Spring Home & Garden 2019

SPRING

home garden

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Featuring The Engels House .................C4 The Ouellette House.............C12 Wednesday, April 24, 2019 Presented by the Lynden Tribune & Ferndale Record

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 24, 2019| Ferndale Record

Spring Home & Garden

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New home fits neatly at edge of downtown

The house of Craig and Mary Engels brings a farm-style look with plenty of careful detail to a physical spot difficult to build on at 400 E. Front St (Calvin Bratt/ Lynden Tribune)

Craig and Mary Engels show their creativity Tucked in at a historic Lynden spot, it is surprisingly spacious — and now an Airbnb

By Elisa Claassen for the Lynden Tribune

“I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.” — Henry David Thoreau, “Walden: Or, Life in the Woods” LYNDEN — “I feel like I’m not in town,” says homeowner/builder Craig Engels of his house that is most definitely in town.

Engels left a formal home in a gated community with views of the Homestead Golf Course waterways for his

newly constructed farm-style house in an unexpected space few would have picked. Although 400 E. Front St. is just steps from downtown, it is also a nature oasis on its back side with glimpses of farm land and Mount Baker between trees.

Craig and Mary Engels had been driving through neighborhoods looking for a fixer-upper or a new location for a family home following their 2015 marriage. Builder brothers Craig and Mike Engels both have an eye for property potential, and Mike saw a “for sale” sign go up in an unlikely place in September

2016 — adjacent to the former Tremaine home near Nooksack Avenue. It’s where Front Street curves around steep slope and watery swale.

While few might see its potential, Craig and Mary thought otherwise. They drove over, talked with owner Ron Faber, renovating the home next door. The next thing they knew, they had purchased the property and were talking with local architect Jerry Roetcisoender of JWR Design, which Craig uses for his own professional building of single-family and multi-unit projects with brother Mike.

That winter became a time for ideas

Spring Home & Garden to incubate and for permitting to start with both geologists and biologists.

Time was needed because the backyard, which is protected from additional development, contains wetlands of Kamm Creek and it is also the site of Lynden’s 1890s steamboat landing in the early days before roads and railroads. This was a channel of the Nooksack River back then. (This is also the spot where a tree spar Pioneer’s Flagpole once stood, an idea being replicated at Lynden Cemetery this spring.) While the permitting and wetlands mitigation processes were meticulous, the results are worth it. Few trees were removed. A welcomed group of ducks and many squirrels are cohabitants on the property.

Building started in spring 2017.

Craig’s CDE Construction company put one employee on the framing. Dan Matheis of Riverside Cabinet Co. began the cabinets. The kitchen ones have inset doors, one of many small details to show a commitment to quality.

Today, for a person stepping down from Front Street past a retaining wall, the white farm house with wide siding could be mistaken as a renovation of an older established structure, not something new — which makes Mary Engels smile, for that is exactly what was

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 24, 2019| Ferndale Record intended. Many items, even if new, are meant to look no more recent than the 1940s, she said.

“She knew what she wanted,” Craig explains.

The sloping terrain, as well as height restrictions still in force along Front Street, give an impression of a house smaller than it really is.

Craig’s story is that he studied at Dordt College to be a history teacher, but found through the student teaching experience that this wasn’t to be his chosen career. Instead, working with brother Mike on building projects years ago proved to be far more satisfying for the long term. “I enjoyed working outside.”

Mary has always enjoyed the creative process. She did much research for this home and its features — “it was a lot of fun!” she says.

Following along a curved path of stepping stones leading to the front entrance, a porch hosts an inviting swing, an American flag waves in the breeze, and the first of an aqua or Tiffany Blue accent appears. This hue will continue to be evident setting off the black-andwhite that continues from outside to inside.

Upon entry, a dark-floored formal staircase immediately leads to the car-

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Upstairs is additional family space while the Engels are now making their home’s downstairs area rentable on Airbnb.

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peted upper floor, an office is to the left and a formal dining room to the right. A dark Rustic Artisan engineered hardwood floor from Ralph’s Floors covers the majority of the house. It is one of the couple’s favorite parts, and they wanted plenty of light coming in from many windows to fall upon the white walls of the interior as well.

The open floor plan of the kitchen/ dining/family room space along the back side has an easy flow about it, with separate spaces still denoted.

