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CCongratulations o n g r a t u l a t i o n s ttoo aalll l ffour o u r ooff oour u r aaward-winning ward-winning homes h o m e s this t h i s year! year!
Home of Year- Award of Exc ellence
Home of Year- Award of Excellence
Y79 Cypress Point
6 Scarborough Pl
Remodel of the Year- Best Bath Remodel of Year- Whole House Renovation
3091Lake Bay Rd
4 Driving Range
6895 NC HWY 211, West End 910-295-5400 www.pinehursthomesinc.com
Spring
2011
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Parade of Homes
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Restore Your Property Once Winter Weather is Gone
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Houseplants
Good for Health and Home
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Top 2011 Gardening Trends
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A Greener Night’s Sleep
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Setting the Stage
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Pruning Tips
by Mary Francis Tate
Solar Lighting Beneficial in Many Ways
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Is your Home Causing your Health Concerns?
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Global Garden Report
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When to Choose Style Over Substance
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Re-energize your Home
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In Living Color
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What Color Best Fits Your Personality
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Home & Garden
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Spring Home & Garden
S Y P T T Located just 5 miles from Pinehurst, Legacy Lakes offers an incredible collection of resort amenities, including: • Legacy Golf Links, a Nicklaus-designed 4½ star public golf course • The Plantation House Racquet & Fitness Club • Full fitness center • Resort-style pool
Golf course home sites are available from $47,500 and home & land packages start at just $186,400.
Carpets Help Insulate Homes
Cover Design: Kristen Clark
Content provided by: MCHBA, Mary Francis Tate, ineedagreatstory.com, NewsUSA,ARA Content, Metro Creative A Special Section of The Pilot’s Advertising Department © Copyright 2011
SStop top bbyy and visit our community community or call 800.609.9892 for a private private a tour tour.. www.legacylakes.com www w.legacylakes.com
Spring Home & Garden
A Message From MCHBA:
The Pilot
Parade Offers a Chance to See the Latest Home Designs
Few places in North Carolina combine scenic beauty, outdoor recreation, historical and cultural attractions more successfully than Moore County. This makes the area a year-round delight for residents looking for places to go and things to see and do. The Moore County Home Builders Association’s Parade of Homes is the perfect excuse to escape your daily routine and enjoy this fabulous event. Our Parade showcases local builders and their premier models which offer residents and visitors the opportunity to see the latest in leading design trends. There is a great selection of homes on display in a variety of prices always built to the highest standards. You are sure to have a wonderful time while touring some of the best homes in Moore County! There has never been a better time to buy a home! Exceptional inventory, lowest interest rates in history, competitive
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home prices, and the highest quality workmanship and materials are all reasons to come and explore. Make your dream of owning a Parade home a reality by purchasing a masterpiece or choosing one of MCHBA’s premier home builders to build your dream! Make plans now to attend and you will find this event to be unlike any other. The Parade start next weekend in conjunction with the 2011 Spring Home & Garden Expo being held at the Carolina Hotel. The Parade dates are March 4-6 and March 11-13, from 12:00 to 6 p.m. Admission is free. Many people have made this their annual tradition to have fun with family and friends. Come see why the Moore County Home Builders Association Parade of Homes has earned an outstanding reputation as one of the best in the Sandhills!
John Pandich
2011 MCHBA President
Now Exclusively… Located in Pinehurst, 585 Hwy 5 | 295-2293
Spring Home & Garden 1
The Pilot
Plantation Pointe
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3 2,685 Heated Square Feet • $521,000
Marketing by Talamore Properties, 910-692-7207 ext 123
ntroducing Plantation Pointe, a premier townhome development located in the heart of Mid South Club and within walking distance to the clubhouse, golf course, swimming pool and tennis courts. The Cottages at Plantation Pointe offer 4 unique floor plans with over 2500 sf. Designed by Staggard and Chao of Pinehurst, NC, the cottages feature quality construction with emphasis on environmentally sensitive green building techniques and options. Cottage pricing starts from the mid$400K range, based on site selection, golf views, custom features and selections. Limited sites are available and reservations are being accepted. This is a wonderful opportunity to own a maintenance-free home in this highly desirable gated golf community.
Directions: Hwy 2 to Traffic Circle, Midland Road to Mid South, enter gate, straight for 1/2 mile, located on the left.
101 Old Club House Ln (Mid South) • Pinehurst, NC Bartlett Construction • 910-673-1511
Spring Home & Garden 2
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1,850 Heated Square Feet • $399,900
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Camden Villas
Marketing by Mary Wilson-Wittenstrom, 910-783-7002
iews of the spectacular Arnold Palmer signature golf course surround this beautiful 2-bedroom, 2-bath condominium. The very popular Canterbury model features a single level, open floor plan with Carolina room, den and walls of windows! A split floorplan, gas fireplace, hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless appliances, and natural gas heat are just a few of the wonderful features of this home. A Holly membership to the Mid South & Talamore Golf Club is included. Private Camden Villas Clubhouse features a fitness center and large room for entertaining.
Directions: Take Carolina Vista to small roundabout, follow Hwy 2E/Midland Road for approx. 1 mile to the Pinehurst Traffic Cicle. Take Hwy 2E/Midland Road Exit, Go approx. 1 1/4 miles to the Mid South Club entrance on right. Cross over Knoll Road to Gatehouse. Once you leave Gatehouse, turn left onto Plantation Road. Follow approx 1 mile to Camden Drive. Turn right into Camden Villas, then next left is Essex Place. Follow sign.
105 Essex Place • Southern Pines, NC Camden Mid South, LLC • 910-724-9555
Spring Home & Garden 3
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Legacy Lakes
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2,914 Heated Square Feet • $424,900
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Marketing by Legacy Lakes Real Estate, 910-944-2555
golf front home at Legacy Lakes, this was built by Lakeview Construction Company. The house has a first floor master bedroom, and a wonderful outdoor living space including a screened porch with EZ Breeze panels for summer and winter use. A gas fireplace is in the great room and screened porch. Additional features include a covered porch connected by a patio, Pella-low "E" windows, cabinets by Merrilat, granite counter tops in kitchen and all bathrooms, tile showers, hardwood floors and tile floors. The fourth bedroom can be used as a guest suite. Hardiplank and Stone exterior. Gas cooktop, tankless gas water heater, and sprinkler system. Wood shelves in all closets. Directions: Go North on Magnolia Road toward McCaskill Road E. Take first right onto McCaskill Road E. Take the first left onto Rattlesnake Trail. Turn Right onto NC-211/Yadkin Road. Continue to follow NC-211 S. Enter next roundabout and take the second exit onto US 15 501 HWY/US-15/US-501 S/NC-211. Turn right onto US-1/N Sandhills Blvd/US-15/US-501/NC-211. Turn left onto US-15/US-501/NC-211
390 Legacy Lakes Way • Aberdeen, NC Lakeview Construction Co. • 910-673-4800
Spring Home & Garden 4
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The Bedford Cottage
6 2,012 Heated Square Feet • $348,000 Marketing by Mav Hankey, 910-603-3589
he Bedford Cottage has wonderful street presence with its symmetry, winding walkways and enchanting landscaping. Located in the #6 golf course community, this home feels much larger because of the thoughtful design using vaulted ceilings, numerous windows and consistent use of granite and travertine. The focal point of the great room is the fireplace, with hand crafted mantle and built-ins. ln the kitchen, granite, travertine, high-end appliances and breakfast room complement each other. The master bedroom suite offers a private deck, two walk-in closets, and a luxury bath with whirlpool tub and spacious tiled shower. Design by Bailey - one of a kind design unique to this house.
