A Fond Farewell from Claudia’s Corner
The only thing that is constant is change and 2020 has been challenging. After running for 14 years, this is my final Claudia’s Corner column. What an amazing ride!
Favorite Local Finds for Gifting
Try supporting small local businesses, artists, makers and friends with service-based businesses. Yours truly is being gifted by a husband as a surprise for his wife who has been wanting a consult with me. You may choose to shop online but even that can be with local businesses. Here are a few favorites.
Question on Flooring
Hi Claudia,
I enjoy reading your home articles in The Times Herald Record. Thank you for the many helpful tips you provide to inspire people to love their homes. I have laminate flooring in my home that is about 10 years old, in great condition and I still love it. The problem is I have an open floor plan. The kitchen is a stone type of pattern and the main hall and dining room is a red oak butterscotch. The living room is carpeted which is worn out. I wish it was laminate. I have been told that it is too difficult to match old laminate, so I have to find another carpet. I am wondering if you know of another choice for me. I am attaching 5 photos for you to see what I described. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. – Mary M., Highland
Outdoor Living Spaces from Wish List to Reality
Comfort levels about socializing indoors vary during our current state of pandemic life. New York has proven that wearing a mask and safety protocols work. Not everyone is on board which has affected our traveling locally, nationally and internationally.
Define your space based on purpose. With some creativity for simple projects or remodeling, here are some ideas to create a staycation.
Art
There is nothing more personal and representative of style than the artwork displayed in your home. Art evokes emotion and connection and can be subtle or makes a statement.
Is your house a home or a storage facility?
Question: “We will be selling our home and moving to a new home. We need to declutter, get rid of some ‘stuff’ but don’t want a yard sale. How can we get rid of perfectly good new gently used stuff before a move?”
Preparing for nesting at home
September feels like the start of a new year whether dealing with a school schedule or not. My family’s back to school days have ended yet it still feels like it’s time for a fresh start without the January pressure of New Year resolutions.
Keeping a cool house on hot days
Question: What are some active and passive ways to keep your house cool in the summer?
As temperatures rise during the summer months, keeping cool becomes a priority. Air conditioning is ideal, but not all homes have it. When my former house was being building in the late 80’s, we added central air with multiple zones and the builder thought we were crazy. Crazy or not, it is a necessity in my life and well worth the investment. In my new house, which is 3 levels with one zone, I’m getting adjusted and finding ways to cool my house. Here a few of my tips followed by shared tips from readers.
Landscape with good bones
Attractive landscapes need good bones. Look around your neighborhood to notice what this means. The hardscape of good-looking properties is well designed and developed with natural landscape to enhance it.
Go to your room!
The master bedroom is the most important room of a house and often the most neglected. By the end of this column, I hope you will be inspired to make your bedroom your sanctuary.
Your bedroom should be a relaxing comfortable space. It should not be cluttered or filled with things that cause stress. You may not see the pile of paperwork or laundry but your body picks up on that energy.