FEBRUARY 2024 | DAILY JOURNAL
YOUR HOME INSIDE & OUT
Stormy weather Prepare your family and your home for spring storms TRENDS: Window blinds // Decor: Hallways
Mother Nature’s wrath Be ready for destructive spring storms PAGE 10
what’s inside TRENDS
EXTERIORS
HALLWAYS
PAGE 5
PAGE 15
PAGE 17
YOUR HOME
INSIDE & OUT
February 2024 Home Trends Magazine is published by the Daily Journal.
For editorial content, contact Amy May in the Daily Journal special publications department at 317-736-2726 or by email at amay@dailyjournal.net. For advertising content, contact the Daily Journal advertising department at 317736-2730.
DON’T FLY BLIND
BEAUTY ON A BUDGET
THE FOCAL POINT
Smart tech makes blinds a snap to open and close.
Low-cost (or free) ways to boost your curb appeal.
Hallways don’t have to be drab and dark.
All content © 2024 Daily Journal. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. Stock images provided by Adobe Stock.
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WHAT’S TRENDING IN ...
Window shades & blinds By Jenn Willhite | PHOTOS BY ADOBE STOCK
Smart technology is making nearly every aspect of life easier these days and window treatments are no exception. When it comes to shades and blinds, motorization is the hottest trend, says Todd Smith, president and owner of Indiana Blinds and Shutters in Indianapolis. According to IndianaBlinds.com, remote controlled, motorized blinds are “powered by a wall plug, batteries or hard wired.” Additionally, the option is available for those coverings that operate from top down and bottom up/top down, the site states. “You can control them remotely,” Smith says. “If you are out and about and want your shades to close, go to an app on your phone.” Not only does the Wi-Fi capability offer the convenience of controlling large window coverings from a distance, but there’s the added safety benefit for homes with small children and curious pets. Motorized blinds do away with the need for the cords that can wind, tangle or present a safety hazard. From custom roller shades – which are horizontally positioned on the window – to fabric Roman shades and sheer horizontal shades, all can be motorized, Smith says. Even traditional slated window blinds can be motorized. Now, you can’t lift or lower them with the click of a button, but you
can tilt the slats, Smith says. Motorization is often an element of smart homes where people don’t want to raise or lower their window treatments manually, Smith adds. Current popular color palettes have shifted from the neutral gray and silver tones that have dominated the market for the last several years to more nurturing hues. “Now we are seeing more earth tones and warmer colors coming back,” Smith says. Motorized blinds and shades also offer a variety of coverage, including darkening for privacy and light filtering options to help protect fabrics from the ill effects of direct sun exposure. Cost for motorized blinds can run in the neighborhood of $700. Compare that to regular, manually-operated shades that can be purchased anywhere from one-third to half that price, Smith says. Admittedly, motorized window coverings are not a consumerfriendly install, Smith adds. “You definitely want a professional involved – especially on the motorization side,” Smith says. “There’s not a whole lot you can do on your own out there. I would recommend a professional.” DAILY JOURNAL
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spice up your space
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Paint projects that work in any room By statepoint
Are you looking to spice up your space in the new year? Get some inspiration from those who’ve already taken the plunge. The following design ideas were inspired by projects from FrogTape’s 2023 Paintover Challenge. The friendly competition required participating DIYers to complete a room makeover, including one featured paint project, using inspiration from the brand’s Design Trends. The participants completed their transformations with a limited budget, paint and painter’s tape – and you can, too.
PAINT APPEALING PATTERNS
Pretty patterns, such as gingham, checkerboard and stripes, offer an element of surprise and whimsy to a room. These designs can go on floor tiles, or anywhere in need of color, like walls and tables. Achieve a modern and clean look with neutral hues or add dimension and movement by using varying paint finishes. Whichever scheme you choose, be sure to tape off the pattern with a quality painter’s tape to keep lines sharp, even on freshly painted surfaces.
