Fall Home Improvement - 2021

Fall

HOME IMPROVEMENT

A supplement to East Bay Newspapers • October 6-7, 2021

Page 2 Fall Home Improvement 2021

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Fall Home Improvement 2021 Page 3

On-Trend Paint Colors

Freshening up your home inside and out is as easy as adding a fresh coat of paint.

If you’re looking to sell your home anytime soon, a fresh coat of paint could more than pay for itself. Here are a look at some of the trending colors for inside and outside of your home.

Warm Palettes After years of cool whites and grays, palettes are starting to warm back up.

Even the blues have a reddish or purplish cast to them this year. Lucy Blue is one of Valspar’s colors of the year and is a vibrant shade of ocean blue that the company says brings a playful happiness to any space. Pair it with neutral furnishings for an elegant look with a touch of whimsy.

HGTV says to look for deep, rich col-

or that helps you connect with home.

In this pandemic year, we’re looking for comfort, and warmer palettes signify that. It points to shades like Sherrington Williams’ deep red Passionate and warm peach Pale Apricot that makes spaces welcoming and cozy.

Also see Behr’s Kalahari Sunset and Valspar’s Maple Leaf.

Exterior Palettes Blues are having a moment in residential color schemes along with bluegrays. Highlight these colors with bright whites and vibrant accents, like abandoning the traditional red or black door for screaming turquoise. Other hot accent colors include deep navy

blues (Sherwin Williams suggest Dress Blues) and golds (Cut the Mustard, also

by Sherwin Williams). Sunny yellows can insert a pop of cheer in an otherwise neutral scheme — it looks particularly good against grays. Think along the lines of Valspar’s Golden Yellow or Roasted Corn from Behr.

If you’re afraid of going too bold, take some baby steps. Keep your large areas neutral and go for pops of color in your accent pieces — shutters, doors, porches, eaves and other spots — that can be easily changed out if you don’t like the way it looks. When you’re choosing your colors, also work with your contractor or the experts at the home improvement store to choose colors

that will last. Darker colors, for instance, may fade more quickly than light neutrals.

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Page 4 Fall Home Improvement 2021

Buying Appliances during Covid Pandemic supply issues and a red-hot housing market have combined to throttle supplies of home appliances in 2021

A National Association of Home Builders survey in February 2021 found that nearly 90% of builders had trouble finding appliances.

Why Appliances?

Real estate is booming, and with higher home sales comes a demand on appliances. And if a family isn’t buying, they’re probably remodeling.

Smarter appliances also need microchips, and because of a pandemic miscalculation, microchips are in short supply for everything right now. The supply chain is stressed, and in an effort to keep up with demand, many appliance brands are cutting back on the number of models being manufactured. All of these pandemic challenges mean fewer

options and longer wait times for the consumer.

model and more on desired features and in-stock products.

How Urgent Is Your Need?

Shopping Local Has Benefits

Appliance dealers do have appliances to sell and you need not go without a new fridge or washing machine if you urgently need one.

However, you may have fewer choices depending on your timeframe.

Did your fridge break down and you need a new appliance now? Can you wait a few weeks for an appliance with confirmed delivery dates? Or are you willing to wait an indefinite amount of time, possibly months, for a specific appliance to become available? If you need an appliance now, it is best to keep an open mind, focusing less on a particular brand or

Consider shopping locally to overcome these inventory challenges.

Local appliance dealers have a leg up on the competition because their customer service focused and trained sales staff will spend time finding suitable alternatives if the appliance you want is unavailable. They can help you compare features, price, style, and reliability amongst those models that are available in your timeframe.

When doing research or shopping online, look for in-stock flags on product listings and focus on product features that are important to

you. Add value to your major appliance purchase by looking for dealers offering free or discounted fees for delivery, installation and disposal.

The appliance buying process has definitely changed, but with a little patience you can still find what you need.

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Fall Home Improvement 2021 Page 5

Top 7 reasons to love motorized window treatments Motorized window treatments are all the rage right now – from blinds to shades, to draperies and romans. But what’s all the hype about? And are they really worth the additional investment?

