Flax - the "green" product Linen comes from the flax plant, which has grown for thousands of years. Flax, by nature is a “Green” product. The plant itself has inherent ecological properties since all parts of the plant are used and they are 100% biodegradable or recyclable. The flax plant is gentle on the land and is easy to incorporate into crop rotation cycles. Flax is one of the few crops still grown in Western Europe. This area has the perfect climate conditions. No irrigation, other than rainfall, is needed to grow flax. Flax seed is a high nutrition food, due to its high content of alpha omega-3 fatty acid, and is used as a base for a fine flour used in medical compresses. Linseed oil, a byproduct of the flax seed, is used as a component in paints, cosmetics and in linoleum … [Read more...] about Rediscover Linen for Your Home Furnishings
Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone has been used for centuries and in the past 10 years or so, it has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity. It is appropriate for both period and traditional interiors as well as contemporary. Soapstone is truly unique in the realm of natural stone. It is a metamorphic rock comprised primarily of mineral talc. It is softer than granite and scratches easily but it is also less brittle and the scratches will blend in as the stone wears. Part of the beauty of soapstone is the gently worn patina it acquires over the years. Small scratches can be sanded away and large gouges can be repaired by a professional stone service. It is inert to acids and alkalis and is so dense, it doesn’t stain like marble. Sealers are unnecessary. Soapstone Characteristics The only maintenance required … [Read more...] about Soapstone Countertops
The Dishwasher Blues (or Crusty Whites)
Have you been noticing your dishwasher isn’t performing as well as it once did? You are not alone. Due to the banning of phosphates in dishwashing detergent (except for commercial use) in an additional 17 states this past year, most detergent manufacturers have eliminated phosphates altogether. This, coupled with the EPA mandated guidelines for water restrictions on dishwashers, has resulted in crusty white build-up in the dishwashers, not so clean dishes and cloudy glassware. We hope that the manufacturers will be able to improve on the currently available products, but until then here is some helpful info to improve the performance of your dishwasher. Consumer Reports has rated (out of 100 possible points) the following phosphate free products as the best available: Finish … [Read more...] about The Dishwasher Blues (or Crusty Whites)
Kitchen Floors
The selection of Kitchen floor covering for our period homes is always a challenge-we want style and durability, as well as a floor that fits in with the architecture and period of our house. Many of our homes have the original wood floor-either Douglas fir or oak strip. If the wood is in good condition it can be repaired and refinished. If you have an active household and worry about the upkeep of wood, linoleum is a good alternative for you. I am speaking of genuine linoleum, not vinyl flooring. Linoleum has been in use for over 100 years. It was originally patented in 1860. It is made from linseed oil, rosins (from pine trees) and wood flour, all of which are readily renewable natural resources, which are calendered onto a natural jute backing. Linoleum fell out of favor with the … [Read more...] about Kitchen Floors
Window Coverings for Your Vintage Home
Selecting and purchasing window coverings for our vintage homes can be a challenge, especially if you want to be “period correct”. Luckily, you have many good options. Fabrics with a nubby texture such as bark cloth, linen or cotton blends work nicely, as well as velvets and damasks for more formal interiors. Patterns such as stripes, simple traditional florals or patterned cotton voiles are also appropriate. The lovely French windows many of us have are great candidates for either 1” wood blinds mounted directly on the windows or full length draperies mounted on decorative iron or wood rods and rings. You can do an overdrape with a sheer underdrape for maximum light control. Roller shades in a linen-look texture with a festive trim work well in Craftsman homes. A small self valance or a … [Read more...] about Window Coverings for Your Vintage Home
