Hisfall2013

Fa l l 20 1 3 T H E B R YA N - C O L L E G E S TAT I O N E A G L E

FOOTBALL SEASON TAILGATING

Tailgating in Aggieland can be just as fun and memorable as attending the actual football game.

LOCAL ARTIST INSPIRED BY SCIENCE Becky Phillips’ exhibit at the SEAD Gallery in Downtown Bryan ends on Sept. 2.

HOW TO INCREASE STORAGE IN TIGHT SPACES AUTUMN MARKS A GREAT TIME TO CLEAR CLUTTER

Sleek and Simple

Contemporary College station home is elegant, but cozy.

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Contents

Sleek and simple Contemporary College Station home is elegant, but cozy.

6 Local Artist inspired by science Becky Phillips’ exhibit at the SEAD Gallery in Downtown Bryan ends on Sept. 2.

8 Home improvement projects perfect for fall Fall is an ideal time of year to tackle home painting projects.

18 Pot luck parties can put guests at ease 22 How to make a home handicap accessible 25 How to invite more natural light into your home 29 How to winterize your pool

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Home iN Style FALL 2013

Football Season

Tailgating in Aggieland can be just as fun and memorable as attending the actual football game, as long as tailgaters are responsible, know the rules and regulations and remember to bring all the necessities.

By STACY CANTU Special to The Eagle

or canopies. The overwhelming majority of our guests use smaller tent/stake combinations, and will be unaffected by this rule change. We will also have some ‘no staking’ areas designated this fall. These areas will be in the immediate vicinity of some of our gas lines. Guests are welcome to set up tailgates in these areas, but will not be able to penetrate the ground. These are fantastic places to put a grill or any surface level tailgate games to help maximize the space, so as many people as possible can enjoy our unique game day atmosphere.”

For more information on tailgating in Aggieland visit the University’s game day and tailgating website.

Tailgating supplies For a relaxing tailgating experience it is important that tailgaters bring everything they need for the day. H-E-B has provided a tailgating checklist on its website. This list includes folding tables, hand sanitizer, large garbage bags, a lucky T-shirt, cowboy boots, a generator and electric fans, koozies, chairs, coolers and plenty of ice, a school and/ or state flag, a stereo system, a music playlist, a pop-up canopy, a junior-size football, a grill, a smoker, a deep fryer, a main course (like brisket or sausage), snacks, drinks, a television, camping chairs and rain gear. H-E-B also recommends having a “designated parking spot sitter,” a person who arrives at the tailgate spot up to 24 hours in advance to secure the preferred spot.

To be environmentally friendly, H-E-B recommends buying in bulk (to create less waste) and using locally grown and organic items. Another idea is designating a driver.

Carpooling saves gas and emits less carbon

tailgating

T

ailgating is a longstanding tradition built on enjoying the fellowship of friends, the Aggie spirit and Aggie athletics. To enhance the gameday experience, ensure game-day safety and preserve the beauty of the campus, Texas A&M University and Aggie Athletics encourage responsible tailgating, states the Texas A&M University’s game-day and tailgating website.

Tailgaters can visit http://tailgating.tamu. edu for a list of general rules for responsible tailgating and site-specific rules for responsible tailgating.

“Texas A&M provides first-come, firstserved tailgating areas in Spence Park and on the grassy areas surrounding Reed arena and the other buildings at the intersection of Olsen Boulevard and John Kimbrough Boulevard,” said Neil Peltier, assistant director of Tailgating Operations at Texas A&M University.

First-come, first-served areas may be claimed starting at noon on the day prior to a home football game. Tailgaters interested in reserving a spot in Cain Park, across from the Zone or Simpson drill field may contact Tailgate Guys at 979-775-1700.

“Prime locations go quickly, but don’t worry if you can’t make it out until game day; we always have room for more,” Peltier said.

RV spots are sold out for the Alabama game; however, there are slots remaining for other home games. For more information, and to purchase RV parking permits, visit www. transport.TAMU/special events/RV.aspx.

Tailgaters should know that in order to help increase guest safety and protect subsurface utilities, like gas lines, electricity, fiber and irrigation, Texas A&M University is limiting the ground penetration depth on campus this year.

“Stakes or other equipment may not penetrate the ground more than 12 inches,” Peltier said. “We encourage all of our guests who use tent stakes that penetrate the ground more than 12 inches to consider using a combination of smaller tents or contact their tent manufacturer to discuss additional/ alternate forms of ballast, including sandbags or concrete blocks to safely secure their tents

dioxide; tailgaters will also save themselves the trouble of trying to find parking spots near each other. Other transportation options are using a bus or game-day shuttle, biking or walking.

Other green tips include using sturdy plates, so that multiple plates aren’t needed for each person to load up their tailgating meal. H-E-B also suggests using stainless steel skewers instead of wooden ones; they’re dishwasher safe and can be reused. Another suggestion is to choose lump charcoal or all-natural briquettes, which have fewer pollutants and fillers.

Propane, a cleaner fuel, is also a good option, and an electric grill is even better, according to the website.

If using disposable items, H-E-B suggests looking for paper ware or plastic ware that are biodegradable or made from recycled materials. Tailgaters can also use their own inexpensive dishes, utensils and cloth napkins, instead of using throwaway items.

In addition to the checklist, H-E-B’s website also offers quick and easy game-day recipes to enjoy while tailgating, such as jalapeno poppers, punch, grilled tomato salad, sevenlayer dip and pigs in a blanket.

Those who might prefer to avoid cooking and bringing supplies can also order food ahead at a local restaurant or take advantage of the services of a catering company. To find local restaurants, visit www.shopbrazos.com.

For more information on tailgating, including recipes, visit www.heb.com/ sectionpage/party-planning/party-tips/allstar-tailgating/881019.

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Local artist Becky Phillips

Local Artist

inspired by science

These three paintings, all titled “Higgs Boson,” are part of local artist Becky Phillips’ exhibit at the SEAD Gallery in Downtown Bryan. The exhibit ends on Sept. 2.

