Tag: DIY

A Guide to Plant Hardiness at Your Lake Home: Zones 1-3

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Country Gardens Magazine.

If you have a garden at your lake house, you’re probably familiar with the Plant Hardiness Zones. Designed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, this guide separates the country into zones based on average annual minimum winter temperature. Each zone is split by 10 degrees and has its unique features, such as the first and last frost date and length of seasons. This helpful tool clarifies which plants will thrive in your garden. For example, if you’re a gardener in zones 1-3, the Plant Hardiness Zones will warn you against planting a peach tree in your garden, which wouldn’t flourish outside the southernmost zones.

Image courtesy of Gilmour.com.

If you’ve been browsing the Lake Homes blog in the last few months, you may have caught the first two articles in our series on gardening zones. While the first two covered zones 7-9 and zones 4-6, we’re now turning the spotlight on the coldest areas of the U.S. — zones 1-3.

Region Characteristics

In zones 1-3, the average annual minimum temperature is between -60 degrees and -30 degrees Fahrenheit with zone 1 being the coldest. Most of zone 1 is located in Alaska, where the tundra climate can be especially harsh for gardening. In zones 2 and 3, which include the northernmost United States and high altitude areas, these low temperatures also present a challenge for gardeners. Due to the unforgiving weather, it’s crucial to consult the Plant Hardiness Zones to determine which plants are most likely to survive the winter in your garden. Aside from temperature, these regions also tend to have low moisture and high winds, creating more barriers to plant survival.

Main Takeaways

Due to the harsh features of these regions, northern gardeners’ planting window is shorter than those in other zones. Kevin Espiritu, the founder of Epic Gardening, clarifies, “Gardeners in zones 1-3 have about 2 months to plant, and that’s it.” If you’re living in these zones, it’s crucial to take advantage of this brief time. Luckily, certain types of gardening can help. Scott Fanello, a writer for Total Gardener, advises those in zones 1-3 to master cold-frame gardening. With this simple structure that utilizes insulation and solar energy, you can create a microclimate for your plants. He also recommends building a greenhouse at your lake home if you have the money and time. Despite these challenges, life in zones 1-3 isn’t all bad. Espiritu notes that one advantage to growing plants in Alaska is their long summers (almost 20 hours per day of sunlight), causing gardeners in this region to break records in terms of large vegetables. 

Plants to Pick

Due to the harsh weather conditions, the best plants to choose in zones 1-3 are tough ones that can survive droughts. It’s also best to select native plants that are already adapted to the climate. Thankfully, several plants are hardy enough to thrive in this cold, dry weather. Nikki McAteer, marketing director of Perfect Plants Nursery, comments, “Only a handful of perennial plants will grow outside and come back year after year. Planting annuals is a great solution to these punishing temperatures.”

In contrast to perennials that need more maintenance, annuals are less of a commitment. Most vegetables are grown as annuals, so plants like beans, broccoli, potatoes, and tomatoes have a good chance of survival in zones 1-3. Fanello recommends focusing on fast-growing annuals in particular. Some examples include salad greens and herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary. Overall, it’s helpful to pick plants with a short growing season so they’ll mature and be ready for harvest in the 2-month window that these zones offer.

Despite the harsh weather in zones 1-3, northern gardeners are quite savvy when it comes to working with what they have. If you own a lake house in these zones, we hope these tips help your garden flourish. It’s also a great idea to connect with other gardeners in your zone through meetups, Facebook groups, and local farmer’s markets. Plus, with all the available vegetable options in these northern zones, you’ll always have something to add to your homemade salad!

Watch Your Waste: 5 Tips on Cooking with Leftovers

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Melissa Galt Interiors.

We’re all guilty of food waste from time to time. Between those take-out leftovers we forgot in the fridge and bread that went stale, it’s sometimes easier to toss out what we deem as “gone bad” than to repurpose it. Especially if your lake house is a second home, it can be difficult to remember what’s still in your pantry from your last visit. However, chronic food waste can be harmful on many accounts. First, 94 percent of the food we throw away ultimately ends up in combustion facilities or landfills, which are toxic for the environment. On an individual note, wasting food can make a dent both in our wallets and our free time. Especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic, we want to minimize trips to the grocery store and maximize our time at home, enjoying the lake views. Fortunately, there’s plenty of easy and creative ways to try cooking with leftovers. Check out some of these tips on how to reduce food waste and maximize what’s in your fridge!

