Homes & Design / Lake Living November 2021

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Close up the patio

It’s important to protect patio items from winter wear and tear so you can enjoy them as soon as the weather breaks in the spring.

When the weather in your area seems to be changing for good, clean outdoor furniture like tables, chairs and décor and protect them with a heavy-duty cover. If

you don’t have interior storage, secure everything tightly so you don’t risk items tipping during a gusty winter storm.

Clean the grill, remove and store the tank, and winterize outdoor hoses and faucets. Easy-to-install faucet covers can help prevent water damage and freezing pipes.

Also, don’t forget to plant your bulbs now so you’ll have flowers to welcome you when the warm weather hits.

Fix it up

Secure Loose Shingles and Fix Broken Gutters. Assess your roof and gutters

to ensure your home is safe from water damage and leaks this winter. If you suspect or discover a problem, even a small one, don’t wait to fix it. It will be even more difficult to repair after the roof has become snowy and icy.

If it’s not within budget, try a DIY fix with supplies you likely already have in your toolbox. The Original Duck Tape Brand Duct Tape is a classic tool for temporary repairs and is great for holding, seaming and sealing coverings over problematic areas until you can later fix the • CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Winter is on the way and it’s time to finish up your outdoor chores. From putting the AC unit to bed for the season to closing down the patio, there’s plenty to do before the snow flies.

STOCK PHOTO Homes

Homes & Design FEATURING

Homes & Design featuring Home Buyer, Owner & Renter November 2021 Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St. Delavan, WI 53115 262-728-3411

HOME Buyer,Owner &Renter

For advertising opportunities, call 262-725-7701, ext.

134, or email vicki@southernlakesnewspapers.com SPECIAL SECTIONS: Tracy Ouellette CREATIVE/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Heidi Schulz ADVERTISING: Vicki Vanderwerff SECTION DESIGNER: Jennifer DeGroot

NOV. 2021

It’s that time of year: pumpkin spice is here and so are shorter days and cooler nights. Before nightfall comes too early, take advantage of the milder temps to prepare your home for winter. Here are a few easy, DIY tasks to check off your list.

HOMES & DESIGN • HOME BUYER, OWNER & RENTER

5 ways

TO PREPARE YOUR HOME FOR WINTER

3

PREPARE YOUR HOME • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

issue at hand.

Prep A/C units

Don’t overlook keeping your A/C unit clean. Most modern units are created to withstand extreme elements; however, keeping it free of buildup is key to maintaining it over time.

When it’s not in use over winter, clean the surfaces on and around the unit to keep it free from buildup of dander, leaves, acorns and pine needles.

Next, using an air conditioner cover, securely protect your A/C unit from snow and ice, so that it’s still in its best working condition when you uncover it in the spring.

Keep cold weather out

Frigid temperatures draw attention to drafts coming into your home. While turning up the furnace helps, the constant escape of warm air leads to

high heating costs.

Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors wisely.

Many seals tend to freeze and crack, never really fixing the problem. However, Duck Brand Heavy-Duty Weatherstrip Seals are made with a durable, flexible material, creating a barrier against cold air throughout the winter. When spring arrives, the strip will work against dust, pollen and insects throughout the warmer months.

Clean windows

Prepare your home for short gloomy days and long nights by giving windows and blinds a deep clean. When these surfaces are clean, natural light can pour in during the day, helping combat winter blues.

For more tips, visit DuckBrand.com.

(STATEPOINT)

A little extra effort this fall can make your home more enjoyable all winter long.

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NOV. 2021

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Mother Nature match-up Study results indicate that severe weather damage is the most likely event to prompt homeowners to replace their current roofs, followed by age of their existing roof. When it does become necessary to replace the roof, 32% of respondents indicate they are “very likely” or “likely” to consider a faux

roofing product, such as composite slate or shake materials, which typically stands up to severe weather and is known for its longevity.

“Mother Nature pounds roofs on a regular basis,” says Mark Pagel, general manager of DaVinci Roofscapes.

“Homeowners recognize that hail, high winds and severe weather can take their toll on roofs. They’re reacting by seeking out roofing materials that will stand up to strong weather conditions. While price is an important consideration, respondents of the survey are focused more on value.

They’re interested in investing in durable roofing materials, like synthetic slate and shake tiles, which are guaranteed to hold up to severe weather conditions.”

