RVP Spring Homes & Design 2022

Homes&Design

SPRING 2022

 Home Services  Home Furnishings  Home Improvements  Home Decor  Real Estate & Rentals

IMPROVEMENT ~ Published by Rock Valley Publishing LLC

HOMES & DESIGN

SPRING 2022 372301

Southern Wisconsin Septic Service, LLC

BARTELT

704 4th Street • Albany, WI

Albany, Wisconsin

Enterprises Inc.

608-862-PUMP (7867)

• Asphalt Paving • Sealcoating • Crack Filling • Infra-red Asphalt Repairs FREE ESTIMATES!! FULLY INSURED!!

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Ryan Farm Quarries 608-879-2623 608-289-2891

Serving Southern Wisconsin

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www.sageninsurance.com Kori A. Sagen - owner/agent Bill Hantke - agent • Lisa Osland - agent • Brenda Fowler - agent

1104 1st Center Avenue • Brodhead, WI 372033

Wholesale & Retail limestone

3/4”, 1 1/2”, 3” Breaker Rock

NOW HIRING

608-897-9100

Toll Free: 877-472-3970 • Fax: 866-803-5135

372300

Page 2

New, Custom Hardwood Floors Installed, Sanded & Finished Custom Sanding of Old Floors

ull Hardwood Flooring Hardwood Flooring Specialists for Over 40 Years Family Owned & Operated

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL • Real 3/4” hardwood flooring, not a thin laminate.

• Custom sanding and finishing of old floors.

Covering Brodhead and the surrounding areas

367122

Call for free estimates at 1-608-897-4960 or 1-608-558-1960

SPRING 2022

HOMES & DESIGN

Page 3

Footville Rock & Lime: Your source for limestone, decorative stone

When you need limestone or other natural materials, the very best place to get them is straight from the quarry in Wisconsin. When you choose Footville Rock & Lime Corporation, that’s exactly what you’ll get: superior quality materials, provided by an honest company.

Whether you need agricultural lime for your soil treatment or are improving your residential landscape with quality stone materials, we’re here to help. We’ll even help you spread your rock to make sure it’s applied perfectly. Our full offering of products includes crushed limestone products, agricultural limestone, decorative stones, mulch, sand, dirt, driveway gravel and more.

Why choose Footville Rock & Lime Corporation for limestone and decorative stone in Wisconsin? Simple: we work to deliver the highest quality products at the best prices, and we always treat our customers with the integrity and respect they deserve.

We work with you to figure out your exact needs, and we pass along the savings of mining directly from our quarry, meaning you’re going to get exactly what you need at a price you can afford. Take a look at just a few more of the reasons we have so many satisfied customers and why our customers recommend us anytime there’s a need for limestone, landscaping materials or decorative stone in Wisconsin: We’re a family owned and operated business.

We have a wide range of quality products available to customers.

We’re pleased to supply residential, commercial and agricultural customers alike.

We’re happy to spread rock and limestone for you upon delivery.

Our business has been around since 1974!

Footville Rock & Lime Corporation is located at 14249 W. Domer Road, Brodhead, Wis. 53520. Call 608-876-6608 for more information.

Located in Brodhead, Wis., Hull Hardwood Flooring can make your home beautiful. Call 608-897-4960 or visit their website at wwwhullhard woodflooring. com to see more.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Homes & Design

Hull Hardwood Flooring

BoMar Heating & Cooling continues growing with more satisfied customers each and every year. Give them a call for your service needs at 815-233-1622.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Homes & Design

Excellence has been Bomar Heating & Cooling’s hallmark since 1974 BoMar Heating & Cooling is a customer focused family owned heating and air-conditioning company that was originally started in 1974. The company was started by Bob and Margaret Rowland and the business name is a combination of their first names. Located in Freeport, IL, we employ highly trained people whose goal is to make our company the best service company in Northwest Illinois.

Our company specializes in designing, engineering, and installing complete comfort systems for owners of existing homes and buildings just like yours. We

HOMES & DESIGN Home Improvement Spring 2022 Published by Rock Valley Publishing LLC 1102 Ann St. Delavan, WI 53115 262-728-3411

take special pride in the craftsmen we train and employ--a fact you’ll notice immediately in the attitude and integrity they bring to your job site.

