Connecticut Living Home Edition 2015 by Red Mat Publishing

Home Edition

Spring 2015

Home Edition

Welcome

reak your home out of its winter cocoon and blossom into spring with us. In this issue you’ll find ideas big and small to help transform your home into your haven, from complete renovation suggestions to subtle changes that can make a big impact. This issue focuses on helping to de-clutter your world; after all, the more organized you are, the more enjoyable your life can become. Now is the perfect time to decide to clean it out, give it away, or get rid of it. Our features are written to complement each other and offer inspiration to every area of your home, both inside and out. Just as one room in your home flows into another, our stories follow a similar

path: for instance, our container gardening tips flow right into practical ideas for a livable porch, planting a pizza garden, and getting to know traditional herbs. Our intent is for you to learn,

explore, and embrace new ideas—or perhaps awaken old ones—for you and your family to enjoy your home life and live it to the fullest! Thank you for welcoming our Home issue into your home. Happy Spring!

Enjoy this issue of Connecticut Living! Find your next home project idea inside.

Green Living 18 Solar Energy 20 Container Gardens

Green Living

Solarizing Connecticut

olarize CT is a concentrated campaign for residential solar power created by Connecticut Green Bank. In two years, this statewide program has doubled the number of homes benefiting from the sun’s energy to 2,000 in about 58 towns and cities. This increase is in line nationally: the U.S. Department of Energy says the number of homes with solar systems has increased from 30,000 in 2006 to 400,000 in 2013, with many of those converting in the last few years.

CONNECTICUTLIVING.COM

f lots of light is what your design craves, consider hinged patio doors. The Frenchwood door shown here, is available in a one, two, or three-

panel configuration with doors that swing in or out. This combination has a white interior finish with

Colonial Grille pattern enhanced with Newbury

t’s easy to give your kitchen or bathroom a fresh look simply by updating the hardware. Adding new drawer pulls, knobs, hinges, handles, and switch plates are relatively inexpensive fixes that can make a big impact. Styles are available in every form: from basic bright white and shiny stainless steel doorknobs, to custom porcelain or hand-blown glass handles. (You can paint or wallpaper over old switch plates and heat register covers or update with a completely different look.)

interior view with a grille pattern (2x3) enhanced with Encino hardware in a distressed bronze finish from the Andersen 400 series.

PHOTO COURTESY ANDERSEN CORPORATION.

Weathering the Storm Impact-resistant glass utilizes laminated glass with an advanced polymer technology that provides a layer of protection to help keep the building intact, even in the fiercest winds. The laminated glass offers 100 times the rigidity and five times the tear resistance of a commonly used impact-resistant laminated glass. (Available from Pella Windows and Doors.)

Make a Statement with at the Front Door Your front door is one of the first things people notice about your home. Is your door drab,

PHOTO COURTESY ANDERSEN CORPORATION.

Rooms Laundry You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby N o need to hide the laundry room in the basement

Dog wash meets laundry room, designed by Susan Perrin of Artistic Renovations of Ohio, LLC, photographed by Tony Griffie / ACG Services Ltd

anymore. Not with all the style and sophistication it

can add to your home. Short on space? Stacked appliances make the most of what little

you have. Prefer to hide your appliances? A large closet can house a washer and dryer with shelving above and

room for an ironing board

Home Style 10 Laundry Room 11 12

Makeover 2015 Colors of the Year Entryways that Multi-Task

options. Visit www.atgstores.com for information on the program.

to a wide variety of cabinet hardware while also making it easier for them to

selection of more than 8,000 cabinet

find the perfect fit in an ever-expanding

Dollars+Sense

Dollars

You will need a certain level of commitment to the process, and if you’re a packrat, it’s not always easy. If you hang onto things because they mean a lot to you or think you might need them one day, enlist a partner to help provide you with the objectivity and motivation you’ll need to see the job through to completion.

If you haven’t de-cluttered the area in a while, plan to get rid of about 60 percent of things. Any vintage items may be worth having appraised. Check the condition of items as you are sorting through them. Anything stained, ripped, or broken beyond repair is trash.

GET STARTED

Do what the label says and kick the “Toss Out” and “Recycle” objects to the curb with the trash. Recycle when possible. Be wary of keeping items in need of repair for yourself. (If you haven’t fixed it by now,

ALL SEPARATED. WHAT NEXT?

chances are you won’t.) Toss them or give them to someone who will. If it’s in the “Keep” category, consider ways to store the items in an improved manner. Maybe you need extra shelving or containers. (Pinterest is a fabulous place to explore endless creative ways to maximize storage space.) When it comes time to “Sell/ Donate” your items, a decision needs to be made: you can bring it all to a donation center or hold a sale. Tag sales are a great way to say goodbye to your things with the added bonus of making extra cash. If you think you can get more than a tag sale price

ADVERTISE. Stay within budget if you want

➻ Desk area: For homework/household organizing/crafting.

to earn a profit. Use posters, Craigslist, social

it on best offer. The later may require a friend or two to help take offers. Be sure to have enough

➻ Potting room: For the garden enthusiast, a utility sink a must.

media and classified ads (Look online for free

cash on hand to make change. Set up tables;

an expression of the people

➻ Dog wash: A wonderful way for Fido to have his own bath! Easy clean!

printables.)

borrow extras if possible. Dust off the cobwebs

who live there.

