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Historic home
One couple combines their love for history with their dream home
Winter’s hottest trend
Hygge’s warm neutral tones and tactile fabrics heat up the season A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
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Table of Contents LETTER from the
EDITOR One of the great things about my job is getting to meet and talk with so many different people. Everyone has a story and being able to tell those stories to the public is a satisfying career. This week’s cover story features two newlyweds who just bought a historic home in downtown Owensboro that was built 125 years ago. In this issue of At Home, you can learn about bold paint colors to choose in 2017, must-have tools for every DIY-er and winter’s hottest trend — hygge. I am still looking for homeowners who have tackled a big DIY or home renovation project or anyone who has an interesting story about their home. If you would like your story told, please contact me at mrichardson@messengerinquirer.com or 270-691-7233. — Meghann Richardson Special Publications Editor
BOLD COLORS page 10
PREVENT INJURIES page 8
DEBUNK MYTHS page 12
on the cover
photo by
Alan Warren
Andy and Taryn Norris’ 1891 home is pictured on W. 7th Street. | PAGES 6-7
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Tools of the (home renovator’s) trade Home renovation projects can be both exciting and tricky. Do-it-yourselfers are inspired by designs showcased in magazines, websites and their own communities. When DIY enthusiasts see a design they like, it’s understandable that they may want to emulate these looks at home. Remodeling is one of the larger DIY undertakings, and it goes beyond simple carpentry. Considering demolition, reconstruction, electrical, plumbing, and masonry work may be part of the DIY package, homeowners who are thinking about renovations must first stock up on the tools and other supplies of the trade. Having the right tools can mean the difference between a job well done and a job that needs to be redone. • Crowbar or prybar: Before you can put in new construction, you might have to get your hands dirty with some demolition. Crowbars or prybars can be used to pry up wood slats, remove nails or remove old decking. • Tool pouch: A tool and fastener pouch gives DIYers a place other than their pockets to store fasteners and hand tools. Pouches can be attached to tool belts for added storage capacity. • Stud finder: Invest in a more foolproof method of locating studs behind drywall then knocking on the wall. Stud finders can provide a picture of studs, pipes and other hidden items inside an entire length of wall. This is essential to driving nails where they belong and
can also prevent sending fasteners into anywhere you desire sight into hard-to- shop-vacs, hammers, screwdrivers, wires or nearby plumbing. wrenches and pliers can complete a maneuver areas. • Level: A level is an essential tool In addition to these tools, brooms, DIYer’s basic toolbox. for ever yone from casual decorators to more involved renovators. Whether hanging pictures or ensuring molding is parallel, levels are must-have tools for DIYers. • Safety glasses: Invest in a pair of safety glasses so no one working on a project deals with obstructed vision. Safety glasses also provide ample eye protection. • Extension cords: If power tools are part of the renovation picture, extension cords can safely extend power where it is needed. Be sure to invest in a gauge that is large enough to handle the amperage of your most powerful tool. • Measuring tape: The “measure twice, cut once” mantra is key to home improvements. To measure accurately each and every time, no tool chest is complete without a sturdy measuring tape. • Ladder varieties: Home improvements aren’t always at ground level. Purchase ladders of various heights so you 1019 Lincoln Ave. t Evansville, IN can safely reach various areas of the 812-423-2338 t therugmerchantevansville.com home and avoid injur y. Step stools, a Exclusively at step ladder and an extension ladder all have their purposes on the job. • Digital inspection scope: A scope lets you see inside walls, floors and ceilings to find the exact location of pipes, wires and joists. It also can be used to seek out the source of clogged drains or
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RH, Restoration Hardware via AP
Above: Ben Soleimani pillow covers are pictured. Soft wools, like these covers from Restoration Hardware’s new collection, are part of the hygge vibe. RH TEEN via AP
Right: String lights by RH TEEN are pictured. Ambient, low key lighting is key to achieving a hygge atmosphere. Candlelight, fairy lights and low-wattage lamp bulbs are the way to go.
