Need new kitchen tile?

HUNTER BOYCE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Choosing the right tile for that bigkitchenrenovationprojectcan be a tough job on its own. From ceramic and porcelain to stone, there are a number of options to choose from each with its own advantages and drawbacks

Here’s a quick breakdown of some kitchen tile basics to help make the decision a little easier

Stone

If you are interested in giving your kitchen a more natural look and texture, stone tile may be perfect for your space. There are downsides, however

“It is a more expensive material, but the beauty and the individualism of natural stone speak volumes that justify the expense,” Westside Tile and Stone reported “They do require special care, but when you follow the recommended regiment,they will always look beautiful. Some choices in natural stone are: marble, limestone, travertine, slate, granite (and) quartz.”

For a lower maintenance stone kitchen floor, consider granite. For better textures and more color options, consider marble. But, there is a stone out there for almost every style and need.

Ceramic Non-porcelain ceramic tiles are great for two reasons: versatility and cost effectiveness If best fits your kitchen’s purpose, ceramic is almost never a bad choice.

“The tiles are made by shaping and firing a selection of clays and minerals to form a biscuit,” Fitzgerald Kitchens reported “These are then glazed and can then be printed with a pattern or texture before firing them again.

“They are extremely practical, economical and durable Because of the tile’s glazed surface, they are also hygienic and allow for a multitude of designs and finishes”

Porcelain

Fired at higher temperatures and forged from finer, denser clay, porcelain is ceramic’s high-performance counterpart. It’s tougher, more resistant and doesn’t stain as easily For kitchens with heavy foot traffic, it doesn’t get much better than porcelain tiles

“In the world of floor and wall coverings, porcelain tiles are the undisputed king in terms of durability,”Express Flooring reported “The tiles are heated at extreme temperatures resulting in an extremely rigid, durable, and stain-resistant tile that is impenetrable to moisture. They can be installed in the harshest of places and can withstand cold, rain and extreme weather conditions for an extended period of time.” ©2023

HUNTER BOYCE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

From scuffs to scrapes to gaping holes, drywall damage happens It’s an unfortunately unavoidable part of homeownership But drywall repair doesn’t have to be daunting Here’s how to easily fix your damaged drywall, according to the experts Assess the situation

The first step of drywall repair, according to HGTV, is to assess the damage If the drywall damage is limited to a few small nail holes, the damage can likely be remedied with some spackle (also called mud), a putty knife and a sanding block If the damage is more sizable, then the repair process is going to be a little more complex

For larger holes, the repair will require mesh tape to strengthen the spackle’s bond to the wall This strategy can be applied for long cracks and coin-sized holes

Patching drywall

If the damage is larger than a coin-sized hole, the repair may require a patch of drywall as well For these more complex repairs, the first step is to assess what kind of drywall your home has Drywall comes in different levels of thickness, generally 3/8, 1/2 or 5/8-inch Cut out a healthy piece of drywall from the damaged spot to assess what size drywall you will need to purchase for your repairs

Once you have identified the size of your drywall, the next step is to find your studs Use a stud finder to locate the nearest studs to the drywall damage and mark their locations with a pencil When you are done, your pencil markings should frame the drywall damage

“Use a drywall saw to cut along the lines you just drew until you reach the wall studs,” Home Depot advised “When you reach a stud, measure and mark 3/4 of an inch farther in, which will be the center of the stud Score these lines with a utility knife The edge of the patch should be directly over the stud so both the existing drywall and patch have support Continue cutting along the lines carefully with the utility knife, making several passes with each cut slightly deeper than the previous cut Remove the damaged piece of drywall ”

Once the damaged drywall has been removed, it’s time to install the support Cut a 1-by-3-inch piece of lumber and screw it with drywall screws vertically behind the wall opening you created Make sure the screw heads sink a little below the surface of the drywall Use your damaged piece of drywall to trace and ultimately cut out a great fitting replacement piece from the healthy drywall you purchased previously Once the newly cut piece of drywall has been placed inside the open patch area of the wall secure it to the wall with drywall screws but ensure the screws are at least an inch from the edges of the new piece of drywall to avoid cracking

