1-27-18 At Home

A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer

At

HOME

Local renovations

See how one Owensboro couple changed the entire feel of their dining area

Home upgrades Photo by Alan Warren, Messenger-Inquirer/ awarren@messenger-inquirer.com

Improvements to boost your home’s value and enjoyment

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Saturday, January 24, 2018

Messenger-Inquirer

LETTER from the

EDITOR The snow and rain have come and gone and now it’s time to get outside and starting working on projects ahead of spring time. Even with cold temperatures, there are plenty of home projects to can tackle before it’s time to think about spring cleaning.

In this edition of At Home, you will find which home upgrades make ‘cents,’ how to create a dream home with cypress wood and read about one local couple’s kitchen and dining room renovation project.

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

creating a dream home

using cypress wood

BY BPT

Transforming the unremarkable into the extraordinary need not be an impossible task. More and more homeowners are finding that lavish looks are both attainable and affordable. Their imaginative design professionals are making it happen, using cypress to create their clients’ dream homes.

“Wood is a classic and timeless building material,” says Stephen Logue of the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association. “And many people are discovering that the inherent beauty of cypress, a species so often chosen for outdoor applications, adds a luxurious look to indoor living spaces.”

not just any wood.

“I particularly like working with cypress,” says Rose. “It has a wonderful grain pattern that offers a relaxed, yet elegant look. Vertical beadboard or tongue-and-groove patterns are popular options that add perceived height to a room.

And more recently, horizontal shiplap paneling and accent walls have been requested by many clients.”

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

Looking to add dimension and visual interest to otherwise flat, dull ceilings? Architect Geoff Chick of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, says it’s not enough to simply add crown molding. Too basic!

“Owners today are looking to celebrate their ceilings with more TRANSFORMING creative design solutions and THE ORDINARY materials,” Chick says. “In large When a coat of paint just won’t do, think paneling. For Christopher rooms where I have tall ceilings to work with, I typically use a coffered Rose, an architect based in Johns ceiling. Filling in the coffers with Island, South Carolina, solid wood wood helps to warm up a room and paneling provides a sense of warmth and richness to a room. But add another layer of detail. Cypress

with a square groove is my favorite wood to use for ceiling treatments.

I just love how it looks, especially when combined with cypress beams.”

ADDING THE FINISHING TOUCH

When selecting a finish for his interior cypress woodwork, Chick prefers stains. “It’s a shame to cover cypress with paint,” Chick says. “To help bring out its grain pattern, I like finishing it with a matte stain or pickled finish. Some rooms require a lighter finish than others, and it can be a challenge to coordinate with flooring. But from my experience with cypress, it’s all worth it when it comes together.”

And remember, much like wood cabinets and floors, solid cypress paneling and ceilings can be refinished. If you’re envisioning a fresh look down the road, swap neutral tones for bold colors, or sand the wood and apply a transparent stain to let cypress’s natural beauty speak for itself.

Make lights

Messenger-Inquirer

Saturday, January 24, 2018

As days get shorter and natural light is less abundant, interior lighting becomes ever more important.

Chandeliers, pendant lamps, recessed lighting, and tableside lamps are most effective when they are clean. HGTV experts say dirty lights can give off up to 20 percent less light than clean ones.

Dirty fixtures also waste energy.

These tips can cut down on the time needed to give lights a thorough cleaning.

SPARKLE

STOCK UP ON THE RIGHT CLEANING SUPPLIES

Microfiber dusting cloths are smart choices because they can help trap grime and tend to be machinewashable and reusable. Extendable static-charged dusters are another handy item to have around, particularly for fixtures that are hard to reach.

DUST REGULARLY

Dusting regularly can prevent the buildup of grime that’s difficult to wash off. Try to dust light fixtures weekly or biweekly. The more frequent the fixtures are dusted, the less time each cleaning session will take. Soft cloths can remove the dust from most bulbs and exterior surfaces. Lamp

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shades may need more attention. Use a lamb’s-wool duster to attract dirt so it doesn’t leave a residue on the lampshade.

DEEP-CLEAN AT TABLE LEVEL

Deep-cleaning at table level is more manageable. Remove any glass accents and set them out on a cushioned surface so they do not break. Soft cloths dampened with a vinegar solution should remove most of the dirt on chandelier crystals and the globes or outer glass coverings of other types of fixtures. Take a photo of the lighting fixture prior to cleaning so you’ll know how to replace removed parts correctly once everything is clean and dry.

If you cannot remove a fixture for cleaning, use a sturdy stool, a spray bottle with your cleaning mixture and a soft cloth to wipe away the dirt. Remember to place something absorbent beneath the light to catch any drips. Do not spray liquids directly onto light bulbs; otherwise, you can damage the bulb and the electrical components.

