Thursday, May 31, 2018

Helping Grass Survive the Summer


Courtesy of Mick Telkamp
Image courtesy of Nievera Williams Landscape Architecture

Hi Friends,

Palm Beach landscape designer Keith Williams of Nievera Williams Landscape Architecture knows what the summer sun can do to lawns. The American Society of Landscape Architects Winner (ASLA) Award of Honor winner sees the effects of hot weather on residential lawns in South Florida, where the average temperature in August exceeds 90 degrees. Some types of grass do better in high temperatures, but all are likely to suffer as the thermometer rises during the hottest months of the year. Keeping the lawn healthy can be a challenge.

“In the summertime, it’s important to adjust the way you take care of the lawn,” Williams explains. “There are grasses like zoysia where we scalp it back to its root system in June or July. We top dress it and wait a few weeks for it to flush back out. It kills a month of heat and it all comes back in evenly. Unfortunately, you can’t do that with typical grass. It has to be maintained and that can be tough when it gets hot.”

“Other types of grass need special attention in the summer. If you have professionals taking care the lawn, it’s probably going to stay pretty green," continues Williams. “But there are things anybody can do to keep the lawn from turning brown [in the summer].”

For those battling hot days, scorching sun and the occasional drought, Williams offers suggestions for keeping the lawn healthy and green until cooler days return.

Keep Grass Longer

“Keeping grass a little longer in the heat of summer helps,” explains Williams. “The roots extend deeper into the earth, keeping weeds from coming up and competing for water. And because the turf is denser, it requires less water.” Williams recommends a blade height of about 4 inches during the summer months.

Sharpen Mower Blades

A sharp blade is always important, but never more so than during hot summer months. “Dull blades cause grass to fray. Frayed grass is far more likely to brown.”

When to Mow

Williams suggests mowing less frequently and cutting early in the day or holding out until the sun begins to go down. “Freshly cut grass is more likely to sustain damage in the hot sun,” says Williams, “and keeping the lawn cool will cut down on those brown spots.”

Mulch

Instead of bagging grass clippings, use a mulching mower. Allowing mulched grass to settle into the lawn will help trap moisture, keeping the lawn cooler and better hydrated. A mulching mower can be beneficial to the lawn all year long, but is especially helpful for beating the summer heat.

Fertilizing

“Depending on the type of grass, you can probably skip fertilizing during the summer," says Williams. "If your lawn is having trouble, before you get into fertilizers, have the soil tested first to see if there are deficiencies. If fertilizer makes sense, look at organic, time-release fertilizers to avoid burning your lawn.”

When to Water

Most lawns require about an inch of water per week to stay healthy. An irrigation system is ideal for lawn hydration, but no matter how the lawn is watered, time of day makes a difference. ”Despite what some say, watering during the hottest part of the day won’t damage grass,” declares Williams, but rapid evaporation can be an issue. Deep, infrequent watering during morning hours allows moisture to be more efficiently absorbed by the root system.

Maintaining a healthy lawn can be challenging in summer heat, we just wanted to make it a little bit easier to accomplish...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Staging Tips for Spring


Courtesy of HGTV

Hi Friends,

Springtime brings sunshine, showers -- and plenty of opportunities for home staging. Make the most of the season with these fresh updates that are sure to attract buyers.

Whip your yard into shape. When you're selling in the spring, you need to get your yard in shape as quickly as possible. Clear winter yard debris, and get frost-resistant plants that won't be affected if a late cold spell hits. Or, invest in silk flowers for a touch of color that you don't have to worry about watering.

Do some spring cleaning. It's natural to want to spruce up your space in the spring, so scrub away! A sparkling home will impress buyers and make your home seem even more appealing.

Box up your winter wardrobe. Bulky winter clothes take up lots of space, so move them out as you de-clutter your closets. You'll impress buyers with all that space.



Spruce up the entryway. If your welcome mat is covered with winter dirt, pick up a new one. A clean, pretty doorway will help set the tone for the entire showing.



Bring spring aromas indoors. Spring is not only a colorful season, but a fragrant one, too. Bring the aroma indoors. Scents have a profound effect on mood, so infusing scent into your decor with diffusers, candles, fresh cut plants/flowers, or incense can change the overall feeling of a space.

Bring out the bright colors. Tuck away the heavy, winter flannel comforter and pull out crisp linens with coverlets for color. Bring in the spring with floral-designed spreads or colorful solids. Don't forget accent pillows for added style and comfort.

