The snow and ice has (mostly) melted, the days are getting longer, and if you are like us, we are itching to enjoy the outdoors! 

We can’t deny that we are missing Friday night fish fry and Old Fashioneds at the local supper club, but we are ready to watch the sun set on the patio while firing up the grill. After all, summer in Wisconsin is what we all live for, right? 

Well, good news… even if we can’t invite our family, friends, and neighbors over just yet, now is the perfect time to start preparing your patio for the summer season ahead. We hope these 5 simple steps make your annual outdoor furniture maintenance and patio preparation a breeze!

1. Clean your floors

Before you move any of your furniture out of storage and onto the deck or patio, make sure you have a freshly cleaned surface, free of the dirt and debris that winter leaves behind. 

Hose down the wood or cement and make sure there is no damage from the cold. How terrible would it be to step on a nail that popped up just because you hadn’t completed your annual inspection? Ouch!

Once everything is as it should be, lay down your outdoor rugs. Whether they have been outside in the elements all winter, or rolled up and tucked away in the garage or basement, they are likely fairly dirty. Vacuum them, if that will do the trick, or hose those down if they are filthy. Then hang them to dry, if possible, in order to remove any excess moisture. 

After they are clean and dry, you are ready to lay them down and start hauling out your furniture. 

2. Prepare your furniture

No matter what material your outdoor furniture is made of, it will likely require a little bit of upkeep each spring in order to keep it looking fresh and inviting for your friends, family, and future guests. Here are a few tips and tricks specific to each material that will help you keep your chairs, tables, etc. in top shape:

• Natural Wicker

1. Always start by vacuuming natural wicker well. 
2. Once you have removed the larger debris and any cobwebs, wipe it down with a damp rag. 
3. Remember that detergents and soap don’t play nicely with natural wicker, so simply use water during your cleaning process for best results.

• Weatherproof Wicker(Resin) and Recycled Plastic

1. Start by hosing it down to remove dirt, dust, and water spots that may have appeared over the winter. 
2. For tougher stains, use a little dishwashing soap on a wet rag. 
3. Whatever you do, do NOT use a power washer. This will roughen up the surface of your furniture.

• Aluminum Sling

1. Just like weatherproof wicker and recycled plastic, start by hosing aluminum sling down to remove dirt, dust, and water spots.
2. Again, for water spots, dirt, etc., use a little dishwashing soap on a wet rag. 
3. If that doesn’t work for some reason, spot removers are available for aluminum furniture and slings, but always check with the manufacturer before using them to ensure that you don’t harm your furniture. 

• Cast Iron

1. Before you do anything, check for rust spots.
2. If you find some, these areas should be cleaned thoroughly, sanded lightly, and repainted. 
3. Once the paint is dry, wipe down the entire surface with a damp cloth.

• Wood

1. Start by checking for any loose screws and tightening them, as needed. 
2. Clean your furniture according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. 
3. If your furniture has lost its luster, it may be time to re-stain it, which is something you can easily do yourself, as long as you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Take care of your tabletops

If you have tabletops of the same material as your chairs, you can use the steps listed above. If you have tables in other materials, natural stone, granite, or even mosaic tabletops… we have some tips for you too!

Start by cleaning your stone, granite, or mosaic surface. When you purchased the table, you were probably given instructions on how best to clean the surface…make sure you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for best results. 

Once the surface is clean, we suggest re-sealing it annually to increase the longevity of your table. Again, you should have manufacturer instructions about how to complete the re-sealing process, but if you need help, don’t hesitate to call us or ask for help at your local home improvement store, when open. Any of us are willing to point you in the right direction!

Just make sure you give the sealant ample time to dry before using your table for the first time this season. Yes, we have heard of many people who learned that one the hard way. 

4. Check your cushions

We don’t know about you, but our cushions start to get that musty smell when they sit in storage all winter. Now is a great time to get them smelling fresh and ready for lots of use this summer. 

Start by airing them out, checking for stains, and inspecting for critter damage. Spot clean them where you can and allow them to breathe in the fresh air for a while to relieve any odors.

If you are lucky enough to have the kind of cushions where the cases can be removed, machine wash them in cold water on a delicate cycle and air dry them (always following the manufacturer’s recommendations, of course… do we sound like broken records yet?).

