How to Clean Honeycomb Window Blinds

Honeycomb blinds (or cellular shades) are unique window treatments that are sleek, modern, popular, versatile, and, best of all, energy-savers. They consist of compartments, not unlike the honeycombs in a colony of bees.

 

Pleated like an accordion (also called accordion blinds), they come in layers of single, double, and triple cells that trap air, causing them to act as insulation that keeps the room temperature cool in the summer and warm in winter. The more the layered cells, the more energy-efficient they become.

You can use honeycomb window blinds in any interior space: kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living rooms. For a dramatic look, you can combine them with soft window treatments.

But how do you maintain and clean honeycomb window blinds?

When to Clean Honeycomb Blinds

• Do you have a busy lifestyle?
• Would you rather have an easy-to-maintain window dressing?

If you answer yes and yes, cellular shades are your best choice. They are easy to maintain, don’t get dirty often, and don't stain as fast as soft window treatments.

But they require occasional dusting, like monthly, depending on where you live. If you keep your windows open more often, like every day, they’ll need a bi-weekly light-dusting routine.

However, it is good to give them a good and thorough clean once in a while, like every three months.

How to Clean Cellular Blinds

Keeping your blinds well-maintained and clean requires the following items and tools. It depends on whether you are dusting, or cleaning:

1. Folding step stool (to reach the top of the blinds).
2. Lukewarm water.
3. Soft brush.
4. Hand-held vacuum brush (or yes, a hairdryer).
5. Feather brush.
6. Mild detergent.

Dusting (outer).

• Begin from the top.
• Use a feather brush to dust across the layered cells while moving down gradually.
• Dust with this motion from top to bottom.
• Use a vacuum brush (gently) for accumulated dust.
• Apply this process on both sides.

Dusting (inner within the cells).

• Begin from the top.
• Use a blow-dryer (on a no-heat setting) to blow accumulated dust out.
• Blow the dust out from one end only to avoid warping the blinds.
• Keep the blow dryer about a couple of inches from the edge to ensure the air blast doesn’t bend its shape.

Cleaning spots and stains.

• Spot-clean if you have spots of dirt or stains.
• Dab-clean the spots with a soft sponge dipped in very mild soapy water (use fabric washing liquid).
• After removing stains, dab the area with clear water and a clean sponge.
• Remove excess water (if any), by mopping/dabbing lightly with a lint-free cloth.

Cleaning hard-to-remove dirt.

If your cellular blinds have become very dirty:

• Bring them down.
• Quarter-fill a bathtub with lukewarm water. Add a little fabric-washing liquid and swish gently for light suds.
• Place cellular blinds (carefully) in the tub and wash gently with a soft brush on one side.
• Gently turn it over and do the same on the other side.
• Without removing the blinds from the tub, drain the water.
• Add clean water and gently rinse the blinds.
• Air dry (flat) in your yard or on your patio or balcony.
• When they are thoroughly dry, hang them back up.

Cellular (Honeycomb) Shades Explained

It is easy to dust and clean cellular shades once you get the hang of it. As an easy DIY task, there is no need to call in expensive “professional cleaners” to do the job.

Just roll up your sleeves and get cleaning!

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How to Create Spa-Themed Bathrooms: 11 Things to Add

Is your bathroom dull, dank, and miserable?

Do you dash in, do whatever you must, and rush back out again?

Would you like your bathroom transformed into a relaxing and enchanting space?

If yes, you are in the right place. This article is about a bathroom makeover idea you will love — a spa-themed beauty.

A spa-themed bathroom with whites and a neutral color scheme.
(Image used under license from 123rf.com)

Spa-styled bathrooms are special rooms: luxurious, a place to linger, tranquil and calming. The moments you spend within the space are uplifting and soothing. The ambience is peaceful.

11 Spa--Themed Features to Add to Your Bathroom

Whether you have a small or spacious bathroom, the style is simple to create and the things you need are easily available and affordable.

