Home News 2023 Home & Garden supplement

The 9 Best Flooring Options For Your Home

Goodhousekeeping.com

1. Hardwood

Pros: The warmth and beauty of hardwood flooring explains its enduring appeal. Since the material can be sanded and refinished multiple times (especially solid wood versions) a well-maintained hardwood floor can last for decades, or even centuries.

Cons: The biggest downside is cost. Though some species are less expensive than others, wood flooring tends to be the most expensive. It’s also subject to dents and scratches, plus solid flooring in particular will expand and contract with changes in humidity levels, leading to cracks, splinters and squeaky boards (engineered flooring does much better with moisture, making it suitable for kitchens and basements).

Cost: Solid wood flooring, $5 to $10 per square foot, installed; Engineered wood flooring, $4 to $9 per square foot, installed.

2. Laminate

Pros: The plastic topcoat is extremely resistant to scratches and dents, making laminate one of the most durable flooring options. It’s also among the least expensive and it often comes as a DIY-friendly “floating” floor system, with planks that snap together, instead of having to be nailed or glued down.

Cons: Not many people will mistake laminate flooring for real wood or stone. It tends to have a plastic feel and sound underfoot, and the repetition of patterns can give away its fakeness. Laminate can never be refinished, so it’s not a forever floor. Also, the use of formaldehyde and other chemicals in the manufacturing process makes it a less healthy and less sustainable choice.

Cost: $3 to $7 per square foot, installed.

3. Vinyl

Pros: Entry-level sheet vinyl is very affordable. All vinyl resists stains, scratches and dents, plus its waterproof, making it safe for basements and bathrooms. Installation is easy, particularly for adhesive tiles and floating planks. LVT (luxury vinyl tile) is a thick, sturdy tile that has the look and feel of real wood.

Cons: Though patterns and color options have improved, even LVT is still a far cry from real wood or stone. It can’t be refinished, so once it does begin to wear out, the only choice is a full replacement. LVT is also surprisingly expensive, often rivaling the cost of real wood.

Cost: $2 to $6 per square foot, installed.

4. Carpet

Pros: Carpet is the most comfortable and costeffective flooring material and it’s available in a wide range of colors and patterns. It installs easily and carpet is easy to maintain, requiring just regular vacuuming. Stain-resistant versions are even easier to keep clean.

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Cons: The main knock against carpet is that it holds dirt and dust, which can be particularly unpleasant for allergy sufferers. Woven carpet is much better at resisting this, since its construction doesn’t create places for dirt to hide. Wool is also anti-static, so it doesn’t attract dust the way nylon tufted carpets will.

Cost: $3 to $10 per square foot, installed.

5. Stone

6 home improvement

Pros: Because no two stones are the same, stone flooring has tons of character and uniqueness. Stone is also a durable material that can withstand heavy foot

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6 October 15-21, 2020

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courtesy of windowsonwashington.net

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The 9 Best Flooring Options For Your Home

traffic and fading under intense sunlight. It also keeps the dust and allergens at bay.

Cons: You’ll pay a premium for most stone flooring and it requires professional installation. Stone floors aren’t soft underfoot and dropped dishware is almost certain to break when dropped on it. Many types of stone floors require sealing to resist stains.

Cost: $3 to $7 per square foot, installed.

6. Concrete

Pros: Besides its uniqueness, concrete floors are durable and easy to maintain, assuming they’re properly sealed during installation. The material conducts heat well, so concrete floors are a good option if you’re planning on radiant heating, whereby hot water tubes are embedded in the floors during the installation process.

Cons: Since it’s basically a custom product, concrete floors are pricey and require professional installation. The rock-hard material is also unforgiving, and it needs to be resealed every year or so to prevent stains.

Cost: $3 to $8 per square foot, installed.

7. Tile

Pros: Tile floors have a classic look and they'll be

Dedicated

available in countless colors and design configurations, from mosaic to large-format tiles with minimal grout lines. All tile is water-proof and low-maintenance. Porcelain tile is extremely hard-wearing and resistant to scratches and dents.

Cons: Difficult installation is the biggest drawback. The tiles are typically laid in mortar over a smooth, stable substrate; unless you’re a very experienced DIYer, the project is best left to a professional. Porcelain tile is also on the pricey side, about the same as solid wood flooring.

Cost: $4 to $15 per square foot, installed.

8. Cork

Pros: Cork’s light, airy quality makes it one of the most comfortable flooring materials. It’s also waterresistant and doesn’t become slippery when wet, making it suitable for kitchens and bathrooms. Cork is non-toxic and eco-friendly.

