CasaSugar

Love It or Hate It? Skirted Sinks

CasaSugar — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 08:00:05 -0700

While cloth curtains are an economical solution for hiding unsightly pipes in old sinks, they're also proving to be a stylish one. I've seen curtained kitchen and bathroom sinks in a number of designers' portfolios recently. They offer a throwback, retro touch to rooms. Are you a fan?

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Do You Have Cabinets Under Your Bathroom Sink?

CasaSugar — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 10:25:07 -0700

I spotted this bathroom in the portfolio of interiors photographer Monica Bach, and it got me thinking about under-cabinet storage. I've found that having too much storage can quickly lead to collecting unnecessary junk - and that's certainly not fun come time for Spring cleaning. The legs and façade of this sink unit are really stunning, and having just a simple basket below for a few odds and ends lets them shine. What's your storage sitch?
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Casa Verde: Removable Kitchen Sink

CasaSugar — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:00:50 -0800

Considering the current water shortages around the world, it's scary how much water is wasted by simply running the kitchen faucet when washing dishes or produce, etc. So, I was delighted to come across the Australian-made Hughie Sink ($25), a removable kitchen sink that captures 80 percent of the water that would normally be wasted, so you can reuse it to water plants, wash your pets or car, etc.

The sink is made of biodegradable plastic, is lightweight, comes with a sturdy handle, and fits most kitchen sinks. It's also available in a range of colors, so you can find one to match your existing sink. If you don't have any current use for the graywater, you should consider getting a rain barrel to store it, so you have it when you need it! Pretty clever and simple, isn't it?

How-To: Insulate Your Water Heater

CasaSugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:00:01 -0800

Even though we've already wrapped up (har har) House Warming month, I thought I'd show you how to insulate your water heater. After all, Winter's still ahead of us, as are those expensive heating bills. This project improves your hot water efficiency by keeping water in the pipes warmer, delivering hotter water when you run the hot faucet. This way, you're effectively wasting less water since the tap isn't running tepid water when you want hot water.

It's a really easy task, and you'll be able to find the supplies needed at your local hardware store. Make sure to read the manual that goes with your water heater, though, because some manufacturers preclude insulating their heaters. You should also be particularly cautious if you have a gas heater, as it could cause a fire. To learn the steps, read more.

Supplies:

Water heater insulation kit
Measuring tape
Utility knife

Here are the steps, from Realtor.com:

To install the top piece, cut across the top insulation piece wherever necessary to make it fit using the utility knife.
Then, tape the piece in place, making sure not to block the draft diverter if you have a gas heater.
To insulate the sides, wrap them with the larger insulation blanket and secure it with tape to the water heater. Secure the seams with tape as well.
Now, cut holes to reveal the water heater's controls and the drains. And, if you have a gas heater, make sure the blanket is clear of the air intake and burner area also. Fini!

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How-To: Fixing a Leaky Faucet

CasaSugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:30:31 -0700

A leaky faucet is a pretty common annoyance . . . but it needn't be! It's actually fairly simple to fix, so I figured this was an excellent start to your home schooling. So rather than letting water go to waste, and taking migraine medicine to remedy drip-drop-orchestra-induced headaches, just take a few minutes to conquer the inconvenience on your own. You'll just need a washer, faucet stem or O-ring, six-in-one interchangeable screwdriver, and eight-inch adjustable wrench or six-inch slip joint pliers. To learn the steps to saying sayonara to your leaky faucet, read more.

Here's how, from Barbara K!:

First, check to see if the leak is coming from the faucet tap or the handle. If it's the former, you'll need to replace the washer. The latter, you'll need to replace the faucet stem or O-ring.
Turn off the water by turning the knob under the sink.
Drain out any remaining water by opening the faucet.
Next, close up the stopper in the sink bowl and then place a towel in the sink to protect against scratches or chips.
Now, take off the decorative top of the faucet handle.Unscrew the screw that is exposed, so you can then remove the handle.
Remove the stem assembly by turning the locknut counterclockwise with your wrench, and then lifting the stem assembly out. Turn it counterclockwise to loosen the stem if it sticks.
Then, take off the washer underneath.
Pick up an exact match to your washer at the hardware store. Replace the screw with an exact match as well if it looks worn.
Before replacing the stem, clean off any corrosion.
Then replace the washer and screw with your new purchases, and reinstall the stem.
Put the locknut, faucet handle, and decorative cap back on.
Turn the water back on via the valve below the sink.
Turn the faucet on and off, and then listen for any drips. Fini!
If there are any drips, run through the steps again, making sure everything is securely tightened.

