Spring Home & Garden - 2022

Spring 2022

INSIDE: • • • •

OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES TECH MAKES GARDENING FUN CREATING A SUNROOM and More...

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How to create a sunroom

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ometimes referred to as “all-season rooms,” sunrooms can make for a great retreat on quiet summer mornings or crisp autumn afternoons. Sunrooms can be treated as blank canvasses, which makes decorating them more fun. But a few tricks of the trade can help homeowners turn their blank canvasses into welcoming spaces to take in all that nature has to offer throughout the year.

■ DEFINE THE PURPOSE. The experts at Better Homes & Gardens recommend homeowners decide how they want to use the sunroom before they begin decorating it. Though it’s possible to make sunrooms multipurpose spaces, it may be hard to create a relaxing vibe in rooms that are too crowded with furnishings or too busy. Defining how the space will be used also makes it easier when shopping for furnishings.

■ DEFINE WHEN THE ROOM WILL BE USED. In addition to defining how the room will be used, homeowners should give ample consideration to when the room will be used. A year-round sunroom will need to be heated, while a three-season sunroom likely won’t require heating. Cooling might be a concern on hot summer afternoons, but many

homeowners will likely spend such days outside anyway, so cooling the room may be as simple as installing a ceiling fan and ensuring windows can be opened to let fresh air in. Homeowners who want a year-round sunroom should install insulated glass to keep the room even warmer when the mercury dips.

■ OPT FOR BRIGHT COLORS. Bright colors can make sunrooms feel all the more inviting and make for a perfect match with all the natural light already in the room. The renovation experts at HGTV note that white walls and ceilings can maximize the warm illumination of the natural light that will be pouring in from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Better Homes & Gardens adds that brightly colored cushions, pillows and area rugs with similarly hued colors and patterns can add visual interest and texture to a sunroom.

■ MAKE USE OF A VIEW. Homeowners needn’t direct too much of their focus on decor if their sunrooms come with a view. Art on the walls and other decorative items around the room are less important if a sunroom affords a view of the ocean or a lake or dense woods that attract local wildlife.

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What to know about outdoor living spaces

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ome trends come and should consider various facgo. What was popu- tors before deciding to go lar as recently as a ahead with a project. decade ago may have lost ■ COST: The home renovasome luster in the eyes of to- tion resource HomeAdvisor day’s home buyers. Though estimates that the average that’s historically been the cost of an outdoor living case in regard to real estate, space is around $7,600. That outdoor living rooms are one cost can easily go up dependrelatively recent home trend ing on where homeowners that figures to have a longer live and the features they shelf life, especially in the af- want to have in their outdoor termath of a global pandemic living spaces. For example, during which people were including a built-in fire pit in encouraged to stay home as an outdoor living space will much as possible. cost more than purchasing a Real estate professionals and stand-alone fire pit that can organizations like the Na- be picked up and moved. tional Association of Home But many homeowners feel Builders note the populari- a built-in fire pit makes an ty of outdoor living spaces outdoor living space even among prospective home more special. buyers, and how that pop- ■ RETURN ON INVESTularity has grown in recent MENT: Return on investment years. Outdoor living rooms is another factor for homenot only apowners to peal to pocon sider tential buyas they try e r s, t h e y to decide of homeowners had also serve if they as a means should ina greater desire to be for current stall outhome after installing homeownan outdoor fire feature door living ers to get spaces and more out of their properties. how to design those areas.

Homeowners mulling out- Much conflicting data about door living space projects the ROI on outdoor kitch-

83%

ens can be found online, but many trusted real estate organizations report that such additions do not mesmerize prospective buyers. Data from the American Institute of Architects indicates that outdoor kitchens are routinely ranked among the least desirable home features, which means homeowners should not expect substantial ROI when selling their homes. But that built-in fire pit? Estimates from the Na-

tional Association of Realtors suggest fire features recover around 67 percent of homeowners’ initial investment.

In addition, 83 percent of homeowners surveyed by the NAR who had installed fire features said they had a greater desire to be home after completing the project.

■ SPACE: An outdoor living space may only be as relaxing as the space allows. The proximity of neighbors may affect privacy levels, which can

make it hard to enjoy movie night outdoors or curl up to quietly read a good book. In addition, landscaping also may need to be addressed if drainage is an issue in the backyard. That can add to the cost, and drainage concerns may limit the materials homeowners can work with.

Outdoor living spaces are popular. Homeowners must consider various factors before deciding if such spaces are for them.

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Budget-friendly ways to upgrade a landscape

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n inviting, well-tended landscape can add significant curb appeal to a home. Landscaping projects run the gamut from simple changes that can be accomplished on a weekend afternoon to more significant and costly undertakings that require the work of a professional.

