HomeStyle-Spring-2013

Spring 2013 Meeker County Advertiser and Hutchinson Leader Shopper

DECORATING with

Style

Since 2007, Anita Liepke has helped customers with their decorating needs/Page 3

6 Essential Tools for fixing, installing, removing, replacing or otherwise improving the home / Page 15

PLUS Color is back/Page 9 DIY bathroom makeover/Page 20

2 Spring Home Improvement

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

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Home Improvement is published twice a year by ...

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LITCHFIELD INDEPENDENT REVIEW P.O.Box 921, Litchfield,MN 55355-0921 Phone: 320-693-3266 Fax: 320-693-9177 E-mail: editor@independentreview.net Website: www.independentreview.net

THE HUTCHINSON LEADER 170 Shady Ridge Rd.NW,Suite 100, Hutchinson,MN 55350-2440 Phone: 320-587-5000 Fax: 320-587-6104 E-mail: news@hutchinsonleader.com Website: www.hutchinsonleader.com

28,100 copies of Home Improvement are being delivered through the Leader Shopper and Meeker County Advertiser. Ads are also placed on www.hutchinsonleader.com and www.independentreview.net.

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 17, 2013

SINCE 2007, ANITA LIEPKE HAS HELPED CUSTOMERS WITH THEIR DECORATING NEEDS

Decorating with

Spring Home Improvement 3

style

By KAY JOHNSON johnson@hutchinsonleader.com

W

hen Barry and Sharon Barton of rural Silver Lake decided to remodel their kitchen, they turned to Anita Liepke for help.

Liepke launched her decorating business, Bella Stanza, in 2007. It was a natural extension of the family business — Liepke’s Decor-Aiding (formerly Liepke’s Wallcoverings).

The one-woman shop provides services ranging from paint consultation to project management.

Liepke had worked with the Bartons previously to update their bedroom. Her husband, Michael, had wallpapered in the home, too.

The kitchen remodel project started in January 2012 with meetings to discuss what the couple wanted to do.

With the first-floor rooms flowing into each other of the 1979-built split-level home, the question was asked, Where do you stop remodeling? It became clear that for Bartons’ open-floor plan idea to work, they would have to expand the job from just the kitchen to include the entry and first floor.

“We had a lot of wallpaper and carpet,” Sharon said.

Demolition started in March with the last drawer slipped into place on Dec. 21.

Liepke advised the couple on design options as well as serving as project manager.

“I came in and took control,” she said. “I work with all the subcontractors. I make sure everyone is on time and things are going well.”

The two women estimated about 90 percent of the labor and materials came from

Continued on page 4

STAFF PHOTOS BY KAY JOHNSON

The Bartons’ living room after it was remodeled. Hardwood floors replaced the carpeting and panels replaced the heavy drapes. The couple also had the spindles between the dining room and living room removed and replaced with an open walk-through. Paint colors were changed, too. The rooms flow comfortably into each other and yet maintain their own sense of style.

4 Spring Home Improvement

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Decorating Continued from page 3 the Hutchinson area.

“It worked out very well,” Liepke said. “It brings revenue back to our area. I’d like to see a bigger wedge, but you’re limited by what’s available.”

Working with Liepke was a positive experience for the couple. It gave them the home they wanted.

“If you need help,” Sharon said, “hire a decorator.”

“It’s worth the price,” Liepke added.

How it works When Liepke launched Bella Stanza, the economy was just about to tank. She was able to stay in business thanks to the reputation she and her husband had earned through their wallcoverings business.

Her early customers called, asking about paint colors. “They wanted to do something,” she said, “but they weren’t sure about the future.”

Today, Liepke believes things are getting better.

The Bartons’ living room before remodeling.

Continued on page 7

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The “before” kitchen in Barry and Sharon Barton’s home. Note the stove top was installed in the peninisula counter. The oven and refrigerator shared the same wall. Colors were orange and brown, popular in 1979 when the home was built.

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Earth tones replaced the orange in the Bartons’ remodeled kitchen. The space was opened up and the peninsula counter was removed. A center island with a granite countertop now provides extra counter space and a place for dining.

