In Around the Home

IN and AROUND THE T A M P A B AY T I M E S S P E C I A L A D V E R T I S I N G S E C T I O N

A new home is just the beginning O

ver time, a house becomes a home. It’s not just a building anymore, and every day the value is not just a monetary one. A home is a place you and your family put down roots and begin to create memories that last a lifetime. It is a significant moment in your life when owning a home becomes a reality.

When you embark on that journey of home ownership, it’s a monumental step.

There is a mountain of decisions to make before you decide on a home that’s right for you and your loved

ones. But one day, you find it, and it has all the bells and whistles you were looking for — good location, right price, curb appeal — the whole nine yards!

You sign on the dotted line, and before long you and your family have settled in and you grow to love the house.

It’s perfect! Or at least you think so. Then

one day, you realize that you have been in the home for a while and there might be some improvements it needs. Congratulations.You’ve just made progress toward daily life as a homeowner.

We hope you find inspiration for some of your projects as you browse through this special section. —Tom Wuckovich

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, August 26, 2018 |

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ne call can

(almost) do it all Imagine for a moment you could go back in time — just a short time — to 1982 to be exact.

Remember all the problems our extraterrestrial friend E.T. had in trying to get some help to phone home? “E.T., phone home” was a popular catchphrase for years.

Fast forward to today.With advances in technology, especially in the area of telecommunications, E.T. could not only phone home quickly and conveniently, but he could control a vast array of gadgets and appliances until he could safely return home.

Our homes today seem like futuristic places, where smartphones can remotely operate units like your heating and AC — a concept often referred to as the Internet of Things. Instead of E.T. asking a couple of kids to help him with the phone, he could have turned to a tiny virtual voice

Imagine for a moment you could go back in time — just a short time — to 1982 to be exact. Remember all the problems our extraterrestrial friend E.T. had in trying to get some help to phone home? “E.T., phone home” was a popular catchphrase for years.

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assistant named Alexa and she would have done it for him. Or, if E.T. possessed an iPhone, Siri would have been happy to oblige.

These voice assistants can do a variety of simple tasks, like playing music, turning the lights on and off or dimming them, locking the doors and adjusting thermostats. More and more, smartphones are making life easier to the point where virtually every appliance in your home can be controlled remotely from your smartphone.

Here are just a few examples: Visualize an oven that knows how long food will take to cook and it will send information to your phone on how the cooking is progressing. Some can even produce a live video stream of the food being prepared so you’ll know exactly when that See One call pg.10

Green with envy,

not chemicals

While the pursuit of happiness is considered a desirable goal, as evidenced by its inclusion in the Declaration of Independence, homeowners are often also in pursuit of the perfect green lawn, which can indeed produce happiness.

For many homeowners, green, green grass ranks right up there with baseball and apple pie. How to obtain the perfect lawn without breaking the budget or breaking the law — at least not the laws of the environment — is a tough task. According to lawncare experts, Americans spend roughly $40 billion annually on seed, sod and chemicals.Those chemicals that “help” grass could in some instances degrade the soil, pollute any water they reach and pose health risks to humans, their pets and any wildlife, including birds.

Over the years, as the dangers of fertilizers and pesticides became more widely known, laws were enacted restricting the use of pesticides, herbicides and fungicides, especially in places where children and the public gather, such as schools and parks. Many pesticides are still legal in most states, but more homeowners are considering whether going green with the perfect lawn by using synthetic fertilizers is worth the long-term environmental impact.

In recent years, there’s been an emphasis on an organic approach to lawn care. And what’s not to like about an organic lawn? It’s relatively cheap, better for the environment and less work than

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a traditional lawn.The single principle behind organic lawn care is that a lush, healthy lawn will be able to resist most weeds, diseases and insects on its own.

The health of your lawn depends on four factors: good soil, appropriate plantings, thick grass and regular maintenance.

Healthy soil will support healthy grass.

