Lawrence, KS March 2024

HOME + DESIGN READY FOR GOOD IS MORE THAN A FURNITURE

HOW TO MAKE A HOUSE FEEL LIKE HOME

REAL ESTATE EXPLORE THE ARCHITECTURAL HOME STYLES OF LAWRENCE

SURFACE EXPERTS

THE GO-TO GUYS FOR ALL OF YOUR SURFACE REPAIR NEEDS

Surface Experts of Lawrence and Topeka offer innovative solutions for homeowners facing the issue of wear and tear or damage on various surfaces within their homes. This group specializes in the repair of appliances, countertops, tubs and showers, sinks, and virtually any surface that can be found in a home. The key benefit of their service is restoring damaged surfaces to look like new, providing homeowners with a costeffective alternative to expensive replacements.

The advantages of opting for Surface Experts of Lawrence and Topeka are multifaceted for homeowners. First and foremost, financial savings are significant. Replacing kitchen countertops, bathroom fixtures, or appliances can be a hefty investment, often costing thousands of dollars. Surface Experts repair services are a fraction of the cost, allowing homeowners to maintain their home’s aesthetic and functionality without breaking the bank.

Beyond the financial benefits, choosing to repair rather than replace has environmental implications. By refurbishing what’s already there, homeowners contribute to reducing waste and conserving resources, aligning with more sustainable living practices. This approach saves money and supports environmental stewardship by extending the life of existing materials.

The expertise of Surface Experts in handling a wide range of materials, from natural stone to laminates and metals, means that homeowners can trust the integrity and appearance of their

Jon Hamilton & Brandon Tucker Owners of Surface Experts - Lawrence & Topeka

repaired surfaces. Their specialized techniques ensure that repairs are durable and seamlessly blend with the original material, preserving the home’s overall look and feel.

Furthermore, the convenience factor cannot be overstated. Surface Experts of Lawrence and Topeka provide timely and efficient services, minimizing the disruption to daily life that major replacements can cause. This means less downtime for important home areas like kitchens and bathrooms, allowing for a smoother, more manageable maintenance process. Surface Experts can also repair damage on furniture, floors, and appliances.

No Place Like Home

How do you define home? I’ve lived in many types of homes—apartments, houses, and even one mansion in New England. I’ve always made my home a safe harbor from life. I don’t mean a fortress with bars on the windows and guard dogs. I create a comforting space to come to after a day out in the world.

My home’s necessities include comfy seating, cozy throws, a full pantry, and books. Lots and lots of books! Someone recently asked me if I’ve read all the books displayed in my large bookcases. I proudly said yes while secretly being happy he couldn’t see the shelves in my bedroom full of ones waiting their turn.

This Home issue is full of ideas and information to help make where you live your personal safe harbor, whatever that means for you. It includes a delightful furniture store, Ready for Good, whose mission goes way beyond what they sell. Plus, Cookshop on 8th, is a cooking school to help you explore new dishes to try in your kitchen. We also take you on a journey through the home architectural styles that bring beauty to our city, and offer ideas to make your house feel more like home. Plus, much more!

We are so lucky to be the ones bringing you stories about the businesses and individuals that comprise this city, and we hope the small lens into their lives and work helps everyone in this community feel closer together.

As you flip through the pages of this issue, we want you to feel encouraged and connected to the people around you - in your city, neighborhood and most of all - your home.

Every month, we hear from readers thrilled to see familiar faces on our cover and places both new and beloved. We feel proud to create a resource valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

Seek joy. Cherish love. Stay curious.

LINDA DITCH, EDITOR @LAWRENCEKSCITYLIFESTYLE

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Denise DeTommaso denise.detommaso@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Linda Ditch | linda.ditch@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER Meredithe McCormick meredithe.mccormick@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Nathan Hutchcraft | nathan@fabuluxmedia.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Linda Ditch, Denise DeTommaso, Darin White

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Anthony Fergola, Kristol Kumar, Darin White

Modern kitchen and laundry appliances offer more than just aesthetic appeal. They promise convenience and energy savings. Local support is an added benefit when purchasing from companies who provide both sales and services. Stoneback Appliance is the only local appliance store in Lawrence, a huge advantage for homeowners sourcing appliances for their kitchen or laundry.