DEFY TRADITION WITH BOLD COLORS While neutral tones like gray and beige will never go out of style, mixing colors can lead to that “wow” factor. The Bohemian Bazaar design trend dares DIYers to go bold with bright hues, like bright yellow or teal. Use dramatic colors to make a statement in any space like an office, bedroom, or even somewhere truly unexpected like the pantry.
MAKE THEM MARVEL WITH A MURAL Whether it’s in a kid’s play area, bedroom or basement, creating a mural can add a personalized touch and make a wall pop. Don’t let the idea intimidate you. While a more seasoned DIYer may illustrate an image or even include words, murals can be as simple as stripes for beginners. No matter how basic or complex you decide to go, complete the look by carrying the color scheme or pattern throughout the area with furniture, décor and other accessories. For more project ideas, visit https://www.frogtape.com/. DAILY JOURNAL
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5 tips to stay prepared ahead of storms
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By Family Features
Unexpected power outages can impact vital communications, transportation and access to important businesses. It can also cause food spoilage or water contamination and prevent the use of medical devices. Protecting your loved ones and property starts with a plan. “My family was without power for three days after a tornado touched down two blocks from our home,” said Matt Blashaw, licensed home building contractor, real estate agent and host of various HGTV shows. “I partner with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) because I realized the importance of not only having an emergency plan but the need for a reliable energy source, like propane, to power a standby generator to keep my family and home resilient. In addition to providing peace of mind, a propane standby generator could lower a homeowner’s insurance rate and simultaneously raise the home’s property value. It’s a win-win-win in my mind.” According to PERC, the average homeowner will experience 3.5 power interruptions in a two-year period. Even short outages lasting less than four hours can cost homeowners an average of $1,250 in spoiled food, hotels, damaged electronics and more. To avoid a financial burden caused by power outages, consider a reliable propane standby generator as a key part of resilient design. It allows a house to: l Resist hazards brought on by electric grid failures, such as spoiled food, loss of heat or air conditioning, hotel costs and more l Continue providing the primary function of a home — protection l Reduce the magnitude or duration of a disruptive event to a property and its impact on the homeowners While no amount of preparation can stop the forces of nature, planning ahead to manage blackouts can have a significant impact on you and your family. Consider these tips from Blashaw and the experts at PERC.
MAKE A PLAN Creating a plan that assesses the risks of the region where you live and addresses potential disasters is a key step toward safety in an
emergency. Gather your family and discuss how you’ll receive emergency alerts, where you’ll shelter, how you’ll evacuate and how everyone should plan to communicate, if the need arises. Think through needs specific to your household such as ages of residents, critical medications, dietary needs, child care, pet care and more. Putting a plan in place means you and your loved ones can react quickly when time is of the essence.
PREPARE PROPANE SYSTEM Regardless of what weather may be on the horizon, it’s important to ensure your propane tank is ready. Take a few minutes to know where the gas shutoff valve is located on your propane system in case the propane needs to be turned off in the event of an emergency. Call a propane professional to inspect the system before restoring it. On average, a 500-gallon tank can hold enough propane to meet the annual energy needs of a single-family home. A local propane supplier will come to the home and fill the tank, providing energy for key appliances that use propane even if the fragile electric grid is down. As the season transitions to winter, mark the tank with brightly colored stakes or flags that are higher than anticipated snow depth; this ensures propane personnel can always locate it during scheduled refills, even during the toughest conditions.
SECURE DOORS AND WINDOWS When storms and high winds are expected, one easy way to protect your home and family members is to secure all exterior doors and windows. Start by checking seals to keep out wind and water, which can cause damage. Secure outdoor furniture and trim vegetation like bushes and trees to avoid flying debris shattering windows during high winds.