It’s as simple as that, according to Mike Feliciano of Bee Green Lawn Care of St. Petersburg.The company services Pinellas, Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

“The main portion of our lawn-spraying program is the utilization of 100 percent organic compost tea that is DNA coded and contains more than 800 live bacteria, protozoa and fungi.This introduces organics back into our soil that we are missing. It’s like probiotics for your soil,” he emphasized.

The organic fertilizers are safe for people and pets.“For every average-sized lawn we treat for a year, we remove 40 pounds of nitrates and 35 ounces of concentrated herbicides and pesticides from our environment, while still providing healthy landscapes,” he added.

A healthy, organic lawn requires care, but so does any lawn.There are two steps to keep your lawn looking good: lawn maintenance, which includes fertilizing and aerating to improve or maintain soil structure or content; and following three basic rules: Water deep, mow high and let the clippings lie.

Watering deeply (and infrequently) encourages roots to go deep; mowing high (3 inches or so) leaves a larger grass-blade surface to perform photosynthesis; and letting clippings stay on the lawn is the simplest way to provide needed nutrients and organic matter for the soil.

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, August 26, 2018 |

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Making a splash I

t’s no secret that kitchen makeovers can definitely be worth a homeowner’s investment and effort.Typically, a kitchen remodel pays for itself and increases the value of the home more than updates of other rooms.

Remodeling a kitchen usually includes new appliances, a cabinet overhaul, new paint, a new floor and new countertops. An item that is sometimes overlooked but one that is becoming more and more essential to the overall appearance of the kitchen is the backsplash.

Kitchen backsplashes no longer just protect walls from spills and splatters. Composed of a wide array of eye-catching materials like glass, wood, metals and stone, they are now often a major focal point of today’s kitchens.

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The backsplash is the area of the wall above the kitchen counters. It’s usually framed on top by either cabinets or a ventilation hood. Once purely functional, it has become an aesthetic addition to the kitchen, bringing refinement and integration to the overall design. In the past, backsplashes were usually short, ranging from 4 to 6 inches in height from the top of the counter and accenting just the bottom area between the countertop and the cabinets.

As designers paid more and more attention to the backsplash, it became apparent that it is one of the more convenient updates to a kitchen, and requires little to no removals or changes in other kitchen elements.The new backsplashes tie together the look of the countertop and cabinets and give the modern kitchen a more cohesive appearance.The cost is relatively low

and installation is fairly uncomplicated.

Choosing the right material for the backsplash should be based on what complements the finish of the cabinets and countertops.There are a variety of materials to choose from, including ceramic tile, solid-surface backsplashes such as stone and stainless steel, wallpaper and the latest trend, glass panels.

“A painted glass-panel backsplash can make your kitchen wall look modern and sleek, especially if you pair it with covered or hidden lighting,” offered Bill Daubmann, owner of My Shower Door, which has a number of locations in the bay area and throughout Florida.“It’s a clean, neat look, and the glass surface is very durable, nonporous and very simple to clean,” he added.

“Glass-panel backsplashes are precut in modular sizes.

If you want the material to have an entirely smooth look, lacking any edges, the glass panel will have to be customized to fit.”Another consideration is the price, he noted.

“The typical cost for colored or back-painted glass ranges from $180 to $200 per square foot. Installing a glass panel backsplash can be done in several ways, such as direct adhesion, standoffs, adhered fasteners or by framing.”

If you are considering upgrading other elements in your kitchen, finding the perfect backsplash can be a great start. Beginning with a backsplash often can help you narrow down the choices for your countertops and help define the theme you want for your kitchen remodel.

PHOTO CREDIT: My Shower Door

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, August 26, 2018 |

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From One call pg. 3

meatloaf looks about right.Want coffee with your meal? Tap a button on your smartphone and get a notification when it is ready. It’s also great for having it waiting for you when you get up to go to work.

Having company over for dinner or a party and you haven’t vacuumed?

Some vacuum cleaners can be put to work remotely via the smartphone.

Home security is a big concern, and some innovations can save your life as well as time and money.There are a variety of security cameras that will send a live video stream to your phone from anywhere in the world.A smoke alarm can be programmed to send an alert when it detects danger from a fire or carbon monoxide.

