1-28-17 At Home

At

HOME

Room for visitors Kid-friendly space In-law Suites add space for all guests

Create a sophisticated and child-friendly home

A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer

2 At Home Saturday, January 28, 2017 Messenger-Inquirer

Table of Contents LETTER from the

EDITOR

Your home is a place for friendship, fellowship, food and family. To me, a home made for hosting is one of the best things a person can have.

Keep in mind though, you don’t need a picture-perfect home to be inspired to host others, but a few touchups and lots of love can make your home welcoming to everyone.

In this edition of At Home you will find how to make your home more kid friendly, an easy DIY project to beat the winter blues and how to update your kitchen cabinets with a fresh coat of paint.

I am still looking for homeowners who have tackled a big DIY or home renovation project or anyone who has an interesting story about their home. If you would like your story told, please contact me at mrichardson@messengerinquirer.com or 270-691-7233. — Meghann Richardson Special Publications Editor

IN-LAW SUITES page 6

GARDEN STORAGE page 7

KID SPACES page 8

on the cover

Hardwood Home: A trend that never goes out of style | PAGES 4-5

Messenger-Inquirer Saturday, January 28, 2017

DIY

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5 easy

projects to tackle this winter

BY BPT

The winter months are the perfect time to dig in and tackle easy DIY projects for an updated home you’ll enjoy all year long.

These five simple home improvement projects are incredibly easy, affordable and can be completed in three hours or less.

MARVELOUS MIRRORS

Mirror, mirror, on the wall, you’re looking a little shabby. Mirrors are timeless decor options, but the frames can look dated over time. Breathe new life into an old mirror by painting the frame a rich, modern color that pops within the current color scheme.

Another idea is to clean the frame and adhere mosaic tiles along the edge for a crafty, custom look.

HANDSOME HARDWARE

Old hardware makes any room look like a relic of yesteryear. A complete replacement can be costly, so instead opt to paint existing hardware. Simply remove and clean to eliminate grime.

Then use one of 11 colors of Krylon(R) Premium Metallic, like Pewter Gray or White Copper, to create a lustrous, high-gloss metallic finish in just a few coats.

DAZZLING DOORS

Dingy doors can get a stylish update with minimal effort when you add some interesting detailing to the panels.

Leftover wallpaper, for example, can be adhered to the panel sections for an eye-catching look. Another fun option, especially for kids’ rooms, is to spray paint panels with chalkboard paint.

Then kids can customize drawings and messages whenever they’d like with chalk markers.

LOVELY LAMPS

Those old lamps still have a lot of life left in them - they just need a fresh color and finish. Metallic colors are trending for 2017, so add a modern touch to treasured lamps with a fresh coat of spray paint. Use Krylon(R) Shimmer Metallic for some extra shine and shimmer to transform an old lamp into a new statement piece.

CHEEKY CHAIRS

Wood chairs are a household essential, but because they are used so frequently, they suffer a lot of wear and tear. There’s no need to replace when the finish is dull; just add some colorful pizzazz by painting with Krylon(R) ColorMaster(TM) Paint + Primer spray paint. No primer is needed, plus it dries in 10 minutes or less so you save time.

Vivid shades like Gloss Emerald Green and Satin Burgundy are guaranteed to pop. Follow the simple directions below to revamp your own wooden chairs: MATERIALS:

Krylon(R) ColorMaster(TM) Paint +Primer Protective gloves and eye wear Drop cloth to protect work surface Sandpaper Tack cloth

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Set up a spray area by covering work area with a drop cloth. Make sure it is in a well-ventilated area.

2. Read the spray paint can label for proper safety and application instructions.

3. Prep chair surface by lightly sanding. Then wipe down the surface with a tackcloth to remove dust and particles.

4. Apply even coats of ColorMaster Paint+Primer to the chair in a side-to-side motion. Slightly overlap each spray, working from the top down.

5. Recoat, per instructions, until the chair’s surface is completely covered.

6. Allow paint to dry completely.

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Saturday, January 28, 2017 Messenger-Inquirer

BY BPT

Hardwood may be one of the oldest building materials known to man, yet architects, designers and homeowners are always finding fresh ways to use it in the modern home. What’s the appeal? Flexibility and variety, for starters.

