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TRENDS

Hardwood Cabinets • Creative Spaces Making a Home Healthier • Quartz Countertops

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT BY THE VALLEY NEWS & CLARINDA HERALD-JOURNAL APRIL 2010

Creative Spaces • Healthy Home Remodel Your Bathroom • Advice from Paint Pros

TRENDS

10 February 2010

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

Hardwood cabinets enhance universal design nets, vanities and flooring add a degree of elegance to the remodel. Don’t worry about water damage. Today’s water-resistant finishes form a watertight seal protecting the wood yet allowing it to expand and contract, normally.

A comfortable yet more accessible and barrier-free home are the desired aims of universal design. A term coined in the 1980s by architect Ron Mace, universal design is defined as “the design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaptation or specialized design.” For the now aging Baby Boomer generation, which comprises about one-third of the U.S. population, universal design is just what the doctor ordered. American Hardwoods and Universal Design Universal design makes homes practical and userfriendly, and whether remodeling or buying, as these active, older adults contemplate future health and mobility issues, they want to remain in their homes and continue to live independently. To satisfy their desire for a warm, beautiful space, incorporating American hardwoods into the homes makes them attractive and inviting places in which to live. According to the American Hardwood Information Center, (www.HardwoodInfo.com, and Gil Thurm, executive vice president of the Hardwood Manufacturers Association, “when it comes to universal design, American hardwoods are the all-natural choice for sturdy, attractive and healthy design materials. The wide range of species — oak, cherry, maple, and more — provide a spectrum of colors and grain patterns to satisfy any decorating scheme.” Kitchens and Bath Modern kitchens are much more than a place for food preparation. Now

American maple cabinetry enhances this kitchen’s universal design features, such as easily accessible appliances, multi-height work surfaces and an open floor plan. (Photo courtesy of Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.)

family gathering places, even centers to entertain guests, kitchens need to be comfortable, convenient and safe for everyone. The key to making a home barrier-free is the use of adjustable-height work areas and unique cabinetry. Wall-mounted cabinets, for example, leave floor spaces clear and easy to clean. Add an all-natural material like American hardwoods, and you have a healthy, beautiful kitchen as well. Here are some design features to raise the level of convenience and usability for everyone: Varied-height cabinets and countertops will accommodate multi-cook families, so parent and child may prepare a meal together. Make components accessible whether standing or seated. Sliding drawers, rollout shelves and Lazy Susans make items easier to reach. At the base of floor cabinets, keep the toe/kick space deep enough to

accommodate wheelchairs. Lower cabinet doors and drawers will require reinforced hardware in case they are leaned on for support. D-shaped or lever-style handles and magnetic touch-and-release cabinet doors are perfect for hands of any size or strength. To allow full use of the cabinet door frame consider swing-away hinges. U n d e r- t h e - c o u n t e r refrigerator drawers and other flexible appliances make a kitchen more accessible for someone wheelchair bound. Similar universal design ideas can be applied when remodeling a bathroom: Vary the height of vanities to lessen the need to crouch. Provide seated users adequate under-the-sink knee space. For additional storage, consider a cabinet on wheels, stored under the sink and movable. Solid hardwood cabi-

Throughout the Home Built-ins and wallmounted cabinets provide open floor space to accommodate wheelchairs and walkers. Media room cabinets house and hide electrical components. Larger bedrooms often feature a breakfast bar containing cabinets for storage, a small refrigerator and countertop space for brewing coffee. Walk-in closets with builtin drawers, pull-out trays and multi-height hang bars help keep everything organized and easily acces-

sible. To add style to the mix, solid hardwood cabinets complement existing furniture and room decor and add a level of quality unmatched by other construction materials. With a host of species to choose from, major cabinet makers are embracing these ideas with special lines and features that blend the concepts to add function, comfort and beauty. Healthy Materials Hardwood floors are commonly found in universal design plans. Providing easy maneuverability for wheelchairs and mobile storage units, simple regular maintenance such as dust mopping, sweeping and vacuuming keep wood floors looking great. American hardwoods are

also non-toxic and do not trap allergens such as mold spores and dust, and are often recommended by doctors for individuals with allergies or asthma. A Perfect Match For those looking to add the functionality and comfort of universal design, a simple key word search, “universal home design,” on any Internet search engine is a great place to begin. Then enjoy the best of both worlds by incorporating the timeless beauty and warmth of American hardwoods into your plan. Learn more about solid American hardwood cabinetry, flooring, furniture and hardwood sustainability at the American Hardwood Information Center at www.HardwoodInfo.com.

