When Do I Prune?

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

Summer-Blooming Trees and Shrubs 

Plants that bloom in summer, such as potentilla, butterfly bush, and crape myrtle, produce their flowers on new growth from the current season. Prune them in winter while they're dormant, or in early spring just before they push out their new growth. You can even cut them all the way to the ground in late winter, and they'll still bloom that same summer.
Test Garden Tip: Save time by using a pole pruner with a rotating head to remove stems all the way to the base of the plant. That way, you don't have to bend over for each cut, saving not only time, but also wear and tear on your back!

Shrubs Without Showy Blooms

Cut back shrubs grown primarily for their foliage, such as barberry and burning bush, almost anytime except in late autumn. New growth that starts after late-season pruning won't harden off properly before winter. If you want to do major pruning, it's best to cut the shrub back when it is dormant in winter.

Clipped Hedges

Shrubs such as boxwood and privet are often sheared to form a hedge. To maintain a solid wall of green, shear the new growth frequently during the early part of the growing season. Keep the top narrower than the base so that the upper branches don't shade the lower ones. Stop shearing the hedge approximately six weeks before your area's average first frost.
Test Garden Tip: If you're growing a privacy hedge, reduce the amount of pruning maintenance needed by selecting shrubs that grow only as tall and wide as necessary to provide screening. Allow them to grow into their natural form, and little, if any, pruning will be required.

Deciduous Shade Trees

Prune shade trees such as oak, linden, and ash when they are dormant in winter. It's easiest to see the branching structure at this time of year, and you're less likely to spread diseases through the pruning wounds. As with non blooming shrubs, avoid pruning them late in summer.
Test Garden Tip: Trees that produce a heavy sap flow when pruned in winter -- maples, birches, elms, and dogwoods -- are known as "bleeders." The sap flow may be unsightly, but it doesn't harm the tree. To avoid the bleeding, you can wait until the leaves have fully expanded in summer.

 

 

 

 

 

Deciduous Fruit Trees

Apples (including crab apples), peaches, pears, plums, and cherries should be pruned in midwinter. Although winter pruning removes some of their flower buds, the goal in pruning fruit trees is to open up the tree to allow in more light for a better crop of fruit, rather than to get maximum bloom.
Dormant pruning is especially important for apples, pears, and crab apples because pruning wounds during the growing season expose the trees to a bacterial disease called fireblight.
Test Garden Tip: To control the spread of diseases while pruning, dip your pruning shears in rubbing alcohol or a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water.

Broadleaf Evergreens

Most broadleaf evergreens, including holly, mahonia, and some types of magnolias, need little pruning. The best time to prune them is in early spring, just before they put on their growth spurt. You can do minor shaping and pruning at other times of year, too.
Test Garden Tip: Save on holiday decorations by snipping a few branches for winter holiday greenery.

Needle-Leaf Evergreens

Most trees and shrubs with needle like or scale like foliage (spruce, juniper, cypress, arborvitae, fir, yew, Douglas fir, and false cypress) are best pruned early in the growing season.
Avoid cutting back into wood that has no green needles; it may not sprout new growth. As with broad leaf evergreens, you can trim a few branch tips in midwinter to take some greenery indoors.

House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an  A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. When it’s time to replace your windows, doors or  furnaces and heat pumps, or to install  insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades,  Give us a call. 604-585-2020. Right now, save 100 per window for a limited time if you live in the lower mainland, BC Canada    

 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

Extreme Home Make Overs

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

KITCHEN

Before: Dark & Dated

 

Old cabinetry and tile counters covered this kitchen before its renovation.

After: Open & Airy

The cabinets and surfaces were swapped in favor of Ikea units painted Barely Beige by Benjamin Moore and topped with zinc. Above, open shelving displays collectibles alongside everyday dishware. The ceiling is painted Creamy White by Benjamin Moore.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 BATHROOM

Before: Builder Basic

This tract home's master bath looked the same as it did when it was built in 1998.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After: Full of Personality

By retaining the master bath's layout, the homeowner avoided the expense of moving plumbing lines, relying instead on cosmetic updates. One change: a single sink console, made possible by closing off a secondary closet entrance. The exterior door opens straight onto the pasture.
Victoria Pearson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
DEN

Before: Kitschy Cabin

A corner hearth originally occupied this den.