THE STONEBACK TEAM: (LEFT TO RIGHT) JIMMY, TANNER, ANDY, BREVEN, JACK, JOHN, AND JEFF.

ADVANCEMENTS IN MODERN KITCHEN & LAUNDRY APPLIANCES

The evolution of kitchen and laundry appliances is marked by innovations that reduce energy and water consumption and improving user experience.

Refrigerators come with variations in size and features like water filtration and side-by-side or single door. They also have electronic options that inventory items inside and suggest recipes. Induction cooktops and energyefficient ovens reduce cooking times, and the ovens can now be equipped to air fry. Advanced dishwashers ensure cleanliness with minimal water waste and additional shelves for more capacity.

The laundry room has witnessed similar advancements. Modern washing machines and dryers are equipped with sensors to optimize water and energy use based on the load, with some models offering smartphone connectivity to monitor and control cycles remotely. These intelligent appliances offer convenience and contribute to a more sustainable living environment.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF LOCAL SUPPORT

The sophistication of modern appliances necessitates a support system that can address installation, maintenance, and repair with expertise and efficiency. This makes local companies invaluable to homeowners. Stoneback has been in business since 1958 and possesses an intimate knowledge of their product range, allowing them to provide recommendations that align perfectly with their customers’ specific needs and preferences. The team can also order special sizes that are not in-store to best fit your space.

Being local means Stoneback Appliance can provide prompt, reliable support, ensuring minimal inconvenience to homeowners. Their proximity allows quicker response times for repairs and maintenance. They also can install your new modern appliance, so it integrates with smart home systems and haul away the old one.

Owners Andy Vigna and Jeff Cullen agree, “We are the only local appliance store and are different in that we provide ongoing full-service and support. We sell and serve appliances and stay with our clients. We deliver, install, and haul. With 65 years of experience, we are proud of the extra benefits we provide here in Lawrence.”

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KRISTOL KUMAR

On Connecticut Street is a furniture store that will delight anyone looking to decorate a space or spruce up their home. Ready for Good is a bright, upbeat place filled with furniture and accessories fitting any style. Need a rug to brighten up a bedroom? They have it. An armchair for the family room. Yep, they have that too. How about new kitchen chairs or living room lamps? There are lots to pick from. Best of all, everything is priced much less than what you’d find at other stores.

However, Ready for Good has a much bigger mission. Addison and Lydia Shockley opened the store almost two years ago to give young people in the foster care and juvenile justice system a way to acquire skills necessary for success in life and the workforce. They train and mentor 50 or more youth annually in a “Furnished for Good” program. In an average of 10 weeks, these young people get paid work experience, life training, job readiness skills, mentorship, and support services for the future. Addison explains, “For many youth, this is their first job. So, it’s an opportunity to get introduced to the world of work. What are the expectations that might be different from home or from what it’s like to just hang out with your friends or at school? It’s a different world. And so we teach the youth here what’s appropriate and not appropriate for the workplace. We have a 12-skill curriculum we go through. Then they work, and we train them in the basic expectations of employers.”

The store also offers job training for young adults getting their GED at Peasley Tech. Addison insists they have a child welfare or juvenile justice

system background. This program benefits the store because it gives them workers at different times of the day than the teenagers who have to work within the public school schedule.

Chandler King sees the shop’s mission in action each day. He started working at the store to fulfill a community service requirement. The Shockleys liked his work so much that they offered him a job. Now, he spends his days putting together furniture and preparing it for display.

“It’s a nonprofit to help kids and people in need, and I think it’s just a really cool place to work,” King says. “I like how they help the people that need community service get their hours, and I like how they help the youth and their job training program. It’s very cool to see.”

