HomeStyle by Midland Daily News

HomeStyle 2014

The longer I live the more beautiful life becomes. If you foolishly ignore beauty, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll soon find yourself without it. Your life will be impoverished. But if you wisely invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life. - Frank Lloyd Wright

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Let our experts help you add natural beauty to your home. Each stone slab is an exquisite work of art and we are confident we can find a piece that will fit your style and create the kitchen of your dreams. Visit our unique design center where you can peruse through some of the best that nature has provided us.

HOW TO STAY WITHIN YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT BUDGET

WINTERIZE: TO SAFEGUARD YOUR HOME FROM HARSH WEATHER

NEW NOSTALGIA: HOME DECOR WITH A RETRO VIBE

FIXING LEAKY FIXTURES AROUND THE HOUSE

FALL HOME DECOR: AN ENSEMBLE PRODUCTION

RIGHT AT HOME: COOKING UP A COLOR-HAPPY KITCHEN

ASK A DESIGNER: EXPLORING WOOD’S POSSIBILITIES

MAKE YOUR BATHROOM PART OF SMART, SAFE, LONG-TERM LIVING

GRIME ON THE HOUSE? PROS AND CONS OF POWER WASHING

INSULATION: NOT JUST WARM AND FUZZY ANYMORE

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ENJOY CLEAN GUTTERS THIS FALL!

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HomeStyle

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HOW TO

STAY WITHIN YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT BUDGET Home improvement projects range from small scale undertakings that can be tackled in a single weekend to large remodels that can take several months to complete. While no two projects are the same, every home improvement project demands that homeowners dip into their pockets and spend some money. Much like the scale of projects varies greatly, so, too, do the financial commitments required of homeowners to make those projects a reality. But no matter the size of the project, homeowners can find ways to stretch their budgets without sacrificing the quality of their improvements.

unforeseen, and costly, hurdles. For example, you might find mold inside the walls when you’re converting a basement, and it can cost a pretty penny to make that mold go away. If you go into the project expecting such hurdles, then the financial sting of addressing them won’t prove too great a burden. But if the mold catches you and your budget completely off guard, you might be forced to overextend that budget or make sacrifices elsewhere in order to complete the project. Build some contingency money, including permit and permit fees, into your home improvement project to safeguard against such unforeseen issues.

Do yoUR HomeWoRK.

Get to WoRK.

Before you decide to make changes to your home, it’s best to first do some research into any potential projects you’re considering. Many homeowners have decided to dive into a project before they fully realize its scope and cost, and going in blind can bust a budget, turning what might have seemed like a relatively simple project into a money pit. Understanding just what a project entails and how much it’s likely to cost can give homeowners an idea of what they can afford and where they might be able to stretch their budgets. For example, if you want to replace your kitchen countertops but can’t afford engineered quartz countertops, you might be able to find a less expensive alternative, such as tile, that you like just as much. But it’s best to research such alternatives before you decide to replace your existing countertops. If you can’t find a less expensive alternative, you might want to postpone the project until you can grow your budget. But starting the project without first grasping its true cost is a recipe for disaster, so do your homework before you find your toolbox and start working.

BUIlD UNFoReSeeN eXPeNSeS INto yoUR BUDGet.

If you’re hiring a contractor, speak to him or her before signing a contract to see if there is anywhere you can pitch in to keep the labor costs low. You might be able to pitch in during the demolition phase, saving the cost of paying your contractor’s workers to tear down walls or remove debris you can just as easily remove yourself. Another way to pitch in is to do the end-of-day cleanup yourself. Any role you play with regard to labor will likely need to be negotiated upfront, but you can save yourself a substantial amount of money on labor if you’re willing to get your hands dirty.

DeteRmINe IF PIeCemeal IS tHe moSt aFFoRDaBle oPtIoN. Sometimes it makes sense to tackle one project at a time, while other times you might want to combine projects to save on the cost of materials. For instance, if your ultimate goal is to install wood flooring throughout your home, determine if it makes more financial sense to install the flooring all at once rather than doing one or two rooms at a time. You might save by buying all of your materials at once rather than buying a small amount of materials several times over the next several years.

Home improvement projects often go a long way toward making a home more enjoyable for its owners and inhabitants. And while such projects can be costly, homeowners who stay disciplined can still get their dream homes without busting their budgets. 4 HomeSyle | Fall 2014 Fall 2014 n HomeStyle 5

Another way to stay within your budget is to include budgetbusting unforeseen expenses into the budget from the get-go. Whether you’re doing the project yourself or paying a contractor, nearly every home improvement project will present some

NEW NOSTALGIA:

HOME DECOR WITH A RETRO VIBE By KIm CooK aSSoCIateD PReSS

If you spent childhood summers on a northern lake, grew up lunching at diners and shake shacks, or took a college road trip, you’ll be all over the next big home decor trend: American Retro. And even if you didn’t, you may appreciate the look and feel — an easygoing, aspirational lifestyle centered more on the meandering road than the techno highway. Lifetime Brands trend expert Tom Mirabile calls the style “visual comfort food.” The imagery and decor elements draw baby boomers back to what might feel like simpler, more innocent days. Think vintage-style advertising and artwork, lunch-counter dishware, camping motifs, midcentury surf culture. Old bakeries, drive-ins, roadhouses, garages, beach shacks. It’s the kind of retro, outdoorsy charm to be found in the production design of Wes Anderson films like “Moonrise Kingdom.”