Here are the top seven reasons to love motorized window treatments:

1. Convenience Motorized treatments can be raised and lowered at the touch of a button on a remote or your smart phone.

This is particularly important for windows in hard-to-reach areas such as high skylights or stairway windows.

You can even program them to automatically raise and lower at certain times of the day. Control your shades by lifting exactly one finger - or for even more convenience, connect them to Amazon Alexa or Google Home.

Using one of these systems, most motorized products can be programmed into whole-house, smart home systems so you can set your scenes, control your shades, lights and music with the sound of your voice.

2. Market standard

empty for periods of time during the “off” season.

Many builders have started including home automation in their new construction and renovations, meaning this feature will soon come to be an expected part of the modern home – like appliances and garage door openers are now.

6. Energy efficiency Where does the most heat and AC escape your home? Through the windows, of course! With motorized blinds, you can control insulation and sun exposure in your home – even when you’re not there. This can significantly cut down on the cost to heat and cool your home any time of the year.

3. Easy to use Most manufacturers have designed their products to be used easily by the average customer. Typically, programming is very simple and is trouble free once set up. Often, it is as simple as setting a timer. Technology-adverse customers need not be intimated any longer.

4. Safety When it comes to deciding on the safest choice in window coverings for a home with children or pets, why take chances? Industry standards have come a long way in the last few years and manufacturers now offer safe solutions that minimize the risk of accidents or injury. With no cords or strings, these treatments are the safest for chil-

7. “Wow” factor Today’s window treatments have become so sophisticated, customers can use a smart phone app to control their blinds. dren and pets.

It All Starts with the Right Color. s with the Right Color.

5. Security

When your window treatments raise and lower on their own, it can indicate that the house is occupied, even when it’s not. This is particularly good for vacation rental properties that may be

It’s hard to deny the impressive look of perfectly synchronized, automated window treatments. For people who love innovation, this is for you! Hi-tech innovation that is fused with style like never before.

Is motorization right for you and your home? Home automation can bring you unmatched convenience, safety, and style – all at the touch of a button, and Budget Blinds of Newport can get you started. Give us a call to set up your free in-home consultation.

Story submitted by Budget Blinds of Newport.

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Page 6 Fall Home Improvement 2021

How to choose interior paint colors Choosing paint colors can be overwhelming. Use the following guide to help you explore and select interior color schemes you’ll love!

While there is no one-size-fits-all reply to “what’s the best interior paint color,” some thoughtful research goes a long way. Go into this exercise with an open mind and a commitment to exploring your creative side as you search for your perfect paint color.

wall, so you can easily see how colors will appear around the room.

Step #3: Get Color Chips, then Test with Paint Samples Once you’ve selected the colors you’re drawn to, visit your local paint retailer and pick up color chips and inspirational brochures to bring home.

While you may be tempted to use color swatches only to determine which color to use, the best way to test color in different lighting conditions is to buy paint samples and test them.

Natural and artificial light can impact the appearance of color, so viewing it at different times of the day in all lighting conditions is crucial.

Step #1: Analyze the Room for Interior Paint Ideas Hardwood floors, countertops, a fireplace surround, area rugs, and of course furniture … the colors in these items will help determine which paint color will work best and help narrow your options.

Additionally, the right paint color for any room should reflect the mood you want to create in the room as well as complement its architecture and style.

Step #2: Explore the Best Interior Paint Colors –for You If you want to cut to the chase, do a

Step #4: Get Started Any Time The paint colors you choose can set the “mood” for each room. search on google for “the most popular paint colors.” Every paint manufacturer, for e.g. Benjamin Moore, provides a page on their web site detailing their most popular paint colors.

For a more deliberate approach, use magazines and online tools like Pinterest to find colors and color combinations that inspire you.

Tip: Paint on a poster board, not a

When it comes to interior painting, you generally control the environment you’re working in. Weather does not have to be a consideration–so interior painting is a year-round opportunity.

Submitted by AJ Santoro, owner of Mount Hope Paint.