HAVE A BACKUP POWER SOURCE When the electric grid is interrupted, the loss of power can impact systems like smoke and fire detection, refrigeration, air condi-
tioning and heating, and other health and safety equipment. When a homeowner purchases a backup standby generator, a licensed technician installs the unit outside the home and wires it to the home’s circuit breaker. When a power outage occurs, the generator automatically senses the disruption of service and starts the generator’s engine, which then delivers power to select appliances in the home in as little as 10 seconds after an outage. Available in a variety of capacities to fit the needs of any size of home, propane backup generators are versatile and can power several major appliances throughout a home including lights, refrigeration, heating and cooling equipment and critical medical equipment. For homes that already operate on propane, consider running important systems and appliances like the furnace, water heater, stove and fireplace on propane. The more appliances powered by propane, the smaller and less expensive your standby generator can be. Plus, propane is environmentally friendly and won’t degrade over time like other fuel sources, ensuring the backup generator reliably powers your home to give you added peace of mind. As a low-carbon emissions energy source, propane is part of a wide path to achieving a low-carbon future. Its abundance, along with the growth of renewable propane, means propane can be used now and for generations to come.
PACK AN EMERGENCY KIT Regardless of the emergency you’re facing, being prepared means stocking up on food, water and other supplies that can last your family multiple days. Although an emergency kit is largely a collection of basic household items, it’s important to have the kit packed, stored and secured ahead of potential disasters to save time and energy. Some basics to pack include gallon jugs of water, non-perishable food, flashlights and extra batteries, smartphone chargers, sanitation supplies like trash bags and moist towelettes, a first-aid kit and basic tools. Also consider items based on individual needs like prescription medications, eyeglasses, essentials for infants and pet food. DAILY JOURNAL
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wild weather Prepare yourself, your family and your home to withstand the violent spring storms By Jenn Willhite | PHOTOS BY ADOBE STOCK
10 YOUR HOME INSIDE & OUT
O
Taking the time to make preparations for adverse weather events now can save precious time when you have none to waste. As anyone who lives east of the Rocky Mountains can attest, tornadic weather can strike without warning, leaving utter devastation in its wake. Take, for example, the EF2 tornado that barreled down on Whiteland in March 2023. With peak winds of 135 mph, the direct hit caused widespread damage and destruction, says Stephanie Sichting, director of Johnson County Emergency Management. “We’ve heard, ‘It’ll never happen to us,’” Sichting says. “After the fact, they say, ‘Oh my gosh, it could happen here.’ And it does. Just like it did last spring.” The fate of a building struck by a tornado is dependent on a
number of factors, says Daniel Dawson, associate professor in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University Lafayette. There’s the strength of the tornadic winds at ground level. And there’s the debris in the air being thrown around. “Clearly, if a house gets hit by something a tornado has tossed, it will be more damaging than just wind alone,” he says. Then there’s the atmospheric pressure. Think of it this way: the stronger the tornadic winds, the greater the pressure will be on a structure. Contrary to what some may say, opening up a home’s windows will not save it from implosion, explosion or liftoff during a tornado. The open window argument originates from the idea that the pressure in the center of a tornado is lower than its surroundings. The rationale being that as a tornado moves over a house, and the pressure inside hasn’t dropped to match that outside, the pressure inside will increase, forcing the roof to pop off. That simply isn’t true, Dawson says. “The pressure difference is not enough to do that for most houses,” he says. Comparatively, those who live in hurricane-prone locations board up their windows and doors to keep wind, water and debris from breaching the house — or at least limit its ability to do so. The same holds true during a tornado. Like lightning, which seeks the path of least resistance to the ground, tornadic winds exploit weaknesses in a structure. Windows are generally the first to break, which allows the wind to enter the structure. Now, if that structure isn’t built to code, or there are gaps or issues with the roof, that structure will likely sustain more damage and is at risk of failure. Homes that aren’t securely anchored to their foundations can be lifted off. It’s for that reason mobile homes aren’t a good place to be during tornadoes, Dawson says.
HAIL DAMAGE Since hail often accompanies severe storms and tornadic activity, know that if the falling hail is enough to damage a car, it is going to damage a roof, says Keith Waller, vice president of Cornett Roofing Systems in Franklin. Aside from obvious signs of damage like loose, disheveled or missing shingles, excessive granule collection at the base of a downspout is another key indicator a roof needs post-storm attention, he says.
