Smart Homes May 2022 by Nation Publishing Co. Limited

MAY 2022

Care your indoors; Love your outdoors Inspiration & INNOVATION

Credits GROUP CEO Noel Wood HEAD OF ADVERTISING - NATION GROUP Paulette Jones CIRCULATION MANAGER Adrian Bowen – Tel.: (246) 430-5500 email: adrianbowen@nationnews.com MAGAZINE COORDINATOR Andrea King - Tel.: (246) 430-5498 email: andreaking@nationnews.com Writers: Nakiah Thomas-Edwards Nick Nunes, Rhonda Thompson & Dominique Toppin Photography: Nathaniel Gunby, Harris Paints COVER The Cherry Resisence, Welches Grove, St. Thomas Design/layout: Brian O’Neale Advertising Executives: Debbie Brathwaite – Tel.: (246) 430-5518 Email: debbiebrathwaite@nationnews.com Donna Francis – Tel.: 246 467-2868 Email: donnafrancis@nationnews.com INDEX PAGE ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE Alison Licorish – Tel.: (246) 430-5552 Email: alisonlicorish@nationnews.com

elcome to the first edition of the 2022 Smart Homes magazines. This one is a great example of serendipity and creative synergy where everything flowed and the outcome is what you are now holding in your hand. Serendipity is evidenced in the cover feature, and creative synergy can be seen in the article by Nick Nunes titled Under the Stars. That synergy also runs through another of Nick’s articles and one by Harris Paints, which both look at re-working what you already have. These days with the prices of the necessities increasing, many home owners and decorators will surely have to employ that technique to create new décor. To return to the cover feature, I’d like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Anderson Cherry of Jose Y Jose Group of Companies for agreeing to participate in Smart Homes. You’ll get to see the design features inside their awesome back yard - a veritable oasis in an urban sprawl. Perhaps you will be inspired to re-look your own space inside your curtilage. Another article that should inspire you to ensure your food security is the one on how to grow food in a small space. And speaking of security, there’s also some FAQs on mortgages, as well as thoughts on entertaining safely and protecting your home. As we emerge from the stultifying pandemic and are forced to reshape our lives and our way of doing things in this ‘new normal’, Smart Homes takes a look at how it has changed our homes. This aptly named magazine’s offering would not be complete without exploring a 21st century smart home. As usual, there’s lots to read, lots to inspire and lots to stimulate. Enjoy the read!

Kelly Henry – Tel.: (246) 430-5554 Email: KellyHenry@nationnews.com ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Wendey Delaney – Tel.: (246) 430-5517 email: wendeydelaney@nationnews.com Printers: Printweb Caribbean Ltd. (246) 434-6719

May 2022

Smart Homes is produced by The Nation Publishing Co. Limited; a subsidiary of The Nation Corporation, which is a member of the One Caribbean Media Limited (OCM) group of companies. For general info email: smarthomes@nationnewscom. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this magazine is accurate, however, The Nation Publishing Co. Limited cannot be held responsible for any consequences that may arise from any errors or omissions. This publication cannot be copied in whole or in part without the explicit permission of the Publisher. ©2020 NATION PUBLISHING CO. LIMITED

Contents

Entertaining safely

Protecting your home and its contents Rework what you’ve got Mortgages FAQs The digital home Oasis in an urban sprawl Harris Paints tips

14 16 20

24 28

Get yourself an outdoor shed Creating your home gym

Growing food in small spaces Give in to grass

May 2022

How the pandemic changed our homes

Safely g n i n i a t r e t n E

by Dominique Toppin

May 2022

Social

fter a few years of social distancing, curfews and lockdowns, hosting and entertaining guests may have seemed like a thing of the past with Zoom parties and online social networks being the new avenue for socialising. The practice of quarantining, isolation and social distancing were protocols implemented across the world due to the influx of COVID-19 cases. These government-issued protocols and lockdowns had a significant impact on social livelihoods resulting in many creative and innovative ideas for social activity to emerge. Although the initial excitement into these new found ideas was high, many people have become exhausted of the protocols. As such, governments across the globe have significantly reduced the limits placed on social interactions and gatherings. Therefore, as the infection rates decline and the summer season draws near, many are making preparations to return to the life they had pre-COVID and head out to party and mingle. That said, COVID-19 is still a very serious and deadly virus and it important to remember all that we have experienced as a population, and take the necessary precautionary steps when hosting and attending gatherings. The impacts of the pandemic has made it a bit trickier, but there are still ways to engage safely once everyone in attendance is informed and comfortable with the details and measures. The decision to host a gathering at your home should not be taken lightly. With groups gathering still held under scrutiny by the health officials, there are many considerations to take into mind when inviting friends and family into your home. Unfortunately, regardless of all the precautions there is still no zero risk when the decision to host a gathering is made. However, there are many tips that can significantly reduce the chance of an unfortunate outbreak amongst the invited guests. Since the beginning of the dreadful pandemic, the public health officials have been clear about limiting numbers for gatherings but the message

Inspiration & INNOVATION

accinated consider keeping the guest list to those who are fully vaccinated or willing to be tested prior to the party as a way to ensure maximum safety.

is certainly worth repeating. The more people you invite to your home for a gathering, the higher the possibility for transmission of the virus. As such, when planning a guest list for entertaining, take note that there is no reason to dive right into a big party. To keep the gathering safe, experts have suggested reduced numbers, especially if it is being held indoors. Start small and slowly build those atrophied social muscles until we have reached a stage where there is little to no worry. In addition to hosting small numbers, consider keeping the guest list to those who are fully vaccinated or willing to be tested prior to the party as a way to ensure maximum safety. It is also important to remind those invited that they should not attend if they are feeling sick, even if the symptoms remind them of the common cold. Additionally, keeping a copy of the guest list may also be a safeguard in the event that anyone in attendance comes down with the virus, as it will be able to assist with contact tracing. We all know the importance of washing our hands, wearing masks and using sanitiser. These protocols should never be forgotten as we try to revive our social interactions. When hosting a gathering or party at home, it can be helpful to set up a station with extra sanitiser and masks to ensure that all guests follow the necessary safety guidelines. With these newfound party favours visible to all, it serves as an automatic encouragement to be mindful and remember the importance of using them. In addition, make sure that all of 8

