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National Post
5 days ago
- General
- National Post
How to create a "petio" for your furry friends
You may have already heard of catios — enclosed outdoor areas where felines can frolic while enjoying fresh air. Cat owners love them because they give indoor cats extra enrichment while keeping them safe. Catios can also decrease conflicts among multiple house cats as well as eliminate cat-related disputes among neighbours. Article content Now, the catio concept has grown to include outdoor spaces for other species. Dubbed 'petios,' these house add-ons are becoming increasingly popular. Article content Article content Article content 'In fact, 65 per cent of pet owners say they've made outdoor design decisions based on their pets, and many have created spaces that allow pets to interact with nature while still being protected,' Melissa Handy, senior vice president at Lowe's, told Real Simple. Article content Areas for dogs are a given, but other pets such as birds, rabbits and guinea pigs may benefit from a petio — as long as you take into consideration their safety, health and natural behaviours. Here are some things to keep in mind when designing a petio: Article content 1. Decide on the petio's purpose. This will give you an idea of what items to include and how much space you need. An area for dogs to roughhouse will look different from a climbing maze for cats, for instance. Dogs may enjoy a kiddie pool, but cats? Not so much. Article content House Digest recommends adding pet relief areas, shade structures and water features to encourage hydration. Pet beds and hiding spots are also good ideas, as is human furniture if you plan to join your furry friends outside. Article content Article content 2. Guard against escapees — and intruders. Ensure that the edges of your petio are secure enough that animals can't dig under, climb over or break through any materials. If you have a cat, or cats, this could look like wire mesh completely enclosing the space. For a dog, a fence might be more important than a roof. 'Many pet rescues require a six-foot high fence, especially for large or very active breeds,' says Real Simple. Article content 3. Focus on the floor. Make sure that flooring materials are durable and easy to clean. 'Artificial turf can be a good option for most pets,' says House Digest. 'Those with avid diggers might opt for tile or stone instead, which is easy to wash and remains cool in hot climates.' Other options include pet-safe gravel or mulch. Don't forget to account for adequate drainage if you choose artificial turf. Article content 4. Pick plants carefully. Research what's poisonous to your pet and avoid it. On its website, the BC SPCA has a starter list of problematic plants: among them are lilies, poison hemlock, branching ivy, oleander, tulips, cocoa bean mulch and castor bean plant. Article content On the other hand, you might want to include safe plants for your pet to enjoy. 'Some pet-friendly plants include herbs like oregano, lavender, rosemary, and thyme; camellia, crape myrtle, forsythia, sunflowers, and petunias,' says Real Simple. 'For cats, a patch of catnip or cat grass would be a welcome addition to their space.' Article content
Hindustan Times
02-08-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
What are the benefits of closed kitchens? Here's how viral trend is making a comeback
A kitchen is said to be the heart of a home, so it is no wonder that a lot of thought goes into how it looks. While open kitchens have a set of perks, they lack the privacy and separation from the rest of the home that closed kitchen spaces offer. Image for representation.(Pixabay) Some time back, actually around two decades back, the Tuscan-style kitchen was nothing more than some quirky design no one had expected to see trend again. But now, it seems to be making a comeback. While open kitchens have been all the rage in recent times, there is a noticeable shift in trends, House Digest observed, with many leaning towards kitchens with closed layouts – showing that no design choice is truly ever dead or immortal. So, why are people opting for the closed kitchen design over the open one? Benefits of closed kitchens While open kitchens have a set of perks, they lack the privacy and separation from the rest of the home that closed kitchen spaces offer. House Digest notes this may cause the space to lose some of its charm or character. Also Read | Small but mighty: Clever design ideas for compact spaces The closed space, alternately, takes a more traditional approach with the cooking space becoming a dedicated area through a doorway. This design works for people who want to remain focused while cooking. While one may not be able to chat with guests when preparing food, the closed kitchen plan also saves others the trouble of being exposed to the mess and odors that are inevitable in the cooking process. Further, closed kitchens mean more walls, which translates to more storage space if cabinets and shelves are put up. Finally, closed kitchen spaces convey a sense of intimacy, and since homeowners are leaning towards spaces that feel cozy, this design trend seems to be most obvious choice. How to work with a closed kitchen design It's important to have a kitchen plan – focused on functionality and practicality in place – before going with the decor. House Digest also spoke to designers who suggested that it is important to focus on a specific energy within the space – whether someone wants to go with cozy, conversational, productive, or calm.
