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HOME
Fall Living
Tips on how to spruce up your home for the fall season
Modern Family
How technology is changing home design A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer
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Saturday, September 24, 2016 Messenger-Inquirer
Table of Contents LETTER from the
EDITOR Autumn officially began on Thursday, so now is the time to start decorating your house for fall. Wreaths with fall colors and pinecones, pumpkins and mums are some easy and inexpensive ways to spruce up your curb appeal for fall. In this edition of At Home, you’ll read about ways to make your home fall-ready with cozy accents and soothing aromas, how to stay safe during National Preparedness Month and how technology is deriving design in our homes. I am still looking for homeowners who have tackled some big DIY or home renovation projects. If you would like your story told, please contact me at mrichardson@messengerinquirer.com or 270-6917233. — Meghann Richardson Special Publications Editor
RENTING INFO page 6
DIY UPCYCLES page 15
SLEEPING WELL pages 10-11
on the cover
Six suggestions on how to make your home cozy for autumn. | PAGES 8-9
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NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH
3
important tips to get your family ready BY STATEPOINT
While most people don’t like to think about worst case scenarios, giving them their proper consideration can ultimately offer peace of mind. September is National Preparedness Month and it is a great time to get your home and family ready for a range of emergencies. Here are steps to take.
STOCK UP
Every home should contain a supply kit that includes a surplus of nonperishable food items, as well as fresh
bottled water. The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends one gallon per person in your household per day for three days. FEMA also recommends that the kit include prescription medications for everyone in the family, personal hygiene items, a flashlight, extra batteries and matches, amongst other items. For a complete list, visit fema.gov.
FREE YOURSELF OF YOUR PHONE
While we all know that smartphone technology and other mobile devices offer us useful information, in an
emergency scenario these devices may lose their signal or their battery life. Stay prepared and informed no matter what happens with wearable technology that is not at the mercy of a cellphone tower or a battery that needs to be recharged every few hours. For example Casio’s PRO TREK PRG300 timepieces feature functions like an altimeter, compass and barometer (great for staying aware of changes in temperature or air pressure). They also deliver this information hands-free, which can be useful any day of the week but extra valuable in an emergency.
GET INSURED
Is your home and property properly insured? Know what your homeowners insurance covers and determine whether it is sufficient to meet your needs. For example, homeowners insurance policies do not typically cover flooding, which requires separate coverage. Learn more about your home’s primary risks and get covered now, before it’s too late. No one has a crystal ball that can see into the future, so to best protect your family and your home, get prepared for everything.
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Messenger-Inquirer Saturday, September 24, 2016
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technology is driving design in today’s LIVING ROOMS The evolution of American families and their changing lifestyles is a popular topic these days. As family dynamics and lifestyles morph, they drive a change in home design. Aside from the enduring presence of a TV and seating, today’s living room looks and functions very differently from living rooms of just a few decades ago. “People are changing their vision of a ‘traditional home,’ “ notes Lydia Marks, co-principal of New York City-based design firm Marks & Frantz Design. “That new vision requires different design ideas, and technology is really informing design decisions in modern living rooms.” “The forces behind these changing dynamics include generational shifts in attitudes, behaviors and lifestyles as well as advancements in home technology, each informing the other,” adds Lisa Frantz, co-principal of Marks & Frantz Design. “Millennials are spending more time at home, parents are seeking memorable experiences through home entertainment, and boomers are working later in life, often multitasking across devices within their home. These shifts are helping drive the trend toward living room designs that are more adaptable.”
USABLE DECOR AT THE HEART OF TODAY’S LIVING ROOM
home automation systems can control thermostat settings, lower and raise mechanized blinds, turn lights off or on, and monitor home security. “With the popularity of wireless devices and smart homes, homebuyers and real estate developers alike now have a stronger interest in creating spaces that seamlessly integrate advanced technology in ways that will enhance the space, and simplify a buyer’s life,” notes real estate trends specialist Ricardo Rodriguez of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. At the same time, people remain concerned about the high initial set-up costs and perceived complexity of connected homes. Professional installation of consumer electronics products has remained a rare occurrence,
even among higher-income households. In fact, in a recent Mintel study, only 10 percent of respondents had ever paid for custom installation of electronics. Instead, consumers prefer DIY (do-it-yourself) and plug-and-play home monitoring solutions with home automation capability, like the Smart Security from LG and ADT, which represents an easy-to-install approach that gives families greater control over how they protect and control their homes. “Product design is so streamlined and visually appealing that consumer electronics are no longer the elephant in the room; they’re often the star. Stylish interiors are enhanced by smart technology, and that’s really having a transformational influence on modern living room design,” Marks says.
