Aug Home Trends

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August 2023 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.

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All content © 2023 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.

Home finance

BY JENN WILLHITE | PHOTO BY ADOBE STOCK

When it comes to pursuing a mortgage, refinancing one’s home or opening a line of credit these days, people have a lot of unanswered questions that may contribute to their putting off a much-needed repair or a major purchase. However, opting to pursue those much-needed funds shouldn’t be a scary proposition as long as one goes into it with the right knowledge and tools.

Andy Applewhite, SVP, Chief Mortgage & Consumer Lending Officer with JC Bank says home equity lines of credit have been used more broadly since the beginning of 2023. More mortgage customers are opting for adjustable-rate loans with an initial fixed rate term and many customers have already locked in low fixed-rate mortgages and are utilizing home equity lines of credit to access their equity.

“The foremost thing to remember is the homeowner is allowing a lender to place a lien on their property when using any of these lending tools,” Applewhite says. “The homeowner should only mortgage their home when they have a definite need for the funds and a plan for repayment.”

He stresses homeowners should pay close attention to the terms of the credit and closely review all their initial disclosures

before committing to borrow money.

And, most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

“The biggest misconception is that a borrower needs at least a 20 percent downpayment to purchase or construct a new home,” Applewhite says. “Lower downpayment options are available for qualifying buyers.”

Throughout Indiana, there has been a heavier emphasis on construction lending as many new homes are in the process of being constructed across the state, he says.

Interest rate hikes are also a big contributing factor to current trends in home financing, he says. Current interest rate hikes by the Fed in the first quarter of 2022 and continuing throughout 2022 had a significant impact on the amount of lending across the United States.

To further exemplify his point, Applewhite offers a few numbers that put the overall impact in perspective.

“The Mortgage Banker’s Association estimated 2021 mortgage originations at $4.436 trillion nationwide,” he says. “The MBA estimated mortgage originations at $2.24 trillion nationwide. That reduction is a direct reflection of the rapid increase in interest rates throughout 2022.”

BOUNTIFUL HARvEST

Caring for fresh flowers

BY FAMILY FEATURES

PHOTO BY UNSPLASH

The beauty of having a garden is buds continually blooming on one plant or another throughout most of the year. While this provides lovely views from your windows, it can also be nice to bring some beauty indoors.

Don’t be afraid to snip off a few blossoms each week. Many plants thrive after trimming and may reward you with even more flowers. Once you’ve gathered a bouquet from your garden, consider these tips to help keep fresh flowers at their best for a week or more:

l Bacteria can quickly destroy fresh flowers, which is why it’s important to use a clean vase. Any floral foam, wires or frogs used in your arrangement must also be washed in warm, soapy water.

l Remove any lower leaves that may come in contact with water inside the vase.

l Carefully trim each flower stem at a 90-degree angle. It

may also be helpful to cut flowers while they are underwater to keep moisture flowing into the stems.

l Keep your arrangement out of direct sunlight. The darker and cooler the room, the longer your blossoms will bloom.

l Adding a crushed aspirin, bleach, vinegar, sugar or penny to the vase are age-old tricks. However, you can keep bacteria at bay and help flowers thrive by adding a packet of flower food to the water. It can be found at your local florist or home improvement store.

Flowers are living things that still require water, food and care after they are cut. Every 2-3 days, be sure to change the water, replenish the flower food and recut the stems for additional days of glorious color.

Find more ideas for freshening up your indoor spaces at eLivingtoday.com.

FOOTwEAR MAkEOvER

Tips to keep shoes from getting underfoot

BY FAMILY FEATURES PHOTO BY UNSPLASH

Under the couch, near the entry of almost every door and randomly scattered throughout your home, shoes can be one of the most difficult wardrobe staples to keep organized. After assessing your space and the number of shoes you own, consider these storage tips to make containing your favorite footwear a breeze.

CHIC SHELvING

An old bookshelf is a perfect shoe organizer for those who have homes with walk-in closets or enjoy displaying their favorite pairs out in the open. Bookshelves with varying depths make it easy to group by height of shoe type — tall boots on one level, short flats and low-top sneakers on the next and so on.

BABY SHOE SOLUTIONS

A visit to your local hobby store can solve your baby and toddler shoe storage woes. The pegs on a simple, wooden thread rack make for easy, space-saving places to hang adorable little shoes. These wall-mounted racks are also easy to paint to match any toddler room’s decor.

RUSTIC AND REPURPOSED

For those with an admiration for a rustic look, find a warehouse pallet. The large wooden frames have slots spaced for various types of footwear. Rest it against the wall for a simple worn-in organizer.

CLIMBING SHOES

A brightly painted ladder resting on the wall is a unique way to show off some of your prettiest pumps and peep-toes. Simply let the heels dangle off each rung of the ladder for a storage solution that doubles as artwork.

