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Saturday, February 28, 2015

The Daily News

Ryan Schlehuber • Daily News features editor • scoop@staffordgroup.com • (616) 548-8279

Out with the old...

IN WITH THE NEW

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Creating a theme in a room

Adding features to a living room

reating a theme in a room can be based on a favorite color, incorporating a hobby or selecting decor reminiscent of a favorite vacation spot or even a favorite movie.

My boyfriend and I purchased a two-story home last May and have been infusing each room with items that reflect our tastes.

We are currently changing the living room to represent our personality more closely.

Like many existing homes, ours was painted in very neutral tones. I prefer bold swaths of color. Between the broken down furniture and neutral walls, the living

By Stacie room was a sea of beige.

Smith Two rambunctious boys and a forever molting dog result in broken, stained and foul smelling couches.

It was time to either buy new sofas or burn the old for additional heat and embrace minimalism and sit on pillows.

We opted to shop for a new living room set.

Furniture choices are nearly endless, so to make shopping less overwhelming, we considered that we live in a 115-year-old house with hardwood floors. The floor plan, like many turn-of-the-century homes, is not open and therefore space restrictions have to be considered.

I am not a fan of overstuffed furniture, but I also didn’t want something so contemporary that it looked more like sculpture than a cozy reprieve after a long day of work. Patterns and colors that take its cue from nature are most appealing to me.

We selected a standard couch with a chaise, a love seat, leather ottoman that contained two footstools and an armchair upholstered in the patterned fabric that covered the throw pillows included with the set.

By Stacie Smith

Daily News features writer

Changing up the look and feel of the living room can be as a simple as painting the walls or as complex as adding square footage.

Some additions to spruce up the living room can include a theater-like surround sound system, bringing in natural light with a skylight, constructing built-in shelving or adding the warmth and ambience of a fireplace.

SKYLIGHTS

With the gray of winter skies still around for at least a couple more weeks, spring ahead and add more natural light by installing a skylight. A single skylight can add up to 30 percent more lighting in a room.

Scott Tatum with Big L Lumber in Greenville regularly orders skylights for customers.

“We sell them all the time,” Tatum said.

Standard size for skylights are 22 inches by 46 inches and cost about $250, according to Tatum.

Installing skylights can either be a doit-yourself project or left to contractors.

Skylights once carried the concern of roofline leaks, but modern kits include flanging to help prevent leaks when the skylight is installed. Tatum said about half of Big L’s customers tackle the installation themselves while the other half hires out the job.

SURROUND SOUND SYSTEM

Another popular option to adding something new to a living room is by having a home theater system installed.

Curling up on the comfort of the living room sofa to watch a movie or the big game comes to the life with the installation of a home theater system.

Colin Guckes, a 16-year-old junior at Greenville High School, installed a surround sound home theater system for his parents. Guckes has always had an inquisitive mind, and the prospect of learning something new was compelling enough to install the system by himself.

“I read the instructions and it came really easily to me,” Guckes said. “It took me maybe 15 minutes — I mounted the speakers at ear level and ran the wiring under the carpet.”

See Theme Page 2C

See Living Room, Page 2C

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Daily News • Saturday, February 28, 2015

HOME

GREENVILLE

Those relocating to the area will find Greenville is a ‘little town living large’ Relocating to a new town can be a daunting experience, particularly for those who have lived long elsewhere. For those moving from a big city to a smaller municipality like Greenville, the transition can be more difficult still.

To someone coming here from Chicago or Detroit, for instance, simply adjusting to the slower pace of life poses challenges. Questions arise, like, “Where can I get good sushi delivery at 2 a.m.?” or “When’s the next time Bob Seger’s playing nearby?”

The answers are: Nowhere and never.

Some big city transplants may even start to wonder, at some point, whether they made the right decision in moving in the first place, whether they should pack up the Volvo and head back to a city that never sleeps, or one that seems less narcoleptic, at least.

