A SPECIAL SECTION TO THE CAÑON CITY SHOPPER September 30, 2025
5simplewaystopersonalize your bathroom
(BPT)- Your bathroom doesn’t have to solely be autilitarian space. With just afew easy changes, youcan turnyour nofrill bathroom into a relaxing spacewith a personalized feel
Don’tknowwhereto start? Check out these five simple tips thatcan help youenhanceyour existing aesthetic or completely update the vibes of your bathroom.
1. Hang artworkthat reflects your taste
Hanging artworkin the bathroom is the easiest waytoquickly add personality. If you’re looking to change the room’s theme from a minimalist black-andwhitecolor scheme to amaximalist tropical theme, find photos and prints with plants and trees in brightgreens, reds and yellows
Or,ifyou’vebeen having ahardtime finding a spot to hang artyou’ve
eitherpurchased or been gifted by afriend, these pieces maylook rightathome in your bathroom!
Protip: Choose waterproof frames that can protectyour art from humidity
2. Update hardwareto express your style
Thehardwareyou choose setsthe tone and style of abathroom. If youcurrently have cool silver drawer pulls, faucets,towel bars and other fixtures with a polished finish, consider switching to warm gold orbronzehardwarewith abrushed finish.
Keep in mind thatyou can mixand match colors, materials and finishes to create a bathroom with hardware tailoredtoyour taste. Forexample, if youwant to upgrade your faucet, check out Kohler’s Mix &Match Faucet options Threefaucet collections
provide youwith the freedom to choose the spout style, handle and finish.
If you’re looking to injectturn-of-thecenturycharmintoyour bathroom, choose the Artifacts collection. For ahigh-fashion, effortless glamour of the Golden AgeofHollywood,opt forthe Occasion line of faucet sets.Wanttolean into minimalism? Take a look at the Components collection. Each line offers faucet fixtures in several finishes and colors,soyou can find whatsuits your style best
3. Addaspa-likefeel with plants
Turn your bathroom into atranquil retreat
with bathroom-friendly plants.Adding natural, organic elements like plants can bring an otherwise sterile room to lifeand can soften abathroom’s hard, clean lines.Thereare manyplants youcan choose from, but it’s best to choose ones that thriveinhumidity, like calatheas,monsteras pothos,orchids or ferns. Onceyou’vechosen your plants,look for decorativeplanters that matchyour aesthetic or the bathroom’s color scheme.Ifyou’reshort on space, consider hanging planters.No matter whatyou choose, the plants youcarefor can make the bathroom moreinviting
4. Controlthe ambiancewith lighting
Changing the lighting in your bathroom allows youtoeffortlessly controlthe ambiance. Forexample,dimmable whitelightbulbs create acozyatmosphere, butstill offer enough illumination for grooming tasks like shaving and applying makeup.Installing a dimmer switch allows youtoadjust brightness to create asunlike daytime mood or a soothingevening glow forarelaxingbath afteralong day. For flexibility, install smart lighting thatallows you to change the color and brightness depending on your mood and needs
Protip: Choose lighting elements thatmatch or complementother bathroom hardware.
If you’re considering installingafaucet from Kohler’s Artifacts, Components and Occasioncollections, you’re in luck.Each collection also offers customizable lighting fixtures
5. Addcolor and texturewith paint and wallpaper
Finally,anew coat of paintorwallpaper can do wonders fora
bathroom. With so many colors and patterns to choose from, you can easily find the combination thatsuits your style
Tiredofthe sterile white or beige of your bathroom walls? Grab a can of babyblue or sage green to create aserene setting or use warm reds and pinks forahomey ambiance.
If youwanttoadd textures and patterns, look forwallpaper that reflects the theme of the bathroom or thatshows off your hobbies or interests.From florals to faux stone to geometric shapes and more, wallpaper offers endless possibilities to express yourself in thisspace.
Protip: Thetype of paintand wallpaper youchoose matters
Acrylic andlatex paints arepopular bathroom choices because they can preventmold and mildew thatcan flourish in humid conditions
Similarly,vinyl wallpaper is best forthe humid bathroom environment. Areyou ready to restyle your bathroom? Using these five tips,you can turnabasic room into aretreatpersonalized to your heart’scontent To find morebathroom makeovertips and get inspired,visit Kohler.com.
