In September, we adjust to our new "back to school" post-summer schedules. In October, we begin the 31-day candy binge, which is pretty much the only thing that gives us enough energy to get through the haunted decorating, costume searches and numerous parties that require us to put our hands in bowls of cold spaghetti (It feels just like brains?!). November doubles up our duties; now we're shopping for December gift-giving holidays and prepping for the familial circus that is Thanksgiving. And don't get us started on what December entails.

Conclusion? If you're going to upgrade, accent, fix up or DIY anything in your home before the close of 2017, the least-stressful time to do it is... now. So - ho, ho ho, it's off to our favorite home and decor stores we go!

courtesy of Shutterstock

Paint, Protect, Prettify
With the holidays right around the corner, now is the perfect time to add a fresh coat of interior and exterior paint to ensure your home is looking its best for family and friends. ALLBRiGHT 1-800-Painting color consultants are ready to help you choose the perfect paint colors to enhance curb appeal, bring new life to the interior or even paint older kitchen cabinets. In addition to revitalizing the look and feel of a home, new paint also offers a layer of invaluable protection for your home that will increase the overall marketability and value of the property. Estimates are free.
ALLBRiGHT 1-800-Painting 846-2928



Get Gel-ly for Fast & Fab DIY
Create DIY furniture, gifts and more with easy-to-use finishing products. Gel stains are formulated with a combination of pigments, oils and urethanes to produce a deep, durable finish. General Finishes Gel Stains, which makes the popular "Java Gel," has quickly become a best-selling product because they are easy to use and provide great coverage over existing finishes or raw wood. They're perfect for a DIY project, especially when you learn the best-practice techniques to use them during one of Barn & Charm's super-fun workshops.
Barn & Charm 255-5466



Choose a Fast (& Waterproof!) Flooring Facelift
Looking for the biggest bang for your buck? Hint: It's right underfoot! For a fast facelift, choose Armstrong Luxe Luxury Vinyl Planking (LVP). It will stand up to your busy lifestyle and it's so easy to maintain, too. You'll find beautiful wood and stone looks on a tough, resilient surface that can handle what life throws at it - because it's waterproof! Yes, LVP can be installed in bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms, too. Take advantage of gorgeous grain patterns, plank looks and exotic hardwood designs like African acacia, Brazilian tigerwood, dark sapelli and more. Stone looks include classic travertine, realistic slate and painted concrete designs. Wicall's Carpets is having an end-of-summer sale, so there's no better time than now to take an up-close look at this high-traffic, high-impact, high-moisture resilient super flooring!
Wicall's Carpets 259-6040

photography by Mel Carll

Nail the Wall-art Game
The square footage of wall space in your home vastly outnumbers your floor space, yet we tend to spend much more time pondering what will go underneath our feet than next to our heads. But a home without wall accents can feel empty, underdone and downright sad. Bring life to your vertical interiors with grand statement pieces that coordinate with your aesthetic and space. Dramatic carved frames and warm prints convey a sense of timeless, welcoming beauty that's anything but fussy. Bella Venezia has a remarkable selection of highest-quality wall designs.
Bella Venezia Home & Decor 254-2246





Create Something Colorful
Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan is the original - unrivaled since 1990! Over 25 years ago, Annie Sloan invented Chalk Paint to give people a simple way to get creative. It's the quick and easy way to get colorful or keep it simple. Why not try something new, or refresh something old? Create something individual with the original!
Refined Vintage Boutique 505-7175

courtesy of Shutterstock

Check Windows & Doors
No one wants cold drafts, bugs and rain drifting into their home - but those are all especially undesirable when company's on their way. Get a head start on winter prep by checking to make sure windows and doors are functioning properly. Does your door still get a "solid seal" when closed? Do you feel a draft when you put your hand near your window panes? If it's time to improve your home's efficiency with new windows and doors, call Mike's Windows & Doors; they're experts on identifying ways to improve your resource consumption while also increasing the curb appeal of your home.
Mike's Windows & Doors 296-9195

photography by Ted Dayton

Charmaine's Bouquet Canyon Florist
Celebrates 37 Years in Business
Inside SCV Magazine publishers and staff would like to wish Charmaine and her team our heartfelt congratulations for nearly 40 years in business. Since we started Inside SCV 12 years ago, Charmaine has been a constant presence in our business - and our lives. Her lush arrangements have graced our tables and the pages you hold in your hands right now too many times to count.
Charmaine, we love you! 297-3100