And smartphone apps aren’t limited to indoor functions.There are a number of apps to help you eliminate the drudgery of maintaining your swimming pool. Pete Kosmoski of Pinch A Penny Pool, Patio and Spa in Brandon said the apps can control your pool’s chemical balances to some degree, turn on the pool heater and lights, flip on the Jacuzzi, operate the pump and do a variety of other routine things.“One app reminds homeowners about chemical tests, adjustment recommendations and maintenance schedules such as backwash and filter cleanings — all for free.

We’ve come a long way,” Kosmoski said.

Even E.T. would agree with that!

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Just add popcorn

Whether you live in an apartment, a condo or a home, any room can be turned into a respectable media room or home theater with the right planning and equipment. Most homes aren’t designed to specifically serve as a theater, so the living room or family room usually functions as the theater room, and that, according to experts, isn’t the right approach.

According to technology specialists at Easy Living with Technology (easyliving.net), it doesn’t take long for a family to realize that a typical living room or family room cannot meet all their needs. Contrary to what many people believe, a home media room and custom home theater are slightly different concepts. While the two rooms are equipped with similar equipment, they have very different uses.

A home media room is more practical for people who want to do more than sit in the dark and watch movies on a big screen. A media

room is a more social experience, and more versatile in design.The room can be used to watch movies, play video games, entertain guests and much, much more. Home theaters are exactly what they sound like: rooms that are going to imitate a true movie-going experience, complete with a movie screen.

But no matter how you plan to use that designated area, one thing is certain: If you’re investing thousands of dollars designing this specific space,

it’s important to invest in the right technology.You need the right equipment, and quality sound and video gear are vital.

Unfortunately for homeowners, most home floor plans still aren’t designed to accommodate a room for the necessary electronic technology. Mike Stram, founder and CEO of Easy Living with Technology, promotes the use of a Technology Closet®, a 3- by 3-foot space that is the center or control room for all the wiring and equipment.

“Until builders and designers include this space in their design, the average person won’t have all the features he needs for a true media room or theater in one place. Our Technology Closet concept can distribute video to every room without the need for cable boxes, amplifiers and bulky equipment. Each room can remain clean and clear without all the cabinetry space to house the technology.”

For example, Stram said, when toilets were first invented in the early 20th century, people didn’t know where to put them.“There was no bathroom or washroom as we know it today. It’s the same with technology. We have no specific place to put these electronic devices. So unless the family room is better designed, cabinets are usually where the electronics and wiring are placed.

“We can install a media room or theater room in an existing home,” Stram said,“but it would be easier to accomplish as part of a remodeling project.

That way we could construct the Technology Closet and cover a vast majority of the house, though some rooms would still be cost-prohibitive to wire.”

Top to bottom, bunk beds are in vogue

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he last time I remember sleeping in a bunk bed I was awakened by a seemingly crazed individual standing in the middle of the room screaming at the top of his lungs at me and about 35 other men, threatening all kinds of mayhem unless we got out of bed right that minute.

That was my introduction to bunk beds and military basic training — neither of which I gave much thought to after I was honorably discharged. But just like our military, which has become more revered over the last decade or so, bunk beds have made a comeback and are not considered just for kids anymore.

The beds have grown up.They’ve become cooler, more sophisticated, more attractive and certainly more stylish. Demand for bunk

beds has never been stronger.There are several reasons for the uptick in compact bed sales. For example, more and more young people are opting for smaller homes and condos, where space is at a premium. Parents whose kids may need to temporarily move back home may not have the extra space and have to turn a smaller room into a bedroom.

Many newly constructed studio apartments feature the beds because they better fit the decor. Some hotels are adding less expensive bunk bed rooms to compete with low-cost accommodations like Airbnb.The beds also are a perfect fit in vacation homes and cabins.

These modern stacked sleepers are worlds apart from the old basic metal frames of yesteryear. Bunk rooms have evolved into stylish suites with features like queen-size mattresses, built-in TV screens, decorative lighting, stainless steel frames and chic wood accents. Some beds can cost up to $20,000, depending on the construction and design. In many instances, there is room underneath for some combination of closets, desk or storage cabinets.

