HOME IMPROVEMENT
Homes & Design M ay 2021 ~ Published by Rock Valley Publishing LLC
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HOMES & DESIGN
MAY 2021
Design do’s & don’ts: Embrace the year’s top interior design trends
The COVID-19 pandemic permanently evolved our definition of “home,” inspiring us to reconsider how we use and live in our spaces. For many, it’s no longer just the place where we relax and regroup at the end of the day – it’s also an office, daycare, eatery, gym or classroom. Whether you’re looking to create balance and boundaries between work and play or simply want to turn over a new leaf, there’s never been a more perfect time to commit to switching things up with major home design updates and DIY projects. The thought of overhauling your home’s décor can be overwhelming, but finding inspiration in the year’s top trends – like the annual 2021 Design Trends developed by FrogTape in collaboration with celebrity interior designer Taniya Nayak – can help take the pressure off. Follow these do’s and don’ts to achieve professional results while embracing 2021’s top interior design trends. 1. Do: Create a personal sanctuary. We could all use an in-home sanctuary where we can retreat, rest and ease our minds from uncertainty and anxiety. From a dedicated meditation room to a simple, quiet corner, using cozy layers and soothing colors can establish a tranquil environment to ground you on even the most hectic days. 2. Don’t: Shy away from colors. Don’t be afraid to incorporate colors in your home décor – especially in spaces designated for happy activities like after-work cocktails or fun with kids and pets. Vivid greens, pinks and blues, inspired by the outdoors, fruity drinks and blue skies, evoke joyful emotions. Create a sense of fun in your playroom, backyard or patio by incorporating cheerful hues, playful accessories and bright textiles. Use a high-quality painter’s tape like FrogTape to bring this trend to life with custom handpainted planters or bold geometric accent walls. 3. Do: Use contrast to establish focal points. From adding a pop of bright color against a neutral tone to pairing light, airy textures against deep leathers, there are countless ways to create focal points using contrast
With the right tools and inspiration, you can achieve professional results in your home redesign. STATEPOINT PHOTO Homes & Design
throughout the home. This trend works especially well in kitchens, dining rooms and breakfast nooks. Embrace stunning, natureinspired hues in eating areas by painting cabinets or an accent wall in a rich tone and displaying other colorful touches to catch your eye while you enjoy your meals. 4. Don’t: Settle for a dull work-from-home space. For those working from home into 2021 and beyond, establishing boundaries between work and play is critical. Whether you have a sprawling office or a small nook under a staircase, create a space that makes you excited to “go into work.” Combine neutral tones with punches of color to ignite your creativity while keeping you alert and
focused throughout the day. 5. Do: Add your own personal twist. While design trends can serve as a great starting point to spark your inspiration, they’re meant to serve as more of a mood board than a rule book. Whether it’s a unique painting or an over-the-top accent wall, be sure to incorporate elements of your own style, interests and flair as you plan out your projects and designs. To learn more about this year’s top interior design trends and how you can incorporate them in your upcoming home design updates, visit FrogTape.com/ Trends.
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HOMES & DESIGN
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DIY kitchen makeover ideas you can complete in a weekend Whether you’re putting down roots or putting your home on the market, kitchen upgrades make a huge impact. Not only do they have daily “good feeling” appeal for current homeowners, they can offer a great return on investment when it’s time to sell. So it’s no surprise that kitchens were the second leading site of home improvements made since the pandemic, according to Hippos’s recent “State of Homeownership Survey.” Boost your kitchen’s beauty and functionality with these DIY makeover ideas: 1. Countertops. Tired of boring countertops? When using the SpreadStone kit from Daich Coatings, an elegant new finish requires only the ability to paint, roll and sand. Working well on existing laminate, cultured marble, formica and other solid surfaces, the result is a dynamic stone finish that provides shimmering mineral accents and color highlights found in natural mined rock. The threestep process includes applications of a stone base coat, decorative stone coat and stone clear top coat. Finished countertops resist heat, stains, abrasion, impact and household cleaners. Available in 10 colors, including Oyster and Volcanic Black, each kit includes application tools and required coatings to complete 30 to 40 square feet of space. Kits are available online at The Home Depot and at daichcoatings.com. 2. Decorative boards. Add warmth to bars and kitchen islands, or an entire wall, by installing decorative wood boards. The ready-to-install S4S Decorative Boards from Ornamental Decorative Millwork provide a rich, clean appearance and are available in Ambrosia Maple, White Oak, Black Stained Aspen and Gray Stained Aspen profiles. 3. Track lighting. For a cool look that’s also highly functional, install track lighting
Thanks to a variety of products making DIY easy, you can affordably give your kitchen that “wow factor” in an afternoon or weekend.
