Skagit HomeStyle & Garden Fall 2021

FALL 2021

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A supplementHOMEstyle to the Skagit&Valley Herald FALL and Anacortes American GARDEN 2021

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In This Issue

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IS YOUR HOME WINTER READY 3 How to winterize your home 4 A guide to choosing dining room furniture 5 3 tips for creating the ideal dining area 6 4 tips to keep your fabric sofa in good condition 7 4 ways to incorporate a TV into your decor 8 How to choose between horizontal and vertical blinds 9 Covering up a ceiling: materials you can use A BEAUTIFUL YARD 10 5 benefits of hiring landscaping professionals 11 3 native evergreen shrubs to grow in the Pacific Northwest 12 10 outdoor tasks to do before winter 13 Wood: a natural and versatile material 14 Elevate your yard: how to garden with height in mind 15 3 fruit shrubs native to North America

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HOW TO WINTERIZE YOUR HOME With winter fast approaching, you need to make sure your home is ready for the season ahead. Here are five key tasks to check off your to-do list this fall.

• Inspect your heating system.

Whether you use a wood stove, electric baseboards or a furnace to heat your home, it’s important to have your equipment professionally inspected, cleaned and maintained before the cold weather hits.

• Ensure your doors and win-

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dows are airtight. Remove the screens from your windows and check for any drafts. If you feel air seeping in, caulk along the edge of the window or use plastic wrap to provide a better seal. You should also make sure the weatherstrip on your exterior doors is in good condition and replace it if necessary.

• Clean and store your air conditioner. If you own a portable air conditioner, now is the time to remove it from the window, clean the filter and store it in a protected area until the weather warms up.

• Dust your air vents. Remove the air vent covers and grilles throughout your home, and vacuum inside and around the openings to remove as much dust and debris as possible.

• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Whether you heat your home with wood or not, it’s important to regularly replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon

HOMEstyle & GARDEN FALL 2021

monoxide detectors. It’s also a good idea to check if your portable fire extinguisher has expired and needs to be replaced.

Doing these things will ensure you can breathe easier while sheltering from the cold.

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A guide to choosing dining room furniture

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o you want to redecorate leaf or extendable table. your dining room? If so, here are some things to keep in mind Chairs when you shop for new furniture. If your dining room is long and narrow, opt for benches or stools Table that can slide under the table Determine whether the space when they’re not in use. Regardwill be used for something other less of the type of seats you than eating such as working from choose, make sure they’re upholhome or doing homework. You stered or padded with cushions. should also take into account the This will allow everyone to sit size of the room and how many comfortably. people you want to be able to fit around the table. If you like to Storage entertain but your dining room is If you have a small dining room, small, think about getting a drop- select a tall, narrow hutch. For a

larger space, opt for a long buffet that you can hang a mirror or piece of artwork above. Before you make a decision, remember to account for the space needed to open the cabinet doors as well as the direction they open.

Style Consider what design style you want for the room before you start buying furniture. This will make it easier to pick pieces that go well together and give the space a cohesive look. Whether you decide to give the room a modern, farmhouse or eclectic feel, it’s best to opt for high-quality materials, especially if you’re worried about scratches.

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Visit the furniture stores in your area to find a wide selection of dining room furniture for your home.

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3 tips for creating the ideal dining area

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o you want to add a dining rather than one large table room to your open-concept • Install a corner bench to proliving space? Or perhaps you vide seating and storage want to make room for a breakfast nook in your kitchen? In ei- • Choose a coffee table with a lift top ther case, here are a few tips to help you create a beautiful and 2. Define the space functional eating area.

If possible, add features that 1. Use your imagination make the dining area distinct If your home doesn’t have a des- from the space around it. This ignated dining room, you’ll need can be done by placing a rug to get creative. Fortunately, there under the table, rearranging furare plenty of ways to incorporate niture to divide the space, using an eating area into your living wallpaper to create an accent room or kitchen. For example, wall or painting the ceiling above the dining area a different color. you could:

flowers, a piece of art on the wall and patterned seat cushions are all items that can spruce up the space without making it feel cluttered.

