Check out our June newsletter!
In life, we can become used to a great-looking kitchen, but as trends and styles evolve, there are always ways to freshen your kitchen look and make it feel just as cozy as it did the first day you fell in love with it. To do that, these homeowners made the awesome choice of replacing their orange-esque oak with a fresh new look. Our Timeless All-White Kitchens Will Dazzle for Decades
June 2022
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When the Grass Isn’t Greener
SHOULD YOU JOIN THE NO-MOW MOVEMENT?
It’s safe to say we’ve entered summer. If your yard is anything like mine, you have probably used your lawnmower several times already. Some people actually enjoy mowing their lawn, but I think most see it as a chore. So, it may interest you to know there’s another way, and it’s growing in popularity. As we become more conscious of our effects on the environment around us, the lawn’s reputation has taken a hit, even if its predominance has mostly remained. Many people think a yard is a good thing — it’s a “natural” outdoor space, right? In fact, lawns are generally harmful to the environment. First, biodiversity has suffered from our commitment to short green turf. Generic landscapes replace native plants, and grass doesn’t provide a habitat for pollinators. Further, about 78 million households use pesticides to keep their lawns looking lush and uniform. Those treatments end up in rainwater runoff, leading to chemicals in our lakes and rivers, and eventually aquifers used for human consumption. Even standard maintenance takes its toll on the Earth. Lawns are water-hungry, and millions of sprinklers add up quickly. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, lawn care uses 9 billion gallons of water every day. Worse, gas lawnmowers account for as much as 5% of the nation’s air pollution and use about 17 million gallons of gasoline each year. So, what can you do? Let’s face it, you probably don’t want to pave your lawn over, and though it would eliminate mowing, it wouldn’t provide as much environmental relief as other options. Some anti-lawn advocates suggest letting nature take its course and wait for the yard to rewild. But that probably isn’t how you want to present your house, and you’d also have to face the wrath of your neighbors, the HOA, or local ordinances. Luckily, more attractive options are available. If you can find a landscaper specializing in natural
landscapes, they can make your curb appeal better than ever while creating a sustainable ecosystem. There are also low-growing turf grasses that don’t require much maintenance, and other people convert their yards into fruit and vegetable gardens that feed their families and their neighbors. Other plants called “groundcover” can present a greener, more uniform, and low-maintenance landscape. They include creeping jenny, herbs like thyme or oregano, clover, and Japanese sweet flag. Other homeowners choose evergreen moss — yes, that stuff you may currently be trying to eliminate. It creates a soft surface that doesn’t require watering, mowing, or weeding. Which option would work best for your yard? It will vary geographically, so ask an expert for guidance. Replacing your lawn may sound scary and unconventional, but if you decide to go this route, there are a lot of benefits to be had. You’ll save money in the long run, get back the time you used to spend mowing, and have a house that stands out from the pack. And while some homeowners might worry about their resale value, many people who have transformed their lawns report countless buyers who love the idea of an attractive, no-mow solution. If you’re not quite ready to commit to a grass-free life, consider other things you can do to decrease your lawn’s impact on the environment. Expand your garden, add plants that pollinators love, mow and water your lawn less often, ditch the chemicals, and invest in an electric mower. According to author Douglas Tallamy, if all homeowners converted just half of their lawns to native plants, they’d create an area larger than all national parks in the lower 48 states combined. It goes to show that every little bit helps us build a more sustainable planet for the next generation and beyond.
BEFORE
To make their big kitchen feel brand-new and even larger, a clean all-white finish became the natural choice. Instead of buying new cabinets, they chose our rectangular-profile, shaker-style cabinet door replacements. This made their kitchen appear much more modern and drew attention to its spaciousness. The kitchen doesn’t just look new — it feels like it was completely remodeled. Give us a call, and we’ll make your kitchen look just as dazzling!
• 1 -Tom Gibson
AFTER
(304) 760-9500
www.NHance.com/charlestonwv
Improve the Health of Your Lawn
IN 3 EASY STEPS
Summer has finally arrived, which means the birds are singing, the skies are blue, and the grass is … hopefully green? Maintaining a green lawn is an incredibly difficult task, especially if you don’t get much rain. Your lawn may also have sunspots or issues due to pet waste, but don’t lose hope. You can do a few simple things to turn your brown grass to green, and it shouldn’t take the entire summer to see results. If you’re unsure where to begin, try some of these tips to bring new life to your lawn.
Make sure you mow properly.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when they mow their own lawn is cutting their grass too short. If your blades aren’t set to the proper height, you can easily cut too much of your grass, leaving it stressed. As it struggles to recover, your lawn will turn brown, and then weeds will grow more easily. Ideally, you should mow your lawn once a week and sharpen your blades regularly before they get dull.
Did you know that if you aren’t using the right bulbs or even the right fixtures to light your home, you could be negatively affecting our environment? Believe it or not, major changes really aren’t necessary to make your home more energy-efficient, especially when it comes to lighting. Every household in America can make a few small adjustments that can have a big impact on the environment as well as your finances. If you want eco-friendly ways to light your house, try out the following ideas. Light Your Home THE ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY WAY
Water in the morning.
There’s proven science behind the best time to water your lawn. If you water at night, you’ll see excess humidity, which can lead to turf disease and the destruction of your lawn. If you water in the middle of the day, water will evaporate quickly, leaving your lawn dried out. Instead, try watering in the morning so your lawn has the opportunity to absorb the water. Watering for 45–60 minutes twice a week will allow ample time for the water to soak into your lawn. If you live in a drought-affected area, be sure to follow local guidelines for water use.
