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HOME improvement

Strong, Stylish Spring Home Upgrades

5 renovation projects where brick takes center stage

Family Features

Springtime is a perfect opportunity for homeowners to begin planning renovations to enhance the interior and exterior of their living space. Because of its strong performance capabilities, low maintenance and design flexibility, brick is a popular building material choice when looking to improve or refresh your home in time for warm-weather hosting season.

Often selected for its functional benefits, brick is available in a wide array of colors, textures and sizes that can match varying design styles, from modern to traditional and almost everything between. If you’re considering adding brick to your home’s aesthetic, consider these five projects to tackle this spring from the experts at Glen-Gery, one of the largest brick and

Family Features

Due to their small size and heavy usage, bathrooms can become messy, cluttered areas for many families.

For those with smaller bathrooms, storage solutions can be even harder to find. Consider these organization tips to make your bathroom a clean and functional space for every member of the family:

Assess the mess: Go through all the cabinets and drawers to clear out unused makeup, health care products and medications. Make sure the items you keep are used on a regular basis. Items used sparingly should be placed in an alternate location.

Go vertical: Medicine cabinets can quickly get stuffed when combs, toothpaste and other toiletries are stored horizontally. Use organizer cups with suction adhesives to contain items vertically and save space.

Hang up in style: Old coat racks and ladders make perfect solutions for larger families to hang multiple towels. Snag an old one from a thrift store and paint it a bright hue, like red or turquoise, for a stylish bathroom accent piece.

Avoid spills and squirts: Hair products, such as gels, mousses or hairsprays, can create sticky, tough-to-clean messes if liquid escapes the container in a drawer or cabinet. Avoid such mishaps

by placing these types of items in plastic tubs instead of directly in the drawer or on a shelf.

Divide and conquer: Bathroom drawers can become unruly if not organized. To keep items separate and tidy, insert dividers, such as those used for kitchen utensils. These often come in fun materials, such as bamboo or stainless steel, to add a fresh look.

Assign cabinets or drawers: Try to use a large enough cabinet so each member of the family has his or her own space or drawer. This can help limit the amount of items highmaintenance family members can bring into the small area. Plus, it makes it easier for everyone to find their things.

Find more tips to transform your bathroom into a clean, organized environment, regardless of its size, at eLivingtoday. com.

Strong, Stylish Spring Home Upgrades

Brick | from page 1

stone manufacturers in North America.

Basement or patio bar - As homeowners spend more time at home, they often look to maximize livable space. One way to take advantage of unused living space is building a basement or patio bar, which provides an area for entertaining. Using an exposed brick wall can help designate the bar area and separate it from the rest of the basement, or lining a bar counter with brick can create a rustic contrast against the bar’s seating.

Fireplace - To change the look and feel of a room almost instantly, you can use brick to give a fireplace a facelift or make it a focal point of your home. Available in a variety of colors and textures, Glen-Gery’s diverse, premium portfolio of more than 600 brick and stone products can elevate your living room’s style in a big way and create a more inviting area to share with family and friends. An outdoor

fireplace is another option for extending livable space in a cozy way that can be used throughout the year.

Accent wall - Create a statement in or outside your home with a brick accent wall. Accent walls can help bring color, texture and beauty to homes by breaking up the monotony of monochromatic color or decor, creating visual interest and dimension. While brick in a running bond pattern is expected, you can spice up rooms with an unexpected bond pattern like a stacked bond for modern appeal or herringbone for a rustic look.

Kitchen backsplash - One of the most overlooked areas of kitchen design is the backsplash. While its job is to protect your kitchen walls from the never-ending assault of kitchen splatters, there’s no reason it can’t look good, too. Brick backsplashes can accommodate most home designs and styles thanks to the versatility of shapes, colors, finishes and sizes

available.

Black or white glazed brick works well with more modern kitchens while irregular brick containing an abundance of texture and a messy mortar application can complete rustic farmhouse kitchens. An option like Glen-Gery’s virtual design tool, Picture Perfect, can help

you visualize projects in your home to see what fits your style and needs.