By STACY CANTU Special to The Eagle

B

ecky Phillips, fine arts professor at Blinn College in Bryan and a conceptual/contemporary artist, said science is what is inspiring her to keep creating her works of art.

“Sometimes I have a lot of images in my mind throughout the day,” Phillips said. “A lot of times it is science related, and all the images are very explosive.” While science is playing a big role in Phillips’ current work, she said it was never something in which she thought she would take an interest. “I never even dreamed of being interested in science or majoring in it in college,” she said. “It’s very important in our culture, and seems to be the thing that fuels me to keep producing painting after painting.”

Phillips’ newest collection is on display at the SEAD Gallery in downtown Bryan through Sept. 2. Her exhibit is titled “Sublime Encounters: Science and Art Collide.”

According to the SEAD Gallery’s website, Phillips’ work is largely inspired by science: neuroscience, behavioral evolution in humans, migration of humans, archeology and, 6

Home iN Style FALL 2013

most recently, particle physics. Her current collection is inspired by the recent uncovering of the Higgs-Boson particle. After reading about the discovery, Phillips was inspired to create her “Sublime Encounters” exhibit.

“Within the layers of painting are a smorgasbord of recognizable objects that Phillips has brought together from the chaos of her junk drawer, mirroring the process of matter forming into mass: from tools, rubber bands, a broken strand of pearls -- they are a clustered outer expansion, dancing around refracted light. Her series of 10 paintings seem to re–enact the collision itself, each drawing the viewer in, with their ethereal colors and unique, chaotic beauty,” the website states.

Phillips’ other bodies of work include “Atmospheres 2011,” which, according to Phillips’ website, merge high-minded concepts of perception and instinct with culminating simplicity and elegance, and “Pink Evolution” (2009-2010), which touches on themes of evolution and is fantastical and futuristic.

In addition to her paintings, Phillips has also

created time-based media works of art, which feature video, audio and life-sized figures, including “Eye Interrogation: High Brow/Low Brow,” and “The Last Dragging Woman.” These works can be viewed on her website. Phillips said she has been an artist her entire life and has a constant drive to keep producing works of art.“I have been an artist my whole life,” Phillips said. “It became very obvious as a teenager that I was an artist. I have had a compulsion to keep creating for 25 years.”

Over the years, Phillips has learned what it is like to be an artist. “The experience of being an artist is a real blessing,” she said. “I am very passionate, and I have a vehicle to place my passion.”While art may not seem important to some, it is, she said. “Art makes a community come together and makes them think,” Phillips said. “It can raise the statute of a whole community. People wish they could be an artist, not to make money, but to be fueled by something larger than life. That’s the benefit of getting to walk in this life.”

Phillips’ artwork is featured on the cover of “The Seven Sexes: Biology of Sex Determination: A History” by Dr. Elof Carlson.

She has exhibited at The Kinsey Institute in Indiana, The Texas National at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacagdoches, The Bath House Cultural Center in Dallas, The Forsyth Galleries at Texas A&M University, The Visual Arts Alliance in Houston and The University of Science and Art in Oklahoma, as well as many other locations, her website states.

For her Time-Based media, she has been the recipient of a Franklin Furnace Grant in New York, a West Virginia Culture and History Grant for work about generational

Photos contributed by Becky Phillips.

patterns and a Puffin Grant for work with social relevance.

Her exhibits have included The Cleveland Performance Art Festival (invitational artist), Randolph Street Gallery Chicago (invitational artist), Garfield Artworks in Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, N.A.M.E. Gallery Chicago and Gallery 2 Chicago, as well as site-specific installations across the country.

For more information or to contact Phillips, visit www. beckyphillips.info.

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Home improveme

perfect for fall

H

ome improvement projects can add value to a home and do-it-yourselfers know the sweat-equity that goes into such projects can give homeowners a greater sense of pride in their homes. But no two home improvement projects are the same, and homeowners should know that certain projects are best tackled during certain times of the year.

Fall is a great season to work on your house, as the weather is often at its most agreeable once the summer heat has gone and before winter weather arrives. The following are a handful of fall-friendly home improvement projects for homeowners looking to improve their homes.

ROOF REPAIR Whether you’re repairing or replacing the roof, fall is a great time of year to dust off the ladder and get some work done on your roof for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, fall is ideal for roof work because you won’t have to be up on the roof with the summer heat bearing down on you. This can make the project move along more quickly, which is especially beneficial if you are paying laborers to work on the roof. The fewer hours workers are fixing your roof, the less you will be paying in labor costs.

In addition, fixing up the roof in the fall ensures those winter storms, be it rain or snow, won’t find their way into your home via leaks. A leaky roof in winter is hard to fix, as the roof surface could be treacherous in the winter and winter winds can make it dangerous to be up on the roof at all. Addressing leaks in the fall can prevent damage to your home’s interior, which can mount up if a leaky roof is not addressed until the following spring.

WINDOW WORK When the weather outside gets frightful, poorly insulated windows can allow cold air into the home.

That often has a trickle-down effect on finances, forcing you to turn up the thermostat in an attempt to offset the cold air pouring into the home. Whether you need your windows replaced or simply need to patch up any leaks, a proactive approach to leaky or older windows in the fall can save you from unnecessarily high heating bills come the winter. Addressing leaky 8

Home iN Style FALL 2013

ment projects

all

METRO CREATIVE Connection

windows also makes a home more comfortable for its inhabitants.

Fall is the ideal time to address a home’s windows because the temperature outside tends to be pleasant. This means you likely won’t have to make much of an effort to offset the elements, and open windows in the fall won’t make your home’s interior very hot or cold like they might if you were to tackle the project during the summer or winter.

