Home Improvement 2024

HOME Improvement

Deck do-over

s Make your outdoor living space both functional and beautiful.

Kitchen color

s Create a kitchen that reflects your colorful personality.

Garden creativity

s Time to think out of the pot when it comes to plants.

through September 30, 2024, let Sierra Central

a minimum of $25,000 initial advance at funding to qualify. Max line amount is $100,000. Rate, terms and fees subject to credit approval and can change at any time without notice.

David Smithhart

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s To give your kitchen a personalized look, add a pop of color to the space.

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INCENTIVE PROGRAM STEP BY STEP:

Purchase a new cordless electric lawn equipment device from a store or order online. Apply for the CLIP program at: EDCCleanAir.org

Receive your approved CLIP application via email. Print approved CLIP application.

INCENTIVE AMOUNTS:

• Leaf Blower - up to $100 *

• Walk-Behind Lawnmower - up to $200 *

• Chainsaw, Trimmer, Edger, Brush Cutter, “Weed-eater” - up to $200 *

• Ride-On Lawnmower - up to $2,000* *incentive amount cannot exceed price of lawn equipment

Within 30 days of the purchase of the new lawn equipment, take the old gas powered lawn equipment and the approved application to an approved disposal site. Disposal site will sign application and return to you.

Submit complete application and copy of receipt for new equipment to EDC AQMD in person or via email. (edcaqmd@edcgov.us)

In 4 to 6 weeks, receive a check from El Dorado County AQMD for your incentive!

Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements:

• Reside in El Dorado County.

• Currently own and operate working gasoline or diesel powered lawn equipment.

• Purchase replacement new, cordless, electric lawn equipment.

• Application MUST be approved by AQMD before you dispose of old equipment.

• You must dispose of the old lawn equipment within 30 days of purchase of new lawn equipment

• Surrender old lawn equipment to:

• El Dorado Disposal MRF - Placerville;

• Radius Recycling (formerly Schnitzer Steel) - Rancho Cordova; <or>

• South Tahoe Refuse & Recycling Services - South Lake Tahoe

To apply, visit (530) 621-7501 or call

s Noel Stack

When thinking about improvements to an outdoor space, homeowners should take a look at where they spend most of their time while enjoying the sounds of nature, sipping their favorite cocktail or watching the kids play in the yard.

Time to upgrade that deck.

“Today’s decks have come a long way from decks of the past when the only option was wood,” shared Randall Lewis, owner of Bestbuilt Construction and Renovations.

While there’s nothing wrong with that classic wooden deck, homeowners today can choose other great materials like composite or Ipe decking.

“I still believe that redwood decks are among the most beautiful decks around. The grains and color variations can’t be matched,” Lewis said. “They do, however, require annual or semiannual maintenance.”

The seemingly unlimited composite options of color and style have a lot of appeal these days, he added. And these decks require little to no maintenance — usually just an annual soap and water cleaning with a good brush.

“Ipe or ‘iron wood’ decking is also an excellent choice if you are looking for real wood decking with an extremely long lifespan,” Lewis said. “It doesn’t need to be sealed and will turn to a gray drift-

Photo courtesy of Bestbuilt Construction and Renovations

wood color over time. However, it will accept a sealer if you prefer to keep it looking like its original ‘reddish’ color.”

Want to enjoy stars twinkling in the night’s sky while relaxing on the deck? Or do you prefer an all-seasons outdoor space that protects the potato salad when an unexpected storm pops up?

In El Dorado County weather can vary to the extremes, Lewis noted. But to cover or leave the deck uncovered is really the homeowner’s choice.

“You may choose to leave your deck open for the sun or protect it from the sun and other elements,” Lewis said.

“The beauty of covering your deck is that you can create an outdoor living environment protected from the elements. Either way the options can be endless depending on your needs.”

A new deck can also fulfill other needs.

“There are a number of systems you can use to keep water from getting under your deck. This is a great way to

Photos courtesy of Bestbuilt Construction and Renovations Redwood decks are a gorgeous option but require more maintenance than other materials.

make the area under your deck usable for storage or even add additional outdoor living space if your deck is tall enough to comfortably walk under,” Lewis explained. “A couple of examples are installing composite decking that is specifically designed to interlock and shed water away from under the deck. Another option is to install an under-deck drainage system.”

Where should homeowners start?

“Do some research regarding the type of decking you’re interested in. Have a general idea of the design you’d like,” Lewis advised. “Check the credentials of the professional you’re interested in hiring. Make sure they are a California licensed contractor. Never hire someone who can’t provide and verify that information.”