Contractors are influential When it comes time to select a specific roofing brand, 61% of homeowners are looking for a quality product. To find

that roofing brand, 57% are relying on their contractor for recommendations, which is more than they do on family and friends (35%), or even their own personal experiences with a brand (37%).

“Homeowners understand they may choose a new roof only once or twice in their lives,” says Pagel. “They also understand that contractors make these decisions many times a year for their projects. The research indicates homeowners respect and value the recommendation of contractors who work regularly with different building products.”

10-year comparison A national survey sponsored by DaVinci Roofscapes in 2011 provides insights into changes in consumer attitudes toward their homes in the span of the last decade.

In a comparison of the 2011 Color Study • CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

A new roof can be a good, solid investment, especially when your roof is able to withstand the elements over the years and look great while doing it.

NOV. 2021

Replacing your roof? Insights from a new nationwide survey may help you better understand the many facets involved in this important decision.

The “2021 Roof Purchasing Study” conducted by Signet Research Inc. for DaVinci Roofscapes, shows that consumers want durable roofs. Nearly 85% of those surveyed indicate that durability has a lot of influence in the type of roof they would purchase. Longevity of a roofing product was the second highest influencer, followed by resistance to severe weather.

HOMES & DESIGN • HOME BUYER, OWNER & RENTER

Topping it off

National study shows what homeowners really want from their roofs

STOCK PHOTO Homes

5

ROOFS • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 (conducted by Harris Research) and the 2021 Roof Purchasing Study, results show: • A strong growth in homeowners valuing the curb appeal of their personal properties in the past decade (78% viewing it as “extremely” or “very important” in 2011 as compared to 88% with similar feelings in 2021).

• An increase in homeowners seeing their home exterior as a reflection of their personality (71% in 2011; 85% in 2021).

• While durability remains the biggest influencer of a roofing purchase, the second-most popular influencer has changed dramatically. In 2011, longevity was the second response. In 2021, that has changed to pricing, up from the number eight position 10 years ago.

• Severe weather damage remains the number one reason for replacing a roof. However, is 2011, 65% said severe weather would prompt a new roof purchase (with 9% reporting current roof damage from a weather-related event), compared to 57% in 2021 (with 32% reporting a currently damaged roof from severe weather).

• While 23% of homeowners reported replacing their roof due to old age in 2011, 44% (almost double) said old age was the reason to replace a roof in the 2021 study.

• Color preference has remained consistent. Black is still the most popular roof color, followed by gray, brown and beige/tan.

For more roofing insights, visit davinciroofscapes. com.

(STATEPOINT)

STOCK PHOTO Homes

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Do it yourself For the home-improvement warrior, installing new vinyl plank flooring can be a weekend project. For those not so handy, a fresh coat of paint and rearranging the furniture can brighten things up quickly.

STOCK PHOTO Homes

Virtual birthday parties. Online family game nights. Digital dinners with friends.

You’ve done your part to stay connected yet socially distanced, however, as fall arrives, you’re preparing to host friends and family in your home again.

“The problem is after working, studying and playing at home, many people’s houses are looking a bit drab,” says Jennifer Meska, director of merchandising and design at LL Flooring. “If you want to refresh spaces for future entertaining, start with the floor and work your way up to add fashion and function to your home.”

Update flooring When you think about visual real estate in a home, the flooring is the foundation of the aesthetic. Consider updating flooring with modern options that add style, but are also durable enough to handle guests and everyday demands.

A good option is Rigid Vinyl Plank that provides the look of hardwood but is waterproof and scratch-resistant.

Lake Geneva Oak CoreLuxe RVP is a good option, with its innovative rigid core that clicks together with ease for a simple DIY project. CoreLuxe stands up to heavy traffic, busy families and plentiful entertaining, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms.

“These floors deliver quality, beauty, waterproof functionality and are easy to

install,” says Meska. “What’s great about these floors is they work well in any room.”

Rethink furniture Once the floor is updated, think about how you use your furniture and how it might best serve you when entertaining.

Consider rearranging furniture to breathe fresh life into a space and encourage guests to mingle comfortably. Prioritize grouping furniture to facilitate conversation and interaction while keeping common traffic areas open for ease of movement.