It’s best to exercise caution when cleaning lighting fixtures. Turn off the light itself and shut off the circuit breaker to avoid the risk of shock or burns from hot bulbs.

Out with the old...

in with the NEW!

Is 2018 the year you will finally begin those home renovations you've been putting off?

Let us help!

Updating lighting is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to give your home a fresh new look.

620 Salem Dr.

Mon - Fri: 9 to 6

Sat: 9 to 1

www.lightingsolutionsgallery.com

270-478-4836

Photo by Alan Warren, Messenger-Inquirer

Melinda and Michael Schoenwald stand in their newly remodeled dining room inside their home on Trails Way in the Heartlands.

[ BEFORE ]

“We wanted our ideas to be key, but realized the importance of a professional for the implementation.”

— Melinda Schoenwald

Messenger-Inquirer

FAMILY, FOOD

Saturday, January 24, 2018

At Home

fellowship A N D

BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON

T

he kitchen is arguably the best room in a home. Not only is that where the food is, but more often

than not, it is a place for fellowship. After long days, unwinding with a meal and your loved ones is a great way to end the day.

But not if you don’t have room to do so.

Melinda and Michael Schoenwald bought their Jagoe home in the Heartlands, last April after downsizing from California. While they loved the home, they wanted to complete a few renovations to make the house more like a home.

First up, was the kitchen and dining room.

For their renovation they had two goals in mind — comfort and efficiency.

The Schoenwald’s renovation was a bit less conventional but targeted their desire to person-

ally customize their kitchen and dining space.

“It had a smallish kitchen connected to an open empty dining area,” she said. “The bare walls begged for additional pieces of furniture.”

Melinda Schoenwald also said the prior owner had a bunch of mis-matched pieces against all the walls, none of which matched the attached kitchen cabinetry.

“The position of the light fixture and table and chair set was centered in the small room, making it an obstacle course to navigate through to reach either of the doors off the dining area to adjacent areas,” she said. “It was a mess.”

So the Schoenwald’s hired a designer from Kight Home Center and purchased additional cabinets to extend into the adjacent dining area — making the two small rooms match and appear to be one great room, with the bonus of extra storage space.

They used a designer for the concept, but also added some of their details.

“We wanted our ideas to be key, but realized the importance of a professional for the implementation,” Melinda Schoenwald said. “We matched the countertop with a new custom-made table and built booth seating with custom upholstery into the wall and also relocated the light fixture above the oval table so that it is now horizontal to the wall.”

This left the entire room open for traffic flow to the two doorways, and now the Schoenwald’s can easily seat six with room to spare.

They also added crown molding to the kitchen, pull-out shelving, appliance garage, built-in wine rack and did a ton of specialized lighting with electricians for daytime task lighting and dimmable glow lights at night.

“We decided to do the remodel of the kitchen because we wanted more cabinet space and wanted the seating integrated to make one smooth transitional wall,” she said. “This created one large room (with built-ins) out of two small ones and eliminating the need for a bunch of mismatched separate pieces of furniture.”

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Saturday, January 24, 2018

Messenger-Inquirer

HOME UPGRADES

THAT MAKE

‘CENTS’

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BY FAMILY FEATURES

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you already have — outdoors. Even small patio spaces can become cozy gathering spots with the right furnishings and decor. For a larger yard, create destinations that make it comfy to congregate, such as a fire pit or grouping of chairs with overstuffed cushions.

This is another area where climate will play an important role in your plans; adding a well-constructed enclosure to a patio can make it usable during all but the coldest months, while a pergola or other shading can lend necessary relief to an area that bakes in the summer sun. Aside from the hardscaping, look at other ways to soften your outdoor space and enhance livability, such as functional shade trees and flowering vegetation that attract birds and butterflies.

A home is often a family’s single largest asset, so making investments with upgrades and home improvements is almost always a good idea. However, knowing when and where to make those improvements isn’t necessarily a simple decision. Budget and space most often dictate the direction, but keeping function and your lifestyle needs in mind can help create a space that makes for an all-around smart investment.

ADD TECHNOLOGY IN UNEXPECTED PLACES

With the surge in smart devices, it’s becoming increasingly common to add technology throughout the house, and the bathroom is no exception.

From heated floors to mirrors with embedded TV screens, the options are plentiful. A bathroom outfitted with the latest technology can bring function and a whole new level of style and elegance to your home.

When choosing your upgrades, set a budget and then let your imagination soar to create a spa-like retreat you can experience without ever leaving home. Keep in mind that not all smart devices integrate seamlessly, so do your research before buying to ensure a convenient connected setup.

ADD CURB APPEAL

While you’re considering the upgrade options outdoors, don’t forget to think about your home’s overall exterior appearance. Not only is it the first impression guests have of your home, it’s your own view every time you pull into the drive and it’s one that should make you proud. Reworking the landscaping to highlight architectural features and freshening up the paint can make a big impact. Adding decorative elements like shutters or new lighting or doors can also update a tired exterior.

