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Learning to grow a garden brings so many benefits to your life and your home. You get to spend time outdoors breathing fresh air while growing plants yourself to either beautify your home or grow food for consumption. Either way, you are giving back to the plant and raising the property value of your home.
We experience all four seasons here in Oklahoma, and when you wish to garden, it's essential to understand how and when to begin the process. Whether you are just starting or need to prepare your existing garden for the spring season, we're here with gardening tips to help you see success this growing season.
The winter weather in Oklahoma can be pretty tricky — just because we get a 70° day does not mean you get to start popping your seeds in the ground. There can still be days where it gets below freezing, which can kill your plants before they have been able to take root. Once we experience the warm weather, though, you should begin to prepare your landscaping for gardening. Below is are some items you should check for when prepping your space:
Once you have a professional inspect any animal holes you’ve discovered and cleaned out the garden bed from trash, debris, and other items, you can begin prepping your soil. You can then turn the ground to loosen the dirt and awaken it before planting your seeds. The spring gardening season is all about new growth. Feeding your soil with fertilizer and manure gets your plants more nutrition and gives them a better chance to grow big and strong. Once you turn the soil, you can visit a local garden center to find out exactly what nutrients would be best for your garden. You will want to mix it thoroughly to get even feeding. Once completed, you will be able to start planting in your beds.
If you currently have year-round plants in your garden beds, it would be best to remove any dead twigs or leaves and prune them back. You will promote new growth since the plant can focus its energy there instead of keeping the dead alive. They will be able to blossom quicker and grow longer as well.
When planning your garden or landscaping, make sure you give your plants the support they need by installing structure systems before placing the seeds or starts. The dedicated DIY-er can quickly build items like trellises, or you can purchase them from a garden supply store. They can be as simple as some string attached to your roof, or they can be crafted from wrought iron in elaborate designs.
The world of gardening can open you and your home to many different benefits. Getting exercise outside and breathing in the fresh air can do wonders for your physical and mental health. Also, taking up a hobby is a great way to pass the time. Growing flowers you can pick and display can also help you save a bit of money if decorating is something you love. You can also save money by growing your fruits and vegetables. Homes with blooming flowers also tend to price better when placing them on the market. Below are some other benefits you can personally feel from digging into the Earth
Even after you feel safe enough to place your plants in the ground, there could always be a surprise cold snap before the warm weather entirely takes hold. For the sake of your garden, you should be prepared to cover your plants. While your local garden center will have professional covers, you could always use items around the house such as light blankets, plastic sheeting, tarps, buckets, and more.
If you’re looking to create your dream home, Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans. Our homes are energy efficient and built with the most attention to detail. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today!
Hardwood floors have been the premier flooring material for homes for centuries. And for a good reason, it’s a luxurious and durable flooring material that can increase the value of your home by 3-5%. There is a variety of wood flooring types available, including oak, cherry, and maple, that allow you to customize the look of your home’s floor.
Whether you plan on selling, you’ve settled into your forever home, are in the process of building your dream home, it’s essential that you properly clean and maintain your hardwood floors to keep them looking gorgeous for years. Here are a few tips for caring for your home’s hardwood floors.
To make sure your wood floors remain in good condition for years to come, it’s recommended that you follow a regular routine for dusting, cleaning, polishing, and refinishing. For starters, dust or sweep your floors daily, or at least several times a week, to remove settled dust, dirt, and pet hair. Not only can this prevent scratches but also reduce allergens in your home. We recommend using a flat mop with a microfiber head or disposable cloths that have been treated with a dusting agent. You can also use a soft-bristled angled broom that can reach those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.
You should also vacuum your wood floors on a weekly basis. This will help keep your home clean and help in picking up any dirt or crumbs that were missed when sweeping. Look for a vacuum with a floor-brush attachment that’s safe for wood floors, as beater bar attachments designed for carpet can scratch your floor’s finish. For low maintenance, opt for a robot vacuum such as a Roomba®.
Each month, you should clean your wood floors with a hardwood floor cleaner. Simply grab a mop and a cleaner designed for wood floors, such as Bona, Pledge, Swiffer, or Black Diamond. Keep in mind that using too much liquid can damage your floors, and using the wrong formula may not work. Do some research to find a cleaner that’s safe for your specific type of flooring.
Even with regular cleaning, your wood floors may start to look dull over time. Refinishing your floors every seven to 10 years can help restore their original shine and appearance. If you’re not experienced in refinishing hardwood flooring, we recommend finding a professional who specializes in hardwood refinishing and restoration.
Water is one of the single most significant threats to your wood flooring. Water can cause your hardwood floors to lift, split, or crack, which can lead to more time-consuming and costly repairs. Luckily, most wood floors have a layer of sealant to help protect them from water damage and staining. However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t clean up spills when they occur. Use a dry or slightly damp cloth to wipe up the spill as soon as you notice it. You should also avoid using a wet mop or steam cleaner on your hardwood floors, as this may also cause water damage.
