Spring Home and Garden 2018 by The Courier and Daily Comet

Spring Home & Garden T H U R S DAY, M A R C H 2 9 , 2 0 1 8

Garden festivals sprouting across area, Page 3 When and where to get a building permit, Page 8

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2 Thursday, March 29, 2018

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Thursday, March 29, 2018

The basics of cleaning with vinegar Vacuum. “This is great for kitchen surfaces, stainless steel and bathroom surfaces as well as tile and laminate t’s likely that your mother or grand- floors. Great on walls, too. The vinmother used egar leaves a nice vinegar to clean shine and also adds their homes. a disinfectant.” Vinegar still is cheap, • Take an empty effective at killing spray bottle. germs, nontoxic and • Fill it with about 75 percent water. reduces indoor air pollution. • Add about 25 percent white vinegar (4 Want to give it a to 5 percent acidity). try? Here’s a clean• Add 3 to 4 ing solution recipe drops of dishwashcourtesy of Two ing liquid (preferMen & A Vacuum, ably a natural brand, a green cleaning but any will do). company based in Columbus and For odor removal Cleveland, Ohio. “This is a gentle solution you can “Microwave one part vinegar with easily make at home,” said Cody two parts water to clean odors out of Warren, founder of Two Men & A By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

By Keith Magill keith.magill@houmatoday.com Contact Us Phone: 985-850-1100 Fax: 985-857-2244 Editorial 985-857-2200 Advertising 857-2291 Circulation 857-2222 or 448-7623 Websites houmatoday.com and dailycomet.com

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Thursday, March 29, 2018

your microwave. You can also boil a quart of water mixed with half a cup of vinegar on the stove to get rid of kitchen smells such as burnt food. Soaking bread in vinegar and leaving it overnight in a trash can will also remove bad smells,” Warren said. Disposal cleaner “Place small lemon slices into each slot of an ice cube tray, pour vinegar over them and freeze. When you’re ready to clean, toss a handful into the garbage disposal and run it until the cubes are gone for a citrusscented kitchen,” Warren said. When not to use It’s not safe to use vinegar to clean grouted tile or stone showers, marble or granite, egg spills or stains, cleaning irons and unsealed hardwood floors.

Garden festivals are sprouting across south Louisiana April 7, Houma

The Good Earth Market celebration for garden enthusiasts includes educational programs and demonstrations, fruit and vegetable vendors, plant sales and garden-related merchandise. It's scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 7 at the South Louisiana Wetlands Discovery Center’s future site, 112 Library Drive, Houma. Admission Brenda Rome (from left), Lisa Hebert and Sandy Robichaux is free. Info: 580-7289 or look at the different plants offered at last year’s Good Earth Market. [FILIE -- HOUMATODAY/DAILYCOMET] slwdc.org. kids discovery area, edu- for a fee. April 7-8, New Orleans The 39th annual New cational programs, music Admission is $10 for Orleans Spring Garden and arts and crafts. Master adults and $5 for children Show will be held at Gardeners and AgCenter ages 5-12. Children under the City Park Botanical horticulture experts will 5 free. Info: 504-483-9471 Garden from 9 a.m. to 5 answer questions from or 504-736-6519. p.m. April 7 and 10 a.m. homeowners, who also may bring soil samples to 4 p.m. April 8. May 5, Raceland Features garden prod- for analysis by the LSU The La-Terre Master ucts, exhibits and sales, AgCenter Soil Testing Lab Gardener Plant Sale will be

held at 8 a.m. May 5 at the Lafourche Parish AgCenter office, 115 Texas St. For additional information about the La-Terre Master Gardener Plant Sale, contact Barton Joffrion at bjoffrion@ agcenter.lsu.edu or 873-6495. Admission is free. April 19, Baton Rouge

Gourmet in the Garden: Stroll through the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens and savor the best flavors from Baton Rouge chefs. The event challenges restaurants to compete for your vote as you enjoy their creations prepared with locally grown products. The event is scheduled for 6-9 p.m. at the gardens, 4560 Essen Lane. Tickets $70 apiece at

eventbrite.com. Proceeds benefit the Botanic Gardens and the Louisiana Culinary Institute Foundation. Info: lsuagcenter. com/botanicgardens. April 20, New Orleans

Hootenanny, Grow Dat Youth Farm's, annual fundraiser, includes live Zydeco music, square dancing, food from popular New Orleans restaurants and craft cocktails. Scheduled 6:30-10 p.m. at the farm, 150 Zachary Taylor Drive. Adult tickets start at $55 apiece, children $25. Proceeds benefit Grow Dat’s youth leadership program. Info: growdatyouthfarm.org.

