At Home Living 010916

Saturday, January 9, 2016 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

Cover story

Putting your house on the market in winter

REALTOR

®

homes.cjonline.com

Topeka Realtor Carrie Calhoon, foreground, holds a “Sold” sign at a home recently purchased by Jayme and April Turkin.

REX WOLF/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

2 | Saturday, January 9, 2016 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

Orchids: Easier to grow than you think Orchids, the exotic tropical flower. I’ll bet you didn’t know they can be found from the edge of the Arctic Circle to the islands that rim the Antarctic. Are you amazed?

I was.

I always assumed orchids were tropical “pansies” that needed mysterious care to survive.

Something only “exotic” people knew how to give.

Most people come in contact with orchids only on Mother’s Day when they buy mom an enormous corsage to wear to church or dinner. There is rarely a thought of “I can grow this.” I’m here to tell you the mystery is solved.

Growing orchids is easier than you think.

Because of an increase

Jamie Kidd

jamiehan@ksu.edu

in orchid propagation knowledge, there’s been an increase in orchid production, making them more readily available at reasonable prices at florist shops, local garden centers and grocery stores.

Orchidaceae is the largest plant family in the world, with 600 genera and 30,000 species occurring naturally and about 1 million hybrids (bred by

man) growing in greenhouses and homes. The diversity of habitats and orchids makes growing the plants exciting. Many orchids are easy to grow, while others require more attention.

Four basic types of orchids exist: n Epiphytes, or air plants, grow chiefly on trees in nature. n Lithophytes cling to surfaces of rocks. n Saprophytes grow in decaying organic matter on forest floors. n Terrestrials send their roots into soil or sand.

Most orchids are epiphytes; therefore, they can be grown in tree bark (fir or redwood), crumbled charcoal, pebbles or

on cork planks.

The key to growing orchids is to match the orchid variety to the environment you wish to grow it in. Humidity, temperature, light, water, fertilizer and growing media all influence the selection and culture of orchids. n Humidity. This is the most limiting factor for Midwest growers. Our homes are dry in summer and winter. Tropical orchids prefer 50-percent to 80-percent humidity.

Humidifiers are helpful. n Temperature. Orchids are commonly divided into three temperature categories: coolnight temperatures, 45 to 50 degrees; intermediatenight temperatures, 55 to

60 degrees; and warmnight temperatures, 60 to 68 degrees.

Some cool orchids are Anguloa, Cymbidium, Dracula, Disa, Lycaste, Masdevallia, Miltonia, Odontoglossum, Pleurothallis and Sophronitis.

Intermediate orchids include Cattleya, Dendrobium, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium and Zygopetalum.

Some warm orchids are Angraecum, Ascocenda, Calanthe, Phalaenopsis and Vanda.

Many of these orchids will grow under various conditions. Orchids may fail to bloom if nighttime temperatures are too close to daytime temperatures. A period in spring or fall where tempera-

tures at night are kept 10 to 15 degrees cooler than during the day should initiate flower development, assuming the plant receives adequate light levels. n Light. Do you have low light, like that from a window, or high light, like that in a greenhouse?

Orchids can tolerate low light but may not bloom well. Purchase orchids that like your light levels, or be prepared to modify the light. n Water. Municipal water is fine for orchids; however, Paphiopedilum and Phragmipedium prefer higher water quality. Well water should be checked for too much

KIDD continues on 6C

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, January 9, 2016 | 3

Plaid makes move from fashion to home decor

By Leanne Italie The Associated Press

Plaids are having a fashion moment as retailers and designers play with the classic pattern. But the apparel and footwear industries are sharing the love: Fresh takes on plaid have made headway in housewares and home decor, too.

“The great thing about plaid is that you can take it in so many different directions,” said Kristen Chalupa, kitchen and tabletop product manager for Crate & Barrel.

Through scale, color and application, plaids can be complex and traditional, or simplified for a clean, updated look.

“There’s something very recognizable and nostalgic about plaid,” Chalupa said.

Her company went for nostalgia but also took a more modern approach in recent offerings, with updated plaids in table linens and such kitchen items as an oven mitt, pot holder, apron and dishtowel in a matching pattern of bright red, green, yellow and blue.

Target went “mad for plaid” in a variety of ways, including a limited-edition collaboration with sportswear designer Adam Lippes

MAD FOR PLAID

Here are some other sightings of creative uses for plaid: Isaac Mizrahi: The designer sells on QVC, and recently sold out of a ceramic, pedestal cake plate with a set of matching plates in bold preppy designs of green and blue.