Cons: The material is prone to fading under intense sunlight. Cheaper versions will damage easily, showing scratches from heavy foot traffic, furniture and pets.

Cost: $5 to $14 per square foot, installed.

9. Linoleum

Pros: The sustainable appeal is a huge selling point, along with linoleum’s uniqueness and retro charm. The latest versions come in many more styles and colors than years past. Linoleum also has a softness underfoot that makes it very comfortable, and it resists fading from sunlight.

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Cons: Linoleum is not as durable as vinyl. It’s prone to wearing under heavy foot traffic and it can scratch and dent easily. Applying a wax finish will help protect the surface, but that adds to the maintenance.

Cost: $3 to $7 per square foot, installed.

Homedepot.com

It is very important to know how to clean mold from every surface of your home. The key is to remove mold before it spreads and becomes a bigger problem. Left unchecked, it can rot wood surfaces and cause indoor pollutants that can lead to health issues.

1. Preventing Mold

Make your home a less friendly place for mold to grow. Before you get rid of the mold, eliminate any moisture issues at the source, or improve the ventilation, ideally both. Be sure your gutters and downspouts are clear and water is properly draining away from your home’s foundation.

Indoors, repair any plumbing leaks and install exhaust fans in bathrooms, the kitchen and the laundry room. Run a dehumidifier to reduce the overall moisture level in your home to keep mold from growing.

2. Limit Your Exposure

It’s important to limit your exposure to mold and mold spores. Keep them out of your eyes and try not to inhale any. Wear a mask or an N-95 respirator to avoid inhaling mold. Wear gloves that extend to the middle of your forearm. If you’re just using water and a mild detergent, household rubber gloves work fine. Wear goggles that

How To Get Rid Of Mold

don’t have ventilation holes to avoid getting mold or spores in your eyes.

3. Mold Removal

Scrub mold off hard surfaces such as window sills and tile with detergent and water and dry completely with a rag. For more porous surfaces, like drywall, just use a rag so you don’t damage the surface with more abrasive cleaners. If the surface is too porous to remove mold completely, such as in ceiling tiles, you may have to replace it. To speed up the job, try a mold cleaner specially formulated with mold killing ingredients. Always undertake mold removal and dry any surface before you paint. Otherwise, it is likely to peel. To remove mold from wood, first try a detergent like dish soap. Diluted cleaning-strength vinegar may be effective as well. You may need to sand the wood after cleaning.

4. Natural Mold Cleaner

You can also create a mold removal solution with some common household items. Use undiluted white vinegar on hard surfaces in kitchens and baths. A bleach solution also works to kill mold. Mix one cup of bleach in a gallon of water, apply to the surface and don’t rinse. Or mix a 50/50 solution of ammonia and water. Spray on the surface, wait two to three hours, then rinse. Never mix ammonia with bleach or other all-purpose cleaners; this will create toxic and dangerous fumes.

5. Removing Mold Outside the House

External mold is just as serious as mold inside the home. You’ll want to remove mold from the outside of your house, on siding or on your deck, as soon as possible. External mold can do significant damage to exterior surfaces over time, eating away at wood, stucco and other materials. In addition, exterior mold can easily work its way into the house if left unchecked.

Don gloves and eye protection and liberally spray a 1-to-10 solution of bleach and water on the surface. Scrub tough stains with a stiff bristle brush dipped in the solution. Let sit for 10 to 20 minutes and rinse with a garden hose.

6. Clean Up After Mold Removal

Dispose of the rags in a sealed garbage bag. Immediately wash your clothes in a separate laundry load with hot water.

OPENING AND PLANT SALE

Which Plants Attract Hummingbirds?

Almanac.com

Brightly-colored flowers that are tubular tend to produce the most nectar and are particularly attractive to hummingbirds. These include perennials such as bee balms, columbines, daylilies, and lupines; biennials such as foxgloves and hollyhocks; and many annuals, including cleomes, impatiens, and petunias.

How To Get Rid Of Weeds And Stop Them From Spreading Gardeningetc.com

1. Dig them up by the roots- Digging up weeds is one of those trusty, all-natural methods that, when done properly, works wonders. Use a garden fork or a hand trowel, and gently lever them out of the soil, aiming to remove all of the root system to prevent rapid regrowth. This is ideal if you only have one or two weeds in your garden, but if you have a lawn full of them, you might want to invest in a weed pulling tool.