Not pictured is a round kitchen table to the left of the island that provides seating for four. Extra leaves expand the size of the table for larger parties.

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Spring Home Improvement 5

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

6 Spring Home Improvement

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 17, 2013

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Attention Hutchinson Utilities Commission customers—

We’re offering our customers rebates for energy-efficient products. Rebate programs started January 1, 2013 and continue until funding is depleted. Applications for rebates are available at HUC’s office at 225 Michigan St. S.E., or online at www.hutchinsonutilities.com.

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Hutchinson Utilities Commission (HUC) is your locally owned gas and electric Public Power Utility. Hutchinson is one of 126 Minnesota cities that benefit from having a local municipal utility. A public power utility is a tremendous community asset.

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We’re part of the community and our policy makers, managers and workers are part of the community. Our crews are always on hand in the event of an emergency. You don’t need to call an 800 number to talk to us.

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Rates and service practices are set by members of the community who live in the community. If you have a problem, you know who to talk to.

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There is no tension between the interests of customers and the interests of stockholders. Our focus is Main Street, not Wall Street. We work for you.

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Spring Home Improvement 7

Remodeling

Decorator Anita Liepke with homeowner Sharon Barton. The two women worked together on the Bartons’ home-remodeling project.

Continued from page 3 “I’m getting bigger jobs,” she said. “People are feeling more confident.”

Liepke’s business is about equally divided between commercial and private clients.

For a $50 consultation fee, she’ll come to your home and offer decorating suggestions about what you can do.

For $75 an hour, she’ll come into your home and rearrange a room with your own belongings.

She’s willing to purchase items, too. Payment is based on a sliding percentage.

If you have a big project, Liepke recommended tackling it in stages because it’s not so overwhelming.

The majority of Liepke’s clients come from referrals or word of mouth.

“Working one-on-one is so rewarding,” she said. “I go in and find out the background to get a feel for the person. I ask questions. Who uses this room? How does it get used? If you can’t satisfy someone’s likes and dislikes, you’ve missed the mark.”

Trends When it comes to what is fashionable,

When the Bartons were remodeling their kitchen, Sharon didn’t want a lazy Susan corner cupboard. She saw the corner-drawers idea and had it modified to work in their home.

Liepke identified wallpaper as the No. 1 trend.

“It’s not your grandma’s wallpaper,” she

said. “It’s 54-inch commercial wallpaper with texture and depth.”

At this time, 90 percent of Liepke’s husband’s work is in the Twin Cities hanging wallpaper.

“Accent walls are big,” she said.

When it comes to kitchens, Liepke doesn’t see hardwood floors, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances going away anytime soon.

She also identified the mid-century modern design colors such as aqua blues and yellows as strong.

“It’s fun,” Liepke said. “The one thing I love about it is it’s fun working with people.

I’ve never met a bad customer.”

For more information, call Anita Liepke, owner of Bella Stanza, at 612-599-1110, or email: bellastanza@live.com.

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 17, 2013

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Spring Home Improvement 9

Color is back FURNITURE AND ACCESSORIES SPORT BRIGHT COLORS FOR SPRING

By KAY JOHNSON johnson@hutchinsonleader.com

I STAFF PHOTOS BY KAY JOHNSON

Kevin Heikes showed a sample of a distressed wood finish available in Daniel’s Amish dining room tables and chairs at Factory Direct Furniture.

f you’re wondering how the economy is doing, all you have to do is visit a furniture store. When the economy tanked a few years ago, furniture colors trended toward dark and sober.

With the economy improving, color is back in a big way.

Poppy red, nectarine, linen, Monaco blue, lemon zest, African violet, tender shoots, grayed jade, dusk blue and emerald are the spring colors reported by Pantone, the world-renowned authority on color.

The day this reporter visited Slumberland store in Hutchinson, the front-entry display featured a sofa in light green (tender

shoots) and an accent chair in light green (tender shoots) and blue (dusk blue).

Factory Direct, also in Hutchinson, featured a poppy red sofa with an accent chair upholstered in a modern design of red, black and gray circles on a cream background.