“We’re constantly delighted to see how traditional woods like oak and walnut are being employed with renewed flair and imagination,” says Linda Jovanovich, of the American Hardwood Information Center, www.hardwoodinfo.com. “Subtle tweaks can make something familiar, look innovative. The current trend is to take a classic hardwood application, like paneling or flooring, and give it a stylish, upto-the-minute twist. Here’s a look at what’s trending.”

1019 Lincoln Ave. t Evansville, IN 812-423-2338 t therugmerchantevansville.com

Exclusively at

Messenger-Inquirer Saturday, January 28, 2017

At Home

WIDE-PLANK FLOORING

Perhaps no recent trend has been more influential than the use of wide-plank hardwood flooring. Traditional plank widths, ranging from 2 1/4 to 3 1/2 inches, are still popular. But today’s homeowners often ask for widths between 5 and 7 inches, and there is even demand for up to 10 or 12 inches. “Wider floorboards can make a space look larger and more modern,” says Melissa Morgan of M Interiors in San Antonio, Texas, who has used the generously proportioned planks in traditional and contemporary homes. “With fewer seams, these floors can be treated like a canvas: ebonized oak or walnut for a sleek, dark look; light woods like ash or maple for a chic, urban vibe; weathered-gray tones for a slightly rustic affect the possibilities are endless.”

WOOD CEILINGS

It used to be that hardwood planks primarily went on floors or walls, but today they’re appearing on residential ceilings too. “Simple poplar beadboard, painted white or with a light natural stain, looks crisp and airy overhead, adding visual interest while remaining quiet and unassuming,” says Rebecca Ascher, Ascher Davis Architects in New York and Newport, Rhode Island. “For a more assertive affect, I might specify tongue-and-groove walnut or hickory, characterful woods that provide a degree of drama. For that reason, they’re best reserved for large, high-ceilinged rooms that are not easily overwhelmed. In smaller, lower spaces, a ceiling with too much personality can feel oppressive.”

MIX AND MATCH

Architects and designers, who once avoided using different varieties of hardwood in a single residential space, now mix and match them with newfound enthusiasm. Clearly contrasting wood tones - blond maple and black walnut, for example - create a striking effect that can work well in both traditional and contemporary settings. This is particularly true in kitchens, where a favorite configuration features upper cabinetry in a light-color wood such as birch, and lower cabinetry in a dark-color wood like cherry. The result is a space that has strong visual interest, and is light and airy, yet solidly grounded.

GRAY STAINS AND FINISHES

Gray is a classic “neutral” that never truly goes out of fashion. It’s currently one of the most popular colors, ranging from pale smoke to deep charcoal, showing up in hardwood flooring, paneling and cabinetry. “Whether light or dark, gray stains bring out any wood’s natural grain and texture,” says New York interior designer Laura Bohn. “Grays are versatile and timeless - quiet and soothing colors that recede into the background without losing personality or becoming faceless. That’s why they work in any style décor, yet always look modern.”

DISTRESSED HARDWOODS

Homeowners drawn to the popular look of weather-beaten rustic and elegantly timeworn are turning to distressed hardwoods - new product to which scrapes, nail holes, notches, saw marks and other signs of wear and tear have been carefully applied, often by hand. Manufacturers are able to reproduce convincing facsimiles of anything from the burnished walnut floorboards of an 18th century salon to the rugged oak-plank siding of a 19th century Pennsylvania barn. It’s a distinctive look that offers a wide range of aesthetics.

Find us on facebook!

2400 Highway 81, Owensboro KY 42301 270.688.8080 • 270.685.0887 Fax www.phillscabinets.com

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Saturday, January 28, 2017 Messenger-Inquirer

Suite Advice

Things to consider when building an in-law apartment

Perhaps thanks to a struggling economy and an unpredictable stock market that has resulted in many retirement nest eggs being decimated, more and more adult children are welcoming their aging parents into their homes. Such living situations have led to a growth in in-law suites.

In-law suites are often created by converting a room in the house, such as the basement or even a garage, into a livable suite. Such suites can benefit elderly relatives who might have been dealt an unforeseen financial blow. But in-law suites can also benefit younger homeowners who want to see their parents more. In addition, when older men and women move in with their adult children, they can provide some necessary relief from the escalating cost of daycare.

But before building an in-law suite in their home, homeowners might want to heed the following tips.

• Be certain it is legal. Making changes to your home may require a permit, particularly if your in-law suite will be an entirely new addition to your property and not just a strict room remodel. Contact your local zoning board to ensure the project is within your rights as a homeowner.

