Homestyle ctw 1

Home style Newspaper Name Here | 2009 Issue 4

to Room

Grow Image courtesy of Land of Nod

How to build a bedroom she won’t outgrow

Plus: Easy, breezy, beautiful porches 10 hot kitchen trends you won’t want to miss

H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4

Easy, Breezy,

Beautiful

Let your porch do the talking. Give a first impression that exudes comfort, style and charm

Image courtesy of Pottery Barn

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By Jessica Abels CTW Features

F

orget the days of the solitary porch swing – today’s front porches are hubs of fullfledged outdoor living.With five simple ideas, you can make yours the hottest spot on the block.

1) Extend the garden “There’s nothing like wildflowers to give wonderful sparkle to a porch,” says Audrey Long, owner of New Hope, Penn.-based Audrey Long Interior Design. Liz Ryan, owner of Tucson,Ariz.-based Liz Ryan Interior Design, suggests creating a porch garden with oversized pots of perennials.

2) Spin the color wheel “All the colors for this spring and summer are more alive than they have been,” Long says. “Go for something that works with the feeling of the house.”

3) Light it right “Lighting is always a wonderful way

to create moods,” Ryan says. She likes solar-powered lights – “You get a really soft glow at night,” she notes. If your porch has electric outlets, Long says outdoor lamps are a fresh and homey approach to lighting.

4) Stay grounded “An indoor/outdoor rug to knit your furniture together is absolutely great, and makes the porch feel cozy,” Long says, adding that the outdoor rugs on the market are quite durable.

5) Save a seat Patio furniture has come a long way, Ryan says.“Outdoor fabrics are very textured – like velvets and chenille,” she says.“It feels more like living room furniture.The all-weather wicker that is so popular right now is great because it’s safe for all of the elements.”The most important thing, she says, is to “create an extension of the house; blur the space between indoor and outdoor, making it more like an outdoor room.” © CTW Features

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H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4

White Lightning

CTW Features

W

ith the year’ s hottest months looming, it’ s a good idea to keep things cool and simple at home. Color experts say white is where it’ s at this season. Go bright and upbeat with stark white, or mellow out with softer tones – the choice is yours.

“White is so fresh and clean. It retracts the sun, keeps you cool and brings out all those qualities that remind you of summer,” says Ann McGuire, color consultant for Minneapolis -based Valspar and founder of Pennsylvania-based Beehive Studios Decorative Painting and Murals.

The great thing about white – whether you use it for summer or winter, or if you accompany it with cool or warm tones – is that it’ s so versatile.“For summer, it is great with any bright color; and of course, black and white remains a popular combination with splashes of bright colors as accents,” says Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Cleveland-based Sherwin-Williams Paints.

Then, too, there are the cerebral color combinations of white in ivory or taupe tones mixed with

2. Country Cool Take your bedroom down a notch. Dash in small, white décor pieces, such as nightstand lamps or serenely white window treatments. The whiter your décor, the better light will receive it. accent colors like lavender or blue. Color experts like McGuire and Jordan are thinking along the lines of soft purple tones or bright sky blue for an at-thebeach feel.

“There is also the minimal approach with white,” says Jordan,“for a more contemporary feel. Or simply change the texture of various elements in the room to make white the theme.”

As an accent color or the inspiration for a room, white in its myriad uses can work as a chameleon to boost your color scheme or to create an ambiance within itself.“I love a room with white, white, white,” says McGuire.“White bleached floors, white slip covers on furniture and throw pillows – there are so many directions you can go with white.”

3. Chop Chop The menu isn't the only way to pump up your next dinner party. Introduce your guests to a whiteaccented tabletop to create a whole new look.

Soothe your soul with a creamy white combined with deep chocolate tones, or, to liven things up, says McGuire,“You should bring in warmth with a cinnamon or rust.”

It’s comforting to know that with a base as simple as white, you can change the whole mood of your room. The crisper the tone, the more “uplifting,” McGuire says. © CTW Features

Image courtesy of Crate and Barrel

By Morgan McMillan

www.myperfectcolor.com

1. Walking in a Summer Wonderland Cool down by surrounding yourself with your favorite shade of white. Base your choice on the actual color, or their sweet-tooth names.

Image courtesy of marthastewart.com/shop

Thoughts on the economy got you down?White them out – and redecorate with one of the brightest stars of this summer’s color palette

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H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – Iss u e 4

By Genevieve Knapp CTW Features

T

he bathroom might not be the best place to stop and smell the roses, but that doesn’t mean flowers don’t belong in the john.“Flowers add life to a room,” says Ardith Beveridge, the director of the Institute of Floristry in Minneapolis.“Any time there are fresh flowers, there is movement in a room.”

Here’s an expert’s guide to choosing flowers for your home, room by room.

Kitchen Since the kitchen is such a utilitarian room, you don’t want anything “too

stuffy,” says Tim Farrell, who owns Farrell’s Florist in Drexel Hill, Pa.“Daisies have a casual ambience to them, ” he says. Gerber daisies, flat-faced flowers available in hot, fiery hues, add a perfect pick-me-up to a kitchen.

Bathroom The high humidity levels in the bathroom make it perfect for tropical plants.“That steaming shower once a day keeps them happy and makes them last longer,” Farrell says. Orchids, ginger lilies and bird of paradise flowers are low-maintenance flowers that work well in bathrooms.