(BPT) - Tankless electric water heaters are transforming the way households experience hot water by offering energy-efficient, spacesaving solutions that deliver heated water on demand These compact units can be up to 98% smaller than traditional storage water heaters
They may be installed in tight spaces or even mounted to a wall, freeing up valuable space while reducing energy consumption
Selecting the right model requires preparation and research
Homeowners should consider key elements of their home’s design, including the number of occupants bathrooms and hot water appliances - paired with overall water usage - to ensure the correct tankless electric water heater is installed
Tip 1: Estimate household hot water demand
A critical first step is properly estimating the household s hot water demand A tankless
electric water heater s flow rate measured in gallons per minute (GPM), determines its size Calculating how many hot water GPMs the household typically uses is essential and is done by adding up the flow rates of fixtures, such as faucets and showers, that run at the same time
After determining the GPM required to meet all the household’s simultaneous needs, the homeowner can choose the right size tankless electric water heater
For example, if someone uses the shower while two faucets are running, the home will need a tankless electric water heater with at least a 5 GPM capacity
See infographic for an overview of product usage sizing and geographic zones
Another important consideration is the number of bathrooms and typical usage patterns of occupants Larger families or homes with multiple bathrooms may require
a higher-capacity unit, whereas smaller households can often rely on a more compact solution For example, the Rheem RTEX and EcoSmart models under the Rheem® family of brands cater to a wide range of needs, from point-of-use (POU) units for single fixtures to whole-home options designed to handle multiple fixtures concurrently
Tip 2: Factor in regional climate
Groundwater temperatures vary across the country In northern regions of the U S , which tend to be colder, the ground water is also colder This means that a higher temperature rise (difference between the ground water temperature and the desired output water temperature) is required compared to warmer southern areas
For example, in southern areas where the groundwater temperature is 62° F, to reach a desired output water temperature
of 105° F, the temperature rise would be 43° F Whereas, in northern regions, if the groundwater temperature is 40° F to reach 105° F, the temperature rise is much higher at 65° F The unit has to work harder to achieve this temperature
For this reason certain models will work well in southern climates but a similar household in a northern region may need a larger tankless electric water heater to achieve the degree rise needed to meet household hot water requirements
Tip 3: Account for water temperature and flow rate
Water temperature and flow rate are equally crucial when determining the appropriate tankless electric water heater size Higher flow rates demand more powerful models to maintain consistent hot water output Some residences may be accommodated by one whole-home unit,
while others may require multiple point-of-use systems
Tip 4: Evaluate electrical capacity
The homes electrical capacity is another essential consideration when selecting a tankless electric water heater For most homes, the average available amp service is either 100-, 200-, or 300-amps
While a 200-amp service panel typically suffices for average households, new construction, larger homes and high-demand systems may require a higher 300-amp service panel
Additionally, older homes with lower amp service may require an electric panel upgrade to meet the needs of a tankless electric water heater
Higher-capacity tankless electric water heaters require more power so be sure to assess the capability of the home’s electric service panel to accommodate additional circuit breakers before installation Consult a licensed electrician or
contractor to evaluate the home, circuit breaker size and wiring gauge to ensure the service panel can handle the load prevent overloads and ensure a safe efficient operation
There are many benefits to tankless electric water heaters
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How to understand your home energy use — and cut costs
By Special to Daily Record
(BPT)
Heating and cooling systems account for around 55% of the aver-
age home’s energy use, according to the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) And during the warmer summer months, HVAC systems are working at their hardest to keep homes cool — which means that as temperatures rise, energy bills often do, too. Consider the following tips to boost a home’s energy performance and save on utility bills to help keep costs down and improve HVAC efficiency
Practice routine maintenance Clean or replace filters on air conditioners or furnaces regularly, ideally once a month or as recommended This routine practice will ensure systems run efficiently.
It’s also important to schedule seasonal inspections with a professional technician such as a Rheem Pro Partner®, to identify and address potential issues before they become larger, more costly problems An expert will also help evaluate the health of key components such as filters, refrigerant levels, and thermostat calibration to keep units working at peak performance.
Maintain clear airflow throughout the home
Proper insulation and air sealing techniques can achieve whole-house energy savings of 10%-20%, proving a cost-effective way to reduce energy waste
DAMAGE
Ensure air return points are not blocked by furniture carpeting or drapes so that air can flow freely. Confirm that doors and windows are closed when the HVAC system is in operation, and check that loose seals or gaps around windows, doors and ducts are not causing conditioned air to escape from the
home Additionally, during warmer months, keep window coverings closed during the day to block the sun’s heat.
All these practices can prevent energy waste, lower utility costs, and improve overall performance
Evaluate equipment options
Another option home-
to protect your home from hail
By Special to Daily Record
(BPT) — Smart, simple steps can help homeowners avoid expensive repairs this hail season.
