Fall Home & Garden - September 2018

Winter is Coming How to prepare your lawn and garden for winter

Hitting the (Home) Gym Items to consider when outfitting a home gym

Essentials for a DIY spa bathroom

www.dnronline.com Thursday, September 20, 2018

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FALL HOME & GARDEN

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Harrisonburg, Va.

Mums are perennials. When properly planted and cared for, they can bloom every autumn.

Autumn is prime time to tend lawns and gardens

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utumn is gardening season. That statement may not seem right to those who think of the spring as the peak time to care for lawns and gardens. However, autumn is an ideal time to get into the garden and ensure that flowers, trees and garden beds will over-winter successfully.

A number of things make autumn a prime gardening season. The cooler days of fall enable gardeners to spend ample time outdoors without the threat of blazing heat. In addition, soil harbors a lot of residual warmth in autumn.

Also, the colder temperatures haven’t yet arrived in autumn, nor have the leaves completely fallen, making fall a prime time to assess what’s already in the landscape, what needs pruning back and where to address planting for next year.

Gardening enthusiasts can focus their attention on these areas this fall.

Pamper perennials. As annuals and perennials start to fall back, mark the spots where perennials are located so they can be easily identified later on. This way, when planning spots for spring bulbs or other spring layouts for next year, perennials won’t be overlooked or covered over.

Prune shrubs. Look at shrubs and trees and cut out dead or diseased wood.

Clean up borders. Weed and tidy up borders and lawn edging.

Install pavers or rock wall. Embrace the cooler temperatures to work on labor-intensive projects, such as putting in a garden bed, retaining wall or walkway.

Remove spent summer veggies.

Take out vegetable garden plants that have already bloomed and borne fruit.

Tidy up vegetable gardens and start to sow cooler weather plants, such as onions, garlic, beans, and sweet peas.

Rake and compost. Rake the leaves and gather grass clippings to add to the compost pile.

Plant spring bulbs. Get tulips and other spring bulbs ready for planting so they’ll burst with color next year.

Dig up herbs. Relocate herbs like parsley or basil to indoor gardens.

Otherwise, strip all leaves and freeze for storage during winter.

Consider mums. Chrysanthemum plants are perennials. While they look beautiful in pots, if planted, maintained and winterized, they can

bloom every fall.

Fertilize the lawn. Fertilizing in autumn helps ensure grass will stay healthy throughout the winter.

Add mulch and compost to the garden. Replenish spent soil with mulch and compost so garden beds will be revitalized for spring planting.

Prune hedges. Tidy up hedges, as they won’t be growing much more this year.

Clean and store equipment. Clean, sharpen and oil all equipment, storing lawn and garden tools properly so they are ready for spring and not lying out all winter.

Autumn may not seem like gardening season, but there are plenty of lawn and garden tasks to tend to during this time of year.

FALL HOME & GARDEN

Harrisonburg, Va.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Defining hardscape and how to use it Hardscaping refers to the elements in a landscape that aren’t living, such as paths, walls and fences.

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include patios, decks, walkways of pavers or bricks, and retaining walls. Hardscape elements can be functional or simply decorative features that add whimsy to the yard.

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urb appeal is beneficial in various ways. Curb appeal can make a home more attractive to prospective buyers and give existing homeowners a place they want to come home to. In its study of the worth of outdoor remodeling projects, the National Association of Realtors found standard lawn care and overall landscape upgrades were most appealing to buyers, as well as the most likely to add value to a home.

Although plants, grass and other items can improve curb appeal, homeowners should not overlook hardscaping.

Hardscaping is an industry term that refers to the non-living features of a landscape.

These features can include everything from decks to walkways to ornamental boulders. Introducing paths or paver walls to a property helps develop that home’s hardscape. Hardscape and soft elements often work in concert to create inspiring landscape designs.

DIY landscape designers can heed certain tips to make the most of hardscape features on their properties.

Choose materials.

As with many landscaping projects, homeowners must first determine what types of additions they would like on their properties. Common hardscape features

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Choose a theme.