Festival includes art, live music, a garden tour, master gardener presentations and bayou boat tours, refreshments. Scheduled 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Harold & Sarah Schoeffler Garden, 3502 E. Simcoe St. Cost: $10 per person at the gate. Proceeds benefit the families served by nonprfit Family Promise of Acadiana. Info: familypromiseacadiana.org or Renee Menard at 337-233-3447. April 23, Lafayette

The Avec Souci Garden Tour allows visitors to tour five unique gardens, with proceeds benefiting Lafayette area charities. Scheduled 1-5 p.m. In the event of rain, the April 21, Lafayette tour will take place May Southern Garden Festival 7. Info: avecsouci.org or The Southern Garden 337-258-6411.

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How to plan your summer garden Dan Gill

s we move into April, we can enjoy the peak blooming season of our cool-season annuals. But it’s not too early to begin to plan our summer gardens. If you have empty flower beds, you may even begin to plant summer flowers in late March in south Louisiana or early to

mid-April in north Louisiana. Thoughtful planning, carefully considered plant choices and wellprepared garden beds will produce the best results. Unfortunately, many a gardener’s enthusiastic spring efforts have turned into summer disappointment and burdensome maintenance chores. PLANNING We put bedding plants into prominently placed beds to create color in the landscape. If they are not properly maintained through the heat of summer, however, these plantings become eyesores

that actually detract from the appearance of the landscape. By all means, plant to your heart’s content. But plan your beds so the maintenance they will require can be carried out not just in spring but throughout the hot summer. Flower beds are among the highest-maintenance areas in your landscape. Do not plant more beds than you have the time or inclination to devote to their care and upkeep. Another part of planning involves developing a color scheme. Think about the colors you want to use and their placement in the landscape before you

ABOVE: Little Ruby alternanthera is a great, lowmaintenance plant to add color to your landscape. It offers an alternative to traditional blooming bedding plants. The beautiful foliage in shades of burgundy and purple adds rich color to the landscape and is consistently attractive throughout the season. [ALLEN OWINGS/LSU AGCENTER]

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go to the nursery. Use masses of the same color to maximize visual impact. Use colors that combine well with the background and that pleasantly harmonize or contrast with each other. Locate color in the landscape where you want to focus the viewer’s attention. Generally, choosing a limited number of colors or variations of a single color is more satisfying than using many different colors. Let your taste be the guide; just think about it instead of randomly grabbing whatever catches your eye at the nursery. PLANT SELECTION It’s important to select bedding plants that will perform well here and tolerate the extreme heat of our coming summer. Also, choose plants that will do well in the sunlight of the location where you intend to plant them. A tremendous selection of bedding plants is available for sunny areas that receive six hours or more of direct sunlight daily. Commonly available choices include angelonia, rudbeckia, periwinkle, marigold, Profusion and Zahara zinnias, blue daze, narrow-leaf zinnia, dwarf lantana, salvia, torenia, purslane, pentas, sun tolerant coleus, balsam, gaillardia, melampodium, cleome and celosia. In shadier areas that receive two to four hours of morning sun, excellent plants to use include impatiens, wax begonias, caladiums, coleus, torenia, polka dot plant and browallia. Check the labels on the plants you are

Thursday, March 29, 2018

considering to see how tall they will grow. This is very important to how you will use them. It’s not at all unusual for bedding plants to exceed the size on the tag in our area because of our long growing season and fertile soils. But the tag can be a good guide. BED PREP The performance of bedding plants in your landscape is extremely dependent on how well you prepare the beds prior to planting. There are just a few key steps, but they are important. • Remove any existing weeds. Make sure you take out the roots, especially for tough, persistent weeds like bermudagrass, dollarweed, oxalis, nut grass or torpedograss. A good alternative to hand removal is to spray the weeds with glyphosate herbicide, which is in Eraser, Roundup, Killzall, Grass and Weed Killer and other brands, 10 to 14 days prior to planting. This herbicide will kill the tops and roots of these weeds and does not leave a harmful residue in the soil. Do not get it on the foliage of desirable plants nearby, however. • Turn the soil thoroughly. You may use a shovel, spade, garden fork or tiller, but make sure you dig down at least 8 inches. Do this when the soil is moist but not wet. • Spread a 2-to-3-inch layer of organic matter such as compost (best), peat moss or aged manure over the area. Sprinkle with a general purpose fertilizer following label directions. Thoroughly incorporate everything into the bed. • Rake the bed smooth.