Online retailer Fab has jumped on the trend, with offerings like Roo Kee Roo’s retro-style prints of boating and cottage motifs, made by Forest and Michael Evashevski, who grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Beach towels printed with patterns from famed blanket-maker Pendleton have a vintage vibe, and would work in a bathroom as well as at the shore. And a campfire-ready collection of enamelware from Falcon includes a red teapot and serveware. (www. fab.com) Grace Feyock’s wall clock for Uttermost is made of vintage pictures of old license plates. A map made of license-plate images makes bold, graphic wall art, by David Bowman. A set of coasters printed with images of the famous Route 66 road sign make a nice addition to the cocktail cart. (www.wayfair.com) Martin Yeele’s photographs of vintage motel and diner signage add style to serving trays from Bob’s Your Uncle. (www.bobsyouruncle.com) At Modcloth, find Karma Living’s collection of curtains and pil-

lows in cheerful, ’70s-style medallion and floral prints in colorful hues. A blue, purple and pink psychedelic-print tapestry looks hip and new, but boomers will remember similar icons from their college days. Also here, a little chrome table lamp styled like a vintage motorbike’s headlight. (www.modcloth.com) Magical Thinking’s wooden letters are embellished with henna-inspired painting at Urban Outfitters, which also carries groovy cotton bedding in paisleys and other retro prints. (www.urbanoutfitters. com) Retro-surfer decor is available at several retailers. CB2 has launched a new collection that includes surfboards, canoe paddles, chairs and other accessories. The Hula lamp brings a bit of kitsch to the design forefront. Tiki motif glassware, surfboards and Bodhi vase planters kick up the midcentury Cali vibe. (www.cb2. com) Or find fun reproductions of surf shop and beach signs at Retroplanet. (www. retroplanet.com) “Moonrise Kingdom” fans, consider prints by artist Leah Flores of Portland, Ore.

“I had a gypsy-esque childhood growing up in various national parks around the United States,” she said. “Surrounded by mountains, oceans, wildflowers and redwood forests, I developed a sense of wonder with the natural world early on.” Flores takes photographs of rugged roads, rivers, waves crashing on beaches and misty forests, and then adds an inspired word or phrase, such as “Never Stop Exploring,” “Life is a Great Adventure” or “Wanderlust.” She sells through Urban Outfitters, Society 6 and her own Etsy shop. (www.etsy.com/shop/leahfloresdesigns) The trick is to not let this look get too kitschy, unless you want to. A few elements in an otherwise contemporary space pack design punch. But if your style’s more boho than Bauhaus, then layering textiles, art and accent items creates a comfortable, lived-in look that captures the charm of retro style.

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WINTERIZE: TO SAFEGUARD YOUR HOME FROM HARSH WEATHER

Autumn is a beautiful time of year marked by welcoming cooler temperatures and the natural beauty of leaves changing colors. Autumn also has a tendency to fly by, as if the powerful weather of winter simply cannot wait to make its presence felt. With such a seemingly short time between the end of summer and the dawn of winter, homeowners know they don’t have too many weekends in between to prepare their homes for the potentially harsh months ahead. But such preparation, often referred to as “winterizing,” can make a home more comfortable when the mercury dips below freezing, while saving homeowners substantial amounts of money along the way. • CLEAN THE GUTTERS. Leaves falling in fall can be a beautiful sight to behold, but many of those leaves are likely finding their way into your gutters, where they can lodge and cause a host of problems down the road. If the leaves

and additional debris, such as twigs and dirt, that pile up in your gutters are not cleared out before the first winter storm, the results can be costly and even catastrophic. Winter rain and snowfall needs a place to go upon hitting your roof, and gutters facilitate the travel of such precipitation from your roof into street-level drainage systems. If gutters are backed up with leaves and other debris, then ice dams may form, forcing water to seep in through the roof. That damage can be costly and can even cause the roof to collapse inward in areas with heavy snowfall. Clean gutters throughout the fall, especially if your property has many trees, and be sure to check gutters one last time before the arrival of winter. • TEND TO YOUR ATTIC. Homeowners who have attics in their homes might want to add some extra insulation up there, especially those who recall feeling cold inside their homes last winter, which is often a telltale sign of improper insulation in a home. A good rule of thumb when determining if your attic needs more insulation is to look for the ceiling joists. If you can see the joists, then you need more insulation. • ADDRESS LEAKY WINDOWS AND DOORS. Sometimes attic insulation is not the culprit when it comes to a cold home. Oftentimes, leaky windows and doors are the real bad guys in a drafty home. Fall is a great time to inspect for leaky windows and doors, as the wind outside can serve as your partner. When the wind outside is blowing, take a tour of your home’s win-

