Features 3 6 8 11
Gardening with a purpose takes root Check out the top 2011 gardening trends.
Get your landscape in shape Expert advice.
Keep pests from hatching in your home Insects that hibernate in the winter re-appear in spring.
Color the new year with trends for 2011 See what’s hot in home decorating.
Featured businesses Roof Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Perfection Handyman . . . . . . . . . . .5 Roger’s Pavement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Tom Viox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Deck Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Four Seasons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Contact Spring Home & Garden is an annual advertising-sponsored magazine published by the Specialty Publications Department of The Community Press/ The Community Recorder. Questions and comments can be sent to Editor Melissa Stewart c/o The Community Press/ 394 Wards Corner/Loveland, OH 45140 or e-mail mhayden@communitypress.com. For advertising information call 687-4614.
March 2011 East | Northeast
TOP 2011 GARDENING TRENDS
From containers with climbing vines, flowers and veggies to vertical walls blooming with edibles and foliage, plants are growing up.
Beautiful native plants, like Solidago “Solar Cascade” from North Creek Nurseries, are great for attracting wildlife in your backyard.
Orchids are perfect choices for affordable, colorful plants that look as comfortable in 21st-century homes as they did in Victorian days.
Blended containers in front yards with herbs and veggies provide a one-two combo that can’t be beat for freshness and convenience.
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Gardening with a purpose takes root Put on your garden gloves and join in the fun because “gardening with a purpose” is taking root. The purpose may be to grow your own food or create urban sanctuaries, but planting for a greener good is changing neighborhoods and communities – one garden at a time. According to the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, homeowners are growing more of their own food – more herbs, vegetables and fruit trees – both in dedicated vegetable gardens and mixed in the garden among flowers and shrubs. But it’s not just food production that’s driving today’s gardener. As backyard conservationists, gardeners are transforming yards, gardens, rooftops and even urban alleys into green and productive spaces. Here’s a glimpse of what Susan McCoy, garden trend spotter, sees for 2011.
Gardening with a purpose Nine out of 10 households want to manage their lawns and gardens in an environmentally friendly way, according to the National Gardening Association. “Gardens continue to reflect awareness of how our landscapes enhance and improve the environment around us,” Patricia St. John, president of the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, says of this trend. Since healthy plants start with healthy soil, people are looking for sustainable and organic soils like OMRI-listed, compost-based, premium-blend potting soil from Organic Mechanics Soil Company. This all-purpose premier blend is good for all your plants and good for the earth.
sively available from North Creek Nurseries, part of The American Beauties Native Plant collection, are low-maintenance plants that attract wildlife and beneficial pollinators like butterflies, bees and birds. Proceeds benefit the National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat Program.
Sustainable containers For small space gardens, growing food in containers makes sense. Blended containers with herbs and veggies provide a one-two combo for freshness and convenience. And, containers blooming with natives, re-bloomers and ornamental grasses beautify spaces and benefit the environment.
Succulents Dry gardening using less water is bubbling across the nation. Attractive and low-maintenance succulents have showy flowers and thick, fleshy foliage that stores water like a camel’s hump. Drought-tolerant and able to thrive in a variety of conditions, succulents look great in small gardens and large landscapes. Get ideas from Costa Farms on varieties that you can mix with perennials, containers and standalone or in roof gardens.
Indoor gardening
From “steampunk” Victorian hipster decor rocking among young urbanites to upscale suburban homes, decorating with houseplants like orchids, ferns and palms is hot. Chic and easy to grow, orchids add a lavish touch to any room. Plus these hard-working beauties clean indoor air of volatile organic compounds and provide oxygen. Phalaenopsis (moth) orchids as Eco-scaping well as other varieties are perfect The move to de-lawn large choices for affordable, colorful tracks of turf and transform lawns plants that look as comfortable in into sustainable landscapes is 21st-century homes as they did in achievable with the right plants that Victorian days. use less water and pesticides. To learn more about the health Beautiful native plants like benefits of indoor houseplants, Solidago “Solar Cascade,” exclucheck out www.O2forYou.org.
Growing up with vertical gardening “Vertical gardens are becoming increasingly popular and will grow far beyond anything we can envision,” says Joe Zazzera, with Plant Solutions, Inc. and Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB.org). “Businesses are seeing the productivity, environmental quality and return on investment that indoor plantings and vertical living walls are bringing to their projects.” From containers with climbing vines, flowers and veggies to vertical walls blooming with edibles, plants are growing up.