Tervis: A springy plaid called poppy was used on double-wall Fiesta plastic wrap tumblers in two sizes: 16 and 24 ounces.

Ralph Lauren: A red tartan was used for a porcelain cup-and-saucer set trimmed in gold, along with dinnerware in the same pattern. A rustic plaid of red, black and gray inspired by a vintage Ralph Lauren blanket was carried over to napkins and placemats in woven linen. The company also put a similar vintage-inspired plaid in wool on a picture frame.

Williams-Sonoma: Tartan also was paired here, but in chrome, for picture frames in red and blue. The traditional plaid also adorns everything from mugs and tabletop runners to pillow covers. One modern take on plaid is a hand-woven, hair-on cowhide pillow cover in broad red and black stripes against a white background.

SOURCE: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS the associated press

in mostly apparel and accessories, playing on the classic buffalo design. The retailer also offered some unlikely items such as special-issue Chapstick sets of three lip balms and plaid-decorated bottles of Listerine mouthwash in yellow, green and blue.

“Plaid has been a defining element of style for every generation,” said Amy Goetz, a Target spokeswoman.

“Offering it across different categories allows our guests to experience that element of surprise as they browse throughout the en-

tire store.”

Pinterest is awash with ways to decorate a home using plaid, including wallpaper in red to anchor a cozy, book-filled study, and building a plaid design in contemporary bathroom or kitchen wall tile.

The design need not scream rustic, country or all things Scotland. Grahambrown.com offers a thoroughly modern take on plaid in a charcoal-and-white wall covering that lends a more sophisticated air against a white floor and contemporary white easy chair.

Two plaid-printed throw blankets are used in a design renovation to brighten a room.

4 | Saturday, January 9, 2016 | The Topeka Capital-Journal | At Home

Winter’s a great time to put house on market Creating a cozy atmosphere also helps homes sell faster during cold months

By Shanna Sloyer

Special to The Capital-Journal

The weather outside may be frightful, but Topeka area realtors are delighted with a recent uptick in home sales.

According to the Sunflower Association of Realtors, total home sales in Topeka and surrounding areas were up 5.8 percent in November 2015 when compared to November 2014. Homes that sold this past November were on the market for an average of 34 days and sold at 97.6 percent of their list price.

Contrary to popular belief, putting a house on the market during the winter months instead of waiting

‘‘

Don’t list high with the idea that you can drop later. Buyers will look to see how long a house is on the market, and you don’t want yours to sit on the market too long.”

Carrie Calhoon, president of the Sunflower Association of Realtors

until spring can increase the odds of selling quickly in certain cases.

“I don’t think there’s a wrong time to put your house on the market,” said Carrie Calhoon, president of the Sunflower Association of Realtors for 2016.

Calhoon points to a couple of factors that make winter the ideal time to list your home: Buyers who are looking during the winter months tend to be more serious about purchasing a home than those

cruising open houses during warmer weather, and fewer houses are on the market, which means less competition.

Of course, weather can be a deterrent for those looking to buy a home or can push back closings if businesses are forced to close, but Calhoon said steps can be taken to avoid unnecessary delays.

“We’ve had great weather this year,” she said.

“That always helps.”

Calhoon offers the fol-

lowing tips to clients listing during the winter months: n Create an oasis from the outdoors.

Make your home warm and inviting for showings.

If you have a fireplace, light a fire. If not, warm a Crock-Pot of cider on the kitchen counter to convey the comforts of home to potential buyers. n Light it up.

Less light comes in during the winter months, so

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REX WOLF/SPECIAL TO THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Topeka Realtor Carrie Calhoon, left, and Jayme and April Turkin put the finishing touches on the couple’s purchase of a new home. Winter is a great time to put a home on the market, as the warmth inside can draw in buyers.

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Market: Avoid holiday clutter Continued from 4C Calhoon suggests making sure lights are on, blinds are open, and curtains are pulled back. n Play to your strengths.

Place special emphasis on rooms that are used frequently during the winter months, such as playrooms, exercise rooms or a screened-in, all-weather porch. Play up your entertaining spaces by staging dining tables to help potential buyers envision future dinner parties. n Deck the halls.

Decorating for the holidays is fine and conveys warmth, but avoid overcluttering by keeping decorations minimal. n Remember the exterior.

Keep the driveway and sidewalks clear of snow and

ice. Whenever possible, leave photos of the home’s exterior landscaping in spring and summer out for potential buyers to see.

Homeowners Lance and Angie Dougan listed their home north of Topeka the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and had an offer by noon the following Friday.

