Winter Home
IMPROVEMENT
January 2024
WINTER HOME IMPROVEMENT
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Soften it up Willmar residents can improve water quality with the help of softeners BY SHELBY LINDRUD West Central Tribune
WILLMAR — Water is a necessity of life, so having access to a clean, healthy source of water is paramount. Highquality water, which is soft and free from odor and discoloration can also be a quality-of-life issue. Homeowners have a variety of options to better their property’s water quality — from water softeners to filter systems and even a reverse osmosis system for drinking water. “Safe drinking water is super important, not just for drinking but also for cooking,” said Jay Johanneck of Johanneck Water, an EcoWater Systems water conditioning business with locations in Willmar, Redwood Falls, New Ulm and Mankato, in an email to the West Central Tribune. One of the top issues for homeowners with regard to water quality is hardness. Hard water, according to the U.S. Geological Survey, is water with high levels of dissolved minerals, usually calcium and magnesium. Water hardness is measured by how much calcium carbonate is found in a sample. Soft water is considered 60 milligrams of calcium carbonate per liter of water. Hard water is 121 to 180 milligrams per liter, and 180 mg/L is very hard. “Willmar is known to have pretty hard water,” Johanneck said. Hard water can be damaging to human skin and hair, Johanneck said, along with being pretty destructive to home appliances and fixtures. The most common type of home water softener helps remove the “hard” minerals from the water by replacing them with sodium chloride, or salt, which then makes the water soft. “This will remove calcium from the water so skin and hair can keep their natural oils, and appliances run far more efficiently and will last longer with conditioned water,” Johanneck said. “Water softeners are sized based on the hardness and iron in your water, so we typically start with a water test to determine the size of water softener that will work best for each family’s needs.” What type of softener a homeowner purchases can have a big impact on the area’s water quality down the line. According to Sara Sietsema, environmental specialist with the city of Willmar, more than 70% of the households in Willmar have a water softener. Because wastewater treatment
Water softeners and filter systems can assist homeowners with improving the quality of their home’s water.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
plants are not designed to remove chlorides from the wastewater, it ends up being released into the watershed environment, such as Hawk Creek near Willmar. “High levels of chloride in the environment can be toxic to fish, amphibians, macroinvertebrates and other aquatic organisms,” Sietsema said. “It can also affect the aquatic plants and change the plant community.” Luckily, water softeners today are much more efficient than in years past, using less salt to do the same job. They are on-demand, meaning the water is softened only when needed. EcoWater has models that can determine how much salt and water it needs when running through the regeneration cycle. Newer softeners can also be programmed to soften water to a certain level of hardness, again reducing how much salt is being used.
WATER SYSTEMS: Page D4
Homeowners have a variety of options to better their property’s water quality — from water softeners to filter systems and even a reverse osmosis system for drinking water.
Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
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WATER SYSTEMS From Page D3
“Water does not need to be softened to zero grains of hardness to achieve desirable results for drinking and protecting appliances,” Sietsema said. “Shoot for 8 to 10 grains of hardness.” Sietsema understands that Willmar’s water is extremely hard, and that most households probably won’t go without a softener. She does hope that, as more households replace aging softeners, they will go with the higher-efficiency model. Doing so could make a huge difference
WINTER HOME IMPROVEMENT in the chloride level of Willmar’s wastewater and help the city meet more stringent water quality standards. “If every home had a salt-efficient, demand-based water softener that was adjusted to the appropriate settings for the hardness of the water being delivered to the home, we would definitely see a decrease in the concentration of chloride in the wastewater,” Sietsema said. While those who live in towns and cities have ready access to treated water, homeowners that get their water directly from the underground aquifers through wells need to have their own treatment systems, to make sure the water is safe to drink and use.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2024
“Out on private wells we deal with a variety of issues starting with iron, rotten egg smells and high amounts of tannins and arsenic,” Johanneck said. Many well users install a reverse osmosis system that removes bacteria, organics and other contaminants including from the water. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, a reverse osmosis system can remove a wide range of contaminants — from arsenic and calcium to lead and uranium. “An EcoWater reverse osmosis system will provide that ‘bottled water’ quality in your home so you don’t have to go get it, and typically at less cost per gallon,” Johanneck said. “Pretty quick return on investment.”