 

 

 

 

 

After: Bright & Modern

To create symmetry, a contractor relocated the corner hearth with a new one, centered on the wall opposite the open kitchen. Built-in cabinetry on either side of the fireplace reinforces the sense of balance. The homeowner traded her single living-room settee for two generous Ikea sofas and a Ralph Lauren chair, all slipcovered for easy cleaning. The pine coffee table came from a garage sale, and the metal "C" is from a local garden store.
 Victoria Pearson

LIVING ROOM

Before: Living Room

This room allowed the homeowners to start from scratch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After: Living Room

Each wallboard was removed and numbered, then put back in place after the electrical updates. Scraping away decades of paint revealed original artistic details, including marbleized baseboards and faux bird's-eye maple panels, which a restoration painter was able to revive.

In the living room, Pottery Barn pillows adorn slipcovered armchairs by Lee Industries. The homeowner bought the set of framed prints at a flea market for only $94; she's collected the ironstone for years.

Bjorn Wallander 

 GARAGE

Before: Garage

A garage used as a low-key hangout space.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After: Garage

Take converting a garage a step further with sleeper sofas that allow the room to double as guest quarters. The homeowner also installed beadboard on the lower walls and painted the rafters white.

Among the room's wallet-friendly finds: a Crate & Barrel sofa, West Elm pouf, and yard-sale chair. The homeowner purchased the model boat at a local antiques store.

Bright idea!
Bring artwork onto an easel for an unexpected, eye-level display.

William Waldron 

 BEDROOM

Before: Bedroom

Think outside the box. Rooms can have complete reincarnations, with surprising results.

William Waldron

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After: Bathroom

The former master bedroom became a stunning bath, with a glass shower enclosure that maintains the room's expansive, wide-open feel. Limestone tiles compose the shower's floor; subway tiles cover its walls.

William Waldron

House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an  A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. When it’s time to replace your windows, doors or  furnaces and heat pumps, or to install  insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades,  Give us a call. 604-585-2020. Right now, save 100 per window for a limited time if you live in the lower mainland, BC Canada    

 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

Front Yard Edible Landscaping?

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

  Of all the different types of landscaping, one of the least understood is edible landscaping. Edible landscaping is something that offers an alternative to conventional landscapes. More specifically, edible landscaping is landscaping that includes trees and shrubs that bear fruit and other food, so that you can really make the most out of your landscaping design.

 
There are quite a few different plants that can be included in edible landscaping designs, but only the most productive and disease resistant varieties should be included in this categorization.

 PLANT VARIETIES

  When it comes to edible landscaping, there are many plants to choose from. Almond, apple, artichoke, bamboo, cherry, burnet, blueberry, blackberry, chokeberry, currant, cherry, chestnut, chives, gooseberry, jostaberry, kiwi, loquat, lovage,medlar, grape, fig, elderberry, dandelion, peach, pistachio, pecan, persimmon, plum, quince, raisin tree, rose hips, sage, rosemary, rhubarb, strawberry, and pineapple guava, these are just a few of the different plants that can be used in edible landscaping.

Although the idea of edible landscaping once sounded far-fetched and unimaginable, today it is alive and well and this is in both warm and cool climates. Not only is this landscaping beautiful and appealing to look at, but resourceful as well because you can eat the food these plants bear. The combinations are truly endless, and uncommon fruit trees can really enhance even the most bland and stubborn landscape.
These plants offer a touch to any landscape that no other plant can. They add a uniqueness and a sort of personality to any landscape and are usually alive year round as well, which is just another benefit offered by this type of landscaping.

TIPS

One of the most important things to remember when creating an edible landscaping design is that you should think outside of the box. Although when most people think of food gardens they think of the basic rectangular garden, there are many variations that can be put on this design. The basic design is not even going to be the most productive or attractive design, so try to take a different approach.

Also remember that urban yards can make up in vertical space what they lack in horizontal space, and they do this by taking on a multi-layered approach. Edible landscaping can be a really great option, as long as you choose the right plants and maintain them properly so that they are healthy and thrive.

