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Contents
SPRING 2010
Spring Decorating 6 Garden Living; Bringing the outdoors in 9 Lighten up for spring; redecorating the home for spring 10 How to update your bedroom 11 New from DwellStudio for Target 12 Expert decorating tips Home Maintenance 14 15
Checklist: Spring Maintenance
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Spring-Cleaning Checklist
Home improvement 16 Small Bathroom Design 18 Kitchens: Counter Intelligence
Fresh Ideas for Spring
Exterior Maintenance 20 Roofs now take on an artistic look 21 If it’s not leaking, why does my roof need to be replaced? 22 How can I fix my splintering deck?
By Tracie Vanderbeck
Lawn and Garden 24 Expert tips for creating a beautiful landscape
Spring is a time of new beginnings. Flowers and plants are blooming, the sun is shining and the weather is finally getting warmer after winter's chill. So why not bring some of spring's beauty into your home so you can enjoy it day after day? As a homeowner, you have already made one of the most important investments that you can make for your family’s future. But it shouldn’t stop there. Owning a home is not a static thing—as you no doubt know. If you make smart choices about the improvements you do to your home, not only will it give you years of enjoyment, but a very nice return on investment should decide to sell.
Real Estate 26 Understanding your credit opens the door to home-buying success
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Our spring edition of Everything Home is full of ideas, big and small, to renew and refresh your home inside and out. We hope you enjoy our new look as well!
EVERYTHING
HOME PUBLISHER: Jeff Vanderbeck
ADVERTISING DESIGN: Jamie Beckett Daniel Bush
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Mike Davis
SALES REPS Ashley Smith Krista Duty Lynn Massey Mellisa Keller Tony Thacker
SECTION DESIGN:
Special Publications Manager Tracie Vanderbeck
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A Special Supplement to the Appalachian News-Express 201 Caroline Avenue, Pikeville, Kentucky 606-437-4054
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spring decorating
Garden Living Bringing the outdoors inside The return of birds and birdsong are one of spring's most welcome signs. This year, retailers are acknowledging this with pretty avian motifs on all sorts of home decor. 6 | Everything Home/Spring 2010
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he return of birds and birdsong are one of spring's most welcome signs. This year, retailers are acknowledging this with pretty avian motifs on all sorts of home decor. Pottery Barn's collection features sparrow printed bedding and table linens, embroidered and printed pillows, and even a wall canvas with an antique bird illustration. There are stoneware birdbath serving bowls, and mugs with wee "nests" tucked into the handles. CB2's spring line features a striking accent pillow designed by artist Douglas Sheran, who is a member of Creativity Explored, a nonprofit visual arts center for the developmentally disabled in San Francisco. His bird illustration, in a swath of rich green over black and white, resembles Japanese brush painting. There are some new takes on popular hues this season. Two in particular look especially fresh: — Blue. The adaptable blues are back in a big way. They're popping up all over soft furnishings and tabletop pieces. Bright versions give a room a bracing shot of color, while muted versions, paired with white or chalky yellows, are soothing. For inspiration, check out the Grandeur and Harmony palettes in Olympic Paint's new Audubon collection.
Anthropologie offers a beautiful ceramic knob festooned with bright blue dots; a set of those would refresh the kitchen cabinets. There's the charmingly named Grace towel collection too, in blues and pinks, embroidered with springy flowers. French blue and Wedgwood blue are elegant tones: Homegoods' blue crocodile-printed leather slipper chair looks swanky, but is priced modestly. Pottery Barn's soft, silky blue throw will comfort on a rainy spring day. Z Gallerie is stocking a French blue filigreed urn, and a beautiful resin plaque embossed with a realistic blue chrysanthemum. Pier 1 and Homegoods have several unusual bowls in their spring collections that look like melted blue beach glass, as well as new versions of the multifunctional ceramic stool, this year in vibrant turquoise. — Blush. That ethereal pinky peach color often called blush is another important shade for spring fashion; it'll be just as big in decor. With any of the new creamier pastels and light woods, it's romantic and cottage-y — Pier 1 has a floral-printed glass vase and a delicately ruffled toss pillow that fit the bill. With black or chocolate accents, blush reads modern; its versatility makes it appealing. Burke Decor has Simrin's rose-shaped placemats, embroidered with metallic threads; while inspired by vintage fabrics, they have a nice graphic quality that would suit a contemporary place setting just as nicely. And Burke's luscious Plum Pretty Sugar duvet set in pink tones looks just like ribbon candy — sweet, like the first taste of spring. Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
Burke Decor, rug, throw, planter, silk pillows, placemats. Anthropologie; knobs, door knobs. Pier 1; ruffle pillow. Pottery Barn; bedding, serving bowls. Everything Home/Spring 2010 | 7
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LIGHTEN UP FOR SPRING! spring decorating
Redecorating the home for spring
The winter doldrums are over and the sun is shining again. Let your home be an extension of this time of year by kicking out reminders of the depressing winter and welcome in the cheery signs of spring. 1. COLORFUL PILLOWS This is a cheap and easy way to brighten up any room. Put the dark heavy pillows in storage and invite Spring into your home with a few lovely yellow, green or pink colored pillows. 2. REPAINT Nothing changes a room more dramatically than a fresh coat of paint. Brighten up the mood from dark and dreary to fresh and fun with the power of paint. 3. CHANGE YOUR WINDOW DRESSING Spring is all about light and airy so take down the heavy drapes and sun blocking blinds and put up some sheer, light colored curtains instead. 4. FRESH FLOWERS Flowers are a definite sign of new life, so bring some inside your home. Not only with the sight of fresh flowers brighten up a room, but the pleasant fragrance will help set the tone for Spring. 5. PUT AWAY THE BLANKETS You won’t need to curl up under a think blanket any longer, so put those in storage with your dark pillows and bring out light, thin, brightly colored throws for those cool and breezy Spring nights. 6. WHAT WAS OLD IS NEW AGAIN Your dark and brooding chairs and sofas may have been comforting during those long cold months, but now that it’s Spring, they’re just depressing. Lighten up your furniture by getting light colored or floral patterned slipcovers. It’s a heck of a lot cheaper than buying new furniture and it’s just as effective. 7. MORE THAN PAINT ON YOUR WALLS Art can also affect the tone of your room. When the weather breaks, look for images that more accurately reflect the time of year. Photos or paintings of landscapes and florals will assist in putting you in a much better mind set. 8. THROW OUT THE RUGS Okay, maybe don’t throw them out, but do put them with the other heavy accents in your home – in storage. Throw rugs help keep things cozy and toasty, especially if you have hard wood floors, but it’s warm now, so get rid of the stuffy carpets and lay down colorful, lightweight rugs instead.
9. ROOM WITH A VIEW During the winter we like to build roaring fires to keep us warm, therefore our furniture is usually centered around the mantel. Since you won’t be using your fireplace in the next several months, rearrange your furniture so you are facing a lovelier view, like that of your garden. 10. TAKE IT OUTSIDE Spring is the perfect time to get your outdoor areas ready for guests. Spruce up your porch or deck and make it a pleasant place to sit and relax with your friends well into the Summer months. Coordinate comfortable furniture with bright accents and place handy tables around to place cool drinks on. Courtesy of ARA Content
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spring decorating
HOW TO... UPDATE YOUR BEDROOM Tired of your master bedroom's blah style? You don't have to spend a fortune to get a designer room. Follow these five easy steps to spruce up your master bedroom on your own! STEP 1: PAINT AND REDECORATE YOUR WALLS Painting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to alter a room. Cover the entire wall with a flat paint color. Then, tape off sections of the wall to make large stripes, either vertical or horizontal. Paint inside the tape with the same color but in a semi-gloss finish. Greens, tans and grays are currently trending, but Tuscan and Mediterranean themes boasting greens, browns, golds and oranges are also strutting their way into bedrooms. More tips: How to paint stripes on a wall. Not into stripes? Linda Dempsey, customer service associate at Lowe’s, recommends affixing a chair railing on two walls as a focal point. Put wallpaper above or below it, and paint the other side.
STEP 2: CUT A RUG -- AND CHANGE YOUR FLOORING Jamie Conway, paint and home décor department manager at Lowe’s, says wood flooring is all the rage in master bedrooms. Opt for dark or light wood in 2-inch-wide interlocking planks. She also suggests adding a new rug to the bedroom and changing it seasonally for constant variation.
STEP 3: CHANGE YOUR WINDOW COVERINGS Still have those 80s blue floral curtains adorning your windows? Replace them with new curtains and coordinating pillows, and add a decorative curtain rod that extends beyond the width of the window so the curtains don’t actually close, advise Conway and Dempsey. Both ladies agree that new blinds are imperative and say wood, faux wood and cellular (insulating) blinds are the current design infatuation of homeowners. People are gravitating toward wood tones with the natural grain to match their cabinets.
STEP 4: SPRUCE UP YOUR DÉCOR Transform the mood and style of your bedroom by altering the lighting. Get creative with hanging pendant lights, revamp the classic floor lamp, or go modern with organic table lamps.
Hang floating shelves for contemporary style or arrange decorative 1foot-square mirrors in a pattern on a painted wall. And don’t forget to change your hardware -- dresser knobs, door handles and ceiling fan - to match your other items.
STEP 5: GET SOME NEW FURNITURE, WELL, SORT OF… You don’t have to buy all new furniture for a new bedroom. Conway suggests purchasing faux crackle paint for stylish throwback furniture. The faux finish can be used to age any furniture that has a wooden finish for an antique or shabby chic look. Your new furniture never looked so old!
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real estate
NEW FROM DWELLSTUDIO FOR TARGET spring decorating
Understanding your credit opens the door to home-buying success (ARA) - With many signs pointing to the beginnings of a recovery in the housing market, potential home buyers can still find plenty of selection, low prices and low interest rates. If you're thinking of buying a home, now might be the right time, but before you contact a real estate agent or apply for a mortgage, your top priority should be checking your credit report to see if your credit is in good shape. Credit - specifically misuse and misunderstanding of credit - spurred the housing crisis, many experts agree. The consequences have included tighter standards from lenders and the need for borrowers to better understand how to use credit wisely. Interest rates remain low and those with good credit will be better positioned to take advantage of the opportunities currently available in this unique housing market. A good credit report and score can open doors for you in the real estate world, and empower you to secure the best loan and terms possible before you ever tour a single house. Being preapproved for an affordable mortgage can help you move quickly to secure a deal when you find the home of your dreams. If you've already assessed your finances to determine how much mortgage you can afford, you're ready for the next step - making sure your credit is in top shape to help you get the best possible loan.
Understanding your score and what it means Lenders consider your credit score and your current credit report when deciding whether or not you're a good credit risk. Your credit score is a number generated by using statistical models that factor in elements from your credit report. The number can change when information on your credit report changes and it's calculated at the time a lender requests a copy of your credit report. Different lenders may use different scoring methods, so your score may vary from lender to lender.
DwellStudio for Target debuts four new bedding patterns and throw pillows.
Because credit scores are objective and are based on the information in your credit report, they are fairer than the old opinion-based ways of determining a person's risk level. Your score is a prediction of your likelihood to repay debt responsibly, based on your past credit history and current credit status.
