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6 tips for setting up a small kitchen
Do you need more room in your cramped kitchen? Here are six smart ideas to make the most of a small space.
Whether it’s wood or ceramic, light flooring is a good fit for the cottagecore look. you add a rug, consider choosing a white or beige macramé model.
FURNITURE
Wood, wicker, rattan and other natural materials conibute to a country esthetic. Look for chairs,tables, beds and other furniture made of these materials.Vintage and antique pieces are also on theme.
THE ACCENTS Floral prints and botanical fabrics will set the right tone. Plants are a must, but consider incorporating dried or fresh flowers into the space as well. Handmade items, vintage dishware and folk art pieces are also a good fit.
To create the cottagecore look in your home, visit shops and antique dealers in your area.
When furnishing a room, a little planning goes a long way. Most importantly, it helps you avoid making impulse purchases and selecting furni ture that’s the wrong size.Here are some tips to help you make the right home decor choices.
ELEGANTLY GRACIOUS & EXUDING TRANQUILITY - $1,597,000 yet warm & inviting. This beautifully designed home is situated in The Countryside on a quiet cul-de-sac. Gourmet kitchen, island, 2 dishwashers, 2 ovens, microwave, refrigerator, a warming drawer, a wine cooler & more. 1st floor Primary Bed plus 2 Baths. The 2nd floor contains 3 Beds, a Jack ‘n Jill bath & a music/playroom. The walkout Lower Level has a game room with gas fpl. theatre, wine cellar, exercise room, a 5th bed and full Bath with whirlpool tub. Plus a Sunroom, patio with built-in grill & fire pit. Call Martha, Lewisburg (20-99915I)
1. IDENTIFY YOUR PRIORITIES
Before you start furniture shopping, list everything you need in order of importance.This will help you determine how much of your bud get to put toward each item. For instance, if you have trouble sleeping, you may decide to splurge on your mattress rather than on a dres ser or vanity. Or, if you work from home, you may want to spend a little extra on an ergono mic office chair.
2. LOOK FOR DEALS
Once you’ve planned your purchases, it’s time
may be able to get a deal on display models or pieces that have slight imperfections.
3. THINK LONG-TERM
Make smart investments by choosing styles that have a timeless look and don’t merely reflect the current fad. If you want to indulge in a few trendy pieces, opt for inexpensive items that you can sell or donate in a few years.
Finally, consider making an effort to buy locally. You don’t have to go far to find talented furniture makers and well-curated furniture stores.
1. Mount a rail to the wall. Use a support bar and hooks to hang utensils, measuring cups, pots, pans, oven mitts,cutting boards and anything else you want to keep handy.
2. Hang shelves. Install them above the stove, fridge, countertop and doorway. Shelves provide an easy storage solution for spices, bins of pasta, candy containers, fresh herbs and more.
3. Opt for integrated design features. Built-in appliances or a trash chute incorporated into the countertop can help you make the most of a small space. Similarly, a slide-out shelf can extend your countertop surface.
4. Get two-in-one appliances. A combination oven, which acts as both an oven and a microwave, allows you to have a single appliance that can bake, grill and reheat food.A microwave with a built-in hood is also a great option.
5. Install cabinets close to the ceiling Build them high to maximize storage space, and use the top shelves for items you rely on less frequently. Just be sure to keep a folding step ladder nearby so you can easily reach
Refresh your melamine cabinets in five easy steps!
Macramé design:
the 70s décor trend is back!
In vogue since the 1970s, macramé is making a remarkable comeback in the interior design world. Today, this traditional practice of braiding and hand-knotting rope to create accessories for the home is being revisited to create trendy bohemian- and vintage-inspired designs.
Whether you make them yourself or scout for them in local artisanal shops, macramé designs are all unique in their own right. Eager to add a touch of macramé to your interior?
Consider these potential creations for inspiration:
•Lampshades
•Potholders
•Table runners
•Pillows
•Wall decorations
(dream catchers, tapestries, headboards, etc.)
•Hammocks
•Hanging baskets
•Hanging mirrors
•Curtains
•Carpets
Had enough of your worn-out — and outdated — melamine cabinets? Changing their colour is an affordable way to breathe new life into your kitchen. Before you get started, consider these five essential steps:
1. CLEAN
With the help of a damp soapy sponge, thoroughly wash your melamine cabinets from top to bottom to eliminate grime that’s built up with time. Use an all-purpose degreaser to remove those stubborn oily stains.
