1
HomeStyle MIDLAND DAILY NEWS FALL 2011
THIS OLD FARMHOUSE:
Also inside:
Old Eastman place rich with Midland history
New bathroom in a day or two Picking a front door Storing paint
homestyle 9-18 1
9/8/11 9:00:40 AM
10
Lots to think about whe By Lori Qualls Midland Daily News The door is wide open with possibilities when it comes to picking out the design that will greet people into your home. The front door is important part of a house, said Jeff Snyder, retail salesman for C&L Ward, a home improvement business in Kawkawlin. He said an attractive front door can boost the perceived value of a home. “For years it always was people’s kitchens,� he said. “Nowadays, people are spending more money on the front door.� He said studies have shown that people rate the value of the same house some $10,000 to $15,000 higher when it carries a fancy door rather than a plain one. The good news is a good looking door can be bought for about $500, he said. “You can put in a smooth fiberglass door with fairly nice glass for $400 to $500,� Snyder said. Of course, you can boost that price
Midland County
skyward with a higher priced door, and lots of glass including a transom window up top, he said. “Glass really drives the price of your door,� he said. The first step in getting a front door is to figure out how wide it should be, Snyder said. Most homes are limited to widths of 32 or 36 inches, with the latter being the most common. The 36-inch entry should accommodate a wheelchair, which is a factor in many people’s decision, he said. Most people come to the Kawkawlin company’s showroom to see examples of doors, glass and hardware. Snyder said fiberglass doors,
An attractive front door can boost perceived value of a home.
Be sure to visit us this fall & holiday season!
BUY a Bargain - BUILD a House Upgrading your appliances? Please consider donating your old, working appliances to the Habitat ReStore. Pickup is available; please call 835-6265 to schedule. Profits and Donations stay in the community - 64 homes built in Midland County since 1989. Donations Needed! We accept new & used furniture, appliances, home improvement products & more. Unsure if we can accept your items? Call 835-6265 to find out.
&ALLxxxx #OLORFUL -UMS 0ANSIES #HRISTMASxx0OINSETTIAS 7REATHS 2OPING
'RAVE "LANKETS #UT 4REES 3PRINGxxx (ANGING "ASKETS &LATS !NNUALS
0ERENNIALS 'ERANIUMS
Purchasing & donating items helps keep material out of the landfill! 1703 S. Saginaw (across from K-Mart) Mon - Fri 9 am - 5 pm, Sat 9 am - 2 pm Open until 6 pm on Thursday
(989) 835-6265
STOCK the ReStore - SHOP the ReStore
GREENHOUSES Serving Midland Since 1971 . %ASTMAN 2D MI . OF -IDLAND -ALL
PAGE 10
homestyle 9-18 10
9/6/11 10:50:33 AM
11
hen buying a new door which can be painted a color or stained to look like wood, are favorites right now. “You can still get wood doors but they’re uncommon in Michigan because they expand and contract” because of outdoor temperatures that fluctuate greatly. He said for years steel doors were the popular choice, but have given way to fiberglass doors that don’t dent or rust. He also said the rise in the cost of steel has steered many homeowners to fiberglass. Smooth fiberglass doors can be painted or stained at the factory or the homeowner can do it themselves, he said. Glass options abound as do hardware choices “For years and years, people were buying oval shaped windows in glass,” he said. “The majority of people do get some type of glass in the front door. Some people think it’s a security issue and don’t want glass but will put a side-
light there,” which he said really doesn’t make sense. Sidelights are windows, either on one or both sides of a door. Nickel and brass are the most popular metal choices for hardware and homeowners are opting for lever handles rather than door knobs. “If your hands are full, they’re easier to open the door,” he said. Storm doors are added to protect the front door as well as allow air from the outside to circulate through a house. Popular now are full-glass storm doors with retractable screens that show off the beauty of the front door. Right: Traditional style door with sidelights. Left: Glass panel double French doors. Centerspread: Updated Prairie style door with curved top window. More photos, page 12. Photos by Kevin Prior
GO CUSTOM! Custom Design by Jill
Premium Tile
Premium Style
Add a touch of elegance, beauty and sophistication with custom design tile. We offer an extensive selection of quality tile products for floors, backsplashes, counter tops, bathrooms, tub or shower surroundings, tabletops or any other tile project.
Helping You Keep Your Home Warm & Comfortable, Call...
Wild’s Heating & Air Conditioning Midland’s Comfort Specialists
989-835-3925
Call Today for a Free Estimate
• Ceramic Tiles • Marble & Granite • Natural Slate • Limestone • Glazed Porcelain • Glass • Installation • Repair Work
Products You Can Depend On From A Company You Can Trust!
