To update the appearance of your home exterior, you need not repaint the entire building or install brand-new siding. Focus instead of applying a fresh coat of paint to the front door. Alternatively, install a pair of wall sconces on either side of the entry. Though doable within only a weekend, these quick, simple projects can keep your house looking great all year long.
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Enhance Your Entryway
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Control Allergies
The fall allergy season hits many regions in mid-August. That's when ragweed starts making many of us miserable. Take precautions now to minimize discomfort later. To prevent allergens from spreading throughout the house, get in the habit of checking shoes and outerwear at the door. Also, it's important to replace HVAC filters, maximizing your heating and cooling systems' ability to remove allergy-irritating particles from the indoor air.
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Put In a Shed
In many regions, the growing season has already begun to wind down, so it's time to figure out where you're going to store outdoor tools and gardening supplies for the winter. Garden sheds are a favorite recommendation, not only because they do the job, but also because the right one can look superb in your landscape. Many easy-DIY kits are available in home centers, building one doesn't require that you have expert carpentry skills.
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Re-Cover a Chair
Many of us are holding onto a piece of upholstered furniture that's gotten worse for wear. Rather than purchase a new chair or ottoman, try your hand at reupholstering. It's less complex than you fear. And the best part is that once you get the hang of it, you can find great deals at thrift stores and flea markets, knowing that you can transform any piece whose "bones" you love but whose fabric pattern you hate.
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School Ready
Yes, the school year is fast approaching. Get prepared: One way is to create a backpack station near the door used most frequently. Another is to outfit a common area, such as the kitchen, with a homework chart or work station.
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DIY a Birdbath
Accent your backyard with a DIY birdbath, being sure to pick a spot that's visible from your house. That way, you can bird-watch while enjoying morning coffee.
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Dry Herbs
August is the best month for home gardeners to begin drying and freezing home-grown herbs for winter storage. Pick your leaves early in the day, before it's too hot. For best flavor, start early in the month. Basil, parsley, and dill do better when stored frozen. Sage, oregano, and mint taste best when air- or oven-dried.
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Seal the Deck
Dry weather is a must when you're sealing a wooden deck, so pick a rain-free weekend to work. Start by thoroughly cleaning the deck, letting the wood dry out completely before you proceed. Next, apply a thin coat of sealant to your boards in order to protect the decking from harsh winter weather.
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Weed and Mulch
Come August, most gardens can use extra mulch cover. Besides inhibiting weeds, mulch helps gardens retain moisture.
Related: How To: Mulch Your Flower Beds
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Update Your Bath Fixtures
If your morning routine has started to feel a bit stale during these dog days of summer, think about installing a new shower head. It's an affordable update that's easy to make happen, and its effect on the overall look of your bathroom may be more dramatic than you'd ever expect from such a modest change.
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