Misc.

Summer may be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up on evenings spent outside on your deck. If you feel like your deck space isn’t living up to its full potential, a furniture upgrade might be the solution. Choosing the right furniture for your deck can transform your space and make it more usable for whatever you intend to do out there.

Read on to discover five tips on how to pick furniture for your deck.

1. Plan ahead.
   Before rushing to buy the first available furniture set, take some time to plan. Think about what you currently use your deck for and what you would like to use it for in the future. Then, get rid of any furniture you no longer wish to keep. When you know what you’re going to remove, you’ll have a better idea of your deck layout. Next, a Sparta, NJ, interior decorator recommends you measure the space, as this is a critical step in buying any type of furniture. Is your deck large enough to accommodate a 7-piece set? Or is it better suited for a couple of chairs and a side table? Be sure to know what you want and what can fit into your space before making any decisions.
   
2. Be aware of the weather
   When choosing the materials for your outdoor furniture, it is critical to understand the weather patterns of your particular area. While any piece of outdoor furniture is bound to take a beating from the elements, a well-chosen material will last longer than one poorly thought-out piece. For areas that receive more rainfall, avoid wooden pieces susceptible to rot and iron furniture that will rust. In especially sunny areas, remember that the sun can bleach fabric and wood over time.
   
3. Consider comfort
   If you are in the market for new furniture for your deck, you clearly enjoy spending time out there. As such, prioritize your comfort when searching for new furniture. Check the feel of any piece you intend to buy if you are able. If you are drawn to a metal set, be sure to find cushions for the sake of your back. Cushions are an excellent option for wooden sets as well. For those who like to lounge on their deck, consider rattan and wicker pieces. 
   
4. Choose furniture that matches how you will use the space
   Do you host a lot of dinner parties? A complete outdoor dining set is a no-brainer since you can take your regular gatherings outside when the weather permits. Do you simply like to relax and unwind outdoors? An outdoor bar cart containing everything you need to prepare and serve drinks is a must for some, while a fire pit and benches for family gatherings are essential for others. For a smaller space such as an apartment patio, a café table and chairs to read at and drink coffee might be a perfect choice. Whatever your needs are, be sure to pick your furniture wisely.
   
5. Prioritize storage
   When choosing furniture for your deck, opting for pieces that double as storage units is practical. A bench that lifts to store cushions is a great option, especially if you want your cushions to last a bit longer. Another popular choice is a large coffee table that lifts for even more hiding spots. If you intend to store away your furniture over the winter months, opt for pieces that are easily foldable or stack well so you can easily cover them during inclement weather.
   

We hope the tips above help you to select the best furniture for your deck!

Spring brings more than just the promise of new life; spring is a time to restart, refresh, and prepare for the warmer months ahead. While pastels and florals are the first things that come to mind when we think of spring, there are many different color combos you can introduce to your home. Read on to discover tips on the best color combinations for spring.

Yellows and white

While it may be obvious, yellow and white is a beautiful combination for the springtime. Think a freshly hatched chick still in its egg. You can choose a bright canary yellow or a more mild tone, such as a lemon yellow. Accenting with green amps up the natural vibe. To implement this color combination, a Warrenton, VA interior decorator recommends accenting your white backgrounds with yellow. For example, you could add a bright yellow pillow to your white couch. Or, you can hang yellow dish towels in an all-white kitchen. 

Greens and pinks

Green and pink is an extremely versatile color combination. The warmth of pink perfectly complements the cool, earthy vibe of green. For a spring twist, pair shamrock green with hot pink. If that is too bright for your tastes, consider combining mint with bubblegum pink. Whatever tone and shade you decide, you can be sure that your green and pink color combination will look lovely.

Greens and gold

Green is the color of the season, and pairs beautifully with many other colors. Gold pairs exceptionally well with deep, earthy greens. The metallic nature of gold perfectly balances and contrasts with the natural quality of the green. It also brightens up green tones, evoking a look of the sun shining on leaves. There are many ways to introduce this color palette into your home, from potting your plants in gold to framing green-toned artwork in gold frames.