Brick skirt - For added curb appeal, consider adding a brick skirt around the foundation of your home. Given its resilient, durable and energy-efficient qualities, brick can help provide better insulation and protection

Accent walls can help bring color, texture and beauty to homes by breaking up the monotony of monochromatic color or decor, creating visual interest and dimension.

while also adding visual appeal to the exterior of your home through texture, color and contrast. The skirting can also continue through to the front porch floor and steps, helping balance out the elevation of your home. For more inspiration for your next home renovation project, visit glengery.com.

E.W. Gemme & Sons Co. boasts four generations of home improvement experience

Gemme still does interior and exterior painting but also offers a number of other contracting services such as wall and ceiling repairs, exterior power washing, replacing rotten wood, surface prep, window replacement and more. (See their website for a complete list https:// www.ewgemmeandsons. com/painting-n-decoratingservices.)

When the crew is onsite, “We are always courteous and professional,” Rene said. “Many times they don’t even know that we are there. And we always leave behind an immaculately clean work site.”

A testimony to their work is the number of repeat customers who ask the company to work on additional projects after their first one is complete.

Many of their customers have been referred to them by other customers who have appreciated their excellent work, Rene said.

And although they have decades of experience, the Gemmes note that they are always striving to stay up to date on industry trends and practices and continuously improve their work for their customers.

The company is fully insured and they guarantee every job.

The company still has openings for the winter months; Roger noted that they give discounts on every job. They are now booking jobs for the summer months.

GRAFTON - For over 100 years, the Gemme family has provided its customers with superior painting and decorator services. Now known as E.W. Gemme & Sons Co Inc., (since its incorporation in 1980), the company, based in Grafton, provides painting as well as various contracting services for exterior and interior spaces for residential and commercial properties in the region and beyond.

The company was started by Paul Gemme in Worcester in 1907, focusing on interior and exterior painting. They also provided marbling, wall tapestry, natural wood finishes and gold leafing. Over the years, other family members joined the company as well, as it continued to expand its services. Roger became president in 1980 when the business was incorporated. His brother Maurice (Mo) still works in

the company. “He does amazing work,” Roger said. “He can match any wood stain and is very experienced in gold leafing.”

Rene Gemme took over as president in 2021, and Roger retired but still helps out with errands. Jason Gemme, Mo’s son, is now lead foreman and has been for several years. He is the ultimate professional in all phases of prep work and painting. As such, the men promise that the company will

continue to offer the quality of workmanship that generations have come to depend on. The company’s legacy of top-notch work continues to this day. Other companies might be less expensive, they noted, but Gemme offers extensive experience with all sorts of jobs, residential or commercial. Many times customers come to Gemme after finding another company did not or could not offer them the level of service they desired.

“We’ve done second homes down on the Cape, because people know the quality of our work,” Rene said.

“If you are spending a lot on a beautiful, expensive home, you don’t want to skimp on it,” Roger added.

To get a quote or more information call 508- 839-4775 (Grafton) or 508- 757-5239 (Worcester) email gempntg@ hotmail.com or visit www. ewgemmeandsons.com.

Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background -

Multiple generations of Gemme family members now work in their beloved family business, E.W. Gemme & Sons.

“

If you are spending a lot on a beautiful, expensive home, you don’t want to skimp on it. Roger Gemme President

Sit back, relax, and enjoy spring clean-up by McCarthy’s Landscaping crew

By Kathryn Acciari Contributing Writer

WEST BOYLSTON – Roger and Sue McCarthy, owners of McCarthy’s Landscaping, proudly serve the homeowners of the community by saving them time and making their yards beautiful.

“We are a full-service landscaping company. We’ve been in business 28 years, and we do everything,” said Roger. “We can handle every aspect of outdoor living, from yard clean-up to landscaping design and hardscape installations.”

This time of year, of course, the focus is on spring clean-up. Roger and his crew are busy clearing winter debris for their customers.

“We really enjoy doing what we do. Our customers know our crew, and our customers become part of our family. They love to take photos with our crew members and send us the photos,” said Roger.

Recently, a customer knew that the landscaping crew was on its way, and she put out a breakfast spread for the crew to enjoy. She also hung a sign to thank the team for its hard work.

“This is the kind of thing that our workers will talk about for

Roger and Sue McCarthy own McCarthy’s Landscaping.

