12-2-17 At Home

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HOME

Entertaining Space

Get ready to make room during the holidays

Barn Doors

Why this trend makes a great winter project

A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer

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Saturday, December 2, 2017

Messenger-Inquirer

Prevent frozen pipes while traveling LETTER from the

EDITOR We are finally wrapping up the year. We started this At Home publication in January and we have made it almost one full year. I hope you have used this product as a tool to help you make your house a home.

In this edition of At Home, you will get tips on how to prevent frozen pipes this winter, how to create a warm and inviting ambiance and how incorporating barn doors into your home can make a great winter project.

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@ messenger-inquirer.com or 270-691-7233.

— Meghann Richardson

During winter, many people plan vacations to warmer climates so they can enjoy a relaxing respite from the snow and ice. While travelers are enjoying the sand and surf, their homes may be in danger from extreme weather conditions.

According to the State Farm Insurance Company, frozen water pipes af fect a quar ter-million families each winter. Both copper and plastic pipes can freeze. State Farm notes that a single 1⁄8-inch crack in a pipe can result in up to 250 gallons of water leakage per day. Flood water can contribute to serious structural damage, mold and a host of other problems.

Water expands as it freezes, so pipes can be put under strain if the pressure from expanding water has nowhere to go, offers the American Red Cross.

Pipes that tend to freeze most frequently include those exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool lines and water sprinkler systems. However, even pipes inside a home, such as those in unheated areas or those that run against exterior walls, can freeze.

To avoid retur ning from a relaxing winter escape to find a home in need of repair thanks to frozen pipes, homeowners can take these steps.

• Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces to help maintain higher temperatures within the areas where some water pipes may run.

• Pipes themselves can be insulated with special coverings or sleeves. Homeowners also can explore heat tape or wrap pipes in heat cables controlled by their thermostats.

• Disconnect outdoor hoses, and drain water from pipes leading to outdoor faucets. Turn of f the indoor valve to shut off the water supply to the outdoors, but leave the outdoor bib in the “open” position to allow water to drip and relieve pressure should some freezing occur.

• The same technique can be applied indoors.

A trickle of hot and cold water can keep pipes from freezing during extremely cold snaps of weather.

• Set the thermostat to a consistent temperature, ensuring that the temperature indoors will not drop dramatically overnight. The temperature should be no less than 55 F. • Open cabinet doors to allow heat to reach under sinks and appliances.

• Check around the house for drafty areas that can contribute to colder temperatures in garages,

basements and crawl spaces.

• Consider relocating pipes that are exposed to the elements to provide increased protection.

• Ask a neighbor to periodically check on the house to ensure that pipes are in good working order.

Homeowners who know where the main water shut-of f valve in their homes is located and who act quickly can prevent serious damage should a pipe burst. In such instances, leaks can be contained and extinguished as quickly as possible. e from expanding water has nowhere to go, offers the American Red Cross. Pipes that tend to freeze most frequently include those exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool lines and water sprinkler systems. However, even pipes inside a home, such as those in unheated areas or those that run against exterior walls, can freeze.

Messenger-Inquirer

Saturday, December 2, 2017

At Home

maximize your entertaining space eople who live in compact homes or apartments may find space is at a premium during regular times of the year. When the holidays arrive, decorations, trees and presents can make homes seem even more cluttered.

This can make it especially challenging for holiday hosts who want to open up their homes for festive gatherings.

Even if space is at a premium, all it takes is a little ingenuity to entertain successfully.

1. Put nonessential fur niture and other decor away. It’s impossible for would-be holiday hosts to move all of their belongings out of their homes to create entertaining space. But hosts can cer tainly cut down on clutter.

Check out the flow of a room and then move pieces around as needed to open up floor space. Push tables or large pieces of furniture up against walls.

Swap out armchairs for folding chairs.

Stow knickknacks in bedrooms or in closets.

2. Put benches and wide ledges to use. Narrow benches, such as those common to picnic tables, can seat three or four comfortably. Do not discount deep window ledges as potential seats, as these areas can be made more comfortable with pillows or cushions.

