At Home : Boulder/Longmont Region - 01.08.16

Page 1

REAL ESTATE Real Estate News, Open Home Listings, Homes for Sale, Rentals and More!

atHome C l d Home Colorado H & Real R l Estate E | AtHomeColorado.com AH C l d

SHADOW GRASS PARK Longmont community to feature beautiful, well-priced ranch homes by Von’s Colorado Concepts

Quick Guide and Featured Open Homes

How to Keep That Holiday Sparkle in Your Home

How to Enjoy Your Outdoor Environment in Winter

Looking for a home? View comprehensive listings of local open houses taking place this weekend from all across the area.

Now that the parties are over, how can we maintain that bright decor and warm feeling without using Santa and snowmen?

Outdoor environments can be useful and functional, not only in warm months but in cold months as well.

January 8-9, 2016

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

AT HOME

1


REAL ESTATE

HOME TIPS

RE/MAX of Boulder welcomes Realtor® Maureen McCarthy BOULDER - RE/MAX of Boulder warmly welcomes Realtor® Maureen McCarthy. McCarthy moved to Boulder in 2003 and currently lives in north Boulder with her family. She became a licensed real estate professional in 2007 and recently joined RE/MAX of Boulder. McCarthy deeply values understanding her clients’ needs. As a result, she advocates strongly for her buyers and sellers. Her expertise is in residential real estate and she has been involved in varying transactions with broad price ranges in Boulder County as well as areas spanning from Denver to Loveland. She is currently earning her Graduate, Realtor® Institute (GRI) designation, which demonstrates her strong technical knowledge and understanding of real estate fundamentals. She is constantly building upon her knowledge and experience as a Realtor® through continuing education as well as consulting and sharing

How to protect your family from radon risks By C. Dwight Barnett, Tribune News Service (TNS)

information with her peers. Originally from Ireland, McCarthy’s background was in banking where she spent many years in the Irish financial services industry handling dayto-day logistical banking, personal lending, and commercial lending. From her experience, she understands the value of good service and also likes to add a little Irish warmth and hospitality to all of her dealings. McCarthy is proud and very excited to join RE/MAX of Boulder and looks forward to helping her clients realize their real estate dreams.

atHome

The Environmental Protection Agency has designated January as National Radon Action Month. What is radon? Radon is a radioactive gas, a byproduct from the decay of uranium in the soil that occurs naturally all over the world. Radon is in the air you breathe every day and can build up to dangerous levels when the gas is trapped inside our homes and other structures. You can’t see, smell or taste radon, but it could be present at a dangerous level in your home. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths among nonsmokers in America and claims the lives of about 21,000 Americans each year. In fact, the EPA and the U.S. Surgeon General urge all Americans to protect their health by testing their homes, schools and other buildings for radon. Exposure to radon is a preventable health risk, and testing radon levels in your home can

help prevent unnecessary exposure. If a high radon level is detected in your home, you can take steps to fix the problem to protect yourself and your family. According to the EPA, here are four things you can do during National Radon Action Month:

others to learn about radon and test their homes. Tell your family and friends about the health risk of radon. Encourage them to test their homes. View or order EPA’s free radon publications epa.gov/ radon/publications-aboutradon.

Test your home The EPA and U.S. Surgeon General recommend that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon. Testing is easy and inexpensive. Learn more about testing your home, including how to obtain an easy-to-use test kit at epa.gov/radon/find-radontest-kit-or-measurementand-mitigationprofessional.

Buy a radonresistant home If you are considering buying a new home, look for builders who use radon-resistant new construction. Read more about radon-resistant new construction, “Building Radon Out: A Step-byStep Guide on How to Build Radon-Resistant Homes.” C. Dwight Barnett is a certified master inspector with the American Society of Home Inspectors. Write to him with home improvement questions at C. Dwight Barnett, Evansville Courier & Press, P.O. Box 268, Evansville, Ind. 47702 or e-mail him at d.Barnett@ insightbb.com.

Attend a National Radon Action Month event in your area Look for radon events in your community. Spread the word Spend time during National Radon Action Month encouraging

Contributing Writers: C. Dwight Barnett, Suzanne Plewes, Michaela Phillips, Rick Jacquemard, Carol O’Meara, Alan J. Heavens, Judy Finman, Angie Hicks, Sandi Genovese, Mary Carol Garrity, Staci Giordullo, Cathy Hobbs, Julia Millay Walsh

Colorado Home and Real Estate

Additional Content: Tribune News Service, Brandpoint

ATHOMECOLORADO.COM Visit AtHomeColorado.com for the latest real estate news, home tips, new home listings, area open houses, rentals, featured agents and more.

Advertising Features Coordinator: Greg Stone

FACEBOOK.COM/ATHOMECOLORADO

SEND US YOUR STORY IDEAS: At Home welcomes news on hirings, advancements, awards, classes and other information of interest to the local real estate and home community. Submit information to athome@dailycamera.com or athome@timescall.com.

‘Like’ our page on Facebook and stay up to date on the latest real estate news and home improvement ideas.

ADVERTISING INFORMATION: For advertising information, contact Thais Hafer at 303.473.1456. To submit an open home listing, visit athomecolorado.com/submitopenhouse.com.

At Home is an advertising feature published by the Daily Camera and Longmont Times-Call. ©2016 Prairie Mountain Media. 2

AT HOME

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

January 8-9, 2016


REAL ESTATE

Is your home ready for winter? gear. It’s always best to have these items on hand well ahead of when you need them. Make sure you have winter gloves, a warm hat, and other necessities. Snow pants are also great for shoveling snow or simply enjoying the cold but beautiful winter wonderland.

LOVELAND - Winter has definitely arrived, but are you ready for it? In addition to the winter home checkup that we shared with you several weeks ago, it’s also important to keep your home stocked for winter. Here are a few ideas.

SUZANNE PLEWES

Winter supplies Don’t wait for an impending storm to get some necessary winter weather supplies. Shop now for sand or salt to treat your walkways. Make sure that you also have a decent working shovel for your property and snow brushes for your car.

storm. Don’t wait for the last minute to get your food supplies. Stock up on water and dry goods for your home. Canned foods, crackers, and other similar foods are great to have on hand and do not need electricity to prepare.

Food supplies We’ve all seen how crazy the super market can get immediately before a snow

Winter clothing Another thing in high demand right before a snow storm is winter snow

RE/MAX Alliance

The

Team

Sealing up your home If your home tends to be drafty during cold weather conditions, visit your local hardware store for window and/or door coverings. Several options are available. You can cover windows in plastic or use insulating curtains. Options are also available for sliding doors. Stay safe and warm this winter

As you can tell, the trend here is basically not to wait until the last minute. The above items are all things that you need during winter, so why not have them on-hand now and reduce the stress that normally accompanies an upcoming storm. Buying supplies now also ensures

that items will be in stock Suzanne Plewes is a Broker Associate at RE/MAX Alliance in Loveland. If you have questions regarding real estate, please write to 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland, CO 80537, call 970.290.0373 or e-mail suzanneplewes@remax.net.

