Our House - April 8, 2021

Our House In Spring

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PAGE S2 • OUR HOUSE • APRIL 8, 2021

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APRIL 8, 2021 • OUR HOUSE • PAGE S3

OUR HOUSE

Colorful Kitchen Inspiration

T

he kitchen is the heart of many homes, and careful planning is a necessity when it comes to redesigning this essential living space. Picking out cabinetry — and a color for those cabinets, in particular — can be a challenging process. Everything from the style of your cabinets to the amount of natural light your space receives are key factors to consider when choosing an updated hue.

While white cabinets are an everlasting choice, and wood-stained cabinetry once held 70% of the market, painted cabinets now account for 70% of sales, signaling a significant shift among homeowners and their preferences.

5 impactful, on-trend cabinet stylings

A Gray for Every Mood While gray cabinets have been a popular design choice for several years, much like shades of white, no two grays are exactly alike.

Cabinet colors live on a color spectrum that ranges from warm to neutral to dark; warm grays have yellow or brown undertones while cool grays have hushed hues of blue.

Neutral gray, or Ash, is a true black and white mixture of colors. However, many homeowners are opting for warmer or cooler shades instead. For example, light gray cabinets can create a chic, modern motif for homeowners looking to liven up their space while avoiding completely white cabinetry. One of the latest gray trends is a warmer gray that can look almost beige, earning the nickname “greige.” Shades of dark gray — whether painted or stained — are also options for making a luxurious, traditional statement that can span everchanging color trends.

A Sea of Blue One of today’s hottest trends in kitchen cabinetry is the use of shades of blue, which provide calming and restful effects and the feeling of harmony and serenity. Pops of blue can be used as an accent color on islands or on either upper or base cabinets.

To balance out these dramatic darks, many homeowners are opting to pair a bold color choice like a navy hue — such as Bleu — with neutral to warm whites, such as wool and bone white, to create a crisp, clean look. Gold hardware can be used on navy cabinetry for an upscale and regal look while silver-tone hardware provides a contemporary finishing touch.

While lighter shades of blue, like aqua, are perfect for keeping spaces light and airy, one of the latest colors to emerge is a midtone classic blue.

Mixed Wood Tones Even with the rise in painted woods, stains are seeing a surge in popularity. The application of stain to natural wood can enhance the character of the cabinetry.

Neutral color, dimension, texture and soft luxury can be layered into nearly any space to create a blended balance. Wood grains typically pair well with whites, grays, blues and brass tones — all of which are popular colors in modern kitchens and other localized entertaining areas such as in-home refreshment areas or bars.

Dark Drama Often overlooked as more of an “accent” color, black has become livable, luxe and inviting with textured woods adding rustic, homely charm. For example, many cabinet companies offer a decorative laminate veneer option in matte black.

Edgy but classic, black cabinets can pair perfectly with nearly any design element still in its natural wooden state to create a distinct style that is all your own.

Find more on-trend kitchen inspiration and color options at Wellborn.com.

Multi-Tones and Pops of Color While all-white palettes have long reigned supreme in the kitchen for their timelessness and versatility, straying from neutral tones can add an energetic and welcoming feel to nearly any space. Smaller kitchens that once had an all-white look are getting a facelift by adding a burst of bright, bold color on either the upper or base cabinets. Adding colorful retro appliances or using the island as a canvas for an energetic and welcoming pop of color can also make a similar statement and help create a space unique to your style and personality.

Many homeowners are even pairing two or more complementary colors to create two- and three-toned looks. For example, lighter gray, Shale or blue can be used for the upper cabinets with darker shades used below for the base cabinetry, or a neutral hue can be used on the uppers with a contrast color on the bottom. In threetoned kitchens, an additional color or material is introduced to create asymmetry in the palette to help define zones or functions and keep the eye moving.

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PAGE S4 • OUR HOUSE • APRIL 8, 2021

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APRIL 8, 2021 • OUR HOUSE • PAGE S5

OUR HOUSE

Should you buy or sell a home in 2021?

W

hile the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine has left a lot of question marks about the future of the U.S. economy at-large, analysts expect the housing market to remain strong and stable in the coming year.

