Creative ideas magazine (sep oct 2007)

creative

Go Green Healthy choices for your home

Clever Fixes Room by room F O R

H O M E

A N D

G A R D E N

SMALL-SPACE SOLUTIONS FOR EVERY BUDGET

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

LowesCreativeIdeas.com

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Trend Report New colors for fall

WELCOME

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Let’s build something

together

This issue speaks to the heart of good design. Design that is thoughtful and works for you and your family as well as for your home. Design that is not only beautiful but also comfortable for everyone, whether you’re 5 or 65.

Design that respects resources— natural ones and your own. This issue features stories of real people finding real solutions and creative outlets to make their homes better. From clever child-friendly projects, to a kitchen for a growing household, to a backyard for a family with special needs—there are big and small ideas to jump-start your own thinking. As you explore options for your home, consider the choices made by the homeowners in our featured makeovers. Then join us in this shared journey, and unlock the power of good design in your home.

MELISSA BIRDSONG VICE PRESIDENT, TREND, DESIGN, & BRAND LOWE’S COMPANIES, INC.

P.S. SCALD PREVENTION You want your home to be as safe as possible for your family. Remember that hot water and steam are potential hazards.

The first step in scald prevention is to set your water heater at 120° F or less.

You also can choose anti-scald products—such as a tub spout, showerhead, and handshower from Hot Stop.

These items stop the flow of water that is hotter than the acceptable temperature, keeping bath time safe and without the risk of scalding.

We want to hear from you!

CreativeIdeas@Lowes.com or P.O. Box 523, Birmingham, AL 35201

LowesCreativeIdeas.com

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September/October 2007

Departments 6 WHAT A GREAT IDEA!

Fall entertaining and holiday celebrations will be even more fun with these projects.

CONTENTS

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On the Cover Style and storage turn this closet into the perfect home office.

Photo by Brian Francis (page 22)

12 UNWIND & DESIGN

Have a party and invite the kids to make frames from inexpensive wooden shims.

14 DECORATING

Ceiling Treatments Clever design goes beyond your four walls. Look no further than the ceiling.

19 OUTDOOR LIVING

Accessible Design A family begins a renovation for a backyard that works for all.

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22 FOUND SPACE

Home Office This project provides the motivation to get your office in order.

26 TREND UPDATE

Fall Color Palette Earthy colors abound this season.

Cutting Garden Find tips on planting spring-flowering bulbs now.

32 FOCAL POINT

Your Home

Front Entry Everyone wants shelter from the rain. This entry provides that and more.

36 Clean and Serene

34 TAKE YOUR PICK

Lighting Four styles of table lamps offer options that will suit any décor.

28 IN EVERY ISSUE 4 MORE ON THE WEB 62 LOWE’S IN YOUR COMMUNITY 64 GREAT FINDS

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28 OUTDOOR LIVING

L A U N D RY

A fresh approach to style and eco-awareness equals a laundry room with a healthy attitude.

42 Go Green, Save Green S H O P S M A RT

These days, it’s all about reducing your energy costs to save money and the environment. Here’s how.

44 Appetite for Color KITCHEN

This warm, enriching space satisfies the homeowners’ cravings for trend-forward design with a taste of Earth-friendly living.

52 One Cool Thing MINI-MAKEOVERS

You don’t have to redo everything to get a whole new look. See how three small, yet transformational, makeovers do the trick.

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creative

ıdeas

MORE ON THE WEB

F O R

LowesCreativeIdeas.com Find additional projects and articles online, and sign up to receive a free subscription to Lowe’s Creative Ideas.

H O M E

A N D

G A R D E NW

VICE PRESIDENT, ADVERTISING, LOWE’S

Pete Woods VICE PRESIDENT, TREND, DESIGN & BRAND, LOWE’S

Melissa Birdsong MARKETING MANAGER, AFFINITIES AND EDUCATION, LOWE’S

Sandy Culver COMMUNICATION MANAGER, LOWE’S

Jule Schreffler Eller COMMUNICATION COORDINATOR, LOWE’S

Pamela Hayes SENIOR MARKETING SPECIALIST, LOWE’S

April Pandolfi EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Leslie Dunne Sadler ART DIRECTOR

Paul Carstensen EDITOR AND PROJECTS MANAGER

Kelly M. Smith SENIOR PROJECTS EDITOR

Melissa Bissell

L A U N D RY S H E L F

GARDEN PLAN

UNWIND & DESIGN

Make this simple, pretty wooden shelf

Watch an accessible landscape take shape

Create a welcoming wreath for fall

Want to try your hand at a beginner woodworking project? The shelf shown in our laundry makeover could be the perfect place to start. Check out LowesCreativeIdeas.com/ Sep071 to find instructions, a tools list, and a template for building this project.

In this issue, you’ll meet a family undertaking a major backyard renovation, with the marriage of beauty and accessibility as their primary goal. Check online over the next few months to see the project take shape, and read helpful tips and the homeowner’s project notes.

Nothing says welcome like a front door wreath. Learn how to make a simple natural wreath using pieces of bark. You and your friends can personalize your creations with berries, leaves, or anything you desire. It’s a great project for fall gatherings.

ASSISTANT PROJECTS EDITORS

Allison R. Banks, Tiffany Burgess PROJECTS COORDINATOR

Melanie Medley ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTOR

Steve Smith SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Kate Weaver PHOTO COORDINATOR

Paden Reich COPY CHIEF

Shelley DeLuca Kolankiewicz COPY EDITORS

Molly J. Rogers, Dawn Russell PRODUCTION MANAGER

Sheryl Jones PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS

Lauren Allums, Courtney Gleysteen CONTRIBUTORS

More exclusive content from Lowe’s publications

Jenny Cromie, Alice L. Elmore, Lisa Frederick, Chris Hill, Hosey Hutson, John Loecke, Stacey Loyless, Julie Martens, Amy Merk, Jennifer Richburg, Lisa Wheeler INTERNS

Lowe’s Garden Club

Creative Ideas for Woodworkers

You will love this monthly gardening e-newsletter, with more stories on outdoor spaces, including tips from gardens around the country. Sign up online to get your free subscription.

Sign up online for your free subscription to this monthly e-newsletter filled with detailed instructions, lists of materials and tools, illustrations, and tips for woodworking projects of all styles and skill levels.

Allison Hahn, Sarah Louise Windham VICE PRESIDENT, SPC CUSTOM PUBLISHING

Stephanie Patton MANAGING EDITOR

Rebecca Benton ACCOUNT DIRECTOR

Catherine Hall PRODUCTION DIRECTOR

Carol Chambless MARKETING COORDINATOR

Shane Jordan MARKETING SPECIALIST

Find these helpful icons on our pages.

Taryn McCoy INTERN

Brittni Everhardt

web FOR MORE

WEB FOR MORE: When you see this icon, you’ll find more information related to the story topic online at LowesCreativeIdeas.com.

A LOWE’S CREDIT CARD is an easy way to pay for everyday purchases.

No annual fee. See store for details, or apply online at Lowes.com/Credit.

LOWE’S INSTALLATION AVAILABLE: This symbol indicates that Lowe’s can provide guaranteed professional installation of products. Check out Lowes.com/Installation to find more information.

THE LOWE’S PROJECT CARD is a better way to pay for major home improvement projects. You’re not required to make any payments during the first six months of your project.

Apply online at Lowes.com/Credit.*

*During the first six months of a Project Window, no finance charges assessed and no payments required on purchases made during that Project Window. Thereafter, standard account terms apply to that Project Window. APR tier will be assigned after Account is opened based on your credit qualifications. APR for first Project Window will be 7.99%, 9.99%, 11.99%, 13.99%, or 17.99% if first purchase is made within 60 days after account is opened. Otherwise, a variable APR will apply: 9.49%, 11.49%, 13.49%, 15.49%, or 19.49%, as of September 1, 2006. Once APR is assigned to a Project Window, it will not vary for that Project Window.

Minimum Finance Charge is $1.00. First purchase in each Project Window must be at least $1,000. Subject to credit approval.

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Readers’ note: Almost any do-it-yourself project involves risk of some sort. Your tools, materials, and skills will vary, as will the conditions at your project site. Lowe’s Companies, Inc., and its subsidiaries (“Lowe’s”) have made every effort to be complete and accurate in the instructions and other content contained in this publication. However, neither Lowe’s nor the publisher will assume any responsibility or liability for damages or losses sustained or incurred in the course of your home improvement or repair project or in the course of your use of the item you create or repair. Always follow the manufacturer’s operating instructions in the use of tools, check and follow your local building codes, and observe all standard safety precautions.