“ These days, everything moves at a fast pace. People don’t take the time to enjoy things. With spring here, we want to see our customers make time to relax in their outdoor spaces.

Roger McCarthy Owner

months,” said Roger. “We have long-term relationships with customers who are dedicated to us because we are committed to giving them great service.”

Having customers as raving fans goes hand-in-hand with employee satisfaction.

“Our employee retention is huge. The average tenure of one of our crew members is nine years. We keep a great core group of employees who take care of our customers,” said Roger. “Our customers trust us because we have proven that we are responsive to their needs.”

Sue added, “We’re big on customer service. Our job is to do a great job for our customers, so they share us with their friends and family.”

With regard to trends this year, Roger and Sue continue to see a demand for outdoor kitchens and bars. “People expanded their outdoor cooking and entertaining spaces during pandemic shut-downs. They are still hanging around their houses now that the pandemic has settled down,” said Roger.

Complementing the outdoor entertaining spaces, Roger and Sue see outdoor lighting becoming increasingly trendy.

“Lighting adds ambience and mood to an outdoor setting. Much of landscaping lighting is low voltage, and it gives the effect of moonlight. It accents the design of an outdoor living area,” said Roger.

Another trend in outdoor landscaping is the use of veneers, which give the appearance of a stone wall with a much lower cost.

Roger noted, “People are really excited about natural stonework. With the veneers, you can add a stonework effect around a concrete wall or stairway. It’s a look that accentuates patios too.”

Sue noted that the developments in chip technology have changed the way that people interact with their homes’ systems.

“Technology plays a big part in home management. You can order groceries from your refrigerator, and you can control your lawn irrigation system and outdoor lighting with your phone,” said Sue.

“Almost everything is controlled by Wi-Fi these days,” added Roger. “A homeowner has the capability to access interior and exterior systems due

to the presence of Wi-Fi.”

But still, spring chores await, and McCarthy’s Landscaping is getting its customers’ yards going for the season.

Roger said, “Our long-term customers know that we’ll get their yards in top shape. We are here for the long haul. We take good care of our customers.”

And once the clean-up is done, Roger and Sue McCarthy’s advice for current and future customers is to take time to enjoy their yards.

“These days, everything moves at a fast pace. People don’t take the time to enjoy things. With spring here, we want to see our customers make time to relax in their outdoor spaces,” said Roger.

Sue summed it up aptly: “Enjoy time sitting outside. Take a break. Take a breath.”

Visit McCarthy’s Landscaping at mccarthyslandscaping. com or call (508) 842-7110 to schedule your landscaping consultation.

Business Profiles are advertising features designed to provide information and background about Community Advocate advertisers.

The Mini but Mighty Shamrock-Shaped Solution for Lawn Renovation

Miniclover is

Joan Casanova

Thatlush, green lawn most strive for is struggling to survive as our climate experiences “weather whiplash,” meaning abrupt swings in weather conditions from one extreme to another. Last season, drought conditions were so dire in California billboards shouted, “Brown is the New Green.” This season, despite early, extreme flooding in California, evidence suggests the length and depth of droughts will increase in upcoming years, becoming more frequent and severe.

Outdoor water usage is still astronomical, synthetic chemical use is ever-present and fuel-guzzling lawn blowers and mowers sing all summer. Traditional lawn maintenance is expensive, unnatural, untenable and increases greenhouse gasses, wastes water, pollutes ecosystems and reduces biodiversity.

Average American families use 320 gallons of water daily, about 30% outdoors, with more than half devoted to watering lawns and gardens, according to the EPA. Nationwide, landscape irrigation is estimated at almost one-third of all residential water usage, totaling nearly 9 billion gallons daily.

Gas-powered lawn mowers spew pollutants that can cause planet-warming gases, contributing to climate crisis and drought. According to the EPA, gas-powered lawn equipment releases more than 22 million tons of CO2 emissions and estimates over 17 million gallons of gasoline are spilled refueling lawn equipment; that’s more than all oil spilled by Exxon Valdez.

There are many issues causing harm to environmental health, from the ridiculous, like billionaires taking 17-minute flights in private jets, producing 2 tons of CO2 emissions, to everyday lawn care wasting staggering amounts of water for aesthetics while polluting the environment through runoff and toxic emissions.

