cozy FALL PORCH IDEAS
written by: LAUREN KIM
If you’d like to give a nod to the approach of autumn but aren't fully ready to set out pumpkins yet, consider these more subtle ideas for decorating your front porch.
You can say hello to the new season without completely showing summer the door by decorating with sunflowers. These bright and cheerful blooms will bring a smile to passersby and visitors alike. Attach them to a wreath to hang on a porch wall or your front door, or place real or faux ones in a pot or basket set by your entryway. Lean totally into the season by hanging a wreath of colorful leaves or inserting sprigs of them in a tall vase by your door.
Don’t abandon your porch rocker or bench just because sweater weather is approaching—simply put out a warm plaid or woven blanket, and you’ll be good to go. By placing a metal lantern fitted with a wax or battery-powered candle on your porch or hanging a few twinkling fairy lights, you’ll be able to stay outdoors longer and enjoy the cooler air even as the days shorten.
Finally, roll out a soft and comfortable outdoor area rug in seasonal hues like orange, red, yellow, or brown, and add a doormat or a decorative sign emblazoned with an autumn sentiment or fall leaves to fully welcome and embrace the season.
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What Homebuyers Should Know about FORECLOSURES
written by: BONNIE JOFFE
Foreclosures play a significant role in the real estate market, offering opportunities for homebuyers and investors alike to acquire properties at steep discounts. Nevertheless, with a keen eye, willingness to tackle the challenges, and ability to invest in renovations and updates, purchasing a foreclosed property can be a wise investment.
WHAT IS A FORECLOSURE?
When a homeowner misses several mortgage payments, they are considered to be in default of their loan, often leading their bank to initiate foreclosure proceedings. Because there are many stages involved, it can take several years before the lender assumes ownership of the home and can sell it.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Due to the competitive nature of the foreclosure market, you should know well in advance how you intend to pay for the property, so you’ll be prepared when the right opportunity emerges. If you aim to do so in cash, be sure you can confirm the funds. To better understand how to locate and obtain a foreclosed property, it’s a good idea to seek the expertise of a real estate agent who has in-depth knowledge of how these proceedings work. You can also explore diverse sources such as government and auction websites to compile a list of available properties to consider.
TYPES OF FORECLOSURE SALES
These properties are often neglected, requiring the buyer to complete extensive repairs. To identify
the ones that best suit your objectives and financial capacity, consider the different buying opportunities available during the foreclosure process.
Preforeclosures
While regulations vary by state, this initial phase generally occurs when a borrower has missed three consecutive payments. Since these homes are not yet in the hands of the bank or lender, it can be an ideal time for would-be buyers to purchase one, usually at a reduced price since the owner is motivated to sell before it escalates to the formal foreclosure process.
Short sales
For homeowners facing financial difficulties, a short sale offers a practical alternative to foreclosure. In this
instance, the home’s current market value is less than the outstanding mortgage balance, leading the homeowner to sell the property at a reduced price. This type of sale may or may not happen during preforeclosure. However, accepting the purchase offer rests with the former, not the latter.
Auction foreclosures
The last step in the foreclosure process is the court-ordered auction that sells off the property to the highest bidder. These public proceedings, also known as sheriff sales, can occur at the repossessed property, courthouse, or another off-site location.
The best way to prepare for an auction is to contact the local municipality ahead of time to be sure the property has a clear title, which is free from any liens.
Bank-owned properties
If a foreclosed home fails to attract a high enough bid at auction, it may become a real estate-owned (REO) property.
In this instance, the bank or financial institution holding the title will try to sell it on the open market to garner the best price.
To locate these REO listings, research online through a paid source such as RealtyTrac or a free one such as Realtor.com.
Government-owned properties
For properties with government-backed loans that fail to sell at an auction, the appropriate government agency will take ownership and then market them on sites such as HUD Homestore or USDA-RD/FSA Properties. Be aware that you can only purchase these types of foreclosures through a real estate agent, mortgage broker, or servicing representative.