BASIC STORAGE MAKEOvER

If you have a basic, two-tiered shoe rack, step out of the norm and turn that white or wooden rack into a colorful display that complements your decor. With just a brush and a can of your favorite paint hue, simple racks can be transformed into vibrant pieces of furniture.

For more organization tips to help avoid a heaping pile of sneakers at the bottom of the closet or a mismatched mess of shoes under the bed, visit eLivingtoday.com.

IRRIGATION SOLUTION

How to create rain barrels for your garden

BY FAMILY FEATURES | PHOTO BY UNSPLASH

»Gardeners typically understand plenty of water, good ground and a steady stream of sunshine all play vital roles in the food production process.

However, on those hot, dry days when there isn’t any rain in sight, harvesting rain and storing it may be a perfect solution. A tried-and-true gadget like a rain barrel allows for the collection of rainwater from a home’s gutter system for later use.

Not only are rain barrels budget-friendly and good for the environment, they’re also good for your plants and crops. Rainwater is chemical-free, non-chlorinated, naturally soft, oxygen rich and warmer than water coming from the hose or sprinkler. That means flowers, trees, vegetables and shrubs may be more vibrant and hearty when irrigated with rainwater.

The nuts and bolts of making a rain barrel are simple. All it takes are three holes cut into a 55-gallon barrel and a few supplies

from the hardware store:

1) A small hole is cut into the side of the barrel, just 2 1/2 inches from the bottom. A brass adapter is then inserted so a hose can be attached for easy watering.

2) The second hole allows excess water to drain away if the barrel gets too full. It is made approximately 4 inches from the top of the barrel, directly above the hose adapter.

3) Drill a large hole into the top 2 inches from the side of the barrel. This hole must align with a downspout in your home’s guttering system. It is often fitted with a screen to filter out sticks, leaves and other debris.

Instead of a rain barrel, you may consider creating a simple collection system by placing any recycled, water-tight container directly under a downspout. Buckets, trash cans and large pots make for easy collection containers.

OUTDOOR OASIS

Hot tubs offer a fairly economical way to live the high life

BY JENN WILLHITE | PHOTO BY ADOBE STOCK

OAs the post-pandemic trend of creating a relaxing oasis in one’s own space continues, some homeowners are opting for hot tubs to help melt away stress and entertain family and friends.

Camie Brown, assistant retail manager with Angie’s Pool & Spa, Inc., says there are a few reasons people desire to own a hot tub, with physical therapy and entertaining topping the list.

From basic tubs all the way up to the high-end models, hot tubs offer benefits from initial cost to installation and upkeep, experts say, which makes them a great option for outdoor recreation; especially when a pool may be a little too costly.

For starters, you’re working with a smaller body of water. That means fewer chemicals, less hassle with cleaning and relative ease when it comes to maintenance versus a swimming pool, Brown says. The cost of upkeep for a hot tub is a fraction of that to maintain a traditional inground pool.

Pools require gallons of chemicals on regular basis for treatment and balancing, whereas hot tubs only require a few ounces.

“We always tell people that hot tubs are easier than pools because it is a smaller body of water, so you don’t have to clean it like a pool,” Brown says.

But first things first.

As with any big purchase, cost is often a determining factor. For a new hot tub, plan to spend in the neighborhood of $5,000 to start. Many variables play into the cost of the unit. In addition to installation, the size of the tub, seating capacity, number of jets and whatever other bells and whistles one opts to add will determine its price, Brown says.

“We have basic models all the way up to the Cadillac of hot tubs that have every bell and whistle one could imagine,” Brown says.

There are a few prerequisites for a hot tub, though. For one, the majority of hot tubs require a 240-volt connection, which likely means an additional outlet will be necessary.

“Electricity is the main thing,” Brown says. “We recommend having a certified electrician be there at the time of delivery to set up your hot tub.”

Another necessity is a concrete pad or deck for the unit to rest upon. Additionally, most companies will require all four sides of the tub remain accessible for maintenance and repairs.

Homeowners should also consider the position of the hot tub in relation to other structures and trees. No one wants to go take a dip only to be greeted by natural debris like leaves floating atop the water or sinking to the bottom and contaminating the jets and filters.

Weekly maintenance is a requirement to make sure the unit stays clean and functional. That means regular chemical treatments, including chlorine, need to be administered and balanced to keep the water in tip top shape and ready to use, Brown says.

When it comes to the color, most units come in a neutral palette of white, varying tans and shades of gray. Consumers can get their pops of color and personality from the covers and customizations they choose, Brown says.

As far as bells and whistles go, hot tubs can come with 30 to 90 jets and be equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen displays, color-changing, programmable lights and even fountains for added relaxation and ambiance.

