Homestyle & Garden Fall 2018

HomE style & Garden

FALL 2018

A Home Improvement Guide

A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and Anacortes American

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FALL HOME & GARDEN | CLEAN UP

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Getting Rid of Leaves s fall moves in, it brings crisp temperatures, bonfire weather and leaves changing to beautiful colors. When the trees lose their cover, the result on the ground can be a nightmare to adults, but a wonderland for kids.

If you have many trees on your property, your once-luscious lawn will soon be replaced with leaves littering your yard. Leaf removal can be a chore for many yards in the country, luckily there are tools available to make the job easier.

Build Your Leaf-Removal Arsenal For many yards, a traditional rake just isn’t enough to efficiently eliminate the leaves that fall.

Consider equipping yourself with these helpful tools to make the process easier.

• Leaf blower: This selfexplanatory tool allows operators to blow leaves into a certain area on their property. They make quick work of problem areas. You can find these tools in battery-, gas- or electric-powered options.

• Lawn mower: A quality lawn mower is still useful even after the grass stops growing. Consider adding a mulch bag to your mower to quickly collect fallen leaves.

other plants rely on to flourish. You can add grass trimmings, organic manure and surprisingly, dryer lint into this pile.

For many others, the preferred method of disposing leaves is to burn them. When starting a fire, follow these safety tips from the American Red Cross:

• Install smoke alarms on every level and in every room of your home. In case a fire spreads to your structure without warning, your loved ones inside will be alerted.

For the Kids

For kids, there isn’t a better part to fall than collapsing in a giant pile of leaves. Before disposing of them, allow the little ones to play for a while. You can even find fun-themed garbage bags which resemble silly characters once filled. This is a great • Be prepared for a fire to get out way to provide the kiddos with entertainment while getting a little of control. You should always keep an extinguisher, rake, ax and bucket help clearing the leaves. available when burning leaves.

• Tarp: Once you have the leaves in a neat pile, then what? If you position them on a tarp while you • Clear leaves away from the make your pile, you can easily home and other buildings and only bundle them up and dispose of them burn in accordance to your local responsibly. laws and guidelines.

Safe Burning

For some, using leaves as compost is a fall tradition. They are packed with nutrients that 2

HOMEstyle & Garden 2018 Fall

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Contents 5

CLEAN UP 2 4

Getting Rid of Leaves Fall Landscape Tips

PREPARE FOR WINTER 5 6 7-8

Insulate Drafts Is Your Heating System Ready For Cool Weather?

Weatherization Myths – Debunked!

FRESHEN UP

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Three Unexpected Upgrades to Add Beauty and Comfort to Your Home

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An Exterior Paint Makeover

DECOR

10-11 Bring Fall Indoors 12-13 Home Design Ideas for Travel Enthusiasts

SAFETY 14

Home Security Systems

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FALL HOME & GARDEN | OUTDOORS

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Fall Landscape Tips ven though temperatures may be chilly during autumn, there is still plenty to do outdoors to ensure your lawn will look great next spring. Break out your sweatshirt and get outside to take care of some important lawn maintenance.

Keep Mowing

Fix Damaged Concrete

Don’t skip mowing your lawn just because the temperatures aren’t ideal. Once grass grows too long, it acts as a cover to surrounding blades. Sunlight is crucial to the well-being of a healthy lawn. When snow falls, long grass is easily packed down and promotes snow mold. The University of Minnesota Extension defines this type of mold as a fungal disease that appears in early spring as the snow melts. It is known to cause circular, strawcolored patches once the weather begins warming up.

If you notice your driveway or walkway has cracks in the concrete, fall is the time to correct them.

Once it is cold enough for water to freeze, it will cause further damage to any defects in the concrete on your property. Consider applying a sealant to fill the cracks or contact a professional to ensure your walkways won’t suffer even further during any upcoming cold weather.

Find a Deal on New Plants While each region may see different success stories when planting trees, the Morton HOMEstyle & Garden 2018 Fall

Arboretum states fall is a great time to get the plants in the ground because: • Temperatures are typically moderate to cool, giving trees the chance to grow without becoming stressed by extreme heat.

• Transpiration is low and rootgeneration potential is high.

Local nurseries will likely have awesome sales on their plants that are left over from the summer. Talk to them to see which species can survive being in the ground during the winter, or how to preserve them until next spring. goskagit.com

FALL HOME & GARDEN | PREPARING FOR WINTER

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Insulate Drafts ooler temperatures reveal places where cold air is sneaking in your home.