Our entire company works hard to make your experience with us hasslefree and enjoyable. Should we make a mistake, we will do everything in our power to correct it to your satisfaction.

From the professionalism of our comfort consultants, to the dedication of our field personnel, we are dedicated to delivering you the best. We take our responsibility very seriously when you place your trust in us. We pledge to

always tell you up front what your cost will be to complete your job correctly.

We make it a point to go over any details or limitations of the proposed system that will affect your enjoyment of the end result. You are told exactly what to expect up front. We back this philosophy with our exclusive written guarantee when choosing BoMar Heating & Cooling to contract your job: “If at any time during the first year of installation, you are not 100% satisfied with the performance of the equipment, our service or even our people, we will, within 30 days of your request, remove

Homes & Design Spring Home Improvement

the system and cheerfully refund the entire amount of the contract.”

Compare our guarantee with the limitations, fine print and exclusions other companies tend to use to back their work today. Others will typically guarantee only the functionality of the equipment-not your satisfaction with the process or that the finished job lives up to your expectations.

This is why BoMar Heating & Cooling continues growing with more satisfied customers each and every year. Give us a call for your service needs and see what you’ve been missing.

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

134, or email vicki@southernlakesnewspapers.com EDITOR IN CHIEF: Edward Nadolski SPECIAL SECTIONS: Melanie Bradley CREATIVE/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Heather Ruenz ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Vicki Vanderwerff PAGE DESIGNER: Jen DeGroot

Page 4

HOMES & DESIGN

SPRING 2022

Farm & Fleet offers tips for improving your lawn 1. Stop weeds before they grow Treat your lawn with a preventative weed fighter in the early spring for a greener, healthier lawn all summer long.

Choose from a wide variety of pre-emergent herbicides sold at Blain’s Farm & Fleet. This will help prevent weeds from sprouting all around your lawn in the first place. Plus, you only have to use pre-emergent herbicides once a year.

If you already have lawn weeds, you can pull or dig them up by hand or with weeders.

You can also use a post-emergence herbicide, which will kill the weeds you have. However, these herbicides can also kill your grass if you’re not careful. It’s better to take preventative steps to get rid of weeds.

2. Maintain your lawn mower It’s also important to maintain your lawn mower.

As spring rolls around, you should prepare your lawn mower for another season of work.

This means cleaning the engine, changing the oil filter and fuel, cleaning the undercarriage and sharpening the lawn mower blade.

3. Water your lawn in the morning The best time to water your lawn is between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. because your lawn will have the entire day to dry. You can also water your lawn between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. if you don’t have time in the morning.

Avoid watering your lawn between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. because it’s the hottest part of the day and most of the water will simply evaporate.

4. Fertilize your lawn Using the right lawn fertilizer at the right time can help you achieve a lush and green lawn. It’s important to fertilize your lawn in the early spring before your lawn enters its peak growing season. Try to fertilize your lawn right before a light rain to ensure all of the fertilizer is watered into the ground. Fertilizing before heavy rain often leads to a large amount of your fertilizer running off your lawn and polluting waterways.

5. Eliminate yellow lawn spots If you have a dog, you know about yellow spots on your lawn. Animal urine contains high levels of nitrogen that can burn the grass. Use mulch or gravel to create a bathroom area for your dog to help prevent yellow spots.

Dogs are not the only culprits creating yellow spots in your lawn, though. Poor soil quality, improper mowing, drought or heat, and even insects can leave discoloration in your yard.

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What to look for when updating windows and patio doors Your home’s windows and patio doors not only let in sunlight and scenery, they also help protect you from the elements.

That’s why it’s important to do your research when you’re updating them.

Here’s what to know and what to look for:

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

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

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

This helps reduce your household’s exposure to volatile organic compounds, which are gases that can lead to eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and dizziness, and can even cause organ damage over time, according to the EPA. Finally, if you live in an area prone to hurricanes and storms, look for windows and doors that are certified to perform in high winds and severe coastal conditions.

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

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

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

For example, custom colors can help bring your design vision to life, black interiors help achieve a modern look

with contrasting interior paint colors, while white interiors help keep spaces light and bright. And if you’re looking to put a patio door in a tight space, go with a gliding patio door option.

Different types of glass are also something to keep in mind, with some glass being better suited for certain climates and conditions.