“Despite the uncertainties of the pandemic, the housing market performed well in the second half of 2020,” says Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s chief economist. “Low mortgage rates and the ability to work remotely continued to propel demand for housing, which is reflected in home sales reaching levels not seen in 15 years.” Whether you’re a potential homebuyer, a current homeowner or considering selling, here are some of the biggest takeaways of Freddie Mac’s Quarterly Forecast: • Interest rates are likely to remain low.

The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) hit a record low over a dozen times in 2020. The low interest rate environment is projected to continue through 2021, with the 30-year FRM expected to average below 3 percent. Low rates are good news for buyers looking to purchase a home, and homeowners looking to reduce their mortgage payment through refinancing.

• Home sales to remain high. The demand for housing is expected to remain strong in 2021, creating a favorable market for sellers.

Last year, low mortgage rates and the ability to work remotely drove up home sales (the measure of the number of homes sold every month). This year, home sales are expected to ride that wave, averaging 6.5 million for the year.

• House prices to grow moderately. In the second half of 2020, the high volume of home sales and low supply of housing drove up house prices. In 2021, house price growth is expected to moderate for the full year.

• Refinances to start declining. Low mortgage rates spurred refinance activity in 2020, boosting mortgage originations (the process in which borrowers apply for a home loan) to historic highs. As mortgage rates rise modestly in 2021, refinance activity should start to slow.

“While many homeowners took advantage of these low rates in last year, evidence suggests that many lower income homeowners still have the opportunity to strengthen their financial position by refinancing,” says Khater.

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PAGE S6 • OUR HOUSE • APRIL 8, 2021

Spring Has Sprung!

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APRIL 8, 2021 • OUR HOUSE • PAGE S7

OUR HOUSE

SPRUCE UP FOR SPRING

When to update home and garden goods

I

nvesting in quality products, properly maintaining and storing them all have an impact on how long they’ll stay in good working condition. As you tackle spring cleaning this year, take stock of your common home and garden equipment to determine what may need updating.

Fresh ideas for home upgrades

Lawn Mower: If your mower needs a repair that exceeds its value, it’s time for a replace-ment.

However, there may be other signs that an upgrade is warranted.

Rough operation, frequent breakdowns or other indications of faulty performance deserve a second look. Before you buy new, remember to check your warranty to determine whether repairs might be covered.

S

pring means it’s time to start sprucing up your home and garden with a little TLC inside and out. If you’re unsure where to begin, consider these tips: Make function a priority. While aesthetic changes may boost value and please the eye, be sure to

Hands-free spring cleaning

For busy households, an all-in-one vacuum and mop robot like the Deebot N8+ is a perfect daily companion to help automate spring cleaning. It features high suction power (but low noise), TrueMapping technology to create an efficient cleaning path and the OZMO Mopping System to remove 99.26% of bacteria with dual vacuuming and mopping. Controllable with a smartphone app, it includes an AutoEmpty Station for months of hands- and maintenance-free cleaning.

consider upgrades that make living easier, like organization units that give you more space or upgrades that create additional living space.

Keep budget in mind. Make a list of the projects you’d like to complete and estimate how much each will cost. Use the list to determine what

you can afford to complete now.

Do your research. If you’ll be making a significant purchase such as a new vacuum or grill, be sure to explore your options, read reviews and shop around for the best prices for greater confidence in what you choose.

Get ready to grill

A grill’s lifespan depends on many factors, including where and how it is stored and your climate. When it’s time to upgrade, you’ll have some decisions to make. The biggest is which heating style you prefer: gas, electric or charcoal. Other considerations include the overall size, number of burners and grate quality. Also be sure to compare available features, such as side burners and igniters, which are fairly common, and upgrades like lighting and fuel gauges.

Perfect your pantry

Cleaning out your pantry is an important step during spring cleaning as it allows you to discard expired items and rethink the space. Start by reorganizing and simplifying the area with ventilated shelving like this pantry organizer. Built with the ShelfTrack system for a fully adjustable space along with close mesh to help prevent items from tipping over, it includes four 4-foot-by-16-inch shelves, a hang track and all necessary hardware.