In addition to rearranging furniture, now is the time to address functionality of pieces and swap in multiuse options when appropriate. For example, an ottoman is great for kicking up your feet or as additional seating for guests, especially young children. Select an ottoman designed with a top that opens, providing storage • CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

NOV. 2021

Meska shares some top DIY projects that can be completed in as little as a weekend so you’re ready to welcome back guests:

HOMES & DESIGN • HOME BUYER, OWNER & RENTER

3 weekend project ideas to breathe new life into your home

7

A garage is no longer just a place to park your car. Today’s garages are agile and multifunctional, extending living space and elevating a homeowner’s lifestyle.

STOCK PHOTO Homes

HOMES & DESIGN • HOME BUYER, OWNER & RENTER

NOV. 2021

How to transform your garage into a multi-purpose powerhouse

8

The desire to use the garage for new purposes is a top trend with homeowners nationwide. During the pandemic, 78% of homeowners across generations intend to make changes to their garage, according to the New American Home Study.

Furthermore, 49% of millennial homeowners have already transformed their garage into a gym, home office or for additional storage space.

Are you ready to transform your garage into a multifunctional powerhouse? Here are three tips for upgrading your garage and helping you design a space ideal for your needs while enhancing your home’s value:

Add storage One of the primary things that separates a stereotypical garage from an enviable one is the organization. Clutter on top of clutter inhibits the multifunctional potential of the space. To start, get rid of junk, sort through necessities and transform the space to optimize organization.

That means installing shelving and utilizing vertical space. Enclosed cabinets are ideal for limiting dust and keeping personal items out of sightlines from the road. Label and use storage boxes as

needed to stay organized, especially with seasonal supplies only needed at certain times of year. Toolboxes and pegboards are ideal for keeping tools and hobby supplies conveniently on hand. Creating a system with these elements may take time, but it’s worthwhile because the benefits are lasting.

enabling smart access experiences like Amazon Key In-Garage Delivery as well as Smart Vehicle Access capabilities within select vehicles. Visit Liftmaster.com for additional information.

Upgrade door opener

Multifunction is the key for the ultimate garage, and no matter what your interests, you can customize the space to fit your needs. A workbench is a must-have for many, with ample space to tinker and make. For gearheads, a car lift might be a worthy investment. For those focused on health, installing workout equipment makes sense. Adding a TV might be a given, whether it’s to stream workouts or to watch the game.

Keep in mind, you should add extras to enhance your comfort so you can get the most out of your time in the garage.

Proper task lighting is essential. Depending where you live, adding fans to cool and heating elements to warm helps make the garage a year-round retreat. Finally, upgrading flooring turns any garage into an eye-catching hot spot, so research options including epoxy coatings and garage floor tiles.

It’s time to ditch the loud, dated garage door opener for a stylish modern option with technology enhancements. Turn your garage into the envy of the neighborhood with the new LiftMaster Secure View garage door opener that looks like a sleek smart home device and does more than just open and close your garage door. This new opener comes with a built-in camera, corner-to-corner LED lighting and it works with the with the myQ® app so you can control, secure and monitor your garage door from anywhere. The built-in camera enables live video streaming and 2-way communication so you can see when the kids get home from school or tell your neighbor where to find the ladder.

Additionally, the powerful myQ app acts as command central, allowing homeowners to easily share and manage home access without interrupting their day, as well as

Make it a multifunctional

(BPT)

Market continues to slow down September was the third straight month the number of existing homes sold in Wisconsin declined relative to the same period a year earlier. It also marked the second straight month that median home prices increased at less than the doubledigit pace set during the preceding year.

Those are the major takeaways from the latest report on Wisconsin’s residential real estate market from the Wisconsin Realtors Association.

Mary Duff, who chairs the association’s board of directors, said the drag from low inventory of homes for sale has overtaken the effect of low mortgage rates, which had spurred the robust market for much of the previous year.

“Given low mortgage rates, home sales in the first half of 2021 easily surpassed sales for the first six months of 2020,” she

said. “However, the very low inventory levels have caught up with us in the second half of this year, and now nine months in, we are only 1.5% ahead of the record pace of sales from last year.”

Meanwhile, as home prices begin to moderate, real estate agents are encouraged that homeownership will remain within reach of young homebuyers.

“Although mortgage rates are still quite favorable, the steep price increases over the past year have likely moderated demand, and as a result, some of the pressure on home prices, Michael Theo, president and CEO of the WRA, said. “This moderation should help keep Wisconsin housing relatively affordable for potential buyers.”

