Smart Homes June 2015

POWERING

YOUR PLACE BRIGHTEN

UP YOUR KITCHEN

YOUR HOME

CAN MAKE YOU MONEY

GREEN STEPS LIVING YOUR TO COOLER HOMES

DREAMS IN THE TROPICS

FUNCTIONAL LANDSCAPES

INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

3

From The Editor 5 TIPS FOR A

BIGGER

LIVING ROOM

Add

Luxury TO O YOUR B BED ED

Dream Dining Room

PLANNING

YOUR RENOVATION

SUPERSIZE YOUR BEDROOM

IN W IN WITH ITH TTHE HE OOLD: LD: SAFETY SAFET Y LLIGHTING IGHTING WHY CAST WHY CAST IRON IRON IS IS BETTER BETTER

TIPS FFOR TIPS OR TTHE HE HHOME OME

ON THE COVER: Madagascar PHOTOGRAPHER: Dan Christaldi

Credits PUBLISHER: Vivian-Anne Gittens EDITOR: Tyson Henry ADVERTISING MANAGER: Paulette Jones DEPUTY BUSINESS MANAGER: Lyle Jones WRITERS: Coretta Joe, Natalia Nunes, Rosemarie Layne, Lyle Jones PHOTOGRAPHY: Dan Christaldi DESIGN/LAYOUT: Imageworx

mart Homes’ focus has always been on catering to its readers’ needs for making the most of their resources, and this issue is no different. Who are you going to hire when you build, renovate, or buy a home?

What are the latest trends and finishes that will help upgrade your home from being standard, to feeling palatial?

We have endeavoured to answer all these questions and more in this issue, by covering several facets of your home, from outdoor living and landscapes, to feng shui interiors and pet-friendly homes. With a summer filled with opportunities to entertain guests fast approaching, exciting home improvement projects and fresh, updated spaces have now come into focus.

Even if you’re not redesigning your abode this summer, perhaps there will be some style and design ideas in this issue that you can incorporate later in the year.

As always, it has been a real treat to see this magazine come together, and I’m so happy to unveil it all for you now.

Warm regards,

S

SENIOR ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE: Kelly Johnally – Tel.: (246) 430-5515 Email: kellyjohnally@nationnews.com ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES: Danielle Beckford – Tel.: (246) 430-5495 Email: daniellebeckford@nationnews.com

EDITOR

Debbie Brathwaite – Tel.: (246) 430-5518 Email: debbiebrathwaite@nationnews.com Donna Francis – Tel.: (246) 430-2868 Email: donnafrancis@nationnews.com

PRINTERS: Printweb Caribbean Ltd – Tel.: (246) 434-6719

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SMART HOMES JUNE 2015

Smart Homes is produced by The Nation Publishing Co. Limited; a subsidiary of The Nation Corporation, which is a member of the One Caribbean Media Limited (OCM) group of companies. For general info email: smarthomes@nationnews.com.

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained within this magazine is accurate, however, The Nation Publishing Co. Limited cannot be held responsible for any consequences that may arise from any errors or omissions. This publication cannot be copied in whole or in part without the explicit permission of the Publisher. ©2014 NATION PUBLISHING CO. LIMITED

Contents

JUNE 2015

Feng Shui For A Smarter Home 08 Medicinal But Not Sterile

12

Enjoying Life On The Outside

16

For The Dr. Doolittle In Us

18

Water Management For The Smart Household

22

Functional Landscapes

24

Your Home Can Make You Money 26 Green Steps To Cooler Homes

28

Claiming Security

30

Powering Your Place

32

Living Your Dream In The Tropics

35

Clever DIY Organisation Tips for Baby’s Nursery 40 Fun Ways To Brighten Up Your Kitchen

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42

A New Freedom Awaits You.

INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

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Feng Shui for a ‘smarter’ home

By Rosemarie Layne

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t’s a Barbadian – and, I daresay, global – tradition to take great pride in our homes. The countless list of magazines available on the subject is ready confirmation.

We do everything in our power to protect that single most significant financial investment in our lives. We take care in selecting appropriate furniture, soft furnishings and various appliances to complement the desired decor – not forgetting, in today’s world, the all-important, security component.

However, how many of us consider the effect energy has in our home? And by energy I don’t mean LED or solar-powered versus fossil fuel-driven systems. I’m talking about the Oriental principle of chi – feng shui to be precise.

MindBodyGreen writer Dana Claudat said that from ancient times feng shui had been linked with the idea of manifesting dreams, asserting that “your home is a mirror of your life”. Similarly, fellow contributor Jayme Barrett said “since we are all swimming in a sea of energy, your personal health and the health of your home are inextricably linked to the wellbeing of the planet and vice versa”.

So what exactly is this feng shui all about?

Feng shui is defined as “a Chinese philosophical system of harmonising everyone with the surrounding environment”. It is also defined as “the art or practice of positioning objects, especially graves, buildings, and furniture, based on a belief in patterns of yin and yang and the flow of chi that have positive and negative effects”.

Verity Dawson, a certified Essential Feng Shui practitioner, based in Barbados, her chosen

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place of residence for the past 30 years, shed some light on the subject. “Feng shui translated literally means wind and water.” An established technique, “it is based on the principles of chi – the dynamic interplay of all matter . . . . It is a precise system to promote the flow of energy (chi) to create prosperity, harmony, well-being, and good health in living and working environments”.

Elucidating, Dawson continued: “Feng shui is over 5 000 years old and originated in the Far East in an era when agriculture predominated. Therefore, your source of water to nourish your crops and plant them where they would be protected from strong winds was of prime importance. With the advent of urban living, compass feng shui and form schools took over.”