There are also microbiological systems and filters that can clear up other water issues. “Some have other issues like rotten egg smell (hydrogen sulfide), black specks (manganese), tea-colored staining (tannins) or arsenic. In situations like this, we will install our EcoWater airinjected iron filter or a purpose filter,” Johanneck said. When a water issue arises at a home, Johanneck said it is important to respond to it, both for financial and health reasons. Water issues can cause staining, corrosion and even higher utility bills, and systems have to work harder and longer to operate.
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“
Water does not need to be softened to zero grains of hardness to achieve desirable results for drinking and protecting appliances. SARA SIETSEMA, CITY OF WILLMAR ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALIST One of the main issues for homeowners in regard to water quality is hardness. Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, usually calcium and magnesium. Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
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WATER SYSTEMS From Page D4
This leads to having to replace equipment from water heaters and dishwashers to shower heads and other fixtures more often. “To prevent the damage it could and will create on not just themselves but their homes,” Johanneck said. Johanneck Water has been responding to residential, commercial and industrial water issues for nearly 40 years. It is a family business that originated in Redwood Falls but now serves customers from across west central and southern Minnesota. It deals exclusively with EcoWater Systems, which started in 1925 as the Lindsay Soft Water Company in St. Paul. “I basically say ‘when you think of water, think of EcoWater.’ We can help resolve water issues in commercial, industrial and livestock applications all over the state and surrounding states,” Johanneck said. “We’re here for you. Even if it’s a question and you want a good honest answer — call, text, email and ask!” Soft water is the desirable option for drinking and cooking. ► Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
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Give your living room a new vibe METRO NEWSPAPER SERVICE
An “out with the old, in with the new” mentality can extend to people’s visions for their homes. A home in need of repair or renovation can serve as a catalyst to take inventory of personal style and help make interior spaces reflect one’s unique vibe. A living room can grow stale over time and often serves as a catch-call for clothing, blankets, gadgets, and other items. Upon recognizing a living room has seen better days, individuals may decide it’s time to give the space a new vibe. That transformation can start with these strategies.
• Organize first
Clutter frequently is the culprit behind a living room that may not give off the vibe individuals desire. As families grow and people add belongings, space may be at a premium. Less is more has never been a more important concept. Remove extraneous items before purchasing new furniture or transitioning to a new design. You may even want to remove everything and start from scratch before reintroducing desirable elements to the space.
textures will create an environment from sustainable choices. Plenty of plants also can create a welcoming environment that helps you surround yourself with positive energy and the items you love.
• Light it up
One of the easiest ways to transform a room’s vibe is to utilize lighting. Change draperies to allow more natural light to shine in. Consider additional windows or skylights if yours is a particularly dark home. If you desire to create a more vivid or cozy ambiance, use a combination of accent, task and supplemental lighting in the space so there are no dim corners.
• Create an industrial or urban vibe
Industrial-chic design celebrates the bones of a building. It’s what makes city lofts so appealing, with their exposed beams and brick. Even those who live in suburbia or out in the country can give a living room this look with subtle nods to the style. Unadorned windows, clean lines on furniture, oversized, gallery-style art, and metal accents can add touches of this popular look to your home.
Revamping a living room doesn’t have to be difficult. With an idea in place and some professional touches, an entirely new vibe can be achieved.
• Seek the assistance of professionals
Some people are adept at decorating and designing spaces. But just as you wouldn’t perform your own medical procedures, you should leave jobs like interior design and renovations to the professionals. Hiring a professional interior designer and contractors can really bring a living room together in ways homeowners may have never imagined. These pros can build off of your ideas and truly create a space that may be worthy of a magazine spread.
• Promote wellness
You may want to consider adding natural materials in the design to promote well-being. Eco-friendly furnishings, raw fibers and organic
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What’s hot and what’s not in 2024 It’s all about the personality and character BY KAITLYN KEEGAN Hartford Courant (TNS)
It’s been quite a year for interior design. As houses are swept off the market in minutes after listing and new homeowners tackle what they want their home to be like, 2023 was marked with white, clean designs along with minimalism, shiplap and fast furniture. The design world has shifted gears for 2024, ushering in an era of quartz, vintage furniture, wallpaper, cozy and divided interiors and bold colors and design. Sharon McCormick of Sharon McCormick Designs shared some tips on what’s hot and what’s not for the new year.