Sealing the patch

Once the new piece of drywall has been secured in place, run strips of fiberglass drywall mesh tape around the edges of the patch Spread spackle across the patch and tape until you have created a smooth flat surface

Let the compound dry for as long as required by the manufacturer This process must then be repeated with a second coat of spackle

Once dried, wipe the patched area with a tack cloth and sanding cloth before painting over the repair

©2023 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Visit at ajc.com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC

HUNTER BOYCE The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Curb appeal, the general attractiveness of a home’s visage, accounts for up to 7% of a house’s sales price, according to a 2020 report by The Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics. Luckily, making the most out of your home’s look is a relatively easy task.

Some curb appeal improvements are purely cosmetic, but most involve regular landscaping and maintenance.

According to HGTV, one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve a home’s curb appeal is to paint the front door. Exterior paint costs roughly $35 per gallon, which makes giving your front door a new coat of paint a relatively cheap opportunity. Choose a bold color for the front door, something that will make it stand out and draw attention to the home.

Another cheap way to improve your home’s curb appeal is to add some greenery. While plants take time and effort to maintain, the upside to your home’s value is worth the effort. While installing a full garden can have a massive impact, simply using plants to accentuate key visual points — such as windows and doors — can have a significant impact as well.

“Whether it’s a wreath or a planter full of greens, this bit of nature gives liveliness to your front door,” Shea McGee, of Stu- dio McGee, told Marthastewart. com.

According to Moving.com, simply maintaining your front lawn is an easy and effective way to significantly improve curb appeal.

Mow the grass, rake the leaves and pull any weeds. Water the lawn to prevent any brown spots from appearing. Those in dryer climates may have a more difficult time maintaining a lively lawn, making shrub beds and artificial turf better alternatives.

Another great way to improve curb appeal is to replace any old hardware at the front of the home, Better Homes & Gardens reported. The front door lockset, mailbox and any overhead light fixtures visible from the street are all great opportunities to bring attention-getting style to your home. Contemporary homes of-

PAUL F. P. POGUE

Ask Angi

Nothing spruces up outdoor entertaining like a unique centerpiece. A water feature in your yard can make an excellent conversation piece and provide a customized entertaining spot. And water is a key part of nature, adding to the energy and life of your home.

Only a few homes have water features, but they may be easier to install than you think. So let’s dive into (pun intended) the ways water features can give your yard a sparkling boost.

Water features usually come in one of three forms: ponds, waterfalls, and fountains. Each comes with its pros and cons.

Some water features can be connected to a basic water source via hose, but others require a new line to be run out to them, which usually requires the assistance of a licensed plumber. They might also trigger backflow valve inspection requirements, such as those required for irrigation systems in many areas. When purchasing your water feature, ensure you know what’s legally required.

Fountains

National average: $850$4,500

Fountains can be among the least expensive water features to add to your yard. A small bubbling fountain in a birdbath might cost as little as $50. However, most fountains are larger and cost around $2,600 on average.

You can select from various prefabricated fountains made from plastic, resin, fiberglass, concrete or stone. Plastic and resin fountains are among the least expensive and the easiest to install. A concrete or stone fountain will usually be the most expensive, but it also offers the most striking appearance and the chance to customize it to your desires. A stone or concrete fountain can be a large round installation allowing seating around the water and a great central gathering spot.

In addition to low cost, fountains offer relatively low space requirements and little need for maintenance, but they can still provide a lovely appearance and a clear splashing nature sound.

A fountain usually isn’t enough to attract or maintain life, such as fish or frogs, though it may attract butterflies and birds.