House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an  A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. When it’s time to replace your windows, doors or  furnaces and heat pumps, or to install  insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades,  Give us a call. 604-585-2020. Right now, save 100 per window for a limited time if you live in the lower mainland, BC Canada    

 HOUSE SMART HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Phone: 604 945-1904 / Fax: 604 945 1903
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com
Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6

4 Beautiful Landscaping Tips

From www.bmg.com

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

 

 Plant in Numbers 

One of the easiest landscape ideas to implement -- and one I always use when designing a garden or landscape -- is to plant big swaths of the same plant for bold interest. Here, for example, I love how the planting bed offers a big, bold burst of chartreuse from a mass of golden creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea'). It's contrasted (in color and texture) by a planting of blue fescue (Festuca 'Elijah Blue'). 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Create Bold Contrasts 

 

One of the easiest and most basic landscaping ideas is to create contrasts. Consider color: When you pair rich burgundy-purple with chartreuse, the gold hues seem to become brighter and the purple tones seem to become richer and darker. Together the are much more effective than when used alone. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embrace Trees & Shrubs 

 

Trees and shrubs are some of the most important players in gardening ideas, and gardeners often give them the least amount of attention. It's easy to use them to make an impact, especially if you select varieties that have colorful foliage. Go a step further with this landscape idea: Execute some creative pruning. Here, for example, sheared golden false cypress and columnar holly make for a delightful contrast against sheared purple barberry.

 

 

 

 

Add Islands 

 

It's easy to plan all your beds and borders along the perimeter of your property, but adding an island bed that floats in your lawn is a simple landscaping idea for making a good-looking yard. I like to make island beds extra effective by adding height to the middle of the yard. Plus, you need to walk around the planting to see what's behind it, so it adds a bit of mystery. 

House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an  A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. When it’s time to replace your windows, doors or  furnaces and heat pumps, or to install  insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades,  Give us a call. 604-585-2020. Right now, save 100 per window for a limited time if you live in the lower mainland, BC Canada    

 House Smart Home Improvements
Phone: 604 945 1904 / Fax: 604 581 1985
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com

Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6 
604-945-1904 (office hours)  - 604-585-2020 (24-Hour)

4 New Year's Resolutions / Upgrades for Your Home

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

We are staying indoors more in winter of course, and things can get gloomy what with the rainy foggy weather. Time to give your home some new year's resolutions! With Christmas gone and all the twinkly lights put away, your spirit may need a little pick-me-up. A well organized home with some fresh paint, or maybe a bigger home improvement. Here are some ideas we have for you today. 

1) Organize organize

One of the best and least expensive ways to feel better about your home is to clear it of clutter.

Each year most of us acquire a mountain of stuff. Without some regular purging, cabinets and drawers get jam-packed and it becomes hard to find the things you use and enjoy the most. This year resolve to go room-by-room periodically clearing anything that you don't use, wear or love and donate it to charity. Clearing away clutter will give you a relaxing feeling at home, and set you up for getting the idea of welcoming company over, enjoying family and friends.

 

2) Paint your kitchen cabinets

 

Do you need to paint or re-stain your kitchen cabinets? This is a great way to make a kitchen upgrade. Oak cabinets can be re-stained to restore their luster, or painted to really brighten up a kitchen. Here are some  painting tips:

Before painting, you should wipe all the surfaces of cabinets that you want to paint by using appropriate cleaner in order to remove any grease and dirt on the cabinets. Let it dry and then do the sanding by using sandpaper to make sure that the paint will stick well on the cabinets’ surface. You can directly apply a primer right after sanding whether multi surface primer or one which is particularly specific to your cabinets’ material. You can simply use a paintbrush or a sprayer by working it from outer edges right to the middle if you want to create a professional look. It is highly recommended to let the primer to totally dry for approximately an hour or more and once it dried, you should sand the surfaces of primer again in order to make them smooth and free of gain. Then do the painting according to your color choice to create a beautiful color on your old cabinets.

3) Fix the front door

Here is an update that will really add a fresh, appealing look to your home. You will gain a lot of upgrade for the amount of money you spend.
If you don’t need to replace your front door, refinish or repaint it. Entry doors take a lot of abuse from the outside elements (including people), and even a new door can start looking weathered rather quick. If you choose to add a fresh coat of paint, use a high-quality paint and a warm, welcoming color that goes well with your home.

 

 

Get your place ready for entertaining

Spend more time with family, friends, and making new friends this year. You may feel more inspired to have company over for an intimate dinner, if you do something to upgrade the look of your entertaining areas.

Try some new plants, they can freshen the air and give your room a dramatic statement. How about some new throw pillows, candles, or pictures on your walls? Sometimes new or different lighting is needed to make a space more inviting. Arrange your furniture so that people are sitting a comfortable distance apart to engage in warm conversation. But remember to just have those folks over. As we all know, it is more about the sharing and connecting that really matters anyway!

