2013 spring home improvement

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

Spring2013

Spring Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 20132

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Spring Home Improvement | Morning Star Publications 2013 3

A modern master suite Adding technology and style

Prepare a deck or patio for entertaining

Pros and cons to open floor plans

Designing a laundry room

Cost-effective and eco-friendly home improvements

Plant a self-sustaining garden

Smart lighting ideas when remodeling or building a home

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HOME IMPROVEMENT

Spring


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Family Features

When it comes to adding technology to your home, the bedroom might not be the first place you would consider. But the reality is that high tech is becoming an integral

part of every living space — including the bedroom.a survey by the international Furnishings and Design

association (iFDa) looked at what designers expect to see in american homes by the year 2020. the report predicts that:n master bedroom suites will get busier, sharing time

as a home office, media center or exercise room.n 97 percent of respondents believe that by 2020

many home furnishings will be activated by means such as voice and sensor. Primary candidates for remote control/motorized operation include lighting, entertainment gear, environ mental controls and window treatments.

“High-tech is here to stay,” said emily Henderson, HGtV “Design star” winner and designer on “secrets from a stylist” on HGtV. “technology can make your life easier in so many ways. and with so much activity centered in the master suite, it makes sense to add useful tech devices into that living space, too.”

Here are a few of Henderson’s favorite ways to modernize the master bedroom in style:

Adding technology - and style - to the bedroomA modern master suite


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| Bed control“It shouldn’t take a lot of work

to get comfortable enough to relax,” said Henderson. One option is to chose an adjustable bed base. “

With a wireless remote I can eas-ily change my position to be com-fortable no matter what I’m doing,” said Henderson

Henderson says that today’s ad-justable base beds are functional and attractive.

“You can find a style to fit your room and a model that offers the level of technology that you’re com-fortable with,” she said.

Visit your local retailer to find the fit that’s right for you. You may find that the traditional bed is all you need to enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep.

Local retailers will have your best interests in mind when suggesting the proper type of beds and mat-tresses. No need to spend more than is necessary to enjoy a restful sleep.

Remember, too, that your local retailer gives back to the community by supporting fundraisers and events that benefit your hometown.

| Motorized window

treatment control

“It’s such a luxury to be able to lie in bed and use a remote to open your curtains or shades in the morn-ing,” said Henderson. “I think it officially means you are a grown up, but in a good way.”

Henderson recommends that you get shades or curtains that have blackout lining, and ideally two settings — one for privacy and light control, which would be lighter and thinner, and one with the blackout lining for that perfect dark room that you can sleep in. Blackout curtains also muffle outside noise. “I’m a big fan of The Shade Store motorized win dow treatments, which are all custom made. They are super high quality so less likely to break down and are still very attractive.”

You can find motorized shades or shutters with a timer, which lets you program them to open and close whenever you like. Some have wall switches, while others have a remote control so you can operate them from anywhere.

| Remote control TV mount“Wall mounting your TV isn’t

anything new, but being able to lie in bed and control the exact placement (right, left, tilt up, tilt down) is a total luxury,” said Henderson.

“Many companies are starting to do this so you don’t have to have the TV across from your bed, instead you can put it on a side wall and have the long extendable arm bring the TV to you - by remote.”

Make sure that your wall mount is compatible with your television.

n Check the weight rating on the mounts and brackets to make sure they can support your TV.

n Some mounts have differ ent shapes to fit different screen sizes. Check the specification on the packaging to be sure.

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| Heat controlSleeping at the right tem perature

is crucial for a wakeless night’s sleep, but finding an attractive thermostat can be tricky. “There are thermostats which you can control with your iPhone even if you are traveling, so that when you are headed home you can make sure it’s warm enough without wasting a lot of energy,” said Henderson.

These thermostats are intended to save you energy and money by automati cally learning your patterns and behavior and adjusting itself ac-cordingly.

You can also create your own personal comfort zone within the bedroom with temperature controlled pillows and blankets. And there’s nothing quite like waking up and putting your feet down on heated flooring.

| Music controlYou want to listen to music on

good quality speakers, but you don’t want a huge speaker in your bed-room; nor do you want to have to

get up and turn the stereo off. “Also, I don’t always like the music right next to my ear, on the nightstand,” said Henderson, “so instead I recom-mend a Blue-tooth or wireless speaker that plugs into your wall. You can find speakers that are small and attrac-tive with a great sound and can be con trolled by your smartphone next to your bed.”

