T O P E K A
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FRIDAY, MARCH 10 1 to 8 p.m. SATURDAY, MARCH 11 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. SUNDAY, MARCH 12 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
K A N S A S E X P O C E N T R E
Sunday, March 5, 2017 AN ADVERTISING FEATURE OF THE TOPEKA CAPITAL-JOURNAL
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Topeka Home Show opens doors for 55th year By Jan Biles
jan.biles@cjonline.com
The Topeka Home Builders Association is carrying on its springtime tradition of nailing down the newest trends and products for homeowners, builders and remodelers and sharing them with the public at its annual home show. The Topeka Home Show, which is celebrating its 55th year, features more than 120 vendors; displays on home building, remodeling and interiors; give-aways; and presentations on home insurance, loans and financing. “There’s usually something for everyone,” said Ivan Weichert, president and CEO of the Topeka Home Builders Association. Hours of the home show are from 1 to 8 p.m. March 10, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 11 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 12 at the Kansas Expocentre, 1 Expocentre Drive. Tickets are $7, with free admission for children 12 years and younger. Weichert said Topeka didn’t have many places that could house a home show when the event started more than a half-century ago. For years, the show moved among the old Municipal Auditorium, Knights of Columbus building and other sites. That changed in 1987 with the opening of the Kansas Expocentre’s
Exhibition Hall. “We’ve been there every year since,” he said. The Topeka Home Show attracts about 4,000 visitors during its threeday run. Weichert said most attendees are from Topeka or small communities Ivan Weichert, within a 15- to 20president and CEO of mile radius of the Topeka Home capital city. Builders Association. This year’s show will feature electronic-controlled home devices; a dozen window manufacturers; several remodeling and home construction companies; a spa and hot tub display; electricians showing new products; newer, more efficient heating and air conditioning systems; carpet, tile and other floor coverings; and kitchen cabinet displays. Weichert said the home show allows vendors to have valuable face-to-face contact with potential customers. In turn, visitors get to ask questions of the experts. “One of the things people like (about the
home show) is they get to touch (the products) and talk about them without making a commitment. They get to ask questions and spend quality time (looking at them),” he said. “Most people are there for a reason. They are there to look, but they may have a project (planned for) the summer, or they’re thinking about a kitchen remodel next fall.” New this year: THBA will give away a Caribbean cruise. Attendees need only sign up for the drawing as they enter the home show. Also as part of the home show, affiliate members of Sunflower Association of Realtors Inc. will present several talks related to home financing and insurance. Scheduled on March 11 are: 10 a.m., “Find Your Fit — Home Financing,” by Melissa Ansberry, of Envoy Mortgage. 11 a.m., “How to Get Prequalified for a Home Loan,” by Ashley Garrett, of Fidelity State Bank & Trust Co. 1 p.m., “The Basics of Homeowners Insurance, Including Flood Insurance, and the Benefits of Bundling,” by Jamie Hornbaker, of State Farm Insurance. 3 p.m., “Section 184: The Native American Home Loan Program,” by Sheila HodsonWilliams, BOK Financial/Mortgage. Scheduled on March 12 is:
TOPEKA HOME SHOW
What: A three-day exposition featuring the latest in home trends; more than 120 vendors; displays on home building, remodeling and interiors; presentations on home financing and insurance; and giveaways. Concessions will be available. When: 1 to 8 p.m. March 10, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 11 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 12 Where: Kansas Expocentre, 1 Expocentre Drive Cost: $7 at the gate; free for children 12 and younger. Buy one ticket for $7 and get another free until March 9 at these locations: Pella, 2940 S.W. Wanamaker Road; DeBacker’s, 1520 E. 10th St.; Custom Wood Products, 1920 S.W. Westport Drive; Heartland Door and Window, 218 S.E. Branner St.; Carpet One, 5131 S.W. 29th St.; and Community Bank, 5431 S.W. 29th St. and 801 N.W. 25th St. Information: www.thba.com 2 p.m., “Liability Insurance,” by Peter Bellucci, of American Family Insurance. Sponsors for the home show include Heartland Door and Window; Pella; PDQ Construction Inc.; DeBacker’s Inc.; Winston Brown Construction; and Custom Wood Products. Contact niche editor Jan Biles at (785) 295-1292.
