At
HOME
Empty beds
How empty-nesters can transform their home
Picture perfect How to hang photos and artwork easily
A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
2 At Home
Saturday, February 10, 2018 Messenger-Inquirer
LETTER
HOME SECURITY FOR THE
FROM THE
EDITOR The shortest month of the year has arrived and boy is it cold. The short days and freezing temperatures has me retreating indoors. To help me stay productive, I’ve been tackling small projects around the house. Organizing my drawers, touching up paint in a bedroom and hanging some new photos can make my house seem like an entirely new space. In this edition of At Home, you will see the color of the year for 2018, how to prep your home for elderly guests and how to DIY your own security system. 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
F
DO-IT-YOURSELFER
eeling secure at home is a priority for many people. Many people consider installing security systems in their homes to improve their sense of well-being. Whether one owns or rents, individuals may be surprised to learn that do-it-yourself security systems can be savvy investments. The right system can help people protect their belongings and their families, but sorting through the various security systems on the market can be a daunting task. While full-service setups that include professional installation and monitoring are available, some homeowners may want to investigate the highly customizable DIY kits now available. Some include personal monitoring, while others are self-install technologies with professional monitoring. Before getting started, homeowners and renters can ask themselves a few questions to help narrow down their options. • What is your budget? Professional installation and monitoring will likely cost more than DIY kits. • How large is the home? • Are you tech-savvy? • How frequently are you out of the
home on vacation or extended trips? • Do you desire emergency response? • Do you want an entire package or just some deterrent devices? Once men and women have answered these questions, it’s time to start shopping. Here are some DIY security system items that may be of interest.
SMART HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS
These home security systems connect to a home’s Wi-Fi network so they can be monitored and controlled using a smartphone app. Others may be accessed through an application on the internet. It is important to look for a system that has the extra security of technology that is not easily hacked.
Others can be paired with cloud storage for recording video.
PROFESSIONALLY MONITORED
Residents who are away from home frequently or are too busy to constantly monitor security systems may like the peace of mind of professionally monitored kits. Services like Frontpoint®, Link Interactive® and Scout® are just three that have affordable starter kits and video monitoring. Monitored alarm systems can be set to call the police or other emergency services if necessary.
ENTRY-LEVEL OR ADVANCED SYSTEMS
Entry-level systems typically include a few door and window sensors, a motion detector and a hub that communicates with these sensors. SECURITY CAMERAS This may be enough for someone in an apartment or small house. More Some people may only want to extensive systems may include watch the inside and outside of their additional sensors, door locks, garage residences. It can take mere minutes door openers, surveillance cameras, to set up wireless security cameras lights, sirens, and even water and around the house. These devices smoke detectors. connect to a Wi-Fi network and give Do-it-yourself security systems customers free access to a constant stream of video. Some systems make represent a new wave to safeguard it easy for homeowners to listen in on one’s belongings and family. Kits what’s going on at home and even talk continue to evolve and have become to anyone within the camera’s range. more seamless than ever.
empty-nesters
Messenger-Inquirer
Saturday, February 10, 2018
At Home
TRANSFORM
their homes A
fter bringing home a bubbly baby boy or girl, it can be hard for parents to imagine that a day will come when their kids are off to college and then onto their own apartment or house. After spending decades nurturing and caring for children, parents are then left with a suddenly quiet house and probably much more time to spare. If saying goodbye to the kids also means extra house, there’s the option to downsize or make that extra space more useful. Homeowners who choose to stay put can renovate vacant rooms into spaces that meet their newfound needs.
HOBBY HAVEN
If you’ve always meant to set up a crafting room, home-brewing station or an artist’s studio, now is an ideal time to do just that. Figure out which supplies you will need and begin reworking that former bedroom into a new sanctuary for leisure interests.
GUEST SUITE
If you’ve never had a spare bedroom to entertain guests, a child’s former bedroom can fit the bill. It may not be that difficult to transform such spaces into relaxing and inviting rooms for overnight guests. Be sure there is at least a queen-sized bed and a dresser or chest of drawers to stash belongings. Select paint colors and linens in neutral tones so the room will be inviting to guests.
LIVING ROOM REDO
When there’s an entire soccer team coming over to hang out, that large sectional sofa or modular seating may be ideal. Now that the kids are out of the house and their friends are no longer coming over for movie night, living rooms can be made more intimate with small-scale seating. A small sofa and two comfortable chairs may be a more fitting option.
AT-HOME GYM
Save on gym membership fees by building a mini studio right at home. Choose one of the larger bedrooms and then fill it with some fitness equipment, such as an elliptical trainer, a bench press bench and some free weights. Store rolled-up mats in the closet for yoga or Pilates sessions.
EXPANDED BATHROOM
If space has always been at a premium in the bathroom, borrow area from an empty bedroom and turn it into a spa. Install a soaking tub separate from the shower, and fill the room with other amenities, such as a warming lamp or even a small sauna.
