Homestyle Issue 2

HOME STYLE The Union-Recorder Lake Oconee Breeze 2010 • Issue 2

Reinvent the dinner party with the new brights!

© angela adams licensing, LLC

Take it EASY

Plus Why corduroy belongs in the family room Bathroom faucets you never knew you always wanted Rachael Ray’s go-to interior designer shares small-space solutions

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HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

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(478) 452-9499 Act now for Qualifying Tax Credits and Georgia Power Rebates TAKE IT EASY Turn recession-era dining on its head – reinvent the dinner party with casual color

HOME SWEET HOME 2.0 Technology and the home have never gotten along better

MUSICAL CHAIRS Pull up a seat and embrace the traditional, contemporary or just plan funky side of the dining room

NO MORE MONKEYS JUMPING ON THE BED Children’s bedding isn’t just about popular cartoons and boy bands. With trend comes responsibility

WATER WORLD Get the faucet you never knew you always wanted

MEET THE DESIGNER: LIBBY LANGDON Rachael Ray’s go-to interior designer forks over details on the new definition of luxury

THE BARK IS WORSE THAN THE BITE Reconcile décor and style with the family dog in time for dinner with the Animal Planet's Victoria Stilwell

BY THE NUMBERS Count the ways address presentation can work for your home

THE RIGHT CHORD Corduroy takes a surprising, fashion-forward leap into home furnishings

MISSION KITCHEN Nine affordable, easy ways to upgrade the kitchen this weekend

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HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

Water

World

BY KATE SULLIVAN CTW Features o longer satisfied with a straightforward description of a full or half bath,today’s savvy homeowners pay attention to the particulars.As design details take center stage,the spotlight shines on simple shapes.Modern and minimalist have replaced classical and ornate as inspirations for the bathroom faucet.

Never one to be impressed with plumbing in the past,Kathy Gille-

Image courtesy of Sustainable Solutions International

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Story time: Today’s faucets come complete with creation stories.

Some mimic nature, others provide an homage to the past. Above, the Fan faucet suggests the elegant shape of a geisha’s fan.

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spie,Albany,N.Y.,says her local hair salon’s recent restroom renovation transformed her expectations for a hand-washing experience.“I had never seen such a faucet before,”she says.“The top was exposed.

The water flowed out like a stream.It was fascinating.”Sara Maduscha,senior product manager of bath and faucets for Kohler Co.,Kohler,Wis.,isn’t surprised by the salon’s shift or Gillespie’s enchantment.

“Water is soothing,and today’s faucets bring a peace and tranquility to the user by incorporating water delivery into their design,”she says.According to Maduscha,as new technology delivers a wider array of aerators (the part of the faucet that controls the way water releases from the spout),faucet designers now aspire to be contemporary artists working with a liquid medium.Kohler’s Margaux line produces a laminar flow,or a solid stream of water.“The water looks natural and pure when it comes out of the faucet head,”she says.

Nature’s imprint also can be found on the Fluid line from Sustainable Solutions International,Burnaby,British Columbia.“Our design inspiration comes from architecture and the environment.Born from images taken by photographers and artists,our faucets tell a story for consumers,”says Glenn Sheargold,company president.Fluid’s Fan faucet,which retails at $595,represents the ancient accessory of a

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HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

Image courtesy of American Standard

No more knobs: Levers have replaced knobs as the go-to control for contemporary faucets.

Japanese geisha,while the Sublime line resembles a rainbow.

The movement to bring the outside in was inevitable,says Russ Wheeler,president of Hansgrohe’s North American division,based in Alpharetta,Ga.“If you look at the evolution of faucet design,every-

thing started off elaborate and complex,then moved to the opposite extreme of hard and bare.Finally, today,you see a blending of both styles with flat surfaces,smooth curves and sculpted pieces.” With the modernization of faucet styles has come greater functionality.

“The whole industry has gone to using levers.No one designs with knobs anymore,”says Gray Uhl, director of design for American Standard,Piscataway,N.J. As consumers have grown to view bathrooms as destinations for indulgence,a place to shut out the world,they have embraced designs that are more contemporary and global in feel.

“People want bathrooms to be sanctuaries for peace and quiet,” Maduscha says.

“The bathroom is the No.1 place in the home [where women] go to find quiet and to escape,”Uhl says.

Clean,fluid fixtures without heavy details create the calm that consumers crave. “Our PuraVida line is designed to create the appearance of one complete,cohesive look,”Wheeler says.“Instead of just placing it on top of a sink,the faucet becomes one with the rest of the bathroom.This pulled-together design makes users feel tranquil and comfortable.”

Maduscha finds that consumers interested in upgrading a bathroom are more confident when it comes to purchasing plumbing parts.“ They have done their own research,seen the different styles and are comfortable purchasing a more contemporary product,” Maduscha says.

Sheargold believes contemporary faucet designs possess staying power.

“A modern bathroom stands the test of time ...A contemporary bathroom works well in a traditionally decorated home,”he says. Classic hotels that upgrade outmoded bathrooms are a prime example of the power and adaptability of contemporary design, he says,proving that it can augment and not undermine old-school charm.The lesson is not lost on guests such as Kathy Gillespie in her New York salon. “People ... return home saying,I want that for my bathroom,”Sheargold says. © CTW Features

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HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

When it Comes to Good Lighting,

the Future is Now Imagine not having to change a light bulb for years. There are LED products available in 2010 that will make frequent light bulb changes so 20th century.

The term LED immediately conjures up images of traffic signals, brake lights and headlights on luxury cars, and indicator lights on appliances. That is about to change. According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), lighting manufacturers have invested considerable time, effort and research into adapting this super energy-efficient technology for household use. The technology has advanced enough to win approval from the government's popular and well-respected Energy Star® program.

