From the Floors Up

Simple Guide to Cleaning Out Your Closet – Part 3

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If you missed Part 2 of Simple Guide to Cleaning Our Your Closet, you can read it here!

Part 3 – Functionality, Appropriateness

In this final installment we are discussing whether or not your clothes are functional and if they are appropriate to the current demands on your life.

Does it need repairs? For how long has this been the case? If it’s gone unrepaired for more than three months it isn’t likely that you’re going to bother. Or, if you love it, then get it repaired right away so you can put it back in rotation. Just don’t leave it hanging and waiting. This includes tailoring, buttons, hole repair, seam tightening, professional stain removal, re-heeling shoes, and polishing shoes.

Is it worn or tattered looking? No matter how much you like the style, it’s not a keeper if it looks old and dingy. This includes snags in silk or sweaters, pilling, holes, unraveled threads, stains, loose seams, over stretching, and dull color.

Is it appropriate to your lifestyle? By this, we are referring to life changes that aren’t likely to be reversed. One example is transitioning from being young and single to caring for children and running a household. In this case, a closet full of nightclub dresses isn’t likely serving you very well. Another example is transitioning from raising a family to reentering the workplace. In this case, comfortable clothes such as yoga pants and sweatshirts need to give way to suits, slacks, and blouses.

Would you buy it today if you didn’t already own it and you saw it for sale at the store? In most cases, all of the aforementioned advice will be enough to make a judgment call. But if you encounter a garment that still perplexes you (meaning you’ve had it hanging in front of your face for more than five minutes,) use this test. If you wouldn’t buy it, then that means you don’t really like enough to keep it.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this series on how to clean out your closet!

Simple Guide to Cleaning Out Your Closet – Part 2

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Part 2 – Style

If you missed Part 1 of “Simple Guide to Cleaning Out Your Closet” click here to get caught up!

Ok now that we know if your clothes are relevant to your life, let’s talk about personal style and functionality. These additional tips will be immensely helpful with your closet purging project!

Is it my style at this point in my life? This one is especially important. Dressing is a way of making a huge statement about who you are. No matter how well something fits or how expensive it was, if it doesn’t feel like “you,” let it go. The only thing worse than it not showing the world who you are, is when it actually detracts to the point that you don’t feel like yourself at all while wearing it. 

Along those same lines, ask yourself – Do you feel good when you wear it? Clothing has a massive impact on the way we convey outward confidence. If it makes you feel average at best, toss it. Even if it’s you still consider it “your style.” Buy new stuff that makes you feel like a million bucks.

Is it a classic that will always be in fashion? If so, and it’s your size, and you love it, keep it. Timeless style looks chic and effortless and should always be a staple part of your wardrobe.

Has it gone out of style? If so, is it a style that will likely be en vogue again in the future? Keep in mind that nearly all styles resurface at some point. Except for uber trendy period pieces. So if you think it’s a safe bet to hang on to it, just make sure it passes the size test we mentioned above.

Next read Part 3 – Functionality and Appropriateness

Steps for Painting Your Garage Floor

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Garages can get a lot of traffic and become quite dirty over time. Concrete can muck up unwanted grease and oil and be challenging to clean. With a porous floor, concrete floor stains can easily ruin your garage appearance. A simple solution to make your garage look beautiful and be easier to clean is painting your garage floor. However, there are a few steps that you are going to want to take before beginning this task. Follow this step by step guide to ensure the best finished product. Let’s get started!

Remove Oil, Grease, and Stains

Oil and grease stains can be tough to remove. You can put down cat litter to help absorb some of the oil or grease. Allow it to sit for a day to continue to pull from the concrete. Sweep up the cat litter and apply dish detergent and scrub vigorously. You can also purchase oil and grease remover at your local hardware or car supply shop to assist with removing the stains.

Fill in Cracks

For the cracks in your concrete, consider using a thin-set material or epoxy paste. Smooth out your material and fill any voids. Allow these to dry and scrape away any unleveled areas. You may need to do some light sanding if the crack was very large and the epoxy comes out unsmooth.