Photo: DwellStudio for Target DwellStudio for Target Decorative Throw Pillows, $25 each, Target
Before you begin contacting potential lenders, check out your credit report, which can be accessed online at Web sites like FreeCreditReport.com. Know what's on your credit report Your credit report is the other major piece of information a lender will consider when deciding whether or not to give you a mortgage loan. Your credit report is basically a summary of your financial behavior, including how you've used credit in the past and how well you manage repaying debt. The information on your report comes from creditors, public records and other reliable sources, which report it to the credit bureaus through automated processes. Credit reports generally include personal data such as variations on your name, your driver's license number, Social Security number, birth date, current and past employers, and current and past addresses. You'll also find a listing of your credit accounts, when each account was opened and your payment history for each. If you've been involved in court action like bankruptcy or monetary judgments, this information will likely appear on your report as well.
The latest collection of DwellStudio for Target bedding hit stores on February 14th, and this batch of bedding is their best yet. The new designs feature a palette of blues, chocolate brown and pops of yellow. The designs are inspired by nature and far-flung destinations with names like 'Casablanca' and 'Algiers.' (Above: Mandala Shams and Quilts, $25 to $80, Target.)
Photo: DwellStudio for Target Casablanca Shams and Quilts, $25 to $80, Target.
Check out a sneak peek at all the new DwellStudio for Target designs:
Your report will also show past requests for your credit reports (inquiries) that might come from lenders, insurers, employers or stores. Too many inquiries on your report might make potential lenders think you are trying to overspend, so think carefully before applying for new credit; inquiries stay on your report for two years. Because your credit report changes every time you use credit, it pays to enroll in a credit monitoring product. Web sites like FreeCreditReport.com make it easy to track both your score over time and monitor your credit report, ensuring you know what's on your report before a potential lender looks at it. Buying a home is likely the largest investment you'll ever make - one that will impact your credit for many years to come. Before you jump into the process of applying for a loan to buy a home, it pays to understand credit, review your report and know your score. Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Photo: DwellStudio for Target Bird in Vine Shams and Quilts, $25 to $80, Target.
Photo: DwellStudio for Target Algiers Comforter Sets, $70 for full/queen, $80 for king, Target.
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EXPERT DECORATING TIPS decorating
10 Home decorating don'ts
While there are plenty of books and magazines that illustrate decorating styles that you can use in your home, there are also a few "decorating don'ts" that you should keep in mind when decorating and accessorizing your home. While you should feel free to express yourself creatively when decorating your home, by keeping these few guidelines in mind, you will avoid some of the pitfalls that can be detrimental to the overall effect of your decorating efforts.
DON'T CHOOSE YOUR PAINT COLOR FIRST There are an almost limitless number of paint colors available, and many paint stores will even custom-match a paint shade from any swatch of fabric or item that you can bring in. It's much more difficult to find a sofa that looks good with the paint color you have bought than to find a paint that looks good with the sofa fabric. Unless you are using a neutral wall color, choosing your paint color first will limit your options. DON'T NEGLECT YOUR ROOM'S NATURAL FOCAL POINT If you have a room that has a natural focal point in it, such as a fireplace or large picture window, enhance it instead of ignoring it. If you neglect to enhance the room's focal point, you will be missing out on the opportunity for a lot of design pizzazz. NOT EVERYTHING HAS TO MATCH "Cookie cutter" rooms where everything coordinates perfectly tend to be a little dull. Instead, work towards a color scheme for the room that includes a couple of coordinating accent colors, combined with a couple of neutral shades. Using this color scheme as a base, you can combine furniture of various styles and accessories that complement each other but do not match, as well as adding other styles to create an interesting eclectic look. DON'T PLACE ALL YOUR FURNITURE AGAINST THE WALLS Don't place all the furniture in a room directly against the walls unless you are really limited by the room's size or shape. Instead, create interesting groupings of furniture within the room, which will give a warm and more inviting look. DON'T CREATE DIFFICULT WALKWAYS Always design the layout of a room to create a good flow through the room, without creating awkward corners and obstacles. A clear walkway will make the room feel better designed. DON'T DISPLAY TOO MANY KNICKKNACKS While personal accessories and mementos can add a nice touch to a room, using too many small decorating items and knickknacks will simply make a room look and feel cluttered. Instead, display a few at a time, and create interesting collections of items as opposed to scattering items all over the room
DON'T ADD FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES THAT DON'T SERVE A PURPOSE Everything you use in decorating your room should be there for a reason, whether it's because it is useful or because you especially like it or find it attractive. Using fewer items in a room as opposed to more is often a more effective decorating approach. DON'T USE COLORS OR ITEMS THAT "CLASH" While eclectic decorating can be a fun and stylish way to accessorize a room, some colors and styles of items just do not look good together. Avoid using items together that are just plainly mismatched in an unattractive fashion. DON'T BUY FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES BASED SOLELY ON PRICE Don't always buy the cheapest of everything. In many cases, you would be better off to put off the purchase until you save up enough money to get a better quality item, especially if it is something that will be used a lot, such as a sofa. DON'T LET OTHERS DICTATE YOUR DECORATING STYLE Unless you live alone, you will undoubtedly need to coordinate your decorating preferences with at least one other person. However, never let somebody else totally sway you when making decorating decisions. Courtesy ARA Contnet
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lawn and garden
Expert tips for creating a beautiful landscape By Michelle Goff Landscaper Randy Thacker believes that when it comes to plants, less might be more. "You have all of these favorite plants and you want to put every plant you like around your house," notes Thacker, owner of Top Quality Landscaping. "You're better off using complimentary colors, shapes, textures and sizes and not overcrowding. You're probably not going to be able to put every plant you like around your house." Thacker, who has 30 years of landscaping experience, feels the same way about using lighting as accent or along walkways. "Don't overdo it," he advises. "You don't want an airport runway. Ten feet between every light is good, so instead of 15 lights, you have maybe seven or eight." Before opening Top Quality 25 years ago, Thacker worked at AmPat and his years as a landscaper has taught him to appreciate landscaping as an art form. the soil," Page says. "If it stands, the plant dies." "People need to think: 'How big are the flowers going to get? When are they going to bloom?'" he notes. "If you have perennials, they're going to bloom for a short period and you'll have some color in the spring, summer or fall. You have to know all of this and not overcrowd." Although Thacker considers an individual customer's need when deciding on a plan, he offers some general landscaping advice. • Limit yourself on annuals. "You have to water them every day. It's a lot of work," Thacker says. • Don't plant trees too close to the house or under power lines. "Keep in mind that the root of a tree will grow as big as the top of the foliage," he says. "The roots can get under the septic system and break up the driveway." • Don't mow the lawn too low. "If you mow too low, you'll brown your grass out," he says. Instead, Thacker advises to keep your grass around two inches high. • Plant in good soil. "People overlook what they're planting in," Thacker says. "You need a good mix of organic matter and top soil. Avoid planting in clay. It will dwarf your plants." John Page, who has owned Sunshine Grow Shop since 1992, agrees on the importance of soil as well as water. "The main thing is good drainage and that the water doesn't stand in
Page sells a variety of ornamental trees and shrubs at Sunshine Grow including Japanese maples, weeping cherries and magnolias. Although February usually represents a prime time for pruning, Page says, "It's a good time to prune now. Now's a good time for people to trim rose bushes back, too." He says March and April are good months to plant trees and adds, "Fall's a good time, too, but people don't take advantage of it. In the fall, they don't have to worry about watering or frost." Page also cautions folks to pay attention to the hardiness label when purchasing plants. "We're in zone six," he notes. Of course, there's more to landscaping than flowers and plants, and Thacker mentions water features as a popular trend. "Water features are easier to do than most people think," he says. "Most people think you have to do something large, but you can do something low cost." According to Thacker, a landscaper must keep a customer's lifestyle in mind when designing a yard, but he says homeowners should also consider this when sculpting their own lawns. "You need to continue to maintain the design," Thacker says. "If you don't, that's like buying a new car and never changing the oil."
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home maintenance
Checklist: Spring Maintenance Too many homeowners believe spring maintenance is all about the cleaning. Sure, spring cleaning comprises a big chunk of any spring home maintenance schedule, but maintenance aimed at various structures, appliances, and systems within the home is, arguably, just as important. Nearly all homeowners love to see spotless windows for that first sunny, 70-degree day, but you can't forget your roof and the possibility that ice dams formed over the winter. Indeed, just as much as that first spring day should provide an excuse to go for a hike or a picnic, it should also provide a reminder that your outdoor spring maintenance is waiting. Follow this spring maintenance checklist to ensure your home is in optimal condition for the rest of the year.
Spring Maintenance Checklist Gutters and downspouts: Pull leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. Reattach gutters that have pulled away from the house. Run a hose on the roof and check for proper drainage. If leaks exist, dry the area and use caulking or epoxy to seal the leak.
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3 Siding: Clean siding with a pressure washer to keep mold from growing. Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure. If wood is showing through, sand the immediate area and apply a primer coat before painting. If paint is peeling, scrape loose paint and sand smooth before painting. 3 Exterior caulking: Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating. Scrape out all of the eroding caulk and recaulk needed area. 3 Window sills, door sills, and thresholds: Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint or replace if necessary. 3 Window and door screens: Clean screening and check for holes. If holes are bigger than a quarter, that is plenty of room for bugs to climb in. Patch holes or replace the screen. Save bad screen to patch holes next year. Tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint. Replace broken, worn, or missing hardware. Wind can ruin screens and frames if they are allowed flap and move so make sure they are securely fastened. Tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers. 3
Drain waste and vent system: Flush out system.
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Hot water heater: Lubricate circulating pump and motor.
3 Evaporative air conditioner: Clean unit, check belt tension and adjust if needed. Replace cracked or worn belt. 3
masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration. If a significant number of bricks are losing their mortar, call a professional. If you can slide a nickle into a crack in your concrete floor, slab or foundation call a professional immediately.
3 Roof: Inspect roof surface flashing, eaves, and soffits. Check flashings around all surface projections and sidewalls. Deck and porches: Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose members and deterioration. Open decks and wood fences need to be treated every 4-6 years, depending on how much exposure they get to sun and rain. If the stain doesn't look like it should or water has turned some of the wood a dark grey, hire a professional to treat your deck and fence.
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3 Landscape: This is a natural for spring home maintenance. Cut back and trim all vegetation and overgrown bushes from structures. Limbs and leaves can cut into your home's paint and force you to have that side of the house repainted. A little trimming can save a lot of money and time.
