SPRING HOMES
2A Iowa City Press-Citizen
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Pattern Panache T By Cindy Hadish For the Press-Citizen
hink “Mad Men” meets “Austin Powers.” Preceded by the fashion world, bright, bold patterns are making a comeback this year in the world of interior design. Plaids, large floral prints, geometric circles, squares and stripes are reminiscent of a 1970s groovy backdrop and the more sophisticated 1960s influence of television’s “Mad Men.” Jan Finlayson, owner and interior designer at The Luxe Zone in Coralville, said she recently met with a sales representative showing big, floral prints, “which we hadn’t seen for a long time.” The patterns were reminiscent of the late 1990s, she said, and a throwback to the ’50s and ’60s. “Anything mid-century is very popular right now, very trendy,” Finlayson said. “ ‘Mad Men’ really brought that look back into popularity.” Finlayson said bold patterns are appearing on window treatments, chairs, pillows, artwork and other accessories. Wallpapers are another popular way to use a bold pattern. “Rather than a whole room, we’ve been using them a lot as an accent wall to anchor a room,” she said, which could be behind the headboard in a bedroom, or on one wall in a living room, for example.
Botanical prints are a popular trend for living room and patio accessories. GANNETT PHOTO NETWORK
Bold designs, prints make a comeback indoors
The patterns can be jewel-toned emerald greens, cobalt blue or turquoise, or more muted browns, grays, creams and other neutrals that “just take the edge off the floral patterns,” Finlayson said. Reflecting that mid-century theme, turquoise and orange also are being combined, she said. Finlayson said she wouldn’t necessarily recommend choosing a bold pattern in an investment piece, such as a sofa. “Clients will ask for (bold designs) but they want it to be in small doses,” she said. “That’s typical of the Midwest.” Alternatives can be in window treatments, where the bold prints are somewhat hidden in the folds, while the color still comes across, or seat cushions in solid colors with the print on the perimeter. Bold patterns on area rugs have been popular at The Luxe Zone, including one with bright colors and another with muted tones. After several years of more tonal designs, with little to no pattern, “people are enjoying that resurgence of those bold prints,” Finlayson said. She advises clients to
Decor can mix and match patterns, such as in the texture of the chest of drawers and the floral chair nearby. GANNETT
Bright, bold patterns are making a comeback in 2014, a trend reminiscent of the ’60s and ’70s. GANNETT PHOTO NETWORK
not be afraid of injecting a bold pattern into their homes. “It’s on-trend, but it’s not trendy,” she said. “There are some prints out there that are timeless.” Like Finlayson, Micki Craigmile, owner and interior designer at the Kalona-based Rustic Elegance, said she wouldn’t encourage clients to make an investment in a bold-patterned sofa. “People really get tired of a pattern over time,” she said. “Chances are, they’re going to get tired of it in 18 months.” Instead, Craigmile recommends a neutralcolored sofa and using bold patterns on pillows or throws. Popular rug patterns include florals and Persian styles, she said, while people with more modern tastes can choose squares and circular patterns. Gray has become the popular neutral tone, also being used to mute trendy, bright colors. “Gray is considered the new tan,” Craigmile said. “It
looks really good with almost anything.” She cited a New York designer who chose bright purple couches, surrounded by enough gray accessories “to soften it down.” Craigmile said she has seen blue also making a comeback. “Turquoise is supposed to be the hot color this year,” she said. “I think people are ready to go back to color again.” Some accessories even combine bold patterns, Craigmile said, pointing to pillows that have a floral pattern on one side and plaid on the other. “If the colors are similar, you can pull that off, even if the patterns are different,” she said. After a particularly harsh winter, Craigmile said homeowners are looking for something bold and different. “People are so tired of winter,” she said. “They’re really going to love the brighter colors and they’re ready to be adventurous.”
