Spring Home Improvement

Home Improvement SPRING 2022

A SPECIAL SECTION OF THE ITEMIZER-OBSERVER

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Table of Contents Five Interior Design Trends Landscaping Tips Three Spring Hacks Easy Ways to Make Your Household More Earth-Friendly Updating Windows & Patio Doors Radon Exposure Affordable Kitchen Upgrades Farmhouse Style Home Design

4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

Advertiser Index Van Well Building Supply

2

Budget Blinds

5

First American Title

5

Grossman & Weston Gravel, Inc.

5

Old Mill Feed & Garden

5

Fast Overhead Doors

7

Keystone Outdoor Living

9

Horsepower Real Estate

11

Ole Bergman Excavating/ OBEI Landscape Supply

11

A Clean Sweep Chimney Service

11

Marr Bros Bark

11

Mobility Access Options NW

13

Rickreall Farm Supply

15

Western Interlock Inc.

17

Home Comfort Inc.

20

Home Improvement SPRING 2022

Published March 2, 2022 Designed and Published by The Itemizer-Observer Printed at Eagle Web Press, Salem, OR 147 SE Court Street | Dallas, OR 503.623.2373 www.polkio.com

PHOTO | STATEPOINT

Five Interior Design Trends to Use in Your Home in 2022

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StatePoint

fter learning to live life more remotely in 2020 and 2021, it’s time to view 2022 as a fresh start To help you adopt a new, balanced way of living, FrogTape brand painter’s tape and celebrity interior designer, Taniya Nayak, are sharing five home interior design trends meant to inspire spaces that will welcome guests, while still incorporating the special intimacies that may have been rediscovered from slowing down. Each trend can be utilized for a full home makeover or incorporated into little touches to freshen up a space

1. Embrace: Embrace everything that is good in your life and create a sense of comfort, warmth and security. Nayak recommends cozy textures and a palette of mellow coral, subtle orange, soft green and creamy shades of white and brown to achieve this look in spaces like bedrooms or family rooms. A simple and stylish way to incorporate this into a room is to add a coat of paint to a textured basket for a pop of color. Then, fill it with plenty of plush blankets to complete the cozy look and feel.

2. Rise: Give a fresh perspective to your existing space with the ‘Rise’ trend. Inspired by the morning light peeking through the shades, incorporating this trend into your bedroom or bathroom is bound to invigorate and motivate you. For example, add a coat of green paint to your closet door for a nice pop of color to an area where you start your day.

No matter where you’re looking to add fresh color, you’ll want to achieve clean, sharp paint lines. One of Nayak’s go-to tools is a premium painter’s tape that produces professional-looking results, like FrogTape brand painter’s tape, which is treated with patented PaintBlock Technology, to deliver the sharpest lines possible.

3. Gather: 16. Gathering with friends and family has been long awaited, so set the mood and ambience just the way you imagined it. Inspired by the depth of conversations with loved ones, the ‘Gather’ trend embraces rich, dark tones like navy, teal or forest green. Incorporate this trend by painting the focal point of a room, like kitchen cabinets or the living room fireplace.

Or, add bold, dark details with furniture and artwork. You can keep it subtle by creating custom

4 | HOME IMPROVEMENT | SPRING 2022

centerpieces dipped in paint and wrapped in twine.

4. Revive: Revive your home with soothing and vibrant shades of pink, orange and blue to create a balance of motivated yet satisfied.

Consider adding a vibrant paint color to old, worn-down details like a front door, nightstand or kitchen table. It might feel out of context, or out of character, but give it a try.

“This trend can be described as carefree, festive and fun,” said Nayak. “Whatever it is that makes you happy…go for it!”

5. Shine: The ‘Shine’ trend is all about letting your true self shine. Implement this trend in any room throughout your home by embracing every color of the rainbow and visually displaying what’s in your heart. Using FrogTape, tape off a custom pattern that is uniquely yours and paint it whatever color you choose..

Visit FrogTape.com/Trends for more trend information and ideas. Creative and easy to achieve, these rising trends for 2022 provide inspiration to refresh your home’s interior.