Custom Tile & Design
Other Incentives Available
620 S. Saginaw Rd. • 989-832-3414 Residential • Commercial Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30 • Thurs. 9-6 • Sat. 10-2 www.customtileanddesign.com Evening Appointments Available
Up To $1,100 In Rebates, Qualifying Products For Federal Tax Credits. *See Dealer For Details
Additional services offered: Geo Thermal Systems, Hybrid Heating, Evolution Systems, Boiler Systems, Heat Pumps, Indoor Air Quality Products, Duct Cleaning, Plumbing Department and 24 Hour Service. Maintenance contracts and fireplaces
www.wildsplumbingandheating.com PAGE 11
homestyle 9-18 11
9/6/11 10:50:35 AM
12
An extra-wide contemporary style door from an Alden B. Dow designed home. Photos by Kevin Prior
Furniture ~ Candles ~ Rugs ~ Fabrics ~ Home Decor
Bell Plaza 219 Wackerly Rd. Midland, MI 48642 989-837-7858 Stop in and see how we can discover the design within you!
Quality Door Ryan Tebo
877.420.DOOR (3667) • YourDoorStore@gmail.com 517.812.6857 Ŗ YourDoorStore@gmail.com
Sales I Service I Installation A contemporary style door.
Garage Doors Ŗ Operators Ŗ Storm Doors Entry Doors Ŗ Hollow Metals
PAGE 12
homestyle 9-18 12
9/6/11 10:50:39 AM
13
PAGE 13
homestyle 9-18 13
9/6/11 10:50:42 AM
14
This Old House Steeles part of a rich 140-year-old history
Story By Lori Qualls | Cover, Portrait photo by Thomas Simonetti Midland Daily News PAGE 14
homestyle 9-18 14
9/6/11 10:50:44 AM
15
The Steele family: Dustin and Sarah, and their children, Emma Lutenske, 8, and Aiden Lutenske, 4, pose in their kitchen. PAGE 15
homestyle 9-18 15
9/8/11 9:00:46 AM
16
T
he red two-story farmhouse at 1812 Eastman in Midland has stood on the hill for 140 years, built some 20 years before young Herbert H. Dow arrived here by train.Throughout its lifetime, the house saw the wagon trail out front become a bustling five-lane business route, lined annually with petunias or marigolds planted by hundreds of volunteers. The house saw Herbert and Grace Dow’s apple orchard, numbering 5,000 fruit trees, become the site of a public gardens and an arts center that each year hosts dozens of local events and attracts top names in entertainment. When it was built in 1870, the farmhouse most likely stood alone with few, if any, neighbors. The young village of Midland, with a population of about 1500, was in the middle of a lumber boom, and was far from expanding into the area. The land was pure country, dotted with fields of corn, wheat, oats and potatoes.
On a winter’s day Sarah Steele, who has been in Midland since she was 9, doesn’t remember ever seeing the house. Her husband, Dustin, who drove by the house twice a day for four years, never knew it was there. The Steeles, though, feel in love with the house at the corner of Eastman and Crane Court on a winter day in 2010, even with its overgrown lilac bushes that towered 25 feet into the air, wallpaper everywhere, even on the ceilings and a seemingly endless list of needed The staircase area before. Photo repairs. courtesy of Sarah Steele
The staircase, original to the house, with redone steps. Photo by Kevin Prior
The Best of Both... Building & Cabinets! Tri City Remodeling would like to thank Midland for 30 years of allowing us to make your homes more comfortable.
Serving Midland for Over 30 years!
Specializing in quality exterior and interior remodeling - including:
Basement Finishing • Replacement Windows & Doors Kitchens • Baths • Roofing • Siding • Gutters 3 & 4 Season Rooms • Egress Windows • Skylights
.,#
#.3
, ') &#(!
Now Featuring Nowak Cabinets
Kitchen & Baths • Windows • Roofing Basement Remodeling • Decks & Patios Siding • 3&4 Season Rooms
989-496-9326 • www.tricityremodeling.com
)MPROVING -IDLAND /NE (OME AT A 4IME 3INCE
3700 Centenial Drive • Midland • 989-496-9326 • tricityremodeling com
WE OFFER
Of Midland
• Kitchen Cabinets • Counter tops Solid Surface, Granite, Quartz
• Installations • Bathroom Vanities
• Design
From design to completion
• Garage Cabinets • Bonus Rooms VOTED READERS’ • Pantries CHOICE AS ONE OF
#ENTENNIAL $R s -IDLAND s
MIDLAND’S BEST PLACES FOR CABINETS
(/523 7EEKDAYS 3ATURDAY %VENINGS BY APPOINTMENT PAGE16
homestyle 9-18 16
9/8/11 9:00:50 AM
17 “The price was right,” Sarah said. “It had good bones. We basically love the character of the old, but we wanted to make it new ... We could see the potential. We liked the fact that it had all the history and it was so old and so many families lived here.” That spring, they moved in, along with their two children, and the Steele name was added to the list of families who have called this house home. The Steeles went right to work and among the repairs, replaced most windows in the house (luckily, the parlor’s windows, including an amber piece, had no cracks), replaced the stairs leading to the upper level, stripped off most of the wallpaper and painted the walls and created two closets in the master bedroom. They kept as much old-time charm in the house as possible, including the bull’s-eye rosettes on the corners of the windows in the parlor and the wide baseboards and casing around the old windows.