The right style allows hardscaping and softscaping materials to work together.

For example, homeowners may want to give their yards an eastern feel, complete with a koi pond and decorative bridge or trellis. A formal English garden, however, may include manicured paths with stepping stones and ornate topiaries. Mixing too many styles together can take away from the overall appeal.

The pros suggest looking at the overall plan of the design, even if all of the work can’t be completed at once. This way the eventual finished project wil be cohesive.

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Hardscaping can look good but also serve key purposes. Pebbles or gravel can mitigate trouble areas that don’t grow grass or plant life well. Retaining walls hold back soil in yards with sharply inclined hills.

Mulch can set perimeters around trees and shrubs, as well as planting beds. Fencing, another form of hardscaping, is essential for establishing property boundaries and adding privacy.

Consult a professional.

While many hardscaping additions can be handled by novices, large-scale projects, such as patios and decking, can change the grading of the yard. Professionals can map out how to handle drainage issues and meet building codes. In addition, professional installation can ensure hardscaping features last for years to come.

Hardscaping should blend with the nature around it and take its cues from the surrounding environment. This can help softscaping and hardscaping work as one.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN

Harrisonburg, Va.

How to prepare

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inter weather can be harsh.

Homeowners who spend much of the year tending to their lawns and gardens may worry that winter will undo all of their hard work. Though homeowners cannot do anything to prevent snow, wind and ice from affecting their properties, they can take various steps to prepare their lawns and gardens for whatever winter has in store.

Mulch leaves. Falling leaves are a telltale sign that winter is coming. In lieu of raking leaves as they begin to fall, homeowners can mulch them into their lawns. Scotts®, an industry leader in lawn care, notes that mulching leaves is a great way for homeowners to recycle a natural resource and enrich the soil of their lawns. While it might not be possible to mulch fallen leaves in late autumn when they begin to fall en masse, doing so in the early stages of fall should be possible so long as the lawn is not being suffocated. Scotts® recommends mulching the leaves to dime-size pieces to a point where half an inch of grass can be seen through the mulched leaf layer.

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Rake leaves as they start to fall more heavily. Once leaves begin to fall more heavily, rake them up and add them to compost piles. The resource GardeningKnowHow.com notes composting leaves creates a dark, rich and organic matter that can add nutrients to garden soil and loosen compacted earth. Leaving leaves on the lawn once they start to fall in great numbers makes it hard for grass blades to breathe, and the leaves can block moisture from reaching the soil, which needs water to maintain strong roots. In addition, potentially harmful pathogens can breed on damp leaves left on a lawn, and such bacteria can cause significant damage to the turf over time.

Apply a winterizing fertilizer.

Winterizing fertilizers can help lawns store food they need to survive through winter and also can help them bounce back strong in spring. Such fertilizers are typically formulated for cool-season grasses such as fescue and bluegrass and

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Remove annuals from the garden.

Annuals won’t be coming back in spring, so it’s best to remove ones that are no longer producing from the garden before the arrival of winter.

Doing so can prevent the onset of fungal diseases that may adversely affect the garden in spring.

Fall is the perfect time for homeowners who spend months making their lawns and gardens as lush as possible to take steps to prepare such areas for potentially harsh winter weather.

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are often best applied after the final cut of fall. Warm-season grasses go dormant in winter, so homeowners whose lawns contain these types of grasses won’t want to apply a winterizing fertilizer. Homeowners who don’t know which type of grass they have or are concerned about when to apply a winterizing fertilizer should consult with a lawncare professional before fertilizing.

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Factors to consider H when choosing and applying mulch

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omeowners may associate mulch with springtime lawn and garden care, but mulching in fall can benefit a lawn as well. According to the Morton Arboretum in Illinois, mulch protects roots against extreme temperatures, and not just those associated with summer heat waves.

Mulch is often connected with its ability to help soil retain moisture during especially warm times of the year, when mulch promotes strong roots that can help lawns and plants survive periods of extreme heat.

But when applied in the fall, mulch also inhibits freezing and thawing in winter, reducing the likelihood that plants will be injured.