Fixing the floors Wood flooring is a hot commodity for many homeowners. But not all flooring can be added to a home at any time of year. That’s because certain types of flooring employ adhesives that need temperatures inside the d in the home to be within a certain range, and that

range is often within 70º to 80º F, which makes fall a great time to install such floors. Colder temperatures can make it difficult for the flooring to dry and bond, which will prove problematic down the road. What’s more, many people entertain friends and family come late fall and into the holiday season, and it can be difficult to do so if you are busy installing new flooring.

PAINTING PROJECTS Painting is another home improvement project that seems tailor-made for fall. A fresh coat of paint or a new color scheme around the house can give a home an entirely new look and feel. But paint can be pungent and the aromas may last if it’s applied at a time of year when it can’t dry while the windows are wide open. Paint fumes inside a home can make the home uninhabitable, but painting at a time of year like the fall, when you can keep the windows open during and after the project, can help air the home out.

But interior painting isn’t the only painting

project homeowners can tackle in the fall.

Many exterior paints are temperaturesensitive and need the temperature outside to be above 40º F. Paint that freezes won’t dry properly, and homeowners might be left with a costly and unsightly mistake on their hands.

Fall temperatures tend to be amenable to both interior and exterior painting projects, just be sure to check the weather forecast before making your first brush stroke.

Fall is an ideal time of year to tackle home painting projects.

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Sleek

By SHauNa lewiS The eAgLe

and Simple

Contemporary College Station home is elegant, but cozy Photo by Chandler arden a young couple chose a contemporary style for their home in the Pebble Creek subdivision in College station.

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Home iN Style FALL 2013

L “

ess is best.” That’s the mantra a young couple went by while having their contemporary College Station house built and decorated, and the result is a sophisticated and sleek, yet comfortable home for them and their two children.

Matt Hamilton, owner of local company, Hamilton Custom Homes, said he started looking over floor plans with the owners in November 2011, construction started in February the next year, and the owners moved in that November. Hamilton said the couple’s overall plan for the five bedroom/ four and a half bathroom home in the Pebble Creek Subdivision was to “stay clean and simple.”

“I had fun doing this house,” he said.

One of the most eye-catching attributes of the home is the gray and white striped marble countertop on the kitchen’s island. After the couple chose the stone, Barbara Holley, owner of Holley’s Window Fashions & Interiors in College

Station, said she selected paint and interior decorations that complement it.

The homeowners chose to have all the interior walls painted in different shades of gray, which resulted in a continuous look throughout the home. Because of the undertones of gray, it is a difficult color to work with, Holley said, but the home’s interior turned out beautiful. Stylish red, black and white accents stand out against the neutral colors of the walls and cabinetry.

The husband and wife who own the home said many people think of contemporary style as “cold,” but it doesn’t have to be. She said she loves the gray because it looks warm when the light hits it. They chose Hamilton to oversee the design of the home because of his experience building contemporary homes in areas such as Arizona and California.

Hamilton, originally from Bryan, returned to the area about five years ago.

He said that he finds homes crowded with

too many decorations and other things to be stressful. The simple look of the Pebble Creek home, however, is relaxing, he said.

“This is cozy and comforting to me,” Hamilton said. “Not every wall needs something.”

TOUR OF THE HOME After walking through the arched, dark maple front door, visitors will notice a distinctive, modern-looking, circular light fixture hanging from the ceiling in the entryway. The couple chose the dark maple floors, in the entryway and throughout the adjacent rooms, to provide a nice contrast with lighter gray walls.

To the left of the entryway, French doors provide an entrance to a study with a large, arched window overlooking the front yard and on another wall, a big built-in desk and built-in shelves. Two red office chairs and a red berry floral arrangement provide plenty of color to the office, while the shelves display books

The eAgLe www.tHeeagle.com

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Photos by Chandler Arden The homeowners chose a gray and white marble countertop for the kitchen island. Interior designer Barbara Holley then chose paint colors for the home to complement the marble slab.

Red knobs on the Wolf oven were what inspired homeowners to use red as an accent color throughout the home.

and a few photos.

Across from the study is what will become the dining area. The homeowners are still in the process of making some finishing touches to the house, and one of those things is finding the perfect dining table. It already shows promise for an elegant room, with lights that match those in the entryway hanging in a straight line from the ceiling.

An arched opening on one wall is the perfect niche for a piano, and it provides a glimpse of the handsome stairway behind it.

Continuing past the dining room is the husband’s favorite room, the living room, which features a beautiful, curved white leather sofa with red and black-and-white throw pillows. The couch faces a large-screen television, which hangs over the fireplace. The stucco fireplace is made of the same precast concrete tiles as the exterior entryway; the manufacturer of the tiles came up with a custom color for the home. To each side of the fireplace, dark wooden built-in shelves provide a place for a few red accents, as well as family photos that give the room a personal touch.

In the center of the room, a plush black rug -that sits under the couch and a contemporary glass-top table with black legs -- ties the room together. To one side of the couch is a matching table between two red chairs – each with a black-and-white throw pillow.

Three large windows bring in a lot of natural light when the shutters are open. When the shutters in the home are closed, however, it results in complete darkness. That’s because the shutters were built into the window, and painted to match the walls, adding to the polished appearance of the home.

Nearby is the wife’s favorite room, the kitchen, where she can cook while watching her daughter concentrate on homework at the table in the adjoining dining area. She could also watch a small television over the refrigerator.

“I love the kitchen. My daughter does homework there while I cook,” she said.

It’s not hard to see why she enjoys the kitchen. The centerpiece of the room is the gray and white striped marble countertop on the island, highlighted by three unique light fixtures, containing square bulbs,

www.hamiltonhomestx.com Matt Hamilton • (979-220-6864) The Eagle www.theeagle.com

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Photos by Chandler arden (Upper left and right photos): a curved white leather sofa and red chairs, with red and black-andwhite throw pillows, add to the clean, modern look of the living room. a few family photos add a personal touch. (lower left): the home features unique matching contemporary light fixtures in the entryway and the winding stairway (lower right). (lower center): a niche in the dining room is the perfect place for a piano, and also shows a glimpse of the stairs.

hanging over it. Lending to a clean look, a microwave and shelves for cookbooks were built into the island. It also contains a small Franke Lax stainless steel sink, matching a larger sink built into a nearby countertop. Organic white countertops, light gray cabinetry, a beautiful dark gray stove hood, stainless steel hardware and gray and white tile backsplash all complement the island.

