with draping fabrics and pieces that bring warmth and comfort. Think in terms of accessories like cushions, patterned flatweave rugs, throw pillows and house plants.

You can go a bit wild with fabrics, but try to match textiles such as rugs and window treatments. Those who want to go full hippie should try to find eye-catching psychedelic prints or bring bold patterns and colors with wallpapers, murals, and paint. A few accents with colors off the palette create even more drama but refrain from over-saturating your rooms with different tones.

Of course, in case of subtlety is your cup of retro tea, go for repetitive geometric patterns and smaller prints. Muted and pastel colors can also work miracles, especially if you add small splashes of color here and there. Likewise, if you aspire to assemble a minimalist home, splurge on a few retro pieces with simple curves and lines and complement your streamlined backdrop.

retro-5Image source: trendir.com

Back to black

Retro style is back. Bring it to life in your home with the visual symphony if furniture, colors, textures, and décor. You can cherry pick from a plethora of elements, from the simplest of forms to the boldest of colors. So, unleash the inner designer and let imagination act as your guiding light. Invite the old-school splendor into your living environment and forget what era you are living in.

6 Tips for Sprucing Up Your Attic

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There is a time in every family’s life when the need for extra space arises. Kids are growing up, and they need their own rooms. A member of a family needs a home office or an arts and crafts studio. Seniors are moving in with their children. When purchasing a new home is not a realistic option, you should consider how to manage with what you have.

If you are still using your attic as extra storage, it is time to change that and help it liven up to its full potential. Truly, attics can be fantastic rooms, with plenty of light, storage, and comfy details. So, if you are ready to get rid of all the junk, and convert your loft into a dreamy space, here are a few tips that should help you.

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Image source: Pixabay.com

1. Sacrifice Some Space for the Staircase

If you are serious about the attic renovation, the typical retractable ladder will not be enough, especially if you are designing a high-traffic room you’ll visit frequently. You can stack a new flight of stairs over the main existing staircase, or, if you want to save space, you can always go with a spiral staircase that is also visually more interesting. Choose wooden stairs for a warmer and rustic home feel, glass staircase to add a contemporary look to the home interiors, or concrete stairs with iron railing for ultimate elegance and luxury.

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Image source: i.homeadore.com

2. Decide What You’re Going to Use It For

Depending on your needs, you will have to decide on a specific purpose of the attic. Here are some great ideas:
• Master suite
• Guest bathroom
• Elegant bath
• Sitting area
• Library
• Home office
• Art studio

attic-featureImage source: diycozyhome.com

3. Draw a Floor Plan

As soon as you decide about the purpose of the room, you can proceed to plan the layout. You can use online platforms for that, but it would be best to hire an architect, especially if you are planning some major changes like tearing down or constructing the walls, installing durable composite panels or installing the gallery ceiling. Before you commit to such a project, check whether there are any safety issues, such as problems with roof, insulation, floors, walls, and termites.

attic closetImage source: pinimg.com

4. Make the Most of the Attic Features

Don’t think of an attic as just any other room in your house. It is very much different, and you can use those differences to create a unique, awe-worthy space. Start with the slanted ceiling. If you don’t have a window there, install it to get direct sunlight. Paint it white to make the room have a more vintage appearance. Leave the beams in natural wood color to create rustic décor. Use the part from the floor to the start of the angle for built-in storage solutions.

attic bedroomImage source: architectureartdesigns.com

5. Play the Wood Card

If you want to stay in the “loft spirit,” it would be great to introduce wooden furniture and home-ware. Depending on the style you decide to chase, you will use different kinds of wood. Pale wood goes well with minimalistic design, such as Scandinavian, while darker shades match classic design or rustic style. The design will also determine some basic furniture characteristic, and while the former will demand clean and simple lines, the latter will be curvier and visually more interesting.

attic family roomImage source: 2.bp.blogspot.com

6. Add Texture and Extra Something

Layering the textures is the most popular decorating trick to make the space feel warmer and homier. You can achieve that by using different rich materials, such as velvet and knit. The floor could benefit from a sheepskin or cowhide rug, but you’ll do better if you layer one of these two over some larger natural fabric rug, like jute or sisal. Throw pillows and blankets will only contribute to the cozy feel. Finally, you will have to accessorize, but don’t wander off from the nature style too much. Potted plants and flowers in vases will be your best friends.
This was everything you needed to know about converting your attic into a livable space. Everything else will depend only on the specifics of your loft, your preferences and, of course, your creativity. Good luck in attacking the attic!