Despite the holiday, they had two showings in 24 hours, sold their house at asking price and were able to negotiate the closing costs.

“We were surprised that we got an offer that quick,” Lance Dougan said.

The couple had listed their home a few years ago in the spring without many interested buyers.

“We got lucky,” he said.

“It just happened that people were looking and wanted this area. I think location helped us. And

the economy has turned, so that helped.”

Calhoon offers one last bit of advice to anyone considering listing now instead of waiting until spring.

“Don’t list high with the idea that you can drop later. Buyers will look to see how long a house is on the market, and you don’t want yours to sit on the market too long,” she said.

“Once spring and summer bring additional competition, you want your house to still be desirable to potential buyers. Once a house is on the market more than 90 days, buyers tend to make lower offers or feel that they can bargain. Price to sell right up front.”

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

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Searching for a perfect tomato ‘Heirloom marriages’ key in producing better flavor, more vigorous plants

By Dean Fosdick The Associated Press

Page through any of the freshly arrived seed catalogs and you’ll note the words “new” and “improved” splashed across many of the tomato varieties available to home gardeners for 2016.

New flavors, lively colors, different sizes, higher yields and better disease resistance and pest tolerance are among the noteworthy traits.

Despite all the new varieties, however, breeders believe there’s still more room for development. The search for the perfect tomato continues.

“Iceberg lettuce is iceberg lettuce, but there are so many different kinds of tomatoes that we strive for perfection in a number of directions,” said George Ball, chairman and chief executive officer of W. Atlee Burpee & Co. in Warminster, Pa. “There are cherries, small round salad tomatoes, slicers and paste, among others.

“We define the perfect tomato for what it delivers in taste,” Ball said. “Everything else is delivery, with uniformity being a close second. We’re looking for consistency in size and shape. We don’t want a lot of different-looking to-

2012 FILE PHOTOGRAPH/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

More than 700 different heirloom and hybrid tomato varieties have been brought to market, and each year new ones are developed. This year’s gardeners can expect to see more blends from grafting and more dwarf plants. matoes on the same plant.

We’re also trying to bring out a vibrancy in colors.”

More than 700 different tomato varieties have been

brought to market, and each year sees more new hybrids.

But many consumers prefer the rich flavors and proven history of heirlooms — to-

mato types that have been cultivated for at least 50 years. We’re talking plants with a pedigree, like Brandywines, German Johnson,

Persimmon, Beefsteak and Radiator Charlie’s Mortgage Lifter, the latter a large, meaty tomato introduced by a West Virginia radiator

repairman to help him stay financially afloat during the Great Depression.

While the flavor of heirlooms is quite good, productivity and disease resistance lags. The solution to some of those problems is a tomato series called “heirloom marriages,” says Sue Amatangelo, brand manager for Park Seed Co., a mailorder plant and seed operation in Hodges, S.C. That is where two classic varieties are crossed to create a new tomato with the advantages of both.

“Varieties such as Genuwine — a cross of the heirlooms Brandywine and Costoluto Genovese — offer the deep, tangy tomato flavor and aroma lacking in so many modern varieties, combined with improved plant vigor, crop size and appearance,” Amatangelo said .

What else is on the way for tomato development?

Expect to see more blends from grafting, or attaching desirable fruiting varieties onto vigorous, disease-resistant rootstalks. Also look for more dwarf plants as gardening on patios and decks grows still more popular. Anticipate finding the right blends of acids with sugars to push tomato flavors forward.

Kidd: Water-soluble fertilizers are great for planting orchids Continued from 2C sodium or total dissolved salts. How often you water depends on the brightness of the growing conditions, as well as

its humidity and warmth.

Most orchids shouldn’t be allowed to completely dry out between waterings, but they don’t like wet feet either. Water thoroughly and allow water to

rinse through the soil. n Fertilizer. Watersoluble fertilizers work well for orchids. For bark potting media, use a high nitrogen fertilizer with a ratio of 3-1-1.

Whatever growing condition you have, there’s likely to be an orchid that will grow in it. The American Orchid Society recommends “Growing Orchids: A Cultural

Handbook,” which it prepared, or “Home Orchid Growing” by Rebecca T. Northern.

Learn more about growing orchids from expert David Bird during

the Kansas Garden Show Feb. 12-14 at the Kansas Expocentre.

Jamie Kidd is a horticulturist with Kansas State Research and Extension in Shawnee County.

