A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and Anacortes American
FALL
2022
Foliage, plants, traditional items and candles in the shades of autumn can provide just the right season-focused touch for your next table setting. Then complement your fall centerpiece with handpicked accessories to complete the look.
Select napkins, placemats and a tablecloth that fit into the color palette you’ve created with the centerpiece. Then get creative: Paint leaf patterns by hand on wooden napkin rings to give them a sense of homemade charm. A hollowed-out pumpkin can also be used as a vase. Large fallen leaves from outdoors can serve as fallfocused place cards. Rinse them first, then allow each to dry before carefully
If you’re not necessarily that crafty, you can also purchase an autumnthemed centerpiece and use these handpicked items to personalize it. Cornucopias are a classic choice that will provide timeless memories for a new generation. Place fallcolored and -scented flowers around the arrangement. Complete the centerpiece with wheat sprigs, small pumpkins and squash, or other seasonal foods like apples.
BRING THE OUTSIDE IN
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Look for leaves, branches, vegetables and flowers that reflect the traditional colors of fall — from rich reds to bold oranges to warm yellows. Weave them together into a circular or oval shape to create the foundation of your centerpiece, or craft a free-form garland. You could also paint a plain woven bread basket to create a cozy place to collect it all.
Autumn’s colors make any gathering warm and inviting
inscribing them with the names of friends and family. Go around the table, placing one in front of each plate.
The Perfect Fall Centerpiece
FINISHING THE LOOK
Make sure your centerpiece isn’t so large that there isn’t room for glasses, condiments and serving platters. It also shouldn’t be so tall that guests struggle to see one another. Don’t light the candles, since that may interfere with the scrumptious aromas associated with the meal you’ll serve at this fall gathering. Don’t be afraid to keep it simple: Arrange a grouping of mismatched gourds and pumpkins to very easily transform your tabletop. Focus on varying sizes and colors. Rather than worrying with formal floral arrangements, collect dried branch stalks in a variety of vases. For more pops of color, wrap the branches with wool and fleece, creating a sculptural conversation piece.
OTHER HELPFUL TIPS
Trendy Colors in 2022-23
goskagit.com HOMEstyle & GARDEN FALL 2022 3 SKAGIT PUBLISHING 1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 ©2022P:ads@skagitads.com360.424.3251SkagitPublishing LLC All rights reserved. In This Issue SPACE, MATERIALS, DECÓR 2The Perfect Fall Centerpiece 3Trendy Colors in 2022-23 44 Weekend Reno Projects 4Pet-friendly Décor Ideas 5Should You Choose an Open or Closed Floor Plan 6How to Create a Multifunctional Room 7Clever Ways to Add Storage to Your Home PREPPING FOR WINTER 86 Indoor Checks to Make Before Winter Hits 10Keep Out the Outside 11Up on the Roof 12Tips for Choosing and Using a Backup Heater EXTERIOR PROJECTS 13Get Those Gutters Cleaned 14Autumn Lawn and Gardening 15Autumn in Bloom 12
Over the past two years, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every aspect of life, and interior decorating trends haven’t been immune. The calming color palettes in vogue for residential design reflect a desire for comfort during these unprecedented times. Here are three colors that are leading the way into 2023.
Sky blue. Alongside earthy greens, homeowners are choosing the naturally inspired energy of sky blue. This color works well on walls and provides a pleasing alternative to stark white.
Natural green. This is the year of green, with brash and bold giving way to calm and subdued. Natural shades of green offer a connection to the natural world and have a grounding effect. Deep hues suggest greater intensity, while light shades convey serenity.
Light brown. Another increasingly popular and organically inspired choice, pale brown hues are calming and serve as a backdrop for bold colors and patterns. Use brown for cabinet accents to bring a sense of cozy calm to your room.
Use your imagination and choose a shade that expresses your personality.
décor can be a challenge if you don’t want to compromise your pet’s happiness and comfort. Here are a few ways to let your furry housemate live its best life while creating a space that’s easy on the eyes.
Often overlooked in day-to-day living, a new faucet or showerhead can breathe life into your kitchen or bathroom. Explore options like a detachable or rainfall showerhead and look for water-efficient models to reduce consumption.
