Skagit
HomE style & Garden
FALL 2017
A Home Improvement Guide
A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and Anacortes American
goskagit.com
Skagit Publishing LLC
HOME style & Garden Fall 2017
1
Did you know? Skagit Bank Offers:
FHA, USDA, Home Possible, and VA Loans
®
First Time
Home Buyer We have the Right Home Loan Program for You We make the process of buying or building your first home simple. Our Home Loan Team is here to help guide you through the journey of buying your first home. Ask us how.
Genuine Lasting Relationships (800) 246-4402 | SKAGITBANK.COM
2
HOME style & GardEn Fall 2017
Skagit Publishing LLC
goskagit.com
ContentS 4 Tidy Back-to-School Transitioning
10 - 11 Mix up Something Eclectic
5-6 Prepare Your Home for Storm Season
12 Stylish Storage for Renters
7 Enjoy Your Outdoor Kitchen All Year Round
13 - 14 Improvements for Independence
8-9 Room-by-room Renovations
SKAGIT PUBLISHING
1215 Anderson Road Mount Vernon, WA 98274 ads@skagitads.com P: 360.424.3251 | F: 360.424.5300 Restocking: 360.424.3251 ©2017 by Skagit Publishing LLC All rights reserved.
Real Wood Real Quality
BUY - SELL - TRADE used building materials
360.416.3399
919 Riverside Dr. | Mt. Vernon www.nwff.com | 360. 424.8455 1508878
goskagit.com
17994 SR 536 Mount Vernon
Where your house becomes your home. Skagit Publishing LLC
1657476
Dining | Bedroom | Entertainment | Home Office | Upholstery
DOORS • WINDOWS • PLUMBING TILE • ELECTRICAL • MILLWORK CABINETS • LUMBER FLOORING • MASONARY PERIOD PIECES AND MUCH MORE
usedbuildingmaterials.com HOME style & GardEn Fall 2017
3
clothes and items that no longer fit. It can help you see what is needed and ultimately make it easier for them to get dressed in the morning.
tidy back-to-School tranSitioninG
Get your command center in tip top shape. Set up a system for storing important paperwork and create a centralized family calendar to help coordinate everyone’s schedules.
ith shopping that needs to be done and supplies that need to be gathered for busy days ahead, preparing for the back-toschool season can descend into near chaos for many parents. When long school days leave little time for organization and decluttering, any home can quickly become a mess. According to a survey conducted by ClosetMaid, 92 percent of parents describe their kids as messy. Among those same parents, 80 percent give their kids chores and about half of them end up doing the work themselves to ensure it’s done properly. Two out of three of the parents surveyed said their children’s messiness
Michelle Moser, RPh
often leaves them in bad moods. Considering one of the hardest things about back-to-school season is creating an organized routine, the time to start is now. When every room in the home can use some reorganization, decluttering in preparation for busy school days can be overwhelming. A smart place to start is in the room you and your kids waste the most time looking for things. These other useful tips can help you take it from there: Tackle your child’s closet and take inventory of what’s in it. Before you buy anything new, go through and get rid of torn
Summer’s End Sale 40-50%Off
• Home & Garden • Selected gifts • Scarves & Shawls Seminar Dates are out! Reserve your seat TODAY!
839 S. Burlington Blvd, Burlington (in front of Haggen) • 360.757.6677 Pharmacy: Mon-Fri 9:30am-5:30pm • Hallmark: Mon-Fri 9:30am-6pm, Sat 10am-6pm
4
HOME style & GardEn Fall 2017
1658873
W
Create a drop zone. Contain clutter before it spreads too far around the house with juvenile storage furniture featuring a storage locker that is perfect for backpacks, coats, sports equipment and supplies. Since it’s kid-sized, children can be responsible for making sure their belongings are put neatly away. Create a comfy homework station. Designate a special space, perhaps under a lofted bed, that can keep kids organized, productive and focused on work while helping inspire creativity. Download productivity apps on your phone. Help make your life easier as you get into the swing of the school year with apps that assist in organization and time management to help reduce day-to-day family stresses associated with hectic school days. One thing is certain every school year: having an organized home and systems in place can keep parents happier and the household running smoothly.
