2022 Home & Garden Life

Home&Garden 2022

LIFE

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Table of Contents Spring Garden Prep ........................................................... 8 Cleaning Hard-to-Reach Spots .......................................... 10 A-1 Mulch: Serving customers and the community since 2001 ....................................................................... 14 Water Heater Basics ......................................................... 16 Exterior Inspection .......................................................... 18 Shopping for Solar........................................................... 20 Spring Cleaning Chores for Kids ........................................ 22 Garage Storage Options.................................................... 28 Buying Appliances ........................................................... 30 Window Treatments that Wow .......................................... 32 Talking Toilets ................................................................. 34 Faucets of the Future – Today ........................................... 36 3-D Printing for Home Projects ......................................... 38 Durable Flooring Choices ................................................. 42 Smart Homes .................................................................. 44 On-Trend Paint Colors ...................................................... 46 Upgrades that Enhance Health ......................................... 48

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Spring Garden Prep The work you put in making some basic preparations in the spring can pay off with a garden that performs well all season long.

Spring is the time to sharpen and repair tools, get the shed in order, plant bulbs and start your compost pile.

Here are some tips to get you started.

Shed and Tools You could find some nasty surprises lurking inside your garden shed in spring, especially if it isn’t lighted or heated during the winter. Rodents or other animals could have made their home there, or the structure might have suffered a leak or exposure to the elements. Once it’s warm enough, venture into the shed to make any necessary repairs.

While you’re there, sharpen tools with blades, such as shears, loppers and pruners, with a mill file, and oil those with moving parts. If any tools still have last year’s dirt or mud on them, remove it with a garden hose and clean them in warm, soapy water.

This will help prevent the spread of disease. Give the wheelbarrow a good cleaning, oil the wheels and tighten any wobbly bearings.

Inventory the shed for supplies you’ll need in the coming year. Be sure you have fer8 • 2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

tilizers and soil amendments on hand for the season. Some supplies such as grass seed, might not hold up over time, so dispose of old product and replace it with new.

Plant and Divide Spring is the time not only to plant new bulbs for summer and fall blooms but to divide any perennials that have gotten overgrown or crowded. Dividing them now

will allow them to re-establish themselves in a new location and put down strong roots by the winter. In general, fall-blooming plants are best divided in the spring, but some plants should be divided just after they flower.

Be sure to consult with your local extension office for your plants’ needs.

This is also the time to put down new mulch. Dyed mulch, even those varieties

intended to last for multiple seasons, typically needs to be replaced each spring.

Mulching early will help prevent weed growth before they have time to sprout.

Remember that any organic material you remove from your flowerbeds when you clean them out in the spring to prepare for planting, such as leaves, foliage, stems and sticks, can help start your compost pile for the year.

2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 9

Cleaning Hard-to-Reach Spots Cleaning your house out after being cooped up in doors for the winter can feel fantastic. Some hard-to-reach spots, however, like to hold onto dirt.

Here are some creative ideas to tackle stubborn cleaning jobs. Some require a small investment of a specialized tool, while others simply require repurposing common household items.

Cleaning Small Spaces Dust, crumbs and hair can be nearly impossible to remove from between keyboard keys and in the fine lines and awkward spaces inside your car’s interior, such as air conditioning vents. Just be careful not to get it in carpets or any other fabrics. Alternatively, use a small foam paintbrush with a triangular shaped edge, along with some warm soapy water, to clean air vents. (This works great in your car.)

OneGoodThing.com recommends forming an empty toilet paper or paper towel roll into a window track cleaning tool. Attach one end to the vacuum hose (secure with tape) and press the sides of the other end together to fit into the track. You could even use this trick on sliding door and shower door tracks.

Another great hack from this site is to use regular kitchen tongs to clean blinds. Attach a microfiber cleaning cloth 10 • 2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

loosely over the ends of the tongs, secure with a rubber band and use it to clean both sides of blind slats at once.

Similarly, wrap the end of a butter knife with a microfiber cloth, secure with a rubber band, and use it to clean the openings of HVAC registers (don’t forget air intakes).

Cleaning Awkward Spaces A garbage disposal is incredibly useful but notoriously difficult to clean. It’s oddly shaped and inaccessible. You might know you can toss in

some citrus peels or ice cubes to freshen up the disposal quickly from time to time, but to deep clean this awkward space, try this process.