Directions: Head southwest on Carolina Vista Drive toward Ritter Road E. Take third left onto Azalea Road. Turn left at Azalea Road/Cherokee Road. Continue to follow Azalea Road onto Palmetto Road and onto Midland Road. At traffic cricle, take third exit onto US 15-501.US-501-N. Turn Right at Spring Lake Road. Take first left onto Juniper Creek Blvd. Take first left onto Bedford Circle.
25 Bedford Circle • Pinehurst, NC
Leighton Construction, LLC • 910-603-8650
Spring Home & Garden 5
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Cypress Creek
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1,452 Heated Square Feet • $178,000-$204,000
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Marketing by Brandon Dabbs, 803-917-7822
he Cypress Creek community was designed to offer country club amenities without the country club prices. Cypress Creek boasts such features as golf and water views, walking trails, a pool, clubhouse and maintenance-free exteriors. Each craftsmen style townhome is 1452 sqft. consisting of 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and a one car garage. Standard features include: granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, hardwood flooring in main living areas, tile bath and laundry rooms, 9 ft ceilings, security system, Delta faucets, 2-paneled interior doors, satin nickel levered door hardware, stain grade front entry door, enhanced molding and trim package, covered rear deck, ground floor master bedroom and elevated crawl spaces. Upgrades and slight modifications are available upon request. Directions: From Pinehurst Traffic Circle take 15-501 S towards Southern Pines for approx. 2 1/2 miles then take a left onto Murray Hill Road. Follow to stop light and take a left, then immediate right onto Saunders Blvd. Follow for approx. 1 mile then turn left into Cypress Creek
20 Cypress Circle • Southern Pines, NC
Dabbs Brothers, LLC/Mid-State Development 910-620-0686 • www.VisitCypressCreek.com
PINEHURST-SOUTHERN PINES AREA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, INC. The voice of Real Estate in the Sandhills
www.move2moore.com
Pre-Season starting Friday, March 11th
SALE ON IN STOCK AND SPECIAL ORDERS! Specials March 11, 12 and 13 only...
FREE 7 1/2 ft. Umbrella with a 5-Piece Dining Group Purchase FREE 5 x 8 Area Rug with 4-Piece Seating Group Purchase
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Every market is different. Contact a REALTOR® today. National Association of REALTORS® Only REALTORS are members of the National Association of REALTORS® ®
Friday and Saturday, Open 10am-6pm Cocktails Served 3-6pm Sunday, Open 1-5pm Located on Hwy 211, 5 1/2 miles from the Pinehurst Traffic Circle
910.295.2541
www.pinehurstpatio.com
www.facebook.com/pinehurstpatio
Spring Home & Garden 6
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105 Pitch Pine Ln.
8 2,233 Heated Square Feet • $317,650 Marketing by Wink Kinney, 910-690-6568
quality home offered by Terry Michael Construction, LLC. Terry is a second generation builder who has been in the Sandhills for over 30 years. This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath cottage style home is warm and inviting. Natural hardwood floors throughout main living spaces. The master has a spacious walk-in closet, and the master bath has a beautiful tile shower and whirlpool tub. Tile is also in guest baths. Kitchen has lots of beautiful cabinets for storage, a tile backsplash throughout and a large breakfast nook. The spacious great room has a stone fireplace. Exterior has lots of curb appeal. Definitely a home you need to see! Directions: head west on Carolina Vista toward Ritter Road. Take first right onto Ritter Road. Take first right onto Beulah Hill Road N./NC-5. Take third left onto Linden Road. Turn left onto Pine Vista Drive. Turn left onto Pitch Pine Lane. 105 Pitch Pine Lane is on the left.
105 Pitch Pine Lane • Pinehurst, NC
Terry L. Michael Construction, LLC • 910-695-5242 • 910-295-9538
Growing for the Sandhills for 38 years ~ Greenhouse ~ Garden Center ~ Full Service Florist
500 US Highway #1 South • Aberdeen, NC 28315
910.944.7469
www.aberdeenflorist.com
My Kitchen My Way offers a cost-effective, quality alternative to full cabinet replacement
Spring Home & Garden 7
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Champions Ridge at Mid South Club
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9 2,315 Heated Square Feet • $465,000
Marketing by David Ainslie with Keller Williams, 910-690-6777
tep inside the wide open spaces of this beautiful home and soak in the natural light and quiet, with energy-efficient comfort that is synonymous with the Cottages of Champions Ridge. This three bedroom and three bath, one-story cottage features an open floor plan and modern interiors. You will discover a completely outfitted kitchen with stainless steel refrigerator and a glass front beverage refrigerator, an electric range and oven plus a second full-size electric oven, a second “prep” sink and a large pantry. All of this is presented with beautiful cherry cabinets with a toffee stain, granite counter tops, tiled back splashes and white oak hardwood floors. The large master suite offers his and her closets, a walk-in shower with a separate whirlpool tub, and dual vanities. A screened back porch offers space for private outdoor dinners and a great entertainment area. The homeowner association takes care of exterior house and grounds maintenance. Membership to Mid South Club/ Talamore is included in the price of this beautiful home.
154 Wanamaker Ct • Southern Pines, NC Stewart Construction Co. • 910-673-1929 www.StewartConstructionDevelopment.com
Are the neighbors jealous of your yard? YOU can have the best looking yard in the neighborhood!
Come to T.H. BLUE & get your yard ready for spring! We have: ve: We Pine Barkk Mulch & Nuggets ggets Hardwood Mulch Red & black dyed ed Mulch Pine Shavings ngs Barkk ffor landscaping B l d pi g & planting pl ting g WL¿HG 3OD\JURXQG 3OD\J J JURXQG &HUWL¿HG Mulch
T. T. H. H. BLUE, BLUE, INC INC wers Rd d 226 Flowers ngs, NC Eagle Springs, -3033 910-673-3033 arthlink.net thblueinc@earthlink.net HWY 211 211 & Flowers F Rd St p Light 3 Miles thru Stop kes on left at Seven Lakes
Open Monday-Friday O ay 7-5 & Sat 7-12 (Loading (L Loading Hours) W e load l trucks, trailers, dump mp trucks, and you can even bag your own. We
Spring Home & Garden 8
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Champions Ridge at Mid South Club
10 2,785 Heated Square Feet • $479,000
Marketing by David Ainslie with Keller Williams, 910-690-6777
eautifully constructed and green certified by NAHB, Mark Stewart, the area’s leading green certified builder and craftsman of all homes in Champions Ridge, has created a maintenance-free masterpiece. This golf front, two-story home features an outstanding kitchen with all the modern accoutrements including double ovens and sinks, natural gas cook top, stainless steel refrigerator and accompanying wine cooler, beautiful cabinetry and granite counter tops. The master bath features his and her privacy and a large shower. And you will appreciate the wonderful outdoor living /entertainment space provide by a gracious screen porch overlooking the 14th hole of the Mid South Club golf course. If you have not seen a certified green built house, this is your opportunity to learn how energy efficient homes should be built now and for the future.