Those who choose this route will be doing themselves a disservice, however. Despite initial appear-

ances, Greenville is a city filled with interesting places, people and activities.

You just have to know how to find them.

One place to start is the local chamber of commerce. Greenville Area Chamber of Commerce’s website address is greenvillemi.org/chamber. Visitors to the site will find an extensive list of upcoming local activities such as the chamber-sponsored golf outing, Gus Macker basketball tournament, business expo, car show and more.

With nearly 300 members, all of whom may post events to the site, there’s always something new to check out. According to Chamber Administrative Manager Casi Antcliff, the city has much to recommend it year-around.

“We have lots of things going on throughout the year,” she said. “We have a pretty complete listing on the website and things like the summer musical concerts by the museum. That’s something I really enjoy myself.”

Antcliff added the

Downtown Development Authority (DDA) is currently looking into the possibility of expanding on the music series, adding a small marketplace prior to the concerts, with a free outdoor movie projected on an inflatable screen following the performances.

“We have a lot of information in our office as far as things going on in the area,” Antcliff said. “There’s stuff happening all the time at the community center.”

In addition to the public offerings, the city also offers a rich assortment of restaurants, clubs and night spots. While you may not be able to get sushi delivered at 2 a.m., there are more than enough quality dining establishments offering everything from down-home cooking to more exotic fare.

Hikers, bicyclists and cross-country skiers can enjoy the miles of groomed — and in many cases, paved — trails leading into and out of the community.

The Fred Meijer Flat River Trail and Heartland Trail, for example, combine some of

small drawers. The drawer covers are going to be painted the green shade also found in the armchair.

In the meantime, Zach and I have scoured consignment and Goodwill stores to find wall decor and, fortunately, have landed multiple pictures that will add vibrancy to the walls.

The window coverings are currently a light cream, silky panel that, depending on the outcome of the new paint and wall hangings, will either remain or

be repurposed elsewhere in the house.

Because of our mutual desire to travel Europe, hints of France and Tuscany have worked into the room, as well.

I have never considered myself trendy or a decorator, but I do know what I like, and when spending time in a room, it is important to enjoy the feel of the room, both physically and

Theme Continued from Page 1C While the couch and love seat are charcoal grey, the armchair is a cream background with a leaf pattern with shades of green, brown and an orangey red.

The chair and throw pillows are the inspiration for the room.

Two walls will be painted in a coordinating orangey red shade and the unique TV stand we have is comprised of an electrician’s cabinet with several

aesthetically. ssmith@staffordgroup.com (616) 548-8274

the area’s best scenery with moderately challenging bike and hiking pathways.

Long-term plans call for the trails to eventually join up with other Rails to Trails routes, providing access to much of the state.

Outdoorsmen can take advantage of the area’s many great fishing and boating lakes and rivers. A recently- developed public swimming beach on the west side of Baldwin Lake is one of the city’s often overlooked gems

and a good place to spend a day picnicking with friends and family.

As far a shopping goes, Greenville’s business community — both the downtown area and on the outskirts of town — is alive and well. Everything from antique and flower shops to auto and hardwares stores provide customers with the things they need to get through the week.

Organizations like the Flat River Community Library, Fighting Falcon and

Flat River museums, and community center continually bring interesting programs and exhibits to the city and provide a focal point for those interested in the area’s rich history.

So for those who think they can live without 2 a.m. sushi delivery, who don’t mind driving a while to catch Seger’s next show, the Greenville area may just be a place you could call home.

Cabinet Distributing has helped design and create custom shelving units, entertainment centers and hutches for customers. In addition to updating homeowners’ kitchens and bathrooms, the Greenville business can add dimension to living rooms, as well.

“We install custom shelves, entertainment centers and fireplace surrounds,” Smith said. “We can make any cabinet for any reasons, for any purpose. We make it right here in the shop.”

