Published on: 11 September 2021
Last Updated on: 01 October 2021
When it comes to dining seating options, you do not only have to choose individual chairs all the time. A dining bench can be a great choice depending on many factors. Let’s find out more about dining bench seats.
What Is A Dining Bench?
A bench is a long seat that allows more than one person to sit. It is usually made of wood but may also be made of metal or synthetic materials. Other types of benches also come with cushions and upholstery to make them more comfortable and stylish.
In the dining room, a dining bench is a functional piece of furniture that creates a casual, cozy, and intimate dining experience while helping you save some space.
Reasons For Getting A Dining Bench
If you are hoping to convince yourself to get a dining bench seat, here are reasons why you may need one:
1. It Provides Additional Seating
Worried about extra seating space for guests? A dining bench can be a viable solution for accommodating them on the table without squeezing in additional chairs.
2. It Is Well-Suited For Families With Small Kids
If you are a big family with little kids, a dining bench can sit them comfortably without taking up much space for individual chairs. Even if you don’t have little kids, this setup is also helpful if your family members have small bodies.
3. It Is Suitable For Starting Families
New and starting families can use a dining bench that provides for additional seating in the future. A bench can also make an excellent adult-kid dining arrangement in one seat.
4. It Creates A Cozy And Casual Dining Room Setting
If you want a casual and laid-back dining atmosphere, a dining bench can help create this look and feel. You can also choose a dining bench for your patio, garden, or deck, where gatherings, snacks, and other fun things happen.
5. It Can Help Utilize Unused Spaces In Your Dining Area
Thinking about an awkward space by your window or corner in your room? A dining bench can be a perfect solution for utilizing unused spaces in your dining area. For example, you can use a dining bench in your bay window or alcove in your dining area.
6. It Is A Great Space-Saver
As long as you choose a dining bench with the correct dimensions, you can have real space-saving furniture. You can push your bench all the way under your table, which gives you a spacious area around the dining table when not in use. There are also built-in bench types, which are effective space-savers too.
7. It Makes Your Home Unique
If you want to create a unique home statement, get a dining bench. Most dining sets consist of a dining table and individual chairs. However, you can steer away from this setup and instead do a combination of a dining bench and individual chairs for a more unique look.
8. It Gives You Plenty Of Options
Variety is one of the benefits of getting a bench for your dining area. You will find many dining bench types made of different materials, dimensions, and styles to suit your needs. If you want to get more trendy, dining benches are also very easy to style with.
How To Choose A Dining Bench
If you decide to get a bench for your dining room, below are some tips that will help you choose the right furniture piece.
1. Pick The Correct Dimensions
To get the proper dimensions of a bench, measure your dining table first. Then, decide on the height and length of your bench. The usual height is between 18 to 20 inches or 46-51cm. The length would depend on whether you want your seat as long as your dining table or you want to tuck it under your table.
2. Choose The Appropriate Material
The material you choose for your bench will depend on factors like homestyle, comfort, and its users. For a traditional homestyle, for instance, a solid wood dining bench would look fitting. On the other hand, if you want more comfort, you can choose a cushioned, upholstered dining bench. Finally, if you have little children around, you can go for a leather-upholstered dining bench to make cleaning easier.
3. Decide On The Bench Type
Dining benches come in different types, including the ones compared below. Just go for the one that matches your needs, dining space, style, budget, and the look you want to achieve.
Bench with backrest vs. bench with no backrest
Banquet or built-in bench vs. detached bench
Full-length vs. tucked-in dining bench
Wooden vs. upholstered bench
A dining bench can combine both functionality and style. If you want a practical solution to a limited dining space, choosing a dining bench is sensible. As an added bonus, it can give your dining room a unique look and casual feel.
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In the dynamic realm of design, a captivating trend has taken root that resonates globally and within the context of interior design. The art of plant styling, a practice that breathes life into spaces by introducing lush greenery, has found its place within the landscape of interior design. From the serene homes of Singapore to bustling commercial establishments, the fusion of nature and interior design in Singapore has paved the way for a new aesthetic that redefines spaces. This article looks into the profound impact of this transformative approach, exploring its role in shaping ambience, fostering well-being, and enhancing visual appeal within Singapore's interior design framework. Singapore combines innovative interior design with abundant urban greenery, creating harmonious living spaces that blend functionality and nature seamlessly. The city's commitment to sustainable architecture and lush landscapes enhances the overall quality of life.