Skagit Publishing LLC
goskagit.com
Prepare Your Home for Storm Season
P
rotecting your personal safety is the first priority when severe weather emerges, with homes and personal property often running a close second. After all, the home is not only a place for comfort and sanctuary - it could be your single largest investment. As temperatures soar, so do the chances for tumultuous weather. The Department of Energy reports that nearly 90 percent of major power outages are caused by severe storms. With these tips, you can help ensure that your home is ready for anything Mother Nature has to offer. Maintain vegetation. Falling trees and branches can wreak considerable havoc on a home’s
exterior, along with possessions like vehicles or patio furniture. Keep trees and shrubs well-pruned so strong winds are less likely to grab hold of a wayward branch. If necessary, consult with an expert to ensure trees are trimmed back away from the house adequately to minimize your risk. Secure potential flight risks. There are plenty of items that can either become damaged or cause damage if they are swept up in a strong wind. Top-heavy items like grills can topple over, and patio furniture could blow out into the yard or even into your home. Don’t overlook smaller culprits, such as gravel or landscaping rock, which can be tossed around and cause serious destruction.
Make time for maintenance. Home repairs that seem minor can become much bigger problems if a storm exacerbates what’s broken. Loose roof shingles or shutters are especially susceptible to storm damage, as are ill-fitting screens. Regularly scanning your home for defects and taking immediate steps to fix them can help prevent relatively small issues from becoming major projects. Be sure to keep gutters and downspouts on your checklist; a heavy storm can produce enough standing water to flood your home in minutes if proper drainage is hampered. Install backup systems. Power outages are one of the most common afflictions of storm
Window Fashions Stone - Tile - Wood Cabinets - Countertops Interior Design Carpet - Vinyl Laminate Designer Paint Luxury Vinyl
400 W Fir Street Mount Vernon, WA 98273 800-735-7193 or 360-336-6533 www.mvcarpetone.com info@mvcarpetone.com Lic #MTVERCCO44DK
goskagit.com
Skagit Publishing LLC
Passionately serving you for over four decades!
1648148
Have it all! Fashion & Affordability
HOME style & Garden Fall 2017
5
A generator can help protect from storm season. turns on automatically to power selected electrical circuits and appliances. Modern systems are also compatible with wireless monitoring apps that allow homeowners to verify the generator is ready before a storm strikes.
1659853
season, but with the proper equipment you can avoid the danger and inconvenience. A premium standby generator delivers ultimate peace of mind. The system can be permanently installed to run on natural gas or liquid propane vapor and
6
HOME style & Garden Fall 2017
Review insurance coverage. Revisiting your insurance coverage at least every six months can help ensure you know what exclusions exist and where you may need to add supplemental policies or increase your limits. This is also a good time to update an inventory list that documents all your major possessions and valuables; store the list in a safe place such as a weatherproof home safe or electronically via email or a cloudbased server. In many parts of the country, storm season is inevitable, but taking the proper precautions can help ensure your family and home are ready to handle whatever the season brings.
Skagit Publishing LLC
goskagit.com
TVs and speaker systems that rival watching at popular neighborhood pubs. All you need to decide is what will be on the menu. Autumn is all about smoky wood fires, Your outdoor KitcHen so try capturing that atmosphere by grilling over a large wood-fired grill, such as an Argentineuilding an outdoor kitchen is a style grill. You can impress your significant investment that can guests with all of the flavors you can be rewarding for years to come. only achieve with a wood fire. It’s important to take advantage of Remember temperatures can nice days and temperate seasons fluctuate from cool to hot in the as much as possible, no matter in fall, so make sure you have portable which part of the country you live. shade for when you want to stay However, with proper planning and cool and stowed for when you need preparation, you can fully maximize to warm up. the enjoyment of your outdoor In terms of maintenance, kitchen all year long, even when sink covers offer much-needed temperatures drop. protection against seeds, petals and There are ways to do it, and falling leaves. many homeowners are catching on. Winter: no need to hibernate In fact, a majority of grill and smoker November officially kicks off the owners (61 percent) enjoy grilling year-round, according to the Hearth holiday season. Your holiday gettogethers can stand out from the Patio and Barbecue Association. These tips and ideas for design pack by bringing outside flavors into the warm comfort of your home. and entertaining from Russ Faulk, The intense flavor of slowchief designer and head of product roasted meats is the perfect pairing at Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet, can help you make the most of your with wintertime. Also known as indirect grilling, food is placed in outdoor kitchen throughout the an area without fire below it and cooler fall and winter seasons.