9432 Memory Lane - $375,000

9766 Meadow Ridge Lane - $525,000

*Enjoy the Beauty & Tranquility of Meadow Green Farm! *Bring Your Own Builder To This Beautiful 4.61 acre Estate Lot! *Gated Lake Community. Horse Boarding Facilities nearby

*Enjoy the Beauty & Tranquility of Meadow Green Farm! *Bring Your Own Builder To This Beautiful 5.15 acre Lot *Gated Lake Community. Horse Boarding facilities nearby

MLS# 676784

MLS# 676673

ntereste ur me r

9715 Meadow Ridge Lane - $625,000 *Beautiful Country Living, Still Close To Conveniences! *Bring Your Own Builder To This Pristine 10.9 acre Estate Lot *Gated Lake Community. Horse Boarding Facilities nearby

n

n ther t ay f r a mpl mentary arket nalys s

MLS# 689068 Experience Isn’t Expensive...It’s Priceless

Diane Stow, ABR, CRS, GRI, SRES, CNE

BROKER ASSOCIATE

Diane’s Direct Line:

303-827-7046 January 8-9, 2016

TO SEE ALL OF DIANE’S LISTINGS With Detailed Information, Multiple Photos & Virtual Tours,

VISIT:

www.dianestow.com Email: diane@dianestow.com

RE/MAX Traditions, Inc. 2204 18th Avenue (303) 772-3800 x146 Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

AT HOME

3


REAL ESTATE

Borrowing from your 401(k) to purchase a home BOULDER - Because down payment requirements are calculated as a percentage of the total price of a home, potential buyers are finding that the demand on their savings is greater than ever before, thanks to the rise in home prices across the country. Fortunately, there are creative solutions to any problem. If you have no (or not enough) down payment savings, borrowing from your 401(k) to purchase a home is something that you may want to consider. According to the most current data available from the Employee Benefits Research Institute, 56% of 401(k) plans offer a loan provision to participants. However, there is no requirement for them to do so. If this is something you might be interested in doing, speak with your plan administrator to learn the details about your specific plan. Typically, if 401(k) loans are permitted by your employer, you can borrow up to 50% of your entire balance, not to exceed $50,000. You’re given five years to repay the entire balance, which is almost

MICHAELA PHILLIPS Guaranteed Rate, Inc.

always done by automatic payroll deduction. This, of course, comes with one caveat: if you fail to make a payment for 90 consecutive days, the loan will be counted as a distribution. If that happens, the sum will be counted as taxable income, and you’ll also have to pay a 10% penalty on top of those taxes. Because payroll deductions obviously cease when you leave your employer, this means that you should be prepared to stay with your current job until the loan has been paid off. While taking an outright distribution from your 401(k) plan is generally discouraged, there is a lot to be said for taking a loan

ASK THE EXPERT BOULDER - A home inspector provides an independent review of the property, not influenced by any of the other professions in the transaction. This means that the inspector doesn’t have a stake in the outcome of the inspection. Inspectors get paid whether or not the sale goes through. In contrast, lenders and real estate agents make a profit when the sale closes. The primary focus of a home inspection is the 4

AT HOME

Image courtesy of Tax Credits via Flickr Creative Commons.

against these savings. First, there’s no bank approval process, which means you can have the money in hand very quickly. There’s no credit check involved, and the interest rate is usually a fraction of what you would pay to other lenders for a similar loan. Keep in mind that the term, “interest rate” is used quite loosely here. The interest that you are paying is actually money that is going directly back into your retirement account. No solution is a perfect

fit for everyone, but borrowing from your 401(k) to purchase a home is a great option to have. In many cases, it can save you significant sums of money over time. For instance, if your loan-to-value ratio is just past the threshold that requires you to pay expensive private mortgage insurance, borrowing from your 401(k) to make up the difference and avoid that extra monthly cost would be a wise choice. Most people would prefer to pay that amount back

to themselves each month, rather than to a mortgage insurance provider. Financial decisions are very personal. You should always weigh out your own unique circumstances before making the decision to borrow from your 401(k), but don’t be afraid to explore this very valid option if you’re in need of a timely way to pull together a down payment for your next home purchase. If you’re interested in learning more about borrowing from your 401(k) to purchase a home, contact me at michaela@michaelaphillips.com. Michaela Phillips is the Vice President of Mortgage Lending at Guaranteed Rate, Inc. in Boulder, the 8th largest retail mortgage company in the country. Since entering the mortgage industry in 1994, she’s consistently been a top producer. Being a VP at Guaranteed Rate offers many advantages to her and her clients including unparalleled customer service, efficiency, and most importantly competitive rates. NMLS: 312874.

Home inspection tips

structural, mechanical, and electrical condition of the property. Inspections are designed to find major flaws or deficiencies in the home. Inspections will not, of course, find all flaws or problems, but they’re a great place to start and required by most lenders. Home inspectors are usually not equipped to do specialized work, such as checking for termites, assessing the condition of swimming pools, septic systems and the health of trees and shrubs. Typically

RICK JACQUEMARD

Flatirons Home Inspections home inspectors will recommend you hire a specialist to assess the condition of such items.

The most common way to find an inspector is through a real estate agent’s referral. If you would rather find the inspector yourself, you can ask friends and relatives whom they have hired, or do a web search under “Building inspectors” or “Home inspectors”. Most importantly, do not be afraid to ask questions. Inspectors may assume a lack of questions means you understand everything in a report.

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

For more information about home inspections contact Rick Jacquemard at Flatirons Home Inspections.

www.flatironshi.com 720.280.3544, rick@flatironshi.com January 8-9, 2016


January 8-9, 2016

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

AT HOME

5


LONGMONT ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS

INDEPENDENT BROKERS

Jenni Lovins

Sigg

303-579-7499

Office: 303-776-2028 Cell: 303-579-3674

Jenni@Massey-RealEstate.com

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 11AM-3PM

9883 Bluegrass St. Firestone • $435,000

4830 Saddlewood Cr Johnstown

Ranch with Mountain Views in Stoneridge 3485 finished square feet. 4 bedrooms+study and 3 full baths. Extended, covered back patio on large, nicely landscaped lot. Vaulted ceilings, hickory flooring, knotty alder cabinets and trim. Recently finished basement with massive great room, two large bedrooms, wet bar and billiards room.

This 4 BR/4BA, 3 level home is picture perfect and full of upgrades, style and space! Open floor plan, large gourmet kitchen and granite counters throughout. Huge master suite with 5 piece bath, spacious secondary bedrooms, and wonderful back yard with covered patio and fire pit. YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED!

$460,000

Leaders in Change...Delivering Results! 6

AT HOME

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

January 8-9, 2016


LAWN AND GARDEN

Buzzing about a new year BOULDER COUNTY - If your New Year’s resolution is to join hands with others to make the world a better place, start in your own backyard. Big change can come from small scale refurbishing and the lives you save will repay your kindness with fruit, food, erosion control and an increase in oxygen from the bevy of plant offspring produced by pollination. Just don’t be surprised that the helping hand you reach out is accepted by a claw in gratitude; and please don’t squeeze. The tiny denizens of a healthy garden include bees, beetles, butterflies, birds, moths, flies and bats who move pollen in important ways. Good habitat is a premium for them, but you can help by creating pollinator friendly gardens. Audubon Rockies wants to help you in your resolution, offering the Habitat Heroes – Gardening for Beauty and Birds workshop, Saturday, March

5, 9 a.m. to noon at the Boulder County Parks and Open Space building in Longmont. As part of the Habitat Heroes program, the workshop features two speakers who give advice for creating meaningful gardens with pollinators in mind. The Habitat Heroes program encourages gardeners to practice wildscaping, a form of landscape stewardship that utilizes native plants, minimizes water consumption, and provides habitat for birds, bees, and wildlife, large and small. According to the Audubon Rockies press release, it doesn’t matter if your landscape is a residential yard, a few pots on a balcony, a public park, schoolyard garden, orchard or farm – the concepts can be used in many forms. As more wildscaped gardens emerge, they’ll create a mosaic of habitats that link to larger natural areas, providing a mix of food and shelter for

CAROL O’MEARA CSU Extension wildlife and insects across urban areas. This half-day workshop is for both novice and veteran gardeners who are interested in wildscaping tips and techniques, attracting wildlife in an urban environment, eliminating chemicals in the landscape and minimizing water consumption. The workshop features two prominent gardening and horticultural experts: Marcia Tatroe, writer and columnist for Sunset Magazine and the Denver Post, and author of Cutting Edge Gardening in the Intermountain West

and Perennials for Dummies. Marcia will discuss how wildlife habitat can coexist within a covenant controlled community, and how to ensure your garden pleases both wildlife and fastidious neighbors. Deryn Davidson, a Colorado State University Horticulture Extension Agent for Boulder County. Deryn will explore how gardens can be designed to enhance the aesthetics of a site, attract pollinators and provide habitat for an array of wildlife. Colorado State University Extension, together with Boulder County Parks and Open Space, provides unbiased, research-based information about consumer and family issues, horticulture, natural resources, agriculture and 4-H youth development. For more information contact Extension at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Rd., Box B, Longmont, 303.678.6238.