Absolute deck don’ts

”Don’t use inadequate materials or standards. Never hire anyone who isn’t qualified and licensed.”

Bestbuilt Construction & Renovations has been in business for more than 30 years, providing a wide range of construction services for residential and commercial properties. Lewis and his crews work all over Northern California but he said El Dorado County is where he feels most at home.

“I find it to be a friendly environment,” he shared. “The people are welcoming and the landscape is awesome.”

Want to know more?

Bestbuilt Construction and Renovations bestbuiltrenovations.com (530) 957-4820

Deck checklist

As you’re looking ahead to summer, now’s the perfect time to start planning your dream deck. Here are three important questions for homeowners to consider as they get started on their deck building process:

Have I properly identified the permits I need?

Consult your state, county or city offices regarding building code requirements and to learn what permits are necessary for building a deck in your area. If your neighborhood has a homeowner association (HOA), make sure you understand any rules regarding deck size, color, product type or design. And don’t forget to check with your local utilities to locate any underground cables, wires or pipes before construction begins. A local TrexPro deck builder can help you with these permits, or you can call the North American One-Call Referral system at (8880)258-0808 if you plan to DIY.

Am I building with WUI compliant decking materials? In severe fire hazard areas around Sacramento, it’s likely you are required to build with Wildland Urban Interface Class A and Class B fire rated decking to meet strict local standards, so it’s important to confirm that all products are WUI compliant to help provide extra peace of mind.

What else will my deck need? There’s so much more than just choosing the right decking material. Consider how you plan to use your deck and choose features that will support that lifestyle. If you like to enjoy the morning sunrise while sipping your coffee, consider railing with glass infill to ensure unobstructed views. Do you love to host backyard get-togethers and late-night parties? Add outdoor lighting to create a safe and comfortable space for your guests. However you like to live outside, there are outdoor living accessories and solutions to help turn your deck into your personal outdoor oasis.

Create inviting outdoor spaces

With all the beauty Mother Nature has to offer, a few pops of color or other simple embellishments can help make your yard look superb.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your front yard, backyard, porch or patio space, consider these easy and affordable ways to spruce up your outdoor oasis:

Add mirrors

Just as they do indoors, mirrors can open up small patio spaces and make areas feel larger. Use mirrors made with resin or other waterproof materials so they won’t be compromised when exposed to the elements.

Make bold statements

Plant your favorite flowers in a giant, bright red or yellow pot or hang a bright colored swing from a tree. Just a little dab of color can make a statement and brighten the whole space.

Hang it up

Place hanging baskets around the porch to bring punches of color to your outdoor sanctuary. With the freedom to pick and choose your favorite plants and flowers, these baskets have the added benefit of easy maintenance.

Tie up a hammock

Make a relaxing retreat in the comfort of your own yard by hanging a hammock from trees or between posts on your deck.

Add a birdbath

These garden favorites come in a variety of styles and colors to fit your unique tastes and budget. Birds of all kinds can find an oasis in their new bath and provide you with a beautiful view.

a chic yet comfortable update.

Throw some pillows

Outdoor pillows are often available in the same fun designs of their indoor counterparts. Add some throw pillows to your outdoor furniture for

These subtle changes can help beautify your outdoor spaces and cause onlookers to do a double-take — for the right reasons. Findmoreideasat eLivingtoday.com.—FamilyFeatures

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Color pops

in the kitchen

ADDING A TOUCH

of your favorite hue can take the kitchen from blah to wow!

“Kitchens are such a personal space,” shared Mark Vojtech with American Kitchen Cabinets in Placerville.

Think about it. During family gatherings, after school and post late-night concerts, many congregate in one place — the kitchen. It’s the space where families pass recipes to the next generation, where a heartbroken teen looks for comfort while someone whips up a sweet treat to squash the bitterness of loss and where little ones happily bang on pots and pans pulled from the cabinets.

Life happens in the kitchen.

As such, the kitchen should reflect the lives of those who spend their time there. One easy and impactful way to personalize a kitchen is to add color. Gone are the days of dark wood looming as dinner is being prepared or of pure white kitchens so sterile even a cheerful hand towel feels out of place.

s Noel Stack

“Color is on trend,” Vojtech said,

explaining many clients are choosing earthtones, warm greens and blues as well as black for their kitchen accent colors. Lighter woodtones are also catching more attention, he added,  as they complement pops of color.