Build pet spaces into your home to replace unattractive, utilitarian store-bought pieces. For example, you can build a sleeping nook for your dog and keep the crate for car journeys. You could also take the unsightly cat tree out of your front window and build a window seat or a series of cute climbing shelves instead.
Look for fabrics that are durable and easy to clean. Don’t be afraid to use an attractive
Fall
can help you strike the perfect balance between beauty and comfort in your home.
Replace a water faucet or showerhead
is an excellent time to make your home more inviting before the cold season. Here are four weekend reno ideas to try.
Spruce up your “drop zone”
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Create an accent wall
Pet-loving fabrics
Give your entrance a fresh coat of paint. Be bold a try a new color. Fall is also an excellent time to replace dated knobs and ensure your locks are frost ready.
Make your foyer space more efficient before hat-and-mitts season is in full swing. Install cubbies with individual baskets and assign each family member a designated catch-all space for their keys, gloves and bags.
Upgrade your front door
4 Weekend Reno Projects
Transform a wall with a pop of color or dramatic print. You can also apply beadboard or shiplap for a fun new texture. If you’re painting or wallpapering, add a putty knife and surfacing compound to your shopping list so you can repair any knicks and dents before making cosmetic upgrades.
Home
Pet-friendly Décor Ideas
Anfur.complementscolorandcuetakingtextures.ofincreasingavailablefabricsperformanceAdditionally,yourupholsteryoutdoorinlivingroom.areinanvarietycolorsandConsideradesignfromyourpetchoosingaschemethatitsinteriordesigner
Not sure where to start? Browse your local home improvement store for inspiration.
Custom-built pet spaces
Feeding drawers
Keep your pet’s feeding area tidy and clean by installing a sideboard with a floor-level food drawer. The drawer can be designed with cut-outs to help hold bowls in place and easily remove them for cleaning. Accompanying cupboards will allow you to keep food, extra dishes and other pet accessories within reach.
Closed concept design
Should You Choose an Open or Closed Floor Plan?
Open floor plans allow you to make the most of a small space, enabling less-restricted movement and optimal light. Choose this design if you:
Plan to resell. Your resale value may be higher with an open floor plan. Potential buyers appreciate the freedom to adapt a space to their needs.
Open concept design
Need quiet or privacy. If your household has multiple people studying or working at home, separate spaces are essential for privacy.
Open concept designs have been on trend for many years. However, the recent move towards working from home has led many to rethink their living spaces. This guide will help you decide which style best suits your needs.
Are eco-conscious. A closed concept design lets you heat rooms selectively to minimize energy consumption.
Love to cook. Although home cooking creates a cozy atmosphere, the scents of aromatic cuisines may be unwelcome if they invade every corner of your open concept home.
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This floor plan allows large groups of people to mingle and move around with ease. Have accessibility needs. If you have household members or guests who need help with accessibility, an open concept affords adaptability.
Closed floor plans provide more individual solitude and give you more control over noise and air quality. Choose this design if you:
Have small children. If you need to manage several tasks while keeping an eye on your little ones, an open concept keeps everyone in your line of Enjoysight.entertaining.
If you’re considering an interior remodel, a local architect or contractor can help you find the ideal solution for your family.
Next, consider what purposes you want the room to serve. If a livingguest room is what you’re after, you must determine what kind of bed it will have. If space is limited, a daybed or Murphy bed would be best. However, consider a sofa bed or futon if you have more space.
How to Create a Multifunctional Room
Today, many people not only live in their homes but also work, play and entertain in them. Consequently, it’s become increasingly common for rooms to serve several different purposes. Here are some ideas for creating a multifunctional room in your home.
Assess the space
The first step is to evaluate the room’s characteristics. You must consider elements like the ceiling height and the number of doors and windows. These factors will help you decide what’s possible and how to achieve the best results.
Determine the function
Furthermore, working from home has become increasingly popular in recent years. Therefore, many people want to create home offices. If you want to create a functional workspace, you can easily purchase sliding panels to partition off just about any size room.
Moreover, other hybrid room possibilities include a living room-gym or a laundry room that doubles as an office. Use your imagination to come up with what would work for you.
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Visit your local hardware store to find unique ways to convert your space.
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Visit your local hardware store to find unique space-saving storage ideas.
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•Did you know your ceiling is a great place to store things? For example, you can install overhead
If you lack storage in your home, there are many unique ways to utilize your space more efficiently. Here are a few ideas to consider.
shelves in your kitchen to store various everyday goods.
