Sunday, March 26, 2017
HOME CONSTRUCTION
& REMODELING
INSIDE: Kitchen trends Hiring a contractor High-tech tiles
2 | Sunday, March 26, 2017
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HOME LOANS Superior service, historically low rates, flexible terms & NO 1% origination fee. Bill Tye 319-553-3747 www.uiccubilltye.com
Kyle Langenberg
With low rates and no 1% origination fee, it may surprise you just how affordable purchasing a home can be. Call our mortgage professionals today to discuss the options.
ASK ABOUT OUR NEW 9 MONTH EXTENDED RATE LOCK PROGRAM FOR CONSTRUCTION LOANS!
319-553-3851 www.uiccukylelangenberg.com
Scott Horan 319-553-3853 www.preapprovalbyscott.com
uiccumortgage.com
Sunday, March 26, 2017 | 3
HOME IMPROVEMENT
What’s trending in kitchen design? THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
IKEA VIA AP PHOTO
In this photo provided by Ikea, the Laxarby cabinet door has a distinctly traditional look, in a warm blackbrown hue. Pairing black with metallic elements, like these big pendants, is on-trend.
mericans briefly scaled back the scope of home renovation A projects after the recession began nearly a decade ago, says interior designer and “HGTV Design Star” judge Vern Yip. But even during the peak of that focus on smaller, more sustainable living, the size and complexity of kitchen designs continued to grow. “The kitchen is the heart of the home,” Yip says, and people see it as good place to spend money and recoup the investment when they sell their home. What’s trending in kitchen design? We’ve asked Yip and two other interior design experts — Caleb Anderson, cofounder of the New York-based design firm Drake/Anderson, and Brian Patrick Flynn, interior designer for HGTV’s Urban Oasis 2016 home giveaway — to share their favorite innovations and thoughts on which trending design choices will stand the test of time. Please see KITCHEN, Page 4
Downsizing in your Future? Consider a condo in the new Heritage Hills Ill in Cedar Falls! CONDO HOMES CUSTOM HOMES • BUILDING SITES
319-553-1457 FairbanksBuilders.com Construction is UnderwayCALL NOW to Reserve Yours!
4 | Sunday, March 26,
2017
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Kitchen From 3
Think black and white
Black and white are the trendiest colors now for kitchen design, and Flynn points out that they’re also timeless. A black and white palette works with virtually any accent color, he says, so “if you go black and white, you really only have to spend once.” Right now, “black appliances with more of a matte finish” are among Flynn’s favorites. Yip says cabinets in both black and white are popular, and look great mixed together. That’s another trend all three designers are seeing: upper and lower cabinets done in different finishes and materials. Anderson recently designed a kitchen in London that has upper cabinets made of metal and glass, with lower cabinets made of cerused wood. “They need to
Hang one or a few of Uttermost’s neutral Knotted Rattan Pendant Lights to emphasize whatever style you’re going for in the space. NORDSTROM
Dot & Bo’s Sphere Pendant Lamp in copper. DOT & BO PHOTO
AP PHOTO
Islands that contrast against cabinetry, textured glass and a mix of metals are all trend-on kitchen design ideas. complement each other,” he land out of different materials says, “but everything doesn’t than the cabinets and counterhave to match.” tops. That puts a personal stamp on the room, especially if you make your island out of a disGet creative Anderson also notes that it’s popular to design a kitchen isPlease see KITCHEN, Page 6
W ! NEW O N EN SHOWROOM OP Open at the Floor Decor location 706 Ansborough Ave., Waterloo 319-987-3091
Cabinetry | Hardwood Flooring | Trim Work | Interior Doors | Mantels | Counter Tops Wall & Ceiling Panels | Custom Wood Parts | Large Wood Slabs | Carpet | Tile Laminate | Vinyl | Custom Showers | Professional Design Assistance
Your single source for all your interior needs! www.fishsticks.biz
Call us to see how we can make your project stand out from the rest
Ben 319-415-0282 • Ray 319-505-4011
Sunday, March 26, 2017 | 5
HOME IMPROVEMENT
s s
Dream Home
We Supply All The Materials You Need To Build Your From The Foundation To The Roof
Build your perfect home with materials from Menards. Whether you need a large home for a budding family or a cozy little getaway cabin, we have a plan for you. With over a 1,000 plans available we have an option to best fit your needs! Or bring in your current material list and get a quote with our guaranteed low prices.