Melampodium is a compact, tidy annual that blooms all summer with chunky yellow daisies. [RICK BOGREN/LSU AGCENTER]

It should appear slightly raised. This is good because it improves drainage. • Alternatively, you can build a raised bed about 8 to 12 inches deep and fill it with a blended topsoil or garden soil mix. •Lay out the individual plants at the proper spacing and in the arrangement you desire, and then plant them. The top of the transplant’s root ball should be level with the soil of the bed. • Mulch. I mean it. This is very important to minimizing your future maintenance. The mulch suppresses weeds, maintains soil moisture and keeps the soil in the loose condition you worked so hard to achieve. A 2-inch layer of leaves (oak leaves are great), bark, pine needles or almost anything along those lines will work well. •Water thoroughly to settle everything in, and you are done. Dan Gill is a horticulture specialist at the LSU AgCenter. Listen to his call-in radio show at 7 Saturday mornings on WWL-AM, 870.

An alternative bedding plant to consider instead of impatiens is torenia, also called wishbone ﬂower. Torenia is a great, underused shade-performing plant. [ALLEN OWINGS/LSU AGCENTER]

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these AgCenter offices in Terrebonne and Lafourche: Houma: 511 Roussell St., 873-6495. Raceland: 3932 La. 308, 537-6737.

SOIL

Right way to dig

The dirt on your

“Soils with more organic matter are more fertile; they have more nutrients available.” Clay Robinson

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ny seasoned gardener knows that soil matters for healthier produce, lawns and plants. Even novice gardeners can tell how good soil is simply by looking at and feeling it. Most homes don’t have perfect soil, and soil conditions can change year to year. Doing simple tests before planting can help growers evaluate what they’ve got to work with. “Most people without a science background can learn enough about their soil to grow a successful garden,” said Clay Robinson, associate professor of soil science, Department of Agriculture, Illinois State University. Know your soil When it comes to soil, one of the first things to keep in mind is organic matter, which is a source

of plant nutrients and energy for soil organisms. Organic matter acts like a sponge for holding water in the soil, said Nick Comerford, a soil scientist at the University of Florida. “Soils with more organic matter are more fertile; they have more nutrients available,” Robinson said. Generally speaking, the darker the soil, the more organic, Robinson said. Grab a handful of soil and smell it. Good soil should smell “like the fresh smell after a rain. A bad soil smells like rotten eggs — it is waterlogged, has bad drainage, and oxygen is limiting in the root zone, which will make it difficult for most plants to grow,” Robinson said. Now, crumble the handful of soil between your fingers. Depending on where you live, soil texture is different because of its composition of sand, silt and clay particles. “Whatever the texture, though, small clumps that break with little pressure between the thumb and forefinger are ideal. For some

clay soils, this may not achievable because the clumps are too hard. And very sandy soils may not form clumps at all,” Robinson said. Digging deeper If you want to know more about the makeup of your soil, you can get it tested by the LSU AgCenter. “If your soil does not have sufficient nutrients, you will not be able to grow a robust garden,’ the center’s Soil Testing Lab says. “Many people have soil samples tested only when plants are in trouble, but the time to test and amend your soil is before problems occur. Soil testing will provide you with the information you need to treat your soil so your plants will flourish.” Fees vary depending on the kind of testing you do. Learn more by visiting lsuagcenter.com and searching for “Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Lab” or by calling 225-578-1219. You can also pick up a testing kit at

Now that you’re on friendly terms with your soil, it may be time to plant as long as the soil is not too wet or if it has rained recently. “Do not dig or plant in a soil that is very wet. This can destroy soil structure, and may waterlog or drown some roots,” Robinson said. There is actually a right way to dig a hole for planting, whether you’re transplanting a six-pack of flowers or a 5-gallon shrub, Robinson said. • When digging a hole, do not pat the sides. Compacted soil is unhealthy for plants and plant microbes, which are what mobilize nutrients for our plants, help decay mulches. So work carefully with your soil to protect your plants and your microbes, said Susan Fisk, Master Gardener and spokeswoman for the Soil and Science Society of America. • Use a small garden spade or trowel to rough up the sides so that you can see the cracks or soil pores where the roots can grow, Robinson said. •Dig the hole about twice the diameter of the pot and 8-16 inches deep, depending on the size of the plant. For plants in 1- to 5-gallon pots, dig a hole about one-and-a-half to two times the size of the pot and up to three times the width, Robinson said. • Most plants benefit from the addition of compost, which improves water retention and provides energy and nutrients to improve soil and plant health. If you want to fertilize, now’s the time. • Finally, add the plant and gently firm the soil around the plant roots, but avoid using too much pressure and compacting the soil.