DYNAMIC, MULTI-PURPOSE LIVING SPACES
Formal living and dining rooms that are never used are a thing of the past, Marks explains. TV still remains king; Mintel reports 99 percent of American households with children younger than 18 have at least one TV in their home. However, families are using spaces like living rooms to serve multiple functions, including entertainment and work, researching and making purchasing decisions, and communicating with distant loved ones. According to a recent Mintel study, more than 80 percent of millennials shop for clothing apparel online and more than 67 percent have “binge watched” a TV series, ranking it as their top online TV viewing behavior. Devices such as the feather-weight LG gram 15 laptop, clocking in at a mere 2.2 pounds with a large 15.6-inch screen, make it easier than ever to transition from the office to the living room while also providing enough screen space to multitask between work deadlines, watching your favorite sporting event and late-night online shopping.
A SMARTER HOME ON THE RISE
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Today’s living rooms feature a multitude of state-of-the-art technology. Stunning televisions, slim speakers, ultra slim laptops and tablets are a must in today’s living room designs, and because there are so many options and colors to choose from, families can seamlessly integrate technology to enhance the function and design — even in traditional homes. “New colors like rose gold laptops and vintage orange portable speakers create new opportunities to add personalized touches, while striking new television design, like LG OLED TVs, make a stunning statement piece,” Marks says. “And it’s not just about the advanced design form,” adds Frantz. “These
products are also delivering innovative performance. It’s about form and function. LG OLED TVs not only look great, but they deliver stunning picture quality and advanced access to streaming content from popular apps, internet channels and streaming content providers.” Connected devices like Smart TVs are transforming how people consume content. Advances such as the webOS Smart TV Platform offer new features like “Channel Plus” for simple access to channels including BuzzFeed, Esquire and more. And, as the first TV to support both available HDR formats — Dolby Vision HDR and HDR10 — OLED smart TV users can stream the newest HDR titles from leading content providers like Netflix, Amazon Video and VUDU.
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that every renter s g n i h t Top SHOULD KNOW
BY STATEPOINT
Renters may be free of some of the concerns and responsibilities of homeownership, but there are a few considerations they should make for financial security and greater peace of mind.
READ YOUR LEASE
Whether you’re moving in to a new place or have been occupying your unit for some time, knowing the ins and outs of your lease is crucial. Be sure there will be no curveballs or surprises that you have not accounted for in your budget. Is your rent subject to an increase? By how much and how often? Cross-check local regulations to ensure rent increases are in accordance with the law. Read your lease in order to get a handle on what your responsibilities and rights are as a tenant.
GET RENTERS INSURANCE
Many apartment communities require renters to carry personal liability insurance to cover the property and surrounding structures as a result of damage caused by the renter. This coverage does not extend to your personal property, however. To cover your personal property, a standard renters insurance policy is recommended. Otherwise, unexpected events such as fire, theft, vandalism or other perils could mean a substantial financial loss to you. However, the small monthly investment of renter’s insurance could save you thousands of dollars down the line. Do your research to determine what policy makes sense for you. Many insurance providers, such as Assurant, offer free online calculators to help you take inventory and determine the level of coverage you need. The company also offers its more than 1 million customers nationwide the ability to buy insurance, pay bills, change coverage and file claims online by computer or a mobile device, as well as the option of automatic payments, or even setting
the billing date. These convenient options are designed with young people in mind, including some 100,000 Assurant policyholders living in student housing.
Communicate concerns to the management company or landlord in writing. Free online checklists can guide you on what to look for and record. For example, buckling floors and water stains could indicate water PERFORM A CAREFUL INSPECTION damage — a condition that could lead to property damage. It’s also helpful Before moving into your new to take photographs with a timestamp. rental unit or signing a lease, do a careful inspection, noting any existing Do these inspections periodically, as well as when you renew your lease. damage or necessary maintenance.