"The year 2010 will be the first year where LEDs will explode in the residential marketplace," says architect Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for the ALA and an associate professor at the University of Kentucky's School of Interior Design. "We

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are already seeing amazing LED developments in all parts of our lives, from Christmas lights to LED TVs. One area where LEDs will become predominant in 2010 is the category of desk and task lamps," Rey-Barreau says. "Another major development will be in replacement bulbs."

"The extreme long life of an LED bulb makes it ideal for replacing recessed lights in hard-to-reach areas such as vaulted ceilings in living rooms or kitchens. This year you will find super energy-efficient replacements for all existing types of incandescent, halogen and fluorescent bulbs.

"You will see LED products meet - and in some cases outperform - traditional light sources," says Brian Brandes, vice president of product development for SATCO. "The lighting industry is moving and merging technologies, quickly becoming part of the electronics marketplace and presenting choices previously not available before.

Today, there are LED options in every lighting category," says Brandes. For example, SATCO recently unveiled a variety of LED bulbs that can replace incandescent track and recessed bulbs as well as outdoor spotlights.

In addition to long life, another benefit of LED is energy efficiency. In the past, such products weren't very consumer friendly, according to Glenn Siegel, marketing director for Cooper Lighting, a manufacturer of lighting fixtures. "[Earlier models] did not always satisfy all of the homeowner's needs and wants. They needed lighting with lower operating costs and longer life, but wanted it to perform like an incandescent," he says.

Cooper Lighting has an Energy Starqualified LED downlight that replaces the 65-watt BR30 lamp, but only consumes 14 watts. The LED version, from its Halo division, closely matches the light output and color appearance of its incandescent counterpart. Siegel reports that the LED model will still emit 70 percent of its lumens at 50,000 hours and can be dimmed down to 5 percent. "If you use the light for six hours a day, it will last more than 22 years," Siegel estimates.

Chris Primous, director of sales and business development for Permlight's Brillia LED brand, has been impressed with the strides LED lighting has made in just the last several years. The technology first emerged as outdoor path illumination and in under-cabinet kitchen lighting. "Now you're seeing recessed, table lamps, chandeliers and pendants, all using LEDs," he says.

Consumers who aren't sold on the appearance of LED lighting - or its high initial cost - can take heart. There are plenty of developments in compact fluorescent technology arriving in stores in 2010. CFLs are more affordable than LEDs and now come

in a variety of familiar shapes - a big change from the original spiral configuration.

"You're also going to see more dimmable CFLs coming onto the market, plus CFL models for outdoors that have built-in photocells," Primous remarks.

The color temperature of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) has been steadily improving. Gone is the flickering and bluish cast that was long associated with fluorescent lighting. Today's CFLs can provide color rendering so close to that of incandescent versions that consumers have to see it to believe it - and they can very well do just that at their local ALA-member showroom, where there are often demonstration rooms or displays set up for that purpose.

Another key area where changes are occurring in lighting is the design and construction of energy-efficient houses, according to Rey-Barreau. "The Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design program developed by the U.S. Green Building Council has been extremely successful in commercial buildings and is now available for home construction. While the residential sector has been hit hard these past two years, the focus on energy efficiency will be huge when the market rebounds," he says.

If you are curious about LEDs, but aren't sure yet if you want to devote a large portion of your living space to the technology, Rey-Barreau suggests trying under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, a desk or task lamp or path lighting outside to see if you like the illumination it provides before investing in an entire ceiling of recessed fixtures or a large chandelier.

To learn more about LEDs and CFLs, go to the American Lighting Association Web site or visit your local lighting showroom, especially one with an ALA-Certified Lighting Consultant on staff.

HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

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Home Sweet Home

2.0 Technology and the home have never gotten along better

BY JEFF SCHNAUFER CTW Features

N

ot everybody wants what happens in Vegas to stay there – especially when it comes to exciting new products and trends for the home. January was a busy time for home news coming out of Las Vegas, with both the International Builders’ Show and the Consumer Electronics Show wrapping up just before people had to start worrying about finding the right Valentine’s Day present. Keeping things convenient, underbudget and as eco-friendly as possible were key points of the shows, and it never hurts to have some fun, either.

Judging from the CES turnout, if you are comfortable wearing 3D glasses at the movies, get ready to start wearing them at home. “By far and away, two entries into the 3D television space left the most lasting impression: Toshiba’s ZX900 Series Cell TVs and Samsung’s LED 9000 series,” says Scott Steinberg, publisher and lead technology analyst for industry news source Digital Trends. Due out later this year, the Cell TV not only promises superior picture quality, Steinberg says, “it also aims to convert 2D images to 3D.”

Toshiba’s ZX900 Series Cell TV Like the Cell TV, Samsung’s LED 9000 series also carries 2D-to-3D conversion capabilities and some additional features that should raise eyebrows, Steinberg says.

An LCD remote control can play live TV while the viewer watches a Blu-ray or other content on the actual set.

At IBS, Kenmore introduced a new line of Elite high-efficiency front-load laundry products. Lighting control manufacturer Lutron Electronics, Coopersburg, Pa., introduced its new Maestro Dimmer with Occupancy/Vacancy Sensor, which aims to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.

Skype is partnering with Panasonic and LG to bring videoconferencing technology to consumer living rooms TV. John Ross, the president of IPG Emerging Media Lab, Atlanta, says this has the potential to transform Internet-connected television into a “portal to endless ways to socialize, entertain and conduct business.”

Ostensibly, it could allow grandparents to connect with bouncing babies across the country, friends and family to catch up with loved ones overseas and small businesses to conduct meetings and Webinars out of their owners’ homes.