For the homeowner, the clear advantage is savings in cost and space. Smaller, shared bedrooms are more functional when you can save space. Bunk beds usually are cheaper than two separate bed setups.There’s no additional

expense for headboards, foundations/box springs and so forth. However, when they’re no longer needed, they can be taken apart and used as two separate beds.

If you’re taking care of a loved one who has health issues, or want to stay with a baby who might need special care, a bunk bed provides a place to sleep during the night so you’ll be able to help them without leaving the room.There are many other uses, as noted by local bunk bed designer and builder R.J.Tweiten, president and owner of 888bunkbed in Clearwater.“Recently, I built 24 of the beds for a homeless shelter,” he said.

Tweiten said the beds come in a variety of dimensions, from twin to king.“Even older adults take to the beds,” he said.

Thanks to all the changes and innovations, the age-old question of who gets to be on the top bunk and who gets to be in the bottom bunk isn’t as important as it once was. Both bunks are “hip,” so just flip a coin.

is where the hearth is As the summer months drag on and temperatures soar toward the 100-degree mark in the Tampa Bay area, it’s difficult to think about the colder months of November, December and January and the relief they bring from the heat.

Spring and summer home projects usually consist of cleaning out the closets, getting rid of clutter, remodeling the kitchen or master bedroom or some other room, and adding some landscaping touches to the outside of the home. But one project you might want to consider that is ambitious, yet less challenging than a home renovation is installing a fireplace.Yes, a fireplace in your bay area home. After all, the region does get those occasional arctic blasts from Canada, albeit short-lived.

For centuries, the hearth has been the focal point of the home, not only for beauty, comfort and warmth, but as a place that encourages a welcoming atmosphere and where the family gathers to sit down, share stories and enjoy one another’s company.

A fireplace is one or the most enduring features of a home. An indoor fireplace can create a special ambiance: It can be romantic, cozy and magical at the same time. Whether you’re curled up next to a warm fire in the middle of winter or simply enjoying the architectural beauty of the piece in the summer, a fireplace attracts attention and completes the design of the room. When the flame dances in the firebox, it’s almost hypnotic. Even with the invention of modern central heating systems, the traditional warmth of a comfy fireplace seems never to go out of style.

With recent breakthroughs in venting and heating technology, fireplaces can be placed beyond the living room or family room. Spread the coziness around by putting a gas fireplace in a bedroom, bathroom or even a small space like a hallway.The smaller or more intimate the space, the greater impact it will have.

Adding a fireplace to your existing home isn’t as difficult as it once was, and there are several options to choose from. Cindy Shasteen of Florida Fireplace Systems in St. Petersburg said the homeowner has to decide if the fireplace is for looks or for function or both.“Once that decision is made, the rest of the equation is the design and type of unit,” she said.

Two of the most popular styles include the direct-vent model or the vent-free model.

The direct-vent fireplaces have a completely enclosed chamber that is extremely efficient, drawing in air for combustion from the outside and expelling gases to the outside.“Vent-free installations are more of a quick-fix addition,” Cindy added.“You cannot put those in places like the bathroom or bedroom because they aren’t made to be vented.”

Fireplace styles include front-facing, corner, three-sided, tunnel standalone and custom-designed.“One of the most popular styles is the linear fireplace,” Cindy said.“They are really just for looks, and the price can go up as high as $70,000. It’s for people who just want to enhance the design of their house.”

CREDIT: Florida Fireplace Systems

Outdoor Harmony E

ntertaining guests outdoors has become more refined and more popular due to the innovations and renovations in outdoor spaces that have made the backyard a veritable oasis of fun.

Tampa Bay’s year-round pleasant climate makes it easy to move the parties outside, where family and friends can splash around in the pool or Jacuzzi and dine on food cooked at an incredible outdoor kitchen. Party hosts pay attention to every detail, from creative lighting to color-

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ful decorations. Next to high-end grills and hot tubs, outdoor audio systems are becoming part of this premium open-air living space.

