Starved Rock Country Homes_030919

Count ry HOMES FREE

March 2019

STARVED ROCK ®

®

INSIDE: Transform bathrooms with technology - Page 3 How to save up for your first home - Page 6 2019 Outdoor living and design trends - Page 12 AND MORE!

A publication of

THE

1512 Highland Place • Streator

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KEY FEATURES

TESTIMONIALS

• Rate lock at application for the life of your loan

"FLAWLESS!" - Oswego, IL

• Single close - pay only one set of closing costs

"BEST OF THE BEST!"- Plainfield, IL

• Interest only payments during construction term

"Out of the box solutions" - Lake Zurich, IL

• Automatic conversion to permanent financing

"Pain free lending experience" - Morris, IL

• Loan Officers with construction expertise

"Very quick and very solid efforts" - Ottawa, IL

• Local payouts and servicing

"A lot of experience with builders." - Naperville, IL

MATT MOONEYHAM Loan Officer NMLS ID #1168291 815-431-3968 633 La Salle St. Ottawa, IL 61350 mmooneyham@ffsbweb.com

Testimonials are all quoted from real customers.

All loans are subject to credit and underwriting approval. Other fees and restrictions may apply.

WWW.FFSBLOANS.COM

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Transform bathrooms with technology (MS) Technology is infiltrating every room of the house. Many new home buyers are millennials, and this techsavvy demographic covets technological innovations.

A recent survey by Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate indicates 77 percent of Generation X and Y home buyers want their homes equipped with the tech capabilities they have grown accustomed to. Many of these involve smart innovations, including those that can transform one of the most private rooms in the house — the bathroom.

Automated home theater rooms and Wi-Fi-enabled home security systems have become the norm, but what tech improvements are available to make the powder room more in touch with today’s digital lifestyle? According to the home improvement resource The Spruce, bathrooms have the most potential of any rooms to be improved with technology.

The following are just some of the bathroom gadgets and gizmos no one should resist before giving a try.

• See TECHNOLOGY, page 4

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS REAL ESTATE C-21 Windsor Realty .......................................................................... 5 Remax Country .................................................................................... 7 Starved Rock Realty ............................................................................ 4

FINANCIAL & MORTGAGE AFFILIATES Compeer Financial ................................................................................ 8 Eureka Savings Bank............................................................................ 11 Financial Plus Credit Union............................................................... 14 First Federal Savings Bank ................................................................... 2 First National Bank of Ottawa & Streator .................................... 14 SOCU ...................................................................................................... 6 Streator Home Savings Bank .............................................................. 9 Wells Fargo Home Mortgage ........................................................... 10

LOCAL PRODUCTS & SERVICES Arrow Well & Pump- Contractor’s Grouping ............................ 15 Danchris Nursery - Contractor’s Grouping ............................... 15 Diversified Sheet Metal - Contractor’s Grouping ..................... 15

Marseilles Sheet Metal - Contractor’s Grouping ....................... 15 Quality Care Cleaning...................................................................... 11 Turk Furniture.................................................................................... 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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• TECHNOLOGY continued from page 3

• Automatic faucets: Infrared sensors have been helping keep public restrooms more hygienic for years. The same technology can be used in home bathrooms to curtail water waste and keep faucets and sinks from becoming infested with germs. In addition, faucets with built-in timers can be programmed to set tasks for brushing teeth or washing your face.

• Musical shower: Instead of having to blast the volume on the portable speaker you use in the bathroom, a wireless speaker is built into some showerheads. This enables those who like to sing in the shower or listen to podcasts while washing up to enjoy this luxury effortlessly.

• Smarter weight management: Bathroom scales have gone hightech as well, with various options enabling users to measure weight, BMI and body fat percentage before sending the data wirelessly to a phone, tablet or computer. This can put you in greater control of fitness goals.

• High-tech toilets: Borrowing ideas from bidets and trends around the world, modern toilets do not require hands or paper. These toilets have temperature-controlled water, spritzing wands and air dryers to clean and sanitize. Self-cleaning toilets help busy professionals save time and are ideal for those who always want their bowls as clean as possible. And if you desire extra comfort, toilet seat warmers are available, while LED lights can make nighttime restroom visits easier.

• Soaking tubs: As fast as stand-alone showers were introduced to the modern bathroom, tubless designs have been replaced with streamlined soaking tubs. Tubs come with different features, including chromatherapy, which employs colored lights to enhance

mood. Air baths are controlled electronically and provide different levels of sensation for those who are skipping the hot tub.

