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Embrace the spring, indoors & outdoors
Around the world, Spring arrives with a shift in weather, temperatures and daylight hours which is welcomed at this time of the year. Flowers and trees bloom anew, animals bear new young and most people commemorate the season with an enthusiastic busyness, intending to shake off the chill of cooler months.
Often a priority for people during Spring is to spruce up their homes, lawns or gardens with home improvement projects or more minuscule modifications that shimmer.
Something as small as infusing a home (or one room) with flowers can transform an indoor winter atmosphere into a refreshingly springy and vibrant one. Or, you can prepare the garden by cleaning out weeds and tilling the soil ensuring everything is ready when adding new plants to the outdoor sanctuary.
A simple seasonal tip, for example, is to sow perennial seeds so that each year you will have a unique and lively spring garden.
On the following pages are simple, easy and affordable tips and suggestions for indoor and outdoor Spring sprucing.
Improving the Interior Spring cleaning and simple renovation tips
If you need a little help starting your spring cleaning, know this: you can clean all at once or in steps over a period set at your own pace, the approach is up to you, but always start with a plan. First, you need to inventory your cleaning supplies and pick up whatever you are missing. You do not want to get halfway through a project only to learn you are out of trash bags, glass cleaner, cleaning cloths, detergent, touch-up paint, caulk, soap, sanitizers and such.
Once your supplies are secured, list the tasks you want to tackle and divide them by room. Prioritize the rooms you want to clean by starting with the most disheveled room first.
If you don’t know where to start when thinking about your cleaning objectives consider the following Spring Cleaning Prep Plan.
General Tasks
• Check the batteries in the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors and complete home safety checks
• Wipe down all light switches and remotes
• Vacuum the walls with a soft brush attachment (or by hand with a damp cloth) making sure to catch cobwebs
• Wipe or vacuum the dust from ceiling fan blades and if using a cleaning product, spray it on the cleaning cloth directly then apply it to the blades
• Vacuum and wipe down blinds, aiming for at least one room a day
• Purchase a fire extinguisher for the home and garage
The Kitchen
The focus: Countertops, cabinets, appliances, refrigerator, freezer, sink, pantry and the trashcan
Empty and wash down the trashcan and clean and sanitize the fridge and freezer, ridding it of expired and spilled food. Additionally, clean the coils behind the fridge. Wipe down the counter tops, cabinets and scrub the sink and faucet. Take time to deep clean kitchen appliances, especially the microwave (a steam clean with water a lemon works wonders) and the oven. Make sure to remove and scrub the racks. Lastly, organize the pantry getting rid of expired foods and sorting the rest for easy access and inventory.
The Living Room
The focus: Tables, TV stands, shelves and couches
Wash or steam the curtains, throw blankets and couch cushion covers. And when cleaning the couch, make sure to vacuum beneath the cushions and the couch, too. Any shelves, tables and TV stand will do well with a thorough dusting and wipe down.
The Bathroom
The focus: Sink, tub, toilet, mirror and cabinets/wall storage Throw bath mats, shower curtains and towels into the washing machine and scrub the toilet, tub/shower and sink. The mirrors and faucets should receive a wipedown and any cabinets or storage areas in the bathroom that hold toiletries need to be decluttered and organized
The Bedroom
The focus: Bed, furniture, closets
As with the curtains, bedding — sheets, pillowcases, mattress covers, blankets — should go through a wash. Any bedroom furniture, including lamps, need to be dusted and the floor or rugs should be vacuumed.
Decluttering Tips
with sorting: use four boxes; one for keepdonating, selling and trashing (label the boxes to confusion)
prevent feeling overwhelmed: Start with tasks and a brief cleaning time frame ( use a setting it for 15 to 20 minutes)
To ensure only functional and necessary items remain: Clear counter tops, removing anything that isn’t used daily and donate clothes, games and toys that have been outgrown
To visualize the goal and remain motivate: Take before and after pictures of a small area you want to declutter. When you compare the before photograph to the after one, it will be easier to see how beneficial decluttering the rest of your home will be
To stay on track: Complete one area or task fully before moving onto the next one
Bring in a professional organizer when
... you have difficulty finding time: Procrastination is a major component behind why people do not get ahead of clutter. It’s easy to shrug off the job in favor of other tasks. Hiring an organizer is handing the job off to someone whose job it is to find the time to tidy up.