Dining Room “Make the flowers proportional to the space and to the event,” Beveridge says. If two glasses, five utensils and three plates are piled all over a table set for 10 guests, go with something

simple:A bud on a plate or a couple bud vases adds a sophisticated touch to a busy table, Beveridge says.

Bedroom “Roses are probably the top choice for a bedroom,” says Farrell.“A bedroom needs flowers with a romantic sense.”And a flower’s texture can help add to that ambiance. Pillow-like blossoms such as lilac stock can do the trick, he says.

Family Room Arrangements consisting of one type of flower, tulips, for example, are growing in popularity, Beveridge says.

For a family room, a tall vase filled with pink tulips would complement two shorter vases of white tulips.

momastore.org

Think a lanky orchid belongs on the table for your next dinner party?Well, think again

there a bloom …

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Credit

Here a bloom,

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H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4

What’s Cookin’?

Follow these 10 hot kitchen trends to save money, time and your sanity

By Barbara Ballinger CTW Features

Back in black: Black appliances are back with a vengence, offering an affordable modern touch for kitchens on a budget.

Image courtesy of Jenn-Air

T

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he good news from the National Kitchen & Bath Association’s annual show held recently in Atlanta was that homeowners still want to build snazzy new kitchens and baths and remodel existing ones, despite the downturn in the economy. But in many cases, they want to do so less expensively because of slimmer wallets and a growing concern about recouping those costs down the line.

How are they cutting back? Some are going back to the basics and

Caption:

purchasing fewer appliances – perhaps just one sink and dishwasher after years of two and even three as kitchens got larger and multiple cooks picked up aprons. Others are forgoing bells and whistles or including just one – maybe a built-in $2,000 coffee center.

Concern nowadays isn’t just about dollars. Many homeowners want to incorporate something green when they select cabinets, countertops and floors. Others seek equipment that speeds up cooking and cleaning because of busier lives, which is showing up in ovens that can cook a 12-pound Thanksgiving turkey in 42 minutes, like the Atlanta-based TurboChef’s 30” Double Wall Speedcook Oven. One of the latest ovens by Jenn-Air, which is based in Benton Harbor-

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Mich., can be programmed to make food come out to the right “doneness” based on preferences and the pan, and even show a photo on the oven’s panel of the finished recipe.

While all-white kitchens have become popular again, black is coming on strong, as are primary colors.

A more modern kitchen is also gaining fans, and it may mean anything from fewer corbels on hoods to less detailing on cabinet fronts and more modern sculptural drawer pulls.

But the best news, according to Suzie Williford, 2009 NKBA president and the vice president of sales for Houston-based Kiva Kitchen and Bath, is the whatever-goes philosophy that’s been popular in fashion.

“There are trends for eco-friendly efficiency and quality, but these trends aren’t trendy. They’re classic trends that will last for years,” she says. Her advice to homeowners is to invest in timeless pieces with staying power. Mark Karas, president-elect of NKBA and the general manager of Adams Kitchens in Stoneham, Mass., agrees and adds that he sees interest in convenient storage, more built-in clean lines beyond refrigerators including flush ovens and sleek ventilation units.

An industry show with more than 600 exhibits makes picking favorites difficult, but we pared down our choices to the following 10 hot product and trends: 1. Heated luxury Many homeowners know the luxury of heated towel racks in their bathrooms, but they’re available now for kitchen use, which makes sense for drying dishes and glasses. Myson, based in Colchester, Vt., offers traditional and contemporary designs, a variety of finishes, wall, floor and plug-in, electric or hydronic models.

2. Textured tiles Backsplashes have become a way to personalize a kitchen, with some manufacturers, like Dallas-based Daltile, embracing a more contemporary direction with long, narrow tiles. Other companies favor huge

Image courtesy of Elica Inc.

H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4

What a gem:Ventilation hoods got a facelift this year, showing up as oversized pendant lamps and jeweled décor. rectangles and squares, sometimes with hand-carved or textural designs, like Portland, Ore.-based Ann Sacks’ “Charles Stone” tiles that mimic crocodile and wood.

3. Compartmented, fancier sinks The kitchen sink has never looked so good or been so practical. Besides double bowls, and deeper models in thick 16-gauge stainless steel, companies like Hayward, Calif.-based Dawn Kitchen & Bath Products Inc., are providing removable stainless steel grates, built-in knife racks, sliding cutting boards and soap compartments.

4. Moderately priced cabinets Kitchen cabinets represent 60 percent of the typical kitchen budget, so going with a less-pricey-but-still-quality box is music to the ears of valueconscious homeowners. Fu-Tung Cheng designed the modern, affordable “Elements” line with flexible components in Forest Stewardship Council-certified, low-VOC wood boards for TONUSA.Ashland,Ala.based Wellborn Cabinet debuted a less costly laminate line with modern flat fronts in four colors and stainless steel trim.

5. Beyond granite countertops While granite still garners great atten-

H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4 6. Organizing inserts With possessions increasing, more homeowners want cabinet interiors outfitted to maximize space. Rev-aShelf, in Jeffersontown, Ky., makes simple organizers like a 24” base cabinet that holds up to 12 lids in the top tier, and a bottom tier that groups pots and pans in individual compartments.