Round out these innovations with automated lights, chilled medicine cabinets and aromatherapy, and your bathroom will indeed become a technological spa.

Starved Rock Realty

620 N. Division vision St St. Utica

(815) 667 667-9990 9990

www.starvedrockrealty.net star edrockrealt net

PUT THE STARVED ROCK REALTY TEAM TO WORK FOR YOU! Dee Barrera Broker/Owner (815) 252-9696

Alice Green Broker (815) 488-9712

Jim Rice

Broker (815) 343-0831

Larla Grandadam

Johanna Arkels Broker (815) 252-8026

Broker (815) 883-1353

MLS # 10278445

$325,000

PRINCETON Dee Barrera (815) 252-9696

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Broker (815) 326-8513

1004 Holcomb St

636 South Main Street THIS CONDO LOFT IS ON THE 2ND FLOOR of a historical building in downtown Princeton - built in 1867. The loft is 2400 +/- sq ft with updates on wiring, lighting, plumbing, insulation, kitchen, bath, all flooring, interior and exterior doors plus Beautiful custom kitchen with Knotty Alder cabinets, stainless package and loads of granite. Nearly 14 ft ceilings with crown molding and huge windows. Open floor plan for most of this unique loft plus large bedroom w/walk-in closet, exercise room and laundry. Breath taking Roof top terrace with hot tub, sauna and built in hard line gas grill, trek decking. Nothing has been spared! The lower level of this building has approx 2700 sq ft of recently updated office/ retail space - loads of outlets for equipment and computers - 8 rooms for office/retail plus 3 cubicles, 3 baths, 2 furnaces and 2 a/c. LOADS OF STORAGE & UNLIMITED POSSIBILITIES - this building is jaw dropping beautiful!

Denisse Perez

$125,000

STREATOR

Larla Grandadam (815) 883-1353

MLS # 10277599 Adorable brick ranch has 4 nice sized bedrooms, with spacious closets, a large living area, eat in kitchen with ample cabinet space. Bathroom updated in 2016; Beautiful hardwood floors in the living room and bedrooms.

Cedar closets and pantry. Whole house fan. Newer garage door and water lines in basement. Full clean basement roughed for 2nd bath.

Breezeway to detached garage.

Separate 3 seasons room with an attached shed or workshop.

729 Maple Rd

$69,900

LASALLE

Dee Barrera (815) 252-9696

MLS # 10164996 GREAT LOCATION AND HOUSE! 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath, 8x12 shed, clean basement with work shop... too many new updates to mention here..all appliances included.

Hardwired smoke alarms upstairs and down, new cable, new phone.

Laundry in basement, main bedroom carpet Dec 2018. Across from Hegeler Park, Farmer’s Market, Community Pool, baseball/ softball fields, tennis courts. Home Warranty Inc furnished by seller.

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North Ottawa Plaza 2715 N. Columbus

815-434-2122 1-800-310-2627

Windsor Realty FER

TED OF

ACCEP

Ottawa

d

$57,900

Century 21 Windsor Realty 815-434-2122

ACCEP

Ottawa

$96,500

This two story home has four bedrooms, three baths and includes family room and separate dining room.

Located in a small subdivision near Starved Rock State Park. Fireplace. Porch. Patio doors to upper deck. Seller will not complete any repairs to the subject property, either lender or buyer requested.

The property is sold in AS IS condition. #10172480

Century 21 Windsor Realty 815-434-2122

$42,500

Marseilles

$155,900

Bring your toys because this unique property is waiting for you. Nicely kept 3 bedroom, 2 bath home features a massive 3+ car garage / workshop that’s sure to keep any enthusiast happy. 16ft high garage door and high ceilings can easily accommodate boats, RV’s, enclosed trailers, an automotive lift or even a full semi cab with room to walk around. A spacious unfinished loft upstairs has separate access behind garageandcouldbefinishedtosuityourneeds.Homehasscreenedinpatiotoenjoyviewsofbeautifully landscaped bluff. Well laid out floor plan feels roomy & comfortable loft style bedroom upstairs would make perfect home office. Conveniently located just minutes from I-80 and close proximity to The Cliffs off Road riding park, I&M canal, Starved Rock State Park & Illinois/Fox rivers. #10138047