Budget-conscious homeowners may be looking for simpler projects, and the following are some less costly ways to upgrade a landscape.

■ ADD A POP OF COLOR WITH PLANTERS. Awe-inspiring colors can make a landscape stand out from surrounding properties. Bold planters won’t lose their color in a matter of weeks like many flowers do, and homeowners can switch planters so the colors align with the season. For example, some pastel planters can evoke the spirit of spring, while orange planters can be filled with mums to give a landscape an autumnal feel.

■ PLANT PERENNIALS AROUND THE PROPERTY. Well-maintained perennials grow back each year, making them ideal for homeowners who don’t have the time or desire to map out new gardening arrangements each spring. Planting perennials also is a

great way to add color around the property without breaking the bank.

■ UPGRADE WALKWAYS. Though it’s more expensive than adding planters and planting perennials, upgrading old and cracked walkways is a great way to give a property a whole

new look. According to the renovation experts at HomeAdvisor, homeowners typically pay between $6 and $12 per square foot for new concrete walkway installation. Homeowners working on a budget can target spots where walkways have already cracked and fix those areas first before continuing the project piecemeal until all the old walkways have been replaced.

■ PLANT TO CREATE PRIVACY. Fencing might be the first solution homeowners consider when looking to make their landscapes more private.

But new fencing installation can be expensive, costing homeowners between $1,667 and $4,075 on average, according to BobVila.com. A more costly and natural solution is to plant trees around the perimeter. Speak with a local landscaping professional, who can survey the property to see which trees might thrive and provide the privacy homeowners want.

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How to prepare landscapes for new plants

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ew plants can add much to a landscape. Whether they’re replacing plants that are no longer thriving or being added to supplement an existing landscape, new plants are an affordable way to give a home’s exterior a whole new look.

Before planting or even choosing plants, it’s important to plan for new additions to a landscape. Preparing the landscape can inform homeowners about which plants to purchase and can ensure they thrive after planting.

■ DOCUMENT SUNLIGHT EXPOSURE. Plants have different needs, and one of the biggest differences between species is the amount of sunlight they need to thrive. According to Penn State Extension, plants characterized as “full sun” require six or more hours of sunlight per day, while those considered “partial sun” need between four and six hours of sunlight

per day. Plants designated as “partial shade” need two to four hours of sun per day, while “shade” plants need less than two hours of sunlight a day.

Documenting sunlight exposure in advance gives homeowners an idea of which plants should be planted and where they should be planted.

■ TEST THE SOIL. A soil pH test is a simple and quick way to determine the acidity of soil. Soil pH levels will indicate how likely a plant is to thrive in a given spot. High levels won’t necessarily mean an area should be avoided, as some plants thrive in acidic soils.

Additional soil tests can determine other characteristics, such as the nutrient levels of soil and the amount of organic matter it contains. Each of these variables can help homeowners make the right choices as they introduce new plants to their properties.

■ CONSIDER LOCAL WILDLIFE.

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If local wildlife makes its presence known on a property, homeowners may want to take proactive steps prior to planting anything new. A new fence might prevent animals like deer from getting in, but that likely won’t do much to repel smaller animals like squirrels, rabbits or foxes. If wildlife is a concern, homeowners can seek advice at their local garden center about which plants certain animals are likely to ignore. Homeowners who want to attract wildlife can do the same in reverse, choosing plants wildlife will be drawn to.

■ CLEAR SPACE IF NECESSARY. Plants grow up and out, and cramped quarters can make it hard for new plants to thrive. Some may thrive but only at the expense of other plants. If necessary, clear space prior to planting to ensure plants have ample space to grow.

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WE OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDING: Healthy trees can often sustain damage in high wind or heavy rainstorms and required to be removed, pruned to ensure the safety of your home and your neighbors’ properties.

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Signs it is time to overhaul your kitchen

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omeowners may wonder if remodeling their kitchens is worth the investment. But homeowners should not just consider cost, but also the current conditions of their kitchens when deciding if a renovation project is the right move to make. These signs indicate it may be time to renovate a kitchen.

■ BREAKERS ARE TRIGGERED: If the lights go dark from a tripped circuit breaker every time you try to microwave and run the toaster oven at the same time, your wiring is likely not up to the task of handling the workload and could be out of date.

■ LACK OF STORAGE: One of the biggest hassles homeowners encounter in their

kitchens is a lack of storage space. A carefully planned redesign can achieve this, even in a smaller kitchen.