enjoy
All Year Long
B
cooking is done with the grill hood closed. Add the flavor of a wood fire for “smoke roasting.” This is a perfect way to prepare a beef or pork roast for the holidays. Purposebuilt smokers, such as Kalamazoo’s Smoker Cabinet that uses a gravityfed charcoal fire for heat, are ideal for smoking the Thanksgiving turkey. This also frees up your indoor oven for other holiday dishes. Be the hero of the holiday party by surprising your guests with delicious, slow-cooked brisket or roasted ham, but keep your outdoor grill or smoker conveniently located adjacent to your indoor kitchen and within close proximity to the back door for quick, easy access, reducing your time out in the cold. With shorter days, you’ll need to consider lighting. Make sure you have plenty of task lighting to not only see your food on the grill, but also transport it back inside when it’s done cooking. Infrared space heaters go a long way toward making winter grilling more comfortable. One of the last things you want is a delay for the big meal because you’re simply not warm enough to cook effectively. Instead of allowing your outdoor kitchen to go unused during the cooler months, take steps to make it useful year-round.
FALL: Keep the grill fired up Weekends are everything in the fall. Kids are back in school, football games are in full swing and everyone is trying to extend grilling season with one last barbecue. Rather than hanging in a parking lot for the big game, throw a “home-gate” party in your outdoor kitchen. Many homeowners are outfitting their spaces with outdoor goskagit.com
1655753
Skagit Publishing LLC
HOME style & GardEn Fall 2017
7
Room-by-Room Renovations
Small changes that add up to a big impact
I
f your favorite room is outdated and dingy, a renovation may be all you need to make the old feel new and to fall in love with your home all over again. Upgrading your home can be a big job, and unless it’s part of a pre-move-in plan, few homeowners find it practical (or even possible, from a budget standpoint) to execute a largescale project. However, tackling the updates one room at a time and focusing on small changes that bring big returns can put those overdue enhancements well within reach.
8
Kitchen
It’s the heart of the home, and it’s where many homeowners sink big money to make upgrades. Kitchen renovations don’t have to require a second mortgage though. Re-facing rather than replacing cabinetry can bring about a whole new look for a whole lot less money. This is a good option when the existing cabinets are still in good working condition and you’re just looking for an aesthetic change. Other small-scale options include swapping out the countertop and sink, changing the lighting fixtures and updating tired floors with contemporary wood or tile.
HOME style & Garden Fall 2017
Living Room
A common space where the family gathers is likely to sustain the greatest wear and tear, and because you spend so much time there, it’s also a room where you’re likely to find a list of things that irk you. Creating a new color scheme is a simple fix that transforms the space, but changing the palette of the walls is just the beginning. Also consider taking your redesign to the ceiling with vibrant colors, creative wallpapers or even exposed beams. Round out the room by swapping out lamp shades, adding vibrant throw pillows, replacing old curtains or blinds, or tying the color
Skagit Publishing LLC
goskagit.com
schemetogether with a new area rug.
Bedroom
In your private sanctuary, all the typical options for updates apply for sure. However, this is a space where the furnishings can be an especially impactful way to influence the ambiance, especially if a construction project in the room where you sleep is impractical. Changing out the style of the bed frame and complementary pieces creates a whole new vibe for the room. Then bring in a new collection of textiles for the bedding and drapery to help round out the pseudorenovation.