Scottish Sun
06-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
How to keep squirrels at bay AND add a touch of colour to your garden this summer for less than £3
Scroll down for more ways to keep pesky pests at bay this summer FLOWER POWER How to keep squirrels at bay AND add a touch of colour to your garden this summer for less than £3 THEY may seem cute with their fluffy tails, but don't let squirrels charming appearance fool you. From digging up freshly planted bulbs to nibbling on fruit, chewing through plant stems, and raiding vegetable patches, playful squirrels can be a gardener's worst nightmare. Advertisement 2 This furry pest can can be a gardener's worst nightmare - but there's an easy way to keep squirrels at bay Credit: Getty 2 Green-fingered Brits can snap up gorgeous marigolds for less than £3 Credit: Getty Luckily, protecting your garden from these cheeky pests doesn't have to involve pricey deterrents or harsh chemicals that can ruin your lawn. According to House Digest, planting one type of flower in your garden beds and borders can help keep pesky squirrels at bay. These vibrant, aromatic flowers will not only immediately brighten up your landscape but also emit a scent that this furry animal hates. What's more, there's also no need to fork out a fortune on this plant - as green-fingered Brits can snap up gorgeous marigolds for less than £3. Advertisement Not only do marigolds boast vibrant golden blooms, but they also emit a potent aroma that squirrels find off-putting. According to experts, this scent interferes with their sense of smell, making it challenging for hungry squirrels to rummage through the garden for their next meal. If you're keen to test this natural method to ward off squirrels, it's best to choose a sunny spot in your garden as these flowers require at least six hours of sunlight daily. For best results - and an epic garden glow-up - sow your seeds approximately six to 12 inches apart and once they've taken root, ensure they're regularly watered. Advertisement While they can withstand drought, they'll thrive with consistent watering. They also need occasional deadheading to maintain their health. 6 ways to get rid of slugs and snails This affordable flower - retailing for just £2.80 at B&Q - is excellent for strategic planting. If gardeners position them between rows of vegetables or next to fruit-bearing plants that squirrels target, it will keep them protected from the pesky pests. Advertisement If you're short on space in your garden, marigolds also make fantastic companion plants in pots alongside tomatoes, peppers and herbs. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. If you feel like you need additional squirrel deterrent planting, it's worth considering other strongly scented plants such as mint or nasturtium. The layering of smells forms a robust barrier against the noses of the furry animal. Another scent, we reported earlier, is using coffee grounds. Advertisement Pest control expert Jordan Foster said: 'Spread coffee grounds in your borders as squirrels hate the smell of them and will run away and won't come back.' The expert also advised adding water to the grounds, to make sure they stick, and to enhance the odour. Before applying to the whole of your garden, you should test a small area to ensure it doesn't harm plants. Coffee grounds can also be effective at harming other pests, such as cats and rats. Advertisement Alongside planting deterrents, households should also maintain their garden tidy and free from food leftovers - as these will attract squirrels, rats and mice to consume what they desire.
