OTT_Starved Rock Country Homes_June 2020

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925 Illinois Rt. 71, Oglesby Listing is by Starved Rock Realty See more listings on page 5

Perennial gardening - page 4 Boost your home’s curb appeal - page 10 Design a fitness room - page 12 AND MORE!

House on 12 beautiful acres adjacent to Starved Rock entrance

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The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

6/5/20 11:50 AM

By

Home Home

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Matt Mooneyham Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS# 1168291 (815)431-3968 633 LaSalle St. Ottawa, IL 61350 mmooneyham@ffsbweb.com

"Words cannot explain how awesome of an experience I had! If you are apprehensive or at all unsure of your options, do yourself a favor and give Matt a call."

Putnam, IL

www.ffbsloans.com The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

6/5/20 11:50 AM

Helping you finance your happily ever after Whatever your home financing needs may be, I’m here to help you. With access to a broad selection of products and programs, homebuyer resources, and my support, you can feel confident that the home financing you choose will work through years of homeownership.

I look forward to working with you throughout a lifetime of homeownership.

Contact me today.

Geoff VeZain

CS5218

Home Mortgage Consultant Phone: 815-433-3715 Cell: 815-258-7772 geoff.vezain@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 413494

Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2017 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801.

REV 3/18 108193-2 - 05/20

SM-CL1783734

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS REAL ESTATE ReMax County.......................................................................................................... 8-9 Starved Rock Realty....................................................................................................5

FINANCIAL & MORTGAGE AFFILIATES Wells Fargo Home Mortgage................................................................................4 First State Bank...............................................................................................................7 Streator Home Savings Bank............................................................................... 12 Quality Care Cleaning............................................................................................. 12 SOCU............................................................................................................................... 13 Financial Plus Credit Union................................................................................... 14 Eureka Savings Bank.................................................................................................. 14 First National Bank of Ottawa............................................................................ 15

LOCAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES Danchris Nursery - Contractor’s Grouping..............................................16 Diversified Sheet Metal - Contractor’s Grouping..................................16

Arrow Well & Pump................................................................................................. 16 Marseilles Sheet Metal............................................................................................. 16

All real estate advertising in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1968 it illegal to advertise “any preferences, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex or national origin or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.”

This publication will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on any equal opportunity basis.

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3 perennial gardening pointers (MS) — Gardening is an engaging hobby that can provide a host of benefits, some of which may surprise even the most devoted gardeners.

For example, the Harvard Medical School notes that just 30 minutes of gardening activities burns 135 calories, making gardening a fun and simple way to incorporate more exercise into your daily routine. In addition, scientists have long proven that gardening releases the hormones serotonin and dopamine in the brain, each of which are associated with improved mood.

Perennial gardens can be especially attractive to seasoned gardeners and novices. Perennials are plants that come back year after year, and committing to a perennial garden can ensure people stick with gardening for the long haul, reaping all of the rewards that come with making such a commitment.

Before planting a perennial garden, those new to gardening may want to consider these three tips.

1. Make a plan.

A perennial garden comes back year after year, which means any mistakes you make when planting are likely to haunt you year after year as well. Factors like space and location must be considered before planting. Many gardeners utilize garden planning applications like GrowVeg to make the process of planning a garden simpler and more organized. Such applications can be especially useful for novices.

2. Consider aesthetics.

Gardens can be awe-inspiring, especially when gardeners consider aesthetics prior to planting.

The DIY Network advises gardeners to consider scale before choosing which perennials to plant.

Tall plants and wide beds tend to look best outside large homes, while short plants in small beds tend to look better outside small homes.

3. Work with a professional.

Local garden centers can be excellent resources when planning perennial gardens.

Representatives at such businesses can offer tips on native plants, which will be more likely to thrive year after year than non-natives. Such representatives also can help you choose the right plants based on the amount of sunlight the plants will likely get after being planted. Each of these factors can be easily overlooked by people without much gardening experience.

Perennial gardens can provide years of joy and inspiration, especially when gardeners give ample attention to certain details prior to planting.

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Local garden centers can be excellent resources for gardeners planting perennial gardens for the first time.

