At Home Living 121617

Saturday, December 16, 2017 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

RELOCATION

Helping newcomers Realtors a good source for community info page 6 n Tending holiday plants, page 2 n Wreaths to the rescue, page 7 n Myths about solar panels, page 8

metro creative collection

2 | Saturday, December 16, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

Holiday plants add color to home decor Christmas trees aren’t the only botanical addition to your holiday decor. Poinsettias, Christmas cacti and amaryllis also can add color and warmth to your home during and after the holiday season.

Amaryllis

Amaryllis are available yearround, but they’re most often grown in containers as winterblooming plants.

As with all plants, start with quality when selecting an amaryllis.

Choose a firm bulb with no visible defects. Pot in welldraining soil with one-third of the bulb protruding above the soil line and a thumb width between the bulb and pot rim.

Always water the soil, not the neck of the bulb. Thoroughly water after potting and keep the soil moist until flowering.

During flowering, increase watering.

Place the bulb in a sunny, warm window with temperatures between 70 and 75 degrees. Once flowering begins, move it to a cooler location of 40 to 60 degrees and rotate so the flower stalk won’t lean toward the light and become crooked.

Expect to see blooms six to eight weeks after potting. After all the flowers have bloomed — some stalks may produce up to six flowers — cut stalks at their base and keep soil moist for the rest of the winter.

After the danger of frost has passed, set the plant outside in a sunny location.

Leave the foliage on until it’s brown and crispy. Cut the leaves back and allow the bulb to “rest” in a cool, dark location for two months in the fall before beginning the process again. Restrict water as the bulb enters this resting period.

Cacti

Christmas cactus and Thanksgiving cactus are native to the jungles of South America.

Christmas cactus normally

Ariel Whitely-NOLL

arielw@ksu.edu

Proper care of holiday plants will brighten your decor if you’re willing to put in the work. has smooth stem segments, and Thanksgiving cactus has hook-like appendages on each segment.

Both of these cacti prefer bright indirect light. Too much sun can result in the leaves turning yellow. Common household temperatures are fine, and soil should be kept constantly moist but not waterlogged.

During the fall, stop fertilizing and give the plants only enough water so the stems don’t shrivel in order to encourage flower bud formation.

If possible, move the plants outside for the summer to a shady spot. Leave the plants outside until frost threatens.

Normally, the plants will have received enough cool nights in the 50- to 55-degree range that flower buds will have formed.

However, if they haven’t, subjecting the plants to nights greater than 12 hours long and temperatures between 59 and 69 degrees also can generate flowers. Twenty-five consecutive long nights is enough for flower initiation.

Place the plants in an unused room or cover them with a dark cloth or cardboard box to insure they receive uninterrupted darkness. After the flower buds have formed, it takes an additional nine to 10 weeks for flowers to complete development and bloom. After flower-

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Although amaryllis are available throughout the year, they most often are grown in containers for use as blooming plants during the winter holiday season. ing, fertilize lightly every other week until the following fall.

Poinsettias

Given proper care, a poinsettia can be an attractive houseplant for a long time. Place your poinsettia in a sunny window or the brightest area of the room, but don’t let it touch cold window panes.

The daytime temperature should be 65 to 75 degrees, with 60- to 65-degree temperatures at night.

Move plants away from drafty windows at night or draw the drapes between them to avoid damage from the cold.

Poinsettias are somewhat finicky with soil moisture.

Avoid overwatering, because poinsettias don’t like “wet feet.”

On the other hand, if the plant

is allowed to wilt, it will drop some leaves.

So how do you maintain proper moisture? Examine the potting soil daily by sticking your finger about one-half inch deep into the soil. If it is dry to this depth, the plant needs water. Water the plant with lukewarm water until some water runs out of the drainage hole, then discard the drainage water.

At times, a rumor is resurrected that poinsettias are poisonous. This isn’t true. Though there may be an allergic reaction to the milky sap, there has never been a recorded case of poisoning.

When questioning if houseplants are poisonous to animals or children, the best precaution is to keep all plants away from both. Although some plants are

toxic, it’s never a good idea to let pets or children eat non-food items.

Proper care of holiday plants will brighten your decor if you’re willing to put in the work. For many, the time and effort it takes to get flowers and keep these plants alive can be too much.

