5 New Year’s Resolutions for the Home
GUSTAVO GONZALEZ
Instead of repeating New Year’s resolutions that you’ll never keep, this year try setting a few home improvement goals. You’re certainly aware of the typical “paint your front door” advice for a quick home improvement, but you can save the prettying-up for spring and address the basics now. These resolutions will have an immediate impact on your daily quality of life and help you go into the new year worry-free.
Kitchen
If you consider your kitchen the beating heart of your house, cook up some ways to perform preventative maintenance on your appliances. Machines that receive the brunt of day-to-day use deserve a deep cleaning and a checkup. Make sure to thoroughly clean behind and underneath them and address any operational issues so you can plan for necessary repairs or replacements.
Improvement Idea: Give your kitchen a little TLC by having the countertops resealed and installing a backsplash.
Living Spaces
There’s nothing quite like settling into a room
that’s refreshed from top-to-bottom with spotless windows and floors. Consider renting a floor cleaning machine or scheduling professional services. Furniture with upholstery should get a good steam treatment, and walls could likely use a wipe down to erase months (or years) of smudges and stains. Once you’re finished, your home will look, and more importantly, feel as good as new.
Improvement Idea: To keep floors clean and cut down on the amount of dust particles, irritants and floaters in open areas, consider using air purifiers, entryway shoe racks and robot vacuums/mops.
Garage
Whether it’s your hobby space, tinkering spot or storage for miscellaneous items, the garage is often looked over when it comes to home upkeep – so bring this “out of sight, out of mind” space into the spotlight. Take inventory of everything inside your garage. If you have any unwanted items, set them aside for donation or get rid of them. For everything else, reorganize and declutter by prioritizing items you use often and storing away items that are used sparingly.
Improvement Idea: If you have a bare garage
floor, consider having a professional coat it with paint, concrete sealant or epoxy.
Exterior
Think about a big project that you haven’t had time to get to or have been putting off. Are there leaves or debris still sitting in the gutter? Should a pressure washing be scheduled in the upcoming months? Could the landscaping use a touch-up? Once you have a game plan, you can buckle down and tackle these projects one by one.
Improvement Idea: If now isn’t the best time to deal with outdoor projects, calling around to gather info/quotes and set dates is a simple first step to getting these chores taken care of.
To-do lists for home are never exciting, but by setting aside a time allotment for each area, grabbing some help (with the promise of a reward) and setting up your favorite music playlist, you can lighten the load. You’ll finish up with the pride of knowing your home has been renewed and well-kept for the months to come and be proud that you actually kept your New Year’s resolutions this year!
Guest Room Tips for the Warmest of Welcomes
JENNIFER MCGUIRE
Opening your house to guests is one of the many joys of being a homeowner. You can make guests feel welcomed and comfortable by following these simple tips.
Create the Ultimate “Flex” Room
Flexibility is key in getting the most out of your guest quarters. If you host frequently, the room will likely be used by a wide variety of people – from your high school bestie visiting with her kids on spring break to Great Auntie Edna who’s there for the holidays to your nephew who’s in town to tour college campuses. If you expect to holiday children or multiple guests at the same time, consider investing in bunk beds or at least twin beds to offer several possible combinations of sleeping arrangements. The important thing is to plan ahead and anticipate who you may be hosting. Keep this in mind when decorating the space as well. Selecting a neutral color
palette (step away from that ruffled, hot pink comforter!) will ensure that everyone feels content in their home away from home.
Add Some Local Flavor
Showcase your local community by displaying the highlights or most popular features of your city. Display a coffee table book about its history or attractions. Framed postcards or other artwork that show the best and coolest spots around town will not only dress up the space, but also give visitors a little taste of what they might see and do during their stay. Go one step further and stock the dresser drawer with brochures or travel magazines they can browse through to gather ideas about an itinerary for their vacation.
Walk a Mile in Their Shoes
Want to really understand what your visitors
might need? Spend a night in your guest room with suitcase in tow, and you’ll discover all sorts of little niceties that would make a difference to your guests: handy hooks for wet towels, extra blankets in the bureau, plenty of empty hangers in the closet, a convenient luggage rack, drink coasters for the nightstand, an alarm clock or even a collection of short stories for nighttime reading. Endeavoring to understand their needs from their perspective will help you play the role of the perfect host.
