BY CINDY JONES
Our annual Home and Garden issue offers so many great resources, courtesy of local businesses to help you make the most of the summer around your home. Take a look at the tips we’ve gathered and be sure to flip through the advertising pages to help you set the stage for a season of home and garden bliss.
Paint
One of the easiest ways to improve your home is to paint! I’m famous for repainting my bathrooms every 2-3 years, because I want to keep those spaces feeling fresh and rejuvenating. Whether you start with a bathroom or go big with your living room or bedroom, you’ll gain a fresh new look as well as remove dirt, marks, and stains from your walls. Online tools like Behr Color Smart or Benjamin Moore Personal Color Viewer allow you to upload a photo of your room and add paint colors, so you can visualize how the space will look.
Install a Ceiling Fan
As the weather warms, installing a ceiling fan can help keep your home cool and comfortable while reducing energy costs. Ceiling fans are a relatively inexpensive, especially if you opt for a basic model without fancy features. They can also help circulate air and improve ventilation. Look for ENERGY STAR-certified fans for maximum energy efficiency and savings on your utility bills.
Install a Programmable Thermostat
Upgrading to a programmable thermostat is an easy and affordable way to improve your home. With programmable thermostats, you can set the temperature based on your daily routines and preferences. Your HVAC system will only run when necessary through the warmer months, and help reduce your utility bills. We have the Nest thermostat ($129-$159 Amazon. com) and it has made controlling the temperature in our home so accessible and easy, even my teen daughters can help keep the house cool and comfortable!
Update Your Front Door
Giving your front door a new look can instantly boost curb appeal. In my neighborhood, I’ve seen houses with deep teal, navy and black doors that complement the siding or brick of the homes’ exteriors—so fun and elegant! If you’re not looking to make a color change, or if your door is already in good condition, you can simply wash it down with some soap and hot water. Don’t forget to replace old hardware like handles and locks to finish and upgrade the look.
Add Mulch to Flower Beds
My favorite day in the spring is the day I get new bark mulch for all my flower beds and my perennial garden! Mulch neatens up your flower beds, smells amazing and helps retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps suppress weed growth, and who doesn’t want fewer weeds to pull? Websites like thespruce. com and gardeningknowhow.com can help you decide what kind of mulch is best for your flower beds, and the garden centers at most home improvement stores can also help provide guidance.