➻ Pet bedding: From crates to beds, it’s a wonderful location for dogs and cats.

➻ Extra bathroom: Combine the laundry with a powder room.

and make things sparkle. No one really wants to

display your items. Will they be priced to

lug dirty items home.

choice. You can set a price for each item or run CONNECTICUT LIVING

Outdoor Living 14 Porch Appeal

ront porches are an American tradition dating back to the mid 19th century. The front porch became a place of refuge from the heat, where families could gather away from the work aspects of a backyard (and the unpleasant odor of the outhouse) and relax. Porches soared in popularity through decades of architectural change, but finally saw a decline in the post WWII years as television became a replacement past time, and air conditioning became main stream. Above: A screened-in porch offers that extra room while still being “outside.” Left: No matter what your age, porches are the perfect place to relax. Thankfully the porch is back in popularity, and not only in the front of a house; it has regained prominence on the side and back of homes as well. Strategically placed, a porch can both accent and take advantage of nature’s best features, such as flowerbeds or a grove of trees, not to mention a good breeze. Until now, pressure-treated wood has been the standard for

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PREPARE. Plan how and where you will

sell or priced to make more money? It’s your

The Return of Porch Appeal

porches, but advances in technology have led to a low-maintenance alternative that is gaining in popularity. Composite decking is a combination of plastics and wood chips or sawdust, generally containing more than 50 percent recycled materials, making it environmentally friendly. It’s durable, resistant to warping, cracking, splitting, and termites,

for an item, consider consigning your items in a local shop.

Rehabilitation Centers are funded by donated goods including clothing, toys, books, accessories, household items, furniture, and working appliances.

TAG SALE TIPS

➻ Mudroom combination: Dirty sportwear goes right into the wash.

laundry room can become

Outdoor Living

26 De-cluttering Essentials

De-cluttering

Get some boxes or bags and make three categories: ➻ TOSS OUT/RECYCLE ➻ KEEP ➻ SELL/DONATE

WHAT’S IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM TODAY?

field of online home improvement

and the mermaid above. The program is intended to help introduce customers

with a return credit of up to $50 on sample purchases made from its

➻ Pantry: Organization and functionaility at its best.

knobs and pulls. Two styles shown here

introduced their Sample Knobs & Pulls

➻ Storage: All those extra supplies have a place.

CONNECTICUT LIVING

MASON KNOB Oval-shaped knob crafted of solid brass

Credit Program that provides shoppers

Sense Spring into

Whether on the main

a little planning and

TRADITIONAL GREEN GLASS jeweled with an octagon of green pressed glass

to see it.

decoration, the practical

SEASON KNOB made of solid brass, finished in oil-rubbed bronze

AGT Stores.com, a division of Lowes,

doors when you don’t want

between bedrooms, with

Rejuvenation 23 DIY Project-Photo Peg Rack 24 Paint Tools 101

GIVE IT A TRY

on the side. Simply close the

floor or on a second floor

DILLON KNOB a solid, noncorrosive drop-forged brass, handpolished, richly plated finishes

ROSETTE KNOB made of solid brass, stepped pedestal supports sleek curves and soft edges

CONNECTICUT LIVING

Home Style

Do it Yourself 22 Hardware

FIND THESE AT RESTORATION HARDWARE

With styles available to fit every budget you can make a tired room seem fresh and new. Keep in mind as you look at new styles that there may be some variation in attachment areas. “Standard” switch plates from houses built in the 1950s might vary from the “standard” used today. Remember to think outside of the kitchen: any room—or individual piece of furniture—can easily be accessorized with new knobs.

CONNECTICUT LIVING

PHOTO COURTESY PELLA WINDOWS AND DOORS.

drafty, or past its prime? Make a bold statement and improve your home’s energy efficiency with new Energy Star-certified front door. Consider options with decorative glass accents and stunning sidelights to add more natural light

outright, financed through a lender, or leased over the long term. It can also be passed on to new owners or removed if the home is sold. The process from beginning to end depends on many variables like paperwork, inspections and permits from the state, utility company, and city, and of course, the weather. The amount you can save is related to the amount of

Do it Yourself

Hardware Rejuvenate with Style I

hardware in a bright brass finish perfect for this Craftsman bungalow-style home. Also shown is an

The campaign makes it easy to decide if solar power is right for your home. A representative from one of the recommended vendors in your town can provide a free assessment that looks at the structure of your home, the direction it faces, sunlight availability or restrictions, and provides an analysis of how much you can save on energy costs after installation. Equipment can be purchased

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Home Renovation 4 Windows and Doors 6 California Style 8 Lighting

Home Renovation

Windows and Doors Idea Book

With a Twist

block sale gets more visibility. EARLY BIRDS. Set up the night before if

possible. Be patient with early birds—they

DONATE. Give away what is left unsold.

HAVE FUN! See if your neighbors want to

run a tag sale the same day. You can share

Don’t bring it back in from where it came.

Stay clutter free!