For the store nearest you, visit MENARDS.COM® To see all our of home plans, visit your nearest Menards location or MENARDS.COM® Keyword: Home Plans
6 | Sunday, March 26, 2017
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Kitchen From 4
tinctive piece of furniture, like a vintage cabinet. By using popular materials in unique ways, you can design a kitchen that feels current but won’t look dated as trends change. Flynn is fan of that approach: For HGTV’s Urban Oa-
sis giveaway house this year, he chose a reflective, black marble mosaic tile for the kitchen walls, from the counter all the way up to the ceiling. The look is ontrend, but has a classic beauty that won’t need renovating in a few years. He also used concrete for the countertops, a popular option now but one with a classic simplicity. Along with concrete,
Anderson and Yip say quartz countertops are popular. Quartz is more durable than marble, which can easily stain, and more consistent in color throughout a large slab. Textured and colored glass is another way to jump on a trend in ways that reflect your own style, Anderson says. He’s seeing glass used to surround the hoods above stoves, for backsplashes, and as cabinet fronts.
Mix your metals
Gold, brass and other yellow-toned metal finishes have been popular for several years, says Yip, and now white metal finishes like chrome, pewter and stainless steel are catching on too. Anderson recently used a mix of black and steel finishes in one kitchen, along with brass. All three designers suggest going with your favorites and feeling free to mix and match. “The hardware in your kitchen is sort of like the jewelry,” and you can have fun adding that bit of bling, Yip says. Changing your hardware is a nice way to update the kitchen without having to change the cabinets.
Michael
Patrick
Heidi
319.268.7003
319.268.7012
319.483.4819
Schmadeke NMLS #1519619
Smith
NMLS #703125
Abben
NMLS #844674
MICHAEL GULLON / PHOENI PHOTOGRAPHY
This 154-square-foot kitchen designed by Kitchen Encoungers of Annapolis, Md., features maple cabinets painted ebony. You can also bring in a light fixture with a metal that’s different from your cabinet hardware. Yip is seeing many clients opting to splurge on dramatic lighting in the kitchen, rather than in the dining room. “The old way of thinking is you spend thousands of dollars
Providing Quality Home Improvement Services Since 1976
WindoWs • siding Roofing • Remodeling insulation • additions Showroom Hours: Mon-Thu 8-5, Fri 8-2 or by appointment Call Troy today for a FREE in-home estimate
6031 La Porte Rd; HWY 218 S
(319) 296-3006
www.DennyStaebell.com
on the crystal chandelier over the dining table, but lighting over the kitchen was practical,” he says. Now, there’s more emphasis on kitchen lighting “that doesn’t feel functional but has a really polished aesthetic quality.”
Tech isn’t an afterthought Flynn used a wifi-enabled oven (easily controlled from a smartphone) in the Urban Oasis house, as well as a refrigerator equipped with cameras accessible from a digital app, so you can see what you have inside it. “While you are out, you can decide on the fly what to buy and bring home to be stocked up for dinner,” he says. Smaller appliances are a priority for many homeowners. “People tend to clutter their countertops with small appliances or put them in the cabinet and have to pull them out,” Anderson says. So designers now routinely figure in storage space where small appliances can be concealed but easily accessed. Also, says Anderson, “Clients have so many devices, smart devices,” that they need “an area in the kitchen that’s devoted to USB ports and chargers.”
SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2017 | 7 Stay connected with everything that’s uniquely local.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
FULL ACCESS PRINT • MOBILE • ONLINE • TABLET
ACTIVATE YOUR DIGITAL SUBSCRIBTION TODAY
WCFCOURIER.COM/ACTIVATE
SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO
Why your should hire a professional remodeler NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HOME BUILDERS
If you are considering a home remodeling project, the most important decision you can make is selecting a professional home remodeler to do the job. Your home is too important to entrust to anyone but a professional home remodeler. Follow these tips when you embark on an exciting home remodeling project. 1. ESTABLISH EFFECTIVE TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION WITH THE HOME REMODELER. It’s essential to have good communication for a smooth home remodeling Please see REMODEL, Page 8
Your
Interests, Budget & Time Frame! Iowa Licensed REALTOR® Since 2004
Ih have enjoyed j ed livin ving in my 1900 “o “old farm house”
30
ABR, CRS, ePRO, GRI, SFR
Founder, Owner & Broker
319.240.2389 My Approach is to SERVE YOU EXCLUSIVELY! Your INTERESTS first throughout your real estate transaction!
Assk me about:
years.
““Exclusive” Agenccy
W sign away your rig Why ght to exclusive NO-COST REPRESENTATION and Broker-direct guidance?