LIGHTENING STRIKES Lightning’s power and aptitude for devastation comes from an intricate interplay of positive and negative charges that essentially build to a frenzy. The lightning strike is the visible discharge of that energy. Continued on Page 13 DAILY JOURNAL
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The months of March through May are known as our traditional spring Severe Weather Season.
TORNADO ... defined as a violently rotating column of air that is in contact with the ground. If the circulation is not on the ground, then it is defined as a funnel cloud. Tornadoes usually descend from thunderstorms. Wind speeds in tornadoes can range from 65 mph to 318 mph (the highest tornado wind speed ever recorded).
TORNADO WATCH ... means that conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes in and close to the watch area. A watch
TORNADO SAFETY If you are in a home or small business: Go to the basement or a small interior room such as a closet, bathroom or interior hallway without windows on the lowest level. Put as many walls between yourself and the outside as possible. If possible, get under something sturdy, such as a heavy table, or use a mattress to protect yourself from flying debris. Most injuries associated with high winds are from flying debris, so remember to protect your head. If available, put on a bicycle or motorcycle helmet to protect from head injuries. If you are in a large business, school, hospital, etc: Go to the designated shelter area. If a shelter area is not available, the best place is to go to an interior hallway on the lowest level. Stay away from the structurally weaker portions
Yes, lighting can strike twice. And its behavior is arbitrary. It is why lightning strikes across the sky appear to wiggle and dance, Dawson says. “All those wiggles are from the variations along the path of the temperature, moisture and wind patterns moving through it,” Dawson says. “It is an extremely noisy and random natural phenomena that seeks to equalize the voltage difference that has built up.” Lightning rods may not be as commonplace in construction these days, but they do serve a purpose. When lightning bolts form, it doesn’t happen all at once. As the static charge steps down from the upper atmosphere it moves a couple hundred feet at a time until it reaches the ground, Dawson explains. And it all happens in less than the blink of an eye. “Taller items connect with the charge coming down from the cloud,” he explains. “That connection opens a pathway for the rest of the charge that’s built up to rush to the ground in a fraction of a second. It is easier to connect with something in higher elevation and its why standing near, or under, a tall object is a really bad idea and likely to get you struck.” Tornadic activity shatters, splinters and scatters, but lightning carries the power of fire. Just like a cell phone can warm to the touch with prolonged use due to the conversion of energy to heat that has no escape, lightning, too, can heat a structure to the point of ignition – and though rare –
is normally issued for a large area covering numerous counties. The watch is intended to give you time to review your safety rules. The sky may be sunny, but weather changes can take place quite rapidly.
TORNADO WARNING ... means that a developing tornado has been detected by National Weather Service Doppler Radar or has been reported on the ground by reliable sources. A tornado warning is typically issued for a portion of counties at a time and usually lasts no more than 45 minutes. If a Tornado Warning is issued for your county, you should seek shelter immediately. If you see a tornado or feel threatened, move to a safe place immediately, as precious seconds can save your life.