“Suddenly, the concept of hanging out on the couch begins to take on a whole new dimension,” he says. © CTW Features

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HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2 Mellow yellow: Opt for warm paint colors, natural light and glass panels on cabinet doors to open up the kitchen and create an inviting atmosphere.

MISSION KITCHEN

By Danielle Robinson CTW Features Want to update the kitchen but don’t think you have enough time or money? Well, think again. Follow these designer tips for a quick kitchen facelift. You won’t believe your eyes (or your wallet).

Design, San Francisco. “Collect design ideas, make selections and get them to your house so they’re ready to go.”

Once you’ve done that, tidy up. “Clean all the clutter off the countertops,” Bauer says.

“Take everything out of the kitchen and just bring back essentials. The rest goes to the next garage sale.”

1. Plan and de-clutter First things first: You only have one weekend, so develop a strategy. “Plan ahead so everything is on-site at your fingertips,” says Lou Ann Bauer, owner of Bauer

2. Get organized There are a host of kitchen organization accessories that can instantly and effortlessly update your space, says Mark White, owner of Kitchen Encounters, Annapolis, Md. He

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recommends utensil organizers, under-thesink cleaning caddies to store cleaning supplies and racks or a rotating carousel for spices. One of his favorites is the appliance garage – a retractable door installed beneath upper cabinets to cover up countertop appliances – which can be purchased from most cabinet companies. “It’s a great place to conceal a toaster, a blender or a food processor,” White says. “You don’t have to store them in a closet or pantry, but they’re out of sight.”

3. Add some color “Don’t overlook the power of paint,” says Kate Hart, owner of Hart & Associates Staging and Design, Wayne, Pa. If the kitchen is wallpapered, tear it down; Hart says it makes the room feel like it’s stuck in a “time warp.”

She suggests a bright, fun color to make the space livelier, like yellow or orange.

4. Lighten up Lighting is one of the easiest ways to make a big impact on a tight schedule, White says. “There are lots of very stylish fixtures available that can give you a really great accent.” He suggests hanging pendant lights for a contemporary look. Mount task lights on the underside of cabinets, he says, to shed additional light on food preparation.

5. Make a splash Let your creativity run wild by adding a fun backsplash, but skip the expensive tiles.

“Consider alternatives like applying plates to the space between the bottom of the cabinets and the counters or tin tiles for a vintage feel,” Hart says. “Be creative. Use wine corks

or matchbook covers to fill in the space, or paint a favorite quote.”

6. Hang out “Show off pots and pans” says Sam Beall, resort owner and author of “The Blackberry Farm Cookbook: Four Seasons of Great Food and the Good Life” (Clarkson Potter, 2009). A hanging rack will provide extra cabinet space and give a modern look to any kitchen. An added bonus: it’s a great excuse to invest in some high-quality cookware.

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Image courtesy of Sur La Table

HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

7. Roll out Add rollout shelves, White suggests. “Any lower cabinet that has just a shelf behind the Hangin’tough: Take advantage of unused space by hanging a ceiling rack to display your pots, pans and the appropriate utensils. door is made much more functional if you put in a shelf that rolls out like a door.” For ambitious do-it-yourselfers who are handy gests a peach shade for a soft look or cornthrow a dinner party to enjoy the fruits of with power tools, White suggests giving the flower blue for a lighthearted feel. Warm yelyour labor with friends and family. “Create a outside of at least one cabinet a makeover. A lows will bring a sense of comfort to the menu for the evening that can involve guests glass-front can help open up a kitchen and room. in some of the prep work and cooking,” provide a focal point for the display of speBeall says. “Enjoy an appetizer or first course cial glassware, dinnerware and accessories. just standing around the beautiful new Cut out the center panel of each door and 9. Show it off kitchen with a great wine.” replace it with a glass insert. Use frosted or Now that you’ve transformed your space, © CTW Features reeded glass as classic alternatives to clear, standard glass. For a rustic look, try chicken wire or punched tin metal inserts.

8. Color in cabinets While a fresh coat on the walls is a quick way to give your space a facelift, don’t forget about other surfaces that could use a new hue. “A new cabinet color can brighten the kitchen and make the entire space look more attractive and appealing,” says Erica Woelfel, director of color at BEHR Paints. She sug-

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HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

The Right From runways to living rooms, there’s no denying it: Corduroy is in for 2010.

Levi’s recently announced the launch of an all-corduroy line of clothing and Sure Fit, a provider of ready-made slipcovers, now uses the textured fabric for its Stretch Stripe designs.

Styles from the ‘60s and ‘70s are reappearing in both clothing and home décor trends – and corduroy is no exception.

“The emergence of corduroy as a popular fabric again is not surprising, since other mid-century design has made, and is making, such a strong comeback,” says Kelley Proxmire, owner of Kelley Interior Design, Bethesda, Md. “I still think of corduroy as a throwback to a retro style, but with anything that comes back in vogue again, it’s been tweaked and restyled with a modern update,” says Liz Levin, owner of Liz Levin Interiors and Liz Levin Nesting, Washington, D.C. “How you use it changes its effect dramatically. It can be dressed up and formal or relaxed and cozy.”

To keep corduroy from appearing outdated, choose an unexpected shade. “The color of the corduroy will make it special in a room,” Proxmire says. “Autumnal-colored corduroy conjures up the old preppy look of tan pants and a tweed blazer in a dark green library. A hot pink, pure white or orange wide-wale corduroy could create the look of now!”

Corduroy complements contemporary and rustic design schemes, Levin says. Its impact comes down to the color and the thickness of the wale, or the ribs, in the fabric.

