At
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Downtown Living Owensboro residents ďŹ nd home in riverfront properties
Backyard Entertaining
Small improvements can make get togethers more inviting A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
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Saturday, July 16, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Table of Contents LETTER from the
EDITOR Congratulations on making it through another crazy work week. With the weekend ahead of us, so are endless possibilities for finishing up projects around the house. From fresh paint to garage organization and mowing the lawn, this week’s At Home can help you make the most of your weekend. From preparing your backyard for hosting summer get-togethers, to ridding your home of mold and giving the laundry room a facelift, At Home is filled with tips and tricks from local homeowners and business to help you get started. This edition also features one of the prime living areas in Daviess County — downtown Owensboro, looking out on the Ohio River. With the revitalization of downtown, more people are starting to move into condos that overlook the river and are near to local restaurants and boutiques. The opportunities for entertainment and community and are endless in downtown Owensboro. From young professionals to parents with an empty nest, there is space for everyone. No matter if you live downtown, across town or in the country, we hope you call Owensboro, home.
— Meghann Richardson Special Publications Editor
BACKYARD HOSTING pages 10-11
LUXURY LAUNDRY ROOMS
COLOR WHITE
pages 4-5
page 12
on the cover
photo by greg eans
Riverwalk Properties provides accessible and enticing environment in downtown Owensboro | PAGES 6-8
Saturday, July 16, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
make garage organization go BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Garages tend to fall victim to disorganization since homeowners often want to hurry inside and not think about the stuff on the outside of the home. As a result, come summertime, many homeowners are tasked with cleaning and organizing the entire garage. Cleaning a disorganized garage overcome with clutter can be an all-day job, so homeowners would be wise to reserve a Saturday or Sunday to get their garages back in order. Upon designating ample time to clean their garages, homeowners can then utilize a few additional tips to make the project go as smoothly as possible.
EMPTY THE GARAGE
The first step when organizing a garage is to empty it completely. Old
machinery and rusted lawn and garden tools have a way of disappearing in garages, and those items may remain there for years if the garage is never emptied. Once you have emptied the garage, you might be surprised to learn just how much or even how little space you have to work with.
CLEAN THE GARAGE TOP TO BOTTOM
After you have emptied the garage, give it a thorough cleaning. Cleaning the garage serves multiple purposes. A clean garage is less likely to be overcome with dirt and/or critters, both of which can contribute to the deterioration of tools and machinery stored in the garage. In addition, you may be less likely to let a clean garage fall back into disorganization, saving you the trouble of reorganizing the garage next spring.
LOOK UP
Many homeowners fail to make adequate use of the vertical space in their garages. But keeping items off the floor can make it easier to clean the garage and will provide more room for your car or other machinery you don’t want to leave in the driveway or a backyard shed. Install shelves so you can more safely store automotive fluids and cleaners, and hang some hooks or hammer a few nails into the garage walls so you can hang tools like rakes and garden shears.
GROUP TOOLS BY SEASON
Grouping tools by season can make for a more organized garage and one less likely to be overcome with clutter. Designate one corner of the garage for lawn and gardening tools and another for winter tools like snow shovels or
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y l h t o o sm
snowblowers. This makes it easier to find tools when you need them. When grouping tools, you can also group items by who uses them. For example, parents can designate one area of the garage for their tools, while kids can get their own area for their toys and bicycles.
RESOLVE TO PARK IN THE GARAGE
One of the best ways to keep a garage organized is to park your vehicle or vehicles inside the garage each night. Parking in a garage protects your vehicle from the elements, and you also won’t be tempted to leave items lying around on the garage floor if you know you will eventually be pulling your vehicle in. A few simple strategies can make springtime garage organization more effective and efficient.
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Saturday, July 16, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Saturday, July 16, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
At Home
5
s to add luxury to your y a w 5 LAUNDRY ROOM
BY METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION
Updating your laundry room with a distinctive design and increased functionality can be one of the most exciting ways to refresh your home. Chic decor and elements of personal style can transform a dull, tired space into a luxurious retreat you may find yourself sneaking off to. Use these five tips to breathe new life into a room that is often forgotten.
SET THE TONE WITH COLOR AND TEXTURE
Start with sleek quartz or concrete countertops and add a trendy, colorful backsplash to break the mold of monotonous counter spaces and blank white walls. Tile backsplashes are always a safe bet, however, consider venturing outside your comfort zone with reflective surfaces or sleek stone materials. Continue the look with elegant slip-resistant
stone or tile flooring and a plush area rug for added comfort and depth.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Since laundry rooms of the past often occupied dark, windowless spaces, adding glamorous ceiling lighting is a must. Add a chandelier as the centerpiece and flank it with recessed lighting to brighten the room.