Heat pump: Lubricate blower motor. Sprinklers: Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves, exposed lines, and improperly working sprinkler heads. If there is an
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Foundation: Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and
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How Can I Fix My Splintering Deck? Splintering decks are usually the result of one thing: homeowner neglect. Splintering decks don't happen unless a long period of time has passed during which the deck has not been treated with a water sealer and stain. The lack of protection allows water to soak into the boards, eventually causing them to splinter and crack. Fortunately, all is not lost. It might be hard to get that brand new look back completely, but you can repair decking that has been neglected by following a few simple steps. Bleaching Splintering Decks Your first order of business is the easiest. Mix up a solution of half bleach, half water, and spray down your entire decking. If you see areas of deck mold (not unlikely if it's been a while since your deck's been treated), hit those especially hard and work at them with a scrub brush until the mold has been removed. Finally, wait for the deck to dry before moving on to the next step. The bleach does two things: it kills deck mold and mildew, and it bleaches the wood to a uniform color, preparing it for taking the deck treatment. If you treat a deck that's at the point of splintering without applying bleach, you'll end up with dark, unattractive decking, instead of bringing out the natural wood look you're trying to recover. Sand It Down Once the bleach solution has dried off the deck (it's a good idea to give it about 24 hours, just to be sure), you can move on to sanding. Since splintering decks mean lots of painful slivers for bare feet, it's important that you sand down your deck so that you're once again working with a smooth surface. Renting a large floor sander will certainly speed up the job, though the railings, banisters, and steps will probably need to be done with a hand sander or with sandpaper in hard to reach places. Finally, rent a power washer and clean off the deck. It's going to be covered in a fine layer of dust from the sanding, and you'll need to get rid of that if you want your sealer to take properly. Treat the Deck Once the deck has dried out a second time, you're ready to treat the deck. Using a power sprayer drastically reduces the time it takes to treat a deck, though it can be done with paint rollers and brushes if you've got the patience. Just be sure to watch out for drips and runs, and to brush them up quickly. Taking care of them immediately is pretty simple. Waiting until after the deck is dry to try to get rid of them is almost impossible. Finally, remember to treat your deck on a regular basis (at least every few years). It's the only sure-fire way to prevent problems like splintering decks, cracking, rot, and deck mold. Hiring Contractors to Fix Splintering Decks While it is possible to repair decking yourself, it's a time consuming and laborious job, especially if you don't have the tools. A decking contractor is experienced enough to repair decking of all sorts, and has the supplies and know how to get it done right in a fraction of the time. For many homeowners, hiring them is well worth the extra cost.
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Spring-Cleaning Checklist The tips below outline basic techniques that will help you clean almost every thing in any room. There are few rites of spring more satisfying than the annual clean. For many people, however, the pleasure comes only after the work is finished. Your spring cleaning may never become effortless, but you can make the project more manageable -- and even enjoyable.
All Around the House • Wipe walls and ceilings Use a vacuum to remove dust. Tackle stubborn surface grime, especially prevalent in kitchens, with a solvent-free degreaser (test it first in an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t mar the surface). • Dust your home thoroughly This includes hard-to-reach places, such as the tops of ceiling fans and window casings. Always work from the top of a room down, vacuuming the dust that settles on the floor. Avoid using dusting sprays. • Vacuum and shampoo rugs Synthetic carpets and rugs with waterproof backings can be deep-cleaned with a rotary shampoo machine and a hot-water extraction machine. Rugs without backings, including Orientals, require professional cleaning. • Clean upholstered furnishings Take cushions outside and gently beat them by hand to remove dust. If there are stains, check the pieces for care labels. Use a vacuum’s upholstery and crevice tools to clean under seat cushions. • Polish metal door and window hardware Liquid polishes and polish-impregnated cloths work well for medium-tarnished surfaces; pastes and creams are for heavier work. If tarnish doesn’t come off, try a stronger product. • Reseal grout lines The cement-based material between wall, floor, and countertop tiles is extremely porous and stains easily. Protect it with a penetrating grout sealer; it’s best to apply it with a small foam brush. • Wax Wooden Furniture Wipe surfaces with a soft cloth dampened with water and mild dishwashing liquid. Apply paste wax, such as Butcher’s wax, a few feet at a time with a cotton rag folded into a square pad. Let wax dry; buff with a clean cloth. • Ensure fire safety Change batteries in smoke detectors (this should be done twice a year), and make sure units are free of dust. Teach everyone in your household how to use a fire extinguisher, and review escape plans. • Clean window treatments Many draperies and curtains are machine washable; check labels. Dry-clean fabric shades. Wipe wooden blinds with a damp cloth; warm water mixed with a mild dishwashing liquid is safe for metal and vinyl blinds. • Wax nonwood floors Vinyl and linoleum floors that have lost their shine should be waxed with a polish designed for these surfaces. Most stone and tile floors can be treated with either a paste or a liquid wax designed for the material. • Wash window screens Using warm water and a mild dishwashing liquid, scrub each screen with a brush; rinse thoroughly.
Room By Room KITCHEN • Dust refrigerator coils Turn off power at circuit breaker or fuse box. Coils are usually at the bottom of the refrigerator, under the grill. Clean coils with the crevice attachment of a vacuum or a specialty refrigerator-coil brush, available at hardware stores. • Defrost the freezer Turn off power at circuit breaker or fuse box. Empty freezer’s contents; wipe interior with a solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda per 1 quart hot water. LIVING ROOM • Swap heavy curtains, rugs, and throws For lightweight ones Clean items first. To store, roll material around an acid-free tube; wrap in a clean sheet of cotton, muslin, or polyethylene; secure with twill tape, and label each bundle so you’ll know which is which. BEDROOMS • Rotate bed and change blankets Turn over your mattress to distribute the wear evenly. Replace cool-weather bedding with warm-weather bedding. • Clean Pillows Whether made of natural fibers (such as down) or synthetic (often polyester), most pillows can be machine-washed. This rids them of mold, bacteria, and odors.
BATHROOMS • Discard expired cosmetics and beauty products Secure these items in a plastic trash bag, and keep it out of reach of children and animals. • Update First-aid Kit In addition to bandages and ointments, the kit should include a list of emergency numbers, especially the one for your nearest poisoncontrol center. HOME OFFICE • Organize files Review insurance policies, contracts, and household inventories. • Clean Computers Scrub casings with a solution of 1 drop mild dishwashing liquid per 1 quart of water and a lint-free cloth; dust crevices in keyboards with cotton swabs; wipe screens with a soft cloth or a dry screen-cleaning sponge. CLOSETS • Replace cool weather clothing with warm-weather clothing Wash or dryclean garments before storing them in a zippered sweater or blanket bag. • Donate apparel you no longer use Many charities are happy to accept old clothing and may send a truck to pick it up. They may also provide receipts for tax purpose. UTILITY SPACES • Clean attic and basement, giving away or discarding unwanted items Divide whatever is left into two zones: one for things you’ll need to retrieve in the next six months, such as clothes, and the other for objects that may be there for years, such as furniture. • Protect objects in basement use concrete blocks to keep storage boxes off the ground. Place washer and dryer on elevated pedestals (made by the appliances’ manufacturers) to prevent electrical shock during flooding. OUTDOOR SPACES • Clean porch ceilings and walls Sweep up cobwebs and debris with a corn broom, and wash walls with a solution of all-purpose cleaner and water using a polyester sponge. • Scrub decks, patios, driveways, and walkways Treat mildew spots with a solution of 1 part oxygen bleach to 3 parts water using a deck brush. • Wash outdoor Furniture Most materials, including aluminum, plastic, wood, and wicker, can handle a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and water and a soft-bristle brush. • Inspect light fixtures Wash covers, and check for damaged wires and connections.
Eight Steps to Perfectly Clean Windows 1. Schedule the project Choose a time when the sun is not shining directly on windows. Its hot rays can cause the cleaning solution to dry, which will result in streaks. 2. Clean the surface With a soft-bristle brush, dust away cobwebs and loose dirt from windows and frames. Don’t forget hinges, sills, and tracks. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands, especially if the frames are old and splintery. 3. Make the cleaning solution Mix 1 part white vinegar and 1 part hot water. 4. Prevent a mess Before cleaning the inside of each window, place an absorbent terry-cloth towel along the windowsill to catch drips. 5. Wet the glass Using a sponge, wet (but don’t drench) the windowpane with the vinegar-and-water solution, and rub away the dirt. As much as possible, keep the solution from coming into contact with the window frames. 6. Prime a squeegee Wet the rubber blade; a dry one will skip. 7. Wipe the glass Starting at an upper corner of the pane, draw the squeegee down in a straight, confident stroke. Wipe the rubber edge of the squeegee with a sponge or a lint-free cloth. Return to the top and repeat, slightly overlapping the first stroke.Finish by pulling the squeegee across the bottom of the window. Dry the sill. 8. Clean the frames Wipe surfaces using a cloth dampened with a nonammoniated all-purpose cleaner and water. Rinse them thoroughly with a clean, damp cloth to remove cleaning solution, and dry immediately by wiping with a clean, dry cloth.
Everything Home/Spring 2010 | 15
home improvement
Small Bathroom Design Make the most of that small bath with these stretching stragegies.
If It's Not Leaking, Why Does My Roof Need to Be Replaced? A leaking roof is the most obvious sign that it's time to replace your roof, but it's hardly the only one. Many of these signs will eventually lead to a leaking roof, but identifying these problems early enough can prevent water damage and save you money for your roof replacement project. Sometimes this early intervention can also be the difference between repairing your roof and replacing your roof. You should consider part of this decision, however, the age of the roof, otherwise you may find roof repair a constant burden. Signs of an Impending Leaking Roof Missing or torn shingles expose the roof to water damage and rot, and make nearby shingles more susceptible to being blown away. Old shingles will curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. These weakened shingles are more likely to be blown away by wind gusts. Rusted or missing flashing can result in a leaking roof. Flashing is the metal that surrounds chimneys, skylights and vent pipes and often is found in the valleys where roof sections meet. Check gutters, downspouts and splash pans for evidence of decay or damage. Broken pieces of paint and scraps of roofing may be visible. Indoors, look for discolored plasterboard or cracked paint and peeling wallpaper. Replace a Roof without Removing the Roof You have two main roof replacement options: You can either remove the old roof or put a new roof down on top of the old one. Putting a
A
new roof down on top of the old one is almost always cheaper but often doesn't last as long—a typical situation where you get what you pay for. However, some considerations can make one choice better than the other. If you have more than two roofing layers already present, your roof can get heavy, cumbersome, and the sub-layers may end up rotting through to the point where your new roof is no longer stable. This is one of the reasons why repairing and replacing roofs are a frequent source of home improvement failure. You need to find a quality roofing contractor—this is a difficult enough task on its own—but you should also ask to see your roofing layers before you make a decision. Removing and Replacing the Roof If you need to remove and replace your roof, make sure to do it right. If you don't have the budget to do it on your own, consider financing the project through home equity. Some homeowners even decide to cheaply repair a roof with the knowledge the repair won't last more than 10 years. By that time, their house has appreciated enough to be able to finance the project. Once the old roof has been removed, there's a good chance the roof deck will need to be repaired if it has settled or shows sign of rot. You'll also want to review the slope of your roof to ensure you're receiving optimal drainage. All of these considerations are paramount to getting the most out of your new roof. A high quality roofing material and proper installation should give you a new roof that will last half a century.
large enough so you-and all your family members-can comfortably raise your arms when washing hair or bend over to pick something up.
small bathroom must contain all the elements of
a large bath in less space. That's why planning a new one or remodeling your existing one is so challenging. You have to think about function, appearance, fixtures and storage, along with how much room you have—and how much you can afford to spend on the project.