Image courtesy of Cosentino USA

7. Integrated fireplaces and waterfalls Slimmed-down gas or electric fireplaces that are built into a wall add instant warmth and contemporary cachet – almost like a piece of live art.

Ontario, Canada-based Napoleon Fireplaces caters to Feng Shui design, as well, with their encased waterfalls.

Counter culture: Anything goes when it comes to kitchen countertops. Bamboo, glass and manmade Silestone bring diversity to a formerly granite universe. tion in countertops, other materials are edging their way in, including Teragren LLC’ s bamboo, Cheng Design’s unique concretes and Cosen-

tino USA’s manmade Silestone. Each has pros and cons, so know how you work and how much stains and nicks bother you.

8. Artistic range hoods What looks like oversized pendant lamps and disco balls are actually hoods that provide high-efficiency ventilation and light, courtesy of Italian company Elica Inc.

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9. Clean induction cooktops Induction cooking offers greater efficiency than gas or electric. Because some homeowners worry about keeping these cooktops clean, Kenyon International offers a silicone mold to cook on and protect the surface.“People have to be educated on how induction works; it’s a fabulous cooking medium since 80 percent to 90 percent of the energy goes directly to the pan,” Karas says.

10. Outdoor cooking Roanoke,Va.-based Atlantis Outdoor Kitchens makes doors and drawer fronts from moisture-resistant bamboo, teak and cypress. Lynx Professional Grills, Commerce, Calif., has expanded accessories beyond grills to include removable smoker boxes, cocktail stations, refrigerators, warming drawers and burners for shellfish boils.“This interest is only going to get bigger,” Karas says. © CTW Features

H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4

By Dawn Klingensmith CTW Features

A

oom to

G ow

How to build a bedroom she won’t outgrow

Image courtesy of Straight Line Designs

Image courtesy of Land of Nod

n all-adult brainstorming session is what the parents of a 3-year-old expected to take place when they hired Judson Beaumont to help them create a whimsical, one-of-a-kind bedroom for their daughter. Brimming with ideas of their own, they were bewildered when Beaumont got down on his knees and asked the little girl’s opinion. She said she liked bumblebees, so Beaumont built her a bed with a hive-shaped headboard complete with honeycomb cubbies.

It’s more often the case, though, that moms – and to a lesser extent, dads – make the decorating decisions for young kids’ bedrooms. On the whole, sales of kids’ room décor are down due to the recession. But in any economic climate, “There’s an elite group that wants their children to have these ultimate fantasy bedrooms,” says Beaumont, whose ironically named Vancouver-based company, Straight Line Designs, sells surreal pieces ranging from $1,500 for an askew accent table to $9,000 for a seasick-looking dresser that seems to wobble and sway on stubby legs.

A dresser to remember: A cost-effective way to style your child’s room is to invest in one heirloom piece, and furnish the rest of the room with affordable, adaptable décor and furniture.

Imagination station:Think long term with removable wall stickers and space-saving essentials, like nesting nightstands and tables.

Home-makeover shows featuring highly conceptual children’s bedrooms probably catalyze more than a few spending sprees, but Beaumont says safety concerns also come into play. Less comfortable allowing children to roam outdoors, parents transform their rooms into imagination stations. But the economy is forcing some changes in children’s bedroom design.

“It used to be the sky’s the limit, especially with nurseries, because people were having babies later in life. They had the money, and they just wanted to do it up because they’d waited so long,” says Beth Keim, whose Charlotte, N.C.-based interior design firm, Lucy & Co., spe-

cializes in children’s bedrooms and playrooms. “Now, people aren’t doing full-blown rooms anymore.

They buy key pieces and leave out the finishing touches.”

Elaborate, over-the-top designs are out of reach for many parents, but even in a pinched economy, it seems the last thing they want is a room that looks cheap. In fact, the latest trends in children’s décor are sophisticated color palettes, understated patterns and sumptuous fabrics, which can be expensive up front but cost-effective over the long run. Ralph Lauren Home’s line of children’s textiles, for example, includes textures and patterns that would look right at home on a col-

lege-bound senior’s bed – herringbone, plaid, tartan, stripes, paisley, toile. Likewise, PoshTots, Glen Allen, Va., sells children’s bedding lines such as Cambridge Prep, which features a subdued chocolate-brown and cream-colored plaid pattern and optional decorative pillows with leather buttons and toggle closures.

The advantage of such timeless styles is that they need not be switched out as a child matures, unlike pastel pinks and blues or garish primary colors, Keim says.

“I haven’t done a primary-colored room in a long time,” she says. “I don’t know if it’s because of input from moms and dads or if kids are getting more sophisticated because of what they see in magazines, but it’s good because the newer colors have more staying power.”

Disney icons aside, even bedroom furnishings featuring licensed characters tend to be less cartoonish and more subdued. Through a license agreement with Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Trend Lab – a Burnsville, Minn.-based nursery décor manufacturer – is launching a line of crib bedding this fall starring Theodor Geisel’s oddball characters, but they’re curiously behind the scenes, peeking out from between stripes.

“You don’t look at the design and say, ‘Oh! It’s Dr. Seuss!’ It’s not overly character-driven,” says Audra Simmering, vice president of business development, Trend Lab. “We’re

Image courtesy of PBteen

Image courtesy of blik, LLC

H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4 offering a trendier, modern style that pulls in just a little bit of the character elements.”