The season’s hottest trend has its heart in the home Hygge’s soft lighting, cozy vibe perfect for winter days BY KIM COOK
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Search the term online and nearly 10 million results roll in. It’s being touted by this winter’s shelter magazines, decor retailers and lifestyle mavens. What’s so huge? It’s hygge. Often mispronounced “higgy,” it’s actually more like “hewgah.” To understand the term’s meaning, just burrow into a big comfy pile of phrases synonymous with “well-being.” Coziness, ease, conviviality and, above all, a warm glow. According to author Meik Wiking in “The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well” (Penguin 2016), hygge originated from a Nor wegian word. The Danes appropriated the term to some extent, but it’s common throughout Scandinavia, as well as a
good bit of the United Kingdom. In the truest expression of hygge, the warm glow should come from a candle. “No recipe for hygge is complete without candles. When Danes are asked what they most associate with hygge, an overwhelming 85 percent mention candles,” says Wiking, who also heads Copenhagen’s Happiness Research Institute, a think tank studying societal satisfaction. And forget scented candles, he says. If you don’t have a candle, go with a low-wattage lamp, Wiking suggests. Harsh, bright lighting is anathema to the hygge vibe. There are a few other decor elements that bring hygge home. “A warm, neutral color palette is best,” says Kayleigh Tanner, a writer in Brighton, England, who hosts a blog called Hello Hygge. Think beige, “greige,” terracotta, tan, warm white, orange and copper. Textures are important for hygge, too, she says, “so I like to go for very tactile fabrics like velvet, chunky knits, silk and faux fur. These can be mixed
and matched to help create a cozy nest in the home. “For fragrances, I think familiar, homey scents work well. Comforting, food-based aromas like spices, vanilla or cocoa.” In warmer months, even outdoor spaces can be hygge-worthy, says Tanner, who has fond memories of childhood evenings watching the sunset with friends. “Lighting can completely transform a garden, so think about solar lights and outdoor lanterns,” she says. “These can be placed down paths for a magical journey through the garden, or clustered in areas in which you’ll be entertaining, to maintain an inviting cozy glow.” She suggests gathering simple flower bouquets, and displaying collections of pebbles or shells. Hygge’s appeal is firmly tied to the natural world. “In my mind, hygge is about ambience, intimacy and the right setting,” says Kirsten Maclean, a Dane now living in a hygge-rich rural seaside town in western Nova Scotia. She finds that a day spent reading with a cup of tea and a cat is as hygge-inducing as a friendly
get-together. Sometimes there are candles, sometimes not. Birte Lilholt Aret, who lives in Sydney, Australia, grew up just outside Copenhagen. “As a child, I remember visiting my grandparents, who lived in a thatched roof house. We’d be woken up during lightning storms because of the fire danger, and we’d sit in the kitchen in our pajamas, with coffee and candles, while the storm lasted. Making the situation ‘hyggelig’ by being together,” she says. In a conflict-torn world, the idea of a welcoming refuge seems especially appealing. In his book, Wiking recalls the end of a hiking day with friends. “We were all tired and half asleep, sitting around the fireplace in the cabin, wearing big sweaters and socks. The only sounds were the stew boiling; the sparks from the fireplace and then one of my friends broke the silence. ‘Could this be any more hygge?’” he asked. “‘Yes,’ said one of the girls after a moment. ‘If there was a storm raging outside.’ We all nodded.”
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Birch Lane’s teak candleholders are pictured. This year’s shelter magazines, decor retailers and lifestyle mavens are touting “hygge,” Scandinavian-style coziness, ease, conviviality and a warm glow. Birch Lane via AP
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NEW LOVE, OLD HOME Newlyweds buy historic downtown house BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON
Andy and Taryn Norris stand by an upstairs fireplace Monday in their W. 7th Street home.