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Fall Home Improvement 2021 Page 7

Bringing your dream to life with your home’s equity In this market, many people could take advantage of a home equity loan or line of credit Whether you’re looking to make your home your own or improve its market value for resale, a wiselyfinanced quality home improvement project can make all the difference.

Maybe you’re itching to give that dated kitchen a facelift. Perhaps you need to convert your basement to accommodate your growing family.

No matter your goals, your home’s equity could be the answer to making it all happen.

Home equity is simply the difference between your home’s market value and how much you currently owe on your mortgage. That remaining value can be used to borrow funds for a variety of purposes, including home improvement projects, through either a fixed home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

With a fixed home equity loan, you get a set amount of money to spend on a specific project and then pay back over a fixed time period using your home as collateral. With a HELOC, you’re approved for an amount of money which you can choose to use all of or a portion of during a given withdrawal period.

You’re then able to repay what you’ve used through a variety of terms and payoff periods.

When using home equity to finance a home improvement project, it is recommended that you take on a project that will increase the value of your home, such as kitchen updates or the addition of bathrooms or master bedrooms. A green energy system installation project can also cut down your home energy costs and open doors to energy-efficient loan opportunities with very low rates.

To build equity in your home for financing projects like this, you want to keep your mortgage debt as minimal as possible. If you’re just buying a home that you think you’d like to use equity to fix up, make a large down payment if you can. This will help to reduce the expenses that come with mortgage loans and mortgage insurance that would take away from your home’s equity.

If you want to do a project on a home you’ve already bought, pay off

Many homeowners can use the value in their current property to make improvements, like a full bathroom renovation. as much of your mortgage principal as you can as fast as you can. This will also chip away at the debt that weighs your home equity down.

Once you’ve financed a home

improvement project that will boost your home’s market value, that too will build up your home’s equity for loans you may later need for travel, continuing education, debt consoli-

dation, and more.

Submitted by St. Anne’s Credit Union.

Page 8 Fall Home Improvement 2021

How to create a sunroom ‘for all seasons’

Create welcoming spaces that take in all nature has to offer throughout the year

As fall inches closer to winter, it’s not uncommon for people to look to the coming cold with a degree of lament. Spring, summer and fall provide ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors, but such chances are few and far between once the winter freeze settles in. Though winter might compel the masses to huddle up inside, there’s still a way to take in the great outdoors on cold winter days and nights.

It might not prove an exact substitute for summer nights around the firepit, but a sunroom affords homeowners a chance to marvel at snowy winter landscapes without venturing out into the cold. Sometimes referred to as “all-season rooms,” sunrooms can make for a great retreat on quiet summer mornings or crisp autumn afternoons. Sunrooms can be treated as blank canvasses, which makes decorating them more fun. But a few

tricks of the trade can help homeowners turn their blank canvasses into welcoming spaces to take in all that nature has to offer throughout the year.

Define the purpose The experts at Better Homes & Gardens recommend homeowners decide how they want to use the sunroom before they begin decorating it.

When the weather gets too chilly to dine outside, will the sunroom serve as an alternative dining space in the same way patios and decks do during the warm weather? Or do homeowners want to turn their sunrooms into reading rooms? Though it’s possible to make sunrooms multipurpose spaces, it may be hard to create a relaxing vibe in rooms that are too crowded with furnishings or too busy.

Defining how the space will be used also makes it easier when shopping for furnishings.

Define when the room will be used In addition to defining how the room will be used, homeowners

Sunrooms are a great place to take in nature no matter the weather. should give ample consideration to when the room will be used. A yearround sunroom will need to be heated, while a three-season sunroom likely won’t require heating. Cooling might be a concern on hot summer afternoons, but many homeowners will likely spend such days outside anyway, so cooling the room may be as simple as installing a ceiling fan and ensuring windows can be opened to let fresh air in. Homeowners who want a year-round sunroom should install insulated glass to keep the room even warmer when the mercury dips.