2. SAND
Using fine sandpaper (or an electric sander, if you have one), lightly sand down your kitchen cabinets to obtain a nice smooth surface. Next, get rid of the resulting dust with a damp cloth.
3. PREP
Apply a uniform layer of primer to the inside and outside of your cabinets. This step is critical to ensure the paint adheres to the surface. For optimal results, let the basecoat dry for 24
hours (or according to the manufacturer’s recommended time) before moving on to the next step.
4. PAINT
Opt for a type of paint specifically designed for melamine surfaces. Apply at least two generous coats of your colour of choice with a paintbrush and roller. Make sure to let the paint dry completely between coats.
5. VARNISH
To prevent premature chipping and peeling, seal the deal with a quality varnish once the paint is fully dry. Depending on your preference, choose a varnish with a matte, satin or glossy finish, and apply several coats to better protect your cabinets from early wear.
Here’s to a job well done!
Spruce up your décor and optimize your storage with belly baskets
Combining style and function, belly baskets are among this year’s interior design must-haves. Whether you place them in the entrance, kitchen, office, bathroom or bedroom, these stylish foldable baskets will make an attractive and practical addition to your interior.
Hand-woven from natural materials such as seagrass, belly baskets complement most popular design styles, from Scandinavian-inspired to boho-chic. While often left au naturel, these eco-friendly storage units are also available in different colours and can be embellished with pompoms, embroidery and more.
In a nutshell, belly baskets are an ideal storage solution, with endless ways to use them around the home. In addition to storing blankets, toys and towels, these functional baskets can also serve as trendy potholders for your favourite houseplants!
Discover seven qualities of cork flooring
Used to build durable bedroom, living room, dining room, basement and kitchen floors, cork is gaining popularity throughout the home thanks to its numerous advantages over other flooring options. Here are seven characteristics of cork to help inspire your next renovation!
1. DURABLE
Cork is known for its incredible durability. This material is hard to damage, and its porous structure provides excellent shock resistance. Furthermore, cork is flameproof, waterproof, hypoallergenic, antibacterial, antifungal and antistatic— not bad, right?
2. COMFORTABLE
Cork is naturally supple and stretchy. Its cushioned surface is easy on the feet and joints, making it an ideal choice for kitchens and children’s playrooms alike.
3. QUIET
Cork acts as a barrier against noise and vibrations. These insulating properties are especially appreciated by condominium dwellers.
4. ENERGY EFFICIENT
Cork helps maintain a stable room temperature year-round. It doesn’t absorb heat during the stifling summer months
and won’t get as cold as hardwood or ceramic when temperatures start to drop.
5. EASY TO CLEAN
As long as it’s protected by a good quality varnish, cork flooring requires very little maintenance. To keep it looking good as new for as long as possible, all you need to do is regularly vacuum and wash the surface with a damp mop.
6. ECO-FRIENDLY
Cork is sourced from renewable forests and harvested in a way that is safe for the environment. In fact, it’s produced from the bark of cork oak trees, which regene-
rates with time; this eliminates the need for traditional logging practices (i.e. the tree doesn’t need to be cut down).
7. VERSATILE
Available in a variety of colours and patterns, as tiles or floating planks, cork flooring complements almost every popular style in interior design (modern, rustic, Scandinavian, classic, etc.).
Popular since the 1970s, macramé is making a strong comeback in interior design to embellish the bohemian- and vintage-inspired interiors of 2017.
Youcanhelpyourhomeagegracefully,bothinsideandout,bytakinggoodcareofit.
