Olympia Master Builders
1211 State Avenue NE Olympia, WA 98506 (360) 754-0912 omb.org
EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Angela White
Olympia Master Builders
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
Jill Williams
Olympia Master Builders
President – John McKinlay
First Vice President – Becky Rieger
Second Vice President – Chris Winters
Treasurer – Kim Asay
Associate Vice President – Rusty Ruiz
Second Associate VP – Ken Hassett
Secretary – Barb Whitlow
Immediate Past President – John Erwin Builder At Large - Jeff Kuster
ELECTED DIRECTORS - TWO YEAR TERM
Builder Director - Barry Jespersen
Builder Director – Jeff Kuster
Builder Director – Kirk Haffner
Builder Director – Daniel Doyle
Builder Director - Mike Koidahl
Builder Director – Kai Fyrst
Associate Director – Scott Woods
Associate Director – Daniel Berner
Associate Director – Kelly Jensen
Associate Director – Forrest Wilson
NATIONAL DIRECTORS - ONE YEAR TERM
National Director - Builder – John McKinlay
National Director - Builder - Karen McClennen National Director - Associate - Linda Mosier-Vaudt
STATE DIRECTORS - ONE YEAR TERM
State Director - Builder – John McKinlay
State Director - Builder – Harv Lillegard
State Director - Builder – Andrew Spear State Director - Builder – John Johnson State Director - Builder – Steve Waltemate State Director - Builder – John Erwin State Director - Builder – Kai Fyrst
State Director - Builder – Karen McClennen State Director - Builder – Daniel Doyle
State Director - Associate – Daniel Berner
State Director - Associate – Janine Ezzell State Director - Associate - Debbi Boyd State Director - Associate – John Canfield State Director – Associate – Bob Kagy
GRAYS HARBOR CHAPTER OFFICERS
President – Harv Lillegard, Lillegard
Construction
LEWIS COUNTY CHAPTER OFFICERS
President – John Johnson, Johnson Custom Homes, LLC
MASON COUNTY CHAPTER OFFICERS
President – Andrew Spear, Andrew Spear Construction, LLC
PACIFIC COUNTY CHAPTER OFFICERS
President – Steve Waltemate, SAW Construction Co., Inc.
LEGAL COUNSEL
Teena Williams, Goldstein Law Office, PLLC
The last couple of years has brought our industry many challenges from Covid-19 protocols, increased costs of materials, major supply chain issues and continuing labor shortages. With this said, I was happy to start 2022 because I am hopeful we will begin to see some relief.
For many of you, spending quite a bit more time at home over the last few years has possibly led you to consider remodeling your home. Or perhaps you’ve already made the decision to remodel. If so, this is an exciting time for you! It is the time to stop dreaming of all the amazing improvements, possibilities and changes you can make to your home and start the process of making those dreams a reality. Remodel Now Magazine is published to help you start your remodeling journey today!
The stories inside were carefully prepared to help you, the consumer, take charge of your
remodeling project. From creating the perfect ADU to the hottest trends on the market, it’s all inside. You will finish this issue with insight into what is possible for you and your home.
If you are interested in remodeling your home or adding an ADU, we recommend the expertise of a building professional. Getting the extra guidance needed to navigate the supply chain and material shortage issue is an important aspect of your remodel process. Throughout the pages of this magazine are contractors and suppliers who would be happy to assist you. In addition, on the Olympia Master Builders’ website, you’ll find a free searchable database of current members as well as a downloadable copy of our Hire-A-Pro Guide. For more details please visit omb.org or call the OMB office at 360-754-0912.
Thank you for reading Remodel Now! I hope this issue brings you the advice, inspiration and confidence to help you take the next step to bring your dream to reality!
The Remodeling Excellence (REX) Awards are presented by Olympia Master Builders.
This annual event is a celebration of craftsmanship and superior remodeling
expertise. All entries are judged on their own merits by a panel of professionals from various fields of expertise. Each of the six judging criteria are assigned a maximum number of points. The project in each category with the most points receive the award.
