At Home Living 012018

Saturday, Jan. 20, 2018 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

CAPITOL ISSUES

REALTORS KEEP AN EYE ON ACTIONS IN LEGISLATURE

[MAY 2017 FILE PHOTO/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]

STARTING SEEDS INDOORS, PAGE 2

MAKING GOOD FIRST IMPRESSIONS, PAGE 3

POPCORN CEILING CONCERNS, PAGE 8

2 Saturday, January 20, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

Steps to starting seeds indoors MARK YOUR CALENDAR

The Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners program will be offering classes and workshops and participating in community events this year.

Here are a couple of upcoming events: • 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

Ariel Whitely-Noll Use quality seeds, keep them moist

J

anuary may not be a good “gardening month” in many people’s minds, but it can be a good time to start vegetable and flower seeds indoors.

Seeding plants gives gardeners the opportunity to produce quality plants at a lower price than buying established plants in the spring.

The following steps will help get your seedlings off to a good start.

• Quality seed: Start with fresh seed, using varieties recommended for your area.

Obtain seed from reputable sources, such as local garden stores or seed catalogs.

If you buy from a store that doesn't specialize in plants, make sure to check the package date to see if it was packaged for the current year.

• Date to seed: Use your Kansas Garden Guide — free at bookstore.ksre.ksu. edu/pubs/s51.pdf — to

Seeding plants during the winter months gives gardeners the opportunity to produce quality flowers and vegetables at a lower price than buying established plants in the spring. [METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION]

determine transplant dates.

From the transplant date, count backward (weeks from seeding to transplant on the seed package) to determine your seeding date.

• Proper media: Don’t use regular potting soil or garden soil to sow seeds.

The soils can be too heavy for small seeds, and garden soil may contain diseases.

Garden stores sell mixes just for starting seeds. These will produce optimal germination.

•Moisture: Once seeds are planted, the soil shouldn’t be allowed to dry. Keep soil

moist — but not water logged — with a spray bottle and plastic over the container.

Remove the plastic once the plant germinates, but keep the soil moist until transplant.

• Light: Pay attention to the germination needs for each plant. Some will need to germinate in the dark, but all seedlings will need light once they emerge. Newly emerged seedlings left in darkness, even briefly, will continue to stretch until they run out of energy.

• Temperature: Some plants require a higher temperature

Pocket-size seed packets speak volumes Burpee changes look of its packaging

By Dean Fosdick The Associated Press

A seed packet may be small, but it speaks volumes.

While seed catalogs promote thousands of types of plants, seed packets tell gardeners how

SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE

to grow one. All the information is printed on the back of a paper pouch slightly larger than the size of your wallet, and at prices that won’t empty it.

Although the cost of seeds has risen over the past few years, they’re still an economical way to garden, said Elsa Sanchez, a commercial vegetable crops specialist at Penn State

University Extension.

“The other option would be to buy transplants, which is generally more expensive,” Sanchez said. “You also find a lot more options for types and cultivars when you start from seed.”

Seed packages have been a gardening staple in the United See PACKETS, 5

Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners awards scholarships every year to local students. Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who reside in 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.

for germination than we typically have in our homes. You may try to find the warmest spot in your home — the top of the refrigerator or the

top of the dryer on laundry day — or purchase a heated germination mat. Once germination occurs, most plants can be moved to cooler areas.

Pay close attention to soil moisture in high-heat areas.

• Touch: Don’t just sing to your plants; touch them.

Gently brushing your hands over your plants will make them stronger. “Brush” them with 20 strokes a day to get stockier plants. Keep in mind that not even touch will make up for inadequate light or overcrowding.

• Hardening off: Before you transplant your seedlings outside, make sure you harden them off. This means you gradually begin exposing the seedlings to outside conditions. Begin setting your seedlings outside about two weeks before transplant. The first day, only leave them out for an hour or two. As the days pass, gradually increase their time outside. This will minimize deaths from the harsher outdoor conditions.