When choos-ing a speaker, keep a few things in mind:

n Bluetooth reach is limited to about 30 feet. Some speakers use Wi-Fi wireless network technology, which has wider coverage.

n Some models have a dock for smartphones or other devices, as well as additional audio inputs for con-

necting other devices such as your TV. Make sure the model you choose is compatible with your devices — some only work with iOS or Android systems.

n Some wireless speakers come with remotes or voice recog nition controls, but the quality varies. Read user reviews before making your decision.


Few things are better than having a functional and beautiful outdoor space to entertain guests. Hav-ing a great outdoor space enables a person to host

parties or intimate gatherings all year long. Establishing an entertaining space and maintaining that space are es-sential when planning another year of fun in the sun.

There are many things homeowners can do to ensure their entertaining space is safe and functional. As the season approaches, include some landscaping and deco-rating components to your preparatory plans to make the space as comfortable and aesthetically appealing as possible.

Here are a few key tips for readying your yard for entertaining possibilities. Expand on these basics to customize an area for your unique needs.

• Check the area for any needed repairs. Prior to your first entertaining session, look over the deck or patio to take note of any flaws that may present safety hazards. Are there any loose railings? Are all screws and nails flush so they do not cause tripping? Are there any cracks in concrete or loose patio blocks? Be sure to remedy all of the repairs needed to ensure guests will be safe. If you are unsure of any structural deficits, consult with a contractor.

• Hire a reputable contractor. If you are just laying the groundwork for a new patio or deck, it is important

to get the necessary permits and then hire a person who has been properly vetted. Check qualifications and licensing before hiring a contractor and ask to view a portfolio of his or her previous work. Word-of-mouth recommendations from trusted friends and family mem-bers are good, and you can also doublecheck qualifica-tions by contacting the Better Business Bureau to see if any complaints have been lodged or use a service such as Angie’s List to read reviews of his or her work.

• Think about closing in a portion of a deck or patio. The use of a canopy, netting or even greenery to protect an entertaining space can help minimize weather-related damage to outdoor furniture. Netting will keep a good number of biting insects at bay when the weather is warm and humid. Having a bit of concealment also means you can create a private space that isn’t easily viewed by neighbors or passersby.

• Plan welldefined areas. Just as rooms serve dif-ferent purposes inside of the home, outdoor areas can be separated according to usage. Establish a sitting nook where guests can gather and talk. Have a bar or serving area where refreshments are made and served. Make sure there is a shaded area for when the sun is too uncomfortable to make sitting outside enjoyable. Similarly, have a sunny area where people can soak up a few rays or dry off after a dip in the spa or pool. Don’t

Prepare a deck or patio for entertaining


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forget to establish a spot for the kids to converge with scaled-down amenities.

• Consider a fireplace or fire pit. For centuries man (and woman) has gathered around fire for socialization and a means to warming up. Having a backyard fireplace, pit or chiminea is a conversation-starter, a decorative focal point, and a functional tool to extend the num-ber of seasons in which outdoor entertaining can take place. Place the fire wisely and with concern for safety. It should be out of the way of foot traffic, but central enough so that it can be a gathering point.

• Invest in quality outdoor furniture. Today’s yards are extensions of a home’s interior. Guests no longer want to sit on uncomfortable metal or plastic furniture. There are many different outdoor sofas and chairs that are as stylish as they are comfortable. These pieces can be matched to the decor inside your home for a cohesive look.

• Accessorize. Consider the creature comforts of indoors and mimic that outdoors. Don’t shy away from hanging artwork on an exterior wall or using urns or pottery to decorate the space. Weather-resistant materials ensure everything from clocks to televisions can be used outdoors. Think about having an entire set of serving dishes and other entertaining items for the outdoors.

When refurbishing outdoor entertaining areas, empha-size comfort, safety and functionality.


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Open floor plans have evolved to be the floor plan of choice in new homes and current

home renovations. Turn on a home renovation show, and you're likely to see eager homeowners knocking down walls to open the kitchen to the family room. Walls have become anathema to homeowners.

There are many supporters of the open floor plan, particularly those who entertain frequently or like to keep an eye on children throughout the house. Although open floor plans are touted, there are plenty of people who have never been enamored with having all of their rooms flowing into one. There also are some people who prefer a different style.