I love the private views and the simple character of my in-town acreage, and its quick access to corridor highways, local lakes, and Talk, T Text downtown. Call or Text: EMAIL:
or E Email? il?
319.240.2389
wcf4sale@gmail.com
WaterlooCedarFalls-Homes.com Office By Appointment: 2510 Leversee Road, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
8 | Sunday, March 26, 2017
Remodel
2. MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMPATIBLE WITH THE From 7 CONTRACTOR. It’s important to have a good rapport and trust project. Does he or she answer in him or her. questions clearly and candidly? Can you reach him when 3. SET A CLEAR AND MUyou need to? Does he let you TUAL UNDERSTANDING know when problems arise ABOUT THE SCHEDULE. and work with you on solving Agree on the schedule upfront to avoid conflict and problems them?
HOME IMPROVEMENT
later in the project. 4. REQUEST A WRITTEN PROPOSAL. Get the proposal in writing and work with the remodeler to ensure it reflects your wishes. 5. GET A CLEAR AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING ON MISCELLANEOUS DETAILS UP FRONT. There are a lot of little details that need to be settled before work starts. What times of day will they be working? How will he or she access the property? How will cleanup be handled? 6. REMEMBER TO BE FLEXIBLE. Remodeling is an interruption of your normal life. Being flexible means you can handle the unexpected. 7. DISCUSS AND AGREE ON HOW CHANGE ORDERS WILL BE HANDLED. With home remodeling there is always the chance you may want to change materials or other proj-
WHATEVER TOMORROW BRINGS, WE’LL BE THERE Everything we do serves a single purpose – to keep the promise to take care of our customers. As we grow and innovate, that will never change. Trust in Tomorrow.™ Contact us today.
First Maxfield Mutual Denver, IA 1-800-366-7014 www.firstmaxfield.com “Trust in Tomorrow” and the “A Grinnell Mutual Member” mark are property of Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company. © Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, 2017.
ect details during the job. Before work starts, make sure you agree with your remodeler about how these changes will be handled. Also understand that changes could affect the schedule and the budget, so it’s important you have all changes in writing. 8. AGREE ON A WELL-WRITTEN CONTRACT THAT COVERS ALL THE BASES. The contract should include these elements: a timetable for the project, price and payment schedule, detailed specifications for all products and materials, insurance information, permit information, procedures for handling change orders, lien releases, provisions for conflict resolution, notice of your right under the Federal Trade Commission’s Cooling Off Rule (your right to cancel the contract within three days if it was signed someplace other than the remodeler’s place of business), and details on the important issues (such as access to your home, care of the home, cleanup and trash removal).
9. ASK FOR A WRITTEN LIEN WAIVER FROM THE HOME REMODELER UPON COMPLETION OF THE WORK. If the remodeler hires subcontractors for portions of the work, then it is their responsibility to see the subcontractors compensated. In order to ensure this has been done and to protect yourself, ask for a written lien waiver when the work is finished. This document will verify everyone has been paid. 10. ESTABLISH A PROJECT PLAN, COVERING ALL PHASES AND DEPENDENCIES IN THE WORK. Plan your big picture goals with the remodeler and discuss your needs. Hire a remodeler who will plan with you, listen to concerns and answer questions. Source: From How to Hire Your Dream Remodeler by Tom Higgins, Superior Products Home Improvement, Littleton, Colo.
Stay connected with everything that’s uniquely local.
FULL ACCESS PRINT • MOBILE • ONLINE • TABLET
HOME IMPROVEMENT
What to look for in a professional contractor Are you one of the more than 3 million people planning to renovate your kitchen or bathroom this year? Or perhaps you’re adding on a room or finishing your basement. When making such a significant investment, you want to make sure you’re getting a reputable and dependable professional so your project doesn’t become another horror story. It’s important to do your research, read reviews and check references before you put your home in the 4. Risk hands of someone else. Professional: Has a license, Look for these qualities: certifications and insurance. Obtains all necessary permits, pro1. Focus tecting you against unsafe work Professional: Puts clients first and legal issues. Guarantees their and will work with you to make work. sure your goals are feasible and Amateur: Unaware of — or that the project can get done on doesn’t care about — building time and on budget. Treats cus- codes, required permits and health tomers, their families and their and safety regulations. Leaves you homes with respect. liable for any improper work, misAmateur: Focuses on finishing takes and in a potentially dangerthe job as quickly as possible, with ous situation. little regard for your family’s personal needs and schedule.
