ATHOME
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REMODELING
Back to the future Updated home retains 1970s feel, Page 6
[LINDA A. DITCH/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]
INSECT INVADERS, PAGE 2
EXTENDING DRIVEWAY’S LIFE, PAGE 4
TRENDY TILES, PAGE 5
2 Saturday, May 26, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
Late-spring insects feed on trees, vegetables Early control efforts most effective
Ariel Whitely-Noll
W
armer days bring out the insects — both good and bad. Although watching the bees come out for their first meals of the season is a highly anticipated spring activity, getting the first mosquito bite isn’t. Here are a few of the late-spring insects looking to tear up your trees and munch on your vegetables. Bagworm May is the time for young bagworms to hatch and begin feeding on your trees and shrubs. The larvae, which are only 1/25 of an inch long, will emerge and begin spinning their silken bags, which they carry with them as they feed. The larvae generally feed on the plant on which they hatched, but they can be transported to
other host plants by using a long silken thread that carries them like a kite. As the larvae grow and feed on tree needles or leaf tissue, their bags will become camouflage with this material. A bag, which can go unnoticed until it’s 1 to 2 inches long, will hang down like an ornament from the tree or shrub. Although hand-picking the bags and destroying them can be an effective control method any time of year, spraying is only effective when the larvae are young. Start looking for their emergence in mid-May. A few weeks after you notice the larvae, spray — generally in mid- to late June. Spinosad, acephate, cyfluthrin and permethrin are effective for bagworm control. For thorough control, coverage of all foliage is as essential as the timing. August applications are a waste of time and money, because the mature bagworms are tough and resilient against sprays. Ash/lilac borer May is the time to be aware of and prevent damage from the ash/lilac borer. The ash/
lilac borer is different than the emerald ash borer, but it can still kill ash trees. Adults are active from late-April until June, although the extended cool period we experienced in April more than likely shifted initial activity into early to mid-May. Adults are brown, clearwing moths that resemble paper wasps. Adult females lay tan, oval-shaped eggs in cracks and crevices, or wounds, at the base of plant stems. A single female can live about a week and lay up to 400 eggs. The larvae of the borer damage trees and plants by feeding within the bark, which restricts the flow of water and nutrients and causes branch or shoot dieback. Feeding damage may appear as swollen areas or cracks where major branches attach to the trunk. You also may see light-colored sawdust accumulate at the base of the tree or shrub. Minimization of borer issues can be achieved by avoiding plant stress. Irrigate, fertilize, prune properly and mulch. Permethrin and bifenthrin are effective against the borer and can be applied to the bark at least 6
feet up from the base. Asparagus beetle Asparagus beetles — both adults and larvae — feed on asparagus spears by chewing on the tips. Asparagus beetles overwinter as adults in litter around the garden. Adults are blue-black beetles with a red prothorax with yellow spots. Larvae are a soft green grub. Eggs are small, elongated and black. You may notice them sticking out from the side of the spears. As with many garden pests, early control is important to avoid later feeding damage. Sevin is effective for control, but it requires a one-day wait period before harvest. Products with permethrin are also effective, but they require a three-day wait period before you can harvest. Cucumber beetle Many homeowners have experienced cucumber or muskmelon vines that have suddenly turned brown and died. Often, this is the result of a disease known as bacterial wilt. The cucumber beetle is the carrier of this disease. An
infected plant can’t be cured, so prevention is essential. Early control is also key for this overwintering beetle. There are two types of cucumber beetles: striped and spotted. The striped cucumber beetle is the most common. Row covers, cones or any other mechanical barrier can be effective protection against the beetle, but you must seal the edges to ensure the beetles can’t get to the plants. As plants grow, the covers will need to be removed to allow insect pollination. Insecticides should be applied before beetles are visible. Spray weekly throughout the season. Permethrin is effective against the cucumber beetle. To avoid harming bees, spray pesticides in the evening, when they are less active. Always follow label instructions. For edible crops, look for the “postharvest spray interval.” This will tell you how long to wait after spraying pesticides until you can safely harvest your produce. Ariel Whitely-Noll is the horticulture agent for Shawnee County Research and Extension. She can be reached at arielw@ksu.edu.