able to document, that Eastman Road, which had been called Midland Road, was named in honor of Eastman Kodak for all of its business with The Dow Chemical. Co.) That information about the house matches what a former owner has told the Steeles as well as handwritten city records. The Steeles were told their house was the “original Eastman family farm,” and farther down on what now is Crane Court was where the barn stood. Records from the same period show a James S. Eastman and an Eliza E. Eastman made land purchases in Midland from 1865-1869. Eastman is credited with starting the first store in the village of Midland down by the docks of the Tittabawassee River near where Riverside Senior Center is today. His brother, Lewis, was the clerk. Together in 1867, the Eastman brothers drilled a well and started a mineral salt bath business near where Dow Diamond is today. (To complicate things, the 1870 census shows a James L. Eastman, a 39-year-old merchant, lived in Midland with his wife Eliza, 32, and three children, Clyde J., 12, Cora, 7, and The house that James built Floyd, 2. Also living on the property The house originally belonged to was a Richard Wilson, 40, described as James S. Eastman, who “owned a farm a common laborer, and Mortimer Clark, extending from Carpenter Street to 14. Interestingly, the 1860 census shows Snake Creek (Midland Country Club) Mary Clark, 12, lived with the famalong the road named for him and later ily, and does not include Wilson or the bought by Hiram Crane,” wrote Doroyoung boy Clark.) thy Langdon Yates in the book, “Salt of It is not known if the two James Eastthe Earth.” (Local historian Gary Skory The handwritten list of canned goods mans are the same people; perhaps restored in the basement. Photo by Kevin said he has heard, but has never been cords were wrongly recorded along the Prior
PAGE 17
homestyle 9-18 17
9/6/11 10:51:04 AM
18
Timeline of owners; year occupied Dustin and Sarah Steele 2010 Robert E. Falardeau 1978 Werner H. Braun 1972 James H. Case 1965 Rosiland R. Blacklock 1964 Charles B. Blacklock 1961 Irma E. Wildes 1957 Hiram A. Crane 1908 (six other title changes, including John Haley, between 1880-1908) James S. Eastman 1870
way, or maybe James Eastman had several middle names. James S. Eastman also was one of the first postmasters and in 1867, he reported the village had one sawmill, four general stores, three drugstores, one news depot and book store, three hotels, one jewelry store, a photographic gallery and a number of mechanic shops. Hiram Crane, a real estate agent and road developer, bought the house in 1908, from William and Louisa Campbell and John and Nannetta Kern. Directory records show Crane was living at the house in 1929 through at least 1953. Crane added a garage to the property in 1934, the only permit found for the property, according to city records. City records also show the Golfside subdivision, which this house is part of, was created in 1934, by Crane and his wife, Lucy, and three other couples: Gilbert (Charlotte) Currie, Willard (Martha) Dow and Earl (Eva) Bennett. Records show the property was vacant in 1957, the year Crane died.
Kitchen not a mainstay in house The original Eastman house did not look like what it does today. It wasn’t covered in red shingles, and most likely had only three rooms on the main level, including the formal parlor, which faces west and has a large window topped with amber glass flanked by two smaller ones. The living room is behind one end of the parlor and another room, which could have been a bedroom or kitchen, is in back of the other end. The upstairs today has three bedrooms but Sarah Steele said she learned most farmhouses at that time had one continuous floor on the upper level and bedrooms only were added as the family grew. She said during the renovation, she and her husband discovered one continuous floor in their house. Historian Skory, who visited the house, pointed out a built-in closet in an upstairs Continued on page 26
READERS CHOICE #1 PLACE FOR KITCHEN CABINETS THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT From design to decor, it’s all about simplicity and ease of use. With Diamond cabinetry you’ll always find ways to store more with style along with fingertip features that suit you. Visit our showroom and let our experts help you start planning your ideal space.
www.diamondcabinets.com
608 S. Saginaw Rd Midland (989) 839-9450 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. OR BY APPOINTMENT
Midland’s only authorized Dynasty/Omega Dealer. Laureldale Cherry Cider
PAGE 18
homestyle 9-18 18
9/8/11 9:00:53 AM
19
Things to consider when budgeting a project Personal finances: It sounds simple, but homeowners must examine their finances before starting a home improvement project. Just because a bank will loan out money for a project doesn’t mean the project is affordable. Homeowners should compare their monthly expenses with their incomes, and then determine what’s left that might be able to go toward a project. Monthly expenses include everything from groceries to mortgage payments. When the comparison between monthly expenses and monthly income has been made, homeowners can get a grasp of
just what they can and cannot afford. Credit score: Many homeowners finance home improvement projects with loans from the bank. Particularly in the current economy when banks are being forced to tighten lending requirements, securing such loans isn’t easy. Homeowners with significant credit card debt should eliminate such debt before beginning a project. Doing so serves multiple purposes. First and foremost, eliminating outstanding debt will free up more money to allocate toward the project. Eliminating
We Specialize in Eco-Friendly Flooring.
debt will also make loan applicants more attractive to prospective creditors, increasing their chances of securing a loan and a lower interest rate. The project’s priority: Budgeting a home improvement project also involves being honest as to just how necessary the project is. For example, a man cave might be a dream project, but should it be a priority over other things around the house? If wear and tear is taking its toll on the roof, for instance, the money going toward the man cave should probably be allocated to replacing the roof instead. If a project is
low on the priority list but high on the want list, re-examine those projects higher up on the priority list to determine if they are more deserving of immediate attention and funds than vanity projects. Overrun costs: Homeowners should not be caught off guard when a project goes over budget. Instead, plan for the project to go over budget and expect such frustration. Allocate extra money in the original budget for overrun costs. This will reduce stress and frustration, and if the project comes in under budget, then there’s extra money when the project is completed.