Once you've determined how much space you have, there are a wealth of ways to make it look bigger. For example, use a pocket, rather than a hinged, door. Choose as large a mirror as possible (use only one; more than one confuses the eye). And go with light-colored finish materials. Clear-glass shower doors stretch space visually, and you can unify the bath by using one finish for all trim and hardware.
When every inch counts, you might want to consider getting professional design help at a kitchen and bath dealer or from the design staff at a home center or plumbing distributor. Also contact the National Kitchen & Bath Association for a copy of “41 Guidelines of Bathroom Planning.” Then check your plans against the guidelines to be sure your bath looks and functions its best. We've distilled the NKBA guidelines to get you started.
Storage space usually is at a premium in small baths, so consider recessing an 8-in.-deep bath cabinet above the vanity. Install the vanity at a comfortable height—36 in. off the floor for most adults, 43 in. if you're taller than average. Select a vanity with drawers or bins, or add organizers for toiletries and cleaning supplies to a unit that comes unequipped with these items.
Stretching Strategies To create a powder room, you'll need at least 16 sq. ft.; a full bath requires a minimum of 36 to 40 sq. ft. The finished room must measure at least 5 ft. in one direction to accommodate a tub. Building codes typically require 32x32 in. (finished dimensions) for a shower; if you have the space, larger is better. Just make sure the shower is
Finally, avoid pedestal sinks in a small, full bath. They look great but are impractical because they don't provide storage. Save them for powder rooms where storage isn't as crucial. If you must use a pedestal sink, include open shelves or a tile-lined niche behind or adjacent to it. Or consider using cabinetry 16 or 18 in. deep instead of the usual 21 in. A small-scale pedestal lav, available from every major plumbing manufacturer, is another viable option worth considering.
16 | Everything Home/Spring 2010
Everything Home/Spring 2010 | 21
exterior maintenance
Roofs now can take on an artistic look (ARA) - Some things get better with age - wine, cheese, cars. Building supplies don't usually fall into that category. So, if your house is looking a little shabby, try giving it a facelift by updating one of the largest exterior surfaces - your roof.
Keeping it Affordable How much will a small-bath remodel cost? That depends on structural changes and the price of the components. The NKBA's annual “Trends Survey� of certified kitchen and bath designers puts the cost of the average bathroom re-model done by its members at about $9,000. You can cut that figure by more than half by shopping at a home center and doing the work yourself. On the other hand, it's easy to exceed that amount by picking high-end components. Another important factor in the final tally is the cost of labor. Because all the major building trades are involved in a bathroom remodel, sprucing up even a small bath tends to be expensive if you hire out all the work.
Just like faces, roofs can look worse for wear after years of exposure to the elements, so give it a makeover by focusing on one or all of the following - texture, shape and color.
product ideas
"This isn't your grandmother's roofing anymore," says Stephen McNally, vice president of sales and marketing at TAMKO Building Products, Inc., one of the largest shingle manufacturers in the United States "People are getting creative with their roofing. It's not just utilitarian anymore. People are seeing it as a palette - one of the first things visitors notice about the house." Texture One of the biggest ways to change the texture of your roof is by using an alternative shingle material. Asphalt shingles are still the most popular roofing material in the U.S., but laminate, composite and metal shingles enjoy a growing following as the alternative materials can dramatically change the appearance of a house. A growing trend in roofing currently is the proliferation of metal shingles. The shingles are known for their appearance, durability and ability to reduce energy consumption by reflecting the sun's rays rather than absorbing them. These shingles come in a variety of styles to look like wood shakes, stone slate or clay tile. Depending on the style, a new metal roof can make a house look traditional or contemporary with a distinctive finish. Slate stone and real wood offer an organic quality to a roof that homeowners have been shelling out big bucks for. But now, that look is available to the general public at a fraction of the cost through composite shingles. Call it a discounted facelift. For example, TAMKO's Lamarite brand composite shingles cost about one-third what slate tiles do. The composite shingles are made from colorized mineral filled polymer and are molded to mimic the texture of stone slate tiles. They are also designed with markings to allow different exposures which result in an attractively random, staggered pattern on the roof. Even asphalt shingles have come a long way from your grandmother's roof. New laminated asphalt shingles come in a variety of shapes and colors, many simulating a wooden shake look. The shape of a sheet of shingles can mean the difference between graceful shadow lines on your home or an unsightly zipper pattern common with some styles of 20 | Everything Home/Spring 2010
Kraus Clear Glass Vessel Sink and Waterfall Faucet Chrome Combo $219.95 at Overstock.com roofing. Some laminated asphalt shingle styles create a vintage look through randomly cut patterns on each sheet or an extended length sheet and wider cut tab like TAMKO's Heritage Vintage and Heritage XL laminated shingles. The result is a sleek look that still feels cozy and warm.
Small Bathroom Tips Color While black is the traditional color of asphalt shingles, roofing has branched out and is a lot more colorful these days. TAMKO offers dozens of different colors in several shingle varieties, including Harvest Gold, Forest Green and Olde English Pewter. Metal roof colors tend to be more dramatic than asphalt shingles with such shades as sequoia red and Vermont blue. Not only are many of these metal roofs made in "cool" colors to reduce energy use, but the MetalWorks line of shingles is made from 50 percent recycled steel and are 100 percent recyclable.
ALBION DOUBLE SCONCE $59.99 www.restorationhardware.com
Additional Lighting Fixtures Consider adding additional light fixtures or using higher wattage bulbs, as appropriate. By making the bathroom brighter and more inviting, it seems that the space has opened up and the walls are farther apart.
Some homeowners pair a new roof color with siding or shutters to create a continuous color pallette. Others choose to go in a different direction and pick a contrasting color to set the roof apart. Into muted colors? Just as a light beige paint can add warmth to a once-all-white room, changing your roof from the traditional black to another neutral, such as a series of brown or gray shades can add character to one of the largest surfaces of your home.
Classic Fixtures When selecting fixtures for your bathroom, keep in mind they are going into a small space. Choose simple designs made from smooth surfaces, such as ceramic and marble, and opt for light, neutral tones.
Canopy Curved Hotel Shower Rod, Chrome. $36.96 walmart.com
Limit Items in Bathroom Items such as storage shelves, hampers, and decorative items all take up valuable space in a small bathroom and the bathroom will appear much larger if these items are
removed and the things that they hold are stored somewhere else. Adding Mirrors Placing additional mirrors in the bathroom will help to capture all of the available light and reflect it back into the room to make it brighter. Adding extra mirrors to the room will also add depth to the room, as the mirrors reflect each other and make the walls appear farther away. De-Clutter Instead of storing all of your beauty items on the counter, place them in a cabinet or in the medicine chest when not in use. The more items are visible in a small bathroom, the more cramped the space will look and feel.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Everything Home/Spring 2010 | 17
home improvement
COOKING:
COUNTERTOP OPTIONS AND AFFORDABILITY
In order to get the most out of the countertops that you select, consider the following questions first. Do you cook every day? Do you cook once in a while when you cannot avoid it? Are you the type of chef who likes to place hot pots on the countertop without the benefit of a hot plate or thermal barrier? Do you use a lot of heavy duty cookware that may scratch unprotected surfaces?
Even if you have a limited budget, you can still have attractive kitchen countertops. Modern technology has advanced to such a degree that there are a wealth of affordable options. However, for the least expensive selections, you may want to consider butcher block, tile or laminated surfaces. Laminate you say? Really -- today's Formica is more durable than that material of yesteryear, and is available in a wide range of colors, patterns and finishes. You might be surprised!
You will need to take all of these things into account when selecting the type of countertop that you want for your Manufactu red Stone kitchen. For example, engineered stone and granite provide excellent scratch-and heat-resistant surfaces.
One of the newest countertop materials out there is made out of paper (combined with resin and then baked). Richlite is a solid surface (the same material runs all the way through) and is heat resistant up to 350 degrees F. It's also considered environmentally-friendly, as the raw material used in its manufacture is derived from renewable or recycled resources. The end result is a tough surface that isn't cold like stone or other solid-surface materials.
BAKING: If you are a baker, then you may want to consider some of the above considerations as well. Do you need a surface that can resist the heat of tray after tray of deliciously warm cookies? Perhaps you will also need a stain-resistant countertop for all of the food colorings that you might be using in your food decorating endeavors. Consider manufactured stone or stainless steel surfaces, both of which provide excellent heat and stain resistance. Marble is a favorite surface for rolling dough, but is prone to staining, cracking and chipping. If this is something you'd really like in your kitchen, perhaps you could have a special section of that kind of countertop embedded in another material.
So with everything from natural products (limestone, granite, marble) to those that have been manufactured (concrete, stainless steel, engineered stone), your options are plentiful. Or mix and match! You can even hire a professional contractor for a special custom design for the countertops themselves or a backsplash behind the stove.
RichliteŠ
ENTERTAINING:
Counter Intelligence Did you know when you go to sell your home, you may be able to recoup upwards of 80 percent of the cost of a major kitchen remodel? That's not to mention the fact that well-done improvements increases your home's curb appeal, making it more likely to sell -- and sell quickly. But, best of all, gorgeous kitchen countertops can transform the room from "just a place to cook" into a wonderful place to live.When choosing what countertops to put on top of your kitchen cabinetry, there are many things to consider. Here's where you can begin: 18 | Everything Home/Spring 2010
If you entertain a lot, then you should consider durability along with visual and aesthetic appeal. Entertaining your guests necessitates a lot of wear and tear on the kitchen countertops in most cases -in fact, not everyone will be as careful of your countertops as you will be. Here are a few things to consider:
DECORATIVE PURPOSES:
Stainless If your kitchen is more of a gathering place and less of a central cooking or baking station, then you may place more emphasis on the decorative aspect of your countertops. You may be more concerned with issues seam visibility more than those of, say, heat resistance. If that is the case, then you may want to consider any of the following all of which provide excellent lack of seam visibility: engineered stone, stainless steel, butcher block or laminated surfaces.
MAINTENANCE ISSUES Engineered stone, stainless steel and granite are probably the easiest surfaces in terms of upkeep. They are extremely durable, provide both heat and scratch resistance, and are relatively stain-resistant. Marble, however, is more porous than granite and, as such, is pretty high-maintenance. Even when sealed, it is easily stained by tomato sauce, coffee and wine, is prone to scratching, while hot pans may cause scorch marks. With regular use, it is also susceptible to cracks and chips.
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS If you are concerned with the amount of time needed to complete the job, laminate, engineered stone for resurfacing, butcher block, and tile offer the shortest installation times in most situations. Other variables may come into play such as availability of materials and unforeseen complications. Countertops are a major purchase for any home, and make a difference to both your enjoyment of the kitchen and your home's resale value. Be sure to remember that when it comes to home improvement (among many other things in life), there is no one size fits all. Take the time to find the perfect combination of decorative and functional.
