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Greater Palm Springs Area

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Contributing Writer ALISON ELSNER

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in this issue 4-6

7 desertmobilehomenews.com

A PRODUCT OF

10-12

Ideas for an On-Trend Bathroom

13-14

Bringing an outdated bathroom into the now is a sure way to infuse value and personal enjoyment into your home.

8-9

Energy Savers That Make ‘Cents’

A home that operates efficiently isn’t just better for the environment.

The evolution of energy use and what’s ahead.

Palm Springs, Ca 760-318-2882

SPECIAL FEATURE

Energy Conservation: Tree Huggers Then and Now

Living In Color

When picking a color for cabinetry, personality and lifestyle are essential considerations.

Give Your Kitchen a Facelift

Whether completely remodeling your kitchen or just looking for a few simple upgrades to make your cooking space shine, it can be difficult to know where to begin. October 2018

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FEATURE

ENERGY CONSERVATION TREE HUGGERS THEN AND NOW THE EVOLUTION OF ENERGY USE AND WHAT’S AHEAD By Alison Elsner - Special to Before & After Magazine

ot that long ago, the term “tree hugger” was casually tossed about to show disdain for those who expressed concern about the future of our planet and the need to step up society’s energy conservation efforts, implying that conservationists were irrational extremists. Today, whether due to economic yields, reputation management or sincere unease over what will happen to the planet, it’s rare for most companies and many citizens not to incorporate eco-friendly practices. Massive amounts of energy are required to live in modern society. Life-extending and civilization-sustaining advances have been made in science and medical care, food pro-

before & after

October 2018

duction and distribution, research and education and so many other vital aspects of our lives. Access to energy is a key pillar for human wellbeing, economic development and poverty alleviation. Ensuring everyone has sufficient energy access is an ongoing and pressing challenge for global development. After the Industrial Revolution, energy consumption around the world and in the United States increased modestly. After World War II, a marked increase in energy use resulted from construction of homes and industry, rebuilding of ports, bridges and entire cities, transportation developments and technological improvements. Improved drilling techniques made oil and natural gas abundant and avail-

able at a cost competitive with coal. By around 1950, our country had become heavily dependent on the three major fossil fuels – petroleum, natural gas and coal - for electricity, heating and transportation. Nonpolluting nuclear power also began in the 1950s and increased rapidly in the 1970s. However, accidents like those at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania (1979) and Chernobyl in Russia (1986), where dangerous radioactive gases were released into the environment, have generated significant safety doubts, throttling nuclear power viability. The major turning point in modern energy use patterns was the oil crisis of 1973, where fuel was rationed across the country and cars

FEATURE

lined up for miles, simply waiting to gas up. A result of global politics and price manipulations, the crisis nevertheless served as a wakeup call to governments to develop alternate forms of energy, if only for efficiency and economy. Around this time, those darned tree huggers also started raising awareness about how fossil fuels were contributing to pollution, with visible proof in smog-saturated skylines like Los Angeles. Early programs in the 1970s advocated against pollution with can and bottle recycling, car pools and anti-litter campaigns. President Richard Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970 to work with industries and all levels of government in pollution prevention programs and to establish standards for safe drinking water, vehicle emissions, oil spill prevention, regulation of toxic materials, pesticide use, radioactive waste and many other critical areas to keep us healthy. Fast forward to 2018, where the debate over global warming has reached a crescendo. As a

society, we’ve made progress in transitioning to renewable, non-polluting sources of energy like wind, geothermal and solar, which are believed to be less destructive to the environment and the world’s living entities - you know, people, plants and animals. The disagreement is between those who believe that use of fossil fuels leads directly to global warming and those who say that global warming is a natural occurrence and has little or nothing to do with the way humans burn energy. “Greenhouse gases” such as carbon dioxide largely result from the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas. The production of electricity is the source of 70 percent of the United States’ sulfur dioxide emissions, 13 percent of nitrogen oxide emissions and 40 percent of carbon dioxide emissions, according to the EPA. Carbon dioxide is also released through deforestation, and agricultural practices also produce harmful methane. From the time the Industrial Revolution began to the year 2009, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have increased almost 38 percent

