2020 Fall Home & Garden

2020 FALL HOME & GARDEN

news-star.com Shawnee News-Star

Friday, September 25, 2020 • 1C

PREPARE YOUR GARDEN FOR WINTER BRING THE MOST LIGHT IN TANKLESS WATER HEATERS

FALL 2020

The secret meanings of

HOUSEPLANTS Quarantine-inspired

DESIGN TRENDS

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

“Our home used to be an escape from the daily routine, and now more than ever it has become our shelter from the outside world. Now our home may be more part of our daily routine, too,” said Cristina Miguelez, remodeling specialist for Fixr, a resource for home remodeling projects. “As more people are starting to work from home, do homeschooling, exercise at home or even enjoy the holidays at home, we may start having the need to ‘escape from home,’ which may translate into creating new spaces within our houses where we relax, where we work or where we carry out certain activities like exercising or studying. This will allow us to separate our routine from our respite.”

More and better designed spaces for people to gather is a practical fix, especially in kitchens as people cook more at home and involve the whole family, said Carla Aston, interior designer at Aston Design Studio, The Woodlands, Texas.

“I have seen requests for rooms for exercise and play at home. With no access to fitness clubs, more people are wanting a place at home with some equipment to be able to keep up their fitness routines. Children need more space to spread out and play and burn off energy,” Aston said.

Additionally, bathrooms will become more of a retreat or an oasis for pampering, relaxation and escape, she said.

PHOTOS: FREEPIK.COM

Today’s homeowners want an oasis from the outside world, a hub of activity for all ages, and a place to work and live comfortably and compatibly.

Dedicated office spaces “People understand they may not be going back to the office, so they need to improve their home office spaces,” said Lori Wiles, principal interior designer at Lori Wiles Design in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

In addition to improving their virtual backgrounds and adding more light for better visuals, the acoustics in many home offices need to be addressed.

“They don’t want to sound like they’re in a box,” Wiles said.

Easy fixes include adding softer materials like rugs and draperies and “bass traps” to capture sound so deep voices don’t appear to be emanating from an echo chamber, she said.

“In the short term homeowners will be more likely to create a working space by either converting an existing room into a home office or setting up a little makeshift office in a common area of the home, depending on their house plan,” Miguelez said. “In the long term, however, we may see a rising interest in adding new home offices.”

Over the last few years, the open floor plan has been growing in popularity, but this trend could be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,

“Many people who have kids or other family members living in an open floor plan house found it difficult to work during quarantine because they don’t have spaces to shut down the noise totally,” Miguelez said.

“This might change the open floor building trend we’ve been seeing recently.”

Outdoor spaces People are also paying attention to outdoor spaces like patios and decks where they can get together with others, at a safe distance if needed, or by themselves, Wiles said.

“Outdoor spaces are becoming very real extensions of the home and a much needed place to retreat out of the house,” Aston said. “Outdoor living will definitely be high on the priority list for more usable space without having to add on.”

The quarantine experience may even change the downsizing trend of the last few years because homeowners will desire to have more spaces for these activities, Miguelez said.

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What to do to

PREPARE YOUR GARDEN FOR WINTER

G

ardens provide an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In fact, many gardening enthusiasts typically cannot wait for the spring thaw so they can spend the next several months tending to their plants under the warm sun. But a gardener’s work is never truly done, and the work to make gardens stun in the spring actually begins during the preceding fall.

Preparing gardens for winter is an important step that can help homeowners ensure their gardens return to full strength in the spring. The tasks necessary to prepare gardens for winter may depend on what homeowners are planting, but the following are some general maintenance suggestions that can keep gardens safe this winter.

• Remove weeds and debris. Weeds and debris are unsightly and detrimental to plant life in spring, but they also can be harmful in the winter. Weeds and debris left to linger in gardens through the winter provide overwintering spots for insects and can contribute to disease. So it’s imperative that weeds and debris are removed before the ground hardens in winter. Don’t wait until the ground hardens, as that can make it hard to remove the roots of weeds, adversely affecting the garden as a result.