Integrating Nature's Serenity:
Plant styling represents an endeavour to transcend the conventional boundaries between indoors and outdoors. The gentle sway of leaves, the soothing rustle of branches, and the play of light on foliage create a captivating tableau of serenity. These natural elements have the remarkable ability to not only enrich the visual aesthetics of a space but also to imbue it with an intangible sense of calm, offering a haven of tranquillity amid the modern whirlwind.
Foliage As Functional Art:
Beyond its artistic significance, the incorporation of greenery within interior design holds functional virtues that are equally captivating. Indoor plants act as dynamic purifiers, diligently working to improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and releasing oxygen. This symbiotic exchange is a testament to the remarkable synergy between the natural world and human habitation, resulting in spaces that are not only visually inviting but also remarkably conducive to holistic well-being.
Evolving Design Aesthetics:
The interior design canvas is ever-evolving, with aesthetics that shape-shift in response to cultural shifts and design movements. The beauty of plant styling lies in its ability to seamlessly adapt to these evolving aesthetics, transcending the boundaries of design trends. Whether it's the sleek lines of minimalism, the free-spirited eclecticism of bohemian design, or the raw industrial appeal, greenery finds a way to weave its verdant magic, breathing life into these aesthetics and fostering a harmonious coexistence between the designed and the natural.
The Art Of Selection:
Choosing the right plants to adorn interior spaces is akin to curating a living gallery. Each plant chosen is a testament to an intricate interplay of factors – from light availability and humidity levels to aesthetic preferences and maintenance commitments. The heart of this endeavour is striking the perfect equilibrium between aesthetic allure and the practicality of plant care, resulting in a tapestry of green that enchants the senses and enhances the atmosphere.
Nurturing Connection:
Plant styling is more than an aesthetic venture; it's an intimate connection with nature that thrives within one's living space. Nurturing indoor plants instils a sense of responsibility and mindfulness as one tends to the growth, well-being, and seasonal changes of these living companions. This connection fosters a deeper appreciation for the resilience of nature, weaving the threads of the natural world into the fabric of daily life.
Creating Focal Points:
In the tapestry of interior design, plants serve as masterful focal points, guiding the eye and punctuating spaces with living accents. Majestic ferns, cascading ivy, or sculptural cacti effortlessly take centre stage, captivating the observer with their unique forms and textures. These focal points transform mundane corners into captivating nooks, where the play of light and shadow on foliage tells a visual story that evolves throughout the day.
The Versatility Of Planters And Containers:
The vessels that cradle these botanical wonders are as integral to the design narrative as the plants themselves. The design spectrum of planters and containers spans rustic terracotta pots to sleek, modern ceramics and even repurposed vessels that breathe new life into forgotten objects. This versatility extends the creative possibilities of plant styling as containers become an extension of the design language, introducing new textures, colours, and forms.
Integrating Plant Styling In Commercial Spaces:
The allure of plant styling isn't confined to residential spaces alone; it has also made its indelible mark on the commercial landscape. Forward-thinking offices, elegant hotels, and dynamic retail environments have embraced the verdant touch of greenery. The infusion of plants within these spaces goes beyond aesthetics, fostering employee well-being, enhancing customer experiences, and creating an environment that promotes creativity and productivity.
Symbiosis Of Light And Greenery
The interplay between light and plants is a symphony that defines the heart of plant styling. Plants thrive in well-lit spaces, where sunlight cascades over leaves, casting intricate patterns and dynamic shadows. This symbiotic relationship between light and greenery transforms interiors into living canvases, where the ever-changing dance of illumination narrates an evolving story.
Conclusion:
As the chapters of interior design in Singapore continue to unfold, the integration of plant styling emerges as a timeless motif that marries the lush beauty of nature with the precision of design. This artistic symbiosis transcends aesthetics, creating spaces that exude tranquillity, health, and elegance. From the serene corners of private homes to the innovative interiors of commercial spaces, plant styling infuses its magic, redefining the essence of interior design in Singapore. In this ever-evolving narrative, the fusion of greenery and design remains a constant reminder that the beauty of nature is an eternal source of inspiration. As interior design in Singapore continues to shape urban environments, the allure of plant styling serves as a testament to the enduring power of nature's splendour within the tapestry of design.
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Wallpaper is a versatile material. Its use is not restricted to simply covering walls so that home interiors can look more presentable. Home interior can be made fabulous when you are using the interior wallpaper.
In a young adult novel by Judy Blume, a character named Rachel Robinson presented a clever hack with wallpaper — she used it as a beautiful cover for her school notebooks. Indeed, similar to this example, there’s no shortage of ways to get creative with wallpaper.