Lowe’s Creative Ideas for Home and Garden® is published by SPC Custom Publishing, Inc., 2100 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL 35209.

Copyright 2007 SPC Custom Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written permission of the publisher.

Lowe’s® , the gable design, and Creative Ideas for Home and Garden™ are registered trademarks of LF, LLC. All rights reserved. Address all correspondence to Lowe’s Creative Ideas for Home and Garden, Attn.: Sandy Culver, P.O. Box 523-G, Birmingham, AL 35201. Lowe’s Creative Ideas for Home and Garden is staff produced and cannot be held responsible for any unsolicited material. Printed in the U.S.A.

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whatagr eatidea!

Good To Know You can machine wash this rug using the gentle cycle. Then line dry, and iron it with the lowest heat settings.

1. Using utility scissors, cut

Casual Canvas Transform a drop cloth into a unique rug with simple designs.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

a carpet grabber (#15182) to your desired dimensions.

Then cut a canvas drop cloth (#126317) 6 inches longer and 6 inches wider than the carpet grabber. Iron the drop cloth to remove creases.

2. Center the carpet grabber, sticky side up, on top of the drop cloth. Fold a 3-inchwide hem along all sides of the drop cloth, enclosing the edges of the carpet grabber.

Cut the corners of the drop cloth at a 45-degree angle to avoid overlapping, allowing the rug to lay flat. Secure the hem to the carpet grabber using Sumo glue (#203688).

Allow to dry.

3. Embellish the rug using interior paint in a flat finish.

(Use painter’s tape if needed.) Let dry. Apply a clear top coat (#39449), and allow to dry for 15 minutes.

4. For added safety, place a nonslip rug pad (#15196) underneath the rug.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN FRANCIS

Spooky Treats Spin these spiderweb bowls from a few simple materials.

1. Cut a 2-foot-square piece of cheesecloth (#125871) found in the paint department.

2. Mix two parts wood glue (#41217) with one part water, stirring well. Wearing gloves, dip the cheesecloth into the mixture, and then wring it out.

3. Press the cheesecloth completely into a 1-quart paint container (#40008), letting the edges drape over the rim. Allow to dry for 24 hours, and then gently remove the dried cheesecloth in the shape of the container.

4. Wearing gloves, unroll a piece of steel wool (#40275) found in the paint department.

Using utility scissors, cut out a simple spider shape over newspaper or a trash can for easier cleanup. Use wood glue to attach the spider.

5. For unwrapped candy, line the inside of the cheesecloth container with plastic wrap.

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Off the Wall

Recycle leftover wallpaper by using it to decorate a bookcase and coordinating frames.

1. Assemble the parts of the bookcase (#57349) per the manufacturer’s instructions, except for the back panel.

Lay a large piece of your leftover wallpaper (we used Sanitas, Pattern DS106774, special order) on the back panel, and trace along the edges with a pencil. Trim the wallpaper with utility scissors, and then attach it to the back panel per the wallpaper manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Install the back panel, and finish assembling the bookcase.

3. Place smaller pieces of matching or coordinating wallpaper (we used Artworks, Pattern AW52075, special order) inside picture frames.

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W H AT A G R E AT I D E A !

Organize plastic grocery bags for reuse with this clever contraption.

Good To Know You also can use leftover wallpaper to line shelves and drawers or for wrapping gifts.

In theBag 1. Select a plastic dryer vent

hood including tail piece (#51607) from the appliance department. Detach the metal tail piece. Remove the trim plate and screen; you will not need these parts. Reattach the tail piece so that the end with four preformed holes is at the top. Apply a thin strip of Gorilla Glue inside the vent hood to secure the tail piece.

2. Spray-paint the vent hood and tail piece; we used blue (#244146). Let dry.

3. Cut a 24-inch-long piece of 18-gauge steel wire (#62933).

Thread the wire through the preformed holes along the top of the tail piece (as shown in the photograph).

4. Hang your bag dispenser on a hook or nail. Stuff empty plastic bags into the top— they will dispense through the vent hood.

Green Idea You also can use this project to collect plastic bags, and then take them to a local grocery store that offers bag recycling.

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W H AT A G R E AT I D E A !

Show Your Spirit Cheer on your team with an eye-catching banner for tailgating.

1. Choose spray paint for

“My friends can always find our tailgate party!”

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Lowe’s Creative Ideas

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

the background and for the accent color.

2. Roll out a 5-foot length of contractor’s paper (#126347).

Spray-paint two tree stakes (#102420) and one side of the paper in the accent color; we used black (#165808).

Allow to dry.

3. Select 6-inch letter stencils, and tape them to the paper with painter’s tape (#237158).

4. Use painter’s tape to cover areas while painting.

Spray-paint the exposed paper using the background color. We used gold (#95569).

Allow to dry.

5. Wrap the ends of the banner around the tree stakes, and secure with wood glue (#41217).

Reinforce the edges with duct tape (#156886). Take the banner to your favorite tailgate spot, and drive the stakes into the ground.

Baking Basic Turn a marble floor tile into a handy pastry slab.

1. Select a 12-inch-square marble floor tile (#163424), and wash it thoroughly.

Allow to dry.

2. Cut two gripper pads (#54359)—found in the hardware department— in half, creating four squares. Place a square at each corner on the underside of the tile.

Good To Know Shaping dough on a cool marble surface keeps the dough from sticking. Simply clean the slab with warm water and soap. Avoid using products that contain bleach.

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UNWIND & DESIGN

Get together with friends of all ages to create these simple wooden photo frames.

Good To Know S E P T E M B E R’ S P R O J E C T:

Wooden Frames

We recommend the ColdHeat Freestyle Cordless Glue Gun found in the hardware department. Although the glue is warm, the tip remains cool, so it’s safe for kids’ projects.

This is a great time of the year to gather the neighborhood for a project that has plenty of style but is still easy enough for kids to create. September’s Unwind & Design teaches you how to make clever wooden frames that can be personalized with bright paint colors and photos of friends and family.

Watch a step-by-step video demonstration of this project at LowesCreativeIdeas.com/ UnwindAndDesign.

video O N L I N E

Lowe’s List ■ ■ ■

Skill level: Beginner Rough cost estimate: $4.50* (per frame) Rough time estimate: 35 minutes (not including drying time)

MATERIALS

wooden shims (#3969) paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, satin) in the colors of your choice** square dowels (36-inch-long, ⁄4-inch-thick)

1

adhesive putty (BlueStik, #218893) pushpins TOOLS

anvil hand pruners (#77178)** glue gun (ColdHeat Freestyle Cordless, #75473)** 1-inch foam paintbrush *Based on a six-person party. Does not include applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of tools. **Add these items to your Unwind & Design hostess tool kit.

For an additional Unwind & Design project, fall-inspired FOR MORE door wreaths, visit LowesCreativeIdeas.com/ UnwindAndDesign in October.

web

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Lowe’s Creative Ideas

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN FRANCIS

1

STEP-BY-STEP Step 1: Paint the wooden

shims as desired. Allow to dry. (Painting outdoors can reduce the drying time.)

Step 2: Form a square, rectangle, or other shape

2

using the shims. Attach the shims using a glue gun.

Allow to dry.

Step 3: Using anvil pruners, cut two 21⁄2-inch pieces (for each frame) from a square dowel. To create a stand,

3

attach the dowel pieces to the lower back portion of the frame (as shown above) using a glue gun.

Step 4: Secure your photo to the frame using adhesive putty or pushpins.

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D E C O R AT I N G

CeilingTreatments

❉ takeit from

top the

Whether sophisticated or sassy, these projects create star-quality ceilings.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN FRANCIS

❉

Get This Look

Sophisticated

» In this elegant dining room, a simple overhead treatment gives the appearance of a coffered ceiling. The updated Arts and Crafts style perfectly suits the charming 1930s home.

The overall feel of the room is serene and airy. Ivory-colored paint on the wooden boards mimics the look of clouds against a light blue sky. The 1 x 6s are arranged in a grid pattern, and a circle cut from 3 ⁄4-inch plywood using a jigsaw is centered above the table.

Cove moulding is attached to the boards along the perimeter of the room.

Note: You’ll need a helper when attaching the pieces to the ceiling.