■ OUTDATED APPLIANCES: Even if your appliances are not avocado green or mustard yellow relics of the 1970s, they might still need to be replaced. According to CRD Design, appliances are only expected to last around

10 to 15 years. If appliances have become unsafe or energy hogs, it could be time for a remodel.

■ FAMILY IS EXPANDING (OR SHRINKING): Kitchens often are the heart of a home.

They need to meet the needs of the family that resides in that home. A remodel can add space as needed. On the flip side, when a couple becomes

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empty nesters, kitchens can be redesigned and downsized to reflect their new needs and desires, such as the addition of a wine chiller or espresso station.

■ POOR LIGHTING: Task lighting is essential in a kitchen, but older homes may not be equipped with lighting where it’s most needed. A carefully designed remodel

can improve lighting with under-cabinet lights, pendants, overhead lighting, and even natural light to make the space attractive and more functional.

■ FREQUENT RUN-INS: The notion that you can have too many cooks in the kitchen refers to having too many people trying to pitch in. However, it also can apply to when too many people are gathering in a small space. Redesigning a kitchen can improve the efficiency of a space and make the room feel larger.

■ AESTHETIC APPEAL: Many kitchen remodels have been inspired by unsightly kitchens. Cosmetic changes can lead to big improvements.

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Tips when painting shutters

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epainting shutters affords homeowners a chance to try a bold new color or simply replace fading colors, and each option can make a home more appealing. Homeowners who have never before painted shutters can consider these tips as they prepare to begin the project.

■ DON’T GO IT ALONE. The most important step homeowners can take before beginning a shutter painting project is to enlist the help of a friend or family member. Someone to hold the ladder can make the project safer. Enlisting a third individual, working on the ground, who can take the shutters from the person on the ladder may be a wise move as well.

■ REMOVE THE SHUTTERS. It might seem easier to leave the shutters on and then paint them carefully with a brush, but that’s both time-consuming and a potential safety risk. Some shutters are installed with fasteners that look like screws, but that appearance is misleading and shutters installed in this way cannot be removed with a drill or screwdriver. Homeowners should determine which ma-

terial their shutters are made from, and then look for a corresponding removal tutorial on YouTube or contact the manufacturer or a contractor to determine the best way to remove the shutters.

■ CLEAN THE SHUTTERS PRIOR TO PAINTING THEM. It’s likely been years since the shutters were last painted, and over that time they’ve no doubt accumulated a lot of dirt and mildew. Homeowners can try a garden hose to clean them, and if that doesn’t work a power washer may be needed. If using a power washer with wooden shutters, be especially careful, as the force of the power washer may damage the wood. Vinyl shutters, like vinyl siding, can typically handle a strong power washing without being damaged. Wooden shutters also will need to have old paint removed before they can be repainted.

■ PRIME WOODEN SHUTTERS BEFORE PAINTING. Though vinyl shutters won’t need to be primed unless the old paint is peeling, wooden shutters must be primed before they’re painted. Priming can be a tedious process, so homeowners should leave

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Paint provides one way to stay current and refresh BREEZEWAY a home’s interior without investing in new furniture and home accessories. Paint trends change, but these colors are already making the rounds in 2022.

themselves ample time for this part of the project.

■ RENT AN AIRLESS SPRAYER TO PAINT THE SHUTTERS. Many hardware or paint stores rent airless sprayers, and these can be the quickest way to paint shutters.

Professionals typically apply two coats of paint, and the first coat should be allowed to fully dry before the second coat is applied.

■ RE-HANG THE SHUTTERS AFTER THEY HAVE FULLY DRIED. Only after the shutters have fully dried should they be placed back on the house. Employ the same buddy system when re-hanging the shutters, having one person hold the ladder and another pass each one up one at a time.

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■ VERY PERI: Very Peri is the Pantone® 2022 Color of the Year. A brand new shade of blue, Very Peri was designed to rekindle some of the qualities that the color blue represents while simultaneously complementing a modern perspective. The home design pros at HGTV recommend pairing Very Peri with neutrals like taupes and creams or deeper shades like navy or brown.

■ EVERGREEN FOG: The paint experts at Sherwin-Williams note that this shade of green is symbolic of nature and a color associated with revitalization and growth.

Those characteristics make it great for homeowners who are looking to create a new beginning with their home interiors, particularly in relaxing spaces like living rooms and bedrooms.

■ BREEZEWAY: Breezeway is the Behr® Color of the Year for 2022 and is described as a silvery green shade with cool undertones. Behr ® touts the versatility of Breezeway, which the company indicates inspires awe in bedrooms, living rooms or hallways. Breezeway pairs well with creamy white, taupe, softened black, and nuanced pink.