Switch out your lightbulbs.
Fertilize for health.
Did you know that the standard incandescent bulb only puts out 5%–10% of the energy it converts as light? The rest goes out as heat. If you’re still using traditional lightbulbs, it’s time to upgrade. Compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) cost a little bit more but last for 10,000 hours. CFLs use a fraction of the energy that traditional bulbs use but are often much brighter and safer. You can also make the switch to LED bulbs, which reduce energy consumption by 80%–90% while also lasting for 100,000 hours. Whatever option you choose, dispose of your old bulbs properly. Every city has different stipulations for recycling, so learn how to dispose of them before you recycle.
Sometimes our lawns need an extra boost to become as green as possible. That’s where fertilizer comes in. Fertilizer contains various mixes of phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium — three important nutrients for a healthy lawn. You can find many different fertilizer options, so conduct a soil test to understand which mix is best for your lawn.
Unplug your power strips and keep your lights off.
The power strip is one of the most commonly used items in households across America. They’re extremely convenient, especially if your home lacks a sufficient number of outlets. While some power strips turn off when not in use, others consistently pull energy when they’re plugged in. Save energy by unplugging any power strips when not actively in use. Additionally, try and keep your lights off when you’re not home or actively using a room. It doesn’t make sense to keep your lights on when nobody is in the room. If the sun is shining, make use of that sunlight to light your house. You don’t need to depend on electricity for light during the spring and summer months so much. Just open your windows!
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www.NHance.com/charlestonwv
(304) 760-9500
A Mindful Space
CREATING A MENTAL HEALTH SANCTUARY IN YOUR HOME
According to the National Institute of Mental Health Disorders, an estimated 26% of Americans over the age of 18 suffer from a diagnosable mental health disorder. With increases in the cost of living, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the rising tensions in Eastern Europe, that percentage could increase even more throughout the next few years. If you’re someone who struggles with mental health, you’ve probably tried all of the traditional methods to improve your situation, but have you made any adjustments to your actual home? If you’re unsure where to begin, try out these tips. Give each room purpose. One of the biggest interior design mistakes you can make is using a room for more than one thing. This is even more important if you work remotely. Each room should have a dedicated purpose. If you work from home, your office should not be in your bedroom or even in the area where you exercise. Plan out every bit of space that you have and add personal touches to it to remind you of what’s really important in your life. Get rid of distractions. Social media, mainstream news, and cellphones as a whole can have disastrous effects on your mental health. When you’re in your home, try to minimize your use of these technologies. If you’re not using the television, keep it off. Also, try to keep your home as clean as possible because clutter and dirt can easily bring you down. TAKE A BREAK
Use natural light and calming colors. When designing your living space, try to incorporate as much natural light as possible. Regular exposure to sunlight gives you more energy, makes you happier, and even improves your appetite. If you’re painting, avoid any loud colors and use calming neutrals instead. Adding the right colors, natural light, and some plants will help create an aesthetic that will boost your mental health.
Inspired by RecipeRunner.com SWEET AND SPICY BBQ CHICKEN SKEWERS
INGREDIENTS
For the Marinade • 1 tbsp olive oil • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce • 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 3 tbsp honey • Juice of 1 lime • 3/4 tsp smoked paprika • 1/2 tsp salt
For the Skewers • 2 lbs chicken breast, cut into bite-size cubes • 1 small pineapple, cut into 1-inch cubes
DIRECTIONS
1. In a bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. In a reusable freezer bag, combine cubed chicken and all but 1/4 cup of the marinade. 3. Seal bag and massage marinade into the chicken. Chill in the fridge overnight. 4. The following day, preheat the grill to 400 F. Thread chicken and pineapple onto skewers, adding two cubes of chicken for each cube of pineapple. 5. Grill the skewers for 3–4 minutes per side, brushing with the reserved marinade in the final minutes. 6. Serve over rice or with your favorite barbecue sides!
SOLUTION
(304) 760-9500
www.NHance.com/charlestonwv
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Cabinet Refinishing and Hardwood Floor Refinishing
PO Box 282, Winfield, WV 25213 | (304) 760-9500 | www.NHance.com/charlestonwv
INSIDE ‘No-Mow’ Lawn Alternatives 1.
2.
Eco-Friendly Ways to Light Your Home 3 Ways to Make Your Lawn Healthier
3.
How to Create a Mental Health Sanctuary in Your Home Take a Break Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Skewers
3 Alternate Ways to Utilize Closet Space 4.
RE-INVENT YOUR CLOSET SPACE Sometimes it just doesn’t feel like we have enough space in our homes. However, there might be a few spaces hiding in plain sight that you can utilize, like a closet! Not sure how to start? Check out these three closet transformations.
Office Space If you have a walk-in closet that isn’t full of clothes or boxes, you may benefit from turning it into a home office. Ensure you’ve got proper wiring and
adequate space for a chair, put a desk inside, set up your computer, and get ready to work in cozy comfort. Dressing Room Our closets are designed to hold our clothes, but where do you try them on? You can convert any size closet into a dressing room with the right use of mirrors and light.
Bar Small closets can easily be turned into bars. Simply put your furniture inside, add your preferred drinks and mixers, and take a sip!
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www.NHance.com/charlestonwv
(304) 760-9500
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