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A guide to choosing the right paint finish 4 ways to update your flooring 4 must-have accessories for your home 4 tips for lighting a room What you should know about wallpaper What you should do before buying new furniture 3 questions to ask when choosing a window treatment Large-format prints 7 things on your car you should check Tire quiz How to choose a front door Companion plants for tomatoes 5 areas to modernize in your kitchen 5 criteria for choosing a tree 5 things that will bring spring into your bedroom How to simplify your spring cleaning Paint, patch or remove popcorn ceilings Homeowner helpers How to grow vegetables on your balcony Service directory

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A guide to choosing the right paint finish Do you want to repaint one or more rooms in your home?

When choosing paint, the finish is just as important as the color.

Here are some things to consider when choosing a matte, satin, velvet or semi-gloss finish.

WHAT ARE PAINT FINISHES?

The term finish indicates how the paint will look on the painted surface and how much light it’ll reflect. Finish designations like velvet, platinum, satin and pearl vary from one paint manufacturer to another. It’s therefore essential to ask about

the sheen of the product before making your choice. Here are the most suitable finishes for the different rooms and surfaces in your home:

CEILINGS

Matte finish is most suitable for ceilings. If applied evenly, it can hide imperfections.

LIVING ROOM AND BEDROOMS

Consider matte and satin fi­nishes for consistent and elegant results. Keep in mind that matte finishes aren’t as easy to clean. For easy cleaning, pearl and semi-gloss finishes are more suitable options.

BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS

Shiny and glossy finishes are best for high-maintenance rooms that require moisture resistance. For areas that need occasional polishing, choose a semi-gloss finish.

WOODWORK

Velvet, satin, semi-gloss and gloss finishes are suitable for woodwork and mouldings. The same goes for doors.

However, it’s best to choose a finish that’s easy to clean.

Visit a paint retailer in your area to stock up for your next project.

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4 must-have 4 ways to update your flooring accessories for your home Restoring or replacing flooring is a great way to refresh your home’s look.

Here are four ways you can update your floors.

1. REFINISH IT

If your floor looks a little worse for wear, refinishing it is an affordable solution. Depending on its condition, you may need to sand, varnish, stain or repair cracks to make the floor look new again.

2. PAINT IT

You can paint over most types of flooring. For example, wood flooring is particularly easy to paint. Just make sure you choose a suitable product for the type of surface and level of traffic in the room.

3. REPLACE IT

If your floor is beyond repair, replacing it may be your only

option. However, make sure you choose a suitable floor type. For example, if you need to update your bathroom floor, choose a waterproof material like ceramic.

Additionally, if you have pets, you may want to opt for a scratchresistant flooring ma­terial like vinyl.

4. DECORATE IT

If your floor is in good condition, simply adding a rug or two can instantly transform your space.

Choose a rug that’s the right size, style and color for the room.

If you don’t have any experience repairing or installing flooring, hire a professional.

Decorating with accessories is a great way to quickly and affordably enhance the look of your home.

Here are a few suggestions.

1. Rugs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. To create the perfect look, make sure you choose a floor covering that matches the style of your home 2. Plants can instantly make your space feel bright and lively. If you decide to purchase real plants instead of artificial ones, make sure your home has plenty of light.

3. Textiles like duvet covers, table linens, chair cu­shions and throws can add color and texture to your home. Look for beautiful designs that ex­press your personal sense of style.

4. Wall hangings like picture frames, clocks and paintings come in a variety of sizes and styles.

However, make sure you don’t overcrowd your walls. You can also install shelving to display your decorative items.

To find unique pieces, visit your local home decor stores.

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4 tips for lighting a room 1. Complement the existing style

First and foremost, you should choose light fixtures that match the style of the room. For example, recessed lighting and pendant lights are great for modern and contemporary homes.

2. Analyze the room

It’s important to think about how you use the room. You should also take into account the furniture arrangement and amount of natural light to determine if the space needs bright, general or directional lighting.

3. Use different types of lights

Every room should have a variety of light sources. It’s a good idea to have one main light source like a ceiling light, a secondary light source like a table lamp and a decorative lighting feature like string lights.

4. Choose the right light bulbs

Choose warm, neutral or cool lighting to put the finishing touches on your space. If you want to be able to vary the intensity of the light, install a dimmer switch.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask a lighting specialist for advice or hire an interior decorator to help brighten your space.