Running a nonprofit furniture store with this mission was not in Shockley’s life plan. Addison was working on his PhD to become a university professor in communications. While working on his dissertation,

Chandler King gets assistance from Cyrus Shockley while assembling furniture.

he worked at the O’Connell Children’s Shelter. There, he discovered he liked working with kids living on the margins and seeing life in a broken home as normal.

Then, when he was working on the weekends at his parent’s Lee’s Summit furniture store, the idea came to him: A furniture store that gives jobs to kids like the ones with which he worked.

“Addison is really good with teenagers,” says Lydia. “He seems serious right now, but he can be goofy, and for whatever reason, they all just love him. They look up to him. They listen to him. It’s a perfect match there.”

Most of the furniture and accessories sold at Ready for Good are new liquidated pieces from places like Wayfair, Target, Amazon, and other home goods stores. The items are cleared from the warehouse shelves to make room for new stock. A few pieces may have been returns that the retailers didn’t want to deal with, and others are excellent, high-quality donations. Customers benefit from the lower prices, and all pieces are assembled before selling.

“It’s like Christmas every time we get a truckload,” Addison says. “We get all kinds of stuff, and it’s always diverse. You never know what will be inside.”

Ready for Good is located at 708 Connecticut Street. The store also has an online shop at ShopReadyForGood.com, where you can purchase furniture and learn more about their mission and how you can help.

“I think people like to shop here because it’s a winwin,” Addison says. “They get something they want while also supporting us.”

RUESCHHOFF SECURITY SYSTEMS

Lawrence’s Trusted Security Experts

In the modern era, home security has transcended traditional alarms and locks, evolving into sophisticated systems that protect against unauthorized entry and safeguard for threats like fire. The Rueschhoff Team understands both the changes and advantages of installing the latest home security options and are happy to help you with your system.

ENHANCED PROTECTIVE MEASURES

The cornerstone of contemporary home security lies in advanced surveillance systems. These systems now boast high-definition cameras, motion detection, night vision, and even facial recognition technology. Fire and carbon monoxide sensors can also be incorporated into your system. Alerts can be customized, ensuring homeowners receive instant smartphone notifications for unusual activity and providing real-time security insights. As Rueschhoff has the only local monitoring team in the State of Kansas working 24 hours per day here in the area, you get the local service with a system installation. No one else can offer this in Lawrence.

To learn more about home security and your options, visit RueschhoffSecurity.com or call them at 785-843-2182 and schedule a consultation with the team to advise further on what works best in your home.

INTEGRATION WITH SMART HOME DEVICES

Integrating security systems with smart home technology marks a significant leap toward operational convenience. Homeowners can now seamlessly control various aspects of their home security, such as arming and disarming systems, adjusting lights, locking and unlocking doors, and regulating thermostats, all through a single interface on their smartphones or tablets. This not only enhances security but also promotes energy efficiency and convenience.

REMOTE MONITORING & ACCESSIBILITY

One of the most significant advantages of modern home security systems is the ability to monitor and control them remotely. Whether at work, on vacation, or just out running errands, the power to manage your home’s security is at your fingertips. This functionality extends to managing access to your home, where homeowners can issue temporary digital keys to visitors or service personnel.

CENTRALIZED, LOCAL MONITORING SERVICES

A key feature of today’s home security solutions is the support of centralized monitoring services. These services are operated locally and provide an added layer of security. In the event of a break-in or fire, the system automatically alerts a monitoring center staffed by security professionals who can assess the situation and dispatch emergency services if necessary. This rapid response capability prevents property damage and ensures personal safety.

Rueschhoff has a great relationship with local law enforcement agencies and works with them and the homeowner when they detect unusual activity respond accordingly.

Shayne Kahle and Warren White, Rueschhoff Security Systems

ARTICLE BY DENISE DETOMMASO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY FERGOLA

Cook! Come

In the heart of bustling downtown Lawrence, a unique culinary school has opened its doors, inviting adults and children on an extraordinary gastronomic journey. The Cookshop on 8th is the brainchild of Chef Carolyn Kumpe, who spent 37 years in California and French professional kitchens before coming to Kansas.

