18 minute read
Home & Garden
Goodbye white! Bold colors are in!
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Vintage pieces are being used more.
IN or OUT
The latest in design trends
BY JENNY GOLDSBERRY
People are spending more time than ever in their homes. The emergence and popularity of remote work is keeping some at home for even their working hours. When schools close temporarily, the home becomes the classroom for children. More and more people are opting to order in rather than eat out, turning their own dining rooms into personal restaurants. That’s why home design is more important than ever: people are greatly influenced by an environment. The colors of the wall can influence moods, furniture can give the appearance of a more spacious room, and lights can bring warmth and welcome. Often, one can’t appreciate good design until they suffer living in badly designed homes. Instead of experiencing the positive influences, they only know the flip side of the coin.
Here’s a list of trends that are in and out: Design Trends In:
k Sculptural architecture, sculptural lighting, sculptural furniture: all of it is on trend. This is your chance to display unique shapes all throughout your home. In fact, worldwide travel begins opening again; take this opportunity to display some of your finds from international vacations. Display Roman sculptured candle holders from
Italy, a Buddhist lantern from Japan, or any number of international sculptures. You’ll be trending while also sparking conversations about your recent travels. k Along those same lines, Italian plaster is also in. Today, it is possible to paint your home with the same stucco-like texture that is present all over ancient Italian architecture.
This look can come in all sorts of colors, so if you’d like to stick to white walls over a loud color, you’ll still be on trend. k Don’t throw out your antiques either because they’re in too. “The ‘new style’ is called ‘grand millennial,’” interior designer Rachel Driggs explains. “Classic interiors with unique pieces you could only find in your grandma’s house. It’s amazing!” Finally, a sustainable practice of reusing vintage furniture is popular again.
k Dual purpose rooms are also on the rise. With many working remotely, no one will blink an eye at a work desk in the living room. Now that we’re spending more time than ever at home, it is very popular to use every amount of space available for many purposes. k Trendy homes are opting for shades of brown over most other colors. It’s a part of the overall trend of natureinspired decor. Don’t be afraid of leafy wallpaper, textured rugs, or earthy tones because they’re all in. The more your home reflects a jungle escape, the trendier it can be. k Since sharp, 90-degree angles aren’t often found in nature, soft, round, and curved shapes are in. You can implement a rounded arch in a doorway or around a fireplace.
The right kind of furniture can also achieve this look. k If these trends so far seem boring, no need to fear. It is also on trend to mix in bold colors and unique materials.
Leather, as it often is, remains on trend. Get creative in mixing nature-inspired textures with other fabrics and materials. k Finally, up-and-coming artwork is increasingly more popular than its well-known counterparts. Often, new art can start new, exciting conversations when displayed for the first time in a home. Here at Connection Publishing, we hold an art and photography contest between local artists every year, and it’s a great place to find up-and-coming talent. I’ve purchased some pieces from previous winners myself, and no matter where I bring them, they remind me of home. They also open the door to conversations with my house guests about Utah culture and history. k With it, go open floor plans. Like we’ve discussed, rooms are better when used in dual-purpose ways. You’ll still be on trend if your rooms are slightly more crowded rather than open and bare. With so many people working from home, many people have realized that they don’t want anything in their home that doesn’t serve a specific purpose. Useless chachkas will clutter your already semi-crowded dualpurpose rooms. Things that add beauty or function are still in but beware of the line between useful and useless. k Speaking of useless, chef’s kitchens are no longer trending. We’re often ordering in and eating together at the same time nowadays, so there’s no use for an industrial-looking kitchen over the function of a kitchen that allows for gatherings. Make sure you have room for your family and friends before pursuing a kitchen makeover.
This article might have encouraged you to donate some home decor, but remember, a lot of these pieces can also be purchased at the same donation center you visit. Maybe you could even swap some pieces with your friends and family. There’s no need to break the bank to stay on trend.
WE WANT TO SEE!
If you try any of these trends, take pictures and send them to us via our website! They just might be featured in our issue next year.
Design Trends Out:
k When it comes to framing art and photos, ornate, weighty frames are out. It’s a money-saving trend because, as you’re purchasing art or print, you can have a bigger budget for the art itself and buy a simple frame. Maybe you’ll even find you can fit more on your walls with lighter frames. k To the relief of many, the trend of all white everything is no longer trending. “It has been really popular, but it seems like people are tiring of the all-white everything,” Rachel says. That adds up to less time spent cleaning a bright, white space. k Just like round shapes are in, sharp edges are out.