Every party needs music to set the tone, and mastering how to manage the music isn’t always easy. No one wants to stand next to blaring speakers. Picture socializing with guests amid lots of activity and the music from the house is so loud the young adults can hear it, but you can’t even talk to your guests or hear yourself think.

Now there is a way to play music where it surrounds you, coming from what seems like every direction but at a soothing background volume.The innovation isn’t a typical Bluetooth speaker that’s placed in a central location to try to accommodate everyone outside.

Decorating Elves’ approach is small speakers discreetly located throughout the backyard that produce a music experience that surrounds the entire space.

The speaker placement creates a relaxed atmosphere in which everyone in the yard

can hear the music without it being overwhelmingly loud.“If you don’t know what you are looking for, you probably are not going to see them,” said Nick Schriver of Decorating Elves.“It’s not something that sticks out, and we are able to blend them right into the landscape of your yard.”

The technology has been around for a long time, finding its original use in large retail stores and amusement parks. Only recently has the method been adopted by homeowners to solve the challenge of covering a large outdoor space with music.And today’s speakers

don’t only sound great, they look great, too, said Schriver.

“We can disguise them as rocks, or they can resemble the ground lights that we are noted for,” Schriver added.“They are very much a part of the landscape, and the nature of the audio eliminates any disruption to your neighbors’ peace

and quiet since you no longer need to blast music from one location,” he said.

The speakers are weather-resistant and can withstand pretty much anything Mother Nature can dish out.

Tampa Bay Times | Sunday, August 26, 2018 |

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Let there be light

Choosing the correct lighting for your home can transform a room from dingy, dark and uninviting to bright, beautiful and charming. Even in smaller, less ornate homes, homeowners are looking for ways to add luxurious touches, such as lighting.

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he currrent lighting trend seems to be big and plenty when it comes to lighting choices. Gone are the days of a few petite pendants and just-big enough chandeliers limited to the foyer and dining room, according to several lighting websites and blogs.

Homeowners are making bold statements with gorgeous lighting fixtures that are statement

pieces: oversized and in almost any room in the house, including master bedrooms, closets, laundry rooms, powder rooms, even kids’ rooms.

As a rule, lighting design will change from room to room. What works in the living room will not necessarily work in the kitchen or the bedroom.The lighting you choose should reflect the functions and feel of each space.

Tastes and preferences also change with generations.That is the reason for categories such as vintage lighting, art deco, mid-century modern and so on. Lighting trends may come and go, but, like fashion, they always return.

Whether you own a home, or are purchasing or selling one, a lighting upgrade could potentially increase your home’s value for years to

come. Statement lighting, as the term suggests, is your opportunity to initiate a wow factor that will impress guests and buyers alike. A superb chandelier suspended in an entryway, over the dining room table or in the center of a living room can generate huge visual impact.They usually require a bit more of an investment, so it is especially wise to choose a fixture you can imagine in your home for years to come.

When you don’t have a budget for a big remodel, consider making some relatively inexpensive lighting upgrades that can make a significant difference in your home’s décor.

A minor change — such as swapping out those bland beige wall plates for something more ornate or decorative that ties in with the room’s overall design — is a nice, subtle touch.

See Light & More pg. 22

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From Light & More pg. 20

Another way to transform a room when considering a lighting scheme is to add recessed lighting. Recessed lights can generally create several effects, depending on where they are placed.

Because the lights are set into the ceiling, there is very little visual clutter to make the room feel small.You can also open up the room space by using directional reflectors to aim the light at the wall, fashioning what’s known as ambient light.

in desired layers that produce a multidimensional effect in the room without cluttering the space. Combine the recessed lighting with a ceiling light, wall sconces and lamps to create a beautiful, layered lighting scheme.

While recessed lights are generally thought of as a way to create ambient light, you can also use them to highlight areas within the room, such as a piece of art, a cabinet or a photograph.Their versatility allows you to light your home

PHOTO CREDIT: Light & More