What you should know about paint and wallpaper Painting and wallpapering are two effective ways to transform the look of a room.

Here’s some information to help you decide which products to use in your home.

PAINT

The finish of your paint is just as important as its color. A matte finish is ideal for living rooms, bedrooms and ceilings. However, satin and gloss finishes are stain resistant and easy to clean, making them ideal for kitchens and bathrooms. It’s a good idea to take home several paint samples to see how each color looks in the room.

WALLPAPER

Choose a wallpaper that’s suitable for your space. For example, if you’re remodelling your kitchen, choose a wallpaper that’s durable and easy to clean. Moreover, make certain the pattern complements 8 | SPRING HOME 2022

the space and will line up well when installed. Additionally, ensure each roll of wallpaper has the same batch number.

PAINT AND WALLPAPER

If you want to combine paint and wallpaper, stick to a maximum of three colors; select a dominant, secondary and accent color.

Additionally, you should choose paint and wallpaper that share a common hue. Make sure you base your color scheme on a shade in the background or foreground of the wallpaper.

For inspiration and personalized advice, visit your local shops.

What you should do before buying new furniture

Do you want to refresh a room in your home? If so, consider buying new furniture. Here are a few tips for choosing the right pieces for your space.

Prepare

Start by choosing a style of furniture like Scandinavian, contemporary or farmhouse. Then, pick out upholstery and other features that complement the room. Finally, set a budget to narrow down your options.

Configure

To ensure you choose furniture that’s the right size for your space, measure both the furniture and room. Use graph paper to draw the room, and then cut out scale models of the furniture to test out different configurations.

Alternatively, you can purchase an interior design app or software to create a three-dimensional replica of your space, and use it to experiment with different layouts.

If you need professional help to create the room of your dreams, look for an interior designer or decorator in your area.

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Window treatments can add warmth and style to your home. However, before buying new curtains, drapes or blinds, you should ask yourself these three questions.

3 questions to ask when choosing a window treatment 1. What’s your objective?

Make sure you know what purpose the window treatment will serve. For example, do you want it to be primarily stylish or functional?

You should also determine if you want a look that’s contemporary or timeless.

2. What’s your budget?

If you can afford it, consider

10 | SPRING HOME 2022

hiring a professional designer or decorator to help you choose the right window treatment. If you have a tight budget, look for inspiration in decorating magazines and websites for reasonably priced options.

3. What are the dimensions?

Make sure you measure your windows. This way the

treatment you choose is sure to effectively block out light and provide the right level of privacy. Additionally, make certain your curtains, blinds or shades are the right length and won’t hang on the floor.

Before making your choice, visit home decor stores in your area for inspiration and advice.

Large-format prints Are you looking for a unique decor idea to embellish a wall in your home? Instead of installing shelves or creating a gallery wall, you may want to consider large-format prints. Here’s what you need to know.

What are large-format prints?

You can create large-format prints on rigid pieces of material like acrylic, metal, vinyl and wood. You can also design custom wallpaper with texture and embossing. Most printing shops will allow you to choose either a pre-set or custom size.

How does large-format printing work?

You can use royalty-free images or personal photographs to create your large-format print.

However, you must choose a high-quality image.

Low-resolution photos will become distorted when enlarged. You must also con­sider the dimensions of the image to avoid stretching or compressing it.

To learn more, look for a business in your area that offers large-format printing services.

SPRING HOME 2022 | 11

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car care

7 things on your car you should check in spring After a long, cold winter, you should inspect your vehicle and make sure it’s in good condition. Here are seven things to check.

1. Tires

Before installing your summer tires, assess the tread depth. If it’s less than 4.8 millimetres, invest in a new set. Once your summer tires are installed, inflate them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Additionally, inspect your winter tires before storing them. If the wear is uneven, visit a mechanic for an alignment check.

2. Fluids

Depending on when your car was last servi­ced and the number of kilometres you drove over the winter, you may need to change the oil. Additionally, top up the coolant, brake fluid and windshield washer fluids.

3. Filters

Determine if the engine or cabin air filter is clogged with dirt. If so, clean or replace them.

14 | SPRING HOME 2022

4. Air conditioning

Don’t wait until there’s a heatwave to ensure your air conditioning system is working.