Reflecting the latest color trends, the crib bedding is predominantly chocolate brown, brick red and sage green – not the sorts of hues you’d associate with typical Seuss characters such as the blue-haired twins Thing One and Thing Two. “There’s a combination of class and whimsy,” Simmering says. “But I think what’s really great about it is it’s not what people expect.”

A taste for the unexpected is what keeps Beaumont in business.

He has custom-built beds shaped like castles and trains emerging from tunnels, but he tends to push his accent pieces, which appeal to a broader range of ages, and discourages parents from getting too carried away with themes.

A fairyland or fire station theme might be enthralling for a year or so, “Then the child gets sick of it or outgrows it, and you have to redo the whole room,” he says. Because little kids fixate on things like dinosaurs and princesses for relatively short periods, and older kids tend to be fickle, Keim also avoids overly themed room designs.

“You want the room to reflect the kid’s personality,” she says, “but you don’t want to overdo it. If a kid likes skateboarding, I might use a couple of skateboards as shelves, but I don’t go too far with it. Kids are into what they like, but what they like changes from year to year.”

Beaumont explains: “The pieces I make are meant to be kept in the family as heirlooms that pass down from one kid to another.” He understands parents want to surround their children with special things, but spending a lot of money on babies’ and toddlers’ furniture likely will prove to be wasteful, he says.

Parents should “keep in mind that kids’ furniture is disposable furniture. Kids put stickers all over it and mark it all up with their crayons.

You don’t want to spend a fortune on something you’ll be hauling out to the trash two years later.” © CTW Features

H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4

M ee t T h e D esigner : A ngelo S urmelis

Designer of the Times A Robert Sharoff

CTW Features ngelo Surmelis, the host of HGTV’s popular “Rate My Space” reality show, is very much a 21st Century designer. He blogs, he tweets, he’s on MySpace and Facebook. He’s also an advocate of that movement of the moment, sustainable design.

All of this – plus a personal style that is less about snarky remarks and more about constructive solutions – has established him as one of the more engaging figures in the makeover show universe. He seems like what he is: a regular guy from Chicago marooned in that most irregular of cities, Los Angeles. Your taste is never on trial with Surmelis. But he’s been around, knows what works and is eager to share what he’s learned. HomeStyle spoke with Surmelis recently about his life and design philosophy, as well as how to avoid “the land of beige.”

Learn how to avoid the dreaded ‘land of beige’ and other essential recession-proof décor tips

HS: How has your style evolved over the years?

AS: I used to be very minimal, very modern.

Today, however, I’m more forgiving. I used to have a hard time appreciating something like country style – overstuffed couches, traditional tables, that kind of thing. Today, however, I like it, or at least certain aspects of it. I can see the appeal.

Images courtesy of Angelo Surmelis

HOMESTYLE: How has the recession affected home design?

ANGELO SURMELIS: I think it’s had a big effect. People are rethinking and rejecting the whole idea of excess and wastefulness. There’s a real desire right now for design that’s eco-friendly and sustainable. I think it’s a good trend.

HS: What does sustainable mean when it comes to interior design?

AS: A lot of things. It’s not just about putting up solar panels, though that can certainly be a part of it. To some degree, it’s about working with what you have, refur-

bishing and conserving rather than throwing everything out and buying new.

It’s also about using recycled materials and energyefficient lighting. None of it is that complicated. But it can make a big difference.

Man of all seasons: From Twitter to Facebook to his “Design Geek” blog – and now his own furniture line – Angelo Surmelis covers all the bases when it comes to interior design the 2009 way.

HS: You’re a Chicago guy now working and living in Los Angeles. How do the two cities differ?

AS: There’s a lot of history and tradition in Chicago – particularly in regards to the architecture – that ultimately has a big effect on how people style their homes there. They love their Barcelona chairs. LA, on the other hand, is far more transient. Nothing gets old here. Everything is about putting your personal spin on the latest trend, which usually lasts about five minutes.

HS: You sound like you miss Chicago.

AS: I do. But there are

H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4

some great things about LA, like space and climate. You spend a lot more time outdoors here. Colors are sunnier. Many people have what amounts to outdoor rooms and spend a lot of time in them.

HS: The LA design trend I keep hearing about is Hollywood Regency.

Is that a style you identify with at all?

AS: No. Hollywood Regency is too formal, too dressed up. It’s actually very un-California. I can’t live that way. I like comfort and coziness.

HS: Is glamour part of that equation?

AS: Of course. This is Hollywood.

But you don’t want a whole room full of shimmery furniture and objects. You can’t breathe in a space like that.

HS: I hear you’re getting ready to launch your first furniture collec-

tion. How would you describe it?

AS: Kind of modern, kind of classic, really comfortable sofas and chairs, traditional prints in young colors, that kind of thing. Not like your parents’ furniture but still kind of familiar. It’s also affordable, which I think is important right now.

HS: I know you grew up in Chicago, but what was your family like?

AS: My background is very blue collar. My parents were Greek immigrants who worked in a restaurant an uncle of mine owned in the suburbs. They didn’t have money for babysitters, so they would take me to work with them and I would hang out behind the counter.

HS: Were you aware of design back then?

AS: Not really – though I do remember being very fascinated by the restaurant’s milkshake machine.

