Low-labor, High-impact Ideas for Freshening Your Decor
Open a design magazine or visit a home improvement website and they’ll extol the virtues of repainting as a great way to freshen a room’s decor. But there are plenty of less labor-intensive ways to give a room a new look. From paint accents to new window treatments, here are some ideas for upgrading your decor with a lot less work: * Easier painting tasks - While painting a room is well within the capabilities of most homeowners, it can be a labor-intensive job. One way to take advantage of paint’s power while minimizing the time spent prepping walls and taping trim is to paint a single accent wall. This works espe- cially well if you’re starting out with a neutral palette on the walls, which is often the case if you’ve recently bought your home. Another effective, fast option is to paint one or two pieces of wood furniture to add a quick, easy pop of color to a room. * Window treatments - Changing window treatments can
be a powerful way to give a room the look of a full facelift while altering only one design element. Consider venturing beyond simple drapes or sheers to window treatments such
as cellular shades that offer natural light control and a pop of color.
Products like Simple Fit custom cellular shades by Redi Shade make achieving a custom look easy with cordless positioning and light filtering that create dramatic affects on a room’s ambiance. The honeycomb cellular fabric shades are available in more than 30 colors and three styles that provide light-filtering, blackout and privacy options. Even better, Simple Fit is designed for DIYers to install in less than a minute without drills or brackets. The patented compression mount system means you can install the shades with the touch of a button. Learn more at www.
simplefitcustomshades.com. * Update your accents - Accessories and accents are like jewelry for your room. Throw pillows, area rugs and upholstery afford you the opportunity to add layers of inter- est with patterns, textures and colors. Updating accents can help create a fresh new look for a room, and it’s a great way to add seasonal appeal to your decor. * Add a mural - Designers and homeowners have used
murals to create drama and interest in homes for centuries. But painting a traditional mural is a labor-intensive task that would challenge most DIYers. A wallpaper mural can be a much easier, faster option. You can find a wide selection of scenes and patterns online, or you can even customize a mural with your own original photos and artwork. These murals are easy to install and some even cost less than $100.
* Declutter - How often do we spend time - and money - creating a specific look for a room, only to have the decor fade away into the background behind the clutter of every- day life? Removing clutter is one of the fastest, easiest and cost-free ways to refresh the way a room looks. Decluttering allows a room’s design to shine through and can help even the most cramped space feel larger and more welcoming. With a few simple, low-labor projects, it’s possible to freshen your room’s decor quickly and easily, turning re- decorating into a fast, fun and rewarding project. - ARA Content
Buying a New Mower This Spring? What to Look For
Ah, spring! The weather warms, songbirds return and backyards burst with showy spring blooms. Of course, all this resurgence of life will require some care, which means it’s also time to start thinking about lawn mowing. From saving money to getting exercise, there are plenty of positives about mowing your lawn. To do the job right, however, you’ll need the right tool of course - a good lawn- mower. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute recommends replacing worn out equipment with the latest models to take advantage of new equipment efficien- cies. If you’re in the market for a new mower this
spring, here’s what you should consider before you buy: * How big of a mower do you need for your lawn? Generally, the
more grass you have to mow, the more mower you’ll need to buy. If your lawn is relatively small - a half acre or less - a walk-behind mower should be sufficient for your job. For larger lawns, you’ll prob- ably want a riding mower (also called a lawn tractor). If you decide on a walk-behind model, you also need to consider whether it should be self-propelled or a standard push style. While a push mower will give you a better workout, if your lawn is rough or hilly, self-propelled can make the job more manageable. * How frequently will you need to mow? During the height of summer, grass can grow quickly, especially in regions with moderate temperatures. It’s not unusual for a lawn to need care twice a week. Grass may grow slowly in dryer, hotter regions, so mowing once a week may be sufficient. * How important is energy efficiency? If you have a very small
lawn, you may be able to use an electric mower. With most lawns, however, a gasoline-powered mower will mostly likely be the choice. Assuming most homeowners will opt for a lawnmower with a gaso- line engine, here are key items to look for in that engine: * How easy is it to start? Some walk-behind mowers can be as com- plicated to start as they are to repair. Look for a model, like Kohler’s Courage XT6.75 that requires no priming or choking to start. The mower manages the start-up process so all you have to do is pull the cord and go.
* Can it handle your lawn and terrain? A professional grade engine
can give you the power needed to cut through the grass of your lawn. Whether you are trimming your yard or tackling a little taller grass and weeds, the engine should deliver consistent power to maximize cutting, bagging and mulching performance. Plus, a tough cast-iron design helps your engine last longer, so you can keep the mower longer and reduce costly trips to the repair shop. * How easy is it to maintain? From filling it before each use to cleanup tasks before storing it for the winter, your equipment will require routine lawnmower maintenance to keep it running well. Look for models that make all these tasks as simple as possible. For example, the Kohler Courage XT features the trademarked Accu-Fill gas tank, which is designed to ensure fewer spills and less wasted gas. Simple measures like changing the oil and spark plugs, and cleaning the air filter, can help keep your mower running better, longer, and you’ll be more likely to keep up with those chores if they’re easy to do. Finally, perhaps the most important question to ask before you
invest in a new mower is how much it will save you over the life of the product. When you compare the cost of a new mower to the aver- age cost of professional lawn care, it’s easy to see that the scales tip in
Area News Group
Salem
favor of doing your own mowing. Choosing the right mower with a quality engine can help ensure your mowing experience is productive and positive. Visit
www.kohlerengines.com to learn more about lawn mowers and engines.
- ARA Content
Community Patriot
April 13, 2012 Page 11
NO FUEL CHARGES NO RENTAL CHARGES
Home Improvement
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