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Building

PERMITS When they’re needed, and why

when a permit is filed, city officials will inspect the work completed at different stages e f o r e e m b a r k i n g o n to ensure the work complies common remodeling proj- with current safety and health ects, homeowners need to building codes. The second, think about when a permit and most significant reason, is required. is it protects the homeowner’s Because of cost or apprehen- investment they are making sion in dealing with the govto improve the property.” ernment, or even belief that a small project doesn’t need When a permit is needed a permit, some homeowners forgo obtaining the proper A building permit legally permits before starting work. sanctions construction or renoThere can be repercussions, vation. Although building codes though: If caught, a project can vary by state, a permit is genbe shut down, a fine can be lev- erally required for remodeling ied, or problems can arise later projects that involve changes when selling or refinancing. to the building’s existing foot“There are two major reaprint, electrical system or sons why a homeowner needs plumbing. Adding new wina permit on projects,” said dows to existing walls usually Michael Harris, president of requires a permit. You are likely BRY-JO Roofing & Remodto need a permit for any project eling in Richardson, Texas, that goes beyond a simple repair whose company won three or aesthetic upgrade, including: 2018 National Contractor of • Adding supportthe Year Awards in residential ing walls or taking down kitchen, interior and bathroom load-bearing walls. categories. “The first is because • Building an By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

in-ground concrete pool or a porch or deck. • Replacing the roof, backyard shed or concrete sidewalks, driveways and slabs. Cosmetic changes like updating kitchen cabinets, flooring or ceiling coverings; painting; tiling or carpeting usually don’t require a permit, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Even if a permit isn’t required, certain projects may require licensed professionals for structural, electrical and plumbing work. If unsure, homeowners can check with their city or county government office, Harris said. Permits need to be obtained before the project gets underway. If city officials spot a project without proper permits, work could be stopped until they are obtained, leaving you without a functioning kitchen or bathroom for weeks and a hefty fine, Harris said. Costs and pitfalls The cost of a permit varies

and is determined by the projected construction costs. The average cost of a building permit is $1,221, with most homeowners spending between $441 and $2,001, according to HomeAdvisor. “While it may be tempting to forgo the permit, a remodel or addition done without one can be a problem if the homeowner decides to sell or refinance,” said attorney Patrick Noaker of Noaker Law Firm, Minneapolis, Minnesota. If the appraiser’s total of the square footage of the home differs from county records, it triggers a search for a permit. If not found, the bank may decline to issue a loan on the home. Illegal construction is a risk for the lender. A fire insurance carrier, for example, may refuse to honor a claim. “If there is a wiring problem that causes the home to burn to the ground, the homeowner’s insurance company could refuse to cover the loss,” Noaker said.

LOCAL PERMITS The Terrebonne and Lafourche parish government planning departments handle building permits and related issues locally. Contacts: TERREBONE Government Tower, 8026 Main St., Suite 401, Houma, 873-6567, tpcg.org. LAFOURCHE The parish operates three permitting ofﬁces: Mathews: Government Complex, 4876 La. 1, 532-8252. Thibodaux: 2535 Veterans Blvd., 493-2196. Galliano: Government Complex, 16241 East Main, Suite B, 632-4666. The South Central Planning and Development Commission in Gray, which enforces building codes locally, has information on its website at scpdc.org/departments/ building-codes.

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hether you’re buying a new home or looking to freshen up your own, knowing the latest building and decor trends will keep you in style. • Move over, man caves: Women are getting a room of one’s own, said Realtor Marie Presti, owner of The Presti Group in Newton, Massachusetts. Called she rooms, babe caves, she shacks or she sheds if they’re located in the garden area, these rooms offer a getaway space for busy women juggling home, work and family. “It can be a place to hide out, especially since open floor plans in homes are so popular,” said Presti, president of the Greater Boston Association of Realtors and 2017 Greater Boston Realtor of the Year. Having a home office will never go out of style, and that’s just what many buyers are asking for — except instead of focusing on a desk and cabinets, women are transforming these spaces with window seats and decorative pillows, Presti said. The extra room in the house or the converted garage now becomes a music or relaxation room, upscale closet, yoga studio, or just a place to hang out with a glass of wine and book

club friends — and there’s still space to curl up with a laptop and get work done. • In the bathroom, the whirlpool bath is being replaced by a high-end shower, Presti said. These spa showers are generally bigger, with benches, inset shelving and multiple shower heads like a rain head, body jets and a handheld jet. “Close the door and it becomes a steam room, and there’s no drain set in the middle. Instead, the floor angles so water runs off to a drain hidden underneath,” Presti said. • Home bars are once again popular, both as a family focal point and for entertaining guests, Presti said. A great way to use up some extra space, home bars are outfitted to suit the family’s drinking habits, whether that means a built-in keg, wine refrigerator, espresso bar or a cool place to store juice, water and soda. • Accessory apartments are also becoming increasingly popular as the country deals with an intense demand for housing, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Called in-law or granny suites, accessory apartments can be separate dwellings on a home’s property or converted basements or garages. Theses self-contained living units are ideal for “downsizers” or empty-nesters, college

