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Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – September 14, 2022

4 WAYS TO ADD NEW COLORS WITHOUT PAITING WALLS

The idea of home as a place of comfort and rejuvenation remains the inspiration behind the trending paint and décor colors for 2023. Calming colors found in nature, including muted blues, soft yellows, and warm earth tones are featured in the latest design palettes.

If you’re not ready to commit to painting an entire room, or if you’re not sure if a color change will be too dramatic, consider adding accent colors without changing the walls.

1. Add some pillows. New throw pillows and coordinating throw blankets are perfect for adding a pop of color to your living room or family room. You can also add accent pillows to your patio or porch furniture. Change the pillow colors to reflect the seasons or holidays.

2. Use artwork to add color to plain white walls. Select several small pieces of artwork with coordinating colors for a small gallery wall.

3. Introduce new colors in your kitchen with dishes, tableware, accent pieces, or even small appliances.

4. Paint a piece of furniture instead of the whole room.  Add a painted cabinet, table, or other accent piece.

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – September 7, 2022

BE PREPARED FOR STORM SEASON

Summer temperatures may soon be winding down, but hurricane season in New Jersey runs until late November. Storm activity often increases after Labor Day, so it’s best to prepare your home in advance. By taking some precautions, it’s possible to minimize the damage to your home and property.

When a store is expected, be sure to secure or remove any outdoor furniture or items that can act as a projectile and cause damage, including tables, chairs, patio umbrellas.

Inspect and remove any hanging branches or fallen tree limbs that can be propelled through the air towards a window or elsewhere.

Secure fences and gates. Complete any necessary repairs needed for loose or broken areas before a storm. Check and clean gutters to make sure they are flowing properly in case of heavy rains. Repair or secure any loose gutters or downspouts.

It’s also good practice to keep an emergency kit handy at all times of the year. FEMA recommends items include three days of water and non-perishable food per person and for pets, flashlights, extra batteries and cell phone chargers.

Princeton Town Topics – Let’s Talk Real Estate – August 10, 2022

GARDENING TIPS FOR EXTREME HEAT

Another week of excessive heat continues in New Jersey. The region remains unusually dry because of the heat wave and lack of heavy rain over the last few weeks. Much of the area is under mandatory outdoor water restrictions, including odd/even days to ease the demand on water supplies.

Keeping up with lawns and gardening during the current extreme temperatures can be challenging. But following practical planting and maintenance tips can make it easier to garden during the heat.  

• Choose drought resistant plants for planting zones 6 and 7. A mix of annuals and perennials include dianthus, zinnia, cosmos, sweet potato vines, echinacea (coneflowers), sedum, begonia.
• Mulching underneath trees and shrubs and in garden beds retains moisture in the soil and saves on water. Plants tend to grow better with mulching, as the temperature of the soil stays more uniform.
• Reduce the size of your lawn by planting more trees, shrubs, gardens or ornamental grasses, which do not use as much water as a typical lawn.

Check your local water utility or other online resources such at university agricultural extensions for additional landscaping and planting ideas to save water over time.