Navigating the purchase of a foreclosure can be complex and typically requires patience, flexibility, and a good understanding of the process and timeline. Seek guidance from a real estate agent who is knowledgeable about the foreclosure market and can assist you in saving significantly on this unique type of home.
wonderful WINDOWS
written by: ANDRE RIOS
Windows deserve more attention than they normally seem to get. Though these essential home features grant us beautiful outdoor views, permit pleasant sunlight into our homes, and break the monotony of exterior siding with their stylish panels, we often overlook them— or, rather, look right through them. But if you invest a little effort and money into yours, you can upgrade them from plain and practical to utterly attention stealing.
black steel-framed windows
A sweeping movement in home architecture, these windows balance expansive panes with simple, sophisticated frames. Black-steel window frames are practically a shortcut to contemporary design, so trading out builder-quality versions, such as simple, white vinyl ones, for them can elevate any home with in-vogue elegance. Likewise, replacing bulkier doors with black steel-framed glass versions can breezily blend indoor and outdoor spaces.
In fact, black frames are so popular now that many homeowners are employing a handy tactic for imitating them: painting window and door frames black. Darkening the trim around your glass can simultaneously modernize your interiors and lend sophisticated touches to your exterior facade. Best of all, this cost-effective option doesn’t require you to invest in brand-new windows to get that fresh new feel.
creative colors
Ornate woodwork frames, such as those emblematic of Craftsman homes, are now generally less popular than simplistic steel options, but there are other methods for modernizing your windows. Try updating classic features with eccentric, statement-making colors instead.
These window upgrades offer stunning possibilities. Painting the frames in your home office grayblue could lend the room a smart, sophisticated look, while brightening up a kitchen with vibrant matte-gold frames can make your backyard views resemble pieces of framed art.
Good home design is about balance, though, so if you wish to embrace colorful window frames, use neutrals to ground them. For example, if you paint your bathroom windows a soothing-yet-elegant seafoam green, pair them with white walls and tan-stone finishings. And don’t leave the windows hanging; incorporate your quirky color choice into your interior decor and exterior garden for a cohesive palette.
efficient tint
Tinting your windows slips a pair of sunglasses on your home, filtering sunlight and adding essential privacy. There are various types of tinted films to consider, including shatter-preventing security film and highly stylized decorative film, but your key priority should be minimizing UV sunlight. Temperature-control film, for example, can block as much as 99 percent of the sun’s
radiation and 80 percent of its heat, both of which can help drastically reduce your monthly energy costs— making it an investment that can pay for itself.
In terms of style, dark and reflective tints that obscure the view from the outside in are on trend, especially those with deep-blue hues, which add sophisticated color to exterior glass without discoloring your views from indoors. Window-tinting specialists can apply these treatments to virtually any style of pane for everyday practicality and a modern appearance, though you can install it yourself if you really trust your handiwork.
However, note that installing tint can void an existing window’s warranty since the manufacturer may see this as tinkering with their product—generally a no-no when it comes to purchase protection. You should be in the clear if you’re upgrading older windows with expired warranties though. To save money, prioritize tinting common-room or south-facing ones that may get more sun.
pleasant picture windows
If contemporary design has it out for any window feature in particular, it’s muntins: strips of material that create grids on panes of glass. Rather than settling for cross-hatched, obscured views, upgrade your windows to floor-to-ceiling picture ones—these practically invisible options will grant you expansive sights and a minimalistic look. “Floor-to-ceiling windows flood your home with light, make a modern interior/ exterior statement, and help break down the barrier between indoors and out,” says Andersen Windows & Doors on its website. Pair them with matching sliding-glass doors for a clean, consistent look that will feel current.
Muntin-free picture panes don’t necessarily offer practical benefits, especially for those with nosy neighbors, so they will definitely need a tint—otherwise, they will eliminate all privacy and bake your home with unobstructed sunlight. The right combination of UV-filtering and privacy film can patch up these features nicely. You should also work with a contractor to make such upgrades. A dramatic project like this will only be possible after some serious renovations, and swapping sturdy walls for non-load-bearing windows can spell engineering trouble. For a DIY alternative, you can cut the muntins off your windows, then replace the panes yourself for an affordable picture-window look.
You may have other principal concerns as you rethink your windows, including their storm-resistant strength and airtight efficiency. Thankfully, updated technology and materials mean you have more upgrade options than ever.