FOCUS ON FABRIC CARE
Center your design around appliances that not only deliver on style and technology, but deeply clean and care for your clothes. To ensure your favorite pieces look impeccable wash after wash, SmartBoost technology premixes water and detergent before it even hits your clothes, maximizing the cleaning power of the detergent. Not to mention, the pair has a 15-minute fast wash and a 15-minute fast
dry so you can freshen up your outfit for a night out in just half an hour.
PLAY WITH PATTERNS
Incorporating on-trend patterns, like chevron or an ombre color fade, into decor and accessories can get the creativity and fashion inspiration flowing. Consider the juxtaposition of multiple patterns along with a few pops of color to bring life and style to the room’s design.
RECONSIDER THE LOCATION
Looking to achieve the laundry space of your dreams? Consider moving the washer and dryer into a walk-in closet. Aside from the stylishness of combining your laundry room and master closet, having the laundry near where you get dressed is also convenient. Expires 7/31/16
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Downtown Living
Riverwalk Properties are popular dwellings for all Joanne Masters looks out over Smothers Park from the patio on the top of the Bates Building at 101 W. Second Street in downtown Owensboro. Masters lives in one of six condos in the historic building.
STORY BY LEXINGTON SOUERS PHOTOS BY ALAN WARREN
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Saturday, July 16, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
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owntown living has become increasingly popular for everyone. According to Rosemary Conder, co-owner of Riverwalk Properties, Owensboro’s downtown provides an accessible and enticing environment, especially for young professionals. The ability to walk to local restaurants and businesses, as well as exercise or spend time on the river is something Conder said makes Owensboro unique. “You can go to any city and get a mall. What sets a city apart is their downtown,” Conder said, adding that the small businesses add to the appeal of a downtown. “There are opportunities for culture and education … and I think that’s what a lot of young people are looking for,” Conder said. But it’s not just those in their mid to late 20’s that are enjoying what downtown has to offer. Conder said there are just as many retiree’s living downtown. According to Conder, downtown living is appealing to older residents because they can downsize without giving up downtown amenities. While their homes may not be smaller, maintenance and yard work wouldn’t be as much of a priority. Conder also said most people living in the historic core of downtown don’t have families with small children. The excitement of being downtown and the relaxing aspect of living on a river made it a vibrant environment “that’s just going to keep getting better and better,” according to Conder. “I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon,” said Louise Murdock lives in the Riverwalk Properties owned by the Conders. “I tried it and now I’m hooked.” As a young professional, the 25-year-old said she didn’t want a yard to maintain, and living downtown gave her a beautiful river view, as well as access to local events, businesses
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and restaurants. She added that she takes clients to local restaurants and frequents the local park when the weather is nice. “You experience things everyday because you live right there,” Murdock said. One of the downfalls, according to Murdock, is the frustration she sometimes feels with parking. Even though every Riverwalk Properties has an assigned parking spot, she said events can sometimes cause difficulties. But even with the occasional parking difficulty, Murdock said living downtown has made her a happier person. “I can’t even tell you how much happier I am,” Murdock said. “It’s a really cool thing.” Madison Silvert, President and CEO of Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation, said downtown living opportunities attract more than just residence, they also garner attention from businesses. “I certainly think it made it more attractive to the companies I deal with,” Silvert said, adding that companies see a developing downtown as progressive. Silvert said residential structures are usually the last part of development to occur, but “keep the vibrancy growing.” Fetta Speciality Pizza & Spirits is one example Silvert used of a business that has taken advantage of residential space. Their downtown restaurant has two residential spaces. One aspect of downtown living is the higher price point, which Silvert said is not unique to Owensboro. In order to keep housing affordable for young professionals, Silvert said he helps developers find affordable building locations that may not be within the city core. “There’s certainly a lot of space in our downtown living,” Silvert said, “The demand is high.”