As hailstorms grow more frequent and severe across many parts of the country, homeowners are looking for ways to better protect their properties Mercury Insurance is sharing practical, affordable tips to help people safeguard their homes and avoid the high cost of hail-related damage. With decades of experience insuring homes in high-risk regions, Mercury is committed to helping homeowners stay prepared — before the first hailstone falls.
“Many people don’t realize how vulnerable their homes can be until it’s
too late,” said Steve Bennett Senior Director of Climate and Catastrophe Science at Mercury Insurance “Taking a few preventive measures now can save thousands of dollars in repairs and offer peace of mind.”
Hail protection checklist for your home:
* Inspect and reinforce your roof: Check for missing or damaged shingles. If you live in a hail-prone area, consider upgrading to impact-resistant roofing materials.
* Consider a FORTIFIED Roof upgrade: These roofs use sealed decks, stronger nailing patterns, and highimpact shingles to better withstand storms.
* Install hail-resistant window film or shutters: This can minimize the chance of breakage and reduce damage from flying debris
* Trim nearby trees: Remove weak branches and keep trees maintained to prevent falling limbs during a storm
* Protect your car: Park vehicles in a garage or under cover when hail is in the forecast Why It Matters: According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), hail causes billions in property damage every year And 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the most active hail seasons on record Mercury encourages homeowners to review their insurance policies in advance and make sure they fully understand their coverage and deductibles. You can also get more hail storm preparation pro tips here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OAkTU8UN1HE
owners may consider is upgrading their home’s HVAC equipment According to the DOE, upgrading a home’s cooling and heating system can cut energy use by 20% or more, depending on the existing setup.
Most cooling and heating equipment today is built for energy efficiency
Rheem, an innovative, century-old manufacturer of trusted air solutions, crafts HVAC equipment built for energy optimization while keeping the environment in mind. Rheem offers a comprehensive lineup of sustainable solutions engineered to ensure a comfortable home and efficiencies that provide long-term budget savings. A trusted,
cal contractor can help a homeowner evaluate the best equipment options No matter a home’s heating and cooling needs, these are a few tools and solutions homeowners can explore to better understand how to make a space more energy efficient.
COURTESY PHOTO
3simple ways to addfall color to your home and garden
(BPT)-Assummer comes to aclose, autumn is all about extending your time outdoors and enjoying the gorgeous, vibranthues in the garden. Celebrate the season by incorporating colorful plants and flowers that enhancethe warmth and beauty of your home and outdoor gathering spaces
Thegardening experts at Ball Horticultural Company
offer their top recommendations forcapturing whatmakes this season so special with three easy tips fornovice and experienced gardeners alike
1. Welcome guests with style
To give guests a warm welcome when they visit, refresh your frontporch entryway with lovely decorative
containers and hangingbaskets in rich fall colors.
Spreading Pansy TopWave™ -Agreat new choice forcoolseason containers on your porch or patio,these pansies offer mounds of friendly flowers to brightenwindow boxes, planters and baskets.With a wide varietyof shades -fromwarm oranges, rose and pink shades to cool blues andvioletsyou can easily find thecombination thatfeels rightfor your space.
Rudbeckia Suntacular -Also calledBlackEyedSusans, these stunning vase-shaped perennials bring a cheerfulburst of sunshinetoany mixed container or landscape, making your outdoor spaces moreinviting for guests.Their hardy natureand easycareappeal make these plants ideal forcooler weather,
adding warmth to your fall decor
2. Create a pollinatorfriendly fall environment
Transformyour backyard and patio into an oasis forbirds,bees andbutterflies by choosing plantsand flowers thatattract pollinators.Explore these optionsto addboth color and charactertoany outdoor space:
Lantana Shamrock™
Yellow -These lively and fragrant yellow clusters of flowers attractbutterflies andhummingbirds, while also being deer resistantand droughttolerant. This is agreat plant forcontainersand baskets thanks to its compact, well-kept growth habit
Salvia MysticalAvailableinstriking blue or crisp white, these narrowstalked blossoms will provide a beautifulcontrast to warmer hues suchasyellow,
orange or redin your garden or containers. Their aromatic foliage andtubular flowers attracts pollinators including bees and butterflies,while resisting deer and rabbits
Echinacea Sombrero® MandarinMambo -Anupgrade to the traditional coneflower,this perennialoffers brightorange flowers thatchange to alovely peach color as they matureand provide lasting appeal for pollinators.Leave the spentseed headstofeed foraging birds in the fall
3. Celebrate the fall classic with mum companions Mums have long been cherished as a hallmark of the fall season, blooming into their full,glorious colors when manyother flowers begin to fade.Pairing them
withplantsthat offer boldcolors and interesting textures can enhanceyour fall gardenand create a rich visual tapestry. Here aretwo great choices thatcan easilybecome your favorite mums’new BFFs:
Dahlia Venti™ PinkBurst -This special pink Dahlia varietyfeatures a unique anemonelike double-flower patternthat will beautifully complementyour autumn display of mums,while also performing well in decorative containers
Zinnia Elegant™ Hot MixtureEasy-to-grow and
pollinator-friendly, these Zinnias producelarge double flowers in stunning color mixes thatquickly becomegarden favorites. Their festiveshades of orange,red and pink bring vibrant contrast alongside mums in both containers and landscapes.