Locally, a decrease in the number of homes sold was most evident in Walworth County, which logged 200 sales in September, down 42 or 17% from

September 2020. Sales in Kenosha County were stable at 238 and down 2% in Racine County (327 from 335). Home sales were also down in Waukesha County (-2%) and Jefferson County (-9.6%).

Median prices were generally up across the area with Waukesha County leading the way at 8% followed by Racine (7.8%), Jefferson (7.4%), Walworth (7%), and Kenosha (0%).

Statewide analysis Here are the other key findings about the state’s market noted by officials in the WRA report: • September existing home sales fell 8.6% relative to 12 months earlier, and the statewide median home price increased 6.6% to $245,000 over that same 12-month period.

• CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

The housing market is cooling off from its spring-summer highs, but many are still looking to purchase a new home. Industry experts say low inventory is affecting the housing market, leading to the decline of sales.

WISCONSIN REALTORS ASSOCIATION Homes

HOMES & DESIGN • HOME BUYER, OWNER & RENTER

SLN STAFF

NOV. 2021

Home sales shrink, price hikes moderate in latest analysis

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Duff admitted that drawing conclusions from market numbers the past two years has been difficult.

“Comparing the housing market this year and last year is tricky,” she said. “The economic lockdowns in the first half of 2020 depressed home sales, and this was followed by a strong rebound in the second half of 2020 when the Wisconsin economy reopened.”

Dave Clark, a Marquette University economist and WRA consultant, said current factors point to the market cooling

off and prices stabilizing. “…It has become clear that the combination of supply chain problems and COVID-induced labor shortages continue to be a drag on the U.S. economy,” he said.

“The economy is likely still expanding, but running estimates of real GDP growth by the Atlanta Fed suggest that third quarter growth is likely to come in well below the robust growth in the first half of 2021.

“If that happens, housing demand may also cool off, further reducing housing price pressures.”

Inflation of median prices of Wisconsin homes slowed for the second straight month in September as the number of homes sold declined, according to the Wisconsin Realtors Association.

HOMES & DESIGN • HOME BUYER, OWNER & RENTER

NOV. 2021

• This is the third straight month in which home sales fell relative to their levels a year earlier, which pushed third quarter sales 8.2% lower than the third quarter of 2020.

• Still, on a year-to-date basis, home sales for the first nine months of 2021 remain 1.5% ahead of the January-toSeptember period in 2020, and the median price increased 9.6% to $240,100 over that same period.

• The pace at which median prices have been rising on an annual basis has been below 7% for each of the last two months, which is well below the double-digit pace seen for most of the previous 12 months.

• Very tight inventories continue to hamper home sales throughout the state, with months of available supply falling in every region over the last 12 months.

Months of supply ranged from a low of 3.1 months of supply in the South Central region to 3.9 months in the North region.

Six months of supply signals a balanced market, so these figures indicate a strong seller’s advantage in every region of the state.

• Mortgage rates remained under 3% for the fifth straight month. The 30-year fixedrate mortgage was essentially unchanged at 2.90% in September 2021 compared to 2.89% in September 2020.

• Wisconsin’s housing affordability fell 5% over the past 12 months, but it has remained relatively stable all year.

Specifically, even with significant price appreciation, a qualified buyer with median family income with a 20% down payment and 30-year fixed-rate mortgage financing the remaining balance, has been able to purchase between 181% and 227% of the median-priced home over the first nine months of the year.

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SAVE $100 ON A FURNACE TUNE-UP! Regular Price $189 - Special Price $89