above all areas of the kitchen where you slice, dice and sauté, or use it to highlight design elements. Kits make installation easy and are available in a range of designs complementing any style. Add specialty lighting in other areas of the kitchen to give the room a warm glow. 4. Floating shelves. Add floating shelves to keep spices handy, hold favorite cookbooks, stack plates or display decorative accent pieces. Lightweight and easy-to-install in just minutes, those from Ornamental Decorative Millwork can be easily painted or stained to complement other design elements in the room. 5. Wood beams. Add architectural style and warmth to your kitchen (or any other room) with lightweight Rustic Beams from Ornamental Decorative Millwork. Whether it’s adding straight beams, creating a center beam with cross beams, or crafting a coffered ceiling, home design creativity knows no bounds with this DIY project. Made of real wood, these pre-stained U-shaped beams and wrought iron metal accent brackets are available at Lowe’s and come with everything needed for installation. 6. Outdoor kitchen. Building an outdoor kitchen is an amazing way to make better use of your backyard and enjoy fresh air as you cook and dine. Using VertiStone Roll-On Wall Texture, you can ensure the space is beautiful. Without prep work and in little time, you can use it to completely transform any drywall, block, masonry or concrete outdoor kitchen surface in such finishes as smooth polished marble, natural suede, parchment, dream lace and linen. Then, to protect the newly-coated surfaces, simply add Hi-Build Ultra Clear Coat, a tough coating that resists water, U/V rays, chemicals, impact and abrasion.
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STATEPOINT PHOTO Homes & Design
Solutions Bank evolved from Forreston State Bank Forreston State Bank was founded in 1887 in Forreston, Ill. In 1998, its holding company, High Point Financial Services, purchased Kent Bank, which had served its local area since 1923, with offices in Kent and Freeport, Ill. In 2014, Kent Bank and Forreston State Bank merged to become one entity using the Forreston State Bank name. In December 2019, High Point Financial purchased Poplar Grove State Bank. Founded in 1946, PGSB had two locations in Poplar Grove. By September 2020, our merger was complete and our new combined bank, now with five locations, was named Solutions Bank. We are focused on providing the best banking experience possible. Combining these banks into one allowed us to offer customers expanded products, services, and staff. OUR VISION Our vision is to enhance the quality of life for our
Homes & Design Home Improvement May 2021 Published by Rock Valley Publishing LLC 1102 Ann St. Delavan, WI 53115 262-728-3411
customers, staff, and community through innovative and personal experiences that build deep, lifelong relationships.
communities that trust us with their financial wellbeing. We believe that part of our role as a community bank is to better the community for years to come.
OUR VALUES Reinvent how people think about banking, and deliver a positive, memorable experience. We are committed to building trust with transparency in our local decision making. Never lose sight of what matters most to our customers and communities. Help energize our neighbors and work together to build stronger, healthier and more economically vibrant communities.
OUR MISSION Our mission is to inspire and implement solutions that allow our customers to focus less on banking transactions and more on what matters most to them.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT At Solutions Bank, we contribute to the communities we serve through our time, talents and contributions. We are dedicated to community involvement and believe it’s our responsibility to give back to the
Homes & Design Spring Home Improvement
IN THE CLASSROOM Solutions Bank employees volunteer each year to help young people develop good financial management strategies. We regularly visit with students in Forrestville Valley School District and discuss finances from saving to borrowing. We recently provided a session on financial responsibility for CareerTec students from several local school districts. Solutions Bank invests time in our local SOLUTIONS BANK • CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
For advertising opportunities, call (262) 725-7701, ext. 134, or email vicki@southernlakesnewspapers.com EDITOR IN CHIEF: Edward Nadolski SPECIAL SECTIONS: Melanie Bradley CREATIVE/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Heidi Schulz ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Vicki Vanderwerff PAGE DESIGNER: Jen DeGroot
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HOMES & DESIGN
MAY 2021
Three easy design tips to deep clean and organize your kitchen Once you’ve completed a few tips and tricks in the kitchen, you’ll feel refreshed and organized to take on the day. STATEPOINT PHOTO Homes & Design
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Over the last year, our kitchens have become a place where we prep for an important presentation, help with schoolwork, cook meals together and laugh with friends at a virtual party. All this time in the kitchen can also mean it becomes the catch-all room for everything and everyone, making now the perfect time to create a functional space where items are easily accessible and organized with your routine in mind. From your refrigerator to that messy junk drawer, follow these DIY kitchen organization tips to revamp and refresh this part of your home. Design an easy-to-use (and clean) layout. Cooking at home more? You’ll want to clean and organize your fridge to make snack time and meal prep easier. Start by removing every item from shelves and drawers and toss any items that have expired. Once it’s completely empty, give your fridge a deep clean, especially in those sticky back corners. Before you return the items, place a water-resistant liner like Clear Classic EasyLiner on the shelves to add an extra layer of protection. Its smooth surface makes cleaning up a breeze when there are leaks and spills. Think about your mostused items, like snacks and veggies, and place them toward the front so they are easy to see and grab. Storing these foods using clear, labeled containers will help you track inventory and keep food neatly in order. Upgrade your backsplash. Tired of white walls in the background of your virtual work call? One easy and affordable way to
