2016 Fall Homestyle & Garden

Skagit

HomE style & Garden

FALL 2016

A Home Improvement Guide

A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and Anacortes American

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Contents

2 Brighten your home with indirect LED lighting

10 Bring a touch of the outdoors inside

3 The benefits of maintaining your heating system

11 The inspired new look of ceramic tiles

4 Preparing your soil for winter

12 - 13 The warmth and elegance of a sunroom

5 Thinking of adding a second story to your home?

14 - 15 How to maintain a fall garden in colder zones

6-7 Update your decor with elements of industrial

16 Three common decorating mistakes to avoid

interior design 8-9 Your fall gardening checklist

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Brighten your home with indirect LED lighting

H

idden light sources are the perfect idea for any lighting design project in your home.

Whether it’s under beds, along baseboards or above cabinets, flexible, indirect LED lighting strips can be installed virtually anywhere you want. These light emitting diodes are a great alternative to direct overhead lighting and they’ll lend warmth and character to any room.

Shed some new light The traditional use of direct overhead lighting can feel cold and sterile. What’s more, the

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glare from these lights is rarely forgiving when it comes to your home’s blemishes and imperfections. LED strips, on the other hand, are easily installed, use very little energy and have a very long lifespan. They’re also perfect when looking to add a calming atmosphere or creative flair to a given room.

Here are a few ideas to inspire you for your next lighting project.

Place LED strips: • Under beds, couches or even the edge of a podium bath • Under or above your kitchen cabinets • Under the shelves in your office • Around your deck or pool • In the cab interior of your RV A beautiful glow Unlike their compact fluorescent counterparts, LED bulbs give off a warm glow and virtually no glare. Tailored to indoor lighting, they evenly distribute the light to help bathe the room in soft and welcoming colors. This will help make the room feel bigger and will bring out any stylish architectural elements you may have.

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HOME style & Garden Fall 2016

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The benefits of maintaining your heating system

W

ith autumn fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your house.Your heating system is the lifeblood of your home during the cold season, so it’s important to keep it in perfect working condition. The last thing you want is to be left out in the cold during a blizzard.

Annual inspections Your furnace or boiler should be maintained at least once a year, regardless if it runs on electricity, gas or oil. By servicing your heating system annually, you’ll be able to keep energy losses to a minimum, prevent parts from breaking down and help ensure the safety of you and your family.

Services and support A qualified heating technician will: • Check the air supply of your boiler or furnace • Inspect the flue or vent pipes • Check the condition of the heat exchanger • Ensure that the various parts of the heating system are in good working condition goskagit.com

• Perform additional checks if your heating system uses natural gas or oil What’s in it for you?

There are several benefits to having your heating system cleaned and checked by a certified technician. A furnace or boi­ler that isn’t running at peak performance will re­quire more

energy to main­tain the same level of out­put. This can cause da­mage to your system, alter the tem­­pe­rature of your home and in­crease your energy bill. What’s more, by ha­ving a te­chnician in­ s­tall a carbon mo­noxide alarm, you’ll have the added security of being aler­ted if there’s ever a po­­tentially thre­ate­ning gas leak in your home.

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Preparing your soil for winter

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fter the hard work of tending to your vegetable garden all summer, you might just feel like letting the garden go. But if you’re willing to spend a day putting the garden to bed properly, your next year’s crop will get more nutrients and a better chance at growing delicious vegetables.

Clean up.

Pull up all unproductive plants; burn or send to the landfill any infested or diseased ones. You can either leave the dead plants on the soil to be tilled under or place them in your compost heap.

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HOME style & Garden Fall 2016

Add compost.

Highly decomposed compost amends your soil with valuable nutrients. The organisms and insects in the compost will also improve the microstructure of your soil.

Add leaves.

Run over your leaves a few times with the lawn mower to chop them up, and then spread in a thin layer across the garden. You can also use some wood chips or sawdust. The material will compost over winter and improve your soil.

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Till or plow, if possible.

If the season hasn’t been too rainy and if you have a chance before the ground freezes, till under the organic materials you’ve added to your soil. This will let you start working the garden sooner in the spring.

Sow a ground cover.

If you don’t mind tilling in the spring, sow a good ground cover that will sprout before the first hard frost. It will add nutrients to the soil and prevent winter and spring erosion on slopes.

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Thinking of adding a second story to your home?

Adding a second story to your home will have a stunning and lasting effect.

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uilding up is great way to add value to your home without sacrificing your outdoor space. More importantly, though, this type of extension is the perfect solution if you want to increase the amount of available space in your home.You’ll be able to add bedrooms, an office, another bathroom or an apartment, which you could rent without even having to move.

Most homes are able to accommodate a second story.

Of course, before beginning any work whatsoever, make sure the zoning laws in your municipality permit this type of renovation.

Once you’re given the green light, you’ll need to choose the right contractor for your project. Ideally, you’ll want to hire a professional to take care of the entire renovation from start to finish. This means having

someone on board for the consultation, evaluation, planning and construction of every little detail, such as the room layout, interior finishing and exterior siding. Having the right specialist by your side will allow you to continue living in your home without having to lift a finger during the project.