“My vision is to introduce students to new foods that are simple enough to take home and share with family and friends,” says Kumpe.

The school, founded on the belief that cooking is a universal language, offers classes designed for all ages to learn, cook, and appreciate foods from different cultures. This isn’t just any cooking class; it’s a vibrant celebration of global cuisine, where each session is a passport to a new country’s flavors and traditions.

I had the opportunity to visit this innovative school and was immediately struck by the warmth and excitement that filled the air. The kitchen was alive with the sounds of laughter and sizzling pans as students worked together to prepare dishes they’d never encountered before. What sets this school apart is its commitment to not just teaching recipes but also fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the cultures behind them.

Plus, I made the most wonderful ravioli! It was the best I’ve ever had in the U.S.

From the intricacies of rolling pasta to the bold flavors of Cajun, Japanese, Mexican, and many other global cuisines, each class is thoughtfully designed to ensure everyone can take part in the joy of cooking. The school also provides opportunities for group team building and parties for groups and families. And the best part is you can take your new skills home.

To learn more and see a list of available classes, check out CookshopOn8th.com

CONTINUED >

Chef Carolyn Kumpe teaching at Cookshop on 8th

ACTION PLUMBING

Celebrating 40 years of service in Lawrence

Action Plumbing has served the Lawrence, Kansas, community for 40 years and been recognized as Best of Lawrence for the past nine years. As a local service provider, they understand the local infrastructure and needs of the community. They focus on quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction.

Comprehensive Service Offerings

Action Plumbing provides extensive plumbing services that cater to every possible need, from routine maintenance and inspections to emergency repairs and installations. This includes resolving minor issues like leaky faucets and undertaking major projects like sewer line repairs and water heater installations. They provide a onestop solution for your plumbing requirements, eliminating the need to juggle multiple service providers.

Local Expertise and Familiarity

Personalized and Responsive Service

Action Plumbing prides itself on offering personalized service that treats each customer and their home with respect and attention to detail. They take the time to understand the unique aspects of each job, tailoring their approach to best meet the customer’s needs and preferences. Their responsiveness complements this personalized attention; being local means they can quickly attend to emergencies, reducing the risk of damage and inconvenience.

One of the standout advantages of Action Plumbing is its in-depth knowledge of Lawrence’s local plumbing systems and building codes. This expertise ensures that all services comply with regional regulations, preventing potential complications. Understanding locals helps them diagnose problems more quickly and accurately, leading to efficient

High-Quality Workmanship and Materials

Dedication to quality is a hallmark of Action Plumbing’s service. They employ skilled technicians, and many have been with them a long time. This commitment to excellence extends to their choice of materials, ensuring that only the highest quality products, which are both durable and cost-effective in the long run, are used for repairs and installations.

Transparent Pricing and Trustworthiness

Trust and transparency form the core of Action Plumbing’s customer service philosophy. They provide transparent, upfront pricing without hidden fees, ensuring customers are

Kevin Hoppe Owner, Action Plumbing

Kitchen Style

WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOUR NEXT REMODEL

When remodeling a kitchen, finding the perfect style can be overwhelming. The team at Paradise Carpet One Floor and Home helped outline a stepwise thought process to approach kitchen design with an eye for preferred décor, efficiency, and personal expression.

Erin Wyatt, owner and director of sales, explains, “When it comes to kitchen design, it’s about striking a balance between timeless elegance and functionality. The kitchen isn’t just a place for culinary exploration; it’s a multifunctional space that reflects your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.”

STEP 1. START WITH THE LAYOUT/MEASUREMENTS AND THE DESIGN PROCESS BEGINS

The layout is the skeleton of your kitchen. It dictates the flow and functionality of the space. Whether you prefer the classic L-shaped, the sociable U-shaped, or the sleek galley kitchen, the key is to optimize the layout for your cooking habits and social interactions. Remember the golden triangle—positioning your stove, sink, and refrigerator to make it easy to move between them. This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about creating a rhythm in your space that feels natural and unforced.