students and other young adults, Presti said. It’s also a great way to make a little extra money renting space to a family member. • Mixed metals are on trend for 2018, so you’ll be seeing silver and gold complimenting each other along with other metallics like rose gold, copper and brass, Presti said. • While grays are still popular and being used, “they’re moving down” and instead the emphasis is trending toward warm neutrals like beige, taupe and brown, Presti said. And yet, the Pantone color of the year is a ultra violet, a blue-based purple. Watch for it popping up in accents, textiles, wall coverings and more. • The ultra-luxe feel of velvet furnishings will wow in 2018, but if you’re not bold enough for a purple velvet couch, try the look with some velvet throw pillows, Presti suggested. • Also within reach are painted ceilings, which designers consider the fifth wall. A dark color can surprisingly open up a small room by adding a feeling of infinity. Or, paint the ceiling the same as or a shade of the wall color. Just be careful of this trend if you’re looking to sell in 2018, Presti said. “Buyers want things as neutral as possible,” she said.

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HOME TRENDS for 2018

The ultra-luxe feel of velvet furnishings will wow in 2018, but if you’re not bold enough for a purple velvet couch, try the look with some velvet throw pillows.

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FREEPIK.COM

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SMART GARDEN TIPS “The quality of plant material available and the way the green industry is responding to what gardeners want mean that we can have beautiful gardens that are environmentally responsible and demand less time and energy, less water and fertilizer, are pollinator-friendly and offer incredible color from foliage and flowers.” Kerry Ann Mendez

plant p pl antt for an fo or the the right r gh ri g t place,” p ac pl ace, e,,” Mendez Meend dez ez ssaid. sa id. That id Thatt means mea eans ns a plant’s pla l nt nt’s ’s sunlight sun unli liigh ht and and soil so ill needs nee eeds ds should sho houl uld ul d be a good goo ood d match matc ma tch tc h for fo or mploying some smart gardening tips the garden where it’s being placed. will have you enjoying your land“It should be a good marscape more while spending less time riage,” Mendez said. and an d ef effo effort. fort rt. “The quality “Th lit off plant l t material t i l availil Smart S t sizing i i able and the way the green industry is responding to what gardeners want mean Sometimes your garden just gets out that we can have beautiful gardens that of hand, or maybe you’ve moved and are environmentally responsible and inherited a big garden that requires too demand less time and energy, less water much effort. Mendez’s mantra is, “Plants and fertilizer, are pollinator-friendly are not your children or pets. You can and offer incredible color from foliditch those that are too much trouble or age and flowers,” said garden designer never performed well in the garden.” Kerry Ann Mendez, author of “The Plant subtraction is difficult but a smart Right-Size Flower Garden” and justchoice for people who want to enjoy their published “The Budget-Wise Gardener.” garden more. The garden should be a The key is to have the “rightplace of escape from the business of life, sized garden,” Mendez said. a place for family time, Mendez said. “Most of us are busy. We like the idea “Get rid of what doesn’t work. of a beautiful garden but we want to put Replace or remove. Take off your rosy time back in our pockets,” she said. glasses and stop feeling guilty,” said The two largest age groups, millenniMendez, who downsized her own als and baby boomers, gravitate toward garden to add an outside patio. gardens on a smaller scale, Mendez said. Millennials are more likely to live in urban Two-fers settings, while boomers are downsiz“Pick plants that are two-fers,” Mendez ing because many don’t want to spend so much time maintaining a large landscape. said, meaning perennials or shrubs should have long bloom times or feature blooms plus interesting foliage. “You’ve got to Picking plants give me more than just flowers,” she said. In order for your gardening endeavFor example, the perennial foamy ors to be enjoyable, “pick the right bells (heucherella) can thrive in sun By yM Melissa elliisssa E elis Erickson rick ri ckso son n More Mor ore Content Cont Cont o ent on e No en N Now ow w

depending where you or sshade haade d ep pen ending ding w di here he re y o llive. ou iv vee.. “Gorgeous “Gor “G orrge geou o s an ou aand d ea easy asy tto o gr g grow, ow w, fo foamy oam a y bells bell be llss ha h hass da d dazzling, zzli zz ling ng,, ey ng eye-catching yee-ca c tc ca tchi hing hi ng clumps of foliage and tiny yet incredible flowers. Pollinators love it, and it requires low water. It’s a real workhorse plant,” Mendez work wo rkho hors rsee pl plan antt,” Me Mend ndez ez ssaid. aid ai d. For a comparable F bl shrub, h b consider the oakleaf hydrangea, which is one of the few hydrangeas native to the United States. Stunning flowers bloom in early spring/summer, and if not cut they dry on the plant and last into fall when foliage turns a stunning shade of burgundy, Mendez said. “Over winter, its bark exfoliates, or peels back, to reveal a rich underlayer. It’s a four-season plant,” Mendez said. Get contained A “huge revolution” is taking place in container gardening, Mendez said. The industry is responding to what people want and offering lightweight, self-watering containers pretty enough to be used indoors and out. They’re practical, efficient and great for people with poor soil or limited space. For example, Crescent Garden’s True Drop planters can go without watering for up to six weeks, Mendez said. Mendez hosts free monthly online webinars on the art of high-impact, low maintenance, sustainable flower gardening and landscaping. Sign up at her website, Perennially Yours, pyours.com.

