5-20-17 At Home

At

HOME

Backyard entertaining Black is the new black Create an outdoor kitchen for fun and function

The color is making a comeback on homes across the country

A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer

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Table of Contents CURB APPEAL

LETTER from the

EDITOR We are officially one month away from the first day of summer! While I know the temps have already been rising here in Owensboro, something about the official start of a new season always excites me.

My plan for the summer is to have lots of backyard barbecues, update our house and finally hang some wedding pictures.

In this edition of At Home you will find tips on how create your own outdoor kitchen for hosting summer parties, learn about the new “it” color for 2017 and budget-friendly bathroom tips.

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

Black shingles make a residential comeback pages 4-5

OUTDOOR KITCHENS Take the party outside

pages 5-6

MAKEOVER TIPS

Budget-friendly bathroom remodels are possible page 8

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STYLISH STORAGE SPACES FOR RENTERS

BY FAMILY FEATURES

Just because you rent or live in small quarters doesn’t mean you can’t have ample storage space. It means you just have to be a bit more creative in figuring out where to put things, even when it seems hopeless to get a handle on organization and clutter under control.

The first rule is to purge and keep only what you need or simply love. It’s a good idea to review your possessions at least every six months to filter out any items that have lost their luster or accumulated over time. Of course, you can make this chore easier by disciplining yourself to be vigilant about not bringing unnecessary

things into your living space. well paired with fabric drawers and wire However, even with the most diligent bins. effort, you’ll still have essentials and other items you can’t or won’t part with. That’s THINK VERTICALLY where creativity can make it easier to find It may not be your first consideration, ample storage space. but your wall space offers plenty of opportunity to add storage. You can even create EMBRACE UNIQUE IDEAS a closet along a wall. Invest in an armoire Typical storage places and contain- or a closet system that works inside or ers are obvious choices, but you can outside the closet, but remember since also maximize your usable space with they may have to be installed or secured functional and fashionable furniture that to the wall, you might want to check with doubles as great storage. For example, your landlord first. Opt for interesting ClosetMaid’s Storage Furniture and shelving that allows you to showcase your Bookcases are stylish options that fit vir- favorite belongings and tuck other things tually any decor. They’re sturdy enough away in colorful containers that add to the to store books and keepsakes, and work overall theme of your design.

SEEK INSPIRATION

Search online for solutions to everyday storage problems, as sites like Pinterest and Houzz can be great resources.

Pinterest reports that 93 percent of its users shop the platform for new ideas and 87 percent have made purchases based on things they have seen on the site.

Organizational issues, especially small or non-existent closet space, are common and many creative solutions, such as using non-traditional means to store seasonal items like clothes outside of the bedroom, can be found online.

No matter your style or size of residence, there are plenty of options to make the most of your space.

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BLACK MAKES A

COMEBACK

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A major home improvement trend gaurantees to standout

BY BPT

Grays, browns, taupes — after decades of neutral-colored shingles dominating entire neighborhoods, homeowners are turning to the dark side. Home improvement experts agree black roofs are making a comeback, offering a sleek alternative that boosts curb appeal and enhances design elements.

Decades ago black was the traditional color for asphalt roofs. Homeowners, seeking to mimic the look of expensive wood shake shingles, started to opt for brown and gray composite shingles. Black shingles began to fall out of popularity.

But today, homeowners are looking to stand out rather than fit in. A black roof breaks up the sea of sameness of entire city blocks in neutral roofing colors. This bold exterior choice makes a statement with an eye-catching, clean color that contrasts against neighboring homes. “People today want their homes to be one of a kind,� says Brian Borgard, sales territor y manager for TAMKO Building Products. “They want something bold, something to differentiate their homes from their neighbors’.�

Like many shingle manufacturers, Borgard says TAMKO’s best-selling color for many years

from brown to black.

Roofing contractor John Cotten can testify to the trend in his own business. “I’ve seen a definite increase in the demand for black roofing,� says Cotten, owner of John Cotten Roofing in Joplin, Missouri, a TAMKO Pro Certified Contractor. “I think homeowners are tired of seeing the same shingles on all of the houses in their neighborhoods — they’re ready for a change.�

So, why are so many homeowners opting for black shingles? These four reasons prove it’s a trend that won’t be fading anytime soon: Black is modern: A younger generation of homeowners wants a modern home profile. The natural wood-shake aesthetic is often perceived as has been a brown meant to emulate wood shake. too traditional or old fashioned. “Weathered Wood was the ultimate color even five Black matches ever ything: Unless the exterior years ago, but people are looking for a change,� of your house is navy blue or dark brown, a black he says. “They want something new, but still roof will match and enhance the facade. neutral.�

Black highlights: Rather than hiding or In fact, in 2016 TAMKO’s black-colored overpowering the features of your home, black Heritage Laminated Asphalt Shingles were tends to highlight architectural features and the most popular next to TAMKO’s Weathered makes other colors appear brighter.

Wood. This year, Borgard says it’s possible black Black stands out: In a neighborhood of could eventually overtake the top spot as many neutrals, black is sure to draw the eye of potential contractors are switching all their shingle orders homebuyers or passersby.

