Home show 2014

Home &Garden NOCO HBA

The Premiere Home and Garden Show February 28 - March 2, 2014

Show

Maximize your design Home Design Resolutions for 2014

Maximize your design –

inside and out W

ith spring fast approaching, the time for new beginnings and fresh ideas is here.

It’s time to fasten your tool belt, snap on your safety goggles and start that next project. Whether you are ready to DIY or you’re looking for a pro, there are lots of new and innovative trends, techniques and products that will take your indoor and outdoor living space to the next level. Let’s take a look at some of the latest developments in the industry for some home improvement inspiration.

2 FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2014 HBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Kitchen Magic Let’s start at the heart of any house – the kitchen. If you’re thinking of updating any space, here’s where your investment will go farthest.

Your kitchen should be a focal point in your home—it’s where you spend most of your time after all. From entertaining, to a quiet night eating in, your kitchen brings it all together.

• Brighten it up – Lighting is huge in a kitchen. Interesting and varied lighting can really bring a kitchen to life. Try for one or two “statement” light fixtures above the island or bar. Then add counter top lights mounted under the cabinets to illuminate as you cook.

• Open design – The kitchen should flow as seamlessly as possible into the

dining or living area for an inviting atmosphere for your family and your guests. Incorporate bar or island seating to bring everyone together.

• Cabinets, floors and counter tops – Of course these are some of the most important considerations in any kitchen, and all three should be thought out to work together. Think about your space and what types of materials will give you the

“

The other significant trend in kitchen appliances is Induction Cooking.

Induction technology offers all the great benefits of gas – without gas.

”

look you want. Often, we’re seeing people mix and match colors and textures. For instance, pairing a dark cabinet finish with a lighter neutral counter top, bright backsplash tile and stone tile. Be sure to do your research on materials. There are lots of options to choose from. For counters, butcher block and even concrete are coming to the forefront. Take a second look at painted cabinets for an updated look with a much lower price tag. And check out the page on flooring for new ideas and options in that area.

• Stick with a theme – Many homeowners are creating an overall theme with the design of their kitchens.

There are country kitchens that feature apron-front sinks, antique décor and old-

fashioned cabinets. Or create a “destination kitchen” with Italian or Spanish flare. Or stick to clean lines and modern finishes for a more contemporary space. The design possibilities are endless.

• Cater to your inner chef – Kitchen remodels are really focused on more than aesthetics. Home cooks are incorporating high-quality gas stove tops, efficient ovens and chef-quality items in their kitchens. These sleek and functional additions make preparing healthy and delicious meals at home a breeze.

• Break from tradition – Janel Davenport of Specialty Appliance introduced us to some exciting new appliances for the kitchen, “With today’s emphasis on healthy eating, Steam Technology

is riding on a huge wave of interest. Most of the major appliance manufacturers have recently introduced steam-convection ovens and several others have them in development. Encompassing both steam and convection technology these units cook without drying out foods or leaching out vitamins and minerals. They are a dream for reheating leftover meals since the steam technology eliminates the dry, tough results that microwaves are known for. They will truly function as a second oven with all the versatility they provide.”

“The other significant trend in kitchen appliances is Induction Cooking. Induction technology offers all the great benefits of gas See MAX, page 4

More Than Just A Lighting Store!

2529 11th Avenue • Greeley 970-330-2888 333 1st Avenue, Suite 1 • Longmont 303-684-0080

Mon-Fri 9-5 Sat. 10-4 www.shopimaginemore.com Home Theater • Cabinets • Home Automation • Lighting Solutions • Lamp Repair • Hunter Douglas Blinds • Central Vac Systems • LED Lighting • Intercoms • Smart Homes • Home Accessories • Locally Owned & Operated • And More

FC-0000389809

HBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2014 3

(Continued from page 3)

– without gas. There is no need to run a gas line. They are great at high altitudes where gas pressure can be a problem. They work on a magnetic based technology so are safer than standard electric – you can literally put your hand on a burner that is turned on high and it will not burn you. Water comes to a boil faster than in any other cooking system. You can simmer delicate sauces or chocolate in a pan rather than a double boiler. It is a very energy efficient technology as well.”