The organic white counters, made using a Caesarstone quartz product, are both good looking and practical.

Hamilton said sheets of the product were ordered from Israel. It’s easy to clean and durable, he said, and unlike some marble and granite products, it doesn’t easily absorb wine and other liquids.

To further the clean lines of the kitchen, the couple decided to have Price Cabinet Company, LLC, out of Bryan, build custom flush-mounted inset cabinets, making everything flush with the cabinet frame.

“It’s a small decision, but it’s a big upgrade,” Hamilton said.

Other features that make for a kitchen without clutter include a slide-out spice rack next to the oven and cabinets used to tuck in appliances, such as a mixer, that can be used where they are, rather than pulling them out onto the counters.

Bringing a pop of color are the red knobs on the stainless steel Wolf oven, which are what inspired the homeowners to use red as an accent color throughout the home, Holley said. Three red bar chairs at the island and a red vase with white flowers in the kitchen further the color scheme.

“Their sleek kitchen design is just part of their personality,” Holley said.

The adjoining dining area contains a glass-top table, surrounded by white chairs. Three large windows provide diners with a view of the backyard and a pool under construction. The homeowners are considering using a touch of red in the pool, and landscaping will be done after the pool is completed.

So the backyard is sure to soon be a beautiful view. It will provide the perfect The eAgLe www.tHeeagle.com

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Photos by Chandler Arden (Upper left): The simple look of the master bedroom, with its dark maple and white headboard and matching dresser and side tables, makes for a comfortable room. (Upper right and lower left, page 16): The master bathroom features a Jacuzzi bathtub encased in tiling that matches the floor and enclosed shower, behind the tub. A painting of a red flower adds some color. (Lower right, page 16 and left, page 17): The wife’s master closet includes a unique glass-top island that shows off her jewelry, glass-front purse shelves and plenty of room for her wardrobe. (Page 17, right):To continue the home’s clean lines, the shutters were built into the windows, and painted to match the walls.

place for the children -- ages 3 and 6 -- to play, and for the family to relax or entertain company.

The couple can also find a serene getaway in the master bedroom and attached master bathroom. A simple look makes the bedroom feel comfortable and open. Against the center of one wall is the bed, with a dark maple and white frame and a white bedspread. On each side of the bed is a side table that matches the bed frame, and across from the bed, a matching dresser finishes out the room.

When walking into the master bathroom, visitors first see the Jacuzzi tab, encased in the same light gray and cream tile as the floor.

A painting of a large red flower over the tub provides a bit of color. Behind the tub is an enclosed shower, with walls made of the same tile used for the Jacuzzi, and cream-colored tile on the floor.

To both sides of the tub are cabinets with pretty marble countertops and a vanity area, providing a lot of space to get ready, as well as to store items. Glass-enclosed shelves near the tub also provide an attractive and handy place to store towels.

The wife’s huge master closet helps keep her wardrobe and accessories organized. In the center is an island that might remind visitors of a jewelry store; the top is glass encased, displaying jewelry in the top drawer. The closet also contains floor-to-ceiling shoe shelves, glass-encased shelves containing purses and a large mirror. Her husband also has a large master closet, with plenty of room to hang clothes and floor-to-ceiling shelves.

Behind the dining area, an art niche next to the base of the stairs holds a gray statue of a man, greeting visitors as they enter the winding staircase with dark maple steps and matching hand railing. At the curve of the stairs, three long, thin windows and a light fixture, which matches the fixtures in the entryway and dining area, flow with the distinguished tone of the rest of the home. Upstairs are the children’s rooms and a workout room.

The design of the house and the few decorations make the entire house look modern and elegant, but also feel warm, inviting and cozy. When it comes to décor, “less is best,” Holley said.

The Eagle www.theeagle.com

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pot luck partieS

can put guests at ease metro creatiVe ConneCTion

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Home iN Style FALL 2013

W

hile a good time is the goal of many social gatherings, too often the host and the hostess spend the majority of the party catering to guests rather than enjoying themselves. But pot luck parties that encourage guests to contribute to the festivities can allow even party hosts to relax and enjoy the festivities.

Such parties a great option for contemporary hosts or hostesses who want to host a gathering but are too busy with their day-to-day activities to plan a party.

During a pot luck, everyone is invited to bring their signature dishes to the event. These types of parties enable everyone to come together and share the work so the party hosts aren’t inundated with all of the labor. Pot luck parties are typically informal gatherings, which can help put guests at ease and make them more inclined to attend. A casual party where no one is expected to put on airs can create a relaxed and fun environment.

Although pot luck party guests will be sharing the workload, pot luck parties still require some planning. In fact, such parties may need a bit more organization than others, if only to ensure that the right ratio of food and beverages is available. Party hosts do not want to be stuck with duplicates of menu items or a scarcity of something essential.

Here’s how to throw a successful pot luck. gettiNg orgaNiZed The first step is deciding which type of pot luck you want to have. This will dictate the menu. A cocktail party requires finger foods, while a sitdown event may require more substantial dishes.

Many party hosts like to associate a theme with their parties, and tying food into the theme can help guests decide what to bring. create a liSt oF wHat’S Needed Determine how many dishes will be needed. The number of dishes available does not have to equal the number of guests in attendance, but it is a good idea to have a variety of options. When notifying guests what they can bring, give a general list of guidelines. Perhaps you would like to have a beef dish, poultry, side dishes, a vegetarian option, and a salad. By giving guests the guidelines, they can work within them to create foods that they enjoy. It is best not to dictate exactly what to bring, as that may seem overbearing. doN’t Forget tHe BeVerageS Sometimes it can be easy to get swept up with the menu and overlook the beverages and other treats.