Opt for bright colors Bright colors can make sunrooms feel all the more inviting and make for a perfect match with all the natural light already in the room. The renovation experts at HGTV note that white

walls and ceilings can maximize the warm illumination of the natural light that will be pouring in from the floorto-ceiling windows. Better Homes & Gardens adds that brightly colored cushions, pillows and area rugs with similarly hued colors and patterns can add visual interest and texture to a sunroom.

Make use of a view Homeowners needn’t direct too much of their focus on decor if their sunrooms come with a view. Art on the walls and other decorative items around the room are less important if a sunroom affords a view of the ocean or a lake or dense woods that attract local wildlife. In rooms with a view, arrange furniture so residents and guests can comfortably look outward and take in all the surround landscape has to offer.

Fall Home Improvement 2021 Page 9

Find improvement projects that will pay off

BY TANYA COSTA When clients come to me for advice about investing in home improvements – I always ask are you doing this home improvement for your own personal enjoyment or to gain top dollar for when you go to sell your house?

Home improvement projects for your own enjoyment are almost impossible to quantify a financial ROI for.

For e.g., investing in a $25,000 outdoor fireplace won’t bring in a great ROI when you go to sell your house – but you can’t put a price tag on years of family time and memories that the fireplace brings.

If you’re looking to sell your home and want to invest in home improvement projects that will result in the greatest ROI, you’ll want to invest in projects that are on home buyer’s wish lists (which may not be on yours) and can boost the idea the home is turnkey and ready to be moved into.

To appeal to home buyers … n Make your home feel more spacious. Bring down the walls. Buyers

love open concept or partially open around the kitchen, living and dining room. Added bonus, less walls allow for more natural light. n Neutral paint throughout. Color is personal. In addition to wanting to appeal to the broadest audience of potential home buyers (or picky family members), help them see your home as a blank canvas that they can personalize. For inspiration check in with your local paint store or go to Google/ Images and search for “best neutral paint colors.” n Kitchens & Baths. Buyers look at kitchens and baths and are either relieved that they don’t have to fully gut them or start envisioning the house as the money pit. To keep costs down for the greatest ROI, think updated and functional vs. luxury. n Boost your home’s curb appeal and exterior. You want to grab a buyer’s attention before they’ve even set foot in your home. Appealing landscaping and a home’s exterior implies the home is well-maintained. Eliminate flaking paint and/or power wash your home and clean your gutters.

Buyers like open spaces, modern (not necessarily luxury) kitchens and uncluttered spaces.

n Upgrades that reduce maintenance trouble. Being proactive with your home’s systems shows pride of ownership. Deferred maintenance can be detrimental to a home sale. Repair or replace the HVAC, hot water heater, etc. If you have a septic tank, have it pumped (if you haven’t already), pest control seasonally regardless if you can see any of the little buggers. n Upgrades that make your home more efficient – replace windows, put in energy efficient appliances, replace

old toilets with low flow fixtures. n Upgrades that cater to your area’s trends – speak with a local real estate expert who will have their pulse on what local buyers are looking for.

Whatever you decide, take the time to plan out your home improvement projects so they stay within budget and the end result meets (or exceeds) your, or your potential buyer’s expectation.

Tanya Costa is principal/broker with Vantage Point Realty.

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Fall Home Improvement 2021 Page 11

Page 12 Fall Home Improvement 2021

Here are 11 painting mistakes to avoid Sometimes, there’s just no way around it — painting mistakes happen. And while you can fix most painting mistakes, the best case scenario is to avoid them in the first place. Whether you’re planning your next project or have already picked up a paintbrush, here are a few tips for avoiding 11 of the most common painting mistakes.

Mistake #1: The Color is Not What You Expected The most common reason for color “surprises” is that varying lighting conditions, including artificial and natural light, can play a larger role in a paint color’s appearance than you might have anticipated.

Try the color first by investing in a color sample. Be sure to look at the color in different lighting conditions, which have a major impact on the paint color’s appearance.

Mistake #2: Improper Prep You didn’t properly prepare for your painting project, which can cause delays or even damage.