STEP 2. CHOOSING MATERIALS

Materials set the tone. Marble countertops exude elegance, butcher block brings warmth, and stainless steel offers a sleek, industrial edge. But beyond aesthetics, consider durability and maintenance. Your kitchen is a workhorse. Choose materials that can withstand the heat while maintaining their appearance.

ARTICLE BY DENISE DETOMMASO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY FERGOLA

“When it comes to kitchen design, it's about striking a balance between timeless elegance and functionality.”

Erin Wyatt

STEP 3. CHOOSING COLORS: A PALETTE THAT SPEAKS

Color influences mood. The palette should resonate with you whether you’re drawn to serene neutrals or bold hues. Consider the color of your walls, cabinetry, appliances, tile or wood, and even the finish on your faucet.

STEP 4. DON’T FORGET LIGHTING: THE MOOD MAKER

Lighting is transformative. It’s not just about illuminating your workspace. It’s about creating ambiance. Layer your lighting—ambient for overall illumination, task lighting for functionality, and accent lighting to highlight architectural features or objects.

STEP 5. THINK ABOUT PERSONALIZING WITH DETAILS

The contractors can do all the above for you, as much or as little as you like, and the project management team will manage every detail. And then comes the installation and your chance to personalize your space. This is where your kitchen becomes distinctly yours. A vintage rug, a collection of pottery, or a bespoke light fixture are the touches that infuse your kitchen with personality and turn it into a space that tells your story.

To learn more about how Paradise Carpet One can help with your kitchen design, visit ParadiseCarpetOneLawrence.com.

Architectural Home Styles of Lawrence

WHETHER NEW, CLASSIC, RETRO, OR CHIC, YOU CAN FIND SOMETHING TO LOVE

Let’s take a journey and explore the incredible diversity of a few homes in our town. Katie Hoke, a principal of the architectural firm Hoke Ley, says, “There is so much architectural character in Lawrence for a town in the Midwest. If architecture is done well, it tells about what is going on at the moment.”

When seeking out architecture in Lawrence, a good place to start is Old West Lawrence (OWL) and the abundance of beautiful homes in this area. According to the OWL Association website, the boundaries of this area are from 6th and 9th Streets on the north and south, the 600 block of Missouri St. and the 700 and 800 blocks of Arkansas St. on the west, and the alley east of Kentucky St. on the east.

Retired ear, nose and throat physician Bob Dinsdale has offered walking tours of specific houses in the OWL area. Both Dinsdale and Hoke noted the stately Victorian Queen Anne home owned by the Loomis family. Queen Anne architecture was one of the many Victorian revival styles popular in mid-late 19th Century America. Rather than each home being a replica of another, this style allowed free expression within architectural elements like wrap-around porches, differing wall textures, classical columns, spindle work, monumental chimneys, towers of different shapes, overhanging eaves, dramatic gables, painted balustrades, dentils, and oriel or bay windows.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARIN WHITE

Mid-Century Modern

A gorgeous 1887 house owned by Michel Loomis is a classic Queen Ann. Initially owned by postmaster George Innas, the house was sold to the Funk family, undertakers whose business eventually became The Warren/McElwain Mortuary. Loomis has spent the past 38 years in the home, offering hospitality of the grand house to many others, including hosting artists such as Faith Ringgold and Dale Chihuly. She has provided space for events by the Spencer Museum of Art, the Lawrence Arts Center, and many other individuals and organizations.

One block to the east of the Loomis estate is a Folk National Style home currently owned by Jon and Barb Heeb. This architectural style speaks to using materials readily available in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. The house was built in 1870 and added onto in 1898 with an addition built over a cistern. The project of a lifetime, according to Jon Heeb, was started in 2012 and finished in 2017. The Heeb’s work included digging out the cistern as part of a new basement and converting it into a stunning bathroom, all while caring for and maintaining the design style. The homeowners love the walkable location, the lifestyle, and the neighborhood.