Here’s a list of flowering plants that attract hummingbirds. Choose varieties in red and orange shades if possible: Beard tongue, bee balm, butterfly bush, catmint, clove pink, columbine, coral bells, daylily, larkspur, desert candle, iris, flowering tobacco, foxglove, lily, lupine, pentas, petunia, pincushion flower, redhot poker, scarlet sage, scarlet trumpet honeysuckle, soapwort, summer phlox, verbena and weigela.

2. Keep on top of mulching- Mulching is one of the easiest ways to suppress weeds as it is simply added on top of the soil. Biodegradable mulches, such as garden compost, wood chippings, processed bark, leaf mold, straw, seaweed, and rotted manure all suppress weeds while also releasing essential nutrients back into the soil, helping your plants to flourish.

3. Mow them down- Mowing weakens the plants and stops them from setting seed, which can eventually get rid of them altogether. Just make sure you attach a basket to your mower, rather than leaving the clippings on the grass.

4. Cover in boiling water- Pouring boiling water on the base of the plants causes instant shock and will not only kill the weed but also any seeds that may be dormant in the soil. A great solution for walkways, garden paths, and driveways, as the weeds will die within a couple of days, however, it is not recommended for use on lawns or in borders with other plants as it can cause fatal damage to these too.

5. Use baking soda- Since baking soda is a powder, you'll need to wet the plant in order to make the powder stick. Then, sprinkle one teaspoon of baking soda over the weed's leaves and let it work its magic. This is a great method if you want to target specific weeds that have popped up amongst flowers or plants that you don't want to harm. Reapply in four to six weeks if the weeds have not disappeared.

6. Line your flower beds- Lining your patio, driveways, or paths with a weed-proof membrane before adding gravel, slate, bark chippings, or similar will help to keep them at bay.

7. Use vinegar- The active ingredient in vinegar, acetic acid, is also very effective at destroying weeds. Your standard brown fish-and-chips vinegar will go a decent way to helping with your problem. Simply pour into a spray bottle and spritz onto the desired plants. There are also horticultural vinegars, which usually have a higher concentration of acetic acid, and as a result are more effective. However, they also require handling with greater care as they are corrosive and can burn the skin, damage eyes, and erode the surface of your tools.

How To Remove Wallpaper 3 Ways

Thespruce.com

Method One: Wallpaper Steam Removal

1. Prepare your steamer, filling it with water and using as directed, waiting for the machine to build up steam.

2. Once your steamer is ready, lay the plate on a section of wallpaper and press the trigger for 15 to 20 seconds. Immediately remove the plate.

Tip: Be patient. If the paper isn't coming off, hold the steamer over the area a little longer. With your scraper, gently peel away at each section. Rushing the process can potentially damage the walls with the scraper.

3. Immediately begin peeling up that section of the wallpaper with a putty knife. If this isn't working well, score the wallpaper with a wallpaper scoring tool. Steam that section again and try peeling it up. Continue with the process until the wallpaper is gone.

4. After the paper has been removed, go back and resteam so that you can scrape up any residual adhesive. Once it's all gone, use a new, damp sponge to wipe down the wall.

Method Two: Water and Vinegar

1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and get ready to soak the walls.

2. Spray an area, generously, and watch the paper start to soak off and separate from the walls.

Method Three: Wallpaper Liquid Stripper

1. Tape sheet plastic around all areas of the wallpaper that will not be removed. Turn the wallpaper stripper bottle to the ON position but not to a spray-mist. Spray the product, following with the sponge to distribute it over an area about 2 feet by 2 feet. Wait about five minutes for the product to penetrate the paper. In the meantime, watch for any drips and clean them up.

2. Gently push a putty knife under the paper and lift the paper away. The wallpaper should easily lift off. If not, score the wallpaper with the scoring tool. Make about ten holes every square inch.

3. Repeat the process, you might have to do this a few more times to get the wallpaper off cleanly.

4. Some wallpaper adhesive may remain on the wall. Use the wallpaper stripper to remove this. Spray it on the wall and spread it with the sponge. Let it rest for a few minutes, then scrape the liquified adhesive off the wall with the putty knife. Wipe down the wall with a new, clean sponge dampened with water.

The Best Types Of Flowers For Your Window Boxes

Marthastewart.com

One low-maintenance way to add a pop of color to the exterior of your home is by installing a window box filled with your choice of flowers and greenery. There are a few things to consider first before choosing the varieties you're going to grow. Think about the mature size of the flower and the depth of its roots, which will dictate the size box you buy. Additionally, determine whether or not you want to grow one type of flower in your boxes—or create a mix. Also think about your growing conditions. Which direction is your window box facing? How much sun or shade does it receive? These answers will help you decide which types of flowers to plant. You'll also want to use a quality potting mix and make sure your window box has drainage holes, so excess water can seep out when the reservoir is full.