C U S T O M

W I N D O W

T R E A T M E N T S

T H A T

M A K E

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S T A T E M E N T

Request a Free Consultation today and learn more:

503.362.5199 000.000.0000

BudgetBlinds.com/ BudgetBlinds.com YourPageHere

Call your local Budget Blinds Territory Name today!

Mailing Address City, State Zip Code Lic # 00000000000000 Lic # 00000000000000

We Do It With You: Blinds • Shades • Shutters Drapes • Home Automation © 2022 Budget Blinds, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds, LLC and a Home Franchise Concepts Brand. Each franchise independently owned and operated.

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PHOTO | STATEPOINT

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Landscaping Tips for Instant Curb Appeal

StatePoint

ne of the best ways to achieve instant curb appeal, according to the experts, is to effectively layer shrubs, plants and flowers in your front yard. Doing so can create a cohesive visual experience that naturally guides visitors to the front door.

Landscape designer Doug Scott describes plant layering in art terms: “Just like in a painting, you need to have a background, a middle ground and a foreground. Each layer serves a purpose, and there’s no more important place for them to be on full display than your home’s entrance.”

To help homeowners understand the purpose of plant layering and identify the best types of plants for each layer, Scott has joined forces with Exmark, a leading manufacturer of commercial mowers and equipment for landscape professionals and serious DIY-ers. Here they break it down for you: 1. Background: The background layer should consist of taller evergreen shrubs to ensure that no matter what’s in front of them, you and your visitors will always have something green to look

at. This layer provides a cohesive backdrop and a bit of living color in every season.

2. Middle Ground: Here’s where to step it down a notch in height and add interesting shapes, colors or stripes that provide contrast against the darker green of the background layer.

Herbaceous perennials, like lavender, are a good choice for this purpose.

3. Foreground: Here’s where to step it down a notch in height and add interesting shapes, colors or stripes that provide contrast against the darker green of the background layer. Herbaceous perennials, like lavender, are a good choice for this purpose.

Scott lays out a few other important tips to keep in mind: • Choose plants consistent with your home’s style. For instance, if you have a craftsman home, you should probably skip tropical plants.

Or, if your home is more minimalist, avoid an overabundance of different plants.

• Don’t obstruct views of your front door from the street with plants. Likewise, visitors

6 | HOME IMPROVEMENT | SPRING 2022

shouldn’t have to maneuver around plants as they make their way down the sidewalk. Neither is convenient or welcoming, so you’ll either need to keep pruning plants to size, or choose plants that won’t overgrow their space without a ton of pruning.

• To make your entrance “the star” it should be, the plant material in the rest of your front yard shouldn’t be distracting. Rather let it frame the intended view.

Scott offers more plant layering tips in “Making an Entrance,” a recent episode of “DoneIn-A-Weekend Projects,” an original series from Exmark. To watch the video, visit Backyard Life, which is part of a unique multimedia destination with a focus on helping homeowners make the most of outdoor spaces. There you can also download additional tips and view other Exmark Original Series videos, including “Dream Yards,” “Living Rural,” “Prime Cuts” and “Done In a Weekend – Extreme Projects.”

Through effective plant layering, you can boost curb appeal and give your home the grand entrance it deserves.

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PHOTO | SHAREPOINT

3 Spring Hacks to Prep the Inside of Your Home for Warm Weather

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StatePoint

ith warmer weather on the way, it’s time to deal with the associated household hassles of the season. Here are three hacks that will help you create a healthy, comfortable home during the months ahead:

1. Beat the Heat Beyond having your HVAC unit serviced and changing your air filter regularly, you can beat the heat at home with a few smart strategies. One change you can make today that will also reduce your carbon footprint is to swap out your heat-emitting incandescent light bulbs for cool LEDs. Likewise, appliances that are not in use but plugged in could be generating unnecessary warmth, so unplug when you can. Finally, use shades and blinds strategically to block out the sun and prevent a greenhouse effect indoors.

2. Banish Flying Bugs: Fruit flies, gnats and flies tend to proliferate indoors in the warmer months. Not only do these creatures come with a serious ick factor, they can harm your house-

plants and even put your family’s health at risk by carrying germs from dirty surfaces to clean ones.