Blocking off these areas can save you money and add to your comfort once winter comes in full force.

An easy way to find obvious issues is to walk around entrance points in your home with a lit candle. Place it around the frame of doors and windows and watch for the flame to flicker. Sometimes, a professional inspection is required to find the hard-to-find draft points.

Some common ones can be attic holes, access hatches and fireplace dampers.

Fix Your Doors If you notice drafts coming in through an exterior door, there are several ways to correct the issue. Depending on the size of gap allowing cool air inside, here are some methods you can use to alleviate them.

Window Maintenance

yet highly effective. If you notice your windows can use a touch up, visit your local hardware store and choose a type that is meant for the exterior of your home.

The United States Department of Energy reports that air leaks through gaps around windows are responsible for 10 percent of a If you’ve tried to resolve window home’s leakage. If the issue isn’t too drafts alone but are getting nowhere, far gone, it can be easily resolved. it may be in your best interest An affordable option is to apply to replace them completely. A window film. This wrap is meant professional can point you in the to be put in place and heated with direction of Energy Star windows a hair dryer. It works to quickly which will help lower your monthly shrink and seal the drafts let in utility bill. by windows. Caulk is inexpensive

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• Install new sweeps: A door sweep seals gaps between the bottom of a door and its threshold.

If your old one has been battered or appears dented, it may be time to install a new one to provide ultimate sealing.

• Use foam tape: If your door is warped or doesn’t fits its frame snug, the answer can be to insulate it with foam tape. It’s easy to use.

Simply cut to size and secure it to drafty areas, per the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Use a door snake: These weighted socks are available for the floor or to hang around the perimeter of a door. They are effective when trying to block small draft points.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN | PREPARING FOR WINTER

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Is Your Heating System Ready for Cool Weather? avvy homeowners know that with cool weather, comes a bit of preparation.

A quick audit of your heating equipment can mean less wasted energy, a more comfortable home and lower energy bills.

Nearly half of all heating and cooling equipment in U.S. homes never performs to its advertised capacity and efficiency due to incorrect installation, according to U.S. government estimates. And if you have an older system that was built before current efficiency standards, you could be spending more than needed on heating your home.

If it’s time to replace your system, be sure to have it properly installed by an HVACR professional, certified

by North American Technician Excellence (NATE), the nation’s largest nonprofit certification body for HVACR technicians. NATE-certified technicians are skilled professionals who have proven their knowledge in the HVACR industry by passing specialized certification tests.

“The NATE-certified techs who perform maintenance and repairs do a consistently great job. We never have any concerns if the job is done right,” says Rob Kirkpatrick, a longstanding customer of Thermal Services, a Nebraska-based contractor.

Beyond having an efficient heating system properly installed, you can prepare for the season in the following ways: • Clean heating filters. Check them every couple of weeks and change them at least twice in the season, or as directed by the manufacturer.

• Check and maintain insulation.

Improperly insulated walls, floors,

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attics, basements and crawlspaces drain away heat and can also lead to moisture imbalance. Adding weather stripping and caulk around windows and doors can also improve a home’s insulation.

with dry air.

• Look into geothermal heating systems which use earth’s natural heat and are among the most efficient and energy-conserving heating and cooling technologies currently available.

• Turn down the thermostat or install a programmable thermostat to • For optimal performance of regulate temperature. your HVAC system, get an annual • Clean the furnace area. Don’t service contract which includes both keep chemicals or cleaning products heating and cooling maintenance. near a heater, and don’t store anyBut take care to avoid poor service thing next to it that could impede and scams. To find a qualified local ventilation. contractor who employs certified HVACR professionals, look for the • Free all vents and returns of NATE logo or go to www.natex.org. obstructions. Don’t lay carpet over

vents, place furniture over or in front By incorporating a few energyof them, or obstruct the flow of air. friendly habits into your routine and by making sure your heating • Dry air feels cooler than moist system is operating optimally, this air, so install a humidifier. A simple humidifier may make the home feel season, you can keep utility bills low while maintaining a cozy, comfive degrees warmer than a home fortable home.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN | PREPARING FOR WINTER

Weatherization Myths – Debunked!