Three punched-tin pendant lights, found on Etsy, hang above the large kitchen island with a matte black Craig Engels considers himself a framer while he credits Mary with being a “finish carpenter.” (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune) granite top. More of the aqua color can be seen in the island’s The family space is edged by tall ladder, favorite item number two, was knacks and many books, of course. The siding, as well as in tall white cabinets windows on one side and an entire wall one of Mary’s catalog finds. It slides past television flat screen is hidden behind of floor-to-ceiling book cases. A library an array of family photos, small knick- white shutters when not in use. topped by glass-faced insets.

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An impressive floor-to-ceiling bookcase is also the place for Mary Engels to display some of her extensive collection of animal figurines.

“It’s fun to have people over,” they agree. One such gathering was recently for Mary’s father’s 90th birthday, which drew about 80 people to the home.

Through one door in the kitchen is a 6-by-14-foot pantry. Another door leads into the laundry and another to the street-side garage.

The master suite, also along the rear of the house, contains a 7-by-12-foot walk-in closet and a black-and-white tiled bath. Small floral patterned pillows

and coverlet sit atop the white appliqué top of the bed. A large black framed Ikea mirror is on one wall. A comfortable sitting chair covered by an afghan and reading materials are in a nook. A small powder room outside the suite has a large bright painted poppy by Mary overhanging the commode. A dresser vanity from Home Depot worked for the sink when a similar plan for a real dresser proved to be too shallow for the purpose.

Stepping past the Engels’ two small white Coton de Tulear family dogs begging for attention onto the back deck, a black table is set up for outdoor dining in a protected corner. Magical intercrossed lights hang above for soft illumination.

White blooms from a spring-flowering tree dangle nearby.

The daylight basement of the home, with extra-wide steps down from the primary living area and a paved separate driveway in from the lower back, has a

double purpose to serve. It is both extra space to entertain children, grandchildren and friends as well as a short-term vacation AirBnb space with a separate entry, patio, two bedrooms, bath, kitchenette, and living area facing the woodringed backyard terrain. Its rooms, like those above, are decorated with Mary’s vintage finds and antiques.

Mary arranges any rentals through Black Walnut Farmhouse, her Airbnb business, which just hosted the first

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happy visitors to 400 Front St. in early April. They took time to comment in the guest book on the comfort they had experienced in Lynden.

Also downstairs is a large shop area where Mary exercises her talents with the arts and can paint and rehab furniture. Craig affectionately calls her “a finish carpenter.”

Likewise, the top floor has an extra bedroom-turned-craftspace for sewing and smaller projects.

While most of the décor on the upper floors reflects Mary’s love of earlier days, here and there on the lower level are whimsical animals portrayed in two- and threedimensional form, from book The back deck overlooks a low-lying area that figures into Lynden history. It’s here that steamboats tied up to shore in the cases to resting on shelving. 1890s.

Incredibly colorful paintings Writer’s note: After growing up in commute. I was excited to find it was the well-known builder husband. I added it of warmer-clime tropical vacation spots caught Mary’s eye and join a large white farm house, I was eager to work of a friend from high school always to my list of homes I was eager to have as see this elegant, yet quaint home on my known for her creativity and her new a Tribune home feature. the others on the walls.

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One can enjoy either the fireplace or media screen in the living room, but just fine dining in the next room.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 24, 2019| Ferndale Record

A jumbo painted wall flower is your companion in the commode on the main floor. Mary’s decorating touch is evident throughout the property.

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Elegance in a small package Intimate, yet inviting Designer Mark Ouellette combines home and work in a highly liveable creative Lynden space

By Elisa Claassen for the Lynden Tribune

“Have nothing in your houses that

you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” — William Morris, British textile designer, social activist LYNDEN — Life has sections and cycles. After moves around the country from studying industrial design and working in Toronto, Detroit, Minnesota, Virginia, Alaska, Vermont and Michigan, Mark Ouellette landed in Lynden 30 years ago. He stayed. It was time.

Of Lynden: “It’s been good to me. ... It’s my favorite place.”

After a sudden life-changing medical situation six years ago, a divorce, and a son and daughter growing up, the larger family home on Benson Road had given way to a rental in the

senior-geared Bryce Park community of Lynden while Mark Ouellette decided on his next step.

“I was in no hurry to leave,” he said. In the meantime, he had time to think and continue to work on designing homes following stints of using his creative gifts in illustration and photography.

“I have a job in Leadville, Colorado, right now. The farthest is Michigan, I think. I get a lot of requests from all over, but it is hard to work out of the state for a lot of reasons. I only do it when I am slow. I turned down a lot of work while I was building my house.”