Don’t underestimate the importance of the kitchen.

Whether you’re looking at buying a new home or remodeling your current kitchen, keep in mind that the

kitchen is the central hub of the house. Consider which features are important to you to create a functional and beautiful space to spend your time.

Live, Work, Play As families have changed over the years, their living space has also adapted.

Bold designs still dominate living areas. Plus, we’re seeing more living spaces that are multi-purposed to fit the needs of the whole family.

Here are just a few ways to create a unique look along with versatility in your living room or family room.

• Open it up – If you are starting from scratch, it’s easy to design a space that opens the kitchen, dining and living areas to each other, but it may take a little more cre-

ativity when remodeling.

Designers and contractors are getting more requests to take out walls and re-arrange rooms so that living spaces connect to each other.

• Bright and airy – High ceilings have dominated for a while now. In addition, more people are incorporating natural light by installing large windows, sky lights and sliding doors to bring in more sunlight and energy.

• Bold colors – Every year we see the latest colorschemes within the home.

The overarching theme is that bold color can bring any space to life. This may include painting walls or inset features. Or you can bring less permanent color by adding bright pieces of furniture, pillows or a rug. Match your colors to your personality for

design + build

have a place to stay without an entire room being wasted on a rarely-used guest bedroom.

The key to any living space is to adapt it to your family’s needs. These spaces are so versatile and can serve many purposes.

Bathroom Bliss Now let’s step into a bathroom oasis. Bathrooms are coming into the spotlight as a place where people are spending more and more of their time. It may take a little more than a coat of paint, but your bathroom could soon become your destination for relaxing at the end of a long day.

• Bathrooms are bringing luxury back. Radiant floor heat, steam showers, soaking tubs, fireplaces and even

After

from dreams to reality

a living room that reflects the feel you want.

• Multi-purpose space – An open floor-plan should utilize as much of the space as possible. Use furniture and design features to designate areas for different uses. For instance, add an island with seating to transition into the kitchen. Place a desk in one corner for a comfortable work space where the kids can do their homework.

And arrange seating around a coffee table or fireplace for a cozy spot to entertain or relax. Strategically placed rugs and light fixtures can help designate each space so everything flows well.

• To add even more versatility, we’ve seen people purchasing fold-out couches, ottomans, and even Murphy beds. The idea is that guests

Before

Max

FC-0000389604

4 FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2014 HBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Turn an Ordinary Room into a

GAME ROOM!

Everything for the game room!

FRONT RANGE P O O L TA B L E C O .

1600 E. Mulberry St. | Fort Collins 970.419.0816 | Monday - Saturday 10am to 6pm www.frontrangepooltables.com Just west of the Charco Broiler

TV’s and music speakers are making an appearance in bathrooms.

• Half-baths or water closets are a great place to make a bold statement. Try a funky removable wall paper or a mini-chandelier to make these small spaces fun and appealing to you and your visitors.

• Water features are a key part of new bathrooms.

Multiple shower heads, including options like rain shower heads and different types of sprayers are easy to install and add to the luxurious bathroom experience.

Living Large in Smaller Spaces Home builders are starting to see more requests for space efficient homes with small footprints. These small homes build on the concept of loft living – spaces are multi-purposed and open.

The advantages of living in a small space are easy to see: • Money, money – A smaller home equals more efficiency on multiple levels – heating, cooling, electricity, etc. Far less money goes into maintaining these petite homes.

• Environmental impact – A more efficient home means a smaller carbon footprint as well. And to take the ecofriendliness one step further, many of these homes are built mostly from repurposed materials like recycled wood, shipping containers and even old pallets.

• Bring on the challenge – Within our society, people are increasing their awareness of the world around them. Especially in Colorado, living off-the-grid or reducing consumption by living in a small but efficient home poses an interesting challenge for families trying to

heighten their contribution to a better future for the planet.