Don’t feel bad if you buy plants this time of year and let them go after the holidays.

Many plants sold in grocery stores are intended for just that.

Whether you keep these plants all year or just enjoy them for a short time, the choice is yours. After all, there’s only so much room for plants in your home. Getting rid of the old, makes room for the new.

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

homes.cjonline.com | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, December 16, 2017 | 3

Mortgage insurance may add to homebuyer’s costs Brandpoint Owning your own home comes with many advantages, including escaping rising rents and the personal and financial stability associated with homeownership.

Fortunately, millions of Americans, with less than 20 percent down, have been able to buy a home sooner thanks to mortgage insurance.

If you don’t put down 20 percent of the mortgage cost, you likely will be required to purchase mortgage insurance, which enables lowdown-payment borrowers to qualify for home financing from lenders.

While homeownership has many benefits, it isn’t without costs.

Several surveys have found the majority of first-time homebuyers — more than 80 percent according to one study — put less than 20 percent down. For these borrowers, there is usually the added expense of mortgage insurance, which may give some of these borrowers pause.

But there is good news: Monthly private mortgage insurance premiums don’t last forever on most conventional loans. And when private mortgage insurance cancels, homeowners

BRANDPOINT

Millions of Americans have been able to buy a home sooner thanks to mortgage insurance, which enables low-down-payment borrowers to qualify for home financing from lenders. will have more cash in their pockets each month — money available for home improvements or other goals.

It’s important to understand, however, that not all mortgage insurance is the same, and not all mortgage insurance can be canceled.

There are numerous low-down-payment mortgage options available that include mortgage insurance. The two most common are: — Home loans backed 100 percent by the government through the Federal Housing Ad-

ministration that include both an upfront and annual mortgage insurance premium.

— Conventional loans, which are typically backed at least in part by private sources of capital, such as private mortgage insurance.

The key difference is private mortgage insurance can be canceled, while FHA typically can’t be canceled.

An FHA loan can be obtained with a down payment as low as 3.5 percent. However, be aware that you typically will have to pay a mort-

gage insurance premium of 1.75 percent of the total loan amount at closing or have it financed into the mortgage.

In addition to your regular monthly mortgage payments on your FHA loan, you also will pay a fixed monthly mortgage insurance premium fee for the life of the loan. This means you could pay hundreds of dollars extra every month — thousands over the life of the loan — until you pay off the entirety of the loan.

If you obtain a conventional loan with private

mortgage insurance, you can put as little as 3 percent down. Like an FHA loan, private mortgage insurance fees are generally factored into your monthly mortgage payment.

However, private mortgage insurance often can be canceled once you have established 20 percent equity in the home and/or the principal balance of the mortgage is scheduled to reach 78 percent of the home’s original value. This means that the rest of your mortgage payments won’t include any extra fees, so that your payments go down in time, saving you money each month. What you save in the long run can then be put toward expenses like home renovations, which can further increase your home’s value.

Mortgage insurance is a good thing, because it bridges the divide between a low down payment and mortgage approval. But not all mortgage insurance is created equal. If you want to buy a home but still save in the long run, private mortgage insurance might be the right option for you.

Check out lowdownpaymentfacts.org to learn more.

4 | Saturday, December 16, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

Ways to give small space a master bedroom feel

By Gabrielle Savoie Domaine

Settling into a plush hotel room with no other plans but to completely unwind sounds pretty nice, but what’s even better — as well as budget-friendly — is a staycation at home. No need to fly anywhere, put on makeup or even get dressed. All you need are your PJs and a good book.

Of course, it can be hard to achieve a truly blissful master bedroom decor setup. Often, nightstand clutter, mismatched sheets and underwhelming furniture can get in the way of complete relaxation.

Think it’s time to give your bedroom the makeover it deserves? We’ve outlined a few master bedroom ideas that will help your space feel more layered and comfortable. It may even make it feel larger.

No, you don’t need a giant room or perfectly pressed linens to achieve pure bliss at home.

Whether you’re in the market for a new bed frame or just looking to upgrade your wall color, we

have the solutions for you. Don’t spend another weekend stressing about the state of your bedroom, give it a well-deserved makeover.

— Start with a large rug.

Nothing makes a space look smaller than a rug too small for it. In the bedroom, it’s especially important to have a rug large enough to cover the area around the bed, not to mention it’s more comfortable to step on when you wake up.