Bamboo Flooring
Harder than oak floor and is part of the grass family which regenerates approx. every 5 years.
Cork Flooring
Eco-Friendly Products
Cork trees grow in Portugal and bark may be harvested every 9 to 11 years and approx. doubles life of tree.
Smart Strand Carpeting
(Produced from corn sugar) Eco-friendly, easy maintenance, exceptional durability and elegant feel.
D & R FLOOR COVERING
Where beautiful homes begin from the floor up! 515 Vance • Midland (1 block north of M-20)
(989) 631- 4570
PAGE 19
homestyle 9-18 19
9/6/11 10:51:20 AM
2
The Great Lakes Bay Region’s Premier Granite Showroom
&!"2)#!4)/. ).34!,,!4)/.
Natural Beauty, Elegance & Longevity… Granite. A superior product for your home. 560 W. Pickard Street • Mount Pleasant 989-775-2852 • www.absolutegranitemi.com PAGE 2
homestyle 9-18 2
9/6/11 10:50:14 AM
20
Storing paint By Kass Wilson N.Y. Times News Service | photos Metro
7 ( / , % 3 ! , % %,%#42)# Qspve!Ejtusjcvups!pg!Ijolmfz!Mjhiujoh! ! mjgf A G L O W
70 5 E . M I D L A N D ST. B AY C I T Y, M I
®
P H . 9 8 9. 8 93.757 7 we sbc.com
HINKLEY
™
Wjtju!pvs!tipxsppn! up!wjfx!uif!mbuftu!eftjhot-!dpmpst-!tuzmft! boe!usfoet!gspn!Ijolmfz!Mjhiujoh/
PAGE 20
homestyle 9-18 20
9/6/11 10:51:26 AM
21
T
here are steps that can be taken to extend the shelf life of your remaining paint. Caring for the product begins the moment you open the can. Here are some tips.
• Never dip your tool directly into the can. The brush or roller will pick up dust and lint from the wall and it will be transferred back into the fresh paint. • In the event your latex paint is too thick, take out the amount you will need and place it in a separate container before adding water. If you add water directly into the can, the remaining paint will spoil prematurely or mold will form. Discard any diluted paint.
Before you start: • Do all preparations of your work area before opening the can. This includes assembling your tools, taping and placing drop cloths. • The paint stores usually do a good job of mixing the product when you purchase it. Depending upon the quality of the paint, no stirring is necessary if it is being used within 24 hours of purchasing. • Remove the lid carefully with a paint can opener. Attempting to pry the can open with a screwdriver or other tool may distort the lid, making it difficult to create a good seal when you’re done.
During your project: • Exposure to air is what makes paint harden. Minimize
the number of times you open the can. Do not leave it open while you are painting. • If you need to stir the paint, do it gently so additional air is not introduced into the product. When you are done, remove the stir stick and close the lid. • Pour paint into a small container or roller pan. Clean the well (the indentation around the top of the can) and replace the lid. Even covering the can with a shower cap while you are painting will help to keep it fresh.
When you are done: • Before closing the can, clean the lid and the well of excess paint to make sure there will be a good seal. • Excess air will cause paint to dry prematurely. Place a piece of plastic wrap inside touching the top of the paint before replacing the lid. This will prevent a surface film from forming. • If the can is less than half full, consider transferring the remaining amount into a smaller container so there will be less air inside the can. They
are available at most paint and hardware stores. Or, you can use any type of container that will maintain a tight seal (like a Mason jar). • The can must be sealed tightly. Use a rubber mallet to tap the lid shut. If using a hammer, place a piece of wood on the top so the hammer doesn’t distort the lid. • If your paint is in a plastic container, clean the threads along the sides and inside of the lid. Then coat them with a small amount of petroleum jelly to create a good seal.
Where to store paint: • Store remaining paint in a climate-controlled environment. Freezing will render paint products unusable. Likewise, excessive heat (next to a water heater or furnace) will make it react with the excess air in the container and cause it to thicken. • Do not leave paint cans on a concrete, stone or tile floor. The moisture will cause the can to rust over time and will distort the color.