2. Livability
Professional: Well-equipped to deal with the No. 1 threat to livable remodeling — dirt and dust. Protects you and your family from annoying and potentially dangerous air particles by using the most effective tools and processes for dust elimination, such as the BuildClean Dust Control System. Amateur: Doesn’t have a proactive strategy to manage indoor air quality and jobsite dust.
SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2017 |
ACTIVATE YOUR DIGITAL SUBSCRIBTION TODAY
WCFCOURIER.COM/ACTIVATE
Why Go Outside... SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO
5. Value
Professional: Communicates with you to establish an estimate and negotiate a fair contract and payment schedule. Amateur: Underbids a project by thousands of dollars and is likely to cut corners to meet the budget or overwhelm you with costly change orders. For more information on selecting a professional contractor, visit: livableremodeling. com.
Making Dreams Come True, at a Price You Can Afford
When it Feels so Good Inside? Make It
3. Ethical
Professional: Proactively addresses challenges head-on, immediately notifying you of an unexpected issue. Amateur: Ignores problems uncovered during the project in order to keep it moving. Leaves behind things like hidden mold, leaky pipes or structural issues, putting the health and safety of your family at risk.
Kitchen & Bathroom Design • Cabinetry & Countertops Flooring • Backsplashes In Home Design Consultations
Ferson Kitchen & Bath Design 1925 Center St. Cedar Falls Like Us 319-429-6934 fersonkitchenandbath.com
“Make it Mike, A Name You Can Trust!” Waterloo: 319.232.0900 Cedar Falls: 319.277.1091 Waverly: 319.352.4099
MikeFeredayHeating.com
9
10 | Sunday, March 26, 2017
HOME IMPROVEMENT
4 hot high-tech upgrades for bathroom luxury The 2016 Houzz Bathroom toilets, technology’s time has ar Trends study found many home- rived in the American bathroom. owners renovating their bathrooms are incorporating technol- 1. Medicine cabinet ogy into their plans. From smart of tomorrow mirrors and medicine cabinets to showerheads with Bluetooth Hidden speakers, high-efficonnectivity and self-cleaning ciency task lighting with capac-
EDGEWOOD, IOWA 563-928-6431 www.forevercabinets.com
itive-touch dimming, integrated USB charging ports — clearly, this is not your parent’s medicine cabinet! The modern medicine cabinet does far more than serve as a repository for aspirin and toothpaste. Acknowledging that today’s homeowners multitask constantly, even in front of the bathroom mirror, Robern’s AiO collection of medicine cabinets also includes magnetic storage strips, accessory trays, adjustable shelving, a magnification mirror and integrated electrical outlets. The embedded, invisible BRANDPOINT PHOTO speakers turn the entire mirror Homeowners are incorporating into an audio system that’s compatible with most USB-enabled a range of technology into their bath projects, including modern music-playing devices. medicine cabinets with embedded invisible speakers and more. 2. Fancy, user-friendly
faucets
N E W S H O W R O OM COM IN G SO O N !
Remember the days when touchless faucets were the wave of the future? Modern bathroom faucets go far beyond the mere ability to turn them on or off without touching them. Faucets now marry high-tech function-
ality with leading-edge design to create a visual focal point for your bathroom vanity. A variety of manufacturers offer a staggering array of features, including: Built-in face recognition that automatically adjusts water
Meet Carrie www.kochconstruction.org
319.266.0807
I’m a designer, a project manager and an estimator. Yeah, I do everything for your project except actually build it. I see your project from start to finish; from drawing the idea, picking the products, scheduling and coordinating our carpenters, builders and installers. You can count on me to get your job done, and done right!
temperature and pressure to the settings of the recognized user. Internet connectivity and a display screen so you can see emails, your calendar and the weather report while you’re brushing your teeth. Patterned or shaped spray produced by special mechanisms within the faucet that create swirls in the water discharge or shape it into a thin sheet of water. The ability to track water consumption while adjusting the temperature and flow to maximize efficiency.
3. Smarter toilets
Seventy percent of the homeowners surveyed by Houzz said they had upgraded their toilets as part of their bathroom renovations. Today’s toilets are far more than just a place to take care of business. From super high-efficiency models that flush with amazingly small amounts of water to self-cleaning bowls and motion-activated lids and seats, the toilet has gone high-tech. You can find features that range from practical to decadent, including: Heated seats and bidet functions Dryers and deodorizers Built-in music players Illumination for nighttime bathroom visits Remote controls for opening and closing the lid and seat Hands-free flushing Automatic self-cleaning
4. Modern mirrors
From built-in TVs to task lighting and integrated USB ports, mirrors, like other bathroom fixtures, are now incorporating a variety of high-tech features. Robern’s AiO wall mirror collection offers numerous features, including the ability to wirelessly turn the entire mirror into a speaker. The mirror can communicate with any Bluetooth-enabled smartphone to stream your favorite music or news program into the bathroom.