Bathroom Remodel I UNDER $30,000 I Dickey’s Remodel & repair
Bathroom Remodel I $30,000-$60,000 I John Erwin Remodeling, INC
Kitchen Remodel I UNDER $40,000 I John Erwin Remodeling, INC
Kitchen Remodel I $40,000-$70,000 I FIRST FINISHERS, LLC
Kitchen Remodel I $75,000-$135,000 I FIRST FINISHERS, LLC
Whole House I UNDER $200,000 I John Erwin Remodeling, INC
Whole House I $200,000-$500,000 I FIRST FINISHERS, LLC
Whole House I OVER $500,000 I FIRST FINISHERS, LLC
Exterior I Over $40,000 I John Erwin Remodeling, INC
Addition I UNDER $125,000 I John Erwin Remodeling, INC
Addition I $125,000-$250,000 I Dickey’s Remodel & repaiR
Outdoor Living I $35,000-$75,000 I Dickey’s Remodel & repair
Aging In PlacE I UNDER $35,000 I Dickey’s Remodel & repair
Aging In Place I OVER $80,000 I Dickey’s Remodel & repair
A D U I Dickey’s Remodel & repair
A D U I John Erwin Remodeling, INC
Get Away Room I FIRST FINISHERS, LLC
Residential Specialty I Dickey’s Remodel & repair
Olympia Master Builders (OMB), is happy to bring you the 2022/23 Remodel Now Magazine! Homeowners, future homeowners and home improvement enthusiasts, you have picked up the right tool. The pages of this beautiful magazine are full of highly qualified professionals sharing their tips, personal expertise and experience with you on all things home and remodeling.
OMB is an Association built by diverse industry professionals that have come together from all sectors of the building trades including home builders, remodelers, bankers, plumbers, electricians, cabinet companies, flooring specialists and the list goes on. OMB’s primary goal is housing affordability for all economic segments of society. This is achieved by improving the construction industry and the business climate in which our members operate. We do this through:
ADVOCACY: Providing a voice before government.
EDUCATION: Developing a professional building industry.
PROMOTION: Marketing member services.
OMB represents companies located in Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Mason and Pacific Counties.
If you’re getting ready to remodel your home, I would highly encourage you to visit omb. org for an online, searchable directory of OMB members. We’re proud to have quality members to choose from!
Home remodel projects are exciting and a little scary, so it’s important to find a professional remodeler that you trust and feel comfortable with. For resources on Hiring a Contractor, visit omb.org. And, before you hire, always check with the Department of Labor and Industries to verify licensing. Enjoy!
MOST HOMEOWNERS WILL EXPERIENCE THE NEED TO HIRE A CONTRACTOR. THIS COULD BE AN UNPLANNED EVENT, SUCH AS NEEDING TO HIRE A CONTRACTOR QUICKLY TO MAKE REPAIRS AFTER DAMAGE IS DONE BY A BROKEN PIPE OR FALLEN TREE. OR THIS COULD BE THE CULMINATION OF A YEARS’ PLANNING TO TRANSFORM YOUR DATED KITCHEN INTO A GOURMET COOK’S DREAM, OR TO ENLARGE YOUR CRAMPED BEDROOM INTO A LUXURIOUS MASTER SUITE. WHATEVER THE SITUATION MAY BE, HIRING A CONTRACTOR TO MAKE REPAIRS OR IMPROVEMENTS TO YOUR HOME IS NOT A DECISION TO TAKE LIGHTLY. BELOW ARE SOME TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS TO HELP YOU MAKE GOOD DECISIONS WHEN HIRING A CONTRACTOR.
1. Is the contractor, licensed, bonded, and insured?
You can verify this by calling the State of Washington’s Department of Labor and Industries at 1-(800) 647-0982 or visit the L&I website at www.lni.wa.gov. Ask if there have been any complaints about the contractor, and if any, their status.
2. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Good communication with your contractor is vital to a successful project, as it helps clarify exactly what you want done. Get the answers that satisfy your needs; after all it is your home!
• Are they a local company?
• How long have they been in business?
• What types of work are they licensed to do?
• To what local trade associations do they belong?
• How many jobs have they done similar to yours?
• Have they done work before that requires a permit?
• Who are their materials supplier references?