Basically, my family couldn’t afford design. That part of my life didn’t begin until I was in college. I started off wanting to be an architect and then switched to fine arts. After graduation, I wound up building sets for theater companies in Chicago and then in New York and LA. I also did some designing on the side, mainly for friends, one of whom told me that I should start charging for this. So I did.

HS: What’s harder – playing a designer or being a designer?

AS: For me, playing a designer is the hard part. In some ways I was not really prepared for TV. I love the interaction with clients. I don’t necessarily love having a camera in my face all day long. I’m grateful for the opportunity, but it has been an adjustment.

since it began – how long does it take you to size up a room these days?

AS: Not long. And anyway, it’s less about sizing up a room than about sizing up the people who are going to be living in the room. I need to know where they’ve been, where they want to go and what to avoid.

All of that takes about 20 minutes.

HS: What happens next?

AS: I start spitting out design ideas. TV is all about time. Nothing takes longer than a day or more than $1,000 to pull together.

HS: If you could give one piece of advice to people thinking about redecorating, what would it be?

AS: Take some chances. Don’t be so cautious. Ultimately, the land of beige just isn’t that much fun. © CTW Features

HS: You’ve designed or re-designed more than 300 rooms on your show

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H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4 More than meets the eye: A green bathroom doesn’t just mean lowflow toliets and showerheads.

Think low-VOC paint, energyefficient lighting, heated floors, sustainable materials like bamboo and ecofriendly personal care items.

You Oughta

Know

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hen someone mentions “greening” the bathroom, most people think of changing the wallpaper color or adding a fern.

Think again.

Transforming your bathroom into an eco-friendly oasis doesn’t only help keep the planet green, it can keep more green in your wallet.

“People don’t realize that there

are money savings involved with greening the bathroom,” says Sean Miller, director of education at Earth Day Network in Washington, D.C., a non-profit organization that seeks to broaden the environmental movement worldwide. “If the average American household installed lowflow toilets and low-flow showerheads in their bathrooms, they could save up to $60 annually on their water and energy bills combined.”

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Credit

By Jeff Schnaufer

Image courtesy of BEHR Paints

‘Greening’your bathroom is getting easier, cheaper and more beautiful by the … shower

From LED lighting to partially recycled cabinetry, Americans can update their bathrooms with green products for a variety of budgets.

“There are so many companies out there now. Because if you’re not on board with the green movement, you’re going to go out of business,” says Brian Johnson, the 2009 National Kitchen and Bath Association Design Competition winner of the Best Sustainable Bath.

In his winning design, Johnson, who is an architect with Collaborative Design Architects in Billings, Mont., created a state-of-theart bathroom that saves water, energy and utilizes recycled materials.

This includes a Kohler dual flush valve toilet, which has the option of using a .8-gallon flush or a 1.6-gallon flush. The cabinets, from Dewils, feature recycled content in the boxes, as well as bamboo veneers. Cambria supplied the quartz counter top, which is composed of a manmade granite that includes pieces of rock

Image courtesy of Brian Johnson

H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4

Blue-ribbon green:This $40,000 “Best Sustainable Bath” features recycled cabinets, a dual flush valve toilet, a quartz countertop and is heated energy-efficiently through the floor. that would normally go to waste, Johnson says. The bathroom is warmed by grey water that is heated through a boiler then pumped back into the floor slabs. “Heating a floor slab is one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat a home,” Johnson

says. “You’re probably going to end up saving 40 to 50 percent on a normal heating bill.”

The entire cost for the bathroom, Johnson says, was $40,000. If this seems a bit too expensive, consider the Kohler MasterShower ultra low-

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flow, two-way body sprays and shower head, which Johnson says actually soak you as they regulate the water flow. Combining the Kohler toilet and shower system can save between 15 and 20 percent on the water bill, he says, which is a savings many Americans can really appreciate right now.

“The average American shower is seven minutes per day,” Miller says.

“A low flow showerhead cuts down water use in the shower by 70 percent.”

With the average American using 100 gallons of water per day per household, every little drop counts, Miller says. And while most consumers have heard of recycled toilet paper by companies like Seventh Generation, not as many know of other eco-friendly products for the bathroom, says Melissa Rosen, coowner of Locali, the first “eco-convenience” store in Los Angeles.

“Given the choice, people are picking the biodegradable, cruelty-

free, natural hygiene products over their counterparts at increasing rates,” says Rosen. Take, for instance, Preserve toothbrushes and razors, whose handles are made from 100-percent recycled plastic. Or Tea Tree Oil Mouth Wash, Sapothocary Handmade Botanical Soaps, Periobrite Toothpaste, Anti-Body Green Tea & Mint Nourishing Shampoo and Conditioner, Kill It Dead Natural Deodorant, and EcoDent VeganFloss. And Locali even sells its own unique brand of soy candles.

“You can use it as a light source and, as it melts, the soy becomes a skin cream,” Rosen says.

To save water while you are in the shower, Rosen suggests Locali’s two-bucket water collection set, which can catch several gallons of cold water a day in the shower while you wait for the shower to warm up.

“The recycled bath water can be used to water the plants or wash

Image courtesy of TOTO USA

H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4

your bicycle or car, and also serves as a powerful reminder of just how much precious water we use or waste daily,” Rosen says.

Lighting can also add a green hue to your bathroom, says Sara Ann Busby, the 2008 NKBA president.