Food

Food Fococcia Bread with Red Onion &Basil 1 pound ready-to-use pizza or bread dough Handful of fresh basil, chopped (or substitute fresh sage for a twist) Sea salt and pepper to taste

¼ tsp garlic powder Cornmeal for dusting Olive oil for brushing 1 small red or white onion sliced into ringlets

• Leave dough on counter until reaches room temperature (about 2 hours). Preheat oven to 400 degrees. • Brush oil (about 2 tbsp) in a rectangular baking dish • Stretch dough, dust bottom with cornmeal. Fit into pan. • Brush top with olive oil. Make dimples (with thumbs or wooden spoon handle) all over.

Plant a Pizza Garden W

• Sprinkle half of the basil leaves, salt, pepper and garlic powder on top. Add the thinly sliced onions. • Bake in oven until browned (between 50 - 65 minutes) • Before serving brush with a bit more olive oil and sprinkle on remaining basil. Cut and enjoy!

your vegetable areas. If this seems overwhelming, scale it down. Plant your garden in containers (terracotta pots are excellent vessels.) If your only sunny backyard spot is the porch, devote some space, including the steps and landing, to a potted garden.

PLAN YOUR WAY ant a great way to spend First you need to plan the where, when, who, and what of your quality time garden plot. Devote a notebook or dry-erase board to your project, or with your family and find an app to help (Garden Plan WHEN: Create a simple chart teach them how a garden Pro is an app that makes it simple of when you will purchase and to design the perfect vegetable plot plant your veggies, with a watering can provide the foods for any space.) schedule. Check the library to make meals? Plant or online garden almanacs for a pizza! Sustainability advice on when to plant specific WHERE: You need at least “toppings.” It’s your project so you 5-6 hours of full sun for vegetable is all the rage, and this own how detailed the plan should and herb plants to survive. Be fun experiment proves realistic on the size of your project. be. A 6x4 foot raised bed is a great its worth by combining way to go. Or in keeping with WHO: If this is a family project, food, nature, and team the pizza theme, you can dig a then assigning tasks is the key to building. circular garden and wedge out its success. Perhaps each family

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on the expenses of advertising. Two yards or a

4 5

are customers after all.

member is responsible for one “ingredient.” Or you can create a watering and weeding schedule so all of the participants know when it’s their turn at a particular job.

WHAT: Decide what to grow. Learn which plants come back each year (perennials) and those that are planted annually. If you plan to plant from seed, remember to start early! Check with the many local farms in your area for plants and advice on the care, growth, and maintenance of your garden. Keep in mind that it may take multiple trips to the nursery to find what you need in season, It takes care and patience to plant and harvest a good garden... another great lesson to share with your kids.

28 30 31 32

Grow Your Own Pizza Garden Herbs- Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme On the Shelf: Microgreens Herbal Recipes

CONNECTICUTLIVING.COM

PUBLISHER/PRESIDENT

Suzanne Cahill EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Ann McGuire ART DIRECTOR

Ryan Swanson ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Susan Carroll-Dwyer PUBLICATION MANAGER

Lisa Turner

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CONTRIBUTING DESIGNER

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

What we write gets read.

Craig W. Armstrong,Tresa Erikson, Angela Pietrowski Arpino, Lisa Turner CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Seth Benn Photography, Tony Griffie, Trish Hennessy Petersen, Jennifer Pvykonen, Spacecrafting Photography

CONNECTICUT LIVING MAGAZINE 162 Bridgeport Avenue Milford, CT 06460 203-283-5290 www.connecticutliving.com

Connecticut Living Magazine (ISSN 23333-7389) is distributed by Red Mat Publishing. P.O. Box 2387 Milford, CT 06460. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the Publisher. Opinions expressed in Connecticut Living articles and advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, respectively and should not be considered as expressions of management or official policies of Connecticut Living Magazine. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Red Mat Publishing P.O. Box 2387, Milford, CT www.redmatpublishing.com 06460. Copyright 2015. Red Mat Publishing.

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Your innkeepers: Ann Maher & Steve Rathbun CONNECTICUT LIVING

Welcome

path: for instance, our container gardening tips flow right into practical ideas for a livable porch, planting a pizza garden, and getting to know traditional herbs. Our intent is for you to learn,

CONNECTICUTLIVING.COM

Home Renovation

Windows and Doors Idea Book

f lots of light is what your design craves, consider hinged patio doors. The Frenchwood door shown here, is available in a one, two, or three-

panel configuration with doors that swing in or out. This combination has a white interior finish with Colonial Grille pattern enhanced with Newbury hardware in a bright brass finish perfect for this Craftsman bungalow-style home. Also shown is an interior view with a grille pattern (2x3) enhanced with Encino hardware in a distressed bronze finish from the Andersen 400 series.

PHOTO COURTESY ANDERSEN CORPORATION.

Make a Statement with at the Front Door Your front door is one of the first things people notice about your home. Is your door drab,

PHOTO COURTESY ANDERSEN CORPORATION.

CONNECTICUT LIVING

PHOTO COURTESY PELLA WINDOWS AND DOORS.

drafty, or past its prime? Make a bold statement and improve your homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy efficiency with new Energy Star-certifiedÂ front door. Consider options with decorative glass accents and stunning sidelights to add more natural light

Patty Schein, M.Ed, LMFT, LPC

Home Renovation

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Consider options with decorative glass accents and stunning sidelights to add more natural light while maintaining a sense style and privacy. while maintaining a sense style and privacy. Pella’s fiberglass entry featuring fir wood grain and three-panel oval design offers Castile glass in the full sidelights, and elliptical transom adds natural light inside while providing privacy.