The Sun
06-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
How to keep squirrels at bay AND add a touch of colour to your garden this summer for less than £3
THEY may seem cute with their fluffy tails, but don't let squirrels charming appearance fool you. From digging up freshly planted bulbs to nibbling on fruit, chewing through plant stems, and raiding vegetable patches, playful squirrels can be a gardener's worst nightmare. 2 2 Luckily, protecting your garden from these cheeky pests doesn't have to involve pricey deterrents or harsh chemicals that can ruin your lawn. According to House Digest, planting one type of flower in your garden beds and borders can help keep pesky squirrels at bay. These vibrant, aromatic flowers will not only immediately brighten up your landscape but also emit a scent that this furry animal hates. What's more, there's also no need to fork out a fortune on this plant - as green-fingered Brits can snap up gorgeous marigolds for less than £3. Not only do marigolds boast vibrant golden blooms, but they also emit a potent aroma that squirrels find off-putting. According to experts, this scent interferes with their sense of smell, making it challenging for hungry squirrels to rummage through the garden for their next meal. If you're keen to test this natural method to ward off squirrels, it's best to choose a sunny spot in your garden as these flowers require at least six hours of sunlight daily. For best results - and an epic garden glow-up - sow your seeds approximately six to 12 inches apart and once they've taken root, ensure they're regularly watered. While they can withstand drought, they'll thrive with consistent watering. They also need occasional deadheading to maintain their health. 6 ways to get rid of slugs and snails This affordable flower - retailing for just £2.80 at B&Q - is excellent for strategic planting. If gardeners position them between rows of vegetables or next to fruit-bearing plants that squirrels target, it will keep them protected from the pesky pests. If you're short on space in your garden, marigolds also make fantastic companion plants in pots alongside tomatoes, peppers and herbs. Keep pests out all summer IF you want to ensure that your home is pest free this summer, here's what you need to know. Hornets and wasps - hate the smell of peppermint oil so spraying this liberally around your patio or balcony can help to keep them at bay. Moths - acidic household white vinegar is effective for deterring moths. Soak some kitchen roll in vinegar and leave it in your wardrobe as a deterrent. Flying ants - herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, mint, chilli pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cloves, or garlic act as deterrents. Mosquitoes - plants, herbs and essential oil fragrances can help deter mozzies inside and out. Try eucalyptus, lavender and lemongrass. If you feel like you need additional squirrel deterrent planting, it's worth considering other strongly scented plants such as mint or nasturtium. The layering of smells forms a robust barrier against the noses of the furry animal. Another scent, we reported earlier, is using coffee grounds. Pest control expert Jordan Foster said: 'Spread coffee grounds in your borders as squirrels hate the smell of them and will run away and won't come back.' The expert also advised adding water to the grounds, to make sure they stick, and to enhance the odour. Before applying to the whole of your garden, you should test a small area to ensure it doesn't harm plants. Coffee grounds can also be effective at harming other pests, such as cats and rats. Alongside planting deterrents, households should also maintain their garden tidy and free from food leftovers - as these will attract squirrels, rats and mice to consume what they desire.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
9 Wood Finishes That Are Dating Your Home, And How To Update The Look
Wood is one of the most enduring and beloved materials in home design, but just like paint colors and tile choices, certain wood finishes can quickly fall out of fashion. In this House Digest exclusive, top designers reveal which wood finishes are dating your home and how to update the look. Whether it's overly glossy floors or orange oak cabinets, the wrong finish can make your home feel stuck in another decade, even if the bones are beautiful. It's not just about color, either — the sheen of a finish can influence how current (or outdated!) a space can feel. Today's most inviting interiors have texture and finishes that feel warm and natural, not overly processed or polished. The good news is you don't have to start from scratch. With the right updates, like some light sanding or a simple stain change, you can breathe new life into dated wood surfaces and create a more modern feel throughout your home. Whether you're planning a full renovation or just want to refresh a few key pieces, our experts' advice will help you make confident choices that keep your home feeling fresh and timeless. Read more: 12 Once-Popular Kitchen Trends That Won't Be Coming Back Anytime Soon Both high gloss finishes and lighter woods like maple were once quite popular in the 1990s and early aughts. "High-gloss maple was once a go-to for sleek, modern interiors — especially in kitchens and open-plan spaces," Lisbeth Parada, color & design lead at Minwax, shares exclusively with House Digest about the favorites of this time. However, having them in your home today doesn't quite work, as Parada explains that modern design prefers a warmer, deeper feel. "The yellow undertones and ultra-shiny finish can feel cold and out of step with