Turn off the electrical breaker. Spray a foaming cleaner such as Scrubbing Bubbles into the disposal, being careful to lift the rubber flaps (wear rubber gloves). Let it sit for 5 minutes. Then use a bottle brush to scrub the bottom surface as well as the underside of the rubber flaps.

Rinse and run the disposal with cold water.

Repurpose old toothbrushes for cleaning oddly shaped or tight spots between faucet levers, hair dryer vents or the dishwasher filter, or even detail your cheese grater, waffle iron or toaster.

The floor behind the toilet is always a tricky spot to access. ThisOldHouse.com recommends using a separate toilet scrubbing brush (not the one you use to clean inside) to scrub this area. Even better, steam the area with a steam cleaner first to loosen grime.

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A-1 Mulch: Serving Customers and the Community Since 2001 Explore the narrative of every successful company and you will quickly realize that there are tangibles and intangibles that work together to direct its operations, create goodwill and lead to achievements.

It begins with the qualities of hard work, dedication and great employees. When Deb and Mike Coomes began their company A-1 Mulch in 2001, the business operated in the back yard of their Nottingham home and they were its only employees. Twenty-one years later -- backed by the trust and relationships they have built with vendors and customers in Chester County, Delaware and Maryland -- the Coomes have turned a small company into a full-service provider of quality landscaping products like mulch, topsoil, decorative stone, sand and gravel and hardscape supplies at locations in Oxford and Downingtown. In addition, their A-1 Towing Recovery & Trucking in Cochranville provides seven-day-a-week vehicle service throughout Chester County and beyond.

A successful business is also defined by how it recognizes 14 • 2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

its employees for their hard work. At any of A-1’s locations, it is common to see staff being recognized at employee appreciation days with raffle give-aways and catered lunches, and see work tables filled with goodies.

“Without our staff, we wouldn’t have accomplished any of what we have been able to do, and we have gotten there because of teamwork,” Mike said. “I told someone we just hired, ‘This is not a Me, My and I company. This is a team company.’”

The goodwill doesn’t end with Deb and Mike Coomes.

Long-time staffer Ryan Weber and his wife Tanya volunteer to cook and provide meals to truckers who participate at area truck shows, and every Christmas, Weber plans a special holiday luncheon for the company’s customers and contractors.

Perhaps the largest intangible quality of a company is the degree to which it selflessly gives back to the communities it serves. In recent years, A-1 Mulch has participated in community coat drives; sponsored and participated

in the Oxford Halloween Parade, where their float won first prize; and sponsored the Octorara Food Cupboard, not to mention the many youth groups and organizations the company regularly supports.

If there is an event that has truly captured the heart of Deb and Mike Coomes, however, it is the Race 4 the House, an annual fundraiser that benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Philadelphia. Started as a simple toy drive and car show, the event has expanded over the years to include an annual drag racing event at Maple Grove Raceway and a fundraising dinner at the Cedar Hollow Inn in Malvern.

To date, the Race 4 the House has helped raise over $400,000 for the facility, and delivered toys to children and their families not only at the Ronald McDonald House but

to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

A-1 Mulch will be the sponsor of the Junior Street Class race on June 18.

“I think often about what I would do if I were in those circumstances,” Deb said. “The last thing these parents want to worry about is where to get a hotel room, where they will park their car, what they are going to do about food.

The Ronald McDonald House is a place they can go where they will be safe and cared for while their child is in the hospital.”

While this generosity of spirit expressed by the company’s contributions to area communities may not figure prominently in the day-to-day operations of a 21-year-old, full service provider of landscape products, Deb and Mike believe that they have become the other half of A-1 Mulch.

Cover Photograph Provided By Cambridge Pavingstones

2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 15

Water Heater Basics A traditional tank water heater will last about 8 to 12 years.

Understanding how a hot water heater works and performing regular maintenance can maximize its life span.

Here are some tips to keep get the most out of your water heater.

How it Works Hot water tanks have an anode rod, usually made from magnesium, aluminum, or an aluminum/zinc alloy.

Through electrolysis, the rod attracts corrosive particles in the water to itself, which corrodes the rod. Eventually the rod is no longer effective and corrosive particles destroy the lining of the tank, which causes it to need replacement. Replacing the rod before it fails — usually in about five years — can double the life of your water heater, according to FamilyHandyman.com. To find out the condition of your anode rod and decide if it needs to be replaced, check the rod every one to two years.

