7 minute read
In the Kitchen
Spring Refresh
Story and Photos by Lisa Marie Blair
After being snuggled up in our homes all winter, our spaces can tend to become cluttered and disorganized. The tradition of spring-cleaning dates back thousands of years and started as a way to clean away winter’s mess. In those days, homes were heated by burning wood and doors and windows were kept tightly shut to keep the warm air inside. This heating source led to a buildup of soot over the cold months and therefore spring cleaning became a yearly tradition. Even though we are now blessed with cleaner heating sources, the winter grime can still slowly creep up on us. Even in this day and age spring cleaning becomes an annual necessity-so let’s declutter, clean up, and refresh our homes!
There is no right or wrong way to go about refreshing your home for spring. For some, working meticulously room by room over several weeks’ time works best to organize, clean, and redecorate. For others, doing a deep clean throughout your home in one weekend is the way to go. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and can only do a couple of rooms, you may want to focus your attention on the rooms you spend the most time in.
If you’re not sure where to start, Lisa Soma with Organizing by Lisa has great organizing and cleaning tips on how to proceed with sprucing up your space.
Soma’s Top Five Spring Organizing Tips:
1. Declutter first. There is no need to organize things that you no longer need. 2. Group like things together. It is easier to organize and plan spaces once you know how much of something you have. 3. Buy organizing products if necessary. Drawer dividers, baskets, totes, hangers, etc. 4. Wipe down shelving, cupboards, drawers, and vacuum closet floors. 5. Organize your keep items into the newly cleaned spaces.
Soma’s Top Five Spring Cleaning Tips:
1. Move and clean under furniture if possible. 2. Wipe down baseboards. 3. Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans. 4. Wipe down door handles, light switches, and cupboard handles. 5. Wipe your feet! Place clean mats or rugs inside and outside of each entrance. Your floors will stay clean longer.
After organizing and cleaning comes the fun part! Time to refresh! Refreshing can be as simple as bringing the outdoors in, opening windows, welcoming fresh air, and snipping some fresh flowers for a table display. Perhaps you wish to do more, like changing out pillows and hanging new art to give your space a fresh new feeling for spring. Last but not least, reward yourself with a moment to sit with your favorite beverage, relax and enjoy your newly refreshed home. n
Experience the Parade of Homes
Tips on how to get the most out of attending the parade of homes
With homes flying off the market faster than they can be listed for sale; it can be difficult for buyers to get an idea of what they want when purchasing a home. If you are looking to purchase a new home or are reimagining what your current home could look like, the Parade of Homes is the perfect event to attend. “The Parade of Homes has evolved into one of the number one ways for consumers to get a feel for the current designs and also meet with potential builders for their project,” says Ruth Ann Scott, Interior Designer and Owner of The Living Door.
The Parade of Homes is a nation-wide branded showcase of new houses held throughout the United States. Locally it is known as the Sioux Empire Parade of Homes taking place since 1961 and offers the parade twice per year, once in the spring and once in the fall. “ For the Spring Parade of Homes on May 14-15 & 21-22, you will see homes in some new neighborhoods in Hartford, Harrisburg, and Brandon. As Sioux Falls continues to grow we will see more of these communities on the outskirts of town popup,” shares Teddi Mueller, Executive Vice President of the Home Builders Association of the Sioux Empire. The supply and demand issues impacting the housing and construction industry have impacted the number of homes that will be on the parade. The real estate market has also impacted homes showcased on the parade because those currently being built are already sold. “Despite the market challenges, Teddi shares “I anticipate the parade will be very busy this year with the demand at an all-time high and the growth that is happening in the Sioux Empire.”
What Can you Expect to See on the Parade of Homes?
The Spring is a great time to get out and see what and where new developments are located. You get to explore different neighborhoods and their amenities. It is also a great way to see what is possible in terms of design and size according to your budget. The parade includes homes at every price point so there is something for everyone.
For those that enjoy home décor and design, the parade is perfect for seeing the latest trends, according to Ruth Ann Scott. “This year’s homes will continue to see a lot of painted millwork and white cabinetry along with more modern lines. A couple of things that are hot right now are wallpaper, deco walls, and textures. You will see these wall treatments incorporated in many of the homes in different places.”
presented by
Scan QR code for event info
PARADESpring ofHOMES
MAY 14-15 & 21-22
SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
SILVER SPONSOR
How to Get the Best Experience Touring The Parade of Homes
If you plan to be one of many to attend the Spring Parade of Homes, here are some tips to get the most out of your experience.
Make A Plan – You can download the parade route online at siouxempireparadeofhomes.com. Use the website as your guide to learn more about the event and to plan out your parade route to ensure that you visit all of the homes that you want to see in an efficient manner, especially with gas prices these days!
Join the Parade – Now that you have your pre-planned route, you are ready to absorb the inspirational design and be amazed by the gorgeous homes you will tour. You will undoubtedly leave the event with a wealth of new ideas to spruce up your current home or ideas for building or buying a new home.
Don’t Skip the Features – The majority of the homes are free to tour, but there are two homes that require an entry free. Trust us when we say, “You don’t want to miss these homes and the entry fee is worth every penny.” Not only do you get to see the amazing design and luxurious features, but the entry fee serves as a donation to the Care Foundation of the HBA. The Care Foundation supports the up-and-coming students entering the industry.
Look Online – The parade has evolved to include online home tours as well! The virtual tours offer an intimate viewing in the comforts of your own home. Through a virtual tour, you can take time looking through each room without the traffic that accompanies the parade. During last years’ parade, Ruth Ann Scott was a designer on one home featured on the virtual parade built by Trademark Homes. “This home was the Mountain Modern style which is one of the new styles the last few years. A couple of design highlights of this home included the large spacious kitchen and entertaining areas along with the outdoor oasis which included a pool. This home had many design elements you will see again this year such as wallpaper, metals, large light fixtures, and high-end appliances”
Whether you take in the parade as a just-forfun event or you are seriously in the market for a new home, either way, it is a visual feast of home design incorporating all of the latest trends along with local community spirit on display for your enjoyment. n
Photo courtesy of Ruth Ann Scott
"I love an opportunity to help you turn a blank slate into the home you’ve always dreamed of. My goal is to make sure you have everything you need for your design + build project, major remodel, or customized interior design solution.”
– Ruth Ann Scott
THE LIVING DOOR - RUTH ANN SCOTT 605.376.1218 | ruthann@thelivingdoor.com | thelivingdoor.com