What’s hot for 2024
In the kitchen, it’s all about the quartz. Quartz and quartzite countertops have become all the rage versus granite, marble or laminate. Quartz has earned the top spot for its color selection, durability and scratch resistance. As far as design in kitchens, wood grain kitchen cabinets, particularly white oak, or cabinets in vibrant colors are taking over from the white kitchens that were in the last few years. Statement hoods also make a big difference. Beverage stations for coffee, smoothies or a wine bar are also becoming popular if you have the space. Another big change is the flip from open space layouts to more traditionally divided rooms. The allure of smaller, more intimate spaces began with the pandemic and the trend has only become more popular. Cozy, more nurturing spaces are taking over from wide open layouts.
Wood grain kitchen cabinets, particularly white oak, or cabinets in vibrant colors are taking over from the white kitchens that were in the last few years.
Quartz has earned the top spot for its color selection, durability and scratch resistance.
WHAT’S HOT: Page D8
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WHAT’S HOT From Page D7
To furnish those rooms, think vintage. Upcycling and acquiring antiques has become very trendy. This keeps furniture out of landfills and also brings character to a home. For that vintage furniture, 2024 is bringing the curves. Curved designs in furniture and lighting are taking over this year. Consider wavy, wood furniture that adds a bit of pizzazz into a room. When laying out your furniture in a room, maximalism without messiness is in. It plays into the want for cozy spaces. Accessorize as much as you want, but don’t let things get too cluttered or overtaken especially in smaller rooms. It’s also time to play with colors, fabric and wallpaper. Bold patterns, especially striped and plaid fabrics, are very popular. This year,
designers also like checkerboard patterns and tassels, fringe, braids and cords for window treatments and upholstery details. On the color wheel, neutrals have taken over from gray. Think warm tones like beige, tan, cream, brown, caramel, amber, honey and butter. Beside neutrals, blue is the top color. Vibrant tones especially teal and aqua are hot along with purple, red and earthy greens. As far as lighting spaces, layered lighting is popular. This can be done with bold, sculptural chandeliers, wall sconces, art lights, decorative ceiling lights and fixtures made of natural materials such as rattan, wicker and leather. If you have to do recessed lighting, canless LEDs are preferred. Anything that adds character to a room is trending. This can be paneling or wall moldings, or customization and personalization. A big trend coming in for 2024 is decorated ceilings. You can achieve this look with paint, moldings, wallpaper or millwork. Wallpaper on the ceiling? It’s in! Wallpaper can also be used to create murals to bring the outside in. Did you go out and get a lot of midcentury modern furniture while it was trending the last year or two? While mid-century modern is falling out of style, you can mix in other styles with existing furniture to make a more eclectic look. In the bedroom, layers are the key.
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WHAT’S HOT: Page D9
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 2024
In the bedroom, layers are the key. Take multiple layers of bedding and use pillows, throws, upholstered furniture, wallpaper, art, lamps, moody colors and decorative lampshades.
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From Page D8
Take multiple layers of bedding and use pillows, throws, upholstered furniture, wallpaper, art, lamps, moody colors and decorative lampshades. Have fun with it. Off of the bedroom, dressing rooms are becoming more popular, if you have the space. Large walk in closets you can get changed in, dressing rooms are a way to declutter your bedroom and move those things to their own separate space.
What’s on its way out from 2023
Some of the things falling out of favor have been slowly dropping in popularity over the last few years. For example, gray has been consistently dropping in the trends. Also dropping as all-white interiors and mid-century modern. Other trends that are not so popular anymore include granite countertops, open floor plans and minimalism. One of the biggest changes in trends is fast furniture or furniture that is cheaply made, easily broken, and short term. These are the pieces most likely to end up in a landfill. The push to sustainability has driven this fast furniture industry out of favor.
Inside, there’s a few design aspects you won’t see as much of. These include boxy furniture, accent walls, matching furniture sets, can lighting and oversized bathtubs.