156 Wanamaker Ct • Southern Pines, NC Stewart Construction Co. • 910-673-1929 www.StewartConstructionDevelopment.com
12 Years =
Over 600 HappyCustomers Call
673-5237 for FREE Estimate
Swiss Tech Awnings www.swisstechawnings.com hzimmerman4@nc.rr.com
Showroom: 250 Grant Street • Seven Lakes Village Open by Appointment
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Spring Home and Garden Expo Vendors 4 Seasons Heating & Air Aberdeen Carpet & Textiles, Inc. Aflac Bath Fitter BB&T Mortgage Big Sky Construction, LLC Blarney Stoneworks, Inc. Bonville Construction Company, Inc. BVH Construction Services, Inc. Camden Villas at Mid South Carolina Home Improvement Center Classic Sun Control Comfort Made Blinds Daniel Adams Construction Dream Home Design Ferguson Enterprises, Inc. Fowler Electrical Contractors, Inc. Gentry Custom Concrete, LLC Granite Transformations Heffner Landscaping & Ground Maintenance Hubbard Pipe & Supply, Inc. Hutch Construction, Inc. Jarrett Deerwester Construction Lakeview Construction Company
As of February 11, 2011
Leaf Filter, North LeClaire Construction, Inc. Forest City Land Group/Legacy Lakes Lighthouse Garage Doors Miron Tile Imports MoldStoppers NC Self Storage Pandich Construction Company Pella Window and Door Company Phantom Screens Pinehurst Homes, Inc. Pinehurst Patio Renewal by Andersen Sandhills Designer Glass Sandhills Heating & Refrigeration Simmons Heating, Cooling, Electrical, Inc. Southmoore Heating & Cooling, Inc. Stewart Construction & Development Company TempControl, Inc. The Arboretum The Plumbing Knight, Inc. The Southern Landscape Group Total Design Solutions, Inc.
104 East Main St Downtown Aberdeen 944-8887 www.keesappliance.com
A Suite with
Professional Appeal
The KitchenAid® Pro Line™ Series suite of appliances embraces the vitality of bold, professional styling. Attractive stainless steel finishes and robust Pro Line™ Handles adorn our French door bottom-freezer refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave hood combination oven, and slide-in ranges. These appliances, with familiar high-performance features and inspired aesthetics, are sure to invigorate the atmosphere and draw you into the kitchen more than ever.
For additional information about KitchenAid® appliances, visit KitchenAid.com ®Registered trademark/™Trademark/the shape of the stand mixer is a registered trademark of KitchenAid, U.S.A. ©2010. All rights reserved.
Spring Home & Garden
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Restore Your Property Once Winter Weather Is Gone
Restoring a yard after a long winter is a springtime rite of passage for many homeowners. Harsh winds and heavy weather can take their toll on even the most beautiful landscape. Spring is a homeowner's first chance to survey the damage and begin restoring the yard to where it was before all those strong winds and storms. To get started on your yard this spring, consider the following tips.
Don’t begin too early.
The early bird might get the worm, but the early homeowner might get a damaged lawn. If temperatures for an upcoming free weekend are unseasonably warm, it’s best to avoid doing spring yard cleanup until there have been several warm weekends to
warm the ground. Unless the ground has completely thawed, footsteps on the yard will damage the grass, compacting the soil and preventing the air and moisture that soil needs from doing its job and penetrating the soil. What’s more, if the
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2010 North Carolina HBA Stars Award Winner
Outstanding Achievement for Best Single Family Detached Home
2010 MCHBA Judges Choice
910-673-4170 • www.yateshusseyconstruction.com
Spring Home & Garden CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
yard is raked before the ground has thawed, the rake might just be pulling the grass out by its roots.
Survey the property.
A close survey of the property will give homeowners an idea of just how big or small their restoration project will be. A thorough survey will reveal any problem areas and may also reveal some unexpected guests. Rabbits and squirrels often nest in yards during the winter. Rabbits will nest in the ground, while squirrels typically build nests made of leaves in the trees. Unless it’s entirely necessary, avoid removing any nests, and be sure to carefully inspect the yard before the season’s first mow.
Out with the old.
The Pilot
When the cleanup process is lawn look beautiful and ready to begin, it’s time to rehealthy. Thatch removal can be move remnants from last seatiresome, but visit the local son. This hardware store includes reand pick up a Thatch can be soil's moving any dethatching worst enemy, preventing dead plants as rake to make its access to the sunlight, well as last the job a little air and moisture it year’s mulch. If easier. Thatch needs to make the new mulch is removal isn’t lawn look beautiful simply thrown always necesand healthy. on top of old, sary every plants could spring. Many suffocate. homeowners have found Dead leaves also tend to removing thatch every other gather during the winter, often year is effective enough. up against fences or a home’s exterior walls. Rake up these Aerate the yard to revive the dead leaves and add them to soil. the season’s compost. Soil often becomes compacted as spring becomes summer and summer Get rid of thatch. becomes fall. This is especially Thatch can be soil’s worst true of yards that are heavily enemy, preventing its access to used, be it by kids playing outthe sunlight, air and doors or families who love to moisture it needs to make the
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host warm weather gatherings in the yard. Aerating in the spring removes plugs of sod from the soil, loosening it up and making it easier for air and water to reach the roots.
Address those ugly bald spots.
Bare spots in a yard can result from any number of things, be it a dog urinating in the yard or even disease. Early spring, when temperatures are a little cooler and promote grass growth, is a great time to address the yard’s bald spots. Do so by clearing away the spots and sprinkling the freshly exposed soil with some grass seed. Then add some fertilizer and be sure the newly seeded areas get some water until the new, healthy grass begins to grow in.
Make Money and lower your energy bill with Solar!
Whether residential or commercial, this is an investment you need to take a closer look at!
$1,000 per kW Installation incentive as of January 1, 2011
35% State Incentives 30% Federal Incentives
Give us a call today to see what we can do for you! Carthage Installation
Vass Installation
P.O. Box 4091 • Pinehurst, NC 28374 • Phone: 910-295-0462 • bonville@embarqmail.com
Spring Home & Garden
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Providing Custom Homes & Remodeling
7647 Hwy 211 West • P.O. Box 3090, Pinehurst, NC 28374 “Proven in Quality Custom Building”
H OUSEPLANTS good for home & health
Bright blooms, the smell of fresh cut grass, and a warm breeze may be missing this time of year, but there are ways you can brighten up the indoors and bring some summer gardening back into your life. Houseplants create a fantastic distraction for passing the winter doldrums as we eagerly await summer. In addition, they also provide valuable health benefits during our harsh cold months. Most houseplants add oxygen and humidity back into the air and some can even rid an area of toxins expelled through materials used to build, decorate and furnish a house. Indoor plants are ideal to
keeping the summer spirit alive, adding a splash of color or texture in your home and providing wonderful health benefits for you and your family. By following just a few simple steps, you can host healthy and beautiful houseplants in your living space.
Location, location, location After plants are arranged appropriately in their containCONTINUED ON PAGE 17
Spring Home & Garden
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ers, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need to find a suitable location for them. The first step in keeping a plant healthy is to situate it away from any drafty areas or heat sources. For instance, do not place a fern by a front or back door, or on top of a heating vent. Heat sources such as fireplaces will also cause plants to dry out.
Keeping hydrated Many of us overwater our plants. Using a product that regulates overwatering and infuses soil with oxygen, like Safer Brand Oxygen Plus Plant Food, will allow you to avoid the woes of overwatering, which result in wilting, dulling and death of the houseplant.