Fiberglass windows, for example, provide both excellent durability and insulation for ongoing benefits. Consider your priorities, from practicality to aesthetics, as you shop. Having a clear intention in mind is essential for making smart window enhancements that ensure pleasing results.
floral
written by: LAUREN KIM
From the pastel blooms of spring to the deep, rich hues of autumn, flowers can transform nature into a stunning work of art—and they can do the same for your home. Their intrinsic beauty can augment your design aesthetic and suit any color palette. Whether you incorporate natural blooms or representations of them into your autumn decor, you’ll create a natural and pleasing ambience that’s guaranteed to make you smile.
bouquets
If you adore flower arrangements, you’re not alone. Their popularity dates back thousands of years—displaying flowers in vases was a common practice among the ancient
Egyptians. Decorating with flowers can be incredibly affordable; a fresh bouquet brings a lovely look and aroma to almost any space in your home. To add an autumnal flair to your interior, simply cut a few flowers from your garden, pick bunches of wildflowers from a nearby field, or select a collection of low-cost blooms in reds, yellows, and oranges from your local grocer.
Arranging flowers can be a relaxing and fun activity that allows you to express your creativity. For some tried-andtrue fall combinations, go with a seasonal look by pairing sunflowers with black-eyed Susans or create a beautiful arrangement of either fresh or dried hydrangea.
Then mix in a little greenery, such as ferns, for extra variety and texture. Make sure to remove leaves that will fall below the waterline in your container to prevent bacteria growth, and consider adding preservative flower food to the water to extend the life of your bouquet.
The blossoms you choose can also significantly affect how long they’ll last. For instance, coneflowers, mums, and zinnias are among the ones best known for their staying power. An even longer-lasting option is to go with faux flowers; they can look surprisingly realistic and will never die, though you will want to clean them with a microfiber cloth or duster every now and then.
wreaths and garlands
DIY greenery of natural or faux flowers can be an inexpensive, stunning addition to your home, whether you hang a wreath on your front door or adorn your table with a floral garland as a centerpiece. With their bright hues, daisies, hydrangea, and sunflowers are especially enchanting choices this time of year. To make your own wreath, all you’ll need are some blooms; floral tape or a glue gun; and a grapevine, straw, or metal wreath form. Assembling a flowery garland is equally uncomplicated: you can easily bind lengths of greenery and flowers together with floral wire. When you’re satisfied with the result, spray your fresh blooms with a floral preservative to help them last for a few weeks.
floral decor
Wallpaper, fabrics, and artwork can allow you to enjoy a veritable garden of blooms year-round. Go bold by hanging an eye-catching floral pattern to create a focal point on your living room wall, or scatter subtle hints of flowers throughout your home through your choice of kitchen accessories, throw pillows, and wall hangings. You can even make your own flower artwork using the ancient Japanese art of flower pounding, which involves hammering flowers with a heavy object to make colorful patterns on fabric or thick paper. Another fun option: creating unique botanical designs by pressing flowers (such as between the pages of a book or with an iron) and framing them to enjoy their loveliness for years to come.
Whether fresh, dried, or faux, a rose—or a flower by any other name—can be equally as sweet in your home’s decor.
The Ukrainian kitchen is known for its simple, tasty dishes that are made from fresh ingredients and created and shared with loved ones. Here you get a sampling of such delicacies, courtesy of the Budmo! (translation: Cheers!) cookbook.
Recipes excerpted from Budmo! by Anna Voloshyna.
Rizzoli, 2022. Photographs by Anna Voloshyna.
cold borscht // Serves 6
Scan the QR Code for the full Budmo! cookbook here.
Ukrainians call this cold borscht kholodnyk (kholod means “cold” in both Ukrainian and Russian). It is incredibly refreshing, and we eat it during the blazing-hot Ukrainian days of summer. When the weather is simply unbearable, eating a bowl of this soup makes you feel invigorated again. I always use a lot of fresh, crisp vegetables and flavorful herbs to add more texture and to introduce even more vibrant colors.
ingredients:
• 2 medium red beets, about 12 ounces total weight
• 5 hard-boiled eggs, peeled
• 3 cups plain kefir or buttermilk
• 2 medium Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced
• 3 medium radishes, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh dill and flat-leaf parsley, in equal parts, plus more for serving
• Distilled water, chilled, if needed for thinning
• Salt and freshly ground
• Black pepper
• 2 green onions, green part only, thinly sliced
• ½ cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for serving
instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the beets with water to cover by about 2 inches. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook until the beets are easily pierced with a knife, 30 to 40 minutes. Drain the beets and let them sit for about 10 minutes. When they are cool enough to handle, peel them and then coarsely grate them. Return them to the pot.