Century 21 Windsor Realty 815-434-2122

Danielle Jackson

Ottawa

Ottawa

$76,000

This charming, cozy 2-3 bedroom home can be yours! All new gutters, downspouts, & window wraps. Newer furnace, water heater, & updated bath. Roof approximately 10 years old. Original hardwood floors on main level. Kitchen opens onto deck. All appliances included. Large 2 1/2 car garage. Home has much potential!. #10078140

Ottawa

815-252-0127

$142,000

Well maintained 1 owner 3 bedroom, 1 bath home on Ottawa’s south side. This tri-level features an eat-in kitchen, plus a family room with a wood burner converted to gas logs. McKinley School District. Located on a nice sized lot with a fenced-in back yard. A Must See! #10170088

Lee Pearlman

$37,900

Realize the potential in this three bedroom, 1.5 bath home with deck, one car attached garage and fenced yard. Seller will not complete any repairs to the subject property, either lender or buyer requested. The property is sold in AS IS condition. #10159961

Century 21 Windsor Realty 815-434-2122

Ottawa

$121,000

Two bedroom home located near downtown Ottawa and the Illinois River. Large ea-in kitchen plus formal dining room. Plenty of storage including walk-in closet in master bedroom. Replacement windows and some doors. Main floor laundry. Trane furnace and central air.

One to two bedroom apartment upstairs with separate entrance that could be rented to pay mortgage and taxes. It has its own Trane furnace and separate electric service. New 50 gallon hot water heater. Any reasonable offer will be considered. #10089609

Larry Windsor

815-228-6121

G

Lots of potential in this three bedroom, one bath home. Sliding door to deck. Fenced in back yard. Storage shed. Seller will not complete any repairs to the subject property, either lender or buyer requested. The property is sold in AS IS condition. #10163145

Jennie Lamb

LaSalle

PENDIN

d

Reduce

Marseilles

FER

TED OF

Reduce

Spacious three bedroom, two bath tri-level with attached garage. Covered patio. Two sheds. Lots of potential.

This property is eligible under the Freddie Mac First Look Initiative through 2/14/2019 for owner occupied offers. Seller will not complete any repairs to the subject property, either lender or buyer requested. The property is sold in AS IS condition. #10257412

Bette Pearlman Managing Broker

815-252-7108

815-712-4351

$129,500

Two bedroom, three bath home conveniently located near I 80. Finished basement with second kitchen, two baths, and fireplace.

Fireplace in living room also. Ceiling radiant heat. Three wall air conditioners adequately cool home. Two boilers and hot water heaters.

Large main floor family room. Cherry cabinets in kitchen. #10001835

Larry Windsor

Ottawa

815-228-6121

$200,000

Great opportunity to purchase this commercial building that includes an office, waiting room and restroom and attached to a 4 overhead door work space. 2 newer furnaces in work area. Great visible location on the N/W corner of Rt 6 and Rt 23. The business is not for sale. #10097422

Lee Pearlman

815-252-7108

Ottawa

$215,000

You must see this beautiful brick ranch! Spacious, comfortable, immaculate 2-3 bedroom home on large corner lot. Beautiful built-in cabinetry, gas log fireplace, and large bright sunroom with heat & air conditioning. Original owner was brick mason & did the brick work & masonry. Many recent updates, 2 X 6 exterior walls, and all appliances included. #10064414

Jennie Lamb

Ottawa

815-252-0127

$139,500

Five bedroom, two bath attractive home conveniently located on a corner lot near downtown Ottawa. Large eat-in kitchen plus formal dining room. Living room has electric fireplace and access to a screened patio. Main floor family room with decorative fireplace.

Washer and dryer hookups on main floor. Hot water heat. Appliances included. #09985100

Larry Windsor

815-228-6121

Ottawa

$149,500

Three bedroom, two bath completely rehabbed home with a two car garage. Roof, siding, windows, and doors, including sliding glass door from dining area, have all been replaced within the past year as well as all new plumbing and most of the wiring. New stainless steel appliances in kitchen. Walk-in closet in master bedroom. Family room with bar and possible fourth bedroom in basement. New water heater. New deck off dining area.#10033335

Larry Windsor

Ottawa

815-228-6121

$67,500

Two bedroom home in move-in condition.

