Fall Home
THE
essenger Saturday, October 17th, 2026
Daily Freeman-Journal The
Wednesday, October 21st, 2026
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The Messenger • Sunday, Oct. 17, 2026
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How to brighten interior spaces
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pillows, blankets and fixtures can create a lighter feel when If spring and summer are seasons when homeowners focus their residents and guests enter a room. Artwork with light colors renovation energy on outdoor living spaces, that attention shifts also can help to brighten interior spaces. back inside upon the arrival of fall. People tend to spend much more time indoors than outside come late fall and throughout the • Wash the windows. They are easily overlooked, but dirty winter. The ambiance inside in fall and winter is notably different, windows as fewer hours of daylight can darken interior spaces. Finding can block ways to brighten home interiors can make spaces more inviting natural light in late fall and throughout the winter. and greatly reduce the • Layer with sheer and blackout curtains. The simplest way to amount brighten interior spaces is to allow natural light to illuminate of light them, but that can be difficult in homes with blackout curtains. entering Blackout curtains are highly effective at keeping light out, but a home they won’t do much to brighten interior spaces in the winter. through the Layer blackout curtains with sheer curtains so you can still get windows. some privacy but brighten interior spaces with natural light at Clean the the same time. interior and • Add lighting wherever possible. The days when interior lighting exterior was limited to floor lamps and overhead fixtures are long gone. of your Various types of lighting can now be used to brighten interior windows spaces throughout winter. Recessed lighting is a relatively prior to inexpensive upgrade that can brighten any room in a home at winter so any point in a day. Unlike a traditional overhead fixture where any grime the light emanates from a single source, recessed lighting can that has built be installed in various points in the ceiling so each corner of up in recent a room can be lit up. In addition to recessed lighting, under months and cabinet lighting in kitchens and on bookshelves can brighten years is not spots that traditional fixtures typically fail to illuminate. preventing Layering the lighting so light comes from various sources can light from create a brighter feel. entering your home. • Use color to your advantage. Color is another tool that can be It can be a challenge to keep interior spaces bright over the used to brighten interior spaces in the winter. If homeowners winter. But there are many ways homeowners can illuminate are reluctant to paint walls with new and brighter colors, then interior spaces. accents can lend rooms a lighter feel. Vibrantly colored throw Custom drapes & panels Roman shades & bedspreads • Blinds & shades
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Why it pays to create a mudroom in a home News and World Report indicates that a well planned and executed mudroom has the potential to increase a home’s value. Depending on the scope of the work, the average cost of a mudroom project ranges from $2,500 for a simple porch conversion to $30,000 when a new foundation is needed and the buildout is extensive.
Considerations for room additions or space modifications generally involve rooms that will add value or function to a home. Mudrooms certainly fit that description, as they can add aesthetic appeal in more ways than one. As the name implies, mudrooms are entire rooms or areas near entryways of homes where muddy shoes and other items can be stored. By having a set space for messy shoes and coats, homeowners do not need to worry about dirt and other debris being tracked throughout the home. Mudrooms also can provide a welcoming space for guests. Homeowners who have adequate space to add an entirely new room may have no difficulty putting in a mudroom. A mudroom addition is a job best left to a professional. Ideally, this new mudroom can be adjacent to an entry by the garage, or a side or back door. The footprint of the mudroom needn’t be too large, either. All it requires is a small amount of space to place a bench, coat hooks and shoe storage. According to This Old House, homeowners also can convert a porch, create a mudroom by expanding into an adjacent room or closet, or even repurpose space in an attached garage. U.S.
Budget-conscious homeowners can create a mudroom in an existing foyer or another entryway. Adequate storage is essential for any mudroom, and should include coat racks, hooks, a bench to facilitate removing shoes safely, shoe storage, and additional considerations, like shopping bag storage or umbrella holders. Creating a door from the outside into an existing laundry room can enable homeowners to use the space as both a mudroom and laundry area with minimal changes necessary. There are some extra considerations for mudrooms that homeowners should think about. The flooring, walls and furniture/storage used in the mudroom should be durable and easily cleaned. As wet and dirty shoes and clothing will be in the space, it’s essential to make clean-up a breeze. Look for nonslip flooring so entering the mudroom safely is not an issue. Although a mudroom is a utilitarian space, creature comforts can be added to integrate the space with the rest of the home. Cover a storage bench with indoor-outdoor fabric that coordinates to the colors used in a home. Add some decorative drawer pulls and cabinet hardware to elevate the space. Washable throw rugs also can add some design appeal to the room. Mudrooms can be useful spaces that add function and value to homes.
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Cooking up a kitchen remodel
A successful kitchen renovation project requires careful planning and a detailed vision of what the space will look like upon completion. Whether a homeowner is thinking about giving the kitchen a major overhaul or just a minor refresh, bringing that vision to life doesn’t happen overnight. There is a process that must go into a kitchen renovation. Embarking on a kitchen remodel can be an exciting venture and homeowners may be eager to dive right in, but familiarizing oneself with what to expect prior to the start can help property owners navigate the process more smoothly.