Urban farming and CSAs In step with the move to reinvigorate communities, urban farming and Community Supported Agriculture farms (CSAs) are springing up nationwide. Urban farming “micro-farms” are converting small spaces in blighted areas into thriving farms that grow fresh produce for inner city communities. CSAs offer fresh produce and provide the chance to learn about varieties, maintaining plants and sharing experiences.
New urbanism Sustainable urban communities that offer spots to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle are on the rise. Planting water-wise plants, collecting rainwater, building walkable streets, and fostering diversity of shops, homes and apartments with less turf and more plants encourages better stewardship of the earth, and reconnects everyone as fellow stewards of resources and communities. “We had trouble wrapping our heads around saving the rain forests,” says McCoy, “But we clearly can wrap our arms around saving our own backyards. Digging and planting gardens brings awareness that we’re all earth’s caretakers.” For a complete look at the Garden Media Group 2011 Garden Trends visit: www.gardenmediagroup.com. Courtesy of ARA Content
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Home & Garden
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Don’t delay – it’s Roof Time now It’s going to be a busy season for roofers because of record winds, rainfall, and accumulating snow, many roofs in the area are “devastated,” explained JD Shoemaker of A New Roof Time. Also in the current economic climate, there’s a movement to “improve, not move” mentality by homeowners. More and more people are choosing to invest in their house by adding attic insulation and changing their roofs to shingles that resist ugly black stains and strong winds that are rampant in the Ohio valley. In addition to the beauty and comfort these type of improvements create, homeowners also receive the added benefit of improved property value should they ever decide to sell. At Roof Time, spring has sprung. Their roof crews are booked through the first of April and their estimators have been busy preparing new estimates since the first of the year. Their
company keeps busy year round due to their “approved insurance vendor” status with many agents and the fact that they have a booth in three home shows. A New Roof Time is a wise choice for homeowners looking for honest, skilled work. They have earned the prestigious Angie’s List award every year since 2006. Fewer than 5 percent of the roofing companies in Cincinnati receive this award; fewer than 2 percent win it with consistency. Their A-plus rating as members of the BBB and complaint-free record proves that homeowners can trust them to do everything they promise. “It is our No. 1 priority to always do the right thing by our customers,” stated JD Shoemaker. Roof Time is also one of only three contractors in the Tristate that are Owens Corning certified as “Top of the House” insulationventilation-roofing experts. “We exclusively recommend and
install the Owens Corning line of products,” explained Shoemaker. “Homeowners know and trust the OC brand, plus the quality, price and selection are second to anything else out there.” Roof Time crews are required to always be up to date on the newest products, technology and codes, through company paid seminars and certifications’ annually conducted by Owens Corning. The company also uses qualified estimators that do not work on commission. This ensures that the customer always receives an honest estimate. “We’re not the biggest company,” said Shoemaker. “There are some that have been around longer, some that are cheaper, some that are more expensive, but there is not a company that will provide the level of detail or work as hard for a homeowner as we will.” Most roofing companies can only be reached weekdays 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. The reality, however, is that a storm can happen on nights, weekends, and holidays. “If you need us we’re there,” said Shoemaker. “We know if someone is calling it means they need help, so we forward our office lines to an emergency cell to be available.” Roof Time provides free written estimates and will explain what they can do to fix a home’s issues. Services include new roofs, roof repairs, attic insulation, and seamless gutters, and are among the best in the city. They also are box gutter experts and love working on older homes. Their use of digital cameras, satellite measurements, and thermal camera scans allow them to provide “to-the-inch measurements for to-the-penny pricing’ Visit the website at www.newrooftime.com or call 513-753-8463 to get a free inspection of your roof, attic insulation or gutter system.
Just before the spring growing season is the ideal time to prune trees and shrubs, because the trees can quickly heal and regenerate once Hot home tips & facts they start growing. As interest grows in living more efficiently, people are building smaller homes. In fact, new homes are now 7 percent smaller than they were the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Trendy kitchen color palettes. Bold expression: Exuding optimism, this palette creates a look that is both unconventional and energetic. Unique color mixes, such as intense purple combined with butterscotch and Capri blue, or sunny orange with dark red balanced against a soft neutral like champagne, create a space that's eclectic, yet warm and welcoming.