When buying a new anode rod, keep the following tips from FamilyHandman.com in mind.

• A magnesium rod protects your tank better but doesn’t last as long as an aluminum/ zinc rod.

• Aluminum/zinc rods are 16 • 2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

cheaper and are recommended if your water has an odor, but you should consult a water treatment specialist before switching to an aluminum rod.

Routine Maintenance The following routine maintenance tasks will help keep your water heater in working order. Check your heater’s user manual for the steps to perform these maintenance tasks and how often they should be done.

• Check the pressure valve

to be sure it’s still functional.

• Flush the water tank to get rid of sediment buildup. (A water heater’s warranty usually requires that you do this annually to maintain coverage.)

When to Replace BobVila.com offers the following list of ways to know when your water heater needs to be replaced.

• A banging or rumbling noise, which can be caused by hardened calcium buildup from hard water.

• An odd smell in hot water.

This could be caused by bacteria or metal contaminating the water.

• A red or yellow tint to hot water, which can signal rust.

• A drop in water temperature or heating capacity can be caused by sediment buildup, which can require replacement if it goes unchecked for too long.

• Water pooling around the base of a water heater tank.

If it’s not a simple fitting or valve problem, the inside of the tank could be cracked or corroded.

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Exterior Inspection After enduring the extreme conditions of winter, your home’s exterior could be battered and bruised.

Spring is the time to look for signs of damage and make repairs.

Some repairs you can make yourself, while others could require professional services.

Start by getting outside and walking around your house to perform a visual inspection.

Roof With a pair of binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens, check for missing shingles, damaged or missing metal pieces or excessive wear. Consult a roofer for any needed repairs.

Masonry and Foundation Check the foundation and masonry for deterioration, cracking and leaks, recommends E&E General Contracting. Check chimney masonry for signs of vegetation growth, water infiltration, cracked or missing bricks or stones, and have a mason make any needed repairs.

You’ll likely need a specialist to make any necessary repairs to the foundation, as this kind of work is difficult and critical to your home’s structural integrity.

Siding and exterior structures 18 • 2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

Check for holes or warping in siding. If you have a wood exterior, look for signs of termite or carpenter ant damage, such as holes, or actual insect activity. This is also the time to power wash siding, provided it’s in good shape. If a gazebo, deck or other wood structure is looking worse for wear, spring is a good time to stain or seal.

Windows and Doors Look for holes and tears in screen doors and windows. If

they need repairs (even small holes should be fixed), pick up a repair kit at your local home improvement store.

Check the seals on windows and doors to be sure they are keeping out water and holding air.

Landscaping Check concrete, asphalt or stone paths for damage.

Check your water sprinkler system for broken, damaged or clogged sprinkler heads.

If you have landscapers perform seasonal maintenance

on your sprinkler system, they will check for damage to the system and make any necessary repairs.

Air Conditioning Your AC system can suffer damage during from the winter elements. You’ll want to be sure it’s in working order before the warmer summer months arrive, so you aren’t stuck without cooling.

Schedule maintenance by an HVAC specialist well in advance, as these services book up early.

2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 19

Shopping For Solar A solar array is installed in America every two minutes, according to community solar advocates Solstice.

With solar getting more affordable, more homeowners are jumping on board, having solar panels installed on their homes. Given the newness of solar energy, however, knowing what to look for while shopping for solar panels can be tricky.

The U.S. Department of Energy offers a primer for homeowners called “Homeowner’s

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Guide to Going Solar.” The website (bit.ly/3rIT1xk) covers the basics of how solar energy works, how to determine if your home is suitable for a solar installation, and the financial and safety considerations involved.

home is suitable for solar panels. In general, you will need to own your home and have a newer roof with a south-facing slope that isn’t obscured by excessive shade. Each individual solar company will have its own requirements.

Home Suitability Many factors are considered in determining whether your

Financial Matters You can buy solar panels outright, finance them

with a loan, or lease panels.

With a loan or lease, your monthly payments could be lower than your monthly electricity bill, but you will be locked into a long-term contract. Another option is a power purchase agreement, through which a consumer agrees to purchase power produced by panels installed on his home at a set price.