HOME IMPROVEMENT
SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 2017 |
GO GREEN!
Pantone’s trend color is fresh, optimistic
REPRINTED FROM CVHG MAGAZINE
Our eyes never tire of green just as they never tire of a view of trees. That’s part of the the reasoning behind Pantone’s choice of “Greenery” as their 2017 color of the year. “We don’t all have access to the green forest, but we do have access to things we can bring into our home environment,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, which advises companies on color and forecasts trends. One way to do that is with this powerful color. When used on an accent wall, kitchen backsplash or throw, it will refresh and energize you. Pair it with warm whites and neutrals for a clean, tranquil vibe, or use a bright white for a fun, contemporary feel. It’s especially nice in kitchens, where it’s natural to want a fresh feeling, but also in entries and hallways, to transition between room colors. As Eiseman traveled the world to collect data for this year’s color, she took note of people wanting a healthy diet, cooking with more herbs and embracing the greentea powder called matcha, the color of which matches Greenery almost exactly. “It is a very optimistic color,” says Lori Weitzner, a textile designer in New York and author of “Ode to Color.” “Use it in the right way in your home, and it will keep your spirits high.” One of the best places to use a bright green, Weitzner says, is in the kitchen. Add plants and herbs, but also consider a green backsplash, an accent wall or even an indoor-outdoor rug. Greenery is also great to use as accents in rugs and throw pillows in an otherwise neutral room,” Weitzner says. “They add uplifting energy and can elevate the mood—without creating too much intensity.” It’s widespread design wisdom that the best place to try out trends is in small accessories. A classic throw or pillow for a sofa will do, but why not go for the unexpected pouf or light fixture. If you love Greenery but don’t know where to incorporate it in
Three Posts’ Huntingdon Loveseat in Kiwi Green from Dwell Studio COURTESY PHOTOS
The vibrant ‘Greenery” has yellow undertones. Clockwise from top right: Kitchenaid stand mixer, Ikea’s Fargrik 18-piece dinnerware set and Pier 1’s Frankie Cream & Green Armchair your furnishings, Eiseman recommends taking an old, shabby chair and re-covering it in a solid-green or green-printed fabric. Weitzner would pair Greenery with other fun colors, such
as melon, lavender and sunny yellow, but she’d do it in small doses. “These happy and curious colors are easy to live with in small amounts,” she says. “They are not too sweet nor too saturated.”
Kathy Flack, ASID Registered Interior Designer, PLC 319-239-5080 Creative Space Planning | Floor Coverings Design Concepts Interior Architectural Details Window Treatments Bed Coverings Upholstered Furniture Consulting for Any Room | Lighting | Wall Coverings
National HALO/ASID and multiple ASID Nebraska / Iowa Design Awards. *Call for studio or on-site appointment and fee details 319-239-5080
www.flackinteriors.com fidakathy@aol.com
11
12 | Sunday, March 26, 2017
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Working outdoors Exterior improvements yield higher ROI for less money You might assume upgrades to interior spaces like kitchens and bathrooms have the best payoff, but most home improvements don’t return 100 percent of their value at the time of resale. Those that yield the best return on investment for the most modest costs are generally exterior improvements.
Outside the box
Interior projects like a minor kitchen renovation or bathroom upgrade return a decent percentage of your initial investment when you sell your home — about 80 percent and 65 percent, respectively, according to Remodeling’s Cost vs. Value re-
port. However, they can also cost tens of thousands of dollars. By contrast, exterior projects like adding a deck or replacing a garage door deliver similar high rates of return, but for far less cost. Adding a composite deck can cost around $17,000 and yield an ROI of more than 65 percent, while a garage door typically costs less than $2,000 and returns nearly 77 percent of your investment when you sell. Here are popular exterior projects that offer high ROI, according to the Cost vs. Value report: Roof replacement: A midrange roof replacement costs approximately $20,000 and returns nearly 69 percent of the investment. What’s more, a new roof helps protect your entire home from weather damage and can improve curb appeal. Composite deck addition: Costs vary, but Remodeling
BRANDPOINT PHOTO
Capped composites, like the Envision Distinction boards by TAMKO Building Products as seen on this Colorado Custom Decks project, are one of the hottest trend in composite decking right now. bases its evaluation of ROI on a cost of about $17,000. At that price, adding a composite deck delivers ROI of 65.2 percent. Of course, the value of your deck will depend on many factors, including the quality of the building products you choose.