2. Coarsely grate two of the eggs and add them to the beets. Add the kefir, about half each of the cucumbers and radishes (reserve the remainder for finishing the soup), and the dill and parsley. Mix together everything with a spoon and then add a bit of the chilled water if the mixture is too thick. It should be the consistency of a yogurt soup. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover the pot and chill for at least 30 minutes or for up to 2 hours before serving.
3. When ready to serve, halve the remaining three eggs lengthwise. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with some of the remaining cucumbers and radishes, the green onions, egg halves, a dollop of yogurt, some dill and parsley, and a generous drizzle of oil. The soup needs to be eaten very cold, right from the fridge. It tastes best the day it is made.
thick kefir
oladky // Serves 2
These thick and fluffy pancakes are probably the recipe I cook the most in my kitchen. Every time I ask my husband what to make for breakfast, the answer is the same: oladky. I don’t mind at all, as this recipe is easy to make, requires very few ingredients, and always delivers the most amazing results. Plus, there are plenty of toppings to serve with oladky. I love eating them with honey, my mom prefers sour cream, and my husband always asks for homemade jam. No matter what you choose, these pancakes will taste wonderful.
ingredients:
• 1¼ cups plain kefir or buttermilk
• 1 egg
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Sunflower or canola oil, for frying
• Honey, sour cream, and/or jam, for serving
instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the kefir, egg, salt, sugar, and baking soda, and beat gently with a whisk. While continuing to whisk constantly, gradually add the flour. When all the flour has been added, continue to mix until the batter is smooth and thick. Let the batter rest for 15 minutes.
2. Have ready a large plate lined with paper towels. Pour the oil to a depth of ¼ inch into a large frying pan and heat over medium-high heat until the oil is hot and shimmering. Turn down the heat to medium-low and drop a small scoop (2 to 3 tablespoons) of the batter into the hot oil for each pancake, being careful not to crowd the pan. Cook until crisp and golden brown on the bottom and the top has set, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a spatula, flip the pancakes over and fry until crisp and golden brown on the second side, 2 to 3 minutes longer. Transfer to the prepared plate and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan as needed.
3. Serve the pancakes warm with your topping of choice.
sauerkraut with caraway seeds and sour cherry
// Serves 6 to 8
Sauerkraut is undoubtedly one of the great pillars of Eastern European cuisine. We eat it raw, braise it, boil it, and fry it. We use it to make savory pies and dumplings and add it raw into soups and stews. Because I have included a few recipes in this book that call for sauerkraut, I also decided to share my go-to homemade sauerkraut recipe. To make it extra flavorful, I always add some caraway seeds and a few dried sour cherries, but if you prefer a cleaner flavor, you can skip one or both of them.
ingredients:
• 1 head white cabbage, about 1½ pounds
• 3 tablespoons salt
• 1 medium carrot, peeled and shredded
• 1 teaspoon caraway seeds
• 1 tablespoon dried sour cherries
instructions:
1. Remove a couple of outer leaves from the cabbage. Rinse them well, pat dry with a paper towel, and set aside. Using a small, sharp knife, cut out the core from the cabbage and discard. Using a large, sharp knife, cut the cabbage in half lengthwise. Using the large knife or a mandoline, slice the cabbage halves crosswise as thinly as you can.
2. Put the cabbage into a large bowl and sprinkle with the salt. Using your hands, massage the cabbage until it releases plenty of water. It will take about 5 minutes. Reserve the cabbage water.
3. Add the carrot, caraway seeds, and cherries and mix well. Pack the cabbage mixture into a large, widemouthed glass jar and pour over all of the cabbage liquid from the bowl. Tamp down the cabbage mixture with your fist and cover the top with the reserved whole leaves. Set something heavy on top of the leaves. A quart-size plastic deli container or jar filled with salt or water works great for me. The cabbage should be fully submerged in the brine at all times.