Purchasing panels could allow you to qualify for the Solar Investment Tax Credit, a 30% federal tax credit available through 2022.

Lease and PPA agreements do not qualify for the credit.

Also ask about net metering. This arrangement allows you to receive credit on your electric bill for power that your system feeds back into the grid.

Shop around with various solar installers and compare their financing options. Compare the up-front and monthly costs, as well as tax benefits.

Safety If you’re worried about whether solar is safe for your home, rest assured the industry is well regulated to protect homeowners.

Solar panels must meet international inspection and testing standards, accord-

ing to the Department of Energy, and installers must meet qualifications and install panels to meet local building, fire and electrical codes. Your system should be thoroughly inspected by a certified electrician before it goes online.

Community Solar If you decide solar panels aren’t a good fit for your home or budget, you can still benefit from solar energy via community solar. This concept is a way for you to buy into a group solar project which feeds solar energy into the electricity grid, and get a credit on your electricity bill in exchange. To find a community solar project near you, visit communitysolar.energysage.com.

Enter your average monthly electricity bill and ZIP code to see how much you could save per year.

2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 21

Spring Cleaning Chores For Kids If you’re embarking on a spring cleaning project, getting the kids involved can teach responsibility and other valuable life skills.

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Continued from Page 22

Every parent knows that sometimes teaching a child to do a chore is more work than doing it yourself, but spending a little extra time now can help set them up to be great household helpers as they grow. An older child who develops useful skills such as bike repair or lawn maintenance could even open their own summer business.

Once your kids have new cleaning skills under their belts, they’ll be able to help more around the house on an ongoing basis. (This is a great time to institute a daily or weekly chore chart, if you haven’t already.)

For health and safety, have kids use all-natural cleaning supplies whenever possible, such as diluted vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice and toothpaste (for polishing metal surfaces such as doorknobs and fixtures.)

Set each child up with a caddy of cleaning supplies they will need to complete their jobs. Here is a list of chore ideas for small hands to get you started.

Younger children • Washing windows and windowsills.

• Sorting dirty laundry and removing clean laundry from the dryer.

• Dusting baseboards and furniture and wiping down doorknobs and light switches.

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• Wiping down kitchen cabinets.

• Sorting books and magazines.

• Sweeping, vacuuming and mopping.

• Pulling weeds and watering flowers and houseplants.

• Sort shoes and put away winter boots.

• Wipe down outdoor toys.

• Put away winter clothing and put out springtime wardrobe.

• Using a broom to remove cobwebs from porches and overhangs.

Older children • Washing and vacuuming the car.

• Cleaning bathrooms.

• Cleaning and vacuuming under couch cushions.

• Clean out and wipe down refrigerator shelves and drawers.

• Deep cleaning microwave and stove.

• Changing bed sheets and laundering linens.

• Mowing the lawn and helping with yard work, such as weeding, planting bulbs or putting down mulch.

• Sweeping the patio or deck and wiping down outdoor furniture.

• Cleaning out pet kennels and laundering pet beds.

• Perform maintenance and make simple repairs to sports equipment and bicycles, such as airing up a basketball or replacing bicycle brakes.

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Garage Storage Options

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The garage is a great place to store household items when they’re not in use.

Basic — but sturdy — shelving units can do the job.

If you’re short on space in your garage, however, consider some creative storage options to maximize your storage space.

Suspended Storage Using the vertical space in your garage helps free up floor space. Anything you don’t access on a regular basis can be hoisted up. Look for bicycle storage systems that use rope and a pulley with hooks attached at the end to allow you to safely store your

bikes overhead. A similar pulley system can be used to elevate a metal shelf where you can store items in plastic bins overhead. If you have access to a ladder, a fixed overhead storage shelf is also an option.

Wall Storage If you’re short on floor space, look for creative options for storing items such as bikes, and sports and lawn equipment on the wall. A modular wall-mounted slat storage system allows you to cus-

tomize your storage for your particular items. Add hooks, wire baskets or shelves to the slats to store items of a variety of shapes and sizes — from a rake to a garden hose to a bicycle.

Even the inside of your garage door can be made into useful storage space. Attach metal brackets to hold light sports equipment such as fishing rods horizontally.