His house is one delightfully tucked into a narrow lot that remained

in the Clark Court cul-de-sac near Fishtrap Creek off 17th Street of Lynden.

Designer Ouellette (pronounced “will let”) took his time finding the space and then designing the small house and constructing it himself — two years for the first stages of permitting and two and a half more for the build. In between buying the land and applying for the building permit came a discovery — setback requirements had changed. So a variance had to be obtained. He also introduced himself to the neighbors to allay their concerns.

The place is behind the Fairway Center in an established neighborhood that had just this one in-fill lot Continued on C14

The compact house, detached shop building and Jeep ready to go in the driveway reflect the lifestyle of owner and builder Mark Ouellette. (Courtesy photo/Mark Ouellette)

Spring Home & Garden

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 24, 2019| Ferndale Record

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Spring Home & Garden

It took Mark Ouellette several years from conception to completion of his dwelling. (Calvin Bratt/Lynden Tribune) Continued from C12

left. Ouellette notes the eclectic nature of the vicinity. While his 1,129-squarefoot home is much smaller than those of the neighbors, it fits into the oddshaped lot that includes creek bank.

A retaining wall shores up along the street, with additional landscaping to come.

The Jeep in the driveway points

toward a life of adventure when he leaves the house for the world beyond.

Rather than a garage beyond it, however, is a shop building serving as one creative center — the other being his home office space off the living room.

In fact, the pieces of the house came out of this shop. Heat and music make Continued on C16

He designed the circular stairs in his small house to be tight and efficient as well. (Courtesy photo/Mark Ouellette)

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Viewed from back to front and about 14 feet wide, these are the main living quarters of the Ouellette house. (Courtesy photo/Mark Ouellette)

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As both designer and builder, Mark Ouellette first created the pieces that would become his house out in the detached shop building. (Elisa Claassen/Lynden Tribune)

Continued from C14

this detached space another enjoyable living area.

“I built everything in here,” he says, pointing around the shop. Like the house, each tool has a purpose and a place.

The small back yard focuses on a dog play space for his 14-year-old English setter, Chip. There will eventually be a barbecue fire pit as well.

This small version of a Northwest Craftsman style house uses black discreetly as an accent from the outside, from door to the inside, to unite dif-

ferent features and themes. Large red Adirondack chairs sit on the porch.

Mortice-and-tenon joints connect at right angles. The exterior is stained Beachwood Gray. Four 3-by-6-foot windows, reminiscent of a grange or even a small church, rise within the cedar and Douglas fir.

An immediate sense of peace settles upon the visitor stepping into the tranquil entry. Subdued light erases any emotion from the outside world.

A cleverly concealed closet is to the right, sculptural artwork to the side and straight ahead. It’s much like a miniature art gallery. Each item has a

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Spring Home & Garden purpose and a place. Mark had seen a wooden “mermaid” in a friend’s home and managed to secure it for his own collection. A beautifully turned bowl defines elegant simplicity. To the left are a chair and the first of many art photos. This one is of Glacier National Park.

The adjacent maple-stained pantry aligns with the exterior windows — long and lean.

Intimate space, yet inviting.

“Dinner is often a very celebratory environment, a very safe place, a time to reflect and let the day go and enjoy good food and good wine. It’s a very peaceful moment during the day.

A great dinner can change your day around.” — Brett Gelman, American actor and comedian Small is no reason for not sharing space. The intimate entry opens to a surprisingly spacious kitchen with Viking commercial appliances and a super-sized island fully capable of handling a group of hungry friends. A long window seat, adjacent to the island, promises added comfort. Savvy under-

The kitchen of the Ouellette house seems surprisingly spacious, capable of handling a group of hungry friends.

(Courtesy photo/Mark Ouellette)

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C18 cabinet light choices in the nooks provide warmth in contrast to the darker color themes. Everything is easy to access. The cabinets’ gray changes in daylight, imparting more depth than darkness.

The great room encompassing the kitchen and living space opens to the home-design office space where Ouellette meets clients. The computer screensaver shows a younger version of the old furry pal in the bed nearby.

Two additional rooms — the bath and Mark’s bedroom — complete the first floor. Two bikes serve as both decor and storage along the wall, one for winter use and one for summer. A large safe, originally located in a John Deere dealership, is another beautiful object double-purposed for utility. Even the bathroom is a thing of beauty. The black accent choice reappears in the tops of cabinets supporting vessel sinks, with maple and marble walls extending into the shower. A Japanese scroll is above the toilet. The window looks through a tree to the creekside.

