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Table of Contents Help Save the Bees ............................ 6 Plant Local ........................................ 8 An Easy, Beautiful Flower Garden...... 10 Hosting a Summer Party .................. 14 The Small Garden ............................ 16 Patio Perfect ................................... 18 Are you recycling? ........................... 20 Keeping your Cool ........................... 22 Summer Decor ................................ 28 When to Plant Vegetables ................. 30
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Square Foot Gardening .................... 32 Refresh your deck............................ 34 Stay Cool and on Budget .................. 36 Top 2019 outdoor living trends ......... 38 East Home Renovations ................... 40 Edible Landscapes ........................... 42 Hiring an Exterior Painter ................. 44 Want to buy a home?........................ 46 Customize a bathroom space ............ 48
Help Save the Bees Bees produce more than tasty, sweet honey. We owe most of our food to the hard work of one of the species of apis. Seventy out of the top 100 human food crops, about 90 percent of the world’s nutrition, are pollinated by bees, Greenpeace says. But bees are in crisis. Colony collapse disorder occurs when most of a colony’s worker bees disappear, causing the colony to slowly die off. CCD ran rampant starting in the mid-2000s, when beekeepers began reporting up to a 90 percent loss of their hives. The disorder has scaled off somewhat, but bees are also under attack from pesticides, global warming, habitat loss and diseases. How You Can Help Start by looking at what pesticides you use and opting, if possible, for organic solutions that don’t harm bees. Then plan some plantings. When choosing new spring color for your beds, ask your nursery worker to point you toward flowering plants that bees like and that are native to your area, requiring less chemical care than other varieties. Build a Bee House Build or buy bee houses for your garden. North America is home to more than 4,000 6 • 2019 HOME & GARDEN LIFE
native bee species — honey bees were imported from Europe in the 1600s — and most of those don’t live in hives, the National Wildlife Federation says. Instead, they live in small nests carved into soil or wood. And, bonus, they rarely sting. Talk to your local nursery or
agriculture extension agent about what bees live in your area and how to create the best habitat for them. Don’t Forget the Water Bees and other pollinators need water, too. Add a water feature to your garden.
It can be as simple as a bird bath you regularly refresh. Add rocks or pebbles that stick out above the water line to give bees and other insects a safe place to land. Dump the water every few days to kill any mosquito larvae, and stay away from chemicals.
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Plant Local Native planting means choosing blooms and bushes that grow in your area on their own. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says native plantings are already adapted to your climate and soil conditions and provide important nectar, pollen and seeds to native fauna. They do not require fertilizers, need fewer pesticides, are less thirsty and can prevent erosion, may not require mowing, and promote biodiversity. Know Your Zone The first step to native planting is to know your planting zone. The USDA maintains the map, which is 8 • 2019 HOME & GARDEN LIFE
available online. Before you leave for your local nursery or garden store, look up your address on the map and determine your plant hardiness zone. Location, Location, Location Look around your yard. Observe the places where you want to plant and how many hours of sun and shade those spots get. Does water pool there? Is it dry? What’s the soil like? Is it close to your house or driveway? What native plants are around you? What’s your bud-
get? These are all questions the plant experts at your local garden store will ask. Be Patient Remember, this is a marathon. Native plants may take a year or so to get established and grow into their new habitat, the USDA warns. When you plant, you’ll also need to leave room for the plants to grow and propagate. If the gaps in your garden are killing you, ask your garden center about potted plants or small garden sculptures you can easily move to fill in.
Controlling Weeds and Invasive Species While you’re at the nursery center, talk to the experts there about weed control and invasive species to look for. Especially if you’re reusing beds that were planted with invasive species before, you may have your hands full for a couple of years. Weed control techniques to consider are pulling them by hand, using environmentally friendly mulches to suppress weeds among young plants, and the careful use of herbicides.