instantly elevate the look of your kitchen is to decorate with removable wallpaper or DIY peel-and-stick vinyl. From polka dot to vinyl wood, choose a pattern that speaks to you. Then, stick the adhesive vinyl to a kitchen surface—the side of a kitchen island, the wall behind the sink or cabinet panels. Once you’re ready to switch things up, they peel off easily, so you’ll be ready to go for a different look! Another tried and true option to brighten walls is paint. Use a quality painter’s tape to tape off a design you love, then paint over it. Peel back the tape to reveal a DIY
design you’ll adore. Create a clutter-less junk drawer. Everyone has that one, or even two, drawers in their kitchen that house random items that accumulate over time. Master unwanted mess and add functionality and style to your junk drawer with a little organization. First, pull everything out of the drawer and toss anything that’s broken or you simply no longer need. Next, line the area with Original Grip EasyLiner to keep your mail, important notes and utensils in the right place while protecting the surface
from scratches. Once you’ve purged, add small compartments and drawer organizers to give the misfits of the kitchen a proper home. If you have limited space, use a wallmount storage rack or over-the-cabinet organizer to free up drawer space and keep items within easy reach. For additional tips or to find the right organizational solutions, try the EasyLiner Guide or visit DuckBrand.com. Once you’ve completed these simple tips and tricks in the kitchen, you’ll feel refreshed and organized to take on the day.
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MAY 2021
Changes to help you love your closet If the only thing you want to do after opening your closet is to shut the door again, it’s time for an overhaul. You don’t have to be a neat freak to create and keep a functional, tidy closet space. It just takes planning and tough love.
Consciously purge
Go through everything one-byone and donate or sell what no longer flatters or fits you or you don’t love wearing. Be ruthless. A closet filled only with clothes you feel great in and are happy wearing makes getting dressed a breeze. If there’s dust on it, ditch it. Recycle torn or broken items, why give yourself an additional job of getting them fixed. Aside from getting rid of clutter, you’ll have a mental inventory of what you have, making it easier to shop for what you truly need.
Sort it out
Place items you wear most often front and center. You wear 20 percent of your clothes, 80 percent of the time. Sort items by type such as button-down shirts, dress pants, casual pants, etc., and maybe sort by color.
Let your hangers help
If you have a mishmash of hangers, invest in all new ones or buy more of what you have the most of. Matching hangers is more visually appealing but also makes it easier to see what you have.
Live in the season
Store off-season items out of the way on the top shelves, under a bed or elsewhere. Use plastic bins with labeled lids, rotating with the changing seasons. Adjustable shelves make it easy to tweak your closet when the weather changes, for example taller shelves for sweaters versus T-shirts.
Light it up
A well-lit bright space helps you stay motivated to keep a tidy space. A simple wall light that turns on easily would be beneficial.
Keep the peace
Now that you’ve tidied up, maintain it! Every time you buy something new, toss something. Keep a bag in your closet for donations. Wall hooks are useful for not-quite-dirty clothes, keeping them off the floor. They can also hold jewelry, belts and random items that might start the clutter.
HOMES & DESIGN
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Top Notch Building Supply has serviced northern Illinois for more than 30 years Our sales staff has an average of 25 years of industry experience. We work closely with home owners and contractors alike to get the project done right. Top Notch handles a full line of highly reputable products that will provide lasting quality and beauty to your home. With brands like KraftMaid Cabinets, Andersen Windows, Trex Decking, Certainteed roofing and siding, Mohawk flooring, and Cambria Quartz our products are well known in the industry. Our location just off US-20 between Rockford and Freeport, gives us easy accessibility to virtually anywhere in the region. Curt and Linda Knapp co-founded Top Notch in 1987. In their 29 years of leadership it grew from a $600,000 home center to a $4,500,000 building material dealer with land development, finance, and installed sales divisions. Curt stepped away from the business over 10 years ago and Linda retired at the end of 2017. We proudly carry on the tradition they set forth of supplying quality products and expertise in the home building/improvement industry and providing quality jobs in the area.
John Behn
John works with our contractor and custom builder clients to help them grow and prosper their respective businesses. He is on the road nearly every day interacting with clients to make sure jobs are running smoothly and profitably. John also works with homeowners for all sized projects. He is thorough and accurate and helps the staff around him to be the same. John’s servant attitude draws clients to him because he is willing to be a superb teammate in order to help them grow their business. John’s 30+ years of industry experience provide a wealth of knowledge that can be used to help solve challenges of every kind. Call John for help with your project.