To learn about suitable plant varieties for Kansas, visit hnr.k-state.edu/ extension/info-center/ recommended-plants.

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

Seed packets are great reference tools for gardeners. While the front of the packets show how the seeds will look when they mature, the back describes everything needed to grow them — from spacing and soil depth to light conditions and moisture requirements.

[DEAN FOSDICK VIA AP]

The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, January 20, 2018 3

Easy changes boost 1st impression of home Entryway is key to wowing guests

By Sophie Miura Domaine

It takes just 26 seconds for a guest to form an opinion of your home when they walk through the front door. What does your space say about you?

While we try to resist the urge to judge, there’s no doubt first impressions count.

Whether you’re expecting guests or you’re hoping to transform your spare room into a rental, experts agree there are five key areas that friends notice first about your house.

Thankfully, it takes minutes to correct them.

Miranda Cresswell, brand director at OneFineStay,

A clean and inviting entryway is key to making a good first impression with guests visiting your home. An entryway should be organized and have a neutral design theme. [DOMAINE]

and Ariel Kaye, CEO of Parachute and the newly opened Parachute Hotel, explain the most effective ways to update your home before guests arrive.

Got five minutes to

spare? Make these simple changes for a home that makes a lasting impression.

Styled entryway “A clean and welcoming

entryway is crucial in leaving a good first impression.

It’s the first thing a guest sees,” said Cresswell.

When transforming a home into an OneFineStay property, she says it’s crucial that the entrance introduces a design theme.

“A good first impression — that moment when a guest’s breath is taken away — comes from stepping into a home with striking, deliberate design,” she said. “Think bright, organized and neutral. There’s a place for the eclectic or quirky, but the entryway is not that place.”

Instant fix: If you don’t have time to restyle your entryway, Cresswell says updating wall decor is a simple way to unify the space.

See CHANGES, 4

4 Saturday, January 20, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

CHANGES From Page 3

“Rather than cobbling a bunch of different frames or odds and ends together, choose a few specific things that pair perfectly,” she said.

“A precisely placed mirror can make a space look much bigger and brighter.”

Uplifting scent If you only pay attention to the look of your home, you’re missing one of the most important factors that influence guests: fragrance.

“Scent can be one of the most immediate factors in making a first impression, and it is often overlooked,” Cresswell said.

A Trulia study suggests it also could increase the value of your home. Thirty percent of real estate agents

said scent was the single most important sense during an open house and named vanilla and fresh scents as the most popular among house hunters.

Instant fix: Light a vanilla or citrus candle in the living room or near the entrance to infuse your home with an uplifting scent. If you’re turning your home into a rental, be sure to use a tall lantern to shield the open flame. “Flowers always add an elegant but subtle fragrance, and baking cookies is another great way to get a welcoming air on arrival,” Cresswell said.

Lack of clutter It’s time to address that discarded pile of magazines or strewn shoes. When it comes to first impressions, clutter counts. Seventythree percent of real estate agents said cleanliness is the most important sight-based

feature during a viewing, possibly because unnecessary furniture and decor can make a space feel small.

“A foyer should have absolutely no clutter,” Cresswell said. “Everything, from decorative knickknacks to practical things like shoes, should have a designated place. Keys should be hung neatly on a key rack, and shoes should have a rack or boot tray. As for cleanliness, dusting and vacuuming go a long way.”

Instant fix: Use decorative baskets to mask mess.

Position them by the doorway, under a coffee table, or beside a sofa to fake a cleaner-looking home without removing any items.

White paint The color you choose to paint your home can have a big impact on its value. A report by Zillow Digs found that slate gray was among

the most disliked colors among guests and cut the value of a home by more than $1,000. If you’re painting a guest room, real estate agents told Trulia that white, ivory and eggshell are the most appealing shades to create an inviting space.