A safe and easy way to defend against buzzing invaders is to plug Zevo Bug Traps into outlets around your home, especially in areas where these bugs enter your home and gather, like garages, entryways, covered porches, trash cans, drain pipes and kitchens. Rather than relying on chemical insecticides, they use multi-spectrum light technology that bugs find irresistible. Once attracted, flying insects are trapped in a super-sticky adhesive backing. Each trap cartridge offers continuous defense for up to 45 days or until it’s full. When you’re done with a cartridge, simply throw it in the trash and slide a new one in, without ever having to touch the dead bugs. Pair these traps with Zevo home bug sprays, which are powered by essential oils, for whole home protection. To learn more about defending your home against insects, and for trapping tips, visit zevoinsect.com.

3. Master Mold: Thriving in warm wet environments, mold is something to watch out for at home, especially during spring and summer.

8 | HOME IMPROVEMENT | SPRING 2022

Much more than an eyesore, mold is bad for your home’s infrastructure and bad for you. Mold can cause a number of allergic reactions and can sometimes even be toxic. However, you can reduce the risk of mold forming by managing your home’s humidity. Use fans and other ventilation in bathrooms and the kitchen when showering, running the dishwasher and doing other tasks that invite humidity. Test the humidity of various rooms in your home with a hygrometer and use a dehumidifier where needed. According to the EPA, the ideal indoor humidity is between 30 and 50%.

Employing warm weather hacks at home can help you maintain clean, comfortable spaces, all season long.

Visit FrogTape.com/Trends for more trend information and ideas. Creative and easy to achieve, these rising trends for 2022 provide inspiration to refresh your home’s interior.

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Easy Ways to Make Your Household More Earth-Friendly

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StatePoint

s it time to green up your act at home?

Here are just a few tweaks you can make to substantially reduce your environmental footprint.

1. Make Appliance Upgrades: Home appliances are improving all the time, with many newer models designed specifically with efficiency in mind. If your home appliances, such as your washer, dryer, dishwasher, refrigerator and HVAC system, are on the older side, it may be time to replace one or more of these items.

Over time, you’ll offset the upfront cost with reduced energy bills. Plus, you’ll be helping protect the climate. Look for ENERGY STAR-rated products, which have met strict EPA standards.

2. Optimize Heating and Cooling North American Technician Excellence (NATE) offers the following energy-saving tips to help you keep your home comfort system running at peak performance: • Change your air filters monthly, or as directed by the manufacturer.

• Add weatherstripping and caulk around windows and doors to improve your home’s insulation. Improperly insulated walls, floors, attics,

basements and crawlspaces waste energy and can also lead to moisture imbalance.

sources, and to find a NATE-certified technician in your area.

• Install a programmable thermostat to help regulate temperatures.

3. Reduce Food Waste: American food production uses 10% of the nation’s total energy budget, 50% of its land, and 80% of its freshwater, according to FoodRescue.net. Unfortunately, up to 40% of all food ends up in landfills. Label food items in your pantry and fridge and organize them by date to help ensure you consume food before it spoils. If you see that you’ve prepared too much of a certain item, freeze it. Of course, many foods produce unavoidable scraps. Use them to create stock or compost them. Composting will reduce your home’s contribution to landfills while enriching your garden. Bonus: it’s also a great way to reduce yardwork waste.

• Don’t keep clutter near your HVACR units, and don’t store anything next to them that could impede ventilation. Likewise, keep vents and returns free of obstructions. Don’t lay carpet over vents, place furniture over or in front of them, or obstruct airflow.

• Dry air feels cooler than moist air. A simple humidifier may make your home feel five degrees warmer.

• Even the most efficient system can suffer if it’s not properly maintained. For optimum comfort and sustainability, make sure all your HVACR installation, maintenance and other work is performed by a NATE-certified technician. NATE-certified technicians have demonstrated their knowledge of today’s increasingly sophisticated heating and cooling systems by passing a nationally recognized test developed and supported by all segments of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning industry. Better installation and service means your equipment will run at peak efficiency. Visit natex.org for additional HVACR energy-savings tips and re-

10 | HOME IMPROVEMENT | SPRING 2022

Make an Impact Today Want a quick project you can complete in an afternoon? Swap out incandescent lightbulbs for energy efficient LEDs. According to the EPA, residential LEDs -- especially ENERGY STAR-rated products -- use at least 75% less energy, and last up to 25 times longer.