CALL 262-248-2103 • WWW.MASTERSERVICESLG.COM 405937

SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES Rochester • 2319 Fox Knoll Dr......................$ 312,900 Burlington • 32869 Bayview Dr......................$ 320,000 • 7320 Fish Hatchery Rd..............$ 350,000 • 8332 Fishman Rd......................$ 384,800 Raymond • 702 Raynor Ave.........................$ 317,000 • 2888 43rd St..............................$ 320,000 Mount Pleasant • 6532 Cedarhedge Dr.................$ 345,000 • 4243 Woodbury Ln.....................$ 310,000 • 3555 Wood Rd...........................$ 325,000 • 6547 Primrose Way...................$ 325,000 Norway • 8702 Hart Dr..............................$ 334,500 • 8417 Stonegate Rd....................$ 370,000 Sturtevant • 9121 Chicory Creek Dr..............$ 335,000 Waterford • 611 Woodland Cir......................$ 375,000 • 721 Cottonwood Ln....................$ 388,000 • 754 Willow Bend Dr...................$ 405,000 • 7135 Joy Marie Ln.....................$ 400,000 Union Grove • 200 Mill Rd.................................$ 377,000 Racine • 3400 Michigan Blvd...................$ 255,000 Elmwood Park • 3523 Maryland Ave....................$ 320,000 Caledonia • 2801 Northbridge Dr..................$ 300,000 • 801 Northdale Dr.......................$ 325,000 • 1209 Riva Ridge........................$ 350,000 • 1320 Riva Ridge........................$ 346,900 • 30821 Camelback Mtn...............$ 415,000 • 9217 Prairie Crossing Dr...........$ 329,900 • 3010 Yorktown St.......................$ 349,900

CONDOS Burlington • 2501 S Browns Lake Dr D-6.......$169,000 • 3405 S Browns Lake Dr 32.........$269,000 Union Grove • 1716 State St 7..........................$ 169,000

• 1711 State St 50........................$ 187,900 Sturtevant • 1511 92nd St 63........................$ 184,900 Waterford • 300 Foxwood Dr 135..................$ 187,000 • 505 Torch Pine Ct......................$ 207,500 • 300 Foxwood Dr 112..................$ 214,000 Racine • 5312 Athens Ave........................$ 123,500 • 720 S Marquette St 417.............$ 140,000 • 333 Lake Ave 301......................$ 190,000 Mount Pleasant • 3220 Wood Rd F1......................$ 135,000 • 3016 Meyer Ct 7........................$ 145,400 • 3134 Wood Rd 3........................$ 145,000 • 5748 Cambridge Ln 5................$ 157,000 Caledonia • 4830 Richmond Dr.....................$ 335,000

VACANT LAND Racine • 3211 20th St 3215.......................$ 35,000 Waterford • Lt3 Oak Dr 4/5.............................$ 59,800 Union Grove • 1035 Main St................................$ 50,000 Dover • Lts1 Chippewa Dr -Lts3...............$ 63,000 Norway • Pcl1 W 8 Mile Rd.........................$ 78,000 Caledonia • 706 Brookview Ct Lt2...................$ 79,900 Raymond • Lt0 43rd St.................................$ 165,000

WALWORTH COUNTY SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES Whitewater • 223 N Jefferson St.......................$ 69,000 • 529 S Gault St...........................$ 115,000 • 1057 W Highland St...................$ 126,000 Sugar Creek • W6514 County Road A..............$ 125,000 Richmond • N6267 County Road P...............$ 135,000 Delavan • 3204 Chicago Club Dr...............$ 141,500

• 4102 Poplar Dr...........................$ 175,000 • 2816 Darlington St.....................$ 181,500 Williams Bay • 134 Orchard St..........................$ 179,000 Bloomfield • W127 Tombeau Blvd..................$ 180,000 • N2496 Tuskegee Dr...................$ 201,300 Sharon • 112 Seymour St.........................$ 187,500 Geneva • W3357 Oak Rd..........................$ 179,000 Lake Geneva • 304 Pioneer Dr...........................$ 199,000 • 180 Rush St...............................$ 206,000 Linn • W4472 S Lakeshore Dr.............$ 210,000 Spring Prairie • N6176 County Road DD............$ 210,000 Genoa City • 705 Freeman St.........................$ 207,000 Elkhorn • 309 S Devendorf St....................$ 206,800 • 329 N Church St........................$ 247,000

CONDOS Lake Geneva • 215 Country Club Dr 1D..............$ 83,000 • 7020 Grand Geneva Way 101.....$ 80,000 • 7020 Grand Geneva Way 347.....$ 88,000 • 112 Hank Jay Dr C.....................$ 112,000 • 111 Center St 116......................$ 111,950 Delavan • 509 Lawson School Rd 23.........$ 117,000 Whitewater • 210 E Clay St 1..........................$ 134,500 • 215 E Clay St 47........................$ 155,000 Elkhorn • 405 E 3rd Ave 6.........................$ 188,000

VACANT LAND Whitewater • 223 N Jefferson St.......................$ 69,000 • 529 S Gault St...........................$ 115,000 Sugar Creek • W6514 County Road A..............$ 125,000 Richmond • N6267 County Road P...............$ 135,000 Delavan • 3204 Chicago Club Dr...............$ 141,500

NOV. 2021

RACINE COUNTY

HOMES & DESIGN • HOME BUYER, OWNER & RENTER

home and property sales

Here is a listing of recent single-family home, condominium and vacant land sales in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties.