• Prepare the soil. The Farmer’s Almanac advises homeowners to gently till the soil in their gardens so they can expose

any insects before they settle in for the winter. Once garden soil is exposed, add a layer of compost, leaves, aged manure, and, if necessary, lime, gently tilling it into the soil. According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, the only accurate way to determine if lawn or garden soil needs lime is to test it. Lime makes soil less acidic and reduces soil pH. Low soil pH makes it hard for certain plants to grow, but acidic soil is ideal when growing blueberries. Test the soil for lime and amend it depending on what you hope to grow in the spring so it’s ready to thrive when winter ends.

• Remove dead or diseased plants.

Dead or diseased plants should not be left in the garden through the winter. These plants can attract insects and are vulnerable to disease, which can make it hard for the garden to thrive in the spring.

• Protect fruit trees. If you have fruit trees, install mouse guards around the base to prevent mice and voles from killing the trees over the winter. If left to their own devices over the winter, mice and voles may eat the bark of fruit trees, killing the trees as a result. The Farmer’s Almanac notes that mouse guards made of fine mesh hardware cloth can effectively protect fruit trees from hungry mice and voles over the winter.

A gardener’s work is never done, and the work to create beautiful spring gardens begins in the fall. FH208143

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Tips for planting

FALL VEGETABLES

T

ending to backyard vegetable gardens can fill many hours of enjoyable downtime in the great outdoors. What’s more, the bounty produced by such gardens provides healthy, fresh foods to gardeners and their loved ones.

Although spring and summer are widely seen as the peak of gardening season, the mild temperatures of autumn can be a prime time for planting vegetables as well. Certain late-season treats like carrots, kale, spinach, and turnips can thrive in fall gardens. Many different foods are quick crops that can go from seed to table in about six weeks.

When sown in early fall, these vegetables will be ready to put on the table for mid-October feasts. Beets, green onions, broccoli, and cabbages can be planted in late summer for fall harvest. Gardeners who live in hardiness zones eight through 10 (the southern portion of the United States) can plant fall vegetables as late as December. Many of these plants can tolerate light frost, which may even help sweeten the vegetables.

A handful of unique factors need to be taken into consideration when planning fall vegetable gardens.

• The summertime location of the garden may still be adequate, but

be sure to choose a location that gets eight full hours of sunlight per day.

• If using an existing garden site, clear out any detritus from summer plants and any weeds that have sprouted. If you are planting a new garden, remove any turf before tilling the soil.

• Amend the soil with sand, compost, manure fertilizer, and any other nutrients needed depending on the types of vegetables you intend to grow.

• While fall vegetables can be grown successfully from seeds, it may be more time-friendly to work from larger transplants, advises the Texas A&M Agrilife Extension.

• Some plants may need a little protection as they grow if temperatures begin to dip. Cover with a blanket, cardboard box or plastic tunnel to insulate.

Remember to water according to the vegetables planted and to keep an eye on readiness for vegetables.

Turnips, beets, rutabagas, and carrots can be dug out when the roots are plump and crisp.

Vegetable gardens need not cease when the last days of summer vanish. Fall produce is delicious and can be easily planted and harvested even after the first frost.

FH208154

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Friday, September 25, 2020 • 3C

Bring the

MOST LIGHT into your home

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

As the days shorten, letting natural light into the home can help boost your energy, improve your mood and strengthen your health. he benefits of “daylighting” are real. The amount of daylight a person receives affects brain chemistry, and a lack of it can lead to seasonal affective disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Exposure to sunlight helps our brain produce serotonin and endorphins, hormones that stabilize our mood and encourage feelings of well-being and happiness.

“Daylighting is a big buzz concept right now, for good reason,” said Robert E. Westfall Jr., president of Solatube International. “With so many people now working from home and staying home more often due to COVID-19, it is critical for health and well-being to have lots of natural light in the home. Since there are so many options now for daylighting, it’s something nearly everyone can enjoy.”