Full to Partial Sun Flowers

Sunny sites offer more options for colorful flowering plants, like calibrachoas, a perennial that's commonly seen in shades of violet, blue, pink, red, magenta, yellow, bronze, and white. According to gardening expert Melinda Myers, most petunias also do well in full to partial sun. "Look for those that also claim heat and humidity tolerance," she notes. If you're hoping to attract pollinators to your sunny spot, Meyers says

heliotrope has fragrant flowers that hummingbirds and butterflies love. Additionally, pentas—another butterfly favorite—blooms all season long and prefers full to partial sun. Another choice is summer snapdragon, which (as its name implies) is perfect for the warmweather season.

Shade or Partial Shade Flowers

Typically, shade-loving plants and those that tolerate moist soil go hand-in-hand. If you have a nearby tree or structures that cover your window boxes or reduce their sun exposure, consider shade-tolerant flowers. Meyers suggests fuchsia, which needs shade and moist earth; avoid windy locations, she explains, if you choose this option. Additionally, tropical plants that are often grown as houseplants, like philodendron, inch plant, and ivies, perform well in shaded window boxes. Additionally, begonias, including the tuberous and rex types, are shade tolerant and add a nice textural element to your space. Other flowers that perform well in shaded window boxes are browallia, torenia, impatiens, dwarf hostas, and hellebore.

Drought-Tolerant Flowers

Drought-tolerant plants include mandevilla splendens

The Best Flowers For Your Window Box

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(often listed as dipladenia), as well as zinnias, which come in a variety of sizes and colors. Additionally, Meyers lists icicles licorice, also known as helichrysum, as a great heat- and drought-tolerant plant.

Trailing Plants

If you want to create a cascading effect with the plants in your window box, consider opting for a few trailing flowers such as silver falls dichondra, which Meyers describes as a silver foliage that drapes flat against the box. There's also lotus vine, which features fine lacy leaves, as well as petunias, calibrachoas, verbenas, mandevillas, bidens nasturtiums, trailing lobelia, viola, alyssum and plectranthus. Varieties of ivy, as well as some sedres and grasses, can also create a cascading effect.

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Is It Better To Grow Herbs Indoors Or Outdoors?

a humidifier or a fan.

Herbs that grow very well indoors are: basil, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, bay laurel, lemongrass, chives, thyme and Vietnamese coriander.

When purchasing herbs, it’s best not to get herbs for indoor growing that have already been growing outside. The shock of the change of environment can cause trauma to the herbs and affect their production and growth.

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Cost

Growing indoors versus outdoors is very much a preference, although there are some herbs that thrive only in indoor environments or only outdoor environments.

Growing Herbs Indoors

Let’s start with cost, since that’s definitely going to be one of the primary deciding factors when you’re choosing between single pane or double pane windows. According to HomeAdvisor, the initial purchase and installation cost of a single pane window is about $50 to $75 per window, while a double pane window runs closer to $350 to $400 per window.

This is a great option for those who wish to grow herbs but have limited outdoor space, or for those who have less time to devote to maintaining a larger garden. Herbs can be grown indoors year-round. However, indoor herbs will essentially need to grow in the same conditions as most outdoor herbs, which can make things more challenging.

Pros of Growing Herbs Indoors

Because single pane windows only have one layer of glass, they’re not as good as double pane windows at insulating your home from outside noises and temperatures. If you live somewhere quiet with temperate weather, then you may be just fine opting to save money with single pane windows. However, if you’re concerned about noise and other external factors affecting the comfort of your home, you should probably go with double pane, though it’s important to note that even a double pane window isn’t going to be able to completely block out all outside noise and temperatures.

• Access to fresh herbs year-round

• Pesticide free and healthy

Energy Efficiency

• Relatively low maintenance

• Save time and money at the grocery store

Cons of Growing Herbs Indoors

• Must regulate your indoor temperature

• Supplemental lighting may be needed

• Pests may hide in herbs

pane windows only have one they’re not as good as double insulating your home from temperatures. If you live with temperate weather, then opting to save money windows. However, if you’re noise and other external comfort of your home, you with double pane, though note that even a double pane to be able to completely noise and temperatures. Energy Efficiency through windows is 30 percent of a home’s usage. With that in mind, double pane windows, with insulation due to an extra pane of for a layer of insulating, good option for reducing reduction in heat gain and hundreds of dollars a year, the cost of purchasing and pane windows in the first

• Watering can be tricky due to necessary drainage holes

Growing Herbs Outdoors

Herbs grown indoors will need to have access to at least six hours of sunlight a day on average. Herbs will need access to grow in a south or west-facing window with much sunlight, and they may also need some artificial light, or “grow lights” to survive and thrive. Additionally, herbs that are grown indoors will need to be planted in containers that are no smaller than six inches in diameter. This will allow them to grow with ample space.