Brighten up your home is not just for bring in buyers. Even if you're not selling your home these easy ideas are great for you and your family to enjoy.

Happy staging...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

12 Tips for Hosting an Outdoor Spring Party


Courtesy of Brian Patrick Flynn
Photography by Rustic White Photography

Hi Friends,

Host outdoor spring gatherings in style with these spring tabletop decorating and entertaining ideas.

Set Your Table for Spring

We paired fresh floral arrangements with punchy pastels and botanical patterns to create a beautiful spring-inspired outdoor table setting at this Southern bungalow. Since spring is associated with soft, cool colors, try an overall muted palette accented with bold pops of saturated tones like coral, celadon and hot pink.

Mix and Match

Here, different dinner plates were used for the host and guest place settings. This slight mixing and matching adds a bit of whimsy while also differentiating the host from his or her invitees.

Mixed Metallics

An excellent way to add feminine elegance to a spring event is by incorporating metallic accents. Here, brass and pewter were introduced with antique candlesticks and flatware featuring matte gold and polished silver tones. A more monochromatic look can be achieved by layering one particular metallic in different finishes.

Just for Kids

Just in case pint-sized guests show up, it's always wise to have plastic tableware on hand. Create kid-friendly table settings from plastic options, ensuring they coordinate seamlessly with the rest of the tablescape.

Fresh Hues

To distinctively set a table for spring, keep in mind that yellowy greens, deep pinks and corals fit the season, yet are best used when toned down by a neutral. Here, those super saturated colors are balanced with taupe draperies and furniture.

Light Fare

Springtime soirees are meant to be light and airy, and that applies just as much to what's being served as the decor itself. When choosing fare for your gathering, consider light salads, fruits and cheeses which guests can easily serve themselves and even carry around.

Specialty Drinks

Coordinating springtime decor with drinks is an excellent way to play with color. Specialty drinks are easy to make by simply adding a splash of fruit juice to seltzer, then accenting with garnishes like mint or basil.

Clever Vessels

Floral arrangements can appear either formal or casual based on the container you choose. To keep your gathering casual, consider mixing cut flowers in repurposed vessels with those in glass vases. Here, the juxtaposition of a formal globe vase next to a vintage nickel pitcher strikes the perfect balance of unexpected and chic.

Formal Touches

To keep your spring gathering classic, try incorporating one or two formal touches like antique candleholders and tapered candlesticks. Depending on the intended look, the candles can be used to add splashes of color or remain neutral for a less-is-more approach.

Help Yourself

Family-style entertaining is ideal for casual gatherings. This method of serving encourages guests help themselves to salads, sides and entrees around the table. In addition to making preparation and execution easier for the host, family-style entertaining also sparks conversation among guests.

Drink Station

Encourage guests to mix and mingle with a drink station. If space doesn't allow for a separate area for serving drinks, assign one guest to keep everyone's glasses full, cutting down on the amount of reaching back and forth across the table.

Sun Exposure

Before setting a time for your event, be sure to take into consideration the positioning of the sun in relation to your outdoor space. Too much shade may cause the area to become too chilly. Conversely, spaces which receive too much sun can cause guests to overheat and also have a negative effect on cold food and drink.

Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, May 28, 2018

Happy Memorial Day!


Hi Friends,

We Will Remember Them - The ones that we've lost still go with us in spirit. In the faces of Family, their presence still lingers. In the dreams they once nurtured they still shape our future. In the hearts that embrace them, they live on forever. At daybreak and nightfall, as long as there's memory we will remember them.

Thinking of you this Memorial Day and sharing The Ultimate Sacrifice poem by Joanna Fuchs.

The Ultimate Sacrifice:

We set aside Memorial Day
Each and every year
To honor those who gave their lives
Defending what we hold dear.

In all the dark and deadly wars,
Their graves prove and remind us,
Our brave Americans gave their all
To put danger far behind us.

They made the ultimate sacrifice
Fighting for the American way;
We admire them and respect them
On every Memorial Day.

By Joanna Fuchs

Happy Memorial Day from your friends at Interior Design!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Hyacinth: Sweet Harbingers of Spring


Courtesy of Danny Flanders

Hi Friends,

You know spring can’t be far away when you get that first whiff of a hyacinth in bloom. Its intoxicating scent and cheerful colors has made this flowering bulb a favorite for generations of gardeners.

These short-stemmed plants bloom in a wide range of colors, from white, pale blue, pink and yellow to deep purple, filling the air with a heady fragrance to boot.