4. Let the sauerkraut ferment in a cool, dark place (60° to 65°F) for about 1 week. Start tasting the cabbage on day five. When it gets to your desired flavor, remove the weight, cover the jar with a lid, and store the sauerkraut in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
mom's famous spicy and sour tomatoes //
Serves 8
These tomatoes are hands down the most popular zakuska I serve at my dinners. They are very different from traditional pickled tomatoes, which typically call for a vinegary pickling liquid. My mom immerses her tomatoes in a thick, spicy sauce made from fresh herbs, chile, oil, and vinegar. This incredible mixture makes the tomatoes wonderfully refreshing, with a bright pop of acid and a flavor riot of herbs and garlic. I have to warn you, however, that because these might be the most delicious pickled tomatoes you will have ever tasted, it will be hard to wait the three days they need to sit before trying one. I have personally witnessed diners at my pop-ups drinking the leftover pickling liquid once the tomatoes have been wiped out.
ingredients:
• 2 pounds small red tomatoes (such as Campari or Pearl), halved lengthwise
• 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and roughly chopped
• 1 medium-size fresh jalapeño chile
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs (such as dill, flat-leaf parsley, and cilantro)
• ¹/₃ cup sunflower or grapeseed oil
• ¹/₃ cup distilled white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
instructions:
1. Pack the tomato halves into a clean, widemouthed 2-quart glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. To make the pickling marinade, in a food processor, combine the bell pepper, chile, garlic, herbs, oil, vinegar, sugar, and salt and pulse until a thick, slightly chunky mixture forms, about 30 seconds. Pour the marinade over the tomatoes and screw the lid on the jar.
3. Refrigerate for at least 3 days before serving. The tomatoes will keep in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Over time, they will develop even brighter acidity and more complex flavor of slightly fermented tomatoes.
cover in boiling water
Perhaps the simplest option available, pouring boiling water over pesky weeds can be an effective way of ridding your yard and garden of them. The high temperature shocks the plants, seeps into their roots, and scalds them. It’s an ideal solution for weeds that are away from your lawn and garden, such as those in sidewalk cracks and between pavers.
douse in vinegar
This versatile household item is one of the most popular homemade weed killers because of how quickly the acid dries out the plants. To make a solution, mix one gallon of white or apple cider vinegar with one cup of salt and one tablespoon of dish soap. Spray the mixture directly onto the weeds, being careful not to get it on any of your wanted plants since it could easily harm them.
opt for hand-pulling
While yanking every weed in your yard by hand may not be ideal, it is a tried-and-true method for removing unwanted growth. When you pull a weed, be sure to tug it out by the root, digging into the dirt a little as needed. Though this process can be time-consuming, it also ensures that you remove the entire plant, preventing regrowth. Take care, though, not to spread the seeds around your yard as you move the weed to the bin.
get rid of weeds the natural way
written by: ALLISON GOMES
Having a lush, green yard is a joy for any homeowner, but the relentless intrusion of weeds can turn this dream into a constant battle. Rather than reaching for chemical herbicides that can harm the environment and your family, consider embracing these natural solutions that are both effective and eco-friendly.
spread corn gluten meal
Corn gluten meal is not only an excellent natural fertilizer for your lawn but also a preemergent herbicide, meaning it inhibits the germination of weed seeds. For optimal results, apply it in the spring before weeds begin to sprout or once you have pulled or killed weeds later in the season. Just don’t place it in a newly seeded yard or garden; it will stop any seeds from taking root, not just those of weeds.
Maintaining a weed-free yard doesn’t have to involve harsh chemicals that harm the environment and your health. By incorporating these natural solutions into your strategy, you can achieve a beautiful and thriving lawn while minimizing your impact on the ecosystem.
a guide to MAINTAINING YOUR ROOF
written by: LAUREN KIM
There’s a reason the phrase “a roof over one’s head” is equated with having a place to live: this covering is essential for keeping you warm and dry and is an important structural support that can both protect your home and hold it together. Follow the steps in this guide to help keep it in tip-top shape.
monitor it
Fully functioning shingles are critical to the health of your home since they form a barrier that stops water from seeping in. Regularly check your roof for broken, loose, or missing shingles as well as damaging moss and mold (using a pair of binoculars to get a closer look from the ground if need be), and have a professional inspect it every one or two years. Also, don’t forget to check your attic for leaks that could be coming from your roof.
