Palouse Living, June 2021

Palouse LIVING Your resource for buying, selling and enjoying your home on the Palouse.

JUNE 2021

Inside: Palouse Living is an advertising supplement of the Lewiston Tribune and Moscow-Pullman Daily News

THE DOS AND DON’TS OF FIRE PITS

PALOUSE LIVING

2 | June 5, 2021 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

Signs your HVAC unit could be fading that large pools of water around the unit could contribute to mold growth and oor damage.

Homeowners are urged to contact a qualied HVAC technician immediately if they notice any leakage or moisture issues around their units.

Metro Editorial

A day outdoors soaking up the sun's rays is many people's idea of the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon. On such days, a periodic retreat indoors into an air conditioned home can offer some much-needed relief from the heat.

HVAC systems are worth their weight in gold during the dog days of summer.

Of course, such systems must be replaced from time to time. Learning to recognize the signs of a fading HVAC system can help homeowners replace their units before they cease working, saving everyone the uncomfortable ordeal of being stuck at home without cool air on hot summer days.

Interior temperature

experts at Select Home Warranty note that when the air ow from the vent is weak, this could be a warning sign of a damaged AC compressor or blocked or damaged vents. Damaged vents might be Weak air flow replaceable, but issues with the AC An HVAC unit operating at peak unit might require a replacement. capacity produces a strong ow of That's especially so if the unit is air through the vents of a home. The old. Repairs might be possible, but

it might be more cost-effective to replace an aging unit rather than commit to costly repairs.

Excessive moisture around the unit

Excessive moisture around the unit may indicate that its refrigerant is leaking. In addition, Home Select Warranty notes

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If your home is not quite the respite from summer heat that it once was, despite the AC being on and running, then this could be indicative of a fading system that may need to be replaced. However, the home warranty rm American Home Shield® notes that hot interior temperatures also may be indicative of clogged ductwork.

Qualied HVAC technicians may be able to  x clogged ductwork without replacing the AC unit.

If the issue persists even after ducts have been cleaned and unclogged, then a new unit might be homeowners' best bet.

Foul odor

Sometimes the nose knows best when an AC unit needs to be replaced. Unusual odors emanating from the vents when the AC is on suggest that the unit is distributing mold or mildew throughout the home. The Floridabased heating, cooling, plumbing, and electrical experts at Cool Today note that a moldy or mildew-like smell coming from the vents could indicate a host of issues, including a dirty evaporator coil, a clogged drain line or leaky air ducts. Each of these issues can be  xed, but homeowners must weigh the cost of  xing them versus the cost of replacing an aging unit.

Come the dog days of summer, homeowners want a reliable AC unit to cool their homes. Recognizing signs of a malfunctioning AC unit is a good rst step toward ensuring homes remain cool, relaxing respites from the heat this summer.

PALOUSE LIVING

Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | June 5, 2021 | 3

Backyard barbecue essentials Metro Editorial

Summer barbecue season has arrived, and this season may be an especially active one.

Many summer barbecues were called off in 2020 as the world continued to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. But as the number of fully vaccinated adults rises across the United States and Canada, outdoor gatherings like backyard barbecues are much safer than they were a year ago.

That bodes well for backyard barbecue enthusiasts who can't wait to cook their favorite foods over an open ame.

Since so many backyard gatherings were canceled last year, now may be a great time to revisit the essential components that make barbecues such a beloved summertime tradition. · Furniture: In early spring, fully vaccinated individuals were given the go-ahead to gather mask-free with fully vaccinated people from other households.

That was a relief for people who are itching to spend time with family and friends after more than a year apart. If you're planning to host a backyard barbecue this summer, inspect your outdoor furniture for wear and tear, especially if you did not bother to take it out of the garage last summer. A thorough

fancy, but they will lend a little normalcy to the festivities. And be sure to stock up on supplies for s'mores so everyone can nish the night off with a delicious dessert around the repit. · Games: A new cornhole set, some frisbees and even a few extra baseball mitts and baseballs can ensure everyone has something to do in between hamburgers.