“There’s a lot of great LED lighting out of there for bathrooms. And LED uses less energy than a compact fluorescent, with better color

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rendition,” says Busby, of Elk Rapids, Mich. “We use it a lot for under cabinet lighting and for some accent lighting.”

Speaking of color, be sure to explore low-VOC or no-VOC paints for your bathroom, says Valerie Reddemann, president of Greenfeet, a supplier of eco-friendly products in Chico, Calif.

“VOCs, or volatile organic com-

pounds, are nasty chemicals that can cause headaches, cancer and other bad things,” Reddemann says. “Nearly every building materials store carries eco-friendly alternatives. These are much better for your lungs and your home’s indoor air quality, which can be up to 100x worse than the air outside.”

When cleaning your bathroom, keep in mind that there are many effective eco-products and tools on the market. “Brands such as Seventh Generation, Bi-O-Kleen and LifeTree have proven themselves effective and affordable without polluting the air or ground water,” Reddemann says.

To keep your bathroom smelling sweet, Reddemann suggests phthalate-free air fresheners such as those

by Illio. “Pure essential oils are best, but chemical-free fragrance oils are the next best thing for your nose and the air around you,” Reddemann says.

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© CTW Features

H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4

Market Watch

By Kate Sullivan CTW Features

H

idden treasures await discovery while deals linger on a handshake. Move out of the mass-produced rat race and into a one-of-a-kind lifestyle.

Turn one day at the market into a shopping trip that lasts a lifetime.

Here’s how to make the most of your flea market experience.

From fairground booths to backyard and garage sales, treasured flea market finds take all forms. Is it an upholstered chair, an ornate lamp or an oak armoire? Whatever your picking pleasure, remember to look through the eyes of your own home.

Be sure the piece will look as good inside your address as it does placed amongst the other orphan originals.

For decorating expert and former editor-at-large with “Domino” magazine, Tom Delavan, “the biggest mistake first timers make is getting caught up in the moment.” Much like shopping when traveling or when at an auction, the flea markets offer the same impulse purchase temptations. Delavan continues, “Don’t buy a piece that doesn’t have a place.”

So how to do you combat the battle of the inner impulse buy? A good defense calls for a prepared offense.

“Go with a list in mind or written

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Image courtesy of The Painted Lady

Learn how to navigate flea markets and antique shops with ease, and how tap into your inner haggler

Fabulous finds: From big to small, city-side or countryside, flea markets offer equalopportunity treasure hunting. But by following a few inside tips, you can move from garage-sale novice to seasoned scavenger. down,” suggests Delavan. “Literally say to yourself, ‘I know I need these

three things’ and stick to it.” Know the space you want to fill and the

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H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4

object you want to do the job. Will it be a chair or a table that will welcome guests as they enter your front foyer? Shop with the end in mind otherwise you’ll end up with something that doesn’t have a spot.

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Pre-market Prep • Walk through your house to identify potential rooms that could use additional parts before you enter flea market madness.

• Measure the space where the potential piece might rest to assess size limitations. Something too small gets swallowed in a big room while an object too big distracts and looks out of place. Beth Harlow, owner of the Chicago antique décor shop, The Painted Lady, carries measurements with her in her purse. “You never know when you might stumble upon the perfect mirror for a bedroom wall.” Measurements in hand before a purchase make for a no-regrets moment.

• Compare beforehand. Know the market of the piece that you seek. What do the retail shops offer in style and price? Having a comparison before you enter the land of the unknown focuses your mind and budget.

Day of Details • For Delavan what separates the pros from the no’s begins with arrival time. “Get there early,” he suggests, “because the good stuff goes quick.” And depending on the size of the market, you could cover a lot of ground, so wear comfy clothes and shoes.

• Bring cash. Most transactions require green. Save your credit cards and checkbooks for the retail shops and the mall.

• If searching for bigger item or multiple pieces, have transportation ready like a truck or SUV. Delivery options are not available among most markets.

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H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4

• Know the booths. The regulars rock the market, according to Delavan. “People who do best at flea markets arrive early, check out multiple booths that have what they are looking for and attend regularly if possible.”

• Be inquisitive. Look over a potential purchase carefully. Assess if anything needs repair. Ask about the piece from age to origin to history.

But Delavan warns, “It’s a buyer beware scene. The onus is on you to make sure you aren’t getting junk so take what the dealer says with a grain of salt.”

• Determine the damage. For a professional buyer like Harlow, picking up ‘scratch and dent’ pieces presents no problem. “I look for pieces that need to be refinished, from missing a knob to scratches in the varnish. Anything that’s easy to hide with a coat of paint.” For those without the know-how to restore, Delavan suggests, “If you buy some-

thing that needs repair or re-upholstering, go directly from the market to the shop otherwise it will hang in your home forever waiting to be fixed.” And for those items that seem beyond repair? “If you have no idea how someone would fix it, pass on the purchase,” says Delavan.

For both Delavan and Harlow, the real hidden prizes become household possessions when you know the market and focus your search.

“For all kinds of collecting, if you zone in on one category, like silver for example, you can compare from antique shops to retail stores to flea markets and pounce when you find a treasure,” Delavan advises. And for Harlow, it’s about catching on to the routine. “Knowing when a dealer or flea market gets new merchandise gives you first dibs on the selection,” she says.