Guests who do not need to bring a dish or those who admit their culinary capabilities are lacking can opt to bring drinks or ice. If you will be offering alcoholic beverages, delegate who will bring which spirits and mixers.

DIVVY UP THE DESSERTS Desserts are a big part of pot luck gatherings. Ask which guests prefer to make desserts and then keep track of who is bringing which items so you do not overlap.

Chances are there is a seasoned baker in your midst who enjoys delighting the crowd with delectable desserts.

TAKE SUGGESTIONS Allow guests to make suggestions

regarding the menu. Perhaps someone will handle cutlery and serving pieces. Maybe a friend has chafing dishes that you can borrow. A family member who owns a business may be able to contribute a product from his or her store or service. Guests can do more than just bring food or beverages to make a contribution. Extra seating and tables are always welcome.

STOCK UP ON TAKE-HOME

CONTAINERS Even the most carefully planned pot luck party is sure to generate a good deal of leftovers. Send everyone home with their own doggie bags. Aluminum or plastic containers can be used to divide any remaining foods.

Pot lucks can be a comfortable, informal way to host a number of people without taking on all of the work or expense of a party.

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Home iN Style FALL 2013

Autumn marks a great

time to clear clutter

C

lutter is a concern for many homeowners. Clutter can gradually accumulate, and over time a home can turn from a welcoming respite to a claustrophobic place overwhelmed by items of little or no value.

Homeowners who have battled clutter in the past often find that it is most likely to accumulate over the winter, when frigid temperatures outside drive more people indoors. Spending more time indoors means more trash indoors. Newspapers and magazines might be easy to discard when the weather is warm, but a trip outside to discard such items takes less precedence when it must be made in below freezing temperatures.

The likelihood that even the cleaniest of homeowners might accumulate some clutter over the winter only highlights the importance of clearing a house of clutter in the fall. While clearing clutter can seem like an arduous task, the following tips can make the project much easier.

Clean one room or area at a time. A disorganized approach to getting organized is likely to waste time and may even prove fruitless.

Work your way through your home or apartment one room at a time rather than jumping from room to room. Have boxes or crates designated for items you find that belong in other rooms, and place items in the appropriate boxes as you clean rather than returning items to the right room as you find them. Once you have finished a room, move on to the next one and try to finish a room on the same day you started.

Invest in a paper shredder. Old bills, bank statements, receipts, and other once-important papers have a way of accumulating on desks, in drawers and on counters. Such documents often do not need to be held onto, but men and women are hesitant to discard them because they contain personal information. A paper shredder is a great investment for homeowners and apartment dwellers alike and can be the safest way to discard documents with potentially sensitive information. It’s also a friend to anyone attempting to clear clutter. Many shredders can shred multiple pages at a time, making them a quick and safe way to discard documents that have been littering a home long after they were useful.

Decide to donate some items. Many unused items lying around your house can likely be

donated to a worthy cause, which can help motivate you to clean out your closet of all those extra sweaters and other items you no longer wear. Encourage fellow members of the household to donate as well, and set aside a few boxes for clothes that will be donated and those that will be discarded. Donated items need not be clothes, as many goodwill organizations accept appliances and other products as well.

Put seasonal items away. Storing seasonal items like patio furniture and swimsuits can help reduce the likelihood that clutter will build up in the months ahead. Pack items from your summer wardrobe together and store them in a suitcase in the back of your closet. This frees up room for your fall and winter clothing and helps you avoid overstuffed drawers. In addition to clothing, store seasonal furniture neatly in the back of your garage or storage shed, pulling out items like snow shovels or snow blowers you may need come the winter.

METRO CREATIVE Connection

Tackle the hall closet. Hall closets are convenient dropoff spots for items of all shapes, uses and sizes, as the hall closet is not necessarily opened each day and therefore men and women can simply ignore it as it gradually accumulates more and more random items. But hall closets can be valuable storage spaces when used appropriately. Designate a significant amount of time to tackle hallway closets in your home so you can thoroughly reduce the clutter within them and get back to using the closets as the valuable, organized storage units they’re intended to be. Discuss having different purposes for each closet, such as one devoted to cleaning items, another to coats, and so on.

Resolve to keep the floors in each closet clear of items, as clutter tends to be on the floor and then work its way upward, eventually encompassing the entire closet. Once the hallway closets have been cleared, work hard to keep them clean as autumn turns into winter.

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21

How to make

a home handicap accessible metro creatiVe ConneCTion

22

Home iN Style FALL 2013

M

any homeowners have found themselves scrambling to make their homes handicap accessible after a sudden injury or illness. In addition, some homeowners have found themselves looking to make adjustments to their homes in anticipation of welcoming elderly, less mobile relatives into their homes.

Converting a home into a handicapaccessible space can seem like a daunting task that requires adjustments to nearly every part of the house. While the extent of those adjustments depends on the individual who needs to be accommodated, some of the areas homeowners must address when making their homes handicap accessible are universal regardless of the individual’s condition. eNtrywayS A home’s entryways often must be addressed when making the home more handicap accessible. Portable ramps can be an affordable option and are often an ideal for those who only need to make temporary adjustments, such as when a resident suffers an injury that requires he or she spend some time in a wheelchair.

When the adjustments will just be temporary, a folding wheelchair might be necessary, as the doorways might not be able to fit a standard wheelchair that doesn’t fold.

When adjustments figure to be permanent, homeowners might need to expand the doorways in their homes. Contractors typically recommend expanding doorways to at least 32 inches, which provides some maneuverability when wheelchairs, which are typically between 24 and 27 inches wide, are entering the home.

Doorways at the most commonly used entryways, including front doors and doors to the bathrooms as well as the individual’s bedroom, will likely need to be widened.