If you remove the cases and airing them out doesn’t seem to do the trick, it might be a good year to replace those cushions. After all, everyone loves a little upgrade. This might be the perfect time to add some new colors or patterns to your outdoor living space. (We can help!)

5. Come visit us!

Whether you know that your current patio furniture has reached the end of its life or you are just curious to see what else is out there, we would love to help. We suggest making a list for May 26th (fingers crossed that date sticks!) when you can finally stop in to our store.  We have all your outdoor essentials, including Lloyd Flanders special order outdoor furniture!

We hope that this patio prepping guide helps you get your patio back into shape, and we can’t wait to help you prepare to host the best post-pandemic cookout of the summer. 🙂

Until next month,
The Lakeside Living Team

As we start looking forward to mud season up in northern Wisconsin (hey, we can start dreaming now!), does your to-do list include opening up your lake cabin? You bet ours does!

A while back, we put together a great guide for bringing your lake house back to life after winter, so why reinvent the wheel this year? 

Instead, we’re going to share 7 decorating tips to get those creative juices fired up and your cabin looking fresh and new!

Lake House Decorating Tip 1: Use Patterns to Add Elegance

We love the lake house/cabin vibe, but if you want to add a touch of elegance, some ornate, traditional patterns are the way to do it! 

You could easily incorporate patterns into bedding, window treatments, or upholstery, but we especially love these fancy pillows. Not only do they look like a million bucks (without costing it), but you can easily swap them out with the seasons. 

Plus, they’re small enough not to get too distressed with the daily come-and-go of lake life. Love it!

Lake House Decorating Tip 2: Mix Up Your Seating

Here’s a designers’ trick to bring some visual interest into your living or dining room… mix up the seating! Here, we paired handcrafted wooden chairs with high-backed upholstered ones. 

The effect is casual but elegant, interesting but not overdone! 

Lake House Decorating Tip 3: Use Ladders as Decorative Storage

Have you ever thought of using a ladder as blanket or towel storage? It’s functional and decorative! 

If you have grandkids running around, just make sure to keep an eye on them. Those little rascals will see this ladder as an instant playground!

Lake House Decorating Tip 4: Ottoman or Coffee Table? Both!

We love extra-long ottomans, because they can double as coffee tables! Just get a nice tray for drinks or snacks, and you have a stylish, functional living room on your hands.

Lake House Decorating Tip 5: Change Your Life with a Cozy Porch

Imagine how different your lake house life would be with a porch swing like this?! Get lost in good books, watch your grandkids get up to mischief in the lake, and soak up some firefly-speckled sunsets… 

Whether your future includes a cozy swing or not is up to you, but if you haven’t thought about your porch yet, consider spicing it up for comfort. Your summer on the lake will be all the merrier for it.

Lake House Decorating Tip 6: Sometimes Simple is Best

For your larger items, sometimes simple and functional is best. This armchair is sturdy, has great neutral upholstery for hiding years of use, and is a joy to sit in… that’s sounds like a perfect combination to us! You can always accessorize elsewhere to keep the space feeling lively.

 

Lake House Decorating Tip 7: Add Wisconsin Pride and Some Smiles!

There’s nothing like a little Sconnie pride to make you and your guests smile. Because life really IS better in Wisconsin. 😉

That’s it for today, but we’ll be back next month with more helpful advice. If you need a little decor for your space, or a team to redesign it, we’re ready to help!

Just stop by, give us a call, or sign up for our monthly lookbook.

Warmly,
Lakeside Living Design

If you’re looking to refresh your space in the New Year, you might be weighing the pros and cons of reupholstering your existing furniture versus buying new. 

While it’s no secret that we love to give used furniture a fresh take on life, it’s also true that not every piece of furniture is a worthy candidate. 

So here’s the big question… how do you know whether to reupholster or buy new?

Today, we’re answering this question and taking you behind the scenes of our custom workroom!

When should you reupholster versus buy new?

The answer to this question depends on your answers to these:

• Do you love this piece of furniture?
• Does it fit your body and have comfortable proportions?
• Does it fit well in your space?
• Is the frame holding up well?
• Is the piece from a reputable manufacturer?