'úÿÜ )Ă˛ĂżĂľĂ´ÄƒĂ˛ĂˇÄ…ĂśĂľ $Ă˛ĂłĂşĂżĂśÄ…ÄƒÄŠ "ÿþ 'Ä†ÄƒĂżĂşÄ…Ä†ÄƒĂś ĆŚĆŁĆĽĆž $Ă˛ÄƒÄ…ĂśÄƒ 3Āòþ 'ÄƒĂśĂśĂ˝Ă˛ĂżĂľ .úôÚúøòÿ ƧƌƧ ƤƧƣ ƤƥƞƤ www.designtechonline.com PAGE 21
homestyle 9-18 21
9/8/11 9:01:07 AM
22
FLOOR ’EM WITH STYLE How do you choose from all of the options to find the right flooring that not only will provide comfort and durability but also complement your home’s style — all within your budget
High traffic areas, including bedrooms, play rooms, studies and family rooms, cry out for carpeting. AP Photo/Caleb Magnino PAGE 22
homestyle 9-18 22
9/6/11 10:51:30 AM
23
Resilient products like the FiberFloor Ambiente collection from Tarkett Residential provide the perfect solution for design-savvy consumers who desire more color and pattern options for their floors. ARA photo PAGE 23
homestyle 9-18 23
9/6/11 10:51:34 AM
24
Find the right flooring for your home
Y
our style and your budget are the first deciding factors when narrowing down flooring options, says Gary Finseth of Tarkett Residential, a worldwide flooring manufacturer. “Determine those parameters and think about the room where you’ll be installing the flooring. What does it look like, how much is it used and what kind of traffic flow does it have? For most people, maintenance and performance concerns also factor in the decision.” To start, set a price range and begin evaluating the design and performance features of each option. If you’re not planning to install the floor yourself, don’t forget to factor in the installation costs, which are often in addition to the square-foot cost of the floor itself. Be sure to explore nontraditional options. Modern, stylish products like laminate and resilient vinyl flooring offer durable, affordable and easy-to-maintain surfaces that will hold up through years of everyday living.
Selecting a style Whatever flooring you choose should blend effortlessly with your home’s style, whether it’s Victorian, country, traditional, contemporary or eclectic. The size of the
that modern flooring technology has to offer. The latest advances in resilient and laminate flooring offer the best of both worlds — fashionable colors and realistic textures, combined with unsurpassed durability, comfort, function, easy maintenance and affordability.
Comfortable and quiet
Modern flooring technology holds up to the demands of everyday living better. Photo by Metro room where you plan to install the flooring is important for the overall design equation. Tiny tiles will be too busy in a large room, while a large-scale design will overwhelm a smaller space. While natural materials, such as slate, stone, bamboo and hardwood catch many homeowners’ attention, consider the variety
Modern flooring technology holds up to the demands of everyday living better, and more comfortably, than natural hard-surface options. Laminate and resilient floors feel soft and have insulation properties that make them warm underfoot. These modern flooring technologies are also engineered to be quiet and not carry sound. For example FiberFloor resilient flooring from Tarkett offers special foam density for added performance and durability, as well as warmth, comfort and a quiet living space, something natural, hard-surface flooring can’t deliver. FiberFloor also features more than 200 distinctive colors and designs, including natural-looking wood grains like oak or even exotic teak, rustic tiles and earthy stone looks, which deliver the best of both worlds. ARA Content
We don’t cut corners, we get in to them! Celebrating 29 years of service. • Weekly • Bi-Weekly • Monthly • Occasional Cleaning Trained, Bonded & Insured Teams to Best Serve You.
Reasonable Rates
Serving the area Since 1982
homestyle 9-18 24
(989) 837-6831
www.custommaidsinc.com
9/6/11 10:51:34 AM
25
Carpet, the bolder the better
A
fter years of being ripped out and kicked to the curb, carpet is making a comeback. And not just the neutral-toned carpets of recent years, but ones that are boldly colored or patterned. The softer, cozier feel of wall-to-wall carpet is appealing to homeowners used to treading on tile and wood, said Emily Morrow, director of color, style and design for Shaw Floors, a company in Dalton, Ga., that specializes in carpet, laminate, tile and hard wood flooring. “They’ve experienced those hard surfaces, and they want to surround themselves with the comfort� of carpet, she said. While hardwood or tile can be great for entryways or other high traffic areas, some rooms — bedrooms, play rooms, studies and family rooms — cry out for carpeting, said Eric Ross, an interior designer in Franklin, Tenn. “Carpet is really trending up,� he said. “You’re going to see more and more of it.�
Manufacturers have responded by creating carpets with rich colors, patterns and textures designed to be a focal point, rather than just a neutral backdrop. The new choices are available at a variety of price points. “It has gotten exciting again� after years of playing it safe, Morrow said.
“We see so much pattern in so many things. We’re just bombarded with it.�
After years of being ripped out and kicked to the curb, carpet is making a comeback. And not just the neutral-toned carpets of recent years, but ones that are boldly colored or patterned. AP Photo/Bossy Color, Michael K. Wilkinson Story By Melissa Kossler Dutton The Associated Press
— interior designer Linda Merrill Clients are using carpet to make a statement, agreed Linda Merrill, an interior designer in Duxbury, Mass. “If carpet is the right choice for a specific space, they feel freer to pick something a little more exciting,� she said. “There are a lot of different colors and different options.� Those who are hesitant to choose a patterned carpet often create an impact with a textured one, said Jennifer Bardsley, an interior designer in Hingham, Mass.
/ )FNMPDL 3E )FNMPDL .*
1IPOF 'BY
%ADF JA=< "9J<OGG< -G>LOGG<
*DQOGG<
MKLGE '9FLD=K
1GG< DGGJAF?