So, if you are looking for an affordable way to update the look of your home, provided below are 10 exciting ways wallpaper can help you achieve this.
Different Ways Your Home Interior Can Make Things More Attractive
Multiple ways you can make your home interior look gorgeous is illustrated in this article broadly explained
1. Create an accent wall
If you like the look of your painted walls, but you want one particular wall to draw attention, cover it with wallpaper or multiple designs of wallpaper. You can create a splash of color or bring in a luxurious texture just by using this stick-on wall cover, and you can even get this makeover project done in a day.
2. Create wall art
Wallpaper comes in a wide range of designs, and you will find that some patterns look beautiful enough to be framed and displayed on a wall. Home Interior can be beautiful if the wall art makes sense with your requirement.
If you feel like being extra creative in turning wallpaper into framed art, you can create a mosaic pattern by combining different designs. A clever Pinterest DIY-er even suggests using wallpaper on decorative plates, and it works.
3. Cover your tables
If you like the look of continuity in the interior design of your home, how about using your wallpaper to cover the different tables throughout the house?
This is a breeze to do. You just need to cut your preferred wallpaper to size and glue it on tabletops. If your tables have a glass top, you can just lay the wallpaper on the table and let the glass hold it in place.
4. Give drawers a fresh look
Banged-up drawers can gain a fresh and more contemporary look if you cover them up with wallpaper. This is a popular trick you will find in Country Living, Martha Stewart, and other lifestyle magazines.
Some people even like to use luxe fabric-like textured wallpaper; they are perfect not only as a cover-up but also for supporting the structural makeup of the drawers.
5. Replace old lampshades
Again, if you want a look of a consistent or uniform theme in your home interior, use extra pieces of your wallpaper to decorate other home fixtures and features.
Covering lampshades with wallpaper is another easy project that can elevate the appeal of your home further.
6. Jazz up your stairs
If you have an eclectic style, consider creating funky stairs by covering the risers of your stairs with different designs of wallpaper. This is a quick and simple project that can instantly bring color and fun to your home interior.
Another way to do this is by creating a stair runner using thick wallpaper with Afghan, baroque, and romantic designs.
7. Cover books on display
Old hardbound books can look like new by merely covering them up with scraps of wallpaper. These make fancy decorative elements for offices and grand rooms.
You can line them up on shelves, stack them to add height to vases and other decors, and even use these upgraded tomes to create floating shelves.
8. Decorate doors
Give plain doors a more artistic and elegant vibe with wallpaper.
Framed and panel doors, for example, can have a bit more personality or pizzazz if you lay wallpaper that’s been cut to size on the panels.
Kamiseta Hotel in the Philippines decorated many of its doors this way, and it’s definitely one of the reasons why it’s been voted the prettiest boutique hotel in the country.
9. Create a new chair backrest
Want to spruce up the design of an antique dining set? This is easy to do with a fresh coat of paint and wallpaper. You can wrap the slats of the backrest with wallpaper, or cut wallpaper to size to cover rectangular or circular backrests.
10. Line shelves and bookcases.
Finally, if your shelves and book cabinets tend to blend into the background because of their color, you can turn them into complete eye-catchers by lining their interior with bright wallpaper. The impact is so charming and pretty.
These wallpaper ideas are more than enough for your home design upgrade, but there are more than you can consider trying out. You truly are only limited by your imagination.
So, keep a collection of your favorite wallpaper designs handy and, for sure, you will find new ways to use them for the improvement of your home interior.
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Being a gardener, I know Spinach is one of the most popular and versatile leafy greens you can grow in your garden. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber and can be used in salads, soups, smoothies, and more. But how do you harvest spinach the right way so that you can enjoy it fresh and crisp and make it last longer?
In this article, I will show you how to harvest spinach, so it keeps growing. I will also explain how to harvest spinach seeds, how to store and freeze spinach, and the health benefits of spinach. Additionally, I will also share some tips and tricks on how to grow spinach successfully and how to use it in delicious recipes.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert gardener, this guide will help you make the most of your spinach harvest. So, keep on reading till the end to learn more, and thank me later!
Driven by Benefits: Why are People Growing Spinach?
Spinach is not only tasty but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. It can help improve various aspects of health, such as:
Eye Health
Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids that protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Spinach also contains vitamin A, which is essential for vision and eye health.
Blood Pressure
Spinach is high in potassium, magnesium, and nitrates, which are compounds that help lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels. Spinach also contains folate. This helps prevent homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Bone Health
Spinach is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, which are important for bone health and density. Spinach also contains vitamin C, which helps the body absorb calcium and produce collagen, a protein that strengthens the bones and connective tissues.
