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PENDANT LIGHTING
MIX GLASS, METAL, WOOD FOR A MODERN LOOK
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L
ike jewelry for the home, pendant lighting not only provides much needed illumination but is the perfect finishing touch and a standout decorating trend. “Spring is the perfect time to embrace new lighting with the days getting longer and the weather getting warmer. We find that a glass pendant is the perfect light fixture to maximize brightness, and it’s a great, airy piece for spring days,” said Meredith Mahoney, Wayfair’s vice president of lifestyle brands. “While changing out smaller accessories and home accents such as decorative pillows can refresh a living space, we know that updating lighting within the home can instantly transform the mood and style of a favorite room. In fact, popular home makeover and renovation shows tend to first focus on lighting fixtures and collections – to improve the design and function of a space,” said Jennifer Kis, director of marketing communications for Progress Lighting. The advantage of pendant lighting is that it is “bold and bright, without being intrusive. One pendant can light up a whole room, without the expense of purchasing multiple light fixtures,” Mahoney said. While pendants can work in both intimate and grand spaces, they “can actually make a room look larger than it really is, especially with high ceilings,” Mahoney said. These hanging fixtures can range from tiny globes just inches in diameter to immense drum shades. One of the hottest trends now is to cluster pendants in groups to create your own chandelier, Kis said. “While grouping pendants in multiples of two or more is commonly seen in kitchen and vanity
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LIGHTING When hanging a pendant light, the size of the pendant, how much light it sheds onto the surface and the height of home inhabitants will all affect how high a pendant should be hung, Kis said: “On average, a pendant light should be approximately 30 inches above a countertop, kitchen island or bar area.” 2016 is the year of the statement pendant. Here are a few styles that are trending:
Vintage electric Edison-sourced fixtures, handcrafted accents and mixed metals are all common attributes within the vintage electric category, Mahoney said.
Mixed materials, metals
LIGHT FROM
ABOVE Pendants are spring’s chicest fixtures
applications, this trend is also born out of the need to cater to a home’s larger foyers and hallways as well as taller ceilings. At times, grouping pendants actually becomes a trend by necessity, because of the need to accommodate for the size. Using pendant groupings in place of a traditional chandelier can create a one of a kind focal point,” Kis said.
“Mixed fixtures are especially great because they appeal to a variety of different aesthetics, keeping the look fresh, and making a maximum impact in a cost-efficient way.” Jennifer Kis, Progress Lighting
“Mixed fixtures are especially great because they appeal to a variety of different aesthetics, keeping the look fresh, and making a maximum impact in a cost-efficient way,” Kis said. Think glass-meetsmetals or wood mixed with iron. “Different fixture finishes and accent colors are being combined to create unique and stunning looks in today’s homes – and lighting is no different. Archives and Cirrine are two examples of Progress Lighting collections that mix metals for a dramatically beautiful effect,” Mahoney said.
LED technology LED products offer cost-savings, high color output and low maintenance benefits. “Now individuals don’t have to decide between energy efficient and aesthetically beautiful fixtures for their homes” Kis said.