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Home improvement classes pinpoint do-it-yourselfers Home Depot, Master Gardeners plan several community programs The Capital-Journal Do-it-yourselfers in the Topeka area can get a head start on their projects when they tap into the clinics and presentations offered by Home Depot and Shawnee County Master Gardeners. Home Depot, 5900 S.W. Huntoon St., offers several free home improvement clinics for the public, including Do-ItHerself classes designed especially for women, according to store manager Ryan Steinhoff. The clinics are taught by experts employed by the home improvement supplies retailing company. Scheduled in March are: March 11: Do-It-Yourself clinic; “Outdoor Lighting,” 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 16: Do-It-Herself clinic; “Vertical Herb Garden,” 6:30 to 8 p.m.
March 18: Do-It-Yourself clinic; “Installing a Ceiling Fan,” 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 25: Do-It-Yourself clinic; “Installing Wall Tile,” 10 to 11:30 a.m. To sign up for the classes, go to homedepot.com.
The Shawnee County Master Gardeners
The Shawnee County Master Gardeners also offers presentations that can benefit do-it-yourselfers interested in maintaining or making improvements to their home and landscape. Among the presentations scheduled at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave., are: March 30: “Spring Lawn Care,” 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., by Steve Paige, Shawnee County Master Gardener. April 13: “Planting for Curb Appeal,” 7 p.m., by Diane Green, Shawnee County Master Gardener. June 1: “Exciting New Plants, Roses and Shrubs for 2017,” 7 p.m. Presenter to be announced. Aug. 17: “Monarchs, Milkweeds and Waystations,” 7 p.m., by Elsie
Gibeson, Shawnee County Master Gardener. Aug. 24: “Fall Lawn Care,” 7 p.m., by Paige. Sept. 7: “Composting,” 7 p.m., by Cliff Graves, Shawnee County Master Gardener. Sept. 14: “Bulb Planting for Spring,” 7 p.m., by Gibeson. Oct. 5: “Perennials and Evergreens,” 7 p.m., by Green. Nov. 9: “Winter Interest: Landscape for the Holidays,” 7 p.m., by Kathy Wade, Shawnee County Master Gardener. For more information, contact the Shawnee County Extension Office at (785) 232-0062 or visit shawnee.k-state.edu.
March 18: DoIt-Yourself clinic: “Installing a Ceiling Fan,” 10 to 11:30 a.m. June 1: “Exciting New Plants, Roses and Shrubs for 2017,” 7 p.m.
Pink still reigns as accent shade By Cathy Hobbs
Tribune News Service
Pink is one of those colors that you can dress up or down, and use all year long. Despite what many people may think, pink is more than just a feminine color. From the runways to home decor, pink remains one of the most popular accent colors. Pink comes in all different shades and tones. Many darker pinks have undertones of blue, which is why some of the deeper tones come to life when paired with blue. On the other hand, some softer tones have more cream or white as their foundation color and work better with lighter shades, or can be used as contrast colors when paired with colors such as black or brown. When looking for ways to incorporate pink into your decor, first decide if you wish to use it as a foundation color for
your primary pieces, as a dominant color in your space or as an accent color. One of the best ways to use pink or any accent color is through the use of a popular designer color technique called color mapping, in which color is repeated throughout a space. When using pink in your decor, here are some more tips: Don’t be afraid to pair pastel pink or lighter shades with white. Many consider this palette to be fresh and modern. Lighter shades of pink can serve as great contrast colors when paired with darker colors, such as black or brown. Don’t be afraid to mix different shades of pink in the same space. Consider using pink in unexpected ways in accent pieces, such as coffee table books and artwork. Don’t rule out hot pink, which remains one of the hottest accent colors in home decor.
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Turn discarded wood into beautiful home decor Wooden pallets can be used to panel walls
Create a whimsical and functional piece
If you’re someone who is always looking to free up cabinet or counter space, use a wooden pallet to create a rustic mug holder. For this project, all you need to do is add hooks to a few of the wood slats for the mugs to hang from. Get creative by painting a design or phrase, such as “But First, Coffee,” on the top wooden slat. You can add some dimension to wood by staining it.
Brandpoint The saying “What’s old is new again” has been around for years, but most recently represents a popular trend in interior design — upcycling old items with a new purpose. Everyone from high-end designers to DIYers are enjoying and incorporating this trend into their everyday life. From five-star restaurants to suburban living rooms, people are seeking out weathered pieces of wood, discarded metal and unlikely antiques to create a unique, down-to-earth and comfortable design aesthetic in their living spaces. An unusual hero of this new design trend is the wooden pallet, which can easily be purchased at any hardware store. With some creativity and knowhow, these inexpensive items can be repurposed to create a personalized statement in your home that you’ll love.