Eat-in kitchen plus dining area combined with living room. Exterior painted and roof replaced approximately six years ago. Furniture is negotiable. #09999926

Larry Windsor

815-228-6121

Meadow View Estates - Marseilles $20,00 per lot

Crooked Creek Estates II, Ottawa $30,000 per lot

North Marseilles. Townhome lots and single family lots available. Separate water and sewer for each unit on townhome lots. Easy access to I-80. Agent Related.

Country living, near town location, 6 miles north of Ottawa. 2 creek lots available. Close to Rt. 23/ I80. Agent related. Lower tax rate.

Kim Eddy

Kim Eddy

815-488-6889

815-488-6889

WINDSOR REALTY Kim Eddy 815-488-6889

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John Hettel 815-228-0277

Jennie Lamb 815-252-0127

Linda Jones 815-712-7204

Lee Pearlman 815-252-7108

Mary Wiesbrock 815-481-2160

Larry Windsor 815-288-6121

Don Fox Danielle Jackson 815-488-8435 815-712-4351

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How to save up for your FIRST HOME

(MS) Home ownership is a dream for people across the globe. Many people save for years before buying their first homes, squirreling away every dollar they can with the hopes they can one day become homeowners.

But thanks to factors beyond their control, even the most devoted savers can sometimes feel like their dream of home ownership may never come true.

According to the Pew Research Center, American workers’ paychecks are larger than they were 40 years ago, but their purchasing power is essentially the same. Things aren’t much different in Canada, where analysis from Statistics Canada and the Bank of Canada has shown that, since 2015, wage growth in Canada has been weaker than in the United States.

Various challenges can make it difficult to buy a home. However, some simple strategies can help prospective home buyers build their savings as they move closer to the day when they can call themselves “homeowners.”

• Determine where your money is going. If you’re finding it hard to grow your savings, audit your monthly expenses to determine where your • See FIRST HOME, page 8

READY TO BUY YOUR

Dream Home?

SOCU CAN HELP!

SOCU

APPLY ONLINE TODAY AT

www.socu.org

815-673-5577 Streator • Pontiac • Dwight • Morris All loans subject to credit approval. Certain restrictions may apply.

Maximum loan amount is 80% LTV. Closing costs may vary and range from $1,200-$3,000. Other costs may apply due to program specific circumstances. Federally insured by the NCUA. NMLS #421974

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AMIE

NMLS# 1672622

SANDY NMLS# 442097

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Country 2123 E 1075th Rd

Oglesby

#10278064 1151 N 1850th Rd

Streator

#09484986 1099 E Livingston Rd

Streator

#10113992 146 W Bluff St

Streator

#10117289 1512 Highland Pl

Streator

#10051446 2586 E 1251st Rd

Ottawa

#10171703

Streator

NEW

Kim Kettman

Gigi Lansford

815-257-8910

815-670-0131

815-674-7656

BROKER

1803 S. Bloomington St, Streator Phone: 815.672.9099 Fax: 815.673.5099 Website: www.countryil.com #10121181

Jenny Gura

BROKER

BROKER

Jennifer Bliss DeAnna Carlson BROKER

BROKER

815-488-6611

815-674-5483

Beckie Chismarick

Debbie Spangler

815-257-3183

815-674-3098

BROKER

MANAGING BROKER

$625,000 #10028847 119 S 2nd St

Tonica

$450,000 #10111686 1004 Lundy St $290,000 #10060280 706 N Vermillion St $215,000 #10168660 212 W Morrell St

Streator

$72,000

Streator

$70,000

Streator

$68,000

REDUCED

$72,000

#10132659 1504 E Kent St

Streator

#10258439 1415 E Hickory St

Streator

#10144591 214 S Monroe St

Streator

#10148038 28 Irene St

Streator

#10147469 813 Jessie Ave

Streator

#10261209 1723 Sharon Rd

Streator

#10258266 47 Manhattan Dr

Streator

#10140510 435 Sylvan Ave

Grand Ridge

$209,000 #10263086 1517 N Baker St $175,000 #10066823 415 N 14th Rd $162,000 #10105353 1009 Arthur St $110,000 #10024297 318 Court St $99,900 #10057526 512 E Stanton St $99,500 #10098484 119 Oak St $99,000 #09884010 1301 N Everett St $95,000 #10144917 1503 E Elm St $90,000 #10094895 504 N Jefferson St $85,000 $80,000 #10122375 408 Powell St