May 2022

your guests know where the bathroom is. If possible, it would be best to designate a single bathroom for guests only with a supply of handwashing liquid and paper towels. These items will serve as friendly reminders to maintain personal cleanliness and hygiene. The new way of the times is to ensure that COVID-friendly considerations are the main factor in how we approach social interactions, especially those which include serving food and drinks. It is important for hosts to understand the potential in which a spread can arise when serving. Therefore, it may be best to use disposable utensils, cups and plates as the safest method when hosting multiple guests. Additionally, single serve condiments and pre-packed snacks can also help reduce the risk of contamination. Remember also to wipe the surfaces which your guests may touch, like door handles, as regularly during your gathering as politeness would allow. After such an extended period without the accustomed social interactions it is natural to crave what has been missing from our lives. However, maximum care should be exercised when making the decision to host groups of people as taking the necessary precautions are critical in protecting the health of you and your guests. As such, it may be helpful to use the above tips to consider all possibilities when making plans to host and entertain as we continue to battle unforeseen times and circumstances.

PROTECTING YOUR HOME &

Contents

wning a home has long been recognised as a major moment in life and a hallmark of success. This pride of ownership and stability is probably the main reason that people make such an important step for advancement into the future. However, home ownership is a big decision and there are many considerations to be made about any potential unforeseen occurrences. Protecting the home and its contents should be on the top priority for current and potential homeowners as accidents and criminal activity can result in unimaginable losses. As such, it is important to be on guard and exhaust all options available to secure your home and keep your contents and family protected. Your home should be a place where you feel happy, safe and at peace. Keeping it protected does not have to be complicated, as with a few changes, you can secure your property and contents to ensure peace of mind. Fortunately, with simple safety measures and current

May 2022

by Dominique Toppin

advancements in technology, protecting your home and its contents has never been easier. Criminal activity such as burglary and theft can result in significant loss and leave homeowners feeling vulnerable and scared. However, investing in measures to make the home environment safer can reduce the risk of becoming a statistic. One of the most traditional forms of home security for ensuring that the property and its contents are safe is locking windows and doors which lead into interior spaces and garages. It is one of the simplest methods yet serves as an effective form of protection. An open, accessible window or door is one of the easiest ways to invite criminals into your home and unfortunately a large number of break-ins happen through an open, unlocked window or door. In addition to locks and bolts, interior and exterior lighting also serve as perfect deterrents for criminal activity and a measure for protection. Darkness around the home is known as a potential risk for criminal activity. As such, investing in motion-activated lights can serve as a form of security and protection. A bright light shining directly inside and around the home can provide a new level of safety and serve as a deterrent for potential opportunists. Security systems have come a long way as the world moves towards

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THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO

digital and the advances in technology over the years have been a major factor in how we protect our homes and valuables. Visible, high-quality cameras around your property serve as major deterrents to anyone looking to engage in criminal activity as the panic of being caught live in 4K simply sends them elsewhere and even if they are not hindered by being caught, the live recorded footage serves as evidence to show who the perpetrator is, what happened and when it occurred. For this reason, security systems are one of the best lines of defense when beefing up security around your home. Security camera systems can also be complemented by alarm systems to add an extra level of protection. These alarm systems create a significant measure of protection by notifying the homeowner, police or security company that a breach on the premises has been detected. In addition to security features, take a walk around your home and observe the possible avenues that can lead to a breach or an intrusion. It is necessary to avoid having overgrown or bushy blind spots around your home as these areas can be used as hideouts for potential criminals. Therefore, homeowners must landscape their property with safety and security in mind. The sight of well-maintained and tidy properties indicate that homeowners take care and pay attention to their surroundings, and has the potential to deter persons with suspicious behaviours. Another plus to home and contents protection is to avoid advertised shopping. Placing appliance boxes next to your trash in open sight attracts the eyes of criminals, as they will know your home is equipped with new, expensive electronics and other valuables. Homeowners should do well to keep the pricier purchases a secret by adequately breaking down appliance boxes to a smaller size and dumping them in an environmental friendly manner. The home is where we store things which are valuable, which is why homeowners’ insurance is important as it has lasting benefits. In the unfortunate case of a fire, accident or natural disaster wouldn’t it be best to be protected? Home and contents insurance acts as a safeguard by making sure you are covered in the event that something unexpected should occur. Without this cover in place, homeowners run the risk of having to pay out of pocket for the replacements and repairs due to damages on the house or loss of contents. Maintaining the protection of your home and valuables may seem like a never-ending job. However, it is an important and necessary element to home ownership. Therefore, the more security measures in place lessens the risk of total and unfortunate losses for homeowners. The good news is that protecting the home and its contents has become simple and implementing such measures serves as a big advantage.

May 2022

Inspiration & INNOVATION

h no! You’ve planned a party that you didn’t fully predict. You’ve got a small home, limited to no storage, and you’re perplexed as to how your home can be transformed into an exceptional and, nearly, unrecognisable space.

WHAT YOU’VE GOT EQUALS

MORE by Nick Nunes

May 2022

Move things. You’ve spent a lifetime accumulating stuff. As an individual, when confronted with consolidating all of the things you’ve kept, it’s easy to disregard random mementos, at least in theory. Whether it’s a nice piece of wood or a potential plant pot or any other mundane but immediately irrelevant extra, potential is less important than imperative. A big move means a big clean and an appraisal of what you’ve acquired, concealed, and what you really care about. Sometimes, people hide away important pieces and forget where they were hidden and why. Immediately, reacquainting yourself with the lost treasures of forgotten purpose should spur action or, at least, intent of use. Build that long ago imagined bookcase or don’t and throw out what you’re not using or donate it to someone that will use it. Know you’ll craft a coffee table or toss the idea and materials of bygone imagination to the wind. You don’t have the space. But…if you’ve accumulated and have the ingenuity and the ability—create.