If you have the room in your backyard, set up a wife ball eld and encourage willing guests to make teams and play a game of wife ball. · Audio/visual entertainment: An outdoor movie screen or television and some surround sound speakers can allow those interested to watch a game during the barbecue. If yours is more of a musical crowd, some Bluetooth speakers around the backyard set to a relaxing summer playlist can help to establish the perfect backyard barbecue ambiance. · Miscellaneous items: Many adults are fully vaccinated, but the vaccine had yet to be approved for kids under 16 as recently as mid-spring. If families with kids under cleaning might be in order. Many outdoor of offending hosts. If someone does have 16 will be coming over, purchase extra furniture retailers have replenished their an allergy, set aside some freshly cleaned masks to keep kids safe. It's also a good idea inventory since last summer, when supply dishes for them in the days before the to stock up on hand sanitizer and make it chains were interrupted by the pandemic. party. Make sure those dishes are not kept available in the backyard as well as inside So if your existing furniture has seen better alongside other serving dishes so guests near doorways and in bathrooms.

As summer hits full swing, now is a days, now is the time to replace it. have uncontaminated plates and cutlery · Food: Ask guests if they have any food to use when they arrive. When planning great time for homeowners to revisit the allergies prior to the barbecue. Let it be the menu for people without food allergies, essentials for throwing a backyard barbecue known that anyone with a food allergy don't forget traditional fare like hamburgers to remember. can bring their own foods without fear and hot dogs. Such foods might not be

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4 | June 5, 2021 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

Tips for home buyers during a seller's market Metro Editorial

A combination of factors, including low interest rates and a pandemic-driven decision by many city dwellers to look for houses in the suburbs, has created a housing boom for much of 2020 and 2021. That boom has created an undeniable seller's market in real estate.

Just what is a seller's market? The nancial resource Investopedia denes it as a marketplace in which there are fewer goods for sale than there are interested buyers, giving sellers the ability to dictate prices. Since mid-2020, there has been an extremely low inventory of homes for sale but a very high interest among purchasing parties.

Data from the National Association of Realtors indicated that, by the end of February 2021, housing inventory fell to a record low of 1.02 million units. These factors have led to a surge in competition from buyers, including bidding wars on

homes and all-cash offers to entice sellers.

In December 2020, the median listing prices for single-family homes shot up 13.4 percent from the same time the previous year, according to Realtor.com, and it hasn't slowed down much since.

Jeffrey Mezger, a 40-year veteran of the real estate industry and CEO of KB Home, says it's the best seller's housing market he's seen in his career.

So where does this leave buyers interested in relocating? Here are some tips. · Consider areas with slower overall price growth. Experts say the southern and midwestern United States offer the best

· Get preapproval or have your funds ready. Speed is the way to go if a buyer is interested in a property and wants to make an offer. Real estate professionals say buyers should be "offer ready," which means having a mortgage preapproval letter or proof of funds for a down payment ready to go. Failure to have funds in check can slow down the process or compel sellers to reject an offer. · Work with a real estate agent. These are complicated times and it pays for buyers to have a professional working in their corner. A real estate agent uses his or her knowledge to make a timely offer and negotiate on the buyer's behalf. He or she also will provide insight into specic neighborhoods, amenities and school districts. · Eliminate certain contingencies from the equation. Contingencies are factors that must be met before a sale can go through, according to the relocation site Moving.com. A common contingency is the need to sell one's current home before closing on another. Asking for extended closing periods or certain home repairs are some additional contingencies that can make buyers less attractive to sellers. · Make it personal. Buyers can offer a personalized note with the offer that may connect with the seller emotionally and set value for home shoppers because of their one them apart from others who have made meager price growth. ClearCapital, which similar offers. tracks housing values, says San Antonio, Buying in a seller's market can be St. Louis and the Dallas/Fort Worth areas challenging. But some strategies can set experienced the least price appreciation buyers apart from the pack. from 2019 into 2020.

Plants that can keep bugs away from outdoor living spaces Metro Editorial

Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular among homeowners in recent years, and that popularity grew even more over the last year. As social distancing guidelines issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic encouraged people to stay home as much as possible, a desire for accessible, enjoyable outdoor spaces grew. A 2020 study of Google trends data from the home decor retailer Living Spaces found that searches for items such as patio daybeds and small-space outdoor furniture grew by more than 200 percent between the early part of 2020 and the middle of the year.