To avoid this, create a plan and write out every step you will take to complete your project, including: n Get the correct tools to do the job before you start painting, including the right roller covers, tape, drop cloths, and more. n Be sure to clean the surface you’re painting thoroughly. n Consider dry time between primer and paint coats to get a sense of your overall project duration. Look for this info on the can or the product TDS.

Mistake #3: Skipped Priming Skipping primer may result in uneven or blotchy paint.

While many of today’s paints are self-priming, we recommend a dedicated coat of a high-quality primer.

Primer is the best way to achieve a smooth finish.

Mistake #4: Mistakes with Tape When paint is applied too heavily, it forms a bridge along the tape border and can cause an uneven line. When you wait too long to remove tape after painting, you can peel paint off with the tape.

Always make sure you paint carefully and evenly along your tape line.

Remove the tape before the paint is

completely dry.

Mistake #5: Using Too Much Paint Too much paint on your brush or roller can cause drips, runs, streaks, or other unwanted textures.

Avoid using too much paint with different techniques for different painting tools: n Paintbrushes: Dip your paintbrush no more than 1 to 1½ inches into the paint, and lightly tap it on the sides of the interior of the can or bucket to remove excess paint. n Rollers: Fill a tray to about a ½-inch depth of paint. After dipping your roller into the edge of the paint pool in the tray, use the textured rolloff area or a paint grid to remove any excess paint. n Use the Gravity Test: Find the right amount of paint for your application tool by rotating it over your can, bucket or tray (wet always faces down for a brush). Let excess paint drip off before you begin painting.

Mistake #6: Not Cutting in Correctly Cutting in the edges and corners of the space you are painting can be tricky to get right, and requires a bit of practice. Bad cut-ins result in crooked lines or uneven edges.

Correctly cut in paint by following these steps: n When cutting in the edges of your painting project, press a loaded angled paintbrush firmly along the surface roughly 2 inches from your desired border to apply a thick layer of paint in a line. n Press the tip of the bristles to the edge or line you are cutting in, and move swiftly in the direction you are painting. Sometimes moving too slow will make creating a straight line more difficult. n Go over the whole line once more to make sure the paint is evenly applied.

Mistake #7: Trying to Stretch Paint Only painting one coat or using too little paint for the surface area you’re painting will make for an uneven, streaky or blotchy finish.

Attempting to stretch paint is usually a result of not having enough paint. Calculate how much paint you’ll need ahead of time. You shouldn’t need to put a lot of pressure on your application tools when painting—the paint should come off effortlessly.

Don’t rush the project. The best finish comes from a good start — take the time to prime.

Mistake #8: Skimping on Paintbrushes and Rollers When using low-quality roller covers or paintbrushes, roller lint or brush bristles can end up on your wall, leading to an uneven paint job.

Go for high-quality painting tools for the best results.

Mistake #9: Holding the Brush Improperly Holding your paintbrush incorrectly is often a result of it being the wrong size. Your holding technique is important for applying an even paint job.

Choose the right size paintbrush by making sure the brush fits your hand. Your local Benjamin Moore® retailer will help you select the best paintbrush for you.

Mistake #10: Not Waiting for the First Coat to Dry Before Applying the Second Coat After applying the first coat of paint, you didn’t wait long enough (the designated dry-to-the-touch or recoat time) before applying the second coat, resulting in streaks, peeling paint or uneven color or finish.

Look for the recoat time on the

Use tape for clean lines, and remove it before the paint is completely dry. back of the can, which is typically one to two hours for most waterborne interior paint products.

Remember, if part of a room is dry to the touch, that doesn’t mean the whole room is, so be sure to follow the can instructions on recoat time.

Mistake #11: Not Cleaning Up or Storing Paint Properly Not cleaning painting tools, like paintbrushes or roller covers, can make them unusable for future projects. The extra money spent on premium applicators is a wise investment, but only if you can get several uses out of them.

Make sure you store your paint in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep in mind that opened paint typically has a shelf life of two years, and possibly longer, when stored correctly. If you’re in the middle of a project or just haven’t cleaned your tools, wrap them in clear plastic wrap to not expose the paint to air.