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TRENDS

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

Make the Most of Your Home and Garden

February 2010 11

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Side-by-side it’s hard to tell the difference between real wood mouldings and urethane woodgrain mouldings. However, long term the determination is easy: Urethane products resist warping, rotting and insect infestations, so they hold up longer and better than real wood mouldings. “In our woodgrain pieces the mold is cast from pieces of real wood to achieve

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authentic wood grain patterns and the unique characteristics inherent to each piece,” says Greg Wolf with Fypon. “Coupled with the product’s low-maintenance aspects, these features make urethane woodgrain mouldings appealing to homeowners and building industry professionals.” In addition to mouldings, Fypon offers woodgrain products in frieze boards, louvers and decorative millwork, such as brackets and corbels. The woodgrain affords homeowners the look of real wood both inside and outside the home while eliminating the maintenance hassles of r e a l wood.

“Whether you’re adding a functional louver to the outside of a home or a miterless crown moulding system to the inside, woodgrain urethane products are ideally suited for all types of projects,” says Wolf. Woodgrain millwork generally come with a neutral colored primer coat that accepts both non-penetrating stain and paint in any color. Unlike wood, the urethane pieces require no sanding in between coats or sealing of the pieces when the final look is achieved. Most importantly, the products are not deteriorated by high temperatures or humidity levels, freezing temperatures or salt air. This makes them ideally suited for bathrooms and kitchens inside the home, and for all areas on the exterior of residential and commercial projects.

TRENDS

12 February 2010

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

Healthy home quick tips: Prevent mold growth Excessive, uncontrolled moisture in your home could lead to rot and serious damage. It is also damaging to your health if mold appears. Airborne mould spores are often pegged for mild irritations and allergies, and can cause more serious respiratory illnesses in infants, pregnant women and the elderly. Here are a few of the key ways to stop it: Check home humidity. Health Canada recommends year-round relative humidity levels of 30% to 55%, depending on personal requirements. It is often difficult however, to maintain a humidity level above 20% before condensation appears on the windows. Replace windows. New windows should incorporate energyefficient features that help control condensation. Windows labelled by the international organization, Energy Star, qualify as the highest in their category for energy efficiency. These products could save you hundreds of dollars in

energy costs and will significantly reduce pollutants in the air as well. Build and renovate with concrete, not wood. If your home is built with traditional stick-framing methods, mold growth is a considerable risk due to the natural properties of wood. But, the more eco-conscious building suppliers like Nudura, have created pre-assembled forms that are filled with reinforced concrete for constructing homes. These Legolike blocks deliver double the insulation and also eliminate gaps in walls where moisture can collect causing mold. It is reported that buildings with this concrete innovation (nudura.com) are up to nine times stronger, provide far more fire protection, far more sound insulation and can produce energy savings of up to 70 percent. Control water use at home. Excessive use of humidifiers, showers, washing machines satu-

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TRENDS

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

February 2010 13

Remodel your bath for under $100 Every year, Americans spend millions of dollars remodeling their bathrooms, replacing fixtures and vanities and purchasing high-end accessories. But there’s a lot you can do to transform the look of your bathroom from the past owner’s pink or baby blue or lilac color palate into a modern and clean style of your own, even when your budget is tight. All you need is some paint and a little imagination. Here are a few ideas from the experts at Rust-Oleum: Don’t replace. Refinish. Replacing bathroom fixtures is one of the most expensive projects associated with a bathroom remodel and replacing bathroom tiles often requires the services of a contractor. But now, thanks to advances in paint technology, you can

change the color of your bathtub, sink, toilet, and tile or simply give them a “like new” finish without busting your budget. Products like Rust-Oleum® Specialty Tub and Tile Refinishing Kit features a self-leveling epoxy acrylic formula that acts and looks like porcelain and ceramic. Available in the most popular colors for bathtubs and tiles, White, Almond and Biscuit, the kit makes it easy for even inexperienced do-ityourselfers to get professional results on ceramic, porcelain and fiberglass fixtures. Create a custom vanity. You don’t have to replace your vanity to give it a custom look. Transforming your old vanity is easy and fun thanks to products like Rust-Oleum Specialty Countertop Coating. It’s