Lowe’s List ■ ■

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Skill level: Intermediate Rough cost estimate . . . . $900* Lumber and millwork . . . . $505 Hardware and supplies. . . . $90 Decorative accessories. . . $305 Rough time estimate: 2 weekends**

LUMBER AND MILLWORK 32 (6-foot-long) 1 x 6s† 1 (48- x 96-inch) sheet of ⁄4-inch plywood†

3

6 (8-foot-long) pieces of #85 cove moulding††

HARDWARE AND SUPPLIES 2 boxes 6d finishing nails

wood glue (Titebond II, #41217) paintable wood filler latex caulk (Polyseamseal, #43460) primer (Kilz, #45548) paint (Valspar Ultra Premium; Saffron Ivory 7003-21; Schoolboy Blue 4007-5B; semi-gloss) The shape of this six-light chandelier echoes the circle on the ceiling.

DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES

chandelier (6-light, Sea Gull Lighting, Warwick, Model 31331-825, special order) *Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market. **Does not include lead time for special-order materials. †Availability varies by market. ††Available by special order in some stores.

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D E C O R AT I N G

CeilingTreatments

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Sassy

❉ Twelve inches of the ceiling and 9 inches of the wall were taped off and painted for the chalkboard border.

The crown moulding also was painted black for a smooth transition; you could paint yours a different color for more contrast.

» This casual back entry begged for a creative

ceiling treatment. The solution? Chalkboard paint applied overhead, as well as on the top portion of the wall, offers space for fun drawings and messages that can be changed on a whim.

Paint Safely When painting your ceiling, be sure to hold onto the ladder with one hand while painting with the other. Keep in mind that you should always have three points of contact with the ladder—two feet and one hand. Also, wear slipresistant shoes. Styles with rubber soles are a safe choice.

Lowe’s List ■ ■ ■

Skill level: Beginner Rough cost estimate: $65* Rough time estimate: 1 weekend

chalkboard paint (black, #203261) wall paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Martha Stewart Colors, Pencil Eraser MS009, eggshell) foam paint roller *Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.

“We add new drawings and messages often for a fresh look.”

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Good To Know A foam roller works best for applying chalkboard paint.

Use two to three coats for the best results.

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OUTDOOR LIVING

Accessible Design

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This family’s basic backyard will become a haven for all.

Outdoor Space

for

Everyone

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As a professional landscape architect, this

homeowner specializes in designing spaces that will be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. He’s ready to take that principle into his own family’s landscape.

He and his wife have 8-year-old triplets, including a son who has cerebral palsy. The homeowners recently built a guest house nearby where their son can live when he’s older, staying close to his parents but gaining some level of independence. Currently, the space between the main house and guest house is all grass, but when this project is complete, there will be a multifunctional backyard for the whole family to enjoy. g

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL HANSON

web for more Here, we introduce you to the plans for an accessible landscape.

We’ll be following this project’s progression with photos, notes, and tips from the homeowners, plus special project instructions at LowesCreativeIdeas.com/Landscape.

Check in online to watch this special project grow.

LowesCreativeIdeas.com

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Accessible Design

OUTDOOR LIVING

The Plan

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1 Cook’s Garden

» The homeowner/landscape architect divided the backyard into four distinct areas. A variety of aspects make the design accessible, from wide pathways to raised beds and container plantings on pulleys. The look will be simple but lush, using boxwoods, camellias, azaleas, ferns, and oakleaf hydrangeas for fullness, as well as annuals for additional color.

A raised bed with herbs or vegetables and a freestanding grill will enhance the outdoor cooking experience. » DESIGN TIPS: The raised bed is 18 inches high and only 12 inches wide to allow for seating while working in the garden. This variation in height also adds beauty and architecture.

15'

19'

2

Entertaining Space

In this section, a dining set will allow for eating and entertaining.

A fountain at the far end of the area will provide a sense of calm and a decorative element. » DESIGN TIPS: Heavy tables and chairs made from wood or metal minimize the chance of tipping and allow for easier transfer from a

wheelchair. Chairs without arms can be comfortable for some people, while chairs with wide arms can give the user a place to rest their arms. A fountain is a great addition to any landscape because it adds the soothing sound of running water. Keep the water at an elevation (rather than at ground level) that anyone can touch.

3

FOUNTAIN ESPALIER

1 RAISED HERB BED

3 CHAISE

2

12' ARBOR DINING TABLE

MAIN HOUSE

E

17'

GRILL

10'

BEFOR

HANGING POT WITH PULLEY

Private Garden

This formal area is near the guest house and can be seen from the windows. Ground-level garden beds will include larger, taller plantings chosen to add color. An espalier at one end will be used to train vertical growth of a fragrant vine, and several hanging pots will feature vibrant blooms. An arbor at another end will provide privacy. » DESIGN TIPS: Colorful, fragrant plants stimulate the senses and help serve as a directional for anyone who is visually impaired. Hanging planters can be outfitted with pulleys to allow for maintenance by anyone at any elevation.

GUEST HOUSE

4 Main Entrance BEFOR

E

4 D R I V E W AY

Good To Know Ample outdoor lighting increases accessibility. Consider your landscape at night and incorporate lighting, such as path lights and motion-detecting lights, for added safety.

This area will have large plantings, including a maple and a tall evergreen, for a cozy entrance, and uplighting around the plantings to make the entrance safe at night. » DESIGN TIPS: The smooth-surface brick walkway and all paths throughout the space are 42 inches wide, which allows plenty of room for a wheelchair.

Find information and guidelines for making your home more accessible to everyone at Lowes.com/UniversalDesign. For tips on outdoor spaces, click on “Universal Design in the Landscape.”

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I L L U S T R AT I O N B Y N E I L C O U V I L L I O N

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F O U N D S PA C E

Home Office

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Closet Chameleon A messy catchall becomes an organized home office.

Think you don’t have room in your house for a home office? Take a look in unexpected places.

This part-time public relations consultant and full-time mother created a smart little office in a guestroom closet that was cluttered with documents and more. “It’s perfect now,” she says of her new, efficient work area. “It’s really all the space I need.”

And because she can close up shop with a curtain (tied back using a ribbon secured with a cup hook) the room still can Magnetic primer makes the function as a wall more functional. You also guest bedroom could use dry erase paint or as well. chalkboard paint. Check out

Good To Know

BEFO

RE

these Rust-Oleum products in the paint department.

The homeowner painted a dining chair and added a cushion to raise the seat for the desk height.

The custom-built desk is slightly taller than standard height to fit between the existing shelves. The desk legs can be cut to the desired size.

“I love my work, but I also love concealing it behind a pretty curtain when the day is over.”

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN FRANCIS

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F O U N D S PA C E

Home Office

❉ Lowe’s List ■

BEFORE

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TIPS

PAINT

1

walls (Valspar Ultra Premium, Deep Walnut 2004-9A, satin)

Get Organized!

desk (Valspar Ultra Premium, Bistro White 7006-4, semi-gloss)

Keep your work life balanced with these suggestions for your home office.

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Designate two boxes as “In” and “Out” for daily mail.

For office spaces without desk drawers, use baskets or bins to store loose items.

Organize work baskets in order of priority, so you always have the most important items on hand.

Use a separate wastebasket to collect paper for recycling.

Small planters and paint cans are hard workers when it comes to holding pencils, pens, and other office supplies.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

Skill level: Intermediate Rough cost estimate . . . . $340* Paint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $85 Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $60 Desk project . . . . . . . . . . . . $55 Storage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70 Drapery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $70 Rough time estimate: 3 days**

magnetic primer (Rust-Oleum, #115535)

spray paint (American Accents, Aqua, #35940) LIGHTING

pendant swag kit (#235340)

2

lampshade (Portfolio, #235543) desk lamp (Portfolio, #33105) DESK PROJECT

Parsons table legs (28-inch, #839)

Work Smarter 1 Shed some light on your office area. The suspended lampshade was created with a swag kit. A desk lamp provides additional task lighting.

2 Embrace dark colors.

Using rich shades actually can add warmth to a small space.

This cozy chocolate-colored backdrop makes the white shelves and desk pop.

3 Display important notes and reminders. Magnetic primer applied to the back wall creates a giant memo board.

4 Use stackable storage.

A three-tier shelving unit houses a printer and office supplies.e 5 Build on what you have.