Everything Home/Spring 2010 | 19
home improvement
COOKING:
COUNTERTOP OPTIONS AND AFFORDABILITY
In order to get the most out of the countertops that you select, consider the following questions first. Do you cook every day? Do you cook once in a while when you cannot avoid it? Are you the type of chef who likes to place hot pots on the countertop without the benefit of a hot plate or thermal barrier? Do you use a lot of heavy duty cookware that may scratch unprotected surfaces?
Even if you have a limited budget, you can still have attractive kitchen countertops. Modern technology has advanced to such a degree that there are a wealth of affordable options. However, for the least expensive selections, you may want to consider butcher block, tile or laminated surfaces. Laminate you say? Really -- today's Formica is more durable than that material of yesteryear, and is available in a wide range of colors, patterns and finishes. You might be surprised!
You will need to take all of these things into account when selecting the type of countertop that you want for your Manufactu red Stone kitchen. For example, engineered stone and granite provide excellent scratch-and heat-resistant surfaces.
One of the newest countertop materials out there is made out of paper (combined with resin and then baked). Richlite is a solid surface (the same material runs all the way through) and is heat resistant up to 350 degrees F. It's also considered environmentally-friendly, as the raw material used in its manufacture is derived from renewable or recycled resources. The end result is a tough surface that isn't cold like stone or other solid-surface materials.
BAKING: If you are a baker, then you may want to consider some of the above considerations as well. Do you need a surface that can resist the heat of tray after tray of deliciously warm cookies? Perhaps you will also need a stain-resistant countertop for all of the food colorings that you might be using in your food decorating endeavors. Consider manufactured stone or stainless steel surfaces, both of which provide excellent heat and stain resistance. Marble is a favorite surface for rolling dough, but is prone to staining, cracking and chipping. If this is something you'd really like in your kitchen, perhaps you could have a special section of that kind of countertop embedded in another material.
So with everything from natural products (limestone, granite, marble) to those that have been manufactured (concrete, stainless steel, engineered stone), your options are plentiful. Or mix and match! You can even hire a professional contractor for a special custom design for the countertops themselves or a backsplash behind the stove.
RichliteŠ
ENTERTAINING:
Counter Intelligence Did you know when you go to sell your home, you may be able to recoup upwards of 80 percent of the cost of a major kitchen remodel? That's not to mention the fact that well-done improvements increases your home's curb appeal, making it more likely to sell -- and sell quickly. But, best of all, gorgeous kitchen countertops can transform the room from "just a place to cook" into a wonderful place to live.When choosing what countertops to put on top of your kitchen cabinetry, there are many things to consider. Here's where you can begin: 18 | Everything Home/Spring 2010
If you entertain a lot, then you should consider durability along with visual and aesthetic appeal. Entertaining your guests necessitates a lot of wear and tear on the kitchen countertops in most cases -in fact, not everyone will be as careful of your countertops as you will be. Here are a few things to consider:
DECORATIVE PURPOSES:
Stainless If your kitchen is more of a gathering place and less of a central cooking or baking station, then you may place more emphasis on the decorative aspect of your countertops. You may be more concerned with issues seam visibility more than those of, say, heat resistance. If that is the case, then you may want to consider any of the following all of which provide excellent lack of seam visibility: engineered stone, stainless steel, butcher block or laminated surfaces.
MAINTENANCE ISSUES Engineered stone, stainless steel and granite are probably the easiest surfaces in terms of upkeep. They are extremely durable, provide both heat and scratch resistance, and are relatively stain-resistant. Marble, however, is more porous than granite and, as such, is pretty high-maintenance. Even when sealed, it is easily stained by tomato sauce, coffee and wine, is prone to scratching, while hot pans may cause scorch marks. With regular use, it is also susceptible to cracks and chips.
INSTALLATION CONSIDERATIONS If you are concerned with the amount of time needed to complete the job, laminate, engineered stone for resurfacing, butcher block, and tile offer the shortest installation times in most situations. Other variables may come into play such as availability of materials and unforeseen complications. Countertops are a major purchase for any home, and make a difference to both your enjoyment of the kitchen and your home's resale value. Be sure to remember that when it comes to home improvement (among many other things in life), there is no one size fits all. Take the time to find the perfect combination of decorative and functional.
Everything Home/Spring 2010 | 19
exterior maintenance
Roofs now can take on an artistic look (ARA) - Some things get better with age - wine, cheese, cars. Building supplies don't usually fall into that category. So, if your house is looking a little shabby, try giving it a facelift by updating one of the largest exterior surfaces - your roof.
Keeping it Affordable How much will a small-bath remodel cost? That depends on structural changes and the price of the components. The NKBA's annual “Trends Survey� of certified kitchen and bath designers puts the cost of the average bathroom re-model done by its members at about $9,000. You can cut that figure by more than half by shopping at a home center and doing the work yourself. On the other hand, it's easy to exceed that amount by picking high-end components. Another important factor in the final tally is the cost of labor. Because all the major building trades are involved in a bathroom remodel, sprucing up even a small bath tends to be expensive if you hire out all the work.
Just like faces, roofs can look worse for wear after years of exposure to the elements, so give it a makeover by focusing on one or all of the following - texture, shape and color.
product ideas
"This isn't your grandmother's roofing anymore," says Stephen McNally, vice president of sales and marketing at TAMKO Building Products, Inc., one of the largest shingle manufacturers in the United States "People are getting creative with their roofing. It's not just utilitarian anymore. People are seeing it as a palette - one of the first things visitors notice about the house." Texture One of the biggest ways to change the texture of your roof is by using an alternative shingle material. Asphalt shingles are still the most popular roofing material in the U.S., but laminate, composite and metal shingles enjoy a growing following as the alternative materials can dramatically change the appearance of a house. A growing trend in roofing currently is the proliferation of metal shingles. The shingles are known for their appearance, durability and ability to reduce energy consumption by reflecting the sun's rays rather than absorbing them. These shingles come in a variety of styles to look like wood shakes, stone slate or clay tile. Depending on the style, a new metal roof can make a house look traditional or contemporary with a distinctive finish. Slate stone and real wood offer an organic quality to a roof that homeowners have been shelling out big bucks for. But now, that look is available to the general public at a fraction of the cost through composite shingles. Call it a discounted facelift. For example, TAMKO's Lamarite brand composite shingles cost about one-third what slate tiles do. The composite shingles are made from colorized mineral filled polymer and are molded to mimic the texture of stone slate tiles. They are also designed with markings to allow different exposures which result in an attractively random, staggered pattern on the roof. Even asphalt shingles have come a long way from your grandmother's roof. New laminated asphalt shingles come in a variety of shapes and colors, many simulating a wooden shake look. The shape of a sheet of shingles can mean the difference between graceful shadow lines on your home or an unsightly zipper pattern common with some styles of 20 | Everything Home/Spring 2010
Kraus Clear Glass Vessel Sink and Waterfall Faucet Chrome Combo $219.95 at Overstock.com roofing. Some laminated asphalt shingle styles create a vintage look through randomly cut patterns on each sheet or an extended length sheet and wider cut tab like TAMKO's Heritage Vintage and Heritage XL laminated shingles. The result is a sleek look that still feels cozy and warm.
Small Bathroom Tips Color While black is the traditional color of asphalt shingles, roofing has branched out and is a lot more colorful these days. TAMKO offers dozens of different colors in several shingle varieties, including Harvest Gold, Forest Green and Olde English Pewter. Metal roof colors tend to be more dramatic than asphalt shingles with such shades as sequoia red and Vermont blue. Not only are many of these metal roofs made in "cool" colors to reduce energy use, but the MetalWorks line of shingles is made from 50 percent recycled steel and are 100 percent recyclable.
ALBION DOUBLE SCONCE $59.99 www.restorationhardware.com
Additional Lighting Fixtures Consider adding additional light fixtures or using higher wattage bulbs, as appropriate. By making the bathroom brighter and more inviting, it seems that the space has opened up and the walls are farther apart.
Some homeowners pair a new roof color with siding or shutters to create a continuous color pallette. Others choose to go in a different direction and pick a contrasting color to set the roof apart. Into muted colors? Just as a light beige paint can add warmth to a once-all-white room, changing your roof from the traditional black to another neutral, such as a series of brown or gray shades can add character to one of the largest surfaces of your home.
Classic Fixtures When selecting fixtures for your bathroom, keep in mind they are going into a small space. Choose simple designs made from smooth surfaces, such as ceramic and marble, and opt for light, neutral tones.
Canopy Curved Hotel Shower Rod, Chrome. $36.96 walmart.com
Limit Items in Bathroom Items such as storage shelves, hampers, and decorative items all take up valuable space in a small bathroom and the bathroom will appear much larger if these items are
removed and the things that they hold are stored somewhere else. Adding Mirrors Placing additional mirrors in the bathroom will help to capture all of the available light and reflect it back into the room to make it brighter. Adding extra mirrors to the room will also add depth to the room, as the mirrors reflect each other and make the walls appear farther away. De-Clutter Instead of storing all of your beauty items on the counter, place them in a cabinet or in the medicine chest when not in use. The more items are visible in a small bathroom, the more cramped the space will look and feel.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Everything Home/Spring 2010 | 17
home improvement
Small Bathroom Design Make the most of that small bath with these stretching stragegies.
If It's Not Leaking, Why Does My Roof Need to Be Replaced? A leaking roof is the most obvious sign that it's time to replace your roof, but it's hardly the only one. Many of these signs will eventually lead to a leaking roof, but identifying these problems early enough can prevent water damage and save you money for your roof replacement project. Sometimes this early intervention can also be the difference between repairing your roof and replacing your roof. You should consider part of this decision, however, the age of the roof, otherwise you may find roof repair a constant burden. Signs of an Impending Leaking Roof Missing or torn shingles expose the roof to water damage and rot, and make nearby shingles more susceptible to being blown away. Old shingles will curl, split and lose their waterproofing effectiveness. These weakened shingles are more likely to be blown away by wind gusts. Rusted or missing flashing can result in a leaking roof. Flashing is the metal that surrounds chimneys, skylights and vent pipes and often is found in the valleys where roof sections meet. Check gutters, downspouts and splash pans for evidence of decay or damage. Broken pieces of paint and scraps of roofing may be visible. Indoors, look for discolored plasterboard or cracked paint and peeling wallpaper. Replace a Roof without Removing the Roof You have two main roof replacement options: You can either remove the old roof or put a new roof down on top of the old one. Putting a
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new roof down on top of the old one is almost always cheaper but often doesn't last as long—a typical situation where you get what you pay for. However, some considerations can make one choice better than the other. If you have more than two roofing layers already present, your roof can get heavy, cumbersome, and the sub-layers may end up rotting through to the point where your new roof is no longer stable. This is one of the reasons why repairing and replacing roofs are a frequent source of home improvement failure. You need to find a quality roofing contractor—this is a difficult enough task on its own—but you should also ask to see your roofing layers before you make a decision. Removing and Replacing the Roof If you need to remove and replace your roof, make sure to do it right. If you don't have the budget to do it on your own, consider financing the project through home equity. Some homeowners even decide to cheaply repair a roof with the knowledge the repair won't last more than 10 years. By that time, their house has appreciated enough to be able to finance the project. Once the old roof has been removed, there's a good chance the roof deck will need to be repaired if it has settled or shows sign of rot. You'll also want to review the slope of your roof to ensure you're receiving optimal drainage. All of these considerations are paramount to getting the most out of your new roof. A high quality roofing material and proper installation should give you a new roof that will last half a century.
large enough so you-and all your family members-can comfortably raise your arms when washing hair or bend over to pick something up.
small bathroom must contain all the elements of
a large bath in less space. That's why planning a new one or remodeling your existing one is so challenging. You have to think about function, appearance, fixtures and storage, along with how much room you have—and how much you can afford to spend on the project.