A spiral staircase leads to the second level, far bigger than a mere loft, while an adjacent small crane is avail-

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 24, 2019| Ferndale Record

Spring Home & Garden

able to hoist up furnishings and even small picnic baskets for lunch by his grandchildren. A TV on wheels has been pulled into a corner until it is wanted. A guest room at the end of the hall is beyond a nook that will soon have bunk beds for the grandkids. A photographic darkroom with a full darkroom sink, which has produced many of the lovely art black-and-white photos throughout the house, inhabits the in-between space. Eventually it may give way to a larger restroom should the guest area be transformed into a master suite at a later date.

Ouelette looks around at his created sanctuary and says that he is at a stage of life where he is simply “grateful” — for work, creating, fishing, faith, family and friends.

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” — Leonardo da Vinci For more information about Ouelette’s portfolio of designs, see http://www.ouelletteresidentialdesign.com/. Categories include timberline, contemporary, lodge style, resort home, vacation, small and really small.

The upstairs of the house maximizes 574 square feet by containing a nook, guest bedroom and a photographic darkroom.

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Spring Home & Garden

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 24, 2019| Ferndale Record

Home.

Togetherness.

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Mark Ouellette’s home living area needs to provide personal comfort for himself and his dog, Chip, as well as the tools to do his professional building design, photography and illustration work. Below, Ouellette is an original creator in his detached workshop building. (Courtesy photo/Mark Ouellette)

Spring Home & Garden

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 24, 2019| Ferndale Record

Get more bang for your buck with spring home upgrades Make a list of those that are most worthwhile The warmer weather is upon us, which means it’s time to start thinking about home improvement projects.

Whether you’re getting your home in tiptop shape for your own enjoyment or getting it ready to put on the market, not all home improvement projects are created equal when it comes to return on investment (ROI).

Here are top areas on which to focus, say the professionals: Interiors The kitchen is the heart of the home and it’s one of the best areas to renovate in terms of ROI, according to Remodeling magazine’s annual Cost vs. Value Report, which puts the price tag of the average minor kitchen remodel at $22,507, with 80 percent of the cost recouped upon resale.

To give the kitchen an updated appearance, replace the flooring, countertops, sink and faucet. A fresh coat of paint in a trendy shade, such as Living Coral, Pantone’s Color

of the Year, can add a vibrant pop of color to energize any kitchen.

Not looking to go that bold? Consider an accent wall, or stick to a classic palate of gray and white in terms of cabinets and countertops. White on white is also a popular new style for kitchens and bathrooms.

Other features home buyers are paying close attention to are laundry rooms and such energy-saving elements as Energy Star appliances and windows, according to the survey “What Home Buyers Want in 2019” by the National Association of Home Builders.

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The popularity of outdoor projects remains strong and it’s for a good reason.

According to the Cost vs. Value Report, the biggest bang for your buck in 2019 will come from replacing a garage door. The report says the average price is $3,611, and almost 98 percent of that cost is recouped when the house is sold.

Other outdoor projects with high ROI include: • adding manufactured stone veneer to the exterior (95 percent) • adding a wood deck (76 percent) • replacing siding (76 percent)

Looking for a simpler way to make an impact? Sprucing up the landscape by planting flowers or bushes or even just clearing the yard of debris will make a big statement.

No matter what updates you end up making, it’s always a good idea to notify your insurance agent.

“Certain upgrades may change the value of a house, so homeowners need to make sure they’re properly covered,” says Bob Buckel, vice president of product management for Erie Insurance. “There are a few things to look for. Ask your agent about guaranteed replacement cost policies that can cover the cost to rebuild a home in today’s dollars following a covered loss.”

Some upgrades may also make you eligible for discounts, Buckel adds, especially if they make the home more secure. “For example, Erie Insurance offers certain safety discounts such as for installing smoke alarms or an automatic sprinkler system.”

Now you have a checklist of DIY projects to focus on this spring. But before you start, take a moment to assess which ones are worth your time and money.

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Spring Home & Garden

Container gardens for every occasion Or use pots creatively to spice up any home yard area Make every occasion special by designing and growing containers for summer holidays, weddings, anniversary parties or other special celebrations. Pick a color scheme appropriate for the occasion or a variety of colors and shapes sure to add a festive touch.