dows and doorways, standing next to them to determine if there any holes or leaks that are letting outdoor air inside. If you notice any leaks beneath exterior doors, install some door sweeps to keep outdoor air where it belongs. Leaks around windows can be snuffed out with caulk or weather stripping. • TEST THE FURNACE. Homeowners typically do not devote much thought to their furnaces in spring, summer and fall. But with winter on the horizon, fall is the time to test the furnace to make sure it’s ready for the months ahead. Expect a somewhat foul yet brief odor to appear when starting the furnace. That odor should dissipate shortly, but if it does not go away, then your furnace is likely in need of repair. But even if the smell does not stick around, you might want to have the furnace cleaned by a professional anyway. Such cleanings ensure the furnace works efficiently throughout the winter. • CLEAN THE GARAGE. You might not mind parking in the driveway during the warmer months of the year, but why subject your vehicles to harsh winter weather if you don’t have to? Clean the garage in the fall so you have an indoor parking spot throughout the winter season. Protecting your car from the elements can add years to its life and also saves you the trouble of digging your car out of the snow. Fall is a time of year for homeowners to spend a weekend or two preparing their homes for the often harsh weather that awaits when winter arrives. (Metro)

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RIGHT AT HOME:

COOKING UP A COLOR-HAPPY KITCHEN Craftsman-era oak or midcentury walnut.

By KIm CooK aSSoCIateD PReSS

Or consider the ceiling. In a small galley kitchen, bold color on the ceiling creates a “jewel box” effect. Deep hues like eggplant, navy, magenta or carmine compliment white cabinetry in a large kitchen, and look great in both natural and artificial light.

Kitchens in traditional and vintage homes often are dressed in conservative garb: neutral hues, stainless steel, whiteon-white or beige-onbeige.

New York designer Gideon Mendelson applied a peagreen gingham canvas cloth to the ceiling of a country house kitchen, and painted the island in a similar shade. With a collection of vintage baskets displayed along the tops of snowy wood cabinetry, the vibe is relaxed, fresh and contemporary. (www. mendelsongroupinc.com )

Historically, however, kitchens were actually pretty peppy, according to Deborah Baldwin, editor of This Old House magazine. “Pastel greens, blues, creams and peaches reigned until the early 1930s, when casual, built-in eating areas were painted Kelly green, red and even black,” she says. “We have readers who are introducing brightly colored cabinets and appliances in tomato, pumpkin and daisy,” she adds. At the Architectural Digest Home Design Show in New York, manufacturers were showing lots of vibrantly hued kitchen equipment. Bertazzoni’s Arancio range came in orange, burgundy and yellow. Big Chill displayed a wall full of paint-box hues including jadite (a milky green), cherry and pink. AGA’s Signature line of beefy, professional-grade ranges comes in intriguing colors like aubergine, duck-egg blue, heather, pistachio, claret and British racing green. (www.bertazzoni. com ; www.bigchill.com ; www.aga-ranges.com ) Fans of metallics might go for Blue Star’s dramatic collection of ranges, wall ovens and hoods in copper, gold and a chocolate-y ginger, as well as several hundred other colors and finishes. (www.bluestarcooking.com ) Kitchens of any vintage can look great with colorful walls. Pumpkin, cobalt and deep Prussian blue enhance all kinds of woods, whether you’re working with 19th century pine,

4 HomeStyle

Meg Caswell, a designer and host on HGTV’s “Great Rooms,” loves to add color to kitchens. She used a backsplash of crisp, blue and green fused-glass tiles as a counterpoint to a rustic, Old World-style metal and wood kitchen island, glossy black cabinetry and citrine wallpaper in an Art Deco-era home. In another home, she mixed sleek teal-and-white glass with farmhouse blue cabinets. (www.megcaswell.com ; www. hgtv.com ) Baldwin, of This Old House, advises painting upper and base cabinets different colors, or painting an island or hutch in a contrasting shade. “This helps reinforce their freestanding furniture look, which harks back to 18th- and 19th-century kitchens,” she says. (www.thisoldhouse.com ) “Painting the floor — either one color or in a pattern like checkerboard — can reinforce the vintage look too,” she notes. Options include graphic designs or stencils, or illustrated rug motifs. Better Homes & Gardens’ website has lots of ideas. (www.bhg.com/kitchen ) If you’re in a rental with limited decorating options, go for color accents like Fiesta ware, rag rugs, a couple of snazzy stools, and counter appliances in candy hues.