There are many Mid-Century Modern homes in Lawrence. Not far in the Pinkney Neighborhood is a striking 1957-built home of this design nestled in the wooded landscape and renovated by Hoke Ley in 2021. This design structurally allows for removing support walls for an open space layout, allowing larger glass areas to be included. It’s a design concept described by the famous architect Louis Sullivan as “form ever follows function.” The house was honored by a local preservation society and is seen as this region’s defining Mid-Century Modern architectural structure.

Lawrence has been on the forward edge of design and style. Contemporary houses are as unique and varied as their fine art counterparts. Architect Dan Rockhill of Rockhill and Associates has created unique,

forward-thinking, interesting Contemporary design work for several years. Supported by progressives and creatives, many artists such as Rik Dishinger, Roger Shimomura and Janet Davidson-Hues have embraced Rockhill’s work for their homes and studios.

When asked what Contemporary architecture to highlight, architecture professor Anne Patterson responds, “An obvious choice would be the studio 804 houses on the 300 and 400 block of Indiana.”

Rockhill is also an Architectural professor and leads Studio 804, a not-for-profit group working in conjunction with the University of Kansas Architecture Department to provide hands-on training for Architectural Graduate students in their final year. A current eco-friendly project is also in the Pinkney area. It is a dark, striking, minimal-form home mounted with solar panels and windows covered in louvered wood.

Whatever your preference in style, you can find something to love here in our wonderful Midwestern city.

Folk National

Contemporary

Queen Ann

Feels Like Home

HOW TO TRANSFORM A NEWLY BUILT OR REMODELED HOUSE INTO A HOME

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY THIESSEN DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Stepping into a newly remodeled space is exciting for a homeowner. Running a hand across the new quartz countertop or marveling at the massive new family room fireplace is a satisfying moment. The house is ready for the next decades of living.

However, what makes a house transform into a home?

Tammy Thiessen, founder and creative director of Thiessen Design & Construction, a home builder and remodeler, has witnessed that transformation. She and her design team not only work on the remodeling details but also help homeowners with the décor to transform the new space into one that feels like their own.

She explains, “A family will have a sizable investment in the remodel we’ve built for them, and it’s when we finally come in at the end with all the finishing furniture and decor, they truly fall in love with the space. That is when the house completely feels like their home.”

When the Thiessen team starts working with a client, they extensively explore their aesthetic to figure out what moves them. What catches their eye? They ask big-picture questions to narrow down to a specific aesthetic. Do they gravitate toward warm colors or cool colors? Do they like high contrast or a more subtle color palette? Do they like texture or clean lines?

Thiessen says, “I typically start with asking a homeowner what their favorite room in the house is. If they love their bedroom or the porch, we can ask why they love it. What connects with them? Is there an object, a painting, or a piece of furniture they want to bring into this new space we’re working on? I want it to feel like their home.”

Thiessen says she starts designing a space by noting the most prominent view when you walk into the room. What is the main view that she sees? Then, she decides on the focal point. Sometimes, that’s a fireplace, window, range hood, or a large piece of art with a picture light above it.

“Sometimes I walk into a home, and there’s this beautiful range hood,” she says. “But it’s on a wall that nobody sees. You know the remodel is underserving the home. I would say the best way to elevate a home is to be clear on what the focal point is and then build everything to support that focal point without competing against it. And then, we start brainstorming. What are we going to do on that wall or that space?”

Once the team clearly understands the homeowner’s aesthetic, they create a 3D design presentation. That way, the homeowner can see details such as how a countertop will look with the chosen backsplash or how the couch fabric works with the paint color. If the remodel is in a historic home, the presentation shows how the selection will honor the original style and architecture of the house, often with the choice of historic paint colors and tile designs. The goal is to make the space feel as though it’s always been a part of the home.

The primary goal for the entire Thiessen staff, both on a project’s design and construction side, is to create a remodel that fits the client’s vision of their home— one they will enjoy for decades.

“I think home feels like the place you can be at rest,” Thiessen says. “And also, the place you can share with those you love.”