3. Does the contractor possess a good reputation among customers and industry peers?
Ask the contractor to share names and numbers of customers. Check references thoroughly. Visit past work done by your contractor, and ask the homeowners for their opinions on the work done.
4. Examine your bids carefully.
Bids that are noticeably lower than all others should be questioned. The difference may be in the quality of the materials used, experience of the crew doing the actual work, something is missing on the bid requirements, or it can be an indication that the contractor is not covering all the legitimate business costs. Don’t automatically disregard a high or low bid, ask questions!
5. Obtain a written contract.
Be sure that it includes price, payment terms, sales tax, permit fees (if applicable), the specific work to be performed, materials to be used, warranties, and payment schedules. It is also a good idea to include change-order processes, final review, sign-off procedures, and cleanup. Put all change-orders in writing and ask questions as work progresses. Avoid verbal contracts, and be very cautious about paying for incomplete work.
Make sure permits are in place and inspections are made as the work progresses. Make sure the name of your contractor appears on the permit.
7.
If so, what kind, and for how long? Be sure you understand what is covered under the warranty and what isn’t.
The Olympia Master Builders (OMB) is a professional trade association representing member companies. OMB helps educate members on new products, construction techniques, business practices, and industry issues.
There are many benefits to making your home more energy-efficient. Whether you are looking to lessen your impact on the planet, live a healthier lifestyle, or merely just save on energy and utility bills, there is no better time to integrate sustainable features in your home than during your remodel. Outside of the usual list of “greening” options like heating, cooling, insulation, and use of sustainable materials, we have curated a list of not-soobvious options that will help your home become more energy-efficient and lessen your carbon footprint.
In the current climate where it is becoming common for folks to ask about LEED or GREEN certified construction and express the desire for more sustainable and healthy homes, you might be surprised to learn that simply renovating your existing home rather than constructing new, is your first step toward eco-friendly living. In a study released by Trust for Historic Preservation, reused buildings on average have fewer environmental impacts than buildings that are constructed new – even new “green” construction. Even with the new “green” trends, like building passive and net-zero homes to help save the planet, the most efficient first step you can take is to work with the home you are already in rather than starting new.
Going solar during your remodel is one of the best investments you can make for your home’s long-term value. We are seeing more and more demand for electricity with significant cost increases in the near-future. Investing in a home solar system protects you from inflation and saves you thousands of dollars.
- John Canfield of Capstone Solar
Salvaged materials are building materials that have been recycled specifically for reuse. In a perfect world, these building materials would be carefully deconstructed from your home and reused during your remodel. But, there are also a number of local businesses out there that will resell materials deconstructed from other sites. Not only does reusing building materials lessen the impact on your wallet, it also lessens the overall impact on the planet, while adding a unique look and feel that is hard (and sometimes impossible) to replicate.
Maddy Cantrell of Lifespan Construction adds, “We’ve done a lot of reusing of perfectly good materials in other places of the home. For example, if we remove kitchen cabinets that are in good condition, we might take them to the homeowners’ garage or basement where they can continue using them. Or reusing perfectly good kitchen granite in the bathrooms. Of course, there’s Habitat for Humanity that we donate to frequently as well.”
Some of the more popular salvaged materials include reclaimed wood for counter-tops, flooring, and walls as well as salvaged fixtures, faucets, sinks, tubs, etc. And remember, vintage is in. This inclusion of clawfoot tubs, wash bins, and sinks will give your remodel that extra touch of flair.
When the time comes to reroof your home the benefits of a green roof retrofit are a smart option to consider. Green roofs can last two to three times longer than conventional roofs, they provide an extra layer of insulation which reduces heating and cooling costs, and a green roof protects your structure from the impact of hails storms and other extreme weather events. From an environmental perspective, green roofs capture and hold stormwater preventing it from entering our streets and sensitive waterways, they provide habitat for birds, and they measurably reduce the Urban Heat Island effect. According to Jana Raines, owner of Olympia Green Roofs, “Green Roofs are also beautiful and add a unique element to your property that will both draw attention to and increase the value of your home.”
Of course, a green roof may not be right for every structure. A qualified green roof professional (GRP) should always be consulted to ensure that the slope and weight bearing capacity of your home are appropriate for a green roof installation.
