New-fashioned farmhouse

Gather tips and tricks on creating rural charm in your home at Bachman's Spring Ideas House opening March 15. Urban farmhouse trends include vintage modern elements, gray-white contrasts, floral patterns and prints, cool metals, rustic warm woods and botanical greenery. The kitchen's playful nod to farm life offers depictions of chickens, pigs and cows. Learn how to design creative containers filled with pansies, kale and popular air plants. The Ideas House will be open until April 15 at 6010 Lyndale Av. S., Mpls. Tickets are $5 and benefit the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Go to bachmans.com or call 612-861-7311.

Eco-friendly basements

Find out how to turn a basement into a comfortable, livable space at a free Green Basement Remodeling class, 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 18 at Natural Built Home, 4020 Minnehaha Av. S., Mpls. Topics include design, incorporating sustainable features and products, budgeting and cost-saving ideas. Bring photos and measurements of your space. Register at naturalbuilthome.com; click on "Education."

LYNN UNDERWOOD

Seed-starting

Get a jump on the season by starting veggies and flowers from seed. Gertens is offering a free Seed-Starting Workshop with tips on lighting, heat mats, starting media, trays and everything you need to ensure success. The workshop will be offered twice, at 10 a.m. March 18 and 25, at Gertens, 5500 Blaine Av., Inver Grove Heights. Register at gertens.com/events.

Remodeling seminar

Planning to remodel a kitchen or bath? Learn what you need to know at a free remodeling seminar, "How to Avoid the Biggest Kitchen and Bath Remodeling Mistakes," presented by Crystal Kitchen + Bath. Find out the importance of the kitchen triangle, how cabinet accessories can maximize storage, tips on budgeting and current design trends. The seminar will be offered from 9 to 10:30 a.m. and noon to 1:30 p.m. on March 18 and April 8. Seating is limited; RSVP at 763-544-5950. Crystal Kitchen + Bath is at 3620 Winnetka Av. N., Crystal.

KIM PALMER