To find the furniture and accessories you need for your dining space, visit the stores in your region.

• Opt for an extendable table 3. Add a decorative touch with bench seating To make your dining area more • Use a kitchen island or penin- inviting, be sure to include a few sula as a bar decorative accessories. A stylish • Set up a few bistro-style tables tablecloth, a vase with fresh cut goskagit.com

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4 tips to keep your fabric sofa in good condition

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f you want to keep your fabric sofa in good condiregularly flip and rotate them. This will help tion, it’s important to take proper care of it. Here extend their lifespan, as it allows the fabric to are four tips to help you extend the lifespan of this wear out and fade evenly. type of furniture.

If your fabric sofa needs to be replaced, visit local 1. Protect it from the sun. Black, blue and other furniture stores to find a new model that matches dark fabrics are particularly vulnerable to sun- your living room decor. Consider opting for a fablight and can start to fade within the first year. ric that’s easy to clean, such as nylon or polyester, Arrange your furniture to keep the sofa out of rather than linen, which is quite absorbent. the sun, or close the blinds when you’re not using the room.

2. Follow the instructions. To avoid damaging the fabric, be sure to wash the cushion covers according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Only use cleaning products designed for the specific type of fabric on your sofa.

3. Vacuum it on a regular basis. Brush crumbs and other debris off the sofa as soon as possible to prevent stains. You should also use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to suck up dust at least once a week.

Some cleaning companies have specialized equipment

4. Rotate the cushions. If the back or seat cush- and products to effectively clean and deodorize upholions of your sofa can be removed, you should stery. Contact the ones in your area to learn more.

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4 ways to incorporate a TV into your decor

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hether it’s in your living room, dining room or bedroom, your TV probably takes up quite a bit of space. Here are four ideas for integrating this device into your decor so it doesn’t interfere with the style and flow of the room where it’s located.

• Hide it in a piece of furniture.

If you don’t want your TV to be the focal point of the room, consider placing it inside a cabinet. This way, you can close the doors when the device isn’t being used.

• Cover it with a decorative accessory. Install a sliding panel in front of your TV, and decorate it with a painting, picture frames or a large mirror. Alternatively, you can hang a tapestry in front of your TV and roll it out of the way as needed.

• Mount it on the wall. This option allows you to swivel the TV so it’s at the perfect angle for watching, and then press it up against the wall when it’s not in use. Another option is

to install the TV in an alcove.

If you want a custom solution to seamlessly incorporate your TV into a room’s decor, reach out to a local interior designer.

• Camouflage it with black decor. You can decorate the room your TV is in with black furniture and accessories, or install the device against a black accent wall so it blends in with the decor when it’s turned off.

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How to choose between horizontal and vertical blinds

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f you’re looking for a window treatment, blinds are a practical choice because they allow you to control how much light enters your home. Here’s some advice to help you choose between horizontal and vertical blinds.

Horizontal blinds Classic and timeless, these blinds are well suited for square or rectangular windows that are either small, narrow or high up.

They’re easy to maintain and come in various styles, materials

and colors. Plus, the slats can be tilted upward to provide privacy while still allowing light to filter into the room.

Vertical blinds The long slats of vertical blinds are ideal for hanging in front of patio doors and large windows.

Unlike horizontal blinds, they can be easily opened on either side or in the middle, depending on the model. They’re also virtually effortless to clean and resistant to both heat and moisture.

Visit a local home improvement store or blind retailer to find the right window treatment to complement your decor.

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Covering up a ceiling: materials you can use

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o you want to give an old or unsightly ceiling a stylish new look? Here are some of the materials you can use to get the job done.

can be used to conceal ducts and pipes without restricting access.

Plus, these lightweight tiles are easy to install and inexpensive to replace if one gets damaged.

Gypsum boards

Aluminum

Commonly known as drywall, this cost-effective material is fire resistant and relatively lightweight.