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SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

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Connect rooms with color By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

he color relationship between rooms matters — especially if your home features a fluid floor plan and guests can see from one room into another. “Color coordination is something many people contend with because open floor plans have been on trend for quite a while,” said designer, TV host and author Vern Yip. “The problem becomes how to differentiate between rooms, or do you want to paint all the rooms the same color,” said the author of “Vern Yip’s Design Wise” and host of TLC’s “Trading Spaces,” premiering Saturday, April 7. Painting may be the first thing to come to mind, but there are many other ways to tie rooms together, Yip said. “Drapery, upholstery, throw pillows, art on the wall. Realize that you don’t have to change the color of the room to add distinct characteristics. You have other tools,” Yip said.

Accent with color “Use the same accent color, repeated in different ways, in different rooms,” said designer Debbie Wiener, owner of Slob Proof Furniture in Chestertown, Maryland. A homeowner who wants a variety of beige, taupe and cream-colored neutral walls but loves lavender can add lavender in the living room with throw pillows, a vase or a picture frame, Wiener said.

In a master bedroom/bath suite, you could bring the color of the walls in the bedroom into the bathroom as accent tile or cabinet color, said Carla Aston, interior designer at Aston Design Studio, The Woodlands, Texas. “If this was a living room/dining room that adjoined, the dining room wall color could be picked up in the living room as pillows, upholstery accents or even drapery treatments,” Aston said. Trendy colors Pulling color through your home helps create interest and flow, said interior designer Jill Thomson, Jill Thomson Design, Las Vegas, Nevada. If you’re embracing trendy colors like millennial pink, bold reds and yellows or organic greens, Thomson recommends adding the color in subtle, inexpensive ways like accessories that are easy to replace or change when you tire of that color. Another idea for creating flow would be to use a primary color in one room and using it again in the adjoining room, as an accent color, to tie them together, said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing with Sherwin-Williams. Break the rules “Many of our clients’ homes are open-plan spaces without boundaries from room to room. We find using a limited palette of colors can be a sure bet for a great look,” said interior designers Hector Romero and Chris Obeji, romero +

obeji interior design, Long Beach, California. “For instance, try using all cool colors such as blues and greens and don’t be afraid to mix it up. Gone is the day when you’re forbidden from mixing hues, like black and navy. What about introducing avocado to kelly green? They’ll love each other!” Paint the trim “One great way to make spaces feel consistent is to use matching trim and other finishes, like doors and crown molding. Keeping the same paint or stain color on these accents will help the flow of the entire space, even if you opt for different wall colors in every room,” said Erika Woelfel, vice president of Color and Creative Services at Behr. Avoid the amusement park When every room is a new, rich color it can make your home look “like an amusement park,” Yip said. Instead, work with the same color tones but in shades. Make it easy by picking up a paint strip at the paint or hardware store that shows gradation from light to dark, he said. That said, if you want one room that really stands out with a dramatic paint scheme, “that’s OK. That works,” Yip said. Smooth tip: For a smooth transition always change color in an inside corner rather than an outside corner of a room, Yip said. Aston calls this the “sweet spot for a transition” as it gets rid of uneven edge and creates a “seamless approach to material changes.”

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Make an

ENTRANCE Get the most out of foyer decor

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

he foyer is a place of welcome and transition. Enhance your entryway with some tips from expert designers: It’s about you “Given your entryway may be the only room a person ever sees, consider what you want people to know about you. It’s a great place to hang a sign saying something about your family, your love of a pet, your beliefs, a motivational saying. The entryway is usually a place where so much happens, so it’s important that everything in there serve a purpose, especially if you are tight on space,” said interior decorator Ellen Lindgren, owner of Ellen Lindgren Interiors based in Medfield, Massachusetts, outside of Boston. Clutter-free and organized “Nothing makes a small space look cluttered faster than shoes, keys, backpacks and other accoutrements that end up on the floor or bench instead of in their proper home,” said Lesley Myrick, owner of Lesley Myrick Art + Design in Waco, Texas. “If there’s a closet, invest in a great closet system to maximize storage. If you’re without a closet, a tall, slender shelving unit with bins or baskets can bring order to the chaos.” “Since the entryway is likely the collection spot for a lot of the random things that come through your door, give it a home,” whether that means generic square cubbies with basket inserts or a small built-in,

