Fall Home Improvement
The Turlock Journal A publication of
Publisher/Owner
Editor
Design
Advertisement Hank Vander Veen
Kristina Hacker
Sharon Hoffman
Beth Flanagan
Charles Webber
To advertise in the next special section contact the advertising department at (209) 634-9141 for Turlock or (209) 538-4000 for Ceres.
How to make a home more cozy
THE MEANING OF THE TERM “COZY” VARIES AS IT PERTAINS TO HOME DECOR.
For some, cozy may mean intimate spaces with lots of quilts and throws. For others, cozy could indicate bright and airy spaces enhanced by plenty of fresh foliage.
Regardless of how they define cozy, homeowners typically want their homes to be inviting and comfortable. With that in mind, the following are some ways to impart a cozy vibe to any living space.
● Make use of a fireplace. Flames lapping wood (or faux wood in the event of gas-powered fireplaces) can put anyone in a tranquil state of mind. Fireplaces add instant ambiance and make great places for people to congregate and engage in conversation. During warmer
months when the fire isn’t blazing, decorative candles can be lit to mimic the same feel.
● Add texture in the design. Texture can be anything from a raised pattern on wallpaper to a knotty area rug to a mosaic piece of artwork. A home with texture tends to create cozier impressions than one with all sleek and smooth surfaces.
● Enjoy a soft rug.
Although many design experts say hardwood floors or laminate options are easier for allergies and keeping a home clean, a soft rug underfoot can be welcoming. Rather than wall-to-wall carpeting, place area rugs in spots that can use some cozying up, such as beneath beds and even under the dining table.
● Light candles The warm, flickering light of candles adds cozy vibes in spades. According to The Spruce and
Paula Boston, a visual merchandiser for Festive Lights, candles can be used throughout a home to create instant atmosphere. Exercise caution with candles and fully extinguish them before retiring for the evening.
● Update bedding for the season. Crisp and light cotton and linen are cozy materials when the weather is warm. But when the temperature starts to dip, flannel or jersey bedding makes a bed that much more inviting, says Real Simple.
● Invest in lots of pillows. Pillows can instantly make a spot more cozy, whether it’s the living room sofa or an outdoor lounging nook. Look for materials that are durable for the space in which they’re being used.
● Think about warm lighting. The transition from incandescent light bulbs to halogen and LED is beneficial from an environmental
standpoint. However, LEDs illuminate with a more stark, blue light that can seem clinical in home spaces. Look for bulbs where the ÒtemperatureÓ can be customized. The more the color spectrum leans toward warm light, the more cozy a space will feel. This can be enhanced by putting some lights on dimmer switches, and toning down the brightness as needed.
● Install a bookshelf. Even for those who are strict devotees of e-readers, a shelf full of actual books interspersed with some wellplaced knickknacks can make a room feel more cozy. Books add texture, the feel of hallowed halls and libraries, and visual appeal. Making a home more cozy doesn’t have to be complicated. A few easy modifications can improve interior spaces.
Tackling Sustainable Projects
REDUCING YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
IS A REASON TO RENOVATE THAT YOU CAN FEEL GOOD ABOUT.
These projects from EcoWatch can help you save money and the Earth.
PUT IN ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING
LED lights use up to 90% less energy than regular bulbs, and putting them in as your regular bulbs burn out is one of the easiest Earthfriendly upgrades you can do. LED bulbs can save customers up to $225 per year on energy bills. Those less-expensive lights mean you can leave curtains and blinds pulled on hot days, saving you more money on your cooling bill than you’re using on lighting your home.
REUSE, RECYCLE
Repurposed and reclaimed materials still have a purpose, even in home improvement projects. Look for materials that are still structurally sound and available in the quantity you need to complete the project. EcoWatch recommends checking online sites such as Freecycle, Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace, and also brickand-mortar stores such as Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore.
SWITCH TO SOLAR
The cost of solar panels has dropped by more than 70% in the past 10 years, EcoWatch says. Consider installing solar panels to power your home or even just parts of it that tend to use lots of energy, such as water heaters and landscape lighting. Solar attic fans can help suck the heat trapped in attics out, saving your home from damage to insulation, roofs and more.