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Fun&Function

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Outdoor kitchens bring functionality to the party

BY FAMILY FEATURES

If your backyard beckons when temperatures climb, an outdoor kitchen may be the perfect answer for your next construction or remodeling project.

Outdoor kitchens bring color, style and design to your backyard landscape while adding a fully functional living space to your home.

Whether you tend to enjoy your backyard with close family or frequently host a larger group, creating a work zone close to the action lets you keep tabs on all the fun. By bringing the same luxuries

and conveniences of interior kitchens outdoors, you can stay in the middle of it all while serving up meals that keep the party going well into the evening.

The options are nearly endless when it comes to designing your ideal outdoor kitchen.

LOCATION COMES FIRST

A well-designed outdoor kitchen flows from the home and creates a natural transition to the rest of the landscape.

As you contemplate the location and orientation, think about how the kitchen will be incorporated into your existing

outdoor living space.

SEAMLESS STYLE

The aesthetic style of your outdoor kitchen is another vital ingredient to help ensure the design complements your home’s exterior architecture and landscaping. Create a unique, one-of-a-kind look with door styles and powder coat colors and realistic wood grain finishes, such as those offered

by Danver Stainless Outdoor Kitchens and Brown Jordan Outdoor Kitchens, to capture the exact look you desire.

LAYOUT LOGISTICS

A grill is an obvious element of virtually every outdoor kitchen, but there are still plenty of decisions to make, such as the best placement of your grilling appliances. Don’t forget to factor in wind, which may force smoke into your house or dining areas, or create the need to incorporate a ventilation hood. Also keep your cooking style in mind, which may

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help you determine how to lay out other features, such as the work space and other cooking and cooling appliances, so they are in easy reach.

MENU OPTIONS

Think about the types of foods and beverages you’ll want to serve outdoors.

For example, a backyard bar may warrant an extra sink, larger refrigerator, ice maker, wine cooler and/or beer dispenser. For interactive kitchen fun, you may opt for a pizza oven that is both attractive and deliciously entertaining.

KNOW THE CODE

Remember that the purpose of an outdoor kitchen is to provide function, which you can only achieve with proper plumbing, gas and electric. Do your research to determine any local building code requirements and be sure to check with your home owners association or any other group that may govern a remodeling project on your property.

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Budget-friendly bathroom transformation tips

The allure of a spa-style bathroom is something few homeowners can resist. Such bathrooms can make for a welcome retreat after a long day at the office or an afternoon spent chasing kids around the yard.

But as appealing as such a sanctuar y may seem, the cost of creating a luxur y washroom is more than many homeowners’ budgets can withstand. Fortunately, a dream bathroom does not have to break the bank. In fact, there are several ways to make a bathroom worthy of the most comforting spa without stretching your budget.

INSTALL A WALL-HUNG MIRROR

If your idea of a luxur y bathroom harkens back to a time before the advent of recessed medicine cabinets, then a wall-hung mirror can give the bathroom an entirely new feel without much of a financial commitment. Flush-mount mirrors need not require the ser vices of

a contractor, but they can provide a sense of elegance that recessed cabinets cannot.

REPLACE BATHROOM COUNTERTOPS

A countertop replacement job may sound expensive, but such an undertaking is not ver y costly in the washroom, where counter space is typically limited. Since the cost of countertop materials is by the square foot, you can replace bathroom surfaces for a relatively small amount of money. Granite countertops can be beautiful, but such surfaces do not create the warm feel that many prefer in a luxur y bathroom. A material such as soapstone is warm and inexpensive and can quickly give the bathroom a new look.

EMBRACE CALM COLORS

Painting the bathroom is another inexpensive way to give the room

an entirely new look. If the walls of your washroom are currently a vibrant color, consider a more calming tone to give the room the luxurious and relaxing feel you’re aiming for. If your bathroom includes a clawfoot tub, you also can make it a two-tone tub to add a touch of relaxing elegance. Paint the tub’s exterior in a calming tone such as soft gray, and you will have transformed the washroom at little cost and even less effort.

TRANSFORM YOUR DOUBLE VANITY

Many homeowners prefer a double vanity in their bathrooms, as such a setup allows both men and women the space to get ready for bed or work without getting in one another’s way. But instead of a traditional vanity with a counter between the sinks, consider installing matching pedestal sinks to surround an antique washstand.

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This can give the washroom a feel of antique luxur y, and such washstands can found for a few hundred dollars.

REPLACE OLD FIXTURES

Though they are often overlooked, cabinet and door fixtures as well as towel racks can greatly influence the feel of a washroom. If the cabinet and drawer handles are old or outdated, replace them with more modern options.

Such a job might be even more effective if you repaint or reface existing cabinetr y. Neither task is terribly expensive, but both can give the washroom a more luxurious feel. The same goes for replacing old towel racks, which can be an eyesore if they’re especially dated.

Transforming a bathroom may seem like a significant and costly undertaking, but savvy homeowners can give their washrooms a new and luxurious look without spending much money.