Laundry Room
If you’re looking for modest ways to update your home, be sure to consider spaces like the laundry room. Although you likely use this space less frequently than common spaces like the living room or kitchen, plenty of essential activity happens in the laundry area. Practical features like added storage space, cheerful color on the walls and easyto-clean flooring can all make this room’s tedious tasks more enjoyable.
version of the original or select a whole new style for a completely fresh look. Also consider upgrades that can increase natural light and fresh air without compromising privacy, such as the addition of skylights to your ceiling, or “fifth wall,” which can completely change the lighting dynamic of the room. In addition to balanced, natural light, skylights like those from Velux can open to help refresh your space and keep it odor- and moisturefree. For extra style and light control, consider complementing the room’s decor with skylights featuring colored blinds, which are available in more than 100 colors and styles, and also offer remote control operation for convenience in raising and lowering the blinds and opening skylights to let in fresh air.
Which Skylight is Right?
Solar-powered skylights rely on the sun’s energy to open and bring both air and natural light into your home. Some models, such as those offered by Velux, feature a rain sensor that automatically closes the skylight at the first sign of precipitation. They’re also easy to operate with a touch-screen remote control. Electric skylights are wired into your home electrical system and open and close via a radio frequency, touch-screen remote control. Manual skylights open with a hand lever; a control rod is generally available for out-ofreach installations.
Fixed
An economical choice for visually expanding areas such as hallways, stairwells and other closed-in, dark spaces, these static skylights are intended to fill a room with natural light.
Performance
Adding a solar blind to a skylight results in more savings via potential tax credits as well as reduced energy usage. The blind functions to block heat penetration when closed, but during cooler weather it can stay open to allow warm, sunny rays to supplement the home’s climate control system.
When plumbing is involved, project costs can skyrocket, but there are some relatively simple ways you can give your bathroom a facelift on a modest budget. For starters, swap out all the fixtures from lighting to faucets. A new vanity is another instant upgrade, whether you opt for an updated
Fresh Air
Energy
Bathroom
goskagit.com
Skylights can serve multiple functions, both aesthetic and practical. Understanding the different types of skylights can help you choose the right fit for your home.
Skagit Publishing LLC
HOME style & Garden Fall 2017
9
mix up Something
eCLeCtiC
on-trend design ideas for your kitchen renovation
F
or most homes, there’s one room that serves as the hub of all activity. From preparing mouthwatering meals to entertaining a house full of guests to grabbing a few minutes to relax with a mug of steaming coffee, the kitchen is the place where it all happens. That’s why such careful planning is necessary when you set out to redesign this essential living space.
layout Arguably the most important decision is the overall layout of the kitchen, defining which appliances will go where and what architectural details - such as windows and doors - need to be integrated into the plans. Determining how many and what kind of cabinets you need can be even more complex, and contemporary design can help open up plenty of options.
50% FARM SALE Friday, September 29th: 12pm to 5pm Saturday, September SEPTEMBER 19 30th: 9am to 3pm SEPTEMBER
14015 Riverbend Rd Mount Vernon
Brian Gurney Benefit Raffle!
In the past, cabinetry was fairly straightforward. Lower cabinets were topped with a counter, then a backsplash and a matching set of cabinets above. These days, design is far less predictable, and introducing variety through the cabinetry is a savvy designer’s trick to grab attention. The comprehensive product lines from Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. make it easy to mix diverse finishes, door styles and wood species to blend different design techniques while achieving an eclectic but cohesive feel. For example, you could pair complementary styles and colors for the upper and lower cabinets, or create some contrast between the perimeter and island to capture an on-trend, eye-catching look that is anything but boring. You can also rely on varying heights and sizes to create more visual variety.