Vacuum: Many homeowners discard their used vacuum when it stops picking up dirt and debris as efficiently as it did originally.

Before you move on, be sure to check that performance issues aren’t the result of clogged hoses or a filter than needs cleaning or replacing. A belt may also be worn or need adjusting. Other signs it may be time to replace the vacuum include damaged or frayed cords, motor issues like overheating or making strange noises.

Grill: A grill may last anywhere from 5 to 15 years, depending on the quality of the materials and how it is maintained. However, it’s common to have to replace parts along the way. Signs you may need a new grill include a firebox (the main enclosure) with cracks, rust or holes and burners that distribute heat unevenly.

Damaged grates can affect even grilling if they’re warped or if they’re flaky or rusted, they can contaminate food. If you’re not able to replace the grates, or any other essential part, including hoses and connectors for a gas grill, you’ll be better off replacing the unit.

PAGE S8 • OUR HOUSE • APRIL 8, 2021

OUR HOUSE

Should you DIY or call in a pro?

A

do-it-yourself mentality has taken hold in millions of households across the globe.

Popular television channels like HGTV and DIY Network as well as accessible home improvement content on apps like YouTube has inspired many homeowners to tackle renovation projects around their homes. Taking such initiative is admirable, though it also can prove costly if homeowners end up biting off more than they can chew.

Home improvement videos and television shows have a tendency to oversimplify renovation projects, potentially giving homeowners a false sense of confidence in their DIY abilities. A concerted effort on the part of homeowners to determine if it’s best to renovate on their own or hire a professional should always be the first step of any renovation project. No two homeowners are the same, but the following three questions can help homeowners determine if DIY is their best option.

Can I afford to DIY? Professional home improvement projects are costly for a variety of reasons. Materials

can be costly, but so are the tools and labor necessary to do the job right. Homeowners may not have the tools necessary to complete complicated projects. Specialty tools can be expensive to purchase or even rent, and the cost of acquiring such tools should be included in any DIY project cost estimates.

Labor also factors heavily into professional projects, and for good reason.

Talented contractors have unique skills that have been developed and perfected over many years. Those skills can ensure projects are completed quickly and correctly. Labor may seem costly, but such costs may ultimately prove to be a bargain compared to the cost of fixing DIY mistakes. Projects that are minor in scope and don’t require the use of potentially costly specialty tools may be better suited for weekend warriors than more complicated renovations.

Do I have the time?

Homeowners must determine how much time they have to complete a project before deciding to do it themselves. No one wants to spend months staring at an unfinished renovation project. Homeowners who are

already pressed for time may not be able to complete projects in a timely fashion, which can make homes less comfortable and even less safe.

Can I pull this off?

DIY projects can instill homeowners with a sense of pride in their homes, but it’s imperative that homeowners considering the DIY option conduct an honest assessment of their skills. A lack of renovation experience does not necessarily mean a homeowner cannot successfully complete a DIY project.

But in such instances, it may be best to start with small, straightforward projects and then gradually move up to bigger, more complicated projects as skills are fine tuned.

And homeowners who have never been at their best with a hammer in hand should not be ashamed to leave the work to the professionals.

Television shows and online tutorials can make renovations appear easier than they actually are. Homeowners considering DIY renovations can ask themselves a handful of questions to determine if they’re ready for the challenge of renovating their homes on their own.

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APRIL 8, 2021 • OUR HOUSE • PAGE S9

OUR HOUSE

3 easy ways to get your home ready for Earth Day

ADDING PLANTS TO WATER FEATURES

W

ater features can make for relaxing and eye-catching additions to outdoor spaces.

According to the online gardening resource Garden Know-How, a water feature is any landscape enhancement that uses water and other material to bring tranquility and beauty to a space.

Thanks to their soothing sounds and aesthetic appeal, water features like ponds and fountains are often included in healing gardens. But they can be used in any and all landscapes.

Homeowners can explore various water features, such as waterfalls, koi ponds and even rain bells, which offer soothing chime sounds when it rains. One consideration when installing a water feature is whether or not to incorporate live plants. Certain plants are better suited for water features than others.