“There’s a re-influx of color,” said Kevin Heikes, a member of family-owned Factory Direct in Hutchinson. “We’re seeing greens, blues and reds as accent colors.”

Kelli Starrett, Slumberland store manager, echoed Heikes’ observation.

“Color is coming out,” she said. “Accessories bring in color with patterns and stripes. Florals are coming back bold and modernized. We’re seeing all different

Continued on page 10

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10 Spring Home Improvement

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Slumberland store manager Kelli Starrett demonstrated how a powerrecline remote works.

Furniture Continued from page 9 shades of green in patio furniture.”

Color isn’t just restricted to the living room. You can find it throughout the house as Starrett pointed out a child’s bright pink headboard and bed frame, lime-green lamps and colored ottomans.

While color is popping out all over, one finish that isn’t catching on as fast locally as it has nationally is the worn, distressedwood look.

“We’re very conservative,” Kevin said.

“We don’t push the limit on trends.”

That said, rustic oak with slate accents is so popular, Factory Direct has trouble keeping it in stock.

Power-recline furniture Other than color, another furniture trend at Factory Direct and Slumberland is “power” furniture.

If you’re thinking Grandma’s lift chair, you’re wrong.

Power recline provided by a small built-in motor makes it easy to smoothly adjust the pitch of couches, recliners, chairs and love

Sunday, March 17, 2013

seats. No more hard-to-move manual levers. Just a touch of the remote and you can easily adjust the angle of your seat.

“Over half of the reclining furniture we sold last year was power-based,” said Keith Heikes, a member of the family-owned business.

In addition to power recline, Starett said couches and sectionals are available with all sorts of bells and whistles including built-in lights, speakers for your iPod, storage, tables, as well as with rocking and reclining sections.

“People want it,” she said.

Power is also moving into the bedroom.

Factory Direct and Slumberland have seen a jump in the sales of power-bases — also called lifestyle bases.

A remote is used to adjust the mattress from a flat position to an upright position as well as provide massage.

“People are doing more than one thing in a room,” Kevin said. “The traditional office is going away.”

“Lifestyle bases are huge right now,” Starrett said. “Everyone wants it. They watch TV. They do their laptop stuff in the bedroom.”

While mattresses come in a variety of materials today, the traditional innerspring mattress remains the most popular at Fac-

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Spring Home Improvement 11

tory Direct.

At Slumberland, people are buying Tempur-Pedic mattresses, which are made from viscoelastic memory foam. It offers a luxurious feel with firm support.

“If customers don’t go for Tempur-Pedic,“ Starrett said, “they go with our Optimum by Sealy or TruEnergy by Beautyrest. TruEnergy offers the best of both worlds — coils, gel and memory foam with an air-pocketed feel. People are spending a little bit more money on a bed now.”

In addition to power-base beds, the Heikes brothers offer Daniel’s Amish bedroom furniture and dining room tables and chairs. Built to last, the solid wood furniture comes in a variety of finishes ranging from oak and cherry to maple, hickory and more.

“It’s furniture your grandchildren will fight over,” Keith said.

Dining room furniture While dining room sets continue to be popular, the Heikes brothers said they are selling fewer traditional china hutches and curio cabinets each year.

“People don’t collect anymore,” Kevin said.

Rather than a china hutch, a buffet is the

The poppy red sofa is showcased sitting on a zebra rug with a red, black and gray on cream accent chair. The electric fireplace, a popular purchase, adds a warmth and coziness to the room grouping at Factory Direct.

Continued on page 11

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12 Spring Home Improvement

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

This traditional wingback-style chair from Slumberland is an example of the new florals available. The upholstery features bold colors and a modernized look.

Dining room Continued from page 3 preferred buy. It can be used for serving as well as storage.

If you struggle with trying to find a place to store the extra leaves for your dining room table, the problem has been solved.

Dining room tables now are available with self-storing leaves that fold into the table.

Wonder why someone would want a taller-than-average dining room table? It works if you’re a baby boomer with sore knees or hips. You don’t have to bend down so far to sit on a chair.

It’s also a hit with crafters who can stand and work comfortably at the taller table.

