My Comfy Sofa...

Let's face it, they take a beating. Now in the summer, kids are home,

family members visiting...and even if we love them with all our hearts, they

can do some serious damage to our beloved comfy sofa.

Here are some examples of the best material, they are resistant, friendly and most important of all, easy to clean.

Now these materials come in all kinds of colors, blends and styles to fit every need.

Here we go, Hope this helps !!

 Whether you're looking for a new couch to put in the family room, 

or a quality sofa for your formal living room, you'll want to choose a 

furniture piece made of fabric that will keep it looking its best. 

There are several sofa materials that are easy to clean, that also provide 

the style and design you want to make any room in your home complete.

Wool

Wool sofas are a cozy, comfortable addition to a room where your loved ones will use the sofa often, such as the den or home theater. Wool couches, as well as furniture made of a wool blend, are unlikely to fade over time and the fabric doesn't wrinkle easily. 

It's common for the wool used to create 

the couch to be mixed with a synthetic fiber to make cleaning easier. 

You can easily clean a wool sofa by blotting the stain with a dry cloth 

immediately, then adding a wool-safe cleaning solution to the stain and 

scrubbing gently with a garment brush.

Leather

Leather sofas, just like leather shoes, begin to give the more they're used, 

so the furniture will become more comfortable with each use. Couches made of leather are available in a number of colors, and they complement both modern and traditional living rooms well. To clean the furniture, wiping it with a damp cloth is usually all that's necessary, particularly if the stain is brand new.

For tougher stains, add a few drops of nonabrasive soap to a slightly wet 

cloth before wiping the furniture. Ink stains are removed from the couch by spraying the spot with hairspray and wiping it clean. To get rid of grease or oil on leather, treat the stain with talcum powder (baby powder) and cornstarch, wiping it clean after about four hours.

Microfiber

Microfiber sofas have the feel of suede or velvet, but they are created from polyester fibers. These couches are durable and suitable for everyday use, and they are made of the smallest man-made fiber possible, according to the Home Decorating Reviews website. The sofa is easily cleaned with a damp cloth in most cases, but a special cleanser formulated for microfiber is best for deeper cleanings. Don't use fabric cleaners that contain bleach on a microfiber couch as the detergent will break down the fibers over time.

Acetate

Acetate is a synthetic form of silk; sofas made from this material are usually best featured in the formal living room or bedroom, where the decorative theme is especially elegant. The fabric is fairly easy to clean and resistant to mildew, which makes it more attractive for homeowners with large families, or those who entertain guests often. However, the material does tend to wrinkle, and a couch made of acetate shouldn't be placed directly in the sun, near a window or glass door,

as the color will fade.

I added some pictures of very cool sofa designs, maybe you'll get adventorous and buy one for your house !! Enjoy...

Wood Counter Tops...Do's and Don'ts

Yesterday I was working on a design for a customer, she wants a wood counter top. 

Nothing else. And to tell you the truth, I didn't know much about them, only that they are very high maintenance and expensive. So, I started doing my research and found a company to estimate her kitchen counter top...couple of hours later, I received the numbers back, and OMG...I knew they were expensive, but never imagine it would be that much !!...Now, I'm looking for more bids (price for the top was almost as the same as the cabinets) and I am almost an expert on wood surfaces !! 

That's there reason for this posting, just wanted to share with you this information and then you can make an informative decision if you are thinking about buying one

Wooden countertops bring a natural element to any kitchen style. 

Properly cared for, wooden counters can last many years. 

Moisture is an enemy to wood countertops. Sweating glasses and spilled liquids 

can quickly cause warping and damage the wood. 

Wooden countertops finished with varnish or polyurethane do not require the same 

level of care as unfinished wood. 

A finished countertop can be washed and dried with soap and water without ever 

needing to oil it. Unfinished countertops, however, can simply have scratches 

or burns sanded out without needing to refinish the surface.

A wood counter top or butcher-block top is not a continuous piece of wood; rather, 

it consists of sections of wood that are glued together and sanded. 

The pieces of wood are arranged according to the visible grains, which helps 

create a wide variety of looks. Wood countertops are sturdy but can be damaged 

from everyday use if certain precautions are not taken.

Butcher block counter tops made from wood add an elegant and refined touch to any 

kitchen. While the butcher block design is ideal for food preparation, its 

naturally porous wood tends to absorb juices and liquids from foods. 

Immediate and thorough cleaning, especially after cutting raw meat, is important 

for maintaining the life of the countertop and the health of your family. 

Advice to prevent damage to your wood counter top

1

Avoid placing hot pans or other cookware directly on a wood countertop. 

Wood countertops are not resistant to heat, and exposing them to heat can cause 

the wood to crack, warp or expand. Also, do not install appliances such as 

toasters or microwaves that emit heat directly on or near the wood surface. 

Instead, place heat-producing items on a trivet or a metal tray to protect the 

wood.

2

Cut food items on a cutting board instead of directly on the wood countertop. 

This will prevent your countertop from cut marks and scratches.

3

Wipe up spills immediately with a cloth to prevent liquids from seeping into 

the countertop and staining the surface.

4

Rub a mineral oil on the wood by using a soft cloth once per month to maintain 

a smooth surface. Apply as much mineral oil as the countertop will absorb.

5

Evenly apply a bee's wax once per month to seal the wood and prevent liquids 

from penetrating the surface. The mineral oil can be applied on top of the 

bee's wax.

Also, here are some instructions to clean and care for your counter top

1

Scrape any food stuck to the counter off gently with a spatula. 

Avoid using a scouring pad or abrasive cleaner.

