October means pumpkin patches, fall events, and plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the season. But while you're making your fall bucket list, there's another list you might want to make: the things in your home that give you the ick.

We've rounded up some of our favorite fall happenings in Arlington, Colleyville, Fort Worth, and the Greater Tarrant County area, followed by seven spooky home design icks we'd love to see banished for good.

Fall & Halloween Events Around DFW

Whether you're looking for family-friendly fall fun, a genuinely scary night out or just an excuse to get outside, October has plenty to offer around Arlington and Fort Worth. Here are a few local events to add to your calendar this fall.

Fort Worth

Boo at the Zoo

• Boo at the Zoo brings seasonal fun to the Fort Worth Zoo with Fall-themed activities, entertainment and plenty of opportunities for the kids to get into the spirit of the season.
• Learn more about Boo at the Zoo

Stockyards Spooktacular

• Stockyards Spooktacular is an option for getting dressed up, enjoying the atmosphere and celebrating Fall Fort Worth-style.
• Learn more about Stockyards Spooktacular

Arlington

Pumpkin Nights

• Celebrate the season at Pumpkin Nights with larger-than-life pumpkin displays and plenty of fall atmosphere.
• Learn more about Pumpkin Nights

Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Texas

• For those who like the holiday with a little more adrenaline, Fright Fest at Six Flags Over Texas brings haunted attractions, spooky entertainment and nighttime thrills.
• Learn more about Fright Fest

Dance of the Dead at Texas Live!

• Looking for an adults-only night? Dance of the Dead at Texas Live! brings DJs, dancing, costumes and plenty of spooky-season energy to Arlington.
• Learn more about Dance of the Dead

North Richland Hills

NRH Pumpkin Point

• Grab the family and head to NRH Pumpkin Point for an evening of activities, games, crafts, music and plenty of pumpkin-season fun.
• Learn more about NRH Pumpkin Point

Pumpkin Patches Around DFW

Sometimes you just need a pumpkin patch and an excuse to take approximately 47 family photos. A few DFW-area spots to check out this season include:

Hall's Pumpkin Farm - Grapevine, TX

• A classic fall stop for picking out pumpkins and enjoying the seasonal atmosphere.
• Learn more about Hall's Pumpkin Farm

Howell Family Farms - Arlington, TX

• A family-friendly farm experience with plenty of fall activities to make a day of it.
• Learn more about Howell Family Farms

Pumpkin Patch at First Christian Church - Arlington, TX

• A local option for grabbing a pumpkin and enjoying a simple fall outing with the family.
• Learn more about Pumpkin Patch at First Christian Church

Keller Pumpkin Patch & Christmas Tree Farm - Keller, TX

• Get your fall pumpkin now and your Christmas tree later (because we're already thinking that far ahead).
• Learn more about Keller Pumpkin Patch & Christmas Tree Farm

Country Critters Farm - Alvarado, TX

• Another local farm option for enjoying the season and getting the kids outside.
• Learn more about Country Critters Farm

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden - Dallas, TX

• For a bit of a drive, The Dallas Arboretum's fall displays are a favorite, especially if you're looking for something a little more scenic.
• Learn more about Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

7 Spooky Home Design Icks We'd Love to Banish

Now that we've covered where to go when you want to get out of the house, let's talk about what's happening inside it. Here are seven home design icks we'd love to see disappear for good.

1. Bathroom Carpet

Let's start with one that should probably stay buried in the past: carpet in the bathroom.

Bathrooms are naturally humid, moisture-heavy spaces and carpet can absorb and hold onto moisture, odors and dirt. Unlike a bath mat, you can't just throw the whole floor in the washing machine.

The fix:

• Replace bathroom carpet with a water-resistant flooring option such as tile or LVP (luxury vinyl plank). If you're already dreaming about a bigger bathroom update, replacing the flooring is a great opportunity to rethink the entire space.
• Need inspiration? Take a look through Our Project Gallery to see some bathrooms, kitchens, and whole-home remodels we’ve completed!

2. Fluorescent Lighting

Nothing says "haunted office building" quite like a giant fluorescent light above your kitchen.

Traditional fluorescent fixtures can cast harsh light that makes colors look dull and gives a room an institutional feel. Even a beautifully updated kitchen can feel dated when the lighting hasn't kept up.

The fix:

• Replace outdated fluorescent fixtures with warm LED lighting and layer your light sources. A combination of ambient and accent lighting can make a space feel warmer and much more intentional. If changing the fixture isn't enough, it may be worth looking at the bigger picture. Lighting, electrical, cabinetry and ceiling details all work together in a remodel.
• At Medford Design-Build, our in-house Interior Designer is here to help guide you with design selections!