How to choose If you’re heading to the furniture store to buy something new, it’s helpful to plan ahead. What do you want to buy? What color? What size? Where are you going to

Sunday, March 17, 2013

put it? How much do you want to spend?

It’s also beneficial to bring along a scaled floor plan of the room when you go furniture shopping. In your floor plan, include measurements and the location of a fireplace, doors, windows, heating and electrical outlets.

And don’t skimp on research. Take some time to discover what’s out there by looking at magazines and online.

Bring along a small tape measure. It’s disappointing to buy the perfect couch only to discover it’s too big for your living room.

Not finding what you want on the sales floor? Both local furniture stores offer custom orders. Flexsteel Furniture, for instance, offers 1,200 fabric options.

When it comes to getting the best price, you don’t have to go out of town. Factory Direct and Slumberland belong to larger buying groups, which allows them to take advantage of economies of scale — larger orders, better selection and prices.

“Come in and see the new things,” invited Starrett.

Don’t skimp on research.Take some time to discover what’s out there by looking at magazines and online.

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Spring Home Improvement 13

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96471

14 Spring Home Improvement

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

FIND YOUR DREAM HOME

Sunday, March 17, 2013

LESTATE • Check out the March edition of the Monthly Real Estate RGEuA ide Lots, Lake Farms, Homes, and Acreage Property T COUNTIES AND WRIGH FREE LE, SIBLEY 2013 • R, RENVIL MARCH McLEOD, MEEKE d Independent Review TPLACE FOR and Litchfiel BUYER’S MARKEby the Hutchinson Leader Published

monthly

4,000 ted Distribu Monthly

te Real Esta Guide Online

ted Distribu In 95 s Location

s Hundred a Of Are Listings

Guide magazine at 85 area newsstands now.

• Search listings by location, price, property type, house style or agency at independentreview.net or hutchinsonleader.com Just click on Real Estate.

NEW

NEW

Grove City

Forest City

Glencoe

2+ BR home on large corner lot.

Ready for your TLC and updates. Offered at only $54,900!

Norm & Lorna Menken Menken Real Estate & Insurance 335 East Hwy. 12, Litchfield 320-593-3324

Total renovation throughout this custom 5 BR, 2 BA rambler. 2 stall gar., maple kit. w/new appl., lg. dining, 3 BR on main & lg. full BA. Must see. $149K. Tim & Michaelee Jenkins ReMax Homes 1930 E. 10th St., Glencoe 320-864-6870

NEW

New Germany Stunning remodel! 4 BR, 2 BA w/oversized 2+ gar., lg. 2 level deck, steel siding, new furn., HW floors, cust. oak kit., lg. sun htd. porch. $145,000.

Tim & Michaelee Jenkins ReMax Homes 1930 E. 10th St., Glencoe 320-864-6870

Grove City

Hutchinson

Kandiyohi

Unique 5 BR, 3 BA. Ceramic tile, 4 season sunroom/patio drs. to deck. Custom cab., full w/o fin. bsmt. w/in-floor heat, 3 car att. gar., 4 acres. $269,900.

Gwen Cram All-Star Realty 30 3rd St. E., Litchfield 320-221-3840

4 BR, 3 full BA custom built minutes from Hutch. 1.6 ac., 3,538 fsf, mst. suite, mf laundry, maple cabinetry & flooring. Built in 2003. $369,900.

Kaye Webster Coldwell Banker Saber Realty Cokato, 320-583-3803 seven1025@gmail.com

4+ acres, Schult home. New roof, newer siding, 4 season porch, 3 car fin. att. gar. 2 newer sheds. Lots of room for toys, shop or business. $98,500.

Jeff Menken Menken Real Estate & Insurance 335 East Hwy. 12, Litchfield 320-593-3324

LOOKING TO BUY OR SELL? Contact one of these professionals for all your real estate needs.

Dean Sabacky

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Broker Associate, CDPE 320-234-2515 sellhome@hutchtel.net

Gwen Cram ALL-STAR REALTY

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Open Monday-Thursday — 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Friday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Weekly Real Estate Guide is a full color page appearing each Wednesday on the back page of the Hutchinson Leader and each Thursday in the Litchfield Independent Review. Combined circulation of the two newspapers is 9,300 homes—that’s more than 20,000 readers with same-day delivery to 15 area cities.

