Tip of the week

Top '70s trends making a comeback today

More macramé, please. From dip dyed wall hangings to simple plant hangers, macramé is coming back in a big way. Whether you purchase these items already made or you enroll in a class to make them yourself, macramé offers an easy way to add texture and an artistic touch to your home.

Groovy colors. The blazing orange walls of the '70s may not be back anytime soon, but homeowners are again using more dynamic colors to define the insides of their home. In fact, Sherwin-Williams has named a bold, jewel-toned blue-green color, Oceanside SW 6496, as its 2018 color of the year.

"This trendy color is perfect for a '70s palette," said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. "The complex collision of deep blue and green in this color is somewhat grounding for more vibrant colors in a '70s-inspired palette." 

Insulation

Maintain thermal barrier for your home

The best way to keep your family warm and toasty while the wind, snow and sleet rage outside is to ensure your home and its building envelope — the thermal barrier between the interior of a home and the exterior environment — is properly sealed, according to DAP Extreme Stretch.

To maintain a well-sealed building envelope check for air leaks around these areas:

The interior windows and doors Cracks and gaps where walls meet floors and ceilings Exterior windows and doors Around pipes and vents Winter prep

How to prepare your deck for winter

The amount of work you have to put into winterizing your deck depends on your decking material, according to Western Red Cedar. That said, all decks require some upkeep.

To preserve your deck's luster, start by cleaning it with a warm, soapy solution and a soft-bristle brush. Do not power wash as this can damage the wood. It's important that you remove all dirt and debris from the surface as well as in between the boards to improve ventilation.

Next, inspect the deck for mold. If present, wash the deck with a mild oxygen bleach solution and leave on the surface for 30 minutes before rinsing thoroughly. Finally, remove anything that might leave marks on the deck's surface such as furniture, planters and mats.