Bare-root trees need careful planting Composting, watering help establish roots By Lee Reich The Associated Press
I got a look of disbelief when I told a friend I had planted a tree that had been shipped from a nursery
2,000 miles away. As I went on to explain that the tree had been sent "bare-root," I could see him shudder. But then I showed off my robust young plant in its second year of growth. Bare-root trees are so named because the plants are dug from the ground
when dormant, or leafless, and then their roots are shaken free of soil. Kept cool, with their roots packed in some moist material, bare-root plants are easy to store or ship in good condition. They're usually less expensive and are available in greater variety
than potted or balledand-burlapped trees. Early care Of course, it's not only the plant's quality that was responsible for the good growth of my bare-root tree. Proper siting, care
on arrival and planting were equally important. Two threats to a bareroot tree before it’s planted are that it’s kept too warm and its roots dry out. Immediately after I receive a bare-root tree, whether See TREES, 9
The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, May 26, 2018 3
Touchless soap dispenser is a versatile accessory Fixtures work well in kitchens, bathrooms
Touchless dispensers promote better hygiene and can be installed without any plumbing labor. [KOHLER]
hygiene and are so much fun to use, especially for the kids. Also, a lighted timer takes the guesswork out of proper handwashing lather time. Finally, my favorite feature is no plumbing labor is necessary, just place it on the countertop and wash away any installation headaches.
A: If something makes your life a little easier and it’s within budget, I say it’s practical. Many homeowners are discovering stylish battery-operated hands-free soap dispensers are great for kitchens and bathrooms. First, touchless dispensers promote better
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.
By Ed Del Grande Tribune News Service
Q: Dear Ed: I read your past article about kitchen sink soap dispensers. You educated me on new countertop touchless dispensers that are now available. Well, at the time we were installing granite counters with an undermount sink, and you saved us from drilling a second hole in the counter. Also, it works out so well in the kitchen, I was wondering if I should invest in two more for my bathrooms. Does that sound practical? — Dolly, Texas
4 Saturday, May 26, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
Regular resealing can extend driveway’s life Sealcoating helps repel water, prevents corrosion By HomeAdvisor
From ultraviolet rays to freezing rain, the elements can take a toll on your driveway. Fortunately, resealing your driveway can add a layer of protection that prevents the need for costly future repairs. In fact, professionally sealing your driveway can extend its lifespan up to 30 years while also enhancing your home’s curb appeal. How often you need to reseal your driveway depends on factors such as pavement material, local weather conditions, exposure to the elements and the amount of vehicle traffic your driveway receives. What is resealing?
Resealing — also known as sealing or sealcoating — is the process of applying a durable coating on top of pavement to prevent deterioration from weather, gas, oil spills and other fluids. A professional sealcoat will repel water, one of the most
Professionally resealing your driveway can add as much as 30 years to its lifespan. [DREAMSTIME]
detrimental agents when it comes to damaging both asphalt and concrete. Sealing your driveway also can help keep sunlight and oxygen from permeating the pavement and causing corrosion. Sealcoating stops small cracks from growing into big ones and can repel oil spills and grease to make your driveway easier to clean. Resealing the pavement is a straightforward, costeffective way to double or even triple the life expectancy of your driveway. How often should you reseal?
The months between
April and October are typically the best time of the year to reseal a driveway, but the best time to tackle your project will depend on your region’s climate. During the sealcoating process, the outside temperature must be 50 degrees or warmer, with no freezing nights. In most areas, it’s best to avoid resealing projects in shaded areas after early October. As a general rule of thumb, you should seal your driveway every one to three years. Here’s a look at expert recommendations based on pavement type:
• Concrete. More durable than asphalt varieties, concrete driveways tend to last longer between sealing. With a concrete driveway, you can typically seal directly after installation and continue to reseal just once every five years, even in regions with colder winters. When deciding whether it’s time to layer on a new sealcoat, check your concrete driveway for cracks. If the surface is looking porous or worn, reach out to a driveway pro to determine whether your driveway is in need of resealing or other maintenance. • Asphalt. When compared to concrete, asphalt is generally more susceptible to damage from weather, water and traffic. Unlike concrete, asphalt needs to “cure,” meaning you should never reseal a newly paved asphalt driveway until at least 90 days after installation. The process of curing enables oils to escape and prepares the pavement for the sealer. Once cured, a sealcoat should be applied promptly to protect asphalt from sunlight, extreme temperatures and
other preliminary threats. After the initial seal, asphalt should be resealed once every three to five years. If you live in a climate with freezing winters and hot summers, consider resealing your driveway once every two to three years. How much does it cost to reseal a driveway?
The cost to reseal your driveway will depend on your region, weather conditions and driveway size. According to HomeAdvisor's True Cost Guide, the average cost to seal a driveway in the eastern part of the country is 10 to 16 cents per square foot. This means the cost of resealing a 1,000-square-foot concrete driveway may range from $100 to $160. Alternatively, in the upper Midwest, it’s common for contractors to price jobs per 1,000 square feet. Average costs there range from $85 to $100 per 1,000 square feet, with a minimum charge of $100. No matter where you live, resealing a driveway will cost less than an entire repair overhaul, which could set you back $794 to $2,348.