Also with the push to more individualism in design, sleek, generic, shiplap and impersonal hotel-style bedrooms have fallen from favor. Overall, the trends are going toward
having fun with your home design. Add more of your personality into your home. Don’t be afraid of color or texture. ©2023 Hartford Courant. Visit at courant.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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3 unexpected paint projects that work in any room STATEPOINT
Are you looking to spice up your space in the new year? Get some inspiration from those who’ve already taken the plunge. The following design ideas were inspired by projects from FrogTape’s 2023 Paintover Challenge. The friendly competition required participating DIYers to complete a room makeover, including one featured paint project, using inspiration from the brand’s Design Trends. The participants completed their transformations with a limited budget, paint and painter’s tape – and you can, too.
• Paint appealing patterns
Pretty patterns, such as gingham, checkerboard and stripes, offer an element of surprise and whimsy to a room. These designs can go on floor tiles, or anywhere in need of color, like walls and tables. Achieve a modern and clean look with neutral hues or add dimension and movement by using varying paint finishes. Whichever scheme you choose, be sure to tape off the pattern with a quality painter’s tape, like FrogTape Delicate Surface, to keep lines sharp,
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even on freshly painted surfaces.
• Defy tradition with bold colors
While neutral tones like gray and beige will never go out of style, mixing colors can lead to that “wow” factor. The Bohemian Bazaar design trend dares DIYers to go bold with bright hues, like bright yellow or teal. Use dramatic colors to make a statement in any space like an office, bedroom, or even somewhere truly unexpected like the pantry.
• Make them marvel with a mural
Whether it’s in a kid’s play area, bedroom or basement, creating a mural can add a personalized touch and make a wall pop. Don’t let the idea intimidate you. While a more seasoned DIYer may illustrate an image or even include words, murals can be as simple as stripes for beginners. No matter how basic or complex you decide to go, complete the look by carrying the color scheme or pattern throughout the area with furniture, décor and other accessories. For more project ideas, visit www. frogtape.com. You might be surprised how much you can enhance your space with a great idea, a little bit of paint and a high-quality painter’s tape.
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For homeowners with a particular or specific type of style, artisan blacksmith Samuel Welch can build aluminum sculptures with which to decorate their residences, like this wasp. Contributed / Samuel Welch
Sculptural accent pieces, like this Ponderosa pine branch, are just a part of artisan blacksmith Samuel Welch’s portfolio.
Contributed / Samuel Welch
Samuel Welch is an artisan blacksmith based out of Whitefish and Kalispell, Montana.
Contributed / Samuel Welch
Montana-based blacksmith hammers out custom ironwork for homes
BY JULIE ENGLER Whitefish Pilot, Mont. (TNS)
KALISPELL, Montana — It’s the custom touches that turn a beautiful house into a spectacular home. For two years now, artisan blacksmith
Samuel Welch has been making unique, ornamental and architectural ironwork for homes and businesses in the Flathead Valley. Whether it’s furniture or home décor, including mirrors, wine cellar doors, door hardware, railings or fireplace
doors, Welch’s work takes custom details to the next level. His work is all hand-forged in his one-man shop and each piece is one of a kind. While most of his work is forged steel, he also works in bronze, aluminum and stainless steel, depending on the job.
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“This kind of work is not only still being done, but it’s all handmade right here in the valley,” Welch said. “I start with raw steel and everything is hammered right in my shop.”
BLACKSMITH: Page D12
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Artisan blacksmith Samuel Welch can construct both traditional forged railings and more modern-style work. Contributed / Samuel Welch
Artisan blacksmith Samuel Welch works with all scales and structures, from fireplace doors like the ones seen here to custombuilt furniture or larger pieces like gates and railings.
This modern stair rail is an example of some of the custom ironwork artisan blacksmith Samuel Welch can create.
