December 2022 - McNeill Palm

Get Your Home Ready for Summer

December 26, 2022 by McNeill Palm Team

Though the sunny days of summer might seem to be far away right now, there are still ways you can bring some stylish, summery vibes into your home with the right décor These summer decorating ideas, from adding copper finishes and greenery to installing a lanai retractable screen, are sure to reinvigorate your home and help you enjoy those summertime feelings all year round:

Bring in Natural Light with New Window Treatments – Nothing says summer quite like bright, warm sunlight. Are your old window treatments keeping your living room dark and wintery? Upgrade them with new window blinds that can not only brighten the room but can also help with your home’s energy efficiency and comfort levels. And, though using your TV or fireplace as the focal point of your living room is a timeless choice, a great way to celebrate your new blinds and to bring in some summery feelings is to recenter the space around the outdoors. For example, turn your couch to face the windows or gather your chairs near the French or patio doors.
Add Nautical Touches – Sailboats gliding across the warm water, sunshine, sand… what’s more like summer than that? Add subtle nautical touches to your living room to boost the summertime vibes. Subtle is the key word here, as no one wants a sailboat-themed living room. Try tossing a blue and white striped throw blanket on the couch or add a few boat-shaped decorations to your shelves. You can also choose artwork that features sandy tones, blues, and whites for more subtle ship flavor.
Have Fun with Copper – Silver and gold make people think of the holidays and winter, but copper is all about the summer. This bronzed metal offers up glamorous metallic finishes but still keeps the space light and airy. Try adding copper in floor lighting, lamps, or candleholders, or in furniture edges or window hardware.
Add A Lanai Retractable Screen – Want to make the most of your lanai? Complete it with a retractable screen. Adding a screen will help you enjoy your lanai even if the weather isn’t cooperating. And, after all, what makes you feel more summery than sitting in the fresh air of your lanai?
Add Some Greenery – Green has long been symbolic for freshness, new life, and renewal. Pretty much all the things summer stands for. So, bring some summertime greenery into your living room. You can do this through paint by adding a green accent wall or green window treatments, or by bringing in some actual plants. Dangling plants in hanging baskets are wonderful options as they add both height and greenery, while classic fake plants are a wonderful option if you were born without a green thumb.

These are just a few of the many possible ways you can bring the summer into your home with your decor. Do you want more inspiration or are ready to start shopping for new lanai retractable screens? We are here to help! Stop by and visit us or give us a call today to learn more about what we can do for you.

How to Use Your Tax Refund

December 19, 2022 by McNeill Palm Team

Getting your tax refund is like getting a welcome cash influx that you can use for anything you want. Whether you’re looking for something that’s simple and stylish or a project that’s large and everlasting, there are tons of things you can do with your tax refund to put the money to good use. From energy-efficient lights to installing new patio retractable screens, here are some home improvements that you can use your tax refund on.

Try Out Patio Retractable Screens – Retractable screens are a great use for your tax refund as they help you enjoy your outdoor space even more than you already do. They can offer shade and shelter so you can sit outside even in the bright sun. Plus, they come in a range of materials, styles, shapes, sizes, and colors so you can easily find one that matches your outdoor space, preferences, and needs.
Invest in New Windows – Your old windows aren’t just unsightly; they’re also probably costing you money. Most old windows are drafty and leaky, which can cause your HVAC system to work overtime and your electric bill to skyrocket. So why not put your tax refund to good use by using it to install replacement windows? Replacement windows will not just look good; they’ll also save you money in the long run through energy savings and might also increase the value of your home.
Score New Window Shades – If you’re getting new window, why not finish the job and get some new window treatments, too? Most tax refunds are enough to cover the cost of new treatments like shades, blinds, or shades so you can upgrade your style and your energy efficiency at the same time.
Install Energy Efficient Lights – Use your tax refund to change out your lighting fixtures to be more energy efficient. Replace outdated tray lights with efficient LEDs or install some motion detectors to make sure the lights aren’t left on when they’re not in use.
Get Energy Efficient Appliances – Another way you can use your tax refund to make your home more energy efficient is to invest in your kitchen appliances. A few one-time appliance purchases can make a big difference in the amount of energy your kitchen uses. Plus, new appliances look great and work even better. To be sure you’re getting energy efficient models, look for Energy Star labeled appliances. Also, don’t forget to measure the spaces! The last thing you want is to bring home a new dishwasher or refrigerator and not have it fit.

While many people dread the act of doing their taxes, at least there’s a silver lining: tax refunds. Why not put your tax refund to good use? We are here to help if you want more tips on home improvement or information on patio retractable screens. We offer a wide range of services intended to help you make your home the very best it can be. Stop by and visit us or give us a call today to learn more.

Tips for Spring Cleaning

December 29, 2022December 12, 2022 by McNeill Palm Team

Throughout the year, the windows, windowsills, window tracks and even window treatments like Miami Dade-complaint outdoor hurricane screens become full of nasty, dirty things like leaves, pollen, bugs, dirt and more.

All this buildup looks super gross and can make your home look much older and dirtier than it really is. Plus, if not taken care of, the grime buildup can also make it hard for you to open your windows and window blinds and can even damage them permanently. That’s where spring cleaning comes in. The old tradition of deep cleaning the home in the spring to have a fresh start is a good tradition, as it helps busy homeowners remember to take the time to give their home the care it needs. And this care includes a thorough window and Miami Dade-complaint outdoor hurricane screen cleaning.

How do you spring clean your windows and window treatments? These tips are here to help:

Wash or Wipe the Treatments – If you have vinyl or wooden window treatments like outdoor hurricane screens, gently wipe them down with a clean, damp rag. If you have fabric shades, give them a good once-over with your vacuum hose, making sure you get the fabric folds. Some treatments, like curtains, can be taken down and stuck in the washing machine to rid them of dust and dirt.
Clean the Tracks – Begin your cleaning by getting out your vacuum and sucking out any large items like debris, bugs and dirt clumps out of the window tracks. Next, try to loosen grime buildup with a dry rag and vacuum again to avoid making even more of a mess when you add water. Spray the tracks with a cleaning agent like diluted vinegar or a Clorox spray and then wipe them down with a thin object like a Q-tip or old toothbrush to really clean out the nooks and crannies.
Wipe the Sills – Be sure to wipe down the windowsills with a damp, not wet, cloth. Pay close attention to the corners as that’s where cobwebs and other grime like to hide. You can also use a small, thin object like a toothbrush or Q-tip to get the tiny, hard-to-reach places. Don’t forget to wipe the sill dry when you’re done.
Don’t Forget the Glass – You can’t forget to wash the glass, both inside and out. The best way to wash your windowpanes is to use soapy water, a rag, and a squeegee. Fill a bucket with warm soapy water and dip a rag into it. Then, wipe down the glass with the rag. Lastly, using the squeegee, wipe any remaining water off of the glass to prevent streaking. Don’t forget to wipe off the windowsills with a dry cloth to get rid of any drips. Can’t reach the outside of your windows? Try cleaning them with a power washer.

It’s easy to keep your windows and blinds looking great with these tips and more. We are here to help if you want to learn more about Miami Dade-complaint outdoor hurricane screens and how to care for your home. Call or visit us today.