Understanding terms like dual pane windows, low emissivity (Low-E) coating, decorative and hurricaneresistant can also help you make the right choices.

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

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

by Andersen Certified Contractors come with a 2-year limited installation warranty.

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

(STATEPOINT)

DP CONCRETE & LANDSCAPING, Inc. Specializing in Concrete Installation & Repair We do projects of all sizes! find us on

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Top Notch Building Supply has serviced northern Illinois for more than 30 years Our sales staff has an average of 25 years of industry experience. We work closely with home owners and contractors alike to get the project done right. Top Notch handles a full line of highly reputable products that will provide lasting quality and beauty to your home.

With brands like KraftMaid Cabinets, Andersen Windows, Trex Decking, Certainteed roofing and siding, Mohawk flooring, and Cambria Quartz our products are well known in the industry.

Our location just off US-20 between Rockford and Freeport, gives us easy accessibility to virtually anywhere in the region.

Curt and Linda Knapp co-founded Top Notch in 1987. In their 29 years of leadership it grew from a $600,000 home center to a $4,500,000 building material dealer with land development, finance, and installed sales divisions.

Curt stepped away from the business over 10 years ago and Linda retired at the end of 2017. We proudly carry on the tradition they set forth of supplying quality products and expertise in the home building/improvement industry and providing quality jobs in the area.

John Behn John works with our contractor and custom builder clients to help them grow and prosper their respective businesses. He is on the road nearly every day interacting with clients to make sure jobs are running smoothly and profitably.

John also works with homeowners for all sized projects. He is thorough and accurate and helps the staff around him to be the same. John’s servant attitude draws clients to him because he is willing to be a superb teammate in order to help them grow their business.

John’s 30+ years of industry experience provide a wealth of knowledge that can be used to help solve challenges of

every kind. Call John for help with your project.

Paul Shippy Paul has nearly 25 years of experience in the building materials industry. Paul started as a counter salesman, has outside sales experience and has moved through purchasing, expense control and is now Chief Operating Officer at Top Notch.

As such Paul is responsible for overseeing all phases of the operations and for day to day operations training for all personnel. Contact Paul to consult about challenges you have with business, either yours or ours.

Adam Viel Adam is our cabinet and floor covering leader.

Adam’s 15+ years of experience, patient demeanor, and attention to detail make him a perfect fit for this work.

Adam works hard with each customer to coordinate style, color, and efficiency so that each new owner and their respective contractor receive the result they desire on the interior appointments of their new or newly remodeled home.

Adam also does a fair amount of plan design on kitchen, bath or addition and retrofit projects. Contact Adam for help with your kitchen, bath, or flooring project.

Scott Moore Scott is our inside sales leader.

Scott’s 25+ years of experience in building and building materials have prepared him well to lead our inside sales force. Scott is our window, door,

and trim expert and will help you choose just the right product for your needs. Scott’s patience is appreciated by all who deal with him as they make important decisions regarding their home. Contact Scott for help with your project of any size.

Neil Suess Neil is our warehouse foreman and driver. He is a very loyal and conscientious person who inspects your product as it comes off our vendor’s truck. He is careful and concerned with each and every delivery. Neil also does most of the truck maintenance on our vehicles.

Tom Grant Tom joined the Top Notch team in the spring of 2019 with over 30 years of experience in the cabinet and countertop industry.

Tom can use his design experience to help you get the most out of your space. Stop in and see Tom for your cabinet and floor covering needs. Dale Remmers Dale Remmers Dale came to Top Notch in 2015. Dale has a background in carpentry and is very knowledgeable in the field. Dale helps Scott to maintain the sales floor and assists customers as they visit our store. He is versed in pricing windows, doors, and most forms of millwork. If you need a special order hardware item Dale can help you out. He works at the hub of communication in the store to help get orders out in a timely manner.

Stay on top of bathroom safety Known as one of the most hazardous rooms in your home, your bathroom should be a comfortable and safe space. Having a well-designed, stylish, accessible and functional bathroom is all possible while keeping safety in mind.

Eliminate hazards Surfaces Flooring choice is a main component in bathroom safety. Non-slip, smooth, and free of debris flooring can prevent falls and other injuries. Remove loose rugs to prevent trip ups and install flooring that enables traction. Cleared table tops can act as a stabilizer to move from one area to the next.