Don’t overdo it

American Kitchen Cabinets partners with Sherwin Williams so clients can have their cabinets in any shade. But before you order those fire-engine red

cabinets to be installed floor to ceiling, consider an important design element.

“It’s nice to have some color contrast in the kitchen,” Vojtech explained.

A well-placed Hartford Sage painted island paired with light natural wood cabinetry can really soothe resident chefs in the house. Or consider Whistler Hale Navy bottom cabinets paired with white cabinets above.

Getty Images Using black as an accent color has become a popular trend.

Photos by Noel Stack Muted, more natural colors such as Acadia Olive and Hartford Sage, above left, as well as Whilster Hale Navy and Whistler Whale Gray, above right, are popular in El Dorado County’s kitchens.

Tops and accents

Cabinetry isn’t the only place where a homeowner can add splashes of color. One trend Vojtech said has gained popularity this year is the use of satin bronze hardware (think a slightly darker than typical brushed gold). It’s a shiny pop of color that goes a long way.

Remodelers and builders are also choosing quartzite countertops, which have a lot of color variation and depth, Vojtech pointed out.

Photo by Noel Stack

One interesting example in American Kitchen Cabinets’ Placerville showroom is a quartzite/granite countertop with a dramatic design that’s sure to be a great focal piece in anyone’s kitchen. The dazzling

variations ensure it will complement nearly any cabinetry color a person chooses.

Homeowners are also more often choosing to use their countertop

material as the backsplash, Vojtech added, which brings a nice harmony to the kitchen. Other popular backsplash selections this year are more subtle tile patterns so as not to draw attention or clash with colored cabinets and more elaborate countertops.

For those looking for another interesting way to bring color into the kitchen, many appliance companies offer everything from refrigerators to stoves in brilliant shades like sunrise yellow, pastel pink and steel blue.

Want to know more?

American Kitchen Cabinets  368 Placerville Drive, Placerville (530) 622-8477 americankitchencabinets.co

Photo by Noel Stack

Countertops with more personality like this one at American Kitchen Cabinets in Placerville have caught the attention of many remodelers.

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ardening in unusual spaces

Gardening in small, unusual or otherwise un-garden-like places is fun and provides an attractive alternative to traditional planting beds. To make what you have more appealing, no matter how small the space, consider these ideas and bring more life to your living spaces.

Vertical spaces

We all have walls of some sort, on our houses, garages and fences, to name a few places. Traditionally we’ve looked at some kind of trellis or arbor for a vine or maybe even an espaliered fruit tree. Greenery can cover up blank spaces, as well as reduce the transfer of summer heat.

s Yvonne Kochanowski, UCCE Master Gardener of El Dorado County

Pixabay Images

Window boxes can be suspended from brackets in a wall and used for both upright and hanging arrangements. Another idea is a product called Woolly Pockets. The pockets come in various sizes and are designed to be hung from grommets in the special fabric planter. Even herbs and small vegetables can grow in these containers.

Another idea is a vertical succulent garden. Create or reuse a wooden frame and plant it with various small succulents in a well-draining medium. Secure the succulents with small pins or

wire. Once everything is secured, it is ready to hang. Other salvaged materials such as old window-

shutters or fencing can be turned into planting areas too. Use your imagination.

Horizontal spaces

When thinking about new horizontal garden plots, think up! Up in the air that is. The roof of the doghouse, a birdhouse or your own house can make an interesting planting zone for small, rooted varieties. Greenery can reduce heat absorption from above and maintain heat below, depending on the season. Just make sure the structure can bear the weight and install an impermeable layer to block out water leaks.

Other flat spots can appear on outdoor furniture. A table with a permanent center planter can be used for flowers and greenery or a delightful herb cutting area. Imagine passing the scissors to your guests for them to clip their own favorites right onto a meal.

Chairs and benches can make particularly attractive planters. Consider removing the seat of the chair and replacing it with a pot. Training a vine over the seat and back of an old wire bench can also add garden interest.  containers

Yes, we all know about pots and planters as wonderful areas for gardening, particularly in small spaces or on decks

Pixabay Image

and patios. Think about using these garden spots for other uses too. A large pot placed in a somewhat permanent location can serve as an attractive base for a large market umbrella. A planter box with tall plants can cover up unsightly electrical or plumbing on the outside of the house. Just remember that once filled with soil, these containers can be heavy and just about impossible to move!

caring for tHese garden spots

Creative as these unusual gardening areas might be, they present a couple of possible challenges too. The first issue is weight. A hanging box or frame on a roof garden requires soil for most plants. Soil, once wet, can get very heavy. Consider the strength of the structure you will use to support the hanging garden containers to make sure that it can bear the weight.