3. Collapse tables after meals.

If a sit-down dinner is the goal, set up tables accordingly. Then break down the tables after ward to free up more space. Serve small desserts that can be easily transported from room to room.

4. Use islands and countertops.

Tables can take up valuable space.

When entertaining a lot of guests, set

P

up an all-purpose counter island and add barstools. This can be an area for food prep, eating and entertaining.

5. Create conversation areas.

Encourage guests to spread out by setting up intimate spots in various rooms.

This way guests won’t feel the need to congregate in the same space. Bistro tables in a den, a few floor pillows in front of the fireplace and stools by a kitchen island will create conversation areas.

6. Expand outside, if possible.

Rent a tent that can be warmed with a space heater. If your home has a closed-in porch or patio space, cover screens with insulating plastic to create a comfortable added room.

7. Skip a sit-down meal. Large tables take up a lot of space, so serve a buffet, tapas or passed hors d’oeuvres so guests mix and mingle rather than sit down at one large table.

8. Use all available sur faces.

Invest in some sturdy ser ving trays that can be placed on television stands, upright speakers, ottomans, or even wooden crates. This will increase the amount of room you have to serve and store items.

Holiday entertaining requires some creativity when hosting in compact spaces.

DISPLAY SALE! December 1st - 23rd 50% off select display light fixtures

Sale applies to select hanging fixtures only.

We are a Toys for Tots donation center!

-----Closed December 25th - January 1st----620 Salem Dr.

Mon - Fri: 9 to 6

Sat: 9 to 1

www.lightingsolutionsgallery.com

270-478-4836

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Saturday, December 2, 2017

Messenger-Inquirer

Designer’s Eye

Update your home like a pro

I

nspiration is everywhere. From a field of yellow sunflowers to unique geometric patterns in the tile of a train station, the littlest things can spark the innovation behind some of the world’s most iconic products and designs.

Over half of Americans (51 percent) say the inspiration for creating a product is important to them when purchasing an item for their home, according to a recent survey from Moen conducted online by Harris Poll among over 2,000 U.S. adults.

When updating your own home’s décor, you can garner inspiration by discovering the creative influences of professional designers.

GO INSIDE THE MINDS OF THE PROS

Designers find inspiration just about everywhere. Pebbles in a stream sparkling in the sunlight have inspired smartphone interfaces, while talking computers on “Star Trek” have contributed to the creation of voice-controlled speakers.

Sometimes designers are inspired by consumers themselves. For example, at Moen, a leading manufacturer of kitchen and bath fixtures, innovation is driven by what homeowners say they want and how they interact with products. When determining the sensor placement for new MotionSense Wave touchless faucets, their design team was inspired by the way hands move around the kitchen sink.

The fixtures feature a single-sensor hands-free activation on the base’s left side, allowing users to turn the faucet on and off with the wave of a hand. “We also draw creativity from furniture, tools, architecture, music and museums,” says Steven Ward, Moen’s director of global design.

Messenger-Inquirer

SEEK YOUR SOURCE OF IDEAS

Next time you’re updating your bath or restyling your kitchen, act like a professional by venturing outside the box to get your creative juices flowing, whether it’s turning to a favorite song or a piece of artwork. For example, 16 percent of Americans who have done a home design project look to the outdoors for inspiration when planning home design projects, while 15 percent look to architecture.

Maybe you’re struck by the colors of the sunset in your family’s summer beach vacation photos or the amazing brick pattern you saw wandering through a historic neighborhood. Consider what colors and patterns grab you and evoke the feeling you want to have within your space. And once you find them, snap a photo and reference it as you’re designing.

Saturday, December 2, 2017

CURATE INSPIRATION

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Been a while since you took a vacation? Don’t live in an architecturally aweinspiring locale? Social media is a great proxy. In fact, of Americans who have done a home design project, 33 percent look to social media for inspiration. Just like the pros, create a design plan for your space, but make it easy by using a site like Pinterest. Create boards for color combinations, materials and textures that attract your eye, so you can define your ideal look. Many Pins are shoppable, making it simple to purchase your perfect home décor products with just a click.