Catching rays Placing houseplants indoors where the sun will hit them only about four to six hours a day is sufficient. Sunlight re-
sults in denser, greener foliage and overall healthier plants.
Moving time Like us, plants would much rather be outdoors than stuck inside during warm and sunny days. Houseplants can be moved outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Moving houseplants outdoors is easy and will add a great decor element to your entryway, porch or back deck. Before moving plants outdoors, add about 2 inches of potting soil to their containers, as this amount has probably decomposed in the container during the winter months. Once outside, you should soak your plants from top to bottom. In the initial stages of a houseplantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conversion outdoors, it is important to gradually introduce them to nature. Placing plants in direct sunlight for the length of a day will put them in shock, so it is best to acclimate them
over a one to two week period. Introducing them to the outside under shade of a tall tree will ease them into this transition. The outdoors offers a houseplant many elements that allow them to thrive, but also exposes them to residents of nature they may not have encountered before. Using an organic insect killer, will keep your plant from being eaten in the outdoors. When you notice that leaves or petals have been snacked on, or you actually see a bug on the plant, you can spray the entire plant to ensure the bugs will be killed organically and your plant will not be harmed. Not only do potted plants add design elements to interior and exterior living spaces, but they are also beneficial to your health. So go ahead, indulge in a houseplant or two. A little green can really do the body good.
BookSmart
Spring Home & Garden
The Pilot
Not just for reading anymore, books are a desirable accent for interior designers to weave into living rooms, bedrooms and nooks throughout the home, creating a clutter-free space adaptable to any aesthetic. So many books, so little time … and we’re not just talking about curling up in a thickcushioned chair to read by a toasty fire! We’re suggesting you use those luscious books to enhance your living or family room décor – after or before reading them! Companies actually specialize in selling books as décor. Leni Leth started her Fallbrook, Calif., business Book Décor, after a business associate suggested she start selling
books through her antique business. Eighteen years later – books are her sole commodity, and she’s got multiple ways to use them. Leth consults with her clients to find the perfect style for their home, “I really like to speak with my customers first to get a feeling for the look they are after,” explains Leth, who then e-mails photos of the books she thinks will fit the bill. After a little back and forth the agreed-upon set of
books (minimum order 10) are shipped. Leth categorizes her book looks to include: old world (jewel tones, leather bound, series with similar size, stacked straight up); causal (a mixture of colors and bindings, some stacked upright, others leaning or laying down); contemporary for ultra modern homes (unusual colored leather bound like yellow, dove blue and gray), Zen (a peaceful elegant look of light bindings like off white or green or faded by age); and her latest the “Harry Potter,” which was inspired by a 16year-old customer (these leather bound books are very old, worn and torn). “Many of my customers have built these huge, magnificent homes with formal libraries, but they have no books to fill them with. Book binding is a lost art; consequently leather books are really rare,” says Leth, who travels to Denmark for her merchandise. But home libraries are not the only place books should hang out … table tops, the floor, under window seats; the choices are only limited to your imagination. Interior decorating professional Coral Nafie devotes serious thought to decorating with books. “I like to combine books with other objects. Photos, bookends, boxes and small sculptures work best,” says Nafie, decorating guide for About.com. “Lay a stack of
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books together with a small box or photo on top, place a piece next to the pile, or raise a lamp with a stack of similar sized books. An artistic arrangement is more interesting than stacks or piles.”
Book It
Home decorating guide for About.com, Coral Nafie, offers these easy tips on arranging and displaying your books.
Prop It Up Stack three books on a side table, set a lamp, sculpture, urn, or plant (in a waterproof cache pot) on your raised book platform. Reading Wall Build or purchase enough bookshelves to fill one wall of a room, or one side of a wide hallway; you'll get lots of vertical storage using only 8-to-13 inches of floor space. Look Up Install a display shelf 12-inches or more down from the ceiling; running along one wall or completely around the room. Choose décor-complementary support brackets to secure the shelves. Built Ins Use the space underneath built-in seating, window seat or banquette for bookshelves with or without doors. Nook It Create a nook area by a window, fireplace, or on a blank wall by flanking a desk, loveseat, or comfortable chair with floor to ceiling bookshelves.
Spring Home & Garden
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Gardening with a Purpose Takes Root Put on your garden gloves and join in the fun because “gardening with a purpose” is taking root. The purpose may be to grow your own food or create urban sanctuaries, but planting for a greener good is changing neighborhoods and communities - one garden at a time. According to the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, homeowners are growing more of their own food - more herbs, vegetables and fruit trees - both in dedicated vegetable gardens and mixed in the garden among flowers and shrubs. But it’s not just food production that’s driving today’s gardener. As backyard conservationists, gardeners are transforming yards, gardens, rooftops and even urban alleys into green and productive spaces. Here’s a glimpse of what Susan McCoy, garden trend spotter, sees for 2011.
Gardening with a purpose Nine out of 10 households want to manage their lawns and gardens in an environmentally friendly way, according to the National Gardening Association. “Gardens continue to reflect awareness of how our landscapes enhance and improve the environment around us,” Patricia St. John, president of the Association of Professional
Landscape Designers, says of this trend. Since healthy plants start with healthy soil, people are looking for sustainable and organic soils like OMRI-listed, compost-based, premiumblend potting soil from Organic Mechanics Soil Company. This all-purpose premier blend is good for all your plants and good for the earth.
Eco-scaping The move to de-lawn large tracks of turf and transform lawns into sustainable landscapes is achievable with the right plants that use less water and pesticides. Beautiful native plants like Solidago “Solar Cascade,” exclusively available from North Creek Nurseries, part of The American Beauties Native Plant collection, are low-maintenance plants that attract wildlife and beneficial pollinators like butterflies, bees and birds. Proceeds benefit the National Wildlife Federation’s Certified Wildlife Habitat Program.
Sustainable containers For small space gardens, growing food in containers makes sense. Blended containers with herbs and veggies provide a one-two combo for freshness and convenience. And, containers blooming with CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
Orchids are perfect choices for affordable, colorful plants that look as comfortable in 21st century homes as they did in Victorian days. Blended containers in front yards with herbs and veggies provide a one-two combo that can’t be beat for freshness and convenience.
Spring Home & Garden CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19
natives, re-bloomers and ornamental grasses beautify spaces and benefit the environment.
Growing up with vertical gardening “Vertical gardens are becoming increasingly popular and will grow far beyond anything we can envision,” says Joe Zazzera, with Plant Solutions, Inc. and Green Plants for Green Buildings (GPGB.org). “Businesses are seeing the productivity, environmental quality and return on investment that indoor plantings and vertical living walls are bringing to their projects.” From containers with climbing vines, flowers and veggies to vertical walls blooming with edibles, plants are growing up.
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Succulents Dry gardening using less water is bubbling across the nation. Attractive and lowmaintenance succulents have showy flowers and thick, fleshy foliage that stores water like a camel’s hump. Drought-tolerant and able to thrive in a variety of conditions, succulents look great in small gardens and large landscapes. Get ideas from Costa Farms on varieties that you can mix with perennials, containers and standalone or in roof gardens. Indoor gardening From “steampunk” Victorian hipster decor rocking among young urbanites to upscale suburban homes, decorating with houseplants like orchids,
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
From containers with climbing vines, flowers and veggies to vertical walls blooming with edibles and foliage, plants are growing up..
