03/03/20 House & Home

3 easy projects that instantly transform a bathroom (BPT) - Updating the bathroom with the latest trends is something many homeowners desire, but the thought of a complete remodel can be overwhelming.

Fortunately, there are many easy and accessible upgrades that you can make that will transform your bathroom and add value to your home.

Consider these three easy bathroom projects that reflect today’s hottest trends while adhering to any style home:

your choice of color and finishes.

Next, paint the entire vanity in the color of your choice. Gray vanities are currently popular and will project a contemporary feeling while white is timeless and conveys cleanliness. Another trend is to feature color on the bathroom vanity, such as blue or green, which adds visual interest to the space. Depending on your preference you might finish with a gloss for a modern look or distress the edges for a Update an existing farmhouse style. Comvanity plete the upgrade with new hardware and you’ll If you have a dated have an entirely new look vanity that has good bones, there’s no need to in your bathroom. replace it. You can take Add subway tile charge with some DIY bath surrounds elbow grease and update Custom tile bath it instead. For example, projects are complex if you have a honey oak and costly, but the new vanity that you want to update to a more current Traverse bath and shower solution from Sterling style, start by removing Plumbing makes it simple all hardware and cover to update your space to protect floors and vanity top. Then sand the with style and functionality. The uniquely designed surface and paint with four-piece wall set is easy primer so it’s ready for

to move and install, with a clean, contemporary style featuring a glossy subway tile facade that is manufactured out of proprietary Vikrell material that provides strength, durability and beauty.

Installing a Traverse is easy because it has smaller components for trouble-free transportation around corners and up and down stairways that lead to the bathroom. The self-guiding alignment and tongueand-groove joints make installation straightforward and minimizes future maintenance.

Additionally, Sterling’s patented Dry-Block seal and water containment channels form watertight seams for a caulk-free installation. Learn more at www.sterlingplumbing.com.

But what about when you look down? If the floors have seen better days, it’s time to replace them. You may long for marble tile or exotic wood floors, but these projects are expensive and can be time-consuming. Luckily, there are Upgrade flooring many affordable modern for custom style vinyl options that are It’s simple to put a humidity safe, slip resisfresh coat of paint on the tant and durable, making ceiling so when you look them ideal for use in the bathroom. up, your bathroom apToday’s vinyl has come pears clean and updated.

a long way from the cheap-looking sheets from decades ago. With a little research you can discover modern vinyl options made to look like myriad materials including mosaic tile, natural stone, wood planks and more. Often you can use the existing floor as the sub-floor, so there’s no need to remove it.

Always research the manufacturer’s recommendations, but typically modern vinyl flooring is

easy to install with features that snap together and are simple to cut to size.

Today’s top bathroom trends are easily within reach when you research projects and products that help streamline your efforts. Whether you choose to do one of these projects or all three, you’ll be amazed how these changes can impact the overall appearance of the bathroom.

Decor ideas to give homes a fresh look this spring Spring is a season of rejuvenation, and that spirit of renewal can take hold inside a home.

Warm weather and longer hours of daylight make spring a perfect time to imagine a home’s interior design in a new light. The following are a handful of decor ideas that may inspire homeowners to give their homes an entirely new look this spring.

• Wallpaper: Wallpaper fell out of favor years ago, but new styles that aren’t so heavily patterned can make for wonderful additions to any room.

Large-scale prints can give a room a whole new feel without giving homeowners or their guests the impression that they have stepped back in time. A simple,

rarely used end tables with a storage ottoman where books and magazines can be stored to give a room a fresh, clean look.

• Accent features: Sometimes the smallest changes to an interior space make the biggest impression. Replace dated accents like vases and table lamps with newer items that reflect the latest styles and trends. Such adjustments won’t break the bank, and they can give rooms a whole new feel. mural-style floral wallpaper on the walls surrounding a table in a breakfast nook can bring nature inside.

• Pastel colors: Nothing embodies the spring

quite like pastel colors. If colorful, bright flowers dot the garden in the backyard, homeowners can bring those uplifting pastels inside by painting an accent wall or even adding some brightly colored accent furniture to rooms that could use a lift.