... you feel overwhelmed: Many people admit that the idea of tackling organizational jobs puts them in a tailspin. Individuals who feel that the organization has gotten away from them to the point that the job seems impossible can benefit from hiring an organizer. In addition, those who have been diagnosed with a hoarding disorder and are ill at ease at the idea of getting rid of items likely will find a professional organizer can be a saving grace.
... you are moving into a new space: New homeowners, renters or office workers moving into new spaces may want to start out on more organized footing. A professional organizer can help to lay a more tidy foundation.
... you never achieved organizing goals: Many people try to get their spaces in order, but fall flat time and again. For those whose spaces have never quite been organized the way they have wanted, a professional organizer can provide the tips and tricks that work. He or she will not do the work without you but will guide you through the process.
..one space is problematic: Some people master organizing but still have one room or area they cannot conquer. This could be a garage or another space that tends to be the catch-all for other rooms. The right pro can help tame even the most out-of-control area.
Organizational tips for bathrooms and laundry spaces
No two homes are exactly alike. Certain areas of a home may initially garner less attention than others. This often is the case with small washrooms, sometimes called powder rooms or guest bathrooms, as well as laundry areas. Despite their utilitarian nature, bathrooms and laundry rooms can often benefit from some better organization.
Bathroom:
Apart from a vanity and possibly a medicine cabinet, many bathroom layouts tend to be pretty sparse in terms of storage. So it is up to homeowners to introduce more storage and organizational function.
• Over-toilet shelving: Freestanding units are available from many different retailers, but they may lack aesthetic appeal. Homeowners can install open shelves above the toilet that coordinate with the style of the home. Use them to store extra towels or display decorative items.
• Streamlined containers: Invest in coordinating storage containers (clear are preferable) so that all items can be uniformly put away. First sort through all items
to determine which size containers are necessary and how many are required.
• Conceal toilet paper: Homeowners want to have bath tissue on hand, but simply placing it near the toilet can look cluttered or unsightly. Use decorative baskets to house one or two extra rolls and place on shelving or on the toilet tank itself.
• Freestanding cabinet: Those lucky enough to have linen closets in their bathrooms can keep everything behind closed doors. In small bathrooms this may not be possible. However, a freestanding cabinet, similar to a kitchen pantry cabinet, can be used if there is space for it. Store all of the linens and other items inside.
Laundry:
Laundry rooms can be very organized or a catch-all space for objects that simply do not fit in other rooms in the home. Perfecting laundry room organization can take some effort.
• Folding station: A laundry room is more useful with a folding station. It can be a separate counter over cabinetry, or innovative homeowners build a counter over frontloading washing machines and dryers.
• Utilize wall space: Use hooks and shelving to get items off the floor or counters. Use them to hold brooms, mops, ironing boards, detergent, and much more.
• Invest in a pedestal storage drawer: Laundry pedestal storage drawers can be used to keep dryer sheets, laundry pods and additional supplies out of view.
• Use space-saving cabinetry: Pull out drawers and cabinets can be used to hold hampers, ironing boards, and other frequently used items without cluttering up the room.
How to clear out home office clutter
Home offices have garnered more attention in recent years, and as a result, home office spaces have maintained their utility even as restrictions related to the pandemic move further into the rearview mirror. Since home office spaces remain vital for so many, it’s important that these spaces are conducive to productivity. Conquering home office clutter is a step in that direction.
CUT
THROUGH
THE PILES OF PAPER.
Home offices have a tendency to transform into paper depositories over time. Work files, notes, monthly bills, receipts, and junk mail can quickly overwhelm a home office. Professionals who spend ample time working from home can resolve to cut through the piles of paper. Use a paper shredder to discard documents with sensitive information, such as bank statements and utility bills. Signing up for e-statements can prevent the piling up of paper in the future. Invest in a small file cabinet to store important personal and professional documents.
DISCARD OLD DEVICES
Old devices are another space eater in many home offices. In fact, a recent survey from Material Focus found that more than 20 million unused electrical items are currently hoarded in homes throughout the United Kingdom. Old smartphones and laptops that users are afraid to throw out can be wiped clean and discarded in adherence with local laws. Contact your local government to determine how to safely discard old devices rather than simply tossing them in the trash once they’ve been wiped clean.
BUY A BIGGER BOOKSHELF
. Home offices often double as reading rooms, which makes them vulnerable to clutter associated with leisure time as well. Books stacked in a corner or taking up space on your desk can create a cluttered look, but also compromise your ability to concentrate. A 2011 study from researchers at Princeton University published in The Journal of Neuroscience found that clutter can make it difficult to focus on a particular task. If books are strewn about your office, purchase a bookshelf that can hold them. Once books are shelved, the less cluttered space can make it easier to concentrate.