Submitted by The Paint Shoppes of East Providence

Fall Home Improvement 2021 Page 13

How to improve bathroom safety for seniors Research shows that 80% of senior falls occur in the bathroom You might be surprised to know that of all the rooms in your house there’s one room that’s universally considered the most dangerous. If you thought it was the kitchen, think again; in fact, most injuries in the house occur from falls in the bathroom.

According to the National Institute on Aging, 80% of all senior citizen falls occur in the bathroom. These injuries are usually the result of wet and slippery surfaces. These surfaces create a range of hazards when getting into and out of bathtubs and showers. And for senior citizens with reduced mobility, this often results in serious injuries. Bathroom safety equipment for seniors is vital to ensure a safe environment and reduce the risk of serious injuries like broken bones or fractures. Don't be complacent when it comes to the bathroom.

Several adjustments can be made to help transform the most dangerous room in the home into one of the safest.

One of the first steps to take is to assess the individual requirements for elderly bathroom users. Do they have trouble with movement? Is eyesight a problem? Is lightheadedness common? What areas in the bathroom will they need easier access to?

Once you have identified some of the potential problem areas you will have a clearer understanding of what you need to change to create a safer bathroom.

Install grab bars & shower safety handles Be aware that not all grab bars meet the exact specifications required to bear the weight of repeated usage.

The length of the bar, the diameter, and the bar position are also factors you need to consider. If you are installing a grab bar, make sure it is ADA compliant to give you peace of mind.

Use a shower chair For seniors with problems standing or balancing, a simple solution is to use a waterproof chair in the shower or bathtub. Of course, not all seniors require a standard shower chair. If

An updated bathroom, featuring grab bars, a shower chair and easy-toaccess spaces. they are able to get into and out of the shower by themselves, they may only need the added reassurance of a corner seat.

VANTAGEPOINTREALTY

Install a walk-in shower Replacing an existing tub with a walk-in shower can truly accommodate seniors or those with disabilities.

A walk-in shower is made specifically for ease of entry and exit. Since a bathtub’s edge can be pretty hard to navigate for someone with reduced mobility, walk-in showers are a perfect solution because they have a very narrow edge, and can even be edge-less, making it easy for wheelchairs to roll in and out the shower.

Some of these problems can be fixed with simple adjustments to the bathroom: rearrange the shelving, add seating, or increase lighting levels. Whether the changes are large or small, any improvement families can make will result in lowering the potential for injury of the elderly family.

Submitted by Dan Keating, Bath Fitter of Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts

VantagePointRI.com 401-240-0789

Page 14 Fall Home Improvement 2021

Durable flooring choices Our lives are busier than ever, and more often than not, our floors show the scars.

the roots are left in the ground to sprout new stalks, whereas trees must be replanted.

Pet nails, children, poor shoe choices and general life takes a toll on our home’s floors. But now, with advances in materials, there are great choices out there that can take a beating and are environmentally smart. Keep reading to learn more.

For those looking for a really hardy flooring surface, concrete can be an attractive options. After all, we drive on it regularly. And a range of glazes can make concrete flooring an eye-catching beauty. However, those glazes are its Achilles heel. Some of them are delicate and can’t stand up to heavy traffic and ill treatment. Make sure to work with your contractor to find a glaze and sealant that works best in your space. Furthermore, even properly installed concrete flooring can develop cracks over time and moisture can also be a problem.

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Bamboo Flooring The Greener Living Blog says that bamboo flooring is harder than hardwood flooring and has greater scratch resistance. Strand-woven bamboo flooring is even more hardy. It’s also resistant to denting, so large, heavy furniture can be placed on it without fear. Bamboo is also good for the environment. It’s not actually wood; bamboo is a type of grass that can grow to maturity in just a few years. Hardwood trees, on the other hand, can take up to 20 years. When bamboo is harvested,

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ing company Carpet One says nylon carpet is an easy-to-clean fabric that’s at home everywhere in your home. It’s not stain resistant, but can be treated to protect it from spills and stains.