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An Easy, Beautiful Flower Garden Perennials are the types of low maintenance flower that brighten up a yard or garden but don’t require much attention from gardeners. Unlike annuals, perennials last from year to year instead of needing to be replanted each year. Better Homes & Gardens collected a couple dozen of the best perennials. Continued on Page 12 10 • 2019 HOME & GARDEN LIFE
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Continued from Page 10
Here’s a roundup of the easiest, most beautiful of these blooms. Blanket flower is a droughtand heat-resistant wildflower that produces bright pink and yellow petals in a daisy-like bloom. This flower can grow in poor soil and blooms through the summer and into the fall. It is shortlived. Russian sage is a tall perennial filled with stalks that produce an abundance of tiny blue flowers. This plant blooms in the late summer and likes the sun; it survives well in drought and heat. More than anything else, Russian sage needs room to grow. Asters channel daisies as they bloom, with a beautiful sunlike appearance of petals surrounding a bright center. They bloom in late summer and autumn and appear in pink, blue, purple and red, growing as tall as five feet. They can grow in flower beds or the borders of gardens and also look great in a vase inside. Yarrow is the flower for the first-time gardener or the returning gardener who may not have a green thumb. The flower can thrive in environments throughout the
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United States and can survive cold, drought and heat. Yarrow pop up as bright, flattopped clusters in pink, yellow, white and red that last from late spring to early fall. Black-eyed Susans bloom from midsummer until the first frost comes, often continuing to show off it golden petals repeatedly throughout the season. The flower is drought-tolerant and grows well in hot, sunny environments. Hardy hibiscus, unlike its more delicate tropical cousin, can overwinter as far north as Zone 4 in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, in which winter temperatures can drop below zero. They can grow to be several feet tall, with yellow, pink and red flowers the size of plates. They need sun and a rich soil and won’t grow in spring until soil temperatures heat up. Daylilies bloom better in the sun, but they’ll still produce flowers when growing in the shade. They can grow in a variety of soil conditions and are able to survive drought. All daylilies need is a lack of competition; keep grass and weeds away from this yellow-tinted white blooms.
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Hosting a Summer Party Once your house is all fitted out for summer, it’s time to invite friends over. Summer is perfect for picnics, brunches and campfires — get-togethers that allow you to eat outside, serve light, fresh foods that don’t require lots of cookies and decorate with flowers, colorful patterns or maybe a traditional red- and white-checked tablecloth. Brunch Brunch combines the best of breakfast and lunch. You can serve sandwiches, quiche, waffles, fruit, coffee, champagne, juice, salads and so many more light foods — try to avoid baking, at least the day of, to keep from heating up the house — and have seating outside to take advantage
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of the summer weather. MarthaStewart.com recommends using seasonal fruit and freshsqueezed orange juice and serving foods in bright-colored dishes and vintage-looking wooden spoons. Decorate with fresh flowers or ferns. Picnic Pack a basket and head out-
doors! You can do this in a park, at a table, on a blanket or on the beach. You can go traditional with sandwiches, cookies, lemonade and fresh fruit or vegetables, but you can dress up a picnic too. Bring fresh, crusty bread and cheese, add fruit skewers and dip, put together fancy sandwiches and homemade
baked goods or bring along cold chicken. Taste of Home recommends bringing a picnic basket and a cooler for cold food and beverages and packing your basket in the reverse order of things you’ll need. To make a day of it, bring croquet, bocce ball, a Frisbee or other games. Go at sunset
or find a new, out-of-the-way park to enjoy the view, or go to a lake or swimming hole and work up an appetite with a dip. Campfire Invest in foods that can be cooked on a stick. S’mores and hot dogs are traditional and shouldn’t be overlooked, but sausages, vegetables, fruit, chunks of meat and even garlic bread can be speared and cooked over a fire. Put chairs or rocks around the fire and keep utensils and plates to a minimum, allowing people to eat with their hands and get a little messy. Liven up your s’mores with different types of chocolate or by
adding peanut butter to the graham crackers. If you’re less inclined to cook with a stick,
make foil dinners with your favorite meat, potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots or cauliflow-
er and salt or pepper. Make sure to cook the meat before packing the dinner.
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The Small Garden
Even if you don’t have a large yard or green space to work with, you can still have a beautiful outdoor space to work out your green thumb. Here are some hints for making the most of your little slice of the great outdoors. Think Vertical Just like in cities, the quickest way to get more space may be to go up. Line a fence or wall with artfully placed flower boxes and alternate color and greenery. Choose plants for leafy texture as well as blossoms, and remember to take into account the amount of sun your space gets. Not into a lot of elbow grease outdoors? Try 16 • 2019 HOME & GARDEN LIFE
shelves of succulents in a variety of colors and pots. Take Advantage of Vines You don’t need a lot of room for flowering (or even fruiting) vines to grow. Instead, arrange them along shaped trellises or cages and take advantage of their natural propensity to spread. Keep the vines pruned to keep them from taking over.
Creative Containers Keep in mind that your containers will need to drain, be mobile and stand up to the elements. Once that’s covered, you can make almost anything into a flower pot with a little work. Get creative and recycle (clean) tin cans and interesting containers. A lot of local garden centers and pottery shops may also offer up pretty pots at great prices.
Pair it Up If you’re planting edible plants, such as fruit trees, pair them up, if needed, so they bear fruit. Talk to the experts at your garden center about varieties that need a mate and those that are self-pollinating. Many fruit trees are created to grow on patios, including apples, citrus, peaches and more.