For those who are not fans of the

open floor plan, blame the excess of the 1980s for their inception. In homes built in the 1960s and 1970s, rooms were compartmentalized and isolated for specific activities. During the 1980s, an era of “bigger is better,” when entertaining was widely popular among homeown-ers, designers noticed that many homeowners preferred an open floor plan in which rooms merged into one another, creating the illusion of more space.

These floor plans also enable people to be in separate rooms and still interact with one another across the space.

A home's floor plan largely depends on the preference of the homeowner. There are many advan-

tages to having an open floor plan versus one that is more compart-mentalized. Here is a look at some of the pros and cons.

Pro: Open floor plans can be safer for parents of young children. If the home opens up with the liv-ing spaces branching off from the kitchen, parents can keep an eye on children while the parents prepare dinner. It also eliminates the number of places that kids can hide and get into mischief.

Con: Privacy is reduced in a home with few walls. Much in the way that an open floor plan enables children to be seen from every angle, it also enables you to be seen - and all of your belongings as well. There's also no place to retreat

Pros and cons of open floor plans


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to if you need a minute to collect yourself when entertaining. You're on display unless you retreat to the bathroom.

Pro: Entertaining can be easier in a home with an open floor plan because hosts and hostesses are not separated from their guests or holed up in the kitchen the entire time. An open space enables everyone to mingle and conversa-tions to flow.

Con: Those who like to host events without showing guests all of their dirty dishes or secrets of the kitchen may dislike an open floor plan.

Pro: Light can flow effective-ly through an open space, mini-mizing dark rooms and reducing the need to install more windows. Light in and of itself can help a home feel more spacious.

Con: While light can flow eas-ily, so can sound. Noises through the house may be amplified. A student doing homework in the dining room may be disturbed by the television blaring in the family room.

Talking on the phone or even

finding a quiet nook to read a book may be challenging.

Pro: Open floor plans allow for more family time together in one space than a home with a more compartmentalized layout.

Con: People who are collectors or who have a lot of furniture or ac-cent items may find that open floor plans do not work well with this type of design mantra.

Pro: Because several rooms run into one another, color choices for walls and furnishings in a home with an open floor plan can be lim-ited and cohesive, making choices easier.

Con: On the flip side, those who want to incorporate different color schemes and eclectic styles may have difficulty deciding on where to “end” rooms or how to co-mingle furniture.


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When purchasing a home, buyers often look at the kitchen space and how

many bedrooms there are, while largely ignoring other rooms, including the laundry room. Of-tentimes, the washer and dryer are relegated to a dark corner of the basement or garage, and homeown-ers simply accept their laundry lot.

More and more manufacturers now produce washers and dryers that are both functional and aes-thetically appealing. As a result, homeowners and renters need not feel they have to hide laundry rooms like they did in the past. Having the laundry nearby the family action - and paying attention to laundry room design - can make the work of keeping clothes tidy that much easier.

Many designers would agree

that you need not sacrifice style for function in a laundry room. As with any other area of the house, impart design elements into the room and make it a room in which you want to spend time.

• First and foremost, select ap-pliances that offer the features you need and want. Also, find appliances that fit the space you have. Frontloading appliances have become the latest must-have, but some units may be too big or expensive for your space. Those with a limited area for laundry can invest in a stackable set, in which the washer and dryer are combined into one vertical unit. For those who want to add a pop of color, select among the variety of colored washers and dryers that are turning up in store showrooms. You're no longer lim-ited to white, black and beige.

• Consider cabinetry in your

laundry space. Cabinets and drawers are not just for the kitchen. They can hide cleaning products, detergent, dryer sheets and so much more. Fill drawers with stain-removal sticks and items to mend clothes that may be missing a button or have a small hole that needs tending.

• A laundry area also can be much more than just a place to wash and fold clothes. Many people like to turn this spot into a multipurpose zone. By including some shelving and a refrigerator in the laundry room, you can create a food-storage pantry. A large countertop normally used to fold clothes can also double as a gift-wrapping station. Think about merging a laundry room with a craft room where sewing or scrap-booking can take place.

• Remember to leave room for the soiled clothing. Raising hamper bins off of the floor to be suspended

Designing a laundry room


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from a rod above the washer frees up valuable floor space.

Otherwise, keep the hamper behind a curtain or tucked into a cabinet to ensure the laundry room always looks neat, even when you haven't yet gotten to the newest pile of dirty clothes.