Function over Form Of course you could go all-

out with a brand new customized garage storage system, but you don’t have to spend a lot to make your space functional. If you’re on a budget, consider hitting the classified ads, yard sales or a resale shop for garage storage options. If you don’t mind less than perfect aesthetics, look for quality items that might have some cosmetic defects.

The key is to focus on being sure the storage units you choose are sturdy enough to hold your items.

2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 29

Buying Appliances Pandemic supply issues and a red-hot housing market have combined to throttle supplies of home appliances in 2021.

A National Association of Home Builders survey in February 2021 found that nearly 90% of builders had trouble finding appliances.

Why Appliances?

Real estate is booming, and with higher home sales comes a demand on appliances. If a family isn’t buying, they’re probably remodeling, putting even more of a squeeze on supply. And with more people staying a home because of the pandemic, our appliances are wearing out faster, meaning they have to be replaced.

Smarter appliances also need microchips, and be30 • 2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

cause of a pandemic miscalculation, microchips are in short supply for everything right now, including home appliances. Coupled with shutdowns and other pandemic challenges, that means fewer fridges to go around.

What Can You Do? When possible, repair your appliances rather than replace them. If you’re in the home market, consider taking your appliances with you or purchasing the suite that comes with the house. But there are times when you just have to have new, such as when you’re building a

new home. In that case, keep an open mind and don’t get your heart set on one particular model. Instead, focus on features and what you can get in a timely manner.

You can also turn to the used appliance market.

These come with lower prices, but may also come with a few scratches and dents.

If you go this route, consider buying from a used appliance store and purchase a warranty with the product.

Pricing Buying new, you should be prepared to pay more without the benefit of sales and promotions.

“Why discount something that consumers are lining up and waiting five to six weeks to buy,” David MacGregor, an appliance industry analyst, told Consumer Reports.

“The situation is not so dire that people will have to go without a refrigerator if they really need one. But they may not get it at the price they want to pay.”

What a savvy bargain-hunter may be able to do is negotiate other parts of a major appliance purchase, such as delivery fees, installation and disposal costs, and for parts and accessories that aren’t in such short supply, such as hoses and cords.

2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 31

Window Treatments that Wow

The windows are the eyes of your home — and often times your eyes on the world.

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They’re key to a welldressed room, to your family’s privacy and even to keeping your utility bills under control. Choosing the right window treatments is way more about fashion these days.

Blinds Blinds typically fit inside a window’s frame and come in a variety of materials that lend themselves to a minimalist, clean decor. They’re also one of the most versatile window treatments, with levels of light blockage and even some smart features.

Blinds not only block light,

but they can also muffle outside noise and keep down dust. They typically last longer than curtains and drapes and are also easier to clean.

Look for blinds in sustainable materials, such as bamboo or fabrics. In areas where there may be young children or pets, look for cordless blinds to keep everyone safe.

Curtains Curtains are also extremely versatile and can add texture and a rich feel to the room.

Curtains also can block out light and warm or cold air from outside. Look for layered curtains with light, airy

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curtains to let in natural light with darker, heavier curtains over them. On trend this year are textured fabrics, like knobby natural cotton or linen. Look for curtains this year in earthy, organic tones and bold, nature-inspired prints that bring the outdoors in.

Drapes You may be forgiven for thinking curtains and drapes are the same thing. But there are differences. Drapes are usually heavier and longer than curtains, and they’re meant to be hung or swagged in different ways around the window, whereas cur-

tain panels usually just hang straight. Consider pairing drapes with airy curtains or with textured blinds for privacy. Look for drapery with corresponding tiebacks so you can adjust how much of the outside world you let in.

In both curtains and drapes (and in the customizable world of Roman shades), big, bold prints are in. They can be inspired by nature, by retro patterns and palettes, or both. Using curtains and drapes, which are easy to change out, is one way to bring a bold look into your room without spending too much money.

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Talking Toilets Last year’s toilet paper shortage meant everyone was running out to upgrade their toilets with tush-saving bidets.

But even the simple bathroom throne has more updates to offer than just a bidet. Keep reading to find out the latest in toilet technology.

Smart Toilets and Bidets Yes, toilets can be smart, too.

These porcelain thrones feature hands-free operation, such as self-closing lids and touchfree flushing, both of which

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reduce touching germ-infested surfaces. Toilets today can also clean themselves with bacteriakilling light and interior mechanisms that clean for you. More modern lines on toilets can also eliminate nooks and crannies in more traditional toilets, making cleaning the outside easier.

