At
HOME
Flip furniture How to spruce up furniture on a budget
Backyard beauty Create a warm and welcoming space
A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
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Saturday, July 29, 2017
Messenger-Inquirer
CORRAL ENTRYWAY CLUTTER
LETTER from the
EDITOR Since the worst of the heat and humidity is gone, now is the perfect time to plan a backyard party. Your home is more than your house and your backyard patio should just as fun and inviting as your living room. In this issue of At Home you will read about ways to create a perfect outdoor escape in your backyard, how to make your pool perimeter pretty and safe and cheap ways to flip furniture. 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 270-6917233. — Meghann Richardson Special Publications Editor
The entryway to a home is the first thing guests experience when coming inside. It also can be the first place residents drop their belongings after long days at school or work. As a result, entryways can quickly be consumed by clutter. Taming such messes takes a mixture of ingenuity and planning. Homeowners hoping to clear their entryways of clutter must first decide what they want to get out of the space. Will it simply be a decorative spot with photos and other home decor on display? Or is functionality the primary goal? Once that decision has been made, take inventory of which items, such as shoes, keys, umbrellas or coats, need to be in the area, which don’t (i.e., old mail). To make things more organized, rearrange the former while removing the latter. Next it is time to assess storage needs and what’s already available. User-friendly storage items may need to be purchased to make the room as functional as possible. The following ideas also can help bring order to the space. • Create a command center. Create a central location where items are neat, orderly and within reach. Use a bulletin board, dry-erase calendar or something that can house schedules and important notices. Hooks can hold keys, chargers and more. • Keep it covered. Covered bins can serve as a seating area and also a place to store shoes, hats and scarves. • Create cabinet space. Store items in cabinets so they are organized but out of sight. This way belongings are not just left on an entryway table. • Create another drop zone. If the entryway is too small to serve its purpose, outfit another room or area that also can do the job. This can be a laundry room or mudroom area. Install shelves, a bench, cabinets and hooks. Just be sure this space is close enough to the entryway to make it useful. • Go vertical. An easy way to keep things neater is to remove items from the floor and embrace vertical storage. Shoe racks, hooks for purses and a cabinet for coats may do the trick. Clutter can accumulate in entryways. But some simple adjustments can quickly revamp the space to make it neater and much more functional.
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Saturday, July 29, 2017
TIPS TO FLIP
Messenger-Inquirer
Get statement furniture on a back-to-college budget BY STATEPOINT
College is an exciting time. Whether your child is starting as a freshman or returning for senior year, new friends, new roommates and new places to call “home” await. Ease the transition and save money in the process by helping decorate their personal spaces using these DIY tricks. Instead of buying new, you can turn used furniture into stunning and sophisticated statement pieces perfect for campus life.
FINDERS KEEPERS
You’ve spent enough on books ... how will you afford a bookcase or desk to hold them? For a great look without the hefty price tag, seek out items at flea markets, yard sales, thrift stores or simply ask relatives. You have a better chance of finding a one-of-a-kind piece, and you can haggle with the sellers for lower prices. As you shop, don’t let a “fixer upper” scare you. Wood furniture, even with a few nicks or stains, can easily be refinished or repainted for a “furniture flip” that meets your student’s style needs.
BE SPACE SAVVY
Chances are your college student is sharing a dorm room, apartment or house with at least one other person. Make the most of limited space by
incorporating furniture that can pull double-duty. Instead of bulky chairs, grab a bench, which can offer both storage and seating. Nesting tables or stackable chairs are also a smart, space-saving investment. Be mindful of purchasing oversized pieces that may crowd living areas or won’t fit through tight hallways and stairwells. Students running out of room can use spaces under beds, couches and other furniture for extra storage.
FIX AND FLIP FURNITURE
There are many ways to upcycle used or slightly damaged furniture pieces, transforming them from one
person’s trash to your child’s personal treasure. • Drab to Fab Drawers: Beautify drawers by removing dull, old handles or knobs and upgrade to something more contemporary — or simply add a fresh coat of paint. You can also line the inside with decorative shelf liner for an added visual element and to keep things clean and organized. • Exciting Exteriors: Adhesive shelf liner also comes in handy for freshening up the exterior surface of old, worn furniture. Embellish the front of a lackluster bedside table or the back of bookshelf cubbies with Duck brand Deco Adhesive Laminate, which comes in many designer styles, such as Rose Gold, Quatrefoil or Marble and is available at a variety of nationwide retailers, including Walmart. • Paint Perfection: Create
dimension and design when painting by using a premium painter’s tape, like FrogTape brand painter’s tape. Treated with patented PaintBlock Technology, FrogTape prevents paint bleed and delivers the sharpest paint lines possible, perfect for adding decorative patterns to boring and bland furniture. Try something bold and geometric on the top of a desk to make studying more enjoyable! • Playful Pillows: Now, for the final touches. Find a funky, colorful fabric and DIY some throw pillows to create comfier living rooms. Whether students are moving into a dorm for the first time or decorating an off-campus apartment, you can help them create a place they are happy to call “home.” Plus, with all your DIY savings you’ll have a few extra dollars for tuition.