Immune System
Spinach is loaded with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights off infections and inflammation. Spinach also contains vitamin E, which enhances the immune response and protects the cells from oxidative stress.
Digestion
Spinach is high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and prevent constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Fiber also feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut. This improves the digestion and absorption of nutrients. It also supports the immune system.
Skin And Hair
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and iron, which are essential for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin A helps maintain the moisture and elasticity of the skin and prevents acne and wrinkles. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which keeps the skin firm and smooth.
On the other hand, vitamin E helps protect the skin from sun damage and aging. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the skin and hair cells and prevents anemia, which can cause hair loss and pale skin.
How To Harvest Spinach So It Keeps Growing
One of the best things about spinach is that it's a cut-and-come-again crop. This means you can harvest it multiple times throughout the season if you do it correctly. Here are the steps to follow to harvest spinach so it keeps growing:
Choose the right time to harvest
The best time to harvest spinach is when the leaves are young and tender. This is usually about 40 to 50 days after planting. You can also harvest baby spinach leaves earlier, about 25 to 30 days after planting.
You should harvest spinach before it starts to bolt. This is when it produces flowers and seeds and becomes bitter and tough. Spinach usually bolts when the days get longer and warmer. So, you should harvest it more frequently in the spring and summer.
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves
You can either cut the whole plant at the base, leaving about an inch of stem, or cut individual leaves from the outer part of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to grow.
You should cut the leaves about an inch above the soil, to avoid damaging the crown and the roots. Moreover, you should also avoid cutting too many leaves from one plant, as this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least half of the leaves on each plant.
Wash and dry the leaves
You should wash the spinach leaves as soon as possible after harvesting, to remove any dirt, bugs, or pesticides. You can use a colander or a salad spinner to rinse the leaves under cold water. After this, pat them dry with a paper towel or a cloth. Additionally, you should remove any damaged or yellow leaves, and trim any tough stems.
Enjoy or store the leaves
You can eat the spinach leaves fresh, or store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. We'll explain how to store and freeze spinach in the next sections.
How to Harvest Spinach Seeds?
If you want to save some spinach seeds for the next season or share them with your friends and family, you must let some spinach plants bolt and produce flowers and seeds. Here are the steps to follow to harvest spinach seeds:
Select the best plants to save seeds from
It would be best if you chose healthy, vigorous, and productive plants with the desired characteristics. Some of these are the flavor, size, color, and disease resistance.
Apart from these, you should also avoid saving seeds from hybrid varieties, as they will not produce true-to-type plants. You should look for open-pollinated or heirloom varieties, which will produce plants that are similar to the parent plants.
Isolate the plants to prevent cross-pollination
Spinach is a wind-pollinated crop, which means that it can cross-pollinate with other spinach plants or related plants, such as beets, chard, or quinoa, within a distance of up to a mile. This can result in seeds that have different traits than the parent plants. To prevent cross-pollination, you should isolate the plants you want to save seeds from, by either planting them far away from other spinach plants or related plants, or covering them with a mesh bag or a cage.
Let the plants flower and set seeds
You should let the plants bolt and produce flowers, which are small and yellow, and then wait for the seeds to form and mature. The seeds are round and black, and they are enclosed in a spiny husk. The seeds are ready to harvest when they are dry and hard, and the husks are brown and brittle, usually about four to six weeks after flowering.
Harvest and clean the seeds
You should cut the seed stalks and place them in a paper bag or a bucket, and then shake or rub them to release the seeds from the husks.
Furthermore, you should then winnow the seeds, which separates the seeds from the chaff or the husks and other debris. You can do this by blowing or fanning the seeds or using a screen or a sieve. You should end up with clean and shiny seeds.
Store the seeds
It would be best if you stored the spinach seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a jar, a tin, or a plastic bag. You should also label the seeds with the variety name and the date of harvest. Besides, you can store the spinach seeds for up to five years, but they will germinate better if you use them within two to three years.
How to Store and Freeze Spinach?
Spinach is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. However, if you have a large harvest, or you want to preserve spinach for later use, you can store or freeze it. Here are the best ways to store and freeze spinach:
Store spinach in the refrigerator
You can store fresh spinach in the refrigerator for up to a week if you keep it in a perforated plastic bag or a container with a lid. However, you should avoid washing the spinach before storing it, as this will make it wilt faster. You should wash the spinach just before using it.