Current Open Houses and new listings will be featured weekly. For the latest up-to-date real estate listings, look for the Weekly Real Estate Guide.

Contact your Ad Rep today!

Do I Need a Building Permit?

96447

5 ac. country building site 6 mi. from Litchfield. Has well & shed.

Norm & Lorna Menken Menken Real Estate & Insurance 335 East Hwy. 12, Litchfield 320-593-3324

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Today’s Realty

Building Lots Your choice of 5 building lots, only $8,900 each. Possible contract for deed terms.

Litchfield Beautiful rambler in the country. 4 BR, 2 BA, lg. LR + lg. FR on lower level. Nice kit. w/lots of cupboards. Newer windows & shingles in ‘03. $220,000.

Gwen Cram All-Star Realty 30 3rd St. E., Litchfield 320-221-3840

If you are planning a home improvement project and are wondering if a permit is required... please call the Hutchinson Building/Zoning/Planning Department at (320) 234-4216; visit the City’s web site at www.ci.hutchinson.mn.us; or stop by the City Center at 111 Hassan St. S.E. Our friendly knowledgeable staff is eager to assist you!

96385 HI

Litchfield Lg. 4 BR rambler in wooded setting on 5.5 ac. between Hutch & Litch. Updated kit., great room w/fp, HW floors, 5 gar. stalls, lg. barn. $289,900.

Dean Sabacky RE/MAX Today’s Realty 255 Hwy. 7 E., Hutchinson 320-234-2515

Neat & clean 3 BR, 2 BA rambler. MF FR + FR & one kit. in bsmt. Formal DR, 2 kit. w/appl incl. Lots of storage. 2 car insul. att. gar. 2300 fsf. $116,900.

Gwen Cram All-Star Realty 30 3rd St. E., Litchfield 320-221-3840

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

6

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Spring Home Improvement 15

essential tools FOR FIXING, INSTALLING, REMOVING, REPLACING OR OTHERWISE IMPROVING YOUR HOME

By DAN RAFTER CTW Features

W

hen Jonathan McIntosh’s daughter graduated from college and moved into her own home, she asked a common question: What tools do I need?

McIntosh knew the answer. “There are so many people who feel lost when it comes to tools,” he says. As founder and CEO of Omaha, Neb.-based CoMc, a company that produces a locking-tile system known as SnapStone, he’s familiar with the traditional barriers to doing some serious home improvement.

“You can do a lot with a small group of important tools. Those are the tools that I tell homeowners to get,” he says.

Continued on page 16

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16 Spring Home Improvement

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Tools Continued from page 15 If you’re not fortunate enough to be related to a home-improvement expert, here is a look at some of the essential tools that everyone, homeowners and renters alike, need in their toolboxes.

The Screwdriver Marie Leonard, a Boston-based home improvement expert and author of the book “Marie’s Home Improvement Guide” (Seal Press, 2009), recommends everyone to have at least four screwdrivers, two each of the flat-head and Phillips-head varieties. It’s the most basic and frequently used tool, for everything from opening the battery case on children’s toys to putting together furniture to tightening loose light switches.

Specifically, Amy Matthews, the home improvement expert for consumer home-improvement website HomeAdvisor, recommends the seven-in-one or five-in-one screwdriver. This tool includes just one handle but holds several different screwdriver heads inside its body, so consumers can save money and space in the toolbox.

You'll need Phillips-head screwdrivers as well as flathead. Buy one that can store detachable driver heads in its body to save space.

The Drill Leonard calls the cordless drill one of the most essential tools that a homeowner can have. With both drill and screwdriver bits, it actually functions as two tools in one, a drill and a high-powered screwdriver.

The cordless drill is indispensable when hanging pictures, tightening loose screws in that wobbly living room floor, hanging drapes and

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 17, 2013

shelves and assembling furniture.

Matthews recommends the 12-volt variety for people who anticipate average use for their drills. While 12 volts used to be too weak for regular use, Matthews says the new versions are both lightweight and still pack enough power in their relatively small frames.