• The great outdoors – Less space inside means more space outside. Placing a smaller home on any sized lot maximizes the potential for gardening and outdoor living.

• Creative living – Innovations in design make this small-scale living possible.

From loft bedrooms to fold out beds and new storage solutions, you have to get creative to live functionally in fewer square feet.

Creating curb appeal since 1932!

Sneaky Storage Innovative storage solutions are popping up in houses of every size. Gone are the days of cluttered shelves and jam-packed cabinets. Instead, people are incorporating smart and organized storage throughout the home.

See MAX, page 12

2121 East Mulberry 970-482-1984 Open Year Round www.FortCollinsNursery.com FC-0000389243

HBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2014 5

Home Design Resolutions for 2014

By Erika Riggs, Real Estate blogger for Zillow

Y

ou may have New Year’s resolutions for your health or your finances, but what about resolutions related to your home? We asked a few designers for some suggestions.

From big projects — such as revamping your kitchen — to smaller ones, here are some ways to achieve your design dreams in 2014.

Resolution No. 1: Plan it out No matter which design project you want to tackle, designers say having a plan is the key for success.

“Start with a wishlist of projects to complete over the year,” suggested designer Alissa Pulcrano of bright designlab in Portland, OR. “Plan, plan, plan first! Then take your concepts to your favorite designer (or two if you don’t have one yet) and ask them to give you a proposal for your wishlist. Take the time to plan it right.”

Designer Melissa Klebanoff, principal of Melissa Klebanoff Interior Design in Seattle, offer similar advice to clients tackling design projects.

“Assign the following steps a timeframe to keep you on track, and before you begin, determine if the proj-

ect requires a designer,” she said. “Write down everything you want to accomplish with your project, define it, gather photos and do a space plan if needed.”

Resolution No. 2: Find your style and get inspired Do you prefer a mid-century design, as is shown here in bright designlab’s work?

Sometimes the most overwhelming part of a project can be determining which direction to go in. Which color? What about textiles and finishes? The goal here is to not necessarily find the most trendy design but the look that will work for you and your household over time.

6 FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2014 HBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Before you begin gathering inspiration, determine the purpose of the room.

Does it need to be highly functional and kid-friendly?

Or is it a stylish retreat?

Once you have narrowed your purpose, gather photos and spend time visiting websites and saving images. Zillow Digs is one such place to collect inspiring designs all in one space.

It also helps to see materials in person, advises Klebanoff.

“Go to home improvement stores and design centers. Collect the finishes you’ll need and love — like carpet samples, stone samples, fabrics, furniture cuts, lighting

ideas, appliance specs, paint colors and so on,” she said.

Resolution No. 3: Focus on one room at a time Make time to put together a gallery wall. Design by bright designlab.

Whether you’ve been meaning to clean out and organize the clutter accumulating in the hall closet or finally frame family photos for the living room, it’s best to tackle one space at a time.

“If you have a weekend, develop a plan and focus on one room: paint the living room, and buy a few key pieces, knowing that you can add to it over the year,” Pulcrano said. “Start with an

DOORS DOORS

HARDWARE

TRIM

315 Hickory St - Fort Collins • 970-482-4806 www.DeinesCustomDoor.com

HARDWARE TRIM

)&

overall design and then ‘chip away.’�

Resolution No. 4: Give the kitchen a refresh Kitchens have become the center of many American homes — the place that sees the most foot traffic and activity. According to the latest Zillow Digs designer survey, kitchens top the list for planned 2014 renovations.

Kitchens in 2014 are trending toward open, “homey� spaces, says designer Vanessa DeLeon. “More and more people are wanting an ‘open concept’ space and the feeling of comfort,� she explained. “They want to be able to eat, entertain, relax and enjoy the space with the rest of the house.�

Considering a kitchen remodel? Start researching

contractors or designers. “Ask people you trust for referrals for general contractors they’ve successfully worked with,� Klebanoff said. “Set up interviews with them and present your now very clearly defined project to them for bids. Check their references!�

What design resolutions do you have for 2014? Share with us in the comments below. And find more visual inspiration and understand the real cost of remodeling projects on Zillow Digs.