The former United Nations World Food Programme officer was trained by Terah Collins in the Western School of Feng Shui, and is now considered a leader in the local complementary healing community due to her long experience in the healing arts. Born in India, and having moved to Britain and returned to

Asia several times before settling in Rome for a period, she was exposed to both cultures in her formative years – eastern at the esoteric level and western on the cultural level.

Positive change She explained that while this system embraces the traditional concepts and knowledge of feng shui, it also “places its application in a modern-day setting with special emphasis on intention and positive outlook”. She said: “There are many schools of feng shui and all work.

“By being mindful of its flow in the personal or business environment, massive change and well-being can be effected. In down-to-earth terms, we can easily translate this to observe that our habitat impacts on us and we on it.”

The well travelled Dawson, who has appeared in numerous TV and radio shows, and also written on the subject, said: “Not only is the flow of energy taken into consideration, but also the shape of the building or plot of land (the Bagua) as well as the five elements (wood, metal, fire, water, earth) which are

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represented through colours, materials and forms.

“If you enter a room or building and immediately feel at ease, it would be because feng shui principles have been applied, and not necessarily by a designer. We all have this instinctual ability to create a peaceful environment, but usually our heads get in the way and we go for a more logical arrangement of furniture.”

Common-sense approach Notwithstanding, this feng shui practitioner said: “Practical feng shui relies very much on common sense. For example, it is ill advised to place a sofa or lounge chair with your back to the front door, as you would not be able to see any potentially threatening movement. You will always feel a subtle unease and feelings of vulnerability.”

If it is “absolutely impossible to change the position of the chair”, Dawson suggested a cure: place a mirror on the opposite wall where you can see what is going on behind you.

She said since, on average, we spent a third of our lives in bed and during sleep we were vulnerable, feng shui placed great attention on bedroom configurations.

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With her vast knowledge and experience, Dawson periodically offers one-day workshops in the Eastern healing system. A California resident said of her work: “The suggestions and feng shui advice helped us take practical steps to make our home a joy to live in, work in, and deepened our relationship with each other, and the world around us.”

An extremely satisfied Barbadian client said: “Many persons’ lives could be changed if they knew about these sessions.

Mankind could be spared a lot of difficulties.”

And yet another said: “I certainly got good results from the family relationship area.”

In concluding, Dawson said: “The most profound and effective feng shui practice is to start with the basics: declutter, declutter, declutter. If you want the beautiful new to come in, make space for it: let go of the old, tidy up.”

On that note, I think I’m going to have a whole lot of “feng shui-ing” to do. * Rosemarie Layne holds an Associate Degree in mass communication, is a wholistic health advocate, and is certified in second degree Reiki.

Medicinal but not sterile

By Natalia Nunes

ho is afraid of the big, bad wolf, tra la la la la?

Hold my hand and walk with me virtually, if your dare, only for a second down the scary lane of long-term illness. Diabetes, lupus, cancer . . . those roads. When that big, bad wolf comes a-knocking on our doors, like those little piggies, we don’t want to let him in even though we’ve heard he can huff and puff and blow his way in.

Very recently, I’ve had close insight into serious illnesses and it’s so not inviting. Patients who are confined to bed in rooms that feel scary, cold and sterile are battling double whammies – illness and uninspiring surroundings. Time to change that so let’s consider the latter over. We know that advice coming from the perfectly perfect Mary Poppins has to be truthful and it is correct that “just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down in a most delightful way”. That “sugar” can be in the form of wonderfully creative spaces used to soothe ailing folk emotionally, the young and not so young, as well as offering happy thoughts amid the medicines prescribed.

A person’s personality doesn’t have to suffer as well as their bodies. For instance – a people person may love seeing pictures of friends and family looking back at them on an accent wall. A collage of photographs may awaken memories that don’t die but sometimes lay dormant and are welcome anytime but more so when alone is not a choice. Walls are a great canvas – often large areas – allowing space for many faces and sceneries that evoke smiles and warm feelings of happy times. We have at our fingertips so many tools to copy and enlarge original photographs or paintings and it’s really not that expensive. Visit a photocopying or a photography store.

Compared to the joy of laughter, the best medicine I’m sure, the cost of replicating photos and making a collage either directly on a wall or in a large frame is well worth the effort.

Creativity is endless. The patient’s personality can give insight to what would inspire, amuse, stimulate or calm them. Ask them their wishes and make them come true. Musically inclined people may appreciate a wall of musical notes, the words to their favourite

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songs, pictures or paintings of their favourite musicians, as well as piped in music using speakers or more simply with the use of an iPod, laptop, boom box or whatever is available to you. Some people may want to be stimulated, others may require calm serenity.

Religious folk may appreciate Bible verses, hymns and/or pictures, or paintings depicting their favourite spiritual themes. An accent wall can really be so inspiring yet unobtrusive.

If the patient is not in their own personal space – maybe in a hospital room – a piece of hardboard or any other backing can be used to create a theme which could lend comfort and inspiration not only to the patient, but perhaps to the medical staff who may also appreciate an attractive view rather than stark white walls.

Imagine a Bob Marley fan being able to look at the lyrics of this very talented man who inspires the world even after having left it so many years ago. Memorabilia from any artist is available from so many places that one would probably have to spend time figuring out what not to use. Even T-shirts and towels can adorn a wall. The medium used to adhere the items to the surface would be the challenge especially if one has to be cognisant of the fact that the adornments have to be easily removed without causing damage to the wall. Not a problem; visit your local hardware store – 3M Command Strips are awesome.