You can replace compromised shingles yourself or hire a professional roofing contractor to do so— especially if you don’t feel steady or comfortable on a ladder, your roof is very steep or high, or you suspect extensive repairs might be needed. After a major storm, always take a ground-level look at your roof for any obvious damage, which you’ll
A new roof costs about $10,000, though this figure can be affected by many factors, including where you live, the size of your home, and the quality and composition of your chosen materials.
want to take care of right away; your homeowners insurance will likely cover the required fixes. Expect asphalt shingles, the most common roofing material, to stay in good condition for about twenty years, and other types even longer, before you need to replace them.
maintain your gutters
After the shingles, your gutters are your home’s next line of defense against water. You can ensure they stay in good shape by clearing them of any pests, leaves, and other debris; If you worry about your safety while performing these tasks, have a professional do it. Gutter covers are a popular alternative for preventing clogs, but they can also become blocked, so it’s a good idea to examine them as well. Additionally, check your downspouts to ensure they aren’t blocked and are directing water away from your home. Galvanized steel and aluminum gutters, the type typically used on homes, also have a lifespan of about twenty years.
trim your trees
While tall trees can provide both shade and beauty, they can also fill your gutters with leaves, break shingles, or even fall on your roof if they’re too close to your home. As a preventative measure, trim overhanging branches so they’re at least a few feet away from your house. You may want to consult a tree specialist for this step so you don’t wind up jeopardizing the health of any trees in any way; a professional can also evaluate their overall health and develop a course of action for any that may pose a threat to your home. (Consult the article on tree care in this issue for more tips.)
consider a roof replacement
On average, a new roof costs about $10,000, though this figure can be affected by many factors, including where you live, the size of your home, and the quality and composition of your chosen materials. Signs that your home may need a new roof include the following: your roof is at least three decades old, there are curling, cracked, or missing shingles, you have unexplained leaks in your house, and several of your neighbors in your subdivision have installed new roofs.
Keeping your roof in good shape can require money and effort, but it will be worth it in the long run—especially if doing so prevents minor problems from becoming big ones.
interview with: KAREN B. WOLF
written by: BONNIE JOFFE
photography
by:
RAQUEL LANGWORTHY
Revitalized a historic home
Karen B. Wolf is the principal and lead designer of K+Co Living in northern New Jersey. She shares how she brought an old colonial home in Maplewood, New Jersey, back to life.
How did you get started, and how long have you been in interior design? I entered the design field as a home-trends forecaster, and my interest evolved toward better understanding how consumers’ behavior influences their purchasing decisions. With my fine arts and marketing degree, I sought to integrate the two. Ultimately, I returned to school to earn my design degree from Parsons School of Design, and amid the 2008 recession, I founded Karen B. Wolf Interiors. Recognizing the significance of having professional photography in my portfolio, I strategically utilized high-quality images on platforms like Houzz, which contributed to the initial success of my business.
Tell us about K+Co Living: We rebranded from Karen B. Wolf Interiors to K+Co Living three years ago to reflect our substantial growth and better position ourselves as a lifestyle and aesthetic brand. Although I continue to serve as the principal and lead
designer, our flat organizational structure promotes collaboration and teamwork. We emphasize a topdown approach to ensure that the entire team is proficient in executing projects of any scale. Each designer has a dedicated project manager and team member, enabling a collaborative and streamlined strategy for every client.
What do you think the secret is to your success? I attribute our success to our holistic approach that skillfully weaves colors, textures, and patterns. We are known for delivering finished spaces with elevated but welcoming, easy, and comfortable designs.
Which color schemes do you prefer, and how do you integrate them into your projects? Half our projects involve designing for coastal homes, including both primary residences and second homes, with the latter being my personal favorite. Due to this emphasis, we heavily incorporate blue and green palettes, complemented by natural hues, to establish a seamless and organic atmosphere. This allows us to excel in delivering a resort-style living experience that authentically captures the essence of coastal life.