1. Decide on a focal point in the room. Install a spa-themed full-wall (if possible) decal or stick-on murals. Paint the other walls white, or in shades of white. Decal inspirational quotes can also be introduced on a blank focal wall.
2. Add potted plants of different sizes. Planters will look great in wood finish or black. Use faux or natural plants; one tall plant and a couple of short ones.
3. Add fresh scents to the room. Aromatherapy oils, scented candles, incense sticks, and deodorizing sprays. Arrange them on a decorative tray and place the tray on a surface, away from flammable.
4. Arrange a collection of matching jars to store bath salts, bath bombs, bath and body oils, cotton balls, swabs, cleaning pads, homemade body scrubs, and essential oils. These spa-type products add to the aesthetics of the room.
5. Hang a shower curtain with a minimalist pattern that's suitable for a spa theme. Upgrade your shower head to a rainfall showerhead. These elements can transform the entire look and feel of a shower room.
6. Add a wood-slat bamboo mat if you like the zen look. Wooden or bamboo non-slip floor mats look appropriate in a spa-like bathroom. They are also easier to keep clean.
7. Introduce a decor collection of seashells, smooth pebbles, pumice stones, and natural rocks and place them in an array on a floating shelf, or put them in clear glass jars set on a rack.
8. On a wooden stool set close to the shower or bathtub, stack at least four neatly folded (or rolled-up) white towels. For lack of space, place rolled towels in a soft basket. Add your white terry-cloth slippers. And don’t forget to hang a white bathrobe on the door.
9. On a wooden corner stand, place a clear wide-mouth glass bowl of floating scented candles. Light the candles just before a bath-soak. Alternatively, a wrought iron candle holder with a large scented candle will do.
10. It is important to have soothing and relaxing background music or calming sounds of waterfalls while you languish in the bathroom. You can listen to music through a pair of small Bluetooth speakers.
11. Use very neutral and natural colours, preferably white palettes and natural wood tones. They are typical colour schemes for spas. You can achieve warm wood tones using decorative bathroom accessories.

For small bathrooms without much space and surfaces to set or display things, consider using affordable vertical storage systems.

Ways to Make Your Bathroom Feel Like a Spa (Video)

Further Reading

Before You Design Interior Spaces, Do This Important Thing First
16 Reasons Why Slate Kitchen Countertops are Increasingly Popular
7 Ways to Change Your Living Room from Drab to Uplifting
10 Kitchen Remodelling and Makeover Ideas

How to Shabby-Chic Your Bathroom Decor for That Well-Worn Look

Affordable DIY Home Improvement and Repairs for Homeowners and Homemakers

There are many home improvement and repair tasks you can do by yourself if you are a homeowner or homemaker. Many of these tasks are easy to do and, in most cases, will cost you next to nothing. You don’t need to call in the professionals or pay for handyman services every time you wish to upgrade or renovate. In these modern times, DIY is the trend, so we all need to find ways to reduce our home maintenance expenses as much as possible.

If you think your kitchen or bathroom needs a new look but don't have the extra money to splash out on renovations, you can read about and learn many home improvement tasks. You will not only be saving good money, but you will also find a better use for your savings, perhaps for the proverbial "rainy day".

Repairs Around the Home

Occasionally, you will find that there are minor repairs needed around the house. Leaking pipes, dripping faucets, loose bolts and nuts, peeling paint, a loose floorboard, or a broken dining table leg. Have you ever had to unclog your sink’s drain? Do you feel exasperated when a nuisance nail keeps snagging your clothes every time you brush against a cabinet?

If your answers are yes, these repairs are tasks you should be able to carry out effortlessly. Save money. Go the DIY way.

Home Improvement Tasks

Every few years, we find that we desire some improvements or upgrades in our homes. For instance, the bathroom floor tiles may look drab and worn, and you wish to liven them up with a new colour, or in the spirit of the hot summer months, you desire a simple rustic bench and side stool to serve as your patio furniture. Or you want to make that niche more functional, and an integral part of the hallway, or you want to incorporate storage solutions into your living area zone.

These and many more are simple home improvement tasks that you can do. DIY home improvements are the order of the day, and now, many homeowners have woken up to the fact that it’s best to take care of minor faults and simple projects around the home by themselves. Remember, you will save loads of money this way.

Cheap Ways to Upgrade Your Home

There are three processes you can adopt to give your rooms, kitchen, and bathrooms an updated look.

• Cleaning
• Painting
• Lighting

Cleaning

Before you go out to purchase, first ascertain what your rooms, including kitchen or bathrooms, need as upgrades. Invest in good home cleaning agents and start with cleaning everything in sight. Clean grout lines, including wall and floor tiles, until they shine. Polish faucets, handles, sinks, tubs, basins, and other fixtures and fittings till they are lustrous. Thoroughly clean the windows, doors, and worktops.