“There are a bunch of different features,” Brown says. “One that we like is the hard covers. Softer covers get waterlogged over time. Hard covers never get waterlogged, are safe and easy to use and offer added protection.”

Considering a hot tub is really a substantial investment, cost can be a deterrent for those who are unsure about committing. If that is the case, Jenny Erney, co-owner of the former Hoosier Hot Tub Rental in Columbus, says in her years of experience many find benefit with renting a hot tub for a test run prior to taking the purchase plunge.

Erney’s company dealt exclusively with Softub hot tubs, which are generally the go-to portable hot tub option.

Rentals can be snagged for as little as one week up to month-long contracts and start in the ballpark of $325 per week up to a little more than $600 for a single month, depending on the company.

Softubs don’t require the 240-volt connection, which is another reason they’re a great option, Erney says. Not only is there no setup when renting, but maintenance only requires the renter add a little chlorine to the water.

“One of the things we found, oftentimes, is people buy a hot tub and use it a lot for the first year or 18 months and then don’t use it as much, but still have to keep up on upkeep,” she says. “And that can run into money and be a lot of work.”

Prepare for your first meeting with a designer MEETING THE PRO

BY KATIE LAUGHRIDGE, TRIBUNE NEWS SERvICE | PHOTOS BY TNS

Working with a designer is an exciting opportunity to take your design dreams to the next level. A designer’s role is to help you think outside the box and arrive at a design destination that you might not have otherwise traveled.

A client-designer relationship is like a dance. We’re happy to take the lead, but if both dancers know the footwork, generally things can progress a little more in step. If you’re a tad bit unsure of how to begin this process, you can do a little bit of prep work prior to meeting your designer that will help ensure your design meetings run smoothly.

Before you meet with your designer, think through these things.

Know what you like (and what you don’t)

If you know you hate red, it’s OK to say it. We love hearing what you don’t like just as much as what you do. It makes the process go so much more smoothly. When you are familiar with and can articulate what you like — and sometimes more importantly, what you don’t like — your designer can more quickly and accurately identify the right design concept for your space.

Be realistic about your lifestyle and how you are going to use your space

When meeting with you, we might ask questions about compo-

nents of your lifestyle and how your space needs to function, and anything that might point us in a particular direction regarding furniture frames, fabrics, and more. If you have pets or small children, for example, we might steer you toward performance fabrics that are easy to clean. These questions help us to better hone in on the details that elevate your design into something that is a true reflection of you and how you live your life.

How do you want your furniture to feel?

Are you a fan of the feel and look of crushed velvet, or are you looking for a chunky woven organic texture in your fabric? If you know you’re needing a performance fabric but are worried about them feeling hard or stiff, I’m excited to tell you that performance fabric has come a long way in recent years, and can feel just as rich and buttery as traditional piles. In fact, the sofas in my living room and sectional in my family room are all lightly colored performance fabrics — a necessity with my two little ones.

Additionally, think about what kind of cushions you are after and the kind of maintenance you’re willing to take on. Are you a die-hard fan of down, or do you need something with more support? Do you want to set and forget, or are you prepared to fluff after each use? There is no wrong answer. All options produce beautiful results. Just know what your lifestyle requires.

Before you meet with a designer, here are a few things you can do on your own to prepare:

>> Turn to social media for inspiration. Save a post if you find a piece you love, and show it to your designer during your appointment.

>> Collect swatches of wall colors, wall coverings and flooring from spaces you wish to keep as is, and fabric swatches for existing pieces you want to work into your new space.

>> Measure your room, not only taking into account the length and width of the room, but note where the windows and doors are located in the space. One measurement we often see left out is the height and width of the doorways, hallways and stairwells through which the furniture will need to fit in order to enter the space. Include a floor plan if you can (don’t worry, a quick sketch is sufficient).

>> Create a mood board, if you feel so inclined. These can be made physically, but oftentimes I find a digital version is a great place to start. Include design inspiration you like, and fabric and wallpaper snippets from your home if you intend to keep them. This is not a necessary step to do on your own, but it’s a great way for a designer to get a visual representation of your personal style. Plus, I find it a little relaxing!

MODERN COUNTRY

How to bring an old look and feel to your home

BY CATHY HOBBS, TRIBUNE NEWS SERvICE | PHOTOS BY TNS

From slipcovers to painted floors and reclaimed wood, no clear style may define what some consider “country-inspired decor.” But infusing country elements with a modern edge is becoming more popular in the design world. The result is furniture that is often handcrafted by artisans as well as decorative elements that are often vintage or even salvaged.

Here’s our guide to bringing modern country style into your space.

BUYING SALvAGE

Salvage yards can often be a treasure trove of fabulous finds, from old doors to furniture, kitchen cabinets and more.

