Loving your home requires knowing how to do it right, and knowing some tips and shortcuts is the smart way to do it. So, to encourage and celebrate those who love their homes, we've asked various experts in the home furnishing industry for their home-making secrets. We've shared them here, one by one, to share with everyone and let us love our homes together.
1 What are the best maintenance and cleaning methods for solid wood furniture?
If solid wood furniture is stained with oil, leftover tea is an excellent cleaner. After applying it, sprinkle a small amount of cornstarch on it and wipe it clean. Cornstarch absorbs any dirt adhering to the furniture's surface, leaving the finish smooth and shiny. If solid wood furniture has a white finish, which can easily yellow over time, you can wipe it with a rag dipped in toothpaste, being careful not to apply excessive pressure. You can also mix two egg yolks and apply them to the yellowed areas with a soft brush. Once dry, carefully wipe it clean with a soft cloth. Also, be careful not to expose the furniture to direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
2. How to judge the quality of wallpaper? What should I pay attention to when decorating walls with wallpaper?
The quality of wallpaper can be judged intuitively through sight, touch and smell. First, observe the flatness of the surface and the uniformity of color, touch to see if it is evenly thick, and smell if there is any odor. When purchasing wallpaper, you should buy enough of the same wallpaper at one time. If you buy it in batches, color differences between batches are likely to occur. After pasting the wallpaper, you should close the doors and windows for 2 to 3 days to let the wallpaper dry naturally. If you are in a humid environment, you should open the doors and windows during the day to prevent the invasion of humid gases. Wallpaper has a certain degree of scrub resistance, so if it is stained, you can gently wipe it with soap or other detergents. Wallpaper with concave and convex patterns can be vacuumed every 2 to 3 months. Do not hit or rub the wall with hard objects such as chair backs and table edges to avoid damaging the wallpaper. If you find small areas of damage, you can use pigments or paints of similar colors to remedy them.
3 What issues should be paid attention to in the design before decoration?
Design isn't simply a matter of style; the most crucial aspect is convenience, with everything arranged and placed to suit your lifestyle. Start by creating a simple plan outlining the space's division and functionality, then discuss your needs with the designer. For example, if you have children, consider safety details, such as reducing hard corners on furniture, ensuring knives are out of reach of children, and ensuring power switches are secure. For elderly residents who can't stand for long periods of time while bathing, consider seating. If getting up is inconvenient, consider adding grab bars to the toilet. Only by considering these details can you truly appreciate the convenience and warmth of your home. Furthermore, thoughtful consideration can reduce renovation costs and avoid the regrets of inconvenience.
4 Chinese-style home decoration has been very popular in recent years, but how can you decorate your home to make it both Chinese and fashionable?
It's crucial to choose the right style for large furniture pieces in your home, such as sofas, coffee tables, and dining tables and chairs. You can mix and match Chinese and modern styles, but be sure to use a unified color palette. You can also incorporate Chinese elements into the details, such as Chinese stained glass windows. Furthermore, it's important to understand your own lifestyle and avoid blindly following trends. You should also be selective when listening to your designer's advice.
5. How to determine whether a product is purely imported?
Products imported from Germany must have German language on them; if they only have English on them, they're definitely not made in Germany. Beds imported from the US are generally larger, with the inner diameter of a single bed typically measuring 1.53m x 2.03m, and a double bed 1.53m x 2.03m. There should be a large gap between the bed frame and the mattress; if not, it's definitely not imported. Also, when buying imported furniture, be sure to carefully check the customs declaration and tax payment form.
6 Are there any tips for saving money when shopping at a building materials mall?
Tip 1: Compare prices at various stores and don't rush to place an order. Generally speaking, for the same product, prices at building material stores in the north of the city are higher than those in the south, and prices at remote stores are lower than those in prime locations. The difference is that stores in prime locations often have more new and fashionable products. Tip 2: Buy during holidays. If time permits, it's best to wait until major holidays like May Day and National Day for sales. Tip 3: Wait for sample sales. Taking sanitary ware as an example, sample quality doesn't degrade due to display, so buying samples is a good option. When some dealers need to quickly dispose of on-site samples due to store renovations or product replacements, they will sell them at very low prices. This makes buying at these times quite cost-effective, but you should start visiting building material stores six months before renovations begin.
7 How should the cabinet door panels of the integrated cabinet be maintained on a daily basis?
Door panels should be cleaned frequently, wiped frequently, and kept dry at all times. Glossy door panels should be wiped with a fine-textured cleaning cloth. Solid wood door panels are best cleaned with furniture wax. Crystal door panels can be wiped with a flannel cloth or gently wiped with a dry cloth. Painted door panels should be wiped with a fine-textured cleaning cloth dipped in a neutral detergent, avoiding scratches caused by sharp objects. Gently opening and closing door panels and regularly oiling door hinges can extend the life of cabinets. If the indoor humidity is too high, a dehumidifier should be installed in the kitchen to keep the cabinets dry. Also, be careful to prevent water from running down from the countertop and soaking the door panels.
8 How to test whether the mattress is suitable?
However, no matter what material the mattress is made of, you should experience it yourself when purchasing it. The simplest way is to lie on your back on the mattress and see if your head, shoulders, waist, hips, and legs are tightly fitting against the mattress. Maintain this position for 5 minutes. If you feel comfortable, it means the mattress is suitable.
9 What are the standards for good cabinets? How can I buy good cabinets?
When choosing good kitchen cabinets, you should consider three key principles: first, whether the materials are high-quality; second, whether the workmanship is professional; and third, whether the service is in place. Environmentally friendly panels must be used, and the hardware and processing equipment must also be of high quality. Good kitchen cabinets are more than just storage; they should be a harmonious combination of high-end kitchen cabinet craftsmanship and personalized care. Furthermore, it is best to provide on-site measurements before the sale, installation during the sale, and regular after-sales visits. The customer's request for returns should also be met. Only in this way can you buy kitchen cabinets without any worries.
10. Can I use paint instead of tiles in the bathroom? If so, what should I pay attention to?
The bathroom is the most humid area in the home, so waterproofing is always a top priority when it comes to ceilings, walls, and floors. Ceramic tiles and aluminum panels are the most commonly used. While bathroom walls can certainly be painted, be sure to use waterproof paint. This paint incorporates special waterproof and breathable molecules, forming a dense film that impermeable to water molecules, ensuring the wall's ability to breathe. Brands like Dufang, Nippon Paint, and Fenlin all offer excellent waterproof properties. The benefits of waterproof paint include ease of application and unique results, as well as easy cleanup and mold resistance. Furthermore, because it's highly viscous, waterproof paint is ideal for filling even the finest pores in the wall, even if the bathroom wall is in less than perfect condition.