A second story addition to your bungalow is nothing short of spectacular. It will add value to your home while making it far more spacious and visually stunning. If you want, you could even take this opportunity to redesign the ground floor to include a more functional kitchen or cathedral ceilings to maximize lighting. It’ll be like moving into a brand new home without having to leave your neighborhood.

Update your decor with elements of industrial interior design I

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HOME style & Garden Fall 2016

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ndustrial style has taken home decor stores, showrooms and retailers by storm in recent years.

Characterized by its exposed pipes and bricks, wood and metal surfaces, and vintage furniture, this trend has brought an undeniable touch of flair to our homes.

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The basic elements of industrial interior design This style replicates the utilitarian look of abandoned factories that were eventually converted into unique and creative living spaces.

Emphasizing the use of materials from yesteryear, this trend incorporates industrial furniture, old hand-painted signs, worn couches, brick walls and ferrous metal to define its decor. In addition, building materials are exposed, windowpanes are huge, cement tiles cover both the floors and the walls, and electrical wires are visible— anything to reproduce that raw and unfinished look.

Expose raw materials, pipes and electrical wires for an industrial style

Favorite areas in your house Industrial interior design typically lends itself well to living rooms and kitchens. Relax comfortably in an area outfitted with worn leather couches, iron shelving and decorative elements worthy of any respectable second-hand shop. Or prepare your meals

surrounded by high metal stools, low-hanging pendant lights and big bay windows. Chances are this style will make its way to the rest of your home. Who knows, maybe you’ll finish your bathroom with exposed brick, or bare the support beams in your bedroom.

The nuts and bolts of industrial style Be sure to use the right materials in your design, such as weathered wood, metals like iron, zinc and copper, as well as brick and cement in their most basic form. Lighting is another priority, so be sure to install big windows that let in a lot of natural light as well as glare-free light fixtures.

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HOME style & Garden Fall 2016

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Bring a touch of the outdoors inside

M

ore and more people have taken to incorporating a bit of nature into the decor of their homes, and with good reason. Plants provide a nice touch of color, create a relaxing atmosphere and help to purify the air in your house. So by fashionably using plants and flowers as decorative accessories, you’ll be able to breathe new life into your home.

Making the inside of your home come to life couldn’t be easier. Simply arrange a cluster of assorted plants along a stretch of wall—in your living room or bathroom, for example—that has a window.

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Position a low and sturdy table beneath the window and garnish it with an array of exotic plants varying in size and species.

You can also place your flora on nested tables or shelves at different levels to create a stunning visual effect.

Keep in mind that certain plants don’t get along well with others when planning the layout of your indoor garden.You can always consult a horticulturalist if you’re having trouble deciding on which plants to use.

No indoor garden would be complete without kokedema. A Japanese variant of the bonsai, this art form involves wrapping your plant’s roots in soil, moss and string. By hanging these charming little gardens from your ceiling, you’ll be able to create a spectacular tableau of greenery virtually anywhere in your home.

Some good choices The chlorophytum (or spider plant), ficus, ivy, bowstring hemp, philodendron and gerbera are all species that require minimal upkeep and have air-purifying qualities. These types of plants help rid the air of carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, benzene and formalin.

HOME style & Garden Fall 2016

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Your fall gardening Y

ou meticulously tended your garden all summer, and though those long hot days have subsided, it isn’t quite yet time to hang up your gardening gloves.

Here’s a list of things to do this fall that will ensure your garden is in top form come spring.

• Use the fallen leaves on your property to mulch your garden or supplement your compost heap.

• Before the first hard frost, bring

checklist

indoors any fragile perennials or tropical plants you grow outside.

Try enjoying them as houseplants for as long as you can, or, if it suits the plants, place them in a cool, dark room for their dormancy period.

• Tend to your lawn by fertilizing and reseeding it. Spread seed in early and late fall. Use an aerator tool to aerate the grass, and for the last two cuttings of the season, lower your lawn mower’s blade to the lowest setting.

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• Set in any new fall-planted bulbs—tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, crocuses and snowdrops— before the ground freezes. These bulbs need to spend a winter in the ground in order to flower properly in the spring. Plant them in sunny areas with well-drained soil and water them thoroughly.

• Prepare some anti-frost covers for your late-growing produce.

Use a tarp or individual upsidedown plastic containers. Keep in mind that some vegetables can survive the first frost, including pumpkins, carrots, parsnips, some turnips, spinach, and cabbages.

• Condition your garden soil with compost, leaves or other organic material, and if you can, till it under for early planting next spring. If soil erosion is a problem, plant a green ground cover.

• Clean up your gardening tools and store them away. Wipe down your lawn mower and weed eater, and oil any moving parts.

Give your hoes, spades and wheelbarrow a wipe-down with a mild bleach solution to remove any plant diseases or spores.

Doing all the above will help position your garden for another great growing season come spring and allow you to rest easy over the winter months.

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HOME style & Garden Fall 2016

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The inspired new look of ceramic tiles

Ceramic tiles are redefining the flooring industry.

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eramic tiles are the ideal choice in flooring if you’re looking for something that’s durable, easy to clean and suited to any design style.