Clockwise, from top left: The dining room at Andy and Taryn Norris' home on W. 7th Street is pictured. Andy and Taryn Norris sit in their living room Monday at their W. 7th Street home that was built in 1891. Andy and Taryn Norris sit in their living room with their cat, Pippin on Monday in their historic home on W. 7th Street. Photos by Alan Warren, Messenger-Inquirer/ awarren@messenger-inquirer.com
Andy and Taryn Norris’ 1891 home is pictured on W. 7th Street.
Andy and Taryn Norris are a couple that loves history, and thanks to their new house, they have a new project to research. The couple just bought a historic home in downtown Owensboro. Built in 1891, the two are eager to explore their new dwelling. Taryn Norris, who has a Masters in Histor y from Western Kentucky University has always loved anything historical. In college, she went to work for River view in Hopson Grove and her love for historical homes grew. “From there I gained a love of Victorian homes and historic houses,” she said. “To me it was a dream to be able to live in a house like this.” At first, the Norris’ were hesitant about buying an older home. “You never know what you’re getting into,” Andy Norris said. “But thankfully a lot of stuff had already been re-done.” The home has updated electrical work and plumbing and had a total renovation in the 1990s. “The previous owners kept it true to the time period and historical value,” Andy Norris said. Some of the other qualities of the house make it unique are the three fireplaces, 10-foot ceilings, plaster walls and pocket doors. The Norris’ said if you’re thinking about buying an old home to do your research. “When you find something you like make sure you get a good home inspection,” he said. “Know what you’re getting into. Old homes can be a money pit if they were not taken care of properly.” Andy and Tar yn said Mike Paris with ProView Home Inspection and Jef f Day from Triple Crown Realty helped them through the inspection and buying process. They highly recommend them for anyone needing their services.
Andy Norris said some of their plans for the future include renovating the downstairs bathroom and updating their enclosed porch with insulation and new windows. Norris said he has some renovation experience from his last house. “I figured out a lot of stuff on my own,” he said. “I watched some YouTube videos and talked to some people who had experience with flooring and basic plumbing.” Since moving in, the two have also been doing some research on the house and learned the first owners were Albert and Kate Alms. Albert was the first fire chief of Owensboro. “The couple had apparently owned all the land around here,” Taryn Norris said. The house next door to the Norris residence is actually an identical copy of their house. “The Alms had another house built the exact same and the homes were gifted to their daughters after their death,” Taryn Norris said. The homes stayed in the family until about the 1950s. The Norris’ did their research on their house in the Kentucky Room at the Daviess County Public Librar y and at the Daviess County Cour t House. Taryn Norris started down in the records department in the basement of the courthouse and she said the staff was ver y helpful in finding the original deed and owners. Then, she went upstairs to PVA to get specifics about the property. Since learning more about their home, the two said they have come to appreciate the quirks of their home. “Sometimes the doors are hard to shut and some of the floorboards squeak,” Andy Nor ris said. “The quirks of the house give me some perspective. This house has been through a lot. This city was here before me and will be here long after I am gone. It gives you something to think about.”