Paul Shippy
Paul has nearly 25 years of experience in the building materials industry. Paul started as a counter salesman, has outside
sales experience and has moved through purchasing, expense control and is now Chief Operating Officer at Top Notch. As such Paul is responsible for overseeing all phases of the operations and for day to day operations training for all personnel. Contact Paul to consult about challenges you have with business, either yours or ours.
Adam Viel
Adam is our cabinet and floor covering leader. Adam’s 15+ years of experience, patient demeanor, and attention to detail make him a perfect fit for this work. Adam works hard with each customer to coordinate style, color, and efficiency so that each new owner and their respective contractor receive the result they desire on the interior appointments of their new or newly remodeled home. Adam also does a fair amount of plan design on kitchen, bath or addition and retrofit projects. Contact Adam for help with your kitchen, bath, or flooring project.
Scott Moore
Scott is our inside sales leader. Scott’s 25+ years of experience in building and building materials have prepared him well to lead our inside sales force. Scott is our window, door, and trim expert and will help you choose just the right product for your needs. Scott’s patience is appreciated by all who deal with him as they make important decisions regarding their home. Contact Scott for help with your project of any size.
Neil Suess
Neil is our warehouse foreman and driver. He is a very loyal and conscientious person who inspects your product as it comes off our vendor’s truck. He is careful and concerned with each and every delivery. Neil also does most of the truck maintenance on our vehicles.
Tom Grant
Tom joined the Top Notch team in the spring of 2019 with over 30 years of experience in the cabinet and countertop industry. Tom can use his design experience to help you get the most out of your space. Stop in and see Tom for your cabinet and floor covering needs.
Dale Remmers
Dale came to Top Notch in 2015. Dale has a background in carpentry and is very knowledgeable in the field. Dale helps Scott to maintain the sales floor and assists customers as they visit our store. He is versed in pricing windows, doors, and most forms of millwork. If you need a special order hardware item Dale can help you out. He works at the hub of communication in the store to help get orders out in a timely manner.
Light up your world in interesting ways Create a great first impression when entering your home by using lighting, decorations and artwork. Using a traditional chandelier, contemporary pendant or a close-to-ceiling light fixture in your foyer or hallway will provide basic lighting while creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Recessed lighting
Concealed recessed lighting is a great way to illuminate a general area in any location in your home, but especially in a living room, kitchen or basement rec room.
Kitchen lighting
The kitchen is often the busiest part of your home. Not only are your meals prepared here but your family and guests gather here as well. Sufficient lighting is important for cooking, helping kids with their homework or reading the paper. A combination of pendants, recessed lighting and under cabinet lighting are popular options these days.
Bathroom lighting
Don’t forget the bathroom, probably the last place people want to invest time and
money. Use more than one ceiling fixture to light up the sink, mirror and shower. Compact fluorescent or LED bulbs provide great lighting, especially helpful to light up mirrors.
Fluorescent fixtures
Use these fixtures to light up a workspace in your home or garage, or in closets, pantry or laundry area.
Stairway lighting
Keep in mind that stairways and halls
LIGHT • CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
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HOMES & DESIGN
MAY 2021
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NEW SIDING ADDS CURB APPEAL TO YOUR HOME New siding is really the ultimate investment in style and practicality for your home. There’s nothing like the curb appeal of a colorful, clean looking home. On the other hand, old siding can try to hide many problems that if not upgraded can cost a homeowner thousands of dollars. The benefits of new siding Old vinyl siding can look outdated whereas new vinyl siding can look absolutely gorgeous. Vinyl is durable, low maintenance and by far the most affordable choice. If your home has older siding, replacing it can go a long ways towards making your home look upscale, probably the most important benefit. Your house looks brand new Replacing old siding with a beautiful modern option makes your house look brand new. New siding provides an opportunity to add new accents that can create a striking new color scheme. Whether you choose from several colors
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Increase in value One of the more practical benefits of new siding is that it’s an investment in your home that creates future payback. New siding provides outstanding return on your investment. Yes, you’ll enjoy the curb appeal, but if you ever sell your house, you’ll earn your money back. Remodeling your home by adding new siding is a wise financial decision. Improve energy efficiency Most people expect that new windows can make a home more energy-efficient, but new siding can create a similar or even greater result. New siding combined with house wrap and insulation can seal air leakage problems. Your interior walls will feel warmer to the touch and your energy bill will be less after replacing your siding.