New Heights You can also get toilets in vari-

ous heights. If you have someone in your family that has trouble getting up and down, consider getting a toilet with a little more height to make it easier for them to use. Elongated bowls may also make it more comfortable to use.

An example of a little higher toilet may be around 21 inches, and are great for bathrooms primarily used by adults.

Wall-Mounted Toilets These toilets are all clean lines and elegance. Wallmounted toilets offer a modern, geometric solutions for bathrooms, especially those with limited space. Some feature in-wall tanks and flush panels to make the toilet even more seamless. The flush panel for some models can be set at any height, meaning you no

longer have to bend down to flush.

Fancy Features Architectural Digest says luxe features are also in demand, especially as a year of pandemic lockdown put people in a mood to pamper themselves. Some features to look for include built-in bidets, heated seats, soft-close seat and automatically closing lids.

Efficiency Toilets are the main source of water use in the home, the EPA says, using nearly 30% of

a home’s indoor water consumption. Older toilets can use up to six gallons of water per flush, but more modern, efficient toilets use just 1.28 gallons per flush. The federal standard is 1.6 gallons per flush, and toilets that meet that threshold carry the WaterSense label. WaterSense toilets, the EPA says, are high performance, water efficient toilets that are available at a variety of price points and styles. Replacing older toilets with WaterSense toilets can save families about $140 per year and about $2,900 over the life of the WaterSense toilet.

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Faucets of the Future — Today Kitchens are the heart of the home, and in the middle of that heart is the kitchen sink. It’s so important that when we pack everything up, we grab it, too.

Crowning the sink is the faucet, and these days it does a lot more than just dispense hot and cold water. Check out these futuristic faucet picks that you can have today.

Delta Faucet Trinsic SingleHandle Kitchen Sink Faucet House Beautiful editors loved this faucet’s sleek design, and you’ll love it’s Diamond Seal technology to reduce leaking. Delta says this faucet lasts twice as long as the industry standard. It also features a pull-down sprayer with a magnetic dock that keeps it in place when not in use.

Brizo Artesso Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet If your kitchen needs some bling, look no farther than this faucet with a brushed gold finish. It also features a pull-down sprayer and single-handed operation. Pair it with on-trend brushed gold hardware on your cabinets and other fixtures for an upto-the-minute kitchen update.

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Nuevo Elements of Design Heritage Kitchen Faucet Sleek might not be your thing, and this faucet may be just the one you’re looking for. It’s a vintage-style classic with sweeping curves and double-handed operation.

But it’s also got a modern brushed nickel finish to bring it into this century.

Delta Keele Chrome Kitchen Faucet Minimalists, this faucet’s for you. It’s ultra-modern look is topped with a shiny chrome finish and a nearly seamless single handled design and a pull-away sprayer. It’s right at home in any contemporary kitchen.

We haven’t forgotten about those all-important bathroom faucets, either. Here are some good picks from House Beautiful for creating the perfect retreat in your home.

Moen Eva Two-Handle Centerset Bathroom Faucet Sleek but full of beautiful curves, this brushed nickel Moen set will update any bathroom.

Phiestina Matte Black Bathroom Sink Faucet Matte black is the new-andnow bathroom fixture finish.

This single-handed faucet with modern lines makes a bold bathroom statement.

Delta Cassidy Single Hole Bathroom Faucet If you’re looking for more of a vintage faucet, see this single-handled bathroom tap with a swooping curved spout.

2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 37

3-D Printing For Home Projects A 3-D printer can be very useful for home repair and improvement projects.

In the past, once a molded plastic part was damaged, the only option was to replace it.

If a replacement was unavailable, you were out of luck.

Today, with a 3-D printer and the right kind of filament for the job, you can recreate parts that might otherwise have been difficult or impossible to find.

Getting Started An entry-level 3-D printer can be had for around $200.

Popular starting models include the Creality Ender 3 V2 or the Monoprice Select Mini V2. Read online reviews to see how others use the printer for your intended purpose. You’ll also find lots of great tips from the online maker community about how to get your machine up and running.