Particularly, boxy sofas are no longer popular. You can replace them with structural seating, like discussed above. k The super minimalistic look is on its way out.
On the following pages you’ll find helpful info from local home and garden experts.
White everything is no longer trending!
Home & Garden LAWN CARE
MAKE YOUR LAWN THRIVE!
“We have had the greenest and most plush lawn of our entire adult lives the last two years. We tried all the do-it-yourself fertilizer programs and tried to stay on top of the weeds on our own for 20 years. Our yard was nice, it was mostly green, but it wasn’t plush, and the weed battle was nonstop! However, since we have met Zach, Roxanne, and the team at Green Castle, our grass has been awesome and the weed free despite only being able to water a couple of times a week because of the drought. We love our Green Castle
Lawn Care.” -loyal Green Castle customer
Unlike many of the traditional lawn care programs found today, Green Castle takes an approach more like what many golf courses and sports turf managers follow. Most of the traditional lawn care programs rely on quickrelease products for quick results. Most times, this isn’t what is best for your lawn and can actually make lawns “top heavy,” meaning they are not as healthy as the top layer might temporarily show. If you treat lawns right, you will treat not only the grass but the roots and the soil for longlasting, healthy, plush lawns and prevent weeds and many diseases in your area. The most popular option is their six-step program. It starts with an early spring application and a late spring application; both contain balanced fertilizer application and crabgrass, pre-emergent, and broadleaf weed control. Then perform two summer applications, both with summer fertilizer application and broadleaf weed control, followed by the fall/winter treatments that help prepare your lawn for overwintering and the next year. An additional service they provide is pest control, which can protect your lawn against grub damage and protect your homes from pesky, bothersome insects such as spiders and ants. Obviously, problems can still arise, and Green Castle encourages their customers to communicate if problems occur. Remember, Green Castle only sees your lawn fivesix times per year; you see it every day. If problems are caught early, they are able to take care of them quickly. A great lawn only happens with great communication between you and Green Castle. Zach, the owner of Green Castle, told me that if you really want the best lawn, you should have a soil test done, which runs $20-40. The results from this test will arm you and Green Castle with the information needed for the best treatment for your lawn. He also indicated that mowing properly includes leaving the grass three inches tall in the heat of the summer and then dropping it down to one and a half inches in the fall before the snow comes will help you maintain a beautiful lawn.
This locally owned business has been in business for 20 years and has the expertise to get a lawn green and healthy. They know the right formulas for your area and how to make your lawn thrive!
GREEN CASTLE LAWN CARE
801-605-8307 greencastlelawncare.com
We have the expertise to get your lawn green & healthy!
CUSTOM GARAGE FLOORING
Home & Garden
OUR 1-DAY FLOORING PROCESS
Every garage floor is different and requires various methods and products for application. That is why
we customize our work and products to fit each and every project. We offer several different colors to fit the design and functionality you need for your garage, and are committed to providing a beautiful product when we are finished. Your garage should not only be stylish, but should also be functional. Depending on your needs, we can provide floors that are damage resistant, slip resistant, and durable against spills and drops. Your garage is put through a lot over the years and keeping is protected can help reduce the maintenance and repairs needed in the future.
All of our services and products are affordable and provide effective solutions to make your garage floors safer, more functional, and much more beautiful. We follow a very specific process to ensure every garage floor meets our customers needs and is up to perfect standards.
TRANSFORM YOUR GARAGE FLOOR IN JUST ONE DAY!
Our garage floor looks amazing! Not only was the team thorough and professional, they were quick and friendly too. They were super responsive and Victor was so great to work with. Highly recommend! Devan N.