Daylighting is defined as the method of bringing in natural light to an interior of a home or workplace, Westfall said.

Solatube produces tubular skylights for small spaces and larger areas.

“These have domes on the rooftop that harvest sunshine and deliver it down a highly reflective tube, through a diffuser at the ceiling and into the environment below, flooding the space with pure, natural daylight,” Westfall said.

In the broadest sense daylighting also includes windows and traditional skylights.

“It includes anything that brings natural light into the interior environment,” Westfall said.

Daylighting can be incorporated either into new home construction or added to existing homes.

“Tubular skylights, in particular, are affordable and easy to install, usually in two hours of less, with no major construction needed,” Westfall said.

Tubular skylights provide warm, indirect light and are less expensive to install than skylights, which require drywall, paint and framing.

Daylighting “absolutely promotes energy savings in that an effectively daylit home reduces the need for electric lights during the day,” Westfall said.

To maximize natural light in the homes, Westfall suggests a mix of daylighting solutions including energy-efficient windows, doors with glass panels, traditional box skylights and tubular skylights.

“The nice thing for homeowners with tubular skylights is that they can be installed in places that may not work for windows or traditional skylights. These include areas such as closets, hallways and bathrooms.

Piping in natural light this way means that almost the entire home can be daylit in some fashion,” Westfall said.

Simple ways to IMPROVE A

KITCHEN PANTRY

P

eople have been spending more time at home in 2020 than in years past, and certain projects around the house have become a priority. One home improvement idea that serves the double benefit of creating organization and making cooking at home more efficient is to reimagine the kitchen pantry.

A pantry is a room or closet where food, beverages and linens or dishes are stored.

Pantries can be highly useful spaces that provide ancillary storage in kitchens. Many modern homes are equipped with pantries, but older homes may require some modification to create more useful pantries.

Whether starting from scratch or modifying an existing pantry, these tips can help projects go more smoothly.

• Maximize vertical storage. Utilizing vertical areas can help increase storage capacity. Build in extra nooks by investing in undershelf storage baskets. These baskets can instantly create designated areas for different types of ingredients. Homeowners also can look for ways to use the inside of cabinet doors or add extra shelves on walls or in eaves.

• Consider your needs. Figure out which items you would like to store in the pantry and then shop for corresponding storage systems. For example, storage solutions may feature wine bottle racks, baskets for potatoes and other produce, shelving for small appliances, and even pull out racks for baking pans or cutting boards.

• Use clear storage. Put ingredients in clear, airtight containers of similar dimensions so that you can easily find items you need. Transfer bulky items, like cereals and baking supplies, to storage containers for

Easy ways to bring in more light If home improvement projects are not in the budget right now, here are other ways to bring in light to your home, from House Beautiful UK: • Keep walls light and bright, using off-white paint. “Avoid using brilliant white paint on walls as it can make a space feel cold. ... Another trick is to paint the ceiling a couple of shades lighter than the walls to create the illusion of height and space. Choosing a paint with a satin finish will help reflect the light more than matte paint.”

• Shiny surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms — not to mention mirrors and glass anywhere — help reflect light.

• “Don’t forget the impact that the greenery outside your home can have on the light levels inside. ... Trim any trees, bushes or climbing plants that are growing around your doors and windows.

• Clean windows and glass doors inside and out to ensure as much light as possible can filter through.

• “Remove dark furniture and accessories in favor of lighter shades wherever you can, particularly if they are blocking light from windows and doors.

Pay particular attention to blinds and curtains.”

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How to use MIRRORS in your decor

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

A uniformity.

• Store bulk items elsewhere. Bulk shopping can be cost-efficient, but bulk items can quickly eat up real estate in the pantry. Designate another area for non-perishable bulk products, like paper goods or canned items, such as in a garage or utility room.

• Pull out drawers are convenient.

Pull-out drawers can reduce the need to seek and reach for items. These drawers conveniently roll out so items in the back can be accessed without disturbing foods in the front. Drawers can be custom built for any pantry space.