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H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4

…And Everything in its Place Rest easy in a clutter-free bedroom CTW Features

T

he bedroom is meant to be a sanctuary, a place to retreat for relaxation and escape.“[But] it often isn't a sanctuary;it's a dumping ground,” says Vicki Norris, a Sherwood, Ore.-based professional organizing expert, speaker and author.

“Make sure you reclaim adult space,” Norris says. “If it's supposed to be a space for husband and wife, it's time to get toys and donated items out.” She suggests taking advantage of hidden spaces such as those under the bed or behind doors.

Norris also notes that it's important to customize the bedroom to your personal needs, whether that involves adhering to traditional design principles or not.“I see a lot of people spending money on

things like chaise lounges they hardly sit in,” she says.“Even if your bedroom has a little nook, you don't have to set up a sitting room if you're not going to utilize it.”

When purchasing furniture, look for pieces that can double as storage, says Audrey Long, owner of New Hope, Penn.based Audrey Long Interior Design. She recommends armoires with shallow dividers so you can easily see everything. Store extra linens under your bed, or use a chest at the end of the bed that can double as seating. “Then when you take pillows and all that fluff stuff off of the bed, you've got some place to pile it,” she adds.

“Use gift boxes or shoe boxes within deeper drawers to hold sweaters and socks in neat piles,” she suggests. “It holds things together, and you can see them better.”

Image courtesy of Crate&Barrel

By Jessica Abels

© CTW Features

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HomeStyle 2009 – Issue 4

T e One On

Consider it a throwback that Grandma would love – the humble kitchen apron has become the easiest, cheapest and prettiest way to liven up any kitchen … or cook

By Kate Sullivan CTW Features

Images courtesy of Jessie Steele

T

oday’s economy might make you think twice about fully remodeling your kitchen, but it doesn’t mean you can’t remodel your cook look. Combining color, style and a nod to nostalgia, the ageless apron gets a facelift. Here’s how a piece of the past makes a cool comeback in today’s kitchens.

For Margo Witzel of the Web-based specialty cakes company Edith+Ethel, her love affair with the apron began in culinary school.This apron enthusiast now makes the classic cooking cover-up for herself and friends.

“I started by giving one that I had made to a friend and the response was so great, it’s now my go-to gift and I have friends requesting me to make one for them all the time,” says the Chicago-based baker.Tim Bayless, the marketing manager of Jessie Steele, a Berkeley, Calif.-based family-run, vintageinspired,hostess and kitchen aprons business, observes a similar personal appeal with the popularity of their aprons.

“As we started, we saw more and more people taking interest in the nostalgic heirloom aspect of the apron.They remember their grand-

mother baking an apple pie and want a piece of that memory.”

For both Witzel and Bayless, blending purpose with personalization creates the winning combination.

When Witzel designs her one-of-a-kind creations she, keeps the recipient of her gift as her inspiration.“I think about the personality as I pick out a fabric. Everyone enjoys having something made just for them.”

And for those not lucky enough to have Witzel in their inner circle? Bayless finds that his team produces the personal touch without being custom made.“We design all the textiles ourselves and each original print is only available for six months and then discontinued.”

All styles tie vintage and contemporary together by paying tribute to the heyday of the apron.“Back in the ’60s, an apron might have had a bundt cake print.

We’ve upgraded this look with a modern-day nod to the popularity of the cupcake,” says Bayless.

Who wears what Love them or hate them but reality television’s spike in cook-off competitions motivate the masses to move back into the kitchen.“Our client base today is a younger audience,” says Bayless.“People are now remembering just how fun it is to cook.”

Form meets function A good apron includes the original purpose of keeping clean while cooking in its design.“I recommend the full chef style. Most stains happen on the front of a person while leaning in to taste something.The full apron covers the shirt and the pants or skirt,” says Witzel. Look for one that has pockets, ties in the back, goes around the neck and is washable. This working piece gets a technological upgrade with one of Jessie Steele’s selection.“Our barbeque style comes complete with a bottle opener along the side and two pockets that can hold long-neck beers for the grilling man,” Bayless says.

The More the Merrier Whether cooking alone or for a crowd, always have more than one at arm’s reach. For a fancy fête,Witzel dons her dressy apron.“When hosting guests, I opt for one that suits the occasion.”Think ruffles or a layered, skirted style for when guests arrive.And when not hosting, guarantee an invite back by moving past the traditional bottle of wine or bouquet of flowers and opt for an apron as the hostess gift.“For a relatively inexpensive price, it’s the cute piece anyone can afford that looks as great hanging in a kitchen as it does when worn,” says Bayless. From kitchen tool to must-have accessory, the modern-day apron moves from utility drawer to designer closets. © CTW Features

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Home style Newspaper Name Here | 2009 Issue 4

Room to Grow How to build a bedroom she won’t outgrow

Plus:

Image courtesy of Straight Line Designs

Easy, breezy, beautiful porches 10 hot kitchen trends you won’t want to miss

H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4

Welcome home !

Image courtesy of Land of Nod

Your home is important, not only because it’s a major financial investment but also because it’s the place where your family gathers to share wonderful moments together. That’s why we’re pleased to bring you this edition of HomeStyle, your source for up-to-date home-improvement information and creative decorating ideas that truly make your house a home.

