Home Improvement 2025 by mcnaughtonmedia

HOME Improvement 2025

Bathroom oasis

s Create a relaxing space where you can wash away the stress of the day.

Tree care

Hiring a professional will ensure your trees thrive.

Pool trends

s Modern luxury a musthave in the water.

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T H I N G T H E W R O N G W A Y ?

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w h e n h i t t i n g r o c k s . D o y o u r p a r t t h e r i g h t

w a y t o k e e p y o u r c o m m u n i t y f i r e s a f e

916.933.6623 ext.1044

Install noncombustible ground cover Use fire-resistant or noncombustible materials for decks, porches, railings, or fences that attach to the home.

Plant trees no closer than 30 feet to the home Space tree crowns 18 feet apart or further on slopes Trim branches up to 6-10 feet from ground and at least 10 feet from structures.

Remove vegetation next to outbuildings. For trees 30 to 60 ft from the home, space so mature canopies are at least 12 feet apart; for 60 to 100 feet from the home, space so tree canopies are at least 6 feet apart.

T h e E D C F S C h a s b e e n a w a r d e d g r a n t f u n d s t o o f f e r c h i p p i n g s e r v i c e s t o c o m m u n i t i e s a n d

h o m e o w n e r s r e s i d i n g o n t h e W e s t S l o p e o f E l D o r a d o C o u n t y ,

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Homeowners

HOME Improvement

Sally Long Johns Realtor

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Why you should hire a certified aborist

s Darla Mills, UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Trees are a beautiful and vital part of our environment and provide numerous beneﬁts, including enhanced property value, improved air quality, reduced energy costs and increased biodiversity. Given these advantages, it’s essential to ensure that trees receive the best possible care. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by hiring a certiﬁed arborist. These professionals play a crucial role in the care and management of trees, by adhering to the high standards set by the International Society of Arboriculture.

A certified arborist is a professional who has been trained and tested in the field of arboriculture, the study and management of trees, shrubs and other woody plants. Certification is offered by the ISA, a global organization dedicated to promoting the professional practice of arboriculture and fostering greater awareness of the benefits of trees.

Certiﬁed arborists are required to pass a rigorous examination covering 10 areas of knowledge:

• tree biology

• tree identiﬁcation and selection

• soil management

• tree installation and establishment

• tree pruning

• tree diagnosis and treatment

• tree risk management

• safe work practices

• urban forestry

• trees and construction

There are compelling reasons to hire a certiﬁed arborist for your tree care needs:

ABILITY & KNOWLEDGE

Certiﬁed arborists have extensive knowledge of tree biology, care techniques and diagnostic methods. Their expertise allows them to identify potential issues and provide solutions that promote the health

and longevity of trees. Whether it’s selecting the right tree species for a speciﬁc location, diagnosing diseases or implementing safe pruning practices, certiﬁed arborists bring a wealth of knowledge to every tree care project.

PROFESSIONALISM & ACCOUNTABILITY

Certiﬁed arborists adhere to standards set by the ISA, ensuring a level of professionalism and accountability. While they are not licensed by the state of California, their certiﬁcation can be revoked by the Western Chapter-International Society of Arboriculture if they fail to comply with ISA standards. This accountability provides peace of mind for clients, knowing that their arborist is committed to ethical and effective tree care practices.

How Our Program Works Mission

California’s SB1383 requires that cities and counties procure recovered organic waste products It is out mission to partner with the City and County to provide organic compost to the residents of our community while meeting CA regulatory requirements

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SAFETY

Tree care can be hazardous, involving the use of specialized equipment and techniques. Certiﬁed arborists are trained in safe work practices and risk management, minimizing the likelihood of accidents and injuries. Their ability to assess and mitigate potential hazards ensures that tree care operations are conducted safely and efﬁciently.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Certiﬁed arborists are required to earn 30 continuing education units every three years to maintain their certiﬁcation. This ensures they remain current with the latest advancements in tree care, trends, research, and technologies in arboriculture. Their commitment to ongoing education translates to improved tree care services, incorporating the most current and effective practices.