Contributed / Samuel Welch
Contributed / Samuel Welch
BLACKSMITH From Page D11
“There are very few people doing the kind of work I do,” he added. “Whether it is a simple fabricated railing or if it’s a really intricate forged piece, either way, how I really try to set myself apart is the finest fit and finish possible.” That attention to detail is evident in Welch’s work. His work features clean lines and seamless joints while maintaining a sense of fluidity and even whimsy. “I’m definitely in love with traditional joinery, so things like forging tenons, attaching pieces of metal together without the use of a welder, and doing it the same way they did it hundreds of years ago,” he said. “My background in the architectural ironwork and the sculptural work is the artist coming out in me. I really enjoy the unique stuff.” One of his favorite projects to date is a commissioned piece — a giant, aluminum wasp, complete with a 5-foot wingspan. “That was actually the project that got my shop started here,” he said. “[It] allowed me to get my studio going here in the valley.” It may be expected that Welch, a trained blacksmith with over 15 years of experience, would incorporate sculptural
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This wine cabinet is constructed out of iron and cherry wood. Contributed / Samuel Welch
work with architectural works. What’s more unique is that he is also a skilled woodworker and makes pieces that showcase his talent with both metal and wood. “I’m very much trying to incorporate more of the mixed media, doing the woodwork and custom furniture with the hand-forged iron. That’s probably one of the most unique things that I do,” Welch said. “Generally, you’ll find people who do one or the other. For me to do both and have control over that full piece of furniture with both the fine woodwork and the custom ironwork is something really unique.”
BLACKSMITH: Page D13
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BLACKSMITH From Page D12
Welch works directly with customers and is often employed by builders, architects and interior designers. He creates drawings, both by hand and via computer software, for a client once he has learned their likes and preferences. Then, he likes to visit the home, especially if the work is to be installed. “I like to take design elements of the home and design to complement the architectural [features of the home],” he said. “I try to provide a very personalized experience. I like to get to know the people, get to know their style, get to know their home and really make every single piece unique.” He is a craftsman who enjoys his trade. He said the idea of swinging a hammer and creating this type of artwork is cool and he’s happy to provide people with pieces of art that nobody else has. “I like the diversity of projects. I really enjoy it all,” he said. “I’m passionate about this work.” To see videos of the process, visit Welch’s YouTube channel: Samuel J. Welch — Artisan Blacksmith. To contact Welch and see more of his work, visit: www. whitefishcustomiron.com. (c)2023 The Whitefish Pilot (Whitefish, Mont.) Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Artisan blacksmith Samuel Welch built this walnut dining set with eight matching chairs in 2022 for a customer.
Contributed / Samuel Welch
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How empty nesters can repurpose bedrooms in their homes METRO NEWSPAPER SERVICE
It can be bittersweet when adult children decide the time has come to move out of the family home. Parents perhaps get their first trial run of this scenario when their children go off to college or enlist in the military. Rooms are left empty, if only for a certain period of time. Eventually, those rooms will remain empty as adult children move out of the house for good. Converting a child’s bedroom into an area for adults may take some planning. It can be exciting to regain space, but at the same time, it can be disheartening to convert a child’s bedroom once and for all. When the time comes and homeowners are emotionally ready to tackle bedroom conversions, these tips can help the process go smoothly. • Repurpose the space for them. Give a childhood bedroom an adult spin without changing too much. If furniture is in good shape, replace the bedding, change the flooring, swap out artwork, and remove “youthful” items like toys, trophies and other collectibles. When the child comes home to visit, he or she
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will still feel comfortable in the space. • Create extra storage. The bedroom can be transformed into a walk-in closet or dressing space. According to the design experts at Houzz, many clients request this type of dressing room situation. There’s a bonus
if the layout allows the space to connect to the owner’s suite or bathroom. This is a major overhaul, so homeowners should enlist a professional contractor. • Make a fitness center. A bedroom can be turned into a home gym to make working out more convenient.
Homeowners should take inventory of equipment they may have and then figure out where existing and new equipment will go. They may need to consult a structural engineer to ensure that the flooring can bear the weight of additional equipment. • Create a work space. One of the best ways to transform adult children’s bedrooms is to convert the spaces into home offices. Those who have been setting up “desks” at dining room tables or elsewhere may be excited about the prospects of finally having a private, dedicated space to work from home. • Turn it into a craft room. The bedroom can be converted into a space to explore hobbies and various other interests. A dedicated craft space, a reading nook, a place to store photography equipment, or another function can serve as a useful way to repurpose an empty bedroom. Empty nesters have many possibilities when it comes to converting their children’s old bedrooms into adult spaces.