2

Wash your wooden countertop immediately after use with a clean cloth or sponge 

in warm, soapy water. A mild dish soap will work fine.

3

Rinse out the cloth or sponge and wipe your countertop with plain water. 

Let the surface of the countertop dry completely before applying oil to it.

4

Sand out any scratches or burns with a 120-grit sandpaper and then follow with 

a finer 180-grit. Wipe the dust off with a cloth.

5

Pour food grade mineral oil, which is available at grocery stores, on the 

counter top and rub it in with a clean rag. Leave it on for about 30 minutes 

and then wipe off the excess with a clean paper towel. Oiling should always be 

done after sanding.

6

Use hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice on a clean cloth to remove stains from 

pots and pans. After removing the stain, you will need to re-oil the counter top.

If you think you can handle this material, the choices of wood are endless...from the most common Cherry, Teak and Maple, to the new Bamboo...construction varies too, thickness, finishes, etc... my personal advice, do your research !!

Incredible Houses, Beautiful Designs

Just wanted to share with you some houses which have increbidle design and are bursting with creativity. Of course there are a lot more inspirational spaces out there, in all corners of the world, this is just a little taste...Enjoy !!

South Clarkson Residence was designed by architect Angelo Marasco and his wife Nancy and is located in Denver, Colorado. With a total living surface of 3,986 square feet, the crib accommodates three bedrooms and three bathrooms. According to the architects, “the kitchen is by Henrybuilt, a cool kitchen manufacturer specializing in superior 

custom cabinetry and design. Bosch Appliances, Ceasarstone Quartz Countertops and awesome lighting complete the modern aesthetic. An interior courtyard that is both visually stunning and practical for the indoor/outdoor experience takes center stage. Engaged to the public rooms and expands the overall usable square footage. 

The upper level has 3 bedrooms including an amazing master suite with 

a 5 piece spa/luxury bath and a large walk-in closet with modern fixtures and shelving“.The house is up for sale for 1 million dollars but you have to admit this is an inspiring home that definitely has what to showcase.

Built under large pine tree in the backyard of a canyon residence, this 

Banyan Drive Treehouse offers a nice sanctuary with a modern interpretation. This unique project was completed in 2009 

as a part of recreational getaway by Rockefeller Partner Architects. 

The client is an artist and lover of nature, so this perched twelve feet 

off the ground tree house will serve as a creative respite from the demands of domestic responsibilities. Though modest in size, the plan is efficient and allows for a studio space/living area and a toilet room. Deep-oiled wood siding, mahogany windows, and a Rheinzink roof were chosen for their natural qualities and rich palette. Like most tree houses the Banyan features its share of wood interior and exterior appointments and nice open views and natural lighting with 

its well placed windows. This cozy setting makes the best of the 170 square foot floor plan and gives a sense of a much larger space thanks to the tall ceilings and smaller scale furniture.

Have a look at this intriguing architecture project which seems sprung out 

from a Sci-Fi movie. The “Ninety7 @ Siglap” house was designed by Aamer 

Architects and is located in Singapore. The design is said to be inspired 

by the magnificent views that can be observed from atop Siglap Hill. Here 

is a short description from the architects: “Master and family room are 

placed on the third level having the best views. Living and Dining on the 

second level, connected with external verandahs / terraces that flow upwards and fold into the roof form with deep overhangs for sufficient shade and channeling the breeze through the whole house. Two resort style ‘Cabana’ bedrooms are located on the ground level by the pool with a large open/covered terrace for poolside parties. A sculptural metal ‘drum’ anchors the ‘ship’ to the ground and houses the toilet/shower and barbeque pantry. Roof gardens and timber decks provide added insulation from the sun”. How do you appreciate the overall design of this crib?. 

Just Amazing...

  

Pryor Residence was designed by Bates Masi Architects and is located in Montauk, New York.  According to the architects, the house detaches itself from common residential planning and “is entered through multiple areas for different guests and occasions. Large glass doors slide open to the living, dining and kitchen area for a large gathering; a smaller scaled swing door for an occasional guest opens to the center hall with a view of the ocean. A sequence of auxiliary spaces – beach equipment area, outdoor shower, sand and mudroom – creates a seamless 

ritual from the daily activities for the family and friends. In all living areas 

and bedrooms, glass doors and insect screens slide in and out from pocket walls, transforming rooms to screened porches or spaces completely open to the landscape. The house is environmentally friendly in its overall construction and planning with such specifics as geo-thermal heating & cooling, shading & venting systems, solar panels, organic finishes and materials“. The residence was especially designed for a couple and their two children and is said to evoke the parents’ 

love for the outdoors driven by their experiences of camping.

Completed in October 2004, the Hill House was designed under challenging 

conditions generated by modern problems of building on a hillside. 

Located in Pacific Palisades, California, while the site for the house 

offers panoramic views from Rustic and Sullivan Canyons to Santa Monica Bay, the irregularly shaped lot is situated on an uneven, downhill slope. 

With the canonical Eames House nearby, the 3300 square foot Hill House 

provocatively continues the Case Study House tradition of experimentation 

and reinvention of Los Angeles lifestyles.

The structural assembly is composed of concrete, steel, and timber. The 

foundation, based upon nine 35-foot deep reinforced concrete piles, is anchored into bedrock and tied together by a network of grade beams. Rising up from this foundation, inclined concrete walls project orthogonally to the grade – instead of vertically – taking on the figure of prevented fall. A braced steel frame with timber infill framing emerges out of the concrete base to form the circulation core and cantilevered overhang at the entry.

Creativity + Drive + Knowledge = Incredible Architecture Design