Consider making Earth-friendly changes at home. A few tweaks can reduce your household’s impact on the planet.

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What to Look for When Updating Windows and Patio Doors

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StatePoint

our home’s windows and patio doors not only let in sunlight and scenery, they also help protect you from the elements.

That’s why it’s important to do your research when you’re updating them. Here’s what to know and what to look for:

1. High-Performance Products: High-performance windows and doors have better energy efficiency, which can help save you money in the long run, make your home healthier and keep it better protected in stormy weather.

Energy-efficient windows help reduce drafts and the transfer of heat, which can mean lower energy bills. ENERGY STAR certified windows and patio doors from Andersen are a good example of this. They’re also durable and reduce expenses associated with maintenance and painting.

Be sure to also seek out products that have “zero-VOC” or “low-VOC” certification. For example, most Andersen products are Indoor Advantage Gold certified for low-VOC emissions.

This helps reduce your household’s exposure to volatile organic compounds, which are gases that can lead to eye, nose and throat irritation, head-

aches and dizziness, and can even cause organ damage over time, according to the EPA. Finally, if you live in an area prone to hurricanes and storms, look for windows and doors that are certified to perform in high winds and severe coastal conditions.

2. Quality Components: Better quality windows and doors make it less likely that you’ll need to repair or replace them. One way to identify quality is to stick with brands that continually test the durability and strength of all the components of their products.

You can also look into products that use new, low-maintenance materials like Fibrex material, a composite that’s stronger than vinyl and doesn’t rot, fade, pit or corrode.

3. Designs That Fit Your Style Look for the types of windows and doors that match the look and feel of your home. This means making sure they’re the right color with the right type of glass and that they open the way you want them to.

For example, custom colors can help bring your design vision to life, black interiors help achieve a modern look with contrasting interior paint colors, while white interiors help keep spaces light and bright. And if you’re looking to put a

12 | HOME IMPROVEMENT | SPRING 2022

patio door in a tight space, go with a gliding patio door option.

Different types of glass are also something to keep in mind, with some glass being better suited for certain climates and conditions. Understanding terms like dual pane windows, low emissivity (Low-E) coating, decorative and hurricane-resistant can also help you make the right choices.

With so many options, it’s often a good idea to seek the advice of a certified contractor. They can help capture your vision and will work with you to find the right products for your home.

3. An Experienced Installer: A window is only as good as its installation. In fact, many windows fail due to improper installation. Help protect the investment you’ve made in your home by hiring a certified contractor or full-service replacement company like Renewal by Andersen. Certified contractors are a safe bet to make sure your windows and doors are installed properly, and Andersen products installed by Andersen Certified Contractors come with a 2-year limited installation warranty.

Keeping all these points in mind will help you select windows and patio doors that best fit your home, and can save you money in the long run..

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Modular & portable ramps eliminate the need to navigate entry steps. Threshold ramps Modularthe & portable ramps eliminate need to entry steps. ramps reduce risk of tripping and makethe it easier fornavigate mobility device users Threshold and shuffle reduce the risk of tripping and make it easier for mobility device users and shuffle steppers to move through your home’s doorways. steppers to move through your home’s doorways.

Living room chairs and couches may present new challenges for standing. Assistive Living room chairs and may present challengesprovide for standing. devices, such as the EZcouches Stand-N-Go and the new Sit-to-Stand, supportAssistive handles to devices, such as the Stand-N-Go and Sit-to-Stand, provide support handles to help someone pull or EZ push themselves tothe a standing position. help someone pull or push themselves to a standing position.

Mobility devices such as canes, scooters, walkers, and wheelchairs are great tools to Mobility canes, scooters, walkers,and andsafe. wheelchairs are great tools to keep youdevices or yoursuch lovedasone mobile, independent, Many are small and perfect keep you or your loved one mobile, independent, and safe.

Many are small and perfect for maneuvering tight spaces around the house, like the kitchen and dining areas. for maneuvering tight spaces around the house, like the kitchen and dining areas.

Stairlifts enable those with mobility or balance issues to ride comfortably and Stairlifts enable mobility or indoor balanceand issues to ride comfortably and can mean conveniently up those a flightwith of stairs, both outdoor.