“When I think about corduroy, I first see it used in a more casual application, such as a

Bill Adler Image courtesy of Designers Guild

Corduroy takes a surprising, fashion-forward leap into home furnishings

family room or den. I also have seen corduroy in bright colors and used in ways that are quite elegant and formal,” she says. “You can have vastly different effects depending on the color of the corduroy and what kind of furniture frame you upholster with it.”

To try out the look in your own home, Proxmire suggests treating the fabric much like a velvet. Use it for as upholstery, a pillow or drapery trim. Levin recommends starting out with a corduroy club chair. “A chair is a smaller dose of fabric, easy to move around and less of an investment than a sofa,” she says. If a bold color is outside of your comfort zone, opt for a neutral tone that will easily blend in with the surroundings.

–DANIELLE ROBINSON © CTW Features

HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

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The bark is worse than the bite How to painlessly reconcile home décor with the family dog

As both the host of Animal Planet’s “It’s Me or the Dog” and a judge on CBS’ “Greatest American Dog,” Victoria Stilwell has proven that she leads the pack when it comes to dog trainers.

Educated by British experts, she cofounded several reward-based training companies in the United States. Living in Atlanta with her husband, young daughter and 7-year-old chocolate Lab, Sadie, Stilwell explains how to balance home design with your favorite fourlegged friends.

1.What is the No. 1 rule people should follow when bringing a dog home?

Be positive! The most important thing for new pet owners to understand is the overall concept of how a dog mind works.

If you learn the general principles of positive reinforcement, you’ll build a healthier relationship with your pet and have a solid base from which you can tackle most problems that may arise. In simplest terms, positive reinforcement is the concept that rewarding good behavior will increase the chances of that behavior being repeated.

2. How can people maintain their personal style while living with a dog?

Provided you have created a structured, healthy environment in which the dog can thrive, there are very few situations that might hamper your ability to express yourself in your home design. When necessary, though, incorporate your design into your training routine. For example, when we first brought Sadie into our home, she had been in the habit of sleeping on sofas,

Man’s best friend: Animals Planet’s Victoria Stilwell helps dog owners balance their home design with their canine commitments. which we decided we wanted to stop. As a part of the behavior modification routine, we needed to place something on the sofas to prohibit her from jumping up, so I found some really beautiful design boxes that stayed on the sofas when we weren’t around.

3. What’s your advice for a family interested in owning a dog?

Do your research. Make sure you decide on a breed type that fits your family dynamic and environment. Always look for dogs at your local shelter first – even if you’ve decided you need a purebred dog, many shelters have such dogs in abundance. Never buy a dog from a pet store or a breeder that won’t let you visit their facility – the vast majority of such enterprises support the horrific practice of puppy mills.

–DA N I E L L E R OBINSON © CTW Features

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HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2 Tray chic: Colorful, patterned trays are a hit with consumers who want to punch up their dining room offerings but can’t justify buying a whole new set of dishes.

© angela adams licensing, LLC

sets of dishes – one for everyday use and one for formal dining. Instead, “they opt for one set of quality casual dinnerware that they can dress up for special occasions,” says Kathleen Cella, senior account manager for NPD’s housewares and home textiles divisions.

Most people have less disposable income and are doing more picking and choosing, which is causing a shift in the market – particularly with dinnerware. “It used to be that you’d have brands competing with other brands or casual competing with formal,” Cella says. “Now, dinnerware competes with other housewares.”

Instead of buying a new set of dishes, consumers are snatching up accessories like

water pitchers and serving trays to freshen and enhance what they already own. Or they’ll purchase select pieces from high-end retailers, and then round out their tableware with flea market finds.

Sales of serving dishes and cookware reflect the fact people are cooking at home more. “Serving pieces under $50 have been really successful this last quarter,” says Linda Nangle, a senior buyer for the Seattle-based retail chain Sur La Table.

Well-made, reasonably priced pieces that have the imprimatur of a famous designer or celebrity chef also are popular. Culinary superstar and Food Network face Giada De Laurentiis unveiled a line of cookware for Target in January, which includes snowwhite and ruby-red ceramic bakeware that is elegant and functional.

“Small things like placemats and napkins are another inexpensive way to bring in something trendy,” says Casey, owner of Laura Casey Interiors, LLC. She says that turquoise will be the “it” color of 2010, and that gold accent pieces will make a

Take it Easy Turn recession-era dining on its head – reinvent the dinner party with casual color

By Dawn Klingensmith CTW Features Some of the biggest names in fashion – Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Kate Spade, Calvin Klein – also design tableware. But it’s not haute couture that’s driving the latest trends in tabletop style; it’s the recession, and the fact people are dining at home more.

At-home chefs want to recreate the restaurant experience, so elegant “tablescapes” are in. But at the same time, everyday chefs expect cleanup to be a snap, so fragile, fussy pieces that can’t survive the dishwasher have fallen out of fashion –

even for special occasions. In fact, 2008 marked the first time that sales of quality casual dinnerware edged out fine china sales during bridal season, a trend that continued in 2009 and is expected to continue in 2010, according to NPD Group, Port Washington, N.Y., a global provider of consumer and retail market research information.

“Stuffiness is out, but people still want a really beautiful table,” says interior designer, Laura Casey, Charlotte, N.C. The recession has revolutionized the simple act of setting the table. Today’s brides are much less likely than their mothers and grandmothers to register for two

Color guard: Versatile hues reign supreme among dining room textiles.

Tablecloths, placemats and napkins are a key part of the room’s décor.

Image courtesy of Chilewich

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Image courtesy of Pfaltzgraff

Image courtesy of Sur La Table

Image courtesy of Pottery Barn

Image courtesy of Libbey Glassware Products

HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

Nice and easy: Add festive pops of color to dinnertime with colored and patterned glasses, stemware, pitchers and bright seasonal dishes.