available in 16 custom colors to match any bathroom decor. Want to soothe your soul and create a relaxing space? Cool colors, like blues and greens, create a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. So, try Meadow or Palest Blue. Or for a cozy and casual feel, choose neutral colors like Canvas or Cobblestone. Then paint the cabinet in a coordinating or contrasting color to create a personalized vanity. Don’t forget the walls. A fresh coat of paint is one of the simplest ways to update the look of your bathroom, or add the style and elegance it’s lacking. In bathrooms and other high humidity areas try a paint that offers protection against the growth of mold and mildew, like PermaWhite Mold & Mildew-

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TRENDS

14 February 2010

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

Paper hanging pointers Spring can be a great time for homeowners. After a long winter spent lounging around the house, spring is a time many homeowners can get around to those home improvement projects they’ve been dreaming about. One project many homeowners like to do in spring is refurbish a bedroom. Spring is often the ideal time to paint or hang new wallpaper in a home, as the warm weather outside allows homeowners to open the windows and let the fresh air in, allowing paint to dry and homeowners to do some work in a comfortable environment. Not all projects, however,

are as easy as they seem. Such is the case with hanging wallpaper. While hanging paper might seem like a project that simply requires some common sense and elbow grease, there’s a lot more to hanging paper than just hard work and choosing the right pattern. When hanging paper this spring, consider the following tips. Stock the toolbox. Before doing anything, be sure to have the proper tools. Measuring tape, a sharp knife and scissors to trim the paper are all valuable tools. It’s also important to have sponges and a seam roller to make sure you can smooth out the inevitable bubbles that will form before the paper dries. A poor paper hanging job is always evident because of bubbles in the paper, so be

sure to have a roller on hand to smooth these out and ensure your end product looks as good in reality as it does in your plans. Other tools or instruments to have handy include a ladder, a step ladder and a couple of buckets. Make your measurements. Hanging paper can be like doing math homework. Measure the room carefully so you don’t end up delaying a project to order more paper. Multiply the ceiling height by the wall width to determine the square footage of each wall. After doing that with each wall in a given room, add the square footage of all walls to determine the total square footage of a room. But the measuring does not end there. In fact, to

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ensure you have sufficient paper for a project, divide the total square footage by 25. That figure will show how many single rolls of paper you need. Because all paper is sold in double rolls, divide the figure above by two, which will show how many double rolls you’ll need to adequately paper a room. Ready the surface. Once the measurements have been made, it’s time to ready the walls. Clean the surface to remove any stains, and fill any holes in the wall’s surface as well. It’s also a good idea to remove any light switch plates and outlet covers. Hang the paper. Hanging the paper should start by choosing a good starting point. Oftentimes, the area around a window or door makes a good starting point, as any errors will not be as noticeable. When starting, draw a straight line from ceiling to floor to line up the first strip of paper. This line will essentially act as a guide to use and make sure the paper is hanged straight. When the first strip of paper is hung, use the roller to remove any bubbles. Use the knife to trim any excess from the bottom or top of each sheet. When moving on to the next sheet, be sure

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TRENDS

February 2010 15

More sizzle and less stain How to keep your built-in BBQ clean The trend towards outdoor entertaining and extended livings spaces has led to the popularity of the built-in BBQ center. You’ve seen them. They’re the big, bold, permanent structures that create the feel of an outdoor kitchen and make summer entertaining easy and enjoyable. The beauty and permanence of these hardscape stone, concrete or brick centers have become the focal point of backyards across the country. Unfortunately, these BBQ grills also come with a smudgy reality — they can accumulate grease and stains unlike any other home appliance. Also, being outdoors they are subjected to harsh weather conditions and the elements. As a result, homeowners looking at the state of their built-in BBQ centers’ hardscaping after a few years can often be a tough site to bear. The grease stains, dirt, grime, general wear and tear, and the effects of the elements can cause pavers to lose some of their original luster. The good news is thanks to the latest technology in stain removal and sealants you can freshen up and restore the beauty of your built-BBQ center hardscaping and preserve it for years. According to Rick DeMarchi, director of marketing for Techniseal, the leading manufacturer of treatment products for the concrete paver industry, the cleaning and sealing of pavers is typically a three-step process. The first step is the removal of obvious