• Make it accessible. Think about who will be taking items from the pantry. Put children’s snacks on the bottom pantry shelf where they can reach them, and then organize other shelves for adults in the home.

A pantry remodel can add valuable storage space and make one of the busiest rooms in the house operate more efficiently. FH208134

dding a mirror enhances a space, making it feel more light, bright and open.

“Using a mirror is the simplest way to make your home or room feel much bigger than it actually is. In other words, mirrors open up space,” said John Linden, lead designer at MirrorCoop, a custom wall mirror studio in Los Angeles.

Design varies greatly, but there are two types of mirrors: artistic and functional.

“Artistic mirrors are more like abstract wall art. Functional mirrors are typically clear (silver) mirrors that have a simple frame or are frameless,” Linden said.

Artistic mirrors fit best where a piece of art would also work.

“Think over a sofa or in an entryway. They have design, color and other characteristics that add decor, individuality and flair to the space,” he said.

Functional mirrors are for everyday use: “Think makeup mirrors and vanity mirrors. Size and lighting are most important for these mirrors.”

Warm, gold-toned frames like brass and rose gold and round

mirrors are trendy now, Linden said.

When decorating with mirrors, bigger is better.

“A large mirror will increase the feel of a space more than a smaller mirror,” he said.

Avoid any finish that’s too artistic, especially if you plan on selling your house soon.

“Like all furniture, finding a happy medium between what suits your personal style and what will make sense for the next person in the home is something worth considering,” Linden said.

For timeless appeal, choose a clear mirror with an antiqued brass frame and a small beveled edge.

“The more subtle the frame the better,” Linden said.

A mirrored gallery wall can be a star attraction. To make it work find a similar line through the mirrors you choose, such as frame color, style or shape.

“Having that central theme will give the wall subtle cohesion. From there, you can make the shapes, sizes and designs as unique as you like,” Linden said.

“Mirrors have played a central role in home decor for hundreds of years and for good reason. They are a simple way to add light and beauty to your space.”

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2020 FALL HOME & GARDEN

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The secret meanings of

HOUSEPLANTS

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

ndoor gardening is more popular than ever, with GrowIt reporting that houseplants made up 30% of all the plants uploaded to the app in 2019. The site predicts this to continue in 2020.

When choosing what plants to own or give as gifts, why not opt for a plant that conveys a hidden message?

“Houseplants, too, have personalities, emotions and special meanings,” said plant blogger Boris Dadvisard, an urban naturalist who blogs about plant care tips at InvincibleHouseplants. com.

“When offering a bouquet to someone, one immediately thinks about the symbolism behind the flowers. Roses mean romance; camellias passion; chrysanthemum fidelity and joy, etc.,” said Dadvisard, who was unaware of the different meanings of houseplants until he discovered “The Language of Houseplants” by Cheralyn Darcey.

“Plants are known to convey positive and calming energy around them. I couldn’t agree more with British author Jenny Uglow when she said ‘We may think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it’s our garden that is

really nurturing us.’ Therefore, remember to think about plant symbolism when offering a houseplant as a present to someone you love, a friend, a relative or yourself. It can make a thoughtful gift,” Dadvisard said.

For example, Ceropegia woodii, commonly known as Chain of Hearts of String of Hearts, conveys a positive message and has multiple meanings, including devotion, love, wishes, luck, fertility, home blessing and family blessing.

“It’s perfect for a new home, birth or to attract positive waves to someone that’s close to you,” Dadvisard said.

Place near the front of the home to bring happy, loving blessings to all those who reside within.

“It will remind everyone to care for each other,” Dadvisard said.

The next time you think of bringing flowers, consider a houseplant instead.

“As wonderful as a flower bouquet is to receive, it’s gone after a few days. A houseplant, on the other hand, is long-lasting company.

If cared for properly it can be kept for years,” Dadvisard said.

Here are some other houseplants with special meanings, according to ProFlowers.com.

AIR PLANT Representing freedom and creativity, air plants make great gifts for people who crave change. Be sure to keep away from direct sunlight and hot or cold drafts. Soak in water for about 10 to 15 minutes every one to two weeks.