If outdoor living spaces are in demand, so, too, are ways to make those spaces as comfortable as possible. There's much homeowners can do to make the most of their outdoor spaces, but they might feel helpless against some unwanted, often

relentless guests: insects. Insects can turn relaxing days on the patio into wars of attrition with hungry bugs like mosquitoes.

Thankfully, there are ways to ght back against insects while simultaneously adding a little aesthetic appeal to the backyard.

The Farmer's Almanac notes that planting these insect-repelling plants around the patio or backyard can help homeowners successfully repel unwanted insects, including mosquitoes. · Lavender: Lavender is a fragrant plant that adds a pop of purple and has been known to repel mosquitoes, eas, ies, and moths. · Basil: Basil can provide the best of both worlds, as it's been found to repel ies and moths and also makes for a tasty addition to pasta sauces and other dishes.

Bugs

continued on page 11

PALOUSE LIVING

Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | June 5, 2021 | 5

6 | June 5, 2021 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

The dos and don'ts of fire pits

PALOUSE LIVING

DON'T leave a re pit re burning.

Unattended recreational res are illegal and incredibly dangerous. Homeowners should never leave re pit res burning unattended or allow res to slowly die out materials. Store rewood piles a safe overnight. Always extinguish the re before distance away from the re pit while it's going inside and stop adding wood to the in operation. It may be convenient to keep re roughly one hour before you plan to go rewood right next to the re pit while the inside. Water or sand can be poured on ashes re is burning, but that increases the risk to extinguish the re. Once homeowners that embers will land on rewood and start are condent a re has been extinguished, a re outside of the pit. ashes can be spread around to ensure there DO check the weather report prior to are no hot spots still burning. If there are, starting the re. Windy weather increases start the extinguishing process over again. the risk of embers blowing around and A night around the re pit is a potentially landing on the house, other summertime tradition in many households. structures around the property or trees. Safety must be as much a part of such If the weather report is calling for gusting traditions as s'mores. winds, burn a re on another night.

Outdoor televisions up the ante in outdoor living areas

house or other structure, such as a shed or a detached garage. The further away the re is from houses and other structures, the less likely those structures are to catch on re.

DON'T place the re pit beneath trees or next to shrubs. Though re pits should be kept safe distances away from a house and other structures, it's important that they're not placed beneath trees or next to shrubs.

Shrubs and low hanging branches can easily catch embers and be lit ablaze, so make sure re pits are not placed in locations that increase that risk.

DO clean out seasonal debris. It can be tempting to let seasonal debris resting inside the re pit burn away during the season's rst s'mores session. But burning debris poses a serious safety risk, as embers can easily be blown out of the re pit and catch nearby trees or shrubs or even a home on re. The National Fire Protection Association advises homeowners that Metro Editorial embers blowing from a backyard re pose the same threat to homes as if they are from Outdoor living areas provide a great a wildre. way for homeowners to spend more time DON'T let re pits burn near ammable outdoors doing the things they love. That includes watching their favorite shows.

Many homeowners take televisions designed for indoors outside when hosting game watches or movie nights under the stars. While such televisions can function outdoors, unless they're specically designed for outdoor use, chances are they are not protected against the elements.

Special enclosures built to protect indoor Your real estate expert from Latah County to the Treasure Valley televisions can do just that, but homeowners also can consider televisions designed "Let My Experience and Dedication Work For You" for outdoor use. Outdoor televisions have (208) 860-1992 become more popular as more and more karyl@sawyerhl.com homeowners look to extend their living spaces outdoors, and these uniquely www.sawyerhl.com

Metro Editorial

Many homeowners relish any opportunity to retreat to their back yards, where they can put up their feet and relax in the great outdoors. That retreat-like escape is made even more relaxing when sitting around a re pit.

Fire pits can be found in millions of suburban backyards across the globe. Fire pits have become so popular that a 2016 survey of landscape architects conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects revealed they were the most sought after outdoor design element. Fire pits remain wildly popular a half decade after that survey. Homeowners who are only now joining the re pit revolution can keep these dos and don'ts in mind as they plan their summer s'mores sessions.