and methane levels have increased a whopping 148 percent, according to NASA, and most of that increase has been in the past 50 years. Because of global warming, 2014 was the warmest year on record, and 10 of the hottest years have all occurred after 1998. Warming affects atmospheric circulation which impacts rainfall patterns globally. This is expected to lead to huge and not so positive changes, like extreme weather, rising sea levels, plant and animal extinctions, ocean acidification and major shifts in climate (livescience.com). Many in the scientific community agree that the best compromise is a shift to renewable energy, collected from resources which are naturally replenished on a human timescale, such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, waves and geothermal heat. The most rapidly growing renewable energy source since 1995 has been wind power, the use of which has increased over 2,000 percent (but still makes up less than 0.75 percent of the nation’s energy supply). Solar has grown over 55 percent since 1995, and the

October 2018

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FEATURE

A comprehensive study by the U.S. Department of Energy shows that the U.S. can generate most of its electricity from renewable energy by 2050, via multiple pathways. rapid fall in the price of solar panel capacity is expected to support future growth (despite current U.S. tariffs on imported solar panels which may contribute to a contraction). Geothermal has grown nearly 27 percent, becoming cost competitive with fossil fuels. Renewable energy currently accounts for about 8.20 percent of the United States energy consumption and has increased by 15.9 percent since 1995 (geology.com). Due to cost efficiencies and/or corporate responsibility, the ways we build and sustain our buildings, homes and transportation have been modernized. Most office buildings and homes now have motion-sensor lighting and low-flow or recycled water systems. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a green building certification program used worldwide since 1993. ENERGY STAR appliances and homes, certified by the EPA, ensure more sustainable energy management. Many big cities, like Nanjing, China, Vancouver, Canada and Singapore have created urban forests to offset greenhouse gas emissions with greater oxygen levels in city centers. The United States has made significant gains in energy productivity in the years

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since the 1973 oil crisis. There are setbacks, of course, with the current Presidential administration’s reversals of dozens of environmental rules and a renewed embrace of oil and coal as primary fuel sources. Many regulations have been overturned, created to ban hazardous pesticides and offshore oil drilling and stop coal-mining debris from being dumped into local streams. They would have required infrastructure projects to be built to higher flood standards and greenhouse gas emissions to be limited and tracked, a program that has now been completely defunded (pbs.org). And, America is the only one of 195 countries or global territories to announce its withdrawal from the United Nation’s Paris Climate Accord (by 2020), where countries like the Netherlands have established a goal to cut its 1990 greenhouse-gas emissions level by 95 percent by 2050 and France will ban all petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 as well as terminate its use of coal to produce electricity after 2022. A comprehensive study by the U.S. Department of Energy shows that the U.S. can generate most of its electricity from renewable energy by 2050, via multiple pathways. Variable resources such as wind and solar power can provide up to about half of U.S. electric-

October 2018

ity, with the remaining 30 percent from other renewable sources. By 2050, Forbes Magazine’s Energy Innovation scenario forecasts wind and solar comprising 14 percent and 21 percent of total installed U.S. capacity, respectively. The Energy Information Administration projects that solar energy will grow faster than any other renewable source, averaging an annual growth rate of 11.7 percent through 2035. There are challenges to overcome with renewables, including location, intermittency, storage and transmission that impact cost, and it’s going to require dedicated government policies to make it a reality across the globe, especially in delivering carbon-neutral power to poor countries. That said, climate change fears are motivating governments to support renewable energy projects with grants, tax relief, and other incentives, and it’s widely accepted that using renewable sources will help the U.S. to become more energy independent. Despite current policy obstacles, forecasters predict that renewable energy in the United States will ultimately become mainstream instead of alternative and that newer, cleaner technologies will continue to expand because they are still cheaper. In other words, industry may trump politics. Being called a tree hugger may just be the new badge of honor, something which future generations can look forward to.