While applying mulch in fall can be beneficial to lawns, homeowners should first consider a few factors.

Timing: The Morton Arboretum notes that mulch being applied as winter protection should not be applied too early in the fall, as doing so may delay the soil freezing process. Homeowners should wait until after a hard frost in the fall to apply winter mulch. In many places, hard frost will not appear until late fall.

Texture: The Morton Arboretum recommends medium-textured mulch.

Fine particles may pack down and retain

moisture that will evaporate before it reaches the plant roots. Materials that are too coarse may be incapable of holding sufficient amounts of water to benefit the soil.

Nutrients: Humus is an organic component of soil that forms when leaves and other plant materials decompose. Organic mulches provide humus and decompose over time, adding nutrients into the soil.

The Morton Arboretum recommends that homeowners use organic mulch that was composted or treated prior to application so any weeds, insects or microorganisms are killed.

Application: Correct application of the mulch is essential. Applying too much mulch can adversely affect lawns, plants and soil. In addition, excessive application can cause decay and make lawns and plants more vulnerable to disease.

Homeowners uncertain about when and how to apply mulch in the fall can consult with a lawn care professional to devise a plan that ensures their lawns and gardens hold up against winter weather.

Mulch may be widely associated with spring lawn care, but applying mulch in the fall can benefit lawns and gardens as well.

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omeowners looking to add flair to their homes can find inspiration anywhere.

Style can even be tailored to reflect places homeowners have visited. Whether they call to mind the narrow streets of London, the sand-bleached beaches of a Caribbean island or the urban buzz of New York City, designs can reflect one’s travels and evoke some of the same feelings homeowners got when visiting their favorite places. Professional interior designers often pull inspiration from unique places, and so can homeowners who love to travel. Those who want to illustrate their wanderlust through their home’s decor can consider these tips.

Work with colors Think about the colors that signify a particular locale and bring those hues into the space. The color palettes of the beach, for example, include grays, beiges, blues, and greens. The popularity of gray-tone neutrals allows homeowners to bring in these colors as a neutral backdrop, and then add a splash of whimsy with a few decorative accents.

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color. This spirit can be reflected with modern architecture, bold prints, metallic accents, and innovative lighting.

Pick an inspiration piece Homeowners can direct their focus to one particular memento from a vacation or excursion. A vivid piece of artwork, a piece of furniture, a sculpture, or even a wardrobe element can serve as a catalyst for an entire room. Use this piece to match colors and textures.

Remember, to evoke the spirit of an area when decorating, keep it subtle. Too many details or over-the-top replication might seem like one is dressing a stage set rather than his or her home.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN

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Items to consider when outfitting a home gym

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ome gyms can make working out more efficient, saving time driving to a fitness facility and enabling people to stick to a workout regimen during inclement weather.

Having a gym at home also may motivate people to work out more frequently and more effectively, as they can exercise at any time of day they choose and won’t need to share equipment with fellow fitness enthusiasts.

While workouts will vary from individual to individual, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend adults should combine both aerobic and strength training to achieve optimal health. The CDC recommends adults do at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity. In

addition, the CDC advises adults to include moderate- or high-intensity muscle-strengthening activities, involving all major muscle groups, in their workout regimens two or more days per week. When constructing their home gyms, homeowners should keep CDC recommendations in mind so they can enjoy as complete a workout as possible.

The following are some items homeowners can consider when outfitting their home gyms.

Barbells: Barbells aren’t just for biceps. Barbells can be used to work all the major muscle groups, including arms, chest, shoulders, legs, and back. Purchase a set of barbells of various weights so workouts can be varied depending on the muscle group being targeted.

Bench, bar and plates: A bench, bar and plates also can be invaluable to people who want a fitness facilityquality workout at home. Purchase plates of various weights but remember to be cautious with the amount of weight you lift when no partner or spotter is present. When shopping for a bench, look for one that can incline and decline, which increases the range of exercises you can perform at home.