DO keep the re pit a safe distance away from the home. Fire pits should be located a safe distance from the home at all times, but especially when they're in use. Home design experts recommend keeping re pits a minimum of 10 to 20 feet away from a

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS! KARYL SAWYER

designed televisions can often withstand elements like rain without losing their functionality. Many outdoor televisions also are designed to handle reection from the sun, ensuring that homeowners won't have to limit their outdoor viewing experiences to evenings or late nights when the sun has set. When shopping for outdoor televisions, consumers should do their homework and pay attention to features they may not consider when shopping for indoor televisions. For example, outdoor televisions should offer wide viewing angles, as backyards tend to be bigger than living rooms. That means more people can make it over for backyard game watches and movie nights, which underscores the importance of wide viewing angles that make it easy for people seated all over the yard to make out what's on the screen.

PALOUSE LIVING

Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | June 5, 2021 | 7

8 | June 5, 2021 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

Perk up your patio on the cheap

By Larissa Runkle www.Realtor.com

So you’re a little late to the outdoor party, but now that the unofcial start of summer is here, you’re realizing that you need to deck out your patio for what will undoubtedly feel like the best summer ever. But if you’re hoping to score a bargain, after a year of shortages and unexpected expenses, you’re probably out of luck.

Rather than spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on brand-new decor for your favorite outdoor space, why not make it yourself?

We spoke with design and DIY experts from all over to uncover some pretty patio pieces you can easily—and cheaply—put together. Here are six of our favorite DIY projects that will refresh your outdoor space—all in a single weekend.

PALOUSE LIVING “Bench swings provide a restful spot for your family to relax this summer,” says Warren. “These swings are a much cozier option than a standard stationary bench, and if the classic bench size is too big for your porch, you can always make single-seater swings.”

4. Picnic table with built-in cooler

This two-in-one piece for your patio might just become your favorite piece of furniture.

“Wouldn’t it be nice to grab another drink without getting up? A table with a cooler in the center allows you to keep your drinks cold and accessible while hosting your next get-together,” says DelMonico.

What’s even better, the little table insert can be used for a variety of other things—like a planter, or even a re pit.

5. Backyard Tiki bar

If you mastered the at-home cocktail during quarantine, then why not show off those skills with a brand-new DIY Tiki bar in your backyard?

“Stepping in and out of a Tiki bar feels like a romanticized version of and cheap DIY outdoor sectional from Kinda island life, so it’s no wonder we love them 1. Outdoor sectional Sorta Simple. Made entirely with two-byfor outdoor spaces,” says Warren. “As well Hoping to add more seating to your patio fours from Home Depot, this is an affordable as creating an exotic aesthetic to your this season? Look no further than this easy project you can easily tackle in a weekend, garden, Tiki bars function as a great way to and one that’s sure to get your patio feeling serve beverages to your guests without the summer-ready. trouble of multiple trips in and out of the “Outdoor sectional furniture can house.” transform a large backyard into a beautiful Consider adding a few extras to your Tiki and functional outdoor space,” says bar—like dimmable string lights, bamboo designer Zoe Warren of Price Your Job. and rattan furnishings, water features, and, “Outdoor sectional furniture sets are the of course, ludicrously named drinks. Craft centerpiece of any modern patio.” your perfect tropical watering hole with this easy project from DIY Network.

2. Fire pit

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Assuming you don’t live in a place with a burn ban, having a re pit can really up the cozy factor in your outdoor space when the sun goes down.

“Adding a re pit to your backyard is a perfect way to create a gathering place,” says designer Andra DelMonico of Trendey.

“It also gives you natural light and warmth for increased usability at night. The gentle glow of the crackling re creates an ambiance that’s perfect for socializing with friends and family.”

3. Bench swing

We all love a good porch swing, but who wants to pay the incredibly high price for a new one? Save your funds for something else, and instead build this adorable hanging bench swing from House One.

6. Deck planters

Have ambitious gardening plans but nowhere to put your plant babies? Then why not create space with a few of these DIY deck planters?