Like most spring bulbs, hyacinths are best planted in full sun in well-drained soil. Plant them in the fall when soil temperatures dip below 60 degrees about 6 to 8 inches deep. Keep them watered throughout the fall.

Hyacinths also can be forced into bloom indoors, with some varieties more adept than others (They flower for such a short period of time, sometimes it’s easier to just buy them already potted). Plant them with their tips showing in a container of soil mix with a drainage hole. Keep the pot in a dark space below 45 degrees for eight to 10 weeks to allow the roots to develop. When shoots emerge, gradually increase the plant’s exposure to light and temperature. As buds appear, move the pot to a sunny window. Once the flowers fade, the bulb can be transplanted to the garden.

Outdoors, a few varieties to consider include ‘Carnegie’, ‘City of Haarlem’, ‘Delft Blue’, ‘Woodstock’, and ‘Gypsy Queen’. Some of the heirloom bulbs from the 1800s are still around as well, such as the dark maroon ‘Distinction’, rosy ‘Lord Balfour’ and deep purple ‘King of the Blues’.

Once the bulbs have finished flowering, cut back their stalks but allow their leaves to die back naturally so the bulb can begin storing its energy for next spring.

Hyacinths can be perennial in cooler climates to partially perennial in warmer areas.

Fragrant blossoms define these delicate beauties...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Saturday, May 26, 2018

3 Outdoor Parties to Plan This Spring


Courtesy of Bridget Mallon

Hi Friends,

Now that spring has officially sprung, and we're busy looking ahead to the warmer days to come, it's also time to start thinking about seasonal party plans. Spring is, in my opinion, the ultimate time of year for outdoor entertaining — it's warm and sunny, but not so hot that your guests will be uncomfortable, and it's cool enough at night to light up a fire or throw on a cozy sweatshirt.

And sure, simple barbecues and backyard gatherings are great, but when it comes to outdoor parties, getting a little creative can really pay off. So this year, throw a fete your friends and family will never forget with one of these fabulous (and simple!) ideas.

1. Homegrown Music Festival

iStock/wundervisuals

Instead of dropping hundreds of dollars and having to deal with hundreds (or thousands) of sweaty strangers, host your own low-key music festival. Create a Spotify playlist and invite your guests to add a few of their favorite tunes, that way you'll have a personalized soundtrack to score the event. Set up a dedicated dance area in your yard's sunniest spot to truly capture that festival feel (just make sure to stock up on sunscreen first).

2. Personalized Wine Tasting

iStock/courtneyk

Hitting up wineries is a popular spring activity, but actually finding a vineyard and getting your crew on the road can be an ordeal. So instead, have each of your guests commit to bringing a few of their favorite budget bottles, and let each person lead of tasting of their picks. Ask for the bottle names before if you can, that way you can prep a list of wines for each guest to take home.

3. Flower Crown Crafternoon

Kendall Peters

Fresh flowers are one of the best parts of spring, so why not get your best buddies together to craft flower crowns out of some beautiful blooms? Make sure to set up a selfie station too, because we all know flower crowns make the best Instagram bait.

Really, nothing beats celebrating in the sunshine!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Friday, May 25, 2018

The 19th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Money: Choose Your Favorite Colors


Courtesy of Noz Nozawa
Photo By: Colin Price Photography

Hi Friends,

Make sure your home speaks to you, or the feng shui updates won't work. "The biggest feng shui money mistakes people make are choosing adjustments they don't like," explains Laura. "For example, red is considered a lucky color and you might hear that painting your door red will attract wealth. The bottom line is, if you don't like red you will hate coming and going through it every day."

Hopefully, you have enjoyed the last 19 post on Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money and will share our link with family and friends...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Thursday, May 24, 2018

The 18th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Love: Add a Splash of Pink


Courtesy of Massucco Warner Miller Interior Design
Photo By: G. Crawford

Hi Friends,

Because it's the color of relationships in feng shui, pink is one of the best colors to decorate a bedroom with, says Ken. Pink represents love, joy, happiness and romance. It doesn't need to be a whole room, even a splash will do. Alternatively, light blue is a positive relationship color.

Decorate your bedroom for love, joy, happiness and romance...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

The 17th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Love: Focus On One Another


Courtesy of Charity Curley Mathews
Photo By: Tracey Ayton

Hi Friends,

When it comes to the master bedroom, it's not about the view or TV, explains Karen. "The bedroom is about passion and rejuvenation." To increase intimacy in your home, install heavy, cozy drapes over large windows, remove the TV and never sleep with a laptop, iPhone or other electronics buzzing near your bed. The bedroom should be low-tech and romantic. Avoid pictures and decor featuring anyone other than the people sleeping there — wedding pictures work, but family photos don't.

