At Home Living 011318

Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

DESIGNERS’ SHOWHOUSE

Flip this home Fundraiser taking new approach page 6 n De-icers can be hazardous, page 2 n Millennials are buying homes, page 3 n Chandeliers making a comeback, page 8

keith horinek/the capital-Journal

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Know de-icer’s hazards before application

‘‘

Ariel Whitely-NOLL

There are many products on the market for ice removal, but no two products are the same.

Ice melts vary widely in effectiveness, and while they can be helpful for preventing slips and falls, they also can be harmful to landscapes, homes and animals.”

arielw@ksu.edu

We’ve finally had our first snow — and slick layers of ice as the snow melted.

As entertaining as it is to watch your neighbors penguin-waddle to and from their cars, treating the ice is a much safer practice.

There are many products on the market for ice removal, but no two products are the same.

Ice melts vary widely in effectiveness, and while they can be helpful for preventing slips and falls, they also can be harmful to landscapes, homes and animals.

The most common types of de-icing products are chloridebased. The efficacy of chloridebased products depend on temperature. Although the chloride makes these the most effective at melting ice, the chemical also is potentially toxic to plants and animals and has corrosive properties.

The following are chloridebased products for ice removal.

— Calcium chloride: This product works in extremely low temperatures — minus 25 degrees — and won’t harm plants as long as it isn’t applied in excessive amounts. As the product combines with water, it creates its own heat, which is how it melts the ice.

This same process also can create a slippery, slimy surface after the ice melts and can be corrosive on metal and concrete.

— Sodium chloride: Also known as rock salt, this is the least expensive product and often is combined with sand. It is only effective in temperatures above 12 degrees and can be especially harmful to plants, soils, metal and concrete surfaces.

— Magnesium chloride: This salt is effective in temperatures above 5 degrees and works faster than other chloride products.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Be careful when applying de-icers to sidewalks and driveways. The most common types of de-icing products are chloride-based. Although the chloride makes the products effective at melting ice, the chemical also is potentially toxic to plants and animals and has corrosive properties.

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners awards scholarships every year to local students. Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who reside in Magnesium chloride can be damaging to plants if applied in a high volume, but it hasn’t been found to be corrosive to metal or concrete.

— Potassium chloride: This salt is the least effective, only working when temperatures are above 20 degrees and working much slower than other products. Potassium chloride also can be harmful to plants, especially when splashed on leaves, and newer concrete surfaces.

With all de-icing products, only use enough to get the job done.

Excessive application increases harm to plants and animals and can damage manmade surfaces.

Excessive applications also won’t increase efficacy.

Shawnee County. The deadline for applications is Jan. 31. For an application or more information, visit shawnee.k-state. edu/ or call (785) 232-0062.

You can store your ice melt in a coffee can by the back door, but make no mistake, it is a potentially dangerous chemical. Follow package directions. Keep it out of reach from children and pets, and use appropriate caution.

The following non-chloridebased products also can be used in ice treatment, but each has its own set of drawbacks.

— Calcium magnesium acetate: Although this product doesn’t contain the potentially toxic chloride, it is only effective in temperatures above 20 degrees.

— Fertilizer: Some homeowners use fertilizer to melt ice, but it isn’t encouraged. Amounts needed to melt ice are at toxic

levels for plants. Fertilizer applied to hard surfaces also will run off into storm drains and is detrimental to the environment.

— Wood chips, ash, sand, bird seed, cat litter, sunflower seeds: None of these products melt ice, but they can help to provide traction on slippery surfaces. Ash can increase soil pH, although the likelihood is low if it isn’t directly applied to lawn and garden areas.

Cat litter can have varied results, depending on the product.

Clumping litter may cause more of a mess than it’s worth.

Ice melt damage on plants will show itself in the spring. Poor or stunted plant or grass growth near driveway or sidewalk edges are likely from high levels of salt in the soil. Browning evergreens or scorched leaves on shrubs or trees also can be indicators of salt damage.

If salt damage is suspected, soak the soil (1 inch of water) three to four times in the spring

to leach the salt out.

Each method for ice removal has its drawbacks. Whichever product you choose, removing as much snow and ice as possible first is key to success. Adding a de-icer to snow will be much less effective than applying it to the thin layer of ice underneath.

Many times, Mother Nature may do the work for you. Look at the forecast to see if a sunny afternoon is ahead. This is the most effective, least harmful method of removal, although the timing may not work within your schedule.