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HOT FOR SUMMER
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Saturday, July 29, 2017
At Home
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Create a perfect outdoor escape in your backyard BY STATEPOINT
If there’s anything better than heating up the grill and chilling drinks with close friends late into a summer evening, it’s decorating the space in which it all takes place. As with all things summer, refreshing your outdoor space calls for a simple, relaxed approach. Here are a few ideas for making a quick splash.
LESS IS MORE, SOMETIMES
As fun as it is to design for new things, subtraction is often where the real opportunity is hiding. Make a tired space feel new again by donating, repurposing or storing items that simply don’t serve a purpose or add anything visually. Think about closing in a portion of a deck or patio. The use of a canopy, netting or even greenery to protect an entertaining space can help minimize weather-related damage to outdoor furniture. Netting will keep a good number of biting insects at bay when the weather is warm and humid. Having a bit of concealment also means you can create a private space that isn’t easily viewed by neighbors or passersby.
focal point, and a functional tool to extend the number of seasons in which outdoor entertaining can take place. Place the fire wisely and with concern for safety. It should be out of the way of foot traffic, but central enough so that it can be a gathering point.
COLOR AND PATTERN
Most permanent fixtures and large outdoor furniture pieces trend traditional. Adding flourishes with vibrant contrasting seat cushions and boldly patterned throw pillows is a quick way to express personality. To customize your space, check out the Improvements line of outdoor furniture cushions and pillows, which offers an array of lively styles, patterns and color combinations. Their step-by-step outdoor cushion measuring guide makes finding the right-sized cushion easy, and quick and simple video instructions take the guesswork out of the process, ensuring the proper fit. For more information, visit improvementscatalog.com.
LIGHTEN UP
One of the easiest ways to dramatically enhance an outdoor setting is often overlooked — lighting. Good lighting boosts safety and security. After all, summer is RETHINKING ARRANGEMENTS the season for tripping over pavers There’s more to design than in the dark. And a thoughtful placing chairs around a table or fire approach can be transformative — pit. Striking the right balance takes from illuminating paths through the some intentionality and thought. backyard to setting a relaxing tone Incorporating strong elements of for a patio. Many solutions, such as symmetry and repetition can do as higher-voltage lighting systems, call much toward establishing a relaxing, for a contractor’s expertise. Even inviting tone as an eclectic playlist or some lower-voltage systems will perfectly plated appetizers. require some additional equipment Identifying the focal point is a key for proper energy control. early step. Often in backyard settings, To keep it simple, solar is the way it’s a permanent feature, such as a to go. Just make sure the photovoltaic particular view, landscape design or fire cell is positioned to collect maximum pit. When this isn’t an option, or if the sunlight during the day so it’s ready area serves a specific purpose such as to shine through the night. For dining, furniture can be used to create example, the new Provence solar post the same conversational effect. and path lights from Improvements are a good way to accent landscaping while keeping pathways safe. CONSIDER A Ultimately, there is no one-size-fitsFIREPLACE OR FIRE PIT For centuries man (and woman) has all template for the perfect backyard summer sanctuar y. But with a gathered around fire for socialization creative mindset and a clear vision, and a means to warming up. Having you can transform your backyard into a backyard fireplace, pit or chiminea a unique casual space. is a conversation-starter, a decorative
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FROM BLAND
TO BOLD
Tips to spruce up your living quarters for summertime
Messenger-Inquirer
BY STATEPOINT
Feeling uninspired in your space? Bring the bright, cheerful feeling of summer into your home with these DIY décor tips that won’t break the bank.
darker than the others is always a foolproof look. For best results, tape off trim and adjacent walls with a premium painter’s tape to prevent paint bleed. It’s a small investment that will make a big difference.