5. Windshield wipers

If applicable, swap your winter wiper bla­des for summer ones.

Additionally, if your windshield wipers are cracked and worn, invest in a new set.

6. Bodywork

After thoroughly washing your vehicle, check for rust. If you notice any corrosion, repair it immediately.

7. Cabin and trunk

Clean the interior of your car, and make sure to organize your emergency kit, put away seasonal items and replace anything that’s outdated in your first aid kit.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to schedule a full inspection with your mechanic to ensure your car didn’t suffer any damage over the winter.

Tire quiz 1. At what temperature do summer tires start to grip the road?

A. 2 C B. 7 C C. 12 C

2. Where should you store your winter tires?

A. In a cool, dry and dark place B. Outside, under a tarp C. Anywhere

3. How often should you check your tire pressure?

A. Every month B. When you change your tires C. Every time you get gas

Test your car knowledge with this short quiz about tires. Good luck!

4. Why should you not drive with winter tires in the summer?

A. They have less traction on the road, which increases fuel consumption B. They could burst due to sun exposure C. They have a longer braking distance than summer tires D. All of the above

6. What’s the recommended minimum tire tread depth?

A. 2.4 mm B. 1.6 mm C. 4.8 mm

5. What can cause your tires to wear out prematurely?

A. Inadequate tire pressure B. Poor alignment C. Faulty suspension D. All of the above

Answers: 1-B, 2-A, 3-A, 4-D, 5-D, 6-B

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How to choose a front door If you want to improve the curb appeal of your home, consider replacing your front door. Here are four things to consider when choosing one.

1. Material

The material you choose for your front door will impact its strength and style. Wood doors are timeless, but they require regular maintenance. Steel doors are durable and affordable, while fibreglass doors are sturdy, energy-efficient and available in many colors. Make sure you research the pros and cons of each material before making your choice.

16 | SPRING HOME 2022

2. Glazing

Glazed doors add a touch of elegance and allow natural light into your home. However, keep in mind that all-glass doors and those with large glass inserts must be made of reinforced glass to remain secure.

3. Insulation

If you live in a cold climate, it’s important to make sure the door you choose has good insulation.

Additionally, a well-insulated

door can help block out street noise. Look for an Energy Star certified model to ensure you choose a high-quality product.

4. Personalization

You can customize your front door with unique hard­ware and accessories like mouldings, inlays, hand­les and locks. You may even be able to personalize the glazing pattern.

To find a door that suits your style and budget, visit your local home improvement stores.

Companion plants for tomatoes

Are you planting tomatoes in your garden this year? If so, here are some things you should know about companion plants.

Types

The best companion plants for tomatoes are asparagus, carrots, celery, onions, leeks and radishes.

Pairing these vegetables with your tomatoes can help increase their yield. In addition, planting herbs like basil, parsley and sage near your tomatoes can prevent diseases and repel unwanted insects.

Techniques

There are several ways to plant companion herbs and vegetables to get the results you want. You can plant them in alternating rows or intersperse different plants and herbs within the same row. You can also pair each tomato plant with an­other compatible species.

To get the seeds and starters you need for a great growing season, visit your local garden centre.

SPRING HOME 2022 | 17

5 areas to modernize in your kitchen Does your kitchen look like it’s from another decade?

Unless you’re going for a vintage esthetic, it’s time to bring the space into the 21st century. Here are five ways you can modernize the appearance of your kitchen.

1. Flooring

As a gathering place in your home, the kitchen’s floor gets a lot of wear.

If yours is faded, scratched or stained, you have two options. Either you can repair it — swap out cracked tiles or sand and varnish hardwood — or replace the entire surface. To help you make a decision that suits your needs and budget, seek advice from a professional.

2. Paint

Whether the colors in your kitchen are out-dated or the walls have faded over time, a fresh coat of paint is an affordable way to breathe new life into a space. Consider repainting the cabinets as well as the walls.

You can easily add a modern flair to your kitchen by choosing a second, bolder color for the island or lower cabinets.

3. Countertops

Even if the material is timeless, years of preparing meals on them can leave kitchen countertops looking a little worse for wear. Replacing them with a pristine surface can instantly change the look of the room. Visit specialized stores in your area to discover the wide range of materials, colors and textures available.