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Patio Perfect Now that warmer weather its here, it’s time to get outside and get your patio ready for morning coffee, solo time with a book or a big dinner with friends and family. Keep reading for more tips on creating the perfect outdoor space to fit your needs and your budget. Furniture After a long winter outdoors, you may need to freshen up your furniture a bit. First, try cleaning it. Try a mix of 2 cups of white vinegar to 2 tablespoons of dish soap. Spot test it first to make sure the solution doesn’t ruin any fabrics or finishes. If you’re good to go, work it into the hard surfaces with a stiffbristled brush and rinse well. You can also use this solution on cushions and umbrellas (again, spot test first) with a softer brush. If a good wash doesn’t work, maybe it’s time for a fresh coat of paint. Take your cleaned furniture to an open, well-ventilated space and opt for an outdoor spray paint that’s appropriate to your furniture’s material. If you’re painting metal furniture, look for a paint that inhibits rust. For plastic, make sure the paint you pick will adhere to plastics. While matte finishes are in, glossy finishes are easier to clean. Your local home store offers a variety of paints, colors and 18 • 2019 HOME & GARDEN LIFE
finishes to choose from. Made in the Shade Throw the best kind of shade — the kind you can sip a lovely beverage under. Look beyond the umbrella at sunsails, awnings, canopies and more. Some more complex installs, like a retractable awning, may require profes-
sional installation. But there are easier solutions you can do yourself, like a sail or a canopy. Just make sure your shady solution is securely fastened so it doesn’t blow away in a summer storm. Pick a Peck of Pots Get creative with containers, textures and blooms in
your patio space. Choose plants with leaves and blooms that complement the colors of your furniture and cushions. If your thumb is a lighter shade of green, ask the pros at your garden center to help you pick easy-care plants that can stand up to the weather in your area.
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Are you recycling your plastic beverage containers? (BPT) - When you place a plastic beverage container in a recycling bin, you are an important part of the product’s life cycle, helping that packaging to be used to make something new, over and over again. An astounding 70 percent of what people toss in the trash is actually recyclable, but very few people recycle as often as
they should. What exactly happens to plastic beverage bottles that you put in a recycling bin? They are collected, sorted and ground into plastic flakes. Different types of plastic flakes are separated before being washed and dried. Then the processed flakes are used to make things like cups, trays, clothing, car-
pet fibers and so much more - including new beverage bottles. Recycling not only reduces waste, it saves energy too. Consider plastic bottled water containers, for example. Making new bottles from old ones uses 84 percent less energy, according to the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA).
Understanding that every person plays a critical role in the recycling process, IBWA launched “Put It In The Bin” - a partner-friendly initiative focused on educating people about the value of always putting recyclables in the bin so they can be made into new and amazing things. Recycling isn’t always conve-
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nient, but it’s worthwhile to do. When life is busy, it can be easy to forget to recycle. Consider these smart, easy-to-do tips that can help you make recycling a part of your daily life: Location: Place your recycling bin near your trash bin as a visual reminder that recycling can be just as fast and simple as putting something in the garbage. Caps included: Enjoy convenience drinks, empty them, replace the cap and recycle. It’s important to remember that both the bottle and the cap are made from valuable plastics that are in demand by reclaimers. Bring recyclables home: Outside of the home it can be
difficult to locate recycling bins. Make a conscious decision to bring empty beverage bottles home so they can be recycled properly. Plan ahead: Make space for empty beverage containers in your bag or car so it’s easy to bring them home and place them in your curbside bin. Set reminders: More than 90 percent of American homes have access to curbside and drop-off recycling programs, according to IBWA. Set an alert on your phone so you remember to bring out the recycling on the designated day. Reuse: Think about how you can reuse items, such as transforming empty plastic beverage bottles into a beau-
tiful holiday wreath. Watch the video here for details: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=P_51YHj_4-o&t=2s. Buy recycled: Purchase goods made from recycled materials to support the ongoing life cycle of products. There are many things that can be recycled, but bottled water containers are the most common drink item in curbside recycling programs, recycled at a rate of 53.9 percent, according to the “Put It In The Bin” website. In fact, recycling just one plastic beverage bottle can conserve enough energy to power a 60-watt bulb for up to six hours, notes IBWA. What’s more, according to Recycle
Across America, five recycled plastic bottles provide enough fiber to produce one square foot of carpet. With recycling, the possibilities are endless - but it all starts with one small personal choice to recycle. To learn more about how recycling makes a difference, visit putitinthebin.org.