Custom Homes Renovation Real Estate
910.295.2800 precision@nc.rr.com www.precisionhomes.com
Spring Home & Garden
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comfortable in 21st century homes as they did in Victorian days. To learn more about the health benefits of indoor houseplants, check out www.O2forYou.org.
Beautiful native plants, like Solidago "Solar Cascade" from North Creek Nurseries, are great for attracting wildlife in your backyard. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20
ferns and palms is hot. Chic and easy to grow, orchids add a lavish touch to any room. Plus these hard-working
beauties clean indoor air of volatile organic compounds and provide oxygen. Phalaenopsis (moth) orchids as well as other varieties are perfect choices for affordable, colorful plants that look as
Urban farming and CSAs In step with the move to reinvigorate communities, urban farming and Community Supported Agriculture farms (CSAs) are springing up nationwide. Urban farming “micro-farms” are converting small spaces in blighted areas into thriving farms that grow fresh produce for inner city communities. CSAs offer fresh produce and provide the chance to learn about varieties, maintaining plants and sharing experiences. New Urbanism Sustainable urban communi-
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ties that offer spots to enjoy an outdoor lifestyle are on the rise. Planting water-wise plants, collecting rainwater, building walkable streets, and fostering diversity of shops, homes and apartments with less turf and more plants encourages better stewardship of the earth, and reconnects everyone as fellow stewards of resources and communities. “We had trouble wrapping our heads around saving the rain forests,” says McCoy, “But we clearly can wrap our arms around saving our own backyards. Digging and planting gardens brings awareness that we’re all earth’s caretakers.”
For a complete look at the Garden Media Group 2011 Garden Trends visit: www.gardenmediagroup.com.
Spring Home & Garden
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A Greener Night’s Sleep
By Patrica Rivera | CTW Features
Organic sheets offer more than color, comfort.
Environmentally conscious consumers can sleep peacefully this year between organic and natural sheets. Organic linen designers and manufacturers say their products not only avoid toxic chemicals and improve soil fertility but also are softer, more luxurious sheets. That, they say, translates into a better sleep and virtually no harm to the environment. “There’s still not a huge variety of organic goods out there, but you can pretty much walk into any neighborhood grocery store and find at least a handful of organic (beddings) now,” says Marisa Kula Mercer, cofounder of Plover Organic in Portland, Ore. Among those companies that are leading the way in creating these new environmentally friendly bed linens is Plover, which uses a hydrogen peroxide bleaching process and only low-impact, fiber reactive dyes that form a strong bond with the cotton fiber. The company’s process uses less water than conventional dyeing, and all dye material is reclaimed. None of it is released into the
environment. New to the Plover catalogue is its Blue Wave line that comes with its own special signature pattern. The cotton comes from non-genetically engineered seeds grown in soil that is free of pesticides, herbicides or other cytotoxins. Penny Murphy, owner of the upscale Pioneer Linens in West Palm Beach, Fla., says many of the organic sheets come in subtle colors. “Classics never go out of style for a reason,” she says. Other new organic lines include: Nautica, one of the most popular bed linen manufacturers, has rolled out its first organic cotton offering. Called Nautica Naturals, it’s a 510-count, 100-percent organic cotton sheet that comes in spa tones and is packaged in self-contained organic cotton bags. Bamboo Ecowear of Palm Springs, Calif., is now offering 100-percent bamboo sheets. The company touts the lightweight fabric as being perfect for both warm and cold nights. The fabric lifts moisture off
the body so that it dries quickly and doesn’t hold odors. In cooler temperatures, it’s as warming as it is cooling in the heat. Pottery Barn is now selling its new Organic Hemstitch sheet set and Sunflower Organic quilt and sham. Woven in Portugal, the sheets have twin rows of openwork stitching that give them delicate texture, and a simple hemstitching trims the edges. Made of 100-percent organic cotton fibers, the sheets are woven to a 200-thread-count
For the most demanding consumers, Dallas-based retailer Anna Sova Luxury Linens offers the Sensual, a 600-thread-count organic cotton bed sheet. These luxurious sheets are milled in Switzerland with 100-percent U.S. organic pima cotton and finished in Italy using ecosafe cotton bleaching, dyeing and finishing processes. The sheets come in white, champagne and espresso.
Spring Home & Garden
Setting Stage The Pilot
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the
By Timothy R. Schulte CTW Features
Redesigning your home can be as simple and tricky as rearranging what you already own.
Hole other world: Don’t fix it, feature it – an innocently placed shawl helps disguise the couch’s moth damage. In the ideal world, any time a room needed a shot of life, your own personal interior designer would come by
and inject some flavor into your room. Unfortunately, idealism isnt always a reality in todays world. But interior redesign is. Debra Blackmon, an IRIS instructor of redesign from BakersCONTINUED ON PAGE 24
Spring Home & Garden CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23
field, Calif., has compiled techniques and tips from 19 Interior Redesign Industry Specialists and put them together in an easy-to-reference book for the befuddled homeowner, IRIS in the House (Trafford, 2006). Basically, I wanted the client or potential reader to have an understanding of what redesign and staging is all about, she says. We teach conventional design precepts then we teach them how to break them. Blackmon offers these tips for the at-home designer:
The Power of Place and Placement Get off the wall and into the room. Every room has a
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sweet spot, says Blackmon, and finding it means treating the room like a giant 3-D jigsaw puzzle. Dont plan on paper break the. room down and redesign. Live in the room and not around the perimeter, she says.
sofa. Bringing that color up instantly solves the disharmony in the room and makes it appear to be done purposely.
Can’t Fix It? Feature it Blackmon had a client with a very old brick-red linoleum floor. Instead of an expensive floor overhaul, the client took that same brick red into the valance and some canisters she placed in the kitchen. The floor went from detriment to shabby chic.
Pragmatic Color Solutions Painting the walls always is a solution, but accessorizing helps problem-solve, too. Bad-colored carpet? Find pillows in the same color for the
Make Mistakes; Fix Them If you bring home a new piece of furniture and discover its too big or small or the wrong color, correct them visually and proportionally. If an entryway console table is too small, place a plant next to it to make it appear bigger. Couch is
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too big, place less stuff around it. Add or removing weight in the space can make all the difference. Most of all, possess a willingness and openness to change and try new things. When you open up, says Blackmon, its amazing how the universe responds.
Call a Local Realtor® to Assist You With the Purchase or Sale of Your Home This Spring Binky Albright
Kimberly Stout
Joel Rich
910.528.2008
910.692.3198 910.315.4009 www.joelrich.net
Binky Albright Properties, LLC
910.315.2622 www.binkyalbright.com binkster17@pinehurst.net
COVINGTON Investment Properties
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Lynette Williams Broker
©2011 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. An independently owned and VWLYH[LK IYVRLY TLTILY VM 7Y\KLU[PHS 9LHS ,Z[H[L (MÄSPH[LZ 0UJ H 7Y\KLU[PHS -PUHUcial company. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license. Equal Housing Opportunity
Deborah Darby
Linda D. Covington | Owner/Broker 910.695.0352 cell: 910.639.0570 covington_house@yahoo.com
Specializing in all of Moore County
910.295.6056 lynettwllms@aol.com www.foxcreekre.com
910.783.5193 ddarby@prudentialpinehurst.com ©2011 Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities. An independently owned and VWLYH[LK IYVRLY TLTILY VM 7Y\KLU[PHS 9LHS ,Z[H[L (MÄSPH[LZ 0UJ H 7Y\KLU[PHS -PUHUcial company. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license. Equal Housing Opportunity
Pruning Tips
Spring Home & Garden
The Pilot
By Mary Francis Tate
In the words of Joyce Kilmer “I think that I shall never see a poem as lovely as a tree” prompts me to talk about correct pruning of trees. Using ap-
propriate pruning methods for crapemyrtle, dogwoods and other ornamental trees will make a great difference in their beauty and their life span.