However, installing gypsum boards generates a fine dust that can be hard to clean up and risks irritating your eyes and lungs if you don’t wear protective equipment.

This shiny material is sure to catch the eye. It’s also low-maintenance, recyclable and resistant to fire, moisture and mildew. These metal sheets can be either suspended from the ceiling or glued directly to the surface.

Ceiling tiles

Paneling

Typically made of wood or PVC, Available in a variety of materi- paneling can be glued and nailed als such as mineral fiber or natu- in place or installed as a dropped ral wood fiber, a dropped ceiling ceiling, provided you have adegoskagit.com

HOMEstyle & GARDEN FALL 2021

quate insulation. This ceiling material can add warmth and character to a room, but it might also make the space feel smaller.

Stretch ceiling Made of either fabric or a glossy PVC film, this ceiling type is ideal for a modern design. Plus, it’s resistant to fire and moisture.

Although stretch ceilings last a long time, they can be quite expensive and require professional installation.

Keep in mind that something as simple as a fresh coat of paint or a bold wallpaper pattern can give new life to an old ceiling. For more ideas, consult an interior designer.

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5 BENEFITS OF HIRING LANDSCAPING PROFESSIONALS

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o you want to freshen up your yard or completely redesign the look of your property?

If so, here are five advantages to working with a team of lawn care and landscaping professionals.

1. Your plants and trees will thrive. While all species require sunlight to grow, some need much more of it than others. Plus, certain plants prefer direct light, while others do well in the shade. A landscaper will ensure each plant is in an ideal location to get what it needs.

2. Your planting times will be perfect. Some species need to be planted at a specific time of the year to grow and survive the change of seasons.

Leaving this work to a professional will ensure you don’t make any mistakes.

erly prepared using specialized equipment. A landscaper will have the right tools and experience to quickly and efficiently complete this task. If you already have a lawn, a professional will make sure it stays lush, healthy and free of pests.

3. Your landscaping will be cohesive. The style of your home, the size of your property and the 5. Your hardscape will be stronger. Walkways, stairs, walls and patios can be installed using a layout of your driveway and yard can affect the variety of materials. A landscaper will consider look of your landscaping. A specialist will take factors such as the frequency of use and weaththese elements into account before proposing a er conditions when designing every detail. beautiful and practical design for your front and backyard.

If you want to boost your home’s curb appeal 4. Your lawn will be expertly installed. If you and wow your guests, be sure to hire a team of want to lay sod, the ground must first be prop- landscaping professionals this spring.

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3 native evergreen shrubs to grow in the Pacific Northwest

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o you want to adorn your yard with plants indigenous to your area? If so, you’re not alone. Landscaping with native plants is on the rise among eco-conscious gardeners. Here are three evergreen shrubs that feel right at home in the Pacific Northwest.

1. Evergreen huckleberry Also called California huckleberry, this shrub has small dark green leaves that develop a bronze tinge in winter. By late summer, its delicate pinkish-white bell flowers give way to succulent black berries that can be used to make jams and jellies.

2. Oregon grape

bumpy purple berries in the fall.

With leaves reminiscent of hol- For help planting and maintainly and tiny yellow flowers that ing the shrubs on your property, bloom in spring, this evergreen hire a local landscaping company. shrub will add interest to your yard year-round. While not part of the grape family, it does produce similar-looking purple-blue berries that are edible but quite tart.

3. Pacific wax myrtle This dense evergreen can be used as a natural windbreak or privacy screen, and its tolerance to salt spray makes it a good fit for coastal areas. The shrub’s glossy green leaves are pleasantly aromatic, and it produces

Oregon grape

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10 outdoor tasks to do before winter

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inter weather can put your home to the test. This fall, be sure to protect your property against the whims of Mother Nature by being proactive.

3. Fix cracks in your foundation.

Fill in small cracks around your foundation and basement walls with caulking to keep water and moisture out of your home.

6. Clear the coping. Remove debris and make sure drainage is adequate to avoid an overflow.

7. Install screens on vents. If you haven’t already, install heavy4. Sweep the chimney. Remove duty screens on your vents to any creosote buildup from the in- prevent small bugs from entering side of your chimney to prevent your home in search of warmth. a fire.