House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an  A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. When it’s time to replace your windows, doors or  furnaces and heat pumps, or to install  insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades,  Give us a call. 604-585-2020. Right now, save 100 per window for a limited time if you live in the lower mainland, BC Canada    

 House Smart Home Improvements
Phone: 604 945 1904 / Fax: 604 581 1985
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com

Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6 
604-945-1904 (office hours)  - 604-585-2020 (24-Hour)

Gorgeous Paint Colors for your Walls

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

There are definitely a lot of daring, beautiful paint colors out there! But just because you like a color does not mean you want to live with it on your walls. Also you usually have existing furniture and curtains in your room that you will have to consider when choosing a paint color. Some people are afraid to be too daring with their color choice and end up with a lot of work done but not happy with the bland color on their walls. If you want to make some good choices, here are some shades of popular, tried and true paint colors.




BEDROOMS: TURQUOISE BLUE


A subtle blue-green is a calming and a logical choice for slumber-inducing relaxation. A calm yellow is also relaxing in bedrooms.

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IN THE KITCHEN: BUTTERCREAM YELLOW

One of the trickiest paint colors to get right is yellow. Yellow is always much brighter on a wall than on a paint chip. This very light yellow gives a very cheery yet relaxing feeling to a kitchen or bedroom. 

 

 

 

 

 

LIVING ROOMS: BROWN TONES

Brown. Brown works well with many colors you may have existing in your living room. Brown is great with orange, green, red, blue and other neutral shades. Ivory or off-white goes well as a compliment paint color.

 

 

 

 

ALSO GREY TONES

Warmer grey tones are very popular for living rooms. Do you prefer this to the brown tones? Take a look around your room. True white accents go well here. 
This color is called Sherwin Williams "Mindful Gray"

 

 

 

BATHROOMS: IN BETWEEN GREY AND BROWN

This color is super earthy and gives the bathroom a spa-like feeling of all things natural.

 

 

 

 

BEDROOMS: YOU CAN TELL WE LIKE BROWNS

This brown color looks like it has a hint of red in it. It would go absolutely beautifully in a living room decor as well. Happy Painting! 

House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an  A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. When it’s time to replace your windows, doors or  furnaces and heat pumps, or to install  insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades,  Give us a call. 604-585-2020. Right now, save 100 per window for a limited time if you live in the lower mainland, BC Canada    

 House Smart Home Improvements
Phone: 604 945 1904 / Fax: 604 581 1985
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com

Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6 
604-945-1904 (office hours)  - 604-585-2020 (24-Hour)

5 FUN EASY HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

 

posted by Sound Marketing for House Smart Home Improvements

Garland Trick

The best material for stringing cranberry or popcorn garlands is inside your medicine cabinet. Waxed floss is strong and slick, so cranberries and popcorn will slide on easily. Knot one end of a piece of floss, and thread a needle onto the other; just pierce through the kernels and berries, and slip them on.

 

 

Cookie-Cutter Ornaments

These cookie-cutter ornaments make great, sentimental gifts; luckily they're faster to make than cookies are to bake.
Use inexpensive aluminum cutters and choose patterned papers or pictures photocopied onto card stock. Trace cutter on top; cut out. Dab white craft glue along cutter's edge. Press paper in place; let dry. Thread narrow ribbon through needle; poke between paper and cutter, and wrap ribbon around top of cutter. Slip a bead over ribbon's ends; knot.

 

Paper Stars

Stars made from folded paper are so easy to create that within a half hour you can have enough on hand to adorn all of your presents, string into garlands, or decorate a tree.
 

How to Make the Paper Stars

Paper-Plate Angels

How to Make the Paper-Plate Angels

Light Up the Front Door

Turn Summer Candle Holders into a Christmas Feeling

To Welcome Your Guests!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

House Smart Home Improvements are experienced professionals with an  A+ Rating with the Better Business Bureau. When it’s time to replace your windows, doors or  furnaces and heat pumps, or to install  insulation, and other energy-efficient home upgrades,  Give us a call. 604-585-2020. Right now, save 100 per window for a limited time if you live in the lower mainland, BC Canada    

 House Smart Home Improvements
Phone: 604 945 1904 / Fax: 604 581 1985
Email: info@housesmarthomeimprovements.com

Showroom: #4 120 Glacier St, Coquitlam BC V3K 5Z6 
604-945-1904 (office hours)  - 604-585-2020 (24-Hour)