No matter your gardening experience, make your autumn shine this year by embracing the season’s warm colors and striking blooms.Discover moregardening resourcesand ideas at BallHort.com.
(BPT)-Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas, cohosts of the HGTV series“Bargain Block,”areexperts at transforming properties and boosting curb appeal.Ahome’s roof is abig partof the designduo’s roof transformations that pair curbappeal with powerful protection. Beloware excerpts from aconversation with Keith and Evan aboutusing color to make the most of a roof replacement.
What makes the roof such agood placetomakea design statement?
(ET) Representing alarge amountof ahome’s exterior, the roof provides an ideal spacefor enhancingcurb appeal. However, a roof also needs to be designed to stand up to the elements to help protectone of a consumer’s biggest investments -their home
New shingles give homeowners lasting peaceofmind They know they’ve
made ahome improvementthat will last foralong time
(KB) But thereis also curbappeal to think about.Inmany cases,ahome’s roof is thesingle largest thing yousee when youpullupto a house,soitcan have ahugeeffectona home’s appearance. Whatare someroof design trends you areseeing in the market?
(KB) Thereare a lot more color options to choose from today. Owens Corning offers homeowners the option of so manydimensional colors.It’skind of unbelievable how color options have expanded.WhenI wasakid,wehad cedar,tan and black.Now,you get to have this luxurious moment with theroof and all of the shingle color selections.And luxury is something people expect noweven first-time home buyers
(ET) When youhave so manyoptions, selecting acolor gets easier.The undertones in the Owens Corning TruDefinition®
Designer shingle line are neutral,but the pops of colorand dimensional textures in thegranules make roof color more interesting What advice do youoffer to homeowners for choosing ashingle color?
(KB) Color tools help homeowners make abeautiful decision thatstill feels safe. Matching ashingle with amonotone or selecting a complementary colormakes it work Iask people,“Tell me about colorful things that youlove,” and that gets them going down acolor path.Online style boards and color tools let peoplesee howunexpected color pairings come together.I love the Owens Corning Duration® Designer shingles in Black
Sable,which give the richness of slate.And Ialso love Owens Corning Duration®Designer shingle colors Storm Cloud and Pacific Wave!
Iused to carry a color wheel. If you’re notconfident, you just lookacross the wheeland there’s acomplementary coloronthe opposite side (ET) As long as you are coordinating colors well,you can usealmost anycolorand it will lookgood.It’s about making sure that youhavethe rightcolors paired together.And so, whether yougowith aPrairie Craftsman or an Italianate look,itwill still look good because you are pairing things properly Howcan a contractor assist homeowners in selecting aroof color?
(KB) Acolor consultation is a good placetostart
Contractors in the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network can offer designtoolsto help inspirea color decision. When looking at shingle boards,removing the coloroptions homeownersdon’t like makes it easy to focus on colors that maypair well In our business, we’veproventhat youcan work design into the home’s improvement and still get the performanceand budget you’re looking for. The mood boards Owens Corning put together help contractors and homeownersmake use of aprovencolor process What does acolor consultation involve?
(KB) We ask people to tell us about themselves and abouttheir house and thatreally helps personalize color.It also brings asense of luxurydesigninto the process (ET) Sometimes homeownershave aperception that aluxurydesign roof has to be unaffordable. Advances in asphalt shingles and color pairing mood boards provide an approachable designmomentthat giveshomeowners aluxurylookatan asphalt pricepoint. Learnmoreabout Keith and Evan’s collaboration with Owens Corning and check out“Bargain Block”season 4, currently airing on HGTV.