BATHROOM

ringing an outdated bathroom into the now is a sure way to infuse value and personal enjoyment into your home. Whether you’re tearing down and starting fresh or simply looking to infuse some new life with a few key elements, these ideas, paired with an option such as Wellborn cabinetry, can give you the inspiration you need to transform a tired toilet into a modern marvel. Make a singular statement: For a bolder look, the best approach may actually be quite simple. Use a single material throughout the room for big impact. For example, run the same tile you select for the floor up the walls, across the vanity, around the shower and up to the ceiling. It’s a dramatic approach, but with the right color and pattern, it can work, especially with a pale or neutral tone. The same concept applies to other materials, such as plaster or concrete, which can create a uniform look that makes a statement. Try a timeless tub: Freestanding tubs were once associated with older, outdated homes, but like many things in design, these standalone vessels are once more back in vogue. Today’s freestanding tubs offer tons of style to fit nearly any design motif. If the claw-foot style of yesteryear is your thing, there are plenty of contemporary takes on the look for an updated, traditional bathroom. There are also a wide range of sleek styles that look nothing like the classic version for a completely fresh, sophisticated bath. Give your tub extra star power by setting it against a backdrop of tile or reclaimed wood, and punch up the style with standout fixtures to make your tub a truly unique feature of the bathroom. Float your vanity: Take a look at today’s trending bathroom designs and you’ll see

floating vanities cover the pages of most design magazines and articles. Floating vanities, also known as wall-mounted vanities, mount directly to the wall, providing more floor space and creating a streamlined look. By mounting the vanity to a wall, the space is broadened, naturally making the bathroom look and feel larger. Additionally, the wall mount allows homeowners to customize the space in terms of countertop height and comfort. Although the aesthetic benefits often come at the cost of limited under-sink storage space, this potential pitfall can be overcome with a customizable U-shaped drawer option, that allows functional drawers to be placed within the wall-mounted cabinetry. For more information, visit wellborn.com. Infuse unexpected color: If you think of bathroom fixtures as purely functional, think again. Not only can they add a stylish focal point to your tub (and shower and sink, for that matter), the ultra-practical fixtures can actually be a source of color. Bold brass and gold tones are in style, or for something completely different, explore a new look like solid black fixtures that pop against several different textures and surfaces. Introduce ample lighting: Sub-optimal lighting can hamper the ambiance of smaller spaces like bathrooms. If the space has a window, ditch any coverings that restrict the

natural light and instead rely on textured glass windows that provide privacy while allowing light to shine freely. Another option is a skylight, which is surprisingly easy to add. If access to the roofline is an issue, consider one (or even a couple) tunnel skylights. Also give care to selecting the right fixtures for the space. Not only should they coordinate well with the overall decor, they should provide plenty of task and ambient lighting to make the room both useful and inviting.

Trick Your Way to a Bigger Bathroom When knocking down walls to create more space isn’t an option, there are still plenty of ways you can maximize a small bathroom space to make it look and feel larger than it really is.

spacious. To maximize the illusion, extend the monochromatic scheme throughout the space, including floor tiles, wall paint, ceilings and even the decorations.

need in everyday reach like bathtub salts, scrubs and more. You can also use the shelves for storing extra toilet paper and cleaners to free up valuable storage space below the sink.