• Consider the health of your in-laws when making plans. Many in-law suites are occupied by aging relatives who might not be able to get up and down stairs as easily as they used to. That makes accessibility of the suite a top priority. Typically, it’s best to locate in-law suites on the first floor, so relatives won’t find it difficult to get in and out of the suite.

• Don’t overlook privacy. Just because your parents or in-laws will be moving in doesn’t mean they don’t still value their privacy. Chances are your relatives will initially feel as though they are invading your space and your privacy, so be sure the suite affords adequate privacy to all members of the household. It might be best to build the suite so it has its own separate entrance from the rest of the home. The suite should also have its own full bathroom and, if possible, its own kitchen area so your in-laws can cook for themselves and entertain their own guests without feeling like a burden. A second kitchen is also something to discuss with a zoning board, as some locales prohibit having two complete kitchens in a single residence.

• Tailor certain amenities to the elderly. If your

in-laws are older, install certain amenities, such as grab bars in the shower and bathroom, during the initial construction so you won’t have to make changes down the road. Install easy-open drawers and make sure the suite has ample lighting.

• Remember to install safety features. Safety features like fire, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are a necessity. Make sure the alarms on each of these detectors are loud enough so elderly men and women who have hearing loss can hear them without issue. Make sure all walkways leading to the in-law suite have motion detecting lamps at night to reduce risk of falling. Also, if the suite will be a separate building from your house, such as a converted pool house or detached garage, install an intercom system that connects with the main house so your relatives can easily reach you in case of emergency.

In-law suites are becoming more popular as a greater number of older adults are moving in with their adult children. Such suites can bring families closer together and prove beneficial for all parties involved.

Messenger-Inquirer Saturday, January 28, 2017

At Home

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When people think of outdoor storage, they generally envision garden sheds to house their lawn and garden equipment and tools.

However, if space doesn’t allow for a large shed, there is no need to fret because there are other storage possibilities. Consider a garden ottoman or bench, for example. This structure can be built from wood and then painted or covered in padded fabric.

Store small items inside the ottoman, which can also serve as a table or additional seating. In addition to an ottoman, a garden tool that can keep shovels and rakes organized. Homeowners with a deck can construct lidded deck boxes to store patio cushions or any other outdoor equipment. Utilizing the space under the deck is another idea. Cover the perimeter of the bottom of the deck with lattice and install one piece on a hinge to serve as a door. Store equipment underneath and out of sight. It also will be protected from the elements.

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Saturday, January 28, 2017 Messenger-Inquirer

Create

kid-friendly spaces at home

Maintaining a home that is welcoming and kid-friendly can be challenging. Kids are full of energy and oftentimes put fun ahead of tidiness. But no matter how energetic their youngsters are, parents can still employ several strategies to ensure their homes are both sophisticated and child-friendly.

• Consider an open floor plan. Rooms that flow into one another make it easier to keep tabs on children. Such rooms also allow residents and guests to mingle in separate rooms but not be too far away from one another.

• Choose washable fabrics. Upholstery will need to stand up to the abuse kids can dish out. Sofas and chairs with slipcovers can be advantageous because many slipcovers can be easily removed and laundered. Patterned fabrics will hide some stains, while treated fabrics may resist liquid spills for easier cleanup.

• Create a catch-all spot. Special bins or other organizational tools in the entryway can help to cull clutter when children come in the house from school or play. Be sure the keep cubbies, containers and coat hooks at a child-friendly height.

• Look for high-traffic rugs. Rugs designed for high-traffic areas will be more forgiving when children march across them several times per day. There are no rules that say you can’t bring an outdoor rug inside, and these rugs tend to be easier to clean.

• Ensure there is plenty of seating. Sectionals give children ample room to spread out. And ample seating ensures there is enough room for kids to invite their friends over to hang out.

• Think outside pink and blue. For children’s rooms, make sure they’re colorful, but consider other hues to give the rooms some personality. Focus on a hobby or activity and borrow the color scheme from the accessories used for decorating.

• Hang whimsical artwork. Employ framing and lighting to make kids’ artwork look like professional pieces. Routinely change the pictures when a new look is desired.

• Designate a place for play. Devote an entire room or a nook in a house for imaginative play. Store toys here so these items will not create clutter in individual bedrooms.

Creating child-friendly spaces while ensuring a home maintains a sophisticated feel is easier than parents might think.

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