The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, May 26, 2018 5
Fashion-forward tile makes appearance on walls, floors New manufacturing techniques produce variety of designs By Kim Cook The Associated Press
One of the oldest materials in home design is now trending like a hot newcomer. Shelter magazines, design blogs and home renovation stores are featuring tile for surfacing floors and more: Designers are opting for a high-impact effect by cladding stair risers and entire rooms in tile, from interiors to the terrace. On Instagram, an account called “I Have This Thing With Floors,” where people post pictures of their feet standing on cool floors, has more than 840,000 followers. The appeal stems from an
Refin’s Voyager ceramic tile collection was inspired by the aged and rusted metal bridges of Genoa and the architectural elements of Victorian buildings. [REFLIN VIA AP]
explosion of creative designs and new manufacturing techniques, producing everything from charmingly imperfect artisanal tiles to
sleek, sexy slabs. If you can dream it, you’re likely to find a tile that looks like it. “I’m loving patterned tiles with hand-painted designs,” said Los Angeles designer Amy Sklar. “I’ve seen some really stunning ones that are truly like works of art.” Sklar also likes ethnic patterns that have been given a modern interpretation: “A continuation of the lovely handcrafted trend we’e been seeing, but realized with brighter colors. We’re also seeing florals but in a more abstract way, and again with a stronger palette.” Joan Craig, of Lichten Craig Architects in New York City, has worked with some dramatic marble slabs recently. “Over the past year, we’ve been selecting many of the vivid and highly figured
Italian marbles for walls, floors and tubs,” she said, including “a gray and white marble called Capraia Arabescato with striking veining in the powder room, and a burgundy and cream marble in the bar.” Italian company Sicis has a collection they call Electric Marble, in which veins of vivid color are sandwiched between panels of glass. Mia Jung, of the architecture and design firm Ike Kligerman Barkley, has 3-D tiles on her radar. “I see more and more collections from Japan, Italy and other countries. At the simplest level, they’re used to add some texture to plain walls,” she said. “A more elaborate arrangement of 3-D tiles can function as an architectural element like a wall-like screen between
two rooms. One can even have an art piece constructed with 3-D tiles serving as a focal point of a space.” Metallic detail, a hot commodity in fashion fabrics, is also adding flair to tile — anything from bold swaths to subtle accents. Walker Zanger’s Ellington collection, inspired by the Jazz Age and Art Deco, traces geometric outlines in gold on an ebony background. At January’s Kitchen and Bath Industry Show in Orlando, Fla., New Ravenna debuted Sara Baldwin’s Ikat tile collection inspired by Uzbekistani textile leaf patterns and crafted of colorful jewel glass. For ceilings or walls, New Ravenna’s Astronomy, Michael and Orion patterns have dreamevoking starry patterns on light or dark backgrounds.
6 Saturday, May 26, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
REMODELING
Bringing back ’70s style Opening up spaces key to new look of Topeka home By Linda A. Ditch Special to The Capital-Journal
Cassandra Cohen wanted to surprise her husband, Dane, when he returned home after a business trip. The remodeling of their home’s entire first floor had just been completed by Golden Rule Remodeling, and he was expecting to see redone spaces without furniture. However, Cassandra wanted to get the furniture set up so he could see the finished picture. Earlier, when Cassandra and their soon-to-be first-grader, Sulliven, walked around the empty rooms, the youngster asked, “Can we stay here tonight?” After three months of living in her mother’s home, Cassandra was all for the idea. “We had nothing in the house yet,” she said. “We had to bring a mattress up from the basement to sleep on. We had no food, nothing, but we stayed in the house. “It was difficult to feel so displaced. We’re homebodies, and we like being at home.” Dane was surprised by the change to their mid-century home in the Lake Sherwood area. After walking through the retro-style tangerine front door, he entered a living space opened up into one large great room, with the kitchen swapping places with the dining space. The floors are new, upscale vinyl planks that look like wood, chosen to withstand the wear and tear of a young boy and two dogs. The centerpiece of the redone kitchen is an island with a waterfall quartz countertop. The furniture is Mid-Century Modern, with some of the pieces being new and others already being owned by the couple. The
The remodeling project created a large great room that included the kitchen, dining area and living space. Standouts in the opened-up room are the blue sofa, light-wood dining table and large fireplace. [LINDA A. DITCH/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL] Bright orange bar stools lined up along the island gives a pop of color to the remodeled kitchen. Two unique light fixtures also add interest in the room. [LINDA A. DITCH/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-
See ’70s STYLE, 7
JOURNAL]
The remodeling of the Cohens’ home included the installation of unique light fixtures. This light is in the master bedroom. [LINDA A. DITCH/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITALJOURNAL]
The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, May 26, 2018 7
’70S STYLE From Page 6
The remodeled kitchen features new appliances, a quartz countertop and a vinyl-plank floor that looks like wood. [LINDA A. DITCH/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]
Dane and Cassandra Cohen and their son, Sulliven, are enjoying the larger kitchen that resulted from the remodeling of their 1976 home in the Lake Sherwood area. [LINDA A. DITCH/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]
The new master bathroom is much bigger than the previous one. “The new shower takes up the entire space of the previous bathroom,” Cassandra Cohen said. [LINDA A.