Clever Ways to Add Storage to Your Home
odds and ends.
•Purchase bags and bins specifically designed to fit underneath your bed. If your bed isn’t high enough, you can get bed risers to give you more room.
•Invest in under-cabinet racks that slide conveniently out of the way when not in use. This is a great way to use the space underneath your cabinets and shelves.
•If you’re looking for a new entryway bench or coffee table, consider buying one that has hidden storage space inside for
•Install a cabinet, shelf, or rack if you have an empty wall or door space. You may be surprised at how much you can fit inside.
Heating system
Remove fly screens to prevent condensation and
If you’re waiting until the first frost to ensure your heaters are in good working order, you may be in for a nasty surprise. Before turning on your heat sources, ensure they have at least four inches of clearance. Take this opportunity to inspect and clean the units. Better yet, hire a professional to take care of it for you.
The comfort of a warm fireplace on a cold winter’s night is like no other. However, you must complete a few tasks this fall to keep your home safe and secure through those long, cold months. Use this guide to get your house’s interior ready to face Mother Nature’s fury.
6 Indoor Checks to Make Before Winter Hits
Doors and windows
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Give your andtogoodandexchanger’sairfiltersscreensawashingensureyouyourfamily
safeguard them against the elements. Check the window and door frames to ensure they’re tightly sealed. If necessary, caulk any vulnerable spots or replace the weatherstrip.
Check that your sump pump is functioning correctly. To do so, gradually pour a bucket of water into the tank. The pump should immediately activate to clear out the water.
Sump pump
Check that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors work by pressing the test button and listening for a beep. Replace the batteries if you haven’t done so recently. Additionally, take a glance at your fire extinguishers and ensure the seal is still intact so they’re ready for action in case of emergency.
breathe clean air all winter long. Moreover, vacuum out the air ducts to remove any dust that’s accumulated.
Carefully store your portable or window-mounted air conditioner to protect it from bad weather and dust accumulation. Before you put it away, remember to clean the filters.
Air conditioner
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Fire detectors and extinguishers
Airandexchangerducts
As much as 10% of total air leakage may be attributed to gaps around home windows, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Smaller leaks can be addressed with caulking, which is both highly
DOORS
candle. Place the flame around their edges to see if it flickers. You may have to call a professional inspector to get to the hardest-to-find places where cold air might eventually pour in. They’ll pay close attention to attic access points and fireplace dampers. Depending on how large the gap is, you may be able to use foam tape or weather stripping as a corrective measure. New sweeps seal gaps between the bottom of the door and your threshold. Weighted socks (or “door snakes”) can also block smaller points of entry.
Keep
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The recommended level of insulation for most attics is 10-14 inches, depending on the type used. Fall is the time to evaluate your needs before it’s tested by ice and snowy conditions. Be sure that insulation has a proper ventilation path to your home’s exterior, and that gable vents, soffits or ridges haven’t become blocked since that can create a moisture problem. Make sure any new insulation isn’t placed around old writing.
Out the Outside
Some drafts might not be particularly noticeable, because autumn temperatures haven’t fallen much. So walk from window to window and door to door with a lit
effective and inexpensive. Window film can also be put in place to seal drafts. Simply heat the film with an every-day hair dryer. Professional repairmen or knowledgeable employees at your hometown hardware store may have additional tips. If these patch jobs don’t work, you may need new windows. In that case, look for replacements that have higher Energy Star ratings in order to lower your monthly costs.
WINDOWS
INSULATION
Batt or blown-in insulation can prevent the necessary dissipation of heat in conductors from long ago, creating a fire risk.
Cooling temps have a way of revealing insulation problems.
As summer exits the stage, cooler winds follow. You’ll certainly note the change if there are issues with weather stripping or insulation in your home. These leaks do more than create discomfort — they can cost you big bucks over the course of a frigid winter. It’s best to identify and correct these things in the fall before the problem worsens.
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WORRISOME SIGNS
Those who live where snowfall is very heavy can be at risk for roof
Some repairs should begin in the fall in order to get the best results. For example, treatments for lichen and moss require as many as 180 days to become fully effective. New shingle replacements will fail if they’re sealed when the temps are too low. Repairs on icy roofs are extremely dangerous, so problems discovered too late may have to remain until the spring in order to be fixed.