GO DIGITAL
If space is limited, forgo traditional file cabinets in favor of digitizing important records and documents. Scan important receipts and statements and store them on a desktop or backup hard drive so they’re never out of each. This creates space and makes it easier and quicker to find important files.
Wood floor cleaning guide
Wood floors bring warmth to a home and are very popular. Cleaning them correctly can add to their appeal and longevity.
1
Remove shoes It’s a good idea to remove shoes, particularly heels, when walking on wood floors. Sharp heels, cleats and other shoes can scratch or dent wood flooring. All shoes can track in excess dirt, which can contribute to a lack of luster as well.
2
Sweep or vacuum frequently. The experts at The Spruce suggest sweeping, vacuuming or dust mopping wood floors daily. Dirt and dust make floors more slippery, and dirt or sand particles can lead to scratches on the floor.
3
Learn your flooring type. Wood flooring is broken down into three main categories: solid hardwood flooring, engineered hardwood flooring and laminate wood flooring. Traditional hardwood is made of planks or strips of any hardwood covered in a wood stain. Engineered flooring is manufactured by gluing together several thin plies of hardwood. Laminate flooring looks like wood but generally is a veneer or a photographic image of wood covered by a thick layer of melamine resin over fiberboard.
4
Skip harsh cleansers. Regardless of flooring type, most are covered by a sealant that can become streaky or dull if the wrong cleanser is used. Avoid chlorine bleach, ammonia, pine oil, or undiluted vinegar. Instead, choose a cleanser that is specifically recommended for the flooring type. Do not allow water or solutions to sit on the floor, as that can contribute to staining and warping. With laminate flooring, avoid wet mopping unless the flooring is specifically marked as being able to be wet. The underlayers of laminate flooring can warp if it gets wet.
5Damp is better than wet. When cleaning wood flooring, use a damp rather than a soaking wet mop. Better Homes & Gardens says standing water can damage wood surfaces.
6
Use the hard floor setting. When vacuuming, adjust the vacuum to a hard flooring setting, which will not engage the brush rollers on the vacuum head. Rollers can scratch wood and laminate flooring, advises The Home Depot.
7Use repair products as needed. Scratch and repair kits can fill in small scratches. Wood floor polish and wood waxes also can revitalize worn floors. Again, check that the product is safe for your particular flooring before use.
Renovations That Refresh small changes with big impacts
Homeowners may think they have to tear down walls or build room extensions to transform their homes with renovation projects. But small projects can yield impressive results, and that’s something homeowners working with limited budgets can keep in mind. There’s no shortage of small projects that can change the look and feel of a home. Many of these undertakings can be achieved with a modest investment
A fresh coat of paint: Painting is relatively inexpensive and a job that some doit-yourselfers can tackle. Prepping a room for painting often is the toughest component of any painting job. A fresh coat of paint, however, can create a strong first impression. If you are opting to change your home’s color pallet, hues of brown from beige to tan, blues ( celadon, robin’s egg, violet, lavendar,
pinks (ballet slipper, peachy, salmon and pale pinks), yellows (lemon, gold) warm greens (pistachio, pear, mint, sage) and orange-ish reds
are colors that also work year round.
Front door replacement:
A new front door instantly improves curb appeal and can make a home more secure and energyefficient. Painting the
1950.
existing front door is an even smaller project that still offers appeal.
Staircase renovation: Coordinate the staircase to the style in the home with a decorative carpet runner. A secure runner is attractive and can help reduce slipping down the stairs, and tighten shaky railings or replace them while upgrading the stair treads.
Entry organizer installation: Banish clutter from the home by catching it at the door. An entry organizer with spaces for shoes, coats, backpacks, and shopping bags can be eyecatching and functional.
Lighting addition or upgrades: Whether a homeowner enlarges a window or adds skylights, natural light can produce incredible results. Investing in new lighting can feel like expanding a space without pushing out walls. An additional tip is to consider upgrading to energy efficient lighting to save money on energy bills. Lighting isn’t just important inside, though. A welcoming glow in the yard is aweinspiring. There are many energy-efficient lighting options, including ones that do not need to be hard-wired to the circuitry inside the home. Replace outlet covers: Upgrade outlet covers with screwless options. Screwless plates for outlets and light switches can make walls look more sleek.