A retro-style tangerine front door sets the tone for Cassandra and Dane Cohen’s remodeled home in the Lake Sherwood area. The home was built in 1976 and still has the feel of that decade. [LINDA A. DITCH/
The centerpiece of the redone kitchen is an island with a waterfall quartz countertop. [LINDA A. DITCH/SPECIAL TO
DITCH/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]
SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]
THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL]
blue sofa and light-wood dining table stand out, as do the bright orange bar stools at the island. Perhaps even more eye-catching is an entryway cabinet and a hallway bookcase built by Cassandra’s dad when he was in high school. Golden Rule even made a space just for the bookcase. Built in 1976, the house has the feel of that decade, much to Cassandra’s pleasure. “I love Mid-century Modern and vintage. I even dress vintage,” she said. “I’m trying to bring (the 1970s) back.” The main living space wasn’t the only area to undergo a makeover. A hallway bathroom got a face-lift, as did Sulliven’s room, complete with a new modern light fixture he picked out himself. Next to his room is the new master bedroom, which was made by combining two bedrooms into one. There is a door between the master bedroom and Sulliven’s room, so the family can see each other when it’s time to go to sleep. The new master bathroom is much bigger than the previous one. “The new shower takes up the entire space of the previous bathroom,” Cassandra said. One wall of the bathroom features tiles made to look like wood, giving the whole space a natural, outdoor feel. Dane still is getting accustomed to the large shower. “We both felt like we were in a nice hotel and they were going to kick us out,” Cassandra said with a laugh. Perhaps the most attention-getting aspects of the new spaces are their light fixtures. Each one is unique and modern, casting beautiful shadows onto the ceiling. Some of the pieces came from lighting stores, while others were found at local big-box hardware stores. When asked if there was anything he would change, Dane said, “Not one single thing for me. Golden Rule did a great job. ... Matt (Vincent, owner,) was really good at keeping in touch. He supplied a time line about what was going to happen each week, and they stuck to it.” Linda A. Ditch is a freelance writer from Topeka. She can be reached at lindaaditch@gmail.com.
8 Saturday, May 26, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
Don’t ignore white when decorating home Mix with cool, warm colors for balance By Cathy Hobbs Tribune News Service
A textured black wallpaper makes a bold design statement. [PHOTO BY HANNAH ROKES]
Do’s and don’ts of using black in decor Mix with contrast colors, not other shades of black By Cathy Hobbs Tribune News Service
Black is back. It has long been a staple on the runway and is making a bold and sustained comeback in home decor. Why black? Black is often considered to be a luxurious color that blends well with other colors and also can serve as a great foundation color. In other words, black is a neutral color that can be easily used as a main color or accents in a space. When looking to incorporate the color black into your home, here are some basic do’s and don’ts: • Consider the color black for some of your primary furnishings such as coffee tables, sofas or chairs. • Consider using black as an accent wall color. It may be a bold choice, but paired with a contrast color such as white, it can be classic and timeless. • Incorporate black into your space through artwork. • Mix black with contrast colors such as white, taupe or light gray. • Experiment with materials
such as velvet, faux fur or textured wallpaper. • Don’t blend different shades of black. Unlike other colors, the shade of black used should be consistent throughout a space. Otherwise, the color may appear faded or worn. • Don’t overdo it. Less is often more. Instead of having a room dominated by the color black, which can appear harsh or even gloomy, consider using black as an accent. • Don’t be afraid to use black in accent elements such as toss pillows, throws and even picture frames. • Don’t mix black with darker shades of blue, such as indigo. The colors tend to look similar and will prevent the black from standing out front and center. • Don’t ignore finishes such as steel or dark metals as a way to use black, especially if your style is industrial chic. 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 visit cathyhobbs.com.