385.220.7947 coatthewasatch.com
Before
After
Home & Garden ROOF CARE
OIL CHANGE FOR YOUR ROOF
We don’t even question it. We get oil changes for our vehicles. Without clean oil, things get messed up in an engine. Asphalt shingles are similar. They are a
petroleum-based product that is designed to protect your home. Over time, the natural oils evaporate and dry out, which makes the shingles less flexible; they become brittle and lose their top protective granule coating.The asphalt also becomes less sticky, which means they don’t hold together as well and the water proofing can become compromised. Eventually, you will have to replace them, but Roof Maxx® can get you extra time and save you money! We call Roof Maxx® the oil change for shingles. Roof Maxx® is a soy methyl ester compound that is an all-natural bio oil made from soybean oil. When sprayed on asphalt shingles, it absorbs into the shingle and replenishes the oils that have dried out over time. This rejuvenates the shingles and makes them perform like new again. In fact, studies show that older shingles perform at 75%-80% of a new shingle after a Roof Maxx treatment. They are flexible, sticky, and hold on to the protective coating better after treatment. This renewal will last for at least five years guaranteed, and shingles will take up to three treatments before needing to be replaced. Because roofmaxx is 75%-80% cheaper than a new roof, it will save you money. Plus, Roof Maxx® comes with a five-year warranty and is transferable to new owners if you sell your house. This keeps thousands of pounds of roof waste out of the landfill, all while saving you money. With the increase in construction material costs, now is the perfect time to focus on maintaining your roof instead of replacing it. Roof Maxx of Ogden is your local dealership. If your roof is seven years old or older, you may qualify for Roof Maxx® treatment. We offer a free assessment and inspection. We also offer a roof tune-up which includes reinserting backed out nails, tarring or siliconing gaps and potential leak spots, and replacing pipe vent weather collars. We can even complete small repairs, like replacing shingles that have torn off. Our goal is to help your roof last as long as possible, saving you money.
Roof Maxx is an amazing breakthrough in roofing maintenance technology that will help your roof last longer and protect what matters most within the walls of your home.
ROOF MAXX
801-823-5092 roofmaxx.us/ogden-ut
Add five years of life to your roof right away!
Home & Garden REAL ESTATE
NAVIGATING THE CURRENT REAL ESTATE MARKET
While some describe the process of trying to sell or buy a home in the current environment as overwhelming, everyone knows that the real estate market has been competitive the last 2 years. We reached out to recently voted “Ogden’s Favorite Realtor” and “Weber County’s Favorite Realtor” Ashley Wolthuis with RE/MAX Associates to see if she could give us any tips on successfully navigating real estate.
QUESTION: What is one thing that both buyers and sellers can do right now to prepare to enter the real estate market?
Ashley Wolthuis: Learn your market. If you are planning on selling your house compare it to others that have recently sold or are currently listed. How does your house compare? Does it have the same features and is it in the same condition as those that sold for top dollar? Are there any repairs or updating needed to make it more comparable to those houses that have sold for your goal price? If so, will the cost of making those repairs or updates still give you a return on your investment? Not every upgrade or remodeling project will pay off to the point that it is worth the investment of time and money. Knowing what matters most to buyers right now and which investments to make that will have the biggest impact on the overall value of your home will be key to a successful sale.
If you are planning on buying a home, you also want to learn your market. Once you are preapproved for a loan and know your budget, look at homes that are currently available and have recently sold to see what the housing options are within your desired budget. What kind of offers have other successful buyers in the same price range made? What are sellers wanting and expecting to see in the offers they receive?
QUESTION: This is all really good advice, but how can the average homeowner or buyer learn all of this?
Ashley Wolthuis: The easiest way is to start working with an experienced real estate agent. Interview agents and ask to see their past sales and how they compare with others in your market. How long have they been an agent? How varied is their experience? There is also a new Home App that I have been sharing with my clients which allows current homeowners to compare their homes to those that have recently sold and will help them track real estate activity in their neighborhood. Buyers can use the same app to see what homes they have been watching are selling for and for finding currently available homes. I think apps like this will be one of the greatest tools for keeping people up to date about real estate. The app is free and available to anyone. Just scan the QR code below to get started.
If you have questions about this app, the market or your particular real estate needs contact Ashley Wolthuis at 801-391-8503 or follow her on Instagram at @Ashley_ Wolthuis_Realtor or through her Facebook Group, Northern Utah Home Elements.
ASHLEY WOLTHUIS, REALTOR
801-391-8503 theelementsofrealestate.com
More than opening doors!
A message from The Weber Communities That Care Coalition (Weber CTC)
Meet the New Weber CTC Coalition Coordinator
Hello, everyone! My name is Madeline Robles, and I am the new Coalition Coordinator for the Weber Communities that Care (CTC) Coalition. I am absolutely thrilled to be working with Weber CTC and the wonderful communities Weber CTC serves.