Heat gain and loss through windows is responsible for 25 to 30 percent of a home’s heating and cooling usage. With that in mind, it’s easy to see why double pane windows, with their added insulation due to an extra pane of glass and the option for a layer of insulating, non-toxic gas, are a good option for reducing energy waste. This reduction in heat gain and loss can save you hundreds of dollars a year, over time offsetting the cost of purchasing and installing the double pane windows in the first place.

Replacing Single Pane Windows with Double Pane

Herbs can be incorporated just about anywhere in any garden and can be planted in gardens as companion plants to benefit or help other plants. For example, rosemary can be planted with beans, cabbage, and carrots. Rosemary helps deter carrot flies, clothes flies, mosquitoes and silverfish.

Single Pane Windows

Double Pane windows are pretty much newer homes, including new If you’re living in or have an older home though and been replaced recently, chance they’re single pane. and renovators have limited with, and need to decide if double pane windows are going

Double pane windows certainly require a larger upfront investment. That being said, they’re often recommended because of the advantages they provide—including cost savings later on related to better energy efficiency. Double pane vinyl or wood-framed windows are said to reduce energy usage by as much as 24 percent in cold climates during the winter and up to 18 percent in warm climates in the summer when compared to single pane windows. To get those savings though you’ll have to make a pretty major investment, since it will require that all of the windows in your home are double pane and not just a few of them.

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Herbs will also need to be planted in containers with adequate drainage holes or slats in a soilless mixture that allows for good draining. Herbs grown indoors do best when they are located near each other, as they are able to create adequate humidity and air circulation for themselves. However, you still may need to increase the humidity and air circulation of the indoor space by using

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Like herbs that are grown indoors, herbs that are grown outdoors do well in soil with good water drainage. Herbs do have a specific time to be planted into the soil, and that’s generally in the springtime. Some herbs that do well outdoors are: basil, mint, oregano, parsley, rosemary, bay laurel, lemongrass, chives, thyme, coriander, fennell, dill, lavender, chives, tarragon and catnip.

Double pane windows are pretty much standard now in newer homes, including new construction builds. If you’re living in or have recently purchased an older home though and the windows haven’t been replaced recently, there’s a good chance they’re single pane. Most homeowners and renovators have limited budgets to work with, and need to decide if single pane or double pane windows are going

An outdoor herb garden can either be started right from seeds or from transplants that have been growing

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Better To Grow Herbs

Indoors Or Outdoors

Continued from Page 15

outside. Unlike with growing herbs indoors, transplanting herbs to an outdoor growing area isn’t a shock or as hard on them.

Pros of Growing Herbs Outdoors

• No need to buy supplemental lighting or containers

• Access to fresh herbs year-round

• Pesticide free and healthy

• Relatively low maintenance

• Herbs can benefit other plants and vegetables in the garden

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• Save time and money at the grocery store

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• May be easier to water than indoor herbs

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Cons of Growing Herbs Outdoors

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• Soil can be more difficult to prepare and maintain

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• Disease and pest control can be more difficult

• Herbs are more exposed to insects and other pests

• Herbs will need to be protected during the winter and are at higher risk of dying

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• It is necessary to go outside in inclement weather to tend to herbs.

What’s in your water?

This Is How Often You Should Be Washing All Parts Of Your Bedding

Familyhandyman.com

We all know we’re supposed to wash our sheets frequently (maybe more frequently than we do!). But what about the other parts of your bed: comforters, duvet covers, pillows, decorative pillows, mattresses and all those extra blankets? Well, it turns out you need to wash all those too, and maybe on different timelines than you’d expect. If you wash too frequently, your precious bedding can deteriorate more quickly. Too infrequent, and your bedding will “accumulate significant amounts [of] dirt, dead skin cells, body oils, sweat, [and] dust mites,” according to the Sleep Foundation. So,

what’s the perfect balance of washing for each part of your bedding?

Sheets and Pillowcases

Let’s start with the basics. You need to wash your sheets and pillowcases at least once a week, according to the Sleep Foundation. However, if you have pets—and especially if they sleep with you—you should wash your sheets every few days. This will help minimize allergens, which could cause sneezing or skin irritation.