Every piece of wood you’ve saved, every loose screw, and every inkling of a project can be birthed into existence. A credenza can equal a coffee table. A concealed door can craft concealed kitchen complements. It’s been two years since hobbies had life, and potential. This is the opportunity and the spark to set you on discovering a new talent or pastime. It takes years to learn how to truly shellac, but it only takes an attempt to learn or start a hobby that can evolve. Stepping into interior design application isn’t a commitment. But, a free world of inspiration exists and passively asks for your attention. So, your living room is loud with old, deep-stained mahogany; or accompanied by, seemingly ancient accents that have been reluctantly accepted. They are yours to move around and yours to rework. Distress them with sandpaper, paint them to suit your palate, or pawn them for something more to your fancy. Whether you’ve been renting for ages, own your own home, or still live with your family, it is almost a certainty that you’ve been slowly acquiring random articles throughout your life. Hand-me-downs, knickknacks, yard sale finds—whatever. A burgeoning trend is to breathe new life into old furniture by ironically giving it a bit of stress. Say you’ve got a deeply stained chair that may have a few scuffs but the rich stain is still holding in tight over most of the wood. A little bit of sand paper to rough up the rest of the stain could transform a dark old chair into a statement piece that stands out with the distressed effect. With just a little elbow grease and light rubbing here and there, your dark chair can come alive with the uncovering of the fresh wood underneath its ancient patina. This works with painted pieces of furniture as well.

A little bit of sand paper to rough up the rest of the stain could transform a dark old chair into a statement piece A painted white coffee table that you may have grown tired of can become a piece of beach chic with a little stress sanding to make it look like it’s been weathered by the sea breeze into something with a whole new story. Transforming your rooms can be as simple as adding a coat of paint to old pieces, distressing objects into a whole new look, or even through the simple act of rearranging your furniture. Today, most home televisions are flat screen and space-saving miracles. There’s no need to keep the bulky TV stand you’ve always hand when a few concrete screws can mount your TV to the wall and open up a bit of breathing room on the floor below your entertainment. Especially handy for mounting TVs is the fact that wall mounts can come in swivel and extender options so that you can change the angle of your TV when in use. Can’t usually see the TV while washing dishes? Well, a swivel mount on the TV could help you get the right angle for viewing while productively going through your kitchen prep. The in-style options of the 2020s are all about space and flow. Rather than sitting on all the old things you’ve accumulated, get rid of what you will probably never get around to making a new project and open up your space for some new and breathable life.

Inspiration & INNOVATION

Mortgage FAQs

M by Rhonda Thompson

any Barbadians want a piece of the rock – piece of this paradise on the edge of the Caribbean sea. For most people – over 90% – this dream is only possible with funding by way of a mortgage loan. So if you’ve come to that place where you are seriously contemplating what could be the biggest, most life-changing investment you’ll ever make, you will find that your options at every stage are quite extensive. Because of the long life of a mortgage, your final choice when purchasing land or a home, or constructing a house comes down to carefully weighing all these options. A bad decision can cost you dearly. Competent choices, after careful investigation and planning, can save you money. You will need to familiarise yourself with every step of the process well before you approach a financial institution. You may want to talk to people who have gone through the process. You definitely need to shop around. You may even want to recruit the services of an independent agency to do your “shopping” for you. There are so many questions you need to ask. To start you on your journey, here are some of the most frequent. 1. How do I qualify for a mortgage? Relax and make those phone calls. This is the stage where you 16

May 2022

and your potential lenders get together for a first meeting – the prequalification review. Before you have your plans drawn or go house-hunting with a realtor, the mortgagee will want to know a few things about you and your financial situation. Be armed with all your questions at this stage. You will be asked to provide proof of: your age, assets, credit, income and where you work, any debt you may have, and how much you plan to put down on your home. The more savings you have, the easier it is to qualify; the more debt you have the less financing you will qualify for. After this comes the paperwork to start the process. 2. How do I know which mortgage option is right for me? There are several companies which provide mortgage financing: commercial banks, credit unions, entities within insurance companies and mortgage and finance companies. When perusing any one of these options get clear details on the following: • Current interest rate • Fixed rate vs adjustable interest rate • Life of mortgage • Percentage downpayment required • Early repayment penalties 3. Are there any agencies that can help me find the best mortgage option? Agencies such as financial advisory firms are emerging in Barbados which provide independent advice and recommendations on choosing the right mortgage product based solely on the needs of individuals like you, the mortgagor.

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Mortgage FAQs

4. How much should I save for a downpayment? It takes hard work, commitment and patience to save for a downpayment on your new home. Ten per cent is the minimum recommendation but 20% is even better. It means you will finance less, which translates into lower monthly payments. Mortgage institutions offer between 70% to 100% financing.

8. Besides paying the mortgage interest and principal, what would my monthly/yearly homeowner’s expenses include? Be prepared to pay • life insurance • homeowners insurance • property tax

5. What are some of the fees involved in securing a mortgage? Legal fees are a given when establishing a mortgage, but some institutions, not all, charge commitment fees, processing fees and negotiation fees, although often called by other names.

The lender is at risk if you don’t make these payments.

6. How much can I afford? Buying too big a house can turn your home into a liability instead of an asset. To live a comfortable life, it is recommended that you keep your mortgage payment no more than one-third of your monthly takehome pay. With this conservative monthly mortgage payment, you’ll have room in your budget to cover emergencies, additional costs of homeownership, like repairs and maintenance, while saving for other financial goals, including retirement and, of course, fun things in life. 7 How do interest rates affect my mortgage? Mortgage companies often offer very low interest rates during special promotions. High interest rates bring higher payments and increase the overall interest you’ll pay over the life of your mortgage. A low interest rate saves you money in both the short- and long-term. Down the road, pay close attention to the changing interest rates being offered by the mortgagee. Depending on your contract, after any fixed-rate period, seek a reduction if the new rate offered is lower than that stated in your initial agreement. Do not rely on the mortgagee to inform you of a reduction in interest rates. 18

May 2022

9 What is an early mortgage repayment penalty? This is a fee that some financial institutions charge when you pay off all or part of their mortgage loan earlier than the terms specified in the mortgage agreement, a move that could save you money paid towards interest. The repayment penalty fee deters borrowers from paying off the mortgage early and hence encourage them to repay the principal slowly over a longer term. Not all institutions penalise homeowners for early repayment. 10. What is a mortgage interest rebate (patronage refund)? This is a percentage of all interest paid on the mortgage for the year and is refunded to credit union members. 11. How flexible will my lender be in times of financial difficulty? The COVID-19 pandemic was a trying time for many homeowners who would have lost their source of income. It is best to find a lender committed to working closely with you in times like these. Seizing your home should be their very last resort. 12. When should I consider refinancing? You should definitely think about refinancing if you can lower your interest rate enough in order to gain more favourable terms for your situation.