If You Go: What: Habitat Heroes: Gardening for Beauty and Birds. Sponsored by Audubon Rockies, Boulder County Audubon Society, Terra Foundation and in partnership with CSU Extension, Boulder County. Where: Prairie Room, Boulder Country Parks and Open Space, 5201 St. Vrain Rd., Longmont When: Saturday, March 5. The workshop begins at 9:00 a.m. Registration: $15 per person. Visit brownpapertickets.com with the keyword “Habitat Hero”; or visit brownpapertickets.com/ event/2467945. Door Prize: Win a Garden in a Box, an exclusive pre-planned garden from High Country Gardens. Learn more about Audubon Rockies and the Habitat Hero program at rockies.audubon.org.

YOUR PLACE

Professor weighs in on insulation and ventilation By Alan J. Heavens, The Philadelphia Inquirer (TNS) I answered an insulation question in this column not too long ago, and Joe Ponessa sent me an email in late November about it. “I don’t think you gave enough attention to the issue of combustion (makeup) air,” said Ponessa, professor emeritus of housing, indoor environment and health at Rutgers Cooperative Extension. Ponessa agreed that the limited work I described did not sound as if it would cause a problem for “atmospheric” combustion apJanuary 8-9, 2016

pliances, which derive their air from the surrounding environment. There is, however, “a tipping point where draft-stopping will prevent adequate combustion air when all combustion appliances are operating simultaneously,” Ponessa said. For this reason, “my colleagues who specialize in energy state that all weatherization projects should include a backdraft test to assure that combustion gas spillage does not occur.”

He noted that he didn’t know where the line might be drawn between modest draft-stopping and that serious enough to warrant back-draft testing. An expert should be able to offer some insight into this, he said, and “I think it would be a beneficial follow-up for your readers. “By the way, I think that in most homes, air-pressure irregularities in the basement – driven by heating, ventilation, and air- conditioning equipment – will communicate to the upper

floors, and certainly if there are ductwork registers – or duct leakage – in the basement,” Ponessa said. For an idea of the dynamics involved in airflows and exchanges, he offered the following example: An oil burner, at a firing rate of one gallon per hour, draws about 1,600 cubic feet of air per hour; typical range hoods, about 200 to 400 cubic feet per minute. If a house is “too tight,” those units will compete for replacement air. The resulting nega-

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

tive pressure will cause combustion spillage in the weaker appliance, he said. Speaking of heating, don’t forget to have your furnace checked out by a professional before winter gets any older. At least change the filter, following manufacturer’s recommendations. Contact Alan J. Heavens at aheavens@phillynews. com or write him at The Philadelphia Inquirer, Box 8263, Philadelphia PA 19101. Volume prohibits individual replies.) AT HOME

7


HOME IMPROVEMENT

Make your bathroom a retreat for holistic living Spoil yourself in luxury with your own at-home spa (BPT) - In holistic living, all things are interconnected, which means home design has a big influence on health and wellness. One room where every household member can benefit from the art of holistic living is the bathroom. With some strategic upgrades to the decor, fixtures and appliances, it’s easy to transform a bland space into a grand oasis of relaxation within the home. The power of color Studies show certain colors can enhance energy and mood, while others are known for their calming

qualities. For example, people go to a spa for rest and relaxation, and you’ll notice many are colored in blues, browns, greens or deep reds. You won’t traditionally find bright colors, which would be too energetic for a place of respite. So for your bathroom remodel, select colors that soothe to begin your healthy home transformation. Comfort you can feel In the bathroom, quality towels, bath rugs and flooring are must-have components of a wellrounded holistic space. You’ll know you are giving yourself and your family the best when you upgrade these items to high-quality organic or natural fabrics and materials. Some in-demand upgrades to

PATRICK DOLAN’S OFFICE 303-441-5642 www.patrick-dolan.com

CALL US TODAY!

make your bathroom an upscale indulgence include heated flooring and towel warmers so you never need to experience a chill after a deep soak. Relaxation you want to experience - Take “me time” to a whole new level when you install the DTV+ advanced showering system developed by Kohler. It has pre-programmed spa experiences that target well-being, relaxation and energy developed by

CO SO MIN ON G

1027 10TH STREET

5 Bedroom, 2 Bath, 3345 Sq. Ft. • $1,200,000 • Attractive University Hill Home Filled w/ Unique Character & Charm • Inviting Wrap-Around Front Porch and Large Fully Fenced Backyard • Kitchen w/ Birch Cabinetry, Gas Range & Stainless Steel Appliances • Convenient to Chautauqua,The Hill, CU Campus,Trails and Pearl ST. • Subject to Existing Leases, Call Listing Agent for More Information!

Professional Knowledgable 8

AT HOME

7300 ISLAND GREEN DRIVE

6 Bedroom, 5 Bath, 4789 Sq. Ft. • $888,000 • Inviting 2-Story w/ Relaxing Covered Front Porch & Mature Trees • Premium Location Directly Across from Neighborhood Pool & Park • Gourmet Kitchen Opens to Sun-Filled 2-Story Family Room w/ FP • Large Low Maintenance Back Deck & Fenced Yard w/ Sports Court • Wood Floors, Finished G/L Basement & Many New Green Features

CO SO MIN ON G

3008 S. LAKERIDGE TRAIL

Experienced

Kohler’s Waters Spa, so you know you’re getting a true spa experience right at home. The DTV+ has a touch screen interface allowing you to control and customize every feature. Plus, this shower is so digitally advanced, it can control two different water temperatures simultaneously, allowing you to treat a sore muscle with cold water while keeping the rest of you warm with another valve of

hot water. Soothing qualities you can hear - Complete the holistic bathroom experience by adding relaxing music. Preprogram your sound system with classical, Eastern, meditation or nature-style music to help you escape the grind. As you’re planning your bathroom redesign, install speakers to create a surround-sound experience, especially in the shower area. Set it up for wireless control, in case you decide you need to change what’s playing in the middle of your shower. The DTV+ is intuitive and consistent with today’s popular digital devices, allowing you to interface with up to three devices, funneling your music through your shower.

4 Bedroom, 6 Bath, 5244 Sq. Ft. • $897,700 • Sun-Filled 2-Story in the Exclusive Lake of the Pines Neighborhood • Private Lake Allows Power Boating, Fishing, Canoes & Water Skiing • Terrific Southern Exposure w/ Expansive Foothills and Plains VIEWS • Updated Kitchen w/ Slab Granite, Stainless Appliances & Tile Floors • Newly Remodeled Master Bedroom & Bath & Extensive Wood Flrs

10443 SUNLIGHT DRIVE

5 Bedroom, 6 Bath, 5381 Sq. Ft. • $1,197,000 • WALK TO DAWSON SCHOOL from this Sun-Filled Custom Built Home • Nicely Appointed at the End of a Private Cul-De-Sac & 1.33 ACRE LOT • Gorgeous Landscaping, Relaxing Front, Side & Back Patios & Hot Tub • Spacious Interior w/ Gourmet Kitchen Open to 2-Story Family Room • Luxurious Master Suite w/ 3-Sided Fireplace & Nicely Finished BSMT

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

January 8-9, 2016


HOME DÉCOR

14 small decor changes that can make a big impact By Julia Millay Walsh, Domaine (TNS) Want to give a room in your home a fresh vibe but don’t have the time, money or other resources to spend on a full redesign? There are a number of little changes you can make throughout your home – as often as you like! – to give a space a new look that won’t cost an arm, a leg or an afternoon. Read on below for a few of our favorite easy decorating tricks. Create scale Many of the most unforgettable rooms I’ve seen have one thing in common: scale. Sometimes it’s a cheeky oversize lamp, other times it’s a cozy sofa that appears to span the entire room, and often it’s a big, tall indoor tree that feels like another person in the room. The trick here is to work with what you’ve got: Consider placing a planter on a plant stand or raising an adjustable lamp up a few inches. The results just might be dramatic. Frame your artwork or mementos Whether you have a drawer full of your children’s artwork you’re saving, newspaper clippings from a special day in history or a cool drawing or print you’ve been hanging onto, the time to frame the artwork and mementos you own is now. Just pop it into an inexpensive frame and hang it on an empty wall, and your home will instantly feel more “you.” Rearrange your furniture The cheapest decorating trick I know is to go January 8-9, 2016

shopping in your own home. But that doesn’t have to mean taking things out of the attic or dusting off items that have been on a shelf: Simply rearrange what you’re already using and you’ll notice a huge impact! One of my favorite uses of furniture is a desk as a nightstand... do you have one that you could shuffle around? Accessorize your mantel Some of my friends with fireplace mantels in their homes have taken a “one and done” approach, styling the surface as soon as they move and rarely again. In my opinion, the shelf should be switched up seasonally, if not monthly, for a fresh look. Poke around your house to see what accessories might be worth displaying there, or even just shuffle your existing accessories around in a new way.

a flash. Swap different photos into your frames It doesn’t cost a dime to swap different photos into your picture frames (we all own a few, don’t we?), but this one small change can make your rooms look new to you every time you walk through them. Suddenly that console table you pass by daily without a thought will catch your eye. Add (or paint!) a pop of color It’s amazing what a little contrast can do. If a room in your home is feeling stale, choose a color that contrasts with the color scheme you have going and find a way to bring it in. A small can of paint could do the trick.