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students, hoping to help them make wise financial decisions for today and into their future. EVERFI Solutions Bank has a partnership with EverFi, an interactive financial literacy program for high school students. This program provides financial education lessons which students use to make key financial decisions throughout their life. The students receive a Certification in Financial Literacy upon successful completion. We have students enrolled at Forrestville Valley School District and at Aquin High School with no cost to the school. SOLUTIONS BANK SCHOLARSHIP Each year since 2010, Solutions Bank has provided several $1,000 scholarships to graduating students who are pursuing a higher education. Recipients are chosen based on their academic record, extracurricular and community involvement, leadership record, and educational goals. For the 2021-2022 academic year, scholarship applications are
e co.
or styles of vinyl, aluminum, steel, wood composite or other types of siding, any upscale siding will leave your home looking stunning.
due on April 1, 2021. Application forms are available, beginning Feb. 1 each year, or in the guidance offices at your high school. HIGHLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE FOUNDATION Solutions Bank has partnered with Highland Community College Foundation to offer an annual $2,000 scholarship for a student that is entering an Applied Science or Certificate program at Highland Community College in one of the following areas of study: Agriculture, Automotive Technology, Manufacturing Technology, or Mechatronics. In March 2018, the Bank pledged $15,000 over the next three years in support of the HCC Agriculture program. The funds will be used in support of the “college farm” test plot activities, or for general Ag program support each year as needed. This pledge represents the continuation of previous HCC Ag support by the Bank. Solutions Bank president Jeff Snyder states, “Highland’s Agriculture program is developing the ag leaders of tomorrow, in several ag-related industries. Solutions Bank is proud to get behind the College’s efforts in this area.
Maintaining your home As homes begin to age through the years, certain issues start to develop under the siding such as leaking water, mold and rot. If left unchecked or untreated, this can cause huge damage to a home’s interior or exterior. Installing new siding
helps ensure that your home is mold-free. New siding goes a long way towards making your home more beautiful and better protected against the elements. Consider the many options and the costs to make a decision that works best for you.
Shop Vacs are useful Most people either own a shop vac or have at least used one. These highly versatile wet/dry vacuums that can safely pick up liquids, dirt or debris of various size in a house or garage, and are ideal for clean-up for construction or do-ityourself projects and other creative uses as below:
easier or cheaper way to clean up a kitchen mess. A shop vac can be ideal when someone spills liquids, food, beverages, sauces and more, or breaks a glass or bowl that leaves shards all over the floor. Remember to thoroughly clean and rinse a shop vac that has collected anything with an odor.
Grills Before re-using a grill, scrape and remove the grate, then use a shop vac to collect the cold ashes and debris that have accumulated below. Fairly simple, but don’t pick up hot ashes.
Pool toys Are you blue in the face from blowing and blowing on a pool toy, air mattress or small raft? Sometimes these items are left inflated but lose air over time or might tear or pop if left inflated. Use a shop vac to do the job instead.
Floods It’s not a secret that shop vacs are ideal to suck up and clean large amounts of water, especially if a pipe breaks or your basement floods. Larger shop vacs have a drain from the collection drum to make emptying easier. Kitchens Paper towels are not always a quicker,
Fireplace Not everyone has a fireplace, but cleaning out a fireplace or fire pit can be messy. Instead of sweeping and scooping ashes into the trash, suck it up with a shop vac. Make sure your vac is using a fine dust filter and dust bag so the ash will be capture. Don’t pick up hot ashes.
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HOMES & DESIGN
MAY 2021
Spring lawn equipment: Get ready for backyarding in high style this year Backyarding is the new trend that’s emerged during the pandemic. Our backyards are where we eat, work, play, relax and socialize, and the green spaces around our homes have proven to be vibrant places for connection and vital to maintaining mental health. So how do you get ready for lots of springtime backyarding? You organize your yard and ready your landscaping. “Take some time to plan out your yard with your family. Once you know the purpose you want it to serve, it’s time to start working with it,” said Kris Kiser, President and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of outdoor power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars. “A well-cared for lawn and landscape provides the canvas for a year-round backyarding lifestyle. You’ll want to get out there with your outdoor power equipment, like your lawn mower and trimmers, as soon as spring arrives, and you want to do it safely,” said Kiser. He offered the following tips to get lawn equipment ready for spring: Refresh your knowledge. Read your equipment owner’s manuals and follow all manufacturer’s guidelines. If you find a manual online, save a digital copy for future reference. Look over equipment. Lots can happen in a garage or storage shed over the winter.
