GUIDE
Local businesses o er home improvement tips
COMPILED BY PEYTON MACKENZIE & JISHNU NAIR HOME IMPROVEMENT AND MAINTENANCE
ASK AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Melissa Campbell is president of interior design rm Discerning Designs, which helps homeowners in the Conroe and Montgomery areas make interior design choices.
They think with the end in mind, which for a lot of homeowners ends up saving them time and money and frustration, because they’re not piecemealing it together. They have everything selected in spreadsheets, and all of that is done initially before any kind of renovation or new construction even begins. WHAT ARE SOME SMALL STEPS HOMEOWNERS CAN TAKE THEMSELVES TO ENHANCE THE FUNCTIONALITY OF A HOME? I think in terms of functionality it’s really thinking through how you use this space. Sometimes there’s simple changes that can be made such as changing out towel bars for a robe hook or moving a trash can to a less congested area or adding pullout drawers for kitchen cabinets. Simple things like that can go a long way for daily use, but it’s really being mindful of how you operate in this space.
WHAT ARE SOME DO IT YOURSELF TRENDS YOU ARE SEEING RIGHT NOW IN INTERIOR DESIGN? I’ve seen people re nishing a lot of the darker woods, or the orange oak wood from late ‘90s, early 2000s—so trying to re nish those with a lighter white oak look or more natural wood graining. I think people are a little more open now to wallpaper. ... Some people are taking on and installing wallpaper [and] powder baths in areas where you can make a big impact in a small space. WHERE DO YOU THINK HOMEOWNERS SHOULD DRAW A LINE BETWEEN DIY AND CALLING ON A PROFESSIONAL? I think de nitely when it comes to plumbing and electrical, I would rely on the professionals—just for the cost involved, it’s not worth the risk of re or ood hazard. In terms of other projects it just depends on a realistic view of how much time they have to dedicate. HOW CAN CALLING ON AN INTERIOR DESIGNER ADD VALUE TO A HOME? I think designers add value in that they listen to the homeowner on what they want to achieve, and then they put it together in more of a formal vision. ...
TIPS FROM A LANDSCAPER
Cathy Arthur, owner of A&A Plants and Produce—a nursery in Montgomery—o ered landscaping tips for homeowners. 1 BEGINNERS SHOULD FOCUS ON PLANTS OVER PRODUCE.
mulch that is not dyed. Some homeowner associations require residents to have black or red mulch, but some lawn services may use dyed mulch, which release chemicals that can slowly stress and kill plants. 3 NAVIGATE THE DROUGHT SEASON. To navigate drought, Arthur recommends checking sprinkler systems. Look into the reputation of sprinkler system providers and the reviews left for the business. Especially for individuals who are retired or only occupy their house part time, they may be unaware their sprinkler systems are broken or disrepaired.
Arthur said she recommends new homeowners who want to spruce up their front beds to begin with plants over produce. For beginners, she recommends perennials, evergreens and annuals. Gardens need nearly daily tending to, while plants and owers do not need as much of a hands-on commitment. 2 CHECK SOIL AND MULCH. Arthur advises homeowners to check their soil and run a soil test. She also recommends investing in a Texas native
Cathy Arthur owner, A&A Plants and Produce 20698 Eva St., Montgomery 936-597-5070 www.montgomery nursery.com
Melissa Campbell president, Discerning Designs
C. B. STEWART DR.
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832-620-8876 www.discerning designs.net
EVA
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A One-in-a-MELON Community! Celebrate Summer at Our
Watermelon Celebration
(936) 307-0690 We’re celebrating National Watermelon Day at Worthington Manor! Join us for summer fun as our culinary team presents all things watermelon! WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3 FROM 2-4 P.M. AT WORTHINGTON MANOR
RSVP TO ATTEND! (936) 307-0690
1999 Lakes of Wedgewood Drive in Conroe worthingtonmanorseniorliving.com NOW OPEN! CALL (936) 307-0690
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