Ariel Whitely-Noll is the horticulture agent for Shawnee County Research and Extension.

SAVE THE DATE

The Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners program will be offering classes and workshops and participating in community events in 2018. Here is a trio of events to kick off the new year: — Jan. 18: “Indoor Plants for Health and Happiness,” 7 p.m., Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. — Feb. 9-11: Kansas Garden Show, Kansas Expocentre, 1 Expocentre Drive.

— Feb. 22: “Recycling in the Garden,” 7 p.m., Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. Information: shawnee.ksu.edu/ lawn-garden/master-gardener; (785) 232-0062

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Yes, millennials buy homes Here are 5 things young would-be owners tend to seek out Brandpoint For generations, homeownership has been part of the American dream.

For most Americans, it’s the largest, most significant investment they’ll make. And because homeownership is the best way to grow their wealth, the most important investment as well.

As the youngest generation of new homeowners, millennials are entering the housing market and are eager to get a home to fit their unique lifestyles.

Just as every generation has its own music, its distinct style and look, the new generation of homeowners has different expectations than buyers

‘‘

As the youngest generation of new homeowners, millennials are entering the housing market and are eager to get a home to fit their unique lifestyles. Just as every generation has its own music, its distinct style and look, the new generation of homeowners has different expectations than buyers did a few decades ago.”

did a few decades ago.

To shed some light on these evolving home trends, here are five of the most popular features millennials look for in a home.

Energy efficient

More than other generations, millennials are

particularly concerned with their impact on the environment. As such, they want to be sure the home they buy will have a minimal carbon footprint.

Some energy-efficient features that are a priority for homebuyers are UV-proHOMES continues on 4

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Homes: Size, efficiency, space all crucial Continued from 3

home features for pets.

tected windows, programmable thermostats, efficient appliances and upgraded insulation.

Smaller space

Able to be customized

It’s not enough to find a home that is merely “livable.” Millennials want a house that is an outward and inward expression of who they are. Translation: The one-size-fits-all model is no longer sufficient.

This is one reason manufactured and modular homes have become popular. They offer diverse floor plans with a number of customizable options to suit individuals’ needs and unique styles. There are even built-in

The era of buying a house as big as you can afford is on the way out. Many millennials are forgoing extra bedrooms. These homebuyers prefer smarter ways to utilize space for their family’s needs, while keeping a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

Shared spaces

In a world where everyone seems to be plugged into their phones and staring at their individual screens, the open floor plan has emerged as a way for families and guests to come together and share the same space.

Basically, the fewer walls be-

tween the kitchen, dining room and living room, the better.

This floor plan also aids homeowners with their entertaining needs and provides more natural light, which is very big for this young generation.

Home office

The millennial workforce is a mobile workforce, and just as this generation is transforming the home market, it is also transforming the workplace.

Millions of Americans work from home, and many more are often given the option to work a day or two a week from home.

With this shift, many potential homeowners want to be sure there is a suitable workspace for an office.

BRANDPOINT

Millennials are entering the housing market and are eager to get a home to fit their unique lifestyles. That means homes that are energyefficient, have an open floor plan and room for a home office.

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DESIGNERS’ SHOWHOUSE

Flip this home: Annual fundraiser adds twist to renovation event DESIGNERS’ SHOWHOUSE

The 2018 Designers’ Showhouse, 1551 S.W. Westover Road, will be open to the public for a Bare Bones Preview before work begins, and then again in the spring to view the transformation.

— Bare Bones Preview When: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Jan 19-21 Cost: $5 at the door — Designers’ Showhouse Spring Tours When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, April 21-May 13 — Cost: $10 in advance beginning April 1; $12 at the door. Mondays are open only to guided group tours, which are by reservation only.

— For tour guidelines, more information or to make a reservation: contact the Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas office at (785) 357-5171.

The current centerpiece of the living room of the Designers’ Showhouse is a brick and wood fireplace.

‘‘

It will bring new excitement to the project, and this will generate additional revenue for programs and services for children and families.”

REVA WYWADIS

Photographs by Keith Horinek/The Capital-Journal

By Shanna Sloyer

Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas has purchased and will renovate and then sell the home at 1551 S.W. Westover Road for the Designers’ Showhouse, its annual fundraiser.

After 37 years of Designers’ Showhouses, organizers believed it was time for something different.