Instant fix: If repainting your home isn’t an option, pay attention to lighting. A carefully chosen floor lamp with the right colored bulb can subtly change the intensity of paint and is a perfect way to make a slate-gray room feel bright and fresh.

Thoughtful touches To turn a good first impression into a lasting one, Kaye says personal touches matter most.

“A well-made bed is the most important thing you can offer your guests,” she said. “It is the key to making your visitors feel completely comfortable,

cozy and relaxed.”

When creating the brand’s first-ever hotel, Kaye channeled five-star vibes with a few expert touches.

“You should always provide at least two pillows of varying firmness per guest and dedicate a few sets of towels and sheets for guest use only,” she said. “This will allow them to last longer than if you added them to your daily rotation of linens.”

Instant fix: Caught off-guard by unexpected guests? Try this hotelapproved towel folding method for a thoughtful guestroom touch.

“First, lay the towel flat on a surface and smooth out any wrinkles. Then, starting with the long side of the towel, fold the length in thirds,” Kaye said. “Grasp the short side, and fold the towel in half. Repeat this step,” and you should be left with a neat square.

The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, January 20, 2018 5

PACKETS From Page 2

States for well over a century, although their look is frequently changed.

W. Atlee Burpee & Co., for example, has begun shipping re-designed packets for the 2018 growing season.

“We made the picture (of the plant) virtually the entire front of the packet, so there’s a very strong shout-out of what it is,” said Burpee chairman and chief

executive officer George Ball.

“We have just a few things on the front — the name, price and weight, such as we need to have.

“But turn it over and you’ll see that we’ve amped up the type of gardening information you’re going to get — the what, the how, the where and the when. The most important is the when,” Ball said. “We use USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness) zones and maps for that.”

Company founder Washington Atlee Burpee used to call seed packets his “silent salesmen,” Ball said.

“It’s important that the seed packets be seen from 15 feet for in-store sales rather than 15 inches for a catalog. So we go for a more varnished look to make a good first impression,” he said.

The kind of information to expect from these miniature reference guides includes: • Days to seed germination and maturity. Expect those to vary somewhat, though, based on sun exposure, soil temperature, fertility and moisture.

• Seed count and packing date. “Seed longevity is dependent on the type of seed

and also storage conditions,” Sanchez said, recommending any leftovers be kept cool and dry until another planting season rolls around. “Over time, viability and germination rates will decline.”

• Plant profile and size: whether it’s a hybrid, open pollinated or an heirloom, an annual, biennial or perennial.

• Planting instructions, including seed spacing and soil depth, light conditions and moisture requirements.

Then there’s the bonus information available through “QR,” or quick-response

coding — those usually square, artistic designs appearing more frequently on the flip side of seed packets. Download a free QR code reader app into your smart phone or tablet so you can read links and find information online.

“You can use smart phones to scan QR readers for a great many plant-particular details — information that just wouldn’t fit on the back of seed packets,” Sanchez said.

“It is a good idea to hang on to the seed packages after sowing as references for future care and harvesting.”

6 Saturday, January 20, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

CAPITOL ISSUES

Housing industry keeping an eye on Legislature Realtors association tuning in to property tax debate

By Shanna Sloyer Special to The Capital-Journal

Patrick Vogelsberg, vice president of governmental affairs at the Kansas Association of Realtors, says the government plays a significant role in the housing market.

“From tax policy benefits of home ownership to the impact that regulation has at both federal and state levels, and financial institutions’ and buyers’ ability to secure financing,” he said.

As Kansans look to the coming year, the Kansas housing industry is keeping a close watch on what the Legislature will do. Issues like property taxes, zoning and land use restrictions have significant implications on the real estate market.

“During the 2018 legislative session, the biggest issue will be how the Legislature is going to respond to the school finance issue,” Vogelsberg said.

The Kansas Legislature has been given an April 30 deadline to remedy the school finance issue. According to Vogelsberg, the Kansas Association of Realtors is advocating for strong, quality public education.

