12-16-17 At Home

Holiday Host

Tips to make hosting a breeze

Smart House

How to add technology to your living spaces

At

HOME

A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer

2 At Home

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Messenger-Inquirer

DIY holiday home decor T LETTER from the

EDITOR Guys, we’ve made it.

My home is decorated for Christmas, my to-do is list is done and my house is currently the cleanest its been all year. Enjoy the holidays and the last few weeks of the year.

In this edition of At Home, you will get some last minute tips on how to prepare your home for holiday guests, being the best host and how including technology in your house can improve the way you live.

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

BY FAMILY FEATURES

he holiday season can get expensive, especially when purchasing thoughtful gifts for loved ones. The last thing you want to spend money on is generic holiday decorations that don’t make your home stand out from the rest.

Creating unique, do-it-yourself decorations is an activity that can help you bond with family and friends, but also give your home decor a fun, seasonal twist.

The experts at Krazy Glue suggest these festive DIY crafts that can get your home prepped for the holiday season without breaking the bank.

Statement centerpiece

A staple of holiday home decor is selecting the perfect centerpiece for your table.

Most people defer to flowers or generic baubles that can be overlooked, but you can make your table stand out with a festive tree made of common utensils. Grab some silver spoons, metallic spray paint, a plastic foam cone and an adhesive to create a DIY centerpiece.

Festive front door

When guests arrive at your home for the holidays, one of the first things they see is the front door. While it’s easy to go out and buy a pre-made wreath at the store, creating a unique, holiday-themed option is simple, budget-friendly and fun.

If you have clothespins lying around the house, repurpose them into something creative and beautiful this year. Create this one of a kind Metallic Clothespin Wreath with metallic spray paint, mini clothespins, a flat wooden wreath form

and a strong adhesive. Simply spray-paint the clothespins different metallic shades and glue them to the wooden wreath frame in different layers once dry.

To help make the wreath and other DIY projects shine, it’s important to have a strong adhesive that can withstand the test of time. Just a single drop of Krazy Glue can hold up to 2,000 pounds and only takes 30 seconds to dry. It’s a perfect tool to have in your home for any holiday DIY projects or quick fixes that may arise.

Deck the walls

There’s no need to stop the holiday decorations at your table and front door. Keep your walls festive by hanging some holiday themed decorations such as homemade snowflakes.

All you need is plywood molding and pieces of thin balsa wood, a

circular medallion, spray paint in your colors of choice and a strong adhesive.

Metallic Clothespin Wreath Supplies and Tools 350-375 mini clothespins Gold spray paint Silver spray paint Flat wood wreath form Krazy Glue Maximum Bond Divide clothespins into two sections. Spray-paint one section gold and one section silver; let dry.

Turn clothespins over and spraypaint other sides. Spray-paint wood wreath form silver; let dry.

Beginning in center of wreath form, glue circle of gold clothespins to wood wreath form; let glue dry.

Add layer of silver clothespins to inside of wreath. Attach pins by clipping onto first row of gold clothespins. Glue in place and let glue dry.

Add another layer of silver clothespins to inside of wreath.

Attach pins by clipping onto first row of silver clothespins. Glue in place and let glue dry.

Messenger-Inquirer

Smart home savvy

Saturday, December 16, 2017

At Home

Ways to add technology to your living spaces

A

BY STATEPOINT

smart, connected home is what’s in style. In fact, since 2014, research shows smart technology has increased in priority during renovations, especially for first-time home buyers.

1. Stay cool and comfortable.

Certain smart thermostats on the market today intuitively understand when to turn on heating or cooling equipment based on your home’s unique energy profile, the weather outside and thousands of other data points — making sure you’re comfortable 24/7. Some units even claim to save homeowners enough energy to pay for themselves.