Update your headboard
Re-imagine your wall
Today, walls are for paint and pictures, but even if you’ve fallen in love with a certain color for your living room, don’t you think your walls can have more personality? They absolutely can, and one way people are adding new life to their walls is by paneling them with reclaimed wood. To achieve this look, purchase a number of pallets, cut them into various sizes and arrange them on
BRANDPOINT
Wooden pallets can be repurposed to add personality in your home, such as creating a rustic-looking backdrop for a desk or a headboard for a bed. Pallets also can be used to panel walls. your wall. To enhance the natural beauty of the wood and to show off your own personal style, pick a few of your favorite stain
colors and apply them to the wood. After the staining is completed, don’t forget to protect it with a clear protective finish.
If you are looking to give your bedroom a makeover, consider building a headboard for your bed out of pallet wood. The idea here isn’t to make an even, straight-edged piece, but to embrace a more rustic style. Start by gathering your wood pallets and preparing the bare wood surface for staining. After the preparation is complete, apply your favorite stain color. With more than 100 colors to choose from, you’re sure to find a color that will showcase your personal style. Using different lengths and widths, arrange the boards so they span the width of your bed. Attach a few long pieces across the back to serve as crossbeams that hold it together. The variation in sizes will create a jagged top and make a big statement. These are just a few of the many possibilities you can create with pallet wood. From wall decor to nightstands and tables, all you need is some wooden pallets, stain, clear protective finish and a little creativity.
Insulation, subflooring are foundation of sound home building Brandpoint Thousands of Americans who are in the process of building their own home, or simply looking into it, are faced with hundreds of questions. Granite or quartz countertops? Neutral or bold colors? Tile or hardwood flooring? And those questions are just the tip of the iceberg. Being able to make detailed choices is a big part of why people decide to build and design a custom home that will show off their unique style. But as any professional builder will tell you, the secret to building a truly great house isn’t what fixtures you choose or the type of crown molding you install. Rather, the most important components of a house are hidden behind the build. The following points represent some of the most im-
portant hidden aspects of new home construction that will ensure your house retains its beauty for decades. Proper insulation. No matter where you are in the country, it’s likely that the temperature outside will get too hot or too cold. In such situations, you’ll rely on heating or air conditioning. Good insulation not only saves money, but it also keeps your furnace and AC units working longer and more effectively. In cold areas, proper insulation is key to preventing destructive ice dams from forming. Subflooring. Whether you use hickory, maple or bamboo, everyone has their preference when it comes to flooring, but something that all flooring materials need is a solid subfloor. Like a box-spring for your mattress, subflooring provides a solid foundation that prevents sagging and squeaking, keeping your finished floor looking better, for longer.
A smart house. Just like our phones, cars and televisions have been radically changed by the digital revolution, so have our homes. Today’s modern smart homes are designed to fit our digital lives. A feature to consider is a Wi-Fi router, so you can set up the appliances and thermostat for wireless. That way you’ll be able to access them from a tablet or phone. You might even want to install some USB outlets. Choose the right exterior walls. The exterior “shells” of homes are being built tighter. In other words, new products and practices are being used to help reduce air leakage as part of the overall energy efficiency design. Next-generation exterior sheathing systems have built-in water barriers and taped panel seams to create one continuous protective barrier underneath your finished exterior to help lock-out water and air.