BONSAI The East Asian art form of bonsai cultivates small trees such as Japanese maple, juniper and ficus that mimic the shape and size of full-size trees.

Bonsai convey harmony, wisdom and calm. Growing and caring for bonsai can be stress relieving so are perfect for people seeking more peacefulness in their lives. Bonsai crave direct sunlight and light misting.

CACTUS BAMBOO

Prickly cactus have a tough outer layer and mean protection and endurance, so they can bring a sense of determination to those going through tough times. Most like direct sunlight and watering once a week. Be sure to follow specific plant directions because needs vary.

Those looking to attract good luck can add bamboo to their home. This plant, which also means longevity, prefers moderate to indirect sunlight.

Roots need to be covered by water.

MONEY TREE

MONSTERA

Also en vogue, the money tree means wealth and good fortune, which we all could use more of. It thrives in some indirect and direct sunlight with moist soil.

Super trendy monstera brings honor, respect and longevity and is ideal for someone who values family. Water when the first couple inches of soil are dry and place in indirect sunlight.

PHOTOS: FREEPIK.COM | FRESHFLOWER.CO.UK

Types of HOME INSULATION LAUNDRY ROOM RENOVATIONS you’ll love and where to install them

W

D

oes it seem like your hamper is always full and the washing machine is running constantly? You may not be imagining it. Laundry Butler for You, a wash, dry and fold service, says the average household washes 50 pounds of laundry a week and 6,000 articles of clothing every year. Families with children at home are doing laundry most often, and those with pets may find there is ample laundry to wash as well.

With so much laundry being generated, homeowners may want to consider paying extra attention to the space in the house where their clothing is being cleansed. Laundry room renovations may not top homeowners’ priority lists, but it may be time to give these rooms another look.

Assess your equipment If your appliances are aging, a laundry room renovation can start with an investment in new appliances. New models have large capacity loads, tend to be energy-efficient and could have innovative features that help fit with your laundry lifestyle. Purchasing front-loading models also can free up design space, as you can install a counter directly above the units, saving room for other items like drying racks.

Figure out your room needs A laundry room need not be limited to laundry only. Many homeowners make large laundry rooms catch-all spaces that can serve as utility or mud rooms, pantry overflows, or off-season storage areas. Consider the functions you want the room to serve and include those ideas in your designs.

Add some natural light If possible, include a window in your laundry room. Natural light can help

make the room more enjoyable. It also can help you identify stains on clothes that need to be addressed and make it easier to fold matching items like socks.

Think about a utility sink Many washing machines drain out directly to waste pipes in the floor or wall, but you also can opt to have them empty into a utility sink. This sink also provides a convenient place to handwash items, clean tools or paintbrushes, or store items that perhaps you do not want to bring into a bathroom or kitchen sink.

Include some flair This utilitarian space need not be boring or bereft of design elements. Mirror your home’s style in the laundry room, and include wall hangings, plants, accent items, and even task lighting. Play up certain features with a bold floor tile or brightly colored walls.

Updating laundry rooms can be a great way to make doing laundry more enjoyable and efficient. FH208138

hen thinking about renovating their homes, homeowners may imagine changing wall colors, expanding room sizes or upgrading appliances and fixtures.

However, unless people take inventory of the less glamourous components of the home, such as structure, plumbing, heating and cooling, and insulation, other improvements may be for naught.

A home insulation project certainly doesn’t offer the wow factor of a kitchen remodel, but insulation serves a vital function in the house that helps keep people comfortable and reduces energy consumption. Insulation is typically placed in areas where air escapes, such as between the stud cavities inside the walls and in the attic, and serves to slow and reduce heat transfer.

The U.S. Department of Energy says between 50 and 70 percent of the energy used in homes is for heating and cooling.

By improving home insulation, homeowners can make their homes more comfortable, consistent and efficient. In fact, the ENERGY STAR program overseen by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says homeowners stand to save an average of 15 percent on heating and cooling costs by adding proper insulation. To do so, homeowners can take a crash course in home insulation and find the products that fit their needs.