Add greenery One of the simplest ways to give any room in the house a pick-me-up is to bring in greenery. It doesn’t have to be an expensive new orchid or an entire ficus tree: A couple of branches usually will do. Go ahead and breathe new life into your living space.

Restyle your bookshelves Have bookshelves or built-ins in your home? Spend 20 minutes restyling your books and accessories. Try stacking your books instead of standing them. Move your bookends around. Organize them in a new way – by category, color, or alphabetically. Soon, the whole space will feel like it had a mini makeover.

Toss on a sheepskin or throw Starting to feel sick of that investment chair you thought you’d love forever? Toss on a sheepskin or a simple throw to give it a fresh face and a nice and cozy textural quality. The extra layer can work wonders in

Lower your furniture If you’re going for a modern look, lowering your furniture – by either removing or shortening the legs – can be transformative. Your furniture will need to have a streamlined shape, with a flat base, to begin with, but if so, removing

the legs can make a bed or side table seem like an entirely new piece. Zhoosh your coffee table I’m always styling my coffee table. In my house, it happens at least once a month. There’s never a right way or a wrong way: The trick is just to do it differently than before. Pull out a coffee-table book you haven’t looked at in a while. Fill a bowl with nuts. Stack books. Display a sculptural accent. Any zhooshing you do will make the space feel livelier and fresher. Create a vignette I love a good vignette. A small decorative design, a vignette is an arrangement of accents in your home. Find a table or surface in your home that is empty or staid – the dining table is often guilty – and style some accessories there. Arrange some candlesticks, flowers, or other favorite items, and follow the rule of threes (good things come in threes). Try setting a few accents out at varying heights. Have fun and play around.

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

Fill an empty corner Ever walk into a room and just feel like something is missing? Usually it’s not the most obvious things you would use, but you just need to flush out the space a bit. Look in the corners of the room and any nooks. Is there furniture there? Or art? Move an armchair or hang a frame, and the area may not feel so blank. Move your throw pillows around One of the best things to shop for in your home is throw pillows. Practically every room in the house could use a throw pillow, and moving the pillows from one room into the next and viceversa can change up your color schemes with little effort. It won’t work if the colors in each room don’t already complement each other, but often they will. Think about it! Get the latest on home decor trends, design ideas, shopping guides and food news, and take a look inside your favorite celebrity homes on DomaineHome.com. AT HOME

9


“This is not your average builder. Because we are a smaller company, our homes are not cookie cutter. We’re involved in every home.”

COVERPROFILE

them back up to open space. One is decorated as a model home/sales center so people can come by and see what the neighborhood and the homes are like.

of demographics – from empty nesters to families. It is built on extremely good soil, and is free of any flood risk. The neighbors have been wonderful, and they will have a beautiful neighborhood when we are done.” The 12 lots in Phase One have breathtaking views, and a number of

Successful debut According to Tim Shea, President of Pedal to Properties, a full-service real estate agency in Boulder that is the listing agent for Von’s new neighborhood at Shadow Grass Park, “Sales are good, and it has been a great year. There are 12 two-story homes in this first phase; we sold five since the first home was completed in March – that’s everything that Von’s has built so far. There are seven more to build and sell; they are now in varying stages of construction. They have spectacular views and are priced at $425,000 to $465,000.

mountains and open space. The house looks as if it was built with care.” Their experience with the builder and the sales team was very good. “They were personable, friendly, responsive,” Cayla says. “They made everything happen. It was more complicated, as we moved from France. They helped us with so many things. “We love being near

parks and trails and the schools. Everything is accessible for the kids and the dog. My daughter can walk to her elementary and middle schools on the bike path.” “We have been very happy. Even the little things that needed fixing after we moved in were taken care of. It’s been a positive experience, and we would recommend the builder.”

SHADOW GRASS PARK Longmont community to feature beautiful, well-priced ranch homes by Von’s Colorado Concepts

By Judy Finman. Photography by Timothy Siebert. Rendering by Von’s Colorado Concepts.

B

oulder natives Bob and Scott Von Eschen, known as the “Property Brothers of Boulder,” are the team behind Von’s Colorado Concepts. They have been building solid, beautiful homes with authentic character in Boulder County since 1976. Their current largescale project is at Shadow Grass Park, a beautifully landscaped, masterplanned community on the eastern side of Longmont. Residents enjoy its ideal location, with easy access to just about everything: two private community parks; a regional trail system and open space; proximity to Fort Collins, Downtown Denver and Boulder; nearby community dog park; walk to Fall River Elementary School, Trail Ridge Middle, 10

AT HOME

and Skyline High School; and Union Reservoir and Nature Conservancy just up the road. Food shopping and restaurants are a one-minute drive or five-minute bike ride away. I-25 is a 10-minute drive. Bob Von Eschen, who designs the energyefficient, comfortable, smart-looking homes, is

excited about building at Shadow Grass Park. In Phase One, Von’s is building mostly traditional two-story homes on 12 lots in the neighborhood of 50 to 70 homes that are already there from another builder. “We will complete the subdivision,” he says. “The community comprises a wide variety

Interview with a homeowner Ashley Cayla, her husband and two small children moved into their new home at Shadow Grass Park in August. They had recently relocated from France. “We were looking in Longmont because that’s where I am working with my sister, and it’s convenient,” she says. “We had seen other communities and builders in Longmont, but their homes were cookie

cutter; they were just put up on a lot with no view. Some of them would face the west, but only have a tiny window. “Here at Shadow Grass we were able to customize and have everything to our taste. Our windows look out at wonderful views. We love so much about our house. What really impressed us was the attention to details, like high-quality insulation and windows facing the

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

January 8-9, 2016


Phase Two is underway Phase Two is just getting off the ground. All the homes to be built in this phase are alley-loaded, one- and two-story homes with full basement, twocar garage, and 3,0003,200 square feet of space. “We can customize to make it your home,” Bob Von Eschen says. “We are going to build quite a few ranch-type homes in this next phase, as that has been the consistent feedback that we’ve been receiving from consumers,” says Shea. “It looks as if 80 percent of the 72 homes will be ranches; six of the first eight are ranches. The first release of these homes is early January, and they are priced under $400,000. “Word is getting out that this is a super-quality builder with good pricing. For northeast Longmont, that price point is attracting a lot of buyers. To meet the demand, we have recently hired Stan Meade, an on-site sales person with 25 years of experience.” The vast majority of people coming over to look at the site have asked about ranch-style homes. The builder will show four or five different ranch models, with two bedrooms, two baths, plus a pocket office and two-car attached garage.

Each is about 3,000 square feet, half of which (1,500 square feet) will be finished. The basement will be unfinished unless the buyer asks that it be finished during construction. “Though traditionally ranches have attracted retirees, maybe one in four people we have talked to are not retirees,” Shea says. “Young families also like

this style of home, with everyone on one floor. People without children like one-floor living, too. Interested buyers may complete a reservation form for the first homes of Phase 2. Forms will be available starting on Saturday, January 9, 12 to 4 p.m., at the Shadow Grass Park model home, 1527 Otis Drive, Longmont.