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HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR
TREES
Lawns and gardens tend to draw the bulk of homeowners’ attention come spring and summer. But it’s important that property owners tend to the trees that dot their property as well. The types of trees homeowners have on their property may influence when it’s time to trim and prune the trees. Homeowners concerned about tree maintenance should speak with local landscaping professionals and tree services about caring for the trees on their specific properties, but there are a few tricks to pruning trees that homeowners should keep in mind when dusting off their gardening tools. PRUNE AT THE RIGHT TIME. The Arbor Day Foundation® notes that pruning during dormancy (i.e., winter) is the most common practice. Pruning in late winter, after the season’s cold-
est temperatures have passed, can lead to impressive and healthy growth in the spring. The ADF advises that some trees, including maple and birches, may bleed sap during pruning. But this is normal and should cease as the tree starts to bloom. Novice landscapers should confirm with landscaping professionals about the best time to prune trees on their properties to ensure they are not inadvertently harming the trees or making them more vulnerable to fungus. USE APPROPRIATE TOOLS. When removing branches, use sharp tools to minimize damage to the bark. The ADF notes that young trees are best pruned with one-hand pruning shears with curved blades. For trees with high branches, use a pole pruner or hire a professional tree service. Novices should avoid anything too risky when pruning their trees, leaving the more difficult jobs to the professionals. FOLLOW THE RULES OF PRUNING. When pruning trees, the ADF advises homeowners follow the one-third and a quarter rules of pruning. In adherence to these rules, no more than a quarter of a tree’s crown is removed in a single season, and main side branches
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are at least one-third smaller than the diameter of the trunk. When trimming deciduous trees, homeowners should never prune up from the bottom more than one-third of the tree’s total height. Finally, where possible, homeowners should aim for side branches that form angles that are one-third off vertical to form 10 o’clock or 2 o’clock angles with the trunk. WATER CORRECTLY. Like lawns and gardens, trees need water to thrive. Insufficient watering can make it hard for trees to thrive in summer, but overwatering can be harmful, too. The ADF suggests that watering each tree for 30 seconds with a steady stream of water from a garden hose equipped with a diffuser nozzle should be sufficient. Newly planted trees may need more help as they try to establish deep root systems, so consider laying mulch around newly planted trees. Mulch helps the soil retain moisture and form deeper, stronger root systems. Trees maintenance should be a priority as homeowners once again start tending to their lawns and gardens. More information about caring for trees is available at www.arborday. org. GT164993
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SPRING
CLEANING TIPS & TRICKS
By: Sonya McDaniel
Extension Educator, Family Consumer Science
Maintaining a clean and clutter-free space can be a chore, both literally and figuratively. But, it is an important one, and after months of hibernating against winter’s chill, spring, with its warmer temperatures and budding trees, is the perfect time to tackle the challenge of freshening up your living space. “People spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, and a good portion of that is spent at home,” said Gina Peek, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension housing and consumer specialist. “Keeping your house in order makes living in the space more enjoyable and it reduces the risk of falling, which increase as we get older.” Peek suggested starting with a thorough walkthrough of the house to identify any areas that
THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • SPRING HOME & GARDEN
may require special attention, such as loose rugs, less-than-sturdy furniture, poor lighting and clear walking paths. Walkways, stairs and rooms where family members spend significant time should be well lit. Because shadows can be as much of a hazard as poor lighting, make sure the lighting is even. Since one of the most common home hazards is tripping over objects in the floor, make sure walkways and floors are clear. Also, use a tape measure to ensure there is plenty of room to maneuver around and in between furniture. Generally, allow 18 inches between coffee tables and couches and chairs. Meanwhile, leave 32 inches around furniture and stationary items in areas such as kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms, which should provide plenty of space for everyone to move easily, including people with assistive devices such as walkers and wheelchairs. For anyone interested in taking a more structured approach to spring cleaning, Peek recommended the KonMarie method. “The idea behind KonMarie is to discard of all your clutter during one concentrated effort over a short period of time, which will lead to instant results that will inspire you to continue to keep your home in order,” Peek said. This all-in-one-go approach is based on the international best-selling book “The CLEANING continued on page 6