The original shelving was a great starting point for adding this desk. A sheet of plywood was mounted to the existing 1 x 2 that’s screwed into the wall. Moulding was affixed to the plywood edges using wood glue and brads. Two table legs were attached to the plywood with mounting brackets.lies

straight-top mounting plates (#838) 1 (8-foot-long) piece of ⁄4- x 1⁄4-inch screen moulding†

3

1 (24- x 48-inch) sheet of ⁄4-inch plywood††

3

3

1 (4-foot-long) 1 x 2†† 1 package of (2-inch) screws 1 package of 4d finishing nails

wood glue (Titebond II, #41217) 1 package (#18 x 3⁄4-inch) brads

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STORAGE 3-tier stacker (Shelving by Design, #71485)

fabric drawers (blue, #154859) wicker baskets (#201836)

5

DRAPERY

tension rod (48- x 84-inch, #86184)

“This space feels so good—I don’ t even miss a big office.”

curtain panels (84-inch, Andorra, taupe, #214064) *Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market. **Does not include lead time for special-order materials. †Available by special order in some stores. ††Availability varies by market.

Lowe’s Installation Available Lowe’s can provide guaranteed professional installation of lighting.

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T R E N D U P D AT E

Fall Color Palette

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Written by MELISSA BIRDSONG

This season’s colors are warm and familiar, even ven a bit bold, giving permission to be more dramatic.

Harvest Sun

When you walk outside on a crisp autumn day, the gold and red foliage against a startling blue sky can take your breath away. It’s the last riot of inspiring color before winter arrives.

This year’s fall palette embodies the sights and sounds, even the smells, of autumn. Neutrals are dressed up with punches of color, such as bright teal and deep melon. Think of a cornucopia of fall colors.

Equally suited for both indoors and out, the latest hues are drawn from bungalow style, hearkening back to the influence of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Bungalow colors are sophisticated but cozy. This palette is flexible enough for the homeowner who’s restoring a bungalow to its historic glory—warm red brown, deep butternut yellow, dark olive, and chocolate brown— or for someone wanting an updated version of the classic style—light taupe, soft teal blue, deep brown, and gold.

WV33014 from

Waverly Home Classics collection

The paint colors featured here are mixed with Valspar Ultra Premium or Valspar Signature Colors paint.

Deep Earth

Aqua Dance

6010-2

5002-8B

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL HANSON

Gold 4 LA710 from

Laura Ashley Home collection

Butternut Tree outdoor wall lantern (stained glass, #24236)

Lowe’s Creative Ideas

wallpaper (Artworks, Model AW53124, special order)

Brown Moss WV37012 from Waverly Home Classics collection

curtains (Andorra, mist, #213448; Sophia, taupe, #213386; Elyse, sheer, taupe, #215140)

Mark Twain House Brown 2011-8

26

Linden EB43-4 from Eddie Bauer Home collection

3002-5B

“These are harvest colors taken directly from the earth.They’re cozy and inviting.”

Lyndhurst Timber 2007-9C

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❉

OUTDOOR LIVING

Cutting Garden

BEFO

❉

RE

Roll out the welcome mat for spring with a handful of blooming bulbs. Ready, set, grow!

Most daffodils bloom in midspring.

Hyacinths (at right) bloom between early and midspring. Anemones (below, right) typically are the first flowers to bloom in the season.

This cutting garden features flowers

Fall Into

Planted in the fall, the flowers in this cutting garden will bloom in stages throughout spring for beautiful bouquets.

Spring

Anemones actually are classified as tubers, not true bulbs, but they can be planted and treated similarly.

suitable for cutting and arranging in vases: anemones, hyacinths, daffodils, tulips, and giant alliums. To decide which selections to plant in your cutting garden, focus on colors that you enjoy in bouquets and keep in mind that spring bulbs blossom at different times.

“I chose flower colors based on accents in my home so the bouquets will complement the interior,” this homeowner and garden designer explains. “And I included red tulips to add some punch to the garden.” Hyacinths edge the patio side of the garden, positioned to perfume weekend brunch or afternoon tea.

The homeowner also over-seeded the surrounding yard with ryegrass to eliminate bare spots in the lawn, which result in muddy paw prints when it rains. “In spring, the ryegrass adds bright green to the backyard,” she says. “With the bulbs, it makes for a cheery scene.”

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Lowe’s Creative Ideas

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN FRANCIS

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❉

OUTDOOR LIVING

Cutting Garden

❉ web FOR MORE

step-by-step

For more information on cutting gardens, see “Bulbs in Bloom” at LowesCreativeIdeas.com/ OutdoorLiving.

fall planting

Plant Ahead for Spring

Bulb Basics

This guide will help you create a cutting garden that blends simplicity with beauty.

Start planting this fall, and come next spring your garden will be rich with blooms.

Find these bulbs suited for your region at Lowe’s. The flower color and blooming season are indicated after plant name.

Southeast and West Coast ■ ‘Queen

of Night’ tulip—dark purple/black; late spring Follies’ daffodil—yellow cup, white bract; early spring ■ giant crocus selections—mixed colors; early spring ■ ‘Elegant Beauty’ Dutch iris—purple; late spring ■ ‘Red Emperor’ tulip—fiery red with black center; midspring ■ ‘Ollioules’ tulip—rose with white edge; mid- to late spring ■ ‘Blue Jacket’ hyacinth—deep blue; midspring ■ ‘Purple Sensation’ allium—true purple; mid- to late spring ■ ‘Ice

Northeast and Mid-Atlantic ■ ‘Dutch

Master’ daffodil—all yellow; early to midspring Follies’ daffodil—yellow cup, white bract; early spring ■ ‘Red Emperor’ tulip—fiery red; midspring; naturalizes well ■ ‘Purple Prince’ tulip—lilac; midspring; naturalizes well ■ ‘Ollioules’ tulip—rose with white edge; mid- to late spring ■ ‘Blue Jacket’ hyacinth—deep blue; midspring ■ giant allium—lavender-purple; late spring to early summer ■ ‘Ice

Define the planting area.

Outline the garden’s shape with a rope or supple garden hose. This homeowner constructed a new patio in a semicircle using cobblestone pavers (#51410), and she designed her bed to echo the shape of the patio.

1

2

Edge and fill.

Cut through the sod along the bed edges using a sharp spade. Remove the sod in the planting area. Mix in soil amendments using a cultivator (Black & Decker, cordless, 18-volt, #175332).

Then mix in bulb fertilizer.

3

Plant bulbs, and then water.

Arrange the bulbs on the soil with proper spacing. Plant your bulbs at the depth specified on the packaging. Soak soil after planting with a soft spray from a hose. Mulch and water lightly.

Midwest ■ ‘Queen

of Night’ tulip—dark purple/black; late spring Follies’ daffodil—yellow cup, white bract; early spring ■ giant crocus selections—mixed colors; early spring ■ ‘Elegant Beauty’ Dutch iris—purple; late spring ■ Ton Sur Ton* blend tulips—blue, red, pink, apricot, black/white, and white/green shades; early, mid-, and late season ■ ‘Ice

*Ton Sur Ton tulip blends consist of an average of 10 selections in complementary shades. Blends feature early-, mid-, and late-blooming selections to provide a long-lasting color show.

By relying on regional and local growers for quality plants and products, Lowe’s is able to provide you with selections that are best suited to your climate. The plants mentioned may not always be available at your local Lowe’s, but your Lowe’s Trained Nursery Specialist will be glad to help you find comparable selections. And if your perennials, houseplants, trees, or shrubs don’t survive a year, bring the plants and your receipt in to your local Lowe’s, and they’ll be replaced at no charge.

4

Create a backdrop.

Edge your cutting garden with evergreens, such as boxwoods, to establish a solid-color background that lets vibrant blooms shine.

30

Lowe’s Creative Ideas

5

Add winter color.

In warmer regions, dress the bed with a flounce of pansies or ruffles of ornamental cabbage for winter color.

6

Accessorize.

Increase interest and color in your garden by luring birds with a birdbath (#190346). You also could add a gazing ball or garden statue to create a focal point.

Snipping stems at a slant will expose more surface area and ensure cut flowers get enough water when placed in a vase.

To find the bulbs featured here, visit your local Lowe’s Garden Center.

Pet-Friendly Gardening This homeowner offers design tips to keep your pets and plants living in harmony. “When I started defining the planting bed, I covered the area with pine straw so I could envision the size and shape,” she explains.

She discouraged her dog, an English setter, from digging in the area by spraying the mulch with vinegar. The homeowner kept squirrels from feasting on tulips by anchoring chicken wire on the soil with garden staples.

In spring, when bulbs poked through the soil, she installed a short garden fence along the patio side of the bed to keep her pooch from trampling tender shoots. “After a week, my dog didn’t go into that area, so I removed the fence,” she says.

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❉

FOCAL POINT

Front Entry

❉ The copper finish of the metal roofing adds some zing to this home’s traditional facade. Flower-filled window boxes also contribute color.