For example, if we remove kitchen cabinets that are in good condition, we might take them to the homeowners’ garage or basement where they can continue using them. Or reusing perfectly good kitchen granite in the bathrooms.
- Maddie Cantrell of Lifespan ConstructionPHOTO COURTESY OF HOME RESOURCE CO.
While energy-efficient lighting is a simple and effective alternative for your home and your carbon footprint, it is important to consider the cheapest and most renewable source of healthy light...the sun. The challenge is to find ways to utilize the sun’s light inside your home throughout the day.
An intentionally well-designed remodel can produce ample amounts of natural light. Well-placed windows, skylights, doors, and new products like Solatubes allow in the sun’s light, even in your home’s darkest of spaces. Letting in natural light will lower your energy bills and contribute to happier and healthier lives.
While the cost of electricity is going up and the cost of solar is going down, more and more people are looking into solar options for their home. Up until recently, solar was viewed as radical and assumed to be too expensive to install. Fortunately, for the planet, that narrative has changed.
John Canfield of Capstone Solar advises, “Going solar during your remodel is one of the best investments you can make for your home’s long-term value. We are seeing more and more demand for electricity with significant cost increases in the near-future. Investing in a home solar system protects you from inflation and saves you thousands of dollars.”
There are also a number of programs available to help make the transition to solar a breeze. Options like the federal solar tax credit, also known as the investment tax credit (ITC), another is a Washington State incentive that includes no sales tax for all systems under 100kW, and the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants for small businesses.
Once you meet with your designer and/or remodeler, you will quickly find that the largest expense of any kitchen remodel is usually replacing your cabinets. To save money and to make a sustainably sound choice, we suggest you repaint or reface your existing cabinets instead of replacing them altogether. Many times, the cabinets being replaced in a standard remodel are
in great condition. Adding a few updates, like replacing the drawer and cabinet pulls and hinges and a fresh coat of colorful paint, and your old cabinets will look as good as new!
Emily Torres, owner of ET3 Paint & Design says, “Updating your kitchen cabinets is one of the quickest and most effective ways to give your kitchen a facelift. There are three options when it comes to redoing your cabinets. You can replace, reface, or paint. Painting is the most inexpensive option. Plus, you can choose from an endless option of colors. You can even get creative by choosing two assorted colors for uppers and lowers, or a bold color for your island! The possibilities are endless with paint.”
During the early stages of your kitchen remodel, shopping for energy-efficient appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, stoves, and ovens is easier than ever. Simply look for products that have the Energy Star logo right on them. And when choosing what style of oven and stove, make sure to do your research on gas vs. electric.
Making just a few eco-friendly choices during your remodel is the perfect way to provide a happy and healthy home for you, your family, and your pets! And, market trends show that homes that have integrated “green” and energy-efficient features see a better return on investment when it’s time to sell. It’s a win-win all the way around.
Updating your kitchen cabinets is one of the quickest and most effective ways to give your kitchen a facelift.
There are three options when it comes to redoing your cabinets. You can replace, reface, or paint.
- Emily Torres of ET3 Paint & DesignPHOTOS ON THIS PAGE COURTESY OF ET3 PAINT & DESIGN
Information provided by South Sound Solar.
Solar Electricity is a clean and renewable technology that is constantly improving in efficiency. Our current State and Federal incentives help to make solar an even stronger investment.
One of the many factors that have contributed to the massive expansion of solar energy over the last decade are solar incentive programs. Among the largest and most impactful of these incentives is the federal solar investment tax credit, known more simply as the solar ITC. The current 26% ITC was recently extended through 2022.
There is no sales tax on solar in Washington State for all systems under 100kW. For More info check out the DOR website at dor.wa.gov/about/news-releases/2019/solar-energysystem-sales-tax-exemption-starts-today
Net Metering is occasionally referred to as “spin the meter backwards”. Solar customers are able to use the electrical grid as a battery, storing extra energy in the summer as credits, and then using the energy credits in the winter. When more solar is produced than can be used, the extra power is sent to the utility as a credit. The credits then are automatically redeemed when more energy is being used than the solar system is producing. The standard electrical meter is replaced with a bidirectional meter that keeps track of all the power bought and sold.
Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) helps small businesses access renewable energy. You can receive grants up to $250,000 for energy efficiency projects and up to $500,000 for nonrenewable energy projects. Guaranteed loans are awarded up to $25 million for eligible projects. Grants cover up to 25% of the project’s eligible costs. Guaranteed loans cover up to 75% of a project’s eligible costs. Combined grants and guaranteed loans cover up to 100% of a project’s eligible costs. Visit the USDA REAP Website!
For a list of local OMB Solar professionals, please visit our online searchable directory at omb.org today!
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have been a hot topic over the past couple of years when it comes to housing in Thurston County. An ADU is most commonly referred to as a “mother-in-law apartment”. It is an additional living unit on a single-family lot with a separate kitchen, sleeping area, and bathroom facilities. ADUs can be attached to the existing home or garage or built separately as a small, stand-alone, structure.
Fortunately for residents in Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater, ADU ordinances have been adopted to help these local jurisdictions meet GMA goals that encourage affordable housing and provide diverse housing densities while maintaining the feel of existing single-family neighborhoods.
Over the years there has been a lot of push-back from the community when it comes to ADUs. Many people worry that allowing ADUs will open the door for investors to come in and create rental homes that they worry will change the look and feel of their neighborhoods. John Erwin of John Erwin Remodeling Inc. reassures, “I have been building ADUs for over 10 years now. Every single ADU I have completed has been built for the use of a family member, either aging parents or adult children with disabilities. None of the ADUs that I have built have been built for the sole purpose of rental income. In the end it does not really pencil for an investor to build an ADU. In my experience they are being used primarily to maintain a family unit and to create lasting multigenerational properties.”
There are a number of benefits that come along with investing in an ADU, but the top reasons include increased property value,
I have been building ADUs for over 10 years now. Every single ADU I have completed has been built for the use of a family member, either aging parents or adult children with disabilities. None of the ADUs that I have built have been built for the sole purpose of rental income.
-
John Erwin of John Erwin Remodeling, Inc.
increased potential resale value, generating rental income, and creating low-cost housing for adult children and/or aging family members.
Now that you have decided that building an ADU or converting an existing structure to be used as a second dwelling unit makes sense for you and your property, what are the next steps to take?
The best place to start your ADU journey is to meet with your local jurisdiction’s building department to discuss the project options with Planning and Building.
If you are looking to create a new build from scratch, there are several site feasibility considerations that need to be met before you can obtain approval to move forward with your ADU. Some considerations include the size of your lot, building setbacks, sewer connection, a pedestrian walkway or access, privacy, and stormwater runoff just to name a few.
If you are working with an existing unpermitted ADU, talk to your local jurisdiction and have it assessed to meet current standards. Some of these standards include fire, access, mechanical, HVAC, and plumbing. Debbi Boyd, Real Estate Broker and Co-Owner of Real Estate of the South Sound, says, “If you are working with an existing unpermitted ADU on your property, I encourage you to talk to your local jurisdiction and have it assessed to meet current standard codes. This is very important for homeowners who plan to use the unit as rental income or have the intention of selling in the future. It is worth the extra time and money to upgrade the existing unit to code, to eliminate any unnecessary issues when it comes time to sell or rent.”
“I would also recommend that you reach out to your HOA about their regulations surrounding ADUs and rental spaces before you start the process. Many times, they have their own set of limitations that are not included in each city’s specific standards,” Debbi adds.
The City of Lacey and the City of Olympia offer a pre-approved ADU design program. The pre-approved plans offer four design options based on the number of rooms and overall size. The designs were created locally by Artisans Group in Olympia and are 100% pre-approved by the cities and FREE. The benefit of utilizing the pre-approved program is that it reduces one more barrier, as well as expedites the review process. And saves you money from
I encourage you to talk to your local jurisdiction and have it assessed to meet current standard codes. It is worth the extra time and money to upgrade the existing unit to code, to eliminate any unnecessary issues when it comes time to sell or rent.