appealing as the financial ROI of composite decking. Siding replacement: Another exterior feature that protects the whole home and greatly affects its curb appeal, new siding can cost around $14,500. When you sell your home, that new siding will recoup about 76 percent of your initial investment. Garage door replacement: Older garage doors may lack modern insulating qualities and a shabby-looking door can drag down the look of your home. Replacing the garage door costs roughly $1,700 and returns nearly 77 percent of that amount at the time of resale. Steel entry door: The single exterior home improvement with the greatest ROI is also one of the cheapest and easiest to do. Replacing a wooden door with a steel entry door will run you about $1,400 and you’ll recoup more than 90 percent of that cost when you sell your home.
Capped board composites, like Envision Decking by TAMKO Building Products, are gaining popularity. Envision Inspiration, the latest in the TAMKO collection, was introduced in late 2016, and features striking color patterns for a visual effect that’s as Source: Brandpoint
Sunday, March 26, 2017 | 13
HOME IMPROVEMENT
‘Daylighting’ systems lighten indoor surroundings A house with ample windows can win your heart with silent promises of sun-drenched rooms and warm breezes wafting through open windows. The truth, however, is that even a home with windows galore can have rooms that feel dark and cave like. Some of the most-loved aspects of modern design — open, expansive floor plans, wood flooring in darker tones, walls of windows — may leave portions of a room dazzled with sun and other parts dim and poorly lit. For example, a room with a wall full of picture windows will often lack windows on other walls. Near the windows, you’ll get plenty of sunlight and some glare, but the natural light might not make it to the far corners of the room — especially if it’s a large space like a great room. What’s more, interior spaces
dark. No one wants rooms that look like caves — not even if your house has an actual “man cave” or “woman cave” in it! Fortunately, a few smart decorating tricks and some budget-friendly, high-impact enhancements can help brighten rooms and relieve that cavelike feeling. Of course, the sure-fire way to get more light into a room is to add more windows, but that’s not always a practical or cost-effective solution. Instead, look for alternative ways to bring more sunlight into a room. Daylighting systems can bring sunlight from a rooftop down into a room, allowing natural light to BRANDPOINT PHOTO illuminate dark spaces where light from windows can’t reach. Solatube Daylighting Systems capture daylight with a rooftop dome For example, the Solatube Dayand brings natural light indoors. lighting System captures daylight like powder rooms, laundry often have no windows at all, with a rooftop dome. A highly rooms, mudrooms and closets making them feel small and reflective tube funnels light in-
side the home, where a decorative fixture on the ceiling spills the natural light into dim areas. The tube fits between rafters, so there’s no need to cut through critical structures, do frame work or make repairs to sheetrock. An options light kit provides electric illumination on cloudy days or at night. The included integrated solar-powered nightlight provides gentle, lowlevel illumination at night, and qualifies the entire system, plus installation, for a 30 percent federal tax credit. With the tax credit, Solatubes start at less than $500 installed, making them a cost-effective option for any room in the house, and especially in master baths, powder rooms, mudrooms, hallways and laundry rooms. To learn more, visit Solatubedaylighting.com. Source: Brandpoint
BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME DOESN’T HAVE TO BE DIFFICULT. Collins Community Credit Union is here to give you peace of mind, helping you turn your dream home into a reality. With a construction loan from Collins Community Credit Union you can build your dream home on a secure financial foundation. We’ll partner with you to finance the lot, construction, and mortgage, saving you time and money. So, dare to dream knowing Collins Community Credit Union has you covered from the ground up.
Construction Loan features*: • • • •
Low rates and flexible terms Option to lock in interest rate at construction closing Extended interest rate lock options on fixed-rate mortgages Float down rates available
NMLS #562330
Visit our new branch! 5908 Winterberry Dr. Cedar Falls, IA 50613
*All loans subject to approval, terms and conditions may apply. Must be or become a CCCU member to obtain a loan. Applicants must meet credit and ability to repay requirements. **For qualified borrowers.
For more information, or to make an appointment, contact the Cedar Falls Home Team at 800-475-1150.
TILE TRENDS
14 | Sunday, March 26, 2017
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Incorporating advanced technology, design LINDSEY M. ROBERTS
Special to The Washington Post
POPHAM DESIGN PHOTO
Hex tiles are getting bigger and bigger. Popham Design’s Hex Artichoke is all-at- once funky, modern, retro, graphic and classy—$29 per square foot, available through special order at annsacks.com.
