As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, homeowners are turning their attention to one of the most important aspects of property ownership—seasonal maintenance. Staying ahead of winter's wear and tear not only keeps your home comfortable but also protects your investment for the long run. Here are the top winter maintenance trends homeowners are embracing in 2025.
Smart Home Monitoring is leading the charge. From leak detection sensors to Wi-Fi–enabled thermostats, technology is helping homeowners spot issues before they become costly repairs. These smart systems can track humidity levels, detect frozen pipes, and optimize heating efficiency—all from your phone.
Energy Efficiency Upgrades are another major focus this year. Sealing drafts, upgrading insulation, and installing energy-efficient windows are quick ways to lower monthly bills and increase resale value. Many homeowners are also switching to heat pumps or hybrid systems for...
Halloween is one of the most festive times of the year, but for many homeowners, it can also bring the challenge of balancing fun seasonal décor with a clean, stylish home. The good news? You don't have to choose between spooky and sophisticated. With a few smart decorating strategies, you can celebrate the season without overwhelming your space.
Start with a neutral base. Instead of filling your home with bright orange plastic, opt for a palette of black, white, and metallics. Black candles, white pumpkins, or gold accents add seasonal flair while blending seamlessly with your existing décor. This creates an elevated look that feels more chic than cluttered.
Focus on statement pieces over volume. A single dramatic wreath, a cluster of faux ravens on a mantel, or a bold tablescape with moody florals and dark glassware can make a strong impact. The key is intentional placement rather than scattering small items in every corner.
As the seasons change and chilly weather settles in, many families across the Spokane area face a real challenge—making sure their children have the warmth they need during the winter months. For some, the cost of a new winter coat is more than their budget can handle.
That's where the KXLY 4 News Now Coats 4 Kids campaign comes in. For over 40 years, this community-driven effort has been bringing warmth, comfort, and smiles to local children. With winter just around the corner, the initiative is once again underway, continuing Spokane's proud tradition of care and generosity. Together, we can ensure every child has a warm coat this season.
How You Can Get Involved
In today's homes, space is at a premium – and every square foot counts. Whether you want to make the most of a studio apartment or just need to clear out some clutter, multi-use furniture is the secret to smart, stylish living. These functional heroes go beyond the traditional, serving two or three purposes with ease – and giving your décor a refresh at the same time!
Sleeper Sofas and Daybeds
Perfect for living rooms or offices that double as guest quarters, these pieces offer comfortable seating by day and a cozy bed by night. They're a real lifesaver during the holidays or when friends and family drop by unexpectedly. You can choose from a variety of mattresses, like memory foam, inner spring and hybrid models – and be sure to check out sleepers with compartments for pillows, linens and blankets.
Versatile Ottomans
Another interesting furniture option, modern ottomans can be used as foo...
The garage ranks high along with the basement for spaces where families tend to dump things they don't know what to do with.
It's easy to store a box you never unpacked, some outdoor equipment or some unused paint in your garage and simply ignore the fact that it's there when you pull in your car each night.
But the clutter becomes more difficult to ignore when, for example, you're stuck clearing snow off your car or running out to your driveway during a downpour because you've filled your garage with too much stuff.
You can't ignore your messy garage forever; and in fact, spring is an excellent time to clean and organize it. It's not too hot, and you'll probably need to get to items in your garage like lawn and garden equipment and your kids' outdoor toys. Here are our top tips for organizing your garage so it stays neat and tidy.
Clean and Sort Everything