Notes from the Field: Tools of the Trade

By Cheryl Katz 

It will happen. Temperatures will rise. The sun will come out. And spring—in all its budding, blooming glory—will have arrived, albeit a little later than expected. As if responding to a pent up desire to erase any memory of winter’s dreary days, the humble tools of housekeeping have been elevated, displayed like works of art, just in time for a little spring cleaning. Here’s a prescription to keep you whistling while you work.

Don an apron as familiar as your favorite pair of jeans.

Stonghold Selvedge Denim Apron from Kaufmann Mercantile

Grab a vacuum as sunny as the sky.

Calima Vacuum from Miele

Banish paper towels; use super-absorbent cotton dust cloths instead.

Dish Towel from Ancient Industries

Grip a wooden-handled, chic, black bucket from the German-based Redecker and fill it with Common Good’s bergamot-scented floor wash.

Photo courtesy of Remodelista

Photo courtesy of common good

Banish winter’s grime with an oversized dustpan and a beech-and-horsehair brush.

Aluminum Dust Pan from Home Depot

Dust Pan Brush from Ancient Industries