GGJK 'GMD<AF? AE=FKAGF9D 'ADDOGJC
$ . *GO=JE9LA; -9OKLGH .GGDK ,G;CD=J 1GG<OGJCAF? "9J<O9J=
Visit our website today! 9JF GGJ&ME:=J ;GE
homestyle 9-18 25
:PVS (SFBU -BLFT #BZ 3FHJPO T "VUIPSJ[FE %FBMFS -FBSO NPSF BCPVU )(57 )0.& 'MPPSJOH CZ 4IBX BOE &WFSFUU $BSQFU UISPVHI PVS XFCTJUF OPEN MON. & THURS. UNTIL 8:30PM SINCE 1950 FREE PARKING AT OUR DOOR â&#x20AC;˘ 318 ASHMAN ST â&#x20AC;˘ 835-7191 BU FWFSFUUDBSQFU DPN
9/6/11 10:51:39 AM
26 Continued from page 18 bedroom and said that spoke to a family’s status. Taxes were based on the number of rooms in a house, he said, and a built-in closet was considered a room and added to the home’s value. That’s why freestanding wardrobe closets were so popular, he said. A kitchen wasn’t necessarily part of the house in the mid-1800s, Skory said. Back then, a kitchen could have been a freestanding building close by or even a shedlike structure attached to the house. The parlor was the place where friends and family gathered and the family’s food most likely was prepared unseen by the hired help. Kitchens became a mainstay in American houses in the 1910s and 1920s when electricity and appliances made kitchens functional, Skory said. When Hiram Crane came into the picture, the house most likely was expanded. Either the kitchen and dining room were built on, or the kitchen, which was a freestanding
Sarah Steele found this key on the stairwell under the kitchen. Photo by Kevin Prior building in the rear of the house, was joined to the main house by a dining room. Skory said round nails are evidence that these rooms were added on in the 1900s. Square nails were used for construction in
STOP IN FOR ALL YOUR HARDWARE NEEDS! • Glass & Screen Repair • Plumbing Supplies • Refill Printer Cartridges • Paint & Supplies • Giftware • Small Engine Repair • Sporting Goods • Hunting & Fishing Licenses • Complete Locksmith Service
CALL 832-8829
the 1800s, he said. The kitchen has separate stairs that lead to a room above it, which likely was the servants’ quarters. “Back then being a domestic was a common and easy way for a woman to make a living,” said Skory, director of the Midland County Historical Society. “A dollar and a half to $2 a week, she could have been a day maid or lived here.” Puzzling to Skory and the homeowners is an unfinished passthrough of sorts that connects the servants’ quarters to the Steeles’ bedrooms. This is above the dining room and there still is evidence of a fire in that area. Skory rubbed his finger over black spots on timber and it was blackened with soot. Based solely on how visibly excited a historian can get, Skory discovered something worthwhile while down in one of the house’s two basements. With a flashlight aimed into a cavity above his head, he spotted a 28-plus-inch wide wood board that is part of the subfloor for the kitchen. He said that width of lumber will never be harvested in Michigan again
Save time and $$$ looking for a Realtor® to help you find your dream home. At GreatLakesBayListings.com you can:
Discover that helpful Realtor®, and view 100s of area homes for sale. See open house information, find an area builder, plus read about the latest area news! It’s easy.... • Lawn Mowers • Lawn & Garden Equipment • We Buy and Sell Used Guns • UPS Shipping Center
www.GreatLakesBayListings.com
OPEN 7 DAYS
ACE HARDWARE & SPORTS 8:00 TO 8:00 M-F 8:00 TO 5:30 SAT. 10:00 TO 4:00 SUN.
419 E. MAIN ST. DOWNTOWN MIDLAND
homestyle 9-18 26
9/6/11 10:51:41 AM
27 and could only have been sawn in the 1800s, which does not match the era of the kitchenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s construction. He could not determine if the nails were round or square, but said there were holes in the board, indicating it had been used before. Perhaps this board is timber from the original Midland courthouse, a Greek Revival building constructed in 1858, and bought by Crane in 1926, for $250 after the presentday courthouse was constructed. Crane dismantled the timber and used it elsewhere, and Skory said several houses on Crane Court are believed to be made from some of that timber. While still in the basement, Skory pulled away some boards from the foundation wall under the kitchen area, and discovered remnants of an old cistern, which would have been the houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hand-dug well. He glanced up and found a hole in the basement ceiling and said that would have been where the pipe led from the cistern to a hand-pump pitcher in the kitchen. Also in that basement, Skory found wooden shelves put together with square nails, and another with
Treasures found, someone elseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future
The staircase to the basement under the kitchen. Photo by Kevin Prior
round nails. A list written on the wood in pencil indicated what was canned in 1942 and 1943, including apples, peaches, pears, huckleberries, blueberries, and how much of it had been stored on the shelves.