• Don't be afraid of adding color and artwork to the laundry space. In fact, embrace it. Here's an out-of-the-way area of the home where you can explore your creativity and have a little fun. Try an eye-opening color, such as apple green or bright yellow to add a sunny disposition to the room.

• You don't have to spend a for-tune on a laundry room re-do. Shop in salvage stores or antique shops for custom pieces to add character to the space. You can probably find cabinetry or shelving for a fraction of the cost of new items, and these older items may add more character to the space.

• Save space by installing a counter just above the dryer so you will have a place to fold and stack clothing.

• The bulk of dirty clothes will be generated in the bedrooms and bathroom of the house.

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room into an upstairs closet or nook to make doing laundry more practi-cal. Although a laundry room is often an afterthought, taking time to organize and plan the space can make it both functional and inviting.


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Homeowners take on projects to improve their homes for a variety of reasons. Some may do

so to make a home more functional, while others may do so to improve their home's resale value.

Some homeowners take on a home improvement project to make their homes more eco-friendly. Such projects are often mistakenly as-sumed to be costly undertakings, but there are several cost-effective ways to make a home more eco-friendly.

• Upgrade your appliances. A home improvement project does not have to require the use of a hammer and nails or the hiring of a contractor. A simple home improve-ment project like upgrading older appliances, including the washer and dryer, to newer, more efficient

models can give a home a fresh look while reducing energy consumption. That reduction in energy consump-tion is a byproduct of the stricter standards placed on manufactur-ers who must adhere to guidelines to produce products that are more energyefficient. For example, the Natural Resources Defense Council notes that today's energyefficient refrigerators will use less than half the energy of models made as recently as 15 years ago.

• Add more insulation. Adding more insulation or replacing older insulation used to be an especially laborious process. However, in many instances insulation can now be added or upgraded to a home without any major reconstruction or demolition, reducing the cost of the project considerably. Adding more

insulation to a home can reduce energy consumption in the winter, when the home will feel warmer and allow you to keep the thermostat at a more reasonable number.

• Install high-efficiency water fixtures. Few people think about how much water they consume over the course of a typical day, but the figures might be eyeopening to those who hope to adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle. According to the United States Geological Survey's Water Science School, it's generally accepted that the average person uses between 80 and 100 gallons of water each day. Showers seem to be especially wasteful, as older shower heads might be using as much as 5 gallons per minute, or 50 gallons of water during a 10-min-ute shower.

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Older fixtures that consume such massive amounts of water can be easily and affordably replaced with newer, more efficient fixtures. Today's highefficiency lowflow showerheads can provide a strong shower stream while reducing water consumption. Such showerheads are also less taxing on your water heater, reducing your energy consumption as a result. Home-owners can also install highefficiency toilets that use as little as 1.3 gallons of water per flush (compared to older models that consumed as many as 5 gallons per flush). The Environmen-tal Protection Agency estimates that installing waterefficient fixtures and appliances would save more than 3 trillion gallons of water and more than $18 billion annually.

• Install a programmable ther-mostat. Programmable thermostats present another affordable way to improve a home and benefit the envi-ronment. Some of today's program-mable thermostats can record personal preferences and usage and determine the best course of action for heating and cooling your home. Temperatures can be adjusted room-by-room, and the programmable thermostat allows homeowners to control their heating and cooling while they're out of the house, ensuring they're not paying to heat or cool an empty house and wast-ing energy in doing so.

Home improvement projects don't have to be a grand undertaking, par-ticularly when a homeowner's goal is to make a home more eco-friendly. A few minor and affordable changes may be all it takes to improve a home and benefit the environment at the same time.

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Gardening is a rewarding hobby with thousands of devotees. Backyard gardens

provide beauty and aesthetic appeal to a landscape, and they can be a source of homegrown food and a natural habitat for outdoor wildlife. A self-sustaining garden can be an efficient addition to any home, but gardens require upkeep and a certain measure of dedication. A selfsuffi-cient garden is a garden that sustains itself through proper planning and execution. Such gardens can almost take care of themselves so long as the soil is healthy soil, the seeds are reused and organic material is produced.

When planting your own self-sustaining garden, consider the following tips.