#09613758 23 Manhattan Dr

Streator

$80,000

#10053441 209 Sangamon St

Streator

#10154584 702 Wisconsin Ave

Streator

$80,000

#10094240 304 W Morrell St

Streator

$36,640

#10056673 134 1/2 W 2nd St

Streator

$76,500

#09765699 1323 E 12th St

Streator

$33,000

#10028847 119 S 2nd St

Tonica

$72,000

#10122384 1524 E Kent St

Streator

$32,000

#10166883 1404 S Jackson St

Streator

$75,900

#10124652 211 LaSalle St

Streator

$32,000

1413 Sharon Rd

REDUCED

REDUCED

REDUCED

Streator

NEW

$65,000

Lostant

REDUCED

$64,900

Streator

REDUCED

$39,000

REDUCED

$37,900

Streator

$49,900

Streator

$49,900

Streator

REDUCED

$49,000

Streator

$45,000

Streator

$44,000

Streator

$42,000

Streator

$39,500

Commercial – Land – Multi Units – Condos #09898468 #09979437 #10054314 #10273624 #09790560 #09376531 #09885822 #10167993 #09810831 #10151671

1310 N Il Route 251 109 E Elm St 810 W Bridge 104 E Main St 409 E Main St 201 Dannys Dr #1 416 N Park St 2 Michael St 404 S Everett St 511 Oakley Ave

Lostant Streator Streator Streator Streator Streator Streator Streator Streator Streator

COMM $485,000 COMM $309,000 COMM $118,000 COMM $95,000 COMM $10,000 COMM RENTAL $1,300 INDUST $175,000 MULTI $720,000 MULTI $49,900 CONDO $115,000

#10171697 #10053120 #10249429 #10051034 #10251696 #09909276 #10158482 #09949808 #09949792

550 Golf Rd 5B 0 E 1251st Rd 801 W Second St 1941 N 3051st Rd Lot 2 Timberline Dr 1013 Hoyne St 0 Walnut St 114 1/2 Goulding St 624 S Verrmillion St

Streator Ottawa Streator Ottawa Granville Streator Streator Streator Streator

CONDO LAND LAND LAND LAND LAND LAND LAND LAND

$80,000 $190,000 $130,000 $74,900 $29,900 $12,000 $6,000 $5,000 $5,000

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

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• FIRST HOME continued from page 6

money is going. Using exclusively debit or credit cards can simplify this process, as all you need to do is log into your accounts and see how your money was spent over a given period. If you routinely use cash to pay for items, even just to buy coffee on the way to work, keep a notepad handy so you can jot down each expense. Do this for a month and then examine how you spent your money. Chances are you will see various ways to save, and you can then redirect that money into your savings account. • Become a more savvy grocery shopper. Another great way to save more money is to alter something you already do each month: grocery shopping. If you haven’t already, sign up for discount clubs at your local grocer. This is a largely effortless way for shoppers, especially those buying food for families, to save considerable amounts of money. Shopping sales at competing grocery stores also can save money. • Dine in more often. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that Americans spend, on average, 6 percent of their household budgets on food. However, the USDA also notes that Americans spend 5 percent of their disposable income on dining out. If these figures mirror your spending habits, you can nearly cut your food spending in half by dining out less frequently. That might be a sacrifice for foodies, but it can get you that much closer to buying your own home.

Saving enough money to purchase your first home is a worthy effort that can be made easier by employing a few budgetfriendly strategies.

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STREATOR HOME SAVINGS BANK

Let Us Be Your Key to Home Ownership

Edward A. Mollo

ed.mollo@streatorhome.com NMLS #433934

Streator Home Savings Bank

Nicholas D. McFadden

nick.mcfadden@streatorhome.com NMLS #433932

132 S. Monroe St. Streator, IL 61364 815-673-5566 www.streatorhome.com

NMLS #421604 Member

FDIC

SM-CL1634346

SRC HOMES 030919.indd 9

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Defining hardscape

and how to use it Reach your homebuying goals Whether you’re buying your first home, a second home or refinancing your current home, we have the products and programs that may help you reach your homebuying goals.

• Wide selection of conventional and government loans • Fixed and adjustable rate mortgages

• New construction financing • Investment property financing

Let me help you reach your home buying goals with confidence. Contact me today!

Geoff VeZain

Home Mortgage Consultant Phone: 815-433-3715 Cell: 815-258-7772 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. © 2011 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801.