March 2011
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Invite the Perfection Handyman experts into your home We have all spent the last three months cooped up in our houses and most of us have put together a list of needed home improvement projects a mile long. Now it’s time to bring in the experts! Perfection Handyman can handle all of your home repairs, remodels and maintenance needs. Their business grew naturally from their sister company, Perfection Pest Control, because those customers were always asking for handyman suggestions from issues that had arisen from their pest issues. Both companies are owned and operated by Tim Leatherman who has been serving Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati for over a decade. Leatherman and his team of highly experienced professionals would often times see termite damage and would recommend that their customers fix those issues and also install other preventative measures like door and
window stripping. It only made sense to expand their services to include home repairs so that their customers could receive quality pest control along with quality handyman repairs. Perfection Handyman can do just about anything including patch drywall, install electric fixtures, plumbing, hang new doors and build decks and porches. Over the last several years they have become experts at installing screen porches. They use a system called Screen-Eze that comes with a 10year warranty. This product can continuously stretch screen over a 150-square-feet area without support in between. Another great service that Perfection offers their customers is a maintenance plan that takes the burden off the homeowner to perform routine mundane tasks. Perfection’s maintenance plan can be taken advantage of on a quarterly, bi-annual or annual
routine and includes a full home inspection on such things as changing filters and checking the hot water heater. Free estimates are offered on all of your projects and all forms of credit cards are accepted. The entire staff at Perfection Handyman is committed to providing the same quality service that Perfection Pest Control is known for delivering. The Pest Control company was given the Super Service Award for 2010 from Angie’s List. They are also Quality Pro Certified, a designation given by the National Pest Management Association for a company’s exemplary business ethics and standards. Perfection Pest Control offers residential and commercial pest control services for termites, ants, cockroaches, fleas, rats, bats and bed bugs. Spring is the time to treat your home for ants and termites and a regular preventative maintenance plan is the best
solution to keeping your home free of these pests. Perfection has been treating for bed bugs for over five years and was the first Kentucky based company to use a certified bed bug detection K-9 team. Beddy and Sofy are single-scent trained dogs certified through the Action Canine Institute in Michigan. Beddy and Sofy team up for a highly thorough inspection and can find one bed bug (or a viable egg) in a room in 8 to 10 minutes. Perfection K-9 Services can efficiently search not only private residences but also theaters, office buildings, hotels, university dorms, and hospitals. Perfection also provides seminars for businesses interested in educating their employees on bed bugs. Perfection Pest Control’s services include a treatment proposal and instructions on pest manage-
See PERFECTION on page 6
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Home & Garden
East | Northeast
Is black the new green?
Expert design tips
Asphalt is the most recycled product in America! Conserving resources now is the key to saving the planet. Local pavement contractor, Doug Rogers, owner of Rogers Pavement Maintenance Inc. in Blue Ash, is a strong advocate for recycling and conserving resources. “It's important to me and my company that we take measures to recycle and save our valuable natural resources,” Doug said. “I'm a parent and concerned citizen and I want my children and future generations to be able to enjoy our planet and all it has to offer, which is why we at RPM take advan-
Now is the time to start planning your landscape for spring and summer. Tackling a landscaping plan can be overwhelming, so it’s a good idea to consult a professional landscape designer who knows the ins and outs of Designed by Margie Grace, this when, where and how to landscape has a lovely focal point to plant and how to install draw attention. hardscapes. By starting in the winter, designers will be more readily available to help you refine your plans and you’ll be ready to get a head start as soon as the weather breaks. Here are some tips A stepping stone path beckons from professional landthrough a classic arbor designed by scape designers that will landscape designer Susan Cohan. inspire you to get started smaller photos, which with your plans right often have a hard time now. standing up to full-page images, as they can be just Consider the view as rich with ideas. Is there a certain room Creating a file of from which you tend to images that inspire and spend more time looking excite you is a good idea, out at your landscape? and it can be a great way If so, take the time to to connect with your really examine what you’re seeing. Take note – landscape designer when literally – of anything that you meet. catches your eye, good or Think curb appeal bad. Having a beautiful Follow the sightlines, backyard retreat is often and notice where they the goal of a landscaping take your eyes. project, but the view that This will give you a guests and passersby better defined idea of have is just as important. what you want to accenA well-designed landtuate, what you want to scape can emphasize your hide, and what could be home’s beauty and diminadjusted through simple ish any potential eyesores, changes like pruning or making it more appealing minor transplanting. to you, your neighbors and any potential buyers. Collect inspiration According to the Flipping through mag“Journal of Environmental azines with colorful photos of beautiful gardens is Horticulture,” it’s been always fun, but it can also shown that well-designed landscapes can increase be practical. Pull out pages that fea- home sale prices up to 10.8 percent, compared to ture ideas or plants that homes with simply averyou’d like to incorporate age landscapes. into your landscape Courtesy of ARA design. Content Be sure to look at