“It’s an important piece of communities, for both residential and business communities. People are buying a community, not a property,” he said.

The Kansas Association of Realtors will be watching closely the debate on how to fund school finance and is sensitive to the amount of property tax dollars that

The Kansas housing industry is keeping a close watch on what the Legislature is doing during this year’s session. Issues like property taxes, zoning and land use restrictions have significant implications on the real estate market. [MARCH

UNDERSTANDING THE MILL LEVY

2017 FILE PHOTO/

One mill is equal to $1 per $1,000 of assessed value. The 2016 mill levy rates in the following counties were:

THE CAPITALJOURNAL]

will be proposed. There has been some discussion in the past year of mill levy rate increases, which directly impact homeowners.

The mill levy is the tax rate applied to the assessed value of a property. A local portion of the mill levy is used to fund public services, such as safety, emergency services, recreation and culture, while a statewide portion is used to fund public schools.

An increase to the mill levy would mean an increase in property taxes for home and business owners.

“We encourage a variety of sources, not just property tax payers,” Vogelsberg said.

“The property tax burden is a determining factor with investors and buyers, and we will be monitoring it closely.”

Sales tax will be another area to watch. According to Vogelsberg, there are a number of key sales tax exemptions that the Legislature may consider repealing this session that could directly influence the real estate market. One proposal would

impose sales tax on certain water utilities, which increases the cost of home ownership across the board.

Additionally, if current sales tax exemptions on new and existing buildings are repealed, it could drive up the cost of housing, especially on new construction.

The Kansas Association of Realtors is against the proposed sales tax increases, because the real estate market in Kansas is already experiencing a short supply of inventory.

Incentivizing new building projects allows homeowners who are considering new construction to sell their existing homes to first-time buyers who are struggling to find housing in the current market.

Other incentives that encouraged home ownership in Kansas in the past have suffered cuts for several years now under Gov. Sam Brownback’s tax plan. In 2012, the Kansas Association of Realtors fought cuts to the mortgage interest and property tax deductions

and lost. Beginning in 2013, reductions were made each year to shore up sparse tax revenue in the state.

In 2015, the Legislature voted to freeze cuts, and in 2016 legislators chose to restore the mortgage interest and property tax deductions to 50 percent of their original level. Current homeowners can once again deduct 50 percent of their mortgage interest and property taxes.

Last year, at the urging of the Kansas Association of Realtors, the Legislature put those restorations on a path to full restoration by the year 2020. By 2019, homeowners will be able to deduct 75 percent, and by 2020, mortgage interest and property tax deductions will be restored to pre-2012 levels.

On the surface, this is seemingly good news for Kansas property owners.

However, the federal proposal to double the standard deduction would result in fewer people itemizing on their tax returns, so a reduced number of property owners

With school finance at the forefront this legislative session, property taxes and mill levy increases may be part of the discussion. The mill levy is calculated by determining how much revenue a tax jurisdiction will need to cover annual expenses. That estimate is then divided by the total value of the properties within the area, which determines the mill levy, or property tax rate.

Shawnee 0.1501 Douglas 0.1302 Johnson 0.1223 Jackson 0.1527 Osage 0.1534 Riley 0.1369 Pottawatomie 0.0952 Lyon 0.1431 Sedgwick 0.1206

Source: Kansas Department of Revenue

would be able to take advantage of these deductions.

As for the remainder of the proposed federal tax plan, the National Association of Realtors remains neutral on the issues at hand.

Vogelsberg points out that the implications for housing will be greater on the East and West coasts than for the Kansas housing market.

“We’ll have to wait and see if there will be changes to buyer behavior,” he said.

Shanna Sloyer is a freelance writer from Topeka.

You can reach her at ssloyer@yahoo.com.

The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, January 20, 2018 7

Growing citrus indoors takes patience However, the effort pays off handsomely

DO’S AND DON’TS OF INDOOR CITRUS TREES

By Melissa Kossler Dutton

• Do fertilize.