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Smart home features could increase selling chances Brandpoint Fresh paint on the walls, professional staging and an asking price that ends in 999 — when you’re selling your home, you’ll do whatever you can to help it stand out and sell faster. Because the National Association of Realtors is predicting modest growth for the 2017 real estate market, as a seller you want every edge you can get. And on the heels of the popular Consumer Electronics Show in January, perhaps that edge is a smarter home. “Smart home features are designed to make homes more convenient, appealing, secure and energy-efficient — all of which are bonuses when you’re trying to sell a house,” said Geoff Lewis, president of RE/MAX LLC. “Sellers who want to move their homes faster may benefit from adding smart features that make their properties more appealing to tech-minded buyers.” According to IHS Markit and CNBC, 80 million smart home devices were delivered worldwide last year. That’s a 64-percent increase from 2015. Here are some trending smart home
features that might catch buyers’ attention and help sell your home faster: Keyless/remote entry door locks. Have you ever left the house and worried that you left the front door unlocked? If your home is equipped with a keyless/ remote entry door lock — available from multiple manufacturers — you can use an app on your smartphone to lock the door from wherever you are. Some manufacturers make versions that also will send a text or email to your phone when the door opens. Locks that can be programmed with multiple entry codes also allow you to see who comes and goes and when. Smart lighting. From lighting automation that allows you to control lights remotely and wirelessly to energy-efficient LED bulbs that can change color to match your mood and decor, lighting has come a long way. Some smart lights work in tandem with home automation systems to allow you to turn them on or off, or even dim them, from an app on a smartphone or tablet. Others require no communication hub and can be controlled directly from your mo-
bile device. You also can put some smart bulbs on timers (using your wireless device), sync them with certain TV shows or movies, and integrate them with security cameras and thermostats. DIY security systems. Don’t want to sign a contract or deal with complex security systems? Install-it-yourself security systems are affordable and offer security features like cameras, sensors, motion detectors and alarms or sirens, without the need for a security service to monitor them. Smart appliances. The Internet of Things (IoT) — everyday objects that have network connectivity — includes a growing list of smart appliances. Many manufacturers are offering washers, dryers, refrigerators and other home appliances that can communicate with you — and each other — wirelessly. Many can be controlled remotely from your smartphone. So if you leave the house and can’t remember if you turned off the stove, you can check in and turn it off using your smartphone app. While appliances aren’t always included in a home sale, they do make for interesting features that keep your home top of
mind to buyers. Smart plugs. One of the easiest, most affordable smart home upgrades you can make is to add smart plugs to your home. These Wi-Fi-enabled plugs fit existing outlets and can be controlled from a smartphone app. Plug anything into a smart plug, like lights or a television, and you can turn it on or off remotely, track energy consumption, or even create an on-off schedule. Temperature controls. Programmable thermostats were just the beginning; today’s home temperature controls are even smarter. Like other smart home features, smart thermostats can be controlled remotely from your mobile device. You can program them to make automatic temperature adjustments and then use your smartphone to override the program like turning up the heat on a particularly cold day. Some smart thermostats learn from household behavior and adjust the temperature to meet your family’s needs and save energy, while others adjust based on the number of people in a room. And several can now be operated via voice-controlled virtual assistants.
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Sprucing up front door increases home’s appeal Consider materials, new trends when buying a door By Paul Hodgins
The Orange County Register
What’s the first thing people see when they walk up to your home? The front door, of course. It can make a big impression — good or bad. A visitor rings your bell or knocks, and as they’re waiting, they examine that portal closely for a few seconds: the stain or paint; the handle and other hardware; windows; hinges; doorsill; frame. Is your door dramatic or utilitarian? Immaculately maintained or weather-beaten and dirty? That simple slab of wood (or fiberglass or steel) can convey a wealth of messages about you.
Freshening it up
Scott Sidler, of Austin Restorations, a home-restoration company in Orlando, Fla., recommends spot-checking your outside doors at least once a year for chalky and peeling paint or other signs of sun damage. In warm climates, “a front door probably needs a fresh coat of paint — and at least a little sanding — every five years,” he said. If the door isn’t partially shielded from the sun by a porch or awning, that interval decreases to two or three years. There are two ways to see if the stain on your door is getting old, according to doityourself.com: “A raised wood grain with a dry, rough feel means the finish is beginning to fail and needs to be reapplied. Dark streaks in the wood under a clear finish or a light or whitish haze to the finish itself may mean moisture is getting into the door and the finish is failing.” It’s time-consuming, but not difficult, to refinish your exterior wooden door. For best results, remove it from the frame by tapping out the hinge pins and placing it on two sawhorses. Remove all hardware, then strip all six sides of the door with a high-grade paint stripper or paint remover. (I get good results with Jasco Paint and Epoxy Remover.) Two applications may be necessary for seams. After wiping it thoroughly, sand the door gently in the direction of the grain with fine sandpaper (150-180). If the door surface is rough, perform your first sanding with me-
FOTOLIA
The front door is often the first thing guests notice when visiting a house and can make a big impression — good or bad. dium sandpaper; 120 grain is ideal. After sanding, clean the entire door using a cloth dampened with mineral spirits. After it’s dry, apply a coat of high-quality exterior primer, then a coat or two of exterior paint. Exterior acrylic paint with anti-mildew properties works best. Lighter colors absorb less of the sun’s energy and should therefore be more durable.
Wood doors can be mid-priced or expensive; the type of wood, number of windows and complexity of construction can increase the price dramatically. They also require regular maintenance. But to some people, there’s no substitute for the rich, natural look of a well-designed hardwood door with an attractive grain, highlighted by the right stain.
Choosing materials
What’s hot?