Master builders Xan Rubey of Von’s Colorado Concepts says, “This is not your average builder. Because we are a smaller company, our homes are not cookie cutter. We’re involved in every home. Bob designs each one. In a development like Shadow Grass Park, each home will be slightly different because we are always making our designs

better and better, based on input from our customers. We are as accommodating and flexible as we can be.” Bob Von Eschen says, “Many of our subcontractors are with us for years, so there is consistency in the quality.” “We build a ‘fun’ house,” he says. “Houses have a personality and may be ‘fun’ to live in. The public and private spaces in our homes are well defined, the energy efficiency is good so the livability is good. And we bring the outdoors in.” Paying attention to each home’s site is very important to these master builders. “If there’s a view, for example, we don’t want to miss an opportunity to put in a window. We don’t build a lot of homes, but the homes we build people like a lot. Our homes should last 100 years. For more information You can learn more about Von’s Colorado Concepts’ new neighborhood and homes at Shadow Grass Park at www.vonscolorado.com/ our-homes/shadow-grass. To arrange for a visit and a personal tour, call Stan Meade at 303.817.7777; or phone one of the listing brokers at Pedal to Properties – Chris Sweeney at 720.480.6106 or Tim Shea at 303.819.1371.

Professional Home Inspections For Home Buyers and Sellers www.flatironshi.com

FIND HOMES AtHomeColorado.com January 8-9, 2016

Elliott Apartments are located in a historic residential neighborhood in Longmont, Colorado. Just two blocks from beautiful main street Longmont, Elliott Apartments has easy access to shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.

Offering 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments.

418 Emery St. Longmont • (303) 772-6452

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

AT HOME

11


OpenHomes Quick Guide

Visit AtHomeColorado.com for a complete listing and map of open homes in the area.

Open City House Date

Open House Street Time

Price

Agent

Company

Phone

Berthoud

Saturday

1pm-4pm

1909 River Glen Drive

$539,000

Bob Sprague

ERA Heman Group

970-372-8520

Boulder

Saturday

12pm-3pm

1031 Portland Pl, #4

$470,000

Jan Kirk

Wright Kingdom

303-888-2430

Boulder

Sunday

12pm-3pm

3345 Broadway

$765,000

Bruce Drogsvold

Wright Kingdom

303-541-1948

Boulder

Sunday

12pm-2pm

4390 Park Ct

$895,000

Greg Smith

RE/MAX Alliance

303-497-0603

Boulder

Sunday

1pm-3:30pm

4855 6th Street

$1,698,000

John Hoeffler

Wright Kingdom

720-564-6014

Boulder

Daily

11am-5pm

3092 Big Horn St

High $800k’s +

Roz Giannasi Pinon

Markel Homes: Kalmia38, Northfield Village & Northfield Commons

303-442-0309

Boulder

Saturday

12pm - 3pm

2930 Broadway

Starting at $738,000

Peter Spaulding

Wonderland Hill Development Company

720-466-0962

Erie

Saturday

11am-2pm

1115 Zodo Ave

$450,000

Barclay Logan

Thompson Daviau Realty

303-885-1830

Erie

Sunday

12pm-2pm

961 Stanley Ct

$464,000

Lorrie Trussell

RE/MAX Alliance

720-235-2409

Firestone

Saturday

11am-3pm

9883 Bluegrass Street

$435,000

Jenni Lovins

Massey Real Estate

303-579-7499

Frederick

Saturday

12pm-2pm

8039 Raspberry Drive

$372,500

Debbie Caulfield

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

303-818-7403

Lafayette

Sunday

2pm-4pm

1080 Mercury Drive

$345,000

Jamie Zimmerman

RE/MAX Alliance

303-807-1302

Lafayette

Saturday

12pm-3pm

408 Lone Eagle Pt

$760,000

Brian MacDonald

Coldwell Banker

303-915-6126

Longmont

Saturday, Sunday & Wednesday

11am-3pm

1379 Charles Dr. A-1

$349,900

Jeremy Johnson

RE/MAX Alliance

970-313-6166

Longmont

Saturday

12pm-2pm

5528 Gunbarrel Road

$500,000

Leanne Goff

TrailRidge Realty

720-465-7005

Longmont

Sunday

12pm-3pm

4945 Eagan Circle

$546,140

Dana Hunt

Wright Kingdom Real Estate

303-709-4443

Longmont

Daily

11am-5pm

918 Half Measures Dr.

$600k’s +

Marlita Lazo

Markel Homes: Prospect NewTown

303-522-7928

Longmont

Thursday - Sunday

12pm-4pm

1521 Otis Drive

Starting in the high-$300,000's.

Chris Sweeney/ Stan Meade

Pedal To Properties

720-480-6106/ 303-817-7777

Louisville

Daily

11am-5pm

1805 Blue Star Lane - Model Home

$600k’s +

Michele Steward

Markel Homes - North End

303-604-9196

Lyons

By appointment

11am-5pm

334 McConnell Drive

$500,000+

Marlita Lazo

Markel Homes

303-823-6814

For information information on on listing listing your your open open home, home, call call Thais Thais Hafer Hafer 303.473.1456 303.473.1456 or or Doreen MelissaTalarico Najera 303.473.1452 For 303.473.1452 12

AT HOME

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

January 8-9, 2016


atHome athomecolorado.com

open Homes OPEN SUNDAY 12PM-3PM 4945 Eagan Circle $546,140

Model Home Located at 1521 Otis Drive, Longmont Office Hours: Thursday – Sunday 12pm-4pm Two-story and ranch plans available Homes starting in the high-$300,000’s Call for more information and inventory

Relax w/ mountain and pocket park views, all from your porch swing! This 2 year old home features: a large/open gourmet kitchen, ss appliances, message center, main floor bedroom w/3/4 bth, open flr pln/ great rm w/ soaring ceilings & formal living rm. The 2nd floor boasts 3 bdrms/2 bths, and a loft (walking distance to St. Vrain Valley Schls K-12). MLS# 776819

www.4945.wkre.com Dana Hunt 303-709-4443 • dhunt@wkre.com

Stan Meade Chris Sweeney 303.817.7777 720.480.6106 www.pedaltoproperties.com

Open Saturday 12PM-2PM 5528 Gunbarrel Road, Niwot

1379 Charles Dr A-1, Longmont

T SA D, 3 WE 11EN SUN P O &

High $200’s to Low $400’s | MLS #765628 Introducing Hover Place by Landmark Homes, a 60+ condominium community designed w/ age-in-place & accessibility in mind. Offering 8 different spacious single level residences, attached garages, secured entry & elevator service, all while overlooking Hover Park.

$500,000 3 bedrooms, 3 bath

Call Jeremy Johnson

Leanne Goff • 720-515-6560

Each office independently owned & operated | 970-482-1781

Open Saturday 1PM-3PM

970-313-6166 | www.LandmarkLiving.net

Saturday from 12-3pm

1620 Cedarwood Dr., Longmont

$395,000 Open 3 bedroom floor plan also features home office and professionally finished basement. Enjoy lots of w windows and beautiful backyard patio, vaulted ceilings in Fox. Pre-Inspected and ready for quick move in!

The G Th Group, IInc • P Patti Watkins 970-776-0117

Open Saturday 1pm-4pm 1909 River Glen Dr. Berthoud

$539,000 http://1909riverglendr.CanBYours.com

Horse Lovers move right in. 4 bed, 3 bath home on 1.6 irrigated acres. Modern 3 stall barn with water and electricity and beautiful arena.

Bob Sprague • ERA Herman Group NoCo • 970-372-8520 • homes@bobsprague.com

For advertising information, please call Melissa Najera 303.473.1452 or Thais Hafer 303.473.1456 For a complete listing and map of open homes in the area visit AtHomeColorado.com January 8-9, 2016

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

AT HOME

13


HOME IMPROVEMENT

Ask Angie: How much does it cost to replace baseboards? By Angie Hicks, Angie’s List (TNS) Dear Angie: What does it cost to replace baseboards? Mine are made of dark wood that was painted white, but is now chipping. I’m interested in replacing the existing trim with pre-painted, faux-wood baseboard. – Beverly C., Cheyenne, Wyo. Dear Beverly: Baseboards are often an afterthought when it comes to the overall appearance of a room, but keeping them in good condition can really make an impact. Designed to hide the seam where wall meets floor, baseboards give any room a finished look. If your trim is showing wear and tear, painting is always an option, but the prep work is very important and can be time-intensive. Replacing baseboards is your best option if they’re water-damaged, stained or warped.