Duvet Covers

First off, if you don’t use a top sheet, you should wash your duvet cover as frequently as you would wash a top sheet (at least once a week). If you do have a top sheet acting as a barrier between your body and the duvet,

wash your duvet cover about once a month.

Comforters

If you use a duvet cover on your comforter, Mulberry’s Garment Care suggests washing it a few times per year, as with the change of seasons. However, if you don’t use a duvet cover, wash it once a month, and if you have neither a duvet cover nor top sheet, wash it once a week like a sheet. This will, however, potentially speed up the wear of your pricey down comforter, so using at least a top sheet is ideal.

Pillows

Aim to wash your pillows twice a year. To be safe, always check the pillow’s tags before washing, though most are safe to either machine- or hand-wash. Additionally, if you are a heavy nighttime sweater, consider washing pillows more frequently, such as with the seasons.

Decorative Pillows

If you use throw-pillows on your bed and rest on those throw pillows as you would those on a couch, you need to wash them every other month. You can typically toss the whole pillows into a washing machine, but if they have delicate embroidery or heavy texture, try to wash only the pillow covers.

Washing Parts Of Your Bedding

Continued from Page 17

Extra Blankets

How often you wash extra blankets will depend on how often you use them. If the blankets are strictly decorative, aim for once a month. If you curl up under those cozy blankets nightly, wash them once a week.

Mattress Protector

Mattress protectors help to extend the life of your mattress and so should be cared for too. It is recommended that you wash a mattress protector every two months. Though you may need to wash this more often if spillages occur, or if you allow pets on the bed.

Mattress

Lastly, you do, in fact, need to wash your mattress. According to mattress manufacturer Serta, you should deep-clean your mattress every few months. Use the handheld attachment on your vacuum cleaner to suck up any dirt and dust. For stains, you’ll need to scrub them with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, being careful not to oversaturate the mattress with water, which can mildew.

Bedroom Paint Colors You Should Avoid

Familyhandyman.com

Your bedroom is your personal sanctuary, which is why it’s so important you select bedroom paint colors that help make it feel grounding, calm and authentic to you. Of course, that means choosing shades that feel right to you, but remember that some colors aren’t really suited for painting a bedroom.

Bedroom paint colors you should avoid

Red- Because red is so high-contrast, it adds a lot of energy to your room that isn’t conducive to creating a calming bedroom. But don’t toss out your red paint yet—if you love this color, you can still add pops in other spaces in your home, such as your bathroom or dining room. Or, if you’re committed to painting your bedroom red, try selecting a moodier, darker hue.

Yellow- There are many places in your home where yellow paint would shine, but it isn’t ideal for painting your bedroom. Much like red, it’s high energy and doesn’t add a mellow vibe to your room. This energizing color is ideal for starting your day, but you may struggle to fall asleep in a yellow bedroom.

Green- While we love how green brings the outdoors inside, too much in a bedroom is, well, too much. This is especially the case for light greens. If you must have green in your bedroom, go for a gem-

toned shade, so you don’t sacrifice coziness—or skip it altogether.

Bedroom colors the pros say you should go for

Pink- No, not bubblegum pink! Muted shades are your best friend when picking this color. It pairs beautifully with many different colors, plus you can

If you want to evoke feelings of warmth and coziness with your bedroom paint colors, terracotta is the way to go. It’s basically neutral, so you have a lot of flexibility when working with this paint. Plus, it adds a sunny vibe to your room without being too

If dark and moody is your vibe, look no further than black paint for your bedroom walls. While a black bedroom paint is difficult to do right, if you succeed, you’ll have a unique sanctuary that allows you to rest and recharge. To do so, be sure to bring in other warm tones that create an intimate vibe. And don’t forget to select black paint with warm undertones for the best result.

5 Things Nobody Tells You About Getting A Farmhouse Sink

and investing in a protective sink mat will help avoid chips.

3. There are other options besides porcelain

Realsimple.com

A porcelain farmhouse sink is a highly coveted kitchen feature—and for good reason. Farmhouse sinks are beautiful, spacious, and timeless, plus they add a distinctive look to any kitchen they're placed in. But before you make the splurge on this pricey kitchen feature, there are a few factors you should consider.

1. Dishes will break more easily

The deep basin of a farmhouse sink—the same reason this style sink is ideal for washing dishes—makes it more likely you'll accidentally break glasses and dishes. Setting stemmed wine glasses next to the porcelain sink is a surefire way to lose a few glasses, as they're likely to get knocked over into the porcelain bowl.