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CLEANING continued from page 5 Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” by Marie Kondo. The KonMarie method essentially involves two steps: discarding unwanted items and deciding where to store the remaining items. “As you’re sorting through items, keep only the things that spark joy, speak to your heart or bring you happiness,” Peek said. “Finish discarding items first, then concentrate on finding space for the items you decided to keep.” During the decluttering process, tackle categories of items rather than specific rooms or spaces in the home. For each category, collect everything that belongs in that grouping before sorting and discarding. For best results, begin with clothes, then move on to books, papers and miscellaneous items before finishing up with mementos. “Beginning with your clothing helps you get used to making decisions about what to keep and what to discard,” Peek said. “Ideally, by the time you get to your mementos, you’ll be comfortable deciding what stays and what goes.” After attending a February workshop led by Peek about the KonMarie method, Pat Tucker was impressed enough to purchase the book. “I liked what she had to say and I’m sort of working on it. It’s a big undertaking. I’ve lived in this house since 1979,” she said. Tucker was drawn to the event, in part, because, while a recent community service project involving making pillowcases for children with cancer made a dent in her collection of fabric, there was more down-
sizing to do. Though surprised by the suggestion of piling up all her clothes and belongings first before sorting and organization, she sees the value in the approach. “I couldn’t imagine that in 100 years, but I hope somebody realizes that’s probably the way to go,” Tucker said. Peek acknowledged most people are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of their possessions and the idea of piling it up and sorting through it all at once could be daunting, but there is a method to this particular flavor of madness. “As overwhelming as it might seem, gathering all the items in a certain category is important to the process. It gives you a good idea of just how much stuff you have and makes your efforts at eliminating clutter that much more effective,” she said. It is important, too, to keep in mind the ultimate goal of an organizing effort based on the KonMarie method goes well beyond gaining a sparkling home. “Really this is about surrounding yourself with the items that make you the happiest and give you the greatest joy,” Peek said. Oklahoma State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, state and Local Government’s cooperating. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran and is an equal opportunity employer. If you have questions concerning this topic or related topics, please contact the OSU Extension Center at 273-7683, stop by the office, or visit our website: http://countyext.okstate.edu/pottawatomie/
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Fences can provide privacy and transform backyards into calming places to relax and unwind. But fences also may lead to disputes with neighbors if installation is not carried out with etiquette. Always place the fence within your property lines, which can be determined by examining a land survey for your home. Inform your neighbors of your intention to erect a fence, and give any concerns they might have substantial consideration. Face the more aesthetically appealing side of the fence outward to the street and to neighbors' yards. In addition, maintain the fence once it is installed so it does not become a neighborhood eyesore that irks your neighbors.
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A
re your kitchen cabinets looking
a little worn? Do you have a favorite piece of furniture or a new second-hand treasure that’s seen better days? For a pretty pick-me-up, give your furniture or cabinets a fresh face-lift with a new paint job. “Giving your cabinets a makeover is a surefire way to renew and refresh the look of any room,” said Sarah Fishburne, director of trend and design at The Home Depot. “It’s fun and easy to create something that’s all your own. And, you can do your part to save furniture from ending of in a landfill,” said Michelle Shen, spokeswoman for Valspar paint, which is sponsoring the Valspar Rehab Project (Valsparpaint.com/ rehabproject) offering inspiration for a number of forgotten furniture transformations including dressers, cabinets and tables. All it takes is a little love, time and a fresh coat of
paint, Shen said.
Where to start Updating cabinetry doesn’t have to be a major cost or time investment. “Projects like painting and staining are great for beginners who are looking to hone their DIY skills. The first step is determining the project piece and inspiration,” Fishburne said. “Both Furniture Paint and Cabinet Enamel require minimal prep time, no special application procedure and easy soap and water clean-up, so are both great for first-timers. Most surfaces won’t require sanding, but it is important to thoroughly clean and dry the piece before beginning and make sure to allow appropriate dry time – two hours between coats and three days after final coat –before using,” Shen said. Before starting, be sure you have all the materials you need, from drop cloths and DECOR continued on page 9
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GARDEN Here are a few tips to embrace wildlife-friendly landscaping and make native plantings look less messy: Use selective mowing Thin strips of mowed lawn will indicate that the yard is actively cared for and create natural pathways. “Maybe you’re only mowing 25 percent of the yard but it’s all about where it’s placed,” Iverson Nassauer. Use strips like walkways through the yard and in areas bordering driveways or sidewalks.