100965 -

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REV 5/18

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(MS) Curb appeal is beneficial in various ways. Curb appeal can make a home more attractive to prospective buyers and give existing homeowners a place they want to come home to. In its study of the worth of outdoor remodeling projects, the National Association of Realtors found standard lawn care and overall landscape upgrades were most appealing to buyers, as well as the most likely to add value to a home.

Although plants, grass and other items can improve curb appeal, homeowners should not overlook hardscaping.

Hardscaping is an industry term that refers to the nonliving features of a landscape. These features can include everything from decks to walkways to ornamental boulders.

Introducing paths or paver walls to a property helps develop that home’s hardscape. Hardscape and soft elements often work in concert to create inspiring landscape designs.

DIY landscape designers can heed certain tips to make the most of hardscape features on their properties.

Choose materials.

As with many landscaping projects, homeowners must first determine what types of additions they would like on their properties. Common hardscape features include patios, decks, walkways of pavers or bricks, and retaining walls.

Hardscape elements can be functional or simply decorative features that add whimsy to the yard.

Choose a theme.

The right style allows hardscaping and softscaping materials

to work together. For example, homeowners may want to give their yards an eastern feel, complete with a koi pond and decorative bridge or trellis. A formal English garden, however, may include manicured paths with stepping stones and ornate topiaries. Mixing too many styles together can take away from the overall appeal.

The pros suggest looking at the overall plan of the design, even if all of the work can’t be completed at once. This way the eventual finished project wil be cohesive.

Think about the purpose.

Hardscaping can look good but also serve key purposes.

Pebbles or gravel can mitigate trouble areas that don’t grow grass or plant life well. Retaining walls hold back soil in yards with sharply inclined hills. Mulch can set perimeters around trees and shrubs, as well as planting beds. Fencing, another form of hardscaping, is essential for establishing property boundaries and adding privacy.

Consult a professional.

While many hardscaping additions can be handled by novices, large-scale projects, such as patios and decking, can change the grading of the yard. Professionals can map out how to handle drainage issues and meet building codes. In addition, professional installation can ensure hardscaping features last for years to come.

Hardscaping should blend with the nature around it and take its cues from the surrounding environment. This can help softscaping and hardscaping work as one.

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101 N. Columbia Ave. Oglesby 815-883-3354

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Owner: Tami Thomas-Leonatti

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

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12 Saturday, March 9, 2019

Trend Watch:

2019 outdoor living and design trends for every homeowner (BPT) - Outdoor living continues to grow in 2019 as homeowners dream of adding spaces that provide tranquility, connection and touches of nature. More than just a home enhancement, these spaces are meant to inspire people to set digital devices aside and find moments of calm while making memories with friends and family.

visual transition. Contemporary style with clean lines, textures and shapes have taken over more traditional styles, particularly among younger homeowners. Modular, largeformat pavers embrace this trend and are expected to continue to increase in popularity, with smoother textures gaining traction.

Now is the perfect time to plan updates to outdoor living areas so as the seasons turn, you’re ready to enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest. Joe Raboine, director of residential hardscapes at Belgard, offers his expert insight into top outdoor design trends of the year that you should consider for your home.

Monochromatic and “greige” tones The contemporary trend also leans toward monochromatic color schemes. Gray continues to be popular, with the growing trend of “greige” - blends of gray and beige tones - poised to take off in 2019. These muted hues blend seamlessly with the landscape, plus they allow homeowners to use strategic pops of color with furniture and flowers to create customized spaces that reflect their personalities perfectly.

Blurring of indoor and outdoor areas Beyond windows and patio doors, home designs are truly blending indoor and outdoor areas thanks to features like folding walls and collapsible screens. For example, imagine a family room that opens up completely to an outdoor patio for easy entertaining, made possible by retractable walls plus smart lighting and strategic heating and cooling sources for seasonal comfort. These types of integrated spaces make the backyard a one-of-a-kind extension of the home.

Clean lines and contemporary style Modern lines are a top interior design trend and it is expanding into outdoor living spaces, offering a seamless

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Outdoor kitchens and fire features In an effort to make outdoor spaces an authentic extension of the home, livability is a priority. That means outdoor kitchens and fire features continue to be a top trend.

Kitchen additions like pizza ovens are reflective of the foodie movement, while fire features using gas fuel rather than wood are reflective of the desire for convenience, plus they are a good fit for many municipal regulations.