Tommy Bahama Home, which offers tablecloths with orange, red and yellow stripes, along with placemats printed with tropical flowers. Together, “They achieve another trend of 2010 by showing mixed patterns on the table,” Chaix says.

The retail chain Anthropologie also has popularized bold, busy, brightly colored linens, including the Flora & Fauna pattern featuring folksy birds, rabbits, foxes and frogs.

No tablescape is complete without thoughtful finishing touches. Flowers and unscented candles never go out of style, but centerpieces are passé, Casey says. “You don’t need that sort of focal point. Instead of one huge centerpiece, do maybe four smaller arrangements in a row down the middle of the table,” she suggests.

Nye likes to place pretty cups and saucers at each place setting and then “scrunch” mini bouquets into them.

For him, finishing touches include little luxuries, such as pressed linen napkins and salt cellars at each setting.

“I’m a big advocate of using your best stuff every day,” Nye says. “If you have dishes that you only drag out twice a year for Thanksgiving and Christmas, why even own them?” © CTW Features

In • Everyday, functional pieces • Colored stemware • Mixing new and vintage pieces • Patterned linens

Out Image courtesy of Zrike

comeback. Bamboo and rattan placemats will fly off the shelves “because everyone likes natural fibers,” she predicts.

Today’s consumer values durability, functionality, convenience and classic styling, Nangle says. Sur La Table’s Frutta dinnerware, featuring a bold fruit pattern, “was made to look and feel like an Italian heirloom passed down from nonna,” yet it’s dishwasher- and microwave-safe, according to its product description.

Tracking sales, “One thing that comes out loud and clear is that people want dishwasher-safe,” Cella says. “It speaks to convenience.”

While gorgeous linens help create a finedining atmosphere, it’s time-consuming and oftentimes futile to try to make napkins and tablecloths crisp after each use. Perhaps that’s why patterned tablecloths are in vogue. They’re a charming throwback to the past – and they hide stains.

Trendex Home, Moira, N.Y., created a line of stain-resistant placemats that feel like soft, ordinary fabric, but the fibers are encapsulated in a patented stain barrier, so wine, coffee, red sauce and other tough spills bead up on the fabric or wipe off without a trace.

Following the lead of inventive chefs,

folks have decided it’s hip to be square – or triangular or teardrop-shaped. Seen as part of an overall presentation, plates come in all shapes and sizes to frame foods in an artistic way. Just try to imagine sushi served on a round plate. It doesn’t seem right.

At-home cooks also have embraced the idea that a stark white plate is the most appropriate canvas for culinary creations. “Basic whiteware has always been a best-seller for us, and it’s on the rise,” says Sur La Table’s Nangle. “It can be formal or casual. It’s very versatile.”

However, interior designer Joe Nye of West Hollywood, Calif., says its popularity is waning. “It seems like a lot of people are interested in color,” he says.

The trend even extends to stemware.

“It used to be sort of taboo to serve wine in a colored glass because you couldn’t see the color of the wine,” Nye says. “But I think people have sort of gotten over that.”

Overall, “The trends for 2010 address consumers’ need for optimism, with bright colors and pleasing patterns,” says Florence Chaix, a designer for

In living color: The signature watercolor-style floral patterns by Vera, the renowned textile designer from the 1970s, on cheerful tableware from Zrike.

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HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

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“For a baby mattress, an excellent insulation material is coir fibers, which are made from shredded coconut shells,” Magnuson says. “Many green crib mattress materials, such as natural latex and certain types of organic wool, have the added advantage of being inherently anti-microbial and/or hypo-allergenic. Organic mattress cover materials, such as cotton and wool, tend to be more breathable but may not offer the same protection against wetness as would more conventional cover materials.”

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“A family wants to use eco-friendly bedding especially if a child/tween suffers from any upper respiratory illnesses, allergies, asthma or suffers from headaches and/or insomnia,” says DeAnna Radaj, owner of Bante Design, LLC., Milwaukee. “Great colors are available in bamboo, jute and organic cotton.”

When it comes to décor, Radaj suggests getting children involved in choosing colors, since “at this age, kids are starting to define their individuality, and it’s important to help support that.”

For those children or tweens with fears of sleeping alone, the newest trend is the Mumoocie – a pillow that lulls children to sleep with the scents and sounds of loved ones.

“The innovative patented curved shape simulates the feeling you get when a loved one is snuggled up against you. Mumoocie also has a hidden voice recorder where a loved one’s voice can be heard. The child simply squeezes Mumoocie and the voice plays,” says Leigh Woods, director of sales and marketing for the Orlando, Fla.-based company.

“The parent or loved one will simply use Mumoocie for a night or they can spray their special fragrance on Mumoocie before giving it to their child, and the child will have their special scent so they can sleep soundly,” Woods says. © CTW Features

15

HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

HOW TO REMOVE THE BUGS FROM YOUR HOME Just as people seem to come out of dormancy when the temperature rises, so do all of the bugs that share our indoor and outdoor spaces.

How many times have you been sitting watching television at night and noticed something longlegged nestled high where the ceiling and walls meet? What about the times you've ventured into the basement, turned on the light and seen something scurry quickly across the floor?

Many of the insects people encounter are relatively harmless and are more than content to stay out of individuals' ways. That doesn't negate the fact that there are plenty of people who are extremely skittish when it comes to bugs --especially when they are inside the house. Therefore they seek out any and all ways to rid bugs from the premises. Here are some methods to consider.