stains and dirt with the appropriate spot cleaners. Not all stains require the same cleaners. For example Techniseal designed specific cleaners for ground-in dirt, rust, tar, oil, and grease stains. Step two of the process is to even the appearance of the entire surface after spot cleaning. For this step DeMarchi recommends Techniseal’s Hardscape cleaner, a more gentle phosphate-free formula created specifically for pavers. It’s ideal for removing general grime and dirt. It ensures even cleaning and brightens up the color prior to sealant application. The third and final step is the application of the sealer protection. Sealants can be broken down into a few key categories: you have film-forming versus non filmforming; color enhancing (wet look) versus non color enhancing (dry look) and solvent-based versus water-based. All are stain-resistant. The selection of a sealer will depend on certain criteria. For example, for pool deck applications a non film-forming sealer that has no impact on slip and skid resistance would be best. If you want distinct paver colors then a color-enhancing sealer will best make the colors stand out. Or you may prefer a natural or an invisible sealer to preserve the natural look of the paver colors. You can expect these sealants to repel countless stains for the next five years and avoid prematurely aging your pavers. More information on sealant technology can be found at www.techniseal.com.

TRENDS

16 February 2010

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

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TRENDS

2 January 2010

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

Business Directory: Advanced Restoration . . . . . . . . . . .pg12 Bank Iowa (Clarinda/Villisca) . . . . .pg14 Bank Iowa (Shenandoah/Essex) . . .pg16 Bopp’s Carpet Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . .pg2 Bopp’s Country Carpets . . . . . . . . . .pg6 Cabinets by Stac Designs . . . . . . . .pg10 Carpet Plus Bargain Barn . . . . . . . .pg16 Clarinda Heating & Cooling . . . . . . .pg8 Clarinda Hometown Sears . . . . . . .pg13 Easter’s True Value . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg9 Emporium Gallery & Gifts . . . . . . . . .pg3 Gowing Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg12 Help at Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pg7 Hoskins Siding & Windows . . . . . .pg12

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TRENDS

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

February 2010 3

Simple means to making a home healthier With the spring season finally upon us, the annual rite of passage that is spring cleaning has arrived as well. For homeowners that means it’s time to stop resting on their laurels and start cleaning house. But cleaning house doesn’t only involve throwing away a season’s worth of magazines and donating clothing that no longer fits. Spring cleaning also involves improving a home’s overall environment. That’s especially true for the health- and environmentally-conscious homeowner. One way to clean a home while making it healthier and benefitting the environment is to rid the home of chemical contaminants that can be harmful to both your

personal health and the air you’re breathing. Many of these contaminants are not associated with traditional spring cleaning but can have as big an impact as anything you do around the house this season. Don’t allow smoking indoors. Nearly everyone knows of the potentially harmful physical side effects of smoking cigarettes. Cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, including several dozen that are known carcinogens, including formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, and arsenic, among others. While it’s ideal to avoid smoking entirely, a good place to start is to stop allowing both guests of the home and residents to

smoke indoors. This will also make a home more enjoyable for those who don’t smoke, as they likely have an aversion to the smell of cigarettes and will welcome that smell’s banishment to the home’s exterior. Stop burning candles inside the home. While aromatic candles have grown in popularity thanks in large part to the benefits they provide to a home’s ambience, it’s also important to remember the harmful byproducts of combustion. Those include carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, soot, and VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which can be toxic. Pay closer attention to what you’re doing in the home. Oftentimes, our homes

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are our havens. What we do in our homes is certainly our business, but it can also be problematic. Something as innocent as wearing slippers or going shoeless when taking out the trash can track dust and other contaminants into a home. When attempting to clear a home of potentially harmful chemical contaminants, something as simple as what’s on your feet can have a meaningful impact. Avoid overdoing it with household supplies. While buying in bulk can help save money, it can also be harmful depending on what you’re buying. To avoid such risks, simply purchase what you need when you need it and avoid storing too many chemical products in the home, be it inside or in the garage.