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Keeping your Cool Warm breezes mean the return of the air conditioning season is right around the corner. Make sure your unit is ready to keep you cool with a little preventive maintenance. Here are some tips from the DIY Network on how to keep your HVAC in its best shape. A Good Cleaning Give your outside unit a good cleaning before the full heat of summer hits. Clear away any debris, like the last of winter’s dead leaves, from inside and outside the unit. Remove the fan cage and give the inside and outside of the fins on the walls of the unit a gentle spray with a hose. If they’re especially dirty, hit the home improvement center for a spray cleaner just for HVAC units. While you’re cleaning, look for bent fins and straighten them with a fin straightening tool or a butter knife. Be gentle, though; you don’t want to damage the tubing. Inside Maintenance For the inside unit, remove the panel to expose the condenser inside. Dust the coil with a soft brush, then use a no-rinse condenser cleaner spray from the home improvement store to clean it. Clean the drip pan with soap and 22 • 2019 HOME & GARDEN LIFE
hot water, then dump a 50-50 solution of water and bleach down the pan to inhibit algae growth. Hiring a Pro If any of this sounds like hard
work, or if you have a clog or a discover a problem with your HVAC, turn to a pro. Some heating and air companies may even offer a maintenance contract where they drop by on a schedule. Look for a heat-
ing and air service with good recommendations. As with any contractor, also check to make sure their licenses and insurance are up to date and get any estimates and contracts in writing.
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Summer Decor Winter is over, spring cleaning is done and it’s time to redecorate with lighter colors and fabrics, flowers and fruit and all the decorations that make your house feel like summer inside and out. House Beautiful offered a list of fairly inexpensive, do-it-yourself options. Add Color Keep fresh flowers in a vase on the table, counter or bookshelf, swap out 28 • 2019 HOME & GARDEN LIFE
dark drapes for light- or bright-colored window coverings, add a couple of colorful throw pillows to the
couch and exchange your bed coverings and towels for brighter, lighter or patterned versions. Stumped
when it comes to color? Visit a local design or paint shop and see what’s in style now.
Summerize your Fireplace Once it’s cleaned, you can keep candles, plants, flowers or other summer items in your fireplace, providing decoration during a season when you won’t be building fires. Change up your Furniture Want to feel like you’re on a boat or on the beach? Change up your upholstery, either permanently, through DIY reupholstery, or by adding new throws, pillows and trimmings on the furniture. You can plan colors and patterns with a nautical or tropi-
cal or forest theme, helping to bring a little of the outdoors into your living room. Whitewash It To immediately bring in a summery feel, paint dark wood or dark walls white or other light colors — light blue, green or yellow make a house or a room much brighter. This doesn’t have to be entire rooms or even entire walls; look at trim, staircases, doors and other smaller areas. Add Hanging Plants Bring your garden inside
with hanging plants in the dining and living rooms, patio and other places. Flowers spilling out over the side of a hanging basket provides a different kind of ceiling decoration than a fancy light and makes a room seem brighter and more colorful. Add a Fire Pit You can build a firepit or buy a small metal pit for your backyard, which means campfires, s’mores, hot dogs and sitting around the fire for hours, an ever-
popular summer activity, right into your space. Adding a picnic table to your backyard, if you have room, helps to bring even more summer fun into your yard. You can find the supplies for these easy projects at any home improvement store. Install a Mirror Mirrors make rooms look bigger and brighter. You can set one up on a table near a window, giving it lots of light to reflect, and surround it with flowers, plants and other decor.
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When to Plant Vegetables Greenhouses and indoor gardens means gardening is now a year-round venture. But for a traditional garden, April is when people should start their planting. Urban Farmer walks gardeners through when to plant which crops to set yourself up for the best results. Before you do, however, check the U.S. Department of Agriculture for your growing zone and know what weather patterns you’re likely to be working with. While some vegetables do better when developed as seedlings and transplanted — such as peppers, herbs and tomatoes, which are the most popular vegetable in gardens — others do better when planted as seeds. These include beans, peas, corn, carrots, radishes, pumpkins and cucumbers. When you start planting, either seeds or seedlings, make sure the soil has been warm for several days in a row. April Gardeners who started growing plants indoors should start transplanting those to the garden, but it’s certainly not too late for people starting with seeds, even for tomatoes and peppers, according to Urban Farmer. Beans, beets, cabbage (one of the easiest plants to grow), carrots, corn, cucumbers, let30 • 2019 HOME & GARDEN LIFE
tuce, melons, herbs and onions all should be planted in April. Peas, if planted in April and with a little help from good weather, can be ready for harvest by May. April can be the most difficult month. Many plants need the germinating time and should be planted in April, but a lot of Americans live in climate zones where a final freeze in April isn’t unusual. Be prepared to cover
plants in the event of bad weather. May If cold weather or a busy spring kept you from too much planting in April, there’s still time. Many of those same plants thrive in the consistently warm soil and air that gardeners are likely to see in May. Plants such as squash, beans, cucumbers and melons are good kitchen staples
that can be planted in May. June and beyond You can plant summer squash and zucchini in June to get a crop in late July or early August. That’s the same with lettuce, and carrots can be planted in June or even beyond. Some varieties of beans, like Contender, Kentucky Wonder and Topcrop, can be ready for harvest in just more than a month.