Opt for monochromatic cabinetry. Whether you buy new or paint existing cabinets, make them blend in monochromatically in the lightest shade possible. White and light colors reflect light, making the room seem brighter and more

Place cabinets strategically. Think of the spaces in your bathroom that you don’t usually use, such as the area above the doorway. Especially if you have high ceilings, you can install decorative storage shelves to house items you don’t

Maximize vertical space. Consider extending cabinetry up to the ceiling. Adding color at a vertical height can cause the eye to go up and therefore enlarge the bathroom space and feel. It is also a wise use of unused space rather than borrowing

October 2018

from limited floor space, which can make the space feel cramped. Consider open storage. Open storage shelves trick the mind because the airy openness can give the illusion of taking less space than enclosed storage. However, be mindful of over-filling shelves, which can create a cluttered look. Instead use the open space as an opportunity to feature artwork or other accents that add life to the room.

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KITCHEN

hether completely remodeling your kitchen or just looking for a few simple upgrades to make your cooking space shine, it can be difficult to know where to begin. A well-designed kitchen can incorporate both style and luxury, but it’s also important to upgrade in ways that make everyday tasks easier and your space more efficient. From larger upgrades like an entire suite of matching stainless steel kitchen appliances to elegant and durable quartz countertops or a new dining set, to smaller optimizations such as a smart thermostat to control temperatures or multi-tiered cabinet organizers, it’s easy to breathe new life into one of your home’s most oft-used spaces. Find more upgrades that appeal to the eye and can simplify everyday kitchen tasks at eLivingToday.com.

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Whole-Kitchen Upgrades

Easily update your entire kitchen with matching stainless steel appliances with the Amana Everyday Value Suite, a winning combination of value, hassle-free features, quality products and timeless design. Perfect for your kitchen, vacation home or real estate listing, the Amana Everyday Value Suite includes a Side-by-Side Refrigerator with three Gallon Door Storage Bins, a Free Standing Range with Bake Assist Temps, a Dishwasher with Triple Filter Wash System and an Over-the-Range Microwave. Find more appliances at amana.com.

October 2018

Aesthetically Pleasing Dining

Available in a wide variety of sizes, styles, heights, colors and finishes, even when not in use a standout table and set of chairs is sure to be a centerpiece of your dining area. Look for options such as an extendable table leaf or under-table storage to allow for versatility whether entertaining or preparing a meal for your family. Simply group the matching chairs around your table or mix and match different designs to give your dining room a more chic feel.

KITCHEN Quartz Countertop Upgrade

If your countertops are looking tired, scratched or stained, it may be time for an upgrade. The Radianz countertop line is comprised of 93 percent natural quartz, making it easy to clean, highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, keeping the surface looking like new. The line of countertops comes in a wide range of natureinspired colors and textures, from stunning marbled patterns to warm coastal hues, perfect for beautifying kitchens, bathrooms and work spaces. Learn more at radianz-quartz.com.

Contain Kitchen Clutter

Many kitchen cabinets have more wasted than usable space. Optimize storage in these problem areas with ClosetMaidâ€™s Premium Kitchen Cabinet Organizers featuring multi-tiered pullout baskets, a spice rack and trash bin to deal with all kinds of kitchen clutter. Each organizer is durable, scratch-resistant, easy to install and designed specifically for any kind of food or container storage. For more organization solutions and tips, visit ClosetMaid.com.

Add Intelligent Comfort

When youâ€™re busy cooking, make sure your kitchen is comfortable with a smart thermostat that can help you control temperatures even if the oven is on its hottest setting. Additionally, the added control can also help you ensure your whole home, including your kitchen, is economically efficient. Apps for your smartphone increase the control even further, allowing you to make subtle adjustments even while away from home.

October 2018

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ENVIRONMENTAL

er, adding insulation or purchasing a newer, more efficient model.

Heating and Cooling

home that operates efficiently isn’t just better for the environment. Ensuring your home systems are as efficient as possible can also help reduce the financial burden of maintaining your home throughout the year. These tips from Gary White with JCPenney Home Services can serve as areas of focus for lowering your energy bills and lessening your appliances’ negative impact on the environment.