While making design decisions, don’t worry about being “on-trend.” If you stay focused on what styles speak to you personally -- as well as the functionality your room needs to support -- you’ll create a space that feels uniquely yours.

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Saturday, December 2, 2017

Messenger-Inquirer

Barn doors come indoors

Messenger-Inquirer

Saturday, December 2, 2017

At Home

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Known

for their versatility, barn doors have been popping up in homes across the country — in contemporary and rustic designs.

TRANSITIONS IN OPEN FLOOR PLANS

As homeowners seek more open floor plans, interior doors are evolving. Barn doors meet homeowners’ desire for fluid room flows by seamlessly connecting adjacent rooms, allowing the flexibility to close spaces off or join them.

“The rolling feature of bar n doors creates a fresh look in any home,” says Brad Loveless, product development manager for Simpson Door Company. “The functionality of a door mounted on a barn track allows homeowners to control the degree to which spaces are opened or closed.”

Unlike conventional hinge-mounted doors, barn doors open previously divided rooms with an air of intentionality.

Like a distinctive piece of art in the home, the right interior door can showcase a homeowner’s style and personality. An unexpected door style creates a great discussion point when entertaining friends and family. Is your home lacking a statement piece that inspires creativity and sparks conversation? You may find that a barn door is a simple solution to this problem with its eye-catching rolling feature.

SHOWCASING STYLE AND PERSONALITY

farmyard-meets-indoors statement pieces have actually been around for over a decade. Today you’ll find barn doors with a modern, sleek look, rustic wood paneling or even made with a chalkboard.

Barn doors are available from several companies.

For homeowners who like the look and feel of wood doors, Simpson Door Company offers rustic-style barn doors, as well as sleek, contemporary doors that can be mounted on barn track hardware.

ADAPTABLE TO CHANGING STYLE TRENDS

WHY NOW?

Adding a barn door while you’re stuck inside for Do you ever worry that the sweater you bought last week will be out of style in a year or two? Are the cold months makes an immediate visual differyou a trend skeptic since the bell-bottom era? (If ence in your home and can provide a scenic backdrop those can go out of style, anything can, right?) These for holiday photos.

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Saturday, December 2, 2017

Create

Messenger-Inquirer

Ambiance in your home

Simple additions and updates add character 1. Use bold colors. Colors have the power to create specific moods. To ensure a welcoming atmosphere, make sure you select shades wisely. The science behind color psychology can help you choose paint, upholster y and more. Warm colors like red, orange and yellow make people feel more cozy and intimate. Cooler colors like grey and green are better for invoking calm, and are used to make a room feel more spacious.

2. Add a touch of softness. Use plush, cozy materials, such as decorative pillows and throws to create inviting places to sit. Soften hard surfaces like wooden or tile floors with area rugs. Add some warmth to hallways and narrow foyers with runners.

3. Breathe new life into spaces. Indoor plants can give life to an otherwise stagnant living area. For those not blessed with a green thumb, consider artificial plants. High-quality options can look very realistic and will save you time on care and maintenance. Or, for variety, add a simple vase to the kitchen table and brighten up the room with a new bouquet of fresh cut flowers each week.

4. Make music. A piano brings a level of elegance to any room, but you don’t have to overspend to get a beautiful sound or visual. New digital pianos reproduce the subtle nuances of the world’s finest grand pianos at various price points. For example, the Celviano Grand Hybrid Piano from Casio has the technology to produce an authentic grand piano experience, but doesn’t take up as much space or cost as much. Plus, since it’s digital, you won’t have to worry about maintenance and tuning.

5. Mood lighting. From candles to unique fixtures to bright open windows, the type of lighting used to illuminate a room sets its tone. Choose curtains and candles for cozy, romantic nights. Draw them open in the day for bright, sun-lit spaces. Install interesting fixtures as a focal point in empty hallways and in living spaces.

For your beautiful Bath and Kitchen Cabinets We have the ideas for you. Come visit.

Plumbing - Lighting Bath & Kitchen Cabinets Home Accessories Irrigation - PVF Septic Systems 2110 Grimes Ave. Owensboro, KY 42303 270-691-6040 www.bathandkitchenideacenter.com