Surrounding plants

It is possible to create a miniature ecosystem in a yard by surrounding a water feature with certain plants. Gardening Know-How advises using canna lily or taro at the edge of a pond. These plants thrive with roots in mud and their tops in shallow water. Broadleaf arrowhead is another option, as it can do well in a pond’s shallow edges. It’s a perennial so it will come back and requires little maintenance.

Water lilies, left, have large floating leaves and delicate, fragrant and colorful flowers.

Floating plants

Many plants can live on the surface of the water and provide hiding spots for wildlife in a natural water feature setting. Lotus, also called water lily, is a popular and fragrant option. Water hyacinth produces vibrant lavender flowers that pop on stems that can reach three feet in height. This stunning species can be invasive, but it can be managed by planting within a hoop or submerged woven basket, indicates Happy DIY Home. Other freefloating plants to consider are duckweed, fairy moss and butterfly fern. Floating plants look beautiful and they can help filter water and control algae growth.

Submerged plants

Submerged plants are a necessity in water features that have fish. Submerged plants are grown in weighted pots placed on the bottom of the pond. They provide shelter for fish and help oxygenate the water. Hornwort, anacharis, water milfoil, and dwarf sagittaria are some examples of submerged plants.

Water features attract wildlife, including potentially pesky insects. Planting pitcher plants in submerged pots can help reduce the presence of unwanted insects in a water feature.

Some water-loving plants are invasive, so it is always best to check with a local agricultural extension or the Department of Environmental Protection to see if certain floating or submerged plants are restricted where you live. For those who want to contain plants, placing pots of cascading greenery and flowers near to fountains, pools and ponds is another way to add appeal without having to dig in the ground.

With Earth Day just around the corner, have you done a home health check to make sure you aren't wasting water?

Some easy upgrades can help you to kick water-guzzling fixtures to the curb and start saving water and money.

Toilets: Install a high-efficiency toilet that flushes with 1.28 gallons or less.

Unfortunately, many homes still use toilets that consume 3.5 gpf. Most toilets are labeled with their water use, so check in and around the tank to make sure you have 1.28 or less.

If an average family of four swaps out a 3.5 gpf toilet for a high-efficiency 1.28 gpf toilet, they can save 16,500 gallons per year. And that adds up to a lot of money saved.

Showers: Replace an old showerhead with a low-flow showerhead that uses 1.75 gpm versus the standard flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute. Installing waterconserving showerheads or handshowers cuts the flow rate to 1.75 gpm — a 30% water savings. Newer showerheads offer models that boost the water droplets with air to give you a great coverage.

Faucets: Change the faucet aerator — possibly the easiest and the least expensive health check! Aerators are small collarlike applications attached to a faucet, containing a fine mesh grid that allows air to be mixed with the solid stream of water. The water pressure remains the same, but the actual volume of water is reduced — the more air introduced into the water stream, the more water saved.

To change a standard faucet aerator, simply unscrew the 2.2 gpm aerators on your faucets and replace them with more efficient 1.5 gpm aerators. With this onestep installation, you can save 30% of the water used.

Answers to crossword puzzle from page S6 In the Garden

PAGE S10 • OUR HOUSE • APRIL 8, 2021

OUR HOUSE

DIY ideas to N increase your home's value

ow more than ever, your home may be a sanctuary for all kinds of expression, from thinking and dreaming to working and playing. Over the past year, homeowners began to consider the intersection of function and design in new ways. Weekend warriors are dedicating themselves to creating more organized living spaces and making their homes better places for learning, working and living. If you're considering upgrades to your home, consider these DIY ideas that can increase beauty and resale value.

Home Office: Spending more time at home may mean storage space is at a premium, especially if you're relying on a makeshift home office. You can add a high-impact and functional element to your office with a built-in bookcase or workstation.

Truly Enjoy Nature’s Beauty

Bathroom: By updating worn-out items, modernizing fixtures and creating a more functional space, you can expect to recoup up to 50% of a bathroom's remodel cost, according to the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

Entryway: A home's foyer offers the first impression of its interior, teasing the personality of architecture and decor found with each step deeper inside. Whether bold and dramatic, tranquil and serene, or something in-between, the entryway often sets the tone for a home's ambience. Details like decorative molding and lattice trim can create a striking entryway for almost any home style.