At Home | The Topeka Capital-Journal | Saturday, January 9, 2016 | 7

New year, new interior Fresh paint, reupholstering can give new life to bland rooms

By Mary Carol Garrity Tribune News Service

TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE

The quieter winter months are the perfect time for many of us to re-evaluate our home’s interior and make some changes.

Every year when I take down my holiday decorations, my house seems a little cold and empty.

Stripped bare of all those festive greens, ribbons and shining objects, I see everything I’m not so crazy about in my home’s decor, from the nicks and scratches on the walls to the dog hair.

While I don’t always like what I see when faced with the naked truth, I have come to look forward to this eyes-wide-open time of year because it spurs me to make much-needed changes in my home.

The quieter winter months are the perfect time for many of us to reevaluate our home’s interior and make some changes. But where do you start?

Here are some ideas for refreshing your home for the new year from a friend and customer of mine, Tracy, whose company LWP Advisory LLC “flips” homes and is hired by realtors to stage homes for sale. n Approach your home with fresh eyes.

Tracy says we get emotionally attached to the way our homes look, from the floorplan to the furnishings, so it’s often hard for us to see it through new eyes and imagine changes. So she suggests clearing out a room you want to rework. Declutter. Move furniture out of the space. Do whatever it takes to clear your mind and see the room as a blank slate. n Call attention to interesting architectural features.

Does your home have interesting architectural elements

you can highlight in your re-do?

Maybe you have arched doorways, lovely windows or unique built-in cabinetry. In her model home, Tracy wanted to focus on the reclaimed wood she used throughout, from the ceiling beams to an old barn door she put on sliders. She kept her palette neutral so your attention would go to things like the stone fireplace and reclaimed wood paneling.

Then, she played up her theme just a touch by adding in a few industrial elements, like using rebar as spindles in the stairway leading to the basement. I fell in love with the unique carpet treatment she used on the stairs — alternating patterns on each step, one a plaid, the next a bo-

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Interior: Rustic pieces can add drama to rooms Continued from 7C tanical.

“You have to use a light hand when working with a theme,” she cautioned.

If you overdo, you spoil the effect. So, edit yourself mercilessly. n Create a palette you can build upon.

Does your home’s current palette allow you enough flexibility to make changes when you want? Or, are you locked in to a color scheme that you no longer love?

Tracy and I both believe strongly in the power of starting your home with a neutral palette, which acts like a blank canvass. When you go more neutral in your flooring and walls, for example, it allows you the freedom to go many different directions with your furniture, fabrics and accents. n Freshen up your paint.

Paint has the power to completely transform the look of a space — whether you’re repainting with the same colors or going in a brand new direction. When Tracy repaints the homes she flips, she selects a color she likes, then has it mixed in a light, medium and darker version. She likes how using variations on one tone helps the rooms flow one into the other. n Update your furnishings.

Take an honest look at your furniture.

Do you love it? Is it in good shape? How well does each piece work in your newly freshened space? Maybe this is the time

to replace a piece or two.

Tracy and I agree that adding an upholstered ottoman is a great way to give a room a B-12 shot. If you have a favorite, comfy but worn-out chair, get it reupholstered in a fresh new fabric. Perhaps all you need is a new set of accent pillows on your sofa and chairs. n Create drama.

We all need a little drama in our lives, don’t we? When she stages homes for resale, Tracy always makes sure each room has a little shock and awe. Among her favorite tools are architectural elements like columns, because she knows when you bring in height, drama follows. She tops them with urns filled with organic elements. She is partial to decorating with rustic pieces like driftwood and

aged wooden dough bowls. n Make a room sing with artwork, area rugs and accents.

“Art and rugs can make or break your home,” Tracy says. “You can have all the best furniture in the world, but if you have the wrong art and rugs, you can ruin it. Great art sets off a room.”

The art and rugs you pick need to speak to you, because they are at the heart of the space you are creating, she explains. You have to be passionate about them.

Never, ever buy a piece of art you aren’t crazy about just because the colors work over your sofa, she cautions.

Similarly, select accents that reflect your personality and interests or tell your family’s story.

n Don’t be in a rush.

When you get in a hurry to redo a room, you make mistakes, Tracy warns.

Take your time determining your vision for your entire home and the space on which you’re focusing.

Instead of picking up pieces for the room here and there, she creates a master plan, then is purposeful about finding the individual elements that will bring it to life. She pulls out swatches and selects the window treatments, upholstered furniture, bedding, pillows and trim so the fabrics work well together throughout the entire house.

This column was adapted from Mary Carol Garrity’s blog at www.nellhills.com. She can be reached at marycarol@nellhills.com.

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