To find a certified arborist in your area visit the Trees Are Good website at: treesaregood. org. This site provides links to check certification, search for certified arborists and access downloadable information on tree care basics. Additionally, the website lists other ISA certifications that an arborist may hold, such as: ISA Certified Tree Climber, ISA Certified Arborist Utility Specialist, ISA Certified Arborist Municipal Specialist, ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, ISA Board Certified Master Arborist. These added certifications prove the arborist’s specialized skills and expertise, further ensuring high-quality tree care services.

MAKE THE RIGHT DECISION

Hiring a certiﬁed arborist in California is a wise investment in the health, safety and beauty of your trees. Their extensive training, commitment to professionalism and ongoing education make them invaluable resources for addressing all your tree care needs. By choosing a certiﬁed arborist, you not only ensure the best possible care for your trees but also contribute to the broader goal of promoting healthy and sustainable urban forests. ■

Specializing in Kitchen & Bath Remodels!

With over 30 years of expertise, Foothill Remodeling and Construction serves the greater Sacramento and western El Dorado County areas. To transform your space on any budget, we offer several alternative materials you may not have thought of, help plan layouts, shop for best prices, as well as deliver and install all materials.

So you want to be a gardener?

7 garden growing basics for beginners

Family Features

Growing your own produce is an all-around smart practice, from the money you’ll save at the grocery store to the contributions you can make toward a cleaner planet.

Maintaining a garden takes some effort, but it’s a project even a beginner can tackle with ease. Consider these tips to start growing your at-home garden:

1. Select a perfect spot. You’ll want to place your garden in an area where you see it often so you’re reminded to weed and care for it regularly. Find a flat area you can access easily, where erosion and

other pitfalls (including hungry wildlife) won’t be a problem.

2. Choose between ground and containers. There are pros and cons to gardening in containers vs. the ground, and there’s no universal right choice. Rather, the best garden depends on your goals and preferences. A ground garden usually offers more space and may provide a better growth environment for roots. However, a container garden is often easier to maintain and may be all you need if you wish to grow just a few plants.

3. Understand the importance of quality soil. You may think any dirt will do, but keep in mind the soil you plant in will be the primary source of nutrients for your produce. Not only that, but quality soil provides stability so plants can root firmly and grow healthy and sturdy to support

their bounty. Quality soil also allows for ample drainage. Organic matter like compost, leaf mold or aged manure all help improve soil quality.

4. Keep water close. Lugging water can quickly eliminate the pleasure of tending your garden, so be sure you’re situated near a hose. You’ll know it’s time to water when the soil is dry about an inch below the surface.

5. Plan for plenty of sun. A bright, sunny spot is a must, since most vegetables, herbs and fruits depend on six or more hours of sun every day. Remember the sun’s path changes throughout the year, and as trees and foliage grow, they may produce more shade with each growing season.

into making them grow. Over time, you might add new varieties, but early on, keep your focus on foods you know you like so you can see a meaningful return and avoid waste. You’ll also need to consider what you can grow to maturity within your area’s growing season. If necessary, you might want to start transplants you can nurture indoors before moving them outside when the temperatures allow.

6. Consider what you’ll grow. Starting with veggies you know you like is a smart starting point since you’ll be pouring sweat equity

7. Plant according to a calendar. Knowing how long it takes different foods to mature will help you create a planting calendar. You don’t want to harvest everything at once, and if you stagger planting and replant what you can, you’ll have a garden that produces food for your family for a longer period of time.

Find more helpful tips for managing your home and garden at eLivingtoday.com. ■

Create Your Bathroom Oasis

Having serenity sums up a need we long for in our fast-paced, turbulent time. A place to unwind and let our tensions melt away. Many desire to escape to an exotic place, or any place, to get away from it all but can’t because they either don’t have the time, means or money. However, you can transform your own bathroom into a relaxing oasis with a spa-like ambience for less than what it can cost for a week-long vacation at a luxury resort.

Sherri Bergmann

Courtesy photos Fireplaces add warmth and style to a bathroom.