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Features to consider for a relaxation-themed bathroom remodel
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Homeowners want to view their homes as a respite from all that goes on outside their doors. Indeed, turning a home into a residents-only retreat can ensure everyone looks forward to walking through the front door at the end of the day. One of the more popular ways to turn a home into one’s own personal retreat is to upgrade the bathroom. A renovated bathroom can completely transform how individuals feel about their homes. The following are some features to consider when remodeling a bathroom with relaxation in mind. • Open shower: An open shower is a visually stunning addition to any bathroom. Such showers give a bathroom a more open look, thanks in part to the fact that these modern features do not feature a door or require the use of a shower curtain. The result is a clean look that many people associate with a luxury hotel. When speaking with a contractor about an open shower install, homeowners can ask about a half-wall to safeguard against water splashing out of the shower. In addition,
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a heat lamp can help ensure residents stay warm until they’re ready to leave the bathroom. • Heated features: Additional features to keep everyone calm and warm can be considered when upgrading the bathroom. Radiant flooring can ensure everyone’s toes remain toasty,
and the installation of such a feature can eliminate the need for floor mats and bath mats that some homeowners may not like. Commit further to the heat theme with a heated towel rack, which is another feature associated with luxury hotels that can be just as enjoyable at home.
• Soaking tub: An open shower creates an instant feeling of luxury, but few things are more suggestive of relaxation than a soaking tub. A long day at school or the office or a day when winter winds are howling outside is made much better with a good soak. The National Kitchen & Bath Association notes that luxury bathrooms featuring soaking tubs are wildly popular, and that vaunted status is undoubtedly due to the relaxing benefits of a good soak. • Skylight: Even if the goal of a luxury bathroom is to leave the outside world outside, allowing some natural light inside is a great way to add a little extra calm to the room. Floor-toceiling windows may seem appealing in brochures or advertisements, but such features do not create the sense of privacy many people prefer in their bathrooms. One or two skylights can create that sense of privacy and still allow for natural light to enter the room, making this an option that provides the best of both worlds. These features and more can help homeowners transform their bathrooms into luxurious, relaxing respites from the outside world.
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Ideas to repurpose a formal dining room METRO NEWSPAPER SERVICE Formal dining rooms are no longer a must-have among home buyers. Reports on the decline of the formal dining room appear to have been premature, as many real estate professionals have noted that some clients still insist that a home must have such a space. However, many agents also report low demand for formal dining rooms. Beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder regarding formal dining rooms. Buyers and homeowners who see these rooms as unnecessary can consider the many ways to transform them to better suit their needs. • Playroom: Parents of young children know that kids have a way of taking over living spaces in a home. If the living room has been overtaken by toys, homeowners can consider converting their formal dining room into a kids’ playroom. Formal dining rooms tend to be spacious places that can accommodate a large dinner table,
a bar and a buffet table. That means there’s ample space for a kids’ toy chest, bookshelf, crafts table, dollhouse, and more. • Home office: The COVID-19 pandemic changed the way many modern workers go about their typical workday. Millions of workers now work from home at least a few days a week if not full-time. When the pandemic began, that led to a space crunch, particularly in homes with more than one working adult. Workers who have been using the formal dining table as a desk for years can now fully commit to repurposing the room. One factor to keep in mind is whether or not the room will need a door. Some formal dining rooms already feature pocket doors or even French doors, but many do not offer any such privacy. A door installation could increase the price tag associated with repurposing the room, but the end result could be well worth the additional costs. • Game room: A large formal dining table might be similar in shape and size
to a pool table, but pool players will need some space around a pool table to ensure they aren’t putting holes in the surrounding walls each time they pick up a cue stick. If pool doesn’t tickle homeowners’ fancy, then a room devoted to gaming, complete with a flat screen or two on the wall and some new gaming chairs, can be a great way to repurpose the space. Modern parents often play video games alongside their children, making this a great way to create a fun and family-friendly space in the home. • Reading room: Devoted bibliophiles may aspire to turn their formal dining rooms into spaces tailor-made for curling up with a
good book. Book lovers often lament they lack the space to display all of their books, so this idea can provide the perfect solution to that problem. Replace existing furnishings with some bookcases and a comfortable reading chair and then sit back and crack open a good book. Homeowners who want to go the extra mile can convert the room into a traditional English library, complete with wood-paneled walls, a fireplace, a floor globe, and leather furniture. There’s no end to what can be done when homeowners decide it’s time to convert their formal dining rooms into spaces they’re likely to use more often.