The Right Filament When making parts, it’s important to choose the right material for the job. There are

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many kinds of filaments, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. For example, polylactic acid (PLA) filament can’t hold up above 140 degrees Fahrenheit, so you shouldn’t use it to make parts that will be used in higher-temperature applications. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) filament requires a higher temperature during the printing process, so it may not be usable in some entry-level machines,

but it is durable and holds up over time. Do some research before buying a machine to be sure you can print with the kind of filament you need for your jobs.

Where to Find Designs You can find pre-made design files for some applications via online 3-D project databases such as Thingiverse.com or MyMiniFactory. com. A quick search turns up useful household items

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38 • 2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

such as a wall shelf bracket, a power strip under-table mount, replacement wheels for a robotic vacuum, a miter saw box, replacement washing machine buttons, a vacuum cleaner dust bag clip and more.

If you can’t find the design you need and you’re willing to roll up your sleeves and learn a new skill, you can always design the part yourself. Download free or open-source computer-aided design software, such as TinkerCAD or FreeCAD, to get started. Again, the internet is your friend here, as there are myriad free tutorial videos and websites to help you get oriented.

Share your Designs Once you’ve created your own design, you can share them for free or for profit via the internet. After all, if you needed a particular part, chances are

others have run into the same problem and are willing to pay.

You can also print up some of your creations and sell them through platforms such as Etsy and eBay. A $200 printer and

some inexpensive filament could turn into a part-time money-making operation. Invest a little more and you could turn your side hustle into a fulltime job. The sky is the limit.

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2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 41

Durable Flooring Choices Our lives are busier than ever, and more often than not, our floors show the scars.

Pet nails, children, poor shoe choices and general life takes a toll on our home’s floors. But now, with advances in materials, there are great choices out there that can take a beating and are environmentally smart. Keep reading to learn more.

Bamboo Flooring The Greener Living Blog says that bamboo flooring is harder than hardwood flooring and has greater scratch resistance.

Strand-woven bamboo flooring is even more hardy. It’s also resistant to denting, so large, heavy 42 • 2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

furniture can be placed on it without fear. Bamboo is also good for the environment.

It’s not actually wood; bamboo is a type of grass that can grow to maturity in just a few years. Hardwood trees, on the other hand, can take up to 20 years. When bamboo is harvested, the roots are left in the ground to sprout new stalks, whereas trees must be replanted.

Concrete Flooring For those looking for a really hardy flooring surface, concrete can be an attractive options. After all, we drive on it

regularly. And a range of glazes can make concrete flooring an eye-catching beauty.

However, those glazes are its Achilles heel. Some of them are delicate and can’t stand up to heavy traffic and ill treatment. Make sure to work with your contractor to find a glaze and sealant that works best in your space. Furthermore, even properly installed concrete flooring can develop cracks over time and moisture can also be a problem.

Carpeting It’s popular, but carpeting doesn’t always strike as the

most durable flooring choice.

But advances in fabrics mean that today’s carpet is more resistant to wear and tear than ever. Flooring company Carpet One says nylon carpet is an easy-to-clean fabric that’s at home everywhere in your home. It’s not stain resistant, but can be treated to protect it from spills and stains.

For high traffic areas, Carpet One recommends a textured carpet like berber or loop carpet. These carpets have a rich feel but a casual look, and its textures and shading can resist traffic patterns and soiling.

Smart Homes

Smart homes feature appliances and devices that can talk to each other and create a unique ecosystem that can make our lives easier.

Devices that can work together include appliances, lighting, climate control, shades, security features, televisions and more.

Integration For a smart home to function, it needs a system to run all the devices through. This can be a digital personal assistant such as Google Home, Amazon’s Alexa and others. Or you can run them through your home security or cable systems if they allow it. Once you decide on a platform, you’ll need to look devices that work with that platform. If you use a digital assistant, you’ll need appliances that you can control with your voice, such as asking Google or Alexa to turn the temperature down or turn the bedroom lights off.

Appliances One of the hottest trends in smart homes are smart appliances. Fridges, ranges and more now have features that allow for control via WiFi. Some of these appliances feature things like checking the ice level in the freezer or cameras and touch screens that allow you to see if there’s 44 • 2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

enough milk in the fridge.

Other appliances serve as a communications center for the home, like a GE range hood that features an integrated touchscreen where you can store favorite family recipes and allow you to manage other smart devices through your range hood.

Yes, really.