• Start with soil. Healthy soil is essential to a thriving garden. The soil must have the right pH, correct texture and composition, and be full of nutrients. Very often the native

soil in yards is not adequate to keep a garden thriving. In such instances, the soil needs to be improved. Adding compost -- which can be produced in the yard as well -- to the soil will enrich the soil with ni-trogen, phosphorous and potassium.

• Maintain proper soil consisten-cy. Soil that is the right consistency, meaning the optimum balance of sand, clay and actual soil, is another necessity for a self-sustaining gar-den. The ideal ratio should be 40 percent sand, 40 percent silt and 20 percent clay. Having the right bal-ance of soil can secure root forma-tion and promote proper drainage.

• Test the pH. Certain plants need a specific pH in order to grow. A neutral pH range is typically ideal for growing vegetables. A pH tester can be purchased from a gardening center. Amend the soil accordingly to get the soil back to its correct level.

• Know the growing season.

Vegetables should be planted dur-ing the season in which they will thrive. Peas, beets and cabbage, for example, are cold-temperature veg-etables, while cucumbers, squash and melons thrive in warm climates. Plant accordingly so that the veg-etables will have the best chances for success.

• Purchase quality seeds. Use fresh seeds, particularly ones that have been harvested from your own garden the year before, to have the best chances for germination. Or buy seeds from a reputable source, like a garden center or an online retailer who specializes in vegetable seeds.

• Start seedlings indoors. You may want to work with seedlings indoors so that you can monitor growth and care for them more easily. Then transplant the seedlings outside when they are stable enough for the elements.

Plant a self-sustaining garden


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If you’re building or remodeling your home, as more Americans are doing these days, consider a fresh ap-proach to your lighting both inside and out. To maxi-

mize the appearance and functionality of your rooms and outdoor spaces, there are several things you should know before getting started:

• Style: Consider your taste and how your lighting will interact with your décor and architecture. Is your style contemporary, traditional or transitional? If you have heavily ornamented furniture, wallpaper or window dressings, consider lighting that’s cleaner and simpler for a balanced contrast.

• Finish: Today’s most popular fixtures feature lighter colors like polished nickel or chrome, and textured or distressed finishes such as aged bronze.

• Layers: Multiple light sources can minimize glare and shadows, while adding depth and dimension, so layer spaces with ambient (overhead), task and accent lighting. Ceiling fans are a favorite source of ambient lighting for a great room or family room.

• Functionality: Think about how you plan to use each space you’re lighting. For example, if your dining room serves more as a homework and hobby station than a formal place to gather, you`ll want to install a maxi-mum amount of light. If you entertain there, be sure to install a dimmer.

Take advantage of the experience and expertise of a designer, contractor or lighting professional to help you determine how your lighting can accommodate your daily life.

• Dimensions: Pick appropriately sized lighting fixtures for the size of your rooms. A good rule of thumb for chandeliers is to add the two dimensions of your room to arrive at a minimum diameter. So a 12x12 room should have a fixture with a minimum diameter of 24 inches and be no larger than the width of the dining room table.

• Energy-efficiency: Consider new lighting technolo-gies such as LED lighting, which can save you money on electric bills.

• Wiring: Know where the outlets and electrical boxes are. This is especially important for new construc-tion or large remodeling jobs.

• Sunlight: Natural light plays a large role in the type of lighting you need. Look at where the windows are and how much light they let in. Pay attention to plants or trees that may partially block the sun’s rays.

It’s important to consider both daytime and nighttime lighting when choosing lighting.

• Accents: Light the cove, add sconces and fill the tray ceiling with light. Accent lighting is the jewelry of the home and can make a huge difference to your home’s appeal. For more lighting ideas, visit www.Kichler.com.

If you haven’t given lighting careful consideration in the past, now is the perfect opportunity - whether you’re remodeling or building your home.

Smart lighting ideas when remodeling or building a home


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There are thousands of species of ants all over the world. Ants live in many different climates but are notably active and most abundant in warm temperatures. Chances are, at some point during the spring and sum-mer, you will come in contact with ants in your area. Although many ants are black and red, there are a few species of ants that are light brown and even yellowish in color. Pharaoh ants and thief ants are light-colored ants that are often mistaken for each other.

Thief ants build colonies in large numbers close to other ant colonies and then use tunneling to “steal” food. Pharaoh ants are also very small and tend to make well-hidden nests, which allow them to infest a property or home quite quickly.

Because both of these types of ants can become pests, you may need to hire a professional exterminator if the ants become a nuisance.

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