Seal

Test your garage floor to see if it has been sealed. Start by pouring water on the concrete to see if it will absorb. If the floor has been sealed, the water will remain on top of the concrete. You will need to etch your garage if sealant present. Spread a commercial etcher and allow to dry overnight. This step will give your paint a better surface. Next, apply an epoxy sealant to your floor to prevent staining the next morning and allow it to dry.

Paint

Not all paints will work for different types of garage floors. Find an epoxy-based paint that is recommended for painting garages. Mix well and apply a thin layer using a roller. Repeat this method after each layer is fully dried. This process can take several days.

Painting your garage floor can take several days to complete; however, it is very rewarding. A clean, freshly painted garage floor can help prevent unwanted stains and spruce up the aesthetics of your space. For more tips and tricks on home improvement, make sure to subscribe.

How To Combine Color, Energy, and Nature To Create a Happy Home — Part 3

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Part 3 – The Bathroom, Living Room, and Dining Room

The Bathroom

Color: Brown

Feng Shui dictates natures fundamental elements are balance in each room. Because the bathroom is dominated by the water element, a nice way to create energetic balance is to include earth elements. Accomplish this by including a variant of brown by way of paint, flooring, towels, or accessories.

Energy:  Reduce unpleasant energy in a bathroom by keeping the toilet lid shut when it’s not in use.

Nature: Aloe Vera is an ideal plant for a bathroom. It’s well known of its healing and restorative properties, and it requires minimal sunlight.

The Living Room

Color: Green encourages a sense of freshness, serenity, and recuperation which makes an excellent choice for a living room. It will make the space feel free of heavy sensations such as stress and fatigue so you can enjoy the company you’re in.

Energy: If you like the idea of the living room being low key, avoid the use of mirrors because they are associated with creating energy. Instead include soft textures because they help reduce strain on the nerves.

Nature: Reed and Areca Palms work well in living rooms because they are lively and grow well in low-lit rooms.

The Dining Room

Color: Red is a stimulating color that promotes social interaction, appetite, and alertness. These are ideal for a space where food and good company are enjoyed simultaneously.

Energy: This one is a no brainer in a dining room. The table is the center piece and the chairs are situated on the perimeter so that guests are all facing inward. It might also be advisable to keep peripheral furnishing to a minimum so that the focus remains on the center of the room.

Nature: Excessive plant life could make a dining room feel too busy. The best approach for including nature is at the dinner table through the use of a well designed centerpiece. It’s important for it to have a low profile so it doesn’t obstruct the view from across the table and make it difficult for people to converse. 

How To Combine Color, Energy, and Nature To Create a Happy Home — Part 2

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Part 2 – The Bedroom and Office

The Bedroom

Color: Blue evokes serenity, reassurance, and calm. It’s been shown to help reduce blood pressure and heart rate.

Energy: Electronics and Bed Placement

Electronics are the most energy zapping things one can have in a bedroom. If possible eliminate them entirely. The light and frequency they emit can disturb sleep no matter how subtle or strong they are. Even the “battery charging” indicator on your phone can cause mental disruption. If you aren’t able to remove them from the room then make sure they are at least two feet away from the bed and turn off any that aren’t in use. For example, if you must have a television in the room, don’t fall asleep with it on. Watch your show, turn it off, and call it a night.

Feng Shui dictates that a bed should be placed diagonally across from the door, as well as allow for a clear view of the room and décor. 

Nature:  Lavender. The lavender plant is fragrant and colorful in a soft way. It is also effective for keeping the bedroom air fresh rather than stuffy.

The Office

Color: Purple is a bold color that stimulates creativity and evokes a sense of financial stability. This makes if perfect for a space that is focus creating the best version of talents and making money in the process.

Energy: Shape and Placement

In general stick to distinct lines and angular shapes in a place of work. They’ve been shown to increase productivity and reduce fatigue.

 Feng Shui dictates that a desk should face away from a wall because when it faces the wall they there is a negative effect on concentration levels and inspired thinking.

Nature: Plants that have simplistic designs and require very little care are ideal for an office. A work space is most comfortable if it feels like a “no fuss” area so plants that are delicate and require special attention would be distracting. Try a simple orchid.

Next read Part 3 – The Bathroom, Living Room, and Dining Room

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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