What’s new
Last Lid is a flexible replacement lid for a trash can.
The lid is an elasticized bonnet made of polyethelene fabric that fits cans in a variety of shapes and sizes. Cinching fasteners let you fit the lid snugly on the trash can, and a plastic zip tie keeps it attached to the handle so it won’t blow away.
The Last Lid fits cans up to 32 gallons.
The product can be ordered at www.lastlid.com or 800-210-8128. Two lids sell for $10.99 plus $5.99 shipping and handling.
Q&A
Q: We are thinking of buying some new patio furniture but do not have room in the garage to store it over the winter. What are our options for nice-looking, comfortable furniture that can stay outside? We can invest in covers if necessary.
A: Susan Dovel of B&G Fireplace & Patio in Jackson Township, Ohio, suggested looking for 100 percent aluminum frames, which won’t rust. Even if you buy wicker or resin wicker furniture, the frames should be aluminum.
Make sure the aluminum has a good-quality powder coating, which will hold up better to outdoor conditions, she said. Cast aluminum is often a good choice, because it’s heavy.
Dovel said another option is teak, especially Brazilian teak. Teak will weather and turn gray, but its high oil content will keep it from breaking down the way many other woods will.
If the furniture has cushions, she recommended looking for good outdoor fabrics and fills that contain polyfill and are wrapped for durability. A cushion can have a thin foam core and still be good, but a cushion that’s all foam will break down easily and compact with wear, she said.
Whatever kind of furniture you choose, she recommended investing in covers for winter. The cushions should be stored indoors if possible.
On the shelf
Some people spurn older ranch houses. Others embrace their “Mad Men”-esque allure.
“Atomic Ranch: Midcentury Interiors” is for the latter.
The book, by the creators of Atomic Ranch magazine, takes readers inside eight midcentury homes to showcase their interiors. Some were preserved or restored to their ’50s and ’60s appearance, while others were given more contemporary updates that still honor the homes’ original style.
Readers can pick up tips and inspiration from the homeowners’ decorating choices and learn from their challenges. The book contains plenty of resources and guidance, so if you like something you see, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to replicate it in your own home.
“Atomic Ranch: Midcentury Interiors” is written by Michelle Gringeri-Brown, with photos by Jim Brown. It’s published by Gibbs Smith and sells for $40 in hardcover.