Call an exterminator: If bugs are a major issue, the choice is available to call in a professional exterminator. He or she will assess the insect problem and make a recommendation for a type of treatment. While many insect repellants have become much safer over the years, the potent products the exterminator uses may not be the best idea for houses where there are young children or pets, or you may have to stay out of the house for a few hours. The exterminator will be able to better inform you of the risks/benefits to treatment.

Self-applied products: If bugs are a minor nuisance, spot treatments with over-the-counter insect sprays, powders, etc. could be sufficient to keep bugs at bay. Target the areas where you often see bugs, and also treat areas to prevent access to other rooms, such as around doorways or by room thresholds.

Try greener approaches: There are products on the market today that attempt to control insects in a way that is safer to the environment and the residents of a home. Substances like diatomaceous earth, boric acid, pyrethrin, and others may be safer for use if you're concerned about chemical applications. Many of these items serve as a

descicant, drying out an insect to extinguish it. Others repel insects with a smell or taste.

For those who are against harming the insects at all, but simply do not want them inside of the house, consider any number of bug vacuums.

These devices safely suck up insects (the telescoping nozzles ensure you don't have to be too close) and store them inside. The insect can be safely released outdoors afterward. These items go by the name of Bug Vacuum, Super Bug Vacuum, BugZooka, Insect Vacuum, and more.

Make household changes:Many insects prefer a certain temperature or condition to thrive.

Changing that condition could cause the bug to vacate the premises. If you discover a particular insect likes the damp areas of your basement (such as house centipedes or silverfish), invest in a dehumidifier to dry out that area. Some bugs, even roaches, come inside and hide in cardboard boxes.

Others feed upon paper products. Take some time to do spring cleaning and rid storage areas of these items -- switching to plastic sealed containers. Go around and seal window and door openings.

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BY THE

HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

NUMB3RS Count the ways address presentation can work for your home

If there’s been one change in consumer thinking lately it’s this: Needs trump wants, practicality rules.

Some attitudes, however, never change. Proud owners will always care about their homes’ attractiveness.

So, for those who have been searching for a value-conscious way to boost home appeal, your number has come up.

The way the numbers of a home’s address are displayed may be one of the most neglected, underestimated elements of home design, contends Michael Malone, a Dallas architect and author of “The Architect’s Guide To Residential Design” (McGraw-Hill, 2009).

Instead of allowing standard issue numerals to be tacked in their traditional spot next to the front door,“we deliberately design where the address can be placed and how it will appear stylistically,” Malone says.

Your home’s entrance is the first impression visitors get, and making it welcoming can carry a powerful, lingering message. Indeed, although the average cost for all remodeling projects recouped upon selling a home is 64 percent, according to the latest study results from Remodeling magazine, the return for replacing an entry door tops 100 percent.

Like a door, an address can be an integral part of entry design, although it’s typically inexpensive.

“The face of the house you see from the street is so important,” says architect Sarah Susanka, author of “Not So Big Remodeling” (The Taunton Press, 2009).“The numbers of the address are literally the identity of the house, and when that identity is given care and thought it expresses value.”

Susanka thinks of an address as akin

to lipstick; a way to make a big impact with a little touch.There are many ways for owners to design an address.

Here are a few pointers.

Seeing is believing An address has one job to do: identify your home.The prettiest design is

on pins so that they are about three inches out,” Malone explains.“They stand out in bright sunlight since they cast a shadow.” Similarly, pinning numbers away from a flat wall punches up visibility in climates where snow and pelting ice can hinder the view.

Addresses aren’t just for guests, either. Policemen, firemen and ambu-

highlight your address, Malone suggests.

It may make perfect sense to display an address in a couple of locations. For instance, if a home is set far back from the road, placing an address on both sides of a mailbox or lamp post near the street, as well as near your entryway, guides visitors coming from any direction, Malone says.

If the front of your home is fenced, you may be able to add interest to a gate or fencepost and provide a prominent display of the address, says Tim Thompson, designer for Mark Hickman Custom Homes, Hinsdale, Ill. “We recently did a home with an exterior stone fence and we had rustic boulders at the ends.We had the numbers chiseled into the boulders and then inserted other pieces of stone material into the space so that the numbers stood out but still had the same rustic feel,” Thompson says.

Design Details

iStockphoto

By Marilyn Kennedy Melia CTW Features

all for naught if the address can’t do its work.

Proper lighting is a key consideration, Malone says. Place numerals on a lamp post or directly under a porch light to guide night visitors.

Think, too, of how weather may obscure a clear read.The numerals of the address on his own home “are set

lance drivers will need to be able to easily locate and read your address in the case of an emergency.

Twice as nice If you pretend that you’re a visitor who is searching to find your home, you can decide how to best place and

Especially now that homeowners have access to a wide variety of products offered by hardware and home accessory stores of every kind, it’s possible to find an address display that highlights and complements any home’s design, Susanka says.

“There are typefaces that are representative of different eras, and I’ve found metal address numbers that have the look of the 1920s are perfect for Prairie-style homes,” Susanka says.

For a cozy cottage with a garden, for instance, a plaque painted with both flowers and numerals may be the perfect way to highlight a comfortable the residence. Brightly painted tiles tacked on a Southwesternstyle home can complement the art and style of the location.

Malone says he thinks of an address as “jewelry” for the home. He likes to

17

HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

Image courtesy of Pottery Barn

to script numerals lettered over a garage, a style that was prevalent in some historic periods,Thompson says.

“I also consider how an address will look if it’s in Roman numerals,” he says.

“Sometimes that can be a good look.”

Nothing dictates that numerals should only be a few inches long, either,Thompson says.

“If we’re placing it on a large area, we might make the numbers nine or so inches long, so that they look to be in proportion to the space.”