Moisture Bathrooms tend to be moisture

ridden, therefore wiping up spills, puddles, and excess water around the shower, sink, and toilet could prevent an injury.

Lighting Proper lighting is important for visibility of the space. Inadequate lighting is a main contributor to accidents, therefore by installing automatic night lights and replacing burnt out bulbs can save you from a potential fall.

Functionality support Installing appropriate objects designed to support someone’s weight such as grab bars will help maintain balance and give ease of mind when stepping in or out of wet areas prone to slipping.

Space Allowing enough turn around space between bathroom utilities aids bathroom safety. Catching on corners of walls, vanities, and toilets can contribute to accidents.

Access Designing a bathroom for easy access to the shower, tub, sink, toilet, etc. can help prevent injuries. Walk-in showers and cut out bath tubs are perfect examples of safe guarding your health and planning ahead.

Code installation Keep bathroom safety at the forefront of your plans by hiring a licensed contractor to ensure your bathroom follows state codes and regulations.

SPRING 2022

HOMES & DESIGN

Page 5

Improving ventilation in your home

Proper ventilation is one of the home’s basic necessities for becoming a comfortable living space.

Ventilation maintains air quality in the home while removing excess moisture to ensure the air inside isn’t stale, damp, or downright funky.

Open doors & windows This might seem like a no-brainer to some, but a lot of people forget to regularly open doors or windows to let fresh air in and push stale air out. Simply opening doors and windows a few times during the day to “air out” your house quickly replaces stale indoor air with fresh outdoor air, getting rid of pollutants, allergens, and excess moisture.

Dry the laundry outside We’re all guilty of doing the laundry and drying the clothes inside, and there are a number of legitimate reasons for that.

We can blame it on the unpredictable weather, or blame it on the very unpredictable weather (especially in winter).

However, drying wet clothes inside our homes creates condensation and prevents your heating system from working overtime.

It also accelerates condensation and mold growth in winter.

To solve this problem, it’s always better to dry your clothes at a covered outdoor area, such as under a patio cover or canopy, so your clothes can dry while staying out of range of rain.

If drying laundry inside is the only option you have, make sure your windows are open to allow the excess moisture to escape.

Ventilate rooms overnight Leaving windows slightly ajar overnight can improve the air quality inside your room, while also reducing excess moisture and the risk of mold growth. In summer this really helps with reducing the humidity levels so you can get a better sleep, but in winter you should be more careful about ventilating particularly because you don’t want too much heat to escape in the process.

Install fans and vents Extractor fans and attic vents are both specialized ventilation systems that service certain areas in the home. Extractor fans that vent out into the open air should be installed in kitchens, laundries and bathrooms – these are the key areas where moisture and stale air build up much faster. Attic vents drive out the excess heat and moisture that become trapped in the attic, aiding your home’s ventilation in the process.

Consider home ventilation system A well-designed and well-installed home ventilation system provides great ventilation regardless of what the weather is like outside, which is a great alternative to simply opening doors and windows.

If you don’t have one already, a home ventilation system can replace stale air in your home with fresh, dry air to create a healthier, drier and warmer living environment for your family that is much easier to heat

Page 6

HOMES & DESIGN

SPRING 2022

Comfort Solutions Heating & Air Conditioning

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SPRING 2022

HOMES & DESIGN

Page 7

Bartelt Enterprises paving the way in southern Wisconsin Get a hardworkin

Bartelt Enterprises, Inc. is a full service asphalt paving and maintenance company based out of Albany, Wis. We are a family business, owned and operated by Tim Bartelt.

We strive to maintain a high standard of quality in our workmanship, to build on trust and establish a long standing relationship with our customers, to take pride in knowing our desire is to be the leaders in our industry.

Our company provides prompt, courteous service and offers high-quality work at competitive prices.

We service residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural and municipal clients.

Our company is fully insured, and we provide free written estimates and consultations.

Our maintenance division (crack filling and seal coating) has over 45 years’ experience in the industry.

Our paving division is in its 21st year of operation. Bartelt Enterprises, Inc. currenlty employs over 40 people.

Our centralized location allows us to serve clients throughout the Dane Cty, Green Cty, Lafayette Cty, Rock Cty, along with the surrounding counties/ communities. We work diligently to ensure your needs are met and that you’re pleased with the results.