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TRENDS

4 February 2010

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

On Deck: Summer celebrations The outdoor entertaining season is almost here. Is your yard ready to face the scrutiny of friends and family gathering for summertime backyard barbecues? If not, you still have time to make your yard the envy of all your guests! Brad Staggs, HGTVPro.com and DIY show producer and host, and a licensed contractor, offers some great advice for getting your yard in top party shape. “The options for adding beauty and functionality to your outdoor living area are limitless,” says Staggs. “A deck that doubles as a gathering place for guests and an outdoor kitchen for the host is one of the most popular outdoor additions.” Adding a deck to your home

essentially increases your living area by giving guests a great outdoor gathering space while giving you a place to prepare a delicious meal on the grill without leaving your guests unattended. And imparting your family’s personalized style into the deck couldn’t be easier. “Incorporating a few planter boxes into your deck design allows you to add splashes of color to your deck with your family’s favorite flowering plants,” explains Staggs. “Add some interesting end caps to the deck posts, string up some festive lighting and scatter coordinating cushions and throw pillows around the seating areas, and you are ready to host a great summer party.” When choosing the building material for your deck, several

considerations should be made. Choose a material that is sturdy enough to hold your family and guests, durable enough to last for years, within a comfortable price range, and natural and beautiful so that it blends in with your house and your yard. For Staggs, the choice is simple. “Pressure-treated wood is the real deal — it’s everything I look for when selecting an outdoor building material,” says Staggs. “It is extremely strong, it lasts for years with surprisingly little upkeep required, it is one of the most economical decking choices on the market, and its natural beauty makes it blend effortlessly into your yard. Add to that wood’s inherent ‘green’ qualities and you simply can’t go wrong.”

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TRENDS

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

February 2010 5

Dangerous kitchen counters? Your kitchen actually harbors more bacteria than any other room in your home and the type of countertops you have may be making matters worse. Recent studies have found that porous material countertops can harbor dangerous bacteria, such as E. coli. A recent University of Arizona at Tucson study identified the kitchen as the most germ-contaminated area in the home. The study reported that countertops are one of five key “hot zones,” or sites with the highest bacteria counts. These hot zones can spread infections when germs are transferred from a contaminated item (your kitchen counter) to your hands to your body. A second study conducted by the Hospitality

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nated with E. coli, washed and rinsed with soap and water, then sanitized with a vinegar and water solution. After the sanitizing procedure, the stainless steel surface was left with the fewest number of microorganisms. The study found each countertop surface had a different capacity for resisting bacteria and easy cleaning. The study highlighted the fact that consumers need to consider wear-and-tear when selecting a countertop surface. After a few years, most porous surfaces, such as granite, laminate, marble, wood, concrete, tile and limestone wear down, lose their protective coating, scratch, and warp — all decreasing the ability to be effectively cleaned and sanitized. With stainless steel being

very limited as a household countertop solution, other nonporous materials such as quartz are becoming more and more popular with consumers as they try to combine healthier choices with the latest designs for their homes. “Quartz surfaces are growing in popularity because although they have the beautiful appearance of natural stone, unlike granite, these surfaces never need to be sealed,” explained Mark Hanna, President of Leeza Distribution Inc., distributor of HanStone Fine Quartz Surfaces. That’s because Quartz countertops, such as the industry’s top rated HanStone surfaces are not only highly scratch resistant, but also nonporous so they never need to be

sealed. As a result, they show very little wear, will not promote the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria can be easily maintained for years. HanStone quartz surfaces are so hygienic they’re an approved surface for food preparation by the National Sanitation Foundation, with the NSF 51 certification in the United States. Also of great importance, HanStone is accredited with Greenguard environmental certification. Unlike stainless steel, however, HanStone quartz surfaces bring strength, resilience and extraordinary beauty and elegance to your kitchen decor with its 32 dramatic colors, vibrant patterns and luxurious sheen. More information on quartz surfaces is available at leezadistribution.com.

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TRENDS

6 February 2010

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

Prepare your home to be sold in 5 easy steps With the traditionally heavy home buying season just around the corner, now is the time to think about putting your house on the market. But with the housing market in a continued downturn, it’s more important than ever to choose home improvement projects that will not only add value to your home, but make it stand out in the crowd. Brad Staggs, HGTVPro.com and DIY show producer and host, and a licensed contractor, offers tips for homeowners preparing to sell their home. “The most important thing is to update the most visible areas, common gathering rooms like the den and kitchen. But don’t forget the front and back yards! Prime home-buying season coincides with spring and summer, and that first impression, your home’s curb appeal, can make all the difference.” 1. Moulding: icing on the cake. “It’s amazing the difference a little bit of decorative wood moulding can make,” says Staggs. “Frame out a picture window, add deep crown mould-