Carpet cleaning: Since soiled carpets can look drab and dingy, homeowners can rent carpetcleaning machines or hire services to revitalize carpets with a deep cleaning.
Minor bathroom remodel: Remove dated
wall coverings, replace fixtures, consider re-glazing or replacing an old tub, and swap old shower doors for fast fixes in a bathroom. If there’s more room in the budget, replacing a tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity and fixtures.
Redone kitchen: The kitchen tends to be the hub or heart of a home. This room gets the most usage and attention of any space, and it’s a great place to focus your remodeling attention. Trending features include drawer-style microwaves and dishwashers, commercial ranges, hidden outlets, and even wine refrigerators.
Wood floor restoration: Scuffing and scratches can adversely affect the pristine look of a natural wood floor. Homeowners can polish a floor to restore its shine. A professional service will sand down and refinish older floors at a fraction of the cost of a new floor installation.
Bring in the greenery: To aesthetically refresh your space, decorate with plants and flowers within the home. Chose greenery that is not only eyecatching but also tote the ability to improve the air quality within the home.
Preparing for a lengthy renovation project?
Remodeling projects are often a lengthy processes. Implementing the following strategies can make conditions at home more manageable.
• Get a rough estimate from contractors so that you can budget accordingly. A project will go nowhere without proper funding. Get detailed estimates that include labor and building materials. Then start saving and stash money away for the project so you’re not caught off-guard later on.
• Clear out clutter. Remove any extraneous items from the room or rooms that will be remodeled. Although it will be an added expense, rent a storage unit or have a storage pod placed in the driveway or yard for the duration of the project. Move items that will not be needed into the unit. This will get them out of the way and protect them from damage.
• Consider starting in comfortable weather Contractors will be going in and out of the home each day, and doors and windows may need to be propped open. If the project involves limited access to the kitchen to cook, utilizing an outdoor grill or kitchen is much easier when the weather is pleasant.
• Safeguard sensitive items. Take inventory of items in the home and catalog them for insurance purposes. This way you’re covered in the case of damage or theft. Remove documents, like birth certificates, passports, insurance policies, and other private papers, and keep them in a safety deposit box or fireproof safe.
Enhance the Exterior Planting pointers & tips to revitalize outdoor spaces
Many people view spring as a season of rejuvenation. That renewal may be somewhat metaphorical for human beings, but it’s literal for lawns and gardens that begin to grow anew as temperatures rise and hours of daylight increase in spring. Consider these spring planning pointers to ensure your landscapes look lush and full in the months ahead.
• Tune up your tools. Gardening tools have likely been sitting around gathering dust since fall. Serious gardeners know that tools can be expensive, so it pays to protect that investment by maintaining the tools. Sharpened pruners help make plants less vulnerable to infestation and infection. Well-maintained tools like shovels and hoes also make more demanding gardening jobs a little bit easier, so don’t forget to tune up your tools before the weather warms up.
• Start with the soil. Soil can serve as the starting point each spring. Winter can take its toll on a garden and even overwhelm the area with debris over the colder months. Clear rocks and other debris from the area before loosening the soil. The Farmer’s Almanac recommends loosening soil to a depth of at least eight inches if planting a new garden. An existing garden may only need to be loosened to a depth of around six inches, after which homeowners can mix compost (organic matter that provides nutrients and helps to build strong plant roots) into the soil in early spring. Addi-
Fast Fact:
To help overcome rising food costs, people have turned to gardening. According to Washington State University, the average household with a food garden spends around $70 per year on seeds and garden supplies. The reward for that small investment is roughly $600 worth of food. Though the financial investment associated with a food garden might be minimal, it’s important for prospective gardeners to recognize that the commitment of time required to establish and sustain a food garden can be significant.
tionally, test the soil. Take a sample of the soil to determine its pH level and nutrient needs. Soil testing kits can be purchased at local garden centers and home improvement retailers. Such tests are inexpensive and can reveal if the soil needs to be amended to help plants thrive in the months to come.
• Take soil temperatures. Unpredictable weather is among the noticeable effects of climate change in recent years. That lack of predictability can make spring planting a little more tricky than it once was. Experts note that soil temperatures around 50 F are best for cool-season crops, while soil should be 60 F or warmer when planting warm-weather plants such as tomatoes.