What type of projects do you love doing the most? A key focus of our business centers on new construction, and our extensive knowledge in this space adds a fulfilling dimension to these projects, enabling us to start with a blank canvas and craft a comprehensive vision for the entire home. Our goal is to guarantee that each room’s spatial flow is functional and seamlessly interconnected. From bathroom and kitchen designs to selecting
all the millwork for flooring, trim, and molding to choosing windows and exterior elements, we essentially operate on an architectural level, guiding our clients through construction, layout, and design decisions.
What was your clients’ vision for the Maplewood project, and how did you approach it? Their overarching goal was to introduce a fresh, contemporary ambience to their historic home by merging traditional design elements with a more modern, millennial vibe. This involved incorporating vibrant pops of color and selecting art-forward pieces to add dimension to the spaces, establishing a seamless flow, and successfully marrying its historical charm with a contemporary aesthetic.
This home was purchased sight unseen by the homeowners during the pandemic. Due
to our inability to have in-person meetings, they gave us a lot of latitude in making design decisions; they simply communicated their vision for a fresh, joyful space, and we aligned our work accordingly.
Was it difficult to preserve some of the original designs and materials in the home? It wasn’t really since those elements were a bonus that elevated the spaces that would otherwise have made the house appear standard. The family room ceiling featured interesting millwork, and the dining room had a fantastic fireplace and magnificent built-in bookcases. Such features enabled us to preserve the home’s historic charm while seamlessly integrating a contemporary living environment.
Was there a room or design that was particularly challenging to do? The bookcases presented a styling challenge, mainly because of the numerous shelves. Given the shortage of contractors during that time, we decided against opening the shelves, instead opting to add wallpaper behind
each section. But it became quite tricky because we needed to color-block the space to balance the whites of the wallpaper with the brown bookcase wood. For me, it was like creating an art composition!
Did you have to do any renovations? We didn’t undertake any specific renovations per se, though we did reconfigure the usage of certain rooms to improve the functionality of the living space. This entailed transforming the previous family room at the front of the house into the dining room and then converting the original dining room (adjacent to the kitchen) into the family room. Moreover, a dedicated living room for our clients was unnecessary, so we repurposed a small area opposite the new dining room into a sitting area, eliminating the need for a large one.
Tell us about your vision for the family room: This was the backbone of the project. Since my clients have young children, they wanted a fun and lighthearted atmosphere free from formal or stuffy vibes. Their love of
the color blue inspired us to incorporate a navy sofa, complemented by pops of fuchsia—their universal favorite—serving as an accent color for a playful contrast. We ultimately created a room that exudes drama with an impactful design. By far, this bright, comfortable, joyful room brought me the most satisfaction.
How did you approach the design of the new dining room? Many modern homeowners prefer a relaxed, comfortable dining room over a formal, stuffy one, and my clients didn’t want it to be just for a handful of formal events each year. Our design goal was to maintain the traditional charm of an older colonialstyle home. Also, since the dining room is the initial space encountered upon entering the home, we wanted it to create a captivating first impression. By adding contemporary artwork and carrying over the blue hues from the family room, we were able to elevate its overall flow and aesthetic appeal.
Would you offer some tips on how to begin redesigning a room or home? I always recommend beginning your design process by creating a photo album or vision board to better understand your style. Collect inspiring photos from platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, and explore items from interior design retailers like CB2 and Crate & Barrel. Avoid common mistakes, such as using underscaled lighting, furniture, and rugs. You can create your own layout using online tools before implementing your ideas to avoid these design errors, ensuring that your elements align with your vision and are appropriately proportioned.
For more info, visit kandcoliving.com or follow them on Instagram @kandcoliving
written by: ANDRE RIOS
SUMMER VACATION FINANCIAL recovery
Vacations are a time for escaping the doldrums of everyday life, indulging in some decadence, and partaking in eye-opening adventures. Eventually, though, comes the time to take the long journey home. And no matter how diligent you were about budgeting for your trip in advance, the idea of paying off these expenses might instill you with dread. (A croissant in Paris cost how much?!) However, you can still avoid the regret and look back fondly on where you traveled and the memories you made with a little postvacation financial recovery.
ASSESS YOUR SPENDING
Start by surveying the damage. Review your credit card statements and bank account activity to calculate exactly how much you spent on your summer trip. Leave no stone unturned—small expenses such as coffee and snacks could amount to dozens of dollars, so add up every payment down to the cent. Check for surprise fees as well, including hotel surcharges that may have taken several days to finalize.