BRING YOUR HOME TO LIFE WITH
Light!
Residential & Commercial
YOUR LOCAL FULL SERVICE ELECTRICAL EXPERTS SINCE 1998 Cedar Valley Electric
5743 Westminster, Suite A, Cedar Falls, IA 319-266-1134 www.cedarvalleyelectric.com
Whereas a full kitchen remodel might set you back a few years of savings, a smart mini rehab might involve only painting cabinets, replacing appliances and installing a stunning tile backsplash or flooring. “Tile is an easier splurge,” says designer Kelly Emerson of Maryland’s Aidan Design. “Tile is hundreds of dollars; very rarely is it thousands of dollars.” And thankfully, tile trends tend to hang around for a while, so you can feel good about getting your money’s worth. Today,
Sunday, March 26, 2017 | 15
HOME IMPROVEMENT
they reflect larger design trends — such as graphic patterns — as well as advanced technology, which is letting individual tiles get bigger and thinner without compromising their strength. We spoke with Emerson, Samantha Klickna of Case Design/Remodeling and DeeDee Gundberg, director of product development for Ann Sacks, to determine which trends are worth following.
Wood look
“Wood planks are trending because they are durable, maintenance-free alternatives to wood,” Klickna says. “They add depth and dimension to any space. They also give you the opportunity to have a wood effect in a wet area: bathrooms.” Emerson likes the Weathered Wood Field Tile in a large hex ($7.41 per square foot, architecturalceramics.com). With a wood look, Emerson says, “you can choose a matte
has seen tile as big as 45 by 45. “It just keeps getting bigger and bigger.” Much of this is driven by technological advances, which allow for thinner, larger tile. Traditional hex tile is beautiful but replicable. Popham Design’s Hex Artichoke ($29 per square foot, annsacks.com), however, is at once funky, modern, retro, graphic and classy. Saigon Hexagon by Artistic Tile is Emerson’s pick for a fun, large hexagonal tile ($11 per square foot, artistictile.com). It’s inspired by the French Provincial ARCHITECTURAL CERAMICS PHOTO style and comes in three patterns Weathered Wood Field Tile in a ARTISTIC TILE PHOTO and three muted colors. large hex—$7.41 per square foot, Artistic Tile’s Saigon Hexagon—$11 per square foot, artistictile.com. architecturalceramics.com. Cement There is a general trend toward or a polish to change the vibe of day. The Tile Shop’s 8-by-24- Larger hex tiles organic materials in the design the tile. It might have a rustic inch Fronda Perla Faux Wood Gundberg has been watching industry, Gundberg says. Inappearance, but if you select a Floor Tile ($4.99 per square tile companies come out with cluded in that is oxidized metals, polished finish and apply it to a foot, tileshop.com) has a rustic larger sizes of the classic hexa- chunky ceramics, textiles, natuwall, it becomes a very polished look. gon shape each year. At first, 16 ral woods—and, in a big way, celook.” Designers are laying these by 16 inches was the new, big- ment tile. “This is purely about There are many varieties of linearly, as well as in her- ger size. Then it was 18 by 18 or woodlike finishes available to- ringbone and chevron patterns. 24 by 24, she says. Recently, she Please see TILES, Page 16
FROM START TO FINISH,WE DO IT ALL Restore Comfort toYour Space Get effective commercial and residential HVAC solutions with Petersen Hudson Hdwe. Plumbing & Heating. and Hudson Hdwe., Plumbing and Heating, two names you can trust. SALES | SERVICE | INSTALLATION | FREE ESTIMATES
16 | Sunday, March 26, 2017
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Pratt & Larson’s Textured Field tile, $37.50 per square foot, prattand larson. com.
TILES From 15
the aesthetic and the materiality of concrete,” she says. If you choose a patterned tile with as much spontaneity as Cement Tile Shop’s Patchwork Random ($22.20 per square foot, cementtileshop.com), let it be the life of a room’s party, Klickna says. “Everything else becomes a backdrop. “Look at the space as a whole and make sure that you’re not going overboard on color and pattern,” Klickna advises. “It’s OK to be bold with one or two of your selections, but it has to be in moderation.”
Bold design
“You expect your furniture to be the statement, or the paint color, but you don’t as often see decorative, stunning tile as the center of the room. When it’s CEMENT TILE SHOP PHOTO done in the right way, it’s really Patchwork Random tile—$22.20 per square foot, cementtileshop.com. effective,” says Gundberg. And
PRATT & LARSON PHOTO
nothing stands out more than a bold pattern. Gundberg is primarily seeing big, bold patterns inspired by Moroccan and French designs moving from backsplash mosaics to the floor. “Kitchen floors are huge for pattern.”