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Inc.

Inspiration & INNOVATION

by Dominique Toppin

THE DIGITAL

HOME

e’re living in an age in which the technology needed or wanted to required to create a digital home is advancing at a rapid pace. With the fear of the deadly Covid-19 virus still on our minds, many of us have invested thousands of dollars into a digital home to satisfy all of our entertainment and security needs. The ability to attain a new level of comfort, peace and entertainment through these technological advances highlights the significant role they play in relieving stress, and generally making people happier by allowing them to disconnect from the everyday trials of life and refresh our minds.

May 2022

It‘s no surprise then that many have expressed the satisfaction they received by such a transformation, as their lives are easier to manage with the intelligent place they call home. With an ever-increasing number of options available, one can recreate the traditional home with devices that include cinema rooms, automated lighting, enhanced security and alarms. These feature merge to create a home which plays the role of a retreat and sanctuary after a long day where moments are create to last a lifetime. But what exactly is a digital home? Simply defined, it can be considered a convenient home set-up where smart devices and appliances can be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world, once there is a stable internet connection or hardwired networked device. These interconnected devices and appliances allow the homeowner and additional authorized users to control home functions, such as turning on and off alarms, remotely switching on and off lights and even accessing a home theater from miles away. With such features, there is an obvious understanding why many are moving towards having a modern home which includes these smart technology systems. Whether it is to protect the home, loved ones or simply for the love of technology, consumers are falling in love with the wave and maximizing all the benefits of these groundbreaking innovations. Technology has become intrinsic and has merged into everyday life for most people. However, although

designing and planning a smart home comes with lots of perks, it is no small feat and careful considerations must be made for such a venture. The starting point must give deep thought into how you live and how you can adequately finance the selection of devices. As you visualize and plan how you want your future home to function, remember that your decisions will ultimately come down to what you hope to achieve, and the budget you have in place. When the opportunity arises for homeowners to upgrade or add smart home technologies to create their dream digital home, it is best to consult an expert in such services. However, Smart Homes outlines some of the main highlights and benefits of a digital home and how they can be used. • With the ability to connect security systems, automated lighting, speakers and televisions to an interconnected system, a home’s productivity is significantly improved. This integration of audio and visuals offers a range of intelligence that provides an irreplaceable peace of mind. In addition, these features can also serve as an avenue to effectively manage utility bills and conserve energy as the user is notified when indoor and outdoor devices are accidently left on. • The freedom to fully customize your digital home specific to you comfort, protection and entertainment needs is one of major highlights of having a digital home. With the ability to modify temperatures, brightness and noise from the touch of a button

allows for a unique experience. • The possibilities for entertainment purposes are unlimited. The ability of these systems include enjoying live sports and music shows from the comfort of home thanks to virtual reality. This type of system also has the ability to share television screens with friends and family even if they are viewing from different rooms. Entertainment reaches a new level with the digital home as the users are able to transform the experience from playing the latest game consoles such as the Play Station and Xbox with virtual reality visuals and audio. • The ability to check in on teenagers or elderly loved ones while away is another main feature of the digital home. This provides a new level of peace and reassurance for safety and wellbeing as these devices provide real time audio and visuals to ensure protection and continuous monitoring . The digital home is now much more than a fad or technological gimmick to convince consumers to spend money. The overall features include many advantages which makes a homeowner’s life more comfortable, provides an extra layer of security, helps cut energy costs and ultimately makes your days easier. With all these devices and designs working in unison, the digital home provides all the means necessary to have a more comfortable and efficient life.

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Inspiration & INNOVATION

May 2022

Oasis

OA SIS

IN AN URBAN SPRAWL by Nakiah Thomas-Edwards

here exactly does one find an oasis in the urban sprawl that is Welches, St Thomas, the new town that crept up and then burst into existence over the last five years? “An oasis in Welches?!”, you might ask in surprise. Yes, indeed you’ll find one there. Of course, you’ll see orderly concrete houses as you drive the winding roads, set back off the new roadways, belying the neighbourhood’s name. Inside the backyard of the Cherry residence, however, you immediately understand why the area is called Welches Grove. This space is a veritable oasis in an urban sprawl. It’s incredible what they have done with their rectangular backyard space that’s almost ten times as long as its approximate 20ft width. As you approach the roundabout you notice a rich green clump of trees (of the pittosporum variety), and that gives you a clue that someone’s probably done up their backyard nicely. Then you walk through the gate, and you’re shocked at the tropical sprawl - the newness of the concrete, the subdued

Inspiration & INNOVATION

tones of the exterior wall colours and the carefully maintained plants and yard puts you in mind of those gated communities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Your shock turns to delightful surprise as you look around at the strategically placed outdoor furniture, under both a gazebo and a pagoda. White rattan - check! Classic wrought-iron chairs and table - check! No doubt the pièce de resistance for the beer lovers in the family is the well-appointed bar, complete with its beverage refrigerator and wine cooler. It also has built-in stone seating as well as regular bar stools. Of course, next to the bar there is the mandatory backyard grill, and in the centre of the yard is a smoker too! A few steps away from the large bar is the outdoor toilet facility which has both a bowl and a urinal, and real live trees inside! Gives going to the toilet outdoors a whole new meaning. The Cherrys will tell you without hesitation that the space was created for family, for them to resort to, at least every Friday evening for the stipulated family meal. The joined backyards of the two sideby-side houses was the perfect way to ensure family time together. That family oasis is made all the more comfortable with the lush foliage comprising big leaf plants to create a tropical feel. These plants include a variety of philodendrons, a variety of ferns, crinum lilies, blue eyes, tiger lilies and ox tail and lady palms and figs. The furniture is strategically placed to view either of the two