■ GILDED LINEN: Gilded Linen from Valspar® is ideal for homeowners who want a color to organize and connect spaces throughout their homes. Gilded Linen is a minimalist white that mixes well with natural elements like wood and greenery.

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The basics of container gardening

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ontainer gardening is a great way to add plants to smaller patios, reduce the workload involved in maintaining expansive gardens, and customize conditions for optimal growth.

WHAT IS CONTAINER GARDENING? As its name implies, container gardening is growing plants inside of containers.

These containers can be flower pots, rectangular deck boxes or even large raised garden beds.

PROS TO CONTAINER GARDENING One of the advantages of container gardening is that

plants can be moved in and out of sunlight to ensure the right growing conditions.

Also, beginner gardeners may be more able to control soil conditions inside of a small container rather than a vast ground-based garden, which will require a good deal of manual labor.

Pots and boxes also can be grouped together to create eye-popping displays, usually at lower costs than the sheer volume of plants that would be needed to fill out an expansive landscape.

ers to create the ideal growing conditions. The home and garden resource The Spruce says that drainage is an important factor in container gardening, and most containers do not offer enough drainage holes. If water cannot escape the soil, the roots of the plants can rot and die.

It’s not enough to add stones or gravel to the bottom of containers. Drill additional holes in the bottom (1⁄2-inch in diameter for small or medium-sized pots; one inch in diameter for larger pots).

Also, be sure to check on soil CONS TO CONTAINER moisture so that watering can GARDENING be adjusted as the weather Container garden plants will changes. not have direct access to the ground, so they need garden- PLAN FOR PLANTS THAT

PLAY WELL Grouping plants together can create visually stunning combinations. However, it is important to choose plants that require the same amount of light and moisture. Look at plant tags when visiting the garden center and select complementary plants, or ask a store employee. Mixing different plant shapes, colors and leaf textures, as well as plants of various heights, can will wane over time. Every help containers look filled couple of weeks, container out. plants will need either fresh potting mix or granular ferFEED PLANTS ACCORD- tilizer added to feed them.

INGLY Oregon State University ExPlants need nutrition to tension Services suggests usthrive in containers. Qual- ing a slow-release fertilizer or ity potting mixes will con- worm castings several times tain fertilizers, but nutrition throughout the season.

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Tech to make gardening more fun

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any people take to the great outdoors to escape the increasingly tech-driven daily grind. Though that’s an understandable perspective, gardeners who aren’t deploying tech in their home gardens could be missing out on a host of benefits that could help their plants, flowers and vegetables thrive.

Devices like smartphones and tablets have made many aspects of life easier and more efficient, and various tech products can do the same when working in the garden.

■ PLANT MONITOR: Plant monitors are sensors that can keep tabs on the health of plants and deliver that information to gardeners. Plant monitors often connect to smartphones via Bluetooth and can deliver information on the amount of heat, light and water a plant is getting. Sensors vary in price, and some will provide

more information than others. But these sensors are ideal for gardeners who love their plants but often forget to check up on them each day.

■ GARDEN CAMERA: Critters and insects are the bane of many gardeners’ existence. Determining just what is nibbling away at flowers and plants isn’t always so easy, as many animals are savvy enough to restrict their dining to the middle of the night and insects are so small they can be hard to spot. Garden cameras can serve as the watchmen of a garden and gardeners can review footage to determine just who is compromising all of their hard work. They can then use that knowledge to remedy the situation and give their plants a better chance to thrive.

■ WEATHER STATION: Even the most seasoned gardeners cannot document the conditions outside as

effectively as a good weather sensor. Weather sensors track conditions such as temperature, relative humidity and air quality. This information can then be paired with irrigation devices to ensure plants get all the care they need to thrive throughout the season.

■ GARDEN HUB: Avid gardeners have traditionally had to arrange for neighbors or loved ones to tend to their plants when they leave home for vacation or weekend getaways.

Garden hubs can take care of that by pairing with smart irrigation systems that ensure plants are watered even when no one is home. Certain hubs even gather and analyze local weather conditions to develop a watering schedule to ensure plants thrive.

These hubs aren’t just handy when on vacation, as they can be great for gardeners who want to know things

about their plants that are not apparent to the naked eye.

People may see their gardens as welcome respites from their devices. But garden gadgets can help plants thrive and make time in the garden that much more enjoyable.

SPRING HOME AND GARDEN

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How to pick the right trees for your property

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rees benefit a landscape by serving both aesthetic and utilitarian functions. A home surrounded by healthy green trees can be a sight to behold, and those same trees can benefit surrounding plants and wildlife at the same time.