ing to a high ceiling, even a simple chair rail in a guest bathroom changes the entire look of a room.” 2. Front porch first impressions. Your front porch is often the first thing a potential homebuyer will see. According to Staggs, it should be in perfect shape. “Add a fresh coat of paint to brighten the front of your house. Nice wooden Adirondack-style chairs are welcoming, especially when enhanced by bright flowers in colorful pots. You want your porch to signal the start of something wonderful!” 3. Look behind you. Don’t neglect the backyard! Outdoor living spaces grow in popularity each year. Impress potential homebuyers with a backyard to die for: overflowing garden boxes, some nice wooden outdoor furniture, a charming gazebo and perhaps a new deck. “Spend a few weekends dressing up your backyard before everything blooms,” suggests Staggs. 4. Floor them. Nothing says “welcome home” like the feel of smooth real wood floors. Easily installed and

completely affordable, wood floors enhance any decorating style and evoke immediate “ahhhhs” from guests in your home. 5. Add a visual surprise. “Find something cool to add to a room in your home, a little visual pop no one will expect,” suggests Staggs. “Like adding beadboard panels to a kitchen island, then painting it a funky accent color.” Staggs also offers his thoughts on choosing appropriate building materials. “As a consumer, the most important thing you can do is buy sustainable. Choose natural building products, those that truly fit the definition of “green.” One of my favorite materials to use in any home improvement project is Southern Pine. It’s real wood, so it’s not just strong and beautiful, it’s also recyclable. Southern Pine in the U.S. comes from well-managed and well-maintained forests; forests that are in better health now than they were a century ago!”

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The Valley News/Herald-Journal

TRENDS

February 2010 7

Design Creative Spaces for Your Home or Office Looking for a space that will help foster your creativity at home or work? There’s an easy way to encourage your next big idea or a whole batch of them while adding pizzazz to your office or living space. Start with versatile surfaces that allow you to doodle, draw and even build. Then accent your environment with one or more vivid, saturated colors that inspire. Here are a few ideas for turning any space into creativity central: Unleash your imagination. Paint a colorful accent that will boost your creativity and unleash your inner child with Rust-Oleum’s new Chalkboard Tint Base paint. Choose one of 12 inspiring colors that provide a unique writable-erasable chalkboard finish. Transform a wall, door or desktop into a colorful space for pictures, words or flow charts. According to color

Turn any wall in your home into an artist’s canvas. Chalkboard and magnetic finishes make creativity possible anywhere.

research, purple is the color of imagination. Try different Chalkboard colors like Grape Fizz to bring out your inner Picasso. Or, tap into the energy of red by painting a wall with Chalkboard Fresco Red. Mount a chalk holder nearby to be sure that ideas are easy to capture. Take a vacation from the mundane. Reserve a special space within your home for inspiration and maybe even a celebration of your latest work. Whether it’s an entire wall or a smaller area, apply Rust-Oleum’s Specialty Magnetic Primer as a base coat for your paint. It makes almost any surface able to attract magnets. Top coat with your favorite wall paint and add extra energy with funky magnets to hang photos, notes, daily thoughts anything that will spark your imagination. Liven up your thinking space with Buttercup Yellow or Apple Red paint on furniture

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and accents. Both are high energy colors that inspire creativity. Create an office brainstorming room. It’s often difficult to pull yourself away from the phone or e-mail when you need to come up with an original idea. That’s why many companies dedicate a conference room for brainstorming. To create your own special space, be sure to leave room to draw out your next big idea with Rust-Oleum Dry Erase Paint. It turns doors, walls, cabinets and more into a unique, writable-erasable surface. Don’t forget brightly colored dry erase markers a perfect accessory for brainstorming ideas! Add artwork, bright colored walls and comfy sofas to the room and let your thoughts run wild. Need more color inspiration? Visit Paintideas.com. It’s the destination for inspiring decorating ideas and creative projects for every room in your home or office.