When looking to buy salvage, here are some tips that can assist in your search:

Go online. In many instances, a salvage yard will have photographs of their inventory online, so you can preselect before making a trip. Compare pricing. Many businesses that sell salvage are reselling

items that have been donated to them, while others are reselling items they purchased. You will likely snag a bargain either way, but it helps to know your bargaining power.

Visit on delivery day. Nothing beats an opportunity to secure new merchandise before it is snapped up.

THINK OUT OF THE BOX

One of the main appeals of country-inspired furniture and accessories is its old look and feel. When looking for decor opportunities, consider using old items in unusual or unexpected ways.

Looking for ideas? Consider these tips:

>> Vintage doorknobs

Old doorknobs come in all different shapes and sizes and can be used for everything from door pulls to creating an interesting wall feature in which you can hang floral arrangements or dried herbs.

>> Mason jars

Mason jars remain purposeful and useful in a number of different ways around the home, and they can also be repurposed and used in home decor. Some ideas include: painting them muted colors, rubbing them with a sanding block to make them appear old, wrapping portions of the jar with twine or filling with moss and topping with a succulent, using the mason jar as more of a vase.

>> Dried herbs

Dried flowers aren’t the only nature-inspired option for those looking for country-inspired decor. Other ideas include hanging dried herbs or lavender. The look is organic and attractive with long-lasting fragrance.

>> Succulents

Succulents are not only hardy but versatile. Try placing succulents on a small bed of stones or embedded in moss for a modern look. Succulents look especially attractive when paired with natural elements such as wood and branches.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design home staging expert and short-term rental/vacation home designer with offices in New York City and The Hudson Valley.

Financing option makes home improvement attainable FIxER-UPPERS

BY FAMILY FEATURES | PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES

For younger homeowners and first-time homebuyers in particular, money is likely to be tight. When most available cash is directed to the best possible down payment to secure a home in a desired neighborhood, there’s often little left for improvements.

According to a Profile of Buyers’ Home Feature Preference Report from the National Association of Realtors, 53% of homebuyers took on a home improvement project within three months of buying with kitchen projects being a priority for 47% of those surveyed. However, when buyers finance a home renovation into their mortgage application, they can broaden their options of available properties to include fixer-uppers that can be upgraded prior to move-in.

A finance option like the Guaranteed Rate Home Renovation Loan allows homebuyers to visualize the home they want versus the one that’s listed. By rolling renovation costs into their mortgage, buyers can enjoy a home tailored to their vision while paying a little extra each month for upgraded windows, siding, decks, kitchens, bathrooms or a walkin closet. In many cases, the project can be completed after closing but prior to moving in with contractor commitments to stay within budget.

If cosmetic or structural improvements

are needed when prospective homeowners find a property worth bidding on, they can work with a licensed loan officer to secure a home renovation loan. The borrower’s choice of contractor that meets the lender criteria submits an estimate that’s reviewed and validated by the lender. Once approved and the mortgage is closed, the renovation can begin with costs paid upfront, added to the loan and repaid as part of the mortgage.

CONSIDER vARIOUS RENOvATION PROJECTS

Luxury renovations are geared toward the enjoyment of a home. They might be as easy as updating an entertainment room or reworking existing landscaping or as complex as adding a swimming pool, hot tub, outdoor kitchen or fitness area.

Structural renovations affect load-bearing elements like posts, beams or even the foundation or walls of the home. Some examples include adding a garage, raising a roof, converting rooms or adding square footage to the house.

Non-structural renovations do not affect load-bearing elements and are often more cosmetic, including remodeling kitchens or bathrooms, repainting, replacing siding and upgrading for accessibility.

Consider the out-of-pocket costs of similar non-structural renovation projects according to Remodeling Magazine’s 2023 Cost vs. Value Report when compared with the monthly price of financing via a Guaranteed Rate Home Renovation Loan based a sample mortgage payment of $2,525/month*.

>> Bathroom remodel: $24,606 out of pocket versus $127 per month financed

>> Hardwood flooring: $4,900 out of pocket versus $25 per month financed

>> Finished basement: $18,400 out of pocket versus $95 per month financed

>> Kitchen remodel: $77,939 out of pocket versus $402 per month financed

>> Solar panels: $20,000 out of pocket versus $103 per month financed

Find more solutions to make the home renovation process easier at Rate.com.

*Example portions of payments allocated to renovation costs are based on a purchase price of $388,800, down payment of 20%, 30-year [fixed] rate mortgage at a rate of 6.69%/7.364% annual percentage rate (APR) and 360 mortgage payments of $2,525. FICO score and lock days based on 740 FICO and 45-day lock. Advertised rates and APR effective as of 05/25/23 and are subject to change without notice.