Erika Riggs writes on a wide variety of real estate topics, from the all-popular celebrity real estate, to mortgages and home improvement, for the Zillow Blog and other Zillow partners.

F R E E I N - H O M E D E S I G N C O N S U LTAT I O N

C U S T O M FA B R I C AT I O N A N D I N S TA L L AT I O N FC-0000389753

970-221-3090 1 9 3 4 E . L I N C O L N AV E N U E , F O RT C O L L I N S , C O 8 0 5 2 4 HBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2014 7

WOM

ENTRY

1

2

3& 4

5

6

7

MEN

MEN

WO

8 & 9 153

10 11

17 18

138 113

12

19 20

139 89

13 14

73 74

53 54

23 24 25 26

49 50 & 51 58

29 30 & 31 32

66 150

151

CONCESSION/ KITCHEN

39 40 47 48

57 49

EXIT

15

64 71 & 65 72

Champion

Smart Carpet Care

16

27 28

59 60 61

EXIT

EXHIBITOR AAC West/Xella.........................152 ABC Seamless...............................29 Accessible Systems.......................87 Alpine Design Studio..................26 American Exteriors......................68 Animal-Pest Control....................79 Bath Fitter Colorado.......... 75 & 77 Ben Franklin Plumbing....................

Blue Valley Energy........... 70 & 133

Capitol Roofing...........................50 Champion Windows.............. 33-38 CollegePro Painters.....................89 Colorado Blinds & Design...........18 Comcast........................................66 Cutco............................................48 Dale’s Carpet One................... 8 & 9 Dawson Chiropractic...................23 Digital Satellite - Dish Network....47

8 FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2014 HBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW

Direct Buy........................... 91 & 92 D.R. Horton................................150 E-Gil Painting...............................15 Eclipse Designs.............................40 ESPN.............................................69 Front Range Raynor....................61 GJ Gardner.....................................5 Gourmet Blends...........................97 Hammerskill Homes....................24

Heinsight Solut HighCraft Build Imagine More...

K&H Solutions...

Kitchen Craft....

Lomax Custom Loveland Repor Mile High Coat Mile High Orga

OM

HOME SHOW

2014

ENTRY

67 68

FIRST NATIONAL BANK EXHIBITION HALL FEB. 28 TO MARCH 2

ESPN

69

MAN CAVE

152

70

86 130

133

132 131

84 & 85 75 76 & 77 78

90

91 & 92

79

82 83

80

87 88

98

97

99

SATURDAY

NIGHT

129

COCKTAIL

PARTY

EXIT

RS’ BOOTHS

tions.....................67 ders.......................10 ................... 30 & 32 ..........................113 ................... 84 & 85 Glass........... 59 & 60 rter Herald..........90 tings......................57 anics......................99

My Pillow, Inc..............................73 Mountain States Electronics Direct TV..................................78 NexgenHomeExteriors....... 64 & 65 Oregan Trail Jerky.......................98 Perfect Temp..................................6 Philgreen Construction...............53 Polyguard Window Well Covers...14 Remodel It.......................................

Renewal by Andersen........ 46 & 51 Rentfrow Designs........................82 Roberts Heating and Air.................

Rocky Mountain Fence & Deck....................................153 Ryberg Construction...................49 Schmidt Custom Floors........ 27& 28 Shade Brothers Painting.............39 Smart-Carpet Care........................ C

Specialty Appliance................ 3 & 4 Surfaces........................................74 Surface Masters LLC......................1 System Pavers..............................86 Vision Brothers Construction....151 Waddell & Reed...........................25 TimberRock Landscape Center.....7 UniDesign....................................58 3 Day Blinds...............................130

HBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2014 9

Keep Your Yard Party-Ready

By Mary Boone, freelance writer for Zillow Blog.

G

ood friends, nice weather and great food. Add a spectacular location, and you’ve got everything you need for outdoor entertaining.