Austin Parsons of Sierra Homes

Alternatives in Placerville, which specializes in home hearth and natural lighting needs, provides how easily this can be achieved and recommends a couple of simple additions that can transform your bathroom into a calm world away.

One suggestion is to install a gas replace in the wall for instant relaxation year-round. Austin points out some advantages:

• A great addition for ambiance and to provide heat.

• During the warm seasons, additional interior light features can be used without the ame or heat for year-round ambiance.

• You can create a replace for two rooms such as a bathroom and bedroom with a see-through replace installed in a wall between the two rooms to add a calming visual like the Heat & Glo Mezzo see-thru unit (top photo, page 16).

• A single-sided replace is ideal for smaller areas. The Mendota Chelsea (at right) model can heat up to 1,000 square feet.

• A wall replace doesn’t take up oor space.

Another way to ensure your bathroom is a stress reliever is to ensure it’s not a water guzzler.

The El Dorado Irrigation District noted these upgrades in a bathroom make a difference:

• Install lower-flow shower heads (1.5 gallons/min), saving 10 gallons per each 10-minute shower.

• Install low-flow aerators on bathroom faucets, saving 1.2 gallons each day.

• Fix leaky faucets, saving 15-20 gallons each day.

• Fix leaky toilets, saving 30-50 gallons each day.

photo Solatubes bring natural light into a room, which can soothe the body and mind.

Another way Parsons recommends promoting an upli ing and serene environment is to provide natural lighting with solar tubes. For many bathrooms, one is enough. Solar tubes enhance the sunlight’s e ect, and a glimpse of the sky and stars can be viewed which enhances the mood. Other bene ts include improved visibility and even better plant growth. Having just one can brighten your bathroom and eliminate the need for electrical (arti cial) light during sunny days, saving you energy and money.

In addition to providing better energy e ciency, solar tubes o er several advantages over traditional skylights. During the summer they can minimize heat transfer due to their design and the way they di use light. They are easier to install with less roof

destruction, can be installed in a day and require less maintenance.

Parsons, well familiar with solar tubes as Sierra Home Alternatives provides Solatube, a premier solar tube brand, points out additional advantages:

• Smaller footprint than a standard skylight with lighting capabilities of a 10-inch Solatube providing 150 square feet of natural light and a 14inch Solatube can illuminate 300 square feet.

• Options to add on a light kit for nighttime and an exhaust fan.

• Has di erent di user lenses available for di erent looks and light ltration

• Can be installed on a standard composition roof, tile, metal, etc.

Courtesy

Color correction

Natural light also enhances the colors in your bathroom. When choosing paint colors, it is helpful to know the paint’s Light Re ective Value.

The paint LRV is a measurement on a scale from 0-100 that indicates how much light a paint color re ects. A LRV of 0% is black and doesn’t re ect any light, and 100% is pure white and re ects all light.

The LRV aids in making energy-e cient decisions. A room with a color that has a higher LRV won’t require as much air conditioning or arti cial lighting, and a shade with a LRV lower than 50 absorbs light and heat, lending to a warmer room. You can nd the LRV on the back of the paint color chip as well as on the manufacturer’s website.

Knowing the color’s LRV can also help prevent the mistake of having a color looking darker or lighter on the walls than it appears on the paint color chip and can serve as a handy guide when choosing paint such as for which side of your home the room is.

Using paint with a LRV in the range of 70-100 is recommended if you want your bathroom to appear larger and airier.

Other tips to maximize the use of natural light with paint colors:

• Choosing colors with higher LRVs can reduce the need for arti cial lighting, saving energy.

• Light and neutral paint colors can brighten a small bathroom and make it appear more expansive, leading to a more relaxing environment.

• Bathrooms with an abundance of light can handle darker paint colors to evoke calmness.