Blanket batts and rolls Blanket batts and rolls typically are constructed with fiberglass, so proper safety gear, such as a mask and gloves, is needed when handling them. Installing this type of insulation is relatively easy since the materials are designed to fit the standard width between studs, rafters and floor joists.

Loose fill Loose fill is usually made of fiberglass or cellulose (recycled paper fiber). It is blown or sprayed into place with pneumatic equipment, according to The Home Depot. Loose fill can be ideal for hard-to-reach areas in attics or inside wall cavities. It’s good for adding insulation to irregularly shaped areas. Since it requires special equipment, this is a job best left to professionals.

Sprayed foam Sprayed foam is just as the name implies, a foam made from polyurethane, polyisocyanurate, cementitious, or other materials that are applied by a spray container. DIYers who need only small applications can use canned products .

Large quantities are pressure-sprayed by professionals.

Foam board/rigid foam panels Ideal for unfinished walls, such as basement or foundation walls, floors and ceilings, these are boards of polyurethane or polystyrene. Foam boards tend to reduce energy consumption more effectively than other types of insulation.

Homeowners considering upgrading their insulation or amending existing insulation should do their homework on the type of insulation that will be most effective for their homes. FH208141

2020 FALL HOME & GARDEN

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Friday, September 25, 2020 • 5C

A TANKLESS JOB?

By Melissa Erickson More Content Now

Jumping into a hot shower can be done more quickly when you’ve got a tankless water heater, which provides hot water on demand. Whether it’s a good investment depends on your water usage.

I

f you’re building a new home or need to install a new water heater, the first step is wading through all the marketing and misconceptions about tankless models, said home improvement expert Danny Lipford, host of the “Today’s Homeowner” TV and radio shows.

While tankless water heaters will save on energy costs, they are more expensive than traditional water heaters.

“It’s a fairly viable option for many people, although the upfront cost is a lot more,” Lipford said.

The initial investment runs about $3,000, which is a disadvantage when a tank water heater can be purchased for between $600 and $800, Lipford said. Installation and retrofit costs can also be higher.

Tankless water heaters are compact and wall-mounted, and take up only a fraction of the space that a conventional water heater does, Lipford said.

Once installed a tankless water heater can lower your en-

ergy bill by up to 30%, but “it takes a long time to get that money back,” Lipford said.

For homes that use 41 gallons or less of hot water daily, tankless water heaters can be 24% to 34% more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters, according to energy.gov. For homes that use over 85 gallons a day, they can be 8% to 14% more energy efficient.

So why buy one? Lipford is often asked. The answer depends on space, energy usage and water supply.

“It’s a balance for every family,” Lipford said.

For many families the biggest advantage is saving room in the house.

“You gain a 2-by-2-foot space. You can add a pantry, a coat or utility closet. Can you put a dollar amount on that?”

Lipford said.

For large families a tankless system is a benefit because it provides “endless but not instant hot water,” Lipford said.

The closer the faucet is to the heating system, the more instant the hot water will be.

A tankless system also ensures enough hot water to run appliances like the washing machine or dishwasher.

While these energy efficient heaters are more expensive, prices are coming down as more models come out, Lipford said. Homeowners can expect a 20-year lifespan for a tankless water heater, which is about five to 10 more than a traditional water heater.

The value of MULCHED LEAVES

H

omeowners who don’t look forward to dusting off their rakes each fall might be happy to learn that mulching fallen leaves with a mower may be a healthier and less labor intensive way to confront a yard covered in leaves. For 20 years, turfgrass specialists at Michigan State University studied how lawns reacted to having ground up leaves left on the lawn and the results were overwhelmingly positive. Researchers found that tiny pieces of mulched leaves eventually sifted down through the turf and provided the lawn with essential nutrients. Mulched leaves also served to control future weed growth by covering up bare spots between turf plants. Such spots typically provided openings for weed seeds to germinate and ultimately infect lawns.