Water Heaters The cost of heating water for bathing, laundry and kitchen use is a common home energy drain, so it’s an area that deserves attention when you’re looking to upgrade for efficiency. To reduce energy use from your hot water heater, try taking shorter showers and switching to cold water for some washing machine wash and rinse cycles. Other options include turning down the thermostat on your heat-

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, as much as 40 percent of a home’s energy expenses come from the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, also known as the heating and cooling system. Like appliances and other mechanical features of your home, over time, the heating and cooling system becomes less efficient. Regular seasonal service like appropriately changing out the air filter can help ensure your system performs at its best, but once its life expectancy has passed, a new unit is usually the more cost-effective solution in the long run. Understanding your options is important because these systems represent a meaningful investment. There are a lot of potentially overwhelming options and you want to be

Take Control of Your Climate Managing your home’s climate control is typically no small task or small expense. These options offer flexibility and efficiency. Heat pumps pull from the ground or outside air temperature to both heat your home in the winter and cool it in the sum-

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mer. Since heat pumps move heat instead of generating it, they’re energy-efficient year-round. Hybrid systems or combination systems combine elements of both a furnace and heat pump. The more efficient heat pump runs until the out-

October 2018

side air temperature falls below a certain level, at which point the system automatically switches the heat source to the furnace. This option is more expensive up front, but can generate significant savings in terms of monthly utility bills long-term.

Ductless systems are a flexible, efficient choice for homeowners looking for simple solutions. These systems can be easily mounted on the wall or ceiling, and don’t require ductwork, making them ideal for a converted attic space or room addition.

ENVIRONMENTAL

UNDERSTANDING HVAC EFFICIENCY RATINGS

sure you get the right system for your home. A consultation with an expert, such as those you can find at JCPenney Home Services, can help you determine the proper size and functions necessary to effectively manage your home’s climate, as well as assist in exploring the latest technologies and products. For example, heat pumps, which were once reserved for more moderate climates, are now a cost-efficient solution for homes where temperatures dip lower. Another option that is relatively new but growing in popularity is known as a mini-split system. These systems let you customize the temperature settings in various spaces, enhancing personal comfort and allowing you to focus your energy use on the parts of your home that need it most. Learn more about these and other energyefficient heating and cooling solutions at jcpenneyhomeservices.com.

Thermostats While servicing or replacing an HVAC system may be the obvious change when it comes to conserving energy, you can also see

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reductions by using an upgraded thermostat, such as a “smart” or connected model. These devices can help you monitor the temperature setting in your home while maximizing efficiency. For example, a connected thermostat that’s synced to your smartphone may allow you to adjust temperature settings when away from home. This way, if you forget to bump the air conditioner up a few degrees while you’re gone more than a few hours, you can log-in remotely and set an appropriate temperature.

Weatherproofing A great deal of energy is lost through cracks, holes and faulty seals. Take time to assess all windows, doors and openings for air leaks, adding caulking or weather stripping where needed. Don’t overlook culprits like openings around lighting and plumbing fixtures, switch plates and other electrical elements. Also assess potential losses from the fireplace, attic, garage and crawl spaces, where it’s common that less attention is given to thorough sealing, and determine whether additional insulation can help contain energy.

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An HVAC system can be rated in a number of different ways. While some of these ratings may be confusing, it is helpful to understand what they mean. Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE), rating is important if you are purchasing an oil or gas furnace. The AFUE rating measures the amount of fuel used to heat your home against the amount of fuel wasted. A higher rating indicates a more efficient system. The more efficient your system, the less fuel it takes to heat your home, which translates into lower heating bills during the winter. The higher the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER), the more efficient your system and the less it will cost to heat and cool your home. Federal regulations require all new HVAC systems to have a SEER rating of 13 or higher. Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF), measures the efficiency of a heat pump when it is used to heat a home. A higher rating indicates greater efficiency and greater monthly savings on energy bills. New HVAC units are required to have a rating of 7.7 or higher.