HOME OFFICE
Working from home a few days a week may be more plausible when nearing retirement, as it will be a smoother transition from heading to the office each day to spending more time at home. Turn a bedroom or den into an office space with a new desk and bookshelves. An empty nest can be a bittersweet experience, but parents can make such situations work for them by transforming their homes to better reflect their current needs.
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escape
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Messenger-Inquirer
w i t h 2018’s
trending
TOP COLOR
W
hether you’ve been a loyalist to the same shade of green for the last decade or if you’re an evolving follower of trends whose color choices have shifted over the years, the trending color of 2018 is sure to surprise and intrigue you. Indeed, black is back. But how was this classic shade named the trending color of the year? While many assume the choice is random, trending colors are based on many influencers, but where do they really begin? Trending colors arise from consumer preferences, which are formed by societal influences, such as politics, economics, lifestyle and overall sentiment. We as a society hold the power of prompting new color trends based on our ever-changing attitudes, ideas and actions. Dee Schlotter, senior color marketing manager for PPG, a leader in paint and color, understands the path to determining each year’s top trending color. Schlotter and more than 20 PPG color stylists from around the world meet annually at the company’s Global Color Trends Workshop. “Our team of global color experts assess societal and cultural influences to forecast what colors will be popular in home decor, consumer goods, automotive and even airplanes for the upcoming year,” Schlotter says. “We also look at what’s happening in society, and the state of people’s emotions because of current events. All of this information helps us predict what colors will truly resonate with people in the coming year, especially when it comes to the paint in their homes.” 2018 finds its color of the year in a reflection of people’s daily lives and their need to find an escape.
o I w i s
v a o f t c s s t n m h
i i t
t b i G Y d a t ( f a w d s
Messenger-Inquirer
‘BLACK’ TO BASICS
“The PPG Paints brand’s 2018 Color of the Year is Black Flame (PPG1043-7). It offers the silencing impact of black with the possibility and hopefulness of indigo seen in the color’s undertone,” says Schlotter. Schlotter adds that black will be very popular in 2018 because it offers a break from an often chaotic and over-worked world. “With society facing overstimulation and a need to take refuge, the color black offers a comforting retreat, and a chance to start new and get back to the basics,” she says. “Black Flame represents that necessary void and the need for nothingness that helps us recharge, making it a timeless and classic color in home decor.”
A PALETTE OF OPTIONS
While going darker can seem intimidating at first, incorporating black into your existing decor is a lot easier than you think. Many people mistakenly believe that all blacks are the same. However, black, like any other color, is available in a wide array of shades. For example, Glidden paint’s 2018 Color of the Year, Deep Onyx (00NN 07/000), is a deep and rich black that encourages a less-is-more attitude when applying to home decor, while Black Magic (OL116), the 2018 Color of the Year for Olympic paints, is more glamorous and looks great as a statement color for walls. And, if you’re looking for some darker inspiration outdoors, Olympic stain’s Maximum product in a Cinder
semi-transparent stain color (905) is a great complement to Black Magic when applied to exterior surfaces like doors, window trims and shutters. Any of these black hues can be a defining piece in your decor while providing you with the mental escape you need. Schlotter adds that capitalizing on this year’s color trend isn’t solely about the color itself, but what you pair it with. Consider some of her other tips and tricks, including: • Pairing the PPG Paints brand’s Black Flame with Millennial orange-pinks, teals and warm gray or mocha browns for an enveloping, rich look and feel. • Feeling a bit more daring? Make an impactful statement with black by applying it from floor to ceiling on an accent wall or in an entire room. Completing the look with lighter elements and furnishings will make the decor stand out, because the dark walls will highlight artwork and accessories while providing depth and character, creating a perfect space for respite and conversation. • To keep a space more fresh and modern, consider pairing a black hue with whites, matte finishes or light-grain wood finishes. “Outside of paint, reinvented versions of the classic black hue are showing up in key design elements — from faucets, to matte black appliances, to black veined granite countertops, black windows and marble floors,” says Schlotter. “The possibilities are truly endless when it comes to adding this misunderstood neutral in the home.”
Saturday, February 10, 2018
At Home
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Saturday, February 10, 2018
Messenger-Inquirer
hang photos [ H O W TO ]
&
artwork WITH EASE
Messenger-Inquirer
P
PRESERVE FAMILY MEMORIES FOR YEARS TO COME Families enjoy many moments together throughout the years. However, in today’s digital world, quite often those experiences fail to see the light of day past an initial tweet or Instagram post. Too often file upon file remains in a digital graveyard on a mobile phone or external hard drive. Instead of letting photos, videos, drawings, and memorabilia from vacations and other family experiences linger unappreciated, families can preserve these memories. Explore the various ways to share occasions with others.
