Malta Development Blog

A home wine cellar is a great way to utilize many basements. The Wine Spectator recommends a temperature between 45° F and 65° F with 55° F almost perfect. Most basements will be a consistent temperature in this overall range, which is very important; extreme fluctuations in temperature can harm wines but a stable temperature will treat them gently.

Tired of getting an aching back from kneeling over to plant your pots? Need a central spot to organize all your plant potting and gardening needs? Take a tip from the pros – a potting bench is the solution!

You're getting your address book out to call up friends and family, when you suddenly remember that the last time you hosted a party, the post-cleaning process dampened your spirits. When you host a gathering, there's bound to be a few spills. That shouldn't deter you from bringing loved ones together. Instead, read up on these easy ways to remove common party stains.
 
Red Wine: Sometimes, a simple glass clink can lead to an unsightly pool of Cabernet on your eggshell-colored carpet or rug. To save the party, find the nearest microfiber or white cloth, club soda and begin blotting the soon-to-be-gone stain. If you've noticed the stain once it's already dry, create a mixture of one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid and white vinegar (each) and a couple cups of warm water. Blot until the stain is gone.
 
Candle Wax: Dinner parties with old friends can often go long into the night. Nostalgia becomes the theme. The last thing on your mind is that mound of candle wax dripping onto your luxuriously embroidered tablecloth. If you find yourself in this predicament, put the tablecloth in the freezer so it's easier to scrape off the wax with a blunt edge knife. There may be some remaining wax. Iron on the reverse side with a sheet of wax paper on the affected side. The melted wax will transfer completely onto the wax paper.
 
Chocolate: What's a good party without dessert? As the excitement builds up in anticipation for that chocolate tart on its way out of the kitchen, you see your slice fall off your plate in slow motion. No need to fret. Assemble a mixture of dish washing liquid (1 tbsp.) and a couple cups of cold water. Use this liquid mixture to blot the stain until no there's no more chocolate transfer. Use a fan to completely dry the affected area.
 
Coffee: Late night coffee marathons keep the festivities going. Long after most everyone has left, coffee tops off an eventful night. When the inevitable coffee spill happens, a concoction of one tablespoon of liquid dish soap and white vinegar (each) and a couple cups of cool water does the trick. Grab a white cloth and blot to remove the spilled coffee.
 
Gravy: Slippery fingers and an overfilled gravy boat is a recipe for disaster. The next time you see that rich and brown sauce cascading straight onto your high-end textiles, you'll have a plan. To remove spilled gravy, apply a laundry stain remover and let it soak in the washing machine for a couple of hours. Once washed, air dry and you're done.
 
Cranberry Sauce: Its crimson red hue and sweet scent makes it a holiday party favorite. The favoritism ends when it comes in contact with your bright white tablecloth. To remove this stain, create a solution of mild liquid detergent (1/2 tbsp.), vinegar (1 tbsp.), and a quart of cold water. Let it sit on the stain for about 15 minutes. Wash with cool water afterwards.
 
We hope these stain removal tips have eased your worries of hosting a party in your home. Even a few minor spills become part of the story of the night.

If you have dull wood closet doors, peeling paint, or simply think the portals to your attire are too plain, you might be thinking of giving your closet doors a renovation. If you're looking to give your unadorned closet doors a makeover, you've come to the right place. Because why should all the attention go to the wardrobe inside? Take a look at the following transformation ideas you can create in no time.
 

If you're a passionate home cook, having an extensive array of spices on hand is a must. The last thing you want to do is disrupt your cooking flow while you shuffle around in the pantry looking for the turmeric. Finding unique ways to store your items can make cooking a lot more efficient and fun. Read below for ideas on how you can make your very own magnetic spice rack in no time.
 

Decorating your laundry room involves having an eye for design and space. Just like garages, they can become a catch-all for miscellaneous knick-knacks. Just because you don't spend a lot of time in the laundry room, doesn't mean you can't make it look chic and organized.

What comes to mind when you hear the words "pine cone", "corn husk", and "pumpkin" in the same sentence? If you thought of Fall, you're on the right track! It's that time of year where your family and friends come over for some great-tasting food and wholesome festivities. It's your chance to decorate your home to go along with this autumn season.

In our Lakeview Landing homes, guest rooms are often a point of interest, therefore, we’d like to share some tips on how you can make guests feel extra welcome with a comfy guest room.
Whether you have a devoted room for guests or you clear out a room for their stay, eliminate as much clutter as you can so that guests have places to hang clothes (and make sure there are extra hangers), stow away shoes and put their jewelry for the night. A foldable luggage rack (like the ones you see in hotels) is extra-useful, too.

It is sometimes difficult to find just the right gift for a friend or family member. Gift baskets are the perfect answer! They're creative, thoughtful, and always fit correctly. You can give them for any number of occasions: birthdays, holidays, as a thank you, for a baby or wedding shower, or just because. Here are five gift basket suggestions.

Are you in need of some fun Valentine’s spirit for your home?