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CommunityAdvocate October 13, 2017
2 • Community Advocate • Friday, October 13, 2017
your home
How to make the most of a
mudroom
By Christine Brun
I
t’s finally getting cooler! As we begin to drag out jackets, rain boots and hats, this is the perfect time of year to think about revamping your mudroom or creating one. In homes located in cold climates, this vestibule-like space Mudroom page 3
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Community Advocate • Friday, October 13, 2017 • 3
your home entrance to a home. They are often located at the back of a house, either near the kitchen or laundry room, and are rarely situated at the front of the house. Common especially in regions with wet, snowy, muddy winters, this specialized room can be useful for keeping a house clean. There are generally multiple hooks on the walls to hang coats and hats. Often, there is a drawer,
How to make the most of a
mudroom
shelf or cubby for shoes. Some people like closed storage drawers or cabinets to hide those items from sight. Nowadays, the mudroom is also a popular spot for the family information center, for example, a place to hang a large calendar and schedules for sporting events, school activities and special events. Many families use the space Mudroom page 4
Mudroom Continued from page 2
is sometimes used not only as a place to store dirty outdoor gear but also as a barrier against extreme cold. In addition to well-built homes, you will even notice such spaces in commercial buildings, such as restaurants, cafes or retail shops. I am partially enamored with mudrooms because they are not common where I live, for the climate is more temperate. Yet a mudroom seems like one of the most practical spaces to have in a family home regardless of local weather. Originally, mudrooms were designed to be the informal
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4 • Community Advocate • Friday, October 13, 2017
your home
Since the room is casual and practical, it’s acceptable to create a mood that’s completely different than the rest of the house.
Mudroom Continued from page 3
as a charging station for family laptops, iPads and smartphones. Keys and security fobs can reliably be kept here, as well. You are less apt to lose your keys if you always put them in the same spot! If your mudroom is truly a separate room, make sure that the floor is a very forgiving material that’s easy to clean. Ceramic or porcelain tile, vinyl flooring and linoleum are wise choices. Wood can be practical if the surface is rustic and will not scratch easily. You will want to avoid anything that is very shiny and smooth, as it will get damaged and be slippery when wet. If you choose tile, it should have some degree of slip-resistant surface for safety. It is ideal to have the flooring flow right into the adjacent room, in order to expand the sense of space. In terms of design, some fun considerations are painting the walls a bright color or hanging whimsical wallpaper. Since the room is casual and practical, it’s acceptable to create a mood that’s completely different than the rest of the house. This is also a fine spot for trompe l’oeil, or art that deceives the eye. Maybe you incorporate an art piece that’s a view of an orchard, a dog with a bone or a faux window to the backyard. It is also the perfect spot for wooden word signs, letters and informal accessories. Include a clock and a mirror, too.
How to make the most of a
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Community Advocate • Friday, October 13, 2017 • 5
your home
Dressing your
Windows By Joseph Pubillones
D
ressing your windows can dramatically change the look and even the size of a room. There are many ways to dress a window. The most popular style is using side panels. Side panels frame the window opening regardless of size. Drapery adds layers, which designers love. Drapes that are extra-long and rest on the floor lend drama and can emphasize high ceilings or simply give the impression of high ceilings. Hang the brackets at least 6 inches above the window if there is no interference with any architectural moldings. The bottom of the fabric should rest on the floor and either “sweep” the floor (with 2 or 3 inches extra length) or “puddle” the floor (with 6 or more inches extra length). To increase the ideal of verticality, adding trim to the leading edge of the side panel is advisable. Trim needn’t always be traditional. Short brush trim, tassel trim, pleated trim, or a patterned or simple grosgrain ribbon or tape could provide a modern look instead. Decorative drapes Side panels can either open and close or be stationary. They soften a window while showing off a bold color or a wildly patterned fabric. Hanging the brackets inside or outside the window frame can give the window more or less width, as desired. Depending on the width of the fabric, the leading edge can either Windows page 6
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6 • Community Advocate • Friday, October 13, 2017
your home
Dressing your
Windows Windows Continued from page 5
be drawn into the window or outside the window frame to show off the fabric of your drapes. Traditional treatments These treatments are generally tighter to the size of the window. They can be in the form of short side panels or as a Roman shade that gathers at the top. While their primary task is to cover the window for privacy, they can also be stylish and add interest to a plain window.