Colorful and Maintenance Free Trims

31 Cherry Street Suite 103, Milford, CT

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design solution that’s virtually maintenance-free. So, the trim never needs painting and won’t fade, flake, blister, chalk, or peel, no matter what the climate. Plus, Fibrex material contains 40 percent pre-consumer reclaimed wood fiber by weight, so it’s environmentally smart. It is pictured here in Forest Green.

LAUREL A. ELLSON Attorney at Law

Practice Limited to Family Law

203.283.5551

LAEllson@optonline.net

31 Cherry St., Milford, CT 06460

www.EllsonLaw.com

Clean Lines

Low on maintenance and high on style and performance, Andersen’s exterior trim system is made with patented Fibrex composite material for a complete factory-finished

Marvin Windows’ new contemporary offerings include the 90-degree corner window, a dramatic focal point that brings rooms alive with a panoramic view.

PHOTO COURTESY ANDERSEN CORPORATION.

PHOTO COURTESY MARVIN WINDOWS AND DOORS.

pattyscheinlmft.com

Justice of the Peace Suzanne Cahill Wedding Officiant, Connecticut 203.650.9659 Your special day...your special way! 5

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Home Renovation

Motivation California Style

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY BENJAMIN MOORE AND KOHLER

ooking for renovating ideas? Each of these ideas balances outstanding style with intriguing pieces and sensible function. Drawn on clean and contemporary California style (with a touch of retro for good measure), these homes all exude calm. Each of these inspirations, and more, can be found in “Full Color Volume 2,” a recent collaboration by North American home brands Benjamin Moore and Kohler Co. “Great design should use what inspires you to bring personality, comfort, and beauty into your home,” says Tristan Butterfield, creative director for Kohler. The 32-page magalog is available online by visiting Kohler. com/Ideas as well as in Kohler showrooms. Also find images on Pinterest.com/benjamin_moore and Pinterest. com/kohlerco. CONNECTICUT LIVING

NATURAL STATE

A calming reprieve from daily life, this seaside home captures the soothing and tranquil feeling of watching the ocean tides turn. Sandbar colored fixtures throughout the home creates a fluid style, and earthy neutral hues are easy to build a style around.

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An ode to the glamour of a bygone era, this 1920s Foothills manor gives its own definition to classical beauty. An appreciation for history and detail is balanced with clean lines and a need to be original. DESERT DEPARTURE

An escape from the desertâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rising temperatures, this mid-century modern home sets a new standard of cool with its color palette and attitude. Strong blues, whites, and grays interspersed with glass accents and subtle textures create an uncomplicated and confident sensibility.

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203-874-6464 p/f specialtywood@optimum.net Cabinetry and Millwork

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Home Renovation

Lighten Up  How would you rate your lighting overall? Excellent, good, fair, or poor? If you see a lot of dark corners and dimly lit rooms in your home, you might just benefit from a lighting overhaul. In general, lighting falls into three basic categories: ambient, task, and accent. Ambient light illuminates the entire room, in many cases coming from an overhead fixture. Task lighting illuminates areas where certain tasks are done, like cooking or reading. It may consist of a variety of fixtures—from under-the-counter fluorescent lights to bedside reading lamps. Accent lighting

illuminates décor. It runs the gamut from track lighting for art to spotlights accenting plants. Some rooms, of course, require more light than others. An office or study would have far more task lighting than a home theater. The lighting must fit the function of the room. There are fixtures available for every single type of use, so make sure that whatever you choose meets the requirements of the room. For additional help with the lighting in your home, seek the help of a professional at a design center. —Tresa Erickson

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The Bijou Theatre Children’s Series

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Black Swan/White Swan “the Birds of Ballet”

Join us for the Grand Opening of our new studio at 130 Elm Street • Bridgeport!

April 25, 2015 • 7 pm Klein Memorial Auditorium 910 Fairfield Avenue • Bridgeport

Sunday, April 12, 2015

800-424-0160 • ext. 1 www.theklein.org

12 Noon • Master Class with ballerina, skater, actress, Katherine Healy 3 PM • Grand Opening Celebration, catered by Trattoria ‘A Vucchella

From Tchaikovsky’s renowned classic Act II Swan Lake, to Stravinsky’s Firebird, this evening showcases the beauty of classical and contemporary ballets that have been inspired by birds. Also included in the evenings performance will be the sizzling Black Swan Pas de Deux, the elegant Blue Bird Pas de Deux, and the poignant Dying Swan. Join us for a magical, entertaining and diverse evening of dance!

Information available on current classes and upcoming Summer Intensive!