PHOTO BOOKS Don’t procrastinate and let photo files pile up. Promptly upload them to your favorite photo printing site or bring them to a retailer that has photo machines, such as a nearby pharmacy. Such businesses routinely offer coupons and steep discounts on photo books. The software is user-friendly, and, in a week or two, you can have a photo book ready to go. This is less time-consuming than making photo albums, printing photos and then placing them behind plastic-lined pages. The photo book software also may include background designs and funny captions to help customize pages even further.
PHOTO COLLAGE If you are a purist and like to have photo prints in hand, then have several of a particular occasion made and then attach them to a decorative piece of wood. Using a decoupage product or a shellac, coat the collage so that it can be preserved. Hang your collage as a piece of handmade artwork on display.
ARTWORK GALLERY Children routinely bring home artwork they made in school, daycare and other organized classes. Sometimes these items get stashed in plastic containers that are ultimately stored in attics or basements, only to be “discovered” years later. Rather than relegating them to storage, invest in frames of various sizes and hang the pictures as if they were in an art gallery. Make sure the frames are easy to access so that the artwork can be swapped out periodically. Kids will take pride in sharing their creations with family and visitors.
KEEP A JOURNAL Another way to preserve memories is to write down experiences. Each member of the family can fill out a page with a special recollection of a trip or another momentous day. Keep the journal on a coffee table so it can be reviewed every so often. Save it and gift it to future generations. Family memories are worth keeping and sharing. There are many ways to display photos, thoughts and other sentiments from special events.
Saturday, February 10, 2018
At Home
ersonal touches turn a house into a home. Hanging pictures, whether they’re personal photographs or artwork, can really change the character of a room. Unfortunately, some people may not know the proper ways to display pictures on a wall. Design maven Martha Stewart advises that the first step is to gather all of the pictures that are in consideration for hanging. This will enable a person to see what is available and edit their selection based on the space available, theme or color scheme. Having the artwork there enables a person to move it around like a puzzle until the placement feels just right. Next, plan on hanging artwork at 57 inches on center, according to the renovation experts at Apartment Therapy. “On center” means the middle of the photograph or painting will always be at 57”, as this measurement represents the average human eye height. This height is regularly used as a standard in many galleries and museums. When the goal is to hang multiple pictures, treat the entire grouping as a single unit. This means creating the layout and finding the center of the middle piece of the grouping. To make picture grouping easier, use paper templates with arrows to indicate whether the artwork will be hung horizontally or vertically. These templates can then be easily taped to the wall and rearranged until the grouping is ideal. There are no hard and fast rules concerning frames, meaning they do not all have to match. But placing framed artwork side by side can give a person a feel for whether the images and the frames work together in the space. Some people like to use frames of similar colors and sizes. Others want the eclectic mix-and-match appeal. It’s ultimately up to the homeowner. Measuring is key to hanging a picture correctly on the wall. Take into consideration the type of attachment, whether it’s D-rings, sawtooth hangers, wire, or other fasteners on the back. Measure from the top of the frame to the hanger. Measure the wall to achieve the 57” on center location, and then calculate where this falls within the height of the artwork and frame top. Adjust accordingly and mark. Then measure the distance from the frame top to the hanger location on the wall. Be sure to take the weight of the picture into consideration when selecting hanging hardware. Wall anchors may be needed if measurements determine a wall stud will not help secure the artwork — to keep the frame sturdy in the drywall. Home improvement resource Today’s Homeowner also suggests using self-adhesive rubber bumpers to the bottom corners on the back of the frame before hanging so that the picture will not damage the wall and will help it hang level. It can take a few attempts to hang pictures correctly, but with practice it should come with greater ease. The good news is there are new products constantly being evolved to make picture hanging easier, including those that enable removal and relocation of artwork without damaging walls.
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Saturday, February 10, 2018
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PREPARE FOR VISITING ELDER GUESTS
H
omeowners may find themselves hosting senior guests several times throughout a typical year. These occasions can be wonderful opportunities for making memories, but homeowners may need to take certain precautions to ensure that guests are safe and comfortable. This may involve making some minor modifications around the home. Mobility and comfort needs for seniors may differ those necessary to accommodate other guests. Meeting the needs of senior guests may involve any of the following. • Make sure pathways leading to and from the home are level, cleared and easy to see. • If possible, add a ramp over stairs that lead to the front door. Ensure handrails are sturdy. • Remove clutter and excess furniture if a guest visiting will be using a walker or a manual/motorized wheelchair. • Remove accent rugs from a
home, and be sure that any mats are secured with nonslip material. • Increase lighting in entryways, staircases and hallways, especially areas leading to kitchens or bathrooms. • If guests will be staying overnight, arrange sleeping accommodations on the first floor and/or in a room closest to the bathroom. • Well-placed grab bars in the bathroom can be an asset. See if you can borrow a portable shower seat to make bathing or showering easier for overnight senior guests. • For long-term guests, consider replacing round doorknobs and other pulls with lever-action ones that are easy to grab. • Concessions may need to be made concerning interior temperature, noise levels and television viewing. Several easy modifications can be made to make senior guests feel comfortable when visiting others.
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