Once you've determined how much space you have, there are a wealth of ways to make it look bigger. For example, use a pocket, rather than a hinged, door. Choose as large a mirror as possible (use only one; more than one confuses the eye). And go with light-colored finish materials. Clear-glass shower doors stretch space visually, and you can unify the bath by using one finish for all trim and hardware.
When every inch counts, you might want to consider getting professional design help at a kitchen and bath dealer or from the design staff at a home center or plumbing distributor. Also contact the National Kitchen & Bath Association for a copy of “41 Guidelines of Bathroom Planning.” Then check your plans against the guidelines to be sure your bath looks and functions its best. We've distilled the NKBA guidelines to get you started.
Storage space usually is at a premium in small baths, so consider recessing an 8-in.-deep bath cabinet above the vanity. Install the vanity at a comfortable height—36 in. off the floor for most adults, 43 in. if you're taller than average. Select a vanity with drawers or bins, or add organizers for toiletries and cleaning supplies to a unit that comes unequipped with these items.
Stretching Strategies To create a powder room, you'll need at least 16 sq. ft.; a full bath requires a minimum of 36 to 40 sq. ft. The finished room must measure at least 5 ft. in one direction to accommodate a tub. Building codes typically require 32x32 in. (finished dimensions) for a shower; if you have the space, larger is better. Just make sure the shower is
Finally, avoid pedestal sinks in a small, full bath. They look great but are impractical because they don't provide storage. Save them for powder rooms where storage isn't as crucial. If you must use a pedestal sink, include open shelves or a tile-lined niche behind or adjacent to it. Or consider using cabinetry 16 or 18 in. deep instead of the usual 21 in. A small-scale pedestal lav, available from every major plumbing manufacturer, is another viable option worth considering.
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How Can I Fix My Splintering Deck? Splintering decks are usually the result of one thing: homeowner neglect. Splintering decks don't happen unless a long period of time has passed during which the deck has not been treated with a water sealer and stain. The lack of protection allows water to soak into the boards, eventually causing them to splinter and crack. Fortunately, all is not lost. It might be hard to get that brand new look back completely, but you can repair decking that has been neglected by following a few simple steps. Bleaching Splintering Decks Your first order of business is the easiest. Mix up a solution of half bleach, half water, and spray down your entire decking. If you see areas of deck mold (not unlikely if it's been a while since your deck's been treated), hit those especially hard and work at them with a scrub brush until the mold has been removed. Finally, wait for the deck to dry before moving on to the next step. The bleach does two things: it kills deck mold and mildew, and it bleaches the wood to a uniform color, preparing it for taking the deck treatment. If you treat a deck that's at the point of splintering without applying bleach, you'll end up with dark, unattractive decking, instead of bringing out the natural wood look you're trying to recover. Sand It Down Once the bleach solution has dried off the deck (it's a good idea to give it about 24 hours, just to be sure), you can move on to sanding. Since splintering decks mean lots of painful slivers for bare feet, it's important that you sand down your deck so that you're once again working with a smooth surface. Renting a large floor sander will certainly speed up the job, though the railings, banisters, and steps will probably need to be done with a hand sander or with sandpaper in hard to reach places. Finally, rent a power washer and clean off the deck. It's going to be covered in a fine layer of dust from the sanding, and you'll need to get rid of that if you want your sealer to take properly. Treat the Deck Once the deck has dried out a second time, you're ready to treat the deck. Using a power sprayer drastically reduces the time it takes to treat a deck, though it can be done with paint rollers and brushes if you've got the patience. Just be sure to watch out for drips and runs, and to brush them up quickly. Taking care of them immediately is pretty simple. Waiting until after the deck is dry to try to get rid of them is almost impossible. Finally, remember to treat your deck on a regular basis (at least every few years). It's the only sure-fire way to prevent problems like splintering decks, cracking, rot, and deck mold. Hiring Contractors to Fix Splintering Decks While it is possible to repair decking yourself, it's a time consuming and laborious job, especially if you don't have the tools. A decking contractor is experienced enough to repair decking of all sorts, and has the supplies and know how to get it done right in a fraction of the time. For many homeowners, hiring them is well worth the extra cost.
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Spring-Cleaning Checklist The tips below outline basic techniques that will help you clean almost every thing in any room. There are few rites of spring more satisfying than the annual clean. For many people, however, the pleasure comes only after the work is finished. Your spring cleaning may never become effortless, but you can make the project more manageable -- and even enjoyable.
All Around the House • Wipe walls and ceilings Use a vacuum to remove dust. Tackle stubborn surface grime, especially prevalent in kitchens, with a solvent-free degreaser (test it first in an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t mar the surface). • Dust your home thoroughly This includes hard-to-reach places, such as the tops of ceiling fans and window casings. Always work from the top of a room down, vacuuming the dust that settles on the floor. Avoid using dusting sprays. • Vacuum and shampoo rugs Synthetic carpets and rugs with waterproof backings can be deep-cleaned with a rotary shampoo machine and a hot-water extraction machine. Rugs without backings, including Orientals, require professional cleaning. • Clean upholstered furnishings Take cushions outside and gently beat them by hand to remove dust. If there are stains, check the pieces for care labels. Use a vacuum’s upholstery and crevice tools to clean under seat cushions. • Polish metal door and window hardware Liquid polishes and polish-impregnated cloths work well for medium-tarnished surfaces; pastes and creams are for heavier work. If tarnish doesn’t come off, try a stronger product. • Reseal grout lines The cement-based material between wall, floor, and countertop tiles is extremely porous and stains easily. Protect it with a penetrating grout sealer; it’s best to apply it with a small foam brush. • Wax Wooden Furniture Wipe surfaces with a soft cloth dampened with water and mild dishwashing liquid. Apply paste wax, such as Butcher’s wax, a few feet at a time with a cotton rag folded into a square pad. Let wax dry; buff with a clean cloth. • Ensure fire safety Change batteries in smoke detectors (this should be done twice a year), and make sure units are free of dust. Teach everyone in your household how to use a fire extinguisher, and review escape plans. • Clean window treatments Many draperies and curtains are machine washable; check labels. Dry-clean fabric shades. Wipe wooden blinds with a damp cloth; warm water mixed with a mild dishwashing liquid is safe for metal and vinyl blinds. • Wax nonwood floors Vinyl and linoleum floors that have lost their shine should be waxed with a polish designed for these surfaces. Most stone and tile floors can be treated with either a paste or a liquid wax designed for the material. • Wash window screens Using warm water and a mild dishwashing liquid, scrub each screen with a brush; rinse thoroughly.
Room By Room KITCHEN • Dust refrigerator coils Turn off power at circuit breaker or fuse box. Coils are usually at the bottom of the refrigerator, under the grill. Clean coils with the crevice attachment of a vacuum or a specialty refrigerator-coil brush, available at hardware stores. • Defrost the freezer Turn off power at circuit breaker or fuse box. Empty freezer’s contents; wipe interior with a solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda per 1 quart hot water. LIVING ROOM • Swap heavy curtains, rugs, and throws For lightweight ones Clean items first. To store, roll material around an acid-free tube; wrap in a clean sheet of cotton, muslin, or polyethylene; secure with twill tape, and label each bundle so you’ll know which is which. BEDROOMS • Rotate bed and change blankets Turn over your mattress to distribute the wear evenly. Replace cool-weather bedding with warm-weather bedding. • Clean Pillows Whether made of natural fibers (such as down) or synthetic (often polyester), most pillows can be machine-washed. This rids them of mold, bacteria, and odors.
BATHROOMS • Discard expired cosmetics and beauty products Secure these items in a plastic trash bag, and keep it out of reach of children and animals. • Update First-aid Kit In addition to bandages and ointments, the kit should include a list of emergency numbers, especially the one for your nearest poisoncontrol center. HOME OFFICE • Organize files Review insurance policies, contracts, and household inventories. • Clean Computers Scrub casings with a solution of 1 drop mild dishwashing liquid per 1 quart of water and a lint-free cloth; dust crevices in keyboards with cotton swabs; wipe screens with a soft cloth or a dry screen-cleaning sponge. CLOSETS • Replace cool weather clothing with warm-weather clothing Wash or dryclean garments before storing them in a zippered sweater or blanket bag. • Donate apparel you no longer use Many charities are happy to accept old clothing and may send a truck to pick it up. They may also provide receipts for tax purpose. UTILITY SPACES • Clean attic and basement, giving away or discarding unwanted items Divide whatever is left into two zones: one for things you’ll need to retrieve in the next six months, such as clothes, and the other for objects that may be there for years, such as furniture. • Protect objects in basement use concrete blocks to keep storage boxes off the ground. Place washer and dryer on elevated pedestals (made by the appliances’ manufacturers) to prevent electrical shock during flooding. OUTDOOR SPACES • Clean porch ceilings and walls Sweep up cobwebs and debris with a corn broom, and wash walls with a solution of all-purpose cleaner and water using a polyester sponge. • Scrub decks, patios, driveways, and walkways Treat mildew spots with a solution of 1 part oxygen bleach to 3 parts water using a deck brush. • Wash outdoor Furniture Most materials, including aluminum, plastic, wood, and wicker, can handle a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and water and a soft-bristle brush. • Inspect light fixtures Wash covers, and check for damaged wires and connections.
Eight Steps to Perfectly Clean Windows 1. Schedule the project Choose a time when the sun is not shining directly on windows. Its hot rays can cause the cleaning solution to dry, which will result in streaks. 2. Clean the surface With a soft-bristle brush, dust away cobwebs and loose dirt from windows and frames. Don’t forget hinges, sills, and tracks. Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands, especially if the frames are old and splintery. 3. Make the cleaning solution Mix 1 part white vinegar and 1 part hot water. 4. Prevent a mess Before cleaning the inside of each window, place an absorbent terry-cloth towel along the windowsill to catch drips. 5. Wet the glass Using a sponge, wet (but don’t drench) the windowpane with the vinegar-and-water solution, and rub away the dirt. As much as possible, keep the solution from coming into contact with the window frames. 6. Prime a squeegee Wet the rubber blade; a dry one will skip. 7. Wipe the glass Starting at an upper corner of the pane, draw the squeegee down in a straight, confident stroke. Wipe the rubber edge of the squeegee with a sponge or a lint-free cloth. Return to the top and repeat, slightly overlapping the first stroke.Finish by pulling the squeegee across the bottom of the window. Dry the sill. 8. Clean the frames Wipe surfaces using a cloth dampened with a nonammoniated all-purpose cleaner and water. Rinse them thoroughly with a clean, damp cloth to remove cleaning solution, and dry immediately by wiping with a clean, dry cloth.