A GUIDE TO NATIVE
LANDSCAPING Get an eco-friendly, neighbor-friendly yard
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oing native in your landscaping is becoming more popular as homeowners develop a greater understanding of its benefits, and understand some tips and tricks for making this style of yard look a little more tame. Whether you’re trying out the trend on a small scale or ditching the lawn entirely, you’ve got to do it with care or you might hear disparaging remarks from your neighbors. Wildlife-friendly landscaping has a reputation for being a little too wild for some. One of the biggest complaints is that native plantings are weed-like and grow too tall, dangling onto sidewalks and brushing up on passers-by. “People make inferences about who lives in a house by what they see outside the house,”
said Joan Iverson Nassauer, a professor of landscape architecture at the University of Michigan. “In our culture we allow much more creativity inside the home that outside. Your yard speaks to your neighbors. If they think the yard is neglected, they’ll think your home is, too,” Iverson Nassauer. There is enormous pressure to conform and have a cookie-cutter, basic grass lawn, but the benefits of native plantings are many, Iverson Nassauer said. Native plantings provide a habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife, prevent invasive plants from taking hold, and often require lower maintenance and less water and use fewer pesticides, said Jacob Johnston, a project assistant with YardMap, an endeavor at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to map global conservation efforts one parcel at a time. The trend is increasingly being embraced in drought-stricken areas, Johnston said.
WIKIPEDIA
Don’t just plant – design Space plants wisely by taking into account your planting zone. Too far apart and plants will not fill in, but too close together and plants will look crowded and messy, Iverson Nassauer said. Other tips include clustering plants to create a rhythm, mixing woody and herbaceous plants, and adding a linear element like a low wall or shrubs planted in rows. Also consider planting at high (trees and shrubs) and low (shorter annuals or grasses) levels for visual impact.
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Favor flowers Opt for plants that have “larger, brighter flowers,” because Iverson Nassauer’s research suggests that tiny flowers on native plants are often mistaken for weeds. “Native plants can have shorter seasons, and it is best to plant a wide variety to provide blooms and cover all summer or all year,” Johnston said.
Avoid droopy plants “Larger clumps or tight groupings will help tall plants support themselves better. Also, tiered vegetation with short plants along the paths or edges, getting consecutively taller towards the back or the middle if the garden is more circular, will save trimming and provide better viewing access all around,” Johnston said. One last thing to consider is control of windblown seeds. “Harvest that type of seed as soon as possible or cut before seeding” to keep seeds from spreading where they’re not wanted, Johnston said.
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news-star.com Shawnee News-Star DECOR continued from page 7 sandpaper to rollers and cleaning chemicals, and to follow all of the products’ instructions relating to application and dry time, Fishburne said. “Staining is a little more of a challenge, requiring more elbow grease. Stripping, sanding and restaining wood takes some time, but it will change the whole look without the cost of replacement,” Fishburne said.
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THE SHAWNEE NEWS-STAR • SPRING HOME & GARDEN
Fishburne said. Or, give existing hardware a new look with a fresh coat of spray paint in a stylish metallic or contrasting pop of color, Shen said. The Valspar Rehab Project encourages homeowners to think about repurposing. “With a little creativity, an abandoned table could become a desk, a cabinet transformed into a bathroom vanity, a dresser into a family room entertainment center. There are no rules!” Shen said.
Choosing a look For inspiration, “neutral palettes that feature a rich tonal layering of color,” such as those in the charcoal, gray and tinted white families, continue to trend, “which help energize spaces, making them feel crisp and clean. … Color is a very individualized preference, but we expect to see more people experimenting with color in 2016,” Fishburne said. For instant character and charm, paint on some nostalgia with a coat of antique or crackle glaze, Shen said. “Chalkboard paint is also a great option for rehabbing dated furniture into a fun and functional accent piece. Just be sure to start with a smooth surface to create a smooth writing surface,” she said. Another inexpensive and easy option to spruce up cabinets is adding new hardware. Try mixing in metal hardware for a fresh look,
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
“Projects like painting and staining are great for beginners who are looking to hone their DIY skills. The first step is determining the project piece and inspiration.” Sarah Fishburne, The Home Depot
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HIRING
FINDING THE RIGHT
MEN FOR THE JOB
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Good handymen and -women are hard to find. Here’s how By Melissa Erickson More Content Now
H
ome ownership is not just a financial responsibility; it also requires continued time and labor. For overworked or overwhelmed homeowners, a handyman can help keep a house well cared-for and running smoothly — if you can find one. “A handyman is a kind of endangered species,” said Glenn Haege, “America’s Master Handyman” and host of Detroit’s Handyman Show on the radio. “The hardest part is finding one,” said Haege, who has more than 30 years’ experience in the home improvement industry. For the spring, there are plenty of jobs that need to get done, many involving the anticipated move from indoor to outdoor living, Haege said. From cleaning lawn furniture to refinishing a deck, window repairs, caulking, replacing weather stripping, resealing driveways, replacing air conditioning filters and checking attic fans, “a handyman can do all the things a homeowner doesn’t have the time or expertise for,” Haege said.