May 2022

aquariums which contain a dizzying array of species living in the same waters: snow ball pseudotropheus, yellow fin acei, red jewel cichlids, red belt tropheus, electric blue ahli, midnight peacock cichlid, red zebra cichlid, and red parrot cichlid. One aquarium is next to the roadside fence with its own rock-like structure and water fall, built from foundation to simulated rock face finish by Property Enhancement Solutions. The structure looks like it was naturally there, but simply enhanced with a specially designed finish. Complementing the aquarium is an aviary and a cage almost as long as the house itself. It’s home to a wide variety of 13 birds, including cockateels. In the cage also live and coexist peacefully, a rabbit, four iguanas - gender unknown, two turtles, and four water turtles. Mrs Cherry asserts that the 13 small birds are not noisy in the morning, though they are a great alert to any presence in the backyard. She will tell you the yard is by no means done. She is anxious to put a chandelier in the middle of the gazebo, and an archway of vines over one entrance to the yard. The chandelier will be spectacular at night, with the lights shining through the aquarium or reflecting off the waterfall at the back of the cage along the house, and it will complement the natural star and moonlight that is visible from the yard’s open spaces and the twinkles of lights in the nearby mall that escapes through the thick threes of (the pittosporum variety!)…it’s a veritable oasis in an urban sprawl.

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Inspiration & INNOVATION

Create A Focal Poin t turn heads with a pop of vibrant colour to cheer up your surrounds. This new feature will turn heads. Let the colour be the star and combine with laid back neutrals. Inexpensive and easy!

May 2022

Simply paint one on in a colour to coordinate with room décor and save yourself megabucks. Try circular shape or straight edge. A hard wearing paint like Harris Paints Ulttima Plus Porch & Patio will ensure it’s durable and easy to clean!

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Mix & Match

Great Go-To Finishes: A gloss finish is tough and easy to clean. Choose Harris Paints Ulttima Plus Gloss Emulsion (cleans up in water) or Ulttima Plus Gloss Oil (cleans up with Puritene Thinners).

Easy add on: Install a small rail detail between colours

FACELIFT! This is a quick and easy change up that can make a big impression! Go soft and sweet or stand out and choose a bright, bold colour.

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Create a two-colour combo to add interest and style to a room. Paint first colour and allow to fully dry and then add tape before applying your second colour. Works best with smooth wall.

Inspiration & INNOVATION

UNDER THE

by Nick Nunes

umans have always looked to the heavens in wonder. In our modern era, we are on the verge of turning the stars into a tourist destination. Already, billionaires have brandished their bank accounts to take to the highest heights and drink in the splendour of the skies. It will be a long time before regular Joes can afford trips into the aether, but we can always simply look up. There is something magical about staring out at the depth and darkness of the sky and seeing it sprinkled with the tiniest of lights. A bright moon can make for a romantic time to have a cuddle and sip some wine. The night air usually comes with a chill that begs for blankets and basking in the soft light after a long and bright day. Everyone should have a peaceful place to soak in the music of the night. “Night-time sharpens, heightens each sensation. Darkness stirs and wakes imagination,” sings the Phantom of the Opera. Night has always been a time for art and intrigue. “Approximately 30 meteor showers occur each year that are visible to observers on Earth. Some of these

May 2022

showers have been around longer than 100 years,” according to NASA. Of course, shooting stars are merely just rocks burning up on entry to the atmosphere but there will always be some sort of magic associated with the beautiful sight and excitement they bring as they fall. For the patient, shooting stars can light up a whole section of sky and streak changing colours across the darkness. This is why a safe and open space with nothing but the endless sky above should be an addition to your home. Of course, the main place to entertain outdoors will always benefit from having a roof. The scorching heat of the day and the torrential rains of hurricane season practically demand that most spaces have something strong overhead. However, a little sanctuary sequestered away in a dark corner of your property could become your new sacred space. It doesn’t take much to craft a little oasis for special and intimate nights. The simplest of areas just require a regular old outdoor bench available from any number of retailers. A stone bench gives a little something extra to the simplicity of a minimalist oasis. Just a few tall plants making a horseshoe shape around a bench and voila. Taking the oasis idea a little further, you can keep the horseshoe plant idea and go a little taller and bushier with plants to create a sectioned-off feeling of seclusion. A few orchids are always a welcomed addition to a place of peace with plants, and large-leafed

plants like elephant ears and the like can give a rich and fertile feel to your little cove. Stepping up the sanctuary could be the simple addition of some paver stones to level off the area and make it feel open and give a little reflection of the light of the stars and moon. Rectangles, squares, or irregular shaped paver stones can add a flair of a sort of shimmering space in the dark. The best thing about adding this kind of outdoor space to your home is that it becomes a living and breathing part of your home. It doesn’t have to all be done at once. Find the perfect bench first. Maybe even a lounger made of pallet boards could be the right way to go. Take the time to make the space truly yours rather than just buying plants in bulk and throwing them together. Get to know your space and let it grow to match you. It may sound weird but you can even fall in love with plants as you’re looking for complements to compliment your cosy corner. Little statues of importance could add some deeper meaning to your alcove or a water feature could chime in to the orchestra that arises when the sun goes down. Koi ponds with water lilies are a popular staple of outdoor spaces. It’s important to remember to keep whatever water features you add properly cared for and free of mosquito larvae. A few protected candles, lanterns, solar lawn lights, or even a fire pit could be a great addition, so long as you aren’t drowning out the beauty of the night.

Inspiration & INNOVATION

I Shed GET YOURSELF AN OUTDOOR

by Nick Nunes

May 2022

f you’re just starting out in a new place, you’re going to need an outdoor shed. It’s plain and simple. First-time homeowners may not immediately acknowledge the need for a shed but the time will come when it becomes necessary.