tage of recycled asphaltic materials as well as recycled gravel as often as we can.” RPM takes pride in their workmanship and provides superior quality with every job. “What makes us successful is the complete satisfaction of our customers,” said Rogers. “We will manage your project from start to finish with minimal disruption to your daily schedule.” Rogers adds, “We strive to exceed your expectations and believe we only get one opportunity to do our best.” Their expertise is not limited to driveways only. “Our professional services include patching, resurfacing, paving, crackfilling or sealcoating. We
service patios, hardscapes, sports courts and walkways, both residential and commercial,” he explained. Whether your job requires maintenance or complete replacement, there are numerous options available at Rogers Pavement Maintenance. If you are not sure what to look for in a quote or need a better understanding of paving and sealcoating terminology, please visit their blog at pavementmadeeasy.net Rogers Pavement Maintenance wants you to become another satisfied customer this year! Call them for a competitive quote today – 791-9001 or visit their website at www.rogerspavement.com.
always respond promptly and you can rely on their team to always be professional and on time. For more information on Perfection Pest Control and Handyman
visit their website at www.perfectionpest.com or call 859-525-8560 for a trained professional to assess your handyman needs or pest control issues.
PERFECTION | From 5 ment. They provide a planetfriendly approach to pest management and ongoing preventive inspections to keep your property protected. They
March 2011
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Your home is your biggest investment
Tom Viox
Call 687-4614 to advertise in
CreativeLiving
Tom Viox, owner of Tom Viox Construction, has 35 years of experience. He has built custom homes, and has done many years of high-end remodeling. Owning his own business for 12 years, he takes great pride in all his work. Tom only does quality work and craftsman ship that you can trust. He is dependable and has reasonable rates. "I have an eye for detail he said. “Your home is your biggest Investment so at Tom Viox Construction we do not take that lightly. If you are not happy, I am not happy. My customers are treated with respect because I want them to feel like they can call me for any of their
repairs for their homes and rely on me for many years.” Free estimates, prompt professional service, pictures and references of jobs already completed are available with every project. All his work is guaranteed and he is fully insured – there are no sub-contractors. You work with Tom on a one-on-one
basis. Tom’s work includes: all exterior repairs and upgrade, decks, windows, kitchen, bath remodels, closet designs, some light plumbing and electric. “I can do just about anything,” Tom explained. “So give me a call and try me out. You won't be disappointed. My work speaks for itself.”
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Home & Garden
East | Northeast
IN
vestigate – Become a pest detective and investigate your home or a potential new home for pest problems. On the inside of your home, open food containers, look for cracks in interior walls, look for signs of droppings, check vents to the outside, holes in window screens and know that pests like to hide in cool, dark places like attics and basements. On the outside of your home, make sure the cold temperatures aren’t causing cracks in your exterior walls, and investigate for holes, unsealed garbage cans, woodpiles and plants that may be too close to the home. Also, check any structure that can hold standing water, which is a favorite breeding ground for mosquitoes. Also check for stinging insect nests on the ground or in your gutters.
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tudy – Identify your pest problem so that you can use the proper method to solve or control the issue. Take time to search reputable online sites to identify pests. You can also contact a university extension office, or visit a local garden store that may have insight on common pests in the area.
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repare – Think about the tools you’ll need to solve your problem, including gloves, caulk and insecticides or herbicides. “One of the most common problems homeowners have is that they aren’t sure which products to use or who to call to solve the problem,” says Janet Hurley, integrated pest management specialist with the Texas AgriLife Extension Service. “Doing your research, talking to professionals and correctly using the products are the quickest ways to effectively end those pesky pest problems.”
As spring approaches, bugs are breeding and hatching in the cleanest of homes.