What they can help with Consider a skilled handyman a jack of all trades, someone who is capable of a wide range of repairs and home improvement jobs, from cleaning out bathroom drains to tuckpointing a chimney, landscaping to installing kitchen cabinets. Some handymen have been self-trained while others may be taking jobs on the side or after retiring from work as home inspectors or facilities managers of huge companies, Haege said. The term handyman is loosely defined, and the requirements of a handyman
vary from state to state. For example, Texas requires a handyman license while New Jersey requires a handyman to register with the state and carry insurance. Some states like California don’t even recognize handyman as a trade, said Flash Shelton, founder of the United Handyman Association, which offers certification to limit the risk to homeowners. Certification includes background screening of both the individual and business, references, and proof of business license and insurance. “A handyman fills an important gap” tackling projects that are often considered too small for general contractors but too big or troublesome for homeowners, Haege said. Whether you live in a small condo or a sprawling mansion, “there is a really big need for handymen,” said Haege, who often hears from consumers that they reached out to three or four handymen before getting a call returned.
Check them out Your best bet for hiring a handyman is to visit your local hardware store and check out if there is a postings wall with handymen looking for work. “Go inside and talk to the manager. Ask, ‘Do you know this guy?’” Haege said. This approach may work better at some stores like Ace Hardware, which are all independently owned, he said. Talking with friends and neighbors and asking around at church or community groups can also put you in touch with a qualified handyman, Haege said. Next, you’ll need to check them out a bit. Get a copy of their driver’s license, and for bigger jobs or an ongoing relationship be sure they have active insurance. Get the name of their insurance carrier
and request a copy of insurance. If a handyman is unwilling or unable to provide these things, he or she is not the person for the job. “You have to do your vetting. You’re letting this person into your home,” Haege said. While bigger projects like painting the exterior of a home may be charged by the job, smaller jobs can be bundled together and charged on an hourly basis to save money. Some families like to have their handyman come by once a month or quarterly to tackle smaller jobs such as fixing a leaky faucet, putting a sliding glass door back on track and installing a new light fixture all in one trip. handyman is to visit your local hardware store and check out if there is a postings wall with handymen looking for work. “Go inside and talk to the manager. Ask, ‘Do you know this guy?’” Haege said. This approach may work better at some stores like Ace Hardware, which are all independently owned, he said. Talking with friends and neighbors and
asking around at church or community groups can also put you in touch with a qualified handyman, Haege said. Next, you’ll need to check them out a bit. Get a copy of their driver’s license, and for bigger jobs or an ongoing relationship be sure they have active insurance. Get the name of their insurance carrier and request a copy of insurance. If a handyman is unwilling or unable to provide these things, he or she is not the person for the job. “You have to do your vetting. You’re letting this person into your home,” Haege said. While bigger projects like painting the exterior of a home may be charged by the job, smaller jobs can be bundled together and charged on an hourly basis to save money. Some families like to have their handyman come by once a month or quarterly to tackle smaller jobs such as fixing a leaky faucet, putting a sliding glass door back on track and installing a new light fixture all in one trip.