Installing a stairlift conveniently up a flight of stairs, both indoor and outdoor.

Installing a stairlift can mean the difference between staying safe and giving up your home completely. the difference between staying safe and giving up your home completely.

Overhead and portable lifts help you transfer, position, support, and lift a person in a Overhead and portable lifts help you support, and lift personsoinaa variety of scenarios.

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5 Important Things to Know About Radon Exposure

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StatePoint

adon is present at high levels in a surprisingly large number of American homes, schools and other buildings. While this naturally-occurring gas is odorless, tasteless and colorless, it’s far from harmless.

Experts are raising awareness about the serious health risks associated with radon exposure and what you can do about it.

“Elevated radon in homes is more common than you may think. In fact, at least one in 15 American homes have elevated levels of radon, and this is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States,” says Albert Rizzo, M.D., chief medical officer for the American Lung Association. “The good news is that it is easy to test for radon.

Do-it-yourself test kits are simple to use and inexpensive.”

In an effort to eliminate this preventable lung cancer risk factor, protect all communities and buildings, and save lives, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with strategic

partners like the American Lung Association, have launched a new five-year National Radon Action Plan. The campaign is sharing five important things to know about radon: 1. Radon exposure is life-threatening. Radon-related lung cancers are responsible for an estimated 21,000 deaths annually in the United States.

2. Smoking and radon exposure can separately increase the risk of lung cancer. If you smoke, exposure to both tobacco and radon enhances the risk of lung cancer even further.

3. The only way to detect radon in your home is to test the air. The EPA urges anyone with radon levels above 4 picoCuries per liter (pCi/L) to take action to fix their homes. Both the EPA and the American Lung Association recommend that mitigation be considered if levels are greater than 2 pCi/L. After high levels are detected and confirmed, a radon mitigation system should be installed by a radon professional.

14 | HOME IMPROVEMENT | SPRING 2022

4. Radon testing should always be done when you buy a home and after building a new home.

Many states now require radon results (if known) to be disclosed during a real estate transaction.

Some states require testing in priority buildings like schools and daycares.

5. When high levels of radon are detected, professional radon mitigation should be a priority. Do‑it‑yourself radon mitigation is typically not an effective long-term solution. Some state health departments offer financial assistance or low interest loans for radon mitigation.

Learn more about radon testing and mitigation at Lung.org/Radon.

While elevated radon is common, it is a problem that is easy to address. By finding, fixing and preventing high indoor radon levels, its health impacts are preventable.

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3 Affordable Kitchen Upgrades to Consider

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StatePoint

s remodeling your kitchen on your wish list? Afraid of how much it’ll set you back?

HomeAdvisor puts the average kitchen remodel price in the $12,567 to $34,962 range. However, you can buck the trend of costly, complicated updates. Consider these three renovations, all of which will improve the look and functionality of your kitchen, without costing you thousands of dollars:

1. Refresh Fabrics: Reupholstering just one chair means shelling out $150 to $600, according to HomeGuide. If that’s beyond what you’re willing to pay, but you’re not ready to replace a beloved set of kitchen chairs, you can update their look on a budget and in just a few minutes with stretchable seat covers. A good choice for families with kids or pets, these covers are typically machine-washable and can be swapped out as often as you like to suit your mood. From geometric designs to citrus vibes to florals, they’re offered in a range of patterns that will look great with any style.

2. New Granite Surfaces: Countertops are the most common feature upgraded during kitchen renovations, according to a 2022 Houzz study, which found that nine in 10 remodelers performed this update. The same survey found

that 35% of homeowners are splurging to make it happen. If you’ve looked into granite countertops, you probably learned that it can cost thousands of dollars and take months to have them custom-made and installed.

Adding this touch of luxury to your kitchen doesn’t have to bust your budget, involve contractors or mean supply chain hassles. It can actually be an easy, one-weekend DIY project. Using a LuxROCK Solid Surface Granite Countertop Kit from Daich Coatings, you can transform your countertops and island surfaces at just a fraction of the price of a professional granite countertop installation. For about $300, a kit covers 40 square feet of space. This functional and decorative blend of real stone with stunning mineral highlights can be used to give a smooth appearance to countertops, tables or any other surface. And because the authentic stone surface resists stains, heat and impact and is food safe, it’s a great solution for the kitchen.