• Discard the dead weight Winter can take its toll on a garden, even in regions where the weather between December and early spring is not especially harsh. Discard dead plants that have lingered into spring and prune any perennials that need it. Branches that fell during winter storms also should be removed at this point if they have not previously been discarded.
• Start weeding and the aeration process. Pull out any weeds that have poked through early on and apply a pre-emergent herbicide to prevent additional weeds from taking over, additionally, use a core aerator to punch holes into the soil — this enables air and water to penetrate through to the roots.
• Mulch garden beds. Mulching benefits a garden by helping soil retain moisture and preventing the growth of weeds. Various garden experts note
that mulching in spring can prevent weed seeds from germinating over the course of spring and summer. That means plants won’t have to fight with weeds for water when the temperature warms up. It also means gardeners won’t have to spend time pulling weeds this summer.
• Mow to an appropriate height. Begin to mow when the ground is dry enough and the grass is long enough to need cutting. Leave some length to the lawn; otherwise, sunlight will reach the soil and encourage weed seeds to germinate.
• Work with a garden center to identify what to plant The right plants for one region may not be ideal for another, so work with a local landscaper or garden center before planting. Such a consultation can be especially useful for homeowners planting a new garden. Landscapers and garden center professionals will know which plants work in the local climate.
• Consider planting vegetables in the spring. Various garden experts note that spring is an ideal time to plant a vegetable garden. If planted at the right time, a vegetable garden can save homeowners money on their grocery bills and provide a season’s worth of fresh veggies. Lettuce and spinach are sun- and shade-friendly vegetables, which can make them good options for a spring garden. Cool-season root vegetables, which include beets, carrots and swiss chard, are some other notable veggies that can thrive in early spring.
• Water consistently It is important to water the lawn deeply and consistently, especially when the weather is dry, to help promote strong root development. Those with in-ground irrigation systems or above-ground systems that utilize a drip or soaker function should inspect the systems before plants begin to bloom. Damaged sprinkler heads or torn lines can deprive plants of water they will need to bloom and ultimately thrive once the weather warms up.
Transform a backyard into a private relaxing respite
Backyards have long been places to unwind and enjoy some peace and quiet surrounded by nature.
Thanks in part to financial instability brought on by rising inflation and measures to tame it, homeowners may decide to forgo traditional vacations in favor of staying home this season and private backyards are rapidly becoming go-to spaces for recreation and entertainment and great places to recharge the body and mind. OnePoll, in conjunction with the lawn care company TruGreen, surveyed 2,000 American homeowners and found participants spent 14 hours outside every week in 2021, which was three hours more than prior to the pandemic. In addition, respondents admitted that time spent outdoors was therapeutic. A separate survey conducted for the International Casual Furnishings Association found that people now spend more time relaxing, gardening, exercising, dining, and entertaining outside than in years past. There’s no better time to invest in a home, particularly outdoor spaces, to make them welcoming respites.
Incorporate a water feature
The sound of trickling or bubbling water can make surroundings more serene. A low-maintenance water feature can help to create a calming ambiance. A
Popular types of lighting that can complete home decor
Ambient
Ambient lighting is blanket lighting that is used to evenly illuminate a room. This is the general lighting that every home needs. Fixtures like overhead lights, floor lamps and more provide enough light for people to function safely indoors. Ambient lighting is the foundation for every interior lighting scenario, and ambient lighting fixtures should be featured toward the center of the room and closer to the ceiling to disperse light more efficiently.
Task lighting
The home improvement firm Hiller describes task lighting as lighting directed toward a specific area to give more detail to objects. Close-range work such as crafting, reading, cooking, and desk work requires task lighting so projects are effectively illuminated. Task lighting can be installed anywhere a person requires direct, intense light to see details. This means lights can be under cabinetry or on a desk for reading mail or homework.
Accent lighting
Accent lighting balances lighting and spotlights certain points in a space. For example, accent lighting can be utilized to highlight collectibles or artwork.
Accent lighting may call attention to entryways, plants, fireplaces, or other points. Accent lighting typically adds character to a room and is not necessarily bright enough to sufficiently illuminate a space.
Decorative lighting
Decorative lighting is used exclusively for aesthetic purposes. It adds style and drama to spaces. Decorative lighting sconces, chandeliers, and more.
Decorative lighting also may be whimsical, such as fairy lights strung in a child’s bedroom or neon lights in a home bar or sports room.
Separately, these lighting options may not be enough to suit your needs. But when combined, these types of lighting help to establish an interesting and functional home interior design that fits with a person’s lifestyle and needs.
fountain that does not require a collection will reduce the chance it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Locating the fountain out of the sun can keep algae growth at a minimum.