Remember to factor in the costs of advance purchases as well. For example, you may have booked your flight, hotel, rental
vehicle, or some excursions days or even months before your travel dates. Assess these costs to help you take in the full scope of your travel spending.
PAY DOWN YOUR CREDIT
Once you arrive at a total, take a breath, and then establish a damage-control plan for your credit-card expenses. Tackle upcoming bills on time to avoid racking up fees, and pay down as much of your overall balance as possible in one go, prioritizing high-interest-rate debt. According to Forbes Advisor, the average credit card APR stands at 27.80 percent
at this writing, so paying only the minimum amount due on yours could turn a $1,000 vacation investment into a $1,278 one after just one month’s interest.
But charging plastic isn’t all bad—doing so can earn you cash or gift card rewards, which can be particularly helpful for soothing your posttravel blues. You could even direct cash rewards straight back into your checking account to help mitigate upcoming bills. Just don’t rely too heavily on these bonuses in general; setting aside a portion of your income each month for vacation debt is the more effective route to
clearing it. If necessary, make budget concessions moving forward so you can pay down your balances in full.
TIGHTEN YOUR BUDGET
Regardless of the size of your travel costs, tweaking your budget temporarily can help you rebound from greater-than-normal spending. Here are some simple and proven ways to pinch pennies without saying goodbye to a comfortable lifestyle.
Cook at home
Almost nothing can make money slip through your fingers like indulging in every temptation to dine out or order in. A 2023 CNET study found that meals cooked at home can be less than half the cost of purchased ones, so apply your culinary skills until all your travel costs are paid off. To get twice the bang for your buck, make food prep a family bonding activity or inexpensive social gathering—and don’t be afraid to ask guests to pitch in for ingredients.
Enjoy free activities
Trade costly activities like theme park and museum tickets for some frugal fun as you financially recover from vacation. Arrange for no-cost occasions such as public-park outings, game nights, movie viewings at home, and craft-making sessions with family and friends. With a little creativity, you can maximize your free time without accumulating extra balances.
Keeping a close eye on your finances can calm your posttravel tension and help you regain control over your monetary health. And before you know it, you’ll be back on track to saving for your next adventure.
TREE care tips
written by: MATTHEW BRADY
They say money doesn’t grow on trees, but it does for homeowners in a sense. Trees can help cut home cooling costs, and their mere existence on a property is estimated to increase its value by 10 to 20 percent. To reap such benefits, though, you have to keep your mature trees healthy, and that means taking proper care of them. Use these tips to help yours stay in tiptop shape.
MONITOR
It may come as a surprise, but you should tend to your trees with the same loving care you give your lawn and garden. Just as you check those for bare patches, weeds, and lawn bugs, inspect your trees for warning signs of larger issues, such as missing bark, dry leaves, and fungus. Then take necessary action to bring them back to health.
NOURISH
While trees are remarkably self-sustaining thanks to their vast root networks, they also need your help at times. As a general guideline, full-grown trees should get at least one inch of water weekly and more during times of high temperature. When precipitation is sparse, irrigate your trees, but only around their roots—water can actually harm their leaves in the blazing sun.
Trees
can
help
cut
home
cooling costs, and their mere existence on a property is estimated to increase its value by 10 to 20 percent.
Mulching is also key, as it insulates the tree’s roots, provides nutrients, and helps keep the soil moist and loose. Digging only an inch or two deep, remove a few feet of grass or old mulch from around the perimeter of the trunk, and replace it with at least two inches of mulch, making sure it’s not touching the trunk. (And, yes, leaves are a wonderful option for this, but make sure they are mulched; otherwise, they can block much-needed light and water.)
PRUNE
Removing dead or diseased branches is good for your trees, and it can prevent safety issues like falling branches or ones
closing in on power lines. The question is when should you prune? Check your trees weekly to see if any dead branches need to be removed, and do a full pruning every six months: primarily in early winter, when leaves are likely gone, and then a touch-up in summer.
Finally, consider contacting a local certified arborist for help with keeping your trees healthy, especially if you see signs of disease or have safety concerns. Such experts know not only tree care but also what’s necessary for trees in your geographic region, making their guidance and assistance invaluable.