There may be no windows in the room – no worries, as a beautiful mural of nature or of a window seemingly open with an outdoor view is doable. This does not require a Michelangelo. If you don’t own an artistic bone, there are a host of secondary school and tertiary level students who have talent oozing from their pores. Their enthusiasm would be peaked, no doubt, if asked to help with a project which would bring joy to someone in need. Giving someone a little joy is so easy and the giver, actually, is the major recipient of that joy.

There’s no question that nature is brimming with ideas to relieve the starkness and monotony of heart monitors, nebulisers, et cetera. Being proactive in asking the doctor’s advice on the type of decoration, so as not to counteract with any medical treatment, would be sensible. Some patients may not react well to real plants, soothing as they are to the eye as well as expelling a bit of oxygen and maybe a delightful scent. Good quality artificial plants are available and can satisfy the eye if not the nose.

Please though, don’t just flirt with the idea of transforming a sterile space to bring pleasure to a patient. Do it!

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ENJOYING

life on the outside

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ummer is here and whether you’re an outdoor entertainer or not, the benefits of your home’s outside space are not to be neglected. With all the things that we acquire in life, extra storage is always a plus. A functional space outside of your home is a great asset not just for reducing clutter and keeping clutter under control but also for improving property value and adding a little spice to the al fresco feel of your environment.

Elegant or understated, a good deck will increase the value of your home, open up an unused area, create storage, and enhance your view.

As do-it-yourself goes, installing a deck is a pretty big task and shouldn’t be taken lightly. The benefits of a deck and the types you can create are only limited to your own imagination. From raised decks with storage underneath to screened in areas for a little sun and wind without all the nuisances of nature, a deck can add a dream room that you didn’t even know you were missing.

If you simply love being outside or entertaining outside, the inclusion of a deck, or even a gazebo, can greatly increase the flow of your personal space and create a visually stimulating extension of your home. As with any major home improvement project, knowing is more than half the battle. Consulting experts on your options is the first thing you should do before jumping in head first.

The Caribbean is a beautiful place, but when it comes to creating a space outside, a lot has to be taken into consideration. Stability, functionality, endurance in the event of inclement weather, all need to be heavily considered before beginning any outdoor project. When composite decking first hit the market about 25 years ago, it was heralded as the best thing to happen to deck building since decking screws. Composite wood is great because it’s less vulnerable to degradation from salt, sun, and pests.

Decks have become an extremely popular, low-cost way to add living space to a home. Decks make it convenient to enjoy sitting outside day or night. They open up the home and facilitate entertaining and outdoor dining. Also, when installing a deck, maintenance is of utmost importance.

The wear from weather is one thing, but the advance of moss, algae, and plant litter are also things that need to be tackled to keep a deck in shipshape.

If you don’t have an area that can accommodate the attaching of a deck to your home, a quaint way to create a shaded outdoor space is with the addition of a gazebo. As with a deck, you can screen in your gazebo and make a wholly enclosed space adjunct to your home. The function of your deck or gazebo always has to be the forethought to its creation. Will you be grilling and serving food? How large of a party may be possible in the future? Is this going to be a place of rest and relaxation or fun in the sun?

When speaking about a gazebo, most people spring to the ideal of the octagonal white garden accent away from everything but the garden itself. Today, home gazebos can range as wide as your imagination.

Square, rectangular, round, enclosed with screen or with glass, all types of gazebos with all sorts of functions are ready to become the centrepiece of your home’s exterior.

Whether you’re looking to add storage, a place to entertain, a space for solitude, or even an extra dining area, the installation of a deck or gazebo can add a dry space, an air of function, and a dreamy quality to your home.

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Dr DooliŮ le in us For the

By Natalia Nunes

f we could talk to animals, just imagine it, chatting to a chimp in chimpanzee! Pets. They share our hearts and our homes. Who hasn’t fallen in love with a four-legged creature and had the joy of unconditional love? While Cesar Milan reiterates that discipline and love are key to coexisting happily with “furr-iends”, oftentimes the love comes first and then the discipline and for some, discipline doesn’t figure into the equation ever.

However, four-legged family members do occupy many homes and not dissimilar to the discipline we mete out to our children, furry family should not be exempt. Boundaries need to be set or humans may discover that they live in a pet palace and are really just staff.

Let’s just stick to dogs and cats for now. They come in all shapes and sizes. They have needs, just as we do, and if we don’t want to be spoken of as “Who that crazy man or woman?”, we need to keep things in perspective. Do keep pets clean, even cats need brushing, and although not many appreciate shampoo and water, once in a while, I use a brush (hers, not mine) with a stocking over the bristles to facilitate getting rid of the dead fur. With a very light spray of Febreeze on the brush (I’m sure there must be cat dry-clean spray somewhere), I offer Katya a spa treatment. She loves this and stretches out making sure I don’t miss a spot. Cat hair on furniture is so not in; definitely not in my world!

Cats may and will deem their own personal property, any upholstered piece of furniture you may imagine in your head is yours. Great for rubbing faces and their bodies along, not to mention being a fabulous claw sharpener, couches and chairs seem perfectly placed just for felines. Okay, let’s change that psychology, “Look at this gorgeous claw sharpener made personally for you, dear kitty.” I made one with three pieces of wood in the shape of a triangle with a long running (clawing) board and I covered it with carpet fabric. Voila! My couches are once again mine. The claw sharpener is located just behind the

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couch, out of obvious sight to humans, where Katya finds it convenient whenever she needs a pedicure.

There are attractive imitation tree structures that can either be bought or made. Cats like to climb and to hide in spaces where they can work on their beauty routine. That would be the long cleaning ritual before naptime and, of course, their 18-hour daytime beauty rest. Now, not many people have these structures in their homes but it could be equated to let’s say for instance, a pole that a pole dancer may use for exercise. Bear with me, there are cat lovers among us. I was blown away at a pet store when shopping for my “grandcat”.