- Debbi Boyd of Real Estate of the South Sound
paying a designer to draw up unique plans. If you do choose to use the pre-approved designs, make sure you still meet with your local building department as the plans are pre-approved for the structure, but you may need extra permits or approvals that apply to your specific lots.
The second step is to hire a contractor. There are a number of local contractors who have extensive experience building ADUs and converting existing structures for ADU use that are familiar with the process from beginning to end. If you are looking to hire a contractor with experience in building ADUs, visit omb.org to access the searchable directory in the ADU category. Always do your homework. It is important to make sure a contractor is registered, actively licensed, and has a bond and insurance. Call Washington State Department of Labor & Industries at 360-9025800 or look up your potential contractor at https://secure.lni. wa.gov/verify/
Jeff Kuster, owner of Kuster Homes suggests, “When looking to take on any major project like an ADU or converting a detached structure for other purposes, I would strongly recommend you hire someone local and experienced in these specific areas. You
I would strongly recommend you hire someone local and experienced in these specific areas. Over time we have learned to work as a community and support each other in getting these types of projects submitted, approved, built, and completed.
- Jeff Kuster of Kuster Homes, LLC
will quickly find that they are familiar with the jurisdiction requirements and have good working relationships with Building Officials as well as the Plans Examiners. Over time we have learned to work as a community and support each other in getting these types of projects submitted, approved, built, and completed.”
Now that you have been cleared by the city and hired a contractor, the next step is to meet with a lender and secure financing. Many local banks and lenders have the flexibility to work with specialized homes like ADUs. OlyFed prides itself on being a leader in local construction financing for over 115 years and they are one of the only banks in the area with a dedicated plan for funding ADUs.
“With the cost of ADUs varying somewhere between $150,000 to $250,000 depending on size and finishes, we offer a number of customizable lending solutions to meet a variety of project needs and budget and financing scenarios,” says Barbara Whitlow, AVP/Residential Relationship Manager.
Ryan Andrews, Planning Manager from City of Lacey advises, “Connect your lenders and builders and keep it local. They will be knowledgeable of the programs and can help you along the way.”
Building an ADU on your property is an exciting venture for any homeowner. Whether you plan to use it as a separate living space for family or a friend, as a guest house, or as an office, art studio, or home gym, it’s a great way to earn passive income and add value to your property.
the cost of ADUs varying somewhere between $150,000 to $250,000 depending on size and finishes, we offer a number of customizable lending solutions to meet a variety of project needs and budget and financing scenarios.
- Barb Whitlow of OlyFedWithPHOTOS ON THIS PAGE COURTESY OF JOHN ERWIN REMODELING, INC.
After being confined in our homes for the past two years, people have had the extra time, patience and new driven desire to turn their Pinterest dreams into a reality and allow it to be an ever evolving palette. Homeowners, who have never changed the pillows on their sofa since the home was purchased are now channeling their inner Interior Designer and have started playing with color, style, and the layout of their homes, and have become open to the idea of making those items everchanging.
Just as the seasons change, the look and feel of our homes and what is currently hot and what is not, change just as quickly! For 2022, not all designers agree on what the latest and greatest trends are and will be. What they all do agree on, is that minimalism is out and maximalism is in. The bolder the better, it seems.
Diane Gassman of Interior Dimensions reveals, “Interiors are fitting more with the Architecture of the home, from midcentury and farmhouse to classic traditional, mixing the old with the new, to give the room a well-loved feeling. Re-upholstering our family heirlooms, adding draperies and valances to soften the blind window treatments. We are seeing kitchens and bathrooms with softness in colors, and more tactile connection with nature materials and finishes.”
PHOTOS IN THIS SPREAD COURTESY OF INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Diane adds, “Tiles are looking more handmade, curves are showing up in wall panels, cabinetry, and furniture. Plumbing fixtures are still strong with champagne bronze finish. Wallpaper is back, with texture, patterns, and lots of movement. Fabrics are soft, with geometric and curves, and following the Sherwin Williams suggested paint colors for 2022.”