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FALL 2014 HOME DECOR

AN ENSEMBLE PRODUCTION By KIm CooK | aSSoCIateD PReSS

Are you a fan of midcentury modern? Drawn to classic elegance? Does the handcraft of global décor grab you? There was an era when experts said to pick just one, but now we can mix and match or go all in. Each season brings updated versions of successful pieces, plus an interesting array of new looks. This fall’s no exception. “Keep an eye out for versatile accent pieces, the kind that can work in a myriad of places, and consider material and color combinations,” says Beth Kushnick, set decorator for CBS’ “The Good Wife.” ‘’These are some of the easiest ways to refresh any space, and there’s a ton of stylish options out right now at a range of price points.” After her sophisticated sets drew an online 12

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following, Kushnick has created her own furnishings line, which debuts this fall.

pillows and throws.”

She says fall 2014 is about finding pieces that provide maximum impact without a lot of effort.

At fall previews, retailers were showing

Some themes this season:

sequins. Rose gold is the ingénue on the

toUCH oF Fall

metallics stage; its soft, pink-tinged finish

“Look for texture-rich accessories — like a box with stone inlay or a wooden sculpture — that add an element of nature to your space. Mix in a variety of metals to add a sense of luxury,” Kushnick advises. Says Los Angeles-based designer Trip Haenisch: “I’m seeing a lot of fabrics with luxe textures this season. Linen velvets and woven fabrics are really in. You can quickly and inexpensively incorporate texture into your space through the use of 4 HomeStyle | Fall 2014

(www.triphaenisch.com) soft throws shot through with metallic threads or embroidered with subtle

looks new, and you’ll see it on tabletop accessories, lamps, even silverware. Warm brass continues to play a big role, trimming tables, embedded in wooden trays, formed into curvy or linear vases and lamps. It picks up the midcentury vibe but suits traditional spaces too. Chrome and acrylic hit contemporary high notes. On ceramics, you’ll find reactive and dip glazes, and more matte finishes than ever before.

Mercury glass, a décor darling for the past few seasons, gets a few tweaks with etched patterns and added color.

lIGHt It UP High-end lighting design has found its way into the mid-range market, which means pricier styles at mass-market retailers. Look for shades with crisp geometrics, nubby textures and crewel-work patterns to update lamps for not much money. (www.target.com) Pierced metal is showing up in many accents, including lighting. Milky glass pendants look country-modern. You’ll also find matte-finish shades with foil interiors that catch light dramatically; Ikea has table and floor lamps with coppery lining. (www.ikea.com) A tapered table lamp like the Melrose from Crate & Barrel provides midcentury flair. (www.crateandbarrel.com) Conical, brushed-aluminum sconces and pendants have space-age style. And for a luxe look, think about acrylic and crystal lamps. (www.rejuvenation.com) Chandeliers get freshly interpreted at Restoration Hardware. A rustic iron Foucaults orb encircles an ornate crystal fixture; tiny ball chains veil the crystals like the fringe on a flapper’s dress. (www.restorationhardware.com)

ColoR CoRNeR Play with color, Kushnick urges. “There are some gorgeous grays and subtle greens out this fall, and 2014’s radiant orchid and coral add a lush pop almost anywhere,” she says. “You can make a big splash just by updating a wall color or bringing in a few vibrant accent pieces.” You’ll also see carrot, purple, lemongrass, ocher, clove, molasses and olive in throw pillows, bedding and upholstery. Homegoods has a butterscotch leather ottoman, a pretty pink side chair, and

a pea-green accent table in its fall collections. (www.homegoods.com)

accessory spectrum, in mirrors, containers

PatteRN Play

Pop culture from the ‘70s and ‘80s shows

Ombre, tile, ziggurat, cinquefoil and filigree patterns grace lampshades, rugs and drapery. Naïve woodland motifs and ‘70s-era kitchen prints dress wall art and napery. The newest geometrics and traditional prints are overscale.

up in vibrant retro-print pillows, furniture

Responding to the midcentury trend, Ethan Allen has released a collection of Modern Art Master lithographs, including ones by Chagall, Miro, Matisse and Calder. (www.ethanallen.com)

Global tribal motifs maintain a powerful

Kushnick is enjoying wallpaper’s comeback. “The new temporary wallpapers are a great option for apartment dwellers,” she says.

(www.worldmarket.com)

Chasing Papers has hip versions of geometrics, animal prints and florals. (www.chasingpapers.com) And big, bold geometrics highlight Tampa-based designer Given Campbell’s Andover collection. (www.givencampbell.com)

Style SIGNPoStS After a few seasons in a supporting role, midcentury modern takes the lead this fall and winter. Accent chairs are armless or lower-profile, and furniture has either a California-chic or Danish-modern vibe. New York furniture studio Miles & May has a collection of dressers and cabinets at West Elm in walnut veneer, and that finish is also on the Grasshopper office desk. (www.westelm.com) Upholstered furniture gets its shirt tucked in. No more slouchy, sloppy slipcovers — the newest pieces tend toward trim and tight, but in comfier, softer fabrics. We’re seeing a lot of side and coffee tables with metal legs. West Elm’s Waldorf coffee table is a slim rosewood slab perched on skinny brass legs. Cyan Designs’ Portman end tables are lacy, laser-cut iron drums. You’ll see faceted pieces across the 4 HomeStyle | Fall 2014

and trays.

