t e s o r o d e l v a l l e s o l a r

It’s hard to thumb through a house magazine these days and never to find examples of this ever-popular window scarf. Occasionally known as a swag, the long expanse of material draped loosely and elegantly above a rod without gain of drapery hooks never fails to make an impression. While the prospect of ironing a window veil, especially one made of sheer material, might appear daunting, a couple hints make the job more manageable. Set up a full-size ironing board that has clean covering and cushioning. There should be plenty of room facing the board. If you set up before a sofa, then you will have a wide, clean area to hold the ironed scarf as you operate. Fold the scarf in half lengthwise if it is broader than the ironing board. The fabric should be barely damp from washing for best results. Collect the folded scarf on the ground between…

Refinishing an outdated, worn or drab armoire using paint — and with it turn out fantastic — is possible, even in the event that you have no prior painting experience. The key to a successful paint job is planning. Ensuring that the armoire’s surface is smooth and grime-free will pay off once you apply the first coat of paint. The sky’s the limit when it comes to the type of colour and paint you can use to transform your armoire. Latex paints are water-soluable, unlike striped paints, so they have a much less pungent odor, and the paint washes easily off of brushes. But oil-based paints create a more durable finish that tends to mimic brushstrokes better than latex paint. Put the armoire over a drop cloth to protect the floor from paint spills. Remove the armoire’s doors, drawers and hardware, using a screwdriver. Place the doors, drawers and hardware…

Painted doors and trim may show dirt and grime very quickly, but it’s equally as quick to wash the spots. Most of the dirt showing on decorated trim is among the oily variety, especially that around doorknobs and other high-use places. Oily marks like fingerprints pull and hold onto dirt, which makes the trim appear dirtier than it really is, and normal wiping may not get rid of the oily residue. Assess the Surface First Before cleaning any painted surface, make sure it’s safe to get it wet. Modern painted trims are generally safe, but some historic surfaces may not be. Dampen a cleaning cloth with water, and wipe in a inconspicuous area to ensure water won’t damage or stain the paint. Glossy-looking finishes are almost always safe to wash with water, whilst matte finishes should be examined first. No matter what the finish, it’s ideal to prevent over-wetting the…