Brackets should be installed 2 or 3 inches above the window and also on the side of the window. Roman shades are perfect for adding trim, which brings interest to eye level. This type of trim is easy to install with a hot glue gun. Tassels or pendant trim, brush fringe or even feather trim could be quite fun. Layers upon layers Designers always advocate adding layers to a room. Adding layers to a window can make your windows pop while
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controlling your views and giving some privacy. Simple sheers are the easiest way to create the secondary layer, but there are other materials such as solar shades, bamboo or wood rollup blinds that allow
some light through yet enhance the room with another decorative surface. Hardware jewels Finally, the hardware to hang
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Community Advocate • Friday, October 13, 2017 • 7
your home
Give your bathroom a
Make over
By Joseph Pubillones
H
ow many times do you go into your bathroom and say to yourself “this bathroom needs a makeover?� You may be afraid of the costs of doing a head-to-toe bathroom renovation, but there may be small improvements that can be done within a budget that will make every visit to the “throne� a little bit nicer. Walls Personally, I adore an allwhite bathroom, but for some it may be boring. Plain Jane white bathrooms are easy to work with because the addition of just a bit of color on the walls can make a big dif-
ference. Paint is easy, and for most normal sized bathrooms can be accomplished for under $500. A solid color is a safe bet, but there are stencils that can be applied over for a more interesting combination. In addition, stripes can be accomplished with a bit of patience, painter’s tape and a contrasting color. Wallpaper is yet another option to upgrade a standard or dated bathroom. Once you have selected a wallpaper that is to your liking, I suggest using a professional installer. This will cost a little bit more because of wall preparation including oil primer to avoid drywall damage in future removal and better adhesion of wallpaper to wall surface. Average costs can range from
$750 and higher depending on the cost of the wallpaper. Lighting Fixtures Changing out a dated lighting fixture for a newer one may help the lighting in the room, and help in the overall feel of the bathroom. Make sure they are lights specifically for bathrooms, so they will be able to handle the moisture. Brighter bathrooms will always seem cleaner. While you are at it, install a dimmer to help set the mood for a long spa-like bath or shower. Budget range of $300 and higher. Floors While flooring sound like a big to-do, there are ways of sprucing up tile floor. You can
have the floor professionally steam-cleaned and have the grout stained and sealed a different color. Alternatively, there are linoleum and vinyl tiles on the market, which are easy to install.
had to be custom-ordered, most home renovation stores have a variety of glass enclosures for most standard tubs and showers, ready for you to install, most for under $700. Bath Accessories
Fixtures Changing out plumbing fixtures can make a big impact on a bathroom reno. Replacing the faucets may seem hard, but if you follow the instructions in the package and have all the pertinent tools, you will be amazed that you can do it yourself. For harder to install shower fixtures, the helping hand of a plumber might be needed. Glass shower enclosures are a sure way to revamp your bathroom. Once an item that
A new set of wastebasket, tumbler, soapdish and lotion dispenser can freshen up the countertops. A new shower curtain can also help update a bathroom, and smaller bathrooms will look larger if you have a custom shower curtain made that hangs from the ceiling. Finally, new towels are the finishing touch to new bathroom. With some of these ideas, you are sure to love spending time in your bathroom. Hail to la salle de bain!
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8 • Community Advocate • Friday, October 13, 2017
your home
How to make your home more
organized
By Joseph Pubillones
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ell-decorated rooms depend on a sharp sense of order, but living in a clutter-free environment requires a mastery of organization. Stylish staging can combat the “Ooh, I’ve got too much stuff !” shriek. Making life look glamorous and carefree
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is everything but. So here a few tips to make your things looks more like the staff at Buckingham’s or your decorator ran through your place. - Keep decorative pillows and throws at a minimum, or pile them layer after layer on a deep sofa and never place them on benches or seats where they will likely fall down on the floor. - To accommodate the evergrowing issues of magazines, you needn’t build anymore shelving or buy a new armoire, but rather create neat stacks under the coffee table, or consoles...you might even pile up a stack high enough to use as a table with a lamp to top it off. - Gather framed photographs on one table or surface mixed in with things such as candlesticks and floral vases. Never display photos on coffee tables, these should be always kept free of tchotchke, except for your cup of coffee, cocktail or your feet. - Hang beautiful and unusual serving platters on a wall in your kitchen or dining area. - Dedicate one drawer to storing your candles and other fragrant oils and potpourri. - Top shelves in a closet are the perfect home for floral vases and other small accessories. - Buy a bed that’s at least 11 Organized page 9
Community Advocate • Friday, October 13, 2017 • 9
your home
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Well-decorated rooms depend on a sharp sense of order, but living in a clutter-free environment requires a mastery of organization. Organized Continued from page 8
inches off the floor allowing for storage bins below (perfect for off-season clothing or bedding). Add a long bed skirt and you’ve practically got another room. - Fabric or leather covered boxes organize remote controls, and look great stacked on tables, shelves or consoles. - Edit the number of lamps in your living room. Place dimmers on all lamps...everyone looks better in soft light! - Make sure your dining chairs are evenly spaced and placed around the table. A slight tilt of any chair throws your room into complete chaos and
makes for a messy presentation. - Be creative with that new piece of art bought on impulse. If your walls are full, place your item at a slight angle on a chair. Believe me this ad-hoc easel will make your work stand out of the crowd. - The best kind of nightstands are those tiered with shelves or drawers to help you organize your bedside. - Add shelving to a small bathroom window and more storage for toiletries. Unused space over doorways and entrances can be used for storage of luggage or boots. - While you are at it purge any unwanted items. It feels
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10 • Community Advocate • Friday, October 13, 2017
your home
Tips for a smooth renovation project By Joseph Pubillones
C
onverting an old house into a luxurious dwelling that includes everything that you have always imagined is - without a doubt - a most satisfactory feat. Of course, to launch into this adventure, one must have very
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clear ideas, an infinite source of imagination and a predetermined budget, which you will surely surpass. Renovations are among the costliest repairs done to a home, even more so than building a new house. What can initially start as a small project can easily grow to a full renovation. Due diligence Inspections are important not only for potential homeowners at time of purchase, but also seasonally or sporadically to reveal any underlying problems that can go by unnoticed to an untrained eye. While there are trained inspectors, most general contractors can be hired to go through any home and give you a rundown of anything that needs to be repaired or replaced. I prefer to do home inspections with contractors because they have a better idea when it comes to estimating the costs of building materials and labor. Plan ahead Before beginning any remodel, it is imperative to establish a budget. In order to determine your budget, a comprehensive scope-of-work list needs to be completed. Often, in estabTips page 11
Community Advocate • Friday, October 13, 2017 • 11
your home
ule. There are many things that can go wrong, so add some time to the expected occupancy date.