Keep spring pests from hatching in your home E
As spring approaches, homeowners won’t be the only ones opting for staycations. Insects that hibernate during cold winter months reappear in the spring, setting their sights on a location closer to home than you think – the safety and warmth of your house. Hundreds of thousands of pests breed and hatch in large numbers in early spring. For example, most spiders live either one to two seasons and one female spider may produce as many as 3,000 eggs. “Hidden places in your home could be the breeding ground for pests that hatch in spring,” says Aaron Hobbs, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment), a national organization representing the manufacturers,
formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products used in and around homes and businesses. “Once these pests hatch, their numbers quickly increase, and food sources and shelter often determine the length of their stay.” Pests like bedbugs and stink bugs that have found their way into homes across the country often stay year round, as long as they find food and shelter. Also, as the spring realestate market heats up, many lenders are requiring reinspections that could reveal pest-related health and safety hazards. At least buyers and sellers are on the same page about one thing: the importance of taking preventive action to avoid or manage pest infestations. Ask any pest
management professional to share horror stories about problems new homeowners have experienced with pests, often with repercussions for sellers who neglected to fix a problem. What can homeowners and sellers do? Take these easy-tofollow steps, suggested by the acronym I.N.S.P.E.C.T listed to the right. To make inspecting your home easy, visit www.debugthemyths.com/in spectandprotect for a step-bystep checklist. You’ll also find additional resources including regional fact sheets, kids’ activities and other helpful information to help you protect your family’s health and your property value from pests. Courtesy of ARA Content
liminate – Take the time to eliminate access points and other inviting entryways for pests lurking outside. Remember to seal windows, caulk gaps around windows and doors and fix any water leaks. Be ready to tackle neglected or overgrown shrubs and trees near your home. These areas encourage ticks, fleas and stinging insects to stay, increasing your risk for Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and infections and allergic reactions resulting from bites and stings.
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lean – Pests need a place to live, food and a source of water, so make sure you aren’t providing them with room, board and all the comforts of home. For example, store cereals, crackers and other food items in plastic containers with secure lids. Without easy access, pests won’t be able to find their way into your food. reat – Treating pest problems with the responsible use of pesticide products will help keep your home, lawn and community pest-free. This includes purchasing the right products for your problem. For some significant pest problems, such as termites, calling a certified pest professional is the best option.
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Quality service, reasonable price Deck Aid, a deck cleaning and sealing company, is dedicated to cleaning and protecting wooden decks, fences, play-sets and gazebo. They can also do minor repairs. “Quality service at a reasonable price,” is their top priority, according to Operations Manager David Pritchard. Deck Aid is committed to using safe and effective products. They will help you select the correct product to protect your investment. These products are all biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Deck Aid has the appropriate products, the necessary equipment and proper training to do the job right. They are happy to provide detailed information on each of the products they use and are bonded, licensed and fully insured, which is important. The absorption of rain, snow
and other moisture into unprotected wood will cause it to soften and expand. The sun will dry the wood, causing it to shrink. This unrelenting cycle will warp, split and crack you wood. Unprotected wood is also subject to mildew, algae, mold, rot, decay, and graying caused from ultraviolet degradation. After your deck is pressured washed thoroughly, Deck Aid advises that an oil based stain/sealant be applied to protect your wood from weatherizing. A new deck should be sealed within six to eight weeks after construction. Regular scheduling for cleaning and sealing is also recommended every two years to protect your investment and keep it looking top notch. Deck Aid, Wolman-certified, is trained in the proper techniques of treating all types of wood. They use a specialized sealant
with your choice of four premium stains: Golden Pine, Natural, Cedar and Redwood. Other colors can be done at the customer’s request. “Not only do we use top quality products but we have a unique process that is designed to protect from overspray protecting your largest investment, your house,” said Pritchard. Deck Aid also offers storage of furniture and other outdoor accessories over the winter. This includes pick-up and delivery, cleaning, sealing and storing your furniture. Deck Aid is a member of the Better Business Bureau, Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber of Commerce and Home Builders Association of Northern Kentucky. For more information call 859344-1221 or visit www.deckaid.com. Deck Aid offers excellent 24/7 customer service.
Hot home tips
Check your yard for bare spots and overseed them, as necessary. Give your yard a good raking or use a dethatcher to get rid of any dead grass or leaves that can hamper growth. If you don't have an overseeder or dethatcher, don't worry. Your local rental stores will have tools and equipment you need. Visit RentalHQ.com if you need help finding a rental store in your area.
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Home & Garden
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A sample of what Four Seasons can do for your home.
