Addison Independent, Thursday, October 4, 2018 – Section C
HOME + DESIGN
Building a
DREAM
on Budget By KATY SAVAGE Shortly after moving to Vermont from Colorado seven years ago, Jason Mikula built a treehouse in his backyard in Killington, complete with a climbing wall, hammock and zip lines. The treehouse, 100 square feet with a wrap-around porch, was meant for his children, now ages 8 and 10, but Mikula built it big enough so that he and his wife Polly could stand up inside and enjoy it, too. “Standing up there on the porch looking down at the property gave us a whole new perspective,” said Polly. “We hadn’t anticipated enjoying the view from up there as much as we did.” That perspective influenced many of their decisions when they embarked on their next project: building their own 2,000 square-foot modern farmhouse-style home. The house was completed this year — a 20year dream the millennial-aged parents achieved in seven years of tactical planning. The Mikulas started designing their home about two years ago. After scrapping some initial plans, the first sketch of what would become their current home started on a napkin — literally. They moved in this (See Mikula, Page 3C)
Photo illustration by Siobhan Chase
Contents
Make fall clean-up eco-friendly............................................... 4 Quiet down! Soundproof your home........................................ 4 Design a more functional pantry ............................................. 7 Essentials for a DIY spa bathroom........................................... 8 Clever ideas to expand living spaces...................................... 8 Improve entertaining spaces..................................................... 9 How to build your home bar...................................................... 9 Remodel your Basement............................................................. 9 Ideas for winter entertaining...................................................10
(See XXXX, Page XX)
Ask these questions first before DIY.....................................10 Let locations inspire design....................................................10 Make the most of your home improvement dollars...........10 Tips and tricks for applying garden mulch..........................12 Raked leaves have many useful applications......................12 Your garden’s hardscape defines the design......................13 Autumn is a prime time to tend lawns and gardens.........13 An energy audit can help you save money...........................14 Defend against winter freezing...............................................14 Clean indoor air to reduce asthma attacks.........................15