8. Protect your shrubs. Wrap

1. Clean out your gutters. Clear away twigs, leaves and other debris from your gutters to ensure water can flow away from your home.

5. Close the pool. Drain the wa2. Inspect and repair your roof. ter, clean the filter, put on the Check for split, missing or curled cover and do whatever else is shingles on your roof, as well as necessary to winterize your pool. signs of moss, mold and pests.

vulnerable shrubs and plants with burlap to give them an extra layer of warmth throughout the winter.

9. Prune your trees and hedges. Trim back any trees or hedges that are encroaching on your home.

10. Put away your yard accessories. Put your wheelbarrow, hoses, watering cans, barbecue and patio furniture away until next year.

You can hire a local roofer, chimney sweep or landscaper to help you prepare your house and yard for winter.

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HOMEstyle & GARDEN FALL 2021

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Wood: a natural and versatile material

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f you want to create a backyard oasis, consider using wood. This renewable resource is a timeless and durable material that’s wellsuited for building patios, decks, pergolas and other structures that can enhance an outdoor space.

The types With so many varieties on the market, there’s a type of wood for every budget. The most affordable options include treated wood, such as pine, which is often used to construct decks.

However, more expensive choices like cedar, ipe and torrefied wood will hold up better against the elements and add character to your landscaping.

The styles Although it requires regular maintenance, wood is one of the most widely used landscaping materials.

This is because it can be matched with nearly any design style. In addition to being ideally suited for a rustic or Scandinavian backyard esthetic, wood provides warmth and balance to modern and contemporary spaces.

To ensure you select the right wood for your next outdoor project, consult a professional. Landscapers and experts at your local home improvement store can help you create a beautiful yard.

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Elevate your yard: how to garden with height in mind

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f you want to cultivate a lush backyard, one important factor to consider is height. Here are some tips to help you create a garden reminiscent of a tropical paradise.

• Tall plants. Select exotic species with large leaves that grow upward and outward. Ficuses, monsteras, philodendrons and palm trees are all great picks, so long as they can be brought inside in the fall if needed.

• Climbing plants. Guide vines up walls, along fences and around other structures to expand the reach of your garden. If you want to add a splash of color, make sure to choose flowering species.

• Epiphytic plants. Commonly found perched on trees in rainforests, these plants can grow without soil. To recreate this look, mount orchids, bromeliads and tillandsias to a pergola or trellis. Just make sure you’ll have time to care for these delicate plants.

• Potted plants. A simple way to add some height to your garden is to fill pots, baskets and hangers with greenery, and arrange them on shelves, ladders, fences, tables and other elevated hardscape.

Finally, if you have the room, consider planting one or more trees. As they grow, they’re sure to take your yard to new heights!

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3 fruit shrubs native to North America

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here are several advantages to growing fruit shrubs that are native to your area. In addition to improving the look of your yard, many of these plants produce edible berries. Here are three species to consider.

1. Black chokeberry This easy-to-grow ornamental shrub will brighten up your yard in spring with its white and pink blooms. After admiring the flowers, you can harvest handfuls of the black berries, which are rich in antioxidants and can be used to make jam, juice and wine.

2. Elderberry

Black chokecherry

Elderberry

This plant produces large, flat clusters of tiny white flowers that have edible petals. As for the berries, they must be cooked prior to eating them. Failing to do so is likely to result in an upset stomach. However, their tart taste makes them a great option for pie fillings, jams and syrups.

3. Highbush cranberry Though it’s different from a regular cranberry, this bright red fruit does have a similar taste. The berries are naturally high in pectin, which makes them ideal for making jams and jellies. Keep in mind, however, that this shrub can grow up to 13 feet tall.

Before you select a fruit shrub for your yard, make sure it’s wellsuited for the climate in your area. Consult the hardiness zone on the plant’s label or speak with a specialist at your local garden center.

Highbush cranberry

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