2. Design the Perfect Shower.

The first Wi-Fi/cloud-based digital shower on the market, U by Moen shower, allows users to precisely set shower temperature and flow with an in-shower digital controller or from their smartphone, thanks to a helpful app. Need extra snooze time? Power on the shower from bed and it will alert you when it’s ready. Picky about your shower preferences? The ability to set up to 12 custom pre-sets in the app ensures you get your perfect shower every time.

3. Keep your eye on Fido. Ever wonder what your dog is up to while you’re away at work? Now, there are fun, tech-based ways to check in on

furry friends. HD pet cameras enable owners to monitor their pets with a wide-angle view, day and night. Some even offer an app that allows owners to toss a treat to their dogs or play a game of catch. Plus, a barking sensor sends notifications to your phone so you can see what’s happening and calm down your pooch via two-way chat.

4. Be hands-off in the kitchen.

Imagine the convenience of having a kitchen faucet turn water on or off, without a touch. Faucets with Moen’s MotionSense Wave touchless technology feature single-sensor hands-free activation, allowing users to easily activate the faucet with the wave of a hand. It’s perfect for when your hands are too full or messy to turn on the faucet, and also helps minimize the spread of dirt and germs, since you don’t have to touch the faucet.

5. Create the right ambiance.

The perfect lighting is now right at your fingertips. Instead of a regular incandescent bulb, smart lightbulbs allow homeowners to control lighting with a few taps on your smartphone or tablet. Want to turn on lights when you’re away or adjust their brightness and color? No problem. What’s more, the bulbs last longer and even help save energy.

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 16, 2017

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5 trends making a comeback today

Messenger-Inquirer

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BY BPT

isco may be dead, but the spirit of the 1970s is not. In homes all across the country, people are adding their own splash of ’70s style in updated, modern ways.

Here are five current top decorating trends that have an unmistakable ’70s flair.

More macramé, please

From dip dyed wall hangings to simple plant hangers, macramé is coming back in a big way.

Whether you purchase these items already made or you enroll in a class to make them yourself, macramé offers an easy way to add texture and an artistic touch to your home.

Groovy colors

The blazing orange walls of the ’70s may not be back anytime soon, but homeowners are again using more dynamic colors to define the insides of their home. In fact, Sherwin-Williams has named a bold, jewel-toned blue-green color, Oceanside SW 6496, as its 2018 color of the year. “This trendy color is perfect for a ’70s palette,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “The complex collision of deep blue and green in this color is somewhat grounding for more vibrant colors in a ’70s-inspired palette. You can use large doses of it on the walls and then add brighter pops of color with orange or green a la Sherwin-Williams Amber Wave SW 6657 or Avocado SW 2861 on throw pillows and blankets.”

A shagadelic rug

Yes, shag is more than an Austin Powers euphemism. It’s also a resurgent design trend.

Homeowners frequently purchase these cozy rugs for children’s areas like nurseries and playrooms. Whether sheepskin or conventional textiles, a shag rug is something you’ll go out of your way to walk across.

Wicker man ... and furniture

A staple in sun porches for generations, wicker furniture is making a big comeback this year, from headboards and chairs to mirror frames. Available in a wide array of colors and shades, wicker can be used to create the perfect centerpiece in your bedroom, living room or, yes, even your porch.

Green living ... Literally

In the 1970s, people believed that there was no such thing as too many plants in their home. This affection for indoor greenery is back, and homeowners have revitalized confidence in their green thumbs. From large potted plants in the corner to hanging basket plants, green living is in and people are loving the opportunity to create an urban oasis of their own.

From fresh colors and plants to wicker and wool, the ’70s are back this year, and this modernized trend is defining homes across the country. Now is the time to experiment, so swing down to your local paint or furniture store and find the perfect ’70s accent that fits your style.

Saturday, December 16, 2017

At Home

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6 At Home

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Messenger-Inquirer

home for holiday guests Prepare your

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BY FAMILY FEATURES

first impression is a welcoming one.