Instead of transforming a home owned by a local resident, Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas decided to purchase a home and renovate and sell it as its annual fundraiser.

“This is the 38th Designers’ Showhouse, and we’ve been talking about this for a while because so many people are interested in the

DIY approach,” said Reva Wywadis, executive director of Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas. “We’ve been looking for just the right property. We wanted a house that would lend itself well to a dramatic transformation.”

The Designers’ Showhouse board of directors found what it was looking for at 1551 S.W. Westover Road. With 3,761 square feet of space and built in 1948, the four-bedroom

Special to The Capital-Journal

home was in need of a makeover.

In the past, Child Care Aware selected a home in the community and asked the homeowners to move out while a team of designers transformed it. This year, they decided to purchase a fixer-upper and renovate it from top to bottom.

Once the renovations are complete, the house will be open for public tours before it’s put on the market.

All proceeds from the sale, as well as revenue from the tours and sponsorships, will support Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas in providing services that benefit area children and families.

“I think a lot of people will be interested,” Wywadis said. “It’s an exciting time for the agency.”

The mission of Child Care Aware is to support the development and

executive director of Child Care Aware of Eastern Kansas, on this year’s twist in the Designers’ Showhouse fundraiser

learning of young children by offering programs and services that improve the quality and accessibility of child care for working families in eastern Kansas.

The Designers’ Showhouse Tour is one of the organization’s largest fundraisers each year.

The inspiration for this year’s format change came from popular HGTV shows like “Fixer Upper” and “Flip or Flop,” in which the hosts hope to turn a profit by purchasing less desirable properties,

remodeling them and then selling them, also known as flipping.

“It will bring new excitement to the project, and this will generate additional revenue for programs and services for children and families,” she said.

A Bare Bones Preview of the showhouse — before the renovation begins later in the month — will be Jan. 19-21. The designers who will be transforming the house have yet to be HOME continues on 7

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Upping the ‘wow’ factor of a home laundry room Brandpoint

The designers chosen for this year’s Designers’ Showhouse will work on the living room as well as other areas of the home.

Home: Volunteers will be needed through May Continued from 6

selected. Wywadis hopes the public will share design ideas during the preview, which will be relayed to the designers once they are chosen.

Several opportunities are available for the community to get involved in making this year’s show-

house a success. Child Care Aware is searching for individuals and work or church groups who want to volunteer to help with demolition inside the house and yard work outside.

Ongoing volunteers will be needed through May. One-time work days are available for civic or work-

place teams who want a group volunteer experience.

For more information about volunteering, contact Wywadis at (785) 440-4507 or reva@east. ks.childcareaware.org.

Shanna Sloyer is a freelance writer from Topeka. You can reach her at ssloyer@yahoo.com.

A drawing shows how the house at 1551 S.W. Westover Road looked when it was built in 1948.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY KEITH HORINEK/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Doing the laundry is no longer relegated to dark, musty basements where no one cares to go. Thanks to modern technology, great design and access to innovative ideas online, laundry rooms have moved upstairs and come into their own.

In fact, laundry rooms today are right up there with dream kitchens and dream bathrooms — and the more style, function and wow factor, the better.

“Laundry rooms are no longer just utilitarian,” said Anitra Mecadon, TV personality and awardwinning interior designer.

“People want stylish, healthy environments where they can relax, multitask and have some fun while doing the laundry.”

Below are four ways Mecadon recommends to ramp up the wow factor, function and allure of your laundry room:

Going high-tech

When looking for washers and dryers today, there are more features than you can imagine. You should consider your needs and desires before starting your search — we’re talking about more than gas or electric, front- or top-loading, color, budget and space parameters.

Today’s “smart” appliances offer custom wash cycles, wrinkle removal, steam cleaning, less noise, delayed start times, moisture sensors with allergen and sanitize cycles and more. There’s even a machine that washes two separate loads with different setting options at the same time. And nearly every machine today is Energy Star-certified.

BRANDPOINT

When looking for washers and dryers today, there are more features than you can imagine. Consider your needs and desires before starting your search.

Loads of style

Laundry rooms today can be decorated to complement other rooms in your home, and Pinterest and Houzz offer loads of pictures online to spark your creativity.

Laundry rooms can be country French to modern, whimsical to multifunctional, and it’s not unusual to see them in bold or soothing colors, with comfy chairs, statement lighting, flat-screen TVs and docking stations to play music or charge tablets and phones. They also can include windows to let in natural light.