If you mostly answered “No,” then it is time to invest in new furniture. We can help you make the best decision for your space, style, and comfort.

If you answered “Yes,” then you’ll be better off reupholstering your existing furniture. We can add new fabric and batting, re-web the foundation, re-tie springs, and replace worn-out cushions.

Note: The investment for reupholstering versus buying new is nearly equal for a piece of the same quality.

And now for the behind-the-scenes peek! Here are our 10 steps to reupholstering furniture to look brand new, refreshed, or ready to be loved… 

Step 1: Estimating Fabric & Labor

The first step is to understand how much fabric is needed, how many man-hours are needed, and create a plan for the project.

Insider Info: The larger the pattern on your fabric the more fabric will be required for matching it. This is true of any project, from a simple pillow to window treatments to complex upholstery.

Step 2: Mapping Cuts

Do we really draw a map of each piece and where on the fabric they should fall in order to correctly match the pattern on the project? You betcha!

Step 3: Deconstructing Upholstery

For upholstery projects, we have to tear down the piece, removing all fabric and filler right down to the frame. We’ll repair the frame and re-tie springs as needed before any updates to the upholstery.

Step 4: Fabric Inspection & Cutting

We closely examine every inch of the fabric for defects and flaws. No one wants a flaw, and we’re adamant about perfection!! Once we’re sure the fabric is up to par, we’ll cut it along the lines we’ve drawn.

Step 5: Sewing Fabric as Needed

Whether it’s upholstery, a custom window treatment, or pillows, the next step is sewing the fabric as needed for the item. This takes focus, care, and really is custom work!

Step 6: Prepare the Piece for Fabric

Next, we begin reconstructing the furniture by adding foam, batting, and preparing the frame for fabric.

Step 7: Apply Fabric to the Frame

When applying fabric to the frame, we have to be very careful about matching the repetitions of the pattern for a seamless, classy look!

Step 8: Add Finishing Touches & Inspect

Finishing touches include things like stuffing pillows and cushions. Once we’re confident the work is complete, we’ll inspect the whole thing from top to bottom to make sure it’s spick, span, and ready for your home!

Step 9: Wrap for Storage or Delivery

Whether we’re storing it for pick-up or putting it on a truck for delivery, we wrap up your piece with care so it arrives to you in pristine condition.

Step 10: A Loving Home

The final step is less about us and all about you. We love knowing that the pieces we make will end up in happy Wisconsin homes, where you’re sure to love and use them for a long time!

Workroom Special – 20% Off Fabric!

To celebrate the New Year, we’re offering 20% off of the fabric used in any custom commissioned piece. This special applies to reupholstery, window treatments, bedding, pillows and cushions, and is valid through the end of February. 

Questions? Have any furnishings that could use a little refresh? Give us a call or reach out here. 

We love what we do and can’t wait to see how we can support your happiest home in 2020!

Warmly,
Lakeside Living Design

In our post about making your home cozy for the fall (and for the WI winter!), we mentioned rugs as a great addition to your lake cabin. But rugs aren’t just for decoration, they can also do SO much for your home.

Today, let’s talk about some reasons to love rugs and how to use them in your space. When you’re done reading, you can take a picture of your space, bring it on into our store, and let us help you find the perfect one!

**Psst! We’re also having a rug clearance sale from now through the end of January!**

Are you ready? Then let’s talk rugs.

1. Area rugs anchor a room and define a space

Especially in living or family room, placing your furniture on an area rug makes the space feel grounded (no “floating” furniture). This defines the space by giving it a border and makes the furniture feel like one cohesive group. 

Imagine this living room without the layered rugs? How would the furniture look sitting on the hardwood floor? Probably like they’re wandering. 😉

2. Layer rugs to add dimension and interest

Speaking of layering, this living room is also a great example of the design power of layering rugs. The bottom rug is made of a sturdy jute while the cowhide layered over the top adds immediate interest. It also makes the coffee table stand out more. Look at that gorgeous wood!

Trending: Skins are the new neutrals these days.

3. Area rugs create a color story and add texture

When the world turns to frosty white and evergreen in the winter, we turn to our homes for color, coziness and excitement — and rugs can play a big role in this. Better yet, the natural wooden interior of most lake cabins match everything. Amen. 