“Adding planters to your deck gives you extra space to grow plants,” says DelMonico.

“Choose owering plants that add natural colors or tall, dense ones that will grow to be a natural privacy wall. If you live somewhere sunny, you can even add some shade to your backyard with plants that have large leaves.”

Larissa Runkle divides her time between a cabin in the San Juan Mountains and traveling in a converted van with her partner and pup. She writes for nance, real estate, and lifestyle publications, and is also at work on several ction projects.

PALOUSE LIVING

Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | June 5, 2021 | 9

How to pick a paint color you won’t regret

By Julie Ryan Evans www.Realtor.com

Two years ago, we painted a major living area in our home—a large, open-concept space that contains our family room and kitchen, with high ceilings and lots of natural light. We took it from a garish mustard yellow to white.

The room now looks so light, so bright, so green.

How could this be? It turns out, our home is surrounded by trees, and during the day, the light ooding through the windows carries a green tint, which shows up on our white walls. We hadn’t considered this possibility when we’d picked what we thought was the perfect shade of white. Oops.

The fact is, as simple as it may seem to pick a paint color, there’s a host of factors to consider beyond the colors you like. Even when you narrow it down, for each color there are literally hundreds of shades and sheens, and each will look a bit different depending on where it’s painted.

So how do you choose the right

one? Here are some factors experts say you should consider to nd a color you won’t regret.

Pick a paint sheen, too

Once you choose the color, you’re not done—you must also consider Determine what a paint’s nish, which cannot be mood you want the accurately evaluated through an app. In general, the choices fall space to convey into three categories: at or matte, Before you determine how satin, and semigloss or gloss. They you want to paint your space, determine how reective a paint you want to consider why you’re is and can signicantly affect how painting it. Paint has the power to a particular paint color looks on signicantly change a room, but your walls. it’s important to determine the “People very often forget to goal for that change. consider the sheen of a paint,” Erika Woelfel, vice president Woelfel says. “The higher the of color and creative services at sheen, the deeper the color looks.

Behr Paint, says an important When it’s at or matte, the light a tranquil escape? Asking yourself true outside. consideration is mood. gets absorbed, but when it’s glossy, “In the excitement of selecting these kinds of questions can help “When people are looking at a the color looks deeper, because painting project, they’re usually you at least determine a starting paint colors for the exterior of a there’s a shine to that surface.” home, you can forget to consider the looking for a transformation to point on the color spectrum.

You must also consider where happen, and mood is a big part of Keep tabs on what colors colors of the architectural details you’re applying that paint. For you aren’t painting or changing,” that,” Woelfel says. “So how you says Jessica Barr, national trainer example, higher-gloss paints tend are in the room already want the room to feel is often a and paint application expert for to be easier to clean, so they’re good way to help determine the Woelfel says people also often better for high-trafc areas, right color. For example, a brighter forget to consider an entire space Behr Paint. “Make sure the colors room is more energetic, while when choosing a color. Inside, that of the shingles, brick, stonework, and light  xtures complement the neutrals are calmer.” means coordinating colors with Are you looking for a bright and things like the cabinetry, ooring, exterior paint colors you choose.” continued on page 11 peppy perk-up, or are you craving and hardware. The same idea holds

Paint

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10 | June 5, 2021 | Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune

Bedroom improvements that’ll help sell your home faster & for more money

By Lauren Sieben www.Realtor.com

You’re ready to list your house—but are your dated bedrooms a turn-off to prospective buyers?

Today’s buyers are more focused than ever on nding luxe master suites that double as relaxing retreats.

“Pre-pandemic, nobody really cared about the bedroom. Now, people need somewhere to get away,” says Brad Whittaker, an agent with Realty ONE Group Pacica in Longview, WA. “Bedrooms are really becoming a place of solace for Mom and Dad, because when kids are stuck at home, and they’re working from home, they need a place to escape.”

Don’t list your house until you’ve made these crucial improvements to your master suite and bedrooms.

new bulbs and light xtures.

“Change the lightbulbs in the bedrooms to LED lights,” says Tony RodriguezTellaheche, owner and managing broker of Prestige Realty Group in Miami. “The crisp, white light of LEDs helps the room feel brighter, and the bulbs are more energy-efcient than the standard ones.