After last winters damage to so many of our trees and shrubs most residents just wanted to clean up the mess and don’t think of the tree’s
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natural growth habits or the selecting of scaffold branches to shape the trees for their inherent splendor. This year it’s time to correct some of the longterm damage that was done during the immediate clean up after the storm. To begin, be sure that you have sharp tools. All cuts must be clean, not ragged. This prevents attracting insects and disease. Depending of the amount of work to be accomplished you will need a good pair of hand pruners. They come in many sizes, styles, and prices. It is important to purchase gook quality to insure a clean cut. The fir and feel of the pruners in your hand is also important. If the grip is uncomfortable you will not enjoy the task at hand. For cutting branches larger than ¼”, I like CONTINUED ON PAGE 26
Spring Home & Garden CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25
pruners with a ratchet grip. This allows me to make that all-important clean cut with more leverage than I get with the pruners I use to cut flowers. Pair of long-handled lopping shears with a short nose is more suitable for larger branches. A small, curvedblade pruning saw will require less muscle power for even larger branches. Now is the perfect time of year to assess your garden, examine your trees and make plans for the coming spring season. Pruning is the most important gardening job for this time of year. Prune deciduous ornamental trees when they are dormant. Start by removing the dead and injured branches. Take a good look at the trees
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and remove any brunches that are crossing one another branch or rubbing against one another. Clean up the center of thee trees to give the remaining branches more room to develop, as they grow larger. Rubbing branches cause scaring of the bark and can lead to injury which leads to disease. As you remove the smaller and less desirable branches you will begin to see the large important branches that make up the structure of the scaffolding of the tree. Light and air can circulate through the tree when it leafs out in the spring. Ornamental trees like the dogwood, japanese maple, Flowering pear, cherry and crabapples will benefit from having the suckers removed. The suckers are those sprouts that form on the trunks of trees. As you prune think about the
shape you are giving the tree of shrub now and in the future. Remember that the direction that the buds are facing indicate which way the new growth will take. The new growth will extend out form the bud or nodule. This new growth will harden off and remain in the same position, it does not move further up or out. Making the cuts on the light slant ¼” to ½” above
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the leaf bud or growth bud. Do not leave a stub. Any part of the branch above the cut that does not have a bud will die and decompose. This is not only ugly but it will become a passageway for CONTINUED ON PAGE 27
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disease organisms to enter the living portion of the branch. By choosing a bud that grows out away from the trunk of the tree, you will direct the new growth to the outside and thus avoid filling up the insides of the tree with new branches and leaves next spring. Let me now explain why crape myrtles should not be flat topped the way you see them pruned in the Sandhills. Pruning stimulates new growth. By pruning the crape myrtle down to a nub it will make the tree send out many shoots of new growth all around the nub. These will become new branches growing in all different directions like a wild unkempt hairdo. This destroys the natural graceful sculptural qualities of the tree. The crape myrtle tree flowers on the new growth. It is best to nip or trim the ends of the old branches to remove the old flower heads, which by now are empty seedpods. Remove any small twigs along the main trunks and branches. By keeping these areas clean the tree will develop into a specimen tree that will give lasting beauty to generations to come. If your tree is getting to large and tall for the location it is in under utility wires or near the house then consider having it moved where it can grow to its full potential and beauty. Tree can be dug with a tree spade that is used by many of our local nurseries. Last month I read an
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article about transplanting trees and shrubs. It talked about the fact that for decades we have been taught to prune back the tops of shrubs and trees by one-third before transplanting. Now the NC Cooperative Extension service is not recommending this old practice. It has been discovered the “The signal the initiates new root growth originates in shoot tips—and removing the ends of branches will reduce, not promote, root development.” The American Association of Nurserymen and the American Landscapers’ Association also recommend against cutting back transplants. After the first year of growth, they can be cut back. Early spring flowering deciduous shrubs should not be pruned until after they bloom. forsythia, spirea, flowering quince, almond, and pearl bush all flower on the old growth. That is way you can cut a few branches and bring them in doors and force the blooms. After these shrubs bloom they can be reshaped if they are not in a location where they can grow to their natural form. Like the crape myrtle tree they could also be moved to a new area of your property where they can spread out and require no pruning. Remember if you are considering moving any of the plants I have talked about, most of them require sun to produce flowers. The one exception is the Dogwood tree. As a rule it is thought to be an under story tree. This means that it enjoys partial shade provided by tall trees like our longleaf pine.
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SOLAR LIGHTING Beneficial in Many Ways
As society continues to grow more environmentally conscious, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to do their part outside their home as well as inside it. One increasingly popular option for eco-conscious homeowners is solar lighting. But the benefits of solar lighting go beyond the environmental.
Financial Solar lighting is quite possibly the most affordable option for outdoor lighting. That’s because once solar lighting is installed, there are no more costs to speak of. Employing solar energy to power its bulbs, solar lighting doesn’t use any electricity, keeping energy bills low as a result.
Aesthetic appeal Traditional outdoor lighting often requires outdoor outlets and power cords. However, solar lighting utilizes rechargeable batteries that are recharged by the sunlight hitting the solar panels, eliminating the need for unsightly external power outlets
and power cords.
Practical Many homeowners admit routinely forgetting to turn on their outdoor lights, reducing their investment value as a result. However, solar lighting doesn’t require the homeowner to remember a thing, as solar lighting is automatically operated, meaning the lights will come on once the sun goes down without so much as the flip of a switch.
Safety Solar lighting also adds to a home’s safety and security. Because solar lighting is automatic, it’s easier to see at night when arriving home because the lights will already be on should a homeowner get home after dark. What’s more, because solar lighting automatically comes on, homeowners can feel safe knowing that the lighting is on even when they’re on vacation or away for the weekend, reducing the risk of potential home break-ins.
Spring Service Directory WESTMORLAND CONSTRUCTION INC.
AWNING & CANVAS WORK
since 1955 Doug Westmorland owner
A Division of Key’s Upholstery, Inc.
Awnings, canopies, retractables & more
Specializing in:
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KEY’S UPHOLSTERY, INC.
125 W. Trade St • Sanford Bus: 919-775-7432 Fax: 919-718-6543 Toll Free: 1-888-473-6707 email: awning@windstream.net
PO Box 2414 • Pinehurst, NC 28370 910-880-1669 • dwestmorland@atmc.net
CAMERON
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camhvac@embarqmail.com 2052 Cypress Church Rd. Cameron, NC 28326
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SHRUBBERY 1 Gallon........$4.00 3 Gallon........$7.50 Azaleas........ 5 for $10.00
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Insurance Agency, Inc.
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DENNING PAVING
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Asphalt Paving & Repair Work, Grading, Landscaping, Stone Driveways, Retaining Walls, Backhoe Service, Hauling: Sand, Gravel, Topsoil, Fill Dirt, Mortar Sand.