1655822
10
HOME style & GardEn Fall 2017
Skagit Publishing LLC
goskagit.com
Function While the exterior of the cabinets is what you (and your guests) will appreciate when they first enter the room, it’s what lies hidden behind doors that makes a good kitchen truly great. After spending so much time creating the perfect look, your kitchen demands the right tools and enhancements to make it functional. The trick is to look for unexpected ways to add practical performance. For example, a shallow drawer is an ideal location for kitchen knives so you can free up counter space from a bulky butcher block. A slotted wood knife drawer is the perfect solution to securely goskagit.com
hold each of your knives and help prevent dull blades and cut fingers. If you’re stuck with an awkward space, look for creative ways to make it work for you. For example, a narrow gap could be closed with a unique pull-out cabinet, such as Wellborn Cabinet’s Base Canister Organizer Pullout Cabinet, which holds three small, one medium and three large containers. The quart containers are included with this canister organizer when ordered direct from the company. Storage
Keeping what’s inside your cabinets organized only adds to a newly redesigned kitchen’s enhanced function. One oftenoverlooked solution is using drawers for pots and pans. The ability to store each pot with its corresponding lid eliminates the jumbled stacks and hard-to-reach
Skagit County: 360-757-0933 Whatcom County: 360-318-0604 San Juan County: 360-468-3278 Toll Free: 1-800-735-7183
pieces common in many kitchens. Extra-deep drawers, paired with drawer storage options provide sectioned, adjustable options depending upon size of pots and pans. Another option: an adjustable wood board peg system that lets you customize the peg locations to fit your pots and pans just right. Going Gray Gray may be neutral, but today’s designers know that the subtle hue is anything but dull. Follow these tips to help make the most of this versatile shade. 1. Although a sleek and modern design may be the first look you envision with gray, you can also create warm, cozy spaces by using materials like wood and rich tones such as red, yellow and orange. 2. Avoid overdoing bold accent colors, which can overpower the gray and make a room seem busy. Rely on lighting and white accents, such as countertops and backsplashes, to add some brightness to the room. 3. If the idea of going all gray is overwhelming, opt instead to do a statement piece in gray, such as an island or other feature element you want to showcase.
Family Owned & Operated “Celebrating 50 years of service”
LIC# esaryrs17ske 420 Pease Road, Burlington, WA 98233 www.esary.com • info@esary.com • Fax: (360) 757-0932
Skagit Publishing LLC
1659778
Color A more eclectic kitchen style brings plenty of character on its own, so a color palette that lets the architectural and structural details really shine is more appropriate than bold splashes of vibrant color. That said, there’s still plenty of room to create visual interest and integrate multiple hues to give the room extra depth and charm. Subtle shades of gray may be just the ticket. Gray cabinetry has grown in popularity in recent years. In fact, more than twothirds of designers believe gray is the fastest growing color trend in cabinetry, according to data from RICKI Research. Look for a line of gray paints and stains. Some are aavailable in one stain option and two paint options, allowing for nearly endless possibilities, especially when you consider integrating a standout color to make a feature like an island countertop really pop.
HOME style & Garden Fall 2017
11
StYLiSH StorAge For renterS
J
ust because you rent or live in small quarters doesn’t mean you can’t have ample storage space. It means you just have to be a bit more creative in figuring out where to put things, even when it seems hopeless to get a handle on organization and clutter under control. The first rule is to purge and keep only what you need or simply love. It’s a good idea to review your possessions at least every six months to filter out any items that have lost their luster or accumulated over time. Of course, you can make this chore easier by disciplining yourself to be vigilant about not bringing unnecessary things into your living space. However, even with the most diligent effort, you’ll still have essentials and other items you can’t or won’t part with. That’s where creativity can make it easier to find ample storage space. Seek inspiration. Search online 12
for solutions to everyday storage problems, as sites like Pinterest and Houzz can be great resources. Pinterest reports that 93 percent of its users shop the platform for new ideas and 87 percent have made purchases based on things they have seen on the site. Organizational issues, especially small or non-existent closet space, are common and many creative solutions, such as using nontraditional means to store seasonal items like clothes outside of the bedroom, can be found online. Embrace unique ideas. Typical storage places and containers are obvious choices, but you can also maximize your usable space with functional and fashionable furniture that doubles as great storage. For example, ClosetMaid’s Storage Furniture and Bookcases are stylish options that fit virtually any decor. They’re sturdy enough to store books and keepsakes, and work well paired with fabric
HOME style & GardEn Fall 2017
drawers and wire bins. Think vertically. It may not be your first consideration, but your wall space offers plenty of opportunity to add storage. You can even create a closet along a wall. Invest in an armoire or a closet system that works inside or outside the closet, but remember since they may have to be installed or secured to the wall, you might want to check with your landlord first. Don’t forget about closet racks; they work wonders. Opt for interesting shelving that allows you to showcase your favorite belongings and tuck other things away in colorful containers that add to the overall theme of your design. No matter your decorative style or size of your residence, there are plenty of options to make the most of your space so you can find a home for everything.