Each kit includes a prime coat, stone coats, clear epoxy and a clear coat finish, as well as all the tools needed. This revolutionary and exceptionally easy resurfacing project doesn’t require any artistic skills to be a success. Nor does it require technical skills, as sinks, plumbing fixtures and existing countertops don’t need to be removed before application.

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If you’re someone who likes the flexibility of changing things up every few years, it’s simple to update granite surface colors using another LuxROCK kit when you’re ready. Both this U.S. patent-pending kit and the brand’s textured countertop kits are available online at The Home Depot and Lowe’s.

3. Optimize Your Pantry: Pantries are often tucked away, but you can still give them an eye-catching makeover. For fresh pops of color, paint the pantry door and wallpaper the interior.

Group items by height, then use customizable shelving to stretch storage real estate. You may also wish to transfer kitchen staples to uniform containers. This will offer a tidier, more visually appealing look, while helping you make better use of limited space. Whether you opt for mason jars, ceramic canisters, or BPA-free plastic cubes, label containers carefully.

It’s the heart of the home, but that doesn’t mean you need to break the bank to create your dream kitchen. With ingenuity, you can improve its look and functionality at an affordable price point and in just a weekend.Visit FrogTape.com/ Trends for more trend information and ideas.

Creative and easy to achieve, these rising trends for 2022 provide inspiration to refresh your home’s interior.

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Tips to Add Farmhouse-Style Elements to Your Home Design

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StatePoint

hen it comes to home design, farmhouse style represents a total intersection of beauty and practicality, making it no surprise that many are embracing this traditional look today. Whatever architectural style your home is, adding key design elements can help you get in on best aspects of the farmhouse trend. Here are a few renovations to consider: 1. An updated porch: Adding a front porch or expanding an existing porch will not only add charming farmhouse-style curb appeal, but extend your outdoor living area as well. Be sure to take as much care decorating your porch as you would any other room of your home. Include comfy furniture, like rocking chairs and a porch swing, complete with cushions. Add potted plants for a touch of vibrant greenery, lantern wall sconces for illumination, and outdoor rugs for coziness. Don’t forget the entryway. Make it more inviting with seasonal wreaths and a cheerful welcome mat.

2. Board ‘n batten siding: Imparting a rustic, handmade quality to any home, even those built-in contemporary styles, “board ‘n batten” is a centuries-old siding design that encapsulates the appeal of farmhouse-style homes. The term “batten” refers to the strip of molding placed across the joint between boards. The resulting look boasts an attractive geometry of strong vertical lines balanced by a sense of texture across the horizontal face. While the look is traditional, you can pair it with the very latest in siding technology. For example, CedarMAX Insulated Siding from ProVia comes in many styles, including board ‘n batten. This complete thermal cladding system offers continuous insulation for maximum energy savings. With five times greater impact resistance than regular siding and a weather barrier shield, this is not just a charming aesthetic upgrade, but one that will improve the comfort of your home for years to come.

3. Metal roofing: There’s a reason metal roofing plays prominently into the design of authentic farmhouses -- they are built to last. That’s truer than ever today, thanks to advances in metal roofing technology. Offering superior color

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retention, long-term reliability, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, architectural-grade metal shingle roofing is an upgrade that can add both beauty and value to your home. In the case of ProVia’s Metal Slate Roofing, which is designed to look like classic quarried slate shingles, you can draw on the beauty of nature in shades of gray and brown, while enjoying proven protection from hail, wind, rain, and corrosion.

4. Interior touches: Restyle your home’s interior to be farmhouse-inspired with a few renovations. Classic looks include neutral walls, such as matte shades of beige, grays and creams, shabby chic furniture -- think wicker, distressed wood and reclaimed lumber -- and hardwood flooring. Consider dusting off a few hand-medowns or visiting antique shops and estate sales for one-of-a-kind finds. Above all, be sure to prioritize comfort, warmth, and practicality.

To embrace everything that a home should be -- an inviting place to gather with friends and family -- add farmhouse-style touches to your home, indoors and out.

SPRING 2022 | HOME IMPROVEMENT | 19 PHOTO | STATEPOINT