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Starved Rock Realty

620 N. Division St. St Utica

(815) 667-9990 667 9990

www.starvedrockrealty.net www starvedrockrealty net

PUT THE STARVED ROCK REALTY TEAM TO WORK FOR YOU! Dee Barrera

Alice Green

Johanna Arkels

(815) 252-9696

(815) 488-9712

(815) 252-8026

Broker/Owner

Broker

Broker

300 Gary Street - Leonore MLS # 10713869 Quaint 3 BR, 1 BA on the edge of town..well taken care of with a 2 car detached garage. Nice size back yard - great country living! - offered by Dee Barrera

Offered by Dee Barrera $59,900

LASALLE

952 Il Rt. 71 - Oglesby

RARE FIND - Home with nearly 12 acres on Rt 71 right outside of Utica and Starved Rock Entrance. Once was a Christmas tree farm. Owner had drilled a 225’ well and hand planted 5000 white & scotch pine which after appox 40 years has turned into a beautiful wonderland..

Approximately 6 acres is currently cash rented. 2 out buildings great for running a business or for your own use

Call Dee today 815-252-9696 $169,900

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Larla adam

LASALLE

Denisse Perez Broker

Broker

(815) 326-8513

(815) 883-1353

130 Mill Street - Utica MLS # 10687630

Cash in on the average 2.5 Million annual visitors to Starved Rock Area & the local residents by owning the only Grocery store in Historic Downtown Utica. Currently a grocery with available space for deli and butcher shop. Wonderful Walk-in freezer & walk-in refrigerator that opens to many refrigerated display cases. Nearly 4000 sq ft of commercial space right in the heart of town. Pleasantly updated with a long history of serving local businesses & residents & also tourists. Currently Rented. A great opportunity for a steady rental income or to run your own business.

Limited only by your imagination. Currently has a liquor license

Offered by Dee Barrera $199,900

LASALLE

700 Clark St - Utica

Cash in on the approx 2.8 million annual visitors to Starved Rock area.. 2100 sq ft building on near 1 acre of land in historic downtown Utica. Frontage to Rt 178 - approx 1/2 mile from Ill River & entrance to Starved Rock. Building is constructed of steel and concrete with 8” insulation in walls and 20” in ceiling. City water plus 250’ private well. 1 bathroom..updated furnace also AC. Currently operating as a bait shop with liquor liccense..but this has endless opportunities!

$279,900

LASALLE Saturday, June 13, 2020

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Conserving water during drought and dry periods (MS) — Weather can be unpredictable. Carefully developed plans for days spent in the great outdoors can be derailed by unexpected rainstorms, while sudden bursts of sunshine can turn overcast afternoons into chances to get outside and breathe some fresh air.

Lawn and garden enthusiasts know just how mercurial Mother Nature can be, especially during summer. The specter of drought looms every summer, but the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center does not anticipate any broad-scale areas of drought developing in the Lower 48 states in 2020. While that’s good news for lawn and garden enthusiasts, it’s wise to remain prepared for drought.

In recognition of the difficulties drought can pose, the Environmental Protection Agency offers the following tips to homeowners to ensure that water is available to meet critical needs.

• Learn local regulations. During dry periods and droughts, local water utilities put restrictions in place. These restrictions are not meant to be nuisances, but designed to ensure water is available to fight fires and meet other critical needs. Adhering to these guidelines, no matter how difficult they can be, helps your community stay safe. Periodically visit local water utilities’ websites to learn if there are any restrictions in place.

• Inspect fixtures for leaks. Conservation is the goal of water restrictions. Leaky fixtures compromise conservation efforts, so inspect all interior and exterior faucets and pipes for leaks and fix them immediately.

• Look into upgrades. Upgrading outdated bathrooms and other water features can be a great way to conserve water without changing daily habits. For example, the EPA estimates that water-conserving toilets can reduce water consumption by as much as 60 percent each year. That saves consumers money while also helping them to conserve during droughts or periods of dryness.

• Water wisely. The EPA notes that experts estimate that as much as 50 percent of the water we use outdoors is lost to evaporation, wind or runoff due to overwatering. The EPA recommends watering primarily in the early morning and evening, after the sun goes down, so less water is lost to evaporation. If you have an irrigation system that uses a clock timer, consider replacing the timer with a WaterSense labeled irrigation controller, which acts like a thermostat for a sprinkler system, using local weather and landscape conditions to tell the sprinkler system when to turn itself on and off.