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home maintenance
Checklist: Spring Maintenance Too many homeowners believe spring maintenance is all about the cleaning. Sure, spring cleaning comprises a big chunk of any spring home maintenance schedule, but maintenance aimed at various structures, appliances, and systems within the home is, arguably, just as important. Nearly all homeowners love to see spotless windows for that first sunny, 70-degree day, but you can't forget your roof and the possibility that ice dams formed over the winter. Indeed, just as much as that first spring day should provide an excuse to go for a hike or a picnic, it should also provide a reminder that your outdoor spring maintenance is waiting. Follow this spring maintenance checklist to ensure your home is in optimal condition for the rest of the year.
Spring Maintenance Checklist Gutters and downspouts: Pull leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. Reattach gutters that have pulled away from the house. Run a hose on the roof and check for proper drainage. If leaks exist, dry the area and use caulking or epoxy to seal the leak.
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3 Siding: Clean siding with a pressure washer to keep mold from growing. Check all wood surfaces for weathering and paint failure. If wood is showing through, sand the immediate area and apply a primer coat before painting. If paint is peeling, scrape loose paint and sand smooth before painting. 3 Exterior caulking: Inspect caulking and replace if deteriorating. Scrape out all of the eroding caulk and recaulk needed area. 3 Window sills, door sills, and thresholds: Fill cracks, caulk edges, repaint or replace if necessary. 3 Window and door screens: Clean screening and check for holes. If holes are bigger than a quarter, that is plenty of room for bugs to climb in. Patch holes or replace the screen. Save bad screen to patch holes next year. Tighten or repair any loose or damaged frames and repaint. Replace broken, worn, or missing hardware. Wind can ruin screens and frames if they are allowed flap and move so make sure they are securely fastened. Tighten and lubricate door hinges and closers. 3
Drain waste and vent system: Flush out system.
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Hot water heater: Lubricate circulating pump and motor.
3 Evaporative air conditioner: Clean unit, check belt tension and adjust if needed. Replace cracked or worn belt. 3
masonry for cracking, heaving, or deterioration. If a significant number of bricks are losing their mortar, call a professional. If you can slide a nickle into a crack in your concrete floor, slab or foundation call a professional immediately.
3 Roof: Inspect roof surface flashing, eaves, and soffits. Check flashings around all surface projections and sidewalls. Deck and porches: Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs, and railings for loose members and deterioration. Open decks and wood fences need to be treated every 4-6 years, depending on how much exposure they get to sun and rain. If the stain doesn't look like it should or water has turned some of the wood a dark grey, hire a professional to treat your deck and fence.
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3 Landscape: This is a natural for spring home maintenance. Cut back and trim all vegetation and overgrown bushes from structures. Limbs and leaves can cut into your home's paint and force you to have that side of the house repainted. A little trimming can save a lot of money and time.
Heat pump: Lubricate blower motor. Sprinklers: Check lawn sprinkler system for leaky valves, exposed lines, and improperly working sprinkler heads. If there is an
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Foundation: Check foundation walls, floors, concrete, and
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lawn and garden
Expert tips for creating a beautiful landscape By Michelle Goff Landscaper Randy Thacker believes that when it comes to plants, less might be more. "You have all of these favorite plants and you want to put every plant you like around your house," notes Thacker, owner of Top Quality Landscaping. "You're better off using complimentary colors, shapes, textures and sizes and not overcrowding. You're probably not going to be able to put every plant you like around your house." Thacker, who has 30 years of landscaping experience, feels the same way about using lighting as accent or along walkways. "Don't overdo it," he advises. "You don't want an airport runway. Ten feet between every light is good, so instead of 15 lights, you have maybe seven or eight." Before opening Top Quality 25 years ago, Thacker worked at AmPat and his years as a landscaper has taught him to appreciate landscaping as an art form. the soil," Page says. "If it stands, the plant dies." "People need to think: 'How big are the flowers going to get? When are they going to bloom?'" he notes. "If you have perennials, they're going to bloom for a short period and you'll have some color in the spring, summer or fall. You have to know all of this and not overcrowd." Although Thacker considers an individual customer's need when deciding on a plan, he offers some general landscaping advice. • Limit yourself on annuals. "You have to water them every day. It's a lot of work," Thacker says. • Don't plant trees too close to the house or under power lines. "Keep in mind that the root of a tree will grow as big as the top of the foliage," he says. "The roots can get under the septic system and break up the driveway." • Don't mow the lawn too low. "If you mow too low, you'll brown your grass out," he says. Instead, Thacker advises to keep your grass around two inches high. • Plant in good soil. "People overlook what they're planting in," Thacker says. "You need a good mix of organic matter and top soil. Avoid planting in clay. It will dwarf your plants." John Page, who has owned Sunshine Grow Shop since 1992, agrees on the importance of soil as well as water. "The main thing is good drainage and that the water doesn't stand in
Page sells a variety of ornamental trees and shrubs at Sunshine Grow including Japanese maples, weeping cherries and magnolias. Although February usually represents a prime time for pruning, Page says, "It's a good time to prune now. Now's a good time for people to trim rose bushes back, too." He says March and April are good months to plant trees and adds, "Fall's a good time, too, but people don't take advantage of it. In the fall, they don't have to worry about watering or frost." Page also cautions folks to pay attention to the hardiness label when purchasing plants. "We're in zone six," he notes. Of course, there's more to landscaping than flowers and plants, and Thacker mentions water features as a popular trend. "Water features are easier to do than most people think," he says. "Most people think you have to do something large, but you can do something low cost." According to Thacker, a landscaper must keep a customer's lifestyle in mind when designing a yard, but he says homeowners should also consider this when sculpting their own lawns. "You need to continue to maintain the design," Thacker says. "If you don't, that's like buying a new car and never changing the oil."
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EXPERT DECORATING TIPS decorating
10 Home decorating don'ts
While there are plenty of books and magazines that illustrate decorating styles that you can use in your home, there are also a few "decorating don'ts" that you should keep in mind when decorating and accessorizing your home. While you should feel free to express yourself creatively when decorating your home, by keeping these few guidelines in mind, you will avoid some of the pitfalls that can be detrimental to the overall effect of your decorating efforts.
DON'T CHOOSE YOUR PAINT COLOR FIRST There are an almost limitless number of paint colors available, and many paint stores will even custom-match a paint shade from any swatch of fabric or item that you can bring in. It's much more difficult to find a sofa that looks good with the paint color you have bought than to find a paint that looks good with the sofa fabric. Unless you are using a neutral wall color, choosing your paint color first will limit your options. DON'T NEGLECT YOUR ROOM'S NATURAL FOCAL POINT If you have a room that has a natural focal point in it, such as a fireplace or large picture window, enhance it instead of ignoring it. If you neglect to enhance the room's focal point, you will be missing out on the opportunity for a lot of design pizzazz. NOT EVERYTHING HAS TO MATCH "Cookie cutter" rooms where everything coordinates perfectly tend to be a little dull. Instead, work towards a color scheme for the room that includes a couple of coordinating accent colors, combined with a couple of neutral shades. Using this color scheme as a base, you can combine furniture of various styles and accessories that complement each other but do not match, as well as adding other styles to create an interesting eclectic look. DON'T PLACE ALL YOUR FURNITURE AGAINST THE WALLS Don't place all the furniture in a room directly against the walls unless you are really limited by the room's size or shape. Instead, create interesting groupings of furniture within the room, which will give a warm and more inviting look. DON'T CREATE DIFFICULT WALKWAYS Always design the layout of a room to create a good flow through the room, without creating awkward corners and obstacles. A clear walkway will make the room feel better designed. DON'T DISPLAY TOO MANY KNICKKNACKS While personal accessories and mementos can add a nice touch to a room, using too many small decorating items and knickknacks will simply make a room look and feel cluttered. Instead, display a few at a time, and create interesting collections of items as opposed to scattering items all over the room
DON'T ADD FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES THAT DON'T SERVE A PURPOSE Everything you use in decorating your room should be there for a reason, whether it's because it is useful or because you especially like it or find it attractive. Using fewer items in a room as opposed to more is often a more effective decorating approach. DON'T USE COLORS OR ITEMS THAT "CLASH" While eclectic decorating can be a fun and stylish way to accessorize a room, some colors and styles of items just do not look good together. Avoid using items together that are just plainly mismatched in an unattractive fashion. DON'T BUY FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES BASED SOLELY ON PRICE Don't always buy the cheapest of everything. In many cases, you would be better off to put off the purchase until you save up enough money to get a better quality item, especially if it is something that will be used a lot, such as a sofa. DON'T LET OTHERS DICTATE YOUR DECORATING STYLE Unless you live alone, you will undoubtedly need to coordinate your decorating preferences with at least one other person. However, never let somebody else totally sway you when making decorating decisions. Courtesy ARA Contnet
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real estate
NEW FROM DWELLSTUDIO FOR TARGET spring decorating
Understanding your credit opens the door to home-buying success (ARA) - With many signs pointing to the beginnings of a recovery in the housing market, potential home buyers can still find plenty of selection, low prices and low interest rates. If you're thinking of buying a home, now might be the right time, but before you contact a real estate agent or apply for a mortgage, your top priority should be checking your credit report to see if your credit is in good shape. Credit - specifically misuse and misunderstanding of credit - spurred the housing crisis, many experts agree. The consequences have included tighter standards from lenders and the need for borrowers to better understand how to use credit wisely. Interest rates remain low and those with good credit will be better positioned to take advantage of the opportunities currently available in this unique housing market. A good credit report and score can open doors for you in the real estate world, and empower you to secure the best loan and terms possible before you ever tour a single house. Being preapproved for an affordable mortgage can help you move quickly to secure a deal when you find the home of your dreams. If you've already assessed your finances to determine how much mortgage you can afford, you're ready for the next step - making sure your credit is in top shape to help you get the best possible loan.
Understanding your score and what it means Lenders consider your credit score and your current credit report when deciding whether or not you're a good credit risk. Your credit score is a number generated by using statistical models that factor in elements from your credit report. The number can change when information on your credit report changes and it's calculated at the time a lender requests a copy of your credit report. Different lenders may use different scoring methods, so your score may vary from lender to lender.
DwellStudio for Target debuts four new bedding patterns and throw pillows.
Because credit scores are objective and are based on the information in your credit report, they are fairer than the old opinion-based ways of determining a person's risk level. Your score is a prediction of your likelihood to repay debt responsibly, based on your past credit history and current credit status.
Photo: DwellStudio for Target DwellStudio for Target Decorative Throw Pillows, $25 each, Target
Before you begin contacting potential lenders, check out your credit report, which can be accessed online at Web sites like FreeCreditReport.com. Know what's on your credit report Your credit report is the other major piece of information a lender will consider when deciding whether or not to give you a mortgage loan. Your credit report is basically a summary of your financial behavior, including how you've used credit in the past and how well you manage repaying debt. The information on your report comes from creditors, public records and other reliable sources, which report it to the credit bureaus through automated processes. Credit reports generally include personal data such as variations on your name, your driver's license number, Social Security number, birth date, current and past employers, and current and past addresses. You'll also find a listing of your credit accounts, when each account was opened and your payment history for each. If you've been involved in court action like bankruptcy or monetary judgments, this information will likely appear on your report as well.