Bold patterns are appearing on window treatments, chairs, pillows, artwork and other accessories, such as bedding. GANNETT PHOTO NETWORK
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SPRING HOMES
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Spring it By Cindy Hadish For the Press-Citizen
fter a long winter, craving more light and bright colors aligns perfectly with hot new trends in the world of interior design. Registered interior designer Lori Dickson Wiles, of Swisherbased Lori Wiles Design, said bringing that spring-like feel indoors can be as extreme as adding
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new windows or as simple as buying a pillow with bright, metallic fabric — and everything in between such as incorporating the color yellow and new lighting options.
Lighting Wiles calls her fascination with lighting borderline “nerdy” but points to how vital this aspect of a home can be. Although many homeowners think overhead lighting is all that exists, Wiles begs to differ.
“I like to be sure that places are really welllit,” she said. “You can do a lot in your home to make it feel warmer by using a couple of different light sources.” Wiles is a proponent of using three levels of lighting to be able to properly see all of the dimensions of a room. Overhead, central lighting — such as a chandelier — is used in most rooms and can be turned on at the flip of a switch, but a growing number of homes are setting switches to use zone lighting. Mid-level lighting generally includes lamps, while the lower-level lighting could involve uplighting with LEDs. Wiles said with zone lighting, one setting might use all of the lights for a brightly lit room, or a mid-level of lighting for a party, with the dimmest amount for soothing activities, such as watching a movie. That expansion means customers can not only find great options at locally owned lighting stores in the Iowa City area, but retailers such as Target and Pier 1 Imports offer unique floor lamps and sconce lighting, while spotlights and LEDs can be found at stores such as Menards and the Home Depot.
Windows A yellow statement piece, such as this chair, will be the focal point of the room. ERIC ROWLEY / SPECIAL TO THE PRESS-CITIZEN
For homeowners longing for more sunshine, adding a window can
Iowa City Press-Citizen 3A
Brighten up your space with pops of yellow, lighting, metallics
Bringing springtime indoors can be as simple as changing the color of your walls. This kitchen features Benjamin Moore’s pastel yellow “Lemon Sorbet.” GANNETT PHOTO NETWORK
definitely brighten a room, but Wiles said the decision should be considered carefully. “You need to do it in a select way,” she said, noting that the orientation is important. In Iowa, that generally means maximizing the southern exposure to bring in sunlight on the south side of the home. Wiles said, however, that this option is “costly and not very convenient.”
Yellows Wiles’ travels recently took her to a home show in Las Vegas, where she said “yellow was everywhere.” “If you’re doing something to be more spring-
like, yellows are super prevalent in the field right now,” she said. One example, she noted, used yellow walls in a bedroom, almost as a neutral, with soft grays for the bedding. Yellow is prevalent in accessories, too, Wiles said. The trend is away from the heavy accent colors that were recently popular and more toward softer pastels and cheerier colors, she said.
Metallics Fabrics that can be used indoors and out have been among the driving forces behind
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changes in home accessories. Wiles said the fabrics are more flexible and comfortable “and not so stiff as in the past.” That makes it easy to brighten a room with pillows and throws that have metallic threads woven into the fabric, which she said is another hot trend. Jewel-like accents mixed with pastels and sparkly accessories, such as lamps with faceted, cut crystal and highly polished chrome and silvers, also are prevalent, she said, and add a springlike sparkle to any room.