Check the air filter, oil level and gasoline tank. Watch for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. Replace any parts needed or take your equipment to a qualified service representative. Check you have the appropriate batteries. Drain fuel tanks. If you didn’t empty the gasoline tank before storing equipment, drain it now. Fuel should never sit in outdoor power equipment for more than 30 days. Untreated gasoline (without a fuel stabilizer) will deteriorate, which may cause starting or running problems or damage the fuel system. Protect your power. Use only E10 or less fuel in gasoline-powered outdoor power equipment. Most manufacturers recommend a fuel stabilizer be used, especially if you don’t use up all the fuel in the tank right away. Any fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol can damage small engine equipment not designed for it. Store fuel safely. Label fuel cans with the date of purchase and ethanol content of the fuel. If you don’t know the date of purchase, dispose safely of the fuel and buy fresh gasoline. Always store fuel out of the reach of children or pets and in approved containers. Don’t mix up your battery packs. For battery-powered equipment, use only the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another. Follow all charging instructions and do not charge the battery pack or tool outside the temperature range specified in the instructions.
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A well-cared for lawn and landscape provides the canvas for a year-round backyarding lifestyle. You’ll want to get out there with your outdoor power equipment, like your lawn mower and trimmers, as soon as spring arrives, and you want to do it safely. STATEPOINT PHOTO Homes & Design
Stash batteries safely. When the battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects, that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
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HOMES & DESIGN
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Get your patio ready for summer living It’s time to extend your home’s living spaces to the outdoors. To get your patio prepped for a summer of relaxation and fun, consider the following décor ideas and inspiration:
The entryway
By making the cleaning and organizing process a fun activity, the hope is that children will be more likely to take ownership of the space and motivated to keep it in order moving forward. However, it doesn’t hurt to revisit the process regularly to keep things fresh. STATEPOINT PHOTO Homes & Design
Tips to keep kids’ rooms clean and organized For the past year, many of us have lived, played, worked and gone to school right at home, making clutter inevitable – especially when it comes to kids’ bedrooms and playrooms. No matter how many times parents tell their children to clean their rooms, the collection of clothes, schoolwork and toys seems to build endlessly. Take charge of the mess with these tips to create a space that’s fun and functional for kids of all ages. 1. Prioritize belongings. Start by considering what needs to go, what can stay and how much storage space you have available. Make it a family project by working with your kids to identify which items they love most and which things they could do without. Once you know what will be kept, prioritize space accordingly, keeping beloved items easily accessible. 2. Organize the stuff. Find everything a home. Bins and baskets are ideal for small toys and games with tiny pieces, while drawers and shelves are perfect for larger items. For excess items, especially young children’s toys, use clear bins to store them in closets or under beds. Not only does this help tidy the room, but it can also make old things appear new again when they are pulled out of storage. 3. Create labels. Getting belongings organized is one thing, but keeping them that way is another. A great way to ensure
LIGHT
your hard work doesn’t go to waste is to label the bins or baskets. Labels make things easy to find when you need them and keep items organized when cleaning up. Creating labels with colorful Duck Tape is a kid-friendly DIY project that can help your kids feel in charge of the process. 4. File away papers. For older kids, schoolwork should be separated from games and toys, which can be difficult when learning from home and space is limited. Important assignments and documents should be put in folders and binders to prevent them from getting lost and help keep the room looking neat. Organizing school supplies and at-home desks doesn’t have to be a boring task. Customize folders for each kid or each subject with unique designs using printed Duck Tape Brand Duct Tape, or make labels with Duck Brand Chalkboard Tape. 5. Personalize with décor. Once the room is clean and organized, take some time to add personal touches. Allowing children to pick colors and patterns for their room can really make them feel like it is their own. If you have the space, a table or a lamp can be a fun addition. If you want to keep things simple, showcasing photos of family and friends or displaying kids’ artwork can do the trick, too. For additional home organization tips and DIY projects, visit duckbrand.com.
Your patio will be more enticing if you have beautiful sliding glass patio doors leading to it. If you do go in for this upgrade, it’s important to know that patio doors can be customized in a number of ways that affect their look and function. To help you make sense of your options, shop with manufacturers that offer visualizer tools, such as the one available at ProVia, provia.com/app. This can help you see what colors and hardware look best in your home and find the combination you like best. Their Aeris wood and vinyl sliding doors, for example, offer many customization opportunities, including wood stain finishes, interior and exterior colors; options for internal grids and internal blinds; and a wide array of decorative glass, privacy glass and tinted glass options. Beyond beauty, be sure to prioritize high performance, particularly when it comes to energy efficiency, storm protection, and of course, smooth, easy and quiet operation. After all, it’s hard to feel relaxed if simply getting outdoors is a struggle.
Exterior decorating Boost comfort and ambiance by applying the same attention to detail when decorating your patio as you would indoors. Beyond furniture that’s comfortable enough to lounge on all day or evening, incorporate throws, pillows and even rugs. Add splashes of color and vibrancy by hanging outdoor wall art, or, if you’re feeling extra creative, painting a mural. Paper lanterns hung above your patio dining area can bring a touch of romance to meals enjoyed outdoors. And get inspired by the nature around you by ensuring your patio features greenery. Potted and hanging plants or even ivy, jasmine or roses grown against a wall or all good choices.