BatHroom The bathroom might be the area of the home that needs the most attention. Slippery conditions common to bathrooms can make things especially difficult for people in wheelchairs or with disabilities. Grab bars should be installed in bath tubs and shower stalls and next to toilets.

But grab bars aren’t the only adjustment

homeowners should make in the bathroom as they attempt to make a home more handicap accessible. Safety treads, which can provide a secure, slip-free surface on the floors of showers and tubs, can be installed. Add a hand-held shower head to the shower stall to make it easier for those with a disability to shower. Portable transfer seats, which enable wheelchair-bound men and women to transition from their chairs to showers and bathtubs, can be purchased and kept in or near the bathroom. water FixtureS An often overlooked adjustment homeowners must make when transforming their homes into handicap-accessible spaces concerns the sinks throughout the home.

Disabled persons may find it difficult to access faucets on sinks throughout the home, especially when there are vanity cabinets beneath the sinks. Replacing such sinks with pedestal sinks can improve maneuverability,

but make sure such sinks are lower to the ground than standard pedestal sinks. A sink that’s just a few inches lower than a standard sink is considerably more accessible to people in wheelchairs. cloSetS Closets are rarely handicap accessible.

Homeowners can address this issue by creating multi-level closet spaces so individuals can place their clothes at accessible heights. Closet shelves can be lowered and doors can be widened so disabled persons can easily manage their wardrobes. In addition, consider installing a light inside the closet and make sure the light switch can be easily reached from a wheelchair.

Making a home more handicap accessible can be a significant undertaking, but many of the adjustments homeowners must make are small in scale and won’t take long to complete.

The eAgLe www.tHeeagle.com

23

How to increase storage in tight spaces

C

ozy, quaint homes attract many home buyers and renters. Be it a cottage-style house or a studio apartment, smaller living spaces often involve getting creative with storage.

People live in a smaller homes for a variety of reasons. Some choose to live in a smaller home so they can be right in the thicks of things in a city or urban center. Others scale back on living space in an effort to save money. But storage space in small quarters is often at a premium, and thinking creatively is a necessity to keep the home tidy and items out of view.

Rainy or chilly days are the perfect times to tackle indoor organization projects. When the outdoors isn’t beckoning, you can devote all of your attention to addressing storage issues in your home. To begin, take inventory of what you have, going through your possessions and determining what can stay and what can go. Part with anything you haven’t used in quite some time.

The next step is to sort items and get organized.

Then you can find a place for everything. For example, if you have a dozen bath towels but only one sauce pot, you will need to find more room for linens than kitchen cookware. You may need to borrow space from one area of the home to give to another area. The following are some additional tips to increase space in an otherwise cramped home.

Add shelves. Increase cabinet and closet space by adding shelves into them. This may double or even triple the amount of usable 24

Home iN Style FALL 2013

METRO CREATIVE Connection

space, especially if you customize the shelving to fit storage containers you use to store everything from shoes to craft items.

Opt for dual-purpose furniture. Benches with lids that lift up and sofas that convert into guest beds are just a few of the many ways you can keep a small home neat and increase storage space. An ottoman is a great place to store extra blankets and linens, while a trunk or crate with a sturdy top can be used in lieu of a traditional coffee table to keep books or board games.

Think vertically. When floor space is at a premium, you may need to look up for storage.

Frequently used pots and pans can be hung from a decorative rack in your kitchen. Use magnets on jars to store a spice rack on the wall near the stove. Racks above cabinets or on doors can be used to store everything from shoes to jewelry to toiletries. Shelving in children’s rooms can store lesser used toys away from the floor. Empty walls are valuable real estate in a small home, and tall bookshelves can house a number of different things.

Take advantage of oddly shaped crevices. If you have space under a staircase or a spot by a dormer or in an attic eave, use the space to store items. You may need to get creative, such as adding a door and small closet into the staircase, but such spaces make practical storage areas and add character to a home.

Use see-through storage containers. Many people find that plastic storage bins are neater and more stackable than boxes. See-through bins enable you to quickly find items so that you

are not searching around the house for lost items and creating a bigger mess along the way. Clear storage containers work in the refrigerator, too.

You can more easily spot leftovers, and uniform stacking containers free up more room for bulkier items.

Make use of space beneath your bed. There likely is ample room to store more things than just dust bunnies beneath your bed. A bed frame with built-in drawers is the perfect place to keep bed linens and out-of-season clothes. Beds can be raised on blocks to create more space underneath for storing rolling plastic containers and even seldom-used suitcases.

Opt for an armoire. Armoires are not exclusive to bedrooms. Armoires can be used in dining spaces or in dens to store items out of sight. An armoire can be used when retrofitted with a pullout shelf as a laptop desk, storing all office items behind closed doors when not needed.

Improve storage in the bathroom. Try to choose a vanity that has under-the-sink storage so you will have a place to store some toiletries.

Home improvement centers sell cabinets and etageres that can be placed above the toilet tank as a storage space for bathroom items. In the shower, hang a second tension-loaded shower curtain rod on the inside of the shower enclosure that can be used to hold bags of kids bath toys and other toiletries, keeping them off the tub ledges.

When you think creatively, you can maximize storage space even in a small home.

How to invite more

natural light into your home METRO CREATIVE Connection

A

dark home can be dreary and drain residents’ energy levels rather quickly. Natural light has the power to make a person feel more energized, and it also can buoy spirits. As a result, many homeowners want to increase the amount of natural light in their homes.

Increasing natural sunlight in a home reduces reliance on interior lighting. This reduces energy bills and lowers the home’s carbon footprint. Natural light also can help people in a home feel happier and more content.

According to the National Institutes of Health, some people experience serious mood changes during the winter months. Dubbed seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, this condition may be effectively treated with light therapy. Exposure to more light can alleviate fatigue, loss of interest and sad or anxious feelings. Homeowners looking to increase the natural light in their homes, be it for medical or aesthetic reasons, can do so in a variety of ways.