and accents. Check out Jonathan Adler’s sherbet-hued Brigitte chair and Holli Zollinger’s upbeat woven rugs for Deny Designs. (www.jonathanadler.com; www.denydesigns.com) presence, with India, the Americas and Africa strongly represented. World Market’s got a collection of well-priced round, carved tribal tables. In bedding, drapery, rug and upholstery fabrics, look for more new woodblock, paisley and medallion prints. Ikat, kantha print and medallions grace textile collections at Pottery Barn, and there are Mexican tile print ceramics there too. (www.potterybarn.com) Accessories like carved animals, woven art, sculpted paper and ceramic vases, and ironwork and glass items draw from distant cultures. Vintage-style globes, steamer trunks, map art and travel advertising continue to interest home decorators. There’s herringbone, tweed, plaid, Fair Isle knit patterns and lots of new takes on faux fur — Nordic and Danish designs in textiles as well as kitchen and dining items. The rustic romantic look also has staying power, with outdoorsy pursuits informing everything from art to dishware. Native American motifs have graphic style; DGoods crafts a trio of wood nesting tables with a design reminiscent of a Navajo blanket. (www.purehome.com) Look for feathers, camper vans, arrows, foxes and trees, and expect this look to be represented in holiday décor as well. Fall 2014

n HomeStyle 13

CURSES!

REPAIR THOSE LEAKY FIXTURES

Flappers are inexpensive and easy to replace. When replacing your toilet flapper, take the worn out flapper with you to the hardware store to make sure you buy a new one that is compatible with your toilet.

People who have slept within steps of a leaky faucet know full well the nuisance that such water fixtures present. A leaky faucet can make it difficult to sleep at night, but leaks around the house also cost homeowners lots of money. Many leaks around a house are not nearly as noticeable as a dripping faucet. But worn toilet flappers or leaky valves can wreak just as much havoc on a monthly budget as a leaky en suite bathroom faucet does on a night’s sleep. Identifying those leaks, many of which are easy to fix, is a great way to conserve water and save money at the same time. START WITH YOUR WATER METER. The hours after everyone in the household has taken their morning showers, brushed their teeth and had their coffee is a great time to determine if you have a leak. Water is not typically used during these hours, so check the water meter once the last coffee mug has been washed and then revisit the meter two hours later. If the meter has changed, then chances are you have a leak. TEST THE TOILET WITH FOOD COLORING. Toilets are a common source of water leaks, as deteriorating toilet flappers slowly waste water via leaks that are not always noticeable. Because toilet leaks can be difficult to notice, homeowners might have to get a little creative. Add a drop of food coloring to the holding tank of your toilet, then wait roughly 15 minutes to see if the color of the water starts to change. If it has, your toilet is leaking. INSPECT FAUCET GASKETS AND PIPE FITTINGS. Faucet gaskets and pipe fittings should not be wet, but wet gaskets and pipe fittings is typically evidence of surface leaks. When washing dishes in the sink, turn the faucet on high. If you notice water coming from anywhere other than the head of the faucet, then you have leaky gaskets. Once you have determined the source of the leak, you can begin to address the situation. Toilets, faucets and showerheads are the most common culprits with regard to water leaks. TOILETS: Flappers are the rubber parts in the toilet’s holding tank. These flappers are susceptible to mineral buildup and decay, and over time that can create leaks. 14

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4 HomeSyle

FAUCETS: When a leaky faucet is your biggest foe, be sure to turn the water supply in the house off before you get to work. If your faucet has any decorative knobs, gently remove these so they do not break and you can replace them when the leak has been addressed. From there you must remove the packing nut and the stem. Some stems come off easily, while others must be twisted off from the valve. Inspect these parts for damage before moving on. The O-ring and washer inside the valve seat may be responsible for your leak, so inspect these parts and replace them if necessary. Be sure they are an exact fit so you don’t end up with a fresh leak. Once these items have been replaced, you can reassemble the parts, turn the water back on and check to see if the leak has vanished. If the leak remains, then your valve seat may be corroded or your plumbing might need a professional inspection. SHOWERHEADS: If the showerhead is your source of leaks, you may just need to tighten the connection between the showerhead and the pipe stem. This can be done using pipe tape. If the problem with your showerhead can be traced to the shower handle and cartridge, you might want to hire a professional to fix your leak, as addressing this problem can be tricky. If you want to do it yourself, first turn the water supply off before removing the shower handle. Some handles are especially difficult to remove, in which case you might need to visit the hardware store to purchase a handle puller. Once the handle has been removed, you can then pull the cartridge, which is likely to prove more difficult than removing the handle. The cartridge may need to be twisted loose with pliers before you pull it out, or you may need to buy a cartridge puller that is compatible with the brand of showerhead you have. Once you get the cartridge out, you can install your replacement and reassemblethe parts that were removed. Water leaks around the house can be costly and wasteful. Addressing such leaks can be done in a matter of minutes, but more complex problems may be best left to a professional. (METRO)