Waterfalls

National average: $1,500$15,000

Your average waterfall is probably constructed from concrete, fiberglass or stone. Like fountains, they can come in small or large sizes, prefabricated or bespoke. They add a dynamic element to your yard and relaxing motion and sounds. You can install a standard waterfall that cascades over rocks into a small pond (more on ponds below) or a “pondless waterfall” that continually recycles the water and leaves no standing water. These have lower ten see great success with brushed nickel finishes, while more traditional homes can use oiled-bronze fixtures.

©2023 The atlanta Journal-constitution. Visit maintenance requirements than basic waterfalls.

For a truly outstanding and unique appearance, consider installing a water wall. These use steel, tile, concrete, or other materials for a distinctive vertical look as water continually cascades down. You can customize them with various options, including LED lights or reflective materials, and they particularly stand out in outdoor kitchens or pool areas. However, with prices up to $15,000, a water wall is among the most expensive water features you can install.

Ponds

National average: $1,200$5,500

Of all the water feature options, artificial ponds tend to be costly and require the most maintenance, but they can also offer the richest and more rewarding experience.

A small pond, replicating the look of a natural pond, is not a complicated installation. Sometimes, you can dig to find a natural water source, but most artificial ponds use liners, underlayment and water pumps to keep the water moving and where it belongs. A pump is essential to prevent stagnation and the standing water that attracts bugs.

On the higher end, which can cost $10,000 or more, you can install a pond intended to support aquatic life, such as koi or goldfish. Ponds tend to require a lot of maintenance, such as regular inspection of moving parts and pumps. Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column.

©2023 ask angi. Visit at angi. com. distributed by Tribune content agency, LLc

DREAMSTIME/TNS

PAUL F P POGUE

Ask Angi

When remodeling bathrooms, bigticket items like new tubs tend to garner most of the attention But don’t overlook the opportunities shower upgrades present for a luxury experience in your bathroom. Here are five ways to boost your shower to a spa-like experience.

Curbless, doorless shower

This method gives your space a sleek, open look Three walls surround doorless showers with a relatively deep entry space and a slope leading toward the drain. It also increases accessibility These are also much easier to clean, as glass shower doors attract mineral deposits and soap scum.

Steam shower

Steam showers are among the more expensive shower upgrades, costing between $4,000 and $14,000,but they provide luxury options and health benefits These showers use steam generators to fill up a sealed stall, creating a relaxing atmosphere that can relieve muscle pain, headaches, and runny noses, and create other health benefits

DREAMSTIME/TNS

Steam showers create a relaxing and even pain-relieving atmosphere relaxing showers, this could be for you. A waterproof shower speaker can help you tune into the news,follow podcasts while you get clean, or provide a backing track while you practice your shower singing. They’re often available in wireless models so your mobile device can provide the music safely away from wetness

HUNTER BOYCE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Choosing a fresh paint color for a dull living room can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. According to the pros, picking the best living room paint color can even be achieved in a few simple steps

Here’s a quick breakdown of what they had to say:

Create a color scheme

First, select colors from objects in your living room

“Take a pillow from the family-room sofa,your favorite tie or scarf,or a painting anything that conveys comfort or has an emotional connection for you and take that object to the paint store,” Architectural color consultant Bonnie Krims told This Old House “Find three sample strips with those colors,and you instantly have 15 to 18 colors you can use,since each sample strip typically contains six paint colors”

Next, choose a paint color from the trio of options This will be your wall color while the other two colors can be used around the room through fabrics and furnishings

Don’t overcomplicate it

Krims is not the only expert that believes in the importance of a good color scheme According to Behr Paint’s color expert and vice president of color and creative services Erika Woelfel, sticking to a color scheme is a simple way to keep things practical

“Be sure that your wall color doesn’t clash with focal points throughout the room,” Woelfel told My Domaine “A general rule is to stick to one palette of three to five colors One white or light color,one to two neutrals,and one or two supporting colors”

Too many colors can be a pain on the senses, especially after a tiring day at work Stick to a simple,yet effective,color scheme to make the most out of your living room paint color choice