Available in a wide selection of sizes, shapes, colors, textures and patterns, ceramic tiles are the perfect complement to any room in your house. Here are three types that might make you think differently about flooring.

A woodsy feel Thanks to innovative, highdefinition designs, ceramic flooring manufacturers can reproduce the natural look and warmth of real wood floors. Faux wood tiles closely mimic the look of hardwood flooring such as bamboo, redwood and even distressed wood. They’re perfect for rooms traditionally too

humid for hardwood flooring, such as bathrooms and kitchens.

A slab of understated If you’re a fan of industrial style, you’ll love ceramic tiles that replicate the look of natural stone, cement or concrete floors. Certain manufacturers have even gone as far as adding texture to the tiles, giving them a remarkably raw and unfinished look.

Captivating patterns Today’s ceramic tiles come in array of different designs and patterns to please even the most eclectic and eccentric of tastes.

With so many varieties in colors and patterns, the possibilities are endless as to just how unique your floor can be.

The warmth and of a sunroom W

hether you use it seasonally or all year long, a sunroom is a great addition to any home.

Using natural light to create a comforting and relaxing ambiance, a sunroom increases the square footage and value of

elegance

your home. It also allows you to enjoy the health benefits of the sun and the beauty of the outdoors without being exposed to the elements.

Three seasons or four?

Depending on your tastes

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HOME style & Garden Fall 2016

and budget, you can opt for either a three-season sunroom or one that can be used throughout the year. A threeseason sunroom is perfect for those looking to enjoy the first sun-filled days of spring to the last warm evenings of fall. This

A sunroom is the perfect place to relax.

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natural light. If you decide to go with a year-round sunroom, buy Energy Star certified windows for superior energy efficiency.

Plan ahead Before beginning any work, always check with your

municipality about the necessary by­laws to follow and permits to acquire. More­over, since installing a sunroom can in­volve some rather extensive work, it’s al­ways best to trust the services of a certified contractor when adding one to your home.

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type of room is fairly easy to install since it doesn’t require any foundation work. Instead, the structure is simply placed against an existing wall and equipped with single-pane windows.

A four-season sunroom, on the other hand, must be placed on a solid and secure foundation.

It’s an aluminum, composite or wood extension of your home that must be able to support energy-efficient windows (double and tripled-glazed) that are made from tempered safety glass. Ideally, your sunroom will be outfitted with a bay window to help trap heat or to keep the room cool when it’s flooded by

How to maintain a fall garden in colder zones I

records for your area, and the lengths you’re willing to go to in order to protect your plants from early frosts. In most northern frost zones, there are a few vegetables you might be able to keep growing right up till Thanksgiving, if you protect them properly. If your hard frost comes only at the end of fall, or not at all, then you’re among the lucky ones who have a much broader selection available, including sweet garden treats like peas.

A successful fall growth depends on the hard frost

Hardy vegetables Some veggies are naturally

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f you like to talk gardening with your friends and neighbors, you’re probably hearing more about cultivating fall crops than ever before.

Although gardeners in the more hardy southern zones have always done it, the trend towards planting for a fall harvest has been creeping north in the last few years. With some careful planning and tending, you can enjoy tasty vegetables later in the year than you might have thought possible.

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HOME style & Garden Fall 2016

more resilient than others.

Among the hardiest are the following: • Carrots • Cold-hardy herbs such as chives (the hardiest), French tarragon, lovage, mint and parsley • Hardy varieties of collards • Heavily mulched turnips • Lettuces and mache, in a cold frame or low tunnel, till mid to late fall • Parsnips • Savoy-type cabbages • Some leek varieties • Spinach grown in cold frames The best way to experiment is to try several varieties and see which ones survive.You could also talk to experienced gardeners and local farmers to see how they push the limits of the season.

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Three common decorating mistakes to avoid

The big picture Choosing the right backsplash for your kitchen or ceramic flooring for your bathroom can be difficult.

The motif you’ve selected looks good on its own, but not so much once it’s laid next to hundreds of identical tiles. A good way around this is to print several larger images of the design you’ve chosen from the manufacturer’s website. Lay these copies down directly on your floor to get a better idea of how the overall finished product will look. Don’t forget to choose your tiles according to their intended use; porcelain is more durable than ceramic, and therefore better suited for high traffic areas.

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home decorator can be a valuable asset when it comes to decorating your home. However, undertaking a creative endeavor on your own can be extremely rewarding. Here are three common mistakes you should avoid when decorating your home by yourself.

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Price shouldn’t be the only determining factor when it comes to decorating your home. Equipping your bathroom with an inexpensive faucet is a good way to save money.

However, brass faucets—while more expensive—will last a lot longer, regardless of the quality of your water. Similarly, big sales and low prices are enticing when buying furniture for your home. But making purchases without measuring first will cause you headaches down the road.

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HOME style & Garden Fall 2016

When it comes to decorating your home, keeping it simple is the way to go. An overabundance of small elements can leave a room feeling tacky and cluttered.

Instead, have one focal point to draw the eye’s attention, and then complement it with a few light touches scattered throughout the room to add style and depth.

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