The right style of trim can transform a room into a whole new space. A good rule of thumb is to keep the style of trim consistent with your home style and from room to room.

Craftsman — The craftsman home style pairs well with simple, tailored and purposeful doors and minimally ornamented window casings while white, light beige and creamcolored crown moulding can create roomier spaces.

Colonial — This home style’s rustic simplicity and rich detail call for interior trim that lends a touch of stately courtliness. Choose multi-piece trim and wider baseboards, wainscoting and crown moulding to adorn family room floors, walls and ceilings.

Cape Cod — This practical and quaintly unassuming design can be accented by subtle interior trim such as transom windows and sidelights that surround multi-paneled entry doors, casings for double-hung windows, picture rails and frame walls.

Modern — The clean expansiveness of this home style lends itself to unadorned window and door casings as well as baseboards. You can go minimalist and use trim merely to protect walls and floors. Alternatively, you could rely on trim to create an appealing contrast with the wall colors.

Ranch — Open, informal and inviting, this style needs trim work that flows from room to room. Many styles work, from simple baseboards to more formal trimmed windows and cabinetry in the kitchen, fireplace mantels in the family room and passageway casings.

Exterior: Whether you're sprucing up an outdoor living space or simply want to boost curb appeal, subtle enhancements can make a big impact. For example, board and batten shutters offer an attractive, low-fuss way to highlight your home's windows. Painting the front door is another low-cost way to freshen up your exterior. Or invite a touch of nature by adding flower boxes to your front porch or windows.

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APRIL 8, 2021 • OUR HOUSE • PAGE S11

OUR HOUSE

Simple ways to add color, excitement to your yard

W

ith all the beauty Mother Nature has to offer, a few pops of color or other simple embellishments can help make your yard look superb from the curb.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your front yard, backyard, porch or patio space, consider these easy and affordable ways to spruce up your outdoor oasis: Add mirrors Just as they do indoors, mirrors can open up small patio spaces and make areas feel larger. Use mirrors made with resin or other waterproof materials so they won’t be compromised when exposed to the elements.

Make bold statements Plant your favorite flowers in a giant, bright red or yellow pot or hang a bright colored swing from a tree. Just a little dab of color can make a statement and brighten the whole space.

Hang it up Place hanging baskets around the porch to bring punches of color to your outdoor sanctuary. With the freedom to pick and

choose your favorite plants and flowers, these baskets have the added benefit of easy maintenance.

Consider time when planting If you wish to add color to your landscape, consider the time of day you normally spend in your outdoor space. Early risers may appreciate vibrantly colored foliage that perks with the morning sun. Those who spend time outdoors in the evening hours can incorporate white or lightly colored plants that take on a silvery sheen in the moonlight.

Tie up a hammock Make a relaxing retreat in the comfort of your own yard by hanging a hammock from trees or between posts on your deck.

Add a birdbath These garden favorites come in a variety of styles and colors to fit your unique tastes and budget. Birds of all kinds can find an oasis in their new bath and provide you with a beautiful view.

Throw some pillows Outdoor pillows are often available in the same fun designs of their indoor

counterparts. Add some throw pillows to your outdoor furniture for a chic yet comfortable update.

These subtle changes can help beautify your outdoor spaces and cause onlookers to do a double-take, for the right reasons.

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PAGE S12 • OUR HOUSE • APRIL 8, 2021

OUR HOUSE

Tankless water heaters poised as top 2021 home improvement trend

Y

ou're likely thinking of improvements from a new perspective after spending more time at home or renovation ideas after recently purchasing a home. Because spaces are being utilized in different ways and utilities are getting used more frequently, you want smart upgrades that make life easier and more convenient. That's why tankless water heaters are gaining popularity: These modern systems make your home more comfortable, save space, lower costs and provide eco-friendly benefits.