Consider earthy colors

Bright colors can look dazzling on a paint chip or color swatch,but going bright can be a bad idea

“The biggest mistake people make, especially when they’re staring at a wall of paint swatches, is they end up going too clear with the color like a kid’s crayon blue instead of something a little bit more muted and sophisticated,” Rebecca West, founder of Seriously Happy Homes, told Apartment Therapy

While bright colors can be used effectively in the home, using them as living room paint colors often requires expertise West contrasted a jar full of jelly beans and a jar full of beautiful river rocks to help explain the conundrum

“They are both full of gorgeous color, but those natural hues are going to be more timeless, long-lasting, and easy on the eyes” she said ©2023 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Visit at ajc com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency LLC

Improved showerheads

Simply swapping out your showerhead can change the entire feel of your shower A massaging head provides a relaxing change for a low cost,or you can pay more to install a rain showerhead that delivers water from directly above, as if during a spring rain. You can also add multiple shower heads with specific controls for a fine-tuned experience.

Shower seat

A bench or seat is a simple upgrade that can yield significant results By installing a seat as part of the shower rather than just a separate piece, you can closely match the aesthetic and lower the risk of the seat moving around. This helps prevent shower falls and gives you more surfaces to work with during your shower While you’re at it, consider building custom ledges for the stuff you want to keep in the shower

Sound system

If you enjoy taking your time in long,

Heated towel bar

Here’s an upgrade that does exactly what it says on the box: A heated towel bar keeps towels fresh and warm for that “right out of the dryer” feeling when you step out of the shower Placing towels back on it after using will help speed up the drying process, reducing risk of mildew

Smart showerheads

With a digital smart showerhead, you can customize the water pressure, temperature, and spray settings from your device or voice-activated digital assistant Many smart heads allow you to create multiple digital presets for the perfect shower experience based on the needs of the moment.

Tweet your home care questions with #AskingAngi and we’ll try to answer them in a future column.

©2023 Ask Angi Visit at angi com Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

HUNTER BOYCE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

When it comes to spring cleaning, the No 1 enemy of the home is dirty and difficult to remove and it’s everywhere That enemy is, of course, dust And it begs the question: Why do homes get so dusty?

“Household dust is a complex matrix of components including dust mites, dust mitefeces,bacteria,mold,petdander,small insects, pollen, and particles,” Ketan Patel, design manager of floor care at Dyson, told Better Homes & Gardens “Dust mite droppings, dead bodies of dust mites, pet dander, and small insects are included as allergens”

Invest in air purification

According to Home Advisor,how quickly dust collects inside a home depends on a few environmental factors The age and quality of a home’s HVAC filter, duct leaks and humidity levels can all affect how quickly dust accumulates

A great way to reduce dust buildup in the home is to invest in a high-quality air purifier Purifiers with UltraHEPA carbon and volatile organic compound (VOC) filters can eliminate dust, pollen, mold, bacteria and several viruses

Clean those dirty carpets

Dirty carpets are often filled with dust mites, making them a significant cause of dust buildup inside the home,according to Kukun The largest causes of dust mites and nasty particle buildup in carpets are pets and walking around the home in your shoes

Regularly cleaning your carpets can have a significant impact on dust dispersion throughout the home

Check for leaks

According to Upstairs Downstairs Cleaning, leaky windows and leaky doors can do more damage to

Ottomans

CATHY HOBBS

Tribune News Service

Day beds, benches and ottomanscomeindifferentshapesand sizes Andwhilesomeareforactual sleeping,manyarenot Oftenconsidered as a space-saving alternative to a regular bed or simply as a spacefiller,daybeds,ottomansand benchescanserveausefulpurpose

Day beds

Perhaps you picture a day bed to be a piece of furniture made of whiteorblackpaintediron padded with an ill-fitting mattress, cam-