If your backyard is less than celebration worthy, don’t fret. Even the most boring lawns can be party-ready with minimal investment of time and money.

Let there be light Much like interior lighting, outdoor lighting works best when it’s layered. The American Lighting Association suggests overhead lighting to ensure guests can see steps, paths and other walk-

ing surfaces.

Jeff Dross, corporate director of education and industry trends with Kichler Lighting, says paths don’t need to be completely lit, and you don’t need to make it so bright that your guests need sunglasses well past 10 p.m. “But it’s good to provide light where there’s a bend or an intersection, or as you turn a corner or approach steps,” he said.

Lighting can be used to create entertainment areas within your yard: string lights in a tree or a chandelier hanging in a gazebo, for example.

You’ll also want to install backlights or spotlights that shine on arbors, pergolas, patios and fountains. Wellplaced lighting will focus at-

tention on the architectural details and natural beauty of the space.

Chair extraordinaire Past-its-prime lawn furniture and rickety folding chairs aren’t exactly welcoming. Invest in some comfy padded outdoor pieces — a loveseat, chairs and an ottoman — to create a beautiful outdoor living space. Stackable outdoor chairs can be easily stored when not in use.

To encourage guests to venture off the deck and into other areas of the yard, consider using an outdoor rug to create a gathering spot, complete with beach chairs and colorful pillows, under a shady tree.

Tune in Music can provide the

10 FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2014 HBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW

perfect background for conversation and games, or it can be exactly what you need to get the dancing started.

You can install a quality outdoor speaker system — speakers, receiver, wiring and weatherproof volume controls — for $1,000 to $2,000. Wireless outdoor speakers also are a good option. Look for speakers that are compatible with a wide range of products; many wireless speakers come with a cradle that allows you to directly connect your iPod or iPhone. The best wireless speakers stream music over a Bluetooth connection or WiFi network, which means you won’t need a transmitter for your media device to communicate with your speakers.

Expect to pay in the $150 to

$500 range.

No matter which type of music system you decide on, be sure to place speakers where you can easily hear them but so that your neighbors don’t have to.

Add some heat To get the most out of your new-and-improved yard, consider adding an outdoor fireplace. If you’re not up for the permanence of a fireplace, a fire pit or chimineas might add the ambiance — and warmth — you desire.

A fixed or portable outdoor heater may not hold the same charm as a roaring fire, but it can cut through the cold with the flip of a switch.

Regardless of your choice, a heat source will mean out-

TILE • VINYL • CARPET • LAMINATES • door parties can continue well into the fall.

Mary was a newspaper writer/editor for 13 years and worked as spokesperson for a Fortune 500 Com-

pany before becoming a freelance writer. She has authored more than two dozen books for young readers and writes for a handful of regional home and garden magazines.

HARDWOODS •

“For All Your Flooring Needs�

FC-0000389623

Redesign for Spring 5HFRYHULQJ ‡ 5HVW\OLQJ 5HVW\OLQJ ‡ 5HSDLULQJ 5HSDLULQJ

3(55< 83+2/67(5,1* 3+2/67(5,1* &RPPHUFH 'U 8QLW &RPPHUFH 'U 8QLW

Proudly serving Fort Collins since 1965

Giving new life to old furniture since 1965

FC-0000389340

4217 17 S. S Mason M Fort F t Collins, C lli CO 80525 970-226-5343 970 226 5 www.petersensllc.com

Carpet | Area Rugs | Tile & Stone | Hardwood | Laminate | Resilient | shawfoors.com FC-0000389408

HBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2014 11

Max

(Continued from page 5)

• In the kitchen – Premade cabinet drawers, customized shelving, baseboard drawers, islands with built in storage and hanging pot racks maximize space. Take it all the way to the ceiling with high-up shelving. To reach the goods, designers are installing old-fashioned rolling ladders on a track. It’s a unique feature that’s sure to be a conversation piece in addition to adding functionality.

• In the living and dining rooms – Built-in bench seating can feature drawers or lifting seats to hide things like blankets and tablecloths for when you need them. Vintage cabinets can also add a nice touch to any room. Turn a cabinet into a hidden desk

area or extra storage space in any room.

solution, install drawers under each stair.