MAKE IT POP WITH PAINT
UP THE ANTE WITH ACCENTS
Add cheery pops of color with paint. An accent wall is an easy, inexpensive way to brighten home design. The first step is to select the right location. Accent walls look best when they don’t have windows or doors, and are highlighting a focal point, such as a fireplace or wall used to anchor furniture. Next, select color. Accent walls look more organic when they’re darker than the other walls in the room and harmonize with the adjacent wall color. When in doubt, remember that painting your statement wall the same color but two shades
Embrace summer by restyling tablescapes with natural décor items, like a bouquet of garden roses, fresh fruit or beachy treasures. Position white candles or a large piece of coral inside an indoor fireplace. Swap out pillows for ones with summery floral designs. By adding a few accents, your home will feel fresh and rejuvenated.
LET IN MORE LIGHT
Invite more light into a room by painting dark wood accents and trim white. It may seem like a large undertaking, but with the right tools and some patience,
this project can completely transform your home to make it look brighter and feel larger. One of the most important tools you’ll need is a premium painter’s tape, like FrogTape brand painter’s tape, to protect walls and floors. Treated with PaintBlock Technology, FrogTape Multi-Surface and Delicate Surface painting tapes can be used on a variety of surfaces to deliver the sharpest paint lines possible for professional-looking results.
LOOK FOR A NEW VIEW
While a fireplace is a great focal point in winter, consider rearranging furniture in summer to focus on a window or French doors instead, so you can enjoy the sunlit mornings or sunsets. This will give you a good reason to clean underneath everything, and offer you an opportunity to add a colorful rug.
Saturday, July 29, 2017
GREET GUESTS
At Home
A bold front door will give guests a warm greeting. Just as a sunny day can boost your mood, a burst of yellow or vibrant blue will make guests feel happy as they enter your home. A fresh paint job on a front door can also increase your home’s curb appeal and provide a protective barrier from the elements. The paint finish selection is important for the front door, no matter the color. While you can choose any finish, glossy paints are typically preferred for doors and trim, as they stand out, highlight architectural features, and hold up to nicks and scrapes better than other sheens. Make this pop by adding a color contrasting wreath. With a pinch of creativity and a dash of design inspiration, you can easily freshen up your home for summer.
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Saturday, July 29, 2017
Messenger-Inquirer
IDEAS FOR POOL PERIMETER LANDSCAPING MULCH AND STONE
With the rise of the “staycation,” more and more homeowners are turning their backyards into their own private oases. The centerpiece of many such retreats is a refreshing and inviting pool. Whether above-ground or in-ground models, pools make for welcoming spots to enjoy warm days and nights. A new pool can quickly turn a yard into the “it” spot to spend vacations or cool off at the end hot summer days. While pools are often the focal point of a backyard, many homeowners want their pools to blend seamlessly with the rest of their yards. When transforming a backyard that includes a pool, homeowners should consider a few factors to ensure each afternoon spent poolside is as safe as it is fun.
Homeowners often prefer some combination of mulch or stone to serve as a transition between the pool, concrete or paver hardscape and the lawn. Stone may be more practical for those with in-ground pools because it will not easily blow onto the water surface. With an above-ground pool, mulch or stone can do the trick, serving as a barrier so that pool water does not overly drench the surrounding lawn or damage grass after exposure to pool chemicals. Mulch and stone also will provide drainage from water runoff from the pool and rain.
FINISHING TOUCHES
SAFETY FIRST
Although the goal may be to soften the lines of the pool and/or create sight barriers that will provide some measure of privacy for swimmers, homeowners must put safety above all else. Before any decorative touches are added, it is important to surround a pool with a slip-resistant surface and fencing.
NONSLIP SURFACES
Concrete, brick and pavers and decking are popular materials used to surround a pool. Installers can make recommendations on materials
and finishes, but one suggestion is to choose a rough finish. Pool water can make surfaces slipper y. Concrete that is stamped or scarred provides extra traction than a smooth surface. The same can be said for brick patios and pavers. Avoid smooth stones or pavers with shiny surfaces, as these may only increase the risk of falls.
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Plants can provide the finishing touches for a poolside landscape. Homeowners should keep in mind that pools are not often shaded from the sun, so plants placed around the pool will need to be sunand drought-tolerant. Succulents, such as aloe and jade, may work, as can the perennial shrub yucca. Moderately growing grasses will offer a privacy barrier. Homeowners who need some advice planning the landscaping around their pools can rely on the expertise of landscape architects as well as employees at lawn and garden centers. Pool companies may work with landscapers and offer recommendations to people unaccustomed to working around pools.