Litter boxes now come in all sorts of styles.

Don’t think for one minute that household styles evolve leaving animal necessities behind. Pepsi, my “grandcat”, is the proud owner of a dome toilet contraption with stairs going up into the dome. There is a landing where she then jumps down into the fresh kitty litter in total and

complete privacy. She does her business and then jumps back on the landing and sashays regally down the steps and out of her dome leaving us all to believe she’s only just powdered her nose.

Not to be left out are dogs. Better companions are hard to find. The most comfortable dog beds are available in pet stores as well as other locations. The crate craze is here and they are supposed to give dogs the feeling of being in their “caves”. Apparently, when dogs are trained to sleep in their crates, leaving them on their own is not supposed to cause any feeling of abandonment. Okay then.

A good dog shampoo is very necessary especially when dogs share our homes.

Thankfully, they don’t really require a bath more than once a month as they depend on the oils secreted from their skin to keep in peak condition. I came across this flea and tick recipe which I haven’t had to try as thankfully I don’t have that problem. I’m told it totally works.

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A good dog shampoo is very necessary especially when dogs share our homes.

8 ozs apple cider vinegar 4 ozs warm water ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. baking soda A clean spray bottle Mix dry ingredients first then slowly add to wet as the vinegar and baking soda will react. Pour into the spray bottle and spray pets down being careful of their eyes, noses, ears and mouths.

Sharing our homes with our pets is comforting to both humans and animals. They love us and will take every bit of advantage of usurping possession of our rooms, furniture, and beds if we don’t allow them to know that they are animals and like our human children also have boundaries. Before my family even open their mouths to say, “But you are the worst offender when it comes to stretching animal boundaries.” Yes, mea culpa, mea culpa, and so what?

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SMART HOMES JUNE 2015

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INSPIRATION & INNOVATION 21 Email: info@fiberpolinc.com • Website: www.fiberpolinc.com

Water Management FOR THE SMART HOUSEHOLD he wise use of water and its management in the home are important parts of managing a healthy household, both financially and ecologically.

For years now, green living has been very much one of the big topics of science, media, and personal spheres. Recently, France implemented a new law which states that the rooftops of buildings in commercial zones will now be required to be partially covered in either solar panels or plants. The green roofs have an isolating effect, helping to reduce the amount of energy needed to heat a building in winter and cool it in summer.

Why would plants on the roof be beneficial to water management? According to ecologists, they also retain rainwater, thus helping reduce problems with runoff, while favouring biodiversity and giving birds a place to nest in the urban jungle. Furthermore, maintaining a green roof can also prompt the more efficient collection of run-off water to supplement your personal water tank’s supply.

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composter instead of flushing it down the garbage disposal.

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Use clean cooking water for watering houseplants or cleaning garden implements. Never throw such water away.

Unless it is chemically contaminated, it is safe for outdoor use.

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Purchase a high efficiency washing machine and wash only full loads. Only run the dishwasher when it is full, too.

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Repair all leaky faucets, toilets, shower heads, and irrigation systems. According to the EPA, a leaky toilet alone can waste 200 gallons of water per day.

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Water your lawn only in the early morning or evening to avoid losing water to evaporation and use rain captured in rain barrels to do so. Aim your sprinklers toward vegetation and away from the pavement. Install soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems in areas with trees or shrubs. These plants need water less often, but they need it longer per session so there’s enough to reach the deep roots. Install moisture sensors to avoid overwatering, which is bad for your plants as well as wasteful.

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Sweep outdoor areas clean instead of spraying them with a hose. When a hose is necessary, use a nozzle that allows you to control the water flow and shuts off when you let go.

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Cover your pool during extended periods when you’re not using it, to hinder evaporation. Also install a water-saving filter. Don’t install fountains unless they reuse their own water on a continuous loop.

Tips for wise water management in the home from Angela Brady at HomeGuides: •

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Replace your shower heads, faucets and toilets with lowflow fixtures marked with the WaterSense logo. This seal means that the fixture meets United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) criteria for water efficiency.

Turn off the water while shaving, brushing your teeth or handwashing dishes. Only run the water when you are actively using it. Take showers instead of baths, and turn off the water while soaping.

Scrape dishes instead of rinsing them, and add the food to a

SMART HOMES JUNE 2015

Why a pond is a landscape must-have!

1 Calm:

2Cool:

The soothing sounds of water flowing through rocks are ideal for blocking out environmental noises or distractions.

When water evaporates, the process removes heat from the surroundings. This evaporative cooling can be very pleasant, especially where temperatures are high and humidity is low.

3Complement:

The greatest benefit of all may be how ponds enhance the environment. Lawns require watering whereas ponds can be re-filled with rainwater.

For your full selection of pond equipment and supplies:

CHEAPSIDE, BRIDGETOWN. Tel: 436-6788, www.caribsupply.com INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

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Functional, Beautiful Landscapes

ome improvement can sometimes seem daunting, especially when it comes to landscaping and changing the layout of your outdoor space. However, low-impact landscaping and mild improvements can make a huge difference in appearance and atmosphere. Whether you’re going the route of redoing the entire surrounding of your house or simply improving on the existing landscape, transforming the surroundings of your home can completely revitalise and even expand your living space.

Peace and mindful rest are hard to come by these days, especially now that school is in full swing. Everyone has their own particular brand of area to promote a restful sanctuary and calm the mind from the hazards and distractions of everyday life.

Though not everyone is the outdoorsy type, it isn’t too difficult to create an Eden that everyone will envy right in your backyard.