I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon. I tried it and now I’m hooked. — Louise Murdock
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Saturday, July 16, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
At Home
9
o t w Ho IN YOUR HOME prevent mold growth
BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON
happened and all surrounding areas vulnerable to mold growth are dry. In Mold plays an important role in addition, fix leaky plumbing fixtures nature. Mold breaks down dead immediately, hiring a professional if organic matter, including fallen leaves, necessary. and speeds up the decomposition • Inspect the ground surrounding process so nutrients can return to the your home. Factors outside a home soil as quickly as possible. can sometimes contribute to mold But mold inside a home can be a growth within a home. Make sure formidable foe, triggering allergic the ground outside your home slopes reactions and increasing a person’s away from the foundation. If the risk of developing respiratory ground slopes toward your home, problems. Mold can even cause rainwater or runoff from sprinkler damage to a home by attaching itself systems may direct water into your to wood and breaking it down. home, creating conditions favorable Because the consequences of mold to mold growth inside. Gutters and growth inside a home can be so dire, downspouts also should be inspected it’s important that men and women to ensure they are working optimally. take steps to prevent mold growth in If not, they can contribute to water their homes and apartments. The U.S. damage on the roof that can ultimately Environmental Protection Agency lead to mold growth. notes that controlling moisture levels • Monitor indoor humidity. The in a home or apartment is the key to EPA advises that homeowners keep controlling mold as well. indoor humidity below 60 percent According to SERVPRO of Daviess relative humidity, which can be County here are some tips of what to measured with humidity meters do and what not to do if you find mold available at many hardware stores. in your home. Homeowners who can keep indoor humidity at levels 30 to 50 percent below relative humidity might be even WHAT TO DO more successful at keeping indoor • Stay out of affected areas. •Turn off the HVAC system and fans. mold growth at bay. • Dry wet surfaces immediately. Surfaces can become wet even if a WHAT NOT TO DO home has no leaky fixtures and no • Don’t touch or disturb the mold. spills have occurred. For example, the • Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth. surfaces of bathroom walls, ceilings and floors get wet when a home’s • Don’t attempt to dry area yourself. inhabitants take hot baths or showers. • Don’t spray bleach or other That condensation is natural, but such disinfectants on the mold. surfaces are also susceptible to mold growth. Make sure to dry wet surfaces MORE TIPS immediately, and keep exhaust fans • Address spills quickly and on or windows open when bathing properly. Many instances of mold to decrease the likelihood of mold infestations can be traced to leaks or spills that were not quickly or properly growth. If you have a mold problem in your addressed. The EPA advises that wet home or business, your primary focus or damp materials or areas should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to prevent should be safety since significant mold growth can occur in 48-72 hours. Mold the growth of mold. Make sure spills may also present a greater risk to are thoroughly cleaned as opposed to children, the elderly and anyone with a cursory cleanup of only the areas respiratory problems. visible to the naked eye. Inspect Mold growth can be detrimental nearby crevices when spills occur to human beings and their homes. to ensure the area where the spill
seven steps for mold remediation
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Step 2: Inspection and mold damage assessment Step 3: Mold containment Step 4: Air filtration Step 5: Removing mold and mold-infested materials Step 6: Cleaning contents and belongings Step 7: Restoration
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Saturday, July 16, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Saturday, July 16, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
s p i t DIY
• Make it cozy. In addition to traditional seating, set out blankets, pillows and rugs on the lawn. Set up a low table and place rugs on the grass next to it to create a magical Moroccan evening.
CHOOSING ACTIVITIES
Your get-together likely already has some built-in activities (eating!), but depending on the type of event, you may want to have a few additional distractions planned — especially if there are kids at the party. Try a few of these: • Revive old favorites. Classic lawn games like croquet or lawn bowling are easy to set up and are great icebreakers if not everyone knows each other. You can mix things up and create your own variations on the rules.
NOW
REMODELING
• Spray-paint your grass. Use ground-marking spray to create giant game boards directly on your lawn. Twister, checkers, tic-tac-toe — use your imagination! • Play putt putt. Set up a miniature golf course with plastic cups as targets, and make challenging obstacles using whatever random objects you have on hand. One of the great advantages of entertaining outdoors is that it’s usually easier and less stressful than trying to fit a large group into your home. So keep things simple and don’t worry if you don’t have time for elaborate preparations — your backyard will naturally do most of the decorating and ambiance creation for you, and you’ll have plenty of options for outdoor activities for kids of all ages.