Incorporate lively seasonal decor into elcoming friends and family the space to create a cheerful, festive into your home, celebrating atmosphere. Be sure the area is free of time-honored traditions with clutter and make space for your guests’ delicious food and enjoying quality time shoes, coats and other personal items with loved ones are all sure signs that to send a message from the start that it’s the most wonderful time of the year. you’re happy to be hosting them.

However, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by holiday preparations and pressure to make your guests feel comfortable while visiting.

After a long journey, guests are sure From loading up on to appreciate a clean, fresh bedroom, pumpkin-scented candles to leaving out with personal touches to make them clean towels and upgrading that old air feel special. Make sure the pillows mattress to a real bed, it’s important are fluffed and bedrooms are stocked to help loved ones relax when they’re with fresh linens, along with a few away from home. Make the most of this magazines or a good book. Test all holiday season with these handy tips lights and fans to confirm they’re from the experts at Mattress Firm to working properly, and be sure an get each room of the house ready for alarm clock is available. A notecard guests. featuring your Wi-Fi network name

W

Guest bedroom

Entryway

The first step into a home away from home for the holidays can set the tone for the entire visit, so make sure that

and password can help your guests feel right at home.

For elderly guests, you may consider adding an adjustable base to your guest bed. Adjustable bases, including those available at Mattress

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Firm, are solid metal structures that fit twin- to king-sized mattresses and act as a movable foundation with the power to adjust the mattress into a variety of positions from reclining to inclining. These bases can be suitable for sleepers with chronic pain, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea or the average sleeper just looking for additional comfort.

Guest bathroom

Although visitors are likely to carry their own toiletries, it can be awkward to discover a forgotten essential while in an unfamiliar home. Stock your guest bath with the basics to ensure guests have everything they need, such as extra toothpaste, shampoo, razors and deodorant. Also provide plenty of freshly laundered, fluffy towels and washcloths.

Living room

Adding extra bodies to the household may put seating space at a premium, especially during the

At Home

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holidays when seasonal decorations take up extra room. Remove unnecessary items from the living area and add seating, if necessary, to ensure everyone can gather comfortably.

It’s also a good idea to ensure there are ample flat surfaces and coasters available for beverages so you can comfortably visit well into the night.

Kitchen

For close friends or family, you’re likely to know their preferences and it’s easy to stock up on a few favorites ahead of time. If a new guest will be joining, be sure to ask about likes or dislikes as well as allergy or dietary needs ahead of time. Make a point to show first-time guests around the kitchen early in the stay so they can easily find anything they might need, such as a glass for water during the night.

For more tips and tricks on getting your home prepped for the busy holiday season, follow along with #SleepGiving or visit MattressFirm. com/blog.

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Saturday, December 16, 2017

Messenger-Inquirer

Being the ultimate host

BY FAMILY FEATURES

‘Tis the season for holiday gatherings. Decorating and preparing to host a festive party or get-together can be stressful, but with these tips, you can add a seasonal sparkle that makes guests feel welcome and ensure that you — and your home — are ready to look and play the part.

Brighten up your home

Seasonal decor and holiday lights enhance both the interior and exterior of your home to create a welcoming atmosphere for family and guests alike.

Further set the mood with a seasonal soundtrack that plays softly in the background throughout your gathering and strategically place holiday-scented diffusers and candles throughout your home. Give careful attention to lighting overall, adding task lighting where needed to keep every room cheery and bright.

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Look your best

The holidays are a time when you can’t stop smiling as you gather with loved ones, attend holiday parties and seasonal work events, or pose for those annual family photos.

It’s important you look and feel your best, which starts with your smile, along with choosing the right outfit and accessories that add a festive touch.

Set a shining table

Dress up the dining room table with elegant place settings, including fine china or crystal dishes and glassware.

For a more formal gathering, consider placing name cards in stylish holders so guests know where to take their seats.

Adding seasonal-colored accents throughout the table can also help set the mood, as can displaying desserts on tiered serving trays.