Going the economical or low-cost route is simple. Accents and a little gardening can vastly improve the spaces around your house and create an entirely new space that can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Plant choice, garden paths, and water accents are modest ways to improve the landscape and keep costs down.

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Creating a path with natural-looking stones that meander through your garden can change the entire way you view the flow of an outdoor area. Going further by adding some flowering shrubs to the path and spicing it up with specifically chosen colours are great ways to have a low-impact landscape facelift.

Another important piece for accomplishing a low-impact or eco-friendly landscape is the ability to blend with the existing ecosystem and climate by taking the natural patterns of precipitation, drainage, sun, and wind into account as well as seasonal change, indigenous plants, and wildlife.

It’s important to recognise that there can be many different microclimates on any one property. The goal is to be respectful of, and integrate with, what naturally exists by choosing plants and materials that naturally thrive within the given environment.

Beyond the addition of shrubs, trees, water features, and such, could be the simple addition of some outdoor furniture. For those who thrive on change, easily movable outdoor tables and chairs surrounded by small potted plants are great for creating an outdoor dining or entertaining area. It’s important to take a macro view of your available space and imagine the finished product before tackling something you may regret afterwards.

One of the first things designers take a look at is a way to

create cohesion between the landscape and the home.

A good flow is integral to making a space that doesn’t appear too abrasive or unconnected. When venturing into a big change, like the addition of a pool, pond or other permanent structure, the wisest option is to speak with a consultant about the options available for your specific space.

Consultants can also help you cleverly utilise property lines and avoid future heartache and legal matters. A built-in stone barbecue or fire pit is a great addition to an outdoor space as long as the feng shui of the landscape is complemented by it rather than contrasted. No one wants to be entertaining at night and having people trip with food or drink in their hands. Also, you don’t necessarily want something hidden away completely. A little mystery is good and a winding path can bring a magical feel but maintaining an elusive utopia is more difficult than the upkeep of an oasis that is tasteful and neat.

Art for art’s sake is all well and good but when it comes to the home and garden, function wins over fancy and you can always dress up functionality as tastes change. Paths, water features, barbecues, and quiet sitting corners, all have their specific purpose and it’s paramount to address the purpose of any home improvement before diving in with shovels flailing and good intentions alone.

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Your home can make you money

hile your home can’t ďŹ nd a second job while you are at work, it can make you money. Room rental or renting an apartment attached to your home is becoming an increasingly lucrative option for homeowners. Whether your children have moved out leaving you with lots of extra space or you have a new home that is too big for your current needs, partial rental may be an additional source of income for you.

The preparations you need to make in order for your home to be ready for rental varies depending on the type of rental you are offering. You may need to do minor renovations or you may prefer to overhaul a garage or basement and transform it into a studio apartment.

If you are considering the option of leasing a room in your home, here is a list of relatively inexpensive renovating options for a room to increase your rental value without breaking the bank.

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1

Room rental or renting an apartment attached to your home is becoming an increasingly lucrative option for homeowners.

4

5

Add a touch of colour A new coat of paint does wonders to the look and feel of any room. Remember to have neutral hues that can attract a larger cross section of potential tenants. While you may like a polka dot design, your potential tenants may not be fans of polka dots. Try to keep your walls simple for your tenants.

2 And then there was light A brighter room with interesting light fixtures can increase the aesthetic of your room and its rental value. This inexpensive feature is a great way to lighten up your room and illuminate your profits.

3

Squeaky clean Having rugs, curtains, and other items in the room steam-cleaned and deodorised, does a world of good for your property. Even if the room you are renting is clean, this little extra step will leave your space with a fresh new smell and make it more enticing to potential tenants.

So cool An air conditioning (AC) unit is neither here nor there for some tenants, but you may be able to charge more for your room if one is included. You can offer your potential tenant a payment option with or without AC. It’s the little things New door handles, cupboard knobs, and other tiny fixtures can actually add big value to your room. They add the illusion of a new room and are an inexpensive way to add new life to an otherwise tired space.

If you prefer to have a little more space between you and your tenant, renovating a basement or garage into a separate unit may be the choice for you. Ensure that you design your rental space with its own entrance to minimise contact with your tenants and maintain your privacy (and theirs) to make this arrangement even more ideal. Remember to check the legal requirements associated with your area before starting.

Once everything is finalised, here are a few renovation tips to help you on your way.

Prepare for surprises Almost all renovation projects have surprises. These are generally not the fun surprises that bring to mind balloons and streamers but the type of surprises that may mean spending a little extra cash on something not in your budget. To prepare for this, an emergency fund should be on standby. This extra money can be included in a loan amount if you decide to finance via a bank.

Open sesame The entrance to your garage is usually a wide space and may need a bit of consideration. You can transform it into a bay window or a solid decorative wall. If you have a garage door instead of a gate, you may even consider keeping it as is.

However, if you wish to keep the current garage door, you will need to ensure it is appropriately sealed off and secure.

The closer the better The ideal access point for your new space’s plumbing and main electrical fixtures is the exterior wall of your home. Placing the bathroom and kitchen areas close to the shared wall of the apartment and the main house can significantly reduce your overall costs. This can save you a great deal of money on your wiring and plumbing bills.

If you decide to take the step to create a space for a potential tenant, you don’t have to try do everything out of pocket.

Financial institutions offer several financing options to help you on your way to having a “money-making” home. Reach out to a trusted financial institution today to get a better idea of your financing options.

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Green

steps to cooler homes he heat is on and with summer underway, higher temperatures and that humbug feeling you get from high humidity are sure to follow. Being on an island means that, thankfully, the trade winds will keep blowing. But for many homes, the layout of the house or even the location, the winds may not be able to reach all the way to where the cool is really needed.