Bright white light can even help make the room feel bigger than before.”

If it’s in your budget, consider investing in smart lighting.

“People like convenience, and it is nice to not have to get out of bed to turn your lights or fan off,” Whittaker says. “Voice control is great.”

Another option: Let in more natural light with windows.

“If you have 12-foot ceilings, installing a transom window over the door is a nice way to let some light in,” Whittaker says.

(to the bedroom) is adding a closet system or organizer,” says Kris Lindahl, CEO and founder of Kris Lindahl Real Estate.

“There are many varieties, and they add instant value to your home.”

Adding a simple closet organizer can help buyers visualize how they’ll neatly store their clothes.

“It can create an experience in a closet, instead of that area being a forgotten space behind a closed door,” Lindahl says.

Simply decluttering can also make a small closet look bigger. If you have a room without a closet, consider purchasing an armoire to show how buyers will be able to stow their stuff.

3. Stage bedrooms to sell

This seems counterintuitive, but if you’ve had your eye on a new bedroom set, consider splurging before you sell your 1. Update the lighting house—new furniture can do wonders 2. Clean out your closets when you’re staging to sell.

The best way to brighten up any space— “The best update someone can make “Dated furniture can make the entire including your bedrooms—is to start with space look old,” Lindahl says. “A great headboard and dresser can change the aesthetics of an entire room.”

For a budget-friendly alternative to new furniture, try creating a focal wall behind the bed’s headboard.

“There are a lot of ways to do this, and get an elevated look and add value without breaking the bank,” Lindahl says.

“Think about using paint, wallpaper, or board and batten.”

You’ll also want to swap dingy bedding for something a little more photogenic.

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4. Tone down loud paint colors

You might love sunower yellow and cerulean blue, but bold colors in the bedroom might not appeal to the majority of buyers.

“Make sure to neutralize the paint before selling,” particularly in kids rooms, Lindahl says. “Many parents let kids pick out the paint color for their room, and it ends up being something like bubble gum pink, jungle green, or sunshine yellow.

That is really fun for kids, but horrible if you’re selling. Paint over it.”

5. Create a functional WFH space

Once upon a time, home ofces were a novelty that appealed only to certain home buyers. These days, they’re a must-have.

“The need for multiple home ofces has become increasingly popular,” Whittaker says. “If you’re tied to your computer and you have to get on Zoom, two people working out of one room is not ideal.”

Consider staging spare bedrooms, dens, or other unused spaces as home ofces to show buyers how they’ll be able to optimize the space to work from home.

You can also set up a small home gym to pique buyers’ interest.

“Think versatility,” Lindahl says. “Bonus spaces are even more important today, with people spending more time at home.”

6. Spruce up the en suite bathroom

A master bathroom is a major selling point in any house. Just make sure your en suite is clean and neutral—and don’t worry about adding any expensive ourishes like jetted tubs.

“We’re seeing the trend of people getting away from those huge Jacuzzis,” Whittaker says. “We’re going to start seeing more simple, streamlined, elegant tubs. You can go with a claw-foot if that is the style of your house.”

As for showers, it’s worth investing in quality in the master bath, Whittaker says: “Get rid of the imsy glass showers.”

Lauren Sieben is a writer in Milwaukee. Her work has appeared in the Guardian, Washington Post, Milwaukee Magazine, and other outlets.

PALOUSE LIVING

Moscow-Pullman Daily News & Lewiston Tribune | June 5, 2021 | 11

How to care for perennials So the plants reemerge in the spring, Perennials can add color and vibrancy according to The Farmer's Almanac. Some to any garden. One of the more desirable perennials are short-lived, meaning they components of perennials is that they come will come back a few consecutive years; back year after year, meaning homeowners others will last for decades.

Though planted perennials require less do not have to invest in a gardenful of new owers every year. That can add up to maintenance than annuals, they are not considerable savings. Perennials often form completely maintenance-free. Certain care is needed to help perennials thrive, and that the foundation of beautiful gardens.