As appealing as trees are, not all trees and landscapes make for the perfect match. The Arbor Day Foundation notes the importance of planning when designing a landscape. Planning ensures the trees homeowners ultimately choose for their properties will grow well in the soil and moisture present in their yards.

Careful consideration of a handful of variables can help homeowners determine which trees will make the best fit for their properties.

■ HEIGHT: Homeowners must consider the projected height of a tree before planting it. Avoid trees that will bump into anything when fully grown, as that can adversely affect surrounding greenery and pose a safety hazard. The ADF’s tree sizing guide can be accessed at https://www. arborday.org/trees/rightTreeAndPlace/size.cfm and serves as an invaluable resource for homeowners who want to plant new trees around their

properties.

■ CANOPY SPREAD: Trees grow out as well as up, so it’s important to consider their potential width at maturity as well. The ADF sizing guide can help homeowners get an idea of how wide a tree is likely to be at maturity. Trees that spread out quite a bit don’t necessarily need to be avoided, but it’s important that they’re planted far enough apart so they don’t adversely affect surrounding

plants. In addition, wide trees that are planted too close together can make the landscape appear crowded, taking something away from its aesthetic appeal.

■ GROWTH RATE: Growth rate is an important variable because it can affect how quickly homeowners will see changes in their landscapes.

Homeowners who want to plant for privacy can consider trees with quick growth rates or purchase more mature trees that are already near full growth. Those who are not in need of instant transformation can try trees with slower growth rates, which the ADF notes typically live longer than fast-growing species.

■ REQUIREMENTS: Different trees require different amounts of sun and moisture and different soil components to thrive. Homeowners can have their soil tested to determine which trees will thrive in it. Local garden centers can be a great resource for homeowners who want insight as to which trees will thrive in their local climates.

Trees serve many functions on a property. Choosing the right trees for a landscape requires careful consideration of a host of variables.

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Key components of 3 popular home interior styles

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onsiderable thought goes into designing a home’s interior.

From which color to paint the walls to the size of the living room couch, homeowners must make a variety of decisions when planning their home interiors.

One way to simplify interior design decisions is to choose a style.

Interior design styles run the gamut from traditional to modern, and each style has its own unique look and feel. Three of the more popular styles, traditional, modern and farmhouse, each have certain key components that can ensure a home ends up with a look homeowners are aiming for.

➊ TRADITIONAL

Homes with a traditional interior style give a formal yet welcoming feel. Many individuals associate crown molding and wainscotting with traditional interiors, so that’s

something homeowners aiming for this style should keep in mind. Minimal or modern furniture pieces don’t fit with the traditional style, which tends to utilize period pieces made from real wood.

helping to create the serene settings the least of which is its association many homeowners are hoping to with a simpler lifestyle. The rustic create with this style. charm of the countryside is never far from the mind when in a home with a farmhouse-inspired interior. ➌ FARMHOUSE A recent survey from the interior Traditional farmhouse and modern design service Modsy found that farmhouse are different styles, but MODERN farmhouse was the most popular natural materials and bright colors, ➋ Modern interiors may differ depend- design style in 26 states. Farmhouse particularly white walls, are elements ing on which style of modern home- is beloved for a variety of reasons, not shared by both. owners are aiming for. Midcentury modern typically features unique furnishings that some might see as retro. However, many companies now offer updated takes on midcentury modern that call to mind a bygone era but don’t make individuals feel as though they’re living in a museum. Urban modern is another popular modern style, and home interiors fashioned in this style tend to be light, airy and not crowded with furnishings. Calm, soft tones are a go-to with urban modern interiors,

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HANDCRAFTED MATRESSES SINCE 1904

ENGINEERED FOR A UNIQUE PERSONALIZED COMFORT

COME IN TODAY & EXPERIENCE THE COMFORT OF A GREAT MATTRESS!

1015 US HWY 17 SOUTH, ELIZABETH CITY, NC

sawyershouseoffurniture.net

252-338-3901

16

SPRING HOME AND GARDEN



WHY WAIT? Now is the time to make that new purchase for your home you’ve been dreaming about.

• Hardwood • Laminate • Carpet • Tile • Vinyl • LVT • Kitchen & Bath Cabinets • Countertops We can help you with your design and color choices.

Ruby Tuesday

17 Bypass

Carpet Connection

Highway 17 Hughes Blvd.

Halstead Blvd.

MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:30AM - 5:00PM SATURDAY 10:00AM - 2:00PM EVENINGS BY APPOINTMENT

Eagle Mart

Taylor Mueller

441 S. HUGHES BLVD., ELIZABETH CITY 252-338-2050