Home Channel TV Blog

The heat of the summer causes many people to dream of putting in a pool.  Here are some important things to consider before making that commitment.

Purpose
Do you want your backyard to be the one where all the neighborhood kids play, or are you looking for a therapy pool where you and your spouse can do water aerobics together? To avoid costly mistakes, make sure you’re clear on how the pool will be used before you start making plans. No need to pay for a large lap pool if all you really want is a refreshing dip now and then.

Your garden is an extension of your home.  You've choosen the plants and design so now it's time to accessorize!  Garden art is a great way to add something special to your landscape design.  Interesting pieces bring sparkle, whimsy and more personality to your yard.  Art can be store bought or created by you.  The possibilities are endless!  We've found some great art to inspire you!

Today we are touring a custom ranch home built by KLM Builders.  This home was designed with many features for "aging in place".  The homeowners and KLM walk us through this beautiful home and talk about the process and the features.  Enjoy the tour below!

Cooking should be fresh and light during the summer months.  Sometimes you want something different than burgers and dogs.  Seafood anyone?  We've found some refreshing shrimp recipes to try out this summer.  Let us know what you think!  Enjoy!

A small outdoor living space may limit your guest list, but it doesn’t have to limit your enjoyment. Make the most of your deck or patio this summer while making memories with friends and family.

Think Multi-Function
If your space is small, you can’t afford to take up valuable real estate with furniture that does only one thing. Transform a durable storage bench into seating by adding colorful cushions, or find a stylish outdoor table that includes a built-in container for keeping ice and cold drinks. If staying warm on chilly nights is a priority, a fire-pit table provides heat and a place to rest your wine glass. Outdoor storage cubes can hold not-so-pretty necessities like potting soil or charcoal briquettes and double as seating.

Last week we featured Formal Gardens and this week we are showcasing a much less structured design option - Cottage Gardens.  These informal gardens offer much more freedom in their relaxed design. They are just as beautiful as formal gardens but a bit more natural, casual and charming. Take a look at our finds and let us know which you prefer!

It's that time of year to get your grilling on!  Yum!  A great way to add variety to your grilled meats is by using marinades.  Whether you are in the mood for chicken, pork or steak we have you covered.  We have found some flavorful marinades to add to your grilling rotation.  Enjoy!

Summer is a season of high energy and high energy usage. Efforts to keep cool, maintain the landscape and swimming pool and enjoy all the season has to offer can result in high utility bills and other extra costs, including costs to the environment. Being green this summer doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice fun or comfort. 

What elements are found in formal garden designs?  Formal gardens have a clear and defined structure.  They tend to be symmetrical and are designed in geometric shapes like squares, triangles and straight lines.  The plants used are usually more leafy greens than flowers - boxwoods are used frequently.  Lastly, formal gardens tend to have a focal point like a fountain or birdbath.  We've found some lovely gardens for you to enjoy!