Financial, environmental benefits of landscaping Going green begins with landscaping. Landscaping is one of the few opportunities in the green movement that actually pays for itself. A recent study by a major university found that landscaping can often result in a return on investment in excess of 100 percent. The report concluded that “homeowners wanting to increase the value of their property will do well to consider the cost-effective return potential of quality landscaping and to safeguard their investments by hiring licensed professional landscape contractors to perform the work.� A society of real estate appraisers survey revealed that 95 percent of the appraisers
responding to the survey believed that landscaping adds to the value of real estate with 99 percent of them saying it enhanced its sales appeal. Various other studies show that landscaping can increase property values from 5 percent to 20 percent. In addition to increasing property values, proper utilization of landscaping can reduce energy costs up to 30 percent. Evergreens can provid an effective wind barrier during the cold winter months. Well-placed trees and shrubs can also help cut air conditioning costs. Trees, shrubs, ground covers and grass are very effective at intercepting and soaking up the sun’s heat while tran-
spiring cool moister into the air. Air conditioners run much less in a home shaded by trees than they do in one that is baked by the sun. Deciduous plants drop their leaves in winter and have the advantage of allowing the sun to reach buildings in the winter for warmth, yet provide heat during the summer. The proper placement of shrubs around an outdoor air conditioner or heat pump can also save energy. In addition to the financial rewards landscaping can provide, there are numbers of other benefits. Properly designed and installed landscaping provides privacy and reduces noise. Plants improve air quality by consuming green house gases and pro-
ducing oxygen. Landscapes can be designed to attract desirable wildlife such as butterflies and humming birds. Optimal use of outdoor space along with improved home appearance result in a higher quality of life. At Four Seasons Grounds Management they have more than 50 years of experience and won numerous awards in the garden industry. Four Seasons uses environmentally friendly and recycled materials whenever possible, as well as American made equipment. All of their employees are trained, insured, legal, and U.S. taxpayers. Please call them at 489-7669 to see how they may be of service to you!
March 2011
Color the new year with trends for 2011
Home & Garden
What’s in store for home decorating in 2011? No matter what your taste, you’ll have no problem finding a hue in the 2011 forecast of popular paint colors to fit your lifestyle … and your tastes. “The 2011 color forecast contains some extraordinarily versatile and contrasting hues that have been inspired by everyday life,” said Donna Schroeder, color marketing and design manager for Dutch Boy Paints. “The depth and range of what we’re predicting to be next year’s most popular colors provide extensive options for adding accents to a room, changing themes and styles, or even completely redecorating from scratch,” she said. The five 2011 trend palettes are as follows:
to the future. A true appreciation of craftsmanship and natural materials and finishes abounds. As such, rusty colors that emanate deep warmth are featured. These include: Brick Fleck, Bittersweet Orange, Nature’s Way and Chestnuts Roasting.
Worn
Wonder
The appreciation of old and naturally rusted or decayed items is prevalent in Dutch Boy’s first palette. The passage of time is held sacred, and beauty is seen in all things weathered from time and the elements. There is a strong influence of holding onto heritage as we continue to move forward and look
Escapism and nature-in-theextreme drive the next trend. There’s a definite need for fun and fantasy to satisfy that inner child that’s in all of us. This trend comes to life with colors such as bright fuchsia, deep blue and cheery aqua, all balanced by a nature-inspired green. You’ll find a hint of 1980s
Rebirth Sustainability and the respect for the environment are now a lifestyle. There’s a sense of personal responsibility when it comes to nature. This is reflected in these saturated and wholesome colors. Rich greens are nature inspired and warm golds mirror the vegetables found in a farmers market. Colors in this palette include the following: Aubusson Vine, Endless Ocean, Brilliant Impression and Nectar.
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influence here, but the combinations are much newer to the eye. Colors include the following: Moonlit Sky, Rockets, Merlot Grape and Victory Red.
Functionality On the flip side, there are those who embrace a truly practical way of living and look into the depths and layers of nature. Within this trend, texture is key and colors are soft and faded. Windswept and washed effects and monochromatic layering set this palette. Colors include the following: Boardwalk Blue, Composed Bloom, Spruce Hollow and Range Brown.
Abyss The last 2011 trend revolves around technology. Here, technology influences a stripped-to-the-bone or cellular level of design. The color palette reflects a void element, as we move into the future and become ever more reliant on online and virtual communication. Colors are neutral and gray and include the following Dutch Boy hues: Gargoyle Shadow, Fresh Linen, Pursuit of Happiness and Piccolo. Courtesy of ARA Content