Freeze spinach raw
You can freeze raw spinach without blanching it, which is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil. However, freezing raw spinach will result in a mushy and watery texture and a loss of flavor and nutrients. To freeze raw spinach, you should wash and dry the leaves, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze raw spinach for up to six months, and use it in smoothies, soups, or casseroles.
Freeze spinach blanched
You can freeze blanched spinach, which will retain its color, texture, flavor, and nutrients better than raw spinach. To freeze blanched spinach, you should wash and trim the leaves, and then blanch them in boiling water for one to two minutes, depending on the size of the leaves.
You should then drain and cool the leaves, and squeeze out the excess water. You can then pack the leaves in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Furthermore, you can freeze blanched spinach for up to a year, and use it in salads, sandwiches, or quiches.
Things to Keep in Mind: How to Grow Spinach Successfully?
Spinach is a cool-season crop that grows best in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are between 40°F and 75°F. It can tolerate light frost but not heat or drought. Spinach also prefers moist, fertile, and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Here are some tips and tricks on how to grow spinach successfully:
Choose the right variety
There are many types of spinach, but the most common varieties are savoy, semi-savoy, and flat-leafed. Savoy spinach has dark green, crinkly leaves that are great for salads and wraps. Semi-savoy spinach has slightly curled leaves that are more resistant to diseases and bolting. Flat-leafed spinach has smooth, broad leaves that are easy to clean and process. You can also choose spinach varieties based on their maturity time, bolt resistance, flavor, and color. Bloomsdale, Tyee, Space, Melody, and Red Kitten are popular spinach varieties.
Sow the seeds
You can sow spinach seeds directly in the garden, or start them indoors and transplant them later. The best time to sow spinach seeds is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer or early fall, for a winter harvest. You can also sow spinach seeds every two to three weeks, for a continuous harvest.
Besides this, you should sow the seeds about half an inch deep, and one to two inches apart, in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. You should water the seeds well, and keep the soil moist until they germinate, which usually takes seven to 14 days.
Thin the seedlings
When the spinach seedlings have two to four true leaves, you should thin them to avoid overcrowding and competition. You should leave about four to six inches of space between each plant, and eat or transplant the thinned seedlings. You should also weed the area around the spinach plants regularly, to prevent pests and diseases.
Harvest the leaves
Depending on the variety, you can start harvesting spinach leaves when they are big enough to eat, usually about 25 to 50 days after sowing. You can either harvest the whole plant or pick individual leaves from the outer part of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to grow.
Additionally, you should harvest spinach in the morning, when the leaves are crisp and fresh, and before the sun gets too hot. You should also harvest spinach before it starts to bolt, which is when it produces flowers and seeds, and becomes bitter and tough.
How to Use Spinach in Different Cuisines and Recipes?
Spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different cuisines and recipes. Whether you want to make a salad, a soup, a pasta, a pie, or a smoothie, spinach can add flavor, color, and nutrition to your dish. Here are some examples of how to use spinach in different cuisines and recipes:
Mediterranean cuisine
Spinach is a staple ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes, such as spanakopita, a Greek pie made with spinach and feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough, or spinach and chickpea stew, a Moroccan dish flavored with cumin, paprika, and lemon juice. You can also make a simple spinach salad with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
Asian cuisine
Spinach is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese, Japanese, and Indian dishes. You can make a Chinese spinach and tofu stir-fry with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, or a Japanese spinach and sesame salad with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. You can also make an Indian spinach and potato curry with onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and garam masala, or a spinach and paneer cheese dish with cream, tomato, and fenugreek.
Italian cuisine
Spinach is a common ingredient in Italian cuisine, especially in pasta, pizza, and lasagna. You can make a spinach and ricotta ravioli with butter and sage sauce, or a spinach and mushroom pizza with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. You can also make a spinach and cheese lasagna with béchamel sauce, or a spinach and artichoke dip with cream cheese and sour cream.
American cuisine
Spinach is also popular in American cuisine, especially salads, sandwiches, and casseroles. You can make a spinach and strawberry salad with almonds and poppy seed dressing or a spinach and bacon sandwich with mayonnaise and mustard. You can also make a spinach and cheese casserole with eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs, or a spinach and artichoke quiche with pie crust and cheddar cheese.
Wrapping It Up!
Spinach is a wonderful vegetable that you can harvest, store, and use in various ways. It's easy to grow, harvest, and store spinach, as long as you follow some simple steps and tips. It's also healthy, delicious, and versatile, as you can use it in many different cuisines and recipes. Spinach is a green treasure that you don't want to miss.
If you want to know about how to harvest spinach, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then, leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be ether to answer them all for you.
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