Annuals only grow for one season, starts with the soil. In fact, soil is the single produce seeds and then die. However, most important factor for growing healthy perennials die back to the ground every plants. Penn State Extension says most autumn and their roots survive the winter. perennials grow ideally in well drained, Metro Editorial

Paint

continued from page 9 although they do highlight imperfections.

Matte paints are more difcult to clean, but they’re better at hiding imperfections and may be good for ceilings and hallways. Satin nishes fall somewhere in the middle, and are a popular choice for bedrooms, living rooms, and playrooms.

Use paint color apps to test it out

Once you have a general idea of the color or colors you like, it’s time to start narrowing things down further. The good news is there are online tools to help you make the right paint choices and set that mood, many of which don’t even require you to leave your couch.

For example, Home Depot’s ProjectColor app lets you snap pictures of various areas of your home, then try out different paints on them. It will make suggestions and help you nd versions that coordinate with furniture or other items in the spaces.

Similar functionality can be found with the Sherwin-Williams Color Snap Visualizer and Behr’s Paint Your Place technology.

But don’t depend on these apps entirely.

One variable that can’t be accurately reected in pictures is the light in the space

Bugs

fertile soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. In addition, organic matter can improve soil texture and water-holding ability.

When including perennials in the garden, make sure you wait for the right time to plant them.

The ideal time is during the spring or fall. Perennials come as container-grown perennials, which already have been established in the divided when they grow large, every three soil. Bare-root perennials are just roots that to four years when the plants are not in you want to paint. are often packed in peat moss. In order to “The type of light you have in a room plant bare-root perennials, soak the roots bloom. Perennials produce fewer owers or really determines how that color looks,” in water for several minutes before gently may look sickly when the time has passed to divide them. Early spring often is a good says Barr. planting in the ground, indicates the howtime to divide perennials, advises The What a color looks like in one room may to resource Tip Bulletin.

Farmer's Almanac. be different in another, and what looks just Perennials should be watered deeply, A thick layer of mulch can help ne at one time of the day may look not so especially during the rst growing season. perennials to overwinter successfully. ne (in my case, green) at other times.

However, the soil should never be overly dry Perennials planted in containers will need or wet. Most perennials do not need to be Try a paint swatch to be transplanted into the garden before it fertilized heavily. A single application in the gets cold because most containers cannot The only way to truly see how a paint spring typically is all that's needed. thoroughly insulate perennial roots. will look on your walls, considering all Care along the way can include Apart from these strategies, perennials these elements, is to actually put some on deadheading spent owers so that plants your walls, also known as swatching. Most can use their energy on seed production pretty much take care of themselves. As brands sell small containers of their paints and reblooming. Perennials should be long as sunlight requirements match plant needs, the perennials should thrive. for this purpose, so you don’t have to buy an entire gallon just to test out a color.

Paint a swatch as large as possible, then observe it at various times throughout the day to see how it changes with the light.

Painting various spots throughout the room and observing them in different types of weather is helpful, too.

If it leaves you less than enthused, then Proven Listing System: it’s time to try something new.

ATTENTION HOME OWNERS THE SELLER’S EDGE

Julie Ryan Evans is an editor and writer who has covered everything from politics to pop culture and beyond. She loves running, reading, cold wine, and hot weather.

alliums have been found to be helpful against cabbage worms, aphids, carrot ies, continued from page 4 and slugs. · Chrysanthemums: If ants are drawing · Thyme: Also a valuable ingredient to keep in the kitchen, thyme can help keep homeowners' ire, chrysanthemums may do the trick. These eye-catching owers hungry mosquitoes at bay. also are believed to repel eas and roaches, · Mint: The Farmer's Almanac warns that it's easy to overplant mint, so homeowners among other insects. · Marigolds: The scent of this aweshould only plant with care and make a inspiring plant is known to repel concerted effort to prevent overgrowth.

Also great in the kitchen, mint has long been mosquitoes and other pests. Marigolds also considered an effective mosquito repellant. attract insects like ladybugs that are known · Alliums: Like lavender, alliums can add to consume aphids, which are minute bugs a burst of purple to your patio. And though that reproduce rapidly and feed by sucking they aren't believed to repel mosquitoes, sap from plants.

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