• To jump-start your search for the right colors and for ideas to simulate a serene oasis, visit the major paint manufacturers’ websites to view their colors for 2025 and for recommendations of colors for bathrooms. When you have narrowed down the look you want to achieve for your own retreat, visit your local paint store to make your vision a reality. ■

Make the most of your bathroom renovation

Adding additional bathroom space to your home or renovating an outdated lavatory can improve your home’s usability and increase its value, too. To get the most practical benefits and value out of your new space, there are several factors to consider. Before you get started, take into account these considerations about the design and function of your new bathroom from the remodeling experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

SPACE

with expanding families. If there aren’t enough bathrooms in the house, you may want to add another, or it may be that you simply need to improve the layout and features to make better use of the existing space. For example, if the bath will be shared by multiple members of the family, a separation of the sinks from the rest of the room may be helpful.

A primary consideration is the available footprint to create your new bath. This is often a concern as children reach their teen years and also

FEATURES

Determining how you will use your bathroom dictates the features you’ll want to include. A guest or half bath is likely to have far fewer features than a master bath but may share some similarities with a kids’ bathroom. First,

Shop an evolving selection of home decor curated by local interior designer, molly e erin designs

you’ll need to make decisions about basics like lighting, the number of sinks and amount of counter space you’ll need. If you like baths, you’ll need to decide between a tub and shower combination unit or separate facilities. With a separate tub, the style you prefer may guide your overall design. The aesthetic for a bathroom with a focal point like a claw-foot tub is likely diﬀerent from a jetted tub.

STORAGE

Storage is one of the biggest concerns in any design, particularly in rooms as small as typical bathrooms. Carefully consider this aspect of the room during your pre-planning phase. To help determine how much space you need, make a list of all the items you need to store in the bathroom, including cleaning agents, toiletries, linens, first aid items and medications. It’s a good idea to also think about where in the room you would like to store each of these items. You may want some of the toiletries in the shower area, while others will be used near the sink or dressing area.

SUSTAINABILITY

Many contemporary bathroom fixtures are designed with sustainability in mind, so you can manage your water usage while still enjoying a water-rich environment. You can find water-saving features on everything from toilets to shower heads to even sink faucets.

ACCESSIBILITY

Applying universal design principles to your project can promote safety and increase your home’s appeal to a wider range of buyers in the future. In the bathroom, you can improve safety by incorporating non-slip flooring surfaces and ensuring the space is well-lit.

Other ideas include adjusting counter and toilet heights to make bathrooms more accessible (wall-hung toilets should be approximately two inches higher). You could incorporate structural bracing around the tub, shower and toilet for grab bars. You might also consider a walk-in tub or stand-up shower with no threshold, levered handles for faucets and an adjustable showerhead.

Find more ideas and inspiration for your bathroom design at remodelingdoneright.com. ■

Mocha Mousse

A deliciously inspired Color of the Year

Pantone, the global color authority and provider of professional color language standards and digital solutions for the design community, has introduced Pantone 171230 Mocha Mousse, an evocative soft brown that transports our senses into the pleasure and deliciousness it inspires as the Pantone Color of the Year selection for 2025. A warming rich brown hue, Mocha Mousse nurtures with its suggestion of the delectable quality of cacao, chocolate and coffee, appealing to our desire for comfort.

“Underpinned by our desire for every day pleasures, Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse expresses a level of thoughtful indulgence” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director Pantone Color Institute. “Sophisticated and lush, yet at the same time an unpretentious classic, Pantone 171230 Mocha Mousse extends our perceptions of the browns from being humble and grounded to embrace aspirational and

luxe. Infused with subtle elegance and earthy reﬁnement, Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse presents a discrete and tasteful touch of glamour. A ﬂavorful brown shade, Pantone 17-1230 Mocha Mousse envelopes us with its sensorial warmth.”

There is a growing movement to align ourselves more closely with the natural world. Characterized by its organic nature, Mocha Mousse honors and embraces the sustenance of our physical environment. Imbued with authenticity Mocha Mousse ﬁnds harmony and balance between the demands of modernity and the timeless beauty of artful creation.