Traditional versus tankless

A cold shower. Washing your hands in a chilly stream from the faucet. Having to wait to do dishes because there's no more hot water. The problem with traditional water heaters is they have a holding tank that heats a specific amount of water. When that water is not being used, it sits there being heated, which wastes energy. On the flip side, when in use, when the hot water is gone, it's gone.

It doesn't matter if you're mid-shower, midbath or mid-laundry load.

A tankless water heater solves these problems, making it both a logical and luxurious home improvement. Tankless water heaters are popular in homes throughout Europe, plus they are commonly used in spas or other facilities in the U.S. due to the benefits of on-demand and endless hot water. They are slowly gaining popularity in U.S. homes as Americans are becoming more energy-conscious and discovering the many efficient advantages over conventional types of water heating.

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The pandemic has people researching new solutions to their household issues, which is why many are learning about the numerous benefits of tankless water heaters and making the switch. Here are some of the top reasons why this option is trending for 2021: Efficient and environmentally friendly: Tankless heaters flash-heat water when you need it, and turn off as soon as you turn off the faucet or shower. That means water is heated instantly and heated only when you need it. Tankless heaters are designed to save energy, which saves you money and protects the environment.

Constant hot water without the waste: With a tankless water heater, you get to enjoy an endless stream of hot water because

it's heated through a compact yet powerful system that mounts on a wall. Once the demand for hot water no longer exists, the tankless water heater automatically shuts down and stops using energy. Choose the right size tankless and you'll always have hot water when your family needs it.

Small size equals significant space savings: Usually about the size of a carry-on luggage bag, tankless water heaters can help you reclaim space compared with large tanktype heaters. These compact systems can be conveniently located in a utility room, garage, attic, basement or closet.

Cleaner water: Traditional tank water heaters can build rust and sediment inside the tank after years of use. This material can end up in the water that you use in your home. Since tankless options do not store water and heat it only on demand, you get fresh, clean water every time without worries of sediment.

Growing accessibility: Getting a tankless water heater is now as easy as going online to Amazon or Home Depot, where Thermalux tankless water heaters are readily available for immediate purchase. Learn more at thermalux.com. Then find an installer and upgrade your system before your old one goes out.

Lower costs: The upfront cost of getting a tankless can be defrayed thanks to possible local, state and federal tax credits. Check out energystar.gov for more information.

Once installed, a tankless will help lower your energy bills, helping you to further save money. Finally, tankless water heaters have double the lifespan of their tank-style counterparts, which significantly impacts savings over time.

With new demands on a home's comfort and its systems, a tankless water heater is a smart investment that will pay off for years to come.

APRIL 8, 2021 • OUR HOUSE • PAGE S13

OUR HOUSE

How to choose the right lighting inside your home

L

ighting in a home serves both practical and aesthetic purposes. It’s easy to maneuver around a well-lit home, reducing the risk of slips and falls, and the right lighting can help homeowners create their desired ambiance, which typically changes depending on which room you’re in.

When choosing lighting for their homes, homeowners must walk a fine line between appearance and functionality. A fixture in the foyer that instantly impresses visitors likely won’t prove as awe-inspiring if it’s installed in the living room. When choosing lighting for a home, some general rules about what works in each room can help homeowners make the most informed decision.

Kitchen

Kitchens are often the busiest room in a home, so lighting here can be especially important. A kitchen often benefits, both practically and aesthetically, from different types of lighting. For example, pendant lighting above kitchen islands can make meal preparation easier and safer, but such lighting likely won’t work in breakfast nooks and informal dining areas in the kitchen. Recessed lighting works best in such areas. In kitchens with no island, undercabinet lighting can be used to illuminate countertops and simplify meal preparation.

Formal dining room

Many people enjoy the look of chandeliers in formal dining rooms, and such fixtures can be installed directly above the dinner table.

The interior design experts at Better Homes & Gardens advise hanging chandeliers roughly 33 inches above the table in dining rooms with eight-foot ceilings, adding three inches for each additional foot above eight feet. Darkened dining areas may be ideal in restaurants, but homeowners may want to split the difference at home and choose dimmable chandeliers for their dining rooms. This allows homeowners to dim the lights for romantic dinners but turn them up for family gatherings with lots of people around the table.