Small-space tip: If you can’t fit a large rug in your space, opt for two runners flanking the bed instead.

— Go all white.

Want to get that plush hotel look? Try going all white: walls, ceiling, floors, furniture and, most importantly, bedding. Play with textures instead of colors by adding cashmere, sheepskin and linens.

Small-space tip: White walls can look dingy in a small room with very little natural light. If that’s the case, paint the walls and ceiling a soft muted color and keep everything else white.

— Add a statement chair.

Fill an awkward corner with a statement chair. Not only does it look great on its own, but it also comes in handy when you want to throw clothes or a bag over it at the end of a long day. After all, laziness happens to the best of us.

Small-space tip: If there is no space for a chair, try a smaller accent like a stool or even a woven basket to handle extra clutter.

— Make a chandelier statement.

Fill the height of your space with a large statement chandelier, which also will enhance the mood lighting in your space. Just don’t forget to put it on a dimmer in case you want to set a romantic tone. If you have low ceilings, opt for a chandelier that branches out horizontally instead of vertically.

Small-space tip: To know exactly how big your chandelier should be, add the dimensions of the room together in feet, and then convert the result to inches.

For instance, a room that’s 8 feet by 10 feet should have a chandelier with a diameter of 18 inches.

— Try a canopy bed.

BEDROOM continues on 5

Want to get that plush hotel look in your master bedroom?

Try going all white: walls, ceiling, floors, furniture and, most importantly, bedding.

DREAMSTIME

homes.cjonline.com | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, December 16, 2017 | 5

Bedroom: Avoid cramming too much furniture into a small space Continued from 4

One of the most frequent questions people have for their interior designers is how to fill a large, blank wall space. This problem is especially common in the bedroom, where you often have a large wall behind the bed.

A canopy bed visually fills vertical space in your room so it looks

more structured and layered.

Small-space tip: You can have a canopy bed in a small room. Just opt for one with a thin frame.

— Go bold with wallpaper.

Another way to fill a large blank space, especially in a room with tall ceilings, is to use a patterned or textured wallpaper. It gives the space a moody feel and keeps the eye interested.

Small-space tip: Don’t be afraid to use dark colors in small spaces.

Especially if you have little light, it can help the space feel cozier.

— Supersize your sconces.

In a large bedroom, don’t be afraid to supersize your bedside tables and sconces. There’s nothing worse than leaving large blank spaces on each side of the nightstands.

Small-space tip: Sconces work wonders in small rooms; they free up nightstand space. Just make sure you opt for lights that have an appropriate scale for the room.

— End with a bench.

In large bedrooms, empty space can feel awkward. Try adding a small living area in your room if you can, or even just add a bench at the foot of your bed to fill the

room. Not only will it make the space feel more layered, but it’s practical, too.

Small-space tip: Pay careful attention to the traffic clearance in your space, which should be around 2 to 3 feet wide to walk around comfortably. Don’t try to cram too much furniture in, or your space will end up looking cluttered.

6 | Saturday, December 16, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

Realtors: Information sources for relocating homebuyers

By Jan Biles

jan.biles@cjonline.com

Those looking to relocate to northeast Kansas may have questions about housing, schools, family-friendly events, taxes, health care facilities and recreational opportunities.

Realtors — in addition to finding them a home — can help newcomers with answers to their other questions.

“A Realtor almost has to be an information booth,” said Jamie Sauder, an Emporia Realtor and president of Topeka-based Sunflower Association of Realtors Inc. “Most people relocate because of a job and may not have a lot of knowledge (about where they’re moving to). A Realtor may be the first person they meet in the community.”

Linda Briden, CEO of Sunflower Association of Realtors, said Realtors are careful not to steer relocating homebuyers to a specific neighborhood because of fair housing laws. However, they can give homebuyers the tools to gather information about school test scores, walkability, crime statistics and nearby amenities.

Sauder said it’s important for those relocating to a new community to research available Realtors in order to find an agent who cares about and is involved in the community and “not just selling real estate.”

“Nearly everyone in real estate will have a website and will have detailed bios of the agents,” he said. “It’s important to do your homework and find someone you can connect with — even call and interview agents to find one that’s (a comfortable fit).”