Cost is determined by several features such as height, depth, width, material, type of wood used and whether it

is painted or stained. Rather than ordering custom shelves after having a kitchen remodel, many Greenville Cabinet customers will have a hutch built at the same time to either compliment or contrast the theme of the kitchen.

Living rooms can be easily transformed into the hub of family life by adding skylights, theater surround sound or custom shelves.

The complexity of the project determines whether it should be left to the professionals or tackled as a weekend warrior job.

mtaylor@staffordgroup.com (616) 548-8273

Living Room Continued from Page 1C With a set of manufacturer’s instructions, a good set of tools and a little bit of sweat, Guckes was able to transform his parents’ living room into a private theater.

BUILT-IN SHELVING Another way to add a custom look to a living room is with the addition of built in shelving units. Once the hallmark of an upper-end home, homeowners can either hire a contractor to install shelves or purchase pre-made cabinets and shelves and follow step-bystep instructions online.

Andy Smith of Greenville

ssmith@staffordgroup.com (616) 548-8274

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By Mike Taylor

Daily News features writer

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Daily News • Saturday, February 28, 2015

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“I have not had so many good ideas day after day as when I worked in the garden” — John Erskine, noted American educator

Improve air quality in your home with plants

G

rowing indoor plants has always been popular with the novice gardener, especially during the winter months when outdoor gardening in Michigan is very difficult. It is a great way to keep your green thumb active.

In addition, house plants make great decorator tools for indoor settings. Surprisingly, most people are not aware of another important benefit for indoor plantings — they help fight indoor pollution.

CLEANER INDOOR AIR

Plants produce fresher air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Most of us learned in our introduction to high school science class that this process is called photosynthesis.

Most people are not aware that in the confines of homes many house plants are also effective in removing household contaminants.

Scientists, led by Dr. D.C.Wolverton at NASA, doing experiments for the space program, found that many indoor plants are able to reduce levels of potentially harmful gases. These include common Gardening for toxins such as: the Novice • Benzene, which is found in inks, oils

By Bob and pigments around the home. It is also Lilenfeld in gasoline and many pharmaceuticals.

• Formaldehyde is present in wood and paper products, kerosene and even cigarette smoke.

• Trichloroethylene (TCE), which is found in adhesives, paints and inks.

• Carbon monoxide is present as a result of some furnace or car combustion, and is present in cigarette smoke.

Interestingly, NASA scientists determined that plant roots, leaves and microorganisms in the plant soil all aid in removing small levels of harmful gases.

As a result of these experiments, plants have been included in space stations to help reduce trace amounts of air contaminants.

D.L. Brown, an educator at University of Michigan Extension, helps us understand this work by NASA by explaining that most house plants evolved from tropical forests where they received light filtered from the branches of taller trees. These house plants can then photosynthesize under low light conditions and still absorb air pollutants efficiently.

HOUSEPLANTS THAT REDUCE AIR POLLUTANTS

Here is a summary of seven of the most common, houseplants that have been shown to reduce pollutants: • SNAKE PLANT — This plant is effective in filtering

formaldehyde. It releases oxygen at night and absorbs carbon dioxide and is especially easy to maintain.

Requires minimum lighting and infrequent watering.

• SPIDER PLANT — A spider plant is found to be effective in removing trace amounts of formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide.

• ALOE VERA — This plant is great for removing trace amounts of formaldehyde and benzene. In addition, it is a medicinal plant that holds gel in its leaves that is great for burns and surface cuts. It loves indirect sunlight and can be infrequently watered.

• PHILODENDRON — Absorbs formaldehyde. It has long life potential, needs moderate watering and some sunlight.

• ENGLISH IVY — Another formaldehyde absorber, easy to grow with moderate temperatures and medium sunlight required.

• GERBER DAISY — Helps eliminate carbon dioxide, trichloroethylene and benzene. It is used for decorating with large and colorful flowers.