The process of beginning the journey of having a starter home entails a lot of handy work accruing tools, bits bobs, and a lot of yard work. Lawns don’t just maintain themselves and paying for lawn care after the expenses of acquiring a home is a burden you don’t really need. There are a few essential tools for the first-time homeowner that simply won’t belong anywhere inside the home. A ladder, a lawn mower or weed whacker, rakes, shovels, a fork, and so much more. A shed is your answer. Luckily, the modern world is full of the wonders of convenience and that means you can even buy a flat-packed shed that needs a lot less effort than back in the day. There are a number of options out there

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for plastic sheds that can be shipped straight to your door. Whether you’re looking for a minimalist shed to just hold the bare essentials or something a little more grand, a shed is a must-have so that all those things you require don’t wear away in the elements. The biggest boon of a garden shed will always be the ability to declutter your abode. No one wants all their tools strewn about the home or squirrelled away in random hiding spots that they just happen to be able to fit into. A place for all your equipment, tools, knick-knacks, and whatnots is a treasure every homeowner should aspire to have. The accumulation of stuff is inevitable and it’s great to have a secret place to put all those things that simply don’t need to be seen all the time. A shed can be so much more than a storage space to discard dirty or rarely use items. A shed can add value to your home. If you’ve got a starter home and you’re looking at possibilities of resale, a shed can add more than you know to the value of your home. Installing a concrete floor for a level and solid structure and then even erecting a flat-packed plastic shed adds storage space value to your property, and it’s far more affordable than making an addition to your home or adding on a garage. A shed also offers the protection all people require. Leaving your shovels, rakes, and wheel barrow all out in the open is just asking for them to be stolen and making you feel insecure in your own protected place. 34

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A nice shed with a solid lock gives you the peace of mind that you can leave things outside of your home and still have them secure. Don’t spend countless nights wondering whether or not your outdoor tools will be there in the morning when a shed can give you some shut-eye. More than just a place for storage, a shed can be a source of creativity. Having hobby tools all together in one spot could inspire you to transform that shed into a full-blown workshop for pottery, painting, woodcraft, or getting in touch with your inner green thumb. For the family-oriented, a shed is a great place to keep all the crafts for the kiddos right in the yard where they play. Rather than leaving bicycles or kiddie pools out in the elements, a shed gives them a home and brings a little bit of structure to the chaos of raising kids. Regardless of how your first shed looks, you can always return to transforming it. Make it look like a quaint little cottage to give a whimsical flair to your backyard. Use it as a place to teach and grow with your family by taking part in hobbies together, or use it as a personal getaway from the weariness of the world. Some people even build home bars in their backyard sheds to create a personal yet social space to the outside of their home. Whatever route you want to take with adding space to your backyard, start with the shed and see where it goes.

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CREATING YOUR HOME

GYM by Dominique Toppin

ith the influx of never-ending COVID-19 cases across the globe since the beginning of 2020, many people were left with no choice but to work on their individual fitness goals from the comfort of their home. From beginners to professional athletes showcased new, creative ways to exercise and train. This period sparked a new level of innovation as social media networks were flooded with fitness challenges and videos of fitness gurus showing off their workout area and physique. With this increased appeal and interest for home gyms, many considerations must be taken into account before beginning such a transformative venture. As such, this article aims to provide a simple guideline for those who are considering redesigning a part of the home for the ultimate workout area. A spare bedroom, unused basement or even garage space with a little creativity can surely be used to create the home gym of your dreams. This additional space along with the right equipment and some dedicated organisation can result in a worthwhile project and the actualisation of all fitness dreams. When you begin working out from home, finding the right space is one of the main considerations depending on the type of exercises you have in mind. Fortunately, most bodyweight exercises such as jumping jacks, squats, pushups and yoga do not require a massive area. However, in the event that you are more advanced and require equipment such as barbells and heavy weight machines, more space will be necessary. Based on these considerations, the type of workout routine should coincide with the available space. However, fitness experts posit that a variety of exercises is the key to improving fitness. As such, a mixture of cardio and strength training can be essential in achieving your goals. Therefore, it is important to create a detailed plan to ensure that the space available allows for the comfortable execution of your workout routine. There are many ways to achieve your fitness goals, so knowing which fitness equipment you will use consistently is of critical 36

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importance. It can be hard to resist the temptation of purchasing the fanciest machines in the initial stages where excitement is at its peak, but it is wiser to add the basics little by little, especially when you are still in the process of finalising the workout space. As one can imagine, the financial pressure of making big purchases at once can heavily weigh on the mind, resulting in fancy machines but zero motivation to partake in a steady routine. The aim is therefore to create a getaway which allows for you to comfortably enjoy working towards fitness goals without feeling regret. In addition to space and workout equipment, it is also important to ensure that the sound and lighting in the room enhances the experience. Therefore, you may want to consider painting the walls in light, fresh tones, adding lighting fixtures and mirrors to make your space as aesthetically pleasing as possible. In addition to these basics, including small décor such as paintings, previous sports medals and a ceiling fan or air-condition vent can greatly increase your chances of reaching the fitness goal. While the initial stages of setting up a home gym maybe costly and inconvenient, the long-term benefits for convenience and affordability greatly outweigh the cons during startup. The comfort of manoeuvring

in your own space without crowds of sweaty people and sharing gym equipment is one of the main pros of creating a home gym. Along with it being your personal space, you are free to choose the length of time you spend on a machine and without judgment blast the type of music you love. Additionally, if you are the type who enjoys working out alone, creating a home gym can provide much more motivation to stick to a consistent routine with better focus. As advances in technology reach new heights, smart fitness is being used to recreate the home gyms. As such, feel free to digitise your workout by adding a WIFI router, a radio and speakers to the space. In addition, you may benefit from investing in a smart watch which tracks the amount of calories burned, your heart rate and blood pressure. In a sense, creating a home gym is not new. However, the revolution surrounding fitness at home since the pandemic may be here to stay for a long time, and even though many will venture back into traditional gym structures when the pandemic is phased out, many will continue the at-home workout session they have grown to love. Therefore, whether it be a ten-minute workout or an hour, the convenience of rolling out of bed, preparing a pre-workout meal and blasting your music to enjoy a session in the comfort of one place is simply gratifying.