White walls? White furniture? White rugs? Why not? There was a time in home decor in which the color white was an ideal color for a formal living room. A white living room was typically a space that was seldom used and handled with great care. These days, color isn’t always king, especially as people look to live in more minimalist environments. White is a color that is often ignored, but used purposefully and carefully can and should be embraced. Here are some do’s and don’ts when decorating with white: • Mix different tints, tones and shades of white. • Incorporate the color white into accessories, such as vases, florals and toss pillows. • Mix white with colors such as silver gray and taupe to help create a soothing environment. • Use textured white accessories, such as area rugs and toss pillows, to help soften a space. • Mix white with both warm
and cool colors. White can be warm, like in a shade closer to taupe, or cool, such as a shade that has gray undertones. Whether blending with warm or cool colors, white helps create the ideal color balance. • Don’t forget to extend the color white into elements such as cabinetry, fixtures and appliances. • Don’t ignore the opportunity to reflect color through the use of mirrors and windows. • Don’t be afraid to use the color white in areas that may be used often, such as bedrooms or dining areas. • Don’t omit the use of negative space, such as white trims, door headers and under ceiling soffits. • Don’t dismiss the power of a pure white space. One of the most powerful color combinations is a monochromatic scheme, which involves a blend of similar shades of the same color. 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.
Soft gray mixed with white helps make this space feel soft and soothing. [DESIGN RECIPES]
The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, May 26, 2018 9
TREES From Page 2
it has been shipped or brought home from a nursery, I soak the roots in a bucket of water for eight hours. If planting must be delayed, I keep the tree cool and its roots moist by storing it on the cool, north side of my house with its roots covered with moist soil or mulch. Or I put it in the refrigerator with its roots wrapped in moist peat and then plastic. Keeping the tree cool delays growth of buds along the stems. Just before planting, I inspect the roots, cutting off any that are dead, diseased or broken. I shorten any that are too long to be splayed out into a reasonably sized planting hole.
Just before planting, I inspect the roots, cutting off any that are dead, diseased or broken. I shorten any that are too long to be splayed out into a reasonably sized planting hole. Now is when compost can be put to best use; spread it on top of the ground an inch or two deep. A further topping of straw or wood chips no closer than 6 inches from the trunk will keep the roots cool, moist and happy in the months ahead. Post-planting care
Large trees or trees in very windy sites need to be staked for a year, until their roots take hold in the soil. Tie the trunk to one or two stakes set alongside the tree, using some soft material or wire padded where it touches the trunk. Allow for some Plant correctly movement of the trunk or else it will be too slow in thickening. The soil needs to be crumbly — not The final step in tree plantsodden and not rock-hard — before it's ing — watering — is critical. I ready to be dug for planting the tree. slowly and thoroughly soak the When I do dig, I make the hole just deep ground beneath my new plant. enough to get the tree in, twice as wide It's important not to turn your as the spread of the roots, and tapered back on any sapling after that last down from its edges to full depth. step in planting. Throughout its first After shoveling enough loose soil growing season, longer for large back into the planting hole to cretrees, a weekly watering schedate a mound on which to set the tree, ule must be diligently maintained. I start backfilling, tamping the soil in Figure on about 1 gallon per week among the spread roots. No need to per square foot spread of the roots. mix any other materials, such as peat And that mulched circle is mainor compost, into the planting hole. tained for at least a few years. After I finish backfilling, I build up After that, the mulching can be a slight ridge of soil around the outer continued or the ground could be edge of the planting hole to help conplanted with some groundcover, tain water. If rodents are a threat, either of which keeps lawnmowa cylinder of ¼-inch mesh harders and weed whackers — hazards ware cloth will keep them at bay. to trees young and old — at bay.
The soil needs to be crumbly — not sodden and not rock-hard — before it’s ready to be dug for planting a tree. Make the hole just deep enough to get the tree in, twice as wide as the spread of the roots, and tapered down from its edges to full depth. [LEE REICH VIA AP]
10 Saturday, May 26, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
TIP OF THE WEEK
Getting antsy Don’t you hate walking into your kitchen and finding a line of ants marching around the sink or crawling into your cabinets? Ants can be a nuisance for sure, but they also can transport E. coli and salmonella if they’ve traveled through garbage or other waste. Here’s how you can get rid of them: • Determine what kind of ants they are and where they are coming from. • Seal cracks and openings with clear caulk or steel wool. Patch torn screens and replace worn door sweeps. • Remove potential food sources, including crumbs, grease spatters and spilled drinks. Seal food in airtight containers. • Put out bait traps. Ants
[METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION]
carry the bait back to the colony, where it is shared and kills other ants. If the ants persist, call in a professional to exterminate them. Source: goodhousekeeping.com/home
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