From the contractor side, Forrest Wilson of Tops Solid Surface says, “One of the coolest trends we have been seeing is the use of porcelain as counter top all cladding solution. It’s just as beautiful as quartz, as well as fast to install and cheaper. Tile installation can take up to 3 days whereas porcelain can be done in a day. This is especially important as we continue to face labor shortages.
Another hot “remodeling” trend to emerge from the pandemic is the transformation of multifunction spaces within the walls of existing homes.
Homeowners are looking for creative ways to utilize every inch of real estate inside their homes. Long gone are the days of a formal dining room or separate living room; these are now being converted into more usable spaces like Hobby Rooms, Art Studios, Home Gyms or Entertainment and Multimedia Rooms.
Hidden attic spaces and bay windows are now growing into much desired “Quiet Places” including cozy reading nooks, home offices, homework spaces, and mediation areas.
“We’re seeing a lot of changes to homes that previously would be seen as a faux pas but today are functional for a family that wants to make the home work and cannot purchase a different home due to the current market. A garage conversion is a great way to make bonus space. We recently converted half of a garage into an art studio. These days, it seems like it’s about making the home fit you and not trying to make your family fit the home.”
Maddy Cantrell from Lifespan Construction.
Up until recently, indoor houseplants were used merely to fill empty spaces and add a little natural color and vibrancy to a room. If you were lucky enough to be blessed with a green thumb, you might be one of the rare people that could grow different plant species successfully throughout the year. If not, you would find yourself among the masses that had to throw out that lovely Palm and replace it every four to five months.
Over the past few years, indoor houseplants have taken on a whole new meaning – and purpose. Today, the use of indoor house plants is one of the hottest design and style trends in home decor. Not only do houseplants (still) fill empty spaces and add natural color and vibrancy to a room – they help create a healthy living environment for you and your family. The new
generation of homeowners have been making healthy home choices a priority, and indoor houseplants have made their way to the top of that list. From creating in-home greenhouse nooks to professionally designed floor plans to access the right amount of light for specific species of plants, the indoor plant movement is making its mark.
According to Angela Cabotaje of Right As Rain by UW Medicine, “Just like walking past trees and greenery outside, interacting with indoor plants may be able to reduce stress and anxiety. Plus, they have the added bonus of helping to purify the air. NASA researchers conducted one of the most well-known studies on the matter in 1989 and they found that ordinary daisies, chrysanthemums and other common house plants were able to remove as much as 90 percent of certain toxins from the air in just 24 hours.”
Not only do houseplants fill empty spaces and add natural color and vibrancy to a room – they help create a healthy living environment for you and your family.
Healthy and beautiful is the perfect recipe for home decor. And, thanks to modern technology, it is easier than ever to raise and sustain houseplants as well as choose the best plant for different spaces with hundreds of podcasts, social media sites, blogs, and apps available to help you through the process. From low-light to pet-friendly plant species, rest assured that there is hope (and help) out there to assist you in keeping your plants alive and thriving.
Underhill Plants, located in downtown Olympia next to the MIXX 96 building, will do just that – they will help you select the right plants for your specific space and style. According to Alden, owner of Underhill Plants, “We also carry a variety of pottery, macrame, locally made art and ceramics, as well as soil and so much more.”
Keeping them alive is the first step, the fun part is how to successfully place and utilize them in your home. Here are a few simple ways that indoor houseplants are being integrated into hot new home style and design pallets.
One common design challenge when decorating a room is the dead white space where walls and ceilings meet. Placing hanging plants from the ceiling, in corners, or above windows instantly fills white space and changes the focal point of any room. It is also a multifunctional way to add greenery without it taking up space on your nightstand or dresser. Macramé plant hangers have found their way back into style, which has launched a whole new line of creative ways to get plants off
the ground and draping down from above. Ceramic, cork, and metal hangers of all different shapes, sizes, and styles can be found on any accessory page of every major home decor outlet.
Sometimes the worlds of home decor and eco-friendly living overlap and spark some of the most interesting and healthy design creations. Green walls or living walls are popping up all over the country as homeowners seek healthier options for air quality in their homes.