Don’t be afraid to let your eyes lead you to the colors that will make you the happiest this winter. When it comes to your home, your intuition is never wrong!

4. Rugs help protect your floors!

You know us… we can’t leave you without design advice and practical advice. Here’s the thing. We all know that lake cabins come with their fair share of tracking in the outdoors. (Especially if those wily grandkids are running around!)

The added benefit of rugs is that they protect your floors from dirt and debris, heavy furniture, and high-traffic usage. 

Pro Tip: Outdoor is the new indoor. Don’t be afraid to use outdoor rugs inside. They are perfect for high traffic areas, kids, and pets, and they’re very easy to clean.

5. Area rugs absorb sound and add warmth

When you add an area rug to your home, you’ll notice something interesting… the sounds in the room will become quieter. You won’t hear any echoes (especially in larger rooms) and the space will instantly feel more intimate, cozy, and warm. 

Neat, right? You can also hang rugs from the walls for an even more interesting source of texture and sound-proofing. Here’s a fun example:

Well, have we convinced you? If you don’t have any rugs in your home yet, you could be missing out! Come on into our store to take a look at how we’re using rugs. Better yet, bring in a picture of your space so we can help you find the perfect rug!

And don’t forget to come take advantage of our rug clearance sale going on through January!

We want you to be your happiest, coziest self this holiday season — and all your special guests, too. 🙂

Warmly,
Lakeside Living

It’s no secret… fall is coming! This time of year is always a little bittersweet. It’s hard to see summer end and the grandkids going back to school, but at the same time… fall in Wisconsin is GORGEOUS.

There’s nothing better than watching the leaves change colors and cozying up by the fire with cocoa or tea and a good book. 

This time of year is also one of our favorites because changing out your decor is equally as fun! This month, we’re sharing our top 7 tips for making your lake house extra warm, cozy, and oh-so-perfectly fall.

1. Decorate your fireplace mantle.

You don’t need lights and Santas to style your mantle for the fall season! Instead, use natural wood, birch, pine cones, etc. Your home will also benefit from the herbal scent of these fresh beauties.

2. Make your fireplace the focus of the room.

Move your furniture around and assemble it so your fireplace becomes the focus of your living room. With a mantle that’s decorated for the season, and seating that keeps you huddled around the fire, you and your loved ones will feel extra snuggly!

3. Add cozy, soft textures to your living room.

A cozy living space would be nothing without, well, the cozy factor! Throw cozy blankets over the edges of your sofa or chairs, so they’re ready for those bundled up moments. Add a few alpaca, wool or flannel pillows. You can even add pillows and throws to porch chairs!

4. Layer rugs for extra comfort.

Layering rugs is a great way to get a cozy look with added comfort. Place a cowhide over a thick shag or pattern over a solid. Place your furniture either entirely on the outermost rug, or with two feet off the edges to frame the space and keep it feeling together.

5. Add some spicy candles for a fall aroma.

Candles bring warmth and comfort to our eyes, but they can also bring the same feelings to more of our senses! Scents like cinnamon, pine or pumpkin are perfect for the fall season, and will have you sinking into that cozy living room arrangement, feeling inspired to bake in the kitchen, or eager to sip some hot cocoa. (More on scents here!)

 

6. Update your bedding.

A cozy home doesn’t stop at the living room and fireplace… make your bedroom a place for good time snuggles, too. Add a fake fur rug or throw, flannel sheets, a comfy duvet and soft blankets. When the weather turns chilly, you’ll have the perfect haven for some cozy beauty sleep.

7. Refresh your stock of entertainment.

When brisk temperatures have us retreating indoors, we’ll want some entertainment! (Especially if the kids or grandkids are around…) Nobody wants to keep doing the same puzzles!! Check your puzzle, game and book selection, and add a few new faces for some extra fun this autumn.

Well, now that we’ve shared these tips, it’s safe to say we’re pretty excited about the coming season!

If you’re looking for the perfect cozy accessories to transition your cabin from summer to fall, come stop by — we’re just as delighted to help you as if we were decorating our own homes. 🙂

Our best wishes,
Lakeside Living Design