Painting

If what you require needs more than cleaning, then invest in painting. This is a great way to make a room look brand new. You can paint over the tiles if you wish, sand down and paint the mouldings and other trims. You can touch up stained woodwork. You can also paint over wood panelling, kitchen cabinet doors, and splashbacks. Use beautiful shades of colour to create a themed look: shabby chic, mid-century contemporary, or modern minimalist.

Lighting

Replace your light fittings and fixtures. New light fixtures don’t have to cost much, but don’t skimp if you can. Replace old tungsten bulbs with LED bulbs. Use warm lights in the bedrooms and bathrooms. Warm white is more relaxing to the eyes and casts a tranquil light. For the kitchen and living areas, the more luminous cool white lights work best because these areas, especially the kitchen, require lighting that shows the true colour of food and objects. 

Essential Tools You Need to Have at Home for DIY Tasks

Whether you are a first-time homeowner or someone who just joined the do-it-yourself trendsetters, having the right types of hand tools at home is essential. There are indeed many home improvement tools available on the market, and it can be hard deciding which ones you really need to buy. However, you don’t need a trunk full of tools to carry out home repair and upgrade works. All you need for simple home improvement projects are the essential tools listed below. These are the must-haves. With these tools, you can tackle just about any DIY project. And don’t forget to get a nice toolkit to store all your shiny new tools in one place.

• Power drill - The most frequently used power tool around the home. The best are cordless drills with multiple speed settings.
• Hammer – A great and handy tool to have at home that’s designed to manually drive nails, brads, and fasteners into materials like drywall, wood or plywood. The smooth-faced hammer is best because it won't mar surfaces.
• Screwdriver set – A set of hand-operated tools useful for turning screws with slotted heads.
• Orbital sanding machine - One of the most essential power tools for a DIYer. It is needed for refinishing, furniture making, and basic carpentry tasks.
• Circular saw - A versatile tool used to cut anything from framing lumber to plywood.
• Set of pliers – These hand tools are required to hold objects firmly and are also useful for bending and compressing a wide range of materials.
• Jigsaw - A type of saw that uses a reciprocating blade to cut irregular curves. Great for stencil-cuts and designs in wood, metal, and other materials.
• Mitre saw – This is an essential saw to have if you need to make precision crosscuts and mitres. Most mitre saws will also do bevel cuts.
• Paintbrushes and tray, OR a paint sprayer – If you can afford a paint sprayer, you will find painting cabinets, furniture items, and other small projects a breeze. It is incredibly convenient, and you don’t have to keep stopping to fill paint trays, and it beats messy and dripping paintbrushes.
• Work light – This allows you to see what you are doing, even in the tightest corners. Invest in a battery-operated hands-free light that can be pointed in any direction.

You will find all of these home improvement and repair tools at local home improvement stores. If you’d rather purchase them in the comfort of your home, you can always buy them online.

Where to Find Home Improvement and Repairs Tips Online

If you need professional advice, you can research online and learn. Many people have taught themselves home improvement skills through DIY video tutorials on YouTube. It’ll probably take you no more than 30 minutes to watch and learn.

You can also get help from your local home improvement store, where they won’t hesitate to give you simple instructions on how to get a repair or refurbishment done. They can teach you anything from learning how to use a hammer to how to spray paint your ceiling. You can also get useful tips from friends who are more skilled DIYers.

Further reading:

How to Clean Honeycomb Window Blinds
How to Create Different Zones Within a Room

Before You Design Interior Spaces, Do This Important Thing First
7 Ways to Change Your Living Room from Drab to Uplifting
10 Kitchen Remodelling and Makeover Ideas

Types of Patio Furniture Best for Outdoor Rooms

There are different types of patio furniture but not all the types are suitable for outdoor rooms. Your outdoor room which can be anything from an attached patio or a gazebo to a screened-in porch or themed-garden may serve for entertaining, lounging, a work-at-home office, dining, and any activity in between. But to choose the right patio furniture that will work best for your space, you want to first consider comfort and functionality, and then durability.

Patio furniture must not only be aesthetically pleasing; they must be built to withstand the weather conditions in your region. We usually choose our furniture based on what we like or what we find attractive and desire to set up in our outdoor living spaces. However, whilst shopping for furniture to use outdoors, it’s good to first consider the effects of weather on the pieces we like.