From Scratch see a match between the finishes of metal numbers and other metal features, like the mailbox or the door knocker.The combined effect subtly communicates a polished, coordinated image, Malone says.

Some older homes lend themselves

An address is not too small a detail to ask about when building or remodeling, Susanka says. Sometimes, a front entry will be designed to specifically incorporate an address. For instance, a number plate could be placed in a recessed lighted area.

Numerology 101: Don’t make finding your home a guessing game . Offer an unobstructed view of your address.

For existing homes, it may be possible to etch numbers in the stone or brick for a relatively low fee -- just about $300 or so, estimates Thompson, giving the impression that the address

was built into the Original façade. © CTW Features

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HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

Musical Chairs Pull up a seat and embrace the traditional, contemporary or just plan funky side of the dining room

W

hen it comes to decorating, the dining room is often the area of a home least infused with an individual’s personal style. Since the room consists of little more than a giant table, this is not surprising. All the more reason, then, for dining room chairs to make a big design statement.

“Each piece of furniture has a silhouette that defines its style and its contribution to that room. A dining room chair is a perfect example of how that’s done,” says Penny Law, owner of PCL Interiors, Charlotte, N.C. “Each element – including the legs, back, arms and fabric design – is

important and helps to define the style of the room itself.”

Luckily, dining room chairs come in a vast array of shapes and styles to suit the needs of any design scheme.

“They can be dramatic and colorful, sleek and architectural, clean and simple or elaborately ornate,” says Nora Murphy, executive vice president of style and advertising at Danbury, Conn.-based Ethan Allen.

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HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2 REFINED MINIMALIST “People should be careful to invest in dining chairs that are well designed, well made and comfortable,” Murphy says. Elegant and graceful, yet barely there, Thomas Moser’s Pasadena Dining Chair is just that: expertly crafted, with a clean, curvaceous design that exudes style while remaining understated.

styles, it’s the perfect blend for any interior,” Law says. Also sure to get guests talking, the Very Good & Proper Canteen Utility Chair puts an eyecatching spin on a schoolhouse classic.

UPDATED OLD WORLD Contemporary takes on the classic Queen Anne chair suit a range of design schemes, from an updated farmhouse look to a more formal style. “It’s an adaptation of a traditional design from the very early 1700s,” Law says, whose clients are drawn to the style’s “uncomplicated, clean lines.” Rustic yet refined, Pottery Barn’s perfectly weathered Queen Anne Chairs will fool dinner guests into thinking you’re a flea market superstar. Ethan Allen’s take on a classic Queen Anne design can be customized with a wide range of seat

OFFBEAT CONVERSATIONSTARTERS Über-modern and ready to make a splash, these bold seats are perfect for the homeowner who isn’t afraid to stand out. Managing to blend historical elegance and futuristic glam, the transparent Philippe Starck Louis Ghost Chair follows classic 18th century French design. “With the creative use of new materials in traditional

COMFORTABLE CHAMELEON If you switch style preferences as often as you change socks, try a chair that can be fitted with a slipcover.

“Parsons chairs have a retro, vintage feel, but adding custom slipcovers to fit your room design could can put a whole new twist on [the] 1930s design,” Law says. Ethan Allen’s Thomas Side Chair offers a comfortable canvas for endless colors and patterns. “Slipcovers that reach the floor have neat, clean lines,” Murphy notes.

“If you’re looking for a chic solution to dress up your dining room, set these around a table.”

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HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

MEET THE DESIGNER: LIBBY LANGDON

Solution-based design Rachael Ray’s go-to interior designer forks over details on the new definition of luxury

Image courtesy Libby Langdon

ibby Langdon’s timing is flawless. Three years ago, well before the recession landed, she noticed that the interior design community seemed fixated on the McMansions of the rich, leaving ordinary people in ordinary homes pretty much on their own.

The result was her book, “Libby Langdon’s Small Space Solutions: Secrets for Making Any Room Look Elegant and Feel Spacious on Any Budget” (Knack/Globe Pequot Press, 2009), a step-by-step guide that builds on the success of her hit HGTV reality show “Small Space, Big Style.”

“For many reasons, people are interested in downsizing today,” she says. “It’s amazing how timely tips on small-space living are right now.” Langdon also appears regularly as a design consultant on “The Rachael Ray Show” and other programs. In addition, her design firm, New York-based Libby Interiors, handles a variety of commercial and residential commissions.

“What I do isn’t brain surgery,” she says.

“But it sure can make people feel better when they come home from work and love where they live. There’s power and joy in designing small spaces. I feel like in my own way I’m making a difference.”

Image courtesy Libby Langdon

BY ROBERT SHAROFF CTW Features

Inspiration 101: Choose one item in a room, like a treasured painting or an antique vase, to dictate the room’s design and color scheme.

What’s the upside of living in a small space?

LIBBY LANGDON: Control. It’s just a lot easier to manage than a large space.

You feel like you’re running your house rather than your house running you.

What’s the smallest space you’ve ever lived in?

I grew up in an old Tudor house in High Point, N.C., where space was never an issue. But one of my first apartments in New York was around 500 square feet.

Believe me, it took some getting used to.

How did you decorate it?

I made all the usual mistakes – I painted the walls white and kept everything very plain and simple because I thought that would make the room look bigger.

You mean it doesn’t?

No! It just makes it look boring. Ultimately, personality and pizzazz are more important than square footage.

How important is color in a small space?

Very important. All-white walls tend to look very cold and impersonal. But a small room with a hit of color feels cozy and pulled together.

How do you know if you’re overdoing it?

You probably don’t want all four walls painted chocolate brown. That’s a little too much. A better solution is to choose an accent wall – maybe it’s the wall your sofa or fireplace are on – and paint it a rich, bold color. The others you should keep a light tan or cream. That way, the colored wall recedes and the space feels larger.