Relax and rejuvenate...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, May 22, 2018

The 16th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Money: Set Up a Sophisticated Home Office


Courtesy of Marie Flanigan Interiors
Photo By: Julie Soefer

Hi Friends,

"Many people who work from home have a lack of dedicated space for doing business," says Karen. Take yourself and your business seriously if you want to attract new clients and bigger opportunities. Picture a CEO's office, with a large desk facing the door and windows. "You've got to have space for people to come in, sit down and hand you a check. Putting a desk against a wall is a cubicle type position. It's subservient, which is not assuming respect." The amount of space in front of you relates to the amount of opportunities available, so arrange your chair so you have a view.

Increase your amount of opportunity...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, May 21, 2018

The 15th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Love: Remove Negative Symbolism


Courtesy of Charity Curley Mathews

Hi Friends,

"To decrease stress and arguing in your home, check your surroundings," Laura suggests. "One couple that fought constantly had crisscross swords over their bed, and another couple had guns on their living room wall. Keep photos and artwork pleasing, inspiring and uplifting."

Decrease your stress...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Friday, May 18, 2018

The 14th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Money: Don't Use Water Symbols


Courtesy of Braun + Adams
Photo By: Braun + Adams

Hi Friends,

"Drippy faucets are a sign of money going to waste," Karen says. "Whatever the state of your water, your finances mirror those." To increase your bank account, repair broken fountains and remove all stagnant water from your property. "Ever heard the expression, 'I just can't get my head above water'?" Karen asks. It's best not to display water-based artwork or mirrors higher than your nose, which carries the same significance in feng shui. For most of us, that means no mirrors or water scenes above the bed.

Let's get our head above water...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Thursday, May 17, 2018

The 13th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Money: Add More Fun


Courtesy of Holly Bero Interiors
Photo By: Wynne H. Earle Photography

Hi Friends,

If your bedroom is too neat or stuck with a sterile feel, "add something whimsical that makes you smile," suggests Suzanne. It could also be artwork or a photo of a couple laughing together. This can bring positive energy into the room, and in turn, improve the relationship.

Welcome the whimsy...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

The 12th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Money: Bring In New Opportunities


Courtesy of Charity Curley Mathews

Hi Friends,

Sometimes it doesn't take money to make money — just a yard sale. "This is a zero-cost fix," explains Karen. "Take out clutter to increase prosperity; what you don't use, don't love, don't need. Space equals opportunity."

Look for future post on Top Tips for Throwing a Successful Yard Sale...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

The 11th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Love: Leave Room for Someone Else


Courtesy of Alison Damonte
Photo By: Bruce Damonte

Hi Friends,

"Single people build rooms for single people," says Karen. "They have one chair, one nightstand and so on. Add another nightstand for your future someone." That goes for the closet too. "Don't fill it up with your stuff — honor the space and carve out a dresser drawer or a shelf that's not yours. You don't need to literally have enough room for two people to live there, just leave room for opportunity."

Welcome the opportunity for a future significant other...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Monday, May 14, 2018

The 10th of 19 Feng Shui Secrets to Attract Love and Money - Attracting Love: Arrange Kids' Beds for Better Harmony


Courtesy of Barbara Vail
Photo By: Surabhi Agrawal - Third Eye Chic Studio

Hi Friends,

"Feng shui applies to all the occupants in the house," explains Laura. "Children can be even more susceptible to their surrounding energies, so it's very important to make sure their beds are placed in the commanding position. They will feel easily startled and vulnerable if their backs are to the door." Laura also says electronics should never be stored or charged near a child's bed.

The kiddos will appreciate feng shui even if they don't realize it...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Happy Mother's Day!



Hi Friends,

Dedicated to all our wonderful Mothers from your friends at Interior Design - May you enjoy as you are celebrated this Mother's Day with warmest thoughts and special wishes.

A Mother's Eyes

A mother's eyes so often shine with laughter, joy, or tears....and with the pride of seeing children blossom through the years. A mother's lips give kisses, cautions, praise, and good advice. She shares her faith and values through hard work and sacrifice. A mother's hands are busy trying to meet her children's needs, but quick to give applause whenever one of them succeeds. Throughout her children's lives, a mother plays a vital part. She is their shining star, their inspiration, and their heart.

Happy Mother's Day!

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Live well,
Yvonne