4A Iowa City Press-Citizen
Saturday, April 12, 2014
SPRING HOMES
This photo provided by Kohler shows the Kohler Veil wall-hung toilet, with a concealed tank and minimal footprint, with a dual flush actuator plate to control flush volume. SPECIAL TO THE PRESS-CITIZEN
High-tech toilets No hands or paper required with these seats of tomorrow By Aly Brown Iowa City Press-Citizen
ith computerized cars, refrigerators, thermostats and even entire automated “smart homes,� it was only a matter of time before nature’s call caught up. The next wave of toilets shows the future will be comfortable, automated and sleek, with commodes more closely resembling ap-
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pliances than fixtures. Today’s toilets now boast features including warming seats, lids that automatically lift and shut, deodorizing spritzers and self-cleaning mechanisms. The days of scrubbing on your hands and knees are over, thanks to wall-mounted toilets such as the Kohler Veil (starting at $1,100 MSRP). Gary Demanett, branch manager of Plumb Supply Company in Iowa City, said the Veil is one of the sleek-
This photo provided by Kohler shows the Kohler Veil wall-hung toilet, with a concealed tank and minimal footprint, with a dual flush actuator plate to control flush volume. SPECIAL TO THE PRESS-CITIZEN
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programmable energy saving system, air-purifier, night light, and automated flush and open and close lid. Not ready to commit to a toilet with more tech than your phone? Upgrade your old model with the Washlet S350 ($1,000 to $2,000 MSRP) replaceable seat. Simply install the Washlet onto your existing model to turn your toilet into a bidet, with front and rear warm water washing, with adjustable temperature and pressure controls, heated seat, pre-misting bowl, remote control, automatic air deodorizer and open and close lid, warm air drier and user memory. “We’ve been pretty much using the same type of toilets for 100 years,� Karr said. “We’re just starting to introduce this technology, even with faucets. In another few years, we’re going to need laptops to work on your faucets. Our computers are going to be able to talk to your products so we’ll know when things are going bad before you do.� Reach Aly Brown at abrown11@press-citizen.com or 887-5404.
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SPRING HOMES
Iowa City Press-Citizen 5A
Pretty little climber Plant and prune clematis to enjoy its long blooming period, colors By Judy Terry Iowa City Press-Citizen
ecoming more popular every year, garden centers scrambling to offer dozens of choices of colors, shapes and growing habits of clematis vines. Clematis is a genus of about 300 species and is in the buttercup family. It has been called queen of the climbers, a social climber, the beggar’s herb, virgin’s bower, old man’s beard, clemattis and preferably clematis. Clematis, which is from the Greek “klema,” meaning twig, has been grown for centuries, around the world, in gardens and in the wild. An early botanist listed it as clemattis, which may explain why many people give it two T’s when pronouncing it. Later, a T was dropped. The Japanese called it “wire lotus” and a British botanist seeing its beauty, called it “Traveler’s Joy.” Whatever the name, this plant is exceptional for its long blooming period, different shapes, colors and the fact that it grows quite well in many different climates. Recently, Rita Minard,
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Clematis vines add beauty and fragrance in many shapes and colors.GANNETT PHOTO NETWORK
a Des Moines Master Gardener with a special love for clematis, spoke to a large crowd at a Project GREEN forum and gave some very useful information. » PLANTING: When you plant a clematis, dig a hole deep and wide, and plant it deeper than the soil level in the pot, except for the pruning class number 1. The soil level should be OK for those. Clematis is heavy and Minard says she uses the same fertilizer that she uses for roses or tomatoes. Don’t feed them while they are blooming because it might shorten the bloom time. For a varied effect, try planting two or more clematis on a trellis, but keep them in the same pruning class. The contrast of the shapes and colors will be a focal point in your yard. There is the old saying about keeping the head of clematis in the sun and the feet in the shade. This plant grows best when the roots are cool and moist, so protect them with damp peat moss or straw or plant a low growingannual at the base. Don’t use rocks or stones because they tend to retain too much heat. A new variety called
Backyard ponds Add a resort feel to your home By Michelle Spitzer Associated Press