For high traffic areas, Carpet One

recommends a textured carpet like berber or loop carpet. These carpets have a rich feel but a casual look, and its textures and shading can resist traffic patterns and soiling.

Fall Home Improvement 2021 Page 15

Window treatments that wow

The windows are the eyes of your home — and often times your eyes on the world

They’re key to a well-dressed room, to your family’s privacy and even to keeping your utility bills under control. Choosing the right window treatments is way more about fashion these days.

Blinds Blinds typically fit inside a window’s frame and come in a variety of materials that lend themselves to a minimalist, clean decor. They’re also one of the most versatile window treatments, with levels of light blockage and even some smart features.

Blinds not only block light, but they can also muffle outside noise and keep down dust. They typically last longer than curtains and drapes and are also easier to clean. Look for blinds in sustainable materials, such as bamboo or fabrics. In areas where there may be young children or pets, look for cordless blinds to keep everyone safe.

Curtains Curtains are also extremely versatile and can add texture and a rich feel to the room. Curtains also can block out light and warm or cold air from outside. Look for layered curtains with light, airy curtains to let in natural light with darker, heavier curtains over them. On trend this year are textured fabrics, like knobby natural cotton or linen. Look for curtains this year in earthy, organic tones and bold, nature-inspired prints that bring the outdoors in.

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Drapes You may be forgiven for thinking curtains and drapes are the same thing. But there are differences.

Drapes are usually heavier and longer than curtains, and they’re meant to be hung or swagged in different ways around the window, whereas curtain panels usually just hang straight. Consider pairing drapes with airy curtains or with textured blinds for privacy. Look for drapery with corresponding tiebacks so you can adjust how much of the outside world you let in.

In both curtains and drapes (and in the customizable world of Roman

• Multi family fire alarm systems • Electrical service replacements • Residential & commercial wiring applications shades), big, bold prints are in. They can be inspired by nature, by retro patterns and palettes, or both. Using curtains and drapes, which are easy to change out, is one way to bring a bold look into your room without spending too much money.

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Page 16 Fall Home Improvement 2021

Smart homes for easy living Smart homes feature appliances and devices that can talk to each other and create a unique ecosystem that can make our lives easier Devices that can work together include appliances, lighting, climate control, shades, security features, televisions and more.

Integration For a smart home to function, it needs a system to run all the devices through. This can be a digital personal assistant such as Google Home, Amazon’s Alexa and others.

Or you can run them through your home security or cable systems if they allow it. Once you decide on a platform, you’ll need to look devices that work with that platform. If you use a digital assistant, you’ll need appliances that you can control with your voice, such as asking Google or Alexa to turn the temperature down or turn the bedroom lights off.

Appliances One of the hottest trends in smart homes are smart appliances. Fridges, ranges and more now have features that allow for control via WiFi. Some of these appliances feature things like checking the ice level in the freezer or cameras and touch screens that allow you to see if there’s enough milk in the fridge.

Other appliances serve as a communications center for the home, like a GE range hood that features an integrated touchscreen where you can store favorite family recipes and allow you to manage other smart devices through your range hood. Yes, really.

Lights Automating your lights is one of the easiest ways to turn your home into a smart home. You start with smart LED bulbs and, depending on the system you choose, a hub.

Once you connect those, you can set lights to turn on and off with your voice, or even change color depending on the kind of bulbs you get. Many lighting systems also include more than bulbs for your lamps — you can get strip lighting, fixtures and more to customize your

smart home lighting to your liking.

Thermostats Thermostats are another smart home feature that’s popular for

people just getting started. Smart thermostats work with your digital assistants to raise and lower temperatures at your beck and call, but they can also work with other devic-

es, such as your smartphone, to allow it to learn your habits and adjust your climate control systems accordingly.

Fall Home Improvement 2021 Page 17

Talking toilets and fancy features Last year’s toilet paper shortage meant everyone was running out to upgrade their toilets with tush-saving bidets But even the simple bathroom throne has more updates to offer than just a bidet. Keep reading to find out the latest in toilet technology.