USE LOW-VOC PAINTS
If you’re literally going green, as in painting some accent walls or touching up some trim, consider using low-VOC paints. VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are chemicals used in paints and other items that are emitted into the air as gasses. These gasses can cause both short- and long-term health issues.
GROW SOME GREEN
Save on your food bill and add to the natural beauty of your home by planting a garden. Indoors, consider a salad garden or an herb garden. Outside, a garden can reduce erosion and improve soil health. Look for indoor plants that are natural air purifiers, which will give your home cleaner oxygen and fresher air. Outdoor plants should be pollinator-friendly and work well with the natural environment.
Energy Tax Credits
MAKING SMART ENERGY CHOICES CAN HAVE A POSITIVE EFFECT ON YOUR WALLET, ESPECIALLY AROUND TAX TIME.
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2024 provided energy efficiency tax credits to Americans making improvements to their home. Here’s what you need to know.
HOW MUCH CAN YOU SAVE?
Energy Star, the federal government’s program on energy efficiency in the home, says taxpayers can save up to $3,200 per year on federal income taxes for making energy efficiency improvements in the home.
Who’s Paying? The money comes from federal, state and even some local utility programs. Eligibility will depend on income, household size and location. For programs that are part of the Inflation Reduction Act, a percentage of the area median income (AMI) is used. Households may qualify for credits based on their participation in other federal programs serving low-income households, such as SNAP or Head Start.
WHAT DOES IT PAY FOR?
The credits are available for a broad range of energy efficient products, including heating and cooling systems, heat pumps, water heaters, insulation and more.
It may pay for some of the cost of doors that meet applicable Energy Star requirements, windows that meet Energy Star Most Efficient certification requirements, and insulation and air sealing materials or systems that meet International Energy Conservation Code standards in effect at the start of the year two years before installation (or 2022 for an installation in 2024).
It could pay for home energy audits done by a professional auditor certified by certain Department of Energy certification programs. The report must be a written report and include an inspection that identifies the most significant and cost-effective energy efficiency improvements.
WHEN DOES IT RUN OUT?
The credit, the IRS says, has no lifetime dollar limit. The maximum credit can be claimed every year a taxpayer makes eligible improvements until 2033. The credit is nonrefundable and excess credit cannot be applied to future tax years.
WHAT ABOUT A VACATION HOME?
For most of the available credits, the improvements must be made to a taxpayer’s primary home where they live most of the time. A credit cannot be claimed if it’s a rental property or other property where the owner doesn’t live.
Choose the Right Flooring
FLOORING IS THE FOUNDATION OF INTERIOR DESIGN AND LAYS THE GROUNDWORK FOR A HOME’S AESTHETIC.
It also takes a beating, so floors need to be as functional as they are pretty. Here are some trends in flooring design if you’re planning on changing your flooring this year.
HARDWOOD: A CLASSIC
Hardwood flooring is a classic and is still popular with homeowners and home buyers. In recent years, hardwoods with a gray tinge have been all the rage, but now more homeowners are choosing natural hardwoods and lighter tones, such as white oak, maple and birch. These hardwoods complement a variety of looks and the lighter colors can make
a room feel brighter and more spacious.
Wider planked hardwoods are gaining in popularity. These planks, ranging from 5-12 inches wide, can show off more of the natural character of the wood. Using wider planks helps reduce the number of seams between the boards, making the room look larger.
LUXURY VINYL
What hardwood isn’t, is waterproof. A wood look that’s waterproof or water resistant is possible with surfaces such as engineered wood, luxury vinyl plank and laminates. You can find flooring in these materials in many of the same tones and with many of the same characteristics as hardwood.
CARPET’S STILL AROUND
Despite a backlash against carpeting, there’s still room for it in many homes. It’s a great choice for bedrooms, creating a warm, cozy space. It’s an ideal choice for basements, home theaters and upper floors that need flooring that can absorb sound.
Look for carpeting with vibrant colors and interesting textures. For so long, carpet has been in a gray phase, but now more tonal, retro looks are back in style.