203-494-9205 www.newenglandballet.org

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Downtown Milford – a unique blend of over 100 retail stores, professisonal services and restaurants nestled in a picturesque historic district. Walking distance from railway, bus line, and marina with plenty of free parking. Enjoy New England’s second longest green with historic monuments and buildings peppered throughout downtown. Get Your Loyalty Card Today For Savings and Special Offers

Our Annual Events Include: Cap’n Kidd Treasure Hunt/Pirates Day: the second Sunday in June Wine Trail – a fundraiser for local non-profits: the second Saturday in September Milford Restaurant Week – ‘Ciao Milford’: the second week in October Small Business Month: November

For a full list of activities, members and other information visit

www.downtownmilfordct.org

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Home Style

Laundry Rooms

You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby

o need to hide the laundry room in the basement

Dog wash meets laundry room, designed by Susan Perrin of Artistic Renovations of Ohio, LLC, photographed by Tony Griffie / ACG Services Ltd

anymore. Not with all the style and sophistication it can add to your home. Short on space? Stacked appliances make the most of what little you have. Prefer to hide your appliances? A large closet can house a washer and dryer with shelving above and room for an ironing board on the side. Simply close the doors when you don’t want to see it. Whether on the main floor or on a second floor between bedrooms, with a little planning and decoration, the practical laundry room can become

WHAT’S IN THE LAUNDRY ROOM TODAY? ➻ Storage: All those extra supplies have a place. ➻ Mudroom combination: Dirty sportwear goes right into the wash. ➻ Desk area: For homework/household organizing/crafting. ➻ Potting room: For the garden enthusiast, a utility sink a must.

an expression of the people

➻ Dog wash: A wonderful way for Fido to have his own bath! Easy clean!

who live there.

➻ Pet bedding: From crates to beds, it’s a wonderful location for dogs and cats. ➻ Extra bathroom: Combine the laundry with a powder room. ➻ Pantry: Organization and functionaility at its best.

CONNECTICUT LIVING

Best

Home Style

Brake & Safety

Center

COLOR TRENDING

2015 Colors of the Year Pantone Picks Marsala Each year the world reknowned authority on color chooses a color they predict will be highlighted across many industries, including interior design, fashion, graphics, and packaging. This year’s color is the reddish-amber PANTONE 18-1438, Marsala. According to Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, “This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors.” Complex and full-bodied without being overpowering, Marsala provides a unifying

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element for interior spaces. You can add elegance to any room by incorporating this rich and welcoming hue in accent pieces, accessories, and paint. Marsala’s plush characteristics are enhanced when the color is applied to textured surfaces, making it a great choice for rugs or upholstered furniture. Nurturing and fulfilling, Marsala is a natural fit for the kitchen and dining room—consider it ideal for tabletop, small appliances, and linens throughout the home. The hue will be especially prominent in striping and floral patterns found in printed placemats, dinnerware, bedding, and throws.

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Benjamin Moore Goes Green…Guilford Green Benjamin Moore’s color of the year, Guilford Green (HC-116), is a stunning silvery green that complements both modern and traditional styles in a seamless manner. “We chose Guilford Green as our 2015 Color of the Year because it can be the hero or the highlight in any room, enhancing the architectural identity of a space,” said Ellen O’Neill, creative director at Benjamin Moore. “Guilford Green is the perfect thread to connect nature, spaces, and interiors with color schemes that signify fresh energy and growth.” In addition to unveiling the Color of the Year, Benjamin Moore has also introduced Color Trends 2015, a curated palette of 23 colors consisting of green, blue, blush, and berry shades that can transform a space. Photo: Benjamin Moore Color Trends 2015

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Home Style

Entryways that Multi-Task Have a nice entryway,

Although typically small,

but not sure what to

entryways make wonderful

do with it? Have you

spaces for a variety of

settled for a small table by

activities from reading to

the door where you drop

listening to music. Add a

your keys and mail? The

comfy chair or love seat.

larger your entryway, the

Perhaps the entryway is

more likely it can serve more

suitable for the display of

than one purpose. Put on

collectibles, especially if it

your thinking cap and take

has a lot of wall space. Or

advantage of all of that

transform it into a music

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roomâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;tuck the piano under

Photographer Trish Hennessy Petersen captures this gorgeous entry designed by Joanne Hans Chmura of A Perfect Placement.

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the stairs and provide some chairs

consistent. Or feel free to use

for listening. Add a light above the

whatever color scheme you want to

piano and a basket for sheet music.

enhance the function of the room

Hang up some inspiring prints, and

and invoke the appropriate mood.

voila, your music room entryway is

And don’t forget to take

complete. You can also think about

advantage of your back entryway

using your entryway as a buffet area

and turn it into a practical area. The

on party nights or a mini game room

mudroom is the perfect place to

with a drop-leaf card table.

gather all the coats, shoes, sports

If your entryway flows into

equipment, and what not before

another room, you may want

they have a chance to clutter up

to go with a complementary

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Outdoor Living

The Return of Porch Appeal

Outdoor Living

“Thankfully the porch is back in popularity, and not only in the front of a house; it has regained prominence on the side and back of homes as well.” doesn’t need sealing, painting, or staining, and doesn’t absorb moisture. Using composite decking can keep your porch looking new for years to come. So whether it’s brand new or an old favorite, in the front of the house or in the backyard, a porch brings life to your home. It is a great place for solitude, perfect for

spending time with family and neighbors, and gives the kids a place to hang out with their friends. Plus, nothing beats dining outdoors. —Lisa Turner

Right: There is no rule that says you have to use wood in construction. Porches can be made of stone and cement with metal rail accents.