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TOP 5 HOME PROJECTS TO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY
(MS) — It’s remodeling season, and with so many projects on the to-do list, which should you tackle first? While some projects provide great long-term return on investment, a few simple ones can provide instant savings. Here are the top home spring projects to help you save money: Caulk around windows and doors — Stop air leaks around your home by sealing existing gaps and cracks. Use caulking or weather stripping around doors and windows. Installing a door sweep is also a good idea. Insulate your home — Use insulation with a high R-value, such as Roxul Comfortbatt, which can be used to top up insulation in your attic. Aim for an R-value of 50 or a depth of 16 inches. For whole home efficiency, ensure other areas of your home, such as crawl spaces, basement headers,
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news-star.com Shawnee News-Star walls and ceilings, are well insulated. It will keep your house cool in the warm weather and take the stress off your air conditioning unit. Clean your AC unit — Come spring, it’s not uncommon to find an air conditioner’s condenser and compressor blocked up with dirt and debris. This can result in greater stress on the unit, causing it to work harder. Giving it a thorough cleaning is easy and can help maximize your AC unit’s service life while minimizing your energy bill. Plant trees — Direct sunlight can heat up surfaces and building materials, as well as the interior temperature of your home. Consider planting trees in strategic locations to provide shade and reduce cooling costs. Install a rain barrel — Water is an important, but costly resource. Installing a rain barrel is an easy and affordable measure to reduce your water consumption, while keeping your lawn and garden looking great. These simple home maintenance tasks can be well worth the effort, potentially providing hundreds of dollars in annual savings. TF163977
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Earthquake insurance — do you need it? By: Sonya McDaniel
Extension Educator, Family Consumer Science
While Oklahoma used to be known as the state with the wind sweeping down the plains, it is becoming more recognized as the shake, rattle and roll state. Oklahoma surpassed California in number of annual earthquakes last year, said Sissy Osteen, Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension resource management Specialist. “It’s not just the ground that is getting rattled—so are our nerves. The increase in incidences of earthquakes is alarming to many people,” Osteen said. “Hearing statistics about the frequency of earth- quakes and the possibility of the big one is enough to make some people think of relocating.” For the rest of the residents who plan on staying put, decisions and checks need to be made to make sure you can stay and minimize the risk. Osteen said there are two specific areas that need to addressed - earthquake insurance and family protection. “We’re all familiar with insurance. Most of us have some type of homeowner’s insurance, life insurance, and insurance on our
vehicles,” she said. “Insurance is designed for catastrophic losses or those that would either be unaffordable would place a real strain on the family.” Unfortunately, earthquake damage is not covered under a typical homeowner’s policy. The kind of insurance that will cover earthquake damage can be purchased as an addition to your current homeowner’s coverage. Also, it also may be purchased separately from any insurance company that carries the policy. Generally, earthquake insurance is not very expensive and can usually be purchased for $150 or less per year. However, the deductible is calculated on a percentage of the insured property’s value and runs between 2 percent and 10 percent. This means a home worth $150,000 could have a deductible of up to $15,000 per occurrence of damage. According to the Oklahoma Insurance Department website (www.ok.gov/oid), deter mining whether you need earthquake insurance is a matter of what you could afford if you needed to recover from an earthquake. Things to keep in mind include the cost of temporary housing, mortgage payments and any home equity loans. The OID indicates brick homes, wood frame homes with crawl spaces and multistory homes are
more likely to suffer serious damage. “There is confusion over whether insurance is needed and even for those who have insurance it’s difficult to know what it covers. The OID has information on coverage, exclusions and other consumer information,” Osteen said. “The OID also issued a bulletin in October 2015 asking for clarification from the insurance companies on whether or not the coverage they offer covers damage caused by fracking, so holders of earthquake insurance should have received the clarification by now.” Just as families make emergency plans for other natural disasters such as flood and tornadoes, get a plan together for what you and your family will do in the event of an earthquake. Talk about it and practice. Earthquakes happen suddenly and without warning so it’s important to look around every room and decide what measures you would take to protect yourself. More information about earthquake pre-
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paredness is available at http://www.ready. gov/earthquakes. Oklahoma State University, U. S. Department of Agriculture, state and Local Government’s cooperating. The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, disability, or status as a veteran and is an equal opportunity employer. If you have questions concerning this topic or related topics, please contact the OSU Extension Center at 273-7683, stop by the office, or visit our website: http://countyext.okstate.edu/pottawatomie/
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