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CONSIDERATIONSSCHEDULING
BIGGEST DANGER
Professional roof inspections should be done on a semi-annual basis, according to the American Society of Home Inspectors. You can also perform your own spot checks in the interim, being on the look out for cracked or curling shingles, and stains or damp places in the attic. Addressing these issues becomes a lot more difficult, and a lot more costly, once a long winter sets in.
collapse, simply from the weight of winter precipitation. Even a roof that’s in good shape can only support about 20 pounds of snow per square foot of roofing, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. Fall inspections are even more important for those who regularly experience this kind of wintry weather. In some cases, snow removal may be recommended while still in the midst of winter.
Professional inspectors will closely examine your roof, both on its exterior and from the interior of your home. They’ll check the shingles for wear or damage, paying close attention to any ice dams and the general state of the chimney, if you have one. Inside, they’ll be on the look out for moisture, ventilation issues and mold. They’ll also evaluate your insulation. Next they’ll create a complete report outlining any issues, the urgency of those issues and a plan of action to address them.
You don’t want to go into the colder months with a roof that’s showing its age. The integrity of this vital element of your house will likely be tested by extreme moisture, the weight of snow, and the season’s natural cycle of freezing and thawing. That’s why fall is such a critical time to inspect, repair and/ or replace your roof.
Up on the Roof
INSPECTION TIMELINES
Winter can be very, very hard on the top of your home.
Tips for choosing and using abackup heater
Most winter house fires are caused by people improperly using backup space heaters. Therefore, it’s important to know how to use one safely. Here are some tips for choosing and using a backup heater in your home.
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Electric heaters are the safest backup heaters available. They’re portable and efficient. However, they don’t work if the power goes out. Always keep your electric heater at least three feet away from combustibles such as furniture
have to worry about cutting and carrying wood or doing any Ensurecleaning.your gas-burning appliance is approved by the American Gas Association (AGA) and that the fittings have been installed by a certified professional. Keep in mind that gas-burning stoves are hot to the touch and pose a danger to children and pets.
and curtains, and never use a heater with an extension cord.
Fireplaces and wood-burning stoves give your living room a cozy ambiance. However, they require regular maintenance, including cleaning the firebox and Makechimney.sureto sweep your chimney at least once a year or immediately if the creosote build-up reaches 1/8 inch on the firebox walls. Place the ashes in a metal container with a raised bottom and store them outside, away from combustible materials.
Lastly, material-burning stoves produce toxic carbon monoxide gas, so installing a CO2 detector is wise. Consult a home heating professional before making your final choice.
Pellet-burning stoves burn specially designed pellets rather than wood. These heating appliances don’t require a chimney but must be vented outdoors and regularly maintained.
Gas-burning stoves are perfect for power outages and can heat up to 2,000 square feet of living space. You also don’t
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As they fail, however, these very serious issues can begin to quietly take root. You may find yourself with a hefty repair bill when all that was needed in the first place was more regular maintenance. There is also an acknowledged lifespan for these systems, based on the material they’re made of.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
When gutters are working as they should, they provide a largely unnoticed defense against rain intrusion, foundation erosion and water damage.
PROCEED WITH CAUTION
Inspecting your gutters will obviously involve time spent on a ladder, and that can lead to a dangerous situation if you don’t proceed with caution.
Use a spotter to ensure that the ladder is sturdy and secure. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors also recommends that you constantly reposition your ladder, rather than reaching beyond your immediate grasp.
Get Those Gutters Cleaned
Working in that position potentially creates an imbalance issue. Wear gloves since there may be loose fasteners or sharp debris lodged in the gutters. If you plan to inspect your gutters from the roof, be sure to wear footwear with proper gripping.
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HOW THEY WORK
Properly installed, well maintained gutters keep rain from entering eaves and exterior walls. They also keep water away from your foundation. Without this important drainage system, water intrusions can lead to mold and rot, stain siding and brick, and potentially even destabilize your home. Water that hasn’t been rerouted may collect around the perimeter of the structure, creating the ideal condition for interior flooding and foundation cracks.