Land line: If the gym will be in a basement or another area of the home where access to a mobile network is unreliable, the presence of a land line in the room can help in the case of emergencies. Those who work out at home will be doing so without gym staff or other fitness enthusiasts nearby, so the land line can be invaluable should someone

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suffer an injury when exercising alone.

If possible, place the land line in the middle of the room so it’s not too far away from any particular area.

Flooring: Homeowners have various flooring options when outfitting their home gyms. Carpet tiles, rubber flooring, foam flooring, and vinyl tiles are popular options. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and the right choice may depend on how the gym will be used. For example, foam flooring may be compressed under heavy equipment, which may be problematic for homeowners who want to include lots of equipment in their home gyms. Before considering which flooring material to lay down, write down your likely workout routine before taking that write-up with you to a flooring contractor who can

Thursday, September 20, 2018

recommend the best material for you.

Cardiovascular equipment: Homeowners don’t have to reinvent the wheel when purchasing cardiovascular equipment for their home gyms. If a treadmill worked for you at the gym, purchase one for your home gym as well. Cardio equipment can be expensive, but savvy homeowners may be able to find fully functional secondhand equipment online. If you currently have a gym membership, speak with the owner about purchasing a used item directly from the facility.

Outfitting a home gym requires homeowners to give careful consideration to their workout preferences so they can tailor their gyms to their specific needs.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN

Harrisonburg, Va.

Caring for kitchen countertops

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itchen remodels are a popular home improvement project that help homeowners recoup large percentages of their initial investments at resale. A kitchen remodel can invigorate a home and make the most popular room in the house more functional.

According to HomeAdvisor, a homeimprovement informational guide, homeowners spend an average of $22,000 on kitchen remodels.

However, lavish projects can cost more than $50,000. Protecting such investments is important and requires that homeowners understand how to properly maintain kitchen features so they have the longest life possible.

This includes the new countertops

that make the kitchen look complete.

Countertops come in various materials, not all of which should be treated the same way. Quartz, granite, marble, laminate, and tile countertops require different types of maintenance.

Quartz Engineered quartz countertops are popular. Quartz countertops are nearly maintenance-free and resistant to stains, scratches and even heat.

Quartz will not need to be sealed like natural stone and can be cleaned using just a damp cloth with a mild, nonabrasive soap.

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Granite Polished or honed granite countertops offer a high-end look that adds instant value to a kitchen. Natural variations in granite give each kitchen a custom look. To keep granite countertops clean, avoid abrasive cleansers that can scratch, and opt for warm, soapy water instead. Stains are possible, but can be remedied with a baking soda paste left to sit for a couple of hours, advises Angie’s List. Wipe up oils, acids and soda promptly to avoid stains, and follow advised sealing routines.

Marble Marble is a natural stone that is porous and will need to be resealed periodically. Because marble has high levels of the mineral calcite, it can be reactive when acids come in contact with it, and etch marks may appear. Promptly wipe away tomato juice, lemon juice, perfume, or toothpaste. Marble is softer than granite and will wear at a faster rate. Avoid scratching and exercise caution when using knives or sharp objects around marble.

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Laminate One of the more budget-friendly materials, laminate countertops can be fabricated to mimic the look of natural stone, wood or even quartz.

Laminate is less resistant to damage than other materials and will need a gentle touch. FormicaÂŽ says to never use abrasive cleansers, scouring pads or steel wool when cleaning laminate countertops. For tough stains, an all-purpose cleaner should sufďŹ ce when applied with a nylon-bristled brush. Test any cleanser in a discreet area ďŹ rst.

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Tile Cleaning tile countertops requires getting into crevices along the grout lines. A toothbrush and a mildewďŹ ghting cleaner or bleach diluted with water is advised. Also, unglazed tiles need to be sealed yearly. Some soap may leave residue, which can be removed with a solution of vinegar and water.

Check with the manufacturer or installer of the countertops to learn more about the ways to clean and maintain new counters.

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Plenty of natural light and luxurious amenities can contribute to a relaxing spa experience at home.