Drought and dry conditions in summer highlight the importance of conserving water.

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The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

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Creating your own backyard oasis (MS) — Our backyards are some of the best places to spend the summer months, especially if you’re practicing social distancing and are tired of being cooped up indoors. Fortunately, it’s possible to transform your outdoor living space into a secluded, open-air retreat.

Bring the indoors out. We often hear about bringing the outdoors inside, but the reverse is also true when designing a luxurious extension of your home. Homey, lived-in touches can take your outdoor space from sterile and unfinished to cozy and inviting.

Think patterned throw pillows, fluffy blankets for chilly evenings, outdoor rugs, colorful lanterns, and decorative accessories like painted terracotta pots or metal tins.

Invest in comfy furniture. What’s the best part of your living or family room? Chances are it’s your comfortable couch or recliner. To recreate the same feeling, splurge on some soft furniture that will make you want to stay outside for hours reading a book or working remotely. It doesn’t have to break the bank either — you can DIY a cozy lounging bench with reclaimed wood and hand-sewn cushions with outdoor stuffing and fabric.

TARA STEFANICH

Mortgage Originator 815.433.3727 Ottawa tstefanich@firststatebank.biz NMLS#688620

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Add a relaxing pool or spa. Water has a calming effect and is often linked to our favorite memories at the cottage or on vacation. A pool or spa can help transport you somewhere far away without leaving your home. A pool can help you and the kids get some exercise while swimming laps, while a spa can soothe tired muscles after a long day hunched over your laptop. To reduce energy costs and increase longevity, consider using Nudura insulated concrete forms, which provide superior insulation. ICF pools also can be custommade to accommodate any design, making them a very versatile and efficient way to build pools.

Go wild with greenery. Live plants can help you feel connected with nature, and tending to them can help you feel relaxed

yet productive during isolation. A vertical garden can add visual interest, while trees and shrubs can provide shade and character.

Aromatic herbs like lavender or rosemary offer pleasant scents and can spice up your cooking. And don’t be afraid to cut some flowers from your garden to place in vases or pots for beautiful finishing touches.

ASHLEY RZASA

Mortgage Originator 815.673.4381 Streator arzasa@firststatebank.biz NMLS #1900504

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Country 1803 S. Bloomington St, Streator Phone: 815.672.9099 Fax: 815.673.5099 Website: www.countryil.com

Jennifer Bliss

Jenny Gura

Gigi Lansford

815-674-5483

815-257-8910

815-674-7656

BROKER

BROKER

DESIGNATED MANAGING BROKER

815-257-3183

911 Painter St, Streator

1826 S Harrison St, Streator

110 LaSalle St, Streator

318 Court St, Streator

3 bed | 1 bath | 858 Sq Ft 1.5 car garage | MLS# 10472187

2 bed | 1 bath | 864 Sq Ft 1.5 car garage | MLS# 10561554

4 bed | 1.1 bath | 1752 Sq Ft 1 car garage | MLS# 10694876

2 bed | 1 bath | 1257 Sq Ft MLS# 10024297

$22,500

$27,856

$45,000

$47,000

607 Powell St, Streator

908 Lowden Rd, Streator

103 W Livingston Rd, Streator

3 bed | 1 bath | 1044 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10715751

2 bed | 2 bath | 1136 Sq Ft 1 car garage MLS# 10729762

3 bed | 1.1 bath | 1292 Sq Ft MLS# 10684618

$51,000

801 W 2nd St, Streator 1 bed | 1 bath | 1200 Sq Ft MLS# 10495302

$68,000

Outstanding Agents Outstanding Results®

$65,000

$60,000

1201 E Main St, Streator 3 bed | 1 bath | 1300 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10706228

$67,000

308 S Everett St, Streator

213 E Livingston Rd, Streator

1714 N Franklin St, Streator

203 W Larue St, Streator

2 bed | 1 bath | 1027 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10607037

2 bed | 1 bath | 1040 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10594635

3 bed | 1 bath | 1165 Sq Ft 2.5 car garage | MLS# 10612738

4 bed | 2 bath | 1535 Sq Ft MLS# 10399878

$69,900

$70,000

$75,000

906 Taylor St, Streator

902 Polk St, Streator

67 E Circle Dr, Streator

3 bed | 2 bath | 1438 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10689867