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

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

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Page 8

HOMES & DESIGN

SPRING 2022

Five interior design trends to use in your home in 2022 After learning to live life more remotely in 2020 and 2021, it’s time to view 2022 as a fresh start.

To help you adopt a new, balanced way of living, FrogTape brand painter’s tape and celebrity interior designer, Taniya Nayak, are sharing five home interior design trends meant to inspire spaces that will welcome guests, while still incorporating the special intimacies that may have been rediscovered from slowing down.

Each trend can be utilized for a full home makeover or incorporated into little touches to freshen up a space.

1. Embrace. Embrace everything that is good in your life and create a sense of comfort, warmth and security.

Nayak recommends cozy textures and a palette of mellow coral, subtle orange, soft green and creamy shades of white and brown to achieve this look in spaces like bedrooms or family rooms.

KITCHEN UPGRADES

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

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

5. Shine. The ‘Shine’ trend is all about letting your true self shine. Implement this trend in any room throughout your home by embracing every color of the rainbow and visually displaying what’s in your heart.

Using FrogTape, tape off a custom pattern that is uniquely yours and paint it whatever color you choose.

Visit FrogTape.com/Trends for more trend information and ideas.

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

(STATEPOINT)

• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

shelling out $150 to $600, according to HomeGuide. If that’s beyond what you’re willing to pay, but you’re not ready to replace a beloved set of kitchen chairs, you can update their look on a budget and in just a few minutes with stretchable seat covers.

A good choice for families with kids or pets, these covers are typically machinewashable and can be swapped out as often as you like to suit your mood. From geometric designs to citrus vibes to florals, they’re offered in a range of patterns that will look great with any style.

New granite surfaces

A simple and stylish way to incorporate possible. this into a room is to add a coat of paint to a 3. Gather. Gathering with friends and textured basket for a pop of color. Then, fill it with plenty of plush blankets to complete family has been long awaited, so set the mood and ambience just the way you the cozy look and feel. imagined it.

2. Rise. Give a fresh perspective to Inspired by the depth of conversations your existing space with the ‘Rise’ trend. with loved ones, the ‘Gather’ trend Inspired by the morning light peeking embraces rich, dark tones like navy, teal or through the shades, incorporating this trend forest green. into your bedroom or bathroom is bound to Incorporate this trend by painting the invigorate and motivate you. focal point of a room, like kitchen cabinets For example, add a coat of green paint to or the living room fireplace. Or, add bold, your closet door for a nice pop of color to dark details with furniture and artwork. an area where you start your day.

You can keep it subtle by creating No matter where you’re looking to add custom centerpieces dipped in paint and fresh color, you’ll want to achieve clean, wrapped in twine. sharp paint lines. One of Nayak’s go-to 4. Revive. Revive your home with tools is a premium painter’s tape that soothing and vibrant shades of pink, orange produces professional-looking results, and blue to create a balance of motivated like FrogTape brand painter’s tape, which yet satisfied. is treated with patented PaintBlock Consider adding a vibrant paint color to Technology, to deliver the sharpest lines

Countertops are the most common feature upgraded during kitchen renovations, according to a 2022 Houzz study, which found that nine in 10 remodelers performed this update.

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

Adding this touch of luxury to your kitchen doesn’t have to bust your budget, involve contractors or mean supply chain hassles. It can actually be an easy, oneweekend DIY project. Using a LuxROCK Solid Surface Granite Countertop Kit from Daich Coatings, you can transform your countertops and island surfaces at just a fraction of the price of a professional granite countertop installation. For about $300, a kit covers 40 square feet of space.

This functional and decorative blend of real stone with stunning mineral highlights can be used to give a smooth appearance

to countertops, tables or any other surface.

And because the authentic stone surface resists stains, heat and impact and is food safe, it’s a great solution for the kitchen.

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

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

Optimize your pantry

Pantries are often tucked away, but you can still give them an eye-catching makeover. For fresh pops of color, paint the pantry door and wallpaper the interior. Group items by height, then use customizable shelving to stretch storage real estate. You may also wish to transfer kitchen staples to uniform containers. This will offer a tidier, more visually appealing look, while helping you make better use of limited space. Whether you opt for mason jars, ceramic canisters, or BPA-free plastic cubes, label containers carefully.