Add lights for ambiance, safety
Outdoor lighting options include professionally installed, hardwired lights on the home itself or accent lighting that draws attention to trees or architectural structures on the property. It also may include twinkling lights, which some consider a must-have for any outdoor retreat. Lights come in all types and price points. Hang them on porches, pergolas or cement posts inside decorative planters and then string lights between the posts. This way the lighting can be moved around as desired. Outdoor lighting not only sheds light on entertaining spaces, but also makes spaces safer and more secure.
Increase privacy
No matter how friendly homeowners are with their neighbors, there comes a time when privacy is paramount. Fencing, whether it is wood or vinyl, or even a natural fence made from closely planted
Affordable ways to freshen up your home’s exterior
• Power washing: Power washing won’t break the bank but it can revive the look of a home. Power washing removes dirt and grime from the siding of a home and a power washing can be used to clean porches, walkways and patios as well. Hardware chains like Home Depot and Lowes typically rent power washers, but homeowners who don’t want to do it themselves can hire a professional for a few hundred dollars, if not less. Power washing after winter can be a good idea, as the elements can take a toll on a home’s exterior. A good power washing before spring and summer entertaining season can
thus give a home a fresh, clean look without breaking the bank.
• Furnished front porch: A furnished front porch can serve as a welcome sign to neighbors and provide a great place to relax with a morning cup of coffee and a good book. Homeowners with a small porch won’t need to bust their budgets to upgrade their front porch furnishings. Some small chairs with bright cushions, a small table and a rug underfoot can revamp an entryway at low cost.
• Window box installation: Installing window box planters is another cost-effective way to brighten up a home’s exterior. Homeowners can hang window boxes outside windows on
the front of their homes and then fill them with brightly colored flowers to add an inviting pop of color to their home exteriors. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens urge homeowners to take weight into consideration before buying window planters. Keep in mind that soil and developed plants can be heavy, so look for a sturdy box as well as one that has drainage holes.
• Replace hardware: Another simple way to freshen up a stale exterior is to replace hardware. Door knobs, knockers, house numbers, and even the mailbox can appear dated after a while. Replacing these items is inexpensive and quick but can have a profound impact on how the exterior of a home appears to residents and visitors.
hedges, can ensure residents feel comfortable venturing outdoors to swim, take a cat nap or even star gaze in private.
Lounging spots
A comfortable outdoor loveseat or chairs may be a focal point of the yard, but build in some additional cozy spots specifically for lounging around. Nestle a hammock in a quiet corner of the yard, or enhance a chaise lounge with throw pillows and a large umbrella for napping poolside. High-quality comfortable seating increases the likelihood that homeowners will want to stay awhile in their outdoor spaces. A deep seating set complete with plush chairs, outdoor sofa or love seat and chaise lounge chairs gives people more opportunity to sit and stay awhile.
Add lushness with plants
Plants can transform any space. Use a combination of planted varieties around the yard, then enhance certain areas with potted plants as needed. Plants can make an area more warm and inviting, plus they give butterflies, bees and hummingbirds places to stop by and visit. Consider the help of a professional landscaper to bring a vision of a lush, plant-filled retreat to life.
Blend in the pool or spa
With some unique landscape architecture, the pool or hot tub can be built right into the landscape, making it a cohesive part of the design. This can make the yard seem even more like an oasis, especially when the pool is flanked by a waterfall or bubbling fountain. A pool can be the perfect gathering spot on a warm day, while a spa/ hot tub can bridge the gap to cooler weather.
Add some music
Thanks to wireless speakers that rely on Bluetooth technology, it’s easy to have music piped right into the backyard. Set up a wireless speaker in an inconspicuous spot, such as inside a planter or in the rafters of a gazebo.
Address the elements
INTERIOR PAINTING
DRY WALL REPAIRS
WALLPAPER REMOVAL
EXTERIOR PAINTING
Homeowners should note the direction their backyard faces and the typical daily conditions of the space. For example, a yard that faces southwest may get plenty of strong sun during the day, requiring the addition of shade trees, covered patios or arbors to cut down on the glare and heat. If the yard is often hit by winds, trees or bushes planted strategically as windbreaks can help. Additionally, homeowners may want to consider using a professional exterminator to get rid of ticks, mosquitoes and other nuisance insects from outdoor spaces.
FLOOR
COLOR