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eatherizing your home for each season can make it more comfortable – but how to do it can be confusing. Here are four common weatherizing myths – busted! – to help get your home ready for cooler weather to come.

Myth 1: It doesn’t matter where your thermostat is placed.

Truth: Location, location,

location! You may be spending more on heating and cooling than you need to be if your thermostat is in the wrong place. Placed in direct sunlight, you run the risk of getting false readings, as it can “think” the room is warmer than it actually feels, causing your air conditioner to turn on when it isn’t needed. Similarly, a thermostat placed near the kitchen often reads that the home is far warmer than it

blinds during the day when direct sunlight hits can also allow for a warming effect. In winter, draperies should be closed at dusk but opened at dawn.

truly is due to the stove and oven.

The best location is on an interior wall, centrally located and near areas where you spend the most time, ensuring these rooms are the most comfortable.

In addition, heat escape through windows can be prevented with window insulation products such as Duck brand Roll-On Window Kits, which create a barrier between outdoor air and a home’s interior, helping block drafts and air leaks. And, it’s also a myth that these are hard to install: A pre-

Myth 2: Closed curtains and blinds in cold weather prevent heat escape.

Truth: According to the

Department of Energy, shades and drapes can reduce heat loss from a warm room by up to 10 percent.

However, opening curtains and

MYTHS | CONT. ON PG.8

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FALL HOME & GARDEN | PREPARING FOR WINTER

FALL HOME & GARDEN FRESHEN UP

Three Unexpected Upgrades to Add Beauty and Comfort to Your Home While a simple home upgrade once meant a new area rug or fresh coat of paint, these days, there are new and unexpected ways to update your space in order to add beauty and comfort to your home.

MYTHS | CONT. FROM PG.7 taped edge makes for easy roll-on application, requiring no measuring, while fitting snuggly to indoor window frames to provide an airtight, crystal-clear seal.

Myth 3: It’s expensive to draftproof your home.

Truth: Homeowners can

Myth 4: It’s cheaper to keep your home at a constant temperature.

Truth: A common

misconception is that it’s better to keep your home at a constant temperature, even when you’re not home. However, if the system runs less during the day, it uses less energy. According to Energy. gov, you can save as much as 10 percent a year on heating and cooling by turning your thermostat back 7-10 degrees from its normal setting for eight hours a day.

actually save hundreds of dollars annually on heating and cooling costs with proper weatherization early in the season. How do you do it? There are many inexpensive, do-it-yourself weatherization products that are Still need more help? For adeasy on the wallet and easy to ditional tips and information, text install, requiring minimal — if any “Weather” to 84444 to access — tools.

Duck brand’s Project Selector, an online resource for project guides, Windows and doors are the instructional videos and more, or two largest draft sources in any visit DuckBrand.com. home and should be top priorities for homeowners. Duck brand MAX Strength Silicone Weatherstrip Seals are quick to install and seal various size gaps around windows and doors that may be allowing air to escape.

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Don’t let common myths scare you. Weatherizing can be an affordable, easy do-it-yourself project — especially if you plan ahead.

HOMEstyle & Garden 2018 Fall

• Think Smart: New technology can add unexpected convenience and luxury to your everyday life.

Virtual assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Apple HomeKit, can help make your space cozy, comfortable and secure, giving you the ability to control light bulbs, door locks, blinds, music and more with voice commands. Companion apps also allow you to control home elements through your phone from anywhere.

Particular about your shower?

Create the perfect experience every day by programming temperature and water flow settings to your liking.

Enjoying family movie night and don’t want to get off the couch? With a WiFi-enabled SIMPLEconnect smart fan from Hunter Fan Company, for example, you can turn the light and breeze on and off with simple voice commands.

• Living gallery wall: Add vitality and beauty to your space with a living gallery wall, whereby plant life becomes a work of art.

Known as a vertical garden, there are many ways to go about it, whether it’s affixing planters in a pattern to your wall or hanging a flat panel of succulents and moss and bordering it with a picture goskagit.com

frame. This will create a lively visual and a healthy one at that -- adding oxygen to the rooms of your home, or even nutrition, should you choose to plant herbs.