Spring Home & Garden
Is your home causing your
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health concerns? When you get the sniffles - do you blame your allergies, or the air inside your house? Surprisingly, air pollution trapped inside your home could be the cause of many of your family’s health concerns - especially if members suffer from asthma or allergies. Poor indoor air quality is a health threat. Indoor air is one the top five environmental threats to the country, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And in the winter months, your family is probably spending a lot more time inside, breathing in the polluted air. Indoor air pollutants come from many different sources. The combustion fuels you use - oil, gas, kerosene, coal and even wood - add chemicals to the air. So do tobacco products. Pets and carpeting can add dander and dust particles to the air. And even the cleaning products you use can build up. Newer homes are built to be more air tight, which helps to keep the heating bill lower in the winter months, but does nothing to freshen the air inside the house. Minor health consequences from breathing poor quality indoor air include watery eyes, a scratchy throat and runny nose. CONTINUED ON PAGE 31
Spring Service Directory SEWING MACHINE & VACUUM SALES & SERVICE $
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Spring Home & Garden
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But more serious consequences could show up after years of breathing in poor quality indoor air, and those include respiratory diseases, heart disease and even cancer, according to the EPA. You can clean the air inside your home to help reduce the pollutants, dust and dander in several ways: Take a peek inside your air ducts. Use a flashlight and mirror, or a digital camera to see if the walls of the ducts are coated in dust bunnies and grit. That build up of dust signals you need to have your heating and cooling system cleaned. Your heating unit will continuously circulate any dusty and dirty air throughout your home, so that your family is always
breathing it in. Hiring a National Air Duct Cleaners Association member to clean your HVAC system will help you keep the air circulating throughout your home free of dust, pollen and dander. NADCA members must carry general liability insurance and must have at least one certified air systems cleaning specialist on staff. “Cleaning your ducts isn’t something a do-it-yourselfer should try to tackle,” says Bill Benito, board member of NADCA. “NADCA-recommended contractors will loosen contaminants with brushes and compressed air, then use negative pressure collection equipment to collect all the debris so that nothing is blown into your living areas.” Visit www.nadca.com to find a NADCA member near you. Replace your furnace filter fre-
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quently, and use the highest efficiency filter recommended by the manufacturer of your heating and cooling system. Run bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans when needed, and make sure these units circulate to the outdoors, rather than blowing back into the house. If you have the opportunity, take the covers off the fans and clean off the fan blades to help remove additional particles from the air. When the temperatures warm up, open up your screened windows and doors to help circulate the air inside your house. Nobody likes having a runny nose or scratchy throat, and if your family members are exhibiting these symptoms, you may need to review the air quality in your home. To learn more, visit www.nadca.com.
GLOBAL GARDEN REPORT:
Spring Home & Garden
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Survey Reveals Trends in U.S. Gardening A “punk-rock” gardening revolution is occurring in the U.S., as found in Husqvarna and Gardena's annual Global Gardening Report 2010. Amateur gardeners reign supreme on the Internet, and the expert gardeners' expertise is being challenged throughout the blogosphere. Bloggers are
less apt to follow the gardening experts and pave their own way, perhaps a result of a lingering “damn-the-man” mentality due to the economic slide and rise in unemployment in the U.S. Many amateurs are even sharing their foliage failures via blogs to show and educate CONTINUED ON PAGE 33
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other gardeners. With social networking continuing to rise, Americans throughout the blogosphere are showing that it takes a village to raise a rosebush. Urban farming is also prevalent in the U.S. A push for sustainability and green living has growers from Oregon to North Carolina creating their own version of Eden in any small space available. This includes indoor growing of herbs and plants used in kitchens for cooking purposes. With a focus on fresh, local ingredients and self-reliance, urbanites are now more apt to pluck a leaf of basil from a pot in their kitchen than sprinkle dried-up plant crumbs on Wednesday night's chicken parmesan. Jay Dahlin, an urban gardener in Chicago, Ill., said that garden-
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ing, for him, is an obsession and addiction, noting that he thinks about it constantly from March to October. While growing mostly native plants in his garden, Dahlin says he likes to think that he is re-establishing a very small part of the lost prairie ecosystem. With spring right around the corner, weathered wintered minds around the U.S. are turning towards all things green. Husqvarna and Gardena, manufacturers of gardening equipment, identified trends after analyzing nearly 1.4 million blog posts worldwide. They offer guidance on multiple types of agriculture from farm acres to flowerbeds. For more information on these companies and gardening trends, you can visit : www.gardena.com and www.husqvarna.com.
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Spring Home & Garden
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When to choose
S t yOver le
SUBSTANCE By Christina Owens CTW Features
Designer looks at discount prices can be a bargain or a bust: On which pieces of furniture should you invest top dollar? If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, furniture designers must be red from blushing. With high-end designs trickling down to the masses, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to settle the debate of style versus substance. “People buy high-quality fur-
niture because of its longevity, but beyond that, the design,’ says David Mehlhorn, vice president of sales for Thomas Moser, Auburn, Maine. “There’s something about the form itself and the positive space and the negative space that morph it into a functional piece of art.” While there may not be a lack of style and variety available in furniture of all prices, Steve Hodges, designer and president
of Steve Hodges Associates Inc., Lexington, N.C., says there is a misunderstanding on both the part of the public and designers in translating what constitutes good design and why it’s important. “The problem is we’ve become such a disposable society,” he says. “The problem with the furniture industry is it’s done a very poor job of educating the public with what quality is.”
“And quality may not always mean trendy” says Kimberley Seldon, principle designer for Kimberley Seldon Design Group, Toronto. “Right off the bat, anything that’s trendy you should not overspend on,” she says. “The more limited your budget is, the more you should rely on classic styling. What’s horrifying is to pay the upperend price and realize you’ve got CONTINUED ON PAGE 36
Specializing In:
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Spring Home & Garden CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35
nothing but a bad reproduction.” With a limited budget, however, there is still some wiggle room to mix both high and low-end pieces. Randy Culler, principle designer for Randy Culler Designs, High Point, N.C., says it’s best to invest in any piece of furniture that pertains to seating. “If it’s cheap and not put together well, you’re going to wear those pieces out in no time,” he says. More specifically, says Mehlhorn, money is best invested in dining room chairs. ‘Would you put more money into a dining room table or dining room chairs? I would say chairs,” he says.
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average person can still have an “They move and wear in a difeye for good design while lookferent way. If you bought a ing at more affordable pieces. middle-priced table and a midFor wood pieces, such as a dle-priced chair, you’ll replace case piece, the chairs recmore quickly “Anything that is of Hodges ommends than you’ll replace the great quality or great looking carefully at contable.” struction. And if pennies style is always “The first can be pinched any- copied. And of course thing I’d advise any where, it’s that's a compliment.” consumer to with accent look at is the furniture, drawer construction,” he says. Seldon says. “Are the drawer interiors “It’s far better to compromise smooth? Are they sanded and on an end table that no one’s sealed? Do you have graduated going to sit on than to comprodrawer heights?” mise on a chair that people are With upholstered furniture “the going to sit in all the time,” most important piece of inforshe says. mation is hidden to you,” And while most people may Seldon says. “What really matnot understand the structural elements that go into a well-de- ters is the spring detail inside, what type of wood it’s made of signed piece of furniture, the
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and how it’s joined together.” Culler recommends going even further and lifting up the skirt of a sofa, for example, to examine the wood in addition to asking about the springs. “From the frame aspect, you’re looking at something that’s made of solid wood,” he says, “hardwood frame construction and eight-way, handtied, tall coils. They put those coils in and they fill up the whole seat with the coils. They tie eight strands so that when it moves, it all moves in unison.” Regardless of budget or design experience, affordable furniture doesn’t have to be without style, says Culler. “People are more style conscious, which is great,”he says. “Anything that is of great quality or great style is always copied. And of course that’s a compliment.”