3. DIY Electrical, Plumbing & Structural Work

Poorly completed electrical, plumbing and structural work can create hidden safety issues, cause inspection problems, and turn into an expensive surprise when you're ready to sell your home. Plus, you may not even know there's a problem until something fails.

The fix:

• For work involving your home's structure, plumbing or electrical systems, work with properly licensed and insured professionals. This is one of those times when calling in the pros can save you from an even scarier problem later.
• At Medford Design-Build, our team coordinates the design, technical and construction sides of a remodel, helping homeowners tackle complex projects without having to coordinate every trade themselves. Not sure what working with Medford Design-Build actually looks like? Learn more about our process.

4. Popcorn Ceilings

Popcorn ceilings have had a very long run but we're ready to let them rest. The bumpy texture can collect dust, making it difficult to clean and make an updated room feel older.

The fix:

• If you're ready to say goodbye to your popcorn ceiling, a professional such as Medford Design-Build can help determine the best way to update the surface. And if that ceiling is part of a larger room you're ready to transform, don't stop at the ceiling. Removing dated texture can be the first step toward a more cohesive update with new lighting, paint, flooring and other finishes.
• Curious what a larger renovation could look like? Browse our Project Gallery for ideas and inspiration.

5. Sticky Doors, Squeaky Floors & Drafty Windows

None of these issues are necessarily major on their own, but when your house starts sounding like a haunted house every time you walk through it, it may be time to investigate. Sticky doors can be caused by settling, humidity changes or worn hardware. Squeaky floors can result from movement between flooring and framing. Older windows can contribute to drafts, outside noise and energy loss.

The fix:

• Depending on the cause, these issues may have relatively simple solutions. But if you're noticing several of them at once, they could be signs that your home is ready for some larger updates. That's where we can help. Whether it's replacing old windows, addressing flooring issues or reworking an outdated space, Medford Design-Build can help identify what's worth fixing and what makes sense to tackle as part of a larger renovation.
• Not sure what a project like that might cost? Our Home Remodeling Cost Guide can help give you a better starting point.

6. Dark, Narrow Hallways

A hallway might not be the star of your home, but you definitely notice one that's poorly designed. Narrow, dark hallways can make a home feel cramped and disconnected, especially with no light source. And because hallways are all about moving from one room to another, poor layout can affect how the entire home flows.

The fix:

• Start with the basics: lighter wall colors, better overhead lighting and wall sconces can make a noticeable difference. But if your hallway is part of a larger layout problem, that's where remodeling can make a real difference. Reworking door placement, opening up walls, improving sightlines or changing the connection between rooms can make a home feel more spacious without necessarily adding square footage.

If you're considering a larger renovation to improve the layout of your home, our Design-Build Process walks through what to expect from consultation through construction.

7. Kitchens & Bathrooms With Nowhere for the Air to Go

Here's an ick you may not immediately see… but you can definitely smell it. Kitchens and bathrooms generate a lot of moisture, heat, grease and odors. In the kitchen, cooking without adequate ventilation can leave grease and odors lingering and contribute to buildup over time. In bathrooms, poor ventilation can allow excess moisture to become a recurring problem. And if your kitchen or bathroom also happens to have outdated finishes, the whole room can start feeling like a time capsule.

The fix:

• In kitchens, consider a properly sized range hood that vents to the exterior whenever possible. In bathrooms, make sure the ventilation system is doing its job and consider updating the lighting, vanity, fixtures or hardware if the room feels dated.
• If the bigger problem is that your kitchen or bathroom simply isn't working for your home anymore, we can help with that, too. Contact Us or explore Our Projects for real kitchen and bathroom transformations.

The Icks Don't Have to Stick Around

When those little icks start adding up (or when the problem involves layout, structure, multiple trades or an outdated space that just isn't working anymore), that's where our Design-Build team can make the process a whole lot easier.

If you're wondering whether your project is a good fit for Design-Build, our FAQs answer some of the most common questions homeowners have before getting started.

And if you're ready to start talking about your own home, contact Medford Design-Build to take the next step.

Happy Fall!

Whether you're checking out a pumpkin patch, braving a haunted attraction or finally tackling that home project you've been putting off, we hope you make the most of October. Happy spooky season and may your home be free of bathroom carpet, fluorescent lighting and popcorn ceilings!