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Gardening is a great way to beautify your home and connect with nature.

But is your garden environmentally friendly? Heres how to become an eco-friendly gardener

Choose native plants that grow naturally in your region so they dont require extra water or chemicals to keep them alive.

Native plants also support the local ecosystem by feeding insects, birds and other members of your yards habitat.

Do away with chemicals. Instead of pesticides, use household items like vinegar, salt and dish detergent to get rid of weeds and pests.

Mow your lawn the right way. Plant the right type of grass for your region, then be sure not to cut it too short. Longer blades of grass help conserve water.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If youre considering buying a house with a home theater, or perhaps you want to put one in your current residence, the most important question that youre likely to face is whether to get a TV or projector. This alone will undoubtedly have a major impact on your viewing experience, so its worth digging into the details in order to design the perfect home theater for your next family movie night. Below are the pros and cons of each.

TV Pros:
If picture quality is the most important characteristic to you, then its generally accepted that TVs have the edge in this department. Not only will the image be sharper and brighter, but you wont have to worry about keeping the room dark. Additionally, TVs have built-in speakers, so you dont necessarily need to outfit your home theater with a separate audio system.

TV Cons:
A large, state-of-the-art TV is likely going to set you back a bit more than a projector, but thats to be expected for the picture quality. One area that the TV is limited is size, as 4K ultra-high definition televisions top out around 80 inches (not that thats anything to scoff at).

Projector Pros:
For a true cinematic experience with a wall-sized screen, the projector is the way to go for larger-than-life images at a cheaper price. If you want to be able to discreetly turn your living room into a home theater, you have the benefit of installing a retractable projector and screen that hides from view when not in use.

Projector Cons:
Of course, the biggest knock on projectors is that light affects the picture quality, but if youre going to use blackout shades or put your home theater in your basement, then this probably isnt a major concern. While the picture quality isnt quite as good as televisions, todays 4K ultra-high definition projectors are very impressive. Youll also need to get speakers, which isnt an issue if you plan on installing a surround sound system anyway.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Living in a small apartment is not always easy, especially when you have less than 500 sq. ft. to hold all of your belongings. Styling this space can be just as difficult, but not impossible. Heres a few tips for combining style with functionality, the most important factor when decorating a studio apartment.

Separate Living Spaces
Even in a studio, you can achieve the illusion of multiple rooms by separating areas. Using room dividers or open book shelves are just some ways to break up your space. With open bookshelves, you can utilize the extra shelves for picture frames, plants or other decorative items.

Stick to the Basics
In a small space, the more items you have, the more cluttered it feels. To avoid feeling cramped, minimize the decor you use. Go for functionality and design with shelves, hooks, decorative boxes and bowls, lamps and plants. Another tip, maximize floor space by using a stylish and trendy chair for multiple uses around the house, like at your desk, vanity and dining table.

Functional Furniture
Speaking of chairs, you want to make sure that each piece of furniture you choose for your studio is multi-functional and practical. Instead of buying a platform bed frame, invest in one that contains storage drawers or shelves. Pieces that serve more than one purpose are perfect for smaller spaces.

Lighten and Brighten
The best way to make a room feel bigger is natural light. Use sheer curtains to bring the light in while still keeping your privacy. If you dont have many windows, use lamps and other lighting around the apartment to lift the energy in your space. Stay away from lamps that are too bulky and focus on a more simplified and minimalistic style.

With these tips, your studio apartment can be transformed into a spacious, comfortable and stylish home.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Follow these dos and donts when creating a monochromatic room.

Do start with a base color

Pick out the primary tone and how itll be applied.

Dont feel like you have to stick to neutral tones

Be bold. The look pops with ambitious shades.

Do use a variety of shades

Use different shades that complement each other to add depth.

Dont overdecorate

Keep the decor uncluttered so that the room doesnt feel overwhelming.

Do focus on layers

Introducing different textures and patterns will provide layers that allow the room to flow.

Dont be afraid to break the color scheme

You can still have a surprising accent piece that creates a bit of contrast.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Everyone knows that when youre putting your home on the market, curb appeal – that indelible first impression your house makes from the road – can make or break a successful sale.

These days, curb appeal is even more important than ever as homebuyers increasingly search online and via drive-bys. Todays buyers are also more tuned into the value of a homes yard, looking for safe spaces with lots of play- and relaxation-value while spending time at home. Outdoor areas have truly become an extension of a homes living space and should, therefore, be showcased to the max.

If youre getting your home ready to sell, get your yard in showing shape with these suggestions from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI):

Go deep on cleaning.Use a leaf blower to make quick work of clearing debris from flowerbeds, yards, your patio or deck and mulched areas under your trees. Reseed bare patches in the grass and add a fresh layer of mulch for a super-manicured outdoor space.

Keep up with mowing.Nothing is more inviting than a perfectly coiffed carpet of grass, which creates a crisp backdrop for the rest of your landscape and your home itself. Proper mowing helps create a more beautiful, lower-maintenance, and drought-tolerant lawn. Preferred length varies by grass type, but the general rule of thumb is to cut only the top third of the grass blades off at any given time. Taller grass blades shade the soil and keep it cooler, helping control weeds. Taller grass is also softer to walk on”important for families with little feet and paws to consider.

Give trees and bushes a trim.Use a trimmer, chainsaw or pole pruner to cut back any shrubs, bushes or trees that have become overgrown. For a polished look, use an edger to form a clean boundary between the lawn and walkways.

Prioritize safety.Before you use your mower and any other outdoor power equipment, bone up on operational and safety procedures. Follow all guidelines and get very familiar with the controls so you can react quickly when necessary. Missing manual? Just look it up online using the make and model, and be sure to save a copy on your computer.

Plant strategically.Plant colorful blooms in flower beds, along fence lines and in patio containers, especially near the front door. Selecting plants that are native to your climate zone (refer to the USDAs Plant Hardiness Zone Map) ensures you select species that are adapted to thrive in your location. Native plants require less water and less upkeep.

Plant with pollinators in mind. Selecting native plants of different varieties that will bloom throughout the year will also attract local pollinators and wildlife to the yard, adding a unique touch to showings. The Audubon Societys database can help determine which birds will be attracted to which plants in your region so you can make good choices about what to plant.

Taking these steps will help ensure your homes outdoor space immediately jumps out and captures the attention of homebuyers!

Published with permission from RISMedia.