Subway with a twist
Subway tiles are as classic as you get. But homeowners and designers are getting adventurous, choosing long, exaggerated sizes or colored tiles. They’re arranging tiles vertically or in a chevron
or herringbone pattern. They’re even choosing contrasting grout, something that used to be a no-no but that Gundberg is seeing more often. “Grout is becoming more and more an integral part of design,” she says. Subway tile comes at all price points, too — from simple, white porcelain styles for $2 or $3 a square foot to high-end glass or hand-glazed styles. Arrange a simple, budget-friendly option in a herringbone pattern with contrasting grout to give it a higher-end look.
Built by Family. Built for you.
Phone: 319-233-0011 www.kuglerconstruction.com
Sunday, March 26, 2017 | 17
HOME IMPROVEMENT
BRANDPOINT PHOTO
A freestanding wall helps to define this outdoor living space and as well as provide additional seating around the patio and firepit.
Retaining walls offer many outdoor seating options Segmental retaining wall units are a popular solution for beautiful and durable outdoor seating — from freestanding walls that double as seating and two-tiered couches to large applications such as cost-effective amphitheater and stadium seating. Landscape professionals and do-it-yourselfers can build seating options from these multi-purpose units that are a trusted solution for soil retention, erosion control and to mitigate grade changes in the landscape. The solid, pinned units provide extreme versatility and ease of installation. VERSA-LOK is an ideal building block for tiered wall seating and even amphitheater seating because of its outstanding ability to create curves, corners, columns and tiers with the single Standard unit and no special pieces. A couch kit is one popular use of the VERSA-LOK retaining
wall units. The curved couch with a tiered back provides seating for up to four people, and stepped ends make an attractive accent. It can be installed in a paver patio or as a stand-alone seating in the garden. Seat walls can be worked into many landscaping designs. Freestanding seat walls can frame a square or circular patio to create an outdoor room, doubling the function and value of the retaining wall. SRWs can be used to replace an aging deck by creating a raised patio to grade. A freestanding seat wall can be built within the raised patio to serve as seating, to define the outdoor room and provide a measure of fall protection. Some popular installations feature fireplaces on a patio or a fire ring surrounded by a seat wall. Seat walls or a hardscape couch around a fire feature are useful and beautiful additions
to any outdoor living space that you can enjoy all season. Event spaces such as stadiums, courtyards, outdoor classrooms and amphitheaters have benefitted from economical outdoor seating solutions using SRWS. Staff at the International institute of St. Louis wanted to create an event space in an area that had a crumbling cinderblock wall separating the courtyard from the parking lot. Landscape architect Brad Furfaro worked with the site architect to come up with a tiered wall seating solution. It’s a good idea to sit on a wall when so many outdoor living features can be created with SRWs. From curved couches and freestanding seatwalls to amphitheaters and stadium seating, retaining wall units not only function as they were intended but also offer new solutions for outdoor living projects. Source: Brandpoint
18 | Sunday, March 26, 2017
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Marvin Windows & Doors are superior from design & craftsmanship to the way they perform.
2811 Center St., Cedar Falls, IA
319.266.2096
Over the years you’ve helped us to build a strong business. Now is our time to help you rebuild. Stop In Today For: • Windows • Doors • Stone • Siding • Cabinets
Sunday, March 26, 2017 | 19
HOME IMPROVEMENT
For a free quote call WATERLOO 319.988.4200
WINDOWS & DOORS
10% OFF • Remodels • Windows • Doors
• New Construction • Replacement
Bring this in and receive 10% off*
Doors & Windows For a free quote call
WATERLOO (319) 988.4200
*Some restrictions apply. See store for complete details. Can not combine with any other offers. *must be presented at initial time of offer
Viewed To Be
The Best
20 | Sunday, March 26, 2017
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Cedar Falls Newest Subdivision
SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD
D SOL SOLD
LD
LD
SO
SO
SOLD SOLD SOLD
New Townhomes
SOLD
New Townhomes
www.pinnacleridgecf.com
Welcome to Pinnacle Ridge! Build your new home surrounded by beautifully landscaped streets. Boulevards, green spaces, and parks compliment this neighborhood nestled between the Cedar Valley Trail System and all the conveniences of everyday life. Shopping, medical, and school all within 3 minutes. Come and experience something different! For more information contact
Jim Benda Lockard Realty 319-239-2600 Jim@jimbenda.com PinnacleRidgeCF.com