Foramoreuniquelook,youcanoptfor astraight,leveled,spiralorcurvedstaircase.Straightstaircasestakeupminimalspaceandareaccessibleformost peoplebecausetheyareusuallybuilt ona30-degreeincline.Aleveledstair-
Windowsrequirecarefulinstallation
What’sthepointofspendingafortuneonnewwindowsifyou’reonlygoingtopoorlyinstallthemand sufferfromseriousenergyloss?That’swhythereare fivegoldenrulestofollowwhenitcomestochoosing windows:
1.First,keepinmindthattheframewilldeterminethe window’srigidity,strengthandtheamountofrequired maintenance.Generallyspeaking,woodframesareless expensiveandoffergoodthermalresistance,butwill requiremoremaintenance.Whilealuminumframesare moreexpensive,theyareavailableinawiderangeof shadesandofferexcellentrigidity.Manufacturersadd insulationtotheinsideoftheseframes,whichenables themtoofferexcellentthermalprotection.PVCframes areveryrigid,canwithstandultravioletrayswellandare unaffectedbyhumidity.Theircolourisfactory-applied
2.Next,thepaneswillalsodeterminethewindow’s thermalresistance.It’sworthknowingthatdouble-
glazedwindowsarethestandardtoday.
3.Thestyleofwindowschosenshouldalwayscomplementyourhome’sdesignandventilationneeds.
4.Awindow’sabilitytopreventairlossdependsonthe quantityandqualityofits weatherstripping.
5.Alwayschoosewindows madeofsolidparts.
Installation:
Windowsneedtobeperfectlylevelandthespace betweentheframeandthe home’swallneedstobe filledwithinsulatingwool protectedfromhumidityby
Why a pro should always install your gas appliance
Have you purchased a new gas appliance?
If so, it must be installed by a trained professional. Here’s why.
TO
PREVENT
DISASTERS
Gas leaks present a serious health and safety risk to you and your family and could even be fatal. A professional will ensure that your new appliance is installed properly, allowing you to avoid potentially catastrophic issues.
TO HAVE THE RIGHT PIECES
Installing a gas appliance requires specific fittings, pipes and connectors. A professional gas fitter will know exactly what pieces can and can’t be used in your home.
TO AVOID BEING HELD LIABLE
Trained and licensed gas fitters and master plumbers carry their own insurance. This means you won’t be financially responsible if something goes awry during the installation.
In many cities, installing your own gas appliance is also illegal. Overall, it’s always best to hire a gas fitter or master plumber to hook up appliances that run on gas.
alsobeveryimpracticalwhenitcomes totransportinglargepiecesoffurniture!Finally,acurvedstaircasehasseveralstepsthatarewideronthecurved sideonthestairs,whichallowsthe staircasetograduallychangedirection. Thesestaircasesoftenhaveoneortwo 90-degreecurves.
avapor-seal. Alwaysusescrewstoinstallwood-framedwindows; nailscandamagetheframeandresultinapoorfit. Screwsshouldbehiddenbyinsertingthemalongthe stripthatconnectsthemobileandfixedpartsofthe window.
Remember:
•Thereisnoonebestmaterial;it’stheassemblyandglass thatwillmakethedifference.
•Sticktowindowsthathave weatherstrippingthatiseasy toreplace.
•ThethickerthePVC,the moreenergyefficientitwillbe.
PVCframesareveryrigid, canwithstandultraviolet raysandareunaffected byhumidity.
DIY or don’t: tips for your next home renovation
TOOLBOX,SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER2002,PAGE21
While a number of home projects can be completed by the average DIYer, others should be left to the professionals. When deciding whether you should do it yourself or delegate, ask yourself these questions:
DO I HAVE THE SKILLS?
If you can’t confidently say that you know what you’re doing, hire a professional.
DO I HAVE THE TOOLS?
If the job requires special gear, think twice. Purchasing equipment is expensive and cer-
tain power tools and machines may not be easy to use for a novice.
DO I HAVE THE TIME?
You may be capable of completing the renovation, but if it takes too much of your personal time, it may not be worth it.
In general, cosmetic upgrades can be successfully completed by those without much experience. However, any renovation that involves plumbing, electrical work or the structure of your home, should be left to the professionals.