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“The biggest mistake people make with small entries, believe it or not, is going too small with their design elements. Choose as large a rug as will fit in the space, and hang a large mirror or piece of art.” Rebecca West

said Kayla Hein, creative director at ModernCastle.com. “Painting an entry built-in the same color as the existing trim in your home will help it to look like it was always there. Simply adding painted beadboard and hooks is a quick and inexpensive way to get the built-in look without the cost.” “If a shoe cabinet would never work for your family, consider

placing a large wicker basket in your entryway. Kids can just kick their shoes off and throw them in the basket,” said Sarah Karakaian, interior designer and owner of Nestrs in Astoria, New York. “Sometimes getting too organized complicates things. A basket corrals all the shoes. Make it a chore for someone to return all the shoes to their rightful owners before bedtime.”

Tight space “The biggest mistake people make with small entries, believe it or not, is going too small with their design elements,” said interior designer Rebecca West, owner of Seriously Happy Homes in Seattle, Washington. “Choose as large a rug as will fit in the space, and hang a large mirror or piece of art. Having fewer, larger things can make a space feel intentional and interesting, while a bunch of small things often ends up looking cluttered and unfinished. The area to go smaller on is depth — keep your console tables, benches and other things that protrude into the room as shallow as possible.” If space is lacking, think vertically. “Interesting wall hooks for coats or bags could serve as art pieces as well as for having a place to hang things,” said Marina V. Umali of Marina V Design Studio, Paramus, New Jersey. “For small entries, shallow wall-mount shelves can be a great way to provide a place for mail and a few decorative accents without sacrificing valuable floor space,” said Tory Keith, president of Board and Park in Natick, Massachusetts. “For small-sized entryways, consider implementing multifunctional furniture pieces into your design. Not only do trunks provide convenient and much-needed storage, but they can also double as a fashionable bench or table,” said Tracy Stern, founder of T&T Design, New York City and Palm Beach, Florida. Let there be light “Invest in a pretty chandelier to greet guests,” said designer Shell Neeley of J. Banks Design, Hilton Head, South Carolina. “Layers of lighting are great. If you have room for a side table,

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add lamps. These create a nice ambiance. At the end of a party, as guests are leaving, it’s nice to have lamps on instead of harsher overhead light,” Neeley said. “Incorporating pendant lighting adds a touch of warm and inviting character to any space. Hanging lights also take up less space than a table or floor lamp, which will make your foyer seem larger and clutter-free,” said Molly Kay, community manager at Arhaus Furniture. Design wise “I think we are seeing a rise in the appreciation of hand craftsmanship, so we are starting to see some beautiful rugs making an entry come alive, or some fantastic handmade frames, etc. People are looking for unique and unusual pieces so that they can use this moment as a statement of their taste but also of their ability to curate an interesting collection,” said Los Angeles-based interior designer Mark Cutler. “Interesting flooring that can be installed to visually enlarge a small entranceway, such as installing tile or wood planks on an angle or juxtaposition to the flooring of the room adjacent to the entryway, can set off the entry as an interesting but separate room,” said Leslie Markman-Stern, president of Leslie M. Stern Design, Chicago, Illinois. “Circular mirrors have been increasingly popular in 2018, are great for small spaces and blend nicely across most design styles. Complete the space with a dramatic pendant light fixture. We find that geometric shapes work best in foyer areas as these shapes distribute light across the whole room while providing the biggest ‘wow’ factor,” said interior designer Dayna Hairston, owner of Dayziner in Cary, North Carolina.

Thursday, March 29, 2018

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Signs of a

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SICK TREE By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

Poorly maintained trees can become a problem. Regularly check for broken, damaged or leaning trunks, branches or limbs.

torms can wreak havoc on the trees in your yard, breaking limbs, felling them and causing all sorts of general harm. Even quick storms can cause significant and lasting damage — even property damage or personal injury — so be prepared and have a plan in place. “Keeping trees healthy, pruned and structurally sound helps minimize accidents before, during and after the storm. Once a storm subsides, make it a priority to check landscape trees, or better yet, contact a qualified, certified arborist to take a closer look,” said R.J. Laverne, manager of education

and training at Davey Tree. Trees maintained throughout the year are less likely to break apart in storms because weak branches are identified and carefully removed before the storm can break them, Laverne said. Poorly maintained trees can become a problem. Regularly check for broken, damaged or leaning trunks, branches or limbs. Some maintenance is best left to the professionals. Some signs your tree needs attention: • Deadwood: Dead trees and branches can fall at any time. Look for leafless branches when others have plenty of green leaves. Another sign of deadwood is old bark that has mostly fallen away — instead there is only