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CONTROL COSTS PITCH IN AND SAVE MONEY Home improvement projects can be expensive. While the size and complexity of a project will af fect how expensive the project is, homeowners can expect to shell out a pretty penny when they renovate or remodel areas of their home. According to HomeAdvisor, an online resource for homeowners looking to connect with home improvement, maintenance and repair professionals, the average bathroom remodeling project costs $9,348, while the average home addition costs slightly less than $41,000. But renovationminded homeowners need not reconsider their commitment to remodeling, as there are various ways to cut the costs associated with home improvement projects. One such way is for homeowners to pitch in and do some of the work themselves. Calculating labor costs can be difficult, as such costs can vary greatly depending on the project, the contractor and the amount of hired help that contractor intends to employ. However, some estimates suggest labor will account for anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of the overall cost of the project. So it’s no surprise that homeowners can save themselves substantial amounts of money by doing some of the work themselves. Homeowners who intend to do some of the labor themselves should discuss this plan with contractors during the vetting process. Before hiring a contractor, make sure homeowners’ expected labor contributions are clearly defined in the contract. While it’s best to leave the most complicated parts of a project to the professionals, homeowners can pitch in during the following phases. • Demolition: Demolition involves more than picking up a sledgehammer and swinging away. Some demolition projects are best left to the pros. For example, any projects that involve exposure to hazardous materials are risky and therefore best left to experienced laborers. However, many homeowners are capable of safely and effectively pulling cabinets from walls, removing flooring or knocking down dr ywall. Homeowners unsure of how to approach demolition tasks can ask their contractors to demonstrate the
h m w s n r
proper technique so the demolition is done right and on time. • Salvage: Removing debris and items that will no longer be needed once the renovation is complete is another way homeowners can pitch in. Homeowners remodeling their kitchens may be replacing their existing stoves and refrigerators and hoping to donate these items. In such instances,
driving the items to the donation site or arranging for them to be picked up rather than taken off the premises by the contractor or his employees can cut labor costs, as it allows laborers to keep working toward the end goal rather than requiring them to leave the work site to drop unwanted items off. • Cleanup: Homeowners also can
C n r A t f save costs by cleaning up after theo contractors at the end of each work-e day. Speak with the contractor abouto cleaning up the site each day, askingF him or her what can be discarded andt what must remain on-site. a Home improvements are costly. Buti homeowners who are capable of pitch-c ing in can greatly reduce the overalls cost of their next renovation project. r
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Learn how to prevent DIY injuries
Thousands of people tr y their hands at do-it-yourself home improvement projects ever y year. Whether working indoors or outdoors, wearing safety gear and exercising caution is a necessity when undertaking any home remodeling project. According to the Home Safety Council, one in five consumers will need medical attention this year as a result of home improvement projects. A 2013 sur vey by 3M TEKK Protection and the National Safety Council found that more than one-quar ter of DIY home improvement projects ended with injuries to homeowners tor someone else in the household. Falls from ladders, cuts from power tools and injuries from thrown debris account for many emergency room vistits. Accidents involving chemicals and -cleaning agents also can occur. Safety lshould be the utmost priority when renovating, and that means utilizing
appropriate safety equipment.
FOOTWEAR
Wear solid shoes that provide considerable traction during home improvements. A firm, reinforced toe is helpful as well. Should any items fall, they’ll be less likely to cause injury if your foot is encased in a protective boot or sturdy shoe. Soles that grip surfaces will help safeguard against slips and falls.
EYE PROTECTION
Safety goggles and glasses are a must-have for any do-it-yourselfer. They will provide a barrier between the eye and flying debris. According to VisionWeb, an eye education resource, most of the 110,000 eye injuries that occur each year in homes within the United States result from splashes with household cleaners, flying debris such as wood chips, or getting hit by branches.
Many of these injuries can be prevent- when performing tasks, such as sanding, where you might be exposed to pared by wearing eye protection. ticles. Gas and vapor respirators offer protection against additional substances. EAR PROTECTION Power tools can be quite loud. When operating loud, powered machiner y, CREATE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT use earplugs or safety earmuf fs to When working at home, make sure reduce the risk of damage to hearing to use tools in the manner in which they and potential hearing loss. were designed. Keep power cords tidy so they do not pose a tripping hazard. Falls from ladders often occur when VENTILATION AND climbing above the recommended rung RESPIRATORY PROTECTION When working with chemicals and or engaging in risky behavior while on other products that have strong odors the ladder, such as reaching or hanging and/or emit particulates into the air, over too far. When outdoors, exercise caution in make sure you do so in well-ventilated areas. This will help dissipate the inclement weather, which can make it smell and prevent inhalation of con- harder to work safely. Be sure there centrated chemical substances. Masks are no bystanders too close when using guard against dust, pollen and some power tools or tools that can kick up other microscopic particles and may not debris. The right safety gear and some provide enough protection, depending on the job. The Home Depot suggests smart do-it-yourself techniques can help using particulate or filtration respirators DIYers avoid injury.