The two types of materials typically used for baseboards are solid wood, usually pine or oak, and medium-density fiberboard, an engineered composite made of wood remnants. There are a variety of baseboard sizes and styles available, but generally speaking, fiberboard will be less expensive, with costs averaging 60 cents to $1 per foot. For wood baseboard, expect to pay 80 cents to $1.20 per foot, not including installation. When determining whether you’d like to use wood or mediumdensity fiberboard, also known as MDF, consider the pros and cons of each material. Using MDF can save you quite a bit of money if you re-trim an entire house, but MDF is more susceptible to moisture damage than solid wood, so at the very least you should avoid using it in bathrooms or any

Now, more than ever, Make sure your agent is a Boulder Area REALTOR®

Baseboards give a room a finished look, covering the seam where the wall meets the floor. (Photo by Thinkstock) area where moisture is a factor. MDF can be easier to paint than solid wood, but with real wood, you have the option of staining in a variety of finishes. Wood is also more durable than MDF, and less likely to get dinged or show damage. If you’re handy, have level floors and the project isn’t too big, you

1 Acre Private Retreat in Niwot

7578 Crestview Drive, Niwot Custom 6,700 square ft. 6 bed, 5 bath luxury home backing to Little Gaynor Lake. Set off the road, this Randall Hartmann home boasts views throughout, large fenced yard, gourmet kitchen, elegant master, Niwot schools. Great value! $935,000 7578crestview.com MLS# 777183 Dana Bickham Boulder Area REALTORS® - Building Community for 75 Years! 14

AT HOME

303-579-1084

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

could install baseboard yourself. You’ll need a miter saw for corners (for best results, avoid using a miter box), and it might be wise to buy a few extra feet of baseboard so you can practice corner cuts. But if you’d rather leave this job to the pros, look for a carpenter or handyman who has finished carpentry experience, and knows how to work with interior trim. Baseboard installation is a specialized skill. The cost for installation will vary, depending on factors that affect job complexity, such as number of corner cuts, size of space and whether floors are level. Also, each carpenter or handyman will most likely use a different formula to estimate installation cost. Some might charge per hour (ranging from $50 to $100 an hour); some might charge per foot ($1.50 to $2 a foot). Either way, baseboard installation is the type of project a contractor should see in person before determining an accurate estimate. It’s a tough job to ballpark over the phone. To find the right contractor, consider those with positive consumer reviews on a trusted online site, and who are appropriately licensed, bonded and insured. Angie Hicks is founder of www.AngiesList.com, provider of consumer reviews and services. Send questions to askangie@ angieslist.com or tweet with #AskAngie. Follow her @Angie_Hicks. January 8-9, 2016


DIY HOME DÉCOR

Keep up to date with this easy-to-make calendar

O

P

-

L

G

N

By Sandi Genovese, Tribune News Service (TNS) If it’s January, it must be time for a new calendar. With smartphones, tablets and computers, you may not even use a monthly paper calendar, but there is nothing quite like the ease of glancing across a room to check the date, much like you might check the time on a wall clock. Turns out it’s easy to make a perennial calendar out of a set of four to six cubes, labeled with the month, the day and the date. And once all six sides of the cubes are labeled, you never have to make them again. Simply arrange the cubes each day to indicate the correct date and you’re good to go. The cubes can be made of wood (available at craft stores in multiple sizes) or paper, and they need to be labeled. One cube is devoted to the days of the week. Two cubes are numbered to represent the date and one or two cubes are labeled with the months of the year. Either make two cubes to represent all 12 months and store the extra cube when not in use, or double up the

months with two months on each side, one facing up and the other facing down. If you want to add six favorite photos and seasonal embellishments to an additional cube or two, it’s easy to create extra cubes as well, for a completely custom calendar. If you have young children, they will love helping you make the cubes and can certainly begin learning the days of the week and months of year with this clever calendar. And if you have a parent or grandparent suffering from memory loss, they will find this dated device equally helpful. When all of the cubes have been labeled, simply stack them in a pyramid or line them up in a row and display them on a shelf, a table or a mantle, so that a quick glance in their direction can keep you completely up to date. Contact Sandi and find free video demonstrations of more photo projects at www. sandigenovese.com.

9 a i ce n r E fi i e ak i s . . r . o $

6,1 n

3

6 c le

t

n - 4

O

e sD i e c . a p tn c e s. . . . 2 , 0 a bB s r 0 9 G

2 n .

E

g laa r lc n r acres w views . 2 . r . o $ , a t 7 -

n

7 .4 s t e t cl e r l s a e, o Boul er.

U

oa 12 b i i i n t. 1 .w re.com $ , 0,0 i Ge 3 7 - 5

peRd o iu o o i it . . . . $ 90 ri u 3 - 9

D

il s

i e , c

, 0 reen 5

e

is a

N

9

ill .

5 , 0 J n l e 0 - 1 6

team oa a le oa il i n l e , 7 r s, L n. www. .w re.com 2 , 0 ri i i a 05 1 I

2 a

n ti eo

i

n a f t a r s

Bu

I K

0C t n i ce l r c raise ranch n R nn le . . . .c 6 , 0 ene arwood 3-8 6

L

4 Jac son ircle r, o i u . . k .c

v r

.c

2 , 0 ef oi s n 0-3 3

3

S

0 e c

8F g u acrea e! 1

orth

-

v

T

F

IS I E

ount e

ol t

, 9 , 0 J r yC r y 35 11 6

5 i ue

te t xe use 2 + - acres, r . . t. e. 23 Jm 0 -

RE

s www.

8 P a ri h r f. . .

0

28 , 0 ei l i 2 - 4 R

1 J e l c ustom ranc ome 2. acres ih s ev ! . 1 . r . o $ 90 im Green 3 - 7 - 5

r

B

90 r h r - 0

H

8 7

R d so

16 , 0 r g v l 0 -1 2

T

7 5L c r F u sL c to n c

li

5 , o 3-5 -

0 i 5

With smartphones, tablets and computers, you may not even use a monthly paper calendar, but there is nothing quite like the ease of glancing across a room to check the date, much like you might check the time on a wall clock. (Handout/TNS) January 8-9, 2016

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

AT HOME

15


STYLE AT HOME

Welcome to Innisfree: The making of my

BEDROOM OASIS By Mary Carol Garrity, Tribune News Service (TNS)

Remember when you were little and for punishment you got sent to your room? If that was still true for grownups, I would be stirring up trouble all day long because one of my favorite places on earth to be is my bedroom. I absolutely love my bedroom. I like the way it looks. And I like the way I feel when I start and end my day there. It’s my oasis. Far too often, when we decorate our homes, our bedrooms are last on the list. We invest our creative energy and budget on the more public spaces in our home, rationalizing that since we are the only ones who see our bedrooms, they are not as important. But I would argue that your bedroom is every bit as important as your living room or your kitchen. It’s the place you wind down, reflect and refill every single day. So when we bought our little lake home and plunged in on our whole-house renovation, I made sure the bedroom didn’t get short-changed. The only thing that’s original to our little lake home is our two stone fireplaces. We knocked out a wall, lifted the ceilings, changed out windows, inserted doors, all with the goal of maximizing every square inch of the home’s small footprint. Since we moved from a very old home – over 140 years old – I wanted to add touches that made our new construction look like it 16