If you think white and stainless are your only color options, think again.

They can be turquoise, burnt orange, glacial blue, fire engine red, kelly green and even black stainless.

Function and style

Washing and drying are only part of doing the laundry. There’s sorting, folding, hanging and ironing, and each of those steps needs its own space, supplies and storage. Baskets for sorting and carrying

laundry can be wicker, plastic or wood and stored for all to see or out of sight.

Counters for folding can be granite, marble, quartz, butcher block or laminate, and many people put them over their washers and dryers as well as around the room.

Drywall quality key

When laundry was relegated to the basement, part of the dread of doing laundry was the thought of being surrounded by dampness, mold and mildew — sometimes from washing machine water hose failure causing mold to grow within the wall cavity.

Because your washer and dryer introduce water, moisture and heat into the room, it’s important to use drywall with extra protection for your laundry room walls and ceilings, such as moisture-, mold- and mildew-resistant Purple XP drywall by National Gypsum. Purple XP products are Greenguard Gold Certified for indoor air quality, while aiding in the creation of healthier indoor environments.

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Knowing property lines can prevent a host of problems

By Paul Pogue Angie’s List

Many homeowners don’t know the exact amount of land they own or where it begins and ends. Not knowing the precise dimensions of your most valuable asset can lead to a variety of problems.

Parameters H5 PROPERTY

Two similar yet different brass industrial chandeliers complement a combined dining/living room area.

Chandeliers make a comeback

By Cathy Hobbs

Tribune News Service

The chandelier, once a common and popular fixture in the home, is showing up again in homes.

Whether for function or aesthetics, chandeliers can help make an instant statement.

— Entryways. The entryway is a common location for a chandelier. The visual impact of placing a chandelier there can help set the tone and introduce guests to what is to come.

— Dining areas. Chandeliers can be used to define rooms, especially dining areas. Often, the selection

of the dining table as far as its shape, style and even location is dictated by the location and style of the chandelier placed above it. Typically, dining areas have an air of formality, and the style of chandelier can reflect this or a more casual feel.

— Other rooms of the home. From living rooms to kitchens and even bedrooms, these days few design rules apply. One way to make an impact in any room is through lighting. A chandelier can be used to add illumination, define a particular area or infuse a particular style or aesthetic.

— Do’s and don’ts for choosing a chandelier.

Choose a chandelier that is the appropriate size and scale. A chandelier that is too big or too small can look out of place. Select a chandelier that makes a bold statement. Pay attention to style and color. A chandelier should complement your decor.

Don’t forget that not all chandeliers have to be overly fancy. Consider a chandelier that may be simpler if it fits your lifestyle. Don’t hang your chandelier too high or too low. The bottom of the chandelier should allow for ample headroom,

TIP OF THE WEEK: STAYING WARM Here’s some tips from HDTV that will help keep your pets warm and dry during the winter months: — Before you take your pet outside in snowy weather, coat their paws with petroleum jelly or cooking oil to protect them and keep them from accumulating snow.

— Wipe a pet’s feet after taking them outside in an area that may have been treated with chemicals to help melt snow.

— Always use a leash when walking your dog in the snow because they can lose their scent and get lost.

Source: hdtv.com

Metro Creative Connection

without being too close to the ceiling. The entire chandelier should ideally be visible from the entry point into the space.

Don’t purchase a chandelier that is overly trendy.

A chandelier should be an investment, kept over time, as opposed to a temporary lighting solution.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@ cathyhobbs.com or cathyhobbs.com.

Homeowners often rely on anecdotal evidence, such as their real estate agent or the visual markers that border a property (streets, fences) to delineate their property.

Sometimes, people are shocked by how much of their land is owned by the state, especially in subdivisions.

“Most homeowners are surprised to find out they don’t own the property all the way out to the curb line at the street,” said James Thurber, of Thurber Engineering & Land Surveying. “The state not only owns the asphalt surface, but some of the land that extends into what the homeowners believe is their front lawn.”

Why does it matter?

The most obvious value of property lines is knowing how far you can and should place

improvements. A 6-foot variance makes a big difference when you’re putting up a fence.

In some cases, a homeowners association will require certain improvements be made up to the property line.