THE ORIGINAL HOME is abeautiful exampleofPA construction from fireplaces, plusaindoorcooking hearth with kettle,hidden staircases, beautiful wide pine plank floors,cedar lined closets, flagstonepatio &somuchmore. The3basementsectionsare concrete with stonefoundation. As youcan see, this was&isahomethatwas loved& continuedtogrow. Call Martha. Lewisburg$595,000(20-97715U)
EASY INVESTMENT to addtoyourrental portfolio.Tenant occupied singlefamily home that couldbesplitintoaduplexbyupdatingthe upstairs kitchen. Largefenced yard Call Nicole Williamsport $137,750(20-98843L)
CUTECAPEHOME with 3beds&2bahtsin Milton School District.Greatopportunity to owninstead of rent!Public water&sewer.Gashotair heat willkeep you cozyin theWinter. Greatlayoutwith2roomy bedsand full bath upstairs &alowerlevelbed with a 3/4 bathroom.Large1car attachedgarage. Backyard is greatfor entertaining! Call Nicole NewColumbia $195,000(20-99280U)
CHARMINGLINNTOWNCAPE! Major upgradesincludinganew metalroof,naturalgashookup &new gasfurnace,new central A/C, upgraded electric, newgutters &onand on.Openliving& diningrooms with cozy fireplace, replacementwindows,granite countertopsinkitchen,1st floorbed,screenedporch & yard withpatiofor outdoorrelaxation Call Ruth. Lewisburg$254,900(20-99186U)
STEP RIGHTINTOTHIS well establishedfamily ownedsub shop!Wellknown in thecommunity fortheir greatfood.Seating is available. All equipmentisincluded.Or need office space? This property couldalso fitthe need for offices. Don’tmiss this opportunity! Call Barb. Watsontown $230,000(20-99116N)
BEAUTIFUL FARMHOUSE with adelightfulmix of old& newfeatures3 beds, 2fullbaths&3 cargarage. Thekitchen boasts quartzcounters &acenterisland. Spacious diningroom. Upstairs,you will findgenerousbeds, afull bath,&alaundry room with storage &workspace.Outside,enjoy acoveredporch &fencedyard. Close totown &major highwaysinWarrior Run Schools. Call Doug. Watsontown $321,500(20-99389N)
LOVELYLEVELLOT with publicsewerinPenn Township,Selinsgrove Schools.Checkitout to build yourdream home. Call Doug. Selinsgrove $79,900(20-99806S)
THIS BEAUTIFUL RANCH set on 1acre, features an open kitchen&diningarea, as well as alivingroomwithvaulted ceilings. Thehomeincludes 3beds,1.75 baths, a finished lowerlevel, a fireplace, &awalk-out basement. Attachedtwo-car garage &a breezeway. Relax on thecovered deck andenjoy theyard, complete with acharmingstream.Locatedjustafew minutesfromtown. Call Doug Milton $234,900(20-100096N)
PRIME COMMERCIALLOCATION! Successful business is relocating!Highlyvisiblelocationdirectly on Rt 15 with 137 ft.offrontagemakes this aperfect newhomefor RetailorService Business.Easyingress &egress flow points. Move in &put your OPEN sign up or raze thebuilding&start fresh. Primespotfor bank;dry cleaning;franchiseretail; auto detailing; residential home service. Call Mark Lewisburg$450,000(20-95940U)
STUNNINGT WO-STORYHOME situatedon 5.075 acresinthe countryside. This gorgeoushomefeatures wood floors,anopen floorplanwithacathedral ceiling, &a large1st-floorprimary suitewithabath. Thekitchen boasts aspaciousisland &adiningarea. The fireplace’swarmthcan be enjoyedintheexpansiveGreatroom.Ample spacefor up to3horses, asprawlinggarden,orjustenjoyingthe sunsets. Call Peg! Watsontown $675,000(20-99841N)
BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME on this 11.43 acre lotinMiltonSchool District.Althoughlocated out in the‘country,’it’sonlyminutes away from Lewisburg. Theproperty is coveredbyamix of establishedforest& succession forest Theproperty is zonedRural Residential;so you couldsubdivide theparcelinto multiple buildinglots. It is enrolledinthe Clean &Green program. Call Brett. NewColumbia$224,500(20-98480U)