2. The porcelain will get stained (and potentially chipped)

If you opt for a classic white porcelain farmhouse sink, it's very likely to get stained, and it will require regular cleaning to keep it sparkling. Scrubbing the sink with baking soda will help remove sauce stains, yet this mild abrasive won't scratch the surface. If you don't want to commit to cleaning your sink often, you may want to consider getting a farmhouse-style sink in a different material besides porcelain, such as stainless steel.

If you cook often with cast iron pans or other heavy cookware, there's also a chance you could chip a porcelain sink. Being careful when washing the dishes

For example, stainless steel is durable and won't chip like porcelain. Copper is another popular option for its beautiful color, but it will develop a patina over time and will need to be polished if you want to minimize the effects of oxidation. If you want the look of porcelain but at a slightly lower cost and with less maintenance, fireclay could be your best bet. A polished marble farmhouse sink adds a luxurious look to a kitchen, but it comes at a higher price and will need to be resealed every few years.

4. Consider your kitchen habits before choosing single or double basin

Farmhouse sinks come in both single- and doublebowl designs. This choice should be considered as carefully as the sink material. Think about the way you cook and dish wash. Do you do a lot of food prep in your sink? A large single-bowl sink could be the right choice. Do you like to tackle some of the dishes while dinner is cooking? A double-basin sink that lets you wash dishes on one side without disturbing the rinsed salad greens on the other side could be for you.

5. You'll likely have to adjust your countertops

If you're planning to upgrade to a farmhouse sink in your current kitchen, you may have to change your countertops. Because farmhouse sinks are wider and deeper than standard sinks, your countertop (and potentially the cabinets below) will need to be adjusted to make room. And if you're installing a heavy porcelain or stone option, you'll need to check that the cabinets below can handle the weight, or else they may need to be reinforced. Even if you're able to keep your current cabinets, you'll likely need to repaint or touch-up the fronts following the sink installation.

Bathroom Home Improvement Upgrades

Familyhandyman.com

These home improvement ideas take a bathroom from drab to glam in no time. From the simple to the extravagant, there’s an upgrade for every bathroom on this list.

Dual-Flush Toilet

A bathroom remodel or upgrade is the perfect time to implement water-saving measures. If you’re replacing your toilet, a dual-flush toilet is an easy way to save a ton on your water bill. Dual-flush toilets can perform a halfflush for liquid waste and a full flush for solid. They’re great for the environment and your wallet.

Smart Bathroom

Home Improvement

There are plenty of ways to include modern technology in the bathroom, from shower speakers to smart toilets. For a bathroom tricked out with the latest and greatest modern technology, consider upgraded fixtures.

A smart faucet is a good place to start. If you like that, there are showers that remember your preferred water temperature, heated toilet seats and plenty of other smart bathroom home improvements.

Upgrade Lighting

Upgrading the lighting can change a whole room. When you’re trimming a beard, grooming eyebrows or applying makeup, good bathroom lighting is essential. That makes lighting one of the best bathroom home improvements, particularly if you aren’t doing a full remodel.

The existing flooring, fixtures and decor look a hundred times better in a well-lit bathroom. Consider a bathroom chandelier, old Hollywood vanity light, backlit mirror, wall sconce or shower light.

Heated Floors

Here’s a bathroom home improvement that screams “luxury.” Heated floors make a world of a difference on winter mornings. They protect bare feet from the shock of cold tile. If you’re tearing out the floor anyway, it’s the perfect time to install a floor heating pad.

If your bathroom needs extra heat but you don’t want to install a heated floor, a heated bath fan or other bathroom heater is a good alternative home improvement.

Bathroom Home Improvement Upgrades

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Bathroom Storage

Storage is a bathroom home improvement that never goes out of style. Whether it’s a cabinet above the toilet or an under-sink organizer, there’s usually a way to add more bathroom storage space. Add drawer organizers, cabinet dividers and vertical space wherever possible to keep clutter tucked away and off the bathroom counter.

Window Treatments

If your bathroom has windows, new bathroom window treatments upgrade the space instantly. Opt for smart blinds to adjust lighting and privacy from another room, or consider moisture-resistant curtains in a color that complements your overall bathroom design. Faux wood or vinyl blinds are good moisture-resistant options.

Bathroom Tile

Bathroom tile trends change quickly, so it can look outdated in just a few years. New tile is a messy and sometimes expensive bathroom home improvement, but it’s one of the most noticeable design changes you can make.