Look for opportunities to include edible and flower-filled planters. Set containers at your front entrance to welcome family and guests. Use smaller containers to line a pathway and decorate each table.

Fill large pots with tall plants and ornamental grasses to provide privacy and define spaces.

Boost your confidence and eliminate the guesswork by including winning varieties trialed and proven for their performance in gardens and containers. All-

A new begonia, the Viking XL Red on Chocolate with large, uniquely colored dark leaves, was the 2019 All American Selections flower winner.

(Courtesy photo/Melinda Myers)

America Selections (AAS) is a nonprofit trialing organization with test sites across the U.S. and Canada. Volunteer judges rate entries based on their improved performance, flavor and unique qualities. Visit

the AAS website for help selecting edibles and flowers suitable for container gardening (all-americaselections.org).

Then pick a color theme. Red, white and blue combinations are perfect for patriotic holidays like the Fourth of July. Or pick one color and display it in patriotic pots. For reds, consider Summer Jewel red salvia, Viking XL Red on Chocolate begonia and Double Fire Zahara zinnia. Add a light airy touch with Sparkle White guara and Gypsy White Improved baby’s breath.

Evening Scentsation petunia, Strata salvia and Lavender Lady lavender provide the blue. Add an explosion of texture with fiber optic grass or Fireworks penstemon.

Host a sports event using flower colors or containers of your favorite team.

Add to the festivities by growing them in a football, baseball or soccer-shaped planter.

Gold is always a great choice when celebrating anniversaries, golden birthdays or any special occasion. Dress up the tables with the plump blooms of Marigold Big Duck Gold or the feathery blossoms of

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Fresh Look Gold celosia. Let them know they’re special by including Super Hero Spry marigold. The maroon and golden yellow blooms are atop 12-foot-tall plants and the name says it all. All these golden beauties will continue to flower and thrive long after the party ends. Combine them with other bright colors like South Pacific Orange canna, and Calliope Medium Dark Red geranium to create a festive atmosphere.

Bring the garden to the party with a few edible containers for a bit of interactive dining. Encourage guests to harvest herbs and vegetables as they create a salad, season their dinner or flavor their favorite drink. Then dress up the meal with edible flowers like calendulas and Baby Rose nasturtium with its peppery flavored flowers and leaves.

Make any outdoor wedding, reception or rehearsal dinner at your home memorable by creating planters that complement the bride’s color scheme. Include white flowers, like Summer Jewel White salvia, Mont Blanc nierembergia, Starlight rose zinnia and Gypsy White Improved gypsophila. White is the perfect neutral to light up any evening celebration.

Once you experience the difference that specially designed containers can make, you’ll be looking for more opportunities to host events and grow more planters.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” gardening DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio segments. Her web site is www.melindamyers. com.

Spring Home & Garden

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 24, 2019| Ferndale Record

8223 Guide Meridian Road Lynden, WA 98264 (360) 354-4071 www.scholtensequipment.com Each dealer sets own price. Prices and payments may vary. Offer expires 6/30/19.

$20,895.

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Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 24, 2019| Ferndale Record

Spring Home & Garden

Brim Tractor restarts a larger rental division Construction industry is the target, from the Lynden location only for now

By Eric Trent sports@lyndentribune.com

LYNDEN ­— Brim Tractor Company used to have a small rental department for weekenders and hobby farmers. That ended in September 2014. So when owner Dan Brim opened rentals back up in fall 2018, he added a bigger component — construction equipment.

There was a plan in mind.

“The owner said, ‘You know, we want to build some relationships with the construction industry and the businesses,’” rental manager Greg Bode said. “The good way to do that is rent them equipment too and maybe when they need to purchase something they would give us a shot at it.”

Bode notes a diminishing number of dairy farms locally while enough dealers here already service agriculture. That situation reinforced Brim’s decision to extend its reach to construction companies.

“We know agriculture is changing, and that’s why the company wants to get more into construction equipment,” Bode said. “We have all the elements to support it. We have the shop, the parts, the delivery department. So it was kind of a natural fit for the company.”

Dan father, Bill Brim, founded Brim Tractor in Lynden in 1966. The firm now has five additional Pacific Northwest locations: Mount Vernon, Chehalis and Pacific in Washington; and Eugene and Salem, Oregon.

Brim is starting up the rental division solely at the Lynden location, and if it goes well it would be expanded to the other stores, Bode said.