Cook Lunch at Dinner

Photo courtesy of Good Housekeeping Magazine.

We all know the feeling of opening the fridge, asking ourselves, “what’s that smell?” and discovering week-old leftovers we’d completely forgotten. Sometimes, the biggest culprit of food waste is not knowing what’s in our fridge until it’s gone bad. However, making a strategic plan for cooking with leftovers can minimize this waste. For example, when making dinner, if you have extra ingredients, try doubling the recipe. This way, you can plan to eat the leftovers for lunch the next day. Especially with many of us working from home right now, it’ll make an easy workday lunch to heat up quickly in the microwave. While you’re at it, be sure to invest in transparent Tupperware. It’ll be harder to forget what’s in your fridge when you can see it immediately!

Make New Meals

Photo courtesy of TasteofHome.com.

Sometimes, leftovers aren’t as exciting the next day. It feels much more tempting to order from a restaurant than heat up something old. However, there are plenty of ways to make something completely new out of leftovers. For example, that leftover steak by itself may initially seem like boring deja vu. But what if you thinly sliced the surplus steak and added it to a salad? Or heated it on the stove and tossed it into a fajita with sauteed bell peppers? When the leftovers are repurposed, it’s almost like ordering a whole new meal. It can also be fun to use some leftovers as breakfast items. While rice and beans may have been on last night’s dinner plate, they can also be rolled into a breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, cheese and sour cream. 

Think Twice Before Throwing Out

Photo courtesy of Food Network.

Next time you open the trash lid to toss out something on the cusp of being “too stale” or “too ripe,” reconsider. Of course, you don’t want to get a case of food poisoning. But you also don’t want to throw out something too early. For instance, although brown bananas may no longer be acceptable in your morning oatmeal, they’re perfect for a homemade smoothie. You can also use them in a banana bread recipe. To make delicious, moist banana bread, it’s essential for bananas to have a mushy texture. This same idea of reusing what’s gone bad also applies to bread. When your bread has gone a bit stale, simply cut it into cubes, drizzle with olive oil, and make croutons for a salad or a French onion soup. Finally, if old foods are simply inedible, there might be another, non-nutrient purpose. For example, old lemons can be used to create a homemade cleaning solution. Especially as cleaning supplies are in high demand right now, this is a resourceful repurposing strategy.

Know What to Freeze

Photo courtesy of The Spruce Eats.

When it comes to cooking with leftovers, the freezer is your best friend. Most foods can be easily frozen to increase their lifespan significantly . Of course, there are certain foods you shouldn’t freeze, such as eggs, soft cheeses, and fried food. But vegetables and fruit are fair game, and you can easily whip them out for a recipe and save a trip to the grocery store. You can also freeze tomato paste to use multiple times for soups and curry recipes. One particularly creative use of the freezer is making homemade vegetable stock. Don’t want the end pieces on broccoli or asparagus? Before throwing them in the trash, throw them in the freezer. You can save up these discarded vegetable pieces to make a homemade vegetable stock that’s better than store-bought.

Get Creative in the Kitchen

Photo courtesy of Richlandsource.com.

At the end of the day, cooking with leftovers is all about creativity. Half of the battle is simply cultivating an open mind. Practice approaching each item in your fridge and pantry by asking yourself “What can I do with this?” before reaching for the trash can. And while you’re at it, don’t be afraid to experiment with different leftover ideas. After all, it’s your kitchen. You might find a new, leftover-inspired recipe you love!

How to Remove Mold From Your Outdoor Furniture

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Summer Classics.

When you own outdoor furniture at your lake home, you can enjoy nature from the comfort of a plush cushion and a curved backrest. With the right chaise lounge, admiring your lakefront view from your boat dock and enjoying a spring breeze never gets old. However, as any lake homeowner knows, being immersed in nature requires taking a few necessary precautions, such as protecting yourself from nuisances like bugs, sunburns, and poison ivy. For outdoor furniture specifically, this means being vigilant about the presence of mold and mildew. 

While mildew is sometimes found on the furniture itself, mold often appears on cushions and the underside of umbrellas — not a treat for your guests. Because these sneaky fungi thrive in moist areas, furniture that is regularly exposed to rain will attract them. But at Lake Homes Realty, we refuse to let mold and mildew ruin anyone’s outdoor dining and lounging experiences — we’re here with tips on keeping your furniture clean and mold-free. 

Make the Right Solution

Photo courtesy of FamilyHandyman.com.

When deciding what kind of cleaning solution to use, the answer will depend on the type of furniture. For most furniture, a mixture of Lysol (or another soap solution) and hot water should do the trick. According to the luxury outdoor furniture manufacturing company, Summer Classics, metal, and aluminum furniture are easiest to clean. For wood furniture, the ideal formula that Summer Classics recommends is 1 cup ammonia, ½ cup white vinegar, and ¼ cup of baking soda into 1 gallon of water. These homemade solutions can help remove mildew that appears on furniture. There is a myriad of DIY solutions you can create — be sure never to mix bleach and ammonia.

For mold, which most often appears on cushions, a mild soap and water solution will clean most dyed fabrics. Candy Chase from Treasure Garden, an award-winning umbrella and shade product designer, and manufacturer, advises mixing ½ cup of bleach and ¼ cup of natural soap per gallon of water when cleaning umbrella fabric. After applying the solution, she notes that it’s essential to “allow the fabric to air dry and store in a dry, well-ventilated area.” She urges, “do not subject the fabric to extreme heat or it will shrink.”

Use a Pressure Washer

Photo courtesy of Jacuzzi Outdoor Living.

Especially for wicker furniture with lots of small crevices that are difficult to clean thoroughly, a pressure washer is an ideal tool. Jemma Lane from Arbor Living, a real estate company in the U.K., says that a pressure washer “should get most if not all of the mold and mildew off of the furniture.” After using the pressure washer, she recommends, “wipe the rest of it away with soapy water and a cloth and then use the pressure washer again to finish off.” Outdoor maintenance expert, Gena Lorainne recommends using a pressure washer as well. She advises, “make sure to spray it from all angles, so you can effectively remove all the mold, as it can spread again.”

Less Moisture, More Sunlight

Because mold and mildew tend to thrive in moist areas, create an environment for your outdoor furniture that prevents moisture from getting too settled. When you aren’t enjoying your furniture, be sure to move it out of the shade and lower your umbrella. Additionally, a positive flow of air is encouraged. If your furniture is sitting in an enclosed space, be sure to invest in a dehumidifier.

Invest in Good Products

Photo courtesy of Sunbrella.

One way to prevent mold and mildew from developing is by purchasing cushions that are specifically designed to withstand these pesky fungi. For example, Sunbrella is renowned for its high-quality marine grade cushions that are engineered to prevent the development of mold and mildew. They’re also easy to clean — a concept that gives way to “worry-free livability.” If you’re looking for an extra layer of protection, Candy Chase recommends protective covers and fabric protection products to stem the growth of mold or mildew. However, it’s important to keep in mind that waterproof covers don’t protect from mold and mildew because condensation can still develop beneath the cover. Instead, look for water-resistant, breathable fabrics.  

No matter your specific strategy for conquering mold, make sure to clean your outdoor furniture regularly. When you invest a little time upkeep, your furniture will be in a consistently clean state that’s always ready for guests to arrive! 

A Guide to Plant Hardiness at Your Lake Home: Zones 4-6

Posted on Camille Smith
Photo courtesy of Monrovia.

As any gardener will tell you, the key to having a successful garden is choosing the right plants and knowing when to plant them. To make these decisions, gardeners first look to the plant hardiness zones for guidance. A hardiness zone is a geographic area that divides certain regions based on the average minimum rainfall per year. Pol Bishop, a landscaping expert from Fantastic Gardeners, simplifies, “gardening zones essentially use temperature to determine plant survivability.” By understanding the average temperature in your region, you can make well-informed fundamental gardening decisions.

Photo courtesy of Arbor Day Foundation.

Peter Miller, founder of Gardening Stuffs, comments, “I’ve been in the garden landscape space for 15 years now, and I know how important it is to identify which plants will survive the adverse climate of your region. In gardening, you can adjust your soil type and its PH levels as well as the amounts of sun and shade, but you won’t be able to control the temperature in your garden.” While our first article in the series focused on the southernmost zones in the U.S.– zones 7-9– we’ll now highlight zones 4-6. This range of zones encompasses mid-America and most of the east coast. If your lake house is in these regions, the information and tips provided will help your lakeside garden thrive.

Key Characteristics

Photo courtesy of @shiplapandshells.

In zones 4-6, the average minimum temperature is between -30 and -5 degrees Fahrenheit. As such, one of the hallmark qualities of these zones is that each season has an actual ending and real beginning. Unlike this area’s northernmost and southernmost counterparts, neither winter nor summer lasts too long in these zones. The seasonality is clear-cut. Kevin Espiritu, the founder of Epic Gardening, comments that these zones capture the “traditional gardener in a classic farming routine.” There’s a certain luxury that comes from planting for the next season in the preceding one, and gardeners can take advantage of warm days to plan. There’s even the exciting possibility of a Fall garden.

Helpful Hints

While the plant hardiness zones are useful, they do not tell a region’s full story. This is because the zones only capture average minimum temperature without considering rainfall, elevation, and subclimates. In the Western U.S., sunset zones are a more precise system because they take a region’s latitude, the ocean’s influence, rainfall, humidity, wind, elevation, and microclimate into account. However, since sunset zones only apply to the west, the hardiness zones are currently the most standardized tool for the whole country.

Given this limitation, gardeners should take it upon themselves to consider additional factors that may impact their plants’ survival. For example, those further west receive less rainfall, and those further east get more rain on average. Scott Fanello, a writer for Total Gardner, advises those in drier areas to use greywater to compensate for lack of rainfall, and he urges easterners to make the most of their rainy climate. Regardless of these subclimate-specific differences, a similarity across zones 4-6 is the forgiving weather. This similarity leads to longer growing times during the spring and summer months. To work with this, Fanello mentions that greenhouses can be fun, but they aren’t essential. He also notes that just like zones 1-3, mastering cold frame gardening will be helpful in zones 4-6.

Plants That Thrive

Photo courtesy of TroyRhone.com

Because the weather conditions are ideal for gardening, several types of plants can thrive in zones 4-6. However, some differences are dependent on the specific zone. In zone 4, flowers such as goldenrods, daisies, and petunias will thrive. Plus, the bright color combination is a nice bonus. Landscaper, gardener, and writer Melanie Musson advises filling pots and baskets with petunias for a warm, English-countryside look. If you want to plant trees by your lake house in zone 4, consider a sugar maple. The dynamic, orange-brown tones will look vibrant in the Fall. In zone 5, Musson notes that Agastache will quickly prosper, and they’ll also attract hummingbirds to your garden. As for trees and shrubs, flowering dogwoods and Japanese yews are perfect for zone 5. In zone 6, Musson recommends planting hostas. These perennials love the evenly moist soil in this zone, and their leaves are beautiful all season long. Musson also adds azaleas and rhododendrons to the list of plants that will flourish in zone 6. She shares, “they make for low-maintenance shrubbery that boasts a stunning bloom period.” 

If your lake house falls into one of these three zones, we hope you take advantage of the naturally ideal gardening conditions and find a new perennial to plant this season! 

New Year, New Styles: Lake Home Interior Design Trends in 2020

Posted on Camille Smith

It’s hard to believe that 2019 is almost over. We hope it’s been a year full of boat rides, bonfires, fishing, and generally enjoying all the seasonal luxuries that your lake house has to offer. As the new year approaches, you might be brainstorming exciting interior design ideas. Maybe you’re thinking of redecorating your living room with a nautical theme or finally buying new curtains for the guest bedroom.

Regardless of the project, we’re here to help inspire you with the latest interior design trends that are on the horizon in 2020. To get a sneak peek into these up-and-coming trends, we consulted Anne Mueller, a residential interior designer and co-president of Briar Design based outside of Boston. She told us about three specific trends to be on the lookout for next year!

White Kitchens are Out the Window

Warm natural toned kitchen with exposed beam ceiling

For several years, white kitchens have been a popular interior design trend for lake homeowners. They create a clean, fresh look in contrast with the rugged outdoors. However, new kitchen trends are moving away from purely white kitchens because this minimalist look can evoke a cold, sterile feel. To add a sense of warmth, Mueller notes that “designers and lake homeowners alike are opting for richer finishes such as “off-white” colors like beige, light gray and bone or even taking a bolder approach and going for more saturated colors like navy that used to only be relegated to the island.” So before painting your kitchen counter white, keep in mind that slightly darker tones may make your space feel a little warmer and inviting.

Green is the Color of the Year

Smith and Vasant Architecture lake house in Vermont with green paint and view of the lake interior design trend
Photo courtesy of Smith and Vasant Architects.

Although Pantone named “Classic Blue” as the color of the year for 2020, Mueller comments that in fact, the real winner is actually green. Especially for lake homes, the idea of “bringing the outdoors in” is a staple interior design trend. As such, integrating different shades of green in your interior decor will seamlessly extend the natural look of the outdoors into your home. Mueller advises against using only one shade of green. She notes, “Green pairs very well with other shades of the same color. The rule of thumb is any combination you find in nature, works in interior design.” Just as the trees in your backyard have different colored leaves at any given time, don’t be afraid to venture beyond forest green tones in your home.

Wallpaper is Making a Comeback

Striped navy blue wallpaper with paintings and vibrant pillows on daybed interior design trend
Photo courtesy of One Kings Lane.

The days of subtle, muted toned painted walls are over as 2019 comes to an end. Instead, wallpaper is back in style and designers are seeing it everywhere. While overtly lake-printed wallpaper of sailboats and canoes might be too on-the-nose for a lake house, Mueller recommends that lake homeowners select long-lasting colors or graphic patterns. She comments that patterned walls “offer a sense of texture and warmth.” While Mueller does not advise selecting lake-themed wallpaper, this rule of thumb does not extend to accent pieces. She offers, “Go ahead and get the duck pillow and the tray with the hand-painted harbor scene. These decorative touches are easy to swap out after a season should you get tired of them!”

We hope these tips inspire your own interior design endeavors in the upcoming year! In the meantime, you can follow Anne at @briar_design on Instagram to keep track of the latest looks.

For more home improvement advice and tips, take a quick look at “Top 5 Lake Home Upgrades That Can Backfire on Sellers“.

5 Tips for using Driftwood Décor in your Lake Home

Posted on Camille Smith

One of the many perks to being on the lake is the abundance of wildlife, foliage, and other elements of nature just outside your back door. For lake homeowners, a common experience is noticing pieces of driftwood floating by your boat dock. Some may dismiss these fragments of fallen trees as a common, unremarkable aspect of lake life. However, driftwood is a widely popular material for interior design. Whether you make a DIY driftwood craft or showcase a piece that you found on the shore, this material is sure to heighten the comfortable, classic ambiance of any lake home. To get more insight on how to best incorporate driftwood into lake house décor, we spoke with Anne and Jessica from Briar Design, an interior design firm based outside of Boston. They recently completed a project on a 5,000 sq. home on Lake Winnepauske in New Hampshire and had some advice for lake homeowners when it comes to driftwood art.

A Little Goes a Long Way

Planed driftwood shelves

One of the best parts of driftwood art is that every piece of wood is unique. Especially if you’re displaying a piece that you found on your own lakefront property, it can add a nice personalized touch to a mantle or coffee table. However, since it’s a trendy and distinctive material, too much driftwood can overpower the room and create a 60’s and 70’s vibe that you may not be aiming for in your design. Anne and Jessica recommend pairing driftwood with other materials to create diversity in the look. “We layer it in bookshelves which is beautiful and functional—often next to pottery and greenery. It can be very sculptural,” they advise.

Keep it Natural

Photo courtesy of relianceveneer.com

It’s easy to see why pieces of driftwood art are in high demand – it’s a widely beloved classic material that evokes both earthiness and sophistication. However, its popularity means that most purchasable driftwood art is manufactured, which can often detract from the authenticity of a room. One benefit of having a lake home is prime access to driftwood hunting. Anne and Jessica note, “If you’re lucky enough to find an awesome piece of driftwood, it would never look like too much because you have a story behind it.”

Follow the Shape 

Photo courtesy of SouthernStateofMindBlog.com

Once you have your authentic pieces of driftwood, the next step is to start thinking about decor. If you’re unsure of its best placement in the room, one easy way to start is by considering the size and shape of the piece. “If you’ve found several small pieces, group them together,” Anne and Jessica comment. One idea is collecting these tiny pieces together in a clear jar or lamp base. Smaller pieces can also add a fresh look to coffee tables.

On the other hand, a large piece of driftwood could serve as a mantelpiece or a decoration that extends down the center of a dining table.

DIY is Always an Option

Photo courtesy of TheLearnerObserver.com

Maybe you’re the kind of person who is full of creative ideas, and you feel right at home with super glue and paint. If so, driftwood is an amazing material for DIY projects. When done right, a driftwood decoration project can add the perfect personal touch to your lake home. From creating candle holders to embellishing the outside of a mirror, there are so many ways to use this natural material to put your crafting expertise to work. For inspiration, check out Sustain my Craft Habit’s site for some step-by-step projects.

Make it Front and Center

Photo courtesy of Decor Pad.

If you happen to find a particularly bold and dynamic piece of driftwood, consider using it in place of a piece of artwork. “You could put it over a mantle,” Anne and Jessica suggest, “It could be in place of a painting or mirror. If it’s branchlike, it can be beautiful hung on the wall.” Sometimes, simple choices are best. Especially if you’ve found a unique piece with a backstory, don’t be afraid to consider it art and include it in a prominent place in the design.

Regardless of how you use it in your home, finding unique pieces of driftwood is an experience that is emblematic of lake life. We hope you enjoy discovering this natural material and finding ways to incorporate it into your interior designs!

Hosting the Perfect Game Day at your Lake House

Posted on Camille Smith

Autumn Approaches

Emerald Shore Lake House Lake Martin
Photo courtesy of Adams Gerndt Designs.

We all have a favorite thing about Fall. For some, it’s crunching leaves that have turned golden brown, rusty orange, and deep yellow. For others, it’s the cool, crisp air that invites you to pull cozy sweaters out of your closet. But if you ask many of us in the American South, we’ll tell you that when September approaches, the main thing on our mind is Football Season. We’re looking forward to tailgates, beers with friends and family, and of course, Game Day house parties. When you can’t make it to the actual event, there’s nothing better than gathering around a table of chips and hot wings and cheering on your team from the other side of the TV. At LakeHomes.com, we believe that lake houses can make the perfect venue for hosting a Game Day event this Fall. We’re here to help with tips for preparing a fun, laid-back time with your friends and family.

Prep for your Guests

Grilled Watermelon Feta Basil-RecipeRunner Salad
Photo and recipe courtesy of RecipeRunner.com

When it comes to gearing up for Game Day at the lake, food prep is a must. It can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve invited a group of 30 friends or family, but it doesn’t have to be such a daunting task. “Keep it simple,” advises Anna Cooper, who often hosts parties at her house on Lake Martin in Alabama. “Write down your menu, do as much ahead as you can, and over-prepare rather than under-prepare so that you can enjoy your night.” When enjoying football together is such a laid-back activity, the food you provide can be simple too. For example, a beef tenderloin in the oven — or on the grill if you have one at your lake house— is an easy dish that turns out well every time. For enjoying a daytime game in the transitional weather, it’s nice to pair with a fresh salad with watermelon, feta, basil, and balsamic vinegar.

Photo and recipe courtesy of Grill Girl.

Afterwards, ice cream sandwiches or a bowl of berries and granola with a dollop of whipped cream. Let’s not forget about drinks. Besides the traditional Game Day beers from the fridge, Cooper recommends a few fun cocktail recipes. She starts off with Aperol spritzes for her guests, adding an orange slice in the classic Italian way. Once late October approaches and you feel the Fall chill, she suggests a delicious “smoked old fashioned” with nice bourbon. With this recipe, she recommends infusing the glass with torched hickory wood for a flavorful touch. The recipes don’t have to be intricate – they can be simple and fun. As long as there’s enough to go around, your guests will take the fun from there.

Setting the Scene

Photo courtesy of John Baranello Design.

Once the food is on the table, the best part about hosting Game Day at your lake house is bringing everyone together. Whether you’re watching the game on a screened porch, an outdoor patio, or in your den, there’s something comforting about bursting into cheers at the TV every time your team scores a touchdown. When setting up the viewing spot for the big game, outdoor TVs are a popular choice – especially when there’s a gorgeous lake view just outside. They’re also an emerging trend that’s more accessible than ever. If you’re looking to set up an outdoor TV at your lake house to start hosting Game Day events, Birmingham-based general contractor Blake Ballantine of McGuire Construction has some advice. “The biggest thing is protection from the weather,” Ballentine notes, “you don’t want it in direct sunlight either.” With these tips in mind, Ballentine notices that clients often request outdoor TVs on exterior walls so they can sit on the deck and watch the game.

When the weather gets chillier, they may turn on their outdoor fireplace or fire pit. As entertainment trends move from comfy indoor dens to screened porches and open patios, Ballentine mentions that outdoor kitchens are rising in popularity as well. At a lake house, it’s easy to see why. With everyone on the patio enjoying the halftime show, the cook at the grill can be part of the conversation – and enlist help from friends and family. All the while, everyone is enjoying the serene, spacious backdrop at your lake home. 

Embrace the Season

Willow's End, Lake Martin - Adams Gerndt Design
Photo courtesy of Adams Gerndt Designs.

Whether your focus is cooking delicious appetizers or setting up the perfect outdoor grilling area, once you prepare a space for your guests, the beautiful lake setting surrounded by Fall foliage will work its charm. There’s no better background for a fun, communal event like Game Day than refreshing air and peaceful lake views. “At my home in Birmingham, I don’t have an outdoor space,” Cooper comments, “But once you get to the lake, it’s a relaxing, casual environment. You can see the water and feel the breeze while the fire’s going. I’d much prefer to be there watching the game.” As Fall and football season approaches, now is the time to look into that outdoor grill or TV you’ve been thinking about for your lake house. Just one last piece of advice— make sure you have channel access to the game! You wouldn’t want to miss out on experiencing stadium excitement from the comfort of your tranquil lake home.

Making Waves with Tony Luna – A Tiny Home Story

Posted on Staff

Many real estate agents enjoy spending their spare time engaged in activities unrelated to the industry.

But for Tony Luna, a Lake Homes Realty agent on Tennessee’s Center Hill Lake, he can’t get enough of the lake real estate scene, his newest hobby combining his love of the water and passion for real estate: building tiny homes along the lakeshore.

“I’d watched enough TV to know tiny homes were gaining popularity across the country,” Luna said about how he was introduced to the tiny home niche. “No one around here was doing it, so I decided I would give it a try.”

Luna explained one of the reasons the area had so few tiny homes, or properties smaller than 1,000 square feet in size, is because of the restrictions many of the lake’s communities and subdivisions have regarding minimum square footage. Most, he said, have a minimum 1,800-square-foot rule.

Casa Luna, as the project was dubbed, would be 600 square feet when completed, which meant finding a place to build could prove difficult.

However, as fate would have it, a friend had the perfect property for sale, and Luna was able to purchase a piece of land near the lake’s Sligo Marina with no size restrictions. Even better, the property had a beautiful, year-round view of the Center Hill Lake waterfront.

But soon thereafter, the real estate agent ran into another snag in his plans.

Many of the contractors he spoke with weren’t interested in such a small build, citing the multi-thousand square foot jobs were where the money was.

In Tennessee, property owners are permitted to build one home without having a contractor’s license. So, without an outside contractor to build his tiny abode, Luna committed to taking on the challenge himself.

Growing up, Luna’s family owned a marina much like the one in Sligo where his tiny home would be located. Both places were dotted with “shed-roof” style rental cabins that Luna incorporated into Casa Luna’s design.

“I drew-up the floorplan on a napkin,” Luna said, “and then I taped the whole house out in a parking lot so I could get a better sense of the layout’s flow. I knew where I wanted the kitchen, bedroom and living area to be, but I found out on my walk-through that I didn’t like the bathroom placement.”

“I knew I wanted to build a shed-roof tiny home as a sort of homage to Sligo Marina’s original cabins and to my roots,” he explained.

He had no intention of selling, at least not initially, he confessed.

Ground broke in June 2017 and construction continued for roughly seven months before Casa Luna was complete.

All the while, Luna chronicled the building’s progress on his social media accounts and immediately gained attention from lake lovers across the state looking to buy his finished project.

“I lived in the house for about six months and had several people ask me about selling. I finally thought, ‘well I’ll list it and see if anything comes of it,’” Luna said.

Within 30 minutes of listing the property, he had a bite, and within 12 hours, Luna had accepted an offer from a financial advisor who had been following his story online.

Today the property’s new owner uses the Center Hill Lake tiny home as an Airbnb, which she tells Luna has been one of the best investments she’s ever made.

As for the potential for more tiny home builds across Center Hill Lake, Luna said a tiny home boom is unlikely.

He explained, “even though we do have a lot of land listings on the market here, many of them are located within subdivisions where you can’t build tiny homes, or they are in old fishing camps from the 1970s that were originally divided into small lots. Today, you have to buy multiple lots to have a space big enough to build, and in those cases, it becomes a big undertaking to contact multiple owners of individual lots just to build one tiny home.”

However, that’s not stopping Luna from continuing with his hobby. In fact, “Casa Luna II” will be completed by the end of August.

“I think the tiny home trend will continue to grow. Younger generations are starting to buy on our lakes, and these minimalist homes are exactly what they are looking for,” he said.

In addition to their compact design and less severe impact on the environment, Luna also said tiny homes are attractive because they are so much like the lake’s luxury properties, but on a smaller scale.

“My tiny home projects are on permanent foundations, just like the homes on the lake now. And I build these homes with the highest quality materials,” he continued. “I use high-end hardwoods, all custom cabinets, real granite counter-tops… the panoramic door on Casa Luna II costs $8,000 alone.”

Luna plans to list his second tiny home in about two weeks, and will then take a break from building for the next year, but he assures his followers this is not the end of his tiny home journey.

Until his return to the construction scene, Luna will continue serving the Center Hill Lake community as the area’s lake real estate expert, developing new designs and searching for land where he can embark on his next not-so-tiny adventure.

4 Best Plants to Prevent Bugs at Your Lake Home

Posted on Staff

Bugs: nature’s biggest nuisances. While some – like bees, praying mantises and ladybugs – are helpful to the environment, others can be a real buzz kill during lake season.

These four plants will not only spruce up your curb appeal but also help keep pests from ruining your fun in the sun. So, check out this list of the four best plants to prevent bugs at your home, and get growing!

Lemongrass

Lemongrass, often used for medicinal purposes in teas and as a cooking spice, is a surprisingly effective mosquito repellent.

up close of green, blade-like lemon grass leaves used to prevent bugs at the lake

These plants — characterized by tubular stocks, a bulbous base and blade-like leaves — contain citronella oil.

This essential oil works by masking smells insects (like mosquitoes) find attractive.

In people, these attractive aromas include carbon dioxide, which we produce by exhaling, and some chemicals found in human sweat.

Lemongrass is a warm-weather plant, which requires full sunlight for six to eight hours a day to thrive.

If planting lemongrass in a garden, be sure to spread plants several feet apart to allow optimal growth.

If you’re planting lemongrass in an area where temperatures drop to below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, grow the herb in a planter rather than in the ground. That way, you can take the plants inside during the winter to avoid freezing.

Also water your lemongrass plants regularly, as they are prone to drying out when left unattended, and keep them in nutrient-rich soil that drains well.

Chrysanthemums

Members of the daisy family, chrysanthemums come in a variety of colors making them perfect for brightening your yard and, even better, preventing bugs from encroaching on your good time.

These flowering plants are characterized by the shape of their petals. Some chrysanthemums feature thick, rounded flowers while others feature tubular petals that stick out like spikes.

Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum, commonly found in natural pesticides. This chemical is effective at repelling, and even killing, such insects as ants, fleas, ticks and roaches.

To grow your own, be sure to plant your flowers where they will receive between 5 and 6 hours of sunlight daily.

You should also avoid planting your chrysanthemums in low-lying areas that may collect water, or in damp window boxes, because they are susceptible to mildewing.

Rosemary

Like lemongrass, rosemary is another cooking herb that does well to keep mosquitoes at bay. Also similar to lemongrass, rosemary puts off a strong aromatic smell that masks those that attract such insects.

Experts recommend throwing a few sprigs of rosemary on the grill while cooking out to not only enhance the flavor of your meal, but also to drive flies and other bugs away with the smoke.

Rosemary is a perennial, shrub-like plant that is best grown when potted. This herb can survive in a wide range of temperatures and sunlight and can grow up to four feet tall. Rosemary also produces small, indigo-colored flowers.

You can harvest up to a third of a rosemary stem at a time. Once harvested, you can dry your rosemary stems to use later in cooking, teas and in bug repelling.

Petunias

Vibrant colored petunias are effective at deterring a number of insects including aphids and different types of beetles.

pink and yellow petunia bloom planted to prevent bugs at the lake

There are two types of this flower: grandiflora and multiflora.

When planting petunias at the lake, consider planting the latter type to prevent bugs at your home.

Distinguished by numerous small buds, multiflora petunias are not as susceptible to wet conditions as grandiflora.

It’s best to start growing your petunias from transplants; however, should you grow them straight from the seed, pot and grow your flowers inside until they can be transplanted.

Petunias are perennials, like rosemary, which means you and your lake home guests can enjoy them year-round.

They don’t require much watering and can grow in partial shade, though the plant will produce fewer flowers than if it were grown in the sun.

The most popular varieties of this flower include Petunia Plus Reds, also known as the hummingbird petunia, and Suncatcher Pink Lemonade petunias, which feature a yellowy center with a pink rim.