4. Appliances

The stovetop, oven and range hood, along with the fridge, microwave and dishwasher, are focal points in a kitchen. If yours are scratched, mismatched or out-dated, consider selling or donating them so you can invest in newer models. To get the most out of your purchase, be sure to select Energy Star certified appliances or smart devices.

5. Decor

A variety of accessories can be used to transform the look of your kitchen in the blink of an eye. Visit local home decor shops to find curtains, blinds, mirrors, light fixtures and more to provide the wow effect you want. Smaller items such as island centrepieces and plants can be rotated with the seasons to freshen up the space every few months.

From upgrading the sink and faucet to replacing cabinet hardware and installing a new backsplash, there are plenty of ways to modernize your kitchen. For best results, enlist the help of an interior designer.

18 | SPRING HOME 2022

4 criteria for choosing a tree If you want to plant one or more trees on your property, you may be wondering what species to select. Here are four criteria to consider before you decide.

1. Function

Do you want the tree you choose to shelter your property from the sun or keep noise, wind and prying eyes at bay? Do you want it to increase your property’s curb appeal? Whatever your needs, it’s important to consider how the tree will affect your outdoor space.

2. Size

Find out how big your tree will be once it matures.

This will partially depend on where you choose to plant it. Additionally, if the tree has an aggressive root system, it may require more space.

3. Care

Determine how much water and sunlight the tree needs to stay healthy. You should also investigate potential pests and diseases that could affect the tree’s growth.

4. Maintenance

Some trees require frequent pruning to stay healthy and continue to grow. You may also need to regularly trim the tree to keep it away from electrical lines and other nearby obstacles.

Don’t hesitate to contact your local nursery for suggestions and advice.

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5 things that will bring spring into your bedroom Do you want to refresh your home for the season? Here are a few design elements you can incorporate into any bedroom to create a spring-like atmosphere.

1. Pastels

Choose soft shades of pink, blue or green to give your room a fresh feel. Additionally, opt for white walls, bedding or accessories to help brighten up the space.

2. Flowers

From dried and artificial arrangements to floral-pattern fabrics and wall­paper, there are plenty of ways to bring spring blooms into a bedroom. Go for classics like roses, tulips, lilacs and cotton flowers.

3. Wood

This is a time­less and elegant material that’ll match any design style. To evoke the lightness of spring, consider introducing rat­ tan, slatted or drift­wood furniture, depending on the theme of your room.

4. Light materials

Berber rugs, sheer curtains, linen cushions and macramé are all great options for a minimalist space that captures the airiness of spring. Japanese interior design trends can serve as inspiration.

5. Storage

If you want to create a calming atmosphere, your room needs to be clean and organized.

Additionally, removing clut­ter can help you shed the heavy feeling associated with winter and give you a sense of renewal.

For more inspiration, visit home decor shops in your area or speak with an interior designer.

How to simplify your spring cleaning After a long winter cooped up inside, and with warmer weather on the horizon, now’s the perfect opportunity to thoroughly clean your home. Here are a few tips that can make spring cleaning easier.

Clean from top to bottom

Even if you use a cloth or brush designed to trap and hold dust, there are sure to 20 | SPRING HOME 2022

be particles that get swept into the air as you clean.

Since dust settles, however, you can catch any remaining debris as you work your way toward the floor.

Choose the right tools

Invest in quality equipment to ensure your cleaning is as effective as possible. For example, using a vacuum with a HEPA filter will significantly reduce the

number of particles that get recirculated into the air.

Similarly, a strong sponge will hold up to scrubbing even the toughest stains if it’s paired with the right cleaning product.

Use your tools correctly

If your vacuum has several attachments, alternate between them to effectively clean blinds, curtains, fabric lampsha­des, armchairs

and narrow spaces. Do you have a high-performance washer? If so, take the time to read the labels on your rugs, cushions and other decorative pie­ces so you can wash them using the right settings.

Visit local stores to find all the cleaning products and equipment you need to make your home shine this spring.

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or Commercial Commercial ALEX Residential or ALEX Residential 320-763-3600 1802 Fillmore St • Alexandria MN 241 Main St • Miltona MN 320-763-3600 Box 24 24 •• Nelson, Nelson, MN 56355 56355 MOVERS 320-763-5143P.O. 320-335-2100 P.O. Box MN MOVERS Sean Gay • Lic. #374895 Sean Gay • Lic. #374895

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The The Ar Ar

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ALEX ALEX MOVERS MOVERS

How to grow vegetables on your balcony Gardening is a wonderful way to stay active, relieve stress and spend time outdoors. If you grow your own vegetables, you’ll enjoy the added benefit of saving money on food and having access to organically grown produce. Plus, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint and be less likely to waste food that you grew yourself.