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unused space beside it. “That area was under a tree and Summer means outdoor didn’t grow grass very well,” she said. entertaining. Whether you’re hosting “It also became very muddy any time it a wedding reception, a family reunion rained. So I extended the patio to take or a birthday party, you’ll want to up that space and I also added a fire make the backyard get together pit. I painted the inside of the covered memorable. Here are some quick DIY patio a bright white and added some ideas to help you get ready for a fun, string lights. Then I bought some nice stress-free gathering. cushions for my patio furniture.” Warren wanted a space for friends and family to gather and is much FIX BARE OR THIN SPOTS happier with her new and improved You may not need as much time backyard space. as you think to overseed thin or bare “I chose to DIY mostly to save cost patches — some seed germinates in just a few days. Ask the turf specialists and also because I enjoy doing things like that,” she said. “Why pay someone at your garden store or extension to do something I can do for free and office for help in selecting the right seed. Seed during the early morning or at my own pace?” As far as mosquitos, Warren said evening hours, then water lightly but she bought some tiki torches and regularly, keeping the reseeded areas citronella candles and tries to not let damp until the new grass grows in. her plants and grass get out of hand. She also had a fenced in yard, so she DON’T OVERWATER doesn’t worry much about unwanted On average, a lawn needs about an inch of water per week, from rainfall or critters disturbing, her, her dog, or her guests. irrigation. Unless it’s very hot or you “I like how it (her new backyard have good soil drainage, don’t water space) gave me a reason to hang out for two or three days before your outside,” Warren said. “It may not be party. A soggy lawn might ruin your guests’ shoes, and furniture legs could perfect, but since I did it myself and with the help of my family, it feels sink into the ground. more like home instead of something I paid for.” LEAVE A LITTLE LENGTH Don’t mow the grass too short CREATING THE AMBIANCE before the event — a little extra length Beyond the table arrangements — will provide more cushioning for the soil and your guests’ feet. As a general linens, tableware, flowers — you’ll want to think about creating a comfortable rule, wait until your grass is three ambiance for your guests. Here are a inches tall before mowing, then cut few ideas to consider: it to two inches in height. Trimming • Throw some shade. Set up no more than one-third of the blade length reduces stress on the grass and umbrellas or a shade sail if your leaves enough leaf to protect the roots gathering is in the heat of the day and you don’t have much natural shade. from the sun. • Illuminate the area. If your get together is in the evening, create a LOCAL DIY welcoming atmosphere by setting Owensboro resident Savannah out candles or lanterns and winding Warren has owned her house for a twinkle lights around trees in your little more than a year and has just backyard. If you have the space, build finished up some home improvement a simple fire pit where you can gather tasks to make her backyard visitorafter dinner to make s’mores and tell friendly. stories. Transform planters and pots Her first backyard improvement into nightlights using glow-in-the-dark project was to change up the covered paint. patio on her garage that had a lot of
Me
BY MEGHANN RICHARDSON
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BACKYARD HOSTING
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the popularity of the color White is a versatile color in home decorating and renovation. White helps any space look effortlessly chic, blends well with just about any color and can be incorporated into various design styles — from modern to traditional. While the color white is always trendy, paint manufacturers Benjamin Moore chose white as their “it” color for 2016. White can be used nearly anywhere inside and outside the home. Improving interior and exterior spaces with white elements is easier than you might think, and it instantly can make anything look as good as new.
switch out color schemes whenever you feel like it.
BEDROOM
Feminine and fresh, white bedrooms may not be the first choice for novice designers. If the prospect of white on white seems too sterile, offset deeper hues on bed linens and walls with white furniture. This provides some pop against the darker contrast. Keep in mind that doing a bed up in all white means it will always be easy to find matching sheets and pillowcases.
OUTDOORS
KITCHEN
While rich cherrywood cabinets and deeply hued granite countertops have long been popular in kitchens, creamy white cabinets paired with blonde wood countertops can work together to make kitchens seem open and airy. If all white is not your thing, brighten up kitchen spaces with white canisters, cookie jars and a fresh bouquet of white flowers to add instant appeal.
white
LIVING ROOM
Use white as a base color for living room spaces so you can build on it with other hues on pillows and draperies, mixing and matching however you see fit. Homeowners who have children and/or pets should look for furniture with removable slipcovers. This way
they’re easily removed and laundered.
BATHROOM
White bathrooms look fresh and are easy to clean and maintain. White tiles provide a classic look. Include colored bath mats, towels and shower curtains to break up the white as you see fit. A neutral white base makes it easy to
Use white paint on trims, shutters, mailboxes, and more to provide that pop of contrast against the rest of the home. White complements just about every color, making it a versatile choice on a home’s accents regardless of the main exterior color of that home. White and other light shades will reflect the sun as well, contributing to cooler temperatures on walkways, decks and other structures.
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