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

(STATEPOINT)

SPRING 2022

HOMES & DESIGN

Page 9

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

Landscape designer Doug Scott describes plant layering in art terms: “Just like in a painting, you need to have a background, a middle ground and a foreground.

Each layer serves a purpose, and there’s no more important place for them to be on full display than your home’s entrance.”

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

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

3. Foreground: Finally, the foreground layer should help transition the planting beds to your lawn space or sidewalk, and should therefore be lower than the back two layers.

It’s also where you can keep things fresh and get your hands dirty throughout the year by changing out annuals with the seasons.

Or, if you want a lower-maintenance entrance, you can choose smaller perennials,

evergreens or creeping ground covers. Use the foreground layer as an opportunity to add pops of color at ground level and draw attention to your home’s entrance.

Scott lays out a few other important tips to keep in mind: • Choose plants consistent with your home’s style. For instance, if you have a craftsman home, you should probably skip tropical plants. Or, if your home is more minimalist, avoid an overabundance of different plants.

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

visitors shouldn’t have to maneuver around plants as they make their way down the sidewalk.

Neither is convenient or welcoming, so you’ll either need to keep pruning plants to size, or choose plants that won’t overgrow their space without a ton of pruning.

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

Rather let it frame the intended view.

Scott offers more plant layering tips in “Making an Entrance,” a recent episode of “Done-In-A-Weekend Projects,” an

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

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

(STATEPOINT)

Tips to add farmhouse-style elements to your home design When it comes to home design, farmhouse style represents a total intersection of beauty and practicality, making it no surprise that many are embracing this traditional look today.

Whatever architectural style your home is, adding key design elements can help you get in on best aspects of the farmhouse trend. Here are a few renovations to consider: • An updated porch: Adding a front porch or expanding an existing porch will not only add charming farmhouse-style curb appeal, but extend your outdoor living area as well. Be sure to take as much care decorating your porch as you would any other room of your home.

Include comfy furniture, like rocking chairs and a porch swing, complete with cushions. Add potted plants for a touch of vibrant greenery, lantern wall sconces for illumination, and outdoor rugs for coziness.

Don’t forget the entryway. Make it more inviting with seasonal wreaths and a cheerful welcome mat.

• Board ‘n batten siding: Imparting a rustic, handmade quality to any home, even those builtin contemporary styles, “board ‘n batten” is a centuries-old siding design that encapsulates the appeal of farmhouse-style homes. The term “batten” refers to the strip of molding placed across the joint between boards. The resulting look boasts an attractive geometry of strong vertical lines balanced by a sense of texture across the horizontal face.

While the look is traditional, you can pair it with the very latest in siding technology. For example, CedarMAX Insulated Siding from ProVia comes in many styles, including board ‘n batten. This complete thermal cladding system offers continuous

insulation for maximum energy savings.

With five times greater impact resistance than regular siding and a weather barrier shield, this is not just a charming aesthetic upgrade, but one that will improve the comfort of your home for years to come.

• Metal roofing: There’s a reason metal roofing plays prominently into the design of authentic farmhouses -- they are built to last.

That’s truer than ever today, thanks to advances in metal roofing technology. Offering superior color retention, long-term reliability, energy efficiency and environmental friendliness, architectural-grade metal shingle roofing is an upgrade that can add both beauty and value to your home.

In the case of ProVia’s Metal Slate Roofing, which is designed to look like classic quarried slate shingles, you can draw on the beauty of nature in shades of gray and brown, while enjoying proven protection from hail, wind, rain, and corrosion.

• Interior touches: Restyle your home’s interior to be farmhouse-inspired with a few renovations.

Classic looks include neutral walls, such as matte shades of beige, grays and creams, shabby chic furniture -- think wicker, distressed wood and reclaimed lumber -- and hardwood flooring.

Consider dusting off a few hand-me-downs or visiting antique shops and estate sales for one-of-akind finds. Above all, be sure to prioritize comfort, warmth, and practicality.

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

(STATEPOINT)

Page 10

HOMES & DESIGN

Comfort Solutions can make your home comfy

SPRING 2022

Buying or selling? Call US first!