When the Steeles bought the house, it came with some treasures, including a Frigidaire Flair range, the same model Samantha Stevens used in the popular 1960s sitcom â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bewitched.â&#x20AC;? Steele said she loves the old electric model, which has three functioning burners on a tray that can pulled out and back into the appliance. Two ovens, side by side, have see-through glass doors and are above the cooktop. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I use it every day,â&#x20AC;? she said. An ornate upright piano, which the Steeles have learned is a 1917 Henderson piano made in either Ann Arbor or Chicago, also was left in the house. The piano would have sold for about $400 in 1917 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; quite a bit of money at the time. The Steeles thought they had the rest of their lives to make this house their own, but are expecting a third child and have decided they need a four-bedroom house. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This would have been nice,â&#x20AC;? Sarah said, explaining all their â&#x20AC;&#x153;big ideasâ&#x20AC;? were starting to happen and she could actually see the houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potential. But that will have to wait for the next family.
G 5H
UHGHVLJQ
Ă&#x160;* / Ă&#x160;- Ă&#x160; " Ă&#x160;" Ă&#x160; "7tĂ&#x160; - 6 Ă&#x160;" Ă&#x160; Ă&#x160;* /Ă&#x160; / , Ă&#x160; Ă&#x160;-/" °
H
ILQDQFH UH
H F R U DW
,, 6 Ă&#x160;-"" t "1,Ă&#x160;Ă&#x201C;䣣Ă&#x160;- / " Ă&#x160;" Ă&#x160; ,/ Ă&#x160;/, -]Ă&#x160; 7, / -]Ă&#x160; /-Ă&#x160; Ă&#x160;"/ ,Ă&#x160; Ă&#x160; , -/ -Ă&#x160;
",Ă&#x160; 9
Hours: M-F 9-6 Sat. 8-4
2672 N. Eastman â&#x20AC;˘ Midland, MI 48642 â&#x20AC;˘ 989.835.4708 www.maplehill-midland.com
homestyle 9-18 27
( #$ & ( # $ ( ' ( ( ( ( $$ ' ## % $ ( (
( ''' '! & " !
9/6/11 10:51:48 AM
28
L L A & In Stock!
MIDLAND’S
7
30 $865 per per pcs pcs
44
$
95
6495
$
$
163
110
$
Super Foam Insulated
RUN TO ANY LENGTH WHILE U WAIT!
4495
White & Some Colors
$ 10 Colors Available
CONTRACTOR REFERRAL AVAIALBLE www.sidingworld.com
FENTON
SANFORD
195 S. Alloy Drive
2252 N. Merdian
(1 Blk. N. of Owen Road)
810-714-9300
(1/2 Mi. S. of US-10)
SAGINAW
WATERFORD
CLIO
5393 N. Michigan
5211 Williams Lake Rd.
11240 N. Saginaw
(1/4 Mi. S. of Dixie Hwy.)
(1 Mi. S. of Vienna Rd)
(1/4 Mi. N. of Tittabawassee)
989-687-7313
989-754-3440
248-674-1300
810-687-4730
FREE Installation Guides!
Quantities Limited • One Sq. = 100 Sq. Ft. • HOURS: Mon.-Fri., 7:30-5, Sat., 8-12, Closed Sunday
homestyle 9-18 28
9/6/11 10:52:02 AM
3
features 4 DESIGNER TRICKS FOR THE DO-IT-YOURSELFER
Incorporate designer ideas into your space
6 A NEW BATHROOM IN JUST A DAY OR TWO
These projects add value even with a limited budget
8 WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DOOR MAKES
How to choose a front door
14 THIS OLD HOUSE Local family part of a rich 140-year history
19 MAKE A BUDGET
Personal finances, credit scores, priorities, overrun costs
20 STORING PAINT Extend the shelf life of your colors
22 FLOOR THEM WITH STYLE How do you choose from all the options
HomeStyle is produced by Midland Daily News www.ourmidland.com
PAGE 3
homestyle 9-18 3
9/6/11 10:50:18 AM
4
PAGE 4
homestyle 9-18 4
9/6/11 10:50:20 AM
5
DESIGNER TRICKS FOR THE DO-IT-YOURSELFER t’s easy to incorporate designer tricks into your space, no matter the style or existing decor. Focus on adding layers of color and texture, and notice how hues flow from room to room to create a cohesive design. Choosing coordinating colors is easy when you have the right guide. Look for color palette cards that group colors by design themes to incorporate a favorite style, from traditional to rustic to contemporary. Then draw these hues into all elements of the room, including flooring, fabrics and light fixtures. For example, the new HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams line of interior paints and supplies features eight designer-inspired color collections — each with 20 colors that work well together, no matter how many or how few are selected — along with expert design tips to help do-it-yourselfers create harmonious room-to-room color transitions. “Many homes today have open-floor plans that require close attention to how colors flow between spaces,” says Jackie Jordan, director of color marketing for Sherwin-Williams. “Our collections are designed to take the guesswork out of coordinating colors, and to give consumers the confidence and creative spark to find their personal color style.” Pull together a well-designed home by taking cues from the overall color palette to add decorative accessories. For example, a spicy orange vase on the dining room table can play off a bold accent wall in the kitchen. Or update the look of furniture with a glossy coat of paint. Personalize with family treasures and modern, metallic or glass finishes for an eclectic, yet timeless look. Designers aren’t afraid to make a statement with a signature space. Why not play on the high-impact contrast of black and white in a foyer or infuse an electric jolt of pink in a master bath? There are no wrong choices, because color is personal — and doesn’t have to be permanent. Another popular design technique is to turn flooring into a flexible decorating element. Flooring can significantly impact a home’s overall decor by enhancing the warmth and beauty of a room. To liven up a space, try layering a vibrant area rug over a hard-surface floor or a neutral carpet -- it’s easy to change as design preferences evolve.