Keep the drapes open. Opening blinds and curtains as far as they will go allows as much light to shine in without having to do major home renovations or spend any money at all.

Homeowners concerned about privacy can install a window film that allows viewing from the inside only.

Clean the windows. Dirty windows obstruct

sunlight from entering the home. They also can make a home appear unkempt. Spend a free day cleaning the windows so that they’ll let ample light in.

Install seamless or low-profile windows and doors. Seamless sliding doors enable a large amount of light to enter the home. Such doors can replace an entire wall to brighten up a dark area of a home. The more windows and doors a home has, the brighter it will be.

Take inventory of dark spots. A room may be dark because it simply does not have a layout conducive to brightness. Is a wall blocking light from reaching a portion of the room?

Think about changing the room’s layout or

New windows may allow more natural light to enter a home. even making structural changes to improve light distribution. The addition of a small window on a south- or west-facing wall can greatly improve natural light. Using mirrors can also reflect light where it is needed.

Invest in skylights or solar tubes. Both skylights or solar tubes enable light to enter a home from above. Skylights are larger and require considerably more work to install, while solar tubes are more low-profile and can be put into rooms that do not abut the roofline, such as those obstructed by attic space. The tubular cylinders are installed between the roof and the ceiling and carry light through a reflective tube to the room below. Diffusers on tubular daylighting devices scatter the rays so the light doesn’t cast harsh shadows, and UV filters can help protect furniture from discoloring.

Trim shrubs and trees. If trees and bushes are blocking light from entering your home,

trim them to enable dappled light to come through. Deciduous trees that will naturally lose their leaves come autumn can be planted on sunny areas of the property. This way in the summer months they will shade the house and keep it cooler, while in winter more sun will stream in when the leaves are shed.

Create a three-season room. Make a spot in the home where sun will be at a premium. A solarium or greenhouse attached to the home can be a warm and sunny spot.

Increasing natural light in a home can improve feelings of well-being and also reduce energy consumption during daylight hours.

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25

Create a lighting scheme that works for the kitchen W

hen designing a kitchen, homeowners typically give substantial consideration to many elements of their dream design, including cabinet and countertop materials and which brand of appliances they most prefer. But few may consider the lighting for the room as thoroughly.

Lighting is an important consideration in any room, but most especially in the kitchen, where people tend to gravitate and 26

Home iN Style FALL 2013

spend a good portion of their time. The right lighting can have a dramatic effect on the functionality of the kitchen, including how the space feels when you enter it. The right blend of lights can create a vibrant mood in the kitchen, while light can be adjusted according to what needs to get done in the space.

Establishing a lighting plan in a kitchen requires a combination of different lights.

The main focus should be on three distinct

METRO CREATIVE Connection

lighting types: task lighting, ambient lighting and accent lighting.

Task Lighting Task light is beneficial anywhere a person will need to perform tasks that require close concentration, such as chopping vegetables.

Task lighting shines direct light onto a surface, illuminating it thoroughly, and it can be turned off when it is not needed.

Task lighting is generally placed above counters and islands where one will be

Under-cabinet task lighting sheds light on areas where cooks do their prep work. slicing vegetables and preparing food. There may be lighting over the sink to illuminate dirty dishes. If a kitchen has a desk area, lighting above the desk will make that area more functional. Many task lighting designs include lights under cabinetry to shine down onto counters and eliminate shadowed recesses. Under-cabinet lighting is a relatively inexpensive add-on for existing kitchens. Homeowners can add lighting afterward to focus more light onto countertops.

Ambient Lighting Ambient lighting is another name for all-over lighting that fills a room. During the day, ambient light may stream in from windows and skylights. However, at night, ambient lighting is created by different light fixtures in a room. In the kitchen, overhead fixtures are a popular choice for ambient lighting. A blend of hanging pendant lamps, chandeliers and recessed lighting can create

the amount of light needed. Homeowners should pay special attention to the bulbs and fixtures they choose, as not all produce the same amount of light. Those concerned about energy efficiency also must give mind to whether the bulbs will use a lot of energy or last a long time. Compact fluorescent bulbs as well as LED lighting are longlasting and do not use as much energy as incandescent bulbs.

Indirect ambient lighting softens shadows in a room, creating a warm, inviting glow. It is an important layer of light that is often overlooked in the kitchen.

Setting ambient lighting on a dimmer enables homeowners to cast a mood that is desired when the kitchen isn’t being used for prep work.

Accent Lighting If there are key elements around the kitchen that a person would like to highlight, such as a china set, accent lighting

can do the trick. Spotlights can be used to show off collectibles, while a subtle strip of lighting can illuminate a wall of artwork.

Many people like to install accent lighting inside of cabinetry to create dramatic focal points.

Some homeowners may want to incorporate decorative lighting in their kitchens. This is the use of ornate chandeliers, hanging pendants and other eye-catching fixtures. Decorative lighting should be considered in proportion to the size of the kitchen. Therefore, smaller kitchens will have smaller fixtures and vice versa. Decorative lighting may be the most expensive type of kitchen lighting, so some homeowners prefer to plan ahead for the inclusion of decorative accents by having the wiring ready and then adding the fixtures over time.

Lighting in a kitchen can be just as important as which appliances and other accessories homeowners choose for their kitchens. Without the right mix of lighting, the kitchen may not be functional or inviting.

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1729 Briarcrest Bryan, Texas 77802 Publisher Crystal Dupré Director of Sales and Marketing Ron Prince Display Advertising Manager Joanne R. Patranella 979.731.4719 joanne.patranella@theeagle.com Creative Services Manager Jim Bob McKown 979.731.4706  jimbob@theeagle.com Special Projects Editor Shauna Lewis 979.731.4704  shauna.lewis@theeagle.com Section Designer Courtney Lewellen For questions or comments, please call: 979.731.4738 or email: homeinstyle@theeagle.com www.theeagle.com

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28

Home iN Style FALL 2013

metro creatiVe ConneCTion

Safely clear

gutterS of grime H

omeowners have many responsibilities synonymous with certain times of year. For example, pool maintenance must be a priority in the summertime, but such a chore is unnecessary in the heart of winter.