• Do keep citrus in a spot indoors that gets lots of sun.

• Do check the moisture of the soil regularly.

• Do check the roots each spring to see if the plant requires a larger pot. Change pots when the roots are circling the bottom of the container or coming out of the bottom.

• Don’t over-water.

• Don’t put the trees in full sun when moving them outdoors, because the leaves will burn.

• Don’t expose them to swings in temperature. * Don’t prune them too hard.

The Associated Press

When Heather Rhoades bought her first indoor orange tree nearly 20 years ago, she had to order it from a specialty online retailer.

Now, it’s not uncommon to find citrus trees at local gardening centers or big box stores, said Rhoades, owner of Gardening Know How, an online resource based in Bedford, Ohio.

Interest in growing edibles and diverse plants has helped make citrus trees more popular and available, she said. Would-be growers can find a variety of lemon, lime and orange trees from which to choose.

“It’s easier for people to get ahold of citrus trees, and they’re more willing to try to grow them,” she said.

“Try” might be the operative word, said Missy Henriksen, of the National Association of Landscape Professionals. Growing citrus takes patience.

The trend toward bringing citrus and other tropical plants indoors began with commercial spaces but has been gaining traction among homeowners as well.

“Interior landscaping is growing in popularity, and the use of tropical plants and citrus trees originates with the growing desire of homeowners to create beautiful ‘interiorscapes’ that are more exotic and dramatic than your typical houseplants,” Henriksen said.

Dwarf fruit varieties, such as the calamondin orange, Tahitian orange, tangerine, kumquat, Meyer lemon and Kaffir lime are the best choices for growing indoors.

Source: Barbara Pierson, of White Flower Farm in Litchfield, Conn.

A dwarf citrus tree takes up little space inside a home, but can produce edible fruit and add interest to a home. [LOWES VIA AP]

“Keep in mind, however, citrus trees are not for everyone,” Henriksen said. “They’re best suited for homeowners who are willing to devote the time and attention these plants need to thrive, or who can hire a landscape professional to regularly tend to their plants.”

Start by selecting a healthy plant, Rhoades said. Look for a tree with rich, glossy leaves. A citrus plant that’s dropping leaves has likely

not been watered properly. Avoid trees that look “leggy,” she added.

Next, make sure the container is large enough for the roots to grow, Henriksen said. Finally, place the tree in a spot where it will receive plenty of sun.

You may want to supplement its exposure to light by using a grow lamp.

Research the tree’s water needs and follow them closely, said Rhoades.

But check the soil each

time before watering.

“Check it on a schedule,” she said. “Don’t water it on a schedule.”

Sometimes, it’s better to mist the leaves with a spray bottle rather than water the tree, said Barbara Pierson, of White Flower Farm in Litchfield, Conn.

It’s also a good idea to move citrus trees outdoors during warm weather, said Greg Gatlin, interior account manager at Southern Botanical in Dallas.

They can be outdoors as long as temperatures don’t dip below 50 degrees.

When moving trees between the indoors and outdoors, make sure the temperature doesn’t vary more than 15 degrees, because that can shock the plant.

Fertilizer also is

important, Pierson said. She recommends using fertilizer designed for citrus. If that’s not available, use regular fertilizer, but make it with half the amount of fertilizer to the recommended amount of water. Fertilize once a month when the plants are indoors and twice a month when they are outdoors.

“If you don’t feed, the plants are going to show it,” she said.

If cared for properly, the plants eventually will produce small amounts of fruit, though that may not be the biggest reward, the experts said.

For Rhoades, the citrus blossoms are the payoff.

“The flowers are literally intoxicating,” she said. “Your house smells wonderful.”

For others, the trees offer a sense of escape, Gatlin said.

“People want to bring more of that vacation feel to their homes,” he said.

“If you can’t take that trip to the islands, at least you can experience part of it by having the plants around.”