Types of Patio Furniture

Furniture for outdoor rooms are generally made from any of the following five materials:

1. Aluminium
2. Wrought iron
3. Steel
4. Wood
5. Wicker
6. PVC
7. Natural Raw Materials

 

Aluminium

If you live in a damp or humid region, your best choice for outdoor furniture is painted or enamel-coated aluminium garden furniture. They are best for such weather conditions because they will never rust or tarnish.

 

Wrought Iron

Wrought iron outdoor furniture is one of the popular choices among many homeowners. It generally comes as ornate pieces with intricate detailing. Many prefer wrought iron to aluminium or steel furniture because of its classic look and its rust-free qualities.

 

Steel (or Iron)

Steel has a disadvantage because, with this material, you must expect to see some rusting, especially IF its painting process is done poorly. To guard against rust, a high-quality rust-resistant coating must be generously applied to steel garden furniture before a final coat is applied.

 

Wood 

 

Wood is about the most popular and affordable of all patio furniture, next to wicker. There tends to be a general preference though, for painted wood than stained wood or those left in its natural form. This is possible because white has a visually dramatic effect when placed among nature’s colours of green, brown, tan, olive, and various floral hues. 

Wood will withstand inclement weather, as long as it is seasoned and kiln-dried to a state of minimal water content. Some woods like redwood will splinter with age.

 

PVC

From planters to lounge chairs, resin-based outdoor furniture is perhaps the cheapest of them all. They are not only affordable, but they are also lightweight, attractive and environmentally friendly too. If you are conscious of the 'green revolution' movement, polyresin-based outdoor furniture is best for you. They never deteriorate and can withstand snow, dew, sun, rain and wind. 

The disadvantage of PVC-based furniture is that they may not tolerate consistent harsh freezing temperatures, especially after many years of use.

 

Natural Raw Materials

 

You can also go really creative by opting for furniture made from raw natural materials. Unfinished wood stumps and tree waste from dry felled timber can be made into furniture like tables, seats, stands, top surfaces, and benches. Stone or rock crafted furniture is also great outdoor furniture ideas.

How to Choose the Best Type of Outdoor Furniture

Before you choose your patio furniture, do a little bit of planning and research.

• Decide on your theme. It is good to have a theme, something nice and pleasant enough to make you want to sit outdoors every possible time. Planning a theme from the onset will ensure you create the perfect patio.
• Do you want your patio to become an extension of the indoors?
• The size of your patio also matters. The furniture you choose must be the right scale because you don’t want bulky outdoor furniture in a small space; neither do you want short stumpy furnishings in a space with a high ceiling.
• For small spaces, consider foldable, stackable or collapsible patio furniture. They are particularly efficient and come in handy when extra seating is required for partying or entertaining.
• If you are a frequent entertainer with a large outdoor entertaining area, a combination of built-in and moveable furniture is a good idea. Built-in outdoor furniture is very useful in defining areas within a large space like creating two separate zones within a patio.
• Remember to plan for storage as well. For instance, you can create a built-in perimeter platform that serves for both seating and storage. If you entertain or love to dine on your patio, you’ll need storage for outdoor cooking equipment.

3PC Portside Classic Coastal White Rocking Chairs Set

How to Add Colours to Interior Spaces with Accessories and Interior Accents

Adding colour to interior spaces, especially if your room looks bland, is easy and generally affordable. Many people try to play it safe and just end up choosing neutral tones, which can be described as ‘safe colours', for everything from window treatments to the sofa fabric. Nothing really wrong with that. But the room may end up being plain and uninteresting.

In the above illustration, blue is the base colour.
You can liven up the solid base colour by adding popping accessories. 

Most of the time, it’s simple, subtle touches that transform interior spaces, and you can introduce them through decorative accents and interior accessories. They can perk up your colour palette and personalise your space without you needing to redecorate or re-arrange existing furniture.

So, if you fall under the ‘playing safe’ group, you can still add colours that will liven up your space and give it a brand-new look. 

But how do you know which colours go well with what you have?

• Should you go classic, modern, or eclectic?
• Should you choose trending colours or not?

What mood do you want the interior to project: feisty and lively, tranquil and serene, or romantic and quixotic?

Is your home’s interior comfortable, but boring? Are the rooms well-furnished, but bland? Okay, so you chose beige walls, because it felt safe, a grey sectional because it matched everything, and white drapes because they looked clean and modern.

And now, your interior feels flat, and the rooms are uninspiring. You want to breathe life and style into the spaces.

But then, you don’t want to replace your sofa, you can’t afford a full interior upgrade, and you definitely don’t want to make other costly colour mistakes. Here’s what you can do:

You don’t need to redecorate to make your home come alive. You can transform bland interiors with colour by simply using beautiful accessories and decorative accents.