of buildings, such as windows and rooms with expansive roofs, which are more likely to collapse when tornadoes strike. If you are in a mobile home or home on stilts: Get out and take shelter in a sturdy building or storm shelter. If there is not one nearby, take shelter in the most interior room that has no windows, such as an interior bathroom or closet. If you are caught in a vehicle: Get out and go into a sturdy shelter. If one is not available, get to a low spot and cover your head. Do not take cover under an overpass as this does not provide adequate shelter and can cause increased wind speeds due to a tunneling effect. — National Weather Service
can cause a fire. “There is only so much you can do to mitigate that risk,” Dawson says. “But you cannot eliminate it.” The best thing people can do is to keep 72 hours worth of food and water on hand for each person in the household, Sichting recommends. And don’t forget pets. Medications should be stocked for at least five days, Sichting recommends. Keep a bugout bag ready and stocked with everything you would need in the event there’s an emergency and no time to pack. Aside from the essentials, like an ID, medications, cash and change of clothes, the bag should contain other emergency items, like a first aid kit, flashlight, etc. “We just ask that people keep one ready,” Sichting says. “Switch out stuff in it every couple of months to keep it up-to-date, so you can grab it and go.” Another essential item is a weather radio. Sure, phone weather apps are handy, but what happens if the cell network fails? Or, worse, the power grid goes down? Weather radios can be purchased just about anywhere and are affordable at about $20, Dawson says. They can be programmed for your county and surrounding areas near you. “Have a plan,” Dawson says. “And pay attention to the weather service office. They do this stuff for a living and are the best in the business.” DAILY JOURNAL
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Exterior Beauty
Budget-friendly ideas to boost curb appeal
Your home’s first big impression is its curb appeal, so if your place is in need of some sprucing up, you may wonder how you can make some updates without breaking the bank. These 10 ideas are easy on budgets, but they can also make a big impact on your home’s exterior image. 1. Paint your front door. As long as your front door is in good condition, there’s no need to replace it completely. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s facade. Go bold or stick with a classic hue it’s all up to you. 2. Dress up the windows. Add character and charm by enhancing your front windows. You might add wooden shutters, window box planters or both. Also look at the trim around the windows. If it’s chipped and peeling, adding a fresh coat of paint doesn’t just look nice, it can protect your windows from damage, too. 3. Clean up flower beds. An unkempt flower bed can drag down an otherwise
By Family Features | PHOTO BY upsplash
stunning home. Keep beds tidy and vegetation trimmed, even during the offseason. Watch for weeds and replenish mulch or rock ground cover as needed to keep the beds looking healthy and inviting. 4. Install new lighting. Replacing outdated light fixtures can give your exterior an instant upgrade. There’s no right or wrong style; just choose a color and look that matches the rest of your design. 5. Replace worn welcome mats. A cheerful mat at your front door can be an inviting sight for visitors, but those mats inevitably wear with time, and what was once bright and charming becomes dingy and dull. A new mat can help bring back that cheery entry you once cherished. 6. Pressure wash the drive and walk. Over time, driveways and sidewalks collect an incredible amount of grime. Pressure washing not only eliminates the filth, but the clean surfaces also add to your home’s visual appeal. 7. Add new vegetation. Landscaping is a
relatively inexpensive way to introduce more personality to a yard. Aim for a mix of pretty and practical, such as some low flowering bushes and some trees or bushes that offer privacy and shade. 8. Keep up with basic maintenance. When your home is in poor repair, it shows. Pay attention to bent or rusting gutters, imperfections in the roof and other maintenance matters that aren’t just aesthetic; left unrepaired, they can also result in major damage. 9. Pay attention to details. Functional items like the mailbox might not seem like much of a design element, but these small details can be a big distraction if they’re not in good condition. Update or replace as needed to keep your aesthetic in sync. 10. Add seasonal decor. There’s no need to go all out for every occasion, but some timely decorations that celebrate the holiday or season can make your entry fun and festive. Coordinate wreaths, planters, signs and other accent pieces for a cohesive look that says, “come on in.” DAILY JOURNAL
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16 YOUR HOME INSIDE & OUT
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point of entry
How to highlight your hallways By cathy hobbs/tribune news service | PHOTOs BY tns
From the initial point of entry to passageways between rooms, hallways serve as visual connectors in the home. Often ignored, hallways can serve as a key design opportunity to unify or extend a color palette and overall aesthetic. To begin your hallway design story, start with the point of entry, then build upon your design vision. A point of entry can be a foyer, initial entry nook or a focus wall. First impressions are made within the first 10 seconds of entering a space. It is critical that this first impression is strong and memorable. It sets the tone for the remainder of the residence.
Some hallway decor options often include — Mirrors — Artwork — Shelves — Consoles — Benches Some do’s and don’ts — Do Do select a bold or inspirational piece that makes a strong first impression. Do use elements such as mirrors to open up the space.
Do use smaller-scale furniture such as consoles and benches. — Don’t Don’t overcrowd an entry with too many items or oversized furniture. Don’t introduce colors in hallways that aren’t cohesive with your overall color scheme. Use hallway decor as a connector. Don’t make hallways overly personalized. Use them as ways to extend your design style.