Essentials for a DIY spa bathroom

elaxing at a spa each week may be a luxury reserved for celebrities and socialites.

For many people, a day spa is a treat enjoyed on special occasions or while on vacation. However, home bathrooms can be designed to provide the same types of amenities offered at day spas right in the comfort of one’s home.

The American Psychological Association says that money, work and the future of the country are particularly strong stressors today.

Eighty percent of workers feel stress on the job and learning how to manage stress is a top concern, according to the American Institute of Stress. Creating a Zen-like retreat at home can help alleviate stress and improve health.

Homeowners whose renovation plans include turning a bathroom into a spa oasis will need to choose which features they desire most. These suggestions can spur on more ideas to create the ideal retreat.

Soaker bathtub: There’s something to be said about a

luxurious soak in a tub. Tubs come in different sizes and shapes, like the highly recognizable clawfoot tub and other freestanding units.

These types of tubs, as well as corner tubs, can offer deep-seated luxury by way of a relaxing and restorative soak. Pair with scented bath bombs or salts for a true spa experience.

Steam shower: Steam showers are self-enclosed units that feature generators that deliver steam through steam heads. The steam fills the space and can help a person unwind before a refreshing shower or bath. According to the retailer Modern Bathroom®, modern steam showers come with digital controls, which makes it easy for users to activate the shower, adjust the length of time that the shower will operate and adjust temperature controls. Extra features like music, mood lighting and aromatherapy can be included as well.

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They can warm the room and make using the space more comfortable in cold weather.

Vessel sinks: A vessel sink typically features a bowl or basin that looks like it was placed on top of the vanity. Vessel sinks can elevate the ambiance in spa bathrooms.

Plush towels and robes: In addition to fixtures and other functional components of the bath, linens are key. Soft-spun Egyptian or Turkish cotton towels and robes are a must-have luxury for the full spa experience.

Comfortable seat: A bench or chair nestled by a bathroom window is the perfect spot for pedicures or catching up on some light reading.

Natural light: Skylights or privacyensuring windows are a must to create a relaxing space close to nature.

A spa bathroom at home is within reach. With a few touches, any bathroom can be transformed into a luxurious oasis.

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Questions to ask before embracing DIY

H

ome improvement projects are as popular as ever. In its 2017 True Cost Survey, the home improvement site HomeAdvisor found that, between February 2016 and February 2017, homeowners spent an average of just over $5,000 on home projects. That marked a nearly $1,900 increase from the year prior, indicating that homeowners are increasingly opening their wallets to transform their homes.

In addition to spending money to improve their homes, many homeowners are spending their time on projects as well.

While DIY projects can provide a sense of fulfillment and personal attachment to one’s home, prospective do-it-yourselfers should ask themselves some questions before picking up their hammers and getting to work.

Do I have any physical limitations?

No matter how much home improvement television shows may simplify projects, prospective DIYers should know that such undertakings are typically very difficult and oftentimes physically demanding.

Homeowners with existing health conditions or other physical limitations may not be capable of performing certain tasks or may need to take frequent breaks, which can delay projects.

Do I have the time?

Many home improvement projects require a significant amount of time to complete.

Homeowners whose time is already stretched thin with commitments to work and/or family may not be able to complete projects within a reasonable amount of time. That’s fine if working on a part of the home that won’t affect daily life, but can prove stressful or problematic if the project is in a room, such as a kitchen or bathroom, that residents of the home use each day. Novice DIYers should be especially honest with themselves about the time they have available to work on the project, as such homeowners are bound to experience a few time-consuming missteps along the way.

Can I afford it?

While DIY might seem more affordable than hiring a contractor, that’s not necessarily true. Novice DIYers may need to buy or rent tools, costs that can add up. Contractors already have the tools necessary to begin and complete projects, so the cost savings of DIY might not be as significant as homeowners think. Before going the DIY route, homeowners should solicit estimates from contractors, comparing the estimates to how much a project will cost if homeowners do it themselves.

Can I go it alone?