• Declutter: Clutter is often conquered during spring cleaning sessions, but homeowners who want to create more free-flowing interior spaces can downsize their furniture and/or look for multipurpose features that make it hard for clutter to take over a room.

Create more open

space in entertaining areas by mounting the television and getting rid of a bulky entertainment center.

Create even more space by replacing

Spring is a great time to reconsider home interiors. This spring homeowners can embrace various strategies, both big and small, to give their homes a whole new feel.

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What’s next in outdoor living? Top trends for 2020 (BPT) - The appeal of all things al fresco has never been higher with homeowners across the country investing more time and money than ever before into their outdoor spaces. Based on insights from decking contractors, retailers and home design experts, industry leader Trex Company has compiled its annual outdoor living forecast, predicting the top design trends for 2020 and beyond.

“It’s always fascinating to compare the trends reported by our customers with those projected by the industry at large,” said Leslie Adkins, vice president of marketing for Trex. “This year, we also engaged celebrity designer Alison Victoria to take our forecast to a whole new level.”

According to the latest report, the following five top trends will influence outdoor living in the new decade:

juxtaposing materials such as concrete and composite, wicker and aluminum, copper and stone.

Integrate nature-inspired materials that maintain cohesion with the natural surroundings, and infuse color and pattern with pillows, cushions, furnishings and decorative accents.

“Windy City Rehab” and DIY’s “Kitchen Crashers.”

“A well-designed and well-appointed kitchen becomes the heart of any space. It’s where people gather. It’s where memories are made. So, make it memorable!”

3. Industrial inspiration

There is a growing shift toward sleek, contempoAs the foodie phenom- rary designs and materials enon continues to thrive, for interior and exterior outdoor kitchens will spaces as homeowners continue to evolve. Picture are increasingly finding fully appointed culinary inspiration in commercial centers complete with settings like hotels and specialty appliances such restaurants. Outdoors, as smokers, pizza ovens this trend is manifesting in and integrated refrigerat- more industrial aluminum ed storage - all housed in railing styles with sleek stylish all-weather cabinprofiles and contemporary etry. Capturing this trend rod, mesh or glass inserts is the new Trex Outdoor designed to optimize Kitchens collection, featur- sightlines and deliver a ing stainless steel cabine- modern flair. try solutions in color and 4. Fire and water style options that allow homeowners to create “Fire and water are functional spaces that rival all the rage right now for interior spaces. outdoor spaces,” Victoria 1. Mixed materials “A good kitchen is es- noted. “These elements 2020 is the year to mix sential - whether indoors not only take a space it up. Add visual interest or out,” emphasized to the next level; they to an outdoor space by Victoria, host of HGTV’s connect it to the natural

2. Sizzling kitchens

surroundings. Even in an urban setting, these elements add a sense of tranquility that can make you feel like you’re a million miles away.”

Fire pots, such as those in the new Trex Outdoor Fire & Water collection, can be positioned almost anywhere to create a cozy gathering spot - or combined in a series to provide an ambient boundary for larger outdoor areas.

For even greater visual impact, a fire table can serve

as a focal point and elevate the luxury and comfort of an outdoor space.

Likewise, the soothing sound of trickling water from integrated spillways, bowls or other features can instantly conjure calm and set a relaxed tone and atmosphere.

dinating wicks, colorants, and appropriate scents.

It’s also necessary to choose a style of candle.

In a teacup, a tea-colored hued wax paired with a lemon scent can be reminiscent of a hot cup of lemon tea. Use

other glasses or mugs to replicate the looks and scents of hot chocolate, mimosas, cappuccino, and much more.

As you become more comfortable, experiment with incorporating molded wax embellishments, such

for storage, the design trend for 2020 is to turn it into bonus living space by installing a deck drainage system. Designed to divert water away from a deck, systems like RainEscape create a dry space that can be outfitted with everything from furniture and accessories to lighting 5. Bonus space fixtures, ceiling fans and If you have a raised entertainment compodeck, there is undoubtedly nents. some open space underFor more outdoor livneath. While, historically, ing ideas and inspiration, this space has been used visit Trex.com.