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elmerteam.cxn@gmail.com Jerry Elmer: 608-558-3015 Ann-Marie Elmer: 608-558-3016

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It’s important to have your HVAC units services regularly to insure they will be running for years to come

* A/C service and repair * Freon checks * Freon leak detection and repair * Inspections * Maintenance calls * Seasonal clean and checks * Check drains * Clean the coils Interested in improving the air quality in your home? Being in the middle of cold, influenza, and virus season, we have the solution for you * Indoor air purifiers * Electronic air purifiers * Media air purifiers * Ionizers * Humidifiers * Dehumidifiers * UV Lights Comfort Solutions can also offer you the most up to date thermostat systems that meet your home automation needs.

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For affordable heating and air conditioning service, choose Comfort Solutions Heating & A/C. You always get prompt, personable service. We care for your home like it was our own.

We employ experienced, local technicians and, when it comes to heating and air conditioning, Comfort Solutions Heating & A/C is the name to remember.

Our company has been in business for seven years, and we have 25 years of experience in the heating and cooling industry.

Our company is locally and family owned and operated, so you can count on friendly, personable service.

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Ask how you can save with our senior, firefighter, and military discounts.

Our customers recommend us highly and refer others to us.

We carry the A/C units to keep your family cool all summer long. * Central air * Roof units * Thermostats * Ductless Split Systems We have a complete inventory of parts to keep your A/C unit running * Blowers * Compressors * Exhaust fans * Filters * Heat sinks * Thermostats

Contact Us

Business Hours Monday: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Wednesday: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursday: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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Saturday: 24-hour emergency service Sunday: 24-hour emergency service Same-day and 24/7 emergency services are available.

Comfort Solutions Heating and Air Conditioning is located at 130 Cross Dr., Poplar Grove, IL, 61065 Tel: 815-218-6271 Email: keithanders7@live.com We offer free estimates. Don’t forget to ask us about our military and first responder discounts! 100% Financing is available. Find us on Facebook.

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Page 11

How to choose the best wallpaper design for any space Thinking about using wallpaper to transform your walls from drab to fab?

You’re in good company. Wallpaper’s popularity is on the rise in both residential and commercial spaces and gaining an edge over paint.

Why? Experts believe this trend reflects a growing recognition of wallpaper’s unique benefits. It’s cost-effective, protects the wall surface from accidental marks and scratches, and offers personalized self-expression at a reasonable price.

“We experienced consistent month-overmonth wallpaper sales increases throughout 2021. We attribute this to consumers’ growing desire to customize their spaces with designs that reflect their personal style and aesthetic preferences, while retaining the option to change things up as frequently as desired with removable wallpaper,” says Michael Jones, general manager, Spoonflower, a leading custom, print-ondemand wallpaper and home decor digital marketplace.

According to Jones, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the right wallpaper for your space. Here, he offers a few insights to help you get started:

TYPE First, determine how long you’d like the wallpaper to remain on your walls. Some types of wallpaper are more suitable for long-term use and others are best for those who wish to change their designs with the seasons or on a whim. For this reason, Spoonflower offers three types of wallpaper: 1. Prepasted Removable Smooth: Longlasting, but fully removable (and recyclable), this option is great for homes, rental spaces,

accent walls or temporary art installations.

2. Peel and Stick Removable Woven: Removable and repositionable, this option won’t leave a residue behind. Whether you’re renting or you love to stay on-trend, temporary wallpaper is a great alternative to traditional wall coverings.

3. Traditional Pebble: This traditional wallpaper has a subtle leathered texture, matte finish, is paste-activated and is highly durable. Not only is it PVC-free, it is also moisture resistant.

DESIGN To take the guesswork out of wallpaper design selection, consider heading to a wallpaper digital marketplace. In the case of Spoonflower, which features over 1 million designs, the biggest challenge you’ll face is the enormity of selection. However, you can easily narrow down your choices by searching for designs based on category keywords, color or by styles, such as MidCentury Modern, Cottagecore or Paisley.

For those with a specific design already envisioned, the site even allows you to upload your own design and have it custom printed on wallpaper.

Before committing, consider ordering two or three swatches so you can compare them in your own space and assess the best fit. This can help ensure your final design selection is completely tailored to your preferences. To learn more and to get the process started, visit spoonflower.com.