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How-To: Unclog the Sink

CasaSugar — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 04:30:13 -0800

Brushing your teeth and realize that the water level is rising dangerously high? Your sink is clogged, and with who knows (and wants to know) what. Not so fast! You don't need to hire a plumber or reach for a bottle of noxious chemicals to make your drain so fresh and so clean. You can handle the task with just a few household ingredients.

Supplies:

1/2 cup baking soda
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 cup lemon juice

To learn the steps, read more.

Pour the baking soda down the drain.
Then, the vinegar.
Rinse with hot water.
Plug the opening with some type of stopper and let it bubble away.
Then, pour in the lemon juice.

Easy as pie! The acidic reaction of the first two steps will eat away at whatever is down there, and the citrus will kick any gnarly scents.
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If Money Weren't an Issue...

CasaSugar — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 06:30:00 -0800

. . . Would you sink serious cash into this Kohler Mille Fleurs sink ($1300)?

Make Your Kitchen Sink Super-Shiny

CasaSugar — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 08:36:21 -0700

We use our kitchen sink for so many things - washing dishes, defrosting dinner, maybe even bathing pets - so it's no surprise that the once-gleaming fixtures are tough to keep clean after a while. In my opinion, a dingy, scuffed kitchen sink can really make a kitchen look dirty, so I can't wait to try these tips from the fun housekeeping site FlyLady on how to clean your sink until it gleams.

I've excerpted the most crucial steps in FlyLady's process, which she says you should use in full just once, the first time you shine your sink. She also has some good pointers on how to keep it clean over time. I find that the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser works wonders in getting the dark scuffs from silverware off of my white sink; what are your secrets?

To see FlyLady's Shiny Sink 101 tutorial, read more

Take all the dishes out of the sink.
Run some very hot water into the sink. Fill to the rim. Only do one side at a time. Then, pour a cup of household bleach into the hot water. Let it sit for 1 hour. Now, pull the plug with a pair of tongs. If you don't have tongs, then scoop some of the water out of the sink into the other sink and use your hand to pull the plug (wear gloves and don't get the bleach-water on your clothes).
Rinse your sink well.
Use some cleanser (Comet, Ajax, or baking soda) and scrub your sink. Ensure you rinse all of the cleanser from the sink.
Take a sharp edge and clean around the rim of the sink, just like you would clean dirt out from under your fingernails.
Clean around the faucets too. You may need an old toothbrush or dental floss.
Now, get out your window cleaner, I use Windex, and give it a good shine.
If you still don't like the way it looks, then you could try some car wax.
Every time you run water in your sink, take your clean dishtowel and dry it out (I lay out a clean one, every night with my before bedtime routine). Before you know it, you will be doing this every time you leave your kitchen. The rest of the family will too. No more water spots. You will have a clean and shiny sink.

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Coveted Crib: A Paper-Perfect Studio Loft

CasaSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:00:50 -0800

If I had my druthers, I probably wouldn't choose to live in a studio. But if I had to, I cannot imagine a more perfect space than this studio loft in Lägenhet, Stockholm (which is for sale). With tall ceilings, a bed and extra storage are tucked up high, making for a true living room. The apartment's bright white walls and beautiful natural light expand the space, while a select few gorgeously wallpapered walls give it depth and serious style. The kitchen has streamlined modern white cabinetry and one of my favorite elements: concrete countertops. The bathroom is complete with a towel warmer (woot!), a washer/dryer, and a sharp zebrawood sink basin. And better yet, it boasts what every girl dreams of: a walk-in closet. Take the full tour when you read more.

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Link Time!

CasaSugar — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:30:34 -0800

Check out these contemporary Thanksgiving tablescapes. - Simply Stated
Decorate with leafy greens. - AT:Chicago
Install a deadbolt. - Charles and Hudson
Make a retro felt holiday tree. - Craft
Tour this awesome office. - Shelterrific
Try this smart eco solution for sink clogs. - Danny Seo
Invest a few bucks in a blissful bedroom. - ShelterPop