4 Easy Ways to Improve Your Landscaping Design This Spring

If you need to refresh your yard, these four easy ways to improve your landscaping design could be just what you need. They are guaranteed to make your yard look better this spring

Plant Just One Tree

You don’t need to do a full landscaping project to improve your yard. Just planting one tree can make a big difference. You might want to plant a tree that will turn into a large shade tree to provide a cool place to hang out during the summer. You also might consider adding a fruit tree for both beauty and functionality. 

Add a Colorful Punch With Mulch

If you have a yard with mature trees, you'll want to place a relatively small amount of mulch on the lawn. It will provide an attractive look to the landscaping design, and it will help keep the roots healthier. The most common colors are red and brown, but if you could use something more unique, go for it!

Add Some Edging

If your yard is small and you're a rookie gardener, you may want to add color-coordinated edging. You could even consider adding a border around the entire yard. However, it's best if you avoid this design. Even if it's just one foot or so wide, it can look bad very quickly. Besides the fact that the idea of adding a 'border' is silly in this day and age, it could create problems with roots and soil.

Create a Focal Point That's All About You

If you're a big fish in a little pond, you might want to make something that's all about you, even if it's just the size of a birdbath. If you have the money, this is for sure something that can be done. In any case, creating a focal point isn't hard to do or expensive. It's also something that can be done for free. The question is, how do you make it look good?

If you're willing to do these four things, your landscaping design will be guaranteed to look better. If there's one thing that's important to remember, a 'design' is not something that can be created with a few plants. For your yard to look the way you want, it needs to be carefully thought out, and this takes time.

Top 4 Reasons Why You Should Get a Futon

If you’re searching for a multifunctional sofa that can double as a bed, you should consider getting a futon. Today’s futons have contemporary styles that complement the home’s interior décor by adding functionality and style.

Whether you’re trying to save space in your studio apartment or looking for a bed for your guest bedroom, this piece of furniture could be perfect for you. If you’re still on the fence, here are the top four reasons why you should get a futon.

They Save Space

If you’re looking for ways to get the most out of your studio apartment, getting a futon should be on the top of your list. Since manufacturers make them out of quilted mattresses, you can easily roll them up and store them away when you’re not sleeping. If you place your futon on a frame, you can put it under the structure and use the available space for other purposes.

In addition to taking up a lot of space, regular beds are also challenging to move around. Futons don’t have these problems, making them an ideal option for those looking to maximize their small spaces.

They Add Functionality

Modern futons act as a bed and couch, which means you get two pieces of furniture in one. Instead of purchasing a mattress for your guest room that you might only use a few times a year, why not invest in a functional futon that you can use for lounging with family?

Getting a multifunctional piece of furniture is an excellent way to make the most of your small room. They also keep your environment looking tidy and clutter-free.

They Provide Comfort

There’s a misconception that futons are not comfortable to sleep on. While you may not get all that a standard bed offers, you’ll still get a restful night’s sleep.

Like mattresses, futons today come in a variety of comfort options. Anyone catching Zs on this piece won’t wake up complaining about back and neck pains, as is the case with sleeping on the floor, couch, or other sleeping areas.

They Are Versatile

Another great benefit of investing in a futon is that it can act as a seat and a bed, meaning that you can put it in the living room for lounging with friends and in the guestroom as a place to snooze.

Many people see futons as bed replacements and put them in the bedroom. But it’s good to know that you can keep them in the living room as decorative furniture.

There are many reasons why you should get a futon, and these are a few. Ultimately, their affordability, versatility, and space-saving design make futons attractive to many homeowners.

The Most Common Countertop Usage Mistakes

Regardless of the material, new countertops are big investments for any homeowner. To ensure that your countertops continue to look brand new after their installation, take note of some of the most common countertop usage mistakes to avoid at home.

Failing To Seal Countertops

Stone countertops are great for homeowners looking for durable and stylish additions to their kitchens. However, if you plan to use natural stones like granite, marble, and quartz, you must seal them for maximum durability. This is especially true if you want to install these materials in a kitchen or wet bar where water and other liquids are present, as these stones are very porous. Sealing your stone countertops is an important detail to consider when installing granite countertops.

Using the Wrong Cleaning Products

Using the wrong cleaning products on your new countertops can result in damage. You may create scratches on the surface of the material or cause it to look cloudy, especially when it comes to natural stone countertops. Each countertop material will have unique cleaning instructions, so pay attention to the directions from the manufacturer or installer. For example, when cleaning wood or natural stone countertops, you must use a damp microfiber cloth daily to avoid dust and debris buildup.

Being Too Rough

Another common mistake homeowners make with their countertops is being too rough. Whether your counters are new or decades old, you should take care of them. Avoid cutting with knives directly on the counter surface or placing hot pots directly on them. Always use a cutting board for knives and put a hot pad down for high-temperature dishes. You should never sit or directly stand on top of your countertops either, no matter how strong your brackets are.

Now that you know some of the most common countertop usage mistakes, you can avoid these around your new kitchen surfaces. Also, warn children and guests of proper countertop care to ensure these surfaces remain preserved and continue to look immaculate for years to come.

Hot Tub Care Basics for New Owners

Before you relax in your new hot tub, take a moment to learn about its basic care and maintenance. It's not hard, and proper care allows you to enjoy your hot tub for many years to come.

Choose a Reputable Dealer

A good hot tub dealer will give you more than just the hot tub itself. They can provide you with detailed maintenance information. Also, a good quality spa can be easier to maintain over time. You can talk to a hot tub dealer, like Marquis Spas, about care tips when you buy.

Test Water Chemistry

The first care tip you need to learn about is the proper water chemistry for your hot tub. A few times per week, you can use spa water testing strips or a digital meter. Your water pH should be around 7.5 and levels of chlorine, bromine, and calcium hardness need to be within optimal ranges. Your spa builder can probably provide you with a test kit and the proper chemical ranges for your hot tub or can talk to you about where to find them.

Clean Your Hot Tub

Every three or four months, drain your hot tub to clean it and refill it with fresh water. Do not clean the interior of a hot tub with household cleaners. Rather, use a cleaner designed for spas that are free of phosphates and nitrates.

Between water changes, use a vacuum cleaner specifically made for hot tubs. These are small, battery-operated handheld units that can be submerged in water. Use the vacuum to suck up leaves, dirt, and other debris from the seats and bottom. Finally, remove floating debris with a skimmer net.

Keep Your Filters Clean

Remove the filters weekly, and rinse them clean with a garden hose, spray with hot tub filter cleaner, and rinse again. Whenever you drain and clean your hot tub, soak the filters in a special filter cleaner and rinse them before reinstalling them. Hot tub filters generally need to be replaced yearly, or whenever they don't come clean during your weekly maintenance.

Remember to Clean the Cover and Shell

Lift the hot tub cover daily not only to check the hot tub but also to release the hot, damp air and check for mold under the cover. Wash the cover weekly with a bleach solution to inhibit mold and mildew. Also, wipe down the exterior shell of the hot tub on a weekly basis to keep it clean.

Relaxing in a hot tub is the ultimate stress reliever. But, it does require some work to keep a hot tub clean and functioning properly. Follow these tips in caring for your new hot tub.