“It’s kind of a slow start because we don’t have all the equipment in yet. But it’s starting to build. Bigger boom lifts and reach forklifts. We’ll be meeting with key companies and asking them, ‘How do you see a rental company operating and what do you need as far as equipment and service? What would you suggest for us to stock?’ We’ll do that as well, if they’re willing to meet with us.”

Brim Tractor, founded in Lynden in 1966, is hoping to gain construction customers by expanding its rental department to include construction equipment, such as boom lifts, aerial lifts and tele-handlers. (Eric Trent/Lynden Tribune)

Right now for construction, the Lynden yard offers aerial lifts, reach forklifts and tele-handlers that have extending booms and forks to lift heavy materials.

“The market is segmented,” Bode said.

“Everybody does everything, but they’ve got their specialties. You need to diversify, not just be agriculture-focused. I think that’s strategic.”

Longer term rentals is where Brim

wants to go, and the construction industry is the sector that comes into play, Bode said.

“We’re excited for it. It’s something new for the employees too. It’s not just a

Spring Home & Garden weekend thing; we get to go on job sites.

We’ve been down to Seattle and all over.”

An added bonus of renting equipment is that it creates a secondary market.

“The benefit for having a rental yard is not only do you reach a lot more customers, but you can sell the used equipment after it’s depreciated because not everyone is going to buy new construction equipment,” Bode said.

Brim Tractor still offers rentals for the weekender and people working on their yards. This equipment includes mini-excavators, tractors, skid-steer loaders, backhoes and scissor lifts.

“We’re local and family-owned for 52 years. We’ve built a reputation, or at least we hope we have, of servicing the customers well,” Bode said.

“There’s some good rental companies here; there’s some national chains in the county, and there’s local businesses.

We think there’s room for another local business. The national chains are going to be out at the refineries. They are almost a different customer, in a way. They’re after the big customers, like BP. So there’s room for maybe us little guys to niche ourselves.

It will be fun to see how this all plays out.”

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 24, 2019| Ferndale Record

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Greg Bode is the rental and sales manager at Lynden's Brim Tractor Company, which has five other locations across Washington and Oregon. Brim's rental division is starting only in Lynden, for now. (Eric Trent/Lynden Tribune)

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Spring Home & Garden

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 24, 2019| Ferndale Record

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Five ways to add new tech to your home Appreciate the convenience and ambience you can create for yourself    New technology has the power to make your home safer, more comfortable and better suited to your family’s needs.    So if you’re planning to make some home updates, consider these ideas for incorporating the latest technologies.    1. Smart lock    Give your Neighborhood Watch group a deserved break and consider investing in smart lock technology. You’ll be able to control your home’s entry points from anywhere through a compatible app, which will also notify you of possible break-ins and tampering.    Whether you have guests staying at your place and need to let them in before you get home, or you forgot to lock your front door

before leaving the house, a smart lock can offer you convenience and peace of mind.    2. Full sound    No matter the size of your home, you can create the ambiance of a concert hall with the latest technology.    Even the slimmest of electronic pianos today has the potential to retain a sophisticated keyboard touch and authentic timbre of a grand piano. For example, the new design of the Casio Privia PX-S1000 keyboard reproduces the individual response characteristics of each of the 88 keys on a grand piano and its Bluetooth audio playback feature allows you to connect to your device and play along with your favorite songs.    3. Greater climate control    Heading to the airport but forgot to adjust your thermostat? Want your home to be a comfortable temperature when you arrive home from work? Next-generation, smart thermostats offer you the ability to get a better handle on climate control while potentially lowering your utility bills.     4. The right light    You can set the right mood for the right

occasion in every room of your house by creating programmed scenarios through a smart lighting system.    A smart lighting app can also improve home security, making your home looked lived in while you are away.     5. Beefed-up entertainment    You can go beyond a standard home theater and gaming area with the installa-

tion of a projector that offers a great quality picture, long-lasting brightness and a fully connectable interface.    For example, the SLIM Seris of LampFree Projectors from Casio requires little to no set-up time and provide projection at maximum brightness in as few as five seconds, for a truly immersive home theater experience.

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Spring Home & Garden

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 24, 2019| Ferndale Record

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Spring Home & Garden

Lynden Tribune | Wednesday, April 24, 2019| Ferndale Record

2019 Spring Open house

one day only sales! kids activities, greenhouse tour, prize drawings, and much more!

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TOUR 2pm

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Food Available for Purchase!

Come shop & have lunch!

KIDS CRAFT TABLE

Open all day