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to avoid scratching the surface of your wood flooring is by applying furniture pads to the legs of your chairs, sofas, and tables. Furniture pads are explicitly designed to protect your floors. When you’re redesigning your home’s space by moving furniture, furniture pads are a must. When applied, they allow you to glide your furniture across the hardwood without causing deep gouges due to the weight of your furniture.
One of the easiest ways to prevent your wood floors from looking dull is by placing an area rug. Not only will the rug protect your hardwood from UV rays, but it will also save it from wear and tear due to foot traffic. Rugs can help preserve your wood flooring but can be easily removed when you want to show off your beautiful hardwood when hosting a family get-together.
As a homeowner, you can do everything right to protect your wood floors, but sometimes scratches are unavoidable. Before calling a professional, DIY-savvy homeowners may choose to repair the scratches on their hardwood floors on their own. Depending on the type of scratch, you may not need expensive tools to complete the repairs. If you plan on attempting the repair on your own, we suggest following these tips to ensure fabulous results.
Wood floors are one of the most luxurious flooring types and can add a lot of value to your home with the proper care and maintenance. Do-it-yourself homeowners will be able to provide the best protection for their floors with these tips and tricks. However, in case of significant damage to your wood floors, a professional will be able to provide you excellent results.
When you build your dream home with Landmark Fine Homes, you’ll be able to choose the hardwood finishes for your entire home and design it to match your unique style. Although hardwood floors are what most people know, there are many products that can give you the same look such as engineered wood and wood-llike tile. The Landmark Fine Homes design center offers a great selection for you to choose from. Our homes are also energy efficient and built with the most attention to detail. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today!
The weather is getting warmer, and it’s about to be prime outdoor entertaining season! Is your patio up to the challenge? No matter how big or small your patio is, you can transform it into the perfect space to hang out with your family, host a gathering, or just relax with a good book. Not sure how to decorate your patio? We’ve got some ideas.
To make your patio a truly relaxing outdoor space, it needs to feel like a natural extension of your indoor space. When you’re considering how to decorate your outdoor patio, choose furniture that fits your overall aesthetic but is made of weather-resistant materials. By the same token, don’t be afraid to bring out indoor accessories to make it homier.
How will you light your outdoor living space? String lights can be a simple but elegant solution, but if you want to go with more bling, consider a chandelier. Even something as easy as paper lanterns and candles can give your patio the perfect ambiance. Experiment until you find the perfect lighting to suit your style.
Do you have a small patio? If you like the cozy feel of it, keep your décor small, with a little bistro set for chatting or having an intimate meal. On the other hand, a small patio can easily be expanded, using a pergola or even a folding umbrella to create the appearance of a larger space. If you want to literally extend the floor space, extra pavers will do the trick. If you don’t care about extra space but want to make your patio feel bigger, paint it in a light color and add a mirror.
One of the easiest ways to decorate your patio is to layer it with textures, using carpets, cushions, and throws to make it a welcoming space. Large cushions can create additional seating, and if your space lends itself to it, you might even want to consider hanging some curtains.
Make the most of the landscaping around your patio, but don’t hesitate to landscape the patio itself as well. A vertical garden wall, vines climbing over a pergola, or flowers cascading out of containers, whether hanging or placed around the patio, can make your space feel opulent. You might also consider planting trees around your patio, to give it some welcome shade in the heat of summer.
Do you prefer bright, bold colors and patterns? Consider mixing similar shades in different patterns and textures, for a layered, vibrant look. If you lean more towards minimalism, that can make for a beautiful patio, too. Go for soothing neutrals, with subtle pops of an accent color.
A soothing fountain or a fun fire feature can make a relaxing outdoor space even more enjoyable. Find a piece that’s proportional to your patio and you’ll give your guests a lovely focal point.
A patio table and chair set is fine, but if you have space for it, why not install some better places for lounging. Hang a hammock or even a hanging sofa. Give an old loveseat or daybed new life as part of your outdoor seating.
When you’re choosing a new home, consider the exterior space as well as the interior. If you’re looking to create your dream home, Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans, many with patios and porches just waiting to become yours. Our homes are energy efficient and built with the most attention to detail. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today!
Do you have a spare room that you don’t quite know how to use? Maybe your child just moved out, or maybe you purchased a home that had an extra room, with the vague notion that you could use it for something. Now you’ve got a room lacking in style and function, that may have just turned into a catchall for clutter. Don’t worry, we can help! We’ve got some great spare bedroom ideas for repurposing with style.
Would a guest room suit your lifestyle? The perfect guest room has a comfortable bed, extra linens, storage for clothes and suitcases, and a nice place to sit. Good lighting is a must, and amenities like pens and paper, and an alarm clock are all nice touches.