Benches ouflaged with toss pillows This may have been the standard day bedofdecadespast,butthesedays, daybedscanserveasanattractive, sleek and even modern addition to the home Day beds are often long and thin and can come with or without edges or rails A day bed is wider and bigger than a bench and is often confused with a chaise, which isoftenpartofasectionalsofaseatinggrouping Adaybedcanbeused in social areas for extra seating, in entry areas and those in which a mattresscanbeaddedforsleeping

Benches are considerably thinner and smaller than day beds Benches can be used for function as well as aesthetics Benches work well in entryways, at the foot of a bed, as well as in small niches and nooks where a larger piece of furniture typically would not fit In entertainment rooms such as a living room or family room, benches can also provide extra seating and can even be used as an alternative to a traditional coffee table

Ottomans, typically half the size of a bench, are the most versatile when compared to a day bed or bench Ottomans can be either used alone or in pairings, often in a set of two or three Ottomans can be used for extra seating, as a foot rest or as a decorative furniture element to introduce a new material or color Because of their small size, ottomans are often

KATIE LAUGHRIDGE Tribune News Service

Both coffee tables and ottomans serve as functional decorations that blend seamlessly into the design of your living space. While we believe that you can’t go wrong with either choice, knowing the differences between them, and what questions to ask when deciding to bring one home, can help you make the right decision for your home. What are a few things to keep in mind when searching for a sofa companion?

When selecting a new sofa companion, there are a few things to consider to help make your choice a little easier.

1. First, what is the ultimate purpose of the piece? Will it be a place to kick up your feet or set a cup of tea? Will it primarily be used for styling your favorite accessories? The answer will help give you direction.

2. What kind of wear will the piece receive in your home? Is it likely to see condensation rings from stray cups, or do you have a kitten at home that would love to use the side of an ottoman as a scratching post?

3. Consider the design and feel of the room. How much wood exists in the space already? What colors and textures are at play? How much space do you have? With what existing pieces will the new piece work?

4. Lastly, consider the styles and colors of your sofa and other adjacent pieces. Are you looking for a standout piece or a supporting character that ties the rest of the pieces together?

When is a round coffee table or ottoman preferable to a square or rectangle one?

Oval and round coffee tables are great for breaking up an angular space and making edges seem softer. We often choose round when we just need another shape in the space so everything isn’t so square, or for rooms and groupings where space is tight.

A rectangular option is preferable for longer sofas (or ones with a chaise) to provide easy access to coffee, late-night snacks or cocktails of choice. Depending on fabric and wood finish choices, this look can be more informal than a round ottoman.

Having your designer create a floor plan for your space is a great way to see a bird’seye view of your room, ensuring that pieces and walkways are the right size and in the right places before you make your selections.

Purchasing a coffee table

Coffee (and cocktail) tables come in many shapes and sizes and can range in texture from wood, metal and even stone. Incorporating natural elements into your space, like a wooden coffee table for instance, is one alluring way to enrich a design. Using multiple high-contrast wood pieces in a room adds depth and visual interest.

A coffee table may be preferable for:

– A more formal room

– A flat surface/high functionality

– Extra storage

What are the limitations to a coffee table?

– Not as comfy and casual as an ottoman – no place for feet to go

– Easier to bang a knee or stub a toe on (and does not come childproofed)

– Extra storage is visible (often just a lower shelf or tabletop)

HANDOUT/TNS a cane-styled ottoman is the focal point of this living room set.

How to hire a house painter

GREEN SHOOT MEDIA

If spring has you thinking about an exterior refresh, you might be looking to hire a house painter to give your home a new look, follow these hints to make sure you get a pro.

Exterior and Interior Work

For this job, you want to look for an exterior painter. They will handle all the surfaces on the outside of your home. Some painters only do interior work; save them for when the kitchen needs updating. Before you start making calls, familiarize yourself with the surfaces on the outside of your home. Look around home stores and decorating magazines to get an idea of the look you want. You can even go so far as to get sample paints to give yourself a good idea of what colors you might like.

Picking a Painter

HANDOUT/TNS a coffee table with fluted edges adds softness to the colorful space.