Cash rebates, up to $5,000, are being offered to some for the removal of grass lawns. To get the rebate, other water-

drought-tolerant,

Center”

efficient options must be put in place. It’s time to take a page from the past; sowing clover seed can create a great-looking, water-efficient, sustainable lawn. Decades ago, clover was standard in lawn seed mixes. Then agricultural chemical companies created herbicides to rid lawns of broadleaf plants, killing everything but grass, clovers included, branding them weeds.

“Today, clover is making a comeback,” said Troy Hake, president and owner of Outsidepride.com, offering drought-tolerant grasses, clovers, wildflower seeds and more. “Tik Tok’s #cloverlawn has over 65 million views, evidencing it’s time for sustainable options, like adding ‘miniclover’ or replacing lawns with it. Miniclover (trifolium repens), is one-third to half the size of white Dutch clover, only grows 4-6 inches and produces a thick, carpet-like look that blends well with turf. Less expensive than grass seed, it’s a natural solution for selfsustaining, low-maintenance lawns that look beautiful and help eliminate the need for fertilizers, herbicides, pesti -

cides and weekly mowing. It’s healthier for people, pets, soil and waterways. You can’t go wrong with it.”

There’s nothing you can do about those 17-minute private jet flights. However, anyone with a lawn can add-in mini-

Benefits:

• Nitrogen fixer. Miniclover takes nitrogen from the air and “fixes” it in soil, eliminating the need to apply nitrogen, keeping lawns green and growing while adding natural nitrogen to surrounding soil.

• Drought tolerant. Miniclover is drought-tolerant and can stay green all summer with minimal watering.

• Deters bugs. Grubs that feed on grass roots will not eat miniclover, and adult beetles and bugs are deterred from laying eggs in it.

• Crowds out weeds. Miniclover is evenly dispersed via stolons (stems grow horizontally along the ground), crowding out weeds, preventing new weeds and controlling erosion.

• Low-to-no maintenance. You can mow miniclover - the more it’s cut, the smaller the leaf size - or let it grow. Miniclover only blooms once in summer, providing bees with nectar, or mowing will prevent blooming.

• Thrives in sun to partial shade. Miniclover does well in partial shade that receives some direct sunshine daily.

• Stands up to soil and subsoil compaction.

• Immune to “dog patches.” Dog urine discolors lawns, but miniclover stays green and lush.

clover and redefine what sustainable lawns and responsible lawn care looks like. Sales of miniclover rose dramatically last season, surely an indicator that this lawn renovation trend was well-received and continues to grow.

• Feels soft and springy on bare feet and looks like ordered whimsy.

So... what’s not to like?

For other drought-tolerant options, visit Outsidepride.com.

SOURCE: OUTSIDEPRIDE.COM

Miniclover (trifolium repens), is one-third to half the size of white Dutch clover, only grows 4-6 inches and produces a thick, carpet-like look that blends well with turf.

Enhance Your Home’s Style with Stone

One essential step in planning a home renovation is choosing the right materials. Natural and textured walls continue to be trendy choices, and many building pros and homeowners are gravitating toward stone siding to add

comfort, character and beauty. Panelized stone siding offers the look and feel of natural stone and manufactured stone veneer, but in a panelized format that can be installed with screws. With a wide range of exterior and interior applications, panelized stone siding can complement almost any home style. On the exterior,

in particular, stone siding can boost curb appeal and provide a multi-textured facade with a solid return on investment. Although stone veneer, or manufactured stone, is commonly used on home exteriors, indoor applications are gaining popularity as homeowners are increasingly interested in bringing natural elements inside.

Given its design flexibility, ease of installation and affordability, the experts at Westlake Royal Building Products recommend manufactured stone siding as an ideal option for

interior and exterior applications like these:

Siding

If you love the look of natural stone but want a more affordable option, panelized stone siding offers an authentic look and simple application with a cutting and installation process similar to traditional siding panels. Some homeowners choose to mix stone with other exterior materials to create a one-of-a-kind appearance. For example, adding manufactured stone siding alongside existing brick or

vinyl siding can infuse visual texture, dimension and impact. Complementing colors can provide a more balanced, traditional look while contrasting colors present as modern and bold.