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Square Foot Gardening Interested in growing vegetables, but don’t have a lot of space? Square foot gardening may be your solution. According to the Square Foot Gardening Foundation, this method, which separates a gardening box into 12-inch by 12-inch squares, with a different crop in each square, saves time, tools, water, and of course, space. The popularity of square foot gardening is growing throughout the world, particularly in Third World countries where residents rely on home-grown food to eat but rarely have much space to plant a garden. This inventive form of gardening was started by Mel Bartholomew, gardened as a hobby after he retired from his work as a civil engineer. It can be done on rooftops, yards and plots of all sizes, such as community gardens. While there is some strategy to square foot gardening, it isn’t harder to grow successful square foot garden, and there are many 32 • 2019 HOME & GARDEN LIFE
ways in which it’s easier — little weeding, no rototilling and no heavy tools. It starts with a box, good dirt and an irrigation system. The Box Square foot gardening boxes are available to buy, but you can also build your own. Use untreated wood, or only treat the outside of the box, to avoid the chemicals having contact with the soil. Brick, cement, vinyl and even recycled plastic can be used to build the box. Put weed mat on ground beneath the box to ensure you don’t get weeds in your garden.
The Soil It’s just dirt, right? Not really. While you can garden in many types of soil, the foundation recommended equal parts coarse grade vermiculite, sphagnum peat moss and organic compost. For a 4-foot by 4-foot box, you need about one cubic yard of soil. Squash may need a little extra space as well. Tomatoes and peas will need some structure to climb up.
important factor is to be able to easily delineate each square.
The Grid Add the grid using old window blinds or wood, showing the gardener exactly how much space is available for each crop. This could also be done using twine. The most
Future Years For best success in your garden year to year, plant different crops in each square so the nutrients in the soil are spread out and not repeatedly used by the same plant.
The Plants Most backyard garden crops can also be grown in a square foot garden. If you want to grow tubers (potatoes, yams), carrots or other root vegetables, ensure your garden is deep enough that they can grow underneath the soil.
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5 smart ideas to refresh your deck deck or patio, research materials carefully before making an investment. One prevalent building trend involves making the smart choice toward natural, environmentally friendly materials that will never end up in landfills. As such, more homeowners are choosing Real Cedar because it is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insects. It’s low-maintenance and easy to work with, being
(BPT) - As seasons turn, your focus begins to shift to the outdoors. Your deck or patio becomes your new living room - an ideal setting for memorable moments with friends and family. If you look at these spaces and long for a refresh, the time to start planning is now. You have options, and many you can do yourself with minimal effort. To start, if you don’t have a
T L
durable yet lightweight, laying straight and taking fasteners easily. Plus, nothing looks, feels or smells quite like cedar. To refresh your deck with style and functionality, consider these five trending outdoorliving projects: Planter boxes: If you want to add beauty and functionality to your deck, construct planter boxes and put them in sunny spaces. From small boxes that
house herb gardens to larger boxes that allow vegetables to thrive, you can have a bounty of fresh flavors right outside your door. No need for a garden plot! Planter box designs come in a variety of sizes and can be built low to the ground or at waist height for easy tending. Outdoor sectionals: Built-in sectionals are becoming a focal point and favorite hangout
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spot on the deck. Perfectly set into a corner, these multi-directional couches can be built as large or small as you desire. Use Real Cedar for your project because it is pitch- and resinfree, so accepts and holds a wide variety of finishes beautifully so you can customize the look to your tastes. Finish with cushions for that decorator touch and you’ll have your new favorite cozy outdoor corner. Water features: As homeowners look to make their decks and patios a true retreat from the stress of everyday life, they want to add elements of Zen, which is why fountains and water features are becoming so popular. New decks are often built to incorporate these features, including pathways where water provides a calm
ambiance. If a pond is too significant an undertaking, fountains provide a more affordable alternative that can be used in any size space. Pergolas: These beautiful semi-shelters can be built in a number of useful configurations depending on how much shade you require, what you wish to situate beneath it (A dining set? Outdoor couches and chairs? Grilling equipment?) and whether you want to incorporate climbing plants. For complete project plans and instructions on how to make your own pergola over a weekend, visit www.realcedar.com. Lighting: When the sun goes down that doesn’t mean the fun should stop. Add lighting to extend the functionality and enjoy special moments under
the stars on your deck or patio. Stair, railing and pathway lighting add a necessary safety feature, while under-table lighting and deck-post sconces provide the perfect illumination for the space without being overwhelming. For a touch of twinkle, add a few outdoor string
lights in white, or for a more festive atmosphere, go for the color of your choice. These five outdoor living ideas are sure to enhance any size deck or patio space. Make plans today so you can enjoy many seasons of fun outdoors with loved ones.
