Huskey's Paint & Design - July 2025

Check out our July newsletter!

www.HuskeysPaint.com | (828) 214-7100 | July 2025

Sylva, NC · Buncombe County, NC · Jackson County, NC · Swain County, NC · Haywood County, NC · Macon County, NC · Transylvania, NC

RED, WHITE, AND WOW! NEW TWISTS ON A TIMELESS TRADITION

The moments we share with the people we love should be as precious as time itself. Independence Day lands on a Friday this year, giving many of us a three-day weekend and a chance to catch our breath from our hectic lives and spend time with our friends and family. Although the idea of outdoor barbecues, fireworks, and holiday fun will never get old, the Fourth of July presents an opportunity to add new thrills to meaningful gatherings and move beyond the same old sparklers and steaks. Not too long ago, I did a deep dive online to get ideas for unique ways we could spruce up our celebrations — and found plenty of festive ideas I wouldn’t have otherwise considered. For example, everyone has at least one cooler full of ice on July Fourth, right? Well, how about filling red-, white-, and blue-colored balloons with water and freezing them to create eye-catching alternatives to regular ice cubes? It’s a simple trick that will add something new

to your afternoon, especially if you have children who can help fill the balloons. Mixing blueberries and strawberries into the water before putting the trays back in the freezer is another nice idea! If it appears that this year’s July Fourth will be a hot day for you and yours, be sure to include sunblock on your pre-party shopping list — something almost no one ever thinks of buying for guests. You could turn a table in your backyard or kitchen into “Heat Relief Headquarters,” complete with skin protection, towels, and plenty of bottled water chilled by those colorful balloons I mentioned earlier. Of course, there should be more to our Fourth of July celebrations than parties and perfect companionship. As I researched fun things to feature in this article, I was struck by the significance of why we get to take the day off and do things that bring us joy. This past April marked the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution — a significant milestone worth celebrating this Fourth of July and throughout the year. I’m honored to live in a country where we have the freedom to gather for holidays in safety and security, and the knowledge that we wouldn’t have these special times without those who fought for our liberties before and since our country’s founding. If you’re looking for a unique way to commemorate the day, consider donating funds or volunteering time to a military-focused charitable organization or at an area soup kitchen. It’s rare for a big barbecue not to have leftovers, so why not give them to someone who needs them? America is only as strong as our commitment to each other, and friendly gestures will always stay in our hearts much longer than fireworks shows. I hope these ideas help make the holiday a time of lasting memories. It’s a big day for all of us — not just for the time off work but for everything it represents about who we are and where we live. No matter how you celebrate, do it with compassion, great company, and plenty of flair!

— Trent Huskey

(828) 214-7100

www.HuskeysPaint.com

• 1

WHY WE SHOULD CURATE, NOT ACCUMULATE Luxury Minimalism for the Modern Home

Step into a home where calm meets class, and open spaces, quiet elegance, and thoughtful design turn everyday living into a curated experience. Luxury minimalism matches the sleek restraint of minimalism with the richness of high-end materials, creating a calming and refined home. Quality Over Quantity In luxury minimalism, you choose every piece with care. Rather than filling a space with decorations or duplicate furniture, the goal is to curate, not accumulate. This means selecting fewer items but ensuring each is well-crafted, functional, and built to last. When designed with intention, a single, perfectly upholstered armchair can say more than an entire matching set. Timeless Materials Luxury minimalists gravitate toward natural, enduring elements like warm wood, cool stone, and tranquil bamboo. These elements age beautifully and add character over time, grounding your space in authenticity and durability. The blend of raw and refined textures creates depth without being overwhelming. A Neutral Palette Color plays a subtle but essential role in this aesthetic. Soft neutrals like cream, taupe, charcoal, and muted grays form the foundation Vine and Dandy Help Your Vertical Garden Soar

of most luxury minimalist spaces. These hues soothe the mind and allow your eyes to rest, setting a peaceful tone throughout your home. Accents in metallic finishes or rich earth tones can add contrast and sophistication. Purposeful Design and Layout Every object has a role, and every room serves a purpose. Clean lines, open floor plans, and thoughtfully placed furniture help create visual clarity and functional flow. Instead of crowding a space with décor, luxury minimalism encourages breathing room in a space dedicated to your lifestyle. Sustainability With Style This lifestyle also embraces conscious living. By investing in a few high-quality pieces, you create less waste. Luxury minimalism is rooted in sustainability for the environment and for your peace of mind. Luxury minimalism invites you to slow down, declutter with purpose, and surround yourself with beauty that endures. It’s about living intentionally with less noise, more clarity, and a quiet kind of sophistication that never goes out of style.

Vertical gardening is all about going up, not out — a space- saving, eye-catching way to grow your favorite fruits and veggies. It looks great, makes harvesting easier, and keeps your produce clean and happy. Lucky for you, vertical gardening can produce a variety of tasty harvests! Tomatoes With a bit of support from a trellis, these juicy beauties will grow tall and proud. Pick the indeterminate varieties and enjoy a tomato parade all season long.