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TRENDS

8 February 2010

The Valley News/Herald-Journal

Advice from paint professionals: How to achieve the best painting results Whether you are in the process of selling a home, renovating an existing home or just trying a different decorating scheme, painting the walls is one of the least expensive ways to create a new look. The experts at Purdy, a manufacturer of professional painting tools, offer you the following painting tips. You should have all your paint supplies gathered and ready to use. If you’re new to painting or it has been some time since you painted, the Purdy Web site has a Painters Toolbox (www.purdycorp.com/hom eowner/toolbox/), which provides an easy-to-use checklist of the items you will need.

The surface to be painted should always be clean and dry. Any rough spots should be sanded and primed. You should also consider priming if you are painting over wallpaper or a very dark paint color. Step One - Cutting In. “Cutting in” is the art of drawing a straight line separating two colors using only the brush — no masking tape or other aid. You often see it at the edge between a wall and ceiling or when you are painting around a door or window. Cutting in is easy if you use a highquality paint brush and follow these simple rules: 1. Fully load the brush with paint. 2. Place the brush parallel

to the area to be cut, push the bristles against the surface and let the brush open up into a semi oval. Then move it into the line you are cutting. Follow the line until the line of paint begins to break up. Repeat. If you are not comfortable cutting in with a brush, you can always use special painters tape to ensure you get a straight line. Step Two - Painting the Surface. You have two options for painting a substantial surface area: use a large 4-inch to 6-inch flat brush or a 9-inch roller cover and frame. If you decide to use a brush, the best way to load a paintbrush is to dip the brush about an inch or two

into the paint and then gently tap the brush against both sides of the paint can. Don’t wipe the brush against the side of the paint can; it will cause paint to dry up on the brush and the lip of the can, creating dry paint balls that end up in the paint and on the substrate. First, begin painting along the edges you have cut in. Use short strokes to spread the paint evenly along the border or edge. After you have thoroughly covered an area, use longer strokes to smooth any lines that may have developed. Continue to paint in this manner. Using Roller Covers: Most professionals prefer to use roller covers for large

wall surfaces. To load the roller, pour paint into a paint tray o r pan. Dip the roller about of the way into the paint and roll it along the grooves of the pan to load. Then, dip the roller half way into the paint and again roll back along the grooves of the pan to load. Repeat this process two more times until the roller is saturated with paint. Begin rolling the wall by creating a “v” shape. Fill the shape and roll smoothly from top to bottom. If the

roller cover was loaded properly, a 9” x “ roller cover should offer about 6 to 12 square feet of coverage from each dip. Professional painters also use rollers on extension poles to quickly and easily paint walls and ceilings. If you need to stop in the middle of a project, be sure to complete the wall you are working on to achieve the optimum result. If you’d like more information about painting, you can visit the “How to Video” section of the Purdy Web site at www.purdycorp.com/dvd.

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The Valley News/Herald-Journal

TRENDS

February 2010 9

Tips for a perfect paint job Springtime is the perfect time to update your home with a fresh coat of paint. And, you can get professional results without the expense of hiring a professional. It’s easy when you know their secrets. They know that if you prime first, then paint, your paint job will look better and last longer. Here’s why: Primers hide previous colors even the darkest blues and deepest reds far better than paint alone and prevent them from showing through or changing the color of the topcoat. They’ll make your new paint color look more vibrant and even. Primers work hard to block stains. If you try to cover a stain with a fresh coat of paint, the stain will probably bleed through no matter how many coats of

Take some tips from the pros. Make sure you use a quality primer before painting it makes the job look better and last longer.

paint you apply. Quality primers seal in stains and prevent them from ruining your paint color. Primers prevent common paint problems.

Because primers are formulated to prevent problems like cracking, peeling and blistering, they’ll make any painted surface more durable, washable and last

much longer! Primers provide a sound base for paint. Paint is formulated to provide rich, beautiful color but don’t expect it to do a primer’s job. High quality primers are rich in resin and provide a firm base for paint to adhere. Primers like Zinsser’s Bulls Eye 1-2-3® even stick to glossy, hard-to-paint surfaces without sanding, so you can paint paneling, cabinets, glossy paints, vinyl siding and more. Here’s a little secret from the pros: By tinting your primer towards your paint color, you’ll use less paint plus get all the benefits of priming. Just ask your paint store or home center associate to add the same colorant they use to mix your paint.

Photo/Tess Gruber-Nelson

The Valley News gets a paint job with Ray Trimble the master artist. Ray is standing in front of one of his paintings exhibited at newspaper.

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