Living room

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The home improvement experts at BobVila.com note that bedroom lighting should provide enough light when getting dressed, but also be able to be toned down as residents prepare for their bedtime routines.

Both portable and installed lighting can be used in bedrooms to serve these various functions. Recessed fixtures that dim can ensure there’s ample light to get dressed in the morning, but they also can be dimmed at night as residents try to get ready to sleep.

Portable nightstand lights can make it easier for couples sharing a bedroom, allowing one person to stay up and read while the other goes to sleep.

Homeowners have many options and many needs when choosing lighting for their homes. A professional consultation with a lighting expert or interior decorator can help homeowners find lights that provide both practical and aesthetic appeal.

Inc.

Keep Your Family & Pets Safe and Get the Lawn You’ve Always Wanted!!

Bedroom

• Flea & Tick Control • Mosquito Control

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Adaptability also is important in the living room, where homeowners may host anything from movie nights to book clubs to parties for the big game. It can be a tall order to accommodate such a wide range of activities, and many homeowners come down to deciding between recessed lighting and track lighting. If the living room currently has neither style, homeowners should recognize that it will cost considerably less to install track lighting than recessed lighting. Better Homes & Gardens notes that flexible track lighting provides ambient, task or accent

lighting, and track lights can even be moved to change lighting schemes at any time, making them a budget-friendly option for homeowners whose living rooms are multipurpose spaces. Recessed lighting also works well in living rooms, especially ones with low ceilings. That’s because recessed lighting is installed into the ceiling, meaning it does not take up any visual space in the room. That can help living rooms feel bigger.

• Lawn Fertilization • Core Aeration • Overseeding • Weed Control • Free Lawn Analysis & Estimates

Residential & Commercial Lawn Care 631-476-1600•greenisthecolorlc.com

PAGE S14 • OUR HOUSE • APRIL 8, 2021

Bigger is Better!

Luxury Throughout!

Life is Easier!

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L O N G I S L A N D ’ S N E W G AT E D L U X U R Y 5 5 A N D B E T T E R C O M M U N I T Y S TA R T S L E A S I N G I T S S PA C I O U S T O W N H O U S E S Make The Villas at Setauket your new home. Spring 2021 occupancy with leasing available now. Come see us soon as there is a limited supply of townhomes available. At 1,400 – 1,750 luxurious square feet to choose from, we offer flexible lease terms as well as furnished homes for your convenience.

It’s time to start your new maintenance free life at The Villas at Setauket, a private 55 and better gated rental townhome community.

Nestled in 18 acres of woodlands in the historic Three Village area of Setauket, our luxury rental townhouse community was designed for discerning adults 55 and better. Our private gated community features 92 impeccably designed townhomes, with luxury amenities. Every home has an open floor plan- two bedrooms, and two and a half baths.

Most homes have the Master bedroom suite conveniently located on the 1st level. The dramatic 9’ ceilings, and Pella tilt out windows provide the ultimate in comfort and style, making every room filled with natural light. Luxurious flooring throughout the living spaces of the home, and plush carpet in the bedrooms. A beautiful gas fireplace showcases the living room, abundant high-hat lighting, and spacious closets are all standard. A custom designer kitchen makes cooking a pleasure with GE stainless steel energy efficient appliances, and stunning Quartz counter tops. All homes have their own full size washer and dryers, and individually controlled thermostat to conveniently control your heating, as well as central air conditioning. Ample on-site parking is provided for all, or you can take the option to select a model that includes a one car garage.

Vacation style amenities are all included in the monthly rent. Enjoy the ambiance of the private 3,500 SF clubhouse that features state of the art media entertainment in the great room, a fully equipped kitchen, a billiard and card table, a fitness room, men’s and women’s bathrooms with lockers and showers, and a business center. Enjoy the over sized heated salt water pool, or spend leisurely afternoons playing bocce, shuffleboard, digging in the community garden, or just relaxing in the gazebo. Even your pets are welcome, and have their own gated dog park to play in. Your new care free lifestyle is enhanced by on site, 24/7 emergency maintenance.