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CREATE DRAMA WITH BOLD PAINT COLORS
Painting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to transform the look of a space. Paint colors can dramatically change the mood and the design of a home. And depending on a homeowner’s goals, paint can make a statement or blend into the background. Many people are now looking to bold colors to make spaces stand out. But choosing a paint color can be challenging. Homeowners looking to update walls and complement decor may want to look at some of the more impactful colors that Pantone indicates will be popular for the 2017 season. Primrose Yellow, Lapis Blue, Flame, Pink Yarrow, and Greenery are some of the more eye-catching selections. Once colors are selected, consider these guidelines for using bolder colors in room designs. • Decide how big an impact you want to make. Are you looking for color overload or just a small focal point of vivid color? Remember, using bold color doesn’t mean every wall must be lathered in that hue. Instead, select one wall to serve as an accent point and use that spot as your bold color display. Otherwise, rely on bold colors to dress up otherwise mundane areas, such as the back wall of a cupboard or moldings and trim. • Try bold in a small space. Many people are surprised at how well bold colors work in small spaces. Powder rooms can be an ideal spot to experiment with paint colors. Try deep colors that can make the area seem intimate and even exotic. Dark, bold hues can be toned down by different accents, such as neutral colored fixtures and towels. • Go bold in the kitchen. Incorporate a splash of color in the kitchen without going overboard. Try an appliance or design fixture in a bright shade. Or paint the inside of the cabinets in your favorite color and install glass inserts in the cabinet doors so that everyone gets a peek of the color beyond. A neutral kitchen also can be brightened up with the use of silverware, dishes, pots and pans, and other kitchen items featured in bold hues.
• Stick to boldness on interchangeable items. Those who like to experiment with color may find that they like to switch out the colors now and again. Instead of having to repaint every few months, use decorative items in bright shades to make swapping out color that much easier. For example, replace area rugs, throw pillows and draperies. Paint over terra cotta flower pots when the mood strikes. • Establish balance. Rely on neutral furniture, rugs, moldings and baseboards if you decide to take bold colors up a notch. This will help create a sense of balance in the room. Painting is a fun way to experiment with color. Many homeowners are not hesitant to use bold shades of color when they learn the right techniques. And because paint is an inexpensive option for making over a room, homeowners who find they do not like a particular color can easily paint over it with a new color.
2017’S TOP PICKS • Flame • Primrose Yellow • Pink Yarrow • Lapis Blue • Greenery
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Debunking myths about home garbage disposals BY STATEPOINT
Over half of all Americans have a garbage disposal. Unfortunately, many may not be properly maintained due to common misconceptions. The exper ts at Moen, a leading manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom fixtures, are debunking the common misconceptions of using a garbage disposal to help homeowners keep their disposals r unning at peak performance.
ALWAYS USE HOT WATER
While fats and oils should never be poured down drains, it is expected that some food scraps will have fats present. Cold water helps keep the fats solid, allowing the grinder to break them apart so that they will pass through the drain.
LEMONS FRESHEN DIPOSAL ODORS
The citric acid in lemons can actually damage the inner workings of your disposal over time. Instead, run plenty of cool, clean water to flush the disposal and prevent odors.
ICE SHARPENS THE BLADES
As there are no “blades” to sharpen, adding ice is not necessary to the longtime performance of your machine. “At the end of the day, if you don’t have a reliable, quality machine, your care tactics won’t make a dif ference,” says Cassy Osborne, senior marketing manager at Moen. Osborne. “Look for a disposal with a powerful motor that operates quickly to effectively grind particles and help reduce jamming.”
For your beautiful Bath and Kitchen Cabinets We have the ideas for you. Come visit.
Plumbing - Lighting Bath & Kitchen Cabinets Home Accessories Irrigation - PVF Septic Systems 2110 Grimes Ave. Owensboro, KY 42303 270-691-6040 www.bathandkitchenideacenter.com