The front stoop of this townhouse was exposed to the elements—a hassle when the homeowners had to fumble for keys in the rain. This problem was tackled from four angles. Now, an arbor and roof overhang the stoop, while a new door, accessories, and plantings create a welcoming first impression.

Lowe’s List ■ ■

■

Skill level: Intermediate Rough cost estimate. . . $1,630* Lumber and millwork. . . $1,310 Stain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $50 Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . $270 Rough time estimate: 2 weekends**

LUMBER AND MILLWORK

lumber rated for outdoor use† entry door (Therma-Tru, American Style Collection, Model CCA230, special order) roofing (Union Corrugating Company, Advantage-Lok Standing Seam, Copper Metallic, special order) STAIN

door (Olympic Oil-based Gel Stain, Colonial Oak) door (Olympic Interior/ Exterior Varnish, Clear Satin) arbor (Cabot Solid-Color Decking Stain, Cordovan Brown) ACCESSORIES

door handle set (Kwikset, Arlington, Venetian bronze, #231503) doorbell (#231160) doormat with monogram (#74432) outdoor wall fixture (Portfolio, Antique Verde, #109421)

1 Curb Appeal Without having a strong central feature to draw the eye, the exterior facade appeared plain and one-dimensional.

■ SOLUTION: A wooden arbor, built for the front face of the home and stained to match the existing trim, adds architectural interest. It also can provide a place for vines and climbing plants to grow.

■ PROBLEM:

BEFORE

“No more mad dashes inside when it’s raining— the overhang keeps us dry.”

32

Lowe’s Creative Ideas

2 Weather Shelter The front stoop offered no protection from inclement weather.

During rain or sleet, the homeowners and guests had to rush inside to avoid getting soaked.

■ SOLUTION: An overhang with metal roofing shelters the stoop while adding much-needed visual focus.

■ PROBLEM:

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

3 Entry Door An outdated solid front door blocked sunlight from entering the foyer and hallway.

■ SOLUTION: A new door elevates the look of the home’s exterior, and the clear glass doorlites at the top of the door allow sunlight to stream in.

A Venetian-bronze door handle set and an outdoor sconce with an antique finish feature traditional styling. The monogrammed doormat lends a personalized touch.

■ PROBLEM:

4 Landscaping The front garden beds seemed sparse and lackluster.

■ SOLUTION: Arborvitaes and blooms provide definition and color. Stone-look pavers define the edges of the beds.

Containers at the front door enhance the entry’s inviting feel.

■ PROBLEM:

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN FRANCIS

pavers (#73455) *Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market, or the cost of plants. **Does not include lead time for special-order materials. †Availability varies by market.

Lowe’s Installation Available Lowe’s can provide guaranteed professional installation of doors and exterior lighting.

Green Idea Metal roofing is an eco-friendly choice. It will not decompose like asphalt roofing, so it’s long-lasting.

It’s also recyclable.

LowesCreativeIdeas.com

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❉

TA K E Y O U R P I C K

Lighting

Bedtime Story Choose a lamp that tells your tale—from classic to commercial with options in between.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

Green Idea Your choice of bulb can be as important as your choice of lamp. Compact fluorescent bulbs save you energy and money.

Cool-white bulbs emit a light blue tint that simulates daylight and can reduce eyestrain while reading.

1 CLASSIC

2

Add style to substance with this simple wallmounted lamp (#235310) topped with a basic shade.

The swing-arm design is versatile and frees up table space.

COMMERCIAL Get both task and general lighting with the adjustable arm and swivel base on this brushed-nickel desk lamp (#33105).

Your

HOME Inspiring projects for better living.

R E A L R E A D E R S . R E A L S O L U T I O N S . R E A L C R E A T I V I T Y.

36

L AU N D RY

Clean and Serene A thoughtful redo turns this basement into a fresh, efficient laundry room.

42

S H O P S M A RT

3

4

TRADITIONAL

WHIMSICAL

Enjoy warm light from this antiquestyle table lamp (#237101) with a dark rust finish and a glass shade.

For a trendy look, hang this paper lantern (#237095) to shed light on your favorite book.

34

Lowe’s Creative Ideas

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN FRANCIS

❉

44

KITCHEN

Appetite For Color This space is Earth-friendly, sophisticated, and functional for the family.

52 MINI-

M A K E OV E R S

Go Green, Save Green These products will cut your energy bills and boost your eco-awareness.

One Cool Thing Three projects prove that a simple change can make a huge impact.

LowesCreativeIdeas.com

35

The stackable washer and dryer boast energy-saving features and sleek designs. For an artistic touch, the homeowner had a creative pattern drilled into the panel at the top of the laundry center.

❉ This laundry proves that a room can be pretty, functional, and fresh, as well as environmentally thoughtful.

clean serene e and

❉

36

“I set out too crcreate a multifunctional space that is pleasing p to the eye and to the environment.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG SCHEIDEMANN

LowesCreativeIdeas.com

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The homeowner chose cabinetry that received the Environmental Stewardship Program seal of approval from the Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association (KCMA), indicating a commitment to sustainability.

BEFORE

The homeowner splurged on the white wood-look laminate ceiling planks. A special finish on the planks blocks mold and mildew, making them ideal for humid areas such as this basement.

❉

This homeowner

14' glass block window

washer & dryer

painted cement floor

What They Did THE CHALLENGE: This basement laundry was drab and

cluttered, serving as a storage room for everything from tableware to bed linens. The homeowner needed an efficient laundry space and a small organized area for garden planning.

doesn’t mind doing laundry chores. But she didn’t look forward to the dark, disorganized basement that houses her washer and dryer. When she decided to remodel this space, the avid gardener and nature lover was committed to making her laundry eco-friendly as well as stylish and functional. She also wanted to carve out a space for a desk and organization area, where she plans to work on garden designs.

Now, a mix of energy-efficient lighting, which includes recessed, flush-mounted, and under-cabinet fixtures, brightens the room. The homeowner was willing to splurge on the washer and dryer, cabinetry, and ceiling planks—products that are eco-friendly and sustainable. Reused items, such as two metal tubs turned into sinks, underscore the green theme.

Gardening supplies are housed on a custom-built shelf above the sinks.

The revamped laundry—complete with a fresh, outdoorsy palette of pale greens, blues, and whites— suits the homeowner’s taste and needs, as well as her environment-conscious outlook. “I truly feel good about this room,” she says. “It fits me inside and out.”

THE SOLUTION: The homeowner added cabinetry and

shelves, and she selected a stackable washer and dryer to free up room for a workspace. A small desk area gives her a mini-office. She uses a table mounted on casters for sorting and folding clothes. To brighten the dark basement, the improved lighting plan includes natural, overhead, and task lighting.

38

Lowe’s Creative Ideas

Savvy Storage » The smart desk-and-organization nook transforms this space from a simple laundry to a multiuse room.

The Corian countertop provides a durable, hardworking surface, and under-mounted cabinet lights add sufficient task lighting. Above the desk, open cubbies allow items to be easily accessible. On the adjacent wall, peg-board keeps tools organized.

“I love to garden, so we carved out a space for my planning and research.”

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web FOR MORE

You can find how-to instructions and a list of tools and materials for building the shelf above the sinks at LowesCreativeIdeas.com/Sep071.

Green Idea The room was painted with Olympic Premium paint, which is Green Seal Certified, contains zero VOCs, and dries with no lingering odor.

❉ PAINT

wall primer (Kilz Premium, latex, white, #45548) wall paint (Olympic Premium, Morning Breeze D62-1, eggshell) floor epoxy (Seal-Krete Epoxy-Seal, Blue Ridge, #16205)

Lowe’s List ■ ■

■

Skill level: Advanced Rough cost estimate . $10,100* Cabinetry and countertops . . . . . . . . . . $5,175 Appliances. . . . . . . . . . . $2,475 Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . $320 Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $410 Paint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125 Home organization. . . . . . . $45 Millwork . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,480 Shelf project . . . . . . . . . . . . $70 Rough time estimate: 2 weeks**

CABINETRY AND COUNTERTOPS

cabinetry (Shenandoah, McKinley, Maple, Cream glaze, special order) countertop (Corian, Oyster, special order) APPLIANCES

washer (Samsung, Stratus Grey, Model WF337AAG, #255995) gas dryer (Samsung, Stratus Grey, Model DV337AGG, #256006) stacking kit (Samsung, Model SK-4A, #260236)

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

closet rod mounting brackets (#179929) laundry sorter (chrome and canvas, #115926) MILLWORK

ceiling planks (Armstrong, WoodHaven Series, white, special order) 1 (48- x 96-inch) peg-board panel (white, #15484)

closet rod (#3586) SHELF PROJECT 1 (8-foot-long) 1 x 6† 1 (8-foot-long) 1 x 10† 1 (4-foot-long) 1 x 12† 1 box (15⁄8-inch) screws

wood glue (Titebond II, #41217) wood filler

faucets (American Standard, wall-mounted, Model 7292.152, special order)

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.

recessed lighting trim (Halo, Model 470SC, special order)

Lowe’s Creative Ideas

HOME ORGANIZATION

primer (Kilz Premium, latex, white, #45548)

recessed lights (Halo, compact fluorescent, #119430)

40

paint for tubs (Rust-Oleum, Cold Galvanizing Compound, #26719)

PLUMBING

LIGHTING

The homeowner made these sinks using metal tubs found at a local salvage store.