To learn more about Thiessen Design & Construction, visit TDesignCompany.com

“...home feels like the place you can be at rest...the place you can share with those you love.”

“I would say the best way to elevate a home is to be clear on what the focal point is and then build everything to support that focal point without competing against it.”

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH

costs Cut Cooling

It never fails: Just when your wallet gets a break from heating costs, air conditioner season arrives. Thank goodness there are ways to cut those bills in the inexpensive and investment price ranges.

Wayne Duncan of Dunco Heating, Cooling and Plumbing suggests homeowners start by having their system checked. “Servicing your A/C each year can help maintain the efficiency and dependability of the unit. Regular filter changes can also help with fewer breakdowns.”

Duncan noted the average age of an air conditioner is about 15 years. A few clues that it could be at the end of its life would be if it trips the breaker or blows a fuse and if there is excessive noise from the outdoor compressor.

“Servicing your A/C each year can help maintain the efficiency and dependability of the unit. Regular filter changes can also help with fewer breakdowns.”

Wayne Duncan of Dunco Heating, Cooling and Plumbing

Some additional tips to keep inside air cool include:

• Ensure all the vents are open and clear of obstructions blocking airflow.

• Seal the joints in the ductwork with aluminum foil tape to keep cool air from leaking out.

• Keep your thermostat at 78 degrees when you’re home and 85 degrees when you’re gone. However, don’t turn off the system completely. It takes more energy to cool a hot house.

• Take care of the outside compressor. Duncan recommends making sure it’s clear of debris and only running the air conditioner when the outside temperature is above 70.

• Plant shade trees. Placed in the right spot—the south and west side of the home—they can cut cooling costs by 25 to 50 percent!

• Use ceiling or stand fans. The moving air allows the thermostat to be set at 78 degrees and still feel comfortable. Plus, the fan uses less energy than lowering the thermostat.

• Check the weather stripping around the windows and doors to ensure the seal is tight when closed.

• Close the curtains, shades or blinds when the sun shines through. Tinted or low-E window film applied directly onto the glass also helps. These steps can cut your costs by 2 to 7 percent.

• Avoid using the oven, which will make the air conditioner work overtime to keep the house cool. Instead, use the microwave or toaster oven, grill outside, or eat at your favorite restaurant.

To talk with Duncan about air conditioning options, visit DuncoHC.com

To Buy or Not to Buy

What's Hot in the Lawrence Real Estate Market

ARTICLE BY LINDA DITCH

Real estate has had a bumpy ride over the past couple of years. Lawrence City Lifestyle decided to check in with Holly Garber, owner and broker of American Dream Reality, to check out the situation from someone on the inside.

LCL: OVERALL, HOW IS THE REAL ESTATE MARKET DOING IN LAWRENCE?

Garber:  The real estate market for the coming year will continue to be active since Lawrence and the Greater Kansas City area are growing and becoming increasingly attractive places to live and work. Despite the continued housing shortage both locally and nationally (of existing and new homes), buyers have maintained a strong interest in purchasing homes, while sellers are also looking to maximize the appreciation they’ve experienced in their properties.

LCL: ARE THERE A LOT OF HOMES ON THE MARKET?

Garber: Although inventories of homes for sale have risen over the past year, they remain far below the four to six months’ supply needed for a balanced market. As a result, we see that quality homes that are correctly positioned in the market continue to sell quickly, often with multiple offers. Home prices continue to rise at a steady clip due to the shortage of inventory. There are also a significant number of buyers who were waiting out the market and are now realizing that timing the market is never a good strategy, so they are entering the arena as well, often aggressively.

LCL:  I HEAR INTEREST RATES ARE COMING DOWN.

Garber: The National Association of REALTORS® August Economic Outlook projects that the 30-year fixed mortgage rate will fall to six percent by the end of 2024. The Fed has indicated that rates might slowly decline, but no one can be certain by how much.

LCL: ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE OUR READERS TO KNOW?