And remember to also photograph your belongings — or keep your receipts — because any insurance provider will ask for proof of ownership in the event you have to file a claim. You may not own the property, but it is still your home. Staying on top of the space in which you live can offer you greater comfort and greater peace of mind.
Messenger-Inquirer Saturday, September 24, 2016
Women or men?
who showers more and why?
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BY STATEPOINT
On average, we spend more than 3,000 minutes in our showers every year. How we use those minutes might surprise you. New research from Moen, a leading manufacturer of bathroom fixtures, explores how men and women’s showering and grooming routines compare: • Women take longer showers, but men shower more frequently. Overall, the average length of time in the shower has decreased by more than 50 percent from 2009. Average shower time now clocks in at 6.8 minutes, versus 13 minutes then. • More women than men do some of their biggest thinking in the shower, either reflecting on their day or running through to-do lists. • More women than men tend to shower in the evening before bed to wind down. • Twenty-eight percent of those surveyed prefer handheld showerheads, which make it easier to clean hair and the body while showering, clean the tub or shower, and wash pets. Hand showers with Moen’s Magnetix technology feature a powerful magnetic dock that allows for easy release of the hand shower, as well as a secure return back into place.
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Home ideas for cozy fall living
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1. Freshen Up with Soothing Aromas 4. Innovate with Multi-Functional Appeal A little “me time” is good for the soul, and sometimes you need to pamper yourself after a long day. Whether the scent is apple cinnamon, pumpkin pie or maple leaf, lighting a candle with your favorite fall fragrance creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere, enhancing your sense of calm.
2. Create a Living Room Sanctuary
Since you’ll be spending more time inside, transform an empty space like a basement or attic into a useful area for the entire family. You can create a vibrant and playful craft room, as did FrogTape Paintover Challenge winner KariAnne Wood from the blog “Thistlewood Farms.” Wood transformed an unused upstairs space in her home into a room for her children to craft, study and hang out with friends.
5. Give Guests a Warm Greeting
Transform your living room into an at-home getaway by displaying seasonal throw Celebrity designer Taniya Nayak correctly predicted home design elements that pillows and blankets, and adorning the space with elements from nature, like a vase filled incorporate typographic elements would be a key design trend in 2016. This trend is all about with leaf stems and crab apple branches. Crank up the cozy factor with homemade hot cider setting the tone for a space with inspirational quotes, personalization and warm greetings. and a crackling fireplace. Welcome guests by playing up the autumnal theme with phrases like, “Hello Fall” or “Give Thanks” on decorative wooden planks or burlap-textured fabric. Consider using various font types and sizes to achieve a different feel for each block of text.
3. Refresh Interiors with Paint
Give rooms a refreshing update, add color and create contrast in a space with accent walls. Deep colors like navy blue help create a relaxing retreat. Or, take a cue from the changing leaves and opt for warm colors, like mustard yellow or burnt orange. To ensure a top-notch paint job, use a premium brand painter’s tape that will deliver sharp paint lines, like FrogTape. It’s the only painter’s tape that features patented PaintBlock Technology, which reacts with the water in latex paint and instantly gels to form a micro-barrier that seals the edges of the tape to help prevent paint bleed.
6. Deck Out Curb Appeal Nothing sets a good impression like an attractive entry way and front door. Greet guests with a festive hello by decking out the porch with pumpkins and planting seasonal floral arrangements along the pathway, or creating a fall-inspired wreath to hang on the door. You can even collect a handful of colorful leaves outside to string together and post along your porch fence for extra curb appeal. Get started on your projects now, so you can kick-back, relax and fully enjoy all that the season has to offer.
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How to
ensure a more
RESTFUL nights sleep
Messenger-Inquirer Saturday, September 24, 2016
Adequate sleep is an essential element of a healthy lifestyle. But as beneficial as a good night’s rest is, restful sleep is proving elusive for millions of people across the globe. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, 10 percent of adults in the United States have a chronic insomnia disorder. That translates to roughly 32 million people in the United States. alone who struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep at least three times per week for at least three months. Sufficient sleep boosts energy levels and makes it easier to focus and concentrate, while insomnia contributes to poor memory, disturbs mood and leads to daytime sleepiness. But insomnia is not just harmful to individuals. The AASM notes that researchers estimate that insomnia costs an estimated $63 billion in lost work performance each year in the U.S. Combating insomnia is no small task, but the following healthy sleep habits may help men and women overcome their bouts of insomnia and get more restful sleep.