A contractor cut holes in the bottom of each tub and then connected the drain lines.

A few coats of Rust-Oleum Cold Galvanizing Compound makes the old tubs look new.

chair paint (Olympic Premium, white, satin, #33250)

flush-mounted ceiling fixtures (Good Earth Lighting, fluorescent, Neptune White, #51017) under-cabinet lights (Portfolio, low-voltage halogen, 2-light, #42585)

**Does not include lead time for special-order materials. †Availability varies by market.

Lowe’s Installation Available Lowe’s can provide guaranteed professional installation of cabinetry, countertops, appliances, faucets, and interior lighting.

innovat i✺ n » At Lowe’s, we bring you new products that enhance and simplify your life. Two innovative choices make this laundry room more energy-efficient.

■ The

Samsung washer features new technology that uses stainless steel ball bearings to balance loads and reduce noise and vibration. The dryer (shown above) includes nine drying cycles, five temperature selections, a stainless steel drum, and a special rack for delicate clothing.

ENERGY STAR® qualified compact fluorescent recessed lights from Halo (right) conserve power and lower energy bills.

■ The

Save With ENERGY STAR® A qualified washer can lower your utility bills by as much as $110 per year.

LowesCreativeIdeas.com

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❉

SHOP SMART

Green Products

GO GREEN, SAVE GREEN

Low-Flow Showerhead

Heat-Control Platinum Window Film

(Delta, #39694)

(Gila, #43064)

» COST: $35 » BENEFIT: Select a showerhead that features water-saving settings and gives the feeling of a high-flow shower with less water. It uses an average of 25 gallons per 10-minute shower, so it can reduce energy bills up to $145 annually.

» COST: About $25 for a 2- x 15-foot roll » BENEFIT: Cover your windows with this protective film, and watch your energy bills drop. It reflects 70% of summer heat and 99% of UV rays. The film also helps to retain up to 55% of your home’s circulated heat during winter months. You could save up to $260 annually, depending on where you live.

Dimmer Switches (Lutron, #110361, #211641, #70758, #18663)

» COST: Between $20 and $50 » BENEFIT: Dimming your lights reduces the amount of energy needed and preserves the bulb life. If you dim them by only 25%, you’ll save 20% electricity, and your bulbs will last up to four years longer.

Smart changes in your home can equal a big payoff for the environment and your budget.

Air Filters

❉

Look no further than your own home for ways to make a difference.

You’ve seen how to transform large spaces in our kitchen and laundry makeovers, but small improvements matter too. Thanks to environmentally friendly products, helping to sustain our planet’s resources can be as simple as changing a light bulb.

Replacing a few household items with energy-saving options not only can reduce air pollution and greenhouse gases, but also can save you valuable dollars each month.

Check out these budget-friendly products that will help make your home more energy efficient.

42

Lowe’s Creative Ideas

(Dust Shield, #67707, #66877) (Filtrete, #222390, #12376)

Weather Stripping » COST : Around $10 per roll » BENEFIT: Adding or replacing the weather stripping around doors and windows prevents drafts and dust from entering your home. This, combined with ensuring that other leaks are sealed and your home is properly insulated, can cut your energy bills by 10%.

» COST: $5 to $20 » BENEFIT: Replacing your air filter every one to three months not only sifts out pollutants and allergens for cleaner indoor air, but it also keeps the HVAC system running at its peak and prevents it from working harder, which wastes energy. Overworking your system also may result in costly repairs to major parts of your system.

ENERGY STAR

Qualified Windows » COST: Starting at $140 » BENEFIT: New materials, multiple panes, and low-energy glass all work together to better insulate the home. You could reduce your annual energy bills by as much as 20% and save $125 to $450 a year.

Green Idea The demand for electricity could decrease by 125 billion kilowatt hours (the annual output of 16 power plants) if half the light switches in every American home were replaced with dimmer controls.

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) (Bright Effects, #46428, #80424, #82382)

Programmable Thermostat » COST: Between $30 and $100 » BENEFIT: It allows you to set an exact climate that adjusts to your needs (whether you are at home or away).

This eliminates energy production when it’s not needed. An ENERGY STAR programmable thermostat can save you up to $150 per year when used properly.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TED TUCKER

Save With ENERGY STAR® For more ways to save on energy bills and the environment, look for ENERGY STAR and other energy-saving products at your local Lowe’s. And visit Lowes.com/Energy for a helpful energy-saving checklist.

» COST: $2 to $5 per bulb, depending on the size » BENEFIT: CFLs today supply the best lighting quality ever and are available in styles such as dimmable, three-way, decorative, and outdoor. ENERGY STAR CFL bulbs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, plus they can be used up to 10 times longer, resulting in lower energy bills and fewer trips to the store for replacements. You also could save $30 or more over the bulb’s lifetime.

LowesCreativeIdeas.com

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A striking palette and eco-friendly features live well within traditional design.

Appetite

color

for

This family craved an energy-efficient and casually sophisticated kitchen. Luckily, green living isn’t confined to a particular design or lifestyle anymore—this makeover shows that green can look great in any home.

44

The small island is made from the same cabinetry and countertops used throughout the kitchen. Thanks to casters attached to the bottom, the island can be moved around the room to provide more usable space where it’s needed most.

P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y H O WA R D L E E P U C K E T T

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45

8'11" 3'4" oven/ microwave range

“I love the layers of warm color—caramel cork floor and

14'

dishwasher 12'

countertops, dark chocolate cabinets, and spicy red walls.”

refrigerator

2'11"

What They Did

The cabinetry has simple recessed panel doors reminiscent of Shaker-style furniture. The clean lines allow the room’s dramatic color scheme to shine.

C H A L L E N G E : This kitchen lacked suitable storage and countertop space; it also needed improved traffic flow for the large family.

Additionally, the appliances were dated and inefficient.

» THE

1

2

3

4

S O L U T I O N : Removing a pantry, an unused door, and part of the wall adjoining the dining room created a more functional area. Carefully chosen products, such as ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances and renewable cork flooring, provide a more eco-friendly kitchen. Thanks to a dramatic color scheme, this space also satisfies the homeowners’ style.

» THE

Casual Vibe

BEFO

46

Lowe’s Creative Ideas

The homeowners chose cork flooring because it’s made from renewable materials. In addition to being eco-friendly, cork provides a soft surface underfoot.

RE

❉

1 Cup pulls in a satin-nickel finish complement the metallic finishes used throughout the room; they’re also easy to grasp.

Sought-after butcher-block countertops help maintain the kitchen’s casual style. 2 A stainless wall oven and microwave combo provides convenience. The base cabinet underneath offers space for storing pots and pans. 3 The vent hood has a high CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating for better air filtration.

4 A pot filler in a polished-chrome finish eliminates the need for carrying heavy pots from the sink to the cooktop.

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“We promised ourselves that if

we remodeled our kitchen, we would make sure to save money on our energy bills.”

❉ 1

Good To Know You can grow many kinds of plants in pots placed near windows that receive plenty of light. Herbs make the perfect choice for a kitchen window garden.

TREND U P D AT E

Eco-Friendly » When you make thoughtful, environmentally conscious choices, you’re also taking steps to improve the design in your home. For example, the eco-friendly aspect of cork flooring helps you feel good about conserving resources, but it provides a more personal benefit as well —cork flooring features a comfortable cushioned feel underfoot, so it’s easier on your feet and knees. As with all design choices, the best eco-friendly elements are ones that make your home work better for you.