3 bed | 2.1 bath | 1096 Sq Ft 1 car garage | MLS# 10637364

4 bed | 1 bath | 1032 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10663416

$94,000

SM-CL1780575

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Beckie Chismarick

BROKER

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$96,026

$118,000

$86,000

1804 Golfview Dr #4, Streator

2 bed | 2 bath | 1150 Sq Ft Condo 1 car garage | MLS# 10718668

$125,000

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

6/5/20 11:50 AM

Country 1803 S. Bloomington St, Streator Phone: 815.672.9099 Fax: 815.673.5099 Website: www.countryil.com

Jennifer Bliss

Jenny Gura

Gigi Lansford

815-674-5483

815-257-8910

815-674-7656

BROKER

BROKER

212 4th St, Long Point

320 W Main St, Grand Ridge

3 bed | 2 bath | 2000 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10726141

3 bed | 2 bath | 1272 Sq Ft 5 car garage | MLS# 10630715

Beckie Chismarick DESIGNATED MANAGING BROKER

BROKER

815-257-3183

$136,000

$135,000

4 Helen St, Streator

1512 E 1st St, Streator

2123 E 1075th Rd, Oglesby

3 bed | 1.1 bath | 1920 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10630328

3 bed | 2.1 bath | 1572 Sq Ft 2 car garage | MLS# 10720463

2 homes | 1950 Sq Ft | 1750 Sq Ft 10 acres | MLS# 10121181

$144,900

$160,000

$500,000

Call us to schedule a showing!

Multi Units - Commercial - Land 1115 N Park St, Streator Commercial Rental MLS# 10649524 $650/mo 201 Danny’s Dr #1, Streator Commercial Rental MLS# 09376531 $1300/mo 601 E Main St, Streator Commercial Bldg| 800 Sq Ft MLS# 10618761 $74,900 212 E Main St, Streator Updated Downtown Building MLS# 10617080 $89,000 SM-CL1780580

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510 E 12th St, Streator Neighborhood Bar MLS# 10503390 $100,000 307 E Hickory St, Streator Office Bldg |Extra lot | Garage MLS# 10358726 $130,000 109 E Elm St, Streator Commercial Bldg | 4798 Sq Ft MLS# 09979437 $289,000 1013 Hoyne St, Streator Corner 0.44 acre lot MLS# 09909276 $9,000 00 E 1251ST Rd, Ottawa Next to Catlin Nature Preserve 10+ acres | MLS# 10053120 $190,000

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated Saturday, June 13, 2020

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3 ways to give your home’s curb appeal a boost

(BPT) - Homeowners only get one chance to make a first impression. That’s one chance to impress potential buyers, family, friends and neighbors with the first thing they see: your home’s exterior.

From simple upgrades to meticulous landscaping projects and replacing an outdated roof, there are dozens of options to enhance the appearance of your home’s exterior. Improvements don’t need to break the bank or take a year to complete. By focusing on three simple areas, you can change the entire look of your home that you’ll appreciate every time you pull into your driveway.

1. Landscaping The key to curb appeal is balancing what makes you happy with what works in your community. Take a moment to observe the types of trees, plants and flowers in your surroundings and look for ways to incorporate them into your yard.

Planting flowers is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to make an impact. Flowers along the sidewalk, in front of the house, inside flower boxes, pouring out of hanging baskets, or even

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in berms and raised garden beds, provide a boost to your curb appeal. Exercise your creativity by combining plants of different height, texture and color in the same container. By sticking to perennial plants native to your environment, you will not have to worry about replanting every year.

2. Roofing Redesigning the style and color of your roof is a dramatic and effective strategy for improving curb appeal.

“Your roof accounts for 50% of your home’s exterior,” said Stephen McNally, vice president of sales and marketing for TAMKO Building Products LLC. “Updating the shingles on your roof is going to make a huge impact on the overall appearance of your home - take advantage of it.”

Start by evaluating roofing choices for compatibility with your existing siding as well as the style of your home. If your home has a busy exterior with more than one contrasting color, try adding a classic, rustic color like TAMKO’s Weathered Wood. If your home’s exterior is a more neutral shade, try adding a vibrant

colored shingle to stand out in your neighborhood. To learn more visit www. tamko.com.