Sauder said being able to answer newcomers’ questions often turns them into repeat customers who seek out the Realtor again when they are looking to sell or buy another home.

Realtors often work closely with local Chambers of Commerce, Main Street programs and other organizations providing relocation information, Briden and Sauder said.

“They’ll get you pointed in the right direction when you need an answer to a specific question,”

BY THE NUMBERS

The “Why Topeka” section of the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce’s website, topekachamber.org, received 9,624 unique page views Jan. 17 through Nov. 30.

The five most popular pages of the “Why Topeka” section during that period and their page view numbers were: — “Demographics,” 1,250 — “Why Topeka,” 1,123 — “Little Known Facts,” 940 — “Kid Friendly Activities,” 728 — “Trails and Bikeways,” 652 The “Neighborhood Guide” at Visit Topeka’s website, visittopeka.com, received 2,244 unique page views from Nov. 30, 2016, to Nov. 30, 2017.

The “About Topeka” section of the Visit Topeka website received 14,716 unique page views from Nov. 30, 2016, to Nov. 30, 2017.

The five most popular pages in the “About Topeka” section during that year and their page view numbers were: — “Kansas Statehouse,” 2,935 — “Neighborhood Guide,” 2,244 — “About Topeka,” 1,804 — “Maps,” 1,494 — “Fast Facts,” 1,421 Source: Amy McCarter, vice president of communications for Greater Topeka Partnership

Sauder said.

Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce showcases a relocation guide on its website, topekacha mber.org /why-topeka / moving-topeka/. The Sunflower Association of Realtors’ website provides a link to the Chamber’s guide.

The online relocation guide provides a wealth of information on education, housing, employment and industry, health care, government and taxes, churches, child care, history, attractions, events and other topics.

“Most of our FAQ’s (frequently asked questions) revolve around school districts and faith communities,” said Amy McCarter, vice president of communications for Greater Topeka Partnership.

Contact niche editor Jan Biles at (785) 295-1292.

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

Those relocating to a new city often know very little about the community in which they will be living. In addition to helping them find a home, Realtors can be a good source of local information for newcomers.

homes.cjonline.com | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, December 16, 2017 | 7

Wreaths come to the decorating rescue

By Mary Carol Garrity Tribune News Service

I will never forget the year it felt like Christmas passed over the Garrity home.

We had just opened Nell Hill’s Briarcliff, and I was working a million hours a week. I didn’t have a spare second to decorate our home for the season.

Because I am surrounded by so much Christmas decor every day, I didn’t think I would mind not having my home decorated.

Turns out, I did. A lot. On Christmas morning, our house felt depressing, with no tree, nothing on the mantel, no holiday table set for guests.

So, Scarlett O’Hara style, I lifted my fist to heaven and vowed, “As God is my witness, I will never forget to decorate for Christmas again!” (I might add, that it was Dan’s all-time favorite Christmas. No decor to put up or take down. Easypeasy.)

This holiday season, if you’re low on time or desire to decorate your home, I have a great solution for you: wreaths — the ultimate last-minute miracle workers.

Hanging a few wreaths in strategic spots in your home takes only minutes, yet pays huge dividends, instantly sliding you to the top of the happy scale.

Every year, I call on wreaths to work their superpowers in my home, making holiday magic with minimal work on my part.

In fact, I use seasonally themed wreaths on my front door all year long.

You can’t beat a wreath for simplicity, drama and beauty. No matter what your style, from minimalist to glamorous, you’ll find wreaths that bring your look to life. And, you can add them everywhere in your home.

Hang one from a book-

MARY CAROL GARRITY/TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

Designer Mary Carol Garrity stacks her plaid throw blankets atop old baskets next to the hearth.

Plaid can evoke warm memories

By Mary Carol Garrity Tribune News Service

DREAMSTIME

If you’re short on time and need a quick way to decorate your home for the holidays, consider hanging some wreaths. The colorful adornments can’t be beat. case or armoire. Suspend one in front of a mirror or artwork. Decorate each window with a wreath tied up with a holiday ribbon.

Instead of attempting to tie the perfect bow, take two ribbons and make a loop, then zip tie it in

place. Then, zip tie it to the wreath.