AVOID TOO MANY FLUIDS
Drinking water or beverages that include caffeine or alcohol too close to bedtime can interrupt sleep or make it difficult to fall asleep. Too much water
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another room before returning to bed.
DIM THE LIGHTS INSIDE YOUR HOME
Two to three hours before bedtime, dim the lights in your home. Dim lighting signals to your brain that it should begin making melatonin, a hormone that is closely associated with sleep.
ELIMINATE POTENTIALLY DISTRACTING SOUNDS
before going to bed may lead to nightly bathroom breaks that interrupt your sleep. Along those same lines, alcohol consumed too close to bedtime may make it easy to fall asleep fast, but you’re likely to wake up once the effects of the alcohol wear off, which can be very soon after your head hits the pillow. In addition, avoid caffeinated beverages in the late afternoon or evening, as caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and may compromise your ability to fall asleep. Nicotine also serves as a
stimulant, so smokers fighting insomnia should avoid tobacco products in the hours before they plan to go to bed.
GET OUT OF BED IF YOU CAN’T FALL ASLEEP
The AASM recommends getting out of bed if you haven’t fallen asleep within 20 minutes of lying down. The longer you lay in bed without falling asleep, the more likely you are to dwell on your sleeping problems. If you need to get out of bed, spend some quiet time reading a book in
A poor sleep environment can contribute to insomnia, and distracting sounds can make it hard to fall asleep. Fix distractions such as leaky faucets and close bedroom windows if nearby traffic is compromising your ability to fall asleep at night. If necessary, use a white noise machine that blocks out distractions but contributes to a consistent sleep environment.
USE YOUR BED ONLY FOR SLEEP AND SEX
Resist the temptation to finish watching a movie, television show or ballgame in bed, using your bed only for sleep and sex. If you grow accustomed to working in bed or watching television in bed, you may have trouble falling asleep once you turn the lights off and close your eyes.
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GO BIG
for less
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ways to make a small kitchen feel bigger BY BPT
Kitchen renovation is a common theme of home improvement shows, and it’s typical for the host and designer to talk about removing interior walls and “bumping out� exterior ones in order to gain more space. Ever yone wants a big, beautiful kitchen, but changing the footprint of yours isn’t always practical, especially if you lack the budget of a home improvement show! You can make your snug kitchen feel bigger and fresher with a few smart improvements that don’t involve wads of cash and tearing out walls. Here are four ways to create a brighter, more expansive feeling in any kitchen, no matter how small the square footage:
INCREASE NATURAL LIGHT
They not only make the room look smaller by virtue of their dominating size, they can hinder usability by obstructing other work areas like cabinets, counters and other appliances when the doors are open. Fortunately, appliance makers offer products in multiple sizes and finishes to fit any space and design preference. Before you appliance shop, be sure to measure the spaces where the new pieces will reside in your kitchen. Further, keep in mind the overall scale of the room, too. If your kitchen is small, a massive refrigerator will overwhelm the space, even if designated cutout for the fridge is big enough to accommodate a large one.
cabinet hardware and light fixtures to be brighter and more reflective. Finally, try adding under-cabinet lighting above work spaces. Not only will task lighting put more illumination where you need it most when working in the kitchen, but when combined with abundant natural light from skylights it will enhance the overall effect of a lighter, brighter and bigger space.
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BRIGHTEN UP
Choosing lighter colors and finishes is the easiest, most cost-effective way to make any space look bigger. If you’ve already addressed the cabinets, you RIGHT-SIZE APPLIANCES You may fantasize about a six-burner can further expand the visual feel of the professional range or a massive built-in kitchen by painting walls a light color. refrigerator, but appliances that are too Replace dark floors and counters with brighter colors and upgrade faucets, big for a room fail on multiple levels.
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TAKE CONTROL OF CABINETS
Who doesn’t want more cabinet space? Storage is essential in a kitchen, but too many cabinets or too dark cabinetry can make an already small kitchen feel downright miniscule. Take a long, hard look at your kitchen cabinets. Do you really need all of them? If you decide you can make more efficient use of fewer cabinets, consider removing some to make the kitchen feel larger. If you just can’t give up any cabinet space, you can still make your kitchen feel brighter by painting or staining them a lighter hue and using bright, reflective hardware in modern styles. Glass cabinet doors can also visually open up a kitchen — and inspire you to greater organization so that the inside of your cabinets always look guest-ready.