• Add a breeze: Whether you live in an old house where central air is non-existent or you just want to add some ventilation to your space with a low-key upgrade, there’s no need to call in an HVAC team. Adding a ceiling fan to the landing of your staircase, for example, can help pull and circulate cool air into the upstairs space. Or, consider transforming the traditionally neglected laundry room into a space that’s comfortable for getting chores done. The addition of a ceiling fan can create a breeze and alleviate the heat created by the dryer. Lowprofile versions like the Cranbrook from Hunter Fan Company, are a good fit for the small square footage of a laundry room.

For more design or upgrade tips, follow Hunter Fan Company on

FALL HOME & GARDEN | FRESHEN UP

An Exterior Paint Makeover

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t’s amazing what a little paint can do to change the appearance of the exterior of your home. Whether you choose to touch up your trim or cover the entire exterior of a building, fall is a great time to get this job done.

Fall Conditions Cooperate Since most regions don’t experience much humidity during autumn, the chance that paint will dry evenly and adhere to surfaces are greatly enhanced.

High levels of humidity can cause moisture from the air to get between the surface and paint, causing flaking and a dull color.

According to real estate experts at Zillow, spring is the time of year when buyers face the most competition, resulting in homes selling faster and for higher premiums. If you’re considering going to market after winter has passed, a fresh coat of paint can add value and curb appeal to attract homebuyers.

Touching Up or Major Operation?

When planning your exterior paint job, ask yourself if you are only focusing on a small area or aiming to coat your entire

home. Small jobs are easy for a homeowner, but ensure you are using the correct paint for your region’s conditions and stay safe if you’ll be on a ladder.

Those who will be painting their entire home should consider hiring a contractor. Especially for those with larger homes, getting those hard-to-reach areas can be extremely dangerous; a professional is well-trained and experienced. Plus, during the fall, the demand for painters may not be as high as it is in other seasons, meaning there shouldn’t be a long wait list.

Refresh Trim Don’t ignore the trim of your home when painting the exterior.

A fresh coat of paint to highlight your doors and windows can make a drab entrance area pop.

To add an even more attractive ambiance, consider hanging shutters which match your trim color to surrounding windows.

(c) Diana Elizabeth Blog for Hunter Fan Company

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Thinking outside the box when updating your space can go a long way toward adding beauty and comfort to your home.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN | DECOR

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Bring Fall Indoors he beginning of fall is a fun time of the year for both children and adults.

Exciting holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving are right around the corner.

Spruce your home up with accents related to this festive time of year.

Pumpkins as a Centerpiece If you have ever walked through a grocery store or watched commercials during autumn, you have witnessed America’s obsession with pumpkin everything. From coffee to cereal, there is no doubt that pumpkins are a staple during fall.

instead. Take carving up a notch by trying out advanced patterns. Find artwork online for inspiration, it’s amazing what you can do with a little patience and practice.

is seeing the ground littered with pinecones. Even if you don’t have a cone-producing tree in your yard, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a neighbor or family member would be thrilled to let you take them home.

A few other good ideas to make a statement with pumpkins are to add them to an attractive display Get your whole family involved featuring baskets, accent flowers to participate in engaging crafts like: and painting them different colors.

• Pinecone roses: Paint the Of course, the most popular way Or, consider covering mini pumpkins outer shell in different colors and to use a pumpkin as a centerpiece with a clear dome and showcase attach them to stems from the is by carving a face into it. them on a fireplace mantel. tree for a standout display.

Traditionally, a small candle is placed Pinecones inside to illuminate it in the dark.

• Make a spider: Googly eyes For extra safety points, consider Another way to tell fall is here and pipe cleaners can make using a battery-powered LED light 10

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FALL HOME & GARDEN | DECOR anything look humorous, even a pinecone spider.

• Bird feeder:

Cover a pinecone with peanut butter and roll it in wild bird seed. Hang it from a tree and enjoy the new wildlife in your yard.

For most crafts involving pinecones, a hot glue gun will be your best friend. Check with your local hobby store for the right tool to fit your demands.

Hay, fall!

Hay bales are another staple during fall decorating. With a few bales of straw, attractive flowers and cornstalks, you can create a display that makes your front entrance stand out.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN | DECOR

Home Design Ideas for Travel Enthusiasts

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ravelers are often struck by the unique style of a certain locale, such as the bright colors of Havana or the chic sophistication of Paris. If your family plans to travel soon, you will likely return longing to recreate memories of your time away.

An easy way to do so is by infusing inspiration from travels into home décor. From highlighting trinkets and souvenirs to hanging foreign tapestries, there are many ways to integrate favorite locales into your space.