Why Rooms with Neutral Colours Often Feel Lifeless

Neutral tones are timeless, and there’s nothing wrong with using them. But when everything in a room is neutral: from curtains to sofa to rugs, the space is devoid of visual energy.

Rooms feel bland when there are no contrasting hues. Colour adds emotion to any room, and it’s the emotion that makes it feel like home.

Before buying anything new, identify the dominant colour in your room. It could be accent chairs, your area rug, or a wall-hung tapestry. Or perhaps it’s your latest furniture set. Whatever it may be, it’s your base colour, and that’s what should set the mood.

• Blue creates calm and trust.
• Red creates energy and passion.
• Grey and black create sophistication.
• White creates lightness and simplicity.

Once you identify your dominant colour, you can layer it intentionally.

Example 1: Blue as a Base Colour

If your sofa or chairs are blue, introduce contrast through a patterned floor rug, a cluster of colourful throw pillows, or wall art with warm tones. Colours that work beautifully with blue are:

• Mustard yellow
• Burnt orange
• Coral
• Emerald green

The key rule is contrast. Not matching everything perfectly. That’s boring.

Example 2: Minimalist White as a Base Colour

Interior spaces with colours like white and stainless steel can feel cold. For warmth and vibrancy, add red accents or decorative accessories, through:

• Wall art
• An accent chair
• A bold area rug
• Decorative objects

Red stimulates and energises a space. Even small touches of it can make a strong statement.

Example 3: Grey and Black Base Colours

Furniture with grey and black as base colours.
Colour is added through throw pillows and other furnishings (white, blue, and lime).
Add some gold for a touch of opulence.

Grey and black are elegant, but they can feel visually heavy. Lighten them with:

• White
• Lime green
• Gold accents
• Fuchsia
• Turquoise
• Yellow

Metallic finishes also instantly elevate darker palettes, making them look timeless.

17 Easy Ways to Add Colour (Without Replacing Furniture)

If you’re hesitant because you have other pressing financial commitments, start small. Add practical items that easily and affordably introduce colour, and give the space an amazing look.

1. Wall art and framed paintings.
2. Colourful picture frames.
3. Large, statement decorative wall clocks.
4. Multi-height, statue display boxes as space separators.
5. Colourful cushions, throw pillows, and ethnic blankets.
6. Wallpaper or decal stickers.
7. Accent chairs.
8. Colored candles and pretty candleholders.
9. Plant terrariums.
10. Collection of colourful cacti.
11. Vases, urns, and planters.
12. Bowls/trays with colored beads, marbles, or potpourri.
13. Patterned floor rugs.
14. Framed wall-hung mirrors.
15. Floating shelves (for ornamental displays).
16. Table and floor lamps.
17. Decorative lamp shades.

Most accessories are flexible and can be swapped around occasionally (room to room), for fresher, pleasant looks.

Classic, Modern, or Trendy?

It’s easy to make a decision, but if you can’t, here are a few tips:

• If you want timeless appeal, choose classic colours and metallics.
• For a bold visual impact, choose modern contrasts that ‘pop’.
• With trending colours, it’s best to appear only in small accessories, not in expensive permanent pieces.

Remember, It's Function Before Style

Every room has a purpose, so functionality precedes aesthetics. Ask yourself:

• Do I want this space to feel calm or energising?
• Is this a relaxing bedroom or an active family room?
• Do I want drama or serenity?

Whatever colour you choose, it should support how the room is used.

Paint Is Still Affordable

If you’re ready for a slightly bigger change, paint remains one of the most cost-effective ways to revive a room.

You don’t have to paint all four walls. Painting just one wall can completely transform a space. It can be your anchor point in the space.

Aside from painting, there are other ways to brighten up the room. Wall treatments, like:

• Wainscoting
• Fabric panels
• Coloured glass
• Mosaic tiles

They all add personality, without doing any structural changes.

The Takeaway

If your home feels bland, the solution isn’t always new furniture. It's introducing colour, and that isn't risky if you plan with intention. 

Start with:

• One base colour
• One complementary accent
• A few intentional accessories

Layer them thoughtfully while keeping them balanced. Contrast turns your neutral interior into an elegant space.

With contrasting hues and accessories, your home no longer has to look lifeless.

Related Articles

How to Develop an Interior Design Concept

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