You also don’t want any nasty surprises during a home sale when you discover the size of the land you’ve been pitching to your potential buyers is off by several feet. You might need expensive repairs right then, or it could scuttle the sale.

Hiring a surveyor

Licensing requirements vary by state, but all have some kind of surveyor’s licensing board. The profession requires a deep knowledge of law and systems, extensive education and professional experience under a licensed surveyor.

It also requires a bit of diplomacy — surveyors are sometimes asked to explain their findings to angry landowners who discover they own much less than they thought, or that their expensive landscaping extends several feet into someone else’s yard.

Never buy a home PROPERTY continues on 10

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Composite sinks offer heavy-duty appeal

By Ed Del Grande Tribune News Service

Q: Dear Ed: I am planning to replace my kitchen countertops, sink and faucet. While searching for a heavy-duty type sink, I keep hearing about composite kitchen sinks. Can you please give me some of your helpful Ed info tips about composite kitchen sinks? — Al, Kentucky A: If you’re looking for a heavy-duty kitchen sink that offers a lot of bang for the buck, a composite kitchen sink can fill the bill.

Speaking of bangs, because of strong materials used to make composite sinks, they also tend to be chip- and scratch-resistant, even if you’re in the habit of banging your sink with heavy pots and pans from time to time.

Composite sinks are made with a special mixture of materials and resins and come

DREAMSTIME

Wabi-sabi is a Japanese worldview that celebrates imperfection, and Dayna Isom Johnson says it’ll be big in the home decor space.

Wabi-sabi predicted to be top decor trend

By Sophie Miura KOHLER

If you’re looking for a heavy-duty kitchen sink that offers a lot of bang for the buck, a composite kitchen sink can fill the bill. in a variety of beautiful colors that are part of the actual material makeup.

Finally, these sinks usually have an attractive matte finish, are heat resistant and easy to maintain. Just wash daily with soapy water along with a good rinse/wipe, and you can keep your brand-new afford-

able composite kitchen sink looking like a million bucks.

Master contractor/plumber Ed Del Grande is known internationally as the author of the book “Ed Del Grande’s House Call,” the host of TV and Internet shows, and a LEED green associate. Visit eddelgrande. com or write eadelg@cs.com. Always consult local contractors and codes.

Domaine

Sleek, sparse minimal interiors might photograph well, but they also can be a pain to keep tidy in real life.

After all, messiness is an inevitable part of everyday life, and our homes should be inviting and encourage play — not instill fear at the thought of a spill.

If you’ve never quite been able to get onboard with the pared-back, minimal homes that have dominated Pinterest for the last few years, Etsy’s in-house trend forecaster Dayna

Isom Johnson says the No. 1 trend for 2018 is made for you. Wabi-sabi is a Japanese worldview that celebrates imperfection, and Johnson says it’ll be big in the home decor space.

“No matter your personal style, there is one key factor to nailing this trend for your home design: Find the beauty in the not-so-perfect,” she tells Elle Decor. “Accepting the idea that your home does not have to be showroom-ready is all it takes. Keep it real, be authentic, and be happy that for once you don’t have to make your bed to be cool.”

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Property: Surveys worth the cost Continued from 8

without a survey, and if you’re doing landscape or fence construction, it buys valuable peace of mind to know your boundaries.

Angie’s List members report spending between $350 and $600 on a survey.

Costs tend to vary by region and extent of the job. For example, Dennis Campbell, president of Blue Ridge Land Surveying in Asheville, N.C., says surveys of properties less than an acre in his area cost between $600 and $1,500.

“A few hundred dollars for a survey and staking property lines could

save thousands in fence removal and replacement,” Thurber said. “I always tell clients that a survey is the cheapest form of insurance you can buy.”

Your responsibilities Property lines get more complicated with elements that start on one property but impact another, and insurance and liability come into play. Trees make up the majority of these problems. If your oak’s limbs extend over your neighbor’s yard, whose problem is it when the leaves fall or a broken limb causes damage to a neighbor’s yard?

This is another case where your jurisdiction matters.

“In Virginia, if a tree falls from my neighbor’s property onto my property, it’s considered an act of God,” Thurber said. “The insurance companies will usually cover the damage that may have occurred to the respective properties, but my neighbor’s insurance company will not cover damages to mine.”

In some cases, property lines can impact ownership of the tree and who can make decisions about it — another reason to be well aware of your exact boundaries. homes.cjonline.com | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, July 29, 2017 | 9

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