What colors are you liking these days?

A lot of blues, everything from peacock to cobalt to icy blue. Also gray and purple.

I find a little shot of purple can go a long way.

Are you a “less is more” or “more is more” kind of person?

I’m somewhere in the middle. I like to have enough stuff so that a room looks comfortable and lived in, but I also like to keep things slightly sleek and pared down.

Too much stuff everywhere just makes me feel confused and overwhelmed.

How is the recession affecting the way people decorate?

It’s interesting. People are certainly watching their money more carefully, but they’re also spending more time at home and are interested in the whole idea of

21

HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

Image courtesy Libby Langdon

nesting and making their homes as comfortable and livable as possible. It’s actually a great period if you have some imagination.

I keep reading that the luxury market is over. Is it?

I think people are defining luxury a little differently. The reality is we all have too much stuff. That was true before the recession, and it’s still true. Having less isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Great design comes in all shapes and sizes. Again, space is less important than what you do with it.

What inspires you?

My springboards are mainly objects – a beautiful scarf or a gorgeous photograph with amazing colors in it. I’m not a big antiques person. What I do like, however, is incorporating a special piece here and there into a room. It’s more fun and more personal than buying everything new.

How has your style evolved over the years?

When I first became aware of design, I wanted everything to be modern and contemporary. But as I’ve gotten older and have started entertaining at home more, my style has softened a little bit. Today, my goal is comfort. I want to create warm and

inviting environments.

You’re a designer and you also play one on TV. Which is harder?

I’m pretty wacky and not that different off camera than I am on. The part I do like about TV is the end of the show when the homeowners come in and see what I’ve done and they’re surprised and excited. It’s a big happy moment. The process is different in real life. It all takes longer and is a lot more complicated.

How long does it take you to size up a room?

About 20 minutes. Whether they know it or not – and many of them don’t – people leave clues about what they actually want. I remember this one woman, I went to her house and the only thing she had on her wall was a gorgeous Moroccan platter.

The rest of the house was just kind of a mishmash and not that interesting. But the platter was lovely. I realized that the platter was actually a cry for help. It was her way of saying “I want this style but I’m too scared to do it myself.” So I designed a Moroccan-themed room for her and she was thrilled. © CTW Features

Accent marks: Create space and drama by painting one wall in a room a rich, deep color and leaving the others a subtle cream.

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HOMESTYLE 2010 – ISSUE 2

Top 10 kitchen and bath trends for 2010 (ARA) - Does your kitchen or bathroom look like it's stuck in a time warp? Then it might be time to update the most-used rooms in your home. For inspiration, look no further than the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), which recently shared its top 2010 kitchen and bath trends.

To compile the findings and determine the latest kitchen and bath trends, the organization surveyed those members who designed a kitchen or bathroom during the last quarter of 2009. According to NKBA, the top 10 trends for 2010 are: 1. Shaker style kitchen design 2. Maple and alder cabinetry finishes 3. Quartz countertops 4. Pull-down/pull-out kitchen faucets 5. Polished chrome finishes 6. Under-counter refrigerator drawers 7. Dishwasher drawers for small loads 8. Marble vanity tops 9. Integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks, vessel sinks and pedestal sinks 10. Bronze and stainless steel finishes

In the kitchen Making a big statement throughout the kitchen in 2010 is the addition of functional drawer appliances. One such example, which has been specified by nearly a third of NKBA's kitchen designers, is modern refrigeration technology. Turning convenience into a luxury, under-counter refrigerated drawers feature adjustable horizontal and vertical dividers to keep frequently used items close at hand. Perfect for the ultimate entertainer, refrigerated drawers are quite roomy, typically tall enough to store a 2-liter bottle and wide enough to hold items such as serving trays and pizza boxes.

If you're tired of running the dishwasher when it's only half-full, consider installing a dishwasher drawer. Because it's independently operated, you can wash small loads as economically as large ones. Plus, the extra flexibility to run cycles simultaneously with your traditional dishwasher makes clean-up quicker and easier, explaining why nearly a third of designers are incorporating this new trend into kitchens, as well.

Another popular element to include in the kitchen in 2010 is a pull-down or pullout faucet. Utilized by 85 percent of kitchen designers, it's an easy way to make a design statement at the kitchen sink while increasing functionality. The new Arbor pull-down kitchen faucet from Moen seamlessly brings simple sophistication to the kitchen with its transitional styling that complements virtually any decor. It's available in a chrome finish, which is another 2010 trend to look for in appliances, accents and hardware throughout the entire kitchen. For more information about the Arbor pull-down kitchen faucet from Moen, visit moen.com or call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

In the bath Granite is the dominant material chosen for vanities in current remodels - used by seven of every eight designers - however, in 2010 alternative natural materials, like marble, will continue to grow in popularity.

According to NKBA, just under half of bathroom designers utilize marble, as it pro-

vides a sophisticated look that's reminiscent of Roman baths with its regal, refined detail that exudes a sense of luxury. Plus, marble countertops provide a stain-resistant, waterresistant, rugged and durable surface - ideal for child-friendly bathrooms or homes with just one bathroom that see a lot of traffic throughout the day.

NKBA also forecasts that integrated sink tops will be a popular choice this year, as you can easily use existing items to achieve this look. By adding a sink into an antique dresser or chest, designers are creating oneof-a-kind vanities for nearly 30 percent of all clients.

Polished chrome finishes are another bathroom design trend for 2010. Look to incorporate this chic metal accent into all your hardware by updating the accessories in your bath, as well. You'll be able to make a big impact with small updates like new towel bars and robe hooks, for a completely coordinated look.

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