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• Inspiration and design: The first phase involves dreaming up kitchen plans and making practical decisions regarding efficiency and functionality. Considerable time may be spent working with a designer and architect, which will involve choosing materials and a color scheme.
• Appliances and finishing touches: Appliances will be delivered and hooked up at the tail end of the renovation. Finally, the backsplash, fixtures and lighting are put into place. The last leg of the remodel will include painting, trim work and installation of hardware on cabinets and drawers.
• Creating a budget: According to Angi, the average kitchen remodel costs $26,934, but price ultimately varies depending on the scope of the work. Costs may be less or more depending on the size of the kitchen and the materials chosen.
Once all the work is done, it is essential for homeowners to make sure everything is to their liking. According to HGTV and Kitchy Crouse of CK Interior Design, a regular kitchen renovation can take anywhere from six to 12 weeks. With so much time devoted to the space, homeowners should ensure it lives up to their expectations.
• Demolition: Before a homeowner can have a new kitchen, the old one must be removed. The real physical transformation begins with the demolition, which tends to be quick but messy. It is essential to set up an alternative “mini kitchen” elsewhere, or expect to be dining out throughout the remodel. The demo process may reveal any issues that will need to be remedied before the real work can begin, such as structural damage, leaks, mold, or other hiccups. • Contractor work begins: It can take one to three weeks for contractors to install plumbing, mechanical components, electrical wiring, ductwork, and more, followed by structural needs and drywall, according to sink and faucet manufacturer Blanco. Flooring and cabinets will follow, and can take another week or more. Fabricating custom countertops is a lengthy process and can represent the bulk of a kitchen renovation timeline. Expect a few weeks for countertops to be measured, made and then installed.
As the renovation begins, homeowners should remember that unexpected issues can arise, including delays due to material availability or unforeseen challenges. Maintaining an open communication with the contractor, asking questions and remaining flexible helps. Although a kitchen remodel is initially disruptive, it is an investment that ultimately enhances a home’s value.
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A guide to fall lawn care for cool-season grasses Spring might mark the time when many homeowners begin • Conduct a soil test. A soil test can determine if the soil is lacking any nutritive elements it needs to come back strong tending to their lawns each year, but it’s important to recognize in spring. Certain amendments can restore pH balance if the significance of fall lawn care as well. Grasses vary, and necessary and foster stronger growth when lawns come back homeowners are urged to identify which type of grass is in in spring. their lawn so they can ensure it gets the care it needs before winter’s first frost. Cool-season grasses like perennial ryegrass • Aerate, if necessary. Soil can become compacted over time, and Kentucky bluegrass are common in various regions, and the and that can cause a range of problems for a lawn. Compacted soil can make it harder for water to reach the roots of grass, which weakens grass and makes it more vulnerable to damage during adverse weather events like drought. Compacted soil also makes it harder for nutrients in fertilizer to get into the soil. Aerating is best left to professionals, particularly in larger lawns, as the job can foster strong root development when done properly.
Cool-season grasses still need watering even after summer gives way to fall. following strategies can help homeowners with these types of grasses tend to their lawns this fall.
• Remove thatch where it’s excessive. Thin layers of thatch can benefit lawns by delivering nutrients from glass clippings and leaves to a lawn. However, when thatch is excessive, it can block air, water and even fertilizer from reaching the soil. Thatch often can be removed with a rake, but lawns with especially thick layers of thatch may need to be scarified. Homeowners can take a DIY approach to scarifying or hire a landscaping professional to dethatch the lawn and remove the thatch from their properties. • Continue to water the lawn. A cool-season grass will continue to require water into the fall. Though the lawn won’t need to be watered as frequently in fall as in summer, various lawn care professionals note cool-season grasses still need roughly an inch of water each week in fall.
• Stick to your recommended fertilization schedule. Homeowners who have been fertilizing since spring are urged to continue doing so in fall at the recommended interval. It’s easy to forget • Remove leaves as they fall. Fallen leaves can affect a lawn in much the same way as excessive amounts of thatch, blocking to fertilize in fall thanks to cooler temperatures that don’t call water and nutrients from reaching the soil. So it’s best to lawn care to mind and busier schedules after school starts remove fallen leaves, especially when they begin to fall in large again and summer vacation season ends. But many fertilizer quantities. manufacturers advise users of their products to fertilize several times over the course of the year, including in fall. Stick to the Fall is an opportune time to tend to a lawn to increase the chances intervals recommended on the packaging of the fertilizer you’ve grass grows back strong in spring. been using, making sure not to forget to fertilize this fall.