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Stay Cool and on Budget As the temperatures go up, so do many people’s electric bills as air conditioners crank on. While people in some parts of the country will always have to rely on cooling systems, the U.S. Department of Energy recommended a number of steps people can take to minimize how much you have to run the AC. Take Advantage of Cooler Hours If the nights get cooler, turn off your air conditioner and open your windows when the sun goes down and the temperature drops enough to be comfortable. In the morning, shut the windows and blinds to keep the cool air inside. You can also install window coverings that prevent heat from coming in through the windows. Turn it Up Your living room doesn’t need to feel like a sweat lodge, but do set the thermostat as high as you can while still being comfortable. When you’re away for long periods of time, set the thermostat to a higher temperature. When you return to a hot home, don’t set it lower than you normally would; this won’t cool your house any faster and likely will cost more. 36 • 2019 HOME & GARDEN LIFE
Consider a programmable thermostat to help keep your house temperature reasonable. Use Fans Combined with air conditioning, the use of ceiling fans allow you to set your thermostat about 4 degrees higher than you normally would with no noticeable change, because it moves the cool air throughout the house. Use a fan in the bathroom during a shower or bath, which will re-
move the heat and humidity from your home.
can contribute heat to your home.
Keep the Oven Off Cook on the stove or on a grill to avoid heating up your house with the oven. You can also avoid turning on lights, which add to the ambient temperature, and use the washing machine, dryer and dishwasher only when you have full loads and not during the heat of the day. Even curling irons, hair dryers, computers and televisions
Get Checked Out. Make sure your air conditioner or swamp cooler is running as efficiently as possible by getting it checked out by a professional. You also can get your home assessed to find cracks, broken seals and other openings that allow hot air in and your cooled air out. Caulk seams and add weatherstripping to block that air flow.
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Top 2019 outdoor living trends (BPT) - With busy schedules and on-the-go lifestyles, outdoor living spaces offer a chance to decompress, enjoy nature and connect with friends and family. Thanks to the impressive design and quality of today’s outdoor products, these spaces often rival the convenience, comfort and design of the indoors. As the heart of the home shifts outdoors, following are some
of the top trends that will dominate the outdoor living landscape. Sustainable solutions There is a growing interest in sustainable alternatives to wood products, which contribute to deforestation and can leave a heavy carbon footprint. Composite decking offers an appealing option that outperforms wood, with greater durability, less ongoing main-
tenance and fewer harmful environmental impacts. Trex decking, for example, is made from 95 percent recycled and reclaimed materials, diverting more than 250 million pounds of plastic film and bags from landfills each year. Beyond decking, composite materials also can be found in today’s hottest outdoor furnishings. Manufactured from recycled milk jugs and other
polyethylene plastics, these high-performance, on-trend designs offer environmentally responsible options for comfortable, stylish outdoor living. Cozy and clean As homeowners spend more time enjoying their outdoor living spaces, comfort is key. From plush cushions and throws to cozy pergolas, today’s outdoor spaces are designed to evoke serenity and peace.
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However, trend experts are quick to point out that “cozy” doesn’t equal “clutter.” Clean, minimalist looks are growing in popularity, as homeowners emphasize quality over quantity. In outdoor spaces, this trend is manifesting in sleek lines, simple styles and a preference for long-lasting products. On decks, this minimalist trend can be seen in the popularity of streamlined, aluminum railings. Another musthave is outdoor cabinetry such as built-in trash bins and ice chests that can be color-coordinated to integrate seamlessly into a deck design. Illuminated spaces From candles and tiki torches to fireplaces and integrated fixtures, outdoor lighting is
another “bright” idea that is in high demand. The right lighting can take any outdoor space from invisible to inviting - especially when it’s integrated in innovative ways to accentuate key features. Spotlights highlighting an accent wall or tread lights incorporated into a bar top are both popular options. Adding dimmable LED lighting to the railing and stairs not only adds ambiance but also enhances safety. By choosing which outdoor elements to highlight, it’s easy to change the look of an outdoor living space without moving any furniture. Decidedly DIY More homeowners than ever are feeling confident about building their own outdoor living spaces. Lighter weight
deck boards such as Trex Enhance, as well as innovative, easy-to-install railing panels, have made creating a dream deck on your own easier than ever. If you are comfortable using a hammer, a power saw and a drill, you can build your own deck. Or, if you have a deck but
it is showing signs of wear, you can easily resurface it in just one weekend, so long as the substructure is intact. For those ready to DIY, expert help is never more than a click away. Installation guides, instructional videos and detailed plans are readily available online.