The latest collection of DwellStudio for Target bedding hit stores on February 14th, and this batch of bedding is their best yet. The new designs feature a palette of blues, chocolate brown and pops of yellow. The designs are inspired by nature and far-flung destinations with names like 'Casablanca' and 'Algiers.' (Above: Mandala Shams and Quilts, $25 to $80, Target.)
Photo: DwellStudio for Target Casablanca Shams and Quilts, $25 to $80, Target.
Check out a sneak peek at all the new DwellStudio for Target designs:
Your report will also show past requests for your credit reports (inquiries) that might come from lenders, insurers, employers or stores. Too many inquiries on your report might make potential lenders think you are trying to overspend, so think carefully before applying for new credit; inquiries stay on your report for two years. Because your credit report changes every time you use credit, it pays to enroll in a credit monitoring product. Web sites like FreeCreditReport.com make it easy to track both your score over time and monitor your credit report, ensuring you know what's on your report before a potential lender looks at it. Buying a home is likely the largest investment you'll ever make - one that will impact your credit for many years to come. Before you jump into the process of applying for a loan to buy a home, it pays to understand credit, review your report and know your score. Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Photo: DwellStudio for Target Bird in Vine Shams and Quilts, $25 to $80, Target.
Photo: DwellStudio for Target Algiers Comforter Sets, $70 for full/queen, $80 for king, Target.
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spring decorating
HOW TO... UPDATE YOUR BEDROOM Tired of your master bedroom's blah style? You don't have to spend a fortune to get a designer room. Follow these five easy steps to spruce up your master bedroom on your own! STEP 1: PAINT AND REDECORATE YOUR WALLS Painting is one of the simplest and most effective ways to alter a room. Cover the entire wall with a flat paint color. Then, tape off sections of the wall to make large stripes, either vertical or horizontal. Paint inside the tape with the same color but in a semi-gloss finish. Greens, tans and grays are currently trending, but Tuscan and Mediterranean themes boasting greens, browns, golds and oranges are also strutting their way into bedrooms. More tips: How to paint stripes on a wall. Not into stripes? Linda Dempsey, customer service associate at Lowe’s, recommends affixing a chair railing on two walls as a focal point. Put wallpaper above or below it, and paint the other side.
STEP 2: CUT A RUG -- AND CHANGE YOUR FLOORING Jamie Conway, paint and home décor department manager at Lowe’s, says wood flooring is all the rage in master bedrooms. Opt for dark or light wood in 2-inch-wide interlocking planks. She also suggests adding a new rug to the bedroom and changing it seasonally for constant variation.
STEP 3: CHANGE YOUR WINDOW COVERINGS Still have those 80s blue floral curtains adorning your windows? Replace them with new curtains and coordinating pillows, and add a decorative curtain rod that extends beyond the width of the window so the curtains don’t actually close, advise Conway and Dempsey. Both ladies agree that new blinds are imperative and say wood, faux wood and cellular (insulating) blinds are the current design infatuation of homeowners. People are gravitating toward wood tones with the natural grain to match their cabinets.
STEP 4: SPRUCE UP YOUR DÉCOR Transform the mood and style of your bedroom by altering the lighting. Get creative with hanging pendant lights, revamp the classic floor lamp, or go modern with organic table lamps.
Hang floating shelves for contemporary style or arrange decorative 1foot-square mirrors in a pattern on a painted wall. And don’t forget to change your hardware -- dresser knobs, door handles and ceiling fan - to match your other items.
STEP 5: GET SOME NEW FURNITURE, WELL, SORT OF… You don’t have to buy all new furniture for a new bedroom. Conway suggests purchasing faux crackle paint for stylish throwback furniture. The faux finish can be used to age any furniture that has a wooden finish for an antique or shabby chic look. Your new furniture never looked so old!
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LIGHTEN UP FOR SPRING! spring decorating
Redecorating the home for spring
The winter doldrums are over and the sun is shining again. Let your home be an extension of this time of year by kicking out reminders of the depressing winter and welcome in the cheery signs of spring. 1. COLORFUL PILLOWS This is a cheap and easy way to brighten up any room. Put the dark heavy pillows in storage and invite Spring into your home with a few lovely yellow, green or pink colored pillows. 2. REPAINT Nothing changes a room more dramatically than a fresh coat of paint. Brighten up the mood from dark and dreary to fresh and fun with the power of paint. 3. CHANGE YOUR WINDOW DRESSING Spring is all about light and airy so take down the heavy drapes and sun blocking blinds and put up some sheer, light colored curtains instead. 4. FRESH FLOWERS Flowers are a definite sign of new life, so bring some inside your home. Not only with the sight of fresh flowers brighten up a room, but the pleasant fragrance will help set the tone for Spring. 5. PUT AWAY THE BLANKETS You won’t need to curl up under a think blanket any longer, so put those in storage with your dark pillows and bring out light, thin, brightly colored throws for those cool and breezy Spring nights. 6. WHAT WAS OLD IS NEW AGAIN Your dark and brooding chairs and sofas may have been comforting during those long cold months, but now that it’s Spring, they’re just depressing. Lighten up your furniture by getting light colored or floral patterned slipcovers. It’s a heck of a lot cheaper than buying new furniture and it’s just as effective. 7. MORE THAN PAINT ON YOUR WALLS Art can also affect the tone of your room. When the weather breaks, look for images that more accurately reflect the time of year. Photos or paintings of landscapes and florals will assist in putting you in a much better mind set. 8. THROW OUT THE RUGS Okay, maybe don’t throw them out, but do put them with the other heavy accents in your home – in storage. Throw rugs help keep things cozy and toasty, especially if you have hard wood floors, but it’s warm now, so get rid of the stuffy carpets and lay down colorful, lightweight rugs instead.
9. ROOM WITH A VIEW During the winter we like to build roaring fires to keep us warm, therefore our furniture is usually centered around the mantel. Since you won’t be using your fireplace in the next several months, rearrange your furniture so you are facing a lovelier view, like that of your garden. 10. TAKE IT OUTSIDE Spring is the perfect time to get your outdoor areas ready for guests. Spruce up your porch or deck and make it a pleasant place to sit and relax with your friends well into the Summer months. Coordinate comfortable furniture with bright accents and place handy tables around to place cool drinks on. Courtesy of ARA Content
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T
he return of birds and birdsong are one of spring's most welcome signs. This year, retailers are acknowledging this with pretty avian motifs on all sorts of home decor. Pottery Barn's collection features sparrow printed bedding and table linens, embroidered and printed pillows, and even a wall canvas with an antique bird illustration. There are stoneware birdbath serving bowls, and mugs with wee "nests" tucked into the handles. CB2's spring line features a striking accent pillow designed by artist Douglas Sheran, who is a member of Creativity Explored, a nonprofit visual arts center for the developmentally disabled in San Francisco. His bird illustration, in a swath of rich green over black and white, resembles Japanese brush painting. There are some new takes on popular hues this season. Two in particular look especially fresh: — Blue. The adaptable blues are back in a big way. They're popping up all over soft furnishings and tabletop pieces. Bright versions give a room a bracing shot of color, while muted versions, paired with white or chalky yellows, are soothing. For inspiration, check out the Grandeur and Harmony palettes in Olympic Paint's new Audubon collection.
Anthropologie offers a beautiful ceramic knob festooned with bright blue dots; a set of those would refresh the kitchen cabinets. There's the charmingly named Grace towel collection too, in blues and pinks, embroidered with springy flowers. French blue and Wedgwood blue are elegant tones: Homegoods' blue crocodile-printed leather slipper chair looks swanky, but is priced modestly. Pottery Barn's soft, silky blue throw will comfort on a rainy spring day. Z Gallerie is stocking a French blue filigreed urn, and a beautiful resin plaque embossed with a realistic blue chrysanthemum. Pier 1 and Homegoods have several unusual bowls in their spring collections that look like melted blue beach glass, as well as new versions of the multifunctional ceramic stool, this year in vibrant turquoise. — Blush. That ethereal pinky peach color often called blush is another important shade for spring fashion; it'll be just as big in decor. With any of the new creamier pastels and light woods, it's romantic and cottage-y — Pier 1 has a floral-printed glass vase and a delicately ruffled toss pillow that fit the bill. With black or chocolate accents, blush reads modern; its versatility makes it appealing. Burke Decor has Simrin's rose-shaped placemats, embroidered with metallic threads; while inspired by vintage fabrics, they have a nice graphic quality that would suit a contemporary place setting just as nicely. And Burke's luscious Plum Pretty Sugar duvet set in pink tones looks just like ribbon candy — sweet, like the first taste of spring. Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
Burke Decor, rug, throw, planter, silk pillows, placemats. Anthropologie; knobs, door knobs. Pier 1; ruffle pillow. Pottery Barn; bedding, serving bowls. Everything Home/Spring 2010 | 7
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spring decorating
Garden Living Bringing the outdoors inside The return of birds and birdsong are one of spring's most welcome signs. This year, retailers are acknowledging this with pretty avian motifs on all sorts of home decor. 6 | Everything Home/Spring 2010
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Contents
SPRING 2010
Spring Decorating 6 Garden Living; Bringing the outdoors in 9 Lighten up for spring; redecorating the home for spring 10 How to update your bedroom 11 New from DwellStudio for Target 12 Expert decorating tips Home Maintenance 14 15
Checklist: Spring Maintenance
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Spring-Cleaning Checklist
Home improvement 16 Small Bathroom Design 18 Kitchens: Counter Intelligence
Fresh Ideas for Spring
Exterior Maintenance 20 Roofs now take on an artistic look 21 If it’s not leaking, why does my roof need to be replaced? 22 How can I fix my splintering deck?
By Tracie Vanderbeck
Lawn and Garden 24 Expert tips for creating a beautiful landscape
Spring is a time of new beginnings. Flowers and plants are blooming, the sun is shining and the weather is finally getting warmer after winter's chill. So why not bring some of spring's beauty into your home so you can enjoy it day after day? As a homeowner, you have already made one of the most important investments that you can make for your family’s future. But it shouldn’t stop there. Owning a home is not a static thing—as you no doubt know. If you make smart choices about the improvements you do to your home, not only will it give you years of enjoyment, but a very nice return on investment should decide to sell.
Real Estate 26 Understanding your credit opens the door to home-buying success
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Our spring edition of Everything Home is full of ideas, big and small, to renew and refresh your home inside and out. We hope you enjoy our new look as well!
EVERYTHING
HOME PUBLISHER: Jeff Vanderbeck
ADVERTISING DESIGN: Jamie Beckett Daniel Bush
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Mike Davis
SALES REPS Ashley Smith Krista Duty Lynn Massey Mellisa Keller Tony Thacker
SECTION DESIGN:
Special Publications Manager Tracie Vanderbeck
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A Special Supplement to the Appalachian News-Express 201 Caroline Avenue, Pikeville, Kentucky 606-437-4054
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