Thanks to new wallpaper technology and an ever-growing library of designs available, making a customized impact on the look and feel of your spaces has never been easier.

(STATEPOINT)

Menard’s shares home improvement tips: The Gutter Guide Gutters are essential for routing roof water runoff away from your home, keeping basements dry, and protecting siding from backsplash stain and rot.

MATERIALS Vinyl Vinyl is immune to rust and rot. It’s also a great choice for DIY installation projects because it’s one of the more inexpensive options and is easy to cut down to size.

Aluminum Aluminum is the most popular material choice. It’s perfect for DIY installation projects because it’s lightweight, inexpensive, and available in custom lengths.

Steel Steel is strong enough to stand up to ladders and fallen branches. Steel is the most durable gutter option available and holds 58% more water than standard 5-inch K-style gutters.

Copper Copper is a naturally beautiful material, so there’s no need to paint it. Copper is generally used on high-end and historic residences.

TYPES OF GUTTERS Sectional gutters Do-it-yourself gutter systems are typically sold in “sections,” and installed as component systems. All sectional systems include end caps, corner pieces, and drop outlets for

connecting to downspouts (vertical pipes that drains water from the roof). Sectional gutters are easy to handle and don’t require professional installation, made of stronger metal than their seamless counterparts and tend to be more cost-effective.

Half-round/u-style Half-round gutters (also known as U-style gutters in certain materials) look like a round pipe that has been cut lengthwise. They’re often found on older, historic homes because they suit the style and design of these homes.

One perk of half-round or U-style gutters is that they’re easier to clean than K-style gutters.

K-Style K-style gutters - also known as “ogee gutters” - are more popular and have flat bottoms and backs. The front side has a decorative shape that mimics crown moulding. This style generally has twice the capacity of U-style gutters with the same width and are typically more durable than U-style gutters.

Installation tips pitch To ensure that gutters drain properly, they must slope toward a downspout. Typically, it’s best to install gutters so they slope 1/2inch per 10 linear feet of gutter. For gutters that run longer than 40 feet, it’s best to pitch the gutter down from the middle to a downspout at each end.

Downspouts One downspout should be installed for

every 30 to 40 feet of gutter. Make sure downspouts run to a suitable drainage system or properly graded absorbent soil to prevent damage to your foundation. Downspouts usually include three elbow joints.

One end of each section of the joints must be crimped in order to attach them together.

You can use needle-nose pliers to crimp them yourself. Hangers: Hangers are used to support gutters and strengthen the front edge.

They should be installed every 2 feet.

Reduce spacing to 18 inches apart if you live in an area with long-lasting snow and ice.

Hangers attach to the fascia - the board that essentially acts as moulding to cover the area where the wall joins the roof - and the assembled gutters snap into them.

ACCESSORIES Splash blocks Splash blocks are placed beneath the downspout elbow to help disperse water away from your home’s foundation. They are lightweight enough to move easily, yet heavy enough to stay in place.

Gutter covers Gutter covers snap to the front edge of the gutter and slide under shingles to prevent large debris from getting inside the gutter, which could cause clogs and buildup.

Menards® offers a variety of affordable, maintenance-free gutter covers.

Gutter filters Gutter filters provide many of the same benefits as gutter screens and covers. They

fit completely inside the gutter, so they’re not visible and also prevent debris that could cause clogs to build up.

Downspout strainers Wire downspout strainers are placed inside the outlet tube that connects the gutter to the downspout in order to prevent leaves and other debris from clogging downspouts and underground drainage.

Gusher guards Gusher guards prevent gutters from overflowing with water at the valleys.

Flashing Flashing prevents water from running behind your gutters, which could potentially cause the wood to rot.

Gutter maintenance In order to keep your gutters in good condition, it’s important to maintain them properly by cleaning the leaves from them twice a year or hiring a company that specializes in gutter maintenance.

It’s also important to pay particular attention to the downspouts, as they’re the most likely to become clogged.

During these inspections, check all of the spikes in the hangers. If they have worked their way out of their designated places over the years, it’s important to invest in new ones to keep your gutters secure. Finally, find the source of any leaks, and repair them with bead silicone sealing or caulk to keep water from getting down behind the gutters and rotting the boards.

Page 12

HOMES & DESIGN

SPRING 2022

Engineering What’s Next in Outdoor Living

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