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Green Living

Solarizing Connecticut

olarize CT is a concentrated campaign for residential solar power created by Connecticut Green Bank. In two years, this statewide program has doubled the number of homes benefiting from the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s energy to 2,000 in about 58 towns and cities. This increase is in line nationally: the U.S. Department of Energy says the number of homes with solar systems has increased from 30,000 in 2006 to 400,000 in 2013, with many of those converting in the last few years. CONNECTICUT LIVING

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energy you use; if you heat with electric, for instance, going solar could provide a much bigger savings than a home that heats with oil. Plus there is a federal tax break that residents installing solar can take advantage of. The future of solar power in Connecticut will continue to

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Green Living

Container Gardens with A Twist From condos to country cottages, container gardens can make a great addition to any home. Easy to create, all it takes is a little soil, some seedlings, and a few containers. You can find potting soil and seedlings at your local nursery and all the containers you need at home. You’ll be surprised at what you can use! The benefits of container gardens are many:

➻ Portability: Containers can easily be moved to another location.

➻ Less Commitment: If something doesn’t work out, replace it with another plant.

➻ Ease: Containers can be placed at a height that is less physically demanding than a garden bed. In other

➻ Hydration: Less water is needed to hydrate your plants. But in hot or windy conditions you may need to water more frequently. ➻ Curb Appeal: Contrasting colorful plants create a focal point on steps, porches, and in yards.

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Green Living

the table legs. Now that’s a planter, and the best part is, you’ve reused the table instead of tossing it into the landfill. Imagine how lovely your new

planter will look on your front porch surrounded by several pairs of old rain boots blooming with flowers. —Lisa Turner

Almost anything that can hold soil and plants can be used in a container garden. With a few modifications, any of these items would work great:

words, there may be no need to get down on your knees! Take a look around your home and you’re sure to find planting options. Old burlap sacks, for example, can

easily be converted into hanging planters. Got a worn table sitting in the back of the garage? Convert it into a planter by cutting a hole in the top, sinking a pot into the hole, and twisting any vines that emerge around

• Aquariums • Barrels • Baskets • Bathtubs • Boots & shoes • Bowls

• Buckets • Crates • Cups • Dresser drawers • Helmets

• Jars • Lunchboxes • Mailboxes • Pitchers • Pots & pans • Sinks

• Tins • Tires • Toy cars & trucks • Watering cans • Wheelbarrows

Make sure the vessel has proper drainage; holes may need to be added. Containers should be at least six inches in depth. And some plants, like tomatoes, will need a larger pot to grow to a proper size.

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Do it Yourself

Hardware

Rejuvenate with Style

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Do it Yourself DIY PROJECT

Hang them up! Knobs and hooks can so easily become craft materials to create accessories for the home. Blogger Jennifer Pyykonen, the creative soul behind Ava Blake Creations, did just that in a project shared on her website (www.avablakeceations.com) using reclaimed barn wood. Several of the Pvykonen’s projects include the use of knobs to make pegged racks that hold beribboned photo frames. This would make an excellent gift for upcoming spring events including Mother’s Day,

weddings, and graduations. “For these particular knobs I actually decoupaged a tiny postage stamp copy to these knobs and then attached them to the wood to hang the frames from them. The pieces of wood were scooped up from a farm yard,” explains Jennifer. “The picture frames were garage sale finds. I re-painted them in my favorite cream color then Shabby’d them. I glued the ribbons on to hold the frames and...instant beautification!”

Not into the shabby chic styling? Sand down the boards, paint in a bright color, and choose a shiner, modern-style knob instead. In place

of a strip of wood, attach knobs to a recycled window frame. Add photos or a chalk board in the “window” openings. The choices are endless.

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Do it Yourself

Paint Tools 101

efore you crack open that paint can, make sure you have the right tools. A brush is not a brush. A roller is not a roller. In order to get the job done right, you need the best tools for the job. Paintbrushes come in a variety of sizes to suit a variety of purposes. Wide brushes work best for large, flat surfaces. Narrow brushes work best in small, tight spaces. Generally, the larger the brush, the less control and precision you will have. Along with size, you need to pay

attention to the bristles. Synthetic bristles work best for latex paint. Natural bristles work best for oil paint. Higher quality brushes have flagged bristles. The bristles are split to hold more paint and spread it more evenly. Some brushes have tapered bristles, which are good for getting into corners and grooves.

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Lamb’s wool covers work best for oil paint. Synthetic roller covers work best for latex paint. Foam covers work best for oil or highgloss latex paint. Depending on the paint job, in addition to brushes you might need a roller or two. U-shaped roller frames are very sturdy and easy to use. Just insert the cover, and you’re ready to roll. Lamb’s wool covers work best for oil paint. Synthetic roller covers work best for latex paint. Foam covers work best for oil or highgloss latex paint. Quality, of course, matters. The best roller covers retain their shape when squeezed, have no obvious seams, and have very few loose fibers. Nap is important as well; the smoother the surface you plan to paint, the shorter the nap should be. A nap of 1/8” to 1/4” works well on wallboard and smooth plaster, wood, and metal. A nap of 3/8” to 1/2”

