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Eye-catching yards can increase a homes curb appeal and boost its value, but gardening and lawn care account for a large chunk of household water consumption. The good news is that, whether you are environmentally conscious or just want to lower your water bill, you dont need to use a lot of water to have a beautiful landscape. If youre designing a new yard or sprucing up your current one, consider using water-smart landscaping techniques.

Go native or choose plants that need less water. Once established, native and low-water-using plants require little water beyond normal rainfall. Also, because native plants are adapted to local soils and climatic conditions, they rarely require the addition of fertilizer and are more resistant to pests and diseases than other species. Be careful when selecting exotic species, as some may be invasive, which may require more water and could displace native plants.

Recognize site conditions and plant appropriately. Areas of the same site may vary significantly in soil type or exposure to sun and wind. Placing plants that prefer shade in open sun will affect their ability to thrive. Be mindful of a site’s exposure to the elements and choose plants that will thrive in the site’s conditions.

Group plants according to their water needs. Grouping vegetation with similar watering needs into specific “hydrozones” reduces water use and protects the plants from both underwatering and overwatering by allowing you to water to each zone’s specific needs. For example, turf areas and shrub areas should always be separated into different hydrozones because of their differing water needs.

Maintain healthy soils. Healthy soils are the basis for a water-smart landscape; they effectively cycle nutrients, minimize runoff, retain water and absorb excess nutrients, sediments and pollutants.

Place turfgrass strategically. In traditional landscapes, turfgrass receives the highest percentage of irrigation water. To better manage outdoor water use, consider planting turfgrass only where it has a practical function, such as a play area.

Use mulch. Incorporate mulch around shrubs and garden plants to help reduce evaporation, inhibit weed growth, moderate soil temperature and prevent erosion. Adding organic matter and aerating soil can improve its ability to hold water. You should also replace mulch at least once per year.

In short, plan and maintain your landscape with water efficiency in mind, and it will continue to be attractive and healthy while requiring less maintenance and water.

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

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From modern to traditional, natural materials can be incorporated into any design aesthetic. Here are a few to add to your home…

Wicker & Rattan Furniture

Wicker and rattan are durable materials that bring a relaxed feel while also showcasing an element of timeless craftsmanship

Natural Fiber Rugs and Window Treatments

Jute rugs offer a natural look that stands up to wear and tear. Natural fiber window treatments, like bamboo or burlap shades, are stylish and sustainable.

Woven Accents

Use accent pieces to introduce natural materials, such as woven baskets for laundry or nautical rope accents to add braided texture.

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If youre about to put your home on the market, there are probably some repairs and changes that need to be taken care of to ensure you get top dollar for your home.

But before you begin tearing your home apart, its important to understand that some home improvements can be categorized as major and necessary, while others are more minor in nature.

When picking which improvements to take care of prior to listing your home, remember that not all home improvement projects offer the same return on investment. Here are some tips:

Cosmetic Repairs
Most prospective homebuyers know to look beyond cosmetic damage (peeling paint and scuffed floors) when theyre looking to purchase a home. More importantly, theyll want to know that the major systems in the home are in good working condition, such as any and all plumbing and electrical components.

Luxury Fixes
If youre updating your kitchen or bathroom before listing your home, make sure you’re not going overboard on the finishes unless it’s a luxury listing. Quartz counters and a new double wall oven in the kitchen may not get you your money back when you sell, so keep it modern, but also keep the costs in mind.

Trendy Repainting
A fresh coat of paint will work wonders when it comes to giving new life to any room in your home, but if youre going to take on this project, its best to not get too colorful. If youre serious about selling your home, youll want to attract as many potential buyers as possible, so stick to neutral colors that will appeal to the masses.

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HGTV star and professional property flipper Johnathan Scott is well accustomed to making design dreams come true for homeowners who have champagne taste on a beer budget.

In a recent interview with lifestyle editors at PureWow.com, a lifestyle destination focused on everything from beauty to recipes, Scott offered four tips for adding luxury touches to even the most ordinary kitchen:

Embellish prefab cabinets. Create the illusion of custom cabinets by starting with inexpensive prefab cabinets. From there, add stylish hardware pulls, install a light rail underneath the uppers or add crown molding details around the edges. Each creates the illusion ofcustom cabinetry”even if you bought those puppies on closeout at your local home improvement store.

Adopt a two-tone color scheme. A two-tone color scheme can infuse your kitchen with upscale vibes. (Think black cabinetry with a glossy white island.) It’s a simple and sophisticated color palette trick that lends creative vision and instant design cred to kitchens of any size or configuration.

Pick a correlating backsplash. Check out backsplash ideas at your local home store. While they can run the gamut from minimalist to elaborate, stay on or under budget by selecting a simple backsplash that adds a touch of quiet elegance and complements your two-tone color scheme.

Install statement lighting on the cheap. Lighting is one area where there can be huge price differences between fixtures that basically look the same, especially when it comes to glass globes or kitchen chandeliers. Instead of shelling out big bucks for designer lighting fixtures, trust that the “copy cats” will add the same look of luxury to your kitchen despite their lower price tags. For a touch of added glamour, install dimmers.

These tips can help you increase the value of your home for an affordable price, giving you long-term benefits for when it’s time to sell.

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