2

❉

Engaging Space 1 The homeowners removed part of the wall between the kitchen and the dining room to give both spaces a more open feel and to allow kids or friends to sit at the breakfast bar without getting in the cook’s way. The kitchen receives ample lighting from pendant lights above the breakfast bar, as well as four ENERGY STAR recessed fixtures and under-mounted cabinet lights. 2 A special dish drawer with pegs is available through Diamond Cabinet’s Logix line of storage solutions. The pegs can be moved to accommodate dishes of various sizes. 3 This ENERGY STAR qualified dishwasher features an UltraQuiet Sound Insulation package. Cabinetry to the right of the dishwasher has rounded edges to mimic the countertop.

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Lowe’s Creative Ideas

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

3

Good To Know An under-sink filtration system (like the one installed in this kitchen) gives you clean water conveniently.

It also can help you save money and reduce the waste that comes from purchasing filtered water in plastic bottles.

The stainless steel double-bowl apron sink is under-mounted to make cleaning the countertops easier—crumbs can be swept straight into the sink. A polished-chrome bridge faucet adds an elegant touch. Creamcolored subway tiles line the window ledge and provide an easy-to-clean backsplash.

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Going Green Environmentally friendly design is within your reach. Check out these suggestions.

» Save

Choose ENERGY STAR products, from light bulbs and kitchen appliances to ceiling fans and dehumidifiers, to help you save energy and help the environment. An added benefit—you could save up to 30% on utility bills.

» Reuse Salvage items large and small that are in good

Keep a recycling bin in or near your kitchen so that you easily can designate items for recycling.

» Conserve To conserve water, turn off the tap while

» Compost Suitable kitchen scraps, such as coffee grounds

brushing your teeth in the morning and at bedtime, which can save up to 8 gallons of water per day. It’s also important to promptly fix any drips or leaks; a leaky toilet can waste about 200 gallons of water per day. To conserve energy, establish the habit of turning off the lights when you leave a room.

and apple cores, can be made into compost. Composting can reduce household waste and supply organic material for your garden.

» Renew Seek out items made from rapidly renewable, sustainably harvested, or recycled materials. Options for flooring include cork and bamboo, as well as recycled or recyclable carpet or linoleum made from natural linseed oil.

Lowe’s List ■ ■

■

Skill level: Advanced Rough cost estimate . $26,525* Cabinetry. . . . . . . . . . . $14,110 Countertops and backsplash. . . . . . . . . . . $4,530 Appliances. . . . . . . . . . . $5,145 Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,560 Paint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $125 Flooring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $625 Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $335 Accessories. . . . . . . . . . . . . $95 Rough time estimate: 2 months**

CABINETRY

cabinets (Diamond, Gresham Cherry, Chocolate, special order)

butcher-block countertops (special order†)

Lowe’s Creative Ideas

gray grout APPLIANCES

refrigerator (Frigidaire, stainless, Model FRS6LF7GS, #208225) dishwasher (Frigidaire, stainless, Model FDB2415LFC, #18522††) 30-inch gas cooktop (Frigidaire, stainless, Model FGC30S4DC, #107565††)

30-inch wall-mounted hood

knobs (Diamond, Ultra Brushed Nickel, Model RH24, special order) COUNTERTOPS AND BACKSPLASH

backsplash tile (3- x 6-inch, American Olean, Greenwich Village, Biscuit MT11, special order)

30-inch wall oven/microwave (Frigidaire, stainless, Model PLEB30M9EC, special order)

cup pulls (Diamond, Bright Satin Nickel, Model RH30, special order)

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shape and simply could use a face-lift. If you need to get rid of old sinks or appliances, give them to charity or sell them in a yard sale (instead of hauling them to the landfill).

» Recycle

» Select For your household cleaning, look for naturally derived cleaning supplies, such as the line of products from Method, or opt for age-old solutions, such as baking soda and vinegar.

» Imagine

Think about accessible design as a part of green design. You’ll help ensure the longevity of your home and conserve resources that would be spent on changes down the road.

sink faucet (Giagni, Hudson, polished chrome, Model H1-PC, special order) pot filler (Giagni, polished chrome, Model KPT-PCL, special order) under-sink water filtration system (Whirlpool, Premium, #152246)

ACCESSORIES

coffeemaker (Cuisinart, #138000) *Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market.

walls (Valspar Ultra Premium, Terra Cotta Red 2004-3A, eggshell)

**Does not include lead time for special-order materials.

trim (Valspar Ultra Premium, Snow Cap 7003-8, semi-gloss) butcher-block oil and finish (Watco, #43860) FLOORING

cork (Natural Flooring, Rhonda, Natural 800101, special order)

PLUMBING

LIGHTING

4 recessed lights under-mounted cabinet lights pendants (Portfolio, polished nickel, #205839)

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

dimmer switches (Lutron, stainless steel, #239660)

PAINT

(Broan, Rangemaster, stainless, Model RM523004, special order)

under-mounted apron sink (Elkay, stainless steel, Model ELUHF3320, special order)

wall plates (Lutron, stainless steel, #21069)

†Availability varies by market. ††Available by special order in some stores.

Lowe’s Installation Available Lowe’s can provide guaranteed professional installation of flooring, cabinetry, countertops, faucets, interior lighting, and sinks.

Save With ENERGY STAR® Qualified appliances can help you save on utility bills.

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ne O

BREAKFAST

Banquette

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Cool l Thing . .

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Lowe’s Creative Ideas

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CONVERTIBLE

Laundry

You don’t have to change everything to make a big difference— one cool idea can transform any room. Let these three great projects inspire you.

❉ CHICKEN-WIRE

Doors

. .cann cchange your space.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN FRANCIS

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STYLING BY MISSIE NEVILLE CRAWFORD

Lowe’s List ■ ■

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Skill level: Intermediate Rough cost estimate . . . . . . . . $1,040* Lumber and millwork . . . . . . . . . . $205 Hardware and supplies . . . . . . . . $105 Decorative accessories . . . . . . . . $730 Rough time estimate: 2 weekends**

LUMBER AND MILLWORK 4 (6-foot-long) 1 x 2s† 3 (48- x 96-inch) sheets of 3⁄4-inch birch plywood†

» The banquette was customized to fit perfectly under the room’s windows, sparing the expense of replacing them.

2 (48- x 96-inch) sheets of 1⁄4-inch beaded-board paneling 3 (8-foot-long) pieces of 15⁄8- x 5⁄8-inch pine panel moulding††

HARDWARE AND SUPPLIES 1 box (21⁄2-inch) wood screws 1 box 6d finishing nails 3 (16-inch) precision drawer glides (#61081)

wood glue (Titebond II, #41217) paintable wood filler primer (Kilz, #124986) paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Woodrow Wilson Maize 3005-8C, semi-gloss)

» The banquette not only offers cushioned seating, but it also provides plenty of storage space.

DECORATIVE ACCESSORIES

fabric used to make cushions (canvas drop cloth, #126332)

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window shades (Bali Natural Shades, Tobago, Tranquil, special order)

COOL THING

1

Breakfast

Banquette

*Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market. **Does not include lead time for special-order materials. †Availability varies by market. ††Available by special order in some stores.

Lowe’s Installation Available Lowe’s can provide guaranteed professional installation of blinds.

BEFORE

» Hot Problem: This family wants their dining room to serve as a functional spot for the kids to play games or work on crafts, yet still be a place to enjoy casual meals together. » Cool Solution: With a custom banquette built for the room, the homeowners create an eating area that includes extra storage as well.

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Lowe’s Creative Ideas

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“The kids love this room for crafts and games, but it’s also great for family meals.”

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“I use this space as both a laundry room and a hospitality area for entertaining.”

» The homeowner can sort and fold her laundry on the new countertop and store detergent and other items on the shelving unit below.

» With laundry items hidden behind the striped drapery panels, the homeowner can lay out food and beverages on the countertop when she entertains.

Lowe’s List ■ ■ ■

Skill level: Intermediate Rough cost estimate: $700* Rough time estimate: 2 days**

laminate countertop (Formica Laminate, Folkstone American Granite 658, special order) paint (Valspar Ultra Premium, Cloudy Sunset 3005-8A, eggshell) lamps (Portfolio, bronze, #59340) drapery panels (Designables, Allison Stripe, blue, #213435) drapery rod (Beme, iron bronze, #241698)

drapery clip rings (Beme, iron bronze, #241710) mirror (Gardner, Contempo pewter, #195276)

laundry cart (Whitmor, chrome, #116519) *Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market. **Does not include lead time for special-order materials.

Lowe’s Installation Available Lowe’s can provide guaranteed professional installation of countertops and lighting.