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Easy Home Renovations Spring cleaning is done, the weather is warm and people are returning to the outdoors — often discovering their houses need a little TLC. For anyone comfortable with a ladder, paint rollers and a hammer, there are a number of do-it-yourself home renovations to spruce up your house and not break the bank. This Old House Magazine offered a number of suggestions.
or class up a room with fancy-looking overhead lights. You can change the look and feel of a room by dressing up the ceiling some. You can also add a ceiling medallion around a hanging light fixture. Visit a local lighting store for a wide selection of either.
Plant a Tree Planting an oak or elm for shade, a fruit tree for food, or an evergreen or two to act as a windblocker and a fence can spruce up the yard and block winds. This is long-term investment, but if you want reasonably quick results; research types of trees and find one that grows quickly. TOH said an Arborvitae Green Giant, an evergreen, can grow three feet in a year. Your local nursery can point you to the right tree for your space and climate.
Paint your Front Door Painting always takes longer than you plan, and usually ends up with more paint in places it’s not supposed to be than you would like, so painting a room or an outdoor wall is a big undertaking. But your front door is smaller and more doable and is the first thing people see when they come in, so why not give it a facelift? Go with something vibrant and fun — red or green, perhaps — or a more traditional but warm wood color. Fix up the Floor New carpets and hardwood are expensive. You can, however, refinish your vinyl floor
Install a Ceiling Fan or a Chandelier Keep your heating and cooling costs down with a vintage-looking ceiling fan, 40 • 2019 HOME & GARDEN LIFE
so it looks like stone tile. TOH suggested using two colors to create the stones and white paint to create lines between the stones. Finish it with coats of polyurethane to seal the surface. Build a Planter Add a garden to your home,
regardless of space. You can build an outdoor planter from wood planks, frame it, attach the sides and the bottom and line the box with plastic. These can be larger, for a backyard, or small enough to fit on windowsills. Then hit the garden store for plants to fill it.
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Edible Landscapes You can pack your gardens with plants that are edible to more than just bees and butterflies. With a little work, you can make your yard beautiful both outdoors and on your dinner plate. What Does Your Garden Grow? First, determine what kind of things you want to grow and how much work you want to put in. Are you comfortable on ladders, and do you have the room for fruit trees? Do you use a lot of herbs? What about edible flowers, such as viola? Color On More Than Your Plate We know it’s healthful to eat the rainbow and a plate full of colorful veg looks tasty. But you also can take advantage of those bright, beautiful colors in your garden. Consider pairing bursts of colorful greens, such as species of cabbage or kale, with snowy white cauliflower. Take advantage of the tall, leggy shapes of beans and tomatoes. Alternate the shapes not only for optic interest, but also to prevent diseases from spreading. Herbs in More Than Pesto Mix and match herbs with ornamentals in your garden. 42 • 2019 HOME & GARDEN LIFE
Some species even masquerade as ornamentals, especially if you leave some to bloom and go to seed. They also make a tasty meal for pollinators or even boost the smell in a bouquet of your homegrown blooms. Again, make sure to plan for your
location and color. There are species of basil, for example, that are deep, vibrant purple and oregano that turns a lovely soft silver. Perfect Pots If you’ve got a small space, never fear. Your local gar-
den center can point you to herbs, greens, tomatoes and even fruit trees that thrive in pots. Remember to consider how you’ll move the pots in case of a cold snap and how to feed and maintain these miniature produce aisles in your yard.
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Hiring an Exterior Painter All the sprucing up in the yard may make you turn a critical eye to the exterior of your home. While you can paint the outside of your home yourself, most homeowners choose to hire a contractor for this big job. Here are some tips for picking a pro from Consumer Reports. Set Up a Meeting Ask friends, family and the local paint store for recommendations, then set up a meeting time with each contractor. He or she will want to walk around your home and take a close look at all the surfaces to provide a detailed estimate. Be wary of short visits. Ask how big the contractor’s crew is and how much experience they have. Get it in Writing Each contractor should provide you with a written estimate that includes a complete breakdown of costs, including labor and supplies. Look for the brand of paint they plan to use, number of coats and surface prep work that must be done, like replacing rotten wood. Once you pick a contractor, they also should provide you with a written contract. The con44 • 2019 HOME & GARDEN LIFE
tract should include everything in the estimate, plus a clear outline of what is and is not included in the work. You also can ask for a guarantee of the work; your paint may offer a warranty, but it prob-
ably doesn’t include labor. Check References and Credentials Talk to past clients and, if you can, look at their work from several years ago to see
how well it holds up. Also check more recent projects to see the skills of the current crew. Make sure each contractor is up to date with any local or state licenses and that they have their own insurance.