Shades of blue

Blue is the color of the sky on a clear spring day, and maybe the next color of your living space. Since it is so versatile, blue is the perfect color to paint a large room, according to professional Ohio house painters. Pale blues pair beautifully with white countertops in your kitchen and silver or stainless steel appliances. Robin’s egg blue walls look wonderful paired with deeper blue furnishings, such as navy or indigo.

Blues and friends

Not only does blue work well with itself, but it also pairs well with others. Violet goes with a more subdued shade of blue, such as robin’s egg. Lavender and cerulean are another winning blue-purple combo. You can also pair blue with deeper shades of yellow, such as mustard or honey, or with green for a match made in spring heaven. Consider pairing a bright green with a greenish toned blue, such as aqua or turquoise.

Spring is a time for renewal. Whether you plan on completely refreshing your house with a new coat of paint or are looking to add some fresh decor, these tips will surely help you pick the color combination that suits your tastes best.

With winter approaching, it is time to start prepping your yard for colder weather. You want to do all that you can now to ensure your lawn is protected from both seasonal storms and freezing temperatures in the future. Follow these tips on how to prepare your yard for winter and you’ll be in good condition come springtime.

Keep on mowing

A huge misconception is that as soon as the weather turns cold, you can stop mowing your yard. Depending on what type of grass you have, the blades may not stop growing until the ground freezes. The ideal length of grass in the winter is about 4 inches. This height protects the roots from being damaged and can help prevent bare spots in the spring. Not only does a well-maintained lawn keep up your curb appeal, but it will also make raking and other preparation tasks much more manageable. 

Aerate your lawn

Aeration is a simple and vital step for preparing your yard for the winter. Creating holes in your yard breaks up dry, compacted soil, which allows water and nutrients to reach the roots and provides more room for oxygen. Aeration helps your grass grow and ensures a healthy yard for the spring says the Delaware Valley landscapers.

Place seeds in sparse areas

Place seeds in your yard’s bare spots as well as areas that are thinning. This helps prevent diseases and promotes growth for the spring. Don’t forget to water your seeds! The ground is more susceptible to moisture in the fall, so you’ll have the best chance at a lush lawn when you remember to water and protect your seeds. 

Remove weeds 

For those who don’t mind getting their hands dirty, pulling weeds is essential to achieving a healthy and beautiful lawn. After a storm, the soil is loose, and weeds can easily be removed. If you prefer to leave your hands clean, use a dandelion tool or weed cutter. When your lawn enters into winter weed-free, you’ll have a less chance of weeds early on in the spring. 

Rake the leaves

Though fall leaves are beautiful on the trees, they’re a nuisance once they’re on our lawns. Though raking can be a difficult chore, it’s best not to procrastinate. If you don’t remove the leaves in a timely fashion, your piles will only get bigger and bigger, and your lawn won’t be able to receive as much oxygen. Save yourself the labor and your grass from suffocation by staying on top of your raking.

Lay down mulch 

Mulching around flowers, plants, and trees in your yard helps protect them from the freezing temperatures, discourages animals from ruining them, and keeps weeds under control. It also improves the appearance of your lawn. Fun fact! You can use fallen leaves as a mulch substitute. 

Fertilize the grass

If you have a cool season grass, like Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, or fine and tall fescue, then you should fertilize your lawn in the fall. This helps feed the roots nutrients and strengthens your turf for the winter. Additionally, fertilization encourages root growth for the spring. Make sure you use a winterizer fertilizer as there are different types of fertilizers for various purposes.

Taking proper care of your lawn in the fall will put you on the right track to having a lush and healthy lawn come spring. If you don’t know where to begin, contact a professional landscaper, and they’ll be able to come up with the best plan on how to prepare your yard for winter. 

When you have a pet, there are certain precautions you must take to ensure your home is safe for them to wander and roam. Add a baby into the mix and that’s double the protective measures! From furniture tipping to accidentally getting a hold of over-the-counter medications, there are many things your little ones can get into that need to be properly secured.

Invisible Fence® Brand Shields® Avoidance Solutions system can keep pets out of unwanted areas in the home, making sure both your pet and your little ones are safe around everyday household items.   

Check out this infographic, created by StayDog, with tips and information about keeping your pets and babies out of harm’s way.

How to Keep Kids and Pets Safe in the Home