The Tape Measure The humble tape measure is an extraordinarily useful tool, McIntosh says, and it will save a lot of time traveling to and from the home improvement store.

It’s important for simple tasks, like measuring a doorway to make sure a new chair will fit through it, and more complex tasks, such as building bookshelves or hanging drapes.

The Wrenches and Pliers Every homeowner’s toolbox should contain a variety of wrenches and pliers, McIntosh says. He recommends buying a set that will include the most frequently used varieties of these tools, including a combination wrench, adjustable wrench, socket wrench, needlenose pliers, tongue-and-groove pliers and flat-nose pliers

Spring Home Improvement 17

The simple tape measure will save you countless hours driving back and forth from the home improvement store, assuming you remember to use it.

The Saw

96460

Continued on page 17

Most non-woodworking homeowners don't need more than a simple handsaw.

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Unless you plan to finish the basement yourself, be frugal when it comes to saws, McIntosh advises. A simple, inexpensive handsaw will suffice for people who will only cut a limited amount of wood throughout their lifetimes.

Those who plan on doing larger home-improvement projects that require more cutting can upgrade to a smallish

18 Spring Home Improvement

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 17, 2013

The saw Continued from page 17 circular saw. Leonard recommends the 6-inch variety.

If you plan on doing a decent amount of woodworking, consider investing in a kit that comes with a batteryoperated drill, circular saw, handsaw and sander.

Learning to caulk and seal could save thousands of dollars on fixing water damage.

The Caulking Gun Leonard says that homeowners can save thousands of dollars by learning how to use a caulking gun. Spreading caulk or sealant around the edges of sinks and tubs prevents water from seeping into the walls around them.

Otherwise, the water can cause mold and rot quickly.

It’s a small investment to save yourself the trouble years down the line.

Some of these tools may seem daunting, but homeimprovement pros have some advice: The best way to learn how to use cordless drills or caulking guns is to practice on scrap material before using these tools for real applications. Scrap metal and wood is readily available at the local hardware store.

“I always recommend that people buy some extra wood and screws or practice on their garage walls or some other place they don’t care about to get familiar with the tools,” Leonard says. “You can read about using tools all you want, but until you practice with them, you won’t feel comfortable.”

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 17, 2013

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20 Spring Home Improvement

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Bathroom makeover

The “after” bathroom featured the new black-andwhite shower curtain, matching rug and silverframed blackand-white artwork. The question remains if the flower decals along the baseboard will be removed. The decals can be easily lifted off the wall and saved to be used again.

A DO-IT-YOURSELF BATHROOM PROJECT DOESN’T HAVE TO COST A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY

By KAY JOHNSON johnson@hutchinsonleader.com

L STAFF PHOTOS BY KAY JOHNSON

ooking to jazz up your living space without spending a lot of money? Accessories are the key.

Change the pillows on your couch. Switch around your artwork or add something new.

New can come from a variety of places — stores, thrift stores, garage sales, friends and family.

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In our family, we switch things back and forth. Most of my furniture came from my mom. A wonderful chair I added to my reading area came from my sister, Lynn, who found it as a giveaway on the curb. A gentle cleaning and it was as good as new.

A few years ago, I had my bathroom painted steel city gray. It’s a nice neutral color that I could punch up with accessories.

Since then, I’ve kicked myself a dozen times for not being bolder in my color

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

choice. Every time I pick up a magazine, I see at least a dozen colors that are rich, vibrant and all together better than steel city gray.

While I can’t do anything about the weather, I can change up my bathroom.

With a small budget to work with, I opted to switch out the shower curtain and artwork.

Changing the paint color in a room is the fastest and least expensive way to make a big impact. When it comes to painting, I rely on my family — particularly my sister, Lynn, who is a whiz with a paintbrush.

Anyone who knows me knows I am no painter. I don’t have the patience for it. The one time I painted a wall in my stairway, my cat jumped in the paint pan and scampered up the steps leaving a trail of dainty Chinese-red footprints.

Use Scotch Blue Painter’s Tape I’ve been told. I did. When I carefully removed it, the paint pulled off with it and I had a very messy edge to clean up.