Many home improvement projects require more than one set of hands, and it’s risky and even foolish for first-time DIYers to

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assume they can begin a project and see it through to completion entirely on their own.

Homeowners whose spouses, partners, friends, or relatives are willing to chip in may think that’s enough. However, the DIY skills of those who volunteer may be a mystery until the project begins. Novice DIYers should enlist the help of a friend or family member with home improvement experience. If no such person is available, it may be wise to hire a contractor instead.

Home improvement projects may seem simple on television. But prospective do-ityourselfers must make honest assessments of their skills, time and budgets before taking on a DIY project.

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FALL HOME & GARDEN

Thursday, September 20, 2018

Harrisonburg, Va.

Kitchen Makeover: Create Your Dream Space

By Shelby Mertens

T

here comes a time when you may realize your kitchen is in desperate need of an upgrade.

A kitchen — often called the heart of a home — is most likely the messiest, most chaotic room in the house. It’s where the magic happens, whether you’re cooking, sharing a meal with family or entertaining friends. It’s a place where memories are made. That’s why it’s important for homeowners to maintain a kitchen space that’s right for them.

The first step in renovating or remodeling a kitchen is to plan as thoroughly as you can. Some may DIY-it. Others hire professionals to do the job.

Classic Kitchen and Bath located in Harrisonburg has a team of experts who specialize in the field. “We take joy in taking inspiration from clients and creating that space,” said Gabby Koontz, a kitchen designer and showroom coordinator at Classic Kitchen and Bath.

The designer will work with the client from budgeting to demolition and installation until the final stages of care and maintenance. “They’re being taken care of in a pretty extensive process,” Koontz said.

To get started, Koontz recommends crafting a wish list and a needs list to determine priorities. She also suggests researching online at Pinterest, Instagram and other platforms to show the designer or contractor examples of what you’d like to see in your new kitchen. The next step is to create a timeline for the project of when it will start and end.

Koontz said it is important to start with buying new kitchen appliances first because the room can then be designed around the appliances. Stainless steel and other metal appliances remain favorites. While traditional farm sinks used to be white fire clay or porcelain, Koontz said she’s seeing clients in the Valley re-

quest metal sinks more often, whether it’s copper, stainless steel or ceramic that is glazed to look like metal. “Farm sinks still happen to be in the top of the trends,” she said. “[But] they’re really showing off metal being integrated.”

While open floor plans in the living room and dining room have become a modern standard, Koontz said she’s starting to see seamless spaces translate into other parts of the home, including kitchens and bathrooms.

Renovation may also be the prime time to add cutting- edge technology into your kitchen. “Another trend we’re starting to see roll into the area more slowly that we’re seeing nationwide is integrating technology into the kitchen,” Koontz said.

Touch controls on refrigerators, ovens and stovetops are becoming more common.

Some are equipped with tablet-like devices that allow homeowners to control the temperature and lock devices. “They’re having small tablets that are mixed into the appliance that you can read recipes there or search the internet right there from the oven or stove cooktop,” she said.

According to Koontz, soon people will able to give voice commands to their kitchen appliances. “Probably in the near future people are going to be branching out into these exciting appliances that have voice controls,” Koontz said. “I think that’s going to be the next step in integrating technology in the kitchen.”

Although granite has become the standard for top of the line kitchens, Koontz said homeowners are now looking for counters that require less maintenance.

“While you might not need to seal as often for some darker color granites, we’re seeing people want to lighten up the kitchen, so we’re seeing lighter colors requested,” she said. “While it’s still a standard in the kitchen, they’re asking for more ease of

Classic Kitchen and Bath designer Gabby Koontz (center) goes over samples with Albemarle Countertop Company saleswoman Melanie Woodward. use.” Families looking for “counters that are more user-friendly for their families” may want to go for engineered quartz like Dekton by Silestone. “The product is one of the most durable countertop materials that is out there now,” Koontz said.

When remodeling your kitchen, it’s also important to think about the small details, like backsplashes and lighting.

“Those are little design details that make a big impact on the overall look,” Koontz said. “The LED lighting just really brightens the space. It enhances the overall space and visibility.”

