Casters: IMPORTANT! Be sure the casters are rated for supporting the weight of the completed island with top. We used 3-inch-diameter casters, though you could use 4-inch casters if you need the additional height for achieving a finished countertop height closer to 36 inches. Step 1 Lay both sofa tables upside down on a floor, then cleanly and squarely saw off the back legs flush with the tables’ bottom frame pieces....

Delphinium plants and seeds are toxic. Plant them in a location away from children and pets. Flowers and Foliage Delphiniums are sought after and planted for their blue flowers. These beautiful blues come in a variety of shades and forms. Many feature a white center, which adds a bright contrast to the deep, rich blue. Most delphiniums are in the blue and purple range, but they can also be found in pinks and reds....

Cleaning your showerhead is also good for your family’s health. Wet environments like the one inside a showerhead are breeding grounds for bacteria. In fact, a recent study by the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences found that residential showerheads often contain abundant amounts of Mycobacterium (a genus of bacteria known to cause lung disease) growing in the slimy film that lives inside your shower nozzle. Fortunately, you can descale your showerhead using a handful of household items....

How to Clean Grout Follow our simple step-by-step instructions for cleaning grout with natural ingredients. What You Need Wet clothBaking sodaWater, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxideMixing bowlGrout brush or old toothbrushGrout sealer Step 1: Prep the Grout Area Begin by wiping down the tile with a damp cloth. Remove any visible dust, dirt, or general grime. If there is any buildup or stains, take the time to clean those, too. Step 2: Mix Cleaning Solution The best solution for cleaning grout depends on the state of your tile grout....

How to Clean Kitchen Floor Tiles Ceramic tile is easy to clean, making it a durable choice for kitchen traffic. Clean ceramic kitchen tile with a mix of warm water and mild detergent or liquid dish soap. Use a rag or chamois-type mop rather than a sponge mop, which tends to push dirty water into the grout lines, making them harder to clean. Don’t let your glazed tile floors air-dry. The sitting water will form water spots....

How to Cook Orzo Use these general orzo cooking instructions for four (¾-cup) servings of orzo: In a large saucepan ($30, Bed Bath and Beyond) bring 3 quarts lightly salted water to boiling. No need to add cooking oil to the pasta water; adding oil prevents sauces and seasonings from adhering to the orzo. Add 8 ounces (about 1¼ cup) dried orzo. Boil the orzo about 10 minutes or until it has a firm, chewy texture, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking together....

Wall Colors that Go with Black Sofas Because coal and charcoal-hued sofas are “go big or go home” design choices, they deserve a place in the limelight. There’s no better way to showcase their profiles than by using a high-contrast wall color. But before choosing your paint color, formulate a color palette, then carry a version of one of those shades onto the wall. Generally, laid-back paint colors, such as pearly gray, pastel peach, creamy yellow, sky blue, and lighter earth tones allow black sofas to shine, while adding hints of color and warmth to the space....

How to Decorate with Houseplants When decorating with houseplants, there are some things to keep in mind. It’s not just how they look in the room, you have to consider the plants’ care and living conditions. For example, some plants will tolerate low light and thrive in tricky areas like your bathroom, while others need a spot by the window to grow. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you bring more plants home:...

Note: Many recipes call for food to be dredged, then dipped in a liquid (such as eggs or buttermilk) followed by a seasoned coating. This process is breading—more on that below. How to Dredge Food Here’s how to dredge chicken or other food. Spread the coating in a shallow dish, such as a pie plate.Roll the food around in the coating until the food is coated on all sides. Shake off excess....

To espalier, prune to create a main vertical stem, then train the side branches to achieve the desired shape. Depending on the plant, this can take a year or two to establish and requires regular care. Thereafter, an espalier requires only light pruning to hold its shape. Instructions Step 1: Plan your pattern. Espalier fruit trees in a pattern. Fruit trees are often grown horizontally (diagram A) to maximize the fruit set....