Jana Raines , owner of Olympia Green Roofs adds, “Green or living walls, both indoors and outside of the home, offer a host of advantages. In indoor applications, a living wall system helps clean the air, reduces dust, reduces noise levels on street-facing walls, and has been shown to have a positive effect on overall happiness and wellbeing.” Jana adds, “A properly installed green wall in the home is also relatively low maintenance. Lighting and irrigation systems are included in the installation to ensure that plants have the growing conditions that will help them thrive regardless of the natural lighting in the space. There are a range of sizes and prebuilt units available but if in doubt about what is right for you, always consult with an accredited green roof professional (GRP).”
With this new fad, there is no need to search out the perfect framed picture or artwork to liven up a dull open wall for that extra pop of color. Green walls are a simple way to incorporate indoor plants into any household, and they are aesthetically pleasing.
If you are nervous about taking the full plunge of adding a true green or living wall to your home, there are beautifully made and designed wall plant hangers and holders that provide similar health benefits and generate the same look and feel.
A properly installed green wall in the home is also relatively low maintenance. Lighting and irrigation systems are included in the installation to ensure that plants have the growing conditions that will help them thrive regardless of the natural lighting in the space.
- Jana Raines of Olympia Green Roofs
If you have a plant lover in your life, you are aware of the trending craze of propagation stations. Propagation stations are welldesigned “homes” for propagating plant stems to grow plant babies. Propagation stations have become just as fashionable as they are functional. They are easy to install, cover a lot of wall space and you can mix and match your propagating species for a fun and festive look. Not to mention, keeping stems alive is a breeze. Propagating station frames can be found in all sizes from a single long-line shelf look to three and four-tiered pieces that fill an entire wall in varied materials from wood to metal and everything in between. With so many options on the market, you can also play with the shapes and sizes of the glass containers to create your own unique look.
For a tropical jungle look, choose a well-lit corner in your home or room and simply combine different lush plants like cacti, palms, and ferns. To create the illusion of a jungle floor, arrange plants in different heights using tall species, plant holders, and different chain lengths in hanging plants for a cascading and flowing feel. If taking risks with color in wall paints or furniture is not your style, this is the perfect chance to play with bold vibrant colors as you mix and match pots and plant holders.
Mix together large potted plants, succulents and herbs on a windowsill, and some hanging greenery in bay window spaces, reading nooks, or any unused inlet to create a Secret Garden Greenhouse getaway. This is your chance and safe space to play with different plant species. Pair with Mediterranean or tropical colored pillows and throws, and select plant colors, hues, and sizes that generate a warm cozy oasis feeling.
A plant-filled home can help create the happiest of homes. When it comes to styling your space, decorating with plants allows no shortage of ideas to add color, life, and health for you and your family.
Let us help you find the right plant for your space and style. We also carry a variety of pottery, macrame, locally made art and ceramics, as well as soil and so much more.
- Alden of Underhill Plants in Olympia
If you visited a dozen websites and read hundreds of reviews just to decide on which toaster oven to purchase, then how about when it comes time to select a homebuilding-related contractor? That contractor will be doing a significant amount of work to your biggest investment: your home. So, choosing the right one is a paramount decision.
Fortunately, Olympia Master Builders has taken the leg work out of the process for you and is now offering an easy to use, one click quote request, Hire A Pro tool on their newly redesigned website at omb.org.
OMB is a reputable professional trade association representing companies located throughout Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, Mason and Pacific Counties since 1959. OMB has over 450 active members, who come from all sectors of the building trades ranging
from homebuilders, remodelers, plumbers and electricians to bankers and cleaners.
Here is how the OMB Hire A Pro online searchable directory works:
1. Access the searchable online directory from the “Hire A Pro” tab or button on the omb.org home page.
2. At that point, choose a business category such as cleaners, painting or remodeler, which pulls up all members listed in that category.
3. At the top of the listings, there is a link called “Contact These Businesses” which allows consumers to put in their contact information, as well as their project details. They may also choose to send the quote request to the entire list or select specific members listed to contact.
4. The quote request is then generated out via email to OMB members. It’s as simple as that!
5. We advise home owners to check with Labor and Industries as part of your due diligence before hiring.
So, you can rest assured that your next hired professional contractor from omb. org is one that you can trust. Visit omb. org Hire A Pro searchable membership database for all of your