TILE AND MORE
There’s still plenty of use for tiles and other hard surface flooring. Terrazzo is having a moment, and chevron and herringbone tiles are starring in this year’s bathroom renovations. Look for colors in warm, earthy tones like taupe and terracotta. Choose colors and patterns that evoke the beauty of the natural world. Palettes inspired by nature tend to stay in style more and can add a soothing, tranquil quality to your home.
Keeping Seniors at Home
MANY SENIORS
WANT TO STAY IN THEIR HOMES AS LONG AS THEY CAN, A TREND KNOWN AS AGING IN PLACE.
With a few home improvement projects, seniors can stay at home and live independently longer.
EXTERIOR PROJECTS
Some exterior projects that may make aging in place a possibility include changing out higher maintenance gardens and exterior surfaces into lower-maintenance choices. Pick plants and shrubs that are native to the area to make them easier to care for. Install vinyl and brick that’s long-lasting, and make sure patio, deck and balcony surfaces are easily accessible.
FLOOR PLANS
The National Association of Home Builders recommends making sure you can live on the main floor, including having a full bath on the main floor. Reduce steps as much as possible, with clear turns that are at least five feet square in every room. Hallways should be well lit and a minimum of 36 inches wide, at the very least. Entries should also be wide; NAHB says they should be at least 32 inches of clear width with nonslip flooring at doorways that lead outside. Interior doors should have 32 inches of clear width and be equipped with levered door hardware that’s easy to grasp.
BATHROOMS
Bathrooms should have wall supports and adjustable or variable height counters and removable base cabinets. There should be at least one wheelchair accessible bath on the main level and bracing around the tub, shower, and toilet for the installation of grab bars. Add shower seats to showers
and install toilets that are higher than standard toilets to make it easier to stand up and down.
MISCELLANEOUS
Place light switches, thermostats and other controls in easily accessible locations no higher than 48 inches from the floor. Electrical outlets should be 15 inches on the center from the floor and may
need to be closer than 12 feet apart.
Install audible and visual strobe light systems to help seniors see when someone’s at the door or when smoke or CO2 alarms go off. A switch that’s wired directly to police, fire and EMS may be handy, as can a security system that monitors climate control and lighting.
Color Trends for 2024
INTERIOR COLOR TRENDS,
MUCH LIKE BUILDING TRENDS IN GENERAL, ARE GOING GREEN.
Green shades bring tones of the outside in, another big trend for 2024, and are tranquil, bringing peace into the home. Here are some other trends for interior colors.
TONE-ON-TONE
Color palettes that stay within the same family add a touch of sophistication, designers told House Beautiful.
GOING BOLD
A consistent palette can allow homeowners to use bold colors in place of expected neutrals. Jodi Berger of JLA Designs suggests deep greens, khakis, marigold and luxe purples, especially in smaller spaces. Accent these big colors with white metal, burled wood and dramatic stones.
WARM PALETTES
Earthy colors create warmth in the home and create coziness. It’s a
“Tone-on-tone layering through texture, patterns and materiality is an approachable style for those who may not feel experienced in interior design but are looking to elevate their homes,” says Greg Voorhis, executive design director at Sunbrella.
shift away from the grays of the past few years. Designers suggest using earthy tones that change with natural light. Look for creams, browns, rusts and muted greens (there’s those greens again).
CLASSY PINKS AND SOOTHING BLUES
It’s not just Barbie. Pinks are having a moment outside of the movie. Consider soft mauves and medium pinks with hints of brown to create a quiet sophistication. HGTV’s color of the year is a warm terracotta pink called Persimmon.
Blues are also big this year, with serene hues that add tranquility and a touch of coolness to warm palette trends.
Consider Benjamin Moore’s color of the year, Blue Nova 825.
MOODY HUES
Black (or nearly black) is having a moment in 2024. Cracked Pepper is Behr’s color of the year and it’s a nearly black charcoal color that can adapt to a variety of styles. It has an inky, earthy quality that blends well with landscapes, designers say.