My big sister is coming to spend the holidays with us this year, staying in the cottage next door. I want to make the cottage warm and welcoming for Judy. Hello, wreaths! To add some

cheer to the bar, I dressed it up with a magnolia wreath.

Time invested? About 5 minutes.

This column was adapted from the blog of Mary Carol Garrity at nellhills.com. She can be reached at marycarol@nellhills.com.

This is my warm and happy place: snuggled under a plaid throw blanket, a steaming cup of coffee in my hands, winter held at bay outside my cottage doors. In my house, it’s plaid season.

Someone asked me once if I was ever going to get over my obsession with plaid.

Nope. Plaid is the fabric of my life. It connects me to my roots, my family, my childhood.

It is the classic Pendleton jackets we sold in my parents’ clothing store in Atchison.

It is the skirt I donned daily in Catholic school, which I always tried to roll up scandalously short, much to the sisters’ chagrin. It’s the bedding I designed for my mom, who lived in the cottage next door for a few precious months at the end of her life.

Mom’s small, cream guest room needed a focal point, and a black watch plaid headboard was just the thing. I added in a mix of menswear fabric pillows in glen plaid, velvet and paisley.

Bright white bedding balances the dark, rich fabrics, giving the bed a fresh, classic finish. I love how it turned out.

Each plaid pattern has its own personality and evokes a unique mood. For me, Stuart plaid is the fabric of Christmas, rich and regal and emanating joy.

Watch plaid is the warm layer of pillows on my bed, irresistible after a long day of work. Timeless, classic, sophisticated, fun — plaid will always be a celebrated part of my home.

Like any pattern, you can definitely go too far with plaid. So I am a careful curator, partnering it with a mix of menswear fabrics, like paisley, herringbone, pinstripe and hound’s tooth check.

8 | Saturday, December 16, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

Debunking myths about solar panels Brandpoint Home solar panels can drastically cut or even eliminate electricity bills, reduce a home’s carbon footprint, increase resale value, and may even help a home sell faster.

The cost of rooftop solar systems has fallen dramatically in recent years, and most homeowners have the option of buying the system, leasing it on reasonable payment terms, or having a third-party pay for and install the system at no up-front cost for the homeowner.

Plus, home solar systems are eligible for federal tax credits.

All of this explains why the number of homeowners installing solar has sky-rocketed across America. Nevertheless, many homeowners remain skeptical about taking control of their energy use and installing solar. Why? The various myths that still persist around solar power could be the reason.

“Solar technology has been around for a long time, but even though it’s entered the mainstream, many homeowners are still skeptical,” said renewable energy expert Roger Ballentine, president of Green Strategies, a leading Washington-based consulting firm.

“That’s because a number of myths persist, pointing to the need for better consumer education about the benefits of home solar installations.”

Ballentine points to private and government studies providing real information that debunks the myths surrounding solar power. For example, research by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found solar panels help homes sell faster and for more money than those without solar.

If you’re considering installing a solar panel system on your home, here are five common myths — and why you shouldn’t believe them:

BRANDPOINT

While adding solar panels to your home isn’t a DIY project, installation can take only a day or two.

Myth 1: Solar panels only work if you live in a warm, sunny climate.

While solar panels work best when they get a lot of sun, a lack of bright sun doesn’t mean they’re not working. Panels can still absorb ambient sunlight, even on cloudy days or in regions that get less bright sun.

What’s more, today’s solar panels are more energy efficient than ever. Newer systems like the LG NeOn R maximize sunlight absorption and generate the maximum possible output — as much as 26 percent more than other comparably sized solar panels.

This higher efficiency means that solar panels can work in virtually any climate and every season.

Myth 2: You need a lot of roof space for solar panels.

Just like other amazing technologies — think microchips — solar panels are getting smaller, more powerful and more efficient. Highefficiency panels take up less space, because fewer panels are required to produce the electricity needed to power your home.

So even a smaller home

could have enough roof space to fit the number of panels needed to generate the necessary power and save you money.

Myth 3: Installation is a long, drawn-out hassle.

While adding solar panels to your home isn’t a DIY project, installation usually takes only a day or two. New models streamline the process further, eliminating the need to install a separate inverter.

Most solar panels require a separate inverter to bring electricity into your house, but new panels incorporate the inverter, simplifying and accelerating the installation process.

Myth 4: If something goes wrong, you’re on your own.