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Homeowners with mulching mowers that also have bags can even help their gardens by alternating using the mower with and without the bag on once leaves begin to fall. When mowing with the bag on, mulched leaves can then be used as mulch in landscape beds and vegetable gardens. FH208148

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Quiet home noise with

SOUNDPROOFING

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any people want their homes to be comfortable, relaxing retreats. While much thought will be given to layout and decor, the noises in and around a house also can affect how enjoyable a space is or isn’t.

Certain offenders are driving up the noise levels in homes. New building materials that are lighter than those used in the past can make it easier for noise to travel between rooms. In addition, open floor plans make it easy for noise to travel from room to room, while handheld personal devices can make rooms noisy.

Homeowners who want more peace and quiet in their home can take the following steps.

How to PROTECT WOOD FLOORS from inclement weather

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ood floors are a worthwhile investment that can improve the beauty and function of just about any room in a home. Even though wood floors are durable, and new protective treatments help seal out many of the things that may have damaged floors in the past, homeowners still need to prioritize protecting their hardwood floors.

Certain seasons of the year can be more harsh on wood floors than others.

For example, seasons characterized by moisture and precipitation, particularly the early spring, winter and fall, can be hard on wood floors. The experts at ServiceMaster Clean say that cold, snowy days can damage wood floors, and Lumber Liquidators agrees that winter weather can be harsh on flooring.

Homeowners need not give up on hardwood if they live in an area that sees all four seasons. They just need to take a few steps to keep floors looking beautiful.

• Clean up the salt. Salt that keeps sidewalks and streets clear of snow and ice inadvertently gets tracked inside a home. Hard chunks of salt can scratch wood floors, and, if left to sit, that salt can eventually cause white marks and other stains. Routinely vacuuming and sweeping up salt is necessary to protect wood floors.

be kept. A nice bench in the entryway makes it easy for residents and guests to remove their shoes until it’s time to go back outside.

• Use water-wicking mats. Homeowners will probably need a few extra mats around to tame errant drips and wipe shoes. Any entrance that might be used by people or pets should be protected. Try to avoid petroleum-based, rubber-backed mats, as they could discolor the wood floor.

Seal holes and cracks Noises from outside can sneak around gaps in windows, doors and siding. Making sure gaps are sealed will not only make a home more energy efficient, but also help block out some exterior noises.

Fix squeaky floors Wood floors can shrink and expand, leading to movement and the development of squeaky areas. By fixing squeaky floors, homeowners can reduce noise created when people walk through their homes.

Soundproofing a home can be a relatively easy and effective DIY project.

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Beef up dense materials Heavy curtains, fluffy furniture and thick carpets can make rooms quieter because they help absorb sound waves. Such items and materials also can help prevent echoes. Bare walls and floors will only make sounds bounce around.

• Control humidity indoors. Cold, dry air in a home can be problematic because the moisture in the wood can eventually evaporate into the air. The heat will suck that moisture from the flooring, causing it to shrink, creak and splinter and become more brittle. Think about investing in an in-line humidifier for the home’s HVAC system that can keep a moderate amount of humidity in the home. Hardwood floorboards are installed to accommodate minor temperature and humidity fluctuations. This is typically a range of between 60 and 80 degrees F with a relative humidity range of 35 to 55 percent, advises ServiceMaster.

• Use the right cleaning products.

Avoid excessive water to clean wood floors, and select soaps that are specially designed for wood flooring. Consult with the flooring manufacturer for a list of detergents that are safe to use.

With proper care, hardwood flooring can survive rain, snow and cold weather.

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• Invest in shoe storage. Wet or snowy boots can create puddles around the house. Have a special mat or tray by the front door where wet shoes can

Add more drywall Homeowners may not be able to add walls of sturdy brick to block sounds, but they can add more drywall in noisy rooms. Consider adding more drywall to a library or reading nook. The home improvement resource HomeLogic notes that drywall can be used to isolate noisy rooms, such as those where kids practice playing musical instruments.

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