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Want to buy a home? Do the math (BPT) - It is a common misconception that a 20 percent down payment is required to buy a home. Advice to wait and save a large down payment is often based on the theory that the cost of mortgage insurance (MI), which is required when you buy with a smaller down payment, should be avoided. This may not be the best advice and is, in fact, not in line with
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market trends, considering the median down payment for first-time homebuyers is 7 percent, according to the National Association of Realtors. Yes, you can qualify for a conventional mortgage with a down payment as small as 3 percent of the purchase price. It is also true that you can reduce your monthly mortgage payment by pay-
ing for discount points at closing, but that can be 5 or 10 percent of the purchase price - not 20. And because every buyer’s situation is unique, it’s important to do the math. In today’s market, it could take a family earning the national median income up to 20 years to save 20 percent, according to calculations by U.S. Mortgage Insurers using a methodol-
ogy developed by the Center for Responsible Lending; a lot can change during that time, in the family’s personal finances and in overall mortgage market trends. How can buying now save you money later? Consider you want to purchase a $255,000 home. A 5 percent down payment is $12,750 versus $51,000 in cash for 20 percent down.
With a 740 credit score at today’s MI rates, your monthly MI payment would be about $110, which is added to your monthly mortgage payment until MI cancels. MI typically cancels after five years; therefore, you will only have this added cost for a short period of time versus waiting an average of 20 years to save for 20 percent. With home price appreciation, today’s $255,000 home will likely cost more in the years ahead and this will also have an impact on the necessary down payment and length of time required to save for it. There are other variables in the equation too, such as interest rates. As federal rates rise from their
historic lows, so too will the costs associated with financing a mortgage. The savings a borrower might calculate today could be altogether negated by waiting even a few more years. Another factor is that rents are on the rise across the nation, leading to a reduced capacity for many would-be homebuyers to save for larger down payments. If you decide to buy today with a low down payment mortgage that has private MI, keep in mind that the monthly MI payments are temporary and go away, lowering the monthly payment over time. Again, private MI typically lasts about five years as it can be cancelled once a
homeowner builds approximately 20 percent equity in the home through payments or appreciation and automatically terminates for most borrowers once he or she reaches 22 percent equity. Importantly, the insurance premiums on an FHA mortgage - a 100 percent taxpay-
er-backed government version of mortgage insurance - cannot be cancelled for the vast majority of borrowers. So, do the math and let the numbers guide you. There are many online mortgage calculators that can help. Check out lowdownpaymentfacts.org to learn more.
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5 simple ways to customize a bathroom space (BPT) - Bathrooms are one of the most frequented rooms in a home. It’s where you start and end your day, and can be a room to relax and recharge in. This special space should reflect your personality and unique preferences. If you don’t feel it adequately does, there are a few simple ways to refresh this room so it feels one of a kind. If you want to update your
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bathroom with customized features that suit your personality, consider the following five ideas: Lighting: Bathroom lighting should be functional and fashionable, enabling you to get ready for the day while also allowing you to relax in the evening, for example, while taking a calming bath. General lighting provides the bulk of illumination in
the bathroom space, but consider adding accent and task lighting for more flexibility. For example, wall sconces can provide extra light for personal grooming tasks while a strategically placed pendant light provides an adjustable accent glow by the tub. Faucets: Both the sink and bath faucet can add style and functionality to the bathroom. KOHLER’s Components
Collection of interchangeable spouts and handles, as well as bathroom accessories, offers a wide range of timeless, modern options that allow you to create a personalized faucet configuration tailormade for any environment and decor. Choose your spout, then handle and finally finish - in a variety of offerings - for an ideal update that suits your design ideals.
Hardware: Vanities serve a utilitarian purpose in the bathroom, offering storage necessary for bathing, grooming and more. The vanity also is a focal point of the room, becoming a key part of the overall aesthetic. If your vanity is dated, consider updating before replacing. Hardware is one affordable option for an instant refresh. Remove old, dingy knobs and handles and replace with modern ones found at your local home improvement store for a fast, notable makeover. Flooring: You probably don’t put much thought into your bathroom floor, but it offers a wonderful opportunity for a refresh. Dated linoleum or tile can easily be replaced with modern options that are sure to impress. Tile is always a good choice for the bathroom. Ceramic and marble tiles come in every color imaginable, and can be laid in various patterns to add visual interest to the space. What’s more, consider adding heated elements under the tile for a
luxurious touch that keeps toes toasty. Mirror: Front and center on the main bathroom wall is a large mirror that helps you get ready for the day or prepare for bedtime. This mirror also creates a visual illusion of a larger space, reflecting the light and tricking the eye into thinking the wall is larger and more open than it is. Analyze your current mirror and consider updating it to a modern style. Size is another consideration. Is your bathroom mirror too small? A good general rule is that it should measure several inches smaller than the vanity. These five simple updates will have a dramatic impact on the look and feel of your bathroom. They will help you create a personalized space so you feel comfortable and at home every time you use it. KOHLER’s new Components line of interchangeable faucet elements offers a wide range of modern, minimalist options for composing a finished product. 2019 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 49
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