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GROWING FOOD IN SMALL

Places

May 2022

ertical gardening! That’s the solution to growing a vegetable garden if you live in a neighbourhood which does not have the luxury of space. It’s also a good technique if you want to make gardening easier. The best thing is, anyone can do it! No space? No problem. No need to worry about not having the tradition garden beds, or even space for many pots. Vertical growing can be used for both decorative plants and foods. In terms of maximising space, it’s best to grow vine foods which climb all over everything, and guide the vines over a trellis, netting or an A-frame. This is also known as vertical gardening. Gardening experts will advise that vertical gardening is much easier on your back as there is no need to keep bending to tend to pots or garden beds. When reaping,

it’s also easier to reach up or reach across and harvest the food. Some foods, like cucumbers and squash, also grow better when they are away from direct soil. Great foods for vertical planting include tomatoes, peas and beans, cucumbers, squash, and melons. You may even find decorative vines which can grow with food vines and together may produce a riot of colour. HERE ARE THE MAJOR WAYS TO MAKE YOUR VERTICAL GARDEN: 1.An A-Frame As its name suggests, this frame is shaped like an A and can be made from wood, bamboo, PVC pipe or any material which provides sturdiness, considering the type of plant being grown. Some netting, wire or a fine trellis will help guide the plants as they grow. 2. An archway or arbours An arbour in this case is a frame over which climbing plants are trained. The rectangular shape of your tiny verandah or porch or the archway just before your front door can provide strong support, especially for heavy vegetables like squash or cucumbers. 3. Fencing Even if you share a backyard space with a common fence at your apartment or in your neighbourhood, the fencing around that yard space is great for growing vegetables. The vines can climb along a wire or lattice fence, and you can string netting or rope vertically along fencing to help plants to grab on and keep growing. 4 Poles Your house or apartment may have poles that are both functional and decorative. Those poles can be wrapped with netting so that lightweight vegetables can spread. 40

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5.Trellis We’ve seen how plants and grass simply take over a piece of discarded wire fence (the ones with the square holes) if it’s just left leaning against a paling. The wire fence can be purposefully employed to grow vegetables simply by placing it in a strategic location. Whatever material is used to make a trellis, it’s best to secure the bottom of it to avoid it tipping over during a strong wind. 6.A hanging garden How high can you go? As high as you like or as is safe. Hanging grow bags or baskets are also great options to grow vegetables, and if there is enough space for a big bag, you may even be able to plant a root crop. Grow bags can be hung inside or outside. 7.A rack garden A rack can also be used to make a vertical garden. This way, plant pots (whatever they are made from – an old bucket, soda bottles, ice cream or large plastic containers, old saucepans) can be stacked as high as your space allows. Be sure to create enough room for the plants to grow to a natural height. It would help to research which vegetables can be put on the same shelf, above and below, to optimise growing and harvesting.

All gardens need maintenance, and the care of your vertical garden depends on what you have planted. Some plants need a lot more sunlight than others, so care should be taken to position the plants accordingly. To ensure you reap a bountiful harvest, plant only those vegetables which you can maintain according to your lifestyle. Homeowners should choose vegetables that they can readily maintain. If you don’t have the time to care for the plants, your harvest will not be plentiful. Research veggies to determine which choices are best suited for the region…and personal lifestyle. Beets, carrots, cucumbers and peas, among others, are easy-to-grow choices. Vertical vegetable gardens offer a space-saving solution for homeowners who want to grow their own produce but don’t have the land space to do so, assures www.homeselfe.com. Vertical gardens can be made in many ways with a variety of materials. Vertical gardening expert Lisa Meyers McClintick advises that if plants are drooping or burdened as your crops get heavy, use bamboo stakes or ties for extra support. A tie can be made with a stretchy piece of recycled pantyhose stockings, twist-ties, zip ties, landscape clips or even hair clips to anchor stems to supports. Be sure whatever you use is padded enough to protect tender shoots, stems or vines from damage. A vertical garden offers homeowners who live in ‘concrete jungles’ with the opportunity to grow food, which in turn helps in a myriad of ways to take care of our planet.

Inspiration & INNOVATION

Grass

GIVE IN TO

GRASS by Nick Nunes

o grow or not to grow? That is the question. Homes are becoming closer together and urbanisation seems to be taking over the entire world. For the homeowners of the 21st century, there’s a growing trend of giving up on the idea of maintaining a manicured lawn and embracing the low commitment of concrete. First of all, no one can deny the benefits of not having a living organism to take care of constantly. Especially in Barbados, the yearly droughts are always a very severe cause for concern to those that deal with maintaining a beautiful lawn. A fully concrete perimeter of your abode can be a great boon. It’s easy to clean, there’s no weeding involved, no bi-weekly mowing, no watering, and it’s easy to see and clear areas of standing water. However, humans are still animals. As highly evolved as humanity has become, there is no replacement for a connection with nature. Even in our modern world, the top architects of our time are out there creating green spaces that stretch into the sky. There are countless skyscrapers already erected and more going up that are peppered with an earthly connection that inspires wonder beyond the towering glass, steel, and stone obelisks of the past. Green is the colour of the future, it is the colour of connecting with the natural world. Our oxygen comes from green plant life and the placid colours of nature will always have an astoundingly peaceful effect on the psyche.

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It’s highly recommended to create green spaces for physical and mental health of those inhabiting a given space. According to WHO, “Urban green spaces, such as parks, playgrounds, and residential greenery, can promote mental and physical health, and reduce morbidity and mortality in urban residents by providing psychological relaxation and stress alleviation, stimulating social cohesion, supporting physical activity, and reducing exposure to air pollutants, noise and excessive heat.” Think of the feeling you get after being cooped up in an office all day when you finally step outside and see natural light, waving grass, and trees. The natural world is a place of wonder that is begging for humanity to reconnect with it. This is the reason to give in to grass. Grass is great. You can have picnics in your own backyard. A lawn is a natural scrubber of the CO2 in our atmosphere. That’s right, your lawn is actually trapping carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen to help lower air pollution right at home. Grass also traps dust and keeps it from coating everything inside your home. From soaking up run-off water to improving the soil structure of your surroundings, lawns give way more back to you than you would think. Unlike a solid outdoor floor, lawns also reduce noise by being a sink for vibrations rather than creating an echo-prone area, like concrete and tile can. Lawns also lower the surrounding temperature of the spaces where they thrive—always a boon to those living in the Barbadian heat.