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• Local friendly Sustainability is king As more homeowners are prioritizing green living, outdoor designs that become a part of the local ecosystem are in high demand. This could include planting to support pollinators and integrating edible landscape into the design. Water features are growing in popularity, used to add a tranquil element to outdoor spaces while masking unwanted sounds, such as traffic or other noise pollution.

Visualization of designs Partnering with the right designer is key to achieving the outdoor space of your dreams. More homeowners are asking for 3D designs in order to properly conceptualize a space before it is brought to life through construction. Belgard Design Studio can take a simple sketch with dimensions and a few photos and turn it into a 3D rendering or virtual reality experience so homeowners can see the true potential of their outdoor space.

Small footprint designs Outdoor living isn’t just for homeowners with large properties.

Houses with small footprints are adding impressive outdoor spaces in surprising places. This could be maximizing alleyway access, adding a courtyard to a small backyard, or shifting the focus by utilizing the front yard to create a patio and fireplace area. If you long for an outdoor living space, don’t let space constraints limit your dreams.

These 2019 outdoor living trends, in effect, will prove to create a year full of innovative outdoor projects that fit the needs of every homeowner.

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5 ways to create an inviting room using tile

The Times - Starved Rock Country HOMES

(BPT) - Today’s tile trends extend so far beyond their traditional use as a staple of bathroom design that you may not recognize them. While once the most attractive and innovative tiles had to be imported, contemporary handcrafted tile and stone products for home design are now being made right here in the United States.

Homeowners and interior designers alike are always seeking distinctive visual touches to make each home special. Here are five ways tile design can enhance a room.

Elevate small spaces. Use tiles interchangeably to create a unique design. The Ann Sacks Radius Collection by designer Barbara Barry has five distinct modular designs that can be used independently, or combined to create patterns to delight the eye. Creative use of a variety of tile shapes like these can easily elevate small spaces such as baseboards, fireplace surrounds or backsplash areas in a kitchen.

Make a color statement. Whether you choose a single color or mix colors to create a pattern, the choices can overwhelm. “I enjoy the soft juxtaposition of watery blue tones, soft green tones and the neutral colors of gravel,” explained Barry. While Barry is known for her love of soft colors, you may choose colors that best complement elements already in the room. If you’re not working with a designer, consider traditional complementary color pairs when making decor choices, such as red-green, blue-orange or yellow-purple.

Create a calm mood. The latest trends in interior design reflect the desire for homes to be sanctuaries. Inspired by the clean lines, appropriate scale and exacting proportion prevalent in Midcentury Modern architectural design, Barry describes her collection as “soft modern, defined by a curved edge for a sensual feel.” Barry adds, “In this busy world, I want to come home to calm rooms and quiet spaces.” Choosing colors, lines, shapes and scale with simplicity in mind can help contribute to a feeling of calm.

Personalize your space. Find what appeals to you, and work with a designer or manufacturer who can meet your requests. In her collection, Barry provides tools for consumers or designers to customize patterns. Designed to spark the imagination, five distinct patterns in varying scales punctuate interiors with personality. Smaller manufacturers can personalize your project with their flexibility, customizing color choices and resurrecting a retired pattern or color, or even by recreating tiles present in a home refurbishing or renovating project. Make your space your own.

Create visual interest. Choose different textures through materials like wood, glass or tile to break up an otherwise ordinary surface in a room. Radius is available in all Made by Ann Sacks matte and gloss colorways, which can be installed as a singular color statement or mixed to evoke a unique, personalized design, whether to create a captivating statement-making wall or to cover an entire floor.

The choice of tile adds a textural element to a room that can’t be duplicated by any other material.

Ann Sacks fell in love with tile while on a family vacation to Mexico when she was 13, and later used that passion to create a business inspired by those Mexican tiles. She hired gifted artisans to grow her business into a true American success story. Ann Sacks, founded in 1981 in Portland, Oregon, draws talented craftspeople to create inspiring designs in tile, stone, plumbing, lighting and accessories.

These creations are traditional in terms of craft, but aligned with contemporary design trends. Today, the company includes the work of 15 designers.

Whether you choose to use tile in a more traditional way in your bath or kitchen, or to elevate another space inside a home with a more innovative style, use a customized design and select colors to create a unique environment anyone would want to call home.

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