Could you use a home office or library? Even in a small spare bedroom, ideas for carving out office space are easy to find. Think creatively about what you really need for your office. A work surface, some shelving, and a comfortable chair may fit the bill, and you can easily fit that into even the tiniest of rooms. A quick web search for spare room office ideas will show you plenty of examples of offices, large and small, set up in a variety of configurations. You just have to find the one that works for you.
Would having a creative space appeal to you? One of the best ideas for a spare room in the house is to create a studio or workspace. If you’re artistic, enjoy crafting, or like to sew, this might be for you. An easel or drafting table or even a repurposed kitchen table can give you room to work. Just make sure you have plenty of storage space, so that your studio doesn’t become an unwelcoming eyesore.
Having a fitness room in the house can make it hard to find excuses not to exercise. You can set it up simply, with a treadmill or exercise bike, a mirror, and a television, or go all out and install floors designed for working out, weight training machines, and more. On the other hand, you might want to make it a yoga and meditation room. Soothing colors, dimmer switches, comfy floor pillows, a portable speaker, and some cozy blankets can make it a great place to meditate and relax, and ample floor space gives you room to spread out and do yoga.
A multipurpose room is sometimes the best of all possible solutions. You can outfit your room with a daybed that doubles as a sofa for a room that works for guests or relaxing. Make it cozy with an armchair, reading lamp, and some throws, and put in a small desk or table so that you and your guests can get work done. You can also set up exercise equipment that’s easy to put away or establish a space to house crafts or sewing supplies when you’re using the room for guests. Focusing on creating good storage in that room will allow it to easily transition into whatever it needs to be at any given moment.
Of course, it’s possible that your home just doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore. Is it time to move on to something new? If you’re looking to create your dream home, Landmark Fine Homes has beautiful new and custom-built homes in a variety of sizes and floorplans. Our homes are energy efficient and built with the most attention to detail. Make your next house the home of your dreams by contacting Landmark Fine Homes today!
Downsizing to a smaller home is a new and unique chapter of your life. No longer are you looking for a home that can accommodate your growing family or ever-accumulating belongings.
If you’re in the market to downsize, it can be overwhelming as you debate what items to keep and what should be thrown away or donated now that you’ll have less room. Nevertheless, you can approach downsizing easily by following the tips we’ve listed below.
Start with large items. Does your new home already have washer and dryer units or just hookups? If it’s just hookups, are your washer and dryer in good condition, or do you need to replace them? The same goes for your refrigerator and dishwasher.
The cost of moving large appliances should also be considered. If you’re moving out of state, is the rate for moving per pound affordable? On average, moving companies charge $0.50 per pound.
Aside from appliances, think of other large items that you own. Decide if the furniture you own will fit in your new, smaller home. You may need to donate a couch or chair. If you’re moving into a home with fewer bedrooms, you may need to sell or donate a mattress, dresser, or bed frame.
Measure your furniture and the rooms in your new home to make sure your furniture will be able to fit in your smaller place. When looking at your furniture, think about what pieces you can’t live without instead of what to get rid of.
If you’re moving a long distance, it may be easier to sell furniture you’re not attached to and buy new pieces that better fit your new space when you arrive.
Starting the downsizing process can be a nightmare for some people. An easy place to begin sorting are places that are rarely used, such as the basement. Little nooks and crannies are easy places to start as you can discover items that you haven’t used in years. Here you can find items that are collecting dust and can easily be donated or thrown out. Other places you can look at first are sheds, garages, spare rooms, and closets.
Rooms like the kitchen house items that you use every day. There shouldn’t be many items that you discard from here. Keep your favorite pans, silverware, and small appliances. Remember, think about what items you can’t live without rather than what you can throw away.
Don’t make a separate category for storage when sorting through your possessions. The general theory is, if you don’t use it over an entire year, you don’t need it. This rule allows you to keep seasonal clothes and decorations that you generally use once a year. A storage locker is an additional fee to hold belongings you may not use ever. The monthly fee for a standard storage unit can range from $60 to $180.
Letting go of sentimental items is difficult for anyone. These possessions hold emotional and nostalgic value. If you collect particular things, the same can be said about them, too. However, moving to a smaller home means your opportunity to display these items is limited. When going through these items, only keep the special ones — the ones that stand out from the rest.
Downsizing can be a daunting task. Choosing which possessions are worth keeping versus donating or throwing away can be difficult, especially if your new home is much smaller than your current one. However, by approaching this task with more rationality, it can be much easier. Welcome the new chapter of your life with a renewed sense of joy as you go through items that you may not use anymore.
If you’re looking to create your dream home, contact us today. Our custom homes are energy efficient and built with the most attention to detail. Make your next house the home of your dreams with Landmark Fine Homes.