Garber: Make sure you thoroughly consider where you are in life, why you are moving, and your finances. As with any type of business market, ensuring you are getting the best guidance and assistance possible, whether buying or selling, has never been more critical. An experienced and knowledgeable advisor can be the difference between your offer as a buyer being accepted or rejected - it can also mean making or losing tens, even hundreds, of thousands of dollars when selling.

MARCH 2024

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

MARCH 12TH

Tiny Tours: Magical Music

Watkins Museum of History | 10:30 AM

During the school year, the Watkins's education team offers interactive, hands-on activities based on Lawrence's history for children ages 3-5 who have not entered school. Tours include story time, videos, time in the galleries, handling artifacts, arts, crafts, and games depending on the month’s topic. Children must be accompanied by an adult and you must enroll 48 hours prior. WatkinsMuseum.org

MARCH 16TH

Snakes and Scones

Prairie Park Nature Center | 6:00 PM

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Prairie Park Nature Center! Come meet our friendly snakes and enjoy some classic British scones. There will be giveaways too! Face painting and crafts for kids. It’s a guarantee you won’t find a celebration like this anywhere else. Admission is $10 and free for children aged 2 and under. LawrenceKS.org

MARCH 17TH

The 37th Annual St. Patrick's

Day Parade

Downtown and North Lawrence | 1:00 PM

Since 1988, The Lawrence St. Patrick's Day Parade has dazzled packed crowds in Downtown Lawrence, sharing our Irish spirit of charity and good fun. The Parade Committee has been committed for over  37 years to supporting Douglas County Children's organizations. The money raised from our Parade and each of our events goes directly to those charities.   LawrenceStPatricksDayParade.com

JERRY JENNINGS

Floor Trader Outlet owner

New flooring is one of the most dramatic ways to spruce up a space. It can also be an expensive one. Lawrence City Lifestyle talked with Floor Trader Outlet owner Jerry Jennings about how his warehouse can help with a homeowner’s remodeling or new construction project.

LCL: WHAT DOES FLOOR TRADER HAVE TO OFFER CUSTOMERS?

Jennings: Floor Trader Outlet is the value-driven, in-stock division of the largest flooring co-op in North America. Unlike some outlets, everything is first quality in our warehouse. We don’t sell seconds. We don’t sell off goods or imperfects. All merchandise is first quality, just discontinued, an overstock, or a special buy. We have room-size remnants and huge quantities of flooring for a full house. The quality didn’t change, but the price did.

LCL: WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR KINDS OF FLOORING PEOPLE ARE LOOKING FOR NOW?

Jennings: We have about a 50/50 percentage of carpet versus hard surface flooring. Of course, grey tones and versatile neutrals are still very popular.  In hard-surface floors, it’s medium-light colors. The trend is turning back to darker colors, which are prettier and more practical in my opinion. I like a

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multi-tone with a little sprinkle of color. Even if it’s subtle, it’s a practical camouflage for everyday use. And carpets are quieter, softer and warmer than hard surface floors. It’s your choice!

LCL: WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT NEW FLOORING?

Jennings: Everybody is online and watching the same DIY shows. They see something they like and then realize it’s out of their price range. So they come to the outlet to see what we have that’s classy and updated but affordable.

LCL: WHEN SOMEONE COMES HERE TO LOOK FOR CARPETING OR FLOORING, WHAT KIND OF INFORMATION DO THEY NEED TO BRING?

Jennings: Ideally, bring room sizes. Even if it’s just an approximation, we can start estimating based on what they say. Also, if you have samples of woodwork or a pillow from the couch or a bedspread, bring whatever you’ve got. That will help you decide when seeing your items with the actual roll of carpet or large display of flooring. We have samples, but it’s more accurate this way.

Never pick your paint first before your flooring. That’s always a mistake. You can be thinking about the color tint you want. You may know you will use green, and we’ll work in that direction. But buy your paint last. It’s always easier and less expensive to change the color of your paint than flooring. Of course, if the paint is already on the wall, we’ll work with it!

To learn more about The Floor Trader Outlet, go to FloorTraderLawrence.com