smooth wood underneath. • Cracks: Check for deep splits in the bark that extend into the wood of the tree. • Decay: Soft wood or cavities where wood is missing at the base of the trunk or in the roots can lead to the entire tree falling over, so be particularly attentive to signs of decay in these areas. Healthy trees are better suited to wall off decay while struggling trees will succumb to decay more quickly. • Weak branch unions: When two or more branches or trunks that are roughly equal in size come together in a tight V-shaped angle, there is frequently bark embedded in the union. This makes for a weak attachment that is more likely to break apart. • Evidence of soil lifting

near roots: High winds can cause trees to rock, even causing roots to break off or lift. Check to see if a tree is leaning or if the soil near the base of the tree is lifting on one side. This can be a particularly serious problem in areas where digging, trenching or construction activities may have damaged roots. • Imbalanced tree crown: Some trees grow naturally with an imbalanced or lopsided canopy, and they compensate by growing extra wood to support the weight. Other trees begin growing in a balanced manner, but excessive pruning or damage removes much of the canopy on one side. This sudden imbalance in the canopy brings additional force to the trunk and roots, increasing the likelihood of failure. Pay close attention to trees that have experienced rapid change in the shape or size of their canopy. • Impact of construction: Closely examine trees near areas of construction activity, particularly if digging has taken place within the drip line of the tree (that’s the area directly under the branches). Digging can cut through roots, and the compaction of soil with heavy equipment or the addition of fill soil can smother the roots, increasing the likelihood that the entire tree will fall. “Although defective trees are dangerous, not all of them need to be removed immediately, and some defects can be treated to prolong the life of the tree. Seek a consultation with a certified arborist to evaluate tree species, soil conditions, wind exposure, defects, overall health and other factors to determine a tree’s hazard potential,” Laverne said.

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PHOTO: CATHY HOBBS, INTERIOR DESIGNER AND FOUNDER OF DESIGN RECIPES, WWWW.CATHYHOBBS.COM

PILLOWPOWER Creating a stylish bed display By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

hen it comes to pillows on the bed, how many is too many? Cathy Hobbs, interior designer and founder of Design Recipes, shares her insight and expertise on style, size and pillow arranging. “For many interior designers, toss pillows are not only a secret design weapon, but also the icing on the cake. Toss pillows, instead of being an afterthought, can and should complete a color story, serve as an opportunity to bring in graphics and texture, as well as serve as a prominent design accessory,” Hobbs said. How many pillows is not only a matter of personal preference, it’s a great debate. While “displaying pillows properly does require some thought and planning,” in general there are no rules, Hobbs said.

Scale and proportion To achieve proper balance, start from the back and work your way forward, Hobbs said. “Organize your pillows by size, with

the largest pillows in the back and the smallest pillows in the front. A cascading layout in which the heaviest concentration of pillows is in the center and then the display becomes thinner on either end remains a popular trend,” she said. A look that’s especially “en vogue right now is the use of pillows that are all the same height. Instead of using a series of pillows that are high and low, pillows that are all the same height and even the same color is a current popular trend relating to displaying toss pillows,” Hobbs said. Pillow talk “One popular trend is to dress a bed only using decorative pillows and place one’s sleep pillows in a closet or under a bed only to be used at night. … Beds are large and as such this is an opportunity where you can display a larger amount of pillows and not overwhelm,” Hobbs said. As a general rule: two or three decorative toss pillows work well on a twin bed, five or six pillows on a full or queen bed and king-sized beds can typically accommodate seven to 10 pillows, Hobbs said.

Dress (your bed) for success • Determine how many rows of pillows you wish to have. One or two rows work well with twin beds; three rows are ideal for full, queen and king beds. • Begin by positioning large decorative pillows against the headboard: 20 by 20 inches or 24 by 24 inches are good sizes. Choose just two or enough to extend across the length of your headboard. As this row serves as the anchor for the pillow display, solid colors work best. • For the next row, go a size or two smaller, such as 18 by 18 inches. In this middle row, you can mix pillows of different colors and textures. • For the third row (the front), make a statement. One or two pillows perhaps in an interesting shape or material will help make your display shine. Go bold “Pillows are considered to be portable design. ... Use toss pillows as an opportunity to introduce bold patterns and textures such as faux fur or metallic, and if you don’t like the look you can always try another space in your home,” Hobbs said.

How many pillows is not only a matter of personal preference, it’s a great debate. While “displaying pillows properly does require some thought and planning,” in general there are no rules, said Cathy Hobbs, interior designer and founder of Design Recipes.

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Thursday, March 29, 2018

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