Skagit Publishing LLC
goskagit.com
Improvements for
Independence
Modifications to make your home more accessible
eing safe and comfortable at home is a large part of living well. Home modifications and repairs can help everyone, especially older adults and people with disabilities, maintain an independent lifestyle and prevent accidents. Many older adults prefer to stay at home for as long as possible, but too often don’t think about whether their homes will meet their needs as they age. Making improvements for independence before they are needed is a good way to ensure that a home is ready for aging in place. Forward-thinking improvements may also help prevent falls, which often cause the need for long-term care.
Quality Products & Reliable Service • Residential and Commercial • Recycling and Compost Facility • Pick Up and Delivery Available
Locally Owned & Operated Since 1976
COMPOST TOPSOIL BARK ROCK SAND GRAVEL
360-629-2933 • Lenz-Enterprises.com
1658960
B
5210 State Route 532 :: Stanwood, WA 98292 :: Open Mon - Sat goskagit.com
Skagit Publishing LLC
HOME style & Garden Fall 2017
13
Many changes, such as adding grab bars in bathrooms, can be done without a major redesign or full-blown renovation. Depending on your circumstance, it may also make sense to consider things like widening doorways and lowering countertop heights for someone who uses a wheelchair. Here’s how you can get started:
Home assessment Before making any changes, assess the entire home. This checklist can help identify areas that might need improvement. Everyone has different needs, but in general, a “no� answer may be cause for action. Are exterior walkways and entrances well-lit? Is there a step-free entrance to the home? Are entrance doors easy to lock, unlock, open and close? Does the main floor include a kitchen, bedroom and full bathroom? Are doorways wide enough for someone using a wheelchair, walker or service animal?
Is wall-to-wall carpeting secure and in good condition? Are area rugs secured to the floor with grips? Are walkways free from obstructions and hazards like cords and furniture? Do stairways have sturdy handrails on both sides? Can bathroom and kitchen cabinets be easily reached? Is there a step-free shower entrance? Are grab bars available in or near the shower and toilet?
Cost and contractors Minor improvements can cost between $150-$2,000, and major renovation costs vary depending on the job. However, many contractors offer reduced rates or sliding-scale fees based on income and ability to pay. Public and private financing options may also be available. If hiring a professional, remember to get a written agreement with specific tasks, a timeline and cost estimate. Make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded and insured for the specific type of work. More information about home modifications, including financial assistance, can be found at eldercare.gov.
Do showers have non-slip mats or adhesive strips? Will smoke detectors provide visual as well as audio alerts? Are telephones and emergency supplies easily accessible on all floors?
Are hallways, staircases, bathrooms and the kitchen well-lit?
14
HOME style & Garden Fall 2017
Skagit Publishing LLC
g oskagit.com
TRUSTED
PROVEN
Call now for a frEE ESTIMaTE Follow us on Facebook & Instagram VIsIt our websIte www.usproscapes.com
RELIABLE
SINCE 2001
360-293-2331 9002 S. March’S Point road anacorteS, Wa 98221 1650308
$450 Utility Rebate*
Clothes washers that are ENERGY STAR certiďŹ ed use about 45% less water and about 25% less energy.
Heat pump dr yers use advanced technology requiring about half the energy of a standard electric dr yer.
*Must be a PSE customer.
16
HOME style & Garden Fall 2017
Skagit Publishing LLC
g oskagit.com