3. Paint Whether you’re updating your color scheme or applying a fresh coat, painting is an easy way to update your home’s look from the street in a big way. Depending on your budget, this project can be big or small. To make the most significant impact, consider painting the entire house. This will bring new life to paint that has lost its luster or possibly a new palette of color to incorporate into your yard.

Although this project can call for a larger investment, the result will pay off in the end.

If your budget is more limited, focus on the areas that catch the eye. Give shutters and trim a fresh coat of paint, or paint the front door a bright shade of red or blue.

You don’t have to make a large investment to make a large impact.

Focusing on key areas of your home’s exterior will refresh the entire appearance of the home and provide a facelift that’s within your reach.

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A buyer’s guide to home air conditioning systems

(MS) — Few experiences provide as much relief as walking into a cool room on a hot summer day. Air conditioning systems make such experiences possible, and homeowners’ decision in regard to which one to install in their homes is significant.

Homeowners may not know where to begin in regard to finding the right air conditioning system for their home. According to the AirConditioning, Heating, & Refrigeration Institute, the best systems provide steady, dependable performance for many years when sized correctly for the home. Correct installation and routine maintenance also can ensure homeowners’ air conditioning systems withstand the test of time.

How do I know which size is best?

When shopping for new air conditioning systems, homeowners must consider a host of factors to

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ensure they get the best match. The AHRI notes that the home’s age, the number and quality of its windows, how well it’s insulated, the number of stories it has, and its square footage are among the factors to consider.

Homeowners can benefit from working with trained technicians who can investigate each of these factors and recommend the correct system. The AHRI recommends homeowners ask their technicians to perform a Manual J analysis, which is a standardized formula that can help homeowners get the perfect system for their homes.

What about energy efficiency?

Energy efficiency is an important consideration when purchasing a new air conditioner for a home. Energy rates vary depending on where a person lives, but rates remain pretty high across the board. The Energy Information Association notes that

residential electricity rates increased throughout the United States by about 15 percent between 2009 and 2019. An energy-efficient unit can help homeowners save considerable amounts of money, so homeowners can ask their technicians to recommend energy-efficient units that suit their homes. A unit that adequately cools a home without consuming a lot of costly electricity should be every homeowner’s goal. The U.S. Department of Energy employs the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating, or SEER, to inform consumers about the efficiency of each air conditioner. This rating is noted on the Energy Guide® label on each unit, and the higher the number, the more efficient the unit.

Home air conditioning systems are costly. But the right choice of unit can keep homes cool without costing homeowners a fortune in energy costs.

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How to design a fitness room at home (MS) — People exercise for many different reasons.

Exercise can improve one’s appearance, reduce the risk for illness, alleviate stress or anxiety, and even help pass some time. Exercise is often a social activity, but in the wake of social distancing guidelines issue in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, many people have found themselves looking for ways to exercise at home.

Building a home fitness room has never been a more timely project, and such a project can continue to provide rewards even when life returns to some semblance of normalcy. Here’s how to successfully stock a home gym.

• Find a dedicated space. A home gym will be limited by the amount of space that can be devoted to workouts. Possible fitness room locations include a spare bedroom, a garage, a basement, or an enclosed patio. Measure the space so you can pick and choose equipment that will fit. Leave some floor space empty for movement exercises or mat activities.

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717 Bellevue Ave., Ottawa Call 815-313-5892 tom@illinoisvalleyradon.com www.illinoisvalleyradon.com

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• Keep the space bright. Darkness can sap energy levels, so invest in mirrors and adequate overhead lighting to make the space inviting. Natural light can make the exercise area more enjoyable.

• Consider the flooring. New flooring can protect against damage and make an area more conductive to working out. Rubber mats can offset echoes and reduce the noise of running on a treadmill or setting down heavy weights.

• Use space-saving equipment. A home gym space will likely not be as expansive as the space inside a traditional fitness center. Thankfully, many activities do not require a lot of space or equipment. Classic exercises like squats, lunges, push ups, and sit ups require little gear but still produce results. Figure out which equipment you like the most and invest in two or three key pieces. Dumbells of various weights, a medicine ball and a yoga mat can be all you need to create a versatile, effective workout. A TRX system and a door-mounted pull-up bar also are great space-saving options.