Cleaning gutters is a household chore that many homeowners associate with both spring and autumn. Cleaning gutters prevents water damage on the roof while protecting your home’s siding and foundation. In addition, cleaning gutters in the fall gives homeowners a chance to ensure they are firmly secured to the house, an important precaution when potentially harsh winter weather is just around the corner.

Unlike many household chores, cleaning gutters can be quite dangerous, as it often requires homeowners to climb up and down on ladders or spend ample time on the roof.

As a result, safety should reign supreme when cleaning gutters, and homeowners should take the following precautions before gutting their gutters of grime.

Don’t try to be a hero. If you are afraid of heights, then it’s perfectly alright to hire a professional to clean your gutters. Men and women with a fear of heights cannot predict how they will react when climbing a ladder, so play it safe and hire a professional if the thought of climbing up and down a ladder frightens you.

Inspect the stability of your ladder. Ladders play a key role when cleaning gutters of leaves, dirt and grime, so homeowners should inspect their ladders before they get to work. An unbalanced ladder may not be reliable and should be replaced. You will be moving and swaying somewhat while cleaning the gutters, so you will need a secure ladder that does not teeter back and forth each time you reach for the gutter.

Keep the ladder on stable ground, and ask a friend or family member to hold it.

The ladder should always be planted on a flat and secure surface before you climb up to clean the gutter. And much like you might have a spotter when lifting weights, have a friend or family member hold the ladder as you climb up to ensure the ladder remains stable.

Move the ladder frequently. It can be tempting to reach as far as possible when you’re on the ladder, as you can save time by covering more ground on each trip up the ladder. But overextending yourself is a considerable safety risk, so move the ladder frequently, even if the job is taking more time than you had expected.

Wear tight clothing. Loose clothing when cleaning gutters can easily get stuck on shutters, tree branches or other items when climbing up or down the ladder. If you aren’t paying attention, clothing that gets snagged can throw off your balance when you start to move, increasing your risk of falling.

Wear protective gloves. Anyone who has cleaned gutters in the past can attest that you never know what might have settled in gutters since the last time they were cleaned. Wear a thick pair of gloves that won’t puncture when caught on a gutter, or sharp twig or branch. You won’t want any holes in the gloves, as holes may leave you susceptible to any bacteria in organic items that might have settled in the materials in your gutter. Gutters also may have sharp edges that can leave you susceptible to cuts if you aren’t wearing gloves. In addition, gloves keep your hands warm, which will come in handy as you clear the gutters of materials that are often wet.

When choosing gloves, be sure to choose ones that give you some grip so you can firmly grasp the ladder as you climb up and down.

How to

METRO CREATIVE Connection

winterize your pool

H

omeowners with pools who live in regions where winter can be harsh know they must eventually prepare their pools for the colder seasons ahead. People who live in climates not conducive to year-round outdoor swimming often find that by the cooler weather of autumn makes this season the perfect time to winterize their pools.

Although closing a pool is rarely celebrated, it is a very important task. Properly winterizing a pool will reduce the liklihood of damage in the months ahead, saving homeowners from financing potentially expensive repairs. Closing the pool before trees begin to shed their leaves is a good idea, as is doing so before the arrival of the first cold stretch. Homeowners who want to get started on winterizing their pools can heed the following advice.

Gather all of the necessary equipment. To winterize your pool, you will need the pool cover, drain plugs, certain chemicals, and cleaning equipment. Have all of the tools you will need nearby so you will not be scrambling for items once you start working.

Check the chemical levels in the pool.

Checking the pool’s chemical levels creates a sterile environment that won’t be overtaken by microorganisms in the water during the offseason. Many pool experts recommended ensuring that the pH is at the appropriate level (7.4 - 7.8), checking the alkalinity of the water to ensure it is between 80 and 120 ppm, and verify that the calcium hardness is at the right level. Creating the right water environment reduces the risk that any problems will develop over the winter.

Thoroughly clean the interior of the pool.

When cleaning don’t forget to remove any accessories, such as ladders, ropes, fountains, etc. Clean these items and store them in a winter-safe area.

Bring up the pool chlorine to shock level.

Bringing the chlorine to shock level means the pool will have a higher amount of chlorine, which is necessary to kill off any remaining algae or microorganisms in the water. Keep the water filtering and at this elevated chlorine level for a few days prior to closing the pool to ensure that there will be no algae blooms once the cover is in place and you cannot monitor the water.

Drain some of the water. Depending on the type of cover you are using, and whether or not you will be using plugs to block any ports into

and out of your pool, you may need to drain several inches of water to ensure that it falls below filter skimmer baskets and return jets.

All water should be forced out from any hoses and internal components of the pool so that the water will not freeze and cause damage.

Adhere to manufacturers’ instructions on winterizing the filter. Some filters may need to be completely drained and cleaned. Some people prefer to remove the filter pump, gaskets and hoses and store everything in their garages for the winter. It may be possible to move smaller filters indoors. If not, covering the filter with a large, black garbage bag may protect it further from the weather. Be sure to turn off the electricity to the filter outlet at the breaker for the season.

Take steps to inhibit algae growth. If desired, put a polyquat algaecide into the water and distribute it evenly to further inhibit algae growth.

Install the cover per the manufacturer’s instructions and anchor it into place. It is a good idea to place a leaf net over the cover to catch any leaves as they fall so that they can easily be removed and not contribute to swampy conditions on the top of the pool cover over time.

Invest in a small pump to drain water off the top of the pool cover periodically. An effective pump will prevent undue stress on the cover, ensuring it lasts longer.

Pool owners who prefer less pool maintenance can hire a pool company to handle winterizing tasks for them. By following the correct steps for pool winterization, you increase the liklihood of having a nice, clean pool to look forward to next summer.

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29

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