Smart Toilets and Bidets Yes, toilets can be smart, too.

These porcelain thrones feature hands-free operation, such as self-closing lids and touch-free flushing, both of which reduce touching germ-infested surfaces.

Toilets today can also clean themselves with bacteria-killing light and interior mechanisms that clean for you. More modern lines on toilets can also eliminate nooks and crannies in more traditional toilets, making cleaning the out-

side easier.

down put people in a mood to pamper themselves. Some features to look for include built-in bidets, heated seats, soft-close seat and automatically closing lids.

New Heights You can also get toilets in various heights. If you have someone in your family that has trouble getting up and down, consider getting a toilet with a little more height to make it easier for them to use. Elongated bowls may also make it more comfortable to use.

An example of a little higher toilet may be around 21 inches, and are great for bathrooms primarily used by adults.

Efficiency

Wall-Mounted Toilets These toilets are all clean lines and elegance. Wall-mounted toilets offer a modern, geometric solutions for bathrooms, especially those with limited space. Some feature in-wall tanks and flush panels to make the toilet even more seamless. The flush panel for some models can be set at any height, meaning you no longer have to bend down to flush.

Fancy Features Architectural Digest says luxe features are also in demand, especially as a year of pandemic lock-

Toilets are the main source of water use in the home, the EPA says, using nearly 30% of a home’s indoor water consumption. Older toilets can use up to six gallons of water per flush, but more modern, efficient toilets use just 1.28 gallons per flush. The federal standard is 1.6 gallons per flush, and toilets that meet that threshold carry the WaterSense label.

WaterSense toilets, the EPA says, are high performance, water efficient toilets that are available at a variety of price points and styles.

Replacing older toilets with WaterSense toilets can save families about $140 per year and about $2,900 over the life of the WaterSense toilet.

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Page 18 Fall Home Improvement 2021

Faucets of the Future — Today Kitchens are the heart of the home, and in the middle of that heart is the kitchen sink. It’s so important that when we pack everything up, we grab it, too Crowning the sink is the faucet, and these days it does a lot more than just dispense hot and cold water. Check out these futuristic faucet picks that you can have today.

Delta Faucet Trinsic Single-Handle Kitchen Sink Faucet House Beautiful editors loved this faucet’s sleek design, and you’ll love it’s Diamond Seal technology to reduce leaking. Delta says this faucet lasts twice as long as the industry standard. It also features a pulldown sprayer with a magnetic dock that keeps it in place when not in use.

Brizo Artesso Single Handle Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet

We haven’t forgotten about those all-important bathroom faucets, either. Here are some good picks from House Beautiful for creating the perfect retreat in your home.

If your kitchen needs some bling, look no farther than this faucet with a brushed gold finish. It also features a pull-down sprayer and single-handed operation. Pair it with on-trend brushed gold hardware on your cabinets and other fixtures for an up-to-the-minute kitchen update.

Sleek but full of beautiful curves, this brushed nickel Moen set will update any bathroom.

Nuevo Elements of Design Heritage Kitchen Faucet

Phiestina Matte Black Bathroom Sink Faucet

Sleek might not be your thing, and this faucet may be just the one you’re looking for. It’s a vintagestyle classic with sweeping curves and double-handed operation. But it’s also got a modern brushed nickel finish to bring it into this century.

Matte black is the new-and-now bathroom fixture finish. This singlehanded faucet with modern lines makes a bold bathroom statement.

Delta Keele Chrome Kitchen Faucet Minimalists, this faucet’s for you.

It’s ultra-modern look is topped with a shiny chrome finish and a

DJ

Moen Eva Two-Handle Centerset Bathroom Faucet

Delta Cassidy Single Hole Bathroom Faucet nearly seamless single handled design and a pull-away sprayer. It’s right at home in any contemporary kitchen.

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If you’re looking for more of a vintage faucet, see this single-handled bathroom tap with a swooping curved spout.

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