Room to Grow

How to build a bedroom she won’t outgrow

White Lightning

Thoughts on the economy got you down? White them out — and redecorate with one of the brightest stars of this summer's color palette

Here a bloom, there a bloom …

Think a lanky orchid belongs on the table at your next dinner party? Well, think again

Tie One On

Consider it a throwback that Grandma would love – the humble kitchen apron has become the easiest, cheapest and prettiest way to liven up any kitchen … or cook

Market Watch

Learn how to navigate flea markets and antique shops with ease, and how tap into your inner haggler

…And Everything in its Place Rest easy in a clutter-free bedroom

Go-to Green

Turn over a new ‘green living’ leaf with tips eco-friendly ideas that may be more practical than you thought

Easy, Breezy, Beautiful

Let your porch do the talking. Give a first impression that exudes comfort, style and charm

Meet the Designer: Angelo Surmelis

Learn how to avoid the dreaded ‘land of beige’ and other essential recessionproof décor tips

What’s Cookin’?

Follow these 10 hot kitchen trends to save money, time and your sanity

You Oughta Know

‘Greening’ your bathroom is getting easier, cheaper and more beautiful by the … shower

HomeStyle Bookshelf

Just do it: Reinvent your home, room by room

H o m e S t y l e 2 0 0 9 – I ss u e 4

Image courtesy of Filipacchi Publishing; Steven Mays

Go-to Green Turn over a new ‘green living’leaf with eco-friendly ideas that may be more practical than you thought CTW Features

L

iving green has taken a sharp turn in the last few years and bowled itself right down consumer lane. Once the architect's tool, green living has expanded itself to where tips and products are readily available in your local home store.

Jean Nayar, author of “Green Living

by Design:The Practical Guide for Eco-Friendly Remodeling and Decorating” (Filipacchi Publishing, 2009), says she has been writing about living green for a long time.“I look forward to the day when 'green' is not the new 'black,' as it has been so often described lately, but rather the old

Eco-Smart Elements

'blue,' tried and true,” Nayar explains in her book's introduction.

Tips like the ones she presents in her book as “passive techniques” offer to help the everyday consumer live a little bit greener.“Now is the time for green,” she says.“I think any kind of help the average person can get on sifting through the maze and misinformation is better for everybody.”

Use some of these elements of green living to think about ways to incorporate energy efficiency into your home.“Everybody should want to get on Mother Nature's good side,” Nayar says.“And if you can do it, why wouldn't you?” © CTW Features

A green home may include any number of health-promoting, energy-saving, environment-preserving features. Here are just of the few of the specific elements you might find in a green home:

Image courtesy of Filipacchi Publishing; American Standard

By Morgan McMillan

• Passive energy conservation design features, such as overhangs over south- and west-facing windows • Well-insulated windows • A tankless water heater • Efficient light fixtures and bulbs and glarefree daylighting

Au naturel: Harness Mother Nature’s readymade green qualities to make your home healthier and cleaner (and keep your bills in check). Let natural light and sustainable, repurposed woods and materials reinvent your space.

• Dual-flush toilets, low-flow faucets, highefficiency irrigation systems and other water conservation features • Efficient Energy Star-rated appliances • Solar-powered energy systems and water heaters

• Wood floors or cabinets made from trees grown and harvested in sustainably managed forests

Image courtesy of Filipacchi Publishing; Rob Kern

Image courtesy of Filipacchi Publishing; Paul Warchol

• Countertops or carpets made of recycled materials

• Efficient air ventilation and purification systems • Low- or no-VOC paints and finishes • Fresh-air intakes and fine-particle filters on air conditioners Text courtesy of “Green Living by Design:The Practical Guide for Eco-Friendly Remodeling and Decorating” (Filipacchi Publishing, 2009)

H ome S tyle 2 0 0 9 – I ssue 4

HomeStyle Bookshelf Just do it Reinvent your home, room by room 100+ Tips: Ideas – Contemporary Houses

by Fernando de Haro & Omar Fuentes (AM Editores, 2009) $11.95 150 Best Kitchen Ideas

by Montse Borrs & Aitana Lleonart (Collins Design, 2009) $29.99 The Making of a House

by Janne Faulkner & Harley Anstee (Hardie Grant Books, 2009) $59.95

The Kitchen: Creating Contemporary Homes

by Vinny Lee (Aurum Press, 2009) $24.95 Loving Your Home: An Upbeat, No-Nonsense Guide to Simplicity, Order, and Care

by Carol Showalter & Mary Jane Preston (Paraclete Press, 2009) $16.99 1,000 New Eco Designs and Where to Find Them

by Rebecca Proctor (Laurence King Publishers, 2009) $35

Ecoholic: Your Guide to the Most Environmentally Friendly Information, Products, and Services

by Adria Vasil (W.W. Norton & Co., 2009) $17.95 The Picture Framing Handbook: Matting, Mounting, and Framing Techniques for Professional Results

by Andy Parks (Watson-Guptill, 2009) $24.95 Table Decor Studio-Soiree: Create a Style Sensation with Festive, Reversible Place Settings and Accessories

by Demetria Hayward (C&T Publishing, 2009) $19.95

Heirloom: Notes from an Accidental Tomato Farmer

by Tim Stark (Broadway, 2009) $14 Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures

by Amanda Blake Soule (Trumpeter, 2009) $21.95 Newlyweds' Guide to Setting Up Home

by Gail Abbott (Cima Books, 2009) $24.95 © CTW Features