Month: September 2021

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Five Fall Must-See Spots in Washington

Autumn is here! After one of the hottest summers the state has ever seen, the cool breeze and changing landscape is a welcomed change! Washington alone is an incredible spot to call home with rivers, mountains, farmlands, rainforests and beaches there is no place quite like it – but in the fall, it is something magical.

Five Fall Must-See Spots in Washington

Leavenworth

Though this little Bavarian-style village is best known as a winter holiday destination, being nestled in the heart of the Cascade Mountains offers breath-taking fall scenery, whether you are traveling two hours from Seattle or just three hours from Spokane. It is the perfect day or weekend trip to really get into the fall spirit! For a little extra fun, visit on the weekends this October to enjoy their Oktoberfest Market!

Kubota Garden

For a more urban fall experience, Rainier Beach’s Kubota Garden has been an autumn favorite for years. The unique part of this park is that all of the plant life in this garden is indigenous to the area, but the layout and style of the garden is Japanese. Enjoy a peaceful and beautiful afternoon stroll in this gorgeous city experience!

Spokane

Live on the east side of the state? Another breathtaking urban experience can be found in Spokane! Between the 90-acre public park that is Manito Park, the 65-acre John A. Finch Arboretum, on-campus at Gonzaga University, the Riverfront Park and a drive around Mount Spokane, there are endless fall foliage opportunities to experience in this eastern city!

Olympic Peninsula

Looking for a more removed autumn experience? The Olympic Peninsula is the perfect place to get out into the beautiful color-changing rainforests! Whether by car or hiking trails, this location will not disappoint when it comes to scenic views. For hikers, the Quinault Rain Forest and Hoh Rain Forest are the must-see trails to see before the winter months. For drivers, follow Highway 101 around these rain forests for the color-popping views!

 Mount Rainier

Though an obvious Washington State staple, this national park does not disappoint no matter the season. Between the lakes, forests and mountain views autumn is definitely a breath-takinig season to take a trip to this famous park. If you are driving, the most scenic views can be seen from the Chinook Pass roadway. If you want to experience the park on foot, the Grove of the Patriarchs is a beautiful wooden walkway that puts you right into the picturesque landscape.

Wherever you are in this beautiful state, take some time to get out and enjoy the magic of autumn in this gorgeous place we call home!

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Five Ways to Make Use of Your Home’s Unused Spaces

We all have those spaces in our homes that we really wish we could do more with. Empty space under the stairs, attics or basements going unused, and awkward corners are all opportunities to utilize every inch of your home.

Here are five ways to make use of your home’s unused spaces!

Attic Suites

Probably one of the most forgotten places in a home is the attic. With organization trends gaining popularity and the minimalism trending close behind, attics are not being used as often as they have been in the past. Take advantage of all that extra space and add an additional room to your home! Though this is a larger investment, an attic suite makes the perfect kid’s room for families, guest bedroom and even office space (not to mention the added value it gives your home as well)!

A Nook Under the Stairs

The area under the stairs may be the perfect place to add some extra organization or even a workspace to your home ! If your stairs create a little nook, utilize that space by adding in a light, small desk and chair and use it as a central place to keep and organize bills, your home calendar, and any other administrative home projects. If you have a solid space under your stairs, with the help of a contractor, you could use that space to create a coat closet, small mudroom, or off-season storage space.

Cozy Corners

We all have those few corners in the house that we just do not know what to do with. For a really simple solution, plants are an excellent way to fill a corner and liven up a space! To go the extra mile, by adding a corner chair and a reading light, the space turns into a reading nook! You can also add a small shelf, table or desk to add a little more organization and workspace options for your home as well.

Basement Rec Room

Have an empty basement space? Make it the entertainment hub of your home! There are so many options when it comes to basement areas. Though they may be more of an investment, it will be worth it in the long-run. Invest in a projector and turn your basement into a home theater!  Add a pool, ping-pong, or foosball table and make your space into a game room! For a bigger project, renovate the area to give your home a beautiful guest suite.

Creative Closet Space

Transform closet spaces that are going unused by removing the door and creating a small alcove! This allows for more options to redo your closet into a more practical place. By adding a small desk and a fun office chair, you can turn your closet into a home office space. Put up some shelving and your closet becomes a small home library. For something really unique, install some bottle racks, a mini fridge and some fun lighting and turn your closet into a home bar!

Every home has its unused areas and empty corners, but with a little creativity and these helpful tips you can utilize your home to make every space unique and useful!