“

A great way to create a unique look in a home is to contrast drastic color and/or gloss levels between your cabinetry/ trim/floors

Renewed Energy

”

• In the bathroom – Flush mount medicine cabinets provide sleek storage and open shelves create great options for displaying colorful towels or jars filled with cotton balls.

• Under the stairs – This is a great place for storage.

Add a cubby or closet underneath the stairs. Or for a fun

Sustainability is more important now than ever – especially here in Colorado.

Many of our home designs and features focus on responsible energy consumption and a smaller environmental impact.

• Sustainable materials – Ask your supplier, home store or contractor about including sustainable materials in your design plans. For instance, reuse salvaged building materials or purchase bluestreaked beetle-kill wood.

• Efficient appliances – Energy efficient water heaters, laundry units, and kitchen appliances are more widely available and more affordable all the time. Check

out flash water heaters and water-saving fixtures in the bathroom as well.

• Passive solar – If you are redesigning a room or a building a house, work passive solar into your plans.

Large south-facing windows and heat-absorbing flooring warm the house in the winter. And an overhang keeps it cool in the summer.

• Tech-savvy – Use technology to your advantage with programmable thermostats and remotely controlled lighting.

• Alternative energy – Consider the return on investing in solar or wind energy. These features reduce impact on the environment and after a few years, on your wallet as well.

If your focus is on sustainability and “green” living, try

Where Gardeners Love to Shop for Plants

to find a builder who specializes in this kind of work.

There are many contractors and builders who exclusively work on sustainable projects.

Flooring, Lighting and More Let’s talk for a minute about the basics – flooring, lighting, paint and texture.

• Flooring – Options abound in flooring materials and installation. The trend is steering away from carpet as other materials are more durable and health-friendly. We had a chance to talk to flooring expert Barry Schmidt, owner of Schmidt Custom Floors for some recommendations: “A great way to create a unique look in a home is to contrast drastic color and/ or gloss levels between your

Qual Sin

ity P

ce 1 lants 982

* Shade Trees, Fruit Trees, Flowering Trees, Evergreens! * Ornamental Shrubs and Evergreen Shrubs! * Perennials, Annuals, Herbs, Hanging Baskets, Vegetables * Landscape Consultations, Landscape Design and Landscape Installation

6 Acres of Trees, Shrubs, Evergreens, Perennials and 12 Greenhouses bursting with color!

www.eatongrove.com

Dir: From Windsor, 6 miles east to CR 31, then 3 miles north.

12 FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2014 HBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW

FC-0000389739

Phone: 454-3856

I’m Sarah Kyle.

Together we can make a difference.

“

Tell me, what’s your cause?

Whatever it is, let’s change the world together.

cabinetry/trim/floors. Keep an open mind when choosing the species and type of material for your home and trust your flooring expert’s recommendation.” Schmidt also told us of some innovative new materials that are on the rise in flooring, “We’re seeing higher demand for unique flooring finishes. For example, European species with aged, weathered, and smoked finishes. Also popular are European Oil and waterborne finishes that are VOC-free, durable and easily maintained. There are also special additives that can protect your floors from the affects of high desert sun (front range) for longer-lasting results.”

• Lighting – Chandeliers are huge right now. From large gothic-style chandeliers to delicate and ornate fixtures, the right chandelier can provide a beautiful center piece for any room. A statement light fixture can also bring together the décor, setting the tone for the rest of the features in the room.

In addition, home owners are incorporating lots of natural light in every room to make their spaces bright and open.

• Color – Paint is a really affordable and effective way to update any space in your home. And new paint options give you room for creativity. Chalkboard paint is great fun for the kids’ rooms.

Or use it on the pantry door for your grocery list. Try painting cabinets, overhead beams, trim or molding for an added pop of color in an unexpected place. People also paint the fronts of stairs to draw people’s eyes to this overlooked real-estate.

• Texture – Mix and match texture to give each room the look you want.