I
ARA Content
PAGE 5
homestyle 9-18 5
9/8/11 9:00:45 AM
6
3TEVENS #YCLE 3ALES )NC -OTORCYCLES -OPEDS /FF 2OAD 6EHICLES 3COOTERS
7ATERCRAFT !46S 'ENERATORS 3NOWMOBILES
3%04%-"%2 s 0-
s &//$ s 2%&2%3(-%.43 s %.4%24!).-%.4 s ')6%!7!93 s $)3#/5.4 /. !##%33/2)%3 s 30%#)!, 02)#).' /. ./. #522%.4 ")+%3 4(% -//3% 7),, ')6% !7!9 ! 9!-!(! 6 34!2 4(!4 .)'(4 4/ ,5#+9 7)..%2 /& 4(% -//3% ")+% .)'(4 #/.4%34
3 (URON 2D "AY #ITY -)
S
ERVINSKI OD ERVICE, INC
LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS SERVING THE MIDLAND AREA SINCE 1967
COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL GRADING â&#x2013; HYDRO-SEEDING â&#x2013; LAWN MAINTENANCE SNOW REMOVAL â&#x2013; NEW LAWN CONSTRUCTION ATHLETIC FIELDS
LICENSED PESTICIDE APPLICATOR
% !IRPORT 2D -IDLAND -)
WWW STEVENSCYLE COM 7E ARE A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS THAT HAS BEEN SERVING OUR CUSTOMERS SINCE
3190 E. HUBBARD RD.
MIDLAND
CALL FOR FREE ESTIMATES 835-4810 FAX 835-9949
PAGE 6
homestyle 9-18 6
9/6/11 10:50:21 AM
7
A new bathroom in just a day or two Renovating the bath is one of the most popular home improvement projects around, according to renowned home improvement expert Danny Lipford. And, if budget is an issue, consider this - the average bathroom remodel returns an average of 93 percent of the investment. So even with a limited budget, the following projects will add value and visual appeal to your loo in just a day or two.
Vanity sanity Think of how much time you spend at the sink — applying makeup, fixing your hair and brushing your teeth. So why not update this bathroom focal point in just a weekend with a new vanity and fashionable faucet? Many prefinished vanities with built-in sinks are available for under $100 and have surface options including cultured marble and granite to match any decor, according to Lipford. The next step is selecting a faucet to complete the look of your new vanity. To start, determine whether your sink or countertop requires a centerset (one-piece) or widespread (handles and spout are separate) faucet. Once you know the type of faucet you need, manufacturers offer a wide selection of style and finish options
to meet your design desires. To install your faucet, be sure you have the proper tools, including new supply lines, adjustable wrenches, a basin wrench and Phillips screwdriver. Then, just follow the manufacturer’s directions to remove the old faucet and install the new one. Or for extra help, websites such as moen.com also offer step-by-step videos to walk you through the simple process. Add a final touch to the vanity area by installing new accessories, such as towel rings or towel bars.
Tile transformation Adding or replacing tile is a great way to continue your bathroom transformation. The most cost-effective and popular
type of tile to install is ceramic. Porcelain is another type of ceramic tile that is more stain-resistant, but not as easy to install, so the cost and labor involved is often higher. Stone tile, such as marble, granite and slate, is another option that helps to create a unique and upscale look in the bath, but often has a heftier price tag. Once you select your tile, don’t let the installation be intimidating as it’s a rather simple process — and tiles can even be laid directly on top of an existing tile floor. One quick design tip from Lipford is to lay the tile diagonally to help maximize the feeling of space and make your bathroom appear larger. Using light colors (both in paint and tile selections) throughout the room, and even adding an oversized mirror, also helps to create the illusion of space.
Beauty and the bath You can create seven additional inches of elbow room in the shower and add visual appeal with a curved shower rod. For about $60, it’s an affordable, stylish and easy-to-install solution. To help complete your updated shower, add an invigorating rainshower. ARA Content
#SJHHT CONTRACTING, INC. STONE AND LANDSCAPE SUPPLY
DECORATIVE STONE • FLAGSTONE MULCH • PAVERS • RETAINING WALLS DRIVEWAY GRAVEL • FIELD STONE
PH (989) 687-7331 • MON-FRI 8-5:00 SAT. 9-12 SEE US AT THE CROSS 62 E. SAGINAW RD., SANFORD PAGE 7
homestyle 9-18 7
9/6/11 10:50:23 AM
8
What a
difference a door makes
Fancy or plain, lots to consider when making decision
PAGE 8
homestyle 9-18 8
9/6/11 10:50:27 AM
9
PAGE 9
homestyle 9-18 9
9/6/11 10:50:30 AM