Small islands like Barbados have the benefit of the wind reaching all the way across without mountains to divert the flow. However, small valleys and flora can be a detriment to keeping your house cool and ensuring the movement of air to counteract the horrors of a humid home.

Vents, windows, skylights, fans, and air conditioning, are all perfect solutions to beat the heat while keeping your home eco-friendly, financially functional, and energy efficient, all while possibly improving your property value. Achieving an energy-efficient household means reducing its energy consumption by using efficient appliances and implementing energy-saving strategies.

Installing energy-efficient bulbs and fans are great for reducing the heat in the home. Combining these with smartly placed vents and an Energy Star-rated cooling system are perfect ways to reduce energy waste and improve the cool comfort of your home.

Sealing draft-prone areas, the points at which dissimilar

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building materials converge or the building envelope is penetrated, reduces uncontrolled air infiltration. Taking a look at these areas is important when looking to install an air conditioning system.

According to easyearth.com, “Trees, vines and shrubs can be used to shade your home and reduce your energy bills.

Trees or shrubs can also be planted to shade air conditioning units, but they should not block the airflow.

“To be most effective, trees should be strategically located on the south and west sides of your home. Vines provide shading and cooling, and are quick to grow. Trellises should be placed on the hottest side of the house, and blocked out at least six inches from the wall to protect the wall and provide a buffer of cool air. Shrubs protect the lower portions of walls from heat gain by blocking sunlight.”

Curtains, blinds, shade screens, and even redoing your windows, are all great ways to improve the air quality of your home. With regard to the summer, sheer curtains and shade screens can help to allow the flow of cool air while helping to keep out the humidity.

Moreover, shade screens can also have the added benefit of the ingress of pests. With the warmth and humidity, mosquitoes will be on their way. Keeping out pests and keeping your home cool and dry are good ways to eliminate that horrible possibility.

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Claiming that feeling of

security

hen it comes to the security of the home, there is never a reason to risk loss. From physical security like burglar bars to electronic surveillance, keeping your home safe and preventing the potential for heartbreaking loss are paramount to keeping a home from the tragedies of hubris. When working towards the protection of your home, loved ones, and assets, it is important to know what you need and how to go about achieving the type of security you are looking for.

It is recommended that everyone have fire insurance.

Although the likelihood of a fire in most houses is infrequent,

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the probability of loss in this type of exposure is very high. The potential damage may extend to include the burnt property; water damage from extinguishing the fire; structural damage to property caused by the fire; et cetera.

Fire insurance, flood insurance, and all other kinds are best to be looked into when going about buying or renting a home.

Living in Barbados, hurricanes are a real threat. Whether the damage comes from wind, water, fire, or any other unforeseen happenstance, it is important to make the proper preparations before the need arises.

Insurance is a service that allows the policyholder to transfer some of their financial exposure in event of a claim by a specified

peril. This service is activated following a claim to reduce any anxiety caused in finding the resources to rebuild, replace or repair insured items, since the financial burden is met by the insurance company.

The benefit of purchasing property insurance is the peace of mind that is provided in event of a claim. There are many people who may not have experienced or had to resume life following a fire or other major peril. But for those who have experienced this situation, they have seen the benefits in having people to advise them through the claims process; based on the coverage, being provided with temporary alternative accommodation and receiving a payment to assist them in rebuilding. There are many without adequate insurance coverage who, following the disruption of a fire, are in a position where they have no place to sleep and no resources besides their savings to start over.

Beyond insurance for disaster is the preventative measure to be taken for the worst of human behaviour. There is little that makes one feel more vulnerable than the intrusion of a stranger into the sanctity of the home. Many people that have been burgled find the ordeal to be traumatic and some even feel the need to move away from the memory of the atrocity.

Home security has taken leaps into the future and become surprisingly affordable over the years. From motion detectors, smoke and carbon monoxide monitors, security cameras, and monitored access control, it is now possible for the home to be guarded and under surveillance to safeguard your tranquillity.

Companies today can provide a range of comprehensive services from intruder alarms to perimeter protection which can make the difference in not only recovery from loss but prevention of initial ingress.

Statistics show that the likelihood of a robbery is decreased by the mere presence of a security service. But having a security system just for show is only a small step in maintaining the tranquillity that is well worth the pledge. Though the display of a guarded protection agency may deter the event of a crime, when one is committed the true duty of protective satisfaction comes with the ability to secure and reclaim property.

Though most don’t enjoy the sight of burglar bars, they are extremely functional. If ingress is attempted through burglar bars, it most likely causes a bit of a ruckus and hopefully a neighbour will be alerted if the abode is empty. However, whether you need the security for guarding lives or assets, the presence of a security alarm system with a well monitored configuration is priceless.

capricorn@caribsurf.com

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Powering Your Place

obotic vacuum cleaners and smart appliances have already debuted on the market for improving convenience around the home. We are now living in a technological renaissance that is burgeoning with an artistic elegance of intertwining comfort and function.

The small touchscreen devices that are so prevalent today have the capability to manage your household in more ways than keeping memos and organising calendars. Smart homes need not be freshly built and entangled from the foundation up in new tech because the same industrial evolutions can be

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retrofitted to any home harbouring electrical outlets and an Internet connection.

Imagine being able to arm your home alarm system from your phone. That is not a difficult idea to co-opt, but now imagine controlling the locking of doors, turning on and off of lights, managing sound systems, and climate control as well. These are all capabilities that can be retrofitted to your home today.