current design trends," she explains. If you have high-gloss light maple cabinets or panels in your home, you don't need to rip them all out to successfully modernize the space. To correct the wood's color, she suggests an easy DIY staining project to deepen the wood's tone instead. Using Minwax Wood Finish in Espresso or Dark Walnut can completely refresh its appearance, lending it a contemporary, luxurious feel. "For those who still love a glossy finish, the right polyurethane topcoat can deliver that luxe shine — just in a much more contemporary context." She continues, "Think sleek walnut cabinetry or high-gloss espresso floors that feel tailored and architectural, not dated." The Minwax Helmsman Water Based Spar Urethane is a great place to start for just the right amount of gloss. If you live in modern suburbia, it's likely that you have a touch of orangey oak finish somewhere in your house. "This orange-toned, 'builder-grade' favorite of the late '90s and early 2000s was often found in kitchens and on staircases," Parada shares. Oak has a natural, honey-like tone to it, but during this period of design, many builders likely also exaggerated this warm tone with orange-tinted finishes to create a cozier space — or so they thought. Yet, its appeal hasn't held up. "Today, it can make interiors feel dated and overly traditional," she continues. Thankfully, to bring your home into the modern era, it doesn't take much. "Refinish with a modern and more neutral shade such as Minwax Wood Finish in Weathered Oak for a soft, contemporary feel," she says. This creates a similar coziness, without the overwhelmingly cheap look that too much orange on natural wood can sometimes create. "If replacement isn't in the budget, balance it with muted tones like soft sage, charcoal, or creamy white to reduce the visual impact," award-winning interior designer Kathleen Jennison, founder and principal of KTJ Design Co., adds. Sherwin-Williams Soft Sage, Westchester Gray, and Creamy White all work as great starting options. You can also incorporate these colors into textiles as well, like curtains, hand towels, or even throw pillows. If you don't want your home to look more like an old-fashioned Olive Garden, or straight out of a design show from the 1990s, it's time to move on from heavy, distressed faux-antique finishes. "This finish was trendy during the farmhouse and Tuscan design booms, but now can feel overly busy or inauthentic, especially when factory-applied," Parada says. "In addition, white-washed or gray-washed wood finishes, which were also trendy with the farmhouse aesthetic, can be seen as lacking warmth." Yet, fans of the modern farmhouse style don't need to worry — you can simply implement a few modern updates. Luckily, many of these upgrades are DIY-friendly, and it won't take you more than a weekend to make the swap. "Sand down some of the artificial distressing and opt for a cleaner, hand-applied finish using a subtle stain shade like Minwax Wood Finish in Driftwood," she continues. The SKIL 5" Random Orbital Sander is an easy pick to remove the old veneer. If you don't want to purchase one, a sander is also one of the tools you can rent from stores like Lowe's. By sanding, Parada shares that you can highlight the wood's natural grain, giving it a more polished, updated appearance. She also recommends using a matte polyurethane finish, like Minwax Polycrylic Protective Wood Finish, to complete the look. You couldn't go anywhere 20 years ago without seeing this wood finish. "Often found in oversized dining sets and 'executive' home offices, high-gloss red mahogany exudes a sense of formality that feels out of step with today's more relaxed, layered sensibility," Rachel Blindauer, interior & product designer at Rachel Blindauer, shares in a House Digest exclusive. "It tends to absorb light and feel heavy — even when surrounded by more modern elements." Think bulky desks, large vanities, or even massive, multi-level entertainment cabinets — this furniture takes up a lot of room and the deep wooden color makes it unmissable. So, how do you fix it? First, try refinishing it. "Tone down the gloss. Consider a professional matte recoat or a tinted wax finish to reduce the red and soften the glare," she says. The Minwax Natural Paste Finishing Wax can be good for this. Next, "surround the piece with textural upholstery (bouclé, washed linen) and abstract art to introduce contrast and lightness," she says. You can DIY a bouclé chair for your office, for example. If neither option works for you, you can always "paint it out in off-black or deep charcoal for a chic, transitional vibe," Jennison adds. For this, Sherwin-Williams Black Magic is a good place to start. If you bought a new home about 20 years ago, it's very likely you have espresso-stained cabinets. "Espresso wood cabinetry had its moment in mid-2000s kitchens and bathrooms, but the deep, nearly black stain can now feel overly slick and one-note — especially in spaces that lack natural light," Blindauer warns House Digest readers. What once felt sophisticated, can now come across as dated and heavy-handed. Instead, today's homeowners are favoring lighter, more natural finishes that open up the space and showcase the wood's grain. Luckily, if you're a fan of the darker stain, or you don't want to refinish all of your cabinets, there is another way to refresh the look into something a touch more modern. "Swap out harsh chrome hardware for aged brass, add a creamy zellige tile backsplash, or incorporate warm metals and soft textiles nearby," she continues. The COTYKILEY Antique Brass Kitchen Cabinet Handles will do the trick, as will the