Although it can cost less to renovate your kitchen yourself, you may end up having to pay more without the expertise of a professional. “I can’t stress enough, it avoids any potential mid-project costly mistakes,” Koontz said. If you’re not a professional, you may not consider the clearance zones for appliances or the traffic flow. When installing granite counters, you may forget about the plumbing.

“There’s things that we look for so when they schedule to come out for an estimate; we consider a lot of these things and have that discussion with them,” she said.

If you’re nervous about breaking your budget, the designer or contractor can help you stay within your means. Classic Kitchen and Bath uses the National Kitch-

en and Bath Association’s remodel calculator, which is based on the national average cost to remodel, or 10 to 25 percent of today’s total home value. The calculator will assign percentages for each section of the renovation.

“It breaks it down into percentages. A lot of people can relate to percentages,” Koontz said. “I’ve seen some small kitchens remodel for $10,000 … [some cost as much as] $40,000 or $60,000. There’s a huge range. That’s why we work very closely with our budget calculator and they can make decisions from there. Breaking it out into sections helps them see where that one lump sum is really going toward.”

Koontz and the designers at Classic Kitchen and Bath can customize the space to fit you and your family’s personality and needs. For example, they can create an activity station for the kids, an area for pet food, or a charging station for electronic devices. Koontz tries to capture the individual’s lifestyle. Koontz sees it as “creating this opportunity to celebrate that person’s moments with their family.”

“It adds an element of fun that alleviates a bit of anxiety that comes with all of this. They get excited and then we get excited to see everything come together and they’re able to see a little part of themselves that’s captured,” she said.

Harrisonburg, Va.

FALL HOME & GARDEN

Thursday, September 20, 2018 15 smoke has cleared from a room. Studies have indicated that residual nicotine levels can be found in house dust where people smoke or once smoked. Studies have indicated that smoke compounds can adsorb onto surfaces and then desorb back into air over time.

Keeping tobacco smoke out of a home can improve indoor air quality and personal health.

Clean indoor air can help reduce asthma attacks

D

id you know that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 25 million Americans, including roughly seven million children, have asthma? It’s true, and those numbers have steadily risen in recent years.

Asthma is more than occasional wheezing or feeling out of breath during physical activity. Asthma is chronic and can lead to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fast breathing, and chest tightness, states the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. In the 21st century, people spend significant time indoors at home, school or work, and indoor air environments could be triggers for asthma. Improving indoor air quality can help people breathe clearly.

The AAFA notes that the following agents can adversely affect indoor air quality, potentially triggering asthma attacks.

Allergens Allergens such as mold, dust mites, pet dander and fur, and waste from insects or rodents thrive in many homes. Ensuring indoor air quality is high can cut back on the amount of allergens in the air. People with asthma can invest in an air purifier and vacuum regularly, being sure to use a HEPA-equipped appliance. Routinely replacing HVAC system filters can help prevent allergens from blowing around the house. Also, frequent maintenance of HVAC systems will ensure they are operating safely and not contributing to poor indoor air quality.

Mold can be mitigated by reducing moisture in a home. Moist environments in the kitchen and bathroom may promote mold growth. Ventilation is key to keep mold at bay.

Tobacco smoke Thirdhand smoke, or THS, may be

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unfamiliar to many people. A 2011 report published in Environmental Health Perspectives says THS is an invisible combination of gases and particles that can cling to clothing, cushions, carpeting, and other materials long after secondhand

VOCs Volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, are gases released from commonly used products. These can include paints and varnishes, cleaning supplies, air fresheners, new furniture, and new carpet. People with asthma may find that VOCs can trigger attacks. Airing out items, reducing usage of products that are heavily scented and choosing low- or noVOC products can help. Making cleaning products from baking soda, vinegar and liquid oil soap also can keep indoor air quality high.

Homeowners who plan to renovate their homes can consider using the appropriate specifications for HVAC systems to promote good indoor air, as well as address any other potential problems that may be compromising indoor air quality.

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