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ASK A DESIGNER:

EXPLORING WOOD’S POSSIBILITIES BY MELISSA RAYWORTH ASSOCIATED PRESS Working with wood comes naturally to New York interior designer Dan Faires. He grew up in an old farmhouse and has been developing his carpentry skills for much of his life. So in any house or apartment he occupies, he finds creative ways to decorate with this natural material. To rehab an apartment in Arkansas r e c e n t l y, h e covered the dark pine floor with coats of glossy white paint, instantly brightening the room and making it seem larger. But many homeowners have no experience working with wood, so they don’t realize, Faires says, how easy it is to make a home more beautiful by improving the existing wood or creatively adding new wood to walls, floors and even ceilings. Designer Brian Patrick Flynn, creator of the Flynnside Out Productions design blog, agrees: “While different materials come and go with trends, wood is here to stay. Whether it’s for a home’s exterior, bedroom walls or for adding shade to your yard or deck, wood is an investment that will never go out of style.”

FEATURE WALLS

“Creating interior feature walls with soft woods is an amazing way to add a focal point to a room otherwise considered a ‘basic drywall box,’” Flynn says. You can add decorative wood to a wall from floor to ceiling, Burnham says, or just part of the way up. Options include tongueand-groove panels, bead board or traditional board and batten. No matter what you choose, a decorative layer of wood is “so much more interesting than drywall and paint,” Burnham says. “It adds texture and interest and timelessness.” Living room or bedroom walls are great candidates, but you can also use this technique to bring architectural interest to an alcove or corner

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that’s tough to decorate with art, Faires says. Or cover the walls of a small bathroom to remodel it inexpensively. Another great spot to add wood: “Interior entryways, especially those in new construction homes, are a perfect fit for a wainscoting update, as it can make an entryway feel much more grand, add graphic impact, break up the monotony of drywall and also ensure a classic look,” says Flynn. “Wainscoting is probably one of the most traditional ways to use wood indoors, and it can be used impactfully in any room.”

DRAMATIC TOUCHES

We expect to see wood on floors and walls, but ceilings are also a great place to add it. You can get creative with patterns, arranging panels of wood in a chevron or other shape, rather than horizontally or vertically. “Overall, I say stick with a graphic pattern that’s large enough to read without becoming too busy,” Flynn says. “Diamond patterns are my favorite since they’re classic and work with many different styles of decor and architecture.” And you can experiment with color. Wood ceilings can be painted the same shade as the walls for a sophisticated look or in a contrasting color. If you’re really ambitious, add decorative wood to a ceiling or wall in a pattern you design yourself. “I’ve drawn designs for full walls and had them built in wood, like raised molding that gives the entire wall a pattern,” Burnham says. She has undertaken complicated chinoiserie patterns, but you can plan a simpler pattern and ask a carpenter to cut and install the pieces.

CUSTOMIZED COLORS

If you don’t see the stain you want at the home-improvement store, find one that’s close and “talk to the paint guy,” Faires says. “They actually can create a lot of washes with water-based stains.” Or bring a paint swatch and ask to have that color created as a water-based stain. If you want to try creating a stain yourself, “heavily dilute paint with water,” Faires says, “which is kind of the old school way of doing it.” Flynn recommends choosing a stain that is “dark enough to add a touch of sophistication, but light enough that the grain of the wood is properly showcased.” Dark walnut and pecan finishes are his favorites.

OUTDOOR BEAUTY

Don’t forget about wood outside. Decorative wood can add curb appeal to your home, Flynn says. To update the exterior of a modern house, he recommends adding architectural interest with stained softwoods like pine. “This is an excellent way to introduce a softer material to a home otherwise outfitted with heavy, hard materials such as brick or stucco,” he says. “My favorite trick is to install it vertically rather than horizontally to instantly add the illusion of more height to an otherwise small or average-size house.”

WHICH WOODS?

Although we often hear the term “hardwood floors,” much of the wood used decoratively in homes is technically “softwood.” These include cedar, pine, fir and cypress. “Pine is an excellent choice as it takes both stain and paint well,” Flynn says. “Plus, it’s one of the most affordable and readily available species out there.” Reclaimed wood salvaged from old buildings and barns is popular, but it’s expensive and hard to find, Faires says.If you like the look of aged, distressed wood, take new planks of cedar or pine and stain them with a gray wash, Faires says.

