Keeping Your Home Beautiful and Enjoyable Year Round

January
Be sure to clean up and store all seasonal paraphernalia in an organized fashion ready for re-use next year.  Don’t delay.  Now’s the time for major renovations plans, as well.  Note:  Look for outdoor furniture sales.

February
It’s a good month to keep the house warm and cozy for you and your guests; fireplace ablaze, afghans and throws readily available, a good book handy, kitchen inviting with the delicious smells of something warm and nourishing.  In short, curl up and enjoy winter on Long Island.  
Note:  Check out white sales.

March
This is definitely the month for spring cleaning of closets and cabinets, re-organization of book shelves and planning for warm weather renovations and redecorating projects.

April
The new gardening projects (outdoors or in) should be the forefront of your home planning, as well as plumbing and repair work, to keep you house looking young and fresh.  Color change can make a big difference.  Paint is the least expensive decorating tool with the most.

May
Outdoor rooms, patio furniture and general replacement of old and worn furnishings can prepare you for summer fun without hassle if you start early enough.  Check sprinklers and air conditioning.  Is the pool ready to be opened and the lawn furniture cleaned?

June
If you plan your vacation in this month, make sure your home is secure.  Are fire and burglar alarms working, has mail been rerouted and are your sprinklers set so you don’t return to a brown lawn?

August
Take a weekend “antiquing” on Long Island and find a unique and special something to enhance your home.  Also shop the white sales for great bedding buys.

September
Once the kids are back to school and the golf clubs and tennis rackets are almost put away, think about the fact that Thanksgiving and the holidays are only 8+ weeks away!  Pre-plan for home for home renovation and decorating projects now.

October
Decorating for fall is in!  “Do” your porch with bales of hay, pumpkins and scarecrows, gourds and mums.  You’ll smile every time you open your front door!

November
Your holiday shopping list should be dwindling by now.  Treat your home to a holiday gift (new TV, mattress, closet organizers, new set of kitchen dishes, bath accessories) that your whole family can enjoy.

December
This busy month takes you outside your home a great deal.  So enjoy it when you’re there with friends and family or alone by filling it with light and love.  It can be your safe harbor from the busy world around us, if you take the time and effort to make so.  Get rid of the clutter and put “stuff” where it belongs.  Bring home a bouquet of flowers, some new throw pillows or floor runner.  Treat you home as an extension of yourself – you both deserve it!

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