The information is provided through the Multiple Listing Service.

13

home and property sales Here is a listing of recent single-family home, condominium and vacant land sales in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth counties. The information is provided through the Multiple Listing Service.

Williams Bay • 134 Orchard St..........................$ 179,000

KENOSHA COUNTY SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES Kenosha • 6926 31st Ave..............................$ 33,000 • 4911 Sheridan Rd........................$ 68,000 • 5040 23rd Ave..............................$ 80,000 • 4506 22nd Ave.............................$ 92,900 • 4316 8th Ave..............................$ 105,000 • 3513 60th St...............................$ 113,500 • 1715 45th St...............................$ 118,000 • 2500 22nd Ave...........................$ 133,000 Pleasant Prairie • 8909 Cooper Rd........................$ 133,500 Salem Lakes • 23429 124th Pl...........................$ 147,000 Paddock Lake • 24419 68th St............................$ 149,000 • 6403 246th Ave..........................$ 174,000

CONDOS

HOMES & DESIGN • HOME BUYER, OWNER & RENTER

NOV. 2021

Kenosha • 7209 57th Ave 102.....................$ 142,000

14

• 7106 98th Ave I..........................$ 135,000 • 1372 30th Ave 9B......................$ 152,000 • 8119 40th Ave H........................$ 150,000 Pleasant Prairie • 10160 66th Ave BB....................$ 135,000 • 6746 100th Pl G.........................$ 174,000 Somers • 2880 11th Pl 607........................$ 156,000 Salem Lakes • 24502 85th Pl.............................$ 329,900

VACANT LAND

CLASSIFIEDS CALL 262.728.3411 TO PLACE YOUR AD FOR RENT Burlington Apartments LG. ONE BEDROOM LOWER appl incl., basement, W/D, freshly painted & new carpeting, small pet considered, no smoking. $895

Twin Lakes • Lt1 89th St....................................$ 36,500 • Lt4 Burden Ave............................$ 35,000 Salem Lakes • Lt38 &Lt39 126th Pl.....................$ 35,000 Paddock Lake • Lt42 78th Pl..................................$ 99,900 Kenosha • Lt2 43rd Ave.................................$ 99,900 Pleasant Prairie • Lt16 Creekside Cir.....................$ 119,900 Brighton • Lt0 45th St..................................$ 625,000

mo + sec,first and last 262-539-3384.

LG. ONE BEDROOM LOWER appl incl., basement, W/D, freshly painted & new carpeting, small pet considered, no smoking. $895 mo + sec,first and last 262-539-3384.

Twin Lakes Apartments 1 BR IN TWIN LAKES For those 62+ or disabled of any age. Laundry on site, off street

DO IT YOURSELF • CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

parking, elevator and community room! Settle

space for blankets, toys or other clutter.

You can even add a serving tray to the top when closed and you have a coffee table or small buffet space for snacks.

fly! Call 262-877-2212 to schedule a private

Create a statement wall Once you decide on an arrangement of furniture, try transforming a focal wall to give the space an elevated interior design.

One easy way to do this is to paint one wall different than the others in an accent color, like a blue or yellow. DIY-friendly peel-and-stick wallpaper is growing in popularity and is another fun option if you want to add a pattern on an accent wall.

Another way to create a noteworthy

into your new home before the snow starts to

accent wall is to design a gallery wall with a collection of treasured items hung in a group. Framed photography is common for creating gallery walls and serves as a wonderful conversation starter when guests arrive.

In addition to photographs, you can add other framed items such as typography, children’s artwork, travel keepsakes, mirrors and more.

“Now is the ideal time to prepare for the revival of entertaining at home,” says Meska. “Start with the floor, think beyond the conventional and make updates that you’ll enjoy whether you’re hosting guests or spending time at home with family.”

(BPT)

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