Beauty inspired by nature These days, manufactured stone is not just for the side of your home. The possibilities for using it in and around the patio are endless. Add drama to a boundary wall between the patio and yard; beautify your outdoor kitchen’s grill unit, pizza oven, table or island; and enhance seating around the fire pit or fireplace and the bases of pergolas or columns. Just be sure to select products that look like authentic stone even upon careful inspection, and are designed to withstand the elements. For example, the choices available from ProVia are artfully crafted to produce a realistic, dramatic effect, mimicking stones from unique geographic regions in a range of cuts. Unlike other options on the market, their colors permeate throughout the entire stone, giving every manufactured stone a realistic look with hues that last for years. To learn more, visit provia.com/stone. With a few stylish upgrades, you can get your patio in tip top shape for summer.
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must have good general lighting for safety. To prevent accidents, stairs should be lit from top to bottom with switches in both places. Tie in ceiling or wall fixtures to create additional lighting.
Decorative fixtures
Use these fixtures along pathways, walls, posts or entry ways to complement the look and feel of your house and landscape, plus provide sufficient lighting for safety, security and functionality.
Large post-top lanterns also create a great impression in an open space such as a sidewalk, driveway or patio. Use lighting to bring out the best in your home from living spaces to the exterior. Increase the value of your home, enhance artwork, dramatize wall textures or just provide illumination for your den, family room, playrooms or bedrooms by using a variety of different types of lighting fixtures for accent or general lighting needs.
STATEPOINT PHOTO Homes & Design
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HOMES & DESIGN
MAY 2021
Storm doors make sense for every home
NEW NAME ... SAME GREAT SERVICE!
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A storm door is a second door that is installed within the framework of an entry door to a home or apartment building. Storm doors are lightweight, thinner and comprised of glass panels. There are several benefits derived from installing a storm door.
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Harsh weather Your main front door is likely much more expensive than a screen door and deserves extra care. A front door may have special stains, paints or windows that could be damaged by rain, sleet, snow, leaves, dust and wind-blown debris. Protects main door The frames of storm doors cover the edges of the main door, which are the parts where paint scrubs off first. Protection against the elements and windblown debris will reduce the costs of maintenance and help it last longer. Energy efficiency A storm door makes good financial sense and helps retain as much warmth as possible during the winter season. A tightly fitted storm door forms an airlock between your main door and the outside edge of the house. If you can have the two doors tightly put into place such that an effective seal is formed, the air space between the
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two doors provides a form of insulation to your house. Enjoy fresh air During spring, summer or fall when you’re trying to keep the heat out, screens can be installed as an option to replace the glass panels, turning the storm door into a screen door to allow fresh air in. Circulation of fresh air in your home can be wonderful and allows your home to provide more versatility. Keeps insects out A storm door is a great solution to help keep insects out of your home. There may be some days during the year that you might want to let in a breeze. Opening a door and leaving the entrance unprotected is an open invitation to miniature pests. Additional security A locked main door could be enough security for your home, but together with a storm door your house and property are even safer. Storm doors come with an extra lock to protect against robberies and breakins. *Consider replacing an older storm door or fitting your entry for a new one. Storm doors are not real expensive and provide many options for your home*
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MAY 2021
HOMES & DESIGN
Page 11
Family owned & operated - Window World: Rockford’s trusted source for quality windows, doors, siding
Locally owned and operated by Scott Williamson, Window World of Rockford first opened in May of 2005. Since then, we have proudly installed over 75,000 windows in the Rockford area, along with more than 20,000 siding, patio door, entry door, and gutter products. From our family to yours, we are proud to serve the community, providing exceptional value, expertise, and service to Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties. Products & service you can trust The Window World of Rockford team is honored to have brought ENERGY STAR Certified windows backed by the Good Housekeeping Seal, with their quality and energy efficiency, to our neighbors throughout the area. Every day, our goal is to go above and beyond, ensuring customers have a positive experience and are elated with their final product. Giving back Along with high quality and exceptional service, corporate responsibility is integral to Window World of Rockford’s operations. As a locally owned business, we
recognize our success is truly dependent on the community, and we’re committed to demonstrating our appreciation by giving back through acts of service. Among recent philanthropic undertakings are a generous contribution to the All Veterans’ Memorial Park, allowing it to erect a Gulf War Memorial granite wall, donation of a house full of windows to the mother of a soldier killed in Iraq, and participation in Extreme Makeover: Home Edition through a gift of a house full of windows to a family battling leukemia and recovering from a house fire. In addition, the team helped create a special room for a young local girl through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and participated in “A Night In a Box,” which required sleeping outside to raise money to combat homelessness. With dedication to giving back exemplified by our leadership, company-wide belief in philanthropy has become our norm. Our products We provide the Rockford area with industry-leading replacement windows, doors and siding, offering a variety of premium options you need to bring your exact vision to life. Explore our extensive selection of replacement products today.