“The everlasting search for harmony ﬁlters through into every aspect of

our lives including our relationships, the work we do, our social connections and the natural environment that surrounds us. Harmony brings feelings of contentment, inspiring a positive state of inner peace, calm, and balance as well as being tuned in with the world around us. Harmony embraces a culture of connection and unity as well as the synthesis of our mental, spiritual and physical well-being,” added Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute. “With that in mind, for Pantone Color of the Year 2025 we look to a color that reaches into our desire for comfort and wellness, and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others.” ■ and

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Top pool trends in 2025

As the pool industry continues to evolve, emerging trends in design and technology are reshaping how professionals and homeowners approach pool additions and upgrades. From the high-performance, low-maintenance advantages of berglass to the growing demand for space-e cient pool designs and luxurious spalike features, innovation and automation are bringing the pool industry into a new era of comfort and convenience.

“It’s an incredibly exciting time to be part of the pool industry,” said Scott Rajeski, president and CEO of Latham, The Pool Company, the largest designer, manufacturer and marketer of in-ground residential swimming pools in North America, Australia and New Zealand. “With homeowners prioritizing e ciency, convenience and design, berglass pools, automation and compact options like plunge pools are rede ning what’s possible in modern backyard spaces, o ering unparalleled durability and ease of maintenance.”

1. Colors and patterns

Aesthetically, pool shapes and styles continue to evolve with modern design tastes. Sleek, streamlined pro les are emerging in a mix of rectangle and abstract freeform con gurations. Dark blues are replacing so er neutral colors and homeowners are migrating away from tile borders in favor of a continuous pattern across the pool oor and walls all the way up to the coping with contrasting patterns on steps, ledges and other special features to create a customized, contemporary look.

Photos courtesy of Latham Pool Products

Outdoor pool trends this year include pool/spa combos, top photo, as well as plung pools, above.

According to the experts at Latham, following are ve pool trends expected to de ne outdoor spaces in 2025 and beyond:

2. Fiberglass

Look for berglass to continue gaining traction with modern homeowners seeking durability, aesthetics and low-maintenance convenience. Engineered from interwoven glass threads coated in polyester resin, these pools combine exceptional strength with e ortless beauty, making them ideal for in-ground installations. Their prefabricated designs also allow for rapid installation — o en within just 2-3 days of delivery — so you can dive into relaxation without delay. What truly sets berglass pools apart is their unparalleled ease.

Unlike concrete or gunite pools, which are porous and require regular brushing, chemical balancing and even resurfacing over time, a berglass pool has a smooth, non-porous surface that resists algae growth and requires fewer chemicals and less frequent cleaning. This means less time and money spent on upkeep and a generally healthier swimming environment.

3. Plunge pools

Plunge pools are making waves across the pool industry, o ering versatile solutions compact enough for any outdoor space without compromising on functionality. Small in size but big on experience, Latham’s new collection of plunge pools includes both berglass and vinyl liner designs with features including swim up seating and slip-resistant steps, o ering the perfect escape to dip, sip and let loose. Their smaller size also means lower water usage, reduced

heating costs and easier maintenance, making them an eco-friendly and budget-conscious choice.

“Smaller than a full-size pool, these models are just the right size for lounging, relaxing, intimate entertaining, or quick relief from the heat,” explained Rajeski.

4. Pool/spa combos

O ering the perfect blend of recreation and relaxation, pools with built-in spas are growing in demand. These integrated designs elevate the look and luxury of any outdoor space with dual functionality in a single installation. With features like soothing jets, tanning ledges and graduated levels for seating and standing, a pool-spa combo is ideal for a relaxing soak a er swimming laps or to aid muscle recovery a er a tough workout.

Homeowners are also increasingly choosing to add what is known as a spillover spa as a complement to

a traditional inground pool. These separate but integrated spas deliver the beauty and soothing sound of cascading water allowing you to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, whether you’re swimming, soaking or simply lounging poolside.

4. Automation

Pool automation is revolutionizing the way homeowners manage and enjoy their swimming pools by o ering convenience, e ciency and control.

Also gaining popularity are automatic safety covers. These discreet, customizable designs create an essential safety barrier, o ering peace of mind for pool owners. They also can deliver considerable cost savings by reducing water evaporation, conserving chemicals and maintaining heat — all with the press of a button. To learn more about the latest residential pool trends and innovations visit LathamPool.ccom. ■