Feel confident when you lay out the welcome mat that those who cross your threshold will enjoy the time spent in your home. Refer to these tips when preparing for overnight guests and you’ll be sure to win points as a first-rate host.
NOTES
New Year’s Eve is all about bubbles and sparkles, and this Champagne Cupcake recipe will add both to your New Year’s Eve party!
INGREDIENTS
For the cupcakes:
Champagne Cupcakes
• 1 15.25 oz box vanilla or white cake mix
• 1 c. sparkling wine
• 3 eggs
• 1/2 c. vegetable oil
For the champagne buttercream:
• 2 sticks salted butter, softened (1 cup)
• 4 1/2 c. powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp. heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest, optional
• 1/4 c. sparkling wine
• Gold and white sparkly sprinkles, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
1. For the cupcakes: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, whisk to combine the cake mix, sparkling wine, eggs and oil. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners. Fill each with 3-4 tablespoons of batter. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes in the pans, then transfer the cupcakes to a wire cooling rack to cool completely, about 1 hour.
2. For the champagne buttercream: In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, 1-2 minutes. Add the powdered sugar, heavy cream, lemon zest (if using) and Prosecco. Mix on low speed just until combined, then increase to medium-high speed and beat for 1-2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
3. Spread the icing on the cupcakes or transfer it to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe the icing around the outer edge of the cupcake, spiraling into the center until the cupcake is completely covered. Top with sprinkles and serve.
HOME TRENDS: THE BEST INDOOR PLANTS TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR WINTER HOME
As winter sets in and the days grow shorter, bringing greenery indoors can instantly lift your mood and add warmth to your home. Indoor plants not only brighten up spaces but also improve air quality, making them a perfect addition to your winter sanctuary. Here are the top indoor plant trends to transform your home this winter.
Eye-catching plants like the fiddle-leaf fig or monstera deliciosa are making a statement in winter home décor. Their large, bold leaves add a dramatic touch to any room, creating a striking contrast against cozy winter elements like warm blankets and soft lighting.
Compact and Stylish Options
For smaller spaces, opt for compact plants like
succulents or the ever-popular peace lily. These plants are trendy and fit seamlessly into shelves, desks, or windowsills, adding a pop of green without overwhelming your space.
Plants with Seasonal Blooms
Winter-friendly flowering plants such as the Christmas cactus or amaryllis can add a festive touch with their vibrant blooms. These plants are easy to care for and provide a cheerful burst of color during the darker months.
Wellness Plants
Consider air-purifying plants like the areca palm or spider plant, which not only freshen the air but also promote relaxation—perfect for creating a cozy winter retreat.
With the right indoor plants, you can enjoy a green oasis that brightens your winter days and enhances your home's comfort. Make your space bloom, even in the coldest months!
$457,167
$420,000
$681,104 1,218 1,212 19 99
Market Insights
Spokane Countyexperienced a moderate increase in the average sale price, rising to $457,167, marking a 7.5% increase compared to November 2023. The median sales price also saw an increase of 3.0%, settling at $420,000. The current inventory rose in a big way to 1,118 listings, an notable increase of 20.0% from the previous year. This represents a 3.3month supply, an increase from October 2024, still indicating a seller's market. Residential closed sales also increased by 3.4%, totaling 371 transactions. Additionally, the median days on the market increased slightly to 19 days. Annual residential sales is right at last year’s level, up 0.7%, totaling 5,239 sales. In similar fashion, Kootenai Countyshowed slightly increased price performance, with the average sale price rising to $681,104, reflecting a 2.5% increase from the previous year. The median sales price had a modest increase of 4.2%, reaching $547,150. Inventory in the area increased by 4.8% to 1,212 listings. Residential closed sales also saw a sizable increase of 21.8%, with 257 transactions recorded. The median days on the market decreased to 99 days. Annual residential sales in Kootenai County are up 9.6%, totaling 3,059 transactions so far this year. As interest rates continue to fluctuate and the market anticipates a busy start to fall, it's crucial to consult