GO GREEN FOR THE EARTH AND SAVINGS

Appliances and climate control systems are often the first features homeowners consider when it comes to environmentally friendly upgrades, but windows and window treatments are another way to make a big impact. In a similar vein, skylights are a surprisingly affordable upgrade for the functionality and aesthetic benefits they provide, especially in the bathroom and kitchen where ventilation is as important as ample lighting. You can give your lighting and home value a boost with an Energy Star-qualified option such as Velux solar-powered fresh-air skylights, which open for air flow, reducing dependence on electrical lights and fans, with the touch of a programmable remote control.

For expanded control over the amount of light and warmth that enters or leaves your rooms, solar-powered skylight blinds are available in more than 100 designer colors and patterns. Like the skylights, Velux solar-powered blinds are operated with the remote. The solar products and installation costs are also eligible for a 30-percent federal tax credit.

Learn more at whyskylights.com.

Saturday, January 24, 2018

CHOOSE THE RIGHT SKYLIGHT

Skylights can serve multiple functions, depending on your home and needs. Understanding the different types of skylights can help you choose the right fit.

FRESH AIR

FINISH THE BASEMENT

Adding finished square footage to your home is nearly always a way to increase its value. For many homes, the basement is the most practical place to gain that space. Instead of using it as a collection ground for dust bunnies and storage, converting it into usable space can bring meaningful value, not only in dollars and cents, but in overall enjoyment of your home.

A basement is the perfect location for expanded room to live and entertain, and if you have egress or other windows, adding extra bedrooms may also be an option. When making plans for finishing a basement, keep function

Solar-powered fresh-air skylights rely on the sun’s energy to open and bring air and natural light into your first. Adding features like bathrooms home. Some models, such as those can be costly if the plumbing isn’t offered by Velux, feature a rain sensor already in place, but having ready access that automatically closes the skylight at to those facilities may pay off if you plan the first sign of precipitation. to spend lots of time downstairs. Also keep climate in mind; in many parts FIXED of the country basements tend to be An economical choice, these static damp, so be sure to use materials that skylights are intended to fill a room can withstand the conditions during the with natural light. rainy season.

CREATE OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE FOR ALL YEAR LONG

If a basement renovation or addition isn’t practical for your location or budget, you may be able to create additional living space in an area

ENERGY PERFORMANCE

Adding a solar blind to a skylight can result in more savings via potential tax credits, as well as reduced energy usage. The blind blocks heat, but when open allows warm rays to supplement the home’s heating system.

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Saturday, January 24, 2018

Messenger-Inquirer

Using renovations to create healthier homes

Home renovation projects are done for several different reasons, whether to update styles, repair damaged or broken items or to achieve more living space.

More than ever before, homeowners are choosing improvement projects geared toward making their homes healthier.

Establishing a healthy home means different things to different people.

For example, to an environmentalist, a healthy home may incorporate eco-friendly or green products. To those with young children or mobilityimpaired seniors, a healthy home may be one free from potential hazards.

Others may view a healthy home as one that alleviates allergies.

The World Health Organizations says inadequate housing conditions, such as poor ventilation, radon, urban pollution, and moisture issues, can contribute to many preventable diseases and injuries — especially respiratory problems, nervous system disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

Furthermore, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranks indoor air

quality as a top five environmental risk to public health. EPA studies have found that indoor air pollution levels were roughly two to five times greater than outdoor pollution levels.

People interested in making their homes healthier can embrace these renovations and lifestyle changes.

can be killed in 10 minutes.

INSPECT AND SERVICE WOODBURNING APPLIANCES

A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology has found regular inhalation of wood smoke limits immune activity and function, and LIGHTEN UP anyone who burns wood indoors Lighting is often underappreciated but should be aware of these potential can have a dramatic impact on whether health risks. Ensuring proper a home feels inviting, warm and/or ventilation of smoke and routinely uplifting. Experiment with different types cleaning the chimney can help cut of bulbs and lighting fixtures to turn drab down on particulate matter. and dreary environments into brighter places. Lighting may improve mood and CLEANING PRODUCTS productivity.

Opt for nontoxic, natural products when cleaning in and around the house.

LET THE SUN SHINE IN

Modify window treatments to let more sunlight into the house. There is evidence that the sun, particularly UV light, is a potent bactericide. The Sunlight Institute advises that there’s no harm in letting natural sunlight do its work, as bacteria within eight feet of low-intensity UV light

DECLUTTER THE HOME

A cluttered, hectic space can affect emotions and mental state, never mind attracting dust and making a home harder to clean.

Making a home healthier can be on the list of this year’s renovation plans.

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