Ironside, Dutch Boy’s color of the year, is a nearly black olive color that brings the outside in with a comforting deep green. Designers suggest pairing it with taupe Sanded Grout, a blue-gray Whale’s Tail, or a warm Mystic Mauve.
Renovating for a Home Office
MORE THAN HALF OF TOTAL RESPONDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO SOME TYPE OF REMOTE WORK, THE AMERICAN OPPORTUNITY SURVEY SAYS, AND THIS MEANS MORE HOMES NEED A DEDICATED OFFICE SPACE.
Get started on getting to work with these projects.
SAVE SOME SPACE
If you don’t have a lot of room to work with, consider a desk with a top that folds up to conceal the mess when not in use. If you don’t have a place to attach such a desk to a wall, consider turning a
disused armoire into a desk that can easily fold away when it’s not time to work.
ADD IT TO THE KITCHEN
The kitchen, a hub of the house, can make a fine home office. Build a desk into the cabinetry and add a bold wallpaper. Bonus: Make the desk long enough so the office features space for the kids to do homework while the parents cook dinner.
CONVERT A BEDROOM
Turn a guest bedroom into a home office space, or, if you don’t have enough room for that, the closet in the guest bedroom.
Remove the closet rods, drawers and more and put in a desk and shelving. Keep the doors, but make them stylish enough to be a focal point when closed at the end of the work day.
PICK A PALETTE
No matter where you put your home office, pick a color palette that works well with your lifestyle. If you do creative work, consider greens with a smattering of potted plants or situating your desk near a window so you can see the outside.
To encourage focus, try metal objects and metallic colors to promote strength, clarity and focus. Stressful jobs call for natural
materials and calming colors such as soft blues and grays.
ERGONOMICS
While you may be comfortable working from home because you’re wearing pajama pants with your shirt and tie, you also need to be comfortable ergonomically. Position your monitor’s screen at eye level and an arm’s length away. You should be able to sit and work with your wrists straight at or below elbow level. Sit so your knees are level with your hips and invest in a good chair where you can adjust the back and seat height.
Tips when hiring a contractor
CONTRACTORS
PERFORM IMPORTANT
WORK
FOR MILLIONS OF HOMEOWNERS EVERY DAY.
Home improvement projects are complicated undertakings, and the experience of skilled contractors can ensure jobs are completed on time and within homeowners’ budgets.
Homeowners have undoubtedly heard horror stories from neighbors about projects that have gone awry. Projects can go sideways for a number of reasons, but a skilled contractor can help homeowners navigate such situations successfully. That underscores how important it can be to find the right professional for the job. The following are some tips homeowners can consider as they look to hire a contractor.
● Identify which professional you need. Some contractors are of the jack-of-all-trades variety, but many specialize in a particular line of work. It’s important that homeowners identify which type of contractor they should work with prior to starting a project. This requires homeowners to define the goal of the project (i.e., new wood floor installation), which can serve as a springboard into finding the right type of contractor.
● Prioritize building safety. Safety should be the utmost priority for homeowners and contractors alike. Prior to hiring a
contractor, homeowners should identify any safety restrictions that might be enforced by local governments and take note of all the permits necessary to get a job done. Homeowners can then discuss those restrictions and permits as they interview contractors. Projects that do not adhere to code are illegal and can compromise homeowners’ ability to sell their homes in the future. So it’s vital to work with contractors who are familiar with local codes and aware of which permits are necessary to ensure a project can go forward.
● Insist on written estimates. Handshake agreements offer no protection to homeowners or
contractors, so estimates indicating what will be done and how much the project will cost should be provided. Homeowners should insist on receiving written estimates and interpret an unwillingness to provide one as a significant red flag.
● Know your rights. Laws vary by region, but in general homeowners have a right to a written contract and contractors are obligated to provide a copy of that contract signed by both parties. That contract must be provided prior to the start of the project. The contract should provide a detailed account of the work that will be done, as well as a timeline indicating important dates that components of the project will
begin and be completed. The contract also should detail materials and who is providing them. Details regarding payments, guarantees and warranties also should be cited.