There are many benefits of a new garage door Replacing an old garage door is one of the best home improvement projects you can do to increase the curb appeal and add value of your home. You will likely want to consider some of the design and construction elements when determining what type of garage door you want to install, but there are so many benefits to a new garage door. Curb appeal There are so many different types, styles, finishes and designs available, but keep in mind that the one you choose will dramatically change the look of your home. A new, modern garage door will give your home a fresh, clean appearance, plus potentially impress buyers if your home is for sale. The appearance of the garage door is one consideration when determining which one to install, but not the only important element. Keep your home safe The design and manufacturing of today’s garage doors are built with safety and security in mind. A new garage door can limit access to your home and help keep you and your family and possessions safe. The benefits of a new garage door will have you equipped with the latest technology in garage door security and hopefully lessen the likelihood of a burglar gaining entry. Can save you money If you have a heated garage attached
to your house, consider installing a new, well-insulated garage door. The older your garage door, the more likely you are to be wasting money on energy costs. Even if your garage is detached, the insulating power of your garage is important. There are many different types of garage doors with varying R-values to consider. Represents your personal style Nowadays garage doors say something about your personal style. With so many different styles and optional features you may have a hard time deciding what works best for your home and personal taste. There are many options in design, materials, hardware and color available at various price points, but most importantly the door must blend with the home. Appearance As with most things in your home, the newer the garage door the less time and money you’ll need to spend on maintenance. A prefinished garage door will be permanently bonded with steel construction. In most instances, you’ll just need to hose off the door with water, perhaps using some light detergent. You may be replacing a garage door that is worn or damaged, or maybe you’re looking to update the exterior of your home to improve the curb appeal. Regardless of your reason, a new garage door will become something to smile about.
Scott Williamson and family are proud to serve the community, providing exceptional value, expertise, and service to Boone, Carroll, DeKalb, Jo Daviess, Lee, Ogle, Stephenson, Whiteside and Winnebago counties. WINDOW WORLD PHOTO Homes & Design
Time to replace your windows? When Spring arrives, it’s time to get the grill out, work on the lawn, update your landscaping, clean the siding, check out the roof and yes, the perfect time to make sure your windows are performing well. Are you noticing condensation, warping, difficulty in opening, closing or locking, cracking or other problems? It might be time to replace your windows. Drafts You furnace will have to work overtime, resulting in a higher energy bill, if you can hear the breeze coming in or see light around your window frames, especially during the colder winter months. During periods of extreme cold, there is likely to be some moisture or even frost appearing, but if it’s constant, it’s a case of poor windows. Sometimes caulking is the answer, but not necessarily. Proper functioning Windows should open and close with ease. A properly functioning lock is an added seal against air entering from the outside, and also provide additional security. Anything less might signal it’s time to be replaced. Outside noise Birds chirping might be a comforting sound that you enjoy, but if you start hearing the neighbor’s conversations from a good distance away, maybe it’s
time to replace your older windows. New windows can help absorb sound which makes for a quieter home. Decay High quality window frames and sills can rot and decay over time. If there are signs of decay or mold growth, consider replacing your windows using aluminum, composite, vinyl, fiberglass or traditional wooden window frames. The style, energy efficiency and durability of each model will differ slightly, therefore choose a window that best suits your needs. Appearance No question that windows are on the most important features of your home. If they look outdated, then your home will also. Modern, energy-efficient windows will add value to your home while improving curb appeal. You can judge a book by its cover and much is the same for the visual appearance of your house. Visible damage Remember that your windows are constantly exposed to winds, rain, freezing temperatures and sunlight. Are they becoming foggy, are their cracks, warping, water damage or other noticeable issues that you can see? If anything is compromised, or you just want to update your house, then it’s time for replacement windows.”
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HOMES & DESIGN
MAY 2021
WINDOWS Including: EGRESS • SIDING • DOORS • GUTTERS Lifetime Warranty • Professionally Trained Installers Not only do we stand behind our windows, we stand on them! Local Owner Scott Williamson
Call Today For Your
FREE ESTIMATE
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America’s Largest Home Improvement Company • Locally Owned & Operated • Professional & Insured Crews • True Lifetime Warranties, Guaranteed Forever! • Serving Northern Illinois for more than 15 years
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815-395-1333 6010 Forest Hills Rd, Rockford, IL www.windowworldrockford.com Hours: Mon-Fri 8:00 am-5:00 pm; Sat 9:00 am-Noon
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