Start with Souvenirs Travelers can’t help but obsess over their life-changing experiences, and of course, want to remember their journeys with souvenirs.

But how do you incorporate your passion for adventure into your

space without making your home look like a mismatched jumble of snow globes?

searching for items that can be transported home in a suitcase, like candles with a scent reminiscent of “Mementos should be highlighted the trip or collectibles that double as without detracting from your overall décor,” says Danielle DeBoe Harper, interior designer and senior creative content manager at Moen, a leading manufacturer of kitchen and bath fixtures. “When traveling, skip the cheesy souvenir shops and look for distinctive pieces that serve as accents instead.”

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HOMEstyle & Garden 2018 Fall

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FALL HOME & GARDEN | DECOR coffee table centerpieces. Vases and small pieces of art are great choices, too.

incorporate a muted color palette with metal and wooden elements.

Combine a matte black faucet, such Be Mindful of the Buildings as Moen’s Align spring kitchen faucet, with a shiplap backsplash “Whether it’s columns inspired by in your kitchen, or mix wood floors the Colosseum or arches mimicking with an industrial-inspired dining set Westminster Abbey’s Gothic design, to achieve a chic, unfinished vibe using textures and materials in your popular in Nordic countries. space that mirror the architecture of your favorite getaway can transport Picture Perfect you back to that destination,” Travelers take hundreds — even suggests DeBoe Harper. thousands! — of snapshots which For example, imitate the bold flair can help determine a color palette in a space. of Mexico by incorporating handpainted tiles on staircases or kitchen backsplashes for an unexpected pop of color. Or, integrate stone mosaics and latticework in an homage to Mayan architecture.

For a sleek Scandinavian interior,

“Sorting through photographs from travels can help identify prominent hues from favorite destinations and subtly engage your memory of what it was like to be there,” says DeBoe Harper.

“Incorporate those colors through

paint, fabrics or wallpaper.”

For example, bring the coast inland by adding taupe woven rugs, painting the walls pale blue and infusing golden accents through a Brushed Gold faucet and coordinating accessories, like those from Moen’s Voss bathroom suite.

Took a trip to Washington, D.C. during cherry blossom season? Bring the capital’s foliage into your home with pops of pink and faux flowers.

“Integrating past adventures into your space doesn’t require an entire home redesign,” says DeBoe Harper.

“Whether you’re replicating hip Brooklyn or bohemian Costa Rica, do better than just putting up some refrigerator magnets. Use these tips to update your space and help you remember past trips.”

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FALL HOME & GARDEN | STAYING SAFE

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Home security systems

ooking for ways to increase the value of your home? Consider installing a home security system. According to SafeWise, an independent review site, buyers are more willing to pay more for a house that makes them feel secure, and a home security system can go along way toward creating that feeling.

Home security systems can also reduce the cost of home insurance for you and your potential buyers; according to SafeWise, many insurance companies offer discounts of up to 20 percent with the addition of a security system.

SafeWise suggests the factors you should consider as you’re considering a purchase or shopping for different systems.

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Consider your goals for a security system

Think about what would encourage you to buy the house.

Whether it’s to deter potential burglars or to notify you about potential flooding or give you the ability to electronically check in on children, what do you want to get out of the system? What will potential buyers want? If you live in a neighborhood with low crime rates, the focus may be different.

Security systems offer different levels of features. Some systems can connect smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to the system, which will contact emergency services in the event the alarms go off. You can also install wired and wireless surveillance cameras inside

HOMEstyle & Garden 2018 Fall

Look at the available features

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FALL HOME & GARDEN | STAYING SAFE and outside your home. Depending on the system, it can do more than deter burglars; many systems now allow you to keep watch on your house via smartphone apps or alert you to someone trying to access gun or liquor cabinets or other sensitive areas.

Determine what you can afford Security systems can be expensive. The installation can cost anywhere from $250 to $1,000, according to SafeWise. More cameras and monitoring options will cost more to install.

Additionally, you have a monthly payment to the security company, which varies depending on the plan and levels of monitoring. Plans can be as inexpensive as $20 to $30 a month up to several hundred dollars a month for round-the-clock monitoring or regular security patrols.

Look at other safety-oriented features Hardwood or reinforced exterior doors, commercial grade deadbolts on exterior doors, strong locks for windows that open and motion detectors on outdoor lighting.

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