Franklin Brass Solid Bar Cabinet Handles. After the swap, if you want something more substantial, handmade zellige tile is becoming more and more popular due to its inherent individuality and patina. It has an old-world look, which ironically fits perfectly with more modern tastes. "If refinishing is on the table, opt for natural walnut tones — still rich, but more nuanced and current," Blindauer continues. For this, Minwax Polyshades in Antique Walnut might fit the bill. There's retro charm, and then there's design that feels stuck in the past, and knotty pine often falls into the latter. "Knotty pine paneling screams 'vintage ski lodge,' but not in the chic, Instagrammable way," Blindauer says. "The color and busy grain often overwhelm a space and make it feel cramped or nostalgic for the wrong reasons." Even in houses where classic old-fashioned touches might work, knotty pine can still make the room look less appealing. Its strong wood pattern and old-fashioned color often take over the space instead of working nicely with other decor. This makes it difficult to create rooms that feel both warm and modern at the same time. To update the finish, Blindauer recommends making it markedly less orange as a great first step. "Whitewashing or limewashing can preserve the texture while neutralizing the orange," she says. Interior whitewashing to lighten up your home is becoming increasingly popular. Minwax Color Wash in White Wash is an easy-to-use option. However, if you don't like the whitewashed look and would prefer to cover things up completely, painting is also an option. "In some cases, painting the walls a creamy neutral and keeping the ceiling pine can create a Scandinavian-meets-Americana warmth," she continues. "Let it breathe, don't let it dominate." For some designers, cabinets that match the banisters that match the wall panels might sound like a dream. But this is quickly becoming a major indicator that your space is out of date. "When the floors match the cabinets match the furniture, the room begins to feel more like a showroom than a home," Blindauer says of the trend. Unlike the Japandi style, which still has warmth in its tone and plenty of different textures, these matching sets feel bland and flat. "This was popular in the early 2000s, but today's interiors thrive on intentional contrast and visual layers," she continues. If your home is stuck in the past, the best thing to make it modern is to introduce variety. "Break it up," Blindauer suggests. "Keep the flooring, but paint or refinish cabinetry in a complementary tone." Just make sure that when you're choosing a new wood tone, it's not another one on this same list of outdated options. Next, Blindauer suggests introducing other textures to the space to keep the eye moving. "Leather, cane, painted finishes, or upholstery — to shift the room from coordinated to curated," she says. With just a few updates, even the most dated spaces can feel refreshed and intentional. If you're really feeling stuck, often throwing a few treasured antique items in the mix can give a room real character. Millennials love grey, but like many trends that were once everywhere, it's now quickly falling out of fashion. "Grey wood finishes had a major moment in the 2010s, but now give off 'quick flip' energy," Courtney Batten, founder and lead interior designer at Paige Studio, warns House Digest readers exclusively. "Grey is often a choice homeowners made when they want something that feels 'modern,' but it usually comes off as lacking in depth and feeling very synthetic." Much like chevron patterns or even subway tile, the ashy tone of gray that was once everywhere is now too tied to a specific era. So, it's time to move on. Yet, many still do love the overall vibe that the subtlety of gray brings to a space. If you're someone who wants to stay away from lighter finishes, Batten still has suggestions for a few alternates. "If you're looking for something darker and moodier, I suggest going with a deep, cool toned brown for a more timeless look," she says. For the best chance at getting these colors naturally, try ash, maple, or even pine. "If you're after that light and modern feel, opt for a natural or clear coat white oak instead, it will feel fresh, organic, and the minimal staining means it will wear beautifully over time," Batten continues. Look for wood tones that show off natural grain. This will bring warmth to the space, rather than trying to force a "modern" look with gray stain. Overly glossy finishes might seem like the easiest way to keep things looking polished, but they can actually have the opposite effect. "High shine wood, especially on floors, can quickly date a space. It can feel very stuffy and traditional at a time when home trends are leaning into a more effortless feel," Batten says. Plus, high-gloss finishes also tend to show every scratch and speck of dust, especially in high-traffic areas. If you have a busy home, it might not be the best fit for you anyway, regardless of whether or not it's in style. If you're updating flooring or cabinetry, consider dialing back the shine. Satin or matte finishes offer a softer, more modern look without sacrificing practicality. "I prefer satin finishes for cleanability that gives you just enough shine that you can wipe it down but not so much that it feels high maintenance," she continues. These sheens are also a touch more forgiving and easier to maintain. If you're working with existing wood that feels too shiny, consider using a light sanding and applying a new topcoat in a lower sheen to tone it down. Enjoyed this article? 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