● Do not pay in cash. Some contractors may suggest that the project will cost less if they’re paid in cash. However, home improvements should never be cash transactions. Cash does not indicate proof of payment, which can be problematic if a dispute arises.
Contractors help homeowners turn dream projects into reality. Homeowners can employ various strategies to ensure they find the right professional for their home improvement project.
Local designer named a finalist for HGTV’s Designer of the Year award
STAFF REPORTS
Turlock Journal
Award-winning local interior designer Wendy Glaister was named a finalist for HGTV’s Designer of the Year honors.
“To say that we are blessed to do what we do is an understatement,” Glaister said. “So many opportunities exist to make a special place for our clients and their families. I am so grateful for the faith that our clients place in our vision. We are extremely grateful that our projects are receiving national attention.”
HGTV hosts their annual Designer of the Year Awards which celebrates interior designers, architects and landscape architects
who create beautiful spaces. This year's six award categories are: Kitchen + Dining Color + Pattern, Waterside Retreats, Countryside Escapes, Dramatic Before and Afters and Outdoor Oasis. HGTV’s annual Designer of the Year Award is a prestigious and coveted award competition offered each year by HGTV / Warner Bros. The first round of finalists were selected before the live voting period began on Aug. 20 and it ends on Sept. 26 on their website: www.hgtv.com/ designeroftheyear.
Wendy Glaister Interiors’ Outdoor Oasis features a four seasons design concept and multiple areas for outdoor entertaining. The exquisite outdoor
design leaned heavily on local retailer Valley Fire Place for their recommendations and expertise in creating the ultimate outdoor chef’s kitchen package. With a kitchen design that features Blaze outdoor appliances and grills, plumbing and fixtures by Brizo, and Nature Kast Custom Outdoor Cabinets in a warm neutral to coordinate with massive double kitchen islands. Double 12-foot kitchen islands feature stunning waterfall edge details in Taj Mahal Quartzite honed finish by Stone Company MSI. Completing the warm neutral color story included expanding the outdoor patio by surrounding and installing Limestone 24” x 48” Pavers also by MSI.
To elevate the client’s hosting of family and friends a custom outdoor dining table with seating for 12 was created by metal craftsman Nick Heckendorf. This custom table delivers a seamless
design statement in matching honed Taj Mahal Quartzite and with a beautiful gas fire feature. Through collaboration with lighting designer Carrie Arnold, Phillips Lighting & Home, Glaister was able to create the perfect outdoor space with lighting for day and evening illumination. The lighting design included LED tape lighting Alloy LED 120v “PowerLine 400” (in Aluminum channel w/lens) for the double kitchen islands. For the living area we installed a large Ceiling Fan: Fanimation “Triaire” under our pergola, to help with comparing the excessive California summer heat and insect control. On the pergola walls we installed FP “Shadow Box” sconces by Hubbardton Forge, WAC DweLED Block & Slant sconces and added Kuzco Lighting “Traverse” Path lights throughout the outdoor space.
Outdoor furniture and upholstery was custom designed with Manufacturer Lee Industries purchased through Slater's Home Furnishings. For everyday engagement this Outdoor Oasis design includes several fire features and seating in three different locations. For added client enjoyment several large Samsung Smart TVs were installed so the client could watch from every angle. The existing pool deck and surrounding landscape was updated, alongside the installation of sports courts including a new pickleball court, a putting green, and a bocce ball court that were positioned around the 1.08 acre garden space and to complete the ultimate outdoor oasis design.
To say that we are blessed to do what we do is an understatement
— Wendy Glaister
“Designing for our clients is a huge responsibility. In the Central Valley, we have a lot of hard working farming families and I take great pride in our firm's ability to provide beautiful designs while exercising appropriate stewardship to make each client’s homes work for and look like them,” said Glaister.
So far this year, Wendy Glaister Interiors has been awarded as a 2024 Finalist - ARTS Awards
Interior Designer of the Year, 2024 Best Outdoor Space ASID ANDYZ Award, LUX Life - 2024 Best California Residential Design Firm, Best of 209 - 2024 Gold Award Best Interior Design, NKBA’s Person of the Year - Praise Worthy Pick, and 2024 Best of Houzz for Service & Design.
