Category: How To Guides
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Is it OK to use chlorine bleach or fabric softener when I wash my fine linens?
No. Chlorine bleach will cause fading and discoloration. In addition, it will break down and permanently weaken cotton and linen fibers. If necessary, we recommend using an oxygen-based bleach or better yet, a solution specially formulated to clean fine linens, such as Le Blanc’s Linen Wash. Fabric softener is designed to coat fibers in…
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Instant Makeover: Art at Your Feet
This dining room from the Winter 2013 issue of California Home + Design looks like a work of art. It features vintage Gio Ponti chairs, wall art made from 1970’s fabric design, and even a Tony Duquette Sunburst chandelier that was literally assembled one spear at a time: But am I the only one who…
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Seth and Jenna’s Guest Room
Part 2 of Seth and Jenna’s Guest Room. Jenna: Good morning, Mrs. — Sharon: Please call me Sharon, dear. Jenna: OK. Good morning, Sharon. How did you sleep last night? Sharon: Oh it was wonderful! Bob was out in about a minute. He just wrapped himself up in that big comforter. He did manage to…
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What is the Difference Between Percale and Sateen?
While both are luxurious and beautiful, percale and sateen fabrics can be distinguished based on the way the fabric is made. Here, our experts at Sferra Brothers explain this subtle difference: A percale is a plain weave using a use a one-over, one-under structure. The percale’s weave produces a firm and smooth fabric with no gloss.…
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Instant Makeover: a Classic yet Modern Table
There’s an amazing house in the December 2013 issue of Veranda magazine: The owners have achieved an almost perfect balance of traditional yet modern design. The columns, cornices, and arches remind us of the Spanish Revival style which are synonymous with California, but the doors, outdoor sculpture, and general brightness of the space make it…
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What makes Sferra’s Classico table linens so special?
Classico is one of our best-selling collections, so we asked our friends at Sferra to tell us what makes it so special. Here is what they said: Classico is our very finest Italian-woven linen. Each piece is finished with a border of delicate, refined, hand-drawn hemstitching – from the 120” seamless round tablecloths, to the…
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How to Hang Artwork at the Perfect Height
We’re moving into a new house soon, so to make things go faster on moving day, we set aside a day last weekend and headed over to the new place with all our artwork for a marathon day of picture hanging. When you’re just hanging one or two pieces, it’s fun to play around with…
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Instant Makeover: Company’s Coming!
Company’s coming? Why don’t you update your guest room with these essentials … any of them will make your guests feel pampered. To find more bedding, candles, clocks, hangers, rugs, bath accessories, and lamps, visit GraciousStyle.com.
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Designer Tips: How to Decorate with Pillows
Wish you could instantly change the look of a room? Throw pillows are an easy way to transform the way your room looks and make it more comfortable. Here are some tips to give your rooms that designer look: – To add interest, the fabric on your pillows should be different from the upholstery fabric…
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What is the Difference Between Chinese and Japanese Chopsticks?
A chopstick is a chopstick is a chopstick, right? Well, not quite. There are some subtle differences in these two styles that make them better suited to different uses. Chinese chopsticks are normally squared-off and blunt at the end, which makes them easier to use. This style of chopstick is usually provided in Japanese as…