bout this time of year, Lee Neiman walks outside to his backyard every morning and impatiently counts the days. It’s not until late nowthat the backyard paradise at his Pittsburgh home usually returns to life. The cascading waterfall starts running again and the pond catching it thaws. The fish that went dormant below a sheet of ice during the winter swim back into view. “I’m looking forward to that first cup of coffee by the pond,” said Neiman, a doctor practicing internal medicine. “What I really like is at night when I can open the windows and hear the waterfall.” Backyard ponds, which range from the simple to the elaborate, can become a passion for many gardeners. And technological improvements over the past 15 years have made it easier and more economical than ever to build one. “The pumps today are much more energy-efficient and last a lot longer,” said Randy Stewart, division manager for Pondliner.com, a Shawnee, Okla.-based company that has been selling such supplies since 1998. “As for the filtration systems, some can clean with minimal maintenance. You can now maintain your pond wearing dress clothes instead of standing in the pond, pulling out the system and getting dirty.” Three years ago, he hired someone to expand the original pond. It now stands 6 feet wide and 12 feet long, and has 16 fish — koi, goldfish and one catfish. The larger pond is more practical and beneficial for fish and plants, Neiman said. Plus,
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Sweet Summer Love sounds enticing. It is multi-colored in fragrant cranberry violet blooms that start in July in the Midwest and can last until mid-September, just as Sweet Autumn begins. It can cover a 12-foot structure. As to the many names, most can be figured out by the growth and flowering habit. Old Man’s Beard is from cultivars that sport feathery seed heads in the fall and may last all winter. The leaves of clematis when applied to the skin create a violent reaction and in the past, beggars would rub their faces with it to receive pity from passersby. Like many old plants, it was used as medicine, too, but often diluted to lesser toxicity. » PRUNING: Pruning always has been a bit of a worry because some clematis vines grow on new wood and some on old. If pruned at the wrong time, the growth and flowering may take a hit. Minard has divided the pruning into to three classes: Starting with number 3, she says to prune back to 12 to 18 inches from the ground in early spring; 2: Blooms on old wood, so prune from
the top back to the strong, swelling leaf bud or prune after the first blooms fade. There may be new growth after that, but blooms are usually smaller; 1: Prune only to shape or control size — after the bloom period. Now how do you know which you have? If you are buying a new plant, it should tell you on the label when it blooms and when it should be pruned. When you plant it, label the name and put the pruning number on it also. For example, the Sweet Autumn Clematis that blooms pure white in the fall just when all the leaves are coloring up is listed as a Number 1. It is a great focal point when grown vertically, it selfseeds and just needs some control. Purple Jackmani blooms on new wood and should be a 3 because it finishes flowering in the fall or early winter. Nelly Moser is an old charmer with pink blooms and darker pink stripes. It falls in the number 2 category. Still not sure? Plan to do some research and observe your plant closely. Pruning those little twigs is scary but necessary as it opens the plant to air and light.
TIPS TO BUILD YOUR POND » Before you dig, design the pond. Consider surrounding trees and vegetation. Be sure to follow any homeowner’s association or other regulations for the property. » Line your pond. Once the hole is dug, use a quality, thick liner. Investing a little more will be worth it to avoid holes or tears. » Winterize your pond. “All you have to do is get a lightweight net and put it over the top of the pond to keep leaves and debris out of it,” said Bob Dorrance, founder and operator of www.backyard-pond-guide.com. “Also, make sure you pull any accessories out of the water, like filters or UV lights, so they don’t freeze.” » Beat algae buildup. The solution is a water pump and an ultraviolet clarifier, a small device that exposes algae to UV light and kills it. They can run anywhere from $100 to nearly $2,000.
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This undated photo provided by Kristen Alligood shows a pond designed by Sonny Alansky for the backyard of his home in Rockledge, Fla. It measures roughly 37 feet in diameter, has three waterfalls and 14 koi fish. AP
it looks nicer. Many people who build backyard ponds end up expanding them, said Bob Dorrance, founder and operator of www.backyard-pondguide.com, a website devoted to amateur pond enthusiasts. Living in warm, central Florida, Sonny Alansky gets to enjoy his pond year-round. Just off his backyard porch, the pond measures 37 feet in diameter, and includes three waterfalls, 14 koi, and a plethora of tropical vegetation such as palm trees, hibiscus and birds of
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paradise. “I’m out here every day enjoying it,” Alansky said. “I love coming out and feeding the fish. They see me coming and they swim right up to me.” He has spent about $20,000 on the pond so far. It has three pumps, which run constantly, resulting in a $100 per month increase to Alansky’s electric bill. “Nothing relaxes us more than watching the koi fish swimming among the lily pads with the brightly colored lily flowers,” Alansky said.