Entryways

Wrapping columns with panelized stone can make your home’s entrance a focal point, adding curb appeal and creating a welcoming effect.

Accent Walls

Panelized stone siding can also be used to elongate the

appearance of a wall while bringing texture and contrast into the home. Warmer tones can make the space more inviting and cozier while cooler hues can bring a modern, industrial feel.

Fireplaces

Manufactured stone siding makes it easy to give a fireplace a facelift or make it a focal point, changing the look and feel of a room. Available in a variety of colors, textures and shapes, it can elevate your living room’s style and create a more inviting area.

An affordable option like Versetta Stone panelized stone siding from Westlake Royal Building Products provides the beauty of hand-laid stone with virtually undetectable joints and seams for world-class design featuring timeless colors and textures, natural shapes and hand-crafted details. It’s a practical choice for experienced DIYers since there’s no need for mortar. What’s more, the tongue-and-groove interlocking system can be installed in any weather.

Learn how panelized stone siding can bring your vision to life at VersettaStone.com.

How Manufactured Stone Siding Stacks Up

If you have your heart set on a design that incorporates stone materials, you may be surprised to learn how manufactured stone siding outperforms some natural products.

“If you have your heart set on a design that incorporates stone materials, you may be surprised to learn how manufactured stone siding outperforms some natural products.

Affordability - Manufactured stone siding resembles natural stone but for a fraction of the cost. Not only are

natural stones more expensive than manufactured stone, but since they are heavier, they also cost more to transport.

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Easy Installation - Manufactured stone siding is lighter than natural stone and is available in a familiar panelized format, making it easier and faster to install. Unlike natural stone, panelized stone siding doesn’t require structural supports like footings or tie-ins. No specialty masonry tools are required.

Low Maintenance - Long lasting and durable, manufactured stone siding requires little maintenance after in -

stallation. Many panelized stone siding options are resistant to water, fire and extreme temperatures, standing up to years of weathering with little change in color.

Design Flexibility - Unlike real stone, manufactured stone siding allows more control over design factors like color consistency and texture. You can choose from a wide range of design styles, making it easy to infuse your personality into your home.

Feel confident and satisfied you’ve chosen the right products for excellent results.

©2023 Benjamin Moore & Co. ARBORCOAT, Aura, Benjamin Moore, Color Lock, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co.

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Corral Clutter with a Mudroom

1. We’relocallyowned.Ouragentsliveinthe communitiesweserve-wetreatyoulikefamily,notlike

Family Features

Often positioned near the primary point of entry, mudrooms are a popular addition to many family homes. These organizational dynamos are the perfect place to catch muddy boots, backpacks, sports equipment and dirty paws before they make it all the way into the main living areas.

Luxurious mudrooms in high-end homes can sometimes boast custom cabinetry, full bathrooms, laundry facilities, showers for pets and direct pantry access.

Regardless of whether your mudroom is an actual room or just a small space near the front door to hang bags and jackets, the organizational basics are the same:

3.

Corral Clutter: One of the most important items in any mudroom is storage for shoes, pet supplies, backpacks, sporting equipment and other items. If built-in storage isn’t in your budget, put up a sturdy shelving unit with a bin or basket for each family member.

Get Hooked: Securely anchor a row of strong hooks along the wall for coats, hats, scarves or other seasonal accessories that may otherwise find themselves dropped on the floor upon arriving home.

Mud Happens: Mudrooms are meant to handle dirt so nix the carpet and lay down tile or hardwood flooring. Pick a stylish rug to catch dirt in

its tracks while also adding a design element to the space.

Shoe Space: Place a wooden bench or sturdy coffee table near the door so everyone has a place to sit while removing shoes. Slide a few baskets or bins underneath as an alternate location for storing backpacks and other gear when not in use.

Take Command: Create a

family command center by adding a small cabinet or desk with a corkboard above. It makes for a perfect spot to stash keys, charge cell phones, open mail, sort school papers and post the family calendar.

Find more organization tips and tricks at eLivingtoday. com.

SOURCE: FAMILY FEATURES

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These organizational dynamos are the perfect place to catch muddy boots, backpacks, sports equipment and dirty paws before they make it all the way into the main living areas.