Choosing Kitchen Countertops
ONE OF THE BIGGEST COSTS IN A KITCHEN REMODEL — AND INDEED ONE OF THE BIGGEST DECISIONS — IS A KITCHEN COUNTERTOP.
In addition to color and texture, consider durability, stain resistance and maintenance. Like many other trends, kitchen countertops are nature inspired, be it in the materials or the color.
SUSTAINABLE SOURCING
Green isn’t just on the walls, it’s in the principles. There’s a focus this year on sustainable countertop materials. Consider limestone, recycled glass and bamboo. One
such material is sintered stone, a synthetic countertop material that’s very durable. Look for hues with warm undertones and bold colors in deep blues, terracotta hues and marbling.
TILE COUNTERTOPS
What’s old is new again, especially when it comes to tile countertops. Designers at The Spruce recommend choosing a flat tile that isn’t too textured and pairing it with a dark-colored grout.
TERRAZZO
Terrazzo has been having a moment for a few years, but it’s standing strong in 2024. Terrazzo’s
pops of color and depth offer an illusion of texture. Look for classic color combinations to make a trendy material last even longer.
QUARTZ OR QUARTZITE
Quartz countertops are a synthetic stone that’s composed of 80-93% natural material mixed with pigments and resins. It’s a durable and low-maintenance option that comes in a wide variety of colors and design options. Quartzite is a stone that’s not quite as low maintenance, but it is a natural material. It requires annual sealing.
GRANITE AND MARBLE
Another all-natural stone that’s
common in the kitchen is granite. More popular options today have lighter or more solid colors. It’s heat resistant and durable, but can be expensive. Marble is the choice for luxury kitchens and comes in a variety of prices and qualities. It’s somewhat high maintenance in that it’s porous and scratches easily.
BUTCHER BLOCK
Butcher block, which is made of individual wooden strips, is ecofriendly and can easily be sanded down and refinished for a fresh look. It provides a natural look that’s popular in today’s designs, but does require a lot of regular maintenance.
Fall flavors to savor
Appetizers may be most associated with restaurants, but holiday hosts can go the extra mile and prepare some flavorful apps at home as well. As hosts prepare to welcome loved ones into their home this holiday season, they can treat guests with these appetizers courtesy of Lines+Angles.
STUFFED MUSHROOMS
PREP TIME 15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
Olive oil, to coat baking sheet
28 mushrooms (21/2 inches in diameter), stemmed
1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
1 small onion, minced
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced
3/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs
1/2 cup Romano cheese, grated
COOK TIME 35 minutes
PREPARATIONS
SERVINGS Makes 28 servings
Preheat oven to 350 F. Drizzle olive oil on baking sheet and coat thoroughly.
Gently clean the mushrooms and remove stems. Finely chop stems. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add stems, onion and garlic, and sautŽ until stems and onions are soft and garlic is fragrant.
In a mixing bowl, add bread crumbs, cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper and stir to combine. Add sautŽed mixture to bread crumb mixture and mix well.
3 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Spoon filling mixture into mushroom caps. Arrange on prepared baking sheet, stuffed side up. Bake about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and the tops are golden. Cool for several minutes before serving. Arrange on serving tray or platter. Serve.
GREEN ASPARAGUS WRAPPED IN ROAST BEEF
Hosting is no small task, particularly when hosts must feed a crowd. However, choosing simple recipes, such as this can free up time to socialize with loved ones.
Makes 4 servings or 8 appetizers
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
INGREDIENTS:
8 thick asparagus, woody ends removed
8 slices roast beef, cold, trimmed
1 cup cottage cheese
2 scallions, or spring onions, chopped Salt
Freshly ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS:
Blanch the asparagus spears in a large saucepan of salted, boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes until tender to the bite.
Drain and refresh immediately in a large bowl of ice water. Remove from the water after 3 minutes and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper.
Spread the slices of roast beef with the cottage cheese. Place an asparagus spear at one end of the slice and roll into a cigar shape, enveloping the asparagus in the center. Arrange on a platter and sprinkle with chopped scallion before serving.