AT HOME

Far too often, when we decorate our homes, our bedrooms are last on the list. (Handout/TNS) had been there generations. location in Kansas City, nugget of a house, we were In my bedroom, that Mo., so we didn’t have goners. We had fallen out meant accentuating the to drive back and forth of love with our grand old crest of the vaulted ceiling to Atchison, Kan., every home without knowing it, with a wooden beam and day. We told ourselves we and we were completely installing a window seat by couldn’t imagine selling smitten by this snug the big window that faces our Greek revival in cottage and its promise of the front yard. Atchison, our home of 25 a simpler lifestyle. Originally, our plan years. I laugh when I look As soon as the drywall was to only use the lake back, because we were in dust settled and the floor cottage as a place to crash complete and utter denial. varnish dried, I began when we were working at The minute we signed the to move a few pieces of our Nell Hill’s Briarcliff papers for our new little furniture from our home Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

in Atchison. First, it was just a bed and dresser. Then, I started shopping in every room of the house for furniture I could use in the bedroom. I snatched a table that had been in my entry and used it as a night stand. A marble-topped chest of drawers that stood under the windows in my dining room was requisitioned to be the other night stand. Then I pilfered chairs. The fact is, I am a girl who likes to have her things around her, and once I moved, it all had to come too. Finally, after furniture kept disappearing from our Atchison home and ending up in our lake cottage, Dan and I faced the facts: The only thing keeping us from selling our home in Atchison was a deep and profound dread of cleaning out our garage and basement, which had acquired 25 years’ worth of stuff. Since my room was going to be filled with the antiques we’d had for years, I knew I had to be deliberate about keeping my palette light, so the space didn’t feel dreary and dated. I love traditional furnishings, but I want my home to be fresh and fun, not staid and stale. So I washed the walls and woodwork in Garrity Cream, one of my very favorite colors from my Mary Carol Artisan Paint line. On this rich creamy backdrop, I CONTINUED - See next page

January 8-9, 2016


LIVING SMART

How to keep that holiday sparkle

By Staci Giordullo, Angie’s List (TNS)

We’ve spent the past several weeks (dare I say, months?) celebrating the holidays with friends and family amongst twinkling lights, glittering ornaments and beautifully wrapped packages. But now that the parties are over, how can we maintain that bright decor and warm feeling without using Santa and snowmen? Check out these ideas to make your home sparkle this winter: Bring on the bulbs There’s no hard-and-fast rule that says you have to tuck away every piece of tinsel before the ink on your New Year’s resolution dries. Gather some of your most glittery bulbs and place them in a glass container displayed on your coffee table, kitchen island or tabletop. “The light will bounce off the bulbs and create some sparkle and shine to your room,” says Vicki Dye, owner of Vicki Dye at Home in Champlin, Minnesota. “Use white and silver bulbs to complement any home’s color scheme without saying ‘Christmas.’” Embrace winter white and metallic The snow, the ice,

as possible,” says Mary Jo Cooper, owner of CC Design Atlanta/Cooper’s Creations in Marietta, Georgia. “Which will help you and the plants!” It’s also a good time buy new lampshades if your current ones are looking old and dingy. And take note if the room needs additional lighting. A bit of brightness can be as simple as adding a tiny Tiffany-esque lamp on the bookshelf. After you've packed away the Santas and snowmen, use greenery alongside neutral or metallic colors to help brighten any room. (photo by Thinkstock) the crisp blue sky – for some, there’s no avoiding winter’s palette. Why not introduce those tones inside? Don’t pack away the holiday china, the sparkling white cake stands and platters, but rather find a way to display them throughout your home. Keep the silver candlesticks with white taper candles on the mantel, and buy some shiny metallic picture frames to showcase your most recent vacation adventures. Rearrange the furniture After you’ve packed up all the holiday decorations, it’s a great time to freshen

Bedroom oasis could add in fabrics and furnishings that would make the space special. You would think that since I own home furnishings stores, I would be changing up my furniture all the time. In some rooms, I do. But not in my bedroom. Here is where my favorites come, and stay. My bed frame grabbed my heart the first time I saw it, and hasn’t let go since. It’s a truly January 8-9, 2016

Invest in some greenery While the dead of winter may not sound like the ideal time to go plant shopping, it might just lift your spirits. Bringing potted plants into your

Let in the light It might sound like a no-brainer, but make it a habit that as soon as your feet hit floor in the morning, you walk around and open your shutters, drapes and blinds. “Keep your home bright by letting in as much light

Pick up a paintbrush Who doesn’t like a little new year’s project? You don’t have to paint your entire house, but you can choose a room and give it a fresh coat of paint. It could even be the same hue, if you don’t want the task of selecting the perfect paint color. “The winter months are a great time to start painting,” says Beth Goetting, owner of Second Glance Design in Spring, Texas. “If you need to hire painters, grab them now before the spring rush starts!” Staci Giordullo is a reporter at Angie’s List, a trusted provider of local consumer reviews and an online marketplace of services from top-rated providers.

When you downsize as much as Dan and I did, you have to do some soul searching. Which pieces do you love so much that you have to have them in your house, no matter what? And which are you willing to let go of because you absolutely cannot cram them in? For me, a non-negotiable was my artwork. I adored the wall-towall hardwood flooring

in our old home. So at the cottage, we covered all our floors in wood. In the winter, I unroll an odd assortment of vintage area rugs to warm up the bedroom. In the summer, I like the floors bare. Since the room is so soothing and neutral, I decided to add a bit of pattern in my window coverings. Buffalo check is another one of my lifelong passions, so I made simple

panels from a 4-inch black and cream check. The windows are covered in simple matchstick blinds. Thanks for joining me at Innisfree for a tour of my snuggly bedroom! I hope it inspires you to also turn your room into an oasis. This column was adapted from Mary Carol Garrity’s blog at www. nellhills.com. She can be reached at marycarol@ nellhills.com.

up a space by moving the furniture around and reevaluating your accessories. “Move things from room to room,” suggests Barbara Greene, owner of Redesign Today in Jacksonville, Florida. “Change your artwork. Just because something’s been hanging in the same spot for five years doesn’t mean it has to go back there. It’s a cleaning and a purging.”

house can help clear stale winter air (literally), while offering a gentle reminder that spring isn’t too far away. And if live plants aren’t your thing, feel free to repurpose your artificial holiday greens. Trim them with gold bulbs and handmade paper snowflakes for a warm, wintry effect.

(continued)

unique piece, an iron bed fashioned to look like bamboo. I’ve never seen one like it since. When I come home, I need to let my retinas rest. So I’ve selected a palette that is very neutral, especially in my bedroom. My bedding tells its story through subtle textures and muted patterns, with tone-on-tone accents like the monogram on my duvet and pillow shams.

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

AT HOME

17


Real Estate place yoUr ad:

5000

Homes for Sale

Cynthia Arey Living N Colorado

39 Years of Keen

Real Estate Navigation

Ready to Buy or Sell? ... Call Me.

303-581-0606

www.ColoradoReal EstateLady.com Featured Property Prime Boulder Location 2342 Broadway/Mapleton Zoning - Business or Residential. $1M

5000

Classified Ads get Results very, very fast!

Homes for Sale

FAIR HOUSING NOTICE All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Law which makes it illegal to advertise a preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, r e l i g i o n , s e x , handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preferences, limitation or discrimination. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination, call The Colorado Civil Rights Office at 1-800-262-4845/ HUD at 1-800-669-9777.

5201

Cynthia Arey

303.466.3636 BoUlder/Broomfield/longmont or 970.635.3650 loveland or frontrangeclassifieds.com

Water Rights

Want to purchase minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: P.O. Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201

6000

Homes for Rent

1012 1/2 Pratt Street, Longmont 1BR 3/4BA: Small Cottage House Recently Remodeled. No Pets. No Smoke. Avail Now. $695/mo.

RMG Realty Inc 303-772-4466.

LONGMONT - Lovely maintenance-free one-story condo at The Villas at Pleasant Valley. Located Hwy 66 and Pace. Perfect for empty nester. 2BR plus sunroom / office, 2BA. 1737 sf open floor plan with cathedral ceilings. Attached 402 sf 2-car garage. Built 2011. 2481 Santa Fe Dr Unit C. For Sale By Owner. $350,000,

(303) 834- 2865.

Nice 3BR 2BA Home on West Side of Louisville: Quiet Area, Near Bike Path & Open Space, Large Fenced Yard, 2-Car Garage. $499K, FSBO. 970-759-1994.

18

AT HOME

2 Bedroom 1 Bath at 1112 Gay St, Longmont: Fenced Yard, $1150/mo + $1150 dep. 303-775-1495 795 Glen Arbor Circle, Longmont 4BR 3BA: 3228 sq ft Executive Rental on Ute Creek Golf Course w/ 3-Car Garage, on 1/3 Acres. No Pets. No Smoke. Avail Now. $2700/mo.