If citrus trees sound like too much work, there are low-maintenance tropical plants that can create the same effect, Henriksen said. Palm trees, including the lady palm, kentia palm, fishtail palm and parlor palm, can be grown in containers, and often transition well between indoor and outdoor spaces all year.

“While most of us are attracted to plants because of their beauty, the message is slowly starting to get out that there are benefits to having plants indoors,” Henriksen said.

“They increase oxygen levels, help purify the air by removing toxins and improve your mood.”

8 Saturday, January 20, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

How do you update a popcorn ceiling?

Process to remove texture can be messy, costly

By Megan Alderton Angie's List

A popcorn ceiling, otherwise known as an acoustic ceiling, is a ceiling that's been sprayed with a textured coating. A popular design element between the 1950s and 1980s, the texture is useful for hiding imperfections but is now considered outdated.

Popcorn ceilings are not only behind the times, but they're also difficult to repair and clean. What's more, they may deter potential buyers if and when the time comes to sell your home. There's also a chance that your popcorn ceiling may contain asbestos.

Asbestos was used in popcorn ceiling treatments until the Clean Air Act banned its use in 1978. It's most commonly found in the ceilings of homes built in the 1950s and 1960s. If inhaled, asbestos can cause serious respiratory health issues.

A popular design element between the 1950s and 1980s, popcorn ceiling texture is useful for hiding imperfections. However, popcorn ceilings are considered outdated today. [DREAMSTIME]

What’s involved in updating a popcorn ceiling?

If your home was built before 1980, you should start with an asbestos test (you can get one for around $75 to $100). If asbestos is present, you'll want to hire a qualified asbestos mitigation service to remove it.

This will cost about $3 to $10 per square foot, and it will involve sealing the affected area and removing the hazardous

materials and particles.

If asbestos isn’t found to be present, or if your home was built after 1980, you can either tackle your popcorn ceiling yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.

A drywall professional will typically be able to offer the best results in this area.

To start, the popcorn texture must be scraped off the ceiling. This is a tedious and messy process, and it will probably uncover

stains and other previously hidden flaws. To address these issues, the ceiling will typically need to be covered with multiple coats of drywall mud and retextured or sanded to a flat finish.

Finally, paint and primer should be applied to complete the ceiling update.

Experts say you can expect to pay about $1.50 to $3 per square foot to scrape, skim and retexture a popcorn ceiling, depending on the

Sensors allow hands-free flushing High-efficiency toilets offer other features, too

in public bathrooms?

— Bruce, Indiana

By Ed Del Grande

A: First, I suggest you look into installing a highefficiency toilet to help reduce your water bill.

Quality high-efficiency residential toilets also have some nice available features.

One of the new options is a touchless flushing system.

These toilets have a battery-operated no-touch sensor mounted inside the toilet tank. All you have to do is hold

Tribune News Service

Q: Dear Ed: We have a large family with many visitors.

Our downstairs bathroom gets a lot of traffic, and it's time to install a new toilet.

We want to keep the bathroom as clean as possible and were wondering if they make hands-free toilets for home use like they have

your hand over the top of the toilet lid to activate the flush.

Hands-free toilets are easy to operate, but you may have to remind new users you have a touchless toilet.

Finally, other features you may want on your new toilet include comfort height — the toilet is a little higher — and an anti-slam seat, giving your bathroom all the quiet comforts of home.

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.

Toilets with touchless flushing systems have a batteryoperated, no-touch sensor mounted inside the toilet tank.

[KOHLER]

texture you choose and the height of your ceilings.

A mottled texture known as a "knockdown" finish typically will be the least expensive option, because it doesn't require the drywall professional to smooth every imperfection. A smooth ceiling finish will be the most expensive, as a flawless surface is the most difficult and time-consuming to achieve.

Plus, post-project painting will add to the overall cost.

You'd expect updating your popcorn ceiling to be a relatively simple DIY project. But it can be a messy and complicated process, and the debris and potential hazards involved make it one with which you might not want to mess.

