Ask Fayette Women about home decor

Ask Fayette Woman

1. Do you have any suggestions for reenergizing my home décor without spending a lot of money?

Just because the economy is in a slump does not mean that your house has to be too. It’s easier than you might think to refresh your home and not break the bank. Nothing beats a new coat of paint for completely changing the feel of a room, but don’t just think walls. Try painting an old piece of furniture that has lost its luster. Or keep an eye out at tag sales and consignment stores for items that you can repaint or repurpose. Our expert ladies suggest to “go shopping in your house.” Check the attic and basement for treasures that you have tucked away. Try moving lamps, pillows, or rugs from one room to another for a new look. You can find inexpensive frames just about anywhere, so create a gallery wall using art pieces your kids have created. Instead of buying new furniture for your rooms, just add new pillows or throws for a splash of color. Finally, one savvy panel member suggested to simply declutter. You might be surprised at what taking a few things away can do for your rooms.

2. How can I make my house more eco-friendly?

Hooray for our Fayette ladies for thinking “green!” Some easy suggestions by our panel were to turn your thermostat up in the summer and down in the winter. Remember to change the filter in your air handler every three months. As your light bulbs burn out replace them with CFL bulbs (now available just about everywhere). They are a bit more expensive but last much longer. Check the insulation in your attic and add more as needed. Recycle, recycle, and recycle. More sanitation companies are including recycling with their trash services, so look around to find one in your area as well as shopping for products made of recycled materials. Composting is an easy way to cut down on your trash and create something good for your garden. Check with your local garden center on ways to create a compost bin in your yard. One of our experts put it best by saying, “be more like our grandmothers and be better at using everything rather than being wasteful.” Reuse what you have and donate what you don’t need.

3. Where can I go in Fayette County to get ideas for my garden?

It is never too late or too early to be making plans for your garden, whether you have acres of plantings or a small container on your porch. Mentioned more than once by our experts were Andy’s Nursery and Turnipseed Nursery in Fayetteville for flower and vegetable ideas. Pike’s Nursery in Peachtree City has a friendly and knowledgeable staff to give you suggestions. Use your local community resources like the Fayette County Extension office and the library for how-to books. Home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot have large garden departments and staff who are happy to answer questions. Also, try contacting Fayette County Master Gardeners. These folks have a wealth of knowledge and can point you in the right direction for your space.

4. What is a good way to welcome new neighbors to  our street?

Luckily, our Fayette County women are fantastic neighbors with great ideas to make anyone feel at home and welcome. Moving is stressful for any family. Take a basket to your new neighbors filled with local brochures, maps, restaurant menus, and a phone book. Rally the neighbors and take over some homemade baked goods or a dinner or two. Getting a new kitchen in order can be difficult and it’s always nice to have something to eat on your first day in a new place. Perhaps have a block party or cookout and invite your new neighbors as well as your old ones. One fabulous expert’s suggestion was to give the new neighbors a map with everyone’s house on it and the names of the families that live there. If it is not possible for you to go all-out, remember that good old-fashioned Southern hospitality goes a long way and just stop by to introduce yourself.