• Have a TV hookup. A home gym may benefit from a smart TV that you can use to stream workout videos or catch up on the latest news while running the treadmill or using the stationary bike.

A home gym is beneficial year-round, and can be especially valuable when social distancing guidelines are put in place.

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Did you know?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, homes with clock timer controlled irrigation systems use about 50 percent more water outdoors than homes without irrigation systems. Water waste can be even more significant if irrigation systems are not programmed correctly or if they have a leak.

In addition, if sprinkler heads are situated incorrectly, water might be directed to areas of the lawn or garden that don’t need water, or even onto driveways and sidewalks.

To reduce water waste, and save on their monthly water utility bills, homeowners can employ WaterSense labeled irrigation controllers. Such controllers adjust irrigation schedules automatically based on local weather and landscape conditions. These systems employ intuitive programming controls to schedule irrigation based on the water requirements of the plants.

The controllers can make it easier for homeowners to keep their lawns and gardens green even during dry periods, such as drought, while still adhering to local water utility restrictions.

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What’s next in outdoor living? Top trends for 2020 (BPT) - The appeal of all things al fresco has never been higher with homeowners across the country investing more time and money than ever before into their outdoor spaces.

Based on insights from decking contractors, retailers and home design experts, industry leader Trex Company has compiled its annual outdoor living forecast, predicting the top design trends for 2020 and beyond.

“It’s always fascinating to compare the trends reported by our customers with those projected by the industry at large,” said Leslie Adkins, vice president of marketing for Trex. “This year, we also engaged celebrity designer Alison Victoria to take our forecast to a whole new level.”

According to the latest report, the following five top trends will influence outdoor living in the new decade:

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Call Rachel Balestri NMLS#579165

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2959 Peoria St., Peru • 815-223-9400 29

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1. Mixed materials 2020 is the year to mix it up. Add visual interest to an outdoor space by juxtaposing materials such as concrete and composite, wicker and aluminum, copper and stone.

Integrate nature-inspired materials that maintain cohesion with the natural surroundings, and infuse color and pattern with pillows, cushions, furnishings and decorative accents.

2. Sizzling kitchens As the foodie phenomenon continues to thrive, outdoor kitchens will continue to evolve. Picture fully appointed culinary centers complete with specialty appliances such as smokers, pizza ovens and integrated refrigerated storage - all housed in stylish all-weather cabinetry. Capturing this trend is the new Trex Outdoor Kitchens collection, featuring stainless steel cabinetry solutions in color and style options that allow homeowners to create functional spaces that rival interior spaces.

“A good kitchen is essential - whether indoors or out,” emphasized Victoria, host of HGTV’s “Windy City Rehab” and DIY’s “Kitchen Crashers.” “A well-designed and wellappointed kitchen becomes the heart of any space. It’s where people gather. It’s where memories are made. So, make it memorable!”

3. Industrial inspiration There is a growing shift toward sleek, contemporary designs and materials for interior and exterior spaces as homeowners are increasingly finding inspiration in commercial settings like hotels and restaurants. Outdoors, this trend is manifesting in more industrial aluminum railing styles with sleek profiles and contemporary rod, mesh or glass inserts designed to optimize sightlines and deliver a modern flair.

4. Fire and water “Fire and water are all the rage right now for outdoor spaces,” Victoria noted. “These elements not only take a space to the next level; they connect it to the natural surroundings. Even in an urban setting, these elements add a sense of tranquility that can make you feel like you’re a million miles away.”

Fire pots, such as those in the new Trex Outdoor Fire & Water collection, can be positioned almost anywhere to create a cozy gathering spot - or combined in a series to provide an ambient boundary for larger outdoor areas. For even greater visual impact, a fire table can serve as a focal point and elevate the luxury and comfort of an outdoor space. Likewise, the soothing sound of trickling water from integrated spillways, bowls or other features can instantly conjure calm and set a relaxed tone and atmosphere.

5. Bonus space If you have a raised deck, there is undoubtedly some open space underneath. While, historically, this space has been used for storage, the design trend for 2020 is to turn it into bonus living space by installing a deck drainage system. Designed to divert water away from a deck, systems like RainEscape create a dry space that can be outfitted with everything from furniture and accessories to lighting fixtures, ceiling fans and entertainment components.

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