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Everything looks bigger and better in the daylight, but if your kitchen has just one small window over the sink or no windows at all, it can look dark and feel even smaller. Adding windows isn’t always possible in a kitchen where you need to reserve wall space for cabinets and appliances. Skylights can be a cost-effective and quick way to bring more natural light into a kitchen — even if it doesn’t have direct roof access. By adding Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered, fresh-air skylights, like those from Velux America, you can greatly increase the amount of natural light while keeping functional wall space. For times when you want less light, the addition of solar-powered blinds, available in designer colors and patterns, allow you to attractively shade your skylights. Operated with a programmable touchpad remote control, today’s skylights also feature a sensor that will automatically close them in case of rain. And there’s a 30 percent federal tax credit available to the homeowner on solar powered skylights, blinds and installation costs. As a cost-effective and easily installed alternative to traditional skylights, Sun Tunnel tubular skylights deliver natural light to spaces that don’t have direct roof access. Optional light kits make them functional both day and night.
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new primer and paint. White paint gives traditional-style furniture The end of summer is a perfect a vintage touch, while adding time to hunt for hidden one-of-a-kind designs with clean lines provide treasures buried in neighborhood a more contemporary edge. Bold yard sales. Whether it’s an old colors, such as turquoise, can also wooden dining chair, coffee table or transform your new furniture to bookshelf, there is beautiful potential become a statement piece in the in what others view as old and home. outdated. And with just a few handy touch-ups, it’s easy to transform ADD YOUR PERSONAL TOUCH yesterday’s furniture trends into Along with saving money and today’s style. Follow these five helping the environment, upcycling steps to begin your DIY furniture furniture is beneficial because makeover today. it provides an opportunity to create truly one-of-a-kind designs. LOSE THE DIRT AND RETURN Furniture stencils make it easy THE NATURAL SHINE to restore wooden pieces with A dry microfiber cloth is all you eye-catching patterns, or you need to remove dust and loose dirt. can add prints using fabric and If the wood appears dull or faded, wallpaper. If you prefer a simple create a polishing solution of half style, a fresh coat of paint and new olive oil and half white vinegar to hardware are all you need to update restore its natural shine. Apply the a table or dresser. mixture with a cheese cloth and use You can even repurpose furniture a clean soft cloth to blot any excess to achieve a unique look. A small TV liquid. stand can become your bedroom’s nightstand. An old wooden changing table might be the perfect REPAIR THE IMPERFECTIONS place to display your succulents and Even wooden furniture with herbs. Get creative and try out a few gouges or scratches can be different ideas to discover the best restored to its former glor y. Apply use for your new find. DAP Plastic Wood All-Purpose Wood Filler and simply wait for the filler to dr y before sanding, KEEP A REPAIR KIT painting and staining. If you’re a ON HAND FOR LATER beginning DIYer, take advantage Most wooden furniture will likely of new Plastic Wood-X, which goes need a touch-up from time to time. on pink and dries natural to signal With DAP’s Wood Finish Repair when it’s time to move to the next Kit, you can repair and restore the step — taking the guesswork out furniture you already have when of dr ying time. Both of these wood scratches, small nail holes or other fillers dr y with minimal shrinking minor blemishes appear. and no cracking, are low in odor, Don’t let the small imperfections and clean up easily with water. turn you away from bringing a beautiful piece of old furniture into your home. By following a few easy ENHANCE THE COLOR steps, you can breathe new life into After the wood filler dries, sand any wooden furniture you find this and stain the area to create an summer. To learn more about Plastic invisible repair. If you wish to paint Wood, Plastic Wood-X and other the furniture, sand the entire table DAP products, visit www.dap.com. or chair to prepare the wood for
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w o n k u ? Did yo
Come autumn, many foods seem to take on a unique flavor exclusive to the season. That’s thanks to the ubiquitous “pumpkin spice,” which each fall is a specially featured ingredient in everything from cream cheese to marshmallows. Naturally, pumpkin spice is also a key ingredient when preparing pumpkin pie. But just what does pumpkin spice contain? Pumpkin spice is a combination of several different ground spices. It typically includes cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. It also may include allspice. Pumpkin spice is the name given to the blend in the United States.
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