Spring Home & Garden
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Re-energize your home By Nina Yun | CTW Features
Want to add a little Feng Shui to your humdrum home? Not sure if you just pronounced the ancient Chinese art form correctly? Whether you’re just unsure where to put that loveseat or are trying to store seasonal dcor, there’s a Feng Shui solution waiting for you. (By the way, it’s pronounced Fuhng Shwey.)
Owner of Chicago-based Feng Shui Design, Pam Tollefson advises not to store anything underneath furniture, so chi can circulate around the room freely. “You don’t want stuck energy,” Tollefson says.
1
“Also, it just looks messy.” The door is the “mouth” or
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“gateway” for chi, or energy says Reiko Gomez, owner of Reiko Feng Shui Interior Design based in New York City. Gomez, whose expertise was featured in an episode of “Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane,” says keep the doorway clear so energy doesn’t get blocked.
3 Avoid bright colors for your bedroom, keep it neutral. “Most people want romance in the bedroom and red is the associated color, but don’t paint your bedroom walls red. It’s over kill. Most people can’t sleep,” says Gomez. “A bedroom should feel relaxing and calming. Use colors in accents in a rug, pillow or other small details.”
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Spring Home & Garden
In Living
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By Patricia Rivera CTW Features
Refresh your home even tight spaces like closets and hallways by adding bold paint colors, lively patterns and stark contrasts The colors that are in vogue this season are the ones that aim to help homeowners reinvigorate their living spaces. Experts say to expect a contrast between colors that create a sense of the tranquil outdoors, mixed with splashes of livelier colors and patterns. “Many of us are searching for ways to refresh our homes and differentiate in the current economy,” says Debbie Zimmer, of the Spring House, Pa.-based Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute. Homeowners have become even more eco-conscious in recent months, and Zimmer says they’re starting to turn
to the sky for inspiration. For instance, one palette could reflect the shifting sky patterns that include botanical hues representative of sunsets and sunrises. In a bedroom and bathroom, you could use sandy tans and sea-glass greens to create a soothing seaside environment. Green continues to be popular, particularly midtone hues of fern, palm and pine. They can be combined with sand colors to create an earthy feel. To create contrast, she suggests using bolder colors such as purple that carry a touch of royalty. Other contrasting colors identified by Rohm and Haas include rich cranberry reds and warm browns, along with pumpkin orange - all of which help to create a nurturing and caring environment. A bold new blue is also appearing in the home and on appliances. Black and white hues also make for opulent living
spaces, Zimmer notes. To punch it up, she says to try adding a dramatic red. She also suggests giving life to unconventional spaces such as a closet, hallway or kitchen pantry - by adding bold paint color. For instance, try using a bright, high-gloss hue to brighten up a closet. Jamie Stephens, executive director of the Color Marketing Group in Alexandria, Va., agrees that “economic extremes lead to color extremes.” Concern for the environment has lead to a more natural vintage look. Sunny yellows, true turquoises and warm oranges, inspired by trends in China and India, give that vintage look a more modern feel.
Current Colors
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REDS: A blue-based red that looks more like a lighter burgundy. A soft, new coral will also blend in well with neutral, brown and green shades.
GRAYS: Grays will carry hints of lilac. Also expect to see silver with blue undertones and a green-cast smoky black. BLUES: Softer blues are starting to appear. Look for pale, spa-influenced blues and inky, navy blues as an alternative to black.
GREENS: Green will carry more shades that are grayer and bluer as it moves away from yellowbased shades. Expect to see more blue-greens everywhere.
Take our color quiz on page 40 to see which colors best suits your personality
What Colors Best Fit Your Personality?
Spring Home & Garden
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You often hear that you should match your home's design to your personality and interests, but few color swatches come with names like Reads “Paranormal”, “Romance Novels”, “Hikes on Weekends”, “Gleek”. The following quiz will help you figure out what color palettes will best suit your personality:
You're making big plans for the weekend. What are they? A) Participating in a charity walk B) Antique shopping
C) Inviting friends over for dinner
D) Touring a haunted house
What's hanging on your wall?
A) A batik tapestry made by an Indonesian women's collective B) Framed vintage travel posters C) Family photographs D) An Edvard Munch print or, alternatively, an Edward Cullen poster
You're making your favorite dish. What is it?
A) An all-organic risotto cooked with ingredients from the local farmer's market B) A Moroccan tangine cooked in an authentic ceramic pot C) Macaroni and cheese, with chocolate chip cookies for dessert D) A decadent chocolate mousse
Mostly A's: Idealist. Those out to save the world will feel at home with Earth-inspired colors, such as cocoa, cinnamon, stone and taupe. In addition to choosing a natural color palette, look for products that conform to your ideals, such as green-certified carpeting made from recycled materials. Mostly B's: Eclectic. You love authentic and vintage finds and enjoy layering colors and patterns. Try shades like rose, olive, turquoise and seafoam.
Mostly C's: Homebody. You're all about warmth and comfort, and you like to keep things cozy and intimate. Vary between neutral colors and warm shades.
Mostly D's: Mysterious Stranger. You appreciate romance and intrigue. Evoke an Old World sense of fantasy with deep, rich shades of navy, purple, red and teal. Exotic hardwood floors with deep, rich hues add to the veiled allure.
Spring Home & Garden
In today's economic climate, Americans are trying to stretch their pennies by making their homes more energy-efficient. Green homes save money and help the environment, but if you have already invested in energyefficient appliances, what else can be done? Many homeowners don't real-
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Carpets Help Insulate Homes
ize that their flooring choice can be a contributor to a home's energy-efficiency. Unlike other forms of flooring, carpet provides insulation. Installing wallto-wall carpet keeps your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, while also lowering your energy costs. Recently, tests carried out at the Johns Manville Technical Center Thermal Labs confirmed that carpet and pad increase R-value, or the measure of thermal resistance, compared to other flooring materials. The higher the R-value, the better a material resists heat transfer. Carpets, with their higher R-value, are better able to keep heat within the home. Researchers tested the carpets,
both with and without cushions, against three common types of flooring -- laminate, ceramic tile and engineered hardwood. The result? Carpets insulate up to 17 times better than hard surface products. “Carpeted floors provide insulative properties in the home,” says Rick Ramirez, vice president of sustainability for Shaw Floors. “In addition to its energysaving aspect, the warmth and softness of carpet create a more comfortable living environment. Plus, carpet offers sound dampening benefits, which contribute to a quieter home.” Homeowners can make their homes even more efficient by following these simple, yet highly effective, steps:
* Adjust the temperature accordingly. For every degree you lower your heat in the 60-degree to 70-degree range, you'll save up to 5 percent on heating costs. * Reduce hot water temperature. Set your water heater to the “normal” setting or 120 degrees F, unless the owner's manual for your dishwasher requires a higher setting. * Get with the program. Installing a programmable thermostat can save up to 15 percent on energy costs.
To learn more about the insulation benefits of carpet, visit www.shawfloors.com/saveenergy.
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