Cucumbers Grow them up a trellis, and

you’ll get straight, crisp, dirt-free cukes — perfect for salads or pickles and easy to pluck without scavenging in the dirt. Squash Lighter varieties like zucchini or acorn squash climb exceptionally well! Just give these squash a little extra support and watch them rise. Melons Believe it or not, melons can go vertical! All they need is a strong trellis and a fruit hammock (yes, that’s a thing).

2 •

www.HuskeysPaint.com

(828) 214-7100

Thanks to peel-and-stick wallpaper, adding a splash of personality to your walls has never been easier. But while the promise of a mess-free application sounds perfect, missteps can quickly turn your DIY into a “Why-Did-I-Try?” moment. Whether accenting one wall or transforming an entire room, these expert tips will help you decorate with professional skill without the stress. MEASURE WITH CARE Before impulse buying, carefully measure your wall space and determine how many panels you’ll need. Be sure to order slightly more than you think you’ll use — running out of material mid- project is one of the most common (and frustrating) DIY missteps. PREP YOUR WALL Start with a clean surface. Use a damp cloth to remove dust, dirt, or oils from the wall and allow it to dry completely. A clean surface helps the wallpaper adhere properly and prevents premature lifting. GATHER THE RIGHT TOOLS Gather your gear: a measuring tape, a level, a smoothing tool, a utility knife with a fresh blade, a pencil, and a step ladder. These trusty tools will help you line things up, cut like a pro, and avoid STICK WITH IT! YOUR NO-STRESS GUIDE TO PEEL-AND-STICK WALLPAPER

American Bicycle Cherry Fireworks

Flag Independence Paddleboard Picnic

Ruby Stars Sherbet Trampoline

Get into the Independence Day spirit with this refreshing, layered cocktail — citrusy and perfect for hot summer days. 4TH OF JULY COCKTAIL

mid-project meltdowns. CREATE A GUIDE LINE

Measure the width of your wallpaper panel and mark it on the wall with a pencil. Use a level to draw a vertical line from the ceiling to the baseboard. This guide will keep your first panel perfectly straight, critical for seamlessly applying the rest of your wallpaper! MATCH PATTERNS CAREFULLY For a cohesive look, match the pattern of each new panel with the one before it. Slightly overlap the edges and use the smoothing tool to eliminate bubbles and create a seamless appearance. ASK FOR HELP Although peel-and-stick wallpaper is designed for DIY use, having an extra set of hands can make a major difference. A second person can hold the panel in place while you smooth and trim, ensuring a faster and more accurate application. With the right tools and patience, peel-and-stick wallpaper can be a simple way to transform your space. Take your time, follow these steps, and admire the fresh new look you’ve created!

INGREDIENTS

Inspired by PeelWithZeal.com

• •

2 oz grenadine, divided

• •

3 oz vodka

6 oz lemonade

2 oz blue curacao

DIRECTIONS

1. In each of 2 cocktail glasses, pour 1 oz grenadine and fill with ice. 2. In a cocktail shaker or glass measuring cup, mix lemonade and vodka. 3. Slowly pour the mixture evenly into the glasses with grenadine. 4. Place a soup spoon upside down over each glass. Very slowly, pour half of the blue curacao over the spoon, cascading the curacao to create the blue layer. 5. Serve immediately, and let freedom ring!

(828) 214-7100

www.HuskeysPaint.com

• 3

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

P.O. Box 261, Whittier, NC 28789

Clean - Courteous Painters - You Can Trust!

INSIDE THIS EDITION

A Forward-Thinking July 4th

p.1

With Luxury Minimalism, Live Well With Less Fruits and Veggies That Reach New Heights Secrets to a Wallpaper Transformation 4th of July Cocktail

p.2

p.3

The Path to a Happier You

p.4

3 Habits That Lead to a More Fulfilling Life Small Changes, Big Impact

We all want to live long, happy, and fulfilling lives, but doing so can be challenging. We must intentionally reduce stress and bring more balance to our lives. This doesn’t necessarily mean we must overhaul our lives and find new jobs and friends while

to take up hiking or visit a national park to get your fill of nature. Simply taking a walk through your neighborhood or enjoying some time in the backyard will help you boost your health and connect

with the world around you. PRACTICE GRATITUDE.

Stress and difficult situations can overshadow so much good in our lives. Take some time each day to reflect on the blessings in your life and show your appreciation for those who matter most to you. If you have a hard time finding things to focus on, consider picking up journaling. Keeping a gratitude journal is a great way to boost your mental well-being and gain more appreciation for life. DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY NO. One of the most difficult things in life is telling others “No,” especially to your friends and family. However, failing to say no can negatively affect your mood and perspective. Make time for yourself, and don’t be afraid to turn down invites or requests if they impede your personal time or ask you to do something overwhelming or stressful.

removing anything that doesn’t bring us joy. Instead, we can make simple changes to our day-to-day routine that can significantly impact our perspective,

happiness, and overall well-being. Want to improve your outlook and get more enjoyment from life? Try incorporating the following behaviors into your routine! SPEND MORE TIME IN NATURE. You’ve probably heard countless times how beneficial spending time in the great outdoors can be for your mental health and overall well-being, but that just shows how valuable it is. You don’t have

4 •

www.HuskeysPaint.com

(828) 214-7100

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4

huskeyspaint.com

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator