Home Improvement 2026

2026 HOME Improvement

❂ Accessorize Your home should match your personality.

❂ Safety first Improvements can make all the difference.

2026 Home Improvement

How personalized accessories can turn a house into yourhome

Nestled in the Placerville foothills, Vintage to Modern Home provides a gamut of home accessories and furnishings from antiques to modern collectibles, lighting and much more to enhance your home, and to make it feel like home.

This June marks the business’ second-year anniversary. Owner Christine Varner describes three key “C words” — Conservation, Community and Creativity — that makes her business unique and successful.

Conservation

Varner values helping customers to save money and resources and admitted, “My prices are lower than some thrift stores.”

Preserving furniture helps save money and keep items out of landfills. For antique and vintage furniture, a piece of history is preserved and can increase over the years not only in monetary value, but in treasured memories, especially when that piece remains in the home for generations.

Making the old look new — Although Vintage to Modern Home provides furniture to enhance your home, Varner pointed out that customers can save money by keeping their aging furniture and making the pieces look new with paint, stains and reupholstering. Varner, who has about 20 years of experience refinishing furniture, is happy to provide ideas and tips to help customers update their furniture to complement their home décor.

Or the new look old — Varner, who offers private classes on refinishing furniture, can help a favorite furniture look

Varner said, “I

A sense of community is also gained through Varner’s private lessons, whether one-on-one, or for groups.

Creativity

Private lessons are available that range from basic furniture painting to advanced techniques to enhance furniture that can either be the center of the room’s attention or serve as an accessory to add interest.

Special techniques also apply beyond furniture, including, but not limited to, clothing fabrics such as personalizing a favorite denim jacket with paint, transfers, stencils and other applications. Popular classes o ered:

•Decoupaging

• Stenciling techniques

• Fabric painting

•Advance techniques with crackle, texture and transfers

“People ask about how to redo furniture. I’ll explain the steps, give them a yer, tell them where to go online and how to research it,” Varner added. “They don’t have to take a class. They won’t learn as much, but they do take away what they need to do through

The grass doesn’t have to be greener ... it doesn’t even have to be grass

Lawn alternatives

Kit Smith ■ UC Master Gardeners of El Dorado County

There is much discussion these days on eliminating grass lawns and, unless your lawn gets a lot of use for playing by kids and pets, it is something to consider. Grass lawns are heavy consumers of water and fertilizer and o en require pesticides and fungicides to keep them looking their best. They are also maintenance intensive, requiring mowing and edging many times throughout the year which produce air and noise pollution. Lawns compact the soil underneath, hindering water penetration and causing runo , wasting water. Additionally, lawns can be detrimental for bordering trees, because lawns can get very hot and require more water that could ood and damage the roots of those trees.

For a di erent look in your garden and to cut down on watering, fertilizer use and maintenance, think of converting to a no-lawn yard.

Fire resistance should be part of your alternative garden plan. You might prefer a yard that appeals to your senses of smell and sight, with its aroma, appearance, and color. A meadow vista encourages pollination with plants that attract pollinators like birds, bees, butter ies and bats. You could select native plants that have naturally evolved in your region, soil, climate and ecosystem. With their natural adaptations they are more likely to survive and thrive with only seasonal rainfall and little tending and cultivating. A sustainable garden promotes the maintenance and conservation of natural resources for ecological balance.

To achieve any of your lawn alternative goals, you will have to choose plants that

will substitute for the lawn. Be knowledgeable about which plants have the best chance of thriving in your garden. The right plant must be in the right place. To achieve that, you must learn about your yard, like its sun and shade exposure, climate, natural irrigation and soil, then match plants to the details, keeping in mind the plants’ water needs, growth characteristics, maintenance requirements and root system.

Mixed annual and perennial owers with native grasses are a beautiful substitute. If the area gets less than six hours of sun per day, select plants labeled for part sun or shade. Annual wild owers usually need to be reseeded the rst few years, but some, like Bachelor’s Buttons, Centaurea cyanus, and Cosmos, Cosmos species, self-sow and rebloom each year.

blooms with small white and pink striped owers in late winter to early spring. Nana suppresses weed germination and can take full sun while needing 75% less water than a lawn. Another low growing succulent is the Ice Plant Ruschia pulvinaris that has blue-green leaves and pink owers. Karupia is a fast-growing thick groundcover that attracts pollinators with tiny owers. Sea thri , Armeria maritima, Mugwort, Artemesiaspecies, and Bearberry Cotoneaster, Cotoneasterdammeri, are groundcovers that are drought tolerant and re resistant. Yarrow, Achilleaspecies, Coyote brush, Baccharis pilularis, and Lamb’s ear, Stachys byzantina, should also be on your possible plants list.

Break up the previously expansive lawn area with planting boxes or beds and small patio areas joined by paths. Fill the beds with layers of plants, keeping low growing plants along the border and graduating to taller plants in the center. Consider adding a water feature like a small pond, bird bath or fountain. Make your area a retreat by adding a bench for seating.

Think about using groundcovers for places where foot tra c is limited or discouraged. There are varieties of textures, colors and heights.

For a natural meadow, there are deer resistant grasses, such as Feather Reed Grass, Calamagrostis x acuti ora, and Blue Grama, Bouteloua gracilis, grasses. Both have dense clumps and resist the spread of re. There is also the very durable UC Verde Bu alo Grass, which is a native plant bred for California. It requires little water and goes dormant in a drought.

Add trees and shrubs that do not need a lot of water once

If you prefer a low-to-the-ground look, there are many choices. Sedum, Dead Nettle, Lamiumspecies, and Creeping Thyme, Thymus serpyllum, are three. The thyme requires 70% - 80% less water than your lawn did and also produces a fragrant ower. Roman chamomile, Chamaemelum nobile, is another aromatic plant that is a so and dense low grower.

Dwarf Carpet of Stars, Ruschia nana, is a thick succulent groundcover, which

Add trees and shrubs that do not need a lot of water once established. Flourishing woody plants need to be irrigated only once or twice during the growing season. However, all plants will need more water if they are exposed to extreme heat and wind. As another alternative to lawn, look at shrubs like Ceanothus and Rockrose, Cistusspecies. Plumbago, Rosemary, Salvia Rosmarinus and Spirea are other options. Also consider Western redbud, Cercis occidentalis, California annelbush, Fremontodendron californicum, and Lavender, Lavandula species. Keep your no-lawn landscape well mulched to preserve moisture in the soil. This approach promotes sustainable gardening practices that reduce the use of water, fertilizer and pesticides.

Simple steps like cleaning gutters can improve your home’s look and provide some protection against wild res.

Home improvements can reduce wildfi re threat

Fire

Simple actions — such as mowing grass, trimming trees, removing dead vegetation and using noncombustible hardscape materials near structures — can make a significant difference in reducing wildfire risk.

“Preparedness starts at home, but it doesn’t end there. When neighbors, communities, and local partners come together, we build a stronger, more resilient California that is better prepared for wildfire,” said Cal Fire Director and Fire Chief Joe Tyler. “Data shows that when homes are hardened and defensible space is maintained, the risk of wildfire damage drops significantly. When more Californians take

these steps, it strengthens the safety and resilience of our communities.”

Wildfires can expose homes in three primary ways: direct flame, radiant heat and flying embers. Embers can travel up to a mile or more, igniting vulnerable areas such as roofs, vents, decks and gutters. That is why preparing both your home and the surrounding area is critical. Home hardening involves using fire-resistant and noncombustible materials to reduce a structure’s vulnerability to ignition. This can include upgrading roofs, vents, windows and siding, as well as enclosing eaves and removing potential ember entry points. Many effective home hardening measures can be completed at low cost, such as sealing gaps, installing ember-resistant vents and maintaining gutters

free of debris. In addition to hardening structures, creating defensible space is essential. Defensible space is the buffer around a home that helps slow or stop the spread of wildfire and reduces the chance of ignition from embers or flames.

This space is divided into three zones:

• Zone 0 (0–5 feet from your home): The ember-resistant zone, where combustible materials should be removed.

• Zone 1 (5–30 feet): The lean and clean zone, focused on reducing flammable vegetation.

• Zone 2 (30–100 feet): The reduced fuel zone, designed to decrease fire intensity.

Cal Fire emphasizes that wildfire preparedness is a shared responsibility and encourages all Californians to take action now. To learn more about how to harden your home and create defensible space visit ReadyforWildfire.org.

Clearing weeds and debris from your yard not only makes it look better, as seen above, the cleanup is also important for re safety. At left, Your yard and outdoor living space can be beautiful and also protect your property from wild re. Zone 0, the ember-resistant zone immediately surrounding a home and other structures, is where combustible materials should be removed.

• New Arrivals Daily!

• Local Owner

After many years of collecting and refurbishing vintage and antiques, I decided to open a store to offer a one-stop shop for almost every taste. Vintage, Antiques, Gifts, Furniture, Painting, Painting Lessons and much more. Come in to see all of the fun items that you remember from your childhood and new items that will become hierlooms.

• Convenient Location Wednesday – Saturday: 10am–4pm

11am–4pm

ROOM by ROOM

Tips for clutter-free spaces

Awell-organized home isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating systems that make everyday life easier. When everything has a place, it’s simpler to maintain and keep clutter from creeping back in.

Experts o en recommend tackling organization one room at a time, sorting items into categories like keep, donate or discard before nding the right storage solutions. If your home could use a refresh, start small and work your way through each space with these organization tips.

Entryway

A dedicated “drop zone” ensures items used daily don’t end up scattered throughout the house. However, the entryway is also one of the easiest places for clutter to pile up. To keep it tidy:

* Install wall hooks for coats, bags and backpacks

A lofty white whose aerated presence acts as a whisper of calm and peace in a noisy world

Pantone, the global color authority and provider of professional color language standards and digital solutions for the design community, today introduced Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer, a billowy white imbued with a feeling of serenity as the Pantone Color of the Year selection for 2026. An ethereal white hue, Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer serves as a symbol of calming in uence in a frenetic society rediscovering the value of measured consideration and quiet re ection.

Similar to a blank canvas, Cloud Dancer signi es our desire for a fresh start. Peeling away layers of outmoded thinking, we open the door to new approaches. Cloud Dancer quiets the mind, encouraging true relaxation and focus that allows the mind to wander, and creativity to breathe, making room for innovation.

Choosing rest and consciously stepping away from relentless demands and turning inward recognizes that true strength lies not just in doing, but also in being. Expressing our aspiration for a future free from excess, Cloud Dancer evolves our desire for contentment and

feelings of peace, unity and cohesiveness.

“At this time of transformation, when we are reimagining our future and our place in the world, Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer is a discrete white hue offering a promise of clarity,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director Pantone Color Institute. “The cacophony that surrounds us has become overwhelming, making it harder to hear the voices of our inner selves. A conscious statement of simpli cation, Cloud Dancer enhances our focus, providing release from the distraction of external in uences.”

“An airy white hue, Pantone 11-4201 Cloud Dancer opens up space for creativity, allowing our imagination to wander and drift so that new insights and bold ideas can emerge and take shape,” added Laurie Pressman, Vice-President, Pantone Color Institute.

For the Pantone Color of the Year 2026, Pantone will aim to help provide the blank canvas that Cloud Dancer provides by spotlighting

artists across the creative community to create their own interpretation of the color through the year. Launching a new creative initiative that celebrates and supports the artist community as well as color enthusiasts, Pantone will release surprise limited- edition designs from artists across all areas of design, from graphics to fashion. This initiative is part of a broader exploration of commissioning art and celebrating creativity, highlighting the diverse ways color can inspire and connect people. Each creation reflects the artist’s vision and offers a fresh perspective on how art and design can engage audiences in meaningful ways. For the first iteration of the project, Pantone is collaborating with Emiliano Ponzi, an illustrator, visual artist, and author, to create a limited-edition tote bag that showcases Cloud Dancer through his distinctive visual language, which combines conceptual depth with graphic precision. The tote will be available to Pantone fans on Pantone.com.

Content and images provided by Pantone

dustin@northworks.org

Clutter free

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* Use a small bench or basket for shoes

* Add a tray or bowl for keys, sunglasses and everyday essentials

Living Room

Living rooms often serve many purposes, from relaxing and entertaining to working or studying. The key is creating storage that blends seamlessly with your decor:

* Use decorative baskets for blankets, magazines and toys

* Choose furniture with hidden storage like ottomans or coffee tables

* Keep remotes and small electronics in a designated tray or organizer

Bedroom

Your bedroom should feel like a sanctuary. Too much clutter can make it harder to relax and unwind. To maintain order:

* Keep only essential items on nightstands

* Rotate seasonal clothing to free up closet space

* Use under-bed storage bins for extra linens or offseason clothes

Storage Areas

Garages, basements and storage rooms can quickly become catch-all spaces. A little planning can make them much easier to manage:

* Label bins for seasonal decorations, tools or sports equipment

* Use shelving and wall storage to maximize vertical space

* Keep an inventory list for larger storage areas

Bathroom

Bathrooms often have limited space, so smart storage solutions are essential:

* Keep countertops clear except for frequently used products

* Separate backup supplies from daily-use items, which should be stored for quick access

* Use over-the-door organizers for towels or extra storage

Kitchen

One of the most-used rooms in nearly every home, kitchen organization is key to making daily routines smoother. To stay organized:

* Clear unnecessary items off countertops

* Group pantry items by category, such as snacks, baking supplies and canned goods

* Store rarely used appliances in cabinets or a pantry

Home Office

Whether you work remotely or simply manage household tasks, an organized office helps you stay focused. To improve productivity and reduce distractions:

* Digitize or recycle unnecessary paperwork

* Use desk trays and organizers for supplies

* Create labeled folders or a filing system for important documents

With a little planning and the right habits, a wellorganized home becomes easier to maintain. Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com.

Story courtesy of Feature Impact

Budget-friendly primary bedroom upgrades

Making changes to a bedroom doesn’t have to break the bank. Simple swaps, a little DIY and some inexpensive purchases can go a long way toward freshening up the place you lay your head.

Better Bedding

If you can’t remember the last time you bought a new comforter, it may be time to snag one. Think beyond the luxury home stores and check out discount home decor retailers and even thrift stores, where you

can often nd new, unopened bedding at a fraction of the cost. A uffy throw blanket in a dynamic new color might be the perfect way to rejuvenate your bed.

Playful Pillows

Few things spruce up a bedroom more than new throw pillows. Available in a myriad of sizes and shapes — from squares to rectangles to asymmetrical — there is no shortage of ways to use these functional pieces to brighten up a space. Find your favorite color and pattern.

Uplifting Light

Old-fashioned lamps, ancient wall sconces and dusty chandeliers can make a room feel stale. Scouring consignment stores and estate sales for new lighting can take a bedroom from dated to delightful without spending a ton of cash. If big box stores are more your thing, you can nd budget lamps in unexpected departments; for example, try the back-to-school sections for dorm-friendly nds like twinkle lights and small bedside lamps. These little pops of light can both brighten and cozy up a room with minimal effort.

Punchy Paint

Repainting a room is a doable DIY project, and it can make a huge difference in how a room looks and feels. Give yourself time to peruse the countless paint swatches at specialty paint stores or home improvement stores. If you’ve always gravitated toward earthy tones, maybe opt for a color with a little more depth or saturation. If brighter hues are your thing, go a little darker. If you love the idea of painting but worry about buyer’s remorse, start with an accent wall.

Heavenly Hardware

Functional hardware like drawer pulls and doorknobs can be replaced without much effort or money. Secondhand stores, online marketplaces and even furniture boutiques can be a goldmine for offbeat and unique hardware. Be sure to think beyond your bedside, too. Wardrobe handles, closet rods, sconces, wall hooks and hinges can be swapped out easily and inexpensively.

Find more tips and guidance to give your bedroom a budget-friendly upgrade at eLivingtoday.com.

Story courtesy of Feature Impact

Your dream home, made affordable!

If you’re looking for a home loan lender who takes the time to understand your financial situation and personal goals, let Sierra Central help you with your home loan process. We offer competitive rates on a variety of options from a Home Equity Line of Credit to an Adjustable Rate Mortgage program and VA Loans.

Whether you’re looking to purchase your very first house, feel it’s time to upgrade to a new home, or looking to refinance your existing home loan, we can help.

through 8/31/26.