Blockages and dislodged joints are the most common problems associated with these systems. It’s critical to make regular inspections since overflows lead to all of the same issues as having no gutters at all. That’s particularly true in the fall, since wetter weather is ahead. Overflows may also be caused by poorly designed systems that do not have enough downspouts to handle average rain showers.
Look for signs of rust, since that’s a sign that you’ve reached the end of the system’s natural lifespan. The average galvanized steel or aluminum guttering system is meant to last about 20 years, according to the National Association of Home Builders. If it’s time for a major repair or replacement, seek out a licensed, insured contractor.
CLEAN UP
Autumn Lawn and Gardening
FALL BOUNTY
Autumn is actually the ideal time to plant perennials and new bulbs, but also shrubs, trees and certain vegetables. The soil remains warm even as exterior temperatures cool, making for the ideal setting for new root growth, according to the National Gardening Association. The roots of most plants continue to grow until the soil temperature descends into the 40s — meaning, well into winter.
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Leaves may be falling, but the harvest can continue.
Autumn is typically accompanied by lots of clean up, as foliage moves from green to fall’s rich colors and then to brown. But your home garden can still produce some of the tastiest foods of the season, if you plant smart.
WHY FALL?
on which zone you live in. They have a long shelf life and are tasty whether picked early or left to grow to full size.
Fall is a great time to tidy up and tackle certain pruning chores. Rake leaves from your lawn into a compost pile, or mow over them to create sources of nutrition for the grass. The National Gardening Association also recommends allowing fallen leaves to remain in flower beds, since they work as a kind of insulation for the Generallysoil. speaking, it’s a bad idea to prune in the fall, but there are notable exceptions. Take down dead tree limbs, in particular if you live in an area that’s prone to heavy snow. Cut back plants that draw slugs and any perennials with disease issues.
Several vegetables thrive as summer turns into the cooler months. Some even survive after the season’s first frost. Broccoli is among the most resilient, stands up to cold and pests, and is packed with vitamins and minerals, according to OrganicGardening.com. In particularly frigid climates, broccoli does a bit better when started indoors and then transferred to your outside garden after a few weeks. Beets are non-temperamental, inexpensive and robust fall growers. They’re also very versatile in that you can use both the vitamin-rich roots and the leaves in a variety of recipes. Just remember to plant them very deeply so they will grow best, and not to leave them in the ground for an extended period. Long roots are tougher, and harder to cook. Carrots are also a fall and even late-winter favorite, depending
So many perennials, ground covers and annuals reach their peak during the warmer months, leading most amateur gardeners to assume that fall can’t match their beauty. But a number of plants put on their own breathtaking show of color every autumn. You just need to know which flourish later in the year — and whether your climate will support them.
Flowers aren’t the only plants that put on a bright and exciting performance after summer memories fade. Lush, green oak-leaved hydrangea turn ruby red every autumn. The American yellowwood’s fragrant white blooms will drop off as fall begins, but then the leaves transform into an amazing yellow color. The white fringe tree also boasts dazzling yellow foliage. Red pillar, a perfectly named form of Japanese barberry, will add a flourish of reddish-purple leaves to your lateseason landscape. The amur maple’s foliage transforms from green to
orange in autumn’s earliest months, while the leaves of a kousa dogwood turn a striking red.
whether these flowers, shrubs and trees will do well. Talk to professional gardeners, experts at garden centers or personnel from local ag centers to find out more, since recommended temperature zones play such a huge role in whether these plants thrive. Choose with an eye on average high and low temperatures, and your fall garden will be enlivened for years to come.
Autumn in Bloom
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FALL FLOWERS
Landscapes and gardens don’t have to go dormant in the fall. Several kinds of flowers burst with life long after the beaches empty and swimming pools have closed: New York asters offer bursts of blue, white, pink and purple. Cosmos also remain in bloom from mid-summer into the fall, adding pops of red, pink, white, yellow and orange. Showy stonecrop will perennially turn from pink into a gorgeous crimson as autumn unfolds. Boltonia’s daisy-like flowers boast pinks and whites that will perfectly border any fall garden.
SHRUBS AND TREES
Colorful flowers aren’t found only in the summer
CLIMATE CONSIDERATIONS
Several areas of the country are rightly famous for their fall colors, but that doesn’t mean you can’t turn your personal landscape into something special for the season. You just have to pay attention to specific temperature zones. Conditions in your area impact
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