Think about watering needs carefully for flat surfaces as well. Gardening on a roof, while wonderful to look at, may create seepage or leaking problems into the structure below. While this might not be a big issue if it’s a doghouse, it would be a huge deal if

it means you get a shower in bed.

You’ll want to minimize the amount of soil and use a moisture-control mix for most of these unusual planters. However, less soil means small root zones for the plants. You might want to use plants that have shallow rooting needs, such as succulents or bromeliads, to compensate for the lack of root zone space.

Finally, these gardening places may require more water than usual. Smaller root zones mean less places to hold water and plants can suffer. Putting these structures in the shade and planning on watering twice a day instead of only once in hot weather, can be solutions. With a little imagination, you can bring a unique touch to your garden.

Want to knoW more?

Master Gardeners work hard to answer questions. Use the “Ask a Master Gardener” option on the website at mgeldorado.ucanr.edu or leave a message on the office telephone and (530) 621-5512. Master Gardeners are also on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

Shopping for yard equipment? Things to know

Now is the time to get “backyard ready” for spring. What tools do you need?

Here are some tips from Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, to help you select the machinery to get the job done.

Plan your needs. Draw a sketch of your yard. Include any major features like trees, bushes, an herb or vegetable garden, flower beds, lawn furniture, play or sports equipment, an outdoor patio or bird bath. Note where maintenance may be required. Will bushes need to be trimmed back from your home or garage? Do you want to put in some flowering bushes or a tree? Are you planning to install a fence? Now list the tools and equipment needed to take care of your yard and what will make the job easier.

upgrade to a riding lawn mower might make mowing easier. A string trimmer might make caring for bushes or trimming grass near a fence line easier. A pole pruner can help trim back limbs that are too high to reach safely with a saw, and a leaf blower can clear leaves faster than a rake.

Consider equipment needed. Visit your garage or shed and find your lawn and garden tools. Wheel out your mower and get out other equipment. Look it over and make a list of what is needed or could be upgraded. Repair anything that needs attention or identify where a newer or other machine is required. If you have a large vegetable garden, you may need a cultivator or tiller. If you have a large lawn, an

Research equipment online before you buy. Think about efficiencies of scale. The right equipment can mean more time for other activities, and make doing yard work more enjoyable, too. Doing online research in advance will help you pick the right equipment for the job. Outdoor power equipment can be gas, electric or battery powered, and technology is rapidly impacting product design. There are even robotic lawn mowers available. Equipment may be sized to handle a smaller job or a massive one. Your decision should be based on your needs.

Ask questions. Talk with the staff at the store or ask online about the equipment. In the store, ask to pick up and hold equipment to determine its “fit” for you. Discuss safety features and ask about manufacturer fueling and care instructions. Find out how often equipment may need to be serviced.

Color of the

Pantone, the global color authority and provider of professional color language standards and digital solutions for the design community, introduced PANTONE 13- 1023

Peach Fuzz, a velvety gentle peach whose all-embracing spirit enriches mind, body and soul as the Pantone Color of theYear selection for 2024.

Images courtesy of Pantone

APeach Fuzz — A comforting color

A compassionate and nurturing soft peach shade conveying a heartfelt kindness, Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz marks the 25th anniversary of the Pantone Color of the Year program.

t a time of turmoil in many aspects of our lives, our need for nurturing, empathy and compassion grows ever stronger as does our imaginings of a more peaceful future. A warm and cozy shade highlighting our desire for togetherness with others and the feeling of sanctuary this creates, Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz presents a fresh approach to a new softness. Subtly sensual, Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz is a heartfelt peach hue bringing a feeling of tenderness and communicating a message of caring and sharing, community and collaboration.

“A cozy peach hue softly nestled between pink and orange, Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz brings belonging, inspires recalibration and an opportunity for nurturing, conjuring up an air of calm, offering us a space to be, feel and heal and to flourish from whether spending time with others or taking the time to enjoy a moment by ourselves,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director, Pantone Color Institute. “Drawing comfort from Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, we can find peace from within, impacting our wellbeing. An idea as much as a feeling, Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz awakens our senses to the comforting presence of tactility and cocooned warmth.”

Sensitive but sweet and airy, Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz evokes a new modernity. While centered in the human experience of enriching and nurturing the mind, body and soul, it is also a quietly sophisticated and contemporary peach with depth whose gentle lightness is understated but impactful bringing beauty to the digital world. Poetic and romantic, a clean peach tone with a vintage vibe, Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz reflects the past yet has been rephrased to have a contemporary ambiance.