With all the connectivity available today, it’s important to take a look at managing the power that is quite literally at our fingertips. From purchasing Energy Star-rated products to installing a solar photovoltaic (PV) apparatus, energy is one of

the main concerns of the future. Barbados is already seeing the grand and admirable expansion of solar energy and it’s about time everyone takes a better look into this aspect of energy management.

According to solarbarbados.com, Khalid Grant, a solar consultant, advocate and investor, said: “The era of centralised power generation where a few large power plants produce electricity is quickly coming to an end. Due to improvements in technology, the power grids of the future will feature

distributed power generation from multiple sources located closer to the loads consuming the electricity. Solar PV is one such technology which allows for a highly distributed generation system.”

The beauty in solar energy is the availability and its scalability. Whether you’re looking to get off the grid or just get a little bit greener, you can scale up or down to address your specific need. This isn’t some ideal of the future or of faraway lands, Barbados has at least 13 companies that specialise in the installation of solar PV arrays to power any requirement.

The Government of Barbados has shown that it is fully committed to the idea of renewable energy and solar PV, thereby preparing the country for even more substantial growth in this sector. Through the Renewable Energy Rider programme, Barbados Light & Power Company Limited (BL&P) allows for renewable electricity to be generated and the credit from that generation of power is used to offset the overall cost of a customer’s account.

The maximum size allowed for residential electricity users is five kilowatts (approximately 20 solar panels), while the maximum size for commercial electricity users is 150 kilowatts (approximately 600 solar panels).

According to Grant: “Under the current billing arrangement of the Renewable Energy Rider, excess electricity (above what the property consumes) is sold to the grid at a rate of 1.8 x Fuel Clause Adjustment (FCA). As of June 2014, the FCA is 42.7069 cents/kilowatt-hour, which means surplus electricity from renewable energy sources would be credited to your bill at 76.8724 cents/kilowatt-hour for June. Accumulated credits roll over to the next billing period. If a solar PV system is large enough, or a house or business uses less electricity via energy efficiency, BL&P may have to pay you.”

Visit our web page www.rotoplastics.com.bb INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

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Living your dream in the tropics

By Lyle Jones INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

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recently overheard someone say, “After all the money I’ve spent trying to get a house, I never thought I’d have to be spending so much to maintain it.”

The comment came in reaction to the discovery of a termite infestation on a part of their property and the individual was bemoaning the anticipated bill that would follow the treatment necessary to “fix” the problem.

“Oh well, that’s life in the tropics,” I thought as I reflected on the numerous “fixes” and improvement bills I’ve had to face on my journey along the road of property ownership.

Admittedly, some came because of things I overlooked in my enthusiasm when I started my journey, and continued to overlook until they became a problem, but over the years I’ve realised that many could have been avoided had I done a bit more research to better prepare myself for the likely developments that would occur based on the environment in which I had pitched my tent, so to speak.

These days with so many more developments within the industry, most welcome though they are, it pays for home builders to factor more into their thoughts when planning their

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ultimate living spaces. Environmental considerations, cost and practicality, all have to be front of mind as these will impact one way or another your realising “the dream”.

Essentially, once you’ve built your dream space, the ease of maintaining the allure of the dream depends on you and the plan you’ve created in making it happen. None of us is perfect so in the planning we are bound to overlook a few key things.

In the following conversation with engineer Roberto Miller, managing director of ROJAM Designs Associates, the discussion touched on some of the pertinent considerations one should factor into building projects when seeking to construct and preserve your dream home in the tropics. The areas touched are not exhaustive but address some of the common factors that present as issues years down the line as you travel the road of home ownership.

Q: Considering the movement towards green living, what sort of things should prospective homeowners be thinking of when building a house nowadays?How should our tropical environment and build location influence the design?

A: Bearing in mind the cost of fossil fuels, the layout should be such that it lends more to natural lighting and, in the tropics, passive ventilation.

Q: There are obvious challenges expected when locating a house on the coast or near the seaside. Salt air has been known to wreak havoc on appliances, operating systems on windows, doors, et cetera, as well as security bars at windows, doors, and gates.

However, I have noticed similar challenges facing residents inland as well. What’s happening here and what options are there for protecting our investments?

A: Being a small island, we are all at the vagaries of salt-borne air, obviously more concentrated closer to the coasts and in elevated areas. Some suggestions for materials and finishes to mitigate the negative effects of the salt include: • priming entire surfaces of wrought-iron bars, gates, and so on with a ferrous oxide primer product • opting for the uPVC (unplasticised polyvinyl chloride) windows as budget allows • choosing from the hardwood options (cedar, andiroba, purpleheart) when it comes to selecting exterior doors, and • where walls, beams and columns are concerned, the cover to reinforcement should be one and a half inches inland and two inches at the coast and in foundations.

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Q: What about the decorative finishes such as paint, trowel plastic, coral stone render, et cetera. Is there a formula for determining the best option depending on the location of my house?

A: There are useful choices for each finish preferred.

• For paint, salt-resistant, latex, and acrylic paints for external surfaces are recommended.

• Regarding trowel-textured finishes, although the formulation of trowel applied finishes (Trowel On, Trowel Tex, and Trowel Plastics) have reportedly been ungraded to offer better protection and longevity, as a further safeguard external surfaces can be prepared with an approved wall or concrete primer.

• Simulated coral stone render is a highly permeable finish and retains moisture for some time. Because of that, it suffers from fungal and some diminution in colour, and hence it requires some maintenance.

The fungal growth can be greatly reduced and hindered by cleaning, allowing to dry then sealing with either a matte, satin, or gloss approved sealer.

Q: Would it be better to use paint in parishes where it is damp rather than the other finishes where mildew or other fungi proliferate, or are there coatings that can prevent damage and render such concerns irrelevant?