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MAKE YOUR BATHROOM

PART OF SMART, SAFE, LONG-TERM LIVING By CatHy NelSoN PRICe | mIDlaND DaIly NeWS The good news is, more of us are living longer and independently. The downside to that vitality is that those added years are all coming at a stage of life where we require help to maintain that independence. Meanwhile, something hasn’t changed.

And just in time, too, because the local user population is growing. According to Senior Services/Midland County Council on Aging, there will be 18 percent more of us in the 60-plus age range, a trend that’s mirrored nationally.

But that’s where the “chain reaction” sets in.

The bathroom is still the most dangerous room in the house, especially for seniors.

That’s why you’ll see home improvement stores across the country expanding their bathroom fixtures inventory to accommodate multigenerational users with varying needs. Here’s Wright’s thumbnail guide to projects for both DIYers and in concert with the pros.

New products emerge practically weekly now, but Wright has some good things to say about some of the popular ones.

So now that there are two separate generations (Baby Boomers, Greatest Generation) determined to age in place, there’s a growing influx of seniors demanding everything from the bathroom grab bar to Pat Boone’s touted safety tub. “Adapting a bathroom is just common sense, because all of us are going to get to need these things as we age,” explained Rob Wright, of Wright Builders in Midland. “But putting up a simple grab bar can start a chain reaction of retrofitting, so be sure to have a long term plan.” Wright is a certified aging-in-place specialist, thanks to the National Association of Home Builders program that trains building professionals to keep up with the fastestgrowing segment of their industry. “The program is administered by local trainers over a three- to four-day period,” Wright said. “It focuses on modifications to existing construction to make it more user-friendly.” 18

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Start with grab bars that you can install yourself. “Be sure you anchor it in a wood stud and not drywall, just as you would a towel or toilet paper holder,” Wright cautioned. Alter the heights of your vanities. “If you can, raise them up so that users won’t have to hunch over them,” said Wright. Widen the entry doors. “This is where you start getting above most DIY, because it gets into structural issues,” Wright noted. “You need at least a 36-inch opening, and you need to make sure your hallways are that big so that you have wheelchair or walker access to those doors.” When Wright consults with a client, it usually starts with a specific issue, oftentimes building a ramp from driveway to front door. 4 HomeStyle | Fall 2014

“When we remodel a house, we think about who’s going to be aging in place there, and we make a plan from the curb to the bed,” Wright said. “Do we need wider egress? Are countertop heights and drawers right?”

“Walk-in tubs definitely have their place,” he said. “You get in, shut the door, lock them and then they fill up. We haven’t done a lot of them yet. But some clients now have the walk-in showers, which have nice seats and hand-holds, and are also accessible for wheelchairs. A true zero-entry shower can get pricey, depending on the tile you use, and how much you have to drop the floor to make it flush. We’ve also seen increasing demand for the low entrance fiberglass unit tub.” If you plan to age in place, the time will come when you’re retrofitting your current home or building an in-law suite for multigenerational living, so do your homework. “Whether you’re considering grab bars for $300 or a complete bathroom renovation for $20,000 to $25,000, get yourself on the Internet,” Wright advised, “and find what’s out there.”

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GRIME ON THE HOUSE? PROS AND CONS OF POWER WASHING It’s not just national monuments like Mount Rushmore than could benefit from a good power wash every now and then. Is there grime on your siding that good old-fashioned elbow grease won’t take away? Stains on your concrete driveway? Is the deck looking dirty? Power washing or pressure washing — the terms are used almost interchangeably — might be an option. “People find it so powerful,” said Ken Collier, editor-in-chief of The Family Handyman magazine. “It’s so fast and it’s so liberating.” You can hire a pressure-washing company, or do it yourself. Machines come in electric and gas models, and can be rented or purchased. Are there risks? “Too much pressure on vinyl siding or stucco can cause damage to the surface,” said Doug Rucker, owner of Clean and Green Solutions in Kingwood, Texas, near Houston. “The same thing with concrete cleaning.” Similarly, excessive pressure on a deck can tear up the wood. “When we’re cleaning wood decks, we’re using what we call low pressure,” he said. When you’re cleaning the exterior of the house, window and door seals need to be protected to prevent leaks. Windows could also break if you inadvertently hit them with the same pressure you’re using for the rest of the house. And, there’s always the risk of working on ladders with a machine that has recoil. “It’s something where ladder safety is very important,” Collier said. Homeowners also need to be aware of overhead power lines. Still, many people decide to do the work themselves. Home supply stores offer an array of pressure washers; prices range from about $100 to more than $1,000. Collier said most of the skill in using a power washer lies in applying the right pressure and tip. “It’s like anything else — you have to learn how the tool operates,” he said. Gas pressure washers tend to be more powerful, noisier, heavier and more expensive than electric ones. Manuals that come with the units should explain what types of job they’re good for. 20