Tips
Relax
for a smooth renovation project Tips Continued from page 10
lishing a budget, homeowners calculate the cost of the items that are visible to the naked eye, but are unaware of things below the surface. This is why I always prefer to rely on the estimates of professionals. Find a trustworthy contractor Interview a few remodelers who have more than three years of experience, membership in the local and national builders associations and positive customer references. Most importantly, select a general contractor you trust. Like all relationships, make sure that you can feel comfortable communicating with your general contractor and that your personalities do not clash, because while there will be good times, there will also be bad days in any construction project.
The process of renovation can be taxing on the most serene yogi. Keep a big picture mentality in mind when thinking, contemplating or visiting your project. Don’t allow stress to control the process. If possible, book time at a spa or even take a vacation.
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A good contract Your home - possibly one of your most important assets and investments - needs to be protected. Make sure all work to be done is described in detail. Identify property address, start date, completion date and pay schedules. It should also describe the process of notice of commencements and closing out building permits. Pack your home It is recommended that you entirely pack the contents of your home, or at least the portion that is being worked on. Renovations create enough mess and distractions to make one cringe. A renovation is stressful enough, without the need to worry that your personal items are being damaged or “lost,” so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Schedule It is expected that most projects take longer than the given sched-
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12 • Community Advocate • Friday, October 13, 2017
your home
Shrewsbury Marble & Granite offers wide range of stone countertops Business name: Shrewsbury Marble & Granite Address: 620 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 9), Shrewsbury Owner: Majid Goharzadeh Contact Information: 508-842-9800 www.shrewsburymarbleandgranite.com
Majid Goharzadeh
PHOTO/NANCY BRUMBACK
Shrewsbury – Conveniently located on 620 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 9), Shrewsbury Marble & Granite can help you design the kitchen or bathroom of your dreams from conception to installation, using some of the most beautiful materials from around the world. First, customers meet with Majid Goharzadeh, the shop’s owner, in the stunning 3,000-square-foot showroom. A civil and mechanical engineer by training, Goharzadeh has been in the business for over 30 years. He worked as a buyer for one of the largest granite distributors in New England,
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WE BUY DIRECTLY FROM FACTORIES – NO MIDDLE MEN. THAT WAY WE CAN PASS SAVINGS ONTO OUR CUSTOMERS.
Majid Goharzadeh
before starting a kitchen cabinet business. He has owned Shrewsbury Marble & Granite for the last 11 years. That level of expertise allows him to offer customers exemplary service and feedback when discussing their projects. “We always ask people what they want, what colors they like, what’s the purpose of the
project, so we can recommend the best possible selection for them. We tell customers the pros and cons of the products because they depend on our experience to make that selection,” he said. Next, he takes them outside where there are over 300 actual slabs of marble, granite and quartz. “We have the largest selection of marble and granite of any fabrication shop in New England,” he said of the slabs. “It’s not like selecting from a 6×6-inch sample.” “Our inventory is always expanding,” he added. “Styles and colors change over time. Many customers ask for a modern, contemporary look
now so we keep up with that.” He also offers many colors of granite, soapstone, exotic stones, and man-made quartz. The quartz countertops are made from ground quartz combined with polyester resins and pigments for color, and can be solid color or veined to look like natural stone. The quartz product is very durable and does not need to be sealed. “We have a large selection of marble,” he noted. “It’s the most beautiful in the world. Nature makes the most beautiful things.” “Most of the marble and granite comes from Brazil and India, but we have stone from Italy, Spain, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, many countries,”
he said. “We buy directly from factories – no middle men. That way we can pass savings onto our customers.” Once the estimate is approved and the materials picked out, Goharzadeh’s team will work with customers on the design, fabrication and installation. “We fabricate the countertops in-house - cutting and finishing the stone, doing the sink cutouts,” he said. “Then we install the countertops so we have full control of the process. I’m involved in every part of the project from the beginning to the end. We work with customers directly, with contractors and with kitchen cabinet people.” He also noted: “We are a member of the Better Business Bureau with an A plus rating.” Shrewsbury Marble & Granite is open six days a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
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