Go trendy with eye-catching, jewel-toned shower wall tile. Or pick something classic like an understated natural stone or white porcelain floor tile.

Local Gardening Clubs

Bethlehem

Meets the third Thursday of the month from September through July, inclusive. There are no general meetings in January, February and August, unless otherwise indicated. Meets at Advent Moravian Church, 3730 Jacksonville Rd., Bethlehem. Doors open 12:30 p.m., meetings begin at 1 p.m., programs at 1:30 p.m. For more information visit www.bethlehemgardenclub.org.

Catasauqua

Meets the first Wednesday of each month from April through December. For more information email debmellish@gmail.com.

Indianland

Meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. from March until November unless otherwise noted, at Hope Lutheran Church, 4131 Lehigh Dr., Cherryville. Visit indianlandgardenclub. wordpress.com for more information.

Nazareth

Meets the third Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. from March until November at Dryland UCC, 4415 Newburg Rd., Nazareth. For more information call 610-554-0317.

How Home Gardening Can Benefit The Environment

Greenmatters.com

Bathroom Fixtures

There are plenty of ways to upgrade bathroom fixtures. Changes in color and style trends, as well as improvements in smart technology, mean there are more options on the market than ever before. Matte black and gold are modern and of the moment. Chrome and brushed nickel are timeless options that will stay in style for years.

Bathroom Vanity

Like many of the ideas on this list, upgrading a bathroom vanity can be as simple or extravagant as you want. A quick coat of paint is often enough to refresh the space, particularly in a statement color like mint or salmon.

When looking for productive hobbies, people turn to gardening for several different reasons. They might garden because they want to grow their own produce. It might be a purely aesthetic undertaking, meant to improve the look of their property and fill in the space with something lush, green, or colorful. The thing is, many gardeners aren’t aware of how much gardening can actually help the environment. Keep reading to find out why home gardening is so beneficial.

How does gardening help the environment?

Gardening is a way of improving the environment we live in via the addition of plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. When we garden — especially organically — we improve the air and the soil quality. We are growing our own food, beautifying our space, and instead of taking something away from the natural world, we are adding and tending to something green and beautiful.

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How Home Gardening Can Benefit The Environment

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Gardening cleans the air and soil.

According to U.S. Green Technology, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and produce oxygen as a byproduct of their respiratory and photosynthetic processes. Through this process, plants absorb any chemicals, bacteria, or harmful elements floating on the breeze, which they then filter into useful waste products like water and oxygen.

Plant roots also help to take in any errant chemicals or heavy metals that might be lurking in your soil. Considering how deep humanity’s carbon footprint is these days, something that takes away CO2 and harmful chemicals could definitely be considered helpful for the environment.

Gardening replenishes and protects the soil.

Plant roots also benefit the soil. Plant roots help bind soil together, making it less likely to wash away in heavy rains. According to U.S. Green Technology, extensive root systems keep topsoil from moving around during times of heavy rain or flood. The more root systems you have in your yard, the more soil you’ll be able to conserve.

Plant roots can also add moisture and nutrients to the soil. Annuals, which die and decompose every year, eventually break down and turn into nutrients that subsequent plants can feed on in the following season. This reduces soil usage and increases overall health.

Gardening helps mitigate global warming.

Global warming is caused by too many greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, trapping heat in the

atmosphere. Over time, this warming contributes to widespread climate change, which can result in melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and increasingly severe storms and wildfires.

Even planting a few trees, shrubs, flowers, and vegetables on your property can help mitigate this effect. These backyard plants can take in CO2 just like any other. The difference might be small but in a situation like ours, every little bit counts. Growing your own food can also minimize your environmental impact, because it means fewer trips to the grocery store, where produce is often flown in from great distances. Locally-grown produce is always better for the environment than imported produce, and growing your own veggies in your backyard is about as local as you can get.

Gardening reduces the size of landfills.

According to Perfect for Home, 30 percent of landfills are filled with scraps and yard waste. Much of this yard waste is natural, but when it piles up in garbage dumps, it emits methane, a harmful greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. By composting, mulching, or recycling, gardeners can help reduce the amount of waste that ends up at the dump, while making their own gardens healthier.

Gardening protects local wildlife and pollinators.

Birds, bees, butterflies, spiders, and squirrels are all going to be appreciative of your gardening efforts. In an age where so many natural habitats have been bulldozed, gardening gives animals a place to feel comfortable and at home. By planting trees and fragrant flowers, we can give something back to these critters, and enjoy their company and the benefits they provide.

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