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works best on lightly textured stucco, concrete, and rough wood. A nap of 3/4” to 1” works well on heavily textured stucco, concrete block, and brick. Depending on where you’re painting, you may want to consider a paint pad. Paint pads work great in hard-toreach places like behind a toilet or radiator. Most are made of plastic foam and suit both latex and oil paints. Take the time to choose the right tools for the job. It can make all the difference in the results, and save you valuable time. Speak to one of the professionals at your local paint store and make sure you have everything you need to get the job done right. —Tresa Erickson

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Dollars Sense

Spring into De-cluttering

he change of seasons is the perfect time to take stock of your stuff and minimize it. Whether you plan to tackle it all at once or start slow with just a closet or room, de-cluttering is worthwhile to achieve optimum household organization. The spaces needing most attention are typically the closets, basement, and attic—any out-of-the-way hiding spots where stuff gets dumped. You will need a certain level of commitment to the process, and if you’re a packrat, it’s not always easy. If you hang onto things because they mean a lot to you or think you might need them one day, enlist a partner to help provide you with the objectivity and motivation you’ll need to see the job through to completion.

GET STARTED

Get some boxes or bags and make three categories: ➻ TOSS OUT/RECYCLE ➻ KEEP ➻ SELL/DONATE

ALL SEPARATED. WHAT NEXT?

for an item, consider consigning your items in a local shop.

PLACES TO DONATE Donate new and gently used items to a local charity, some which have retail shops that help fund their causes and often employ those in need. What an easy, effortless way to give to your community. +SALVATION ARMY - Adult Rehabilitation Centers are funded by donated goods including clothing, toys, books, accessories, household items, furniture, and working appliances.

TAG SALE TIPS

ADVERTISE. Stay within budget if you want

it on best offer. The later may require a friend or

on the expenses of advertising. Two yards or a

to earn a profit. Use posters, Craigslist, social

two to help take offers. Be sure to have enough

block sale gets more visibility.

media and classified ads (Look online for free

cash on hand to make change. Set up tables;

printables.)

borrow extras if possible. Dust off the cobwebs

PREPARE. Plan how and where you will

and make things sparkle. No one really wants to

display your items. Will they be priced to

lug dirty items home.

sell or priced to make more money? It’s your choice. You can set a price for each item or run CONNECTICUT LIVING

4 5

EARLY BIRDS. Set up the night before if

possible. Be patient with early birds—they

are customers after all. DONATE. Give away what is left unsold.

HAVE FUN! See if your neighbors want to

run a tag sale the same day. You can share 26

Don’t bring it back in from where it came.

Stay clutter free!

Dollars Sense

A broken window is open THEan PAWN OPTIONdoor, a threat to human safety and property.

Donation centers accept clothing, Promoting the economic household items, books, linens, ™ A better environment inside and out. Reality TV has made pawnshops more popular than ever. While people do independence of disadvantaged toys, and furniture. Safety and Security Window Films: Success Stories sell items outright to pawn dealers, the true purpose of pawnshops is for women Multi-tenant by providing professional commercial property, Michigan attire and the career development +RESTORE - Habitat for owners to eventually get the items back. support to help women thrive in Humanity ReStores are nonprofit How Installation does a pawnSummary shop work? In the simplest terms, pawnshops grant work and life. home improvement stores and Problem: loans. You bring in an item. The pawnbroker assigns the item a value and gives Repeated break-ins donation centers selling new and Excessive heat and hot spots you a loan for a percentage of that value. The pawnbroker keeps the item until +GOODWILL - Servicing people gently used furniture, accessories, Solution: you pay Solar back Gard the loan and any associated fees. If you do not pay back the with disabilities, economic building materials, and appliances. Armorcoat 8 Mil Silver 35 loan in the designated amount of time, the item becomes the property of the disadvantages, and other barriers Amount of ﬁlm: 6,150 sq. ft. (571 sq. meters) to employment. Goodwill accepts +VIETNAM VETERANS OF pawnshop. For example, you bring in a Civil War era sword. The pawnbroker Beneﬁts: clothing, toys, accessories, furniture, AMERICA - Donations of clothing values itSecured at $100 windows and offersfrom you attempted a loan of $30 (30 percent of the sword’s break-ins and household items. and household items generates Rejected 43% of total solar energy value). You have 45 days to pay back the $30, along with any associated over 50 percent of the funding Dramatically reduced heat & glare fees. If you do not pay back the loan within that time, the sword becomes the Reduced HVAC load & utility costs +SAVERS – Partners with more for programs to help all veterans property of the pawnshop. than 140 nonprofit companies throughout the country. —Craig W. Armstrong to support the local charities. —Lisa Turner +DRESS FOR SUCCESS -

“After the 8 Mil ﬁlm was installed, attempted thieves were unable to enter the building and moved on to an easier target – the unprotected commercial property next door.”

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Windows often provide the entry point for break-ins. Within a matter of minutes, a burglar is able to smash a window, enter the building, damage property, snatch valuables and leave undetected before security can arrive. Repeated break-ins were a costly problem for the Blain Group’s 20,600 square foot (1,914 square meter) multitenant commercial property in Michigan. The 130 ﬂoorto-ceiling window panes displayed expensive ofﬁce

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The solar control benefits were immediately evident. Occupants instantly experienced increased comfort as the film rejected 43 percent of total solar energy and HVAC load. Safety capabilities were put to the test when a thief smashed the windows to break in, but was denied access. The film’s 8 Mil thickness and strong adhesive collectively held 10 shattered window panes securely in the frame. Armorcoat safety film formed a resilient barrier, and the intruder was forced to flee before attracting unwanted attention.