Purchasing an ottoman

An ottoman may be preferable for:

– A more informal space

– Comfort vs. functionality

– Incorporating more pattern into room design

– Extra seating in a pinch

– Rooms with too much wood or too many hard surfaces

What are the limitations to an ottoman?

– Not a flat surface for placing items – need a basket or tray to safely place things like drinks

– Easier to stain and more challenging to clean

– Can fall into the trendy instead of timeless design trap

Designing an ottoman

We love ottomans for so many reasons. One of our favorites? They can be completely tailor-made to your style. Customers can choose the style, shape, leg, fabric, nail heads, trim and wood finish.

When it comes to designing your own sofa companion, just have fun with it. But I do have one piece of advice to impart for those of you looking to design with leather. Hides are a natural material, and therefore no two are alike. It’s part of what makes them such a great texture-add to a space. But if you are a person who likes things to not show imperfection and wear (which is perfectly OK!), natural leather probably isn’t the way to go.

(adapted from nellhills.com. Katie Laughridge is the owner of Kansas city interior design destination nell hill’s. For more information, contact Katie at info@nellhills.com.)

©2023 Tribune content agency, LLc

HomeAdvisor says that exterior painting can cost upwards of $4,000, so it pays to do your research here. Always get three to five estimates for any work to be done on your home. Before you call painters out to look at your home, see if you can go look at work they have done in your area.

Consultations and Estimates

Before giving you a price, a reputable painter will come out to look at your home. They will walk around and look at your current paint and evaluate any obstacles you have around the house. The more thorough the inspection that they do, the more accurate your quote will be.

Show each painter the looks and colors you have in mind and get their opinion. They may suggest that walls that get an extreme amount of sun be painted a lighter color or they may know that a certain product or finish doesn’t work well in your weather conditions. Listen to their expertise, but beware of getting pushed into using something you don’t want.

The painter will then give you an itemized quote. Compare the quotes that you got and note the differences in each one. Get references and call them to check.

8 Questions to Ask

HomeAdvisor suggests these questions to ask a paint contractor:

1. How long have you been in business?

2. Are you licensed and insured?

3. Do you belong to any professional organizations?

4. How long will the job take?

5. How many people are in your crew?

6. Will I be in the way if I’m at home while you work?

7. Do you guarantee your work?

8. What type of paint do you use and how long is it rated to last?

1

PAUL F P POGUE

Ask Angi

It might seem early to start thinking about your air conditioning unit, but late winter and early spring are the ideal times to be contacting your HVAC pro for an inspection and tuneup A twice-yearly HVAC inspection once in fall before heating starts, once in spring before you need the cooling can catch surprises before they become expensive ones. And regular attention from HVAC techs will add years to the lifespan of your unit

You’ll get ahead on waiting lists if you start making calls now

Your average AC inspection costs about $100, and if you have a regular service contract with an HVAC provider, it’s often included with your contract (Incidentally, getting a service contract with an HVAC provider is usually a good idea; it covers things like routine maintenance, and often gives you priority scheduling in an emergency ) During the inspection and tuneup, which should take about an afternoon, your tech will test all operating temperatures and pressure; inspect the coils, blower, drain line, and motor; verify that the proper refrigerant levels are set; and lubricate where needed (In most cases, they’ll take a look at the heating side as well, to see if any winter wearand-tear has led to a need for a repair )

This inspection does more than just check for future problems

It also improves efficiency, makes the temperature more comfortable and lowers energy costs.

Pro tips

Sometimes the simplest things can result in an air conditioning problem Consider these things when hot days arrive:

Check your circuit breaker if something goes wrong

Your AC unit draws a lot of power and usually has a dedicated circuit breaker

If the cooling goes out, check to see if you’ve tripped the breaker

Keep the outdoor unit clean

Air conditioning outdoor units need venting to function Don’t let plants overgrow them, and make sure no dirt or debris is getting in

Don’t overload your thermostat

Even the best