As with any major investment in your home, you should make sure you understand the manufacturer and installer warranties for your solar panels, including how long the coverage lasts and what types of problems are covered. One leading solar player, LG, even offers an industry-leading, 25-year product and power warranty.

Also, unlike a furnace or an air conditioning system, a so-

lar installation has no moving parts to wear out and typically requires little maintenance and repair.

Myth 5: Solar panels will look big, bulky and ugly on your roof.

Solar panels are becoming smaller, sleeker and more aesthetically pleasing. Higherefficiency models are also offering increased flexibility of configuration. Instead of having to cover an entire roof with panels in a specific arrangement in order to generate power, modern options allow you to arrange panels to meet your sense of aesthetics.

Adding solar power to a home offers homeowners many benefits, from reducing energy costs to increasing the value of your home and helping the environment.

“Overall, it’s a decision most homeowners feel positively about once they’ve made it,” Ballentine said.

The NREL notes in its study: “Buyers of homes with (solar panel) systems are more satisfied than are comparison buyers. A significantly higher percentage … indicate they would buy the same houses again.”

METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION

TIP OF THE WEEK

So your cellphone landed in the toilet or waterfilled bathtub or sink. Or perhaps you spilled your favorite latte on it. If you act quickly and follow these steps, you may be able to bring it back to life.

— Pull the battery out promptly.

— Dry the inside of the phone with a hair dryer.

— Put the battery back in to see if it works. If not, take the phone to a service center; you may need to get a new battery.

Source: heloise.com

homes.cjonline.com | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, December 16, 2017 | 9

Selling home in winter can be challenging

By Cathy Hobbs

Tribune News Service

As the cold weather and snow settles in some parts of the country, it may create a challenging landscape for home sellers.

Traditionally, the winter is one of the hardest periods in which to sell a home, so home sellers need to look for ways to put their best foot forward.

Here are some winter selling tips: — Curb appeal.

Curb appeal is important year-round, but especially in the winter.

An unkempt house on the outside will be perceived as not taken care of on the inside. Landscaping should be well-kept and trimmed.

Weather-hardy evergreens can go a long way to helping

improve winter curb appeal.

— Winter maintenance.

Making sure repairs have been made is important to home selling.

Make sure gutters are in place and secure, as well as exterior elements such as windows and doors.

Ensure that windows and doors are in good working condition and tight enough to keep out winter elements.

— Driveways and walkways.

It’s important to make sure all of the driveways, walkways and paths are clear and clean. Not only is an unshoveled driveway an eyesore, but it’s also a potential safety hazard.

— Lighting.

With the sun setting earlier, exterior lighting will be important, especially with evening showings.

Add outdoor lighting elements, such as motion lights and pathway or walkway lighting.

Additionally, interior lighting will be important.

When in doubt, add more.

Some general tips include incorporating higher-wattage light bulbs and adding floor or table lamps.

Once inside your property, many potential buyers will be looking for some of the following elements: freshly painted walls; refinished or clean floors; organized storage; and updated bathrooms and kitchens.

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.

Evergreens and a winter hearty landscape will help add to winter curb appeal.

Design recipes

10 | Saturday, December 16, 2017 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com

Semi-pro faucet mixes style, performance

By Ed Del Grande

Tribune News Service

Q: I’m a pretty serious home chef and would like to upgrade my current kitchen faucet. I’m looking for a heavy-duty work faucet, but I don’t want a commercial-looking faucet in my nice kitchen.

Can you suggest the type of kitchen faucet I should search for?

— Jackie, New York A: I recommend you check out a semi-professional kitchen faucet. These faucets are great for serious home chefs because they combine performance and style.

KOHLER

Semi-professional faucets are great for serious home chefs because they combine performance and style.

Most semi-professional faucets have arched spring-loaded pull-down spray heads, great for a multitude of food prep and cleaning tasks. The special faucet head also may feature different spray settings that you can use for

things like washing fruits/ veggies, filling pots and power cleaning pans.

Other features can include single-handle operation and magnetic docking to securely lock the spray head in place when not in the pull-down mode.

Bottom line: If you consider yourself a semi-pro chef, installing a semi-pro kitchen faucet can be the way to go.

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 send email to eadelg@cs.com. homes.cjonline.com | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, July 29, 2017 | 9

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