CABINETS

hen picking a color for cabinetry, personality and lifestyle are essential considerations. Gray and white cabinets are options for the modern active living lifestyle, whereas green and blue tones may work better for a more eclectic existence. Whichever way you go, colored cabinetry is more than just a trend: it’s a design approach that is here to stay. That’s why careful planning is necessary when you set out to redesign the kitchen. After all, this essential living space is an area where you spend plenty of time, so it should feature visual elements and colors you find appealing. White kitchen cabinets have dominated the market for many years. White cabinetry is constant, safe and classic. However, reports from

designers and data on market buying trends are showing a slight shift in painted cabinetry design from classic white to pops of color. “We know kitchen cabinetry is an ever-evolving dynamic, but we also believe certain trends are more constant and everlasting,” said Angela O’Neill, director of marketing and advertising at Wellborn Cabinet. “We trust consumers and we believe they have spoken and have spoken very loudly in regard to painted cabinetry.” The current styling trend, reflected in Wellborn Cabinet’s latest colors, is a marriage of traditional and contemporary finishes, materials and fabrics equating to a classic, timeless design. Beloved white is now making way for trending warmer tones featuring shades of gray, green and blue.

A Calming Effect Letting your personality show through with color in the kitchen doesn’t have to mean going outlandishly bold. Paint hues like aqua, mint and olive can all set the stage for a calm, inviting atmosphere. Each of these shades provides a mild taste of colored cabinetry, imparting an effect that is subtle but bold enough to make its presence known.

Mink Gray Exploring shades of gray is another way to develop a unique look. Some shades result in a calm, tranquil effect. However, if you’re looking for a more dominant color, an option like Mink Gray from Wellborn Cabinet gives

October 2018

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CABINETS

Choose the Right Cabinet Color

the feel of a much warmer space. Minimalists swoon over this classic yet clean gray because it isn’t overpowering, and the timeless color adds to the transitional styling of cabinetry.

It All Started with White It’s true that white cabinetry set the pace for painted cabinetry, and it’s likely to remain a popular option for homeowners. Remember, though, that not all whites are the same and different shades can elicit a different design motif entirely. Cabinets in shades of white are enduring and versatile, appearing in cottage, traditional and even modern kitchens. Also remember that although it’s simple, there’s nothing dull about white cabinetry. Embrace the classic white spacious kitchen in your home but take it up a notch with brass lanterns, a round dining table and fabriccovered chairs. Find more inspiration and planning tools to create the contemporary kitchen of your dreams at wellborn.com.

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October 2018

Once you’ve made the decision to add colored cabinets to the kitchen, there’s an obvious next question: which color? With so many options to choose from, you may need to answer some basic questions to narrow down the field. Bold vs. Subtle: If you’re looking for a dramatic change, a bold approach may be the perfect solution. Just remember that a bold space can border on overly bold. It needs to be a color and shade that you will continue to enjoy over time. On the other hand, if you’re set on adding color but not sure something so vibrant will do, a softer shade of that color may offer a more subtle solution. All Over vs. Accent: Consider whether your vision calls for paint on all of your kitchen cabinetry, or if you’re simply looking to create a standout feature. A color that looks terrific as a focal point may overwhelm if it’s applied throughout the room, so evaluate which of the options you’re weighing is best suited to the use you have in mind. Fit Within the Home: In many homes, the design style flows from one room to the next. It’s important when making a major change like colored cabinets to understand how the new style will fit with the rest of the house. For example, whether it will complement or contrast, and if it contrasts, ensure that’s the look you’re truly going for. Completing the Design: Another often-overlooked consideration is how you’ll complete the room once the cabinetry is installed. Think about the rest of the woodwork, other finishes like backsplash and flooring, and dining furniture in the space. Also consider your appliances and any decorative items you may wish to add. Ensure the color you’re considering will fit with the other elements. If it doesn’t, you may have to consider upgrading those features to achieve a cohesive look. If you’re still having trouble narrowing down your selection, many designers recommend selecting an inspiration piece and designing the rest of the room, including the cabinetry, to complement it.