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If you decide to rent a power-washing machine, Collier advised, “Have a job in mind, ask what tip you need and if there’s an additive that will help with the cleaning.” And don’t forget the prep work. “The finished product is only going to be as good as the preparation you did,” said John Nearon of Exterior Wood Restoration in Cicero, Indiana. People unaccustomed to such work might be advised not to try it themselves, Collier cautioned. “Lots of people do it themselves, but it’s also something that for most people it would be a hire and done,” he said. Hiring a contractor to power wash a home could cost 12 cents to up to 20 cents per square foot, depending on the location and surface, according to Rucker, who also provides training for power washers. Before hiring, ask questions: —Insurance. Is the contractor insured to cover any damage or injury that might occur when cleaning? Don’t be afraid to ask for a copy of their insurance certificate binder, Rucker said. —Training. Do workers get continuing education to keep their training up to date? —The process. “Talk to them about how they’re going to clean it, what kind of process they’re going to use, down to the products they’re using,” he said. In the Southeast, for example, he said bleach is used to kill mold and mildew and keep it away longer. —Safeguarding landscape. What will they do to protect trees, shrubs or other plants around the house or property being cleaned? Rucker said that wetting down plants and keeping them watered is important. If you cover them, he said, do it only for minutes at a time. Power washing isn’t just for big projects; it also can be used for things like patio furniture and cars. Collier likens the experience of using a power washer for the first time to switching from a hand lawnmower to a gas, selfpropelled one. “It’s kind of a momentous thing,” he said. “You can’t say the same thing about most tools.” (METRO)

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INSULATION:

NOT JUST WARM & FUZZY ANYMORE By CatHy NelSoN PRICe mIDlaND DaIly NeWS

With fall’s cooling breezes coming on, now might be a good time to consider upping the insulation in your home’s unfinished spaces. Insulation keeps air circulating within an area without letting that air escape outside. (Or letting the outside air in.) The insulated space remains at a more constant temperature, and the living space is less vulnerable to summer heat or winter chill. “New construction usually has a pretty good insulation package for energy efficiency. Older homes may have thin layers of fiberglass insulation. But fiberglass settles over the years, which is why you have attics that are freezing in winter — especially winters like this past one — and stifling in summer,” explained Mark Kohtz, of All Seasons Heating and Insulation in Midland. “At the very least, adding a layer of insulation will help with soundproofing. You can also improve your indoor air quality and increase your home’s fire resistance while being environmentally responsible.” Kohtz sports the appropriate title of Comfort Specialist for the 35-year-old firm, and it’s more than just a clever 22

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appellation. Ventilating and insulating your home to maximum efficiency spells maximum comfort that also spreads to your wallet, whether you choose to DIY or hire pros from firms like All Seasons. However they’re installed, today’s products offer alternatives to the traditional, basic bales of roll-out, batted fiberglass/cellulose insulation that looks like the stuffing from a fluffy quilt. They include, in order of pricing: • Rigid Styrofoam insulation (one of the products still made by The Dow Chemical Co.), good to go immediately upon installation; • Cellulose, (made of recycled papers, so it’s good for going Green); which can be installed under existing siding as well as indoors, also ready upon installation; and • Polyurethane spray foams, which can be used on their own or over existing insulation. Their advantages include application anywhere there’s an opening crevice, rather than just between joists. They harden in about four minutes, and there’s no settling. Essentially, they seal the space up. Some include a soy base for sustainability.

n Fall 2014

PHOTOS BY NIEL BLAKE | nblake@mdn.net Look for the product’s R-Factor. “R” stands for resistance to heat flow.

insulating your home. Consumers Energy has all the paperwork you need.”

“The higher the number, the slower the heat goes through,” Kohtz explained. “Here in our region, they like us to have R-49, which equates to about 15 to 16 inches of cellulose-type insulation or 18 to 20 inches of fiberglass.”

If you call in the pros, (which you might want to do for the spray foams unless you’re really adept) they’ll help you with choosing the best type of product and completing that rebate paperwork. If you want to start your cost savings up front, you may choose the DIY route. Kohtz advises following some necessary safety precautions if you do.

That barrier is what makes the difference in your energy bill, which could reflect a positive payback on your new insulation within five years, including a longer life for your HVAC system. “Your furnace and air conditioning are only as good as how well you can keep heat or cooling in your house,” Kohtz pointed out. “Having them go constantly is like never giving your car a break, driving uphill with a big load.” The savings also come from areas you might not automatically pinpoint. “With proper ventilation, your roof shingles last longer because they don’t bake from underneath,” Kohtz noted, adding, “There are a lot of energy rebates offered for 4 HomeStyle

“If you’re insulating your attic, make sure you’re comfortable up there. Drink plenty of liquid,” he said. “If you’re blowing the insulation in, wear a mask, because you’ll be stirring up plenty of dust. Plan on a two-person team; it will take a good full day of work for two people in the typical Midland house.” There’s another thing to keep in mind which may seem obvious but which Kohtz says people sometimes tend to forget. “If you’re up in the attic, make sure you walk on the roof trusses so you don’t fall through the ceiling!”

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