OPPORTUNITYFOR 10 ACRES! Thischarming property,locatedclose to everything,includes asmall mostlybrickhousewithtwo first-floorbedrooms, abright kitchenwithtile floors,updated windows, astudyarea,&a full basement. Greatplace to start& buildthehome ofyour dreams Call Doug or Martha Lewisburg$495,000(20-98655U)
THE PERFECTTIME OF THEYEAR to invest in alot,review &adjustyour houseplans &bereadyto beginconstructionbymid winter.Convenientlylocated to LewisburgHighSchool,shopping, restaurants& Evangelical Hospital complex. Call Martha Lewisburg$99,000(20-95628U)
LOVELYHOMEBUILTIN2017 andmovein condition. Hardwood floors,granitecounters,crown molding, andstainlesssteel appliances. Theperfect fenced-in yard with acovered patio. 1car attached garage and1additionalpavedoff street space. Full unfinished basement. Notinthe flood zone Call Martha! Lewisburg$395,000(20-99383U)
SPACIOUS& WELL DESIGNED, thishome features 5beds&4baths.Meticulously maintained & offersover4,000sq. ft.of finished space, packed with upgrades. Large family room with fireplace. Thekitchen includes an island, breakfastnook, &diningroom.1st floorbed &bath. Upstairs,you’ll find aroomy ensuite, 3 beds, &alaundry room.Finishedbasementoffersa3/4 bath plus alaundry room Call Doug. Lewisburg$595,000(20-98798U)
ELEGANTLYGRACIOUS&EXUDINGTRANQUILITY yetwarm&inviting. This beautifully designedhomeissituated in TheCountryside on aquiet cul-de-sac. Gourmetkitchen, island,2 dishwashers,2ovens,microwave, refrigerator, awarmingdrawer, awinecooler &more. 1st floorPrimary Bedplus2Baths The2nd floorcontains3 Beds,aJack ‘n Jillbath&amusic/playroom. The walkoutLowerLevelhas agame room with gasfpl.theatre,wine cellar, exercise room,a5th bed and fullBathwithwhirlpooltub PlusaSunroom, patiowithbuilt-in grill & fire pit. Call Martha Lewisburg$1,597,000(20-99915I)
•6BR,3.5Baths,Spacioushomein agreatneighborhood
•Fourlevelsof finishedlivingspace
•Greatroomwith vaultedceilingand woodburning fireplace
•3-car garage
•SituatedonnearlyoneacreintheMeadows
$729,000MLS#20-99972
•Exceptionalnearlynewconstruction
•Fabulous floorplanincluding4BRandanoffice
•Luxurous1st floorprimar ysuite
•3-car garage
•Private woodedsettingwithdeerandwildturkey
$899,000MLS#20-99430
•Well-maintained7,300+SFbrick commercialofficebuilding
•HighprofilelocationontheRoute15corridor
•6.28acreswithabundantparking
•Adaptableforoneortwounits
•Commercialzoningallowsfor avarietyofuses
$875,000MLS#20-99713
•2-stor yofficebuildinginhigh-profilelocation
•SituatedalongRoute15andaccessible
•F inishedbasement
•CommercialHighwayzoning
$500,000MLS#20-99060
•Ampleon-siteparkingforemployees,clients
SabraLeighKarr,Broker P:570.523.3244C:570.428.5765 8N.3rdStreet •Lewisburg•Sabra-Karr@villagerrealty.com www.villagerrealty.com
•Custombrickhomeon2.86acresinTheCountryside
•Over5,000 SF of finishedlivingspace
•High-end finishesandmanyrecentupdates
•Ingroundpool,poolhouse,new30x40storagegarage
•F inishedwalk-outbasementwithwinecellar andtastingkitchen
$1,999,995MLS#20-99587
•LovelyLinntownbrickhome
•Hardwood floorsthroughout
•Recentlyrenovatedkitchenwithbutler’spantry
•New screenedporchforoutdoorenjoyment
•Woodburning fireplaceandwalk-up garagestorage
$340,000MLS#20-99924
•Exceptional,historic3-stor ybrickhome
•Architecturaldetailandcustom woodwork
•4-cardetached garagewithwalk-uploft
•Largecornerlotwithprivate yardand gardens
•PrimelocationinLewisburgBorough
$695,000MLS#20-99375
•Beautifullymaintained3BRcondolocatedin
•Spacious first-floor owner’ssuiteforeaseofaccessibility
•Quartzcountertopsandabundantcabinetr yinthekitchen
•First floorlaundr y
•Low-maintenancelifestylewithlawncare andsnowremovalincluded
$355,000MLS#20-99994