Choose different upholstery types for furniture or recover and old chair or couch. And don’t overlook your window coverings. Curtains and custom blinds can really add to a room. Glossy textures could add drama or neutral linen curtains could bring a country feel.

The most important thing when choosing the basics during a remodel is to keep an open mind and let your creative side come out. Look into the recommendations of professionals to ensure you get great results.

I can open your eyes to the hundreds of volunteer opportunities our community has to offer.

Read about Sarah’s latest Cause every Friday in the Coloradoan.

Follow Sarah Kyle on Facebook at facebook.com/reportersarahjane or on twitter at twitter.com/sarahjanekyle

Together, we can do amazing things.

Sarah is just one of the 30 journalists who cover Northern Colorado like nobody else.

coloradoan.com

HBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2014 13

Step Outside – Outdoor Living Trends

W

e all know that here in Colorado we have 300-plus days of sunshine a year – And we certainly put that daylight to good use!

Outdoor living is an important consideration in properties from the small urban garden to several acres in the country.

Outdoor Kitchens and Living Spaces Who doesn’t love to cook out in the summertime?

Many people are taking this love for outdoor entertaining one step further and building full outdoor kitchens and living spaces. Here are some tips to keep in mind when considering your outdoor space.

• Think about the orientation of the grill area and any cooktop to avoid staring into the sun while cooking.

Also make sure the heat isn’t right against the house.

• Use durable materials and build everything securely to guard against the gusty spring winds.

• Arrange your outdoor kitchen like you would your indoor one. Design it to open up to the outdoor seating area for easy entertaining.

• Consider installing permanent seating options like benches or boulders.

• Lighting – Solar lights are easy-to-install and need little upkeep. Or install lights on the outside of the house – just be sure they are not too bright for comfort.

• Install outdoor speakers

to bring the whole experience together.

• No space is complete without a fire pit. You can build the fire pit into the patio or have one that is movable. And think about whether you want a gas fire pit, fire glass or a traditional wood-burning pit (keep in mind that these are not so great in the wind).

• Covered patios – Retractable awnings give you the choice between sunshine and shade, but can be a hassle. There are also many ways to build in patio coverings to give you optimal sunlight and shade. Before you install a permanent covering, experiment with something temporary. Move it around and make adjustments as you observe how the sun shines throughout the day.

Outdoor kitchens and living spaces are a big investment so be sure to consult a professional to optimize your space. Just think of how awesome a cold brew will taste while cooking on your outdoor stove or sitting around a fire.

Deck or Patio?

Wooden decks are one of the most popular choices for outdoor patios. But homeowners are finding that decks are more difficult to maintain and require a lot of upkeep. Let’s look at some nice alternatives.

• Trex® is a composite material gaining popularity.

A deck built from this material lasts longer and holds up

against the elements.

• Stone – There are tons of options for stone patios.

Installation can be labor-intensive, but stone patios create a natural, rugged feeling.

• Pavers – A great alternative to stone, pavers are less expensive and more consistent in shape and size. Plus they come in a variety of finishes and colors. Landscapers have seen the popularity of pavers increasing the last several years.

• Concrete – Poured concrete patios are probably the most durable and require less upkeep than other options.

Ask your concrete professional about different choices in color, finish and layout.

• Many people opt to combine these options. For instance you may build a stone patio for your outdoor kitchen and have that

14 FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2014 HBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW

lead onto a wood deck for a multi-dimensional space.

Gardening 101 Gardening is gaining popularity every year, especially in Colorado where people are very health conscious.

Whether you have a small lot, just a porch, or lots of room to breathe, a garden can flourish.

• Raised beds are a relatively inexpensive and convenient addition to a yard in town. Maximize your harvest by planning each square foot of the garden before planting. And make sure you install your beds in a spot that gets the right amount of light.

• Bushes and trees – Plant fruit trees and berry bushes for beautiful landscaping that produces fresh fruit in season. Apples, peaches,

blackberries and raspberries do really well here. Just consult a landscaper or nursery for planting tips.