The introduction of Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz also marks the 25th anniversary of the Pantone Color of the Year program. First introduced by the Pantone Color Institute in 1999 with the Pantone Color of the Year, Pantone 15-4020 Cerulean Blue, the Pantone Color of the Year captures the global zeitgeist, serving as an

expression of a mood and an attitude on the part of the consumer. Through the years, the Pantone Color of the Year program has become a globally iconic cultural touchstone, drawing attention to how what is taking place in our global culture is reflected and expressed through the language of color.

“With this year’s Pantone Color of the Year 2024, we see an increased focus on community and people across the world reframing how they want to live and evaluating what is important — that being the comfort of being close to those we love. The color is one whose warm and welcoming embrace conveys

a message of compassion and whose cozy sensibility brings people together and enriches the soul,” added Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute.

“In the spirit of Pantone 13-1023 Peach Fuzz, we reflect back on the last 25 years of the Pantone Color of the Year program grateful to provide an avenue where designers and color enthusiasts all over the world can engage in a conversation about color, be inspired by color and showcase their creativity within their communities,” she continued. “ We look forward to continuing this for many more years to come.”

Photo courtesy of Pantone Peach Fuzz and some contrasting colors add pizzaz to the home.

ssIntroduce new accent furniture. Smaller and less cost-prohibitive than centerpieces like a couch, for example, accent pieces such as end tables or a coffee table can provide subtle changes to the look of a room. You could also opt to refinish a piece of furniture you have on-hand to create a look that’s all your own.

Budget-friendly ideas to freshen up indoor spaces

Whether you’re fatigued by seeing the same decor every day or simply looking for an opportunity to refresh indoor spaces with an appealing mini makeover, rethinking your favorite room in the house doesn’t need to be an expensive ordeal.

Even if your budget is tight, you can still make small changes to transform a room.

A new look for your favorite room can go a long way, so find ways to update your space for a comfy retreat you can enjoy. Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com.

Bring stylish flair to your space with a new color scheme. Rather than replacing all the furniture, which can be costly, focus on smaller accessory pieces such as pillows and decorative items. Create variety by using multiple hues of the same color or mixing two or more complementary colors.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

Whether it’s a flea market find, such as an old window frame that you paint and add a display shelf to the base, or a series of photos from your favorite vacation destination, adding some DIY art can not only update your room, but make it more personal, too.

sMorph your room by simply rearranging what you already own. Adjusting the orientation of your

— Family Features

can let you see your favorite room from a whole new perspective.

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Clever storage ideas for small spaces

No matter how cramped and cluttered your living space may be, you can almost always find a spot or two for extra storage. It’s often just a matter of getting creative and utilizing a few clever solutions.

Consider these simple ideas to create some extra space in oft-used rooms:

Kitchen

* Metal rods with hanging hooks can create storage space on your blank walls. Use them to hang coffee cups, cooking utensils, dish towels or pots and pans.

* Magnetic strips mounted on the wall or the inside of a cabinet door can be a simple way to hang knives and free up counter space normally taken up by a knife block.

* If your countertop is cluttered with small spice containers and oil bottles, elevate them with a decorative cake stand. Place small jars below and top with pretty decanters and additional spices.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

* If you’re using prime cabinet space for items you only use once a year, such as holiday cake pans or a big serving bowl you pull out for parties, consider storing them in the attic or a closet instead.

Bathroom

* Instead of hanging just one towel bar on the back of the bathroom door, hang multiple to maximize your drying space.

* Most modern cabinetry has adjustable shelving. If you haven’t customized the heights of your shelving to accommodate different sized bottles and containers, give it a try.

* A three-tiered fruit basket might seem perfect for the kitchen, but it’s also a handy way to store bathroom essentials right beside the sink.

* Flour and sugar canisters can also be repurposed in the bathroom to keep makeup, toiletries, cleaning supplies and soaps contained. Make sure to buy bins that stack easily.

Getty Images

Bedroom

* Nix those nightstands and hang small shelves on either side of the bed. This cuts down on the clutter you can keep and makes cleaning underneath a breeze.

* Rolling bins that fit under the bed are perfect for storing linens, out-of-season clothing and children’s toys. They’re also the perfect way to slide building block projects out of sight without destroying your child’s latest masterpiece.

* Closets with a single hanging rod are one of the biggest space-wasters in the bedroom. Double their storage capacity by hanging a second rod or shelf below shorter jackets and shirts.

Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com. — Family Features