Grass

AS HIGHLY EVOLVED AS HUMANITY HAS BECOME, THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT FOR A CONNECTION WITH NATURE.

But what kind of grass are you going to give in to? A popular favourite in Barbados is what is commonly known as savannah grass. Axonopus compressus, or savannah grass, is great for a lawn because it does well with low fertility soil. The biggest problem with savannah grass is the intense amount of water it requires to thrive. This grass also comes with great benefits. It is soft and its broad leaves tend to flop over rather than growing straight up. This, of course, means that it doesn’t look quite as shabby as other lawns when it’s left to get a little bit wild. Another popular grass in Barbados and the Caribbean at large is zoysia grass. Though a little more on the pricy side than savannah, zoysia grass makes up for its initial price by being very heat-tolerant and coming with very medium maintenance needs. It will stay healthy in drought with little water and can take quite a bit of traffic while still looking superb. Sahara Bermudagrass is very drought-tolerant, with excellent durability, dark-green colour, fine texture and low growing. Bermuda can be bought in bags of little nearly-neon seeds and looks amazing. It does quite well in the tropical sun and feels soft on bare feet. Whichever route you’re going to take with generating a covering for your outdoor space, grass is the greatest option. There can be a kind of Zen peace achieved in pulling weeds or mowing the lawn. There’s something beautiful about tending to nature that you can enjoy through the simple addition of a lawn you can be proud of.

Inspiration & INNOVATION

Forever. HOW THE

PANDEMIC HAS CHANGED OUR HOMES FOREVER. by Rhonda Thompson

n the twinkle of an eye, it seems, the endearing phrase ‘Home, sweet home’ mutated into ‘Home, sweet home/ office/classroom/gym/sanctuary’. Finding space for all this was not an easy task at the height of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as homes were not originally built to handle all these new “variants”. Nationally mandated restrictions – meant to protect the general population’s health –recreated the concept of home, as most people could no longer go out and about freely as they did before being held hostage by this clever virus. Weeks turned into months, then into years of major disruption and change, with the elderly, parents, and children trying to cope all together in the same space day after day. But Barbadian homeowners adapted their indoor and outdoor spaces to suit the new lifestyle that was suddenly thrust upon them – a lifestyle destined to become the new normal post-COVID-19. Even as many people returned to work, home isolation and quarantine became a reality. Now that restrictions have trickled down, the unforeseeable future is likely on everyone’s minds: When will this end? How many more spikes will there be? Will this happen again in my lifetime? Can I ever 44

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go back to my lifestyle before COVID? So, moving forward with one giant leap for mankind’s evolution, the home became . . .

The sanctuary

Peace of mind came to the fore during this high-stress crisis. To maintain a sense of serenity, families had to incorporate into their indoor-scapes whatever brought them their greatest joy, be it greenery, artwork, or some other visual distraction. Relaxing aromatherapy (representing the spa), redesigned and decluttered rooms (representing the spacious outdoors), and a heightened sense of spiritual duty through various personal means (representing worship) also contributed to a feeling of well-being and balance.

The office

Work/life balance was tested when the two collided at home. In order to keep the wheels of the economy in motion, home offices became a high priority. Computer technology and ergonomic office furniture were introduced to any quiet, traffic-free area, and the Internet connection was strengthened. With the discovery that productivity actually peaks when working at home (in sweats), many

people are reluctant to return to the office, at least not full-time anyway. Thumbs up for avoiding the long, tiresome commute to and from work.

The classroom

Young minds needed to stay sharp, so home became central to learning. Having been caught unaware, the technological challenges were a giant hurdle, but the system is now reasonably better prepared for the future. The majority of primary and secondary students have since returned to face-to-face classes, but quite a few tertiary-level students are still enjoying the convenience.

Small businesses

Many small businesses were forced to shut shop and move back home, and with job losses initially very high, especially in the hospitality sector, many new businesses sprang up, reminiscent of the cottage industries of days long gone. This meant homes became quite busy but they also had to meet professional safety standards.

A sterile environment

Reminded daily about how easily viruses can spread, sanitisation of surfaces became a frequent chore. For the family to stay infection-free,

Inspiration & INNOVATION

Gardens

May 2022

surfaces had to be decluttered to accommodate thorough cleaning in this shared space. Sanitisation centres were also set up in entryways.

Big house vs small house

The space distribution factor among family members in each household is key to maintaining good health. One prominent Barbadian property developer has noticed this trend: the smaller the house, the more occupants and the less individual space; the bigger the house, the fewer occupants and the more individual space. Homeowners are paying close attention to this when considering isolating one individual in a household.

Power sources

Being at home constantly meant that power usage skyrocketed. Some householders, therefore, turned to solar power in order to cut costs and maintain a continuous source of energy.

The great outdoors

Clean air and sunshine were classified as precious commodities. Where space allowed, the home’s outdoors offered an escape from four walls. Meals out on cozy balconies and patios, hammocks under the coconut trees looking out into the countryside, and lounge chairs in the relaxing garden were better options. These often neglected or seldom utilised spaces had then to be overhauled for intense use ahead.

Outdoor entertainment

Lockdown itself took boredom to a new level. Birthday parties and other group interactions on Zoom just don’t cut it for those with once busy social lives. So, what little entertaining that was eventually

allowed with close family and friends had to be taken outdoors in upgraded facilities.

The gym

Basement areas, lawns, balconies, garages, or guest rooms had to become fitness arenas, complete with new equipment or the electronic means to tap trainers’ expertise.

Kitchen gardens

More people are now moving towards healthier food choices. The ability to have fresh produce at arm’s reach called for some measure of dedication to cultivating their land or container gardening. This money-saver certainly remains.

Storage

Bulk-buying became a necessity so as to decrease trips to the supermarket. This created a need for increased storage and demanded some measure of creativity without the luxury of added square footage to the home.

Ahead of the game

For a special group of people, everything changed without anything changing for them. The world had finally caught up to them and reinforced their own lifestyle. Long before the world started rethinking how they choose to live, this group was already living the life, with most things revolving around their domestic spaces. All in all, the population has awakened to the sweet bliss of homeliness again. Cheers to the new multifunctional home sweet home.

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