If there's a chance that you may encounter asbestos — or if you lack the time and experience it will take to successfully complete this project — it's probably well worth the cost to hire an appropriately licensed, insured and bonded professional. You can always save a little money by painting the finished new ceiling yourself.

The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, January 20, 2018 9

Throws can add to room’s decor Faux fur, wool popular materials for throws

Look for ways to repeat pattern and color — like with these stripes — when displaying throws in your home. [DESIGN

By Cathy Hobbs Tribune News Service

Throws and blankets aren’t only aesthetically pleasing, but this time of year, they’re functional as well. Here’s a list of things to look for to help keep you cozy.

RECIPES]

Materials Throws and blankets come in all different types of materials, and some are more common than others. One of the most popular materials right now is faux fur.

Faux fur is considered to be luxurious and elegant and can easily translate to a lot of different rooms in the home. Faux fur also comes in different colors and textures from smooth to shaggy. As an alternative, wool still remains a popular choice in throws. Thicker wools tend to maintain shape and provide warmth.

Another material often used is cotton. Although not as warm as wool, cotton is a popular throw choice, especially in a child’s room.

Looking for other material choices?

Why not consider cashmere or mohair?

Throws made of this material tend to be a higher price point but will likely be beautiful additions to your home.

Different styles These days, knitting remains more popular than ever. And as such, a number of different styles of knits have become in vogue. One of the most popular styles of throws is known as a chunky knit. These types of throws tend to be plush, oversized and incredibly cozy.

Decide on a color Keep in mind that a throw is an accessory that can help enhance nearly any decor. A throw can introduce a new color to a space, blend with existing colors or act as an accent.

For those looking to maintain a more neutral palette, taupe, black and charcoal gray are some great options. Prefer to incorporate a pop of color? Why

not incorporate warm colors into your space, such as chocolate brown, deep orange, mustard yellow or a rich red?

Location

crisp look, while on sofas and across beds, throws simply tossed into place may work best. Another option may be to drape a throw over the back of a sofa or chair. In general, there is no right or wrong way to display a throw.

The beauty of throws is they can be used anywhere. Social areas, such as Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is living rooms and family rooms, are typ- an Emmy Award-winning television host ically great choices, because these are areas where people typically relax, curl up by a fire or watch television.

Bedrooms are also a perfect location, because they can serve as additional bedding at night. Another location a throw may provide a welcomed decor element and comfort is a home office, where there might be a reading chair.

Styling tips When it comes to throws, it’s best to do what feels and looks most comfortable to you. At the foot of a bed, a folded rectangle can provide a clean,

MISTAKES TO AVOID When it comes to throws and blankets, here is a short list of do’s and don’ts.

• Do experiment with different colors and textures.

• Do consider color choices, either using a throw color that blends with your space or provides an accent.

• Don’t use too many different materials in one room, though it is perfectly acceptable to use different styles of throws throughout the home.

• Don’t forget function.

• Don’t skimp on size. Throws are intended to be generous and cozy.

Source: Interior designer Cathy Hobbs

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 visit her website at cathyhobbs.com.

10 Saturday, January 20, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

[METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION]

Tip of the week: Old softies Avoid using fabric softeners, dryer sheets with towels Liquid fabric softener and dryer sheets can help get rid of static cling, reduce wrinkles and make your laundry smell good, but they also can have a negative effect on some materials.

Here are some things to be aware of when using a fabric softener or dryer sheet: • Fabric softeners can weaken the thread structure of microfiber, which is designed to attract dust and absorb spills.

• Fabric softeners can leave a coating on sportswear that will hinder

its wicking ability.

• The absorbency of terry cloth can be reduced by fabric softeners. So if your towels aren’t drying as well as they should, stop using fabric softeners for a while to see if that makes a difference.

Source: goodhouse keeping.com/home/

The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, January 20, 2018 11

12 Saturday, January 20, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com