2 Laundry

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COOL THING

Convertible

» Hot Problem: With a limited amount of space BEFORE

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in her house, the homeowner needs this room to pull double duty. » Cool Solution: Adding a sturdy countertop and hemmed drapery panels to conceal the washer and dryer produces the perfect multifunctional space. The room works as a laundry on a daily basis and a hospitality area when needed.

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Green Idea Refreshing the cabinets, rather than replacing them, saved the homeowner’s budget. Reusing and updating existing items also can be an environmentally friendly choice.

“I feel like I am back in France. I’m so happy with these cabinets.”

Lowe’s List ■

» New door frames, built to fit

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the existing cabinetry, surround panels of hex netting. Instead of building new frames, you also could replace your existing door panels with the netting.

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Skill level: Intermediate Rough cost estimate: $435* Rough time estimate: 2 days

lawn and garden hex netting (3- x 25-foot, Garden Plus, #92667) 6 (6-foot-long) 1- x 3-inch boards**

paint, inside cabinets (Valspar Ultra Premium, Pale Butter 3003-3C, semi-gloss)

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COOL THING

Chicken-Wire

3

Doors

» Hot Problem: These kitchen cabinets need

paint, outside cabinets (Valspar Ultra Premium, Du Jour 7002-6, semi-gloss) mushroom knobs (Gatehouse, satin nickel, #226910) hinges (Belwith, satin nickel, #115718) coffee/espresso/cappuccino maker (Krups, #186162) *Does not include labor costs or applicable taxes, which vary by market. **Availability varies by market.

BEFORE

a fresh look without being completely replaced.

The homeowner longs to infuse the décor style of France, the country where she grew up, into the room. » Cool Solution: Adding custom-built doors with simple chicken-wire panels evokes a casual, natural feeling of the French countryside, at a modest investment.

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In Your Community ...

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THIS MONTH:

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fluorescent bulbs in the light fixtures are designed to last years longer and use significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs. And longer-lasting bulbs mean less waste in landfills.

The house’s windows—double paned for extra insulation—are glazed with a special low-emissivity (Low-E) coating that blocks the sun’s warmth in the summer and lets it in during the winter.

Over the bedroom doors, a vent allows air to flow even when the doors are closed. This simple technique keeps temperatures consistent throughout the home and supports a healthy exchange of air.

In the hallway, a programmable thermostat saves energy by automatically lowering and raising the temperature as needed, whether the family is at home sleeping or away on a trip.

“If installed and used properly, a programmable thermostat can pay for itself in less than one year,” Chenard says. “There are very few products that give you that kind of a return on your investment.”

MA

NY

WI

WY NV

ME

MN

OR ID

NH

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FL

Mooresville North Carolina

HI

Green With Envy Habitat for Humanity builds a budget-conscious home, with the environment as a top priority. envy of homeowner Missy Larson’s* block, but not for its size. Most of the special features that make the 1,220square-foot, three-bedroom home unique can’t even be seen.

The Habitat for Humanity house is one of the most energy efficient, environmentally friendly homes in the area. Built in 2006 for under $75,000, the project proves that a residence does not need to cost a fortune to save energy and help sustain our planet’s resources.

“On average, my monthly electric bill is between $30 to $50,” Larson says.

“And that’s for the lights and the heat— for everything.” (The owner of a similarsized home down the street said her average bill is many times higher.)

Thoughtfully chosen products and design elements make this an energyefficient, user-friendly Habitat home.

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Lowe’s Creative Ideas

This Habitat house showcases a new energy-saving item that every home needs.

The Larson home includes as many environmentally friendly products as it could hold, from the linoleum floors (a material made To learn more about from renewable Habitat for Humanity, linseed oils) to including building the metal roof (a opportunities in your area, recyclable product visit Habitat.org. that’s built to last 100 years).

As word spreads about this home’s green features and healthy characteristics, more and more people are asking for a tour to collect ideas for their own homes. “All I know is that it’s a great house,” Larson says. “It’s quiet and warm and wonderful. I just feel especially blessed.”

Good To Know

Details Make the Difference

Michael Chenard, Lowe’s director of environmental affairs, and Allen Nelson, a Lowe’s industrial designer, helped local Habitat builders incorporate various smart features into Larson’s home. They started by insulating the crawlspace

Tankless Water Heater

Endless Earth-Friendly Options

with plastic sheeting and attaching foam boards to the cinder-block walls.

“Covering the dirt in a crawlspace with plastic is one of the best things a homeowner can do,” Nelson says. “Even if you take plastic sheeting and spread

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2007

it out without attaching it to the walls, it’s going to make a huge difference in the home’s air quality.”

Many of the fixtures and materials in Larson’s home were chosen with product life cycles in mind. The compact

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHANE JORDAN/SPC

This North Carolina house is the

ECO PRODUCT

In a closet off of Missy Larson’s laundry room, a tankless water heater takes up a fraction of the space of a typical tank. And because the boiler only operates when hot water is needed, it also uses a fraction of the energy.

“Tankless water heaters save energy because they only heat the water you’re going to use. A typical water heater keeps all of the water inside of the tank heated all the time,” says Michael Chenard, Lowe’s director of environmental affairs.

“That would be like leaving your oven on all the time whether you’re using it or not.”

A water-circulating pump under the kitchen sink kicks in with the press of a button and, within seconds, pulls hot water to all of the faucets.

What’s the environmental benefit? Less cold water pouring down the drain as Larson waits for hot water. Instead, she presses one of the doorbelltype buttons installed in her bath and kitchen and then waits half a minute before turning on the water. “It’s always there and always hot, right when I need it,” she says.

To incorporate this technology into your home, choose from several options at Lowe’s, including the water heater shown here (Bosch, #241451*). *Available by special order in some stores.

*Name changed for privacy.

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G R E AT F I N D S

The homeowners in our featured articles chose these products from Lowe’s to help them achieve an eco-friendly home.

Renewable Resources

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Innovative Uses

CORK FLOORING looks great.

Better yet, it’s made from the bark of the cork oak tree, which can be harvested every nine years without affecting the tree itself. Cork floors are long lasting, insulating, and moisture resistant.

BEING ENVIRONMENTALLY

conscious is also about finding unexpected solutions. This chicken wire dresses up cabinet doors, eliminating the need for all new cabinets.

Go Green

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NOW ANY ROOM in your

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home can be green with Olympic Premium paint.

It’s Green Seal Certified and contains zero VOCs, releasing less toxins, which benefits you and the environment.

It also dries with no lingering odor.

PA G E

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Materials That Last MOST METAL ROOFING

comes with 30- or 40-year warranties. Products that have staying power also are eco-friendly. Using them conserves materials and eliminates waste of replacements.

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Sustainably Grown NATURAL BLINDS are made from bamboo, which is a sustainable natural resource. Bamboo grows quickly, so it can be harvested often. These blinds lend a casual, organic style befitting any nature lover’s home.

To subscribe, log onto LowesCreativeIdeas.com/Subscribe, or call 1-877-LOWES-02 (569-3702). If your address has an error that needs correction or you would like your name removed from our mailing list, please send your request with your address label to: Lowe’s Mail Preference, P.O. Box 35256, Greensboro, NC 27425-5256.

P.O. BOX 35256

Greensboro, North Carolina 27425-5256

JUST IN

Hands-on workshops let you and your children build together.

September’s clinics teach kids how to make a bird feeder and a tool picture frame for those back-to-school photos. For October, kids can receive a fire truck kit to remind them about home safety.

Later in the month, kids can build a hanging spider project. Sign up for these free clinics at Lowes.com/Clinics, or see your local store for details.

Check out these latest and greatest offerings from Lowe’s.

create a cleaner, healthier home » Clear the air of pollutants with filters and

HOW-TO

VIDEOS

» Before you start your next

Big Idea, Big Difference:

improvement project, learn from the experts at Lowe’s. Go online for helpful videos that are full of tips and tricks of the trade on tasks such as installing tile flooring and replacing a toilet. Visit Lowes.com/DITV.

Katrina Cottages

» Lowe’s is helping to meet the need for affordable housing with the Lowe’s Katrina Cottage series plans and designs. With attractive styling, and designed to be constructed in as little as six to eight weeks, the cottages are clear choices for hurricane-affected areas as well as vacation homes or guest houses. For more details on how to purchase plans, visit Lowes.com/KatrinaCottage.

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purifiers. Filter the water with devices that fit in your fridge or on your faucet.

Clean the surfaces by disinfecting to reduce germs, especially in your kitchen and bath.

Beginning October 1, visit Lowes.com/HealthyHome for more information on keeping your home home safe and healthy.

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