• WARNECK DRACAENA — Helps remove trace amounts of benzene and trichloroethylene. It requires minimal lighting and average room temperatures On a side note, Gerber Daisy and Warneck Dracena are not as readily available as the other houseplants listed.

HOW MANY HOUSEPLANTS DO YOU NEED?

In NASA studies, it’s recommended you need 15 to 20 good size, healthy houseplants in 6- to 8-inch diameter containers spread through an 1,800-square-foot home to improve air quality.

Also, be sure to use non-plastic containers for your plants to eliminate gases from plastic pots. A mixture of the houseplants mentioned above in your home can give you a good combination of improved air quality with unique decorator accents.

MAINTAIN HEALTHY HOUSEPLANTS

Your houseplants will look their best and do their best in improving air quality in your home if you keep them healthy.

By carefully following the manufactures plant care labels, your new plants should have the correct amount of water, proper lighting, fertilizer and pest control to be at their best.

Bob Lilenfeld is a retired research chemical engineer and an advanced Michigan master gardener who enjoys gardening locally. For any questions about taking care of indoor plants or gardening in general, email him at lilenfeldsolutions@gmail.com.

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WOODCRAFT PROJECTS include a 28-color base selection of premixed acrylic paints that can be combined to create even more colors suitable for indoor or outdoor projects. Use the milk paint with the six translucent Glaze Effects to create eye-catching decorative finishes, such as distressing, antiquing or shabby chic. n General Finishes Gel Stains and Topcoat are easy to use - simply wipe on with a rag and wipe off the excess. Stains are available in 12 shades, including the popular Java and Georgian Cherry. A perfect solution for attractive redesigns at an affordable price. n OneTime Wood Protector is a proprietary acrylate resin blend that penetrates wood’s cellular

structure and cures it by exposure to UV radiation. It protects new wood, old wood, pressure treated wood, or wood that has had the previous coating removed - for seven years!

Great for outdoor wood projects such as wood shake roof, deck, chairs, picnic tables, fences and more. n Festool’s Rotex RO90 Multi-Purpose Sander switches easily between three sanding modes aggressive, random orbital finish sanding, and delta detail sanding - that will handle a host of tasks from stripping stubborn paint to creating a smooth finish. n Earlex Gemini HVLP Sprayer can be used as a cup fed gun to spray fine

finishes and paints, or with a pump to push water-based paint/stain directly from the can via a 13’ hose to the gun for covering large surfaces. n The QuikBENCH Portable Workbench holds 300 pounds alone; add another to form a sawhorse to hold 2,000 pounds. Or connect several for a larger workstation. If you need a scaffold, choose the portable Vika Twofold Workbench and Scaffold.

Both benches include power strips.

To learn more about these products and others that can help you update your home, visit your local Woodcraft store, call (800) 535-4482 or visit www. woodcraft.com.

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Spend some quality time with your house, and make a list of the pluses and minuses as if you were considering whether to buy it. Use this list to develop projects that will create your “dream home” over a year’s time. To help you, Woodcraft offers some ideas for projects and products.

PROJECT IDEAS n Use paints, stains, dyes, finishes, and related products to reinvigorate the wood throughout your

home, including doors, shutters, walls and furniture. n Add molding or other trim to give walls an upscale look. n Expand storage space with wall-hung or freestanding shelving in as many rooms and areas as possible, matching shapes, hardware and color to each room’s décor. n Replace or upcycle kitchen, bathroom or garage cabinets, as well as outdated bathroom vanities. n Add a wood deck, patio or porch to your out-

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door area, and repair/revive or build outdoor benches and other furniture.

“If the changes you envision involve unfamiliar tasks, do some research,” says Woodcraft product manager Ben Bice. “We offer books about home improvement topics, as well as ‘Woodcraft Magazine’ technique downloads and how-to videos for many products online. Or get some expert advice at your nearest Woodcraft store.”

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