I am originally from Cache Valley. I have spent the last several years in Southern Utah, where I attended Southern Utah University (SUU). I loved my time in Southern Utah but am very excited to be back north. After graduating from SUU, I got involved in coalition work. I helped coordinate a substance abuse and suicide prevention coalition in Beaver County for almost three years. While working with that community, I realized that I have a love and passion for coalition work. I feel so lucky that I get to move closer to my family AND I get to continue doing something that I love to do. I really love the vision statement that was created by the Weber CTC and so I want to share that with you: “The Weber CTC is a caring community that harnesses resources to support all youth by engaging families, schools, and the community through education and connectedness, working to prevent youth substance use and suicide in our community.” I hope to have the chance to connect with as many of you as possible, as soon as possible! If you want to learn more about our upcoming
events or how to get involved, please visit one of the websites below.
OGDEN’S ONLY PREMIER MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT SHOP
camping • backpacking • trail running • climbing skiing • snowboarding • touring • rentals
1931 S. Washington Blvd. GEARTHIRTY.COM
Ogden, UT. PREMIER • MOUNTAIN • EQUIPMENT
Log Cabin Home
WRITTEN AND PERFORMED BY WILLIAM BAILEY From “Life of William Bailey by Elsie C. & Joseph T. Bailey”
The tall pines waved, the winds loudly roared, No matter, keep digging away. The wild flowers blossomed around the log cabin door, Where we sit after mining all the day. Few more days and our mining all will end, The canyons so rich will be dry. The tools on the bank shall be left for friends, Then my log cabin home, goodbye. Mine no more, oh never more but play We’ll always remember the log cabin home far away.
By the old fire place we are chatting with delight, By the blaze of the sugar pine tree. The old cooking tools shall be left in the camp, All ready to bake and to fry. They all may be used by some miner on a tramp, Then my log cabin home, goodbye.
We’ll hunt no more for the grissy in the nook, The diggers will soon leave behind, We’ll drink once more from the clear crystal brook, As around the log cabin it winds.
The old oak tree under which the cabin stands, All shady at noon where we lie. One fond look at the old oak so grand, And my log cabin home, goodbye.
WHY AUTO INSURANCE COSTS ARE ON THE RISE
By: Michael V. - Acuity
INSURANCE CARRIERS
Acuity Auto-Owners Insurance Bear River Mutual Blue Cross Blue Shield Central Insurance Companies Germantown Mutual Insurance Company Markel Insurance Company Mutual of Enumclaw Insurance Progressive Safeco Insurance Select Health The Cincinnati Insurance Companies Travelers USLI WCF Insurance
Call for a FREE
QUOTE TODAY!
It seems like everything is getting more expensive these days, and that includes auto insurance. According to a recent study by the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, there are many reasons why this is happening. Here are five of them:
More drivers. The U.S. population has grown 10% over the past decade, bringing the number of licensed drivers to 230 million. More drivers equal more auto accidents—there are over 6 million crashes a year, and that number continues to climb.
Driving behavior. People are driving faster, and speeding increases the severity of accidents when they happen. Drivers are also facing more distractions than ever before, with nearly 1/6 of crashes caused by distracted driving. And, despite the use of ride-sharing services and education about the risks of impaired driving, 10,000 lives were lost in 2019 due to driving under the influence. Inflation. With new technology, modern cars are safer than ever, but high-tech vehicles are more expensive to repair. The average cost of a car repair has risen 8% since 2019. Additionally, hospital services have climbed over 46% since 2010.
Extreme weather. Bad weather can lead to accidents, and cars can also be damaged by natural events, especially when parked on the street. Auto claims due to weather and natural disasters are up 4% over the last decade. Theft. In 2020, auto thefts increased by 9.2%. Each year, fraud costs insurance companies billions of dollars in loss as well.
Acuity works hard to keep insurance costs under control. We work closely with repair shops and were named a top company for claims service by them! We also offer Replacement Benefits Coverage on cars, so you don’t have to worry in the unfortunate event you have an accident. Additionally, we returned millions of dollars in rate relief to our personal auto customers through discounts during the COVID pandemic.