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When to consider duct cleaning of the heating and cooling system will not be visible. If an HVAC technician reports the presence of mold, ask that a sample be analyzed at a lab, which the EPA notes is the only way to confirm the presence of mold. The EPA estimates the cost to analyze a sample is roughly $50. • Presence of vermin: Rodents and insects in the ducts are a notable problem that needs to be remedied. A duct cleaning should be a component of vermin remediation, as rodents can leave feces in ducts, which may look like small brown pellets. • Dust and debris accumulation: The EPA notes that dust and debris that accumulates in the ducts can clog them. This also can lead to dust, debris and particles being released into the home through the vents. Homeowners know that maintenance is vital to protecting their home and their investment in it. A well-maintained home is both a point of pride and a sound investment. Home maintenance can improve the look of a home, and such efforts also may help to make spaces healthier for residents and guests. Duct cleaning is a home maintenance task that homeowners look to with the intention of making interior spaces healthier. The United States Environmental Protection Agency notes that duct cleaning has never been shown to prevent health problems, but the EPA nonetheless advises homeowners to consider duct cleaning if certain conditions are present. • Mold growth: The EPA notes a duct cleaning may be necessary if there is substantial and visible mold growth inside hard surface ducts or on other components of a heating and cooling system. Mold growth can be difficult to confirm, as much
Duct cleaning can be part of the solution when homeowners are confronting certain conditions, including mold growth, vermin infestation, and excessive accumulation of dirt and debris. But the EPA notes it’s important that the underlying cause is addressed to prevent future issues.
Rachael Cook NMLS# 1507003
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Electrical safety strategies to emphasize throughout your home Electrical fires at home may not be foremost on the minds of homeowners, but they’re a notable threat that should not be overlooked. The Electrical Safety Foundation International reports that home electrical fires account for an estimated 51,000 fires each year. Such fires result in hundreds of deaths and $1.3 billion in annual property damage.
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Many electrical fires are preventable. Various preventive measures can be taken to reduce the risk of electrical fires and safeguard a home’s residents should such fires occur. The ESFI urges homeowners to take these tips to heart. • Audit your home electrical system. A thorough inspection conducted by a qualified electrician to ensure that all electrical work in the home meets the safety provisions in the NEC can uncover any potential issues that might increase the risk of an electrical fire. Homeowners also can periodically conduct a basic assessment of your home electrical system, electrical cords, extension cords, power plugs, and outlets. • Install smoke detectors on every level of the home. The ESFI recommends installing smoke detectors inside each bedroom and outside each sleeping area.
Consider electrical upgrades. Ask a qualified electrician if your home would benefit from AFCI protection, especially during inspections of older homes or upgrades to electrical systems. These advanced new safety devices recognize dangerous conditions that are not detected by standard breakers. • Routinely inspect fire warning systems. Test smoke detectors and AFCIs monthly to ensure that they are working properly. • Design and share a plan to escape to safety. Establish an evacuation plan that can be used in case of an emergency, and practice evacuating with your family frequently enough that everyone knows exactly what to do should a fire occur. • Adhere to manufacturer instructions in relation to lighting fixtures. Always use light bulbs that match the recommended wattage on the light fixture. • Childproof a home to avoid electrical accidents. In homes with young children, install tamper-resistant receptacles to prevent electrical shocks and burns. • Learn to spot the signs of a system in trouble. Telltale signs of electrical problems include dim and flickering lights, unusual sizzling and buzzing sounds, and circuit breakers that trip repeatedly. Contact a qualified electrician immediately if any such signs appear. • Reduce reliance on extension cords. Use extension cords only temporarily, and never use them to power space heaters or air conditioners. • Avoid overloading outlets. Consider having additional circuits or outlets installed by a qualified electrician as needed. Electrical fires can be deadly. But many can be prevented with some simple safety strategies.
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What attracts pests to a home? No homeowner wants pests to invade their homes or their • Clogged gutters: Ignoring clogged gutters can lead to pest yards. However, it’s easy for pests to find their way into and problems. Mice, squirrels, birds, ants, and spiders may be around a home. In fact, certain conditions may be inviting attracted to damp leaves in clogged gutters. Leaves offer pests to a property. shelter, nesting material and possible food sources of insect life. • Garbage: Piles of garbage offer food and shelter to pests.
Removing garbage piles and cleaning up food waste • Dirty dishes and indoor trash: Leaving food-covered promptly can make a difference. dishes in the sink invites pests. Leftover food attracts cockroaches, flies, ants, and more. Even if time is short, • Stagnant water: Mosquitoes breed in standing water, it’s best to wash dishes or load them into the dishwasher. which is water not affected by waves, current or a filtration Overflowing trash also draws pests into a home. system. Anywhere water has pooled, mosquitoes may be • Clutter: Clutter provides hiding places for all sorts of rodents and insects, which can hide out in cluttered areas • Moisture or standing water: Additional sources of water and remain comfortable. Going room to room and clearing and moisture may attract pests like gnats, mosquitoes, out extraneous items may help reduce pest populations. stink bugs, and certain spiders. Damp areas are of particular Focus on the garage and basement, in particular. concern, especially when combined with darkness. • Firewood: Firewood may attract a variety of pests, including Pests are attracted to certain conditions, and remedying termites and weevils. Firewood also may contain eggs that these issues can help reduce pest infestations. breeding.
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