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SPRING HOMES
6A Iowa City Press-Citizen
» JAPANESE BEETLE: The Japanese Beetle is “one of the most devastating” pests in Iowa, Moessener said. The beetle comes out in July to feed on a number of plants, including ornamentals, fruit trees, rose bushes and linden trees. For ornamental plants, Moessener recommends a systemic insecticide. For edible plants, such as vegetables and fruit trees, spray a safe topical insecticide, such as neem oil or spinosad. GETTY IMAGES / ISTOCKPHOTO
RECLAIM YOUR SPACE
Saturday, April 12, 2014
HOW TO PREVENT PESTS They say an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Don’t wait until your yard is overrun by Mother Nature. Fred Meyer, director of Backyard Abundance, shares his top four tips to prevent pests. » Diversity: Don’t plant roma tomatoes next to romas. By planting several different plants or different cultivars together — such as broccoli, kale and cauliflower — bugs who like to munch on one plant won’t decimate your whole crop. Look for pestresistant varieties as well. » Separation: Planting the same variety of a plant? Keep ’em separated. Break out of the traditional row garden layout, which serves as a pest buffet, and plant in small groups around your yard. This increases the distance pests need to travel to get to the next plant — and decreases the likelihood a predator will nab them. » Confusion: Interplant highly fragrant plants, such as chives, basil, yarrow, hyssop or mint, around your garden to confuse pests. Aromatic herbs will overwhelm the smell of your fruit trees, confusing deer or rabbits. » Healthy Soil: Just as we nourish our bodies with the bounty of our gardens, we must nourish our soil. If a plant does get attacked, it will be more likely to bounce back more quickly when planted in healthy soil. Spread compost over any type of soil — even clay or sand — or steep compost in water for a “compost tea” to make a more potent solution.
Don’t let backyard pests keep you from enjoying the outdoors By Aly Brown Iowa City Press-Citizen
hey’re everywhere! They’re everywhere! You may see your backyard as a prime spot to relax during the summer, but you’re not alone. Backyard pests can wreak havoc on your landscaping, eat your hard-earned vegetable patch, and keep you indoors. From aphids to animals to yellow jackets, Matt Moessener, nursery worker at Pleasant Valley Garden Center, discusses how you can eradicate backyard pests and reclaim your space.
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Reach Aly Brown at abrown11@press-citizen.com or 887-5404.
» CRITTERS: Although they may look cute, critters such as deer and rabbits can wreak havoc on your vegetable patch. Moessener said rabbits cause more damage during the winter months while food is scarce, but they still will chow down on vegetables, perennials and annuals in the spring. Moessener said wire fencing will prevent animals from treating your yard like a buffet, and spreading coyote urine or Milorganite organic fertilizer will keep deer at bay. GETTY IMAGES
» YELLOW JACKETS: Yow! Moessener said hapless gardeners can be surprised by yellow jackets when they bump their burrowed nests while doing yardwork. “If you notice a bunch of yellow jackets congregated in one spot or holes in your yard the size of the girth of a pencil, spray an insecticide,” he said. GETTY IMAGES / ISTOCKPHOTO
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» EMERALD ASH BORER: Moessener said he hasn’t heard of any cases of Emerald Ash Borer confirmed in Johnson County, but the devastating green beetle native to Asia is spreading to surrounding counties. “They live inside the ash tree and feed on the cambium, killing the tree from the inside out,” he said. “And the borer becomes a moth and feeds on the leaves.” Moessener said to spray affected trees with a systemic insecticide, which makes its way into the root system and makes the plant inedible. SPECIAL TO THE PRESS-CITIZEN
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» APHIDS: Tiny but mighty, Moessener said aphids release an all-out assault on your garden, eating everything from annuals, perennials, vegetables and ornamental plants. “They cluster and feed on the plant, which distorts the growth of the plant and curls the leaves,” he said. The best way to attack aphids is with a topical spray, including pyrethrin, a natural insecticide produced by some chrysanthemum species. GETTY IMAGES /
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» MOSQUITOES: Is your backyard swarming with a cloud of mosquitoes? Take back your space by spraying a pyrethroid insecticide on your lawn, coupled with insect repellant on your skin. Moessener said mosquitoes breed in standing water, so stop the circle of life by dumping out any containers, including buckets and bird baths. GETTY IMAGES / ISTOCKPHOTO