Lights Automating your lights is one of the easiest ways to

turn your home into a smart home. You start with smart LED bulbs and, depending on the system you choose, a hub. Once you connect those, you can set lights to turn on and off with your voice, or even change color depending on the kind of bulbs you get. Many lighting systems also include more than bulbs for your lamps — you can get strip lighting, fixtures and more to customize your smart home lighting to your liking.

Thermostats Thermostats are another smart home feature that’s popular for people just getting started. Smart thermostats work with your digital assistants to raise and lower temperatures at your beck and call, but they can also work with other devices, such as your smartphone, to allow it to learn your habits and adjust your climate control systems accordingly.

2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 45

On-Trend Paint Colors Freshening up your home inside and out is as easy as adding a fresh coat of paint.

46 • 2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

If you’re looking to sell your home anytime soon, a fresh coat of paint could more than pay for itself. Here are a look at some of the trending colors for inside and outside of your home.

Warm Palettes After years of cool whites and grays, palettes are starting to warm back up. Even the blues have a reddish or purplish cast to them this year. Lucy Blue is one of Valspar’s colors of the year and is a vibrant shade of ocean blue that the company says brings a playful happiness to

any space. Pair it with neutral furnishings for an elegant look with a touch of whimsy.

HGTV says to look for deep, rich color that helps you connect with home. In this pandemic year, we’re looking for comfort, and warmer palettes signify that. It points to shades like Sherrington Williams’ deep red Passionate and warm peach Pale Apricot that makes spaces welcoming and cozy. Also see Behr’s Kalahari Sunset and Valspar’s Maple Leaf.

Exterior Palettes Blues are having a mo-

ment in residential color schemes along with bluegrays. Highlight these colors with bright whites and vibrant accents, like abandoning the traditional red or black door for screaming turquoise. Other hot accent colors include deep navy blues (Sherwin Williams suggest Dress Blues) and golds (Cut the Mustard, also by Sherwin Williams).

Sunny yellows can insert a pop of cheer in an otherwise neutral scheme — it looks particularly good against grays. Think along the lines of Valspar’s Golden Yellow

or Roasted Corn from Behr.

If you’re afraid of going too bold, take some baby steps. Keep your large areas neutral and go for pops of color in your accent pieces — shutters, doors, porches, eaves and other spots — that can be easily changed out if you don’t like the way it looks. When you’re choosing your colors, also work with your contractor or the experts at the home improvement store to choose colors that will last. Darker colors, for instance, may fade more quickly than light neutrals.

2022 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 47

Upgrades That Enhance Health There are numerous ways a home in poor condition can affect its occupants. In some cases, necessary upgrades can be lifesaving or boost the healthy livability of a space.

If your home is older, it’s especially crucial to analyze it for safety conditions that may be impacting your and your family’s health.

The United States Consumer Product Safety Commission banned the use of lead paint in residential properties in 1977. Asbestos is another hazardous material used in insulation, drywall, floor tiles

and cement.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the substance was banned to manufacture, distribute or process in 1989. If your home was built before this time, it’s imperative to hire an expert to determine if dangerous wall covering or insulation is present and prepare a strategy to remove it safely.

Check out these other dangerous conditions that may be found within the place you call home as recommended by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Cool Indoor Temperatures It’s crucial that your HVAC system and home’s insulation is operating correctly to warm and cool your house.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information suggests that low indoor temperatures can lead to these serious health conditions.

• Inflammation of lungs and circulation inhibition.

• Increased risks of respiratory illnesses like asthma.

• Cardiovascular damage like heart disease, stroke and even death.

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If you have trouble staying warm during the winter, consider talking to your electricity company about performing an energy audit. They can easily analyze your home to find out where you’re losing heat and recommend steps to correct the problem.

Pest Infestations Homes that are infested with pests and rodents have a risk of more than just degraded structural integrity.

Inhabitants are also exposed to harmful bacteria when these nuisances are present.

If your property is overrun with pests, don’t be embar-

rassed to call a professional exterminator. Check out these statistics from the National Pest Management Association to realize you are not alone in the struggle.

• Nearly 30% of American homeowners have had a rodent problem in their home.

• Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage annually.

• About 63% of homes contain cockroach allergens, which can cause severe allergic reactions • One in five households have had a bug infestation or know someone who battled an infestation.

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