DAILY JOURNAL
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trends in home buying Understanding today’s real estate landscape By brandpoint
Trends in real estate and home buying go far beyond mortgage rates and home prices. Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate has identified several more trends that provide insight into today’s homebuyer and what they are looking for in a home.
WHO ARE THE BUYERS?
There is a big difference between a first-time buyer and someone who already owns a home. In fact, the 2023 Profile of Home Buyers & Sellers by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) reports a 23-year age gap between a typical first-time buyer (35 years old) and a repeat buyer (58 years old). There are also more unmarried people buying homes today. While 59% of all buyers were married couples, single females purchased 19% of homes, followed by single men (10%) and unmarried couples (9%). It’s also noteworthy that 70% of recent home buyers did not have a child under 18 living in the home, a drastic increase from 42% back in 1985. “First-time buyers remain active and continue to account for about 30% of all home purchases,” said Ginger Wilcox, president of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate. “While saving for a down payment remains a challenge, the overwhelming majority of first-time homebuyers are not putting down 20% and many are getting financial help from parents, families and friends. The repeat buyer has a significant advantage as they can utilize equity from their previous home to either pay cash or reduce their mortgage as they move up or down in home size.”
STAYING CLOSE ... AGAIN “The pandemic-fueled, work-from-anywhere trend that allowed so many to purchase a home in more affordable areas seems to be subsiding,” Wilcox said. “Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate affiliated agents are reporting more and more buyers who left a market are starting to return due to work or because they miss family and friends.” This trend is shown in NAR data, according to Wilcox. “For years before the pandemic, it was normal for repeat buyers to move within 15 miles of their previous home,” she said. “It jumped to 50 miles a year ago as so many opted to move to more affordable locations and take advantage of the remote work boom. We are back to a 20-mile radius today.”
WHAT DO BUYERS WANT? NAR reported that 39% of repeat buyers traded up, while 33% purchased a smaller home. But home size is not the only consideration, according to Wilcox. “It was interesting to see that 60% of all buyers said the quality of the neighborhood was the most important factor in determining where to live,” she said. “We are returning to a real estate market where life events trigger buying decisions. Being close to family and friends is the biggest driver of where people want to be, even more than affordability. “We are also seeing a trend in longevity in a home. While most live in their home for 10 years, today’s buyer believes they will stay in their recently purchased home for at least 15 years. Therefore, it is important for potential buyers to look as far into the future as possible when 18 YOUR HOME INSIDE & OUT
choosing their next home and thinking about job locations, marriage, children, and other factors.”
WHAT ABOUT OLDER AMERICANS? Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate is tracking the home buying and selling patterns of baby boomers. This generation, those now 5977, have redefined societal norms since they were born and are now doing the same in housing as they age. The U.S. Census reports the homeownership rate is more than 75% for baby boomers and AARP reports an overwhelming majority of this group wants to age in place. “One of the big questions hanging over the housing market is how long baby boomers will stay in their existing homes,” Wilcox said. “As those in this demographic move on to the next phase in their lives, they will be looking for more manageable homes, nearby medical facilities, accessible community amenities and proximity to friends and loved ones. A good real estate professional will be able to assist and understand how to maximize the equity they have built.” NAR shared that those over 60 almost tripled the number of home purchases in senior-related housing compared to the previous year (19% vs. 7%, respectively). Retirement, health of a loved one and the desire to downsize are the driving factors for a move for those 65 and older. Only 3% in this age group say they want a larger home.
THE PROCESS The fast-paced housing market continues. It’s important that buyers select an agent with whom they are comfortable, with a like-minded communication style and experience working in the price points and communities the buyer is interested in. It is also important to choose an agent who can help identify reputable loan officers with various financing options. “More than half of all buyers use an agent who was referred to them or someone they worked with previously,” Wilcox said. “I always encourage buyers to ask around and interview more than one agent. Don’t be afraid to spend time with your potential agent to ensure they are right for you.”
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