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control properties to keep heat out in summer even when the sun goes down. In winter, the Low-E properties also work to help reflect heat back into a room to keep it warm.

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Food Fococcia Bread with Red Onion &Basil 1 pound ready-to-use pizza or bread dough Handful of fresh basil, chopped (or substitute fresh sage for a twist) Sea salt and pepper to taste

¼ tsp garlic powder Cornmeal for dusting Olive oil for brushing 1 small red or white onion sliced into ringlets

Plant a Pizza Garden W

PLAN YOUR WAY ant a great way to spend First you need to plan the where, when, who, and what of your quality time garden plot. Devote a notebook or dry-erase board to your project, or with your family and find an app to help (Garden Plan WHEN: Create a simple chart teach them how a garden Pro is an app that makes it simple of when you will purchase and to design the perfect vegetable plot plant your veggies, with a watering can provide the foods for any space.) schedule. Check the library to make meals? Plant or online garden almanacs for a pizza! Sustainability WHERE: You need at least advice on when to plant specific 5-6 hours of full sun for vegetable “toppings.” It’s your project so you is all the rage, and this and herb plants to survive. Be own how detailed the plan should fun experiment proves realistic on the size of your project. be. A 6x4 foot raised bed is a great its worth by combining way to go. Or in keeping with WHO: If this is a family project, food, nature, and team the pizza theme, you can dig a then assigning tasks is the key to building. circular garden and wedge out its success. Perhaps each family

CONNECTICUT LIVING

member is responsible for one “ingredient.” Or you can create a watering and weeding schedule so all of the participants know when it’s their turn at a particular job.

Food

THINK ABOUT PLANTING THE FOLLOWING: Tomatoes (Annual) - Wait until after Mother’s Day to plant since tomatoes like warmth. And like basil, they

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Bell Peppers (Annual) - Peppers, like tomatoes, need warmth, so plant them when temperatures have reached at least 70 degrees. Like tomatoes, they will need the support of wire cages to flourish. Onions (Annual) - Plant in early spring (March) at least

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AZZURRA

itself so take advantage of its many uses—as a garnish, in a marinade, soup, salad, or as an aioli.

~ Faustini Family, Since 1972 ~

Oregano (Perennial) – The aromatic herb that gives pizza that wonderful extra touch of delicioso. Good fresh or dried.

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Food

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, & Thyme Unlike the difficult feats described in the famous ballad “Scarborough Fair” (“Tell her to make me a cambric shirt without a seam or needlework…”) these four popular herbs easily make dishes delicious.

ancient Greeks associated parsley with death. This bright green, leafy herb originated in southern Europe and has been used medicinally over the ages for both humans and animals. Favorite in: garnish, soups, salad dressings, and rubs.

➻ Parsley: Used so widely in our culture, it is hard to believe the

➻ Sage: Taken from an evergreen shrub in the mint family, the herb

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This & That CONSIGNMENT

Food

ONE STOp ShOppING fOr...

➻ Rosemary: Rosemary, an evergreen shrub of the mint family, originated in the Mediterranean. Legend has it that the Virgin Mary draped her blue cloak on a rosemary bush and placed a white flower on top of it during her flight from Egypt. During the night, the flower turned blue and the bush became known thereafter as the

“rose of Mary.” Favorite for: pork and lamb, flavoring nuts and oils, egg dishes, and as a rub. Branches can be used as skewers for grilled kabobs.

1995 MAIN STrEET STrATfOrD

➻ Thyme: Yet another leaf of a low-growing shrub of the mint family, thyme originated in southern Europe. Ancient Greeks considered thyme a mighty symbol of courage and sacrifice. Thyme has been used as a deterrent to nightmares, as a cleanser and disinfectant, and as an expectorant. Favorite for: roasted root vegetables (carrots), soups, and sorbets. —Lisa Turner

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originated in the Mediterranean. It has been used as an ingredient in cosmetic agents to darken hair, as a mouthwash gargle, and even as a main ingredient for the casting of magical spells. Favorite for: roasted poultry, buttered noodles, scones, and breads.

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With as much as 50 times the nutrients per ounce as their full-grown counterparts, microgreens truly are the new superfood. They make a gourmet addition to soups, salads, sandwiches, and more, as the beautifully photographed recipes in this book illustrate.

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up your home microgreen garden. Complete with delicious and easy recipes ranging from Shrimp Grilled in Fresh Basil Leaves to Microgreen Salad in Walnut Sauce. 31

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Food Herb Infused Nuts Great with olives, cheese, and bread as an appetizer, or alone as a snack. 2 cups raw walnuts or cashews 1 /8 cup extra virgin olive oil Sea salt and/or pepper to taste

One small bunch fresh rosemary, picked and finely chopped (disgard stems)

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until coarse. Drizzle in oil (or broth) while pulsing; should be smooth. If dry, add a little more oil. Salt and pepper to taste. • Toss with a pound of pasta or any grilled seafood. The parsley will add a fresh taste as well as extra color.

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