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Steps to take before contractors begin work on your home STATEPOINT
Achieving your dream home through a remodeling project is an exciting prospect. Just ask the 55% of homeowners who reported renovating a part of their home in the past year. As eager as you are for the work to get started, taking the time to ensure the job is done smoothly, safely and securely is important. Before contractors begin, take the following steps first: • Ensure that any contractor working on and having access to your home is adequately insured and bonded should there be a mishap, injury on site, or damage to your property. It is appropriate to ask for your contractor’s license as well as proof of insurance, coverage limit details and a lien waiver. • Read the contract carefully and ensure it includes a construction schedule, detailed hard and soft cost
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estimates, and any other information that may be required by your city’s building inspection department, such as construction drawings or permitting plans. • Make a good investment by checking references and reviewing any Better Business Bureau ratings or complaints that have been filed against the company. Some states also provide public access to civil and small claims cases that have been filed against companies or individuals. This is important, considering homeowners spend significant sums to renovate their spaces according to their vision. In fact, the Joint Center for Housing Centers of Harvard University estimates that Americans will spend $485 billion on home improvement projects in 2023. • You can’t be there at all times to let in contractors. Certainly, don’t start giving out your garage door code or leaving your door open — this comes at high risk for theft. Instead, invest in a versatile lock box for which only you control the combination so you can grant access to a particular contractor on a given day, and then change the combination for the next need or worker. From the front door to the pool gate to the storage shed, find lock boxes that fit your project’s needs. The newest models from Master Lock include #5480D, which features a removable shackle for easy installation in many locations; #5481D, which is wall-mountable, and #5482D, which features a removable cable that provides flexibility to secure it in hard-to-reach and discreet locations. All feature double the storage capacity to accommodate keys, fobs, garage door openers or key cards in all shapes and sizes. We studied customers’ needs and reimagined our product solution to provide bigger, easier
to use lock boxes that work for any door, piece of property or access point,” says Becky Fellows, senior category manager at Master Lock. “And after the remodel, you can repurpose it to provide a dog walker or short-term renter access to your property.” • Make a plan for pets. This could be as simple as using gates to separate them from construction. However, if the project is kicking up dust and debris, or your pet is sensitive to loud noises, consider having them stay elsewhere, whether that’s with friends or at a pet hotel. • Protect your property and make life easier for your contractor by clearing their work area of furniture and other items. Determine whether you’ll relocate these items to rooms not being remodeled, store them in the garage or shed, or use a third-party storage space. No matter the size of your home project, if contractors are involved, you’ll want to ensure they are up to the task, and that your home is prepared for their arrival.
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5 tips to create an at-home study space for students STATEPOINT
Now that students are in the full swing of the school year, they will need a quiet personal area to study and tackle assignments. From research and writing to cramming for exams, here are five tips to help create an environment that is calm and conducive to learning. • Select a study sanctuary. Choose a location free from distractions away from the front door or a television. If you have limited space, convert a nook outside of the kitchen or a large empty closet into an office; just be sure this spot is well lit with natural light or several lamps. • Keep furniture fun and flexible. Comfortable furniture can make all the difference during an intense study session, so be sure to pick out a cozy couch and chair. Add a standing desk, so students can stretch their legs while continuing with the task at hand and consider purchasing a bean bag chair to keep the atmosphere relaxed. • Make it neat and tidy. Students can save time and reduce clutter by mounting a bulletin board to keep track of their exam schedule and other important study materials. Use heavy-duty, double-sided tape to hang it without damaging the wall, then personalize it with fun push pins, motivational quotes and a colorful border made from one of the many available Duck Tape colors and prints. Additionally, placing small bins in the desk area will help keep track of pens and sticky notes, and file holders will keep materials from each class separate and easily accessible.
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• Study in style. One way to keep the motivation going during the busy school year is to make this space feel fun and vibrant. Pick a color scheme or theme for the space, then hang wall art, band and movie posters or framed photos of family and friends to go with your chosen design direction. Add some colorful pillows to the desk chair or couch, then customize school supplies and containers to match the mood. For a burst of brightness,
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