A: Moisture and dampness can cause damage to any finish. If there is such an issue, it should be treated as a separate concern. After the problem is properly assessed and the appropriate remedial action taken, for example a water barrier (damp-proof membrane, brush or spray applied asphalt, et cetera), the affected areas can be refinished.

Q: Regarding windows and other fittings with moving parts that would require servicing. What sort of maintenance schedule would you recommend?

A: Maintenance schedules are dependent on the materials involved, for example, although an aluminium widow oxidises and causes pitting on the surfaces, a maintenance schedule of twice a year is adequate.

While for uPVC windows that do not get brittle in ultraviolet light, nor etch, nor oxidise, the services can be done yearly concentrating on the mechanical parts that usually are stainless steel.

Q: I’ve noticed that doors both on the east and west can take a beating from the sun and over time some show small splits in places. Is there anything that can be done to prevent this?

A: Hoods are an ideal protection for both windows and doors from the sun bleaching or drying on the westward face to being rained and wind beaten on the eastward face. These hoods can be acquired in a variety of styles and materials.

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Clever DIY Organisation Tips for

Baby’s Nursery

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By Coretta Joe

veryone takes pride in their home. They go through painstaking measures to ensure that every room is tastefully done. But there is one room which can be a little tricky to keep organised, and that’s the baby’s nursery. There are so many little odds and ends, from toys to books to hundreds of bibs and onesies. These simple organisation tips will have your little one’s nursery spick and span in no time.

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Double Up – Place baskets on bookshelves to optimise space for nursery items like linen, crib sheets, blankets, burp cloths, and decorative pillows.

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Exposed Closets – For a clean, efficient look, do away with the closet doors and hang a curtain instead. It will save space and instantly spruce up the nursery.

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Closet Organisers – These handy little vertical organisers are a worthwhile investment. They let you organise clothes by age and size, large blankets and extra toys in the closet to cut down on clutter.

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Shelves – Shelves can be functional, decorative or both. Make use of every inch of shelf space. Stock easy-to-reach shelves with stuffed animals or put one in a corner to display heirloom toys.

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Hooks – Hooks can be used for just about anything and they are super easy to install. Get creative and experiment with different designs and colours and watch your baby’s room brighten right up in addition to being organised.

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Cardboard Boxes – Don’t throw away those shoeboxes. Get your Sharpies, glitter and stickers out, and start decorating the boxes. Use them as holders for diapers, wipes, and more.

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Clear Storage Bins – Slide these storage bins under your child’s crib to hold extra clothes and blankets. Clear containers will make it easy for you to remember what you’ve packed away.

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Drawer Dividers – Baby clothes, socks, onesies, and all those little things can easily create untidy drawers. Use little clear containers for each item and slide them neatly into the drawers. Problem solved.

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Fun Ways to Brighten up

Your Kitchen

By Coretta Joe

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he kitchen is one of those places where we spend a lot of time, so it makes no sense approaching it with dread. It is a central location for family activities, such as cooking, eating and socialising, as well as a place to make a statement about the homeowner’s style and eye for design. In fact, most days begin and end in the kitchen, so it should to be a cheerful place that will inspire you. Kitchens are often central to a home, both physically and in the spirit they lend to the house.

If yours seems drab or uninspired, don’t worry.

There are many things you can do to make your kitchen a happy, cheerful part of your home. A big part of the allure is the entire set up. And best yet, you won’t have to break the bank to make your kitchen a little more inviting. Here are some Smart Homes approved ways to brighten up your kitchen space.

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Backsplash – If you currently have a backsplash, you can decorate it in your favourite colours and designs. There are lots of tiles with designs you can use and many of them are affordable. Either go old-fashioned and classic with silver, copper or pewter, or find something fun and funky.

Declutter – Decluttering goes a long way in brightening up a kitchen. Instead of having spices all over the place, get a spice rack. Appliances not used often can go into the pantry. Also, create a home for pots and pans by using a rack.

Lighting – There is no hard and fast rule that says you must stick with boring lights for the kitchen.

Get crazy and creative with your lighting. Choose track lights or a decorative globe light on the ceiling. If you want, you can even incorporate lamps.

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Accent wall – No need to paint your entire kitchen for a beautiful pop of colour. Choose a wall and make it your accent wall – paint it with a bright colour that will make the room look bigger.

Wall decor – Yes, there is room for art in the kitchen – just not near the stove. A picture or your favourite piece of art can do wonders for making your kitchen look stylish and fun.

Plants – Plants are an inexpensive way to give your kitchen that homey feel, so purchase a few that you can keep on the counter, on the floor or on the windowsill. Just be sure to water them ever so often so that they last a long time.

Bring in colour – A common mistake is to go to the total opposite end of the

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spectrum, and make everything white and bright. Typically, this approach creates a kitchen with little to no personality and, in the end, it will be too bright and visually cold. Splash the walls with colour if you can do so.

Hang decorative objects. Choose or make towels, pot holders, refrigerator magnets, and any other decorative item that strikes your fancy; you might even theme them all in certain colours and patterns.

• Go for rich, bright colours.

• Keep decorative items away from work surfaces and places where they’ll get dirty quickly. Extra cleaning does not make for a cheery kitchen, so it’s also a good idea to use decorative items that are easy to clean. Decorative plates, for instance, may be able to go straight in the dishwasher.

Choose a wall and make it your accent wall – paint it with a bright colour that will make the room look bigger.

cebsales@electricalindustriesgroup.com INSPIRATION & INNOVATION

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SMART HOMES INDEX

ruthiesgarden@hotmail.com

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