Candle crafts tap creativity Crafting is enjoyed by children and adults. Even the most ardent arts and crafts enthusiasts might be surprised to learn that their favorite hobby can offer a number of benefits related to their health and well-being.

Research shows that regularly engaging in crafts can have tangible health benefits. The rhythmic and repetitive movements of certain crafts, as well as the need to focus one’s attention, can produce a calm that helps anyone, including those who may experience anxiety, according to health and self-care resource Berkeley Wellness. In an online study published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy that

surveyed more than 3,500 knitters, researchers found knitting was “soothing” and “restful” and had meditative or zen-like qualities.

The sense of accomplishment after completing a project is another great reason to engage in arts and crafts, which also may boost cognitive health by protecting certain neurological pathways in the brain.

There are many ways to engage with arts and crafts. Woodcrafting, painting, mosaic work, and metal arts are some popular activities.

One time-honed craft activity that is good for beginners or advanced crafters alike is candlemaking. Today’s craft

stores sell many different types of waxes and products that can produce beautiful scented candles.

Teacup Candles Candles can be housed in various vessels, but a clever turn is to use teacups or mugs to mimic the look of popular beverages.

There’s also the reassurance that such beverage holders can withstand hot wax.

Start by visiting a craft store and choosing a type of wax. Gel waxes are versatile and can boil, pour and set up easily. They’ll also be mostly translucent, which is great for replicating the look of various drinks. Follow the instructions on the packages for usage and invest in coor-

as lemon slices, ice cubes, berries, or even cinnamon sticks. This will help drive home the realism and whimsy.

Treasure these candles for use around the house, or gift them to others on special occasions.

Time to replace old wiring?

He or she can determine go over improvements may need to be replaced. if any areas pose a safety that can improve safety Owners of old homes risk and/or do not conand function. Additional should recognize possible form to local code require- outlets, including GFCI electrical system dangers ments and the National outlets in kitchens and that require attention. bathrooms, may be part Electrical Code. Failure Plus, considering electrito meet code can lead to of the plan, as well as re- cal codes change quite wiring a fuse box or circuit frequently, it is always in a difficulty obtaining permits to make other home panel to allow for better homeowner’s best interest Old homes can be advises that the amperage every room of the home. renovations, or difficulty flow of power around the to work with a qualified charming and contain In today’s electronics-driv- of old wiring may not be selling a home later on. house.

Frayed wiring or electrician to keep wiring architectural elements en society, electricity able to meet the needs The electrician can also underinsulated wiring also inspected and up to date. not often seen in many that works is an essential of the devices used in modern housing develcomponent of daily life. homes — overpowering opments. But what older Over time, wiring can be the circuits. This can cause homes may have in design compromised through breaker blowouts and appeal, they may lack in simple aging, pest infilother problems, such as tration, weather, or other overheated wires that may updated features.

While cosmetic chang- conditions. Deteriorated spark and cause fires from es are not necessarily dif- wiring can present a shock within the wall. ficult, one area of concern hazard and also a serious Wiring often falls in historic homes — and fire hazard, warn the into the “out of sight, sometimes even in houses home renovation experts out of mind” category.

104 East Water Street – Smethport, PA • 814-331-2770 built 40 or 50 years at The Spruce. FurtherHomeowners may make Hours: Mon–Fri 9am–4pm • Sat 9am - 1pm more, the home improve- allowances for inadequate ago — is archaic wiring.

Wiring provides power to ment site This Old House electrical systems, such as running extension cords or using multiplug connectors to increase their wiring capacity. However, • Completion of Vehicle Title • Title Applications Applications they may not be dili• Transfer of Vehicle Titles gently keeping on top of • Issuance of Temporary • Completion of Duplicate Registration Plates upgrades needed to stay Vehicle safe. Confirming that a • Issuance of In-transit • Certified Online Services Registration Plates home’s electrical system is Available safe is a necessary part of PHONE: 814.568.2122 home maintenance.

NEW For those who haven’t FAX: 814.568.2167 NUMBERS! already done so, schedEvening hours by appointment only ule an inspection with a licensed electrician to go NEW GARDEN CENTER & ACCESSORIES over the home’s wiring.

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