However, not everyone has a backyard or enough green space on their property for a regular garden. Fortunately, many of the vegetables you might plant in your yard can thrive in pots on your balcony or patio.

Once you’ve selected your vegetables, choose pots with good drainage and enough depth to accommodate the plant’s growth. You’ll also need to water your vegeta­bles every day and ensure they get enough sunlight.

Finally, it’s best to use potting soil for your balcony garden, as it contains more nutrients than other types and can help prevent root rot.

Here are just some of the many vegetables that can be grown in containers: • Tomatoes • Peppers • Eggplants • Green onions • Radishes 22 | SPRING HOME 2022

SERVICE DIRECTORY APPLIANCES & REPAIR APPLIANCES, NEW • Villard Implement Co. Tank’s Appliance 671 Lincoln, Villard 1-888-554-3111

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INTERIOR DESIGN

PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

CABINETS KITCHEN/BATH HEATING, IN-FLOOR RADIANT BLINDS & SHADES • Aquarius-84 Inc. SEWER & WATER CLEANUP INTERIOR DESIGNS 214 - 6th Ave. E., Alexandria • Service Master Clean • Hilltop Lumber 320-763-3636 Lic. #058116PM 203 Lake St., Alexandria 1405 N Nokomis NE, Alexandria HOT WATER HEATING 320-763-5551 320-763-9663 CLEANING • Aquarius-84 Inc. UPHOLSTERY CLEANING 214 - 6th Ave. E., Alexandria CARPET & FLOOR CLEANING • Service Master Clean LAWN & GARDEN 320-763-3636 Lic. #058116PM • Service Master Clean 203 Lake St., Alexandria LAWN/GARDEN SALES, 203 Lake St., Alexandria PLUMBING 320-763-5551 SERVICE AND PARTS 320-763-5551 • Aquarius-84 Inc. • Villard Implement Co. and 214 - 6th Ave. E., Alexandria COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL Tanks Appliance ELECTRICAL 320-763-3636 Lic. #058116PM CARPET & HARDWOOD FLOORS 671 Lincoln, Villard CONTRACTORS • Service Master Clean WATER HEATERS 1-888-554-3111 • Lennes Bros. Electric 203 Lake St., Alexandria • Aquarius-84 Inc. 2605 Aga Dr. Ste. 7, Alexandria LAWN & GARDEN 320-763-5551 214 - 6th Ave. E., Alexandria SUPPLIES 320-762-1500 320-763-3636 Lic. #058116PM COMMERCIAL & www.lennesbroselectric.com • Hilltop Lumber RESIDENTIAL CLEANING WATER SOFTENERS 1405 N Nokomis NE, • Service Master Clean • Aquarius-84 Inc. Alexandria FARM EQUIPMENT 203 Lake St., Alexandria 214 - 6th Ave. E., Alexandria 320-763-9663 SALES, SERVICE & PARTS 320-763-5551 320-763-3636 Lic. #058116PM • Villard Implement Co. and DISASTER RESTORATION PAINT SUPPLIES Tanks Appliance RENTAL • Service Master Clean TOOLS & 671 Lincoln, Villard 203 Lake St., Alexandria 1-888-554-3111 BUILDING SUPPLIES TRAILERS 320-763-5551 • Hilltop Rental Center • Hilltop Lumber 1405 N Nokomis NE, FIRE & SMOKE RESTORATION FLOORING 1405 N Nokomis NE, Alexandria • Service Master Clean Alexandria FLOORING INSTALLATION 320-763-3351 203 Lake St., Alexandria 320-763-9663 LAMINATE FLOORING 320-763-5551 TILE FLOORING HOUSEWIDE CLEANING VINYL FLOORING • Service Master Clean WOOD FLOORING 203 Lake St., Alexandria • Hilltop Lumber 320-763-5551 1405 N Nokomis NE, Alexandria 320-763-9663

Call us at 1-800-595-8645

Call us at 1-800-595-8645

Call us at 1-800-595-8645

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