6 Easy Steps to Detox Your Living Space

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6 easy steps to detox your home_fb (1)
You’ve probably experienced the feeling of satisfaction and content after cleaning your home from top to bottom. Not only does cleaning your home looks warm and inviting, but it also affects your mood positively. A clean and tidy house is simply a more pleasant living space. However, it’s not unknown that your environment can have various impacts on your general well-being. Once you’ve cleaned your home from all harmful and hazardous substances, you will truly be able to enjoy its beauty and stylishness.

1. Fresh Paint for a Fresh Home

architecture-Image source: Pexels.com

If you’ve been thinking about giving your home a new look, you should consider repainting your walls. However, not only is this a perfect opportunity to restyle your living space, but it’s also a great way to detox it by opting for chemical-free or non-toxic paint. If you’ve used regular paint on your walls, the chances are that they comprise a high level of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

These compounds contribute to the indoor air pollution, so it’s recommendable that you repaint your walls with a healthier and environmentally friendly solution. The safest option is going with natural paints consisting of natural raw ingredients. Another possible solution is painting your walls with low-VOC paints – they still off-gas, but, unlike VOC paints, they quickly evaporate. This way, your living space will be both healthier and more stylish.

2. The Dangers of Carpets and Rugs

finnish-wood-floorImage source: home-designing.com

Carpets and area rugs are trendy details that can bring your interior décor to another level. However, they can also be home to dangerous parasites and bacteria, especially if not cleaned regularly. If you want your home to be clean and allergen-free, you should consider removing your carpets and rugs. This way, you will eliminate a major source of potential hazards, and emphasize the beauty of your floors – hardwood floors will always be in style, so if you have them, don’t hide them beneath carpets.

However, if these elements play an important role in your home decoration, you don’t have to give them up. Just make sure to thoroughly clean them at least once a week to keep your home healthy. Additionally, if you want to complement your interior design with stylish area rugs or carpets, you should opt for the ones made from natural fibers, since synthetic ones contain toxic chemicals.

3. Beeswax Candles for a Stylish and Clean Environment

kitchenImage source: Pexels.com

Candles have always had a place in our homes – they are stylish accessories that can create an intimate and romantic ambiance. However, a majority of regular candles are petroleum-based emitting dangerous chemicals, including toluene, ketones, and benzene. Fortunately, there’s a healthy alternative that will help you detox your home, as well as contribute to its overall style – beeswax candles. Not only are they based on natural wax, but they also emit negative ions that act as natural air cleaners. Nonetheless, it’s not uncommon for stores to sell candles that are only partially based on beeswax, so your safest option is to make your own beeswax candles, which isn’t very difficult.

4. Cleaners – Out with the Toxic, in with the Natural

mrs meysers clean day Image source: passionforsavings.com

Instead of purchasing highly toxic cleaning products, you should make your own cleaning solution. Cleaning products contain high levels of toxic chemicals that cause indoor air pollution affecting your and your family’s health. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own cleaning product that is much safer, yet equally effective.

Just mix aluminum-free baking soda, distilled white vinegar, hot water and a few drops of anti-bacterial essential oil of your choice. You’ll have a spotless home, while still ensuring maximum safety for your family. However, if you are not into DIY cleaning products, then you will love Mrs. Meyers clean day products. This product line is free of Phthalates, Glycol Solvents, Chlorine, Formaldehyde, Artificial Colors, Parabens,

5. Mold – the Silent Enemy

clean4Image source: Drench

One of the most common dangers in our homes is mold, which sometimes happens to slip by the vigilant eye. Mold can cause serious health issues, including respiratory disorders and severe allergic reactions. Thus, it’s of utmost importance that you detect and eradicate it as soon as possible. When checking your home for mold, you should particularly pay attention to your bathroom and pantry. If you detect mold in these areas, you should act immediately and remove it. Afterward, you should ensure that your bathroom remains clean and dry and your pantry organized to keep them mold-free.

6. A Breath of Fresh Air

indoor plantsImage source: insideout.com.au

To minimize the risk of indoor air pollution and to maximize the air quality inside your home, you can apply several simple, yet efficient measures. This is extremely important, as the air quality can affect your health, mood and your productivity. One possible solution is adding plants to every room in your home – not only are they natural air cleaners, but they can also be stylish details for your interior design. To ensure maximum air quality in your home, you should also add air purifiers with HEPA filters. This way, you will be able to remove dust, mites, and other allergens and create a healthy environment for your family. Finally, open your windows to let fresh air in as often as possible, even for several minutes during the winter.

Keeping your home clean and healthy will ensure both its comfort and aesthetic appeal. With just a few simple steps, you can detox your living space and then enjoy its beauty.