Home and patio ideas

A countertop that recharges your smartphone without wires? It's one of "10 life-changing new home products" presented by author Boyce Thompson at the Minnesota Home and Patio Show, Feb. 18 to 21. More than 300 architects, interior designers, contractors and landscapers will offer products and services. Geoff Griep of "Bath Crashers" will talk about the most important questions to ask a contractor. Renegade Gardener Don Engebretson, Bobby Jensen and other experts will hold gardening seminars on landscape design, native plants, edibles, container gardening, composting and other topics.

If you're planning a kitchen or bath makeover, visit the Trending Kitchen and Bath Idea Center. The Outdoor Living and Garden Area features rooms furnished with fireplaces, grills, fountains and lighting.

Hours are 2 to 8 p.m. Feb. 18, noon to 8 p.m. Feb. 19, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 20 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 21, at St. Paul RiverCentre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd. Admission: $9 adults; $5 for military and seniors; $2.50 ages 6 to 12; 5 and under free. Go to homeandpatioshow.com or call 763-755-8111.

LYNN UNDERWOOD

Retro home goods

Like vintage furniture and accessories? Retro Wanderlust in Hopkins is holding a warehouse sale this weekend. The 6,000-square-foot warehouse will be filled with pieces from Lane, Broyhill, Baughman, Baker, Dunbar and Probber. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 14. Retro Wanderlust is located at 1415 Fifth St. S., Hopkins.

Everything for the cabin

Whether you're dreaming of a lake home or trying to enhance one you already own, you'll find plenty to ponder next weekend at the Lake Home & Cabin Show at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Exhibits and seminars will focus on rustic and specialty furniture, architects, builders and remodelers, sporting gear, landscaping and lakeshore maintenance. Hours are 2 to 8 p.m. Feb. 19, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 20 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 21. Admission is $12; $5 for ages 5 to 15; free for under 5. The Convention Center is located at 1301 Second Av. S., Mpls.

When it comes to ways to incorporate color, lighting is one affordable way. (TNS)

Free garden seminars

Beat the winter blahs at Gertens' Super Seminar Sunday on Feb. 20, featuring a greenhouse tour and free gardening classes designed to get you ready for spring. Topics will include edible landscapes, succulents, seed-starting, winter-pruning, roses, birding and fairy gardens. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration is requested at gertens.com/events. Gertens is at 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights.

All about pollinators

Pollinators will be the focus of a free program, part of the St. Paul Public Library's Urban Homesteading series. You'll learn about pollinators found in Minnesota, how to attract them and how to keep your own honey bee hive. 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18 at Riverview Library, 1 E. George St., St. Paul.

Warm up with red decor

Around Valentine's Day, you're likely to see a lot of red home decor items in stores. Red is a strong color that can perk up a space year-round. If you are looking to infuse the color into your home decor, now is an ideal time to snag some key pieces.

Shades of red: Red comes in all shades and tones, and you don't have to limit yourself to using just one in a space. It's OK to mix red with burgundy. Some of the easiest shades to work with are ruby red, bright poppy and rich tomato.

How to use red: Red, like other bold accent colors, can be used in virtually any room of the home, but be sure not to overdo it. Use bright pops of color in small yet impactful ways, such as chairs, artwork, toss pillows, lamps and even area rugs.

Color pairings: When looking for colors to pair with red, consider neutrals that will not conflict, such as black, brown, gray, white and taupe.

CATHY HOBBS, Tribune News Service