Now you know why the color is staying and everything else is changing. Local stores offer a good variety of shower curtains to choose from. Options range from printed plastic to high-end fabric.

For less than $16, I bought a shower curtain, covered shower rings and two small

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Spring Home Improvement 21

matching rugs. I wasn’t sure if it would work, but the price was certainly right.

Using a gray bathroom rug and stool cover I already owned, I added the new black-and-white shower curtain and matching rug. It was a good change.

One of the great things that came with starting my journalism career in the art business is that I collected a lot of framed art along the way. I switched out the two colorful paintings in the bathroom with two silver framed black-and-white drawing.

With just these small changes, the room looks different. Change is good.

The “before” bathroom featured a flowered shower curtain and brightly colored artwork.

Mirror makeover As I looked the bathroom over, my eye was drawn to the mirror. The edges were starting to wear. It was plain and in my opinion, boring. What could I do to change it? I don’t use power tools, so the idea of building a frame for it was out.

I went to hardware and home building stores looking for ideas. I found plenty. If you’d like to jazz up your bathroom mirror and not spend a lot of money, consider framing it with duct tape. I know. You’re thinking I don’t want that awful gray tape on my bathroom mirror.

Continued from page 22

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22 Spring Home Improvement

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Bathroom

Jazz up your surroundings with colored duct tape.

It comes in a multitude of colors and patterns.

Continued from page 21 Guess what? It’s no longer awful gray.

Duck Tape and 3M make colored and patterned duct tape. It comes in a range of solid colors including gold and silver as well as patterns such as polka dots, leopard, zebra, checkered, paisley and more. It’s easy to work with, too. Frame your mirror with the printed tape. It can also be used as a border, on lamp shades, artwork or furniture.

I found a couple of other options, too.

There’s a new line of peel-and-stick products that include a variety of designs and sizes. I liked the stainless steel long grain three-inch by six-inch tiles. I thought it would be a good look to frame my mirror,

Sunday, March 17, 2013

but my concern was how I would cut it if it didn’t fit exactly. It’s also more expensive at more than $15 for a box of eight tile.

Glass tile That led me to another option — Veneziana Valore peel and stick mosaics.

The 1-inch-square glass tiles were affordable at less than $5 for a 12-inch-square sheet. It comes in several colors including brown, gray and blue. It is suitable for dry location installation such as kitchens, bathrooms, fireplace surrounds and other areas of the home. It is not recommended for wet areas such as shower walls or steam rooms.

My thought was I could cut the sheets into strips to create a mirror frame.

I recruited my sister for help.

I tested the layout by cutting a piece of cardboard the size of my mirror. I selected two rows of tile as my frame width. We cut strips from the three sheets. Each strip had

“As I looked the bathroom over, my eye was drawn to the mirror.The edges were starting to wear. It was plain and in my opinion, boring.What could I do to change it? I don’t use power tools, so the idea of building a frame for it was out.”

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Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

to be trimmed, so it had a finished edges.

Use a sharp utility knife to do this.

We laid out the strips (without removing the backing) to see if it would work. The tiles weren’t an exact fit, so we were going to have to “fudge it” in a couple of places by cutting the individual tiles apart and spacing them a touch further a part to make it work.

By practicing, you know what you have to do. It’s easier on cardboard than when you have the tile stuck to the mirror and have to try and peel it off to reposition.

Before we applied the tile to the mirror, I cleaned it with window cleaner to remove dust and grease. Because we had practiced with cardboard, we knew what to do. Lynn started in the left-hand corner and peeled the tile away as she placed the tile. Take your time. This isn’t a race.

If you need to fudge tiles, do it in a place that’s not front and center. Lynn was able to do it in the corner where the mirror met the wall.

Once the tile is up, the next step is to grout and seal it. Instructions for applying the tile and grout come with each package of tile. Tile can be purchased by the sheet or in a carton of 10 sheets.

Next on my bathroom makeover agenda: a new light for over the vanity.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Spring Home Improvement 23

My sister, Lynn, applied strips of tile to the bathroom mirror.

24 Spring Home Improvement

Hutchinson Leader/Litchfield Independent Review

Sunday, March 17, 2013