• Acreage – With a little more space, people are dedicating larger plots to gardens. Try local resources like the CSU extension office to help you plan your next gardening project.

• Patio gardening – Even with just a little space, tomatoes, peppers, squash and fresh herbs can produce.

Plant in whiskey barrels or pots for your own personal garden.

• From garden to farm – Chickens and some other small farm animals are now allowed within many city limits. Kids love to watch baby chicks grow and collect eggs in the summertime. Look for this popular trend to continue!

Home Exteriors Sometimes overlooked, the exterior of your home is as important as the inside.

Here are a few choices in materials and features.

• Roofing – Basic shingles are the cheapest option for roofing, but keep in mind that they have to be replaced and can be susceptible to wind. If you live where it is very windy or in an area at risk for fire, you may consider a metal roof. There are also lots of other options ranging from wood shingles to ceramic or slate tiles. Consult your roofer for recommendations on both look and functionality.

• Exterior walls – Again, there is a wide range of materials available for the exterior of a home. There are al-

ways the stand-bys including vinyl or wooden siding, brick and stucco. But sustainability is becoming more of a factor here too so we are seeing everything from stuccoed straw to siding made from repurposed material.

Bob Steel of AAC West LLC filled us in on the innovative building material they use. It’s a lightweight concrete material often referred to as “high-tech adobe.” He describes it as the “greenest, most indestructible and most efficient material out there. It’s fire proof, water proof, sound resistant and pest and termite proof.” The material is also environmentally friendly and improves the efficiency of homes and businesses – definitely a top contender when choosing a

building material.

Landscaping Planning your outdoor landscaping takes thought and preparation. Consider how you want to use your outdoor space as you plan.

Here are some trends that may give you some inspiration.

• Say goodbye to grass – Traditional lawns are losing popularity. They are expensive to water and don’t provide functionality. Look for yards to move toward xeriscaping and incorporating indigenous plants that take less upkeep.

• Grow to eat – Planting a tree? Why not plant a fruit tree that serves more purpose than shade. Homeowners are moving more toward

gardens and edible plants in their landscaping.

• Water features – Fountains, ponds and other water features are a great addition to any outdoor space. Consult a landscape planner to help you build features that are low-maintenance.

• Creative play areas – Slides and trampolines are being replaced by more natural, innovative play areas for kids. Bring in large boulders or build a bridge for children to climb on, leave dirt piles for them to dig and climb, add tree logs that they can move around and build with, or build a stream or pond for splashing and catching frogs.

Kids learn to interact with nature and build their imaginations in these natural play areas. And it’s a little less of

an eye-sore than a giant plastic playscape.

When designing your yard, the most important piece is to put as much thought into planning as you do for your indoor projects.

It also really helps to consult a professional who can help you consider details you may not be aware of.

Enjoy the Show Remodeling and designing your living space is exciting and fun. Hopefully we’ve provided some inspiration for your next project. Keep some of these trends and tips in mind as you talk to the experts at the Home and Garden show – and make the most of your next remodel!

You want to make your business stronger.

You want to make your So do we. business stronger.

So do we.

Every day, thousands of Northern Coloradans look at the Coloradoan in some form. Whether it’s in print or on the web, your customers are checking us out. Let us help you create a strategy that will get customers through your door.

Call 1-970-224-7714 to schedule a consultation today.

Together, we get results.

HBA HOME & GARDEN SHOW FEBRUARY 28 - MARCH 2, 2014 15

Your Locally Owned and Operated Headquarters for Billiards, Darts, Ping Pong, Fooseball, Gameroom Furniture and So Much More!

The Billiard Gallery Inside HobbyTown USA

March Sale! 25% to 50% OFF Vegas

Select tables.

Offer Expires 3/17/14

3500 S College Ave Fort Collins (970) 226-3900 1935 Main St Longmont (303) 774-1557

WESCOTT by Brunswick An elegant, solid wood table, features two hidden storage drawers.

Available in 3 finishes.

www.thebillardgallery.com FC-0000389872