RMG Realty Inc 303-772-4466.

6001

Apartments for Rent

1 & 2 Bedroom Apts Starting at $695 Call PMP 303-776-RENT (7368)

APARTMENT RENTALS

Your First Choice for Apartment Living in Boulder Voted rd andlo “Best L r” 2004de in Boul irt” daily d 5 200 “ paper news

ALSO OFFERING:

WE OFFER THE LARGEST SELECTION OF ONE & TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS AND STUDIOS THROUGHOUT BOULDER. CALL US: SEVEN DAYS A WEEK!

• Affordable Rents • Friendly, Responsive Management • Immediate Occupancy

NOW LEASING! Visit us on line at: www.boardwalkapartments.com

303-442-0200 Call us 8am-8pm weekdays 9am-6pm weekends! 2737 Mapleton, Ste. 102

6001

Apartments for Rent

6001

Apartments for Rent

for 6005 RentApts. Furnished

1 & 2 BR Apt Homes Victoria Inn Apts, 2400 17th Ave.

SEMI-FURN Rooms/Apts Wkly/mnthly from $125/ wk, Utils/micro/fridge incl (303) 931-7108

Call 303-772-4667.

Place your ad. Call 303-466-3636 or 970-635-3650

For price/availability,

Value Place Firestone Extended Stay Hotel Foothills Apartments 2BR Apts in Loveland

DRIVE YOUR WHEELS

List your car and get ready to roll. $10, 3 lines, 30 days Place your ad. Call 303-466-3636 or 970-635-3650 Or visit FrontRangeClassifieds.com SEMI-FURN Rooms/Apts Wkly/mnthly from $125/ wk, Utils/micro/fridge incl (303) 931-7108

6007

Duplexes

2-Story,1-Car Garage, Unfinished Basement, No Pets Preferred. No Smoking. Avail Now. $1100/mo.

970-669-7850

List your sale and prepare to purge. $25, 10 lines, 4 days plus a FREE garage sale kit! Place your ad. Call 303-466-3636 or 970-635-3650 Or visit FrontRangeClassifieds.com

Call 303.466.3636 or 970-635-3650

321 Columbine Place, Longmont 2BR 1BA:

Washer/Dryer included. $950.00/month, Water, Sewer, Trash included. No Pets. 1 Year Lease.

EMPTY YOUR GARAGE

PLACE YOUR AD.

Check in Today! $399.99 weekly

RMG Realty Inc 303-772-4466.

TURN USED ITEMS into Quick cash with Classifieds!

6009

Looking for additional income?

6012

www.playincolorado.com

Join the thousands of people who are renting out rooms in their homes. Check

out www.Silvernest.com. It’s a unique roommate-matching website for empty nesters with room to share. A great resource for anyone who wants to earn a little extra cash or wants some company around the house. You can even trade a room for things like lawn mowing or raking the leaves, or just simply charge rent. Silvernest smartly matches roommates with great features like background screening, prepared leases and rent management tools. A great resource whether you’re a renter looking for a unique space or a homeowner with room to share. Check out

Silvernest.com. The first 50 sign-ups get our premium service for free! Use promo code: HOMESHARE.

Vacation Rentals

EMPTY YOUR GARAGE

List your sale and prepare to purge. $25, 10 lines, 4 days plus a FREE garage sale kit! Place your ad. Call 303-466-3636 or 970-635-3650 Or visit FrontRangeClassifieds.com

Space 6018 Storage for Lease

STORAGE

Secure Convenient Affordable

970-532-0685 3 Months for the Price of 2 Months

johnstownstorage.com Expires 02/01/2016

empty your

Longmont (Exit 240). 303-485-0040

Prices Subject To Change Without Notice.

6009 Housemates/ Roommates

Housemates/ Roommates

I-25 & Hwy 119

Limited Availability. New Guests Only.

Skylotec, a Germany-based Manufacturer new to North America has an immediate need for a production/warehouse facility for lease or purchase within Boulder or Superior, CO. Requirements: 4,000-5,000 sq ft mixed-use commercial zoning w/20-25ft ceiling and existing or potential for restrooms. Contact Kurani: 720 292 0647, email kuse@skylotec.de

1BR or 2BR for Rent in Longmont Home: Home Owner looking to Share Spacious 2400 sq ft Home w/ Other Non-Smokers, Shared Kitchen w/ Own Frige & Table, 1BR w/ Shared Bath, $750; 2BR w/ Private Bath, $1350.

garage List your sale and prepare to purge.

$25, 10 lines, 4 days plus a free garage sale kit.

Terry, 303-652-3094.

Classified Ads get Results very, very fast!

Responsible Clean M/F, West Side of Longmont: Great Area, Golf Course & Park, W/D, Shared Kitchen & Bath. $400/mo + 1/4 utils. 303-775-1144

Daily Camera / Times-Call — AtHomeColorado.com

Call by 3 p.m. Monday for publication in the Wednesday Colorado Hometown Weekly & Thursday Broomfield Enterprise; call by 1 p.m. Tuesday for the Colorado Hometown Weekly.

January 8 - 9, 2016


LAWN AND GARDEN

How to enjoy your outdoor environment in winter By Cathy Hobbs, Tribune News Service (TNS) What could be more wonderful than relaxing at home? These days as people are looking for opportunities to enhance their homes, many are investing just as much on their exterior space as they are on their interior spaces. Outdoor environments can be useful and functional, not only in warm months but in cold months as well. From selecting the ideal project, pricing your project and selecting those to perform your winter renovation project, with the new year, why not take on a new renovation project? Inspiration There are a number of outdoor renovation projects that can be fully planned and executed during winter. When

home owners.

looking for ideas and inspiration, first decide how you wish to use your outdoor space in colder months. Some ideas that come to mind include outdoor saunas, outdoor spas, as well as outdoor fire pits and fireplaces.

Selecting a contractor/ landscaper The selection of a contractor and landscaper can be an integral and critical aspect relating to the success of your project. I believe landscaping is the necessary icing on the cake. Landscaping can truly help your outdoor winter renovation project come to life and many homeowners may argue is money well spent. You will likely need to hire a contractor to do any prep or construction work, while employing a landscaper to design and plan your landscape. In some instances, depending on your outdoor project, an electrician or plumber may also have to be employed as well.

Getting started The first step in the renovation process should be to determine what type of project you wish to take on and an ideal outdoor location. From here, I suggest that you begin to gather inspiration images in order to be able to narrow down the creative and aesthetic aspects relating to your project. There are numerous websites that will have galleries and after photos of actual projects submitted by

Planning your project Although numerous renovation projects are ideal for winter, with some projects the weather will need to be taken into consideration. Projects that require digging, excavating or pouring of a foundation will need to be done prior to the ground freezing. However, once the foundation is in place, the installation of your project can happen even in snow. For example, if you are looking to install an outdoor spa, you are going to want to have your foundation in place prior to the ground freezing. After the foundation is in place, the actual outdoor spa can be installed all winter long. When it comes to design preparation, planning and plotting out your project on paper can be a time-

and money-saver, while not planning and making changes mid renovation can cause unnecessary cost over runs and expenses. Drawing and plotting the location of your renovation project is key to the pre-renovation process. Be sure to determine the measurements associated with your project, while also adding additional space for plantings and landscape as well as space for the project to be visually enjoyed from a far as opposed to feel cramped in your environment. Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@cathyhobbs.com.

RentalDirectory athomecolorado.com Complex Name Address, Phone

Price Range

Deposit

# of Bedrooms

# of Baths

Lease Required

Smoking Friendly

Pet Friendly

Laundry Facilities

Hover Manor Senior Apartment Residence 1401 Elmhurst Dr. 303-772-9292

$905-$910

$905-$910

1

1

Yes

No

Yes

Yes

W/D Hookups

Other Amenities

Secure building, quiet neighborhood, meal program, transportation, utilities paid, appliances & cable TV included, 62 yrs & older; vouchers accepted.

For advertising information, call Thais Hafer 303.473.1456 January 8-9, 2016

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

AT HOME

19


I )

* 1

*

Erie Village Lot

*

d

.

$

| * $

20

AT HOME

*

Daily Camera / Times-Call – AtHomeColorado.com

January 8-9, 2016


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.