Perhaps your front door is simply too weather-beaten to repair, or maybe you want to go with a new look. It’s easy enough to go to a big-box home supply store and order a door, at least if you have a standard-size opening. But in most cities you’ll find a small yet thriving community of specialty retailers who sell and install high-quality doors. The first decision to make concerns materials: steel, fiberglass or wood. Steel doors are affordable, durable and strong. They can be ordered with windows, glass inserts and other details. Fiberglass has some of the more desirable qualities of wood, but its cost is usually lower and it has greater durability.
Doors go through trend cycles, just like other elements of home design. “Right now, Dutch doors are really popular, though they can be difficult to install,” said Malik Jaleel, of Today’s Entry Doors in Orange, Calif. Door configurations depend on the size of the entry hall. Double doors create a feeling of grandness, but even a sidelight on each side of the door can achieve the same effect if you’re short on space. “We can configure the doors in many different ways,” Jaleel said. “For example, if you have a 5-foot-wide entry, that’s enough room for a 42-inch door and one sidelight.” Jaleel’s company can also install sidelights that open.
“We call them operable sidelights. They provide a breeze in your front hall without opening the door,” he said. The sweep of the door swing should be planned according to clearances and traffic patterns. Most exterior doors open inward (for security reasons, hinge plates and pins should be kept inside the house, not on the outside, where they’re accessible to burglars and intruders). Door handing refers to the direction of the door swing. For example, if the hinges are on the left as you open your front door, it is a left-hand inswing door. Evaluate door handing when you replace your old door. Perhaps it makes sense to move your hinges to the opposite side. Glass or panel inserts give the front door a more substantial and designed look. Opt for opaque glass if you want light to enter the home yet are concerned about privacy. Lastly, how do you want your visitors to announce themselves? A doorbell? A fancy knocker? An intercom system? Make sure there’s space for them, and get something as classy looking as your new door. Every small element helps make a good first impression — even new address numbers and a nice welcome mat.
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Brighten your living spaces with updated lighting By Mary Carol Garrity Tribune News Service
Want to give your interior spaces a fresh, clean look? It could be as easy as flipping a switch. Whether it’s a cool new lamp in your living room, a stylish pendent over your kitchen island or a statement-making chandelier for your entry, updating your lighting will give new energy to every room in your home.
Game changers
Often, customers bring us photos of rooms in their homes they’re not crazy about, asking for our suggestions to help transform the spaces. Almost always, one of the top three things that needs to change in the space is the lighting. New lighting is a game changer. Once you replace old lackluster fixtures and lamps for beautiful new pieces, you’ll be blown away by the difference it makes. As we live in our homes day by day, we get used to design elements we initially didn’t like, such as that builder’s grade lighting we vowed to change, but never
did. So I want to challenge you to walk around your home with fresh eyes. Give your lighting a critical look. The lights you aren’t crazy about? Resolve to switch them out, and take your room to the next level. I love traditional fixtures and lamps in my home, but I also like to weave in fresh new looks to keep my decor interesting. I adore so many of the approaches today’s lighting designers are using: minimalist geometric pendants in wood; fixtures made of light lux metals, like brushed nickel and antiqued brass; industrial redux with an edgy, unfinished look; oversized lanterns that leave out the glass. Whatever style appeals to you, these statement pieces become the centerpiece of the room.
Lamps and shades
As I study customers’ photos of their rooms they don’t like, I see lots of dark fixtures and lamps. Today’s look in lighting is cleaner, crisper. So take a look at your lamps. Is it time to brighten them up?
a porcelain lamp in an interesting gourd shape, either in a neutral white or cream or in an accent color like green, blue or coral. I’m over the moon about blue and white Asian-inspired lamps, or a more modern texture. Maybe your lamps are perfect, but it’s the lampshades that are bringing down the look. Try switching out the existing shades for more modern-looking drum shades or the redesigned bell shapes, done in white. Finish it off with an updated finial, like a porcelain ball. The new shades will give the lamps an entirely different personality.
Good investment TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE
A unique pendent over a kitchen island adds interest to one of the most-used rooms in a home. For me, lamps are like works of art. They add to the character and drama of your spaces. If you’re looking for a good basic for a living room or bedroom, try
As you look for new lighting, know going in that great lighting doesn’t come cheap. I like to stretch my decorating budget and use less expensive furnishings and accents every chance I get. Sometimes, you can get a similar look for less. But these days, when it comes to light fixtures and lamps, you get what you pay for. So, get the best pieces your budget will allow. You will see the difference every time you flip on the light.
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