Call us for more information, or to schedule a private tour.

ARTIST RENDERING

109 Comsewogue Road East Setauket, NY 11733 Rental Office: 631-743-9200 Web Site: www.TheVillasatSetauket.com Email: thevillasatsetauket@crestorg.com

ARTIST RENDERING

APRIL 8, 2021 • OUR HOUSE • PAGE S15

OUR HOUSE

National garden winners for 2021

Zinnia Profusion Red Yellow Bicolor 2021 AAS Flower Winner

“JUST SO CUTE! WOW, WOW WOW!” When multiple judges write comments like that, it’s no surprise that it’s a Gold Medal Winner! Introducing … a beautiful new bicolor addition to the popular Profusion series of zinnias. This gorgeous zinnia starts the season with a bold vibrant red center ring surrounded by golden-yellow outer petals. As the season progresses, the aging flowers morph into soft, beautiful shades of apricot, salmon, and dusty rose to bring a plethora of color to the garden, all from one variety! Trial garden visitors clamored over this floriferous and compact plant during the summer trials noting how well the plant continued to bloom new flowers over old so there was never a decline in the beauty presented by Profusion Red Yellow Bicolor.The flower is also the recipient of the Fleuroselect Gold Medal award for performance in European trials.

BY HEIDI SUTTON

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n perfect timing with the upcoming growing season, All-America Selections recently announced its list of new varieties of flowers and vegetables for 2021, proven performers that will do well in any climate throughout the United States. Fun names like Squash Goldilocks, Pepper Pota-peno and Sweet Daisy Birdy are enough to get any gardener excited about trying something new.

Since 1932, this nonprofit organization has annually tested new varieties of plants in various locations throughout North America. Judges look for improved qualities such as disease tolerance, unique colors and flavors, higher yield, length of flowering or harvest and overall performance.

Here’s what the judges had so say about some of the award winners:

Leucanthemum Sweet Daisy Birdy 2021 AAS Perennial Winner

Sweet Daisy™ Birdy Leucanthemum is a beautiful perennial with robust, longlasting blooms and carefree longevity in gardens down to zone 3. In the AAS Trials, it demonstrated excellent cold and heat tolerance and maintained a tidy, sturdy habit over the three-year trial. The cheery flowers are large and pure white in color, appearing earlier in the season than the comparison varieties. The 5 reflexed daisy blooms feature small feathery petals around golden yellow button centers.

Leucanthemums, also known as Shasta Daisies, are used for both cut flowers and garden highlights while also providing food and habitat for many kinds of pollinators. Enjoy this beauty in the garden as a medium-height bright spot (great for moonlight gardens) that will provide years of beauty with very little maintenance other than deadheading spent blooms if desired, but not necessary.

Available in plant form only.

Leucanthemum Sweet Daisy Birdy

Pepper Pot-a-peno F1 2021 AAS Edible Vegetable Winner

Pot-a-peno is a fun new jalapeno pepper with a compact habit perfect for growing in containers and hanging baskets.

Plentiful small, green jalapeño fruits have a traditional spicy zip that is great in any dish where you want a little punch of spice. Simply leave the fruit on the vine a few extra weeks and they will ripen to red for a sweet, spicy flavor. This variety is earlier to mature than other jalapenos giving you a head start on your garden’s harvest.

A unique trait of Pot-a-peno is how the fruit hangs down beneath the plant making it very easy to harvest without damaging the appearance or productivity of the plant. A dense foliage canopy makes for an attractive addition to your patio or balcony garden.

Squash Goldilocks F1

2021 Edible Vegetable Winner

Once upon a time, there was an acorn squash named Goldilocks. In summer trials all across North America, the vigorous plant, high yield, disease tolerance, and rich nutty flavor of this variety had our judges saying, “Ahhh, this squash is just right!” like in the fairy tale.

The bright orange fruits with uniform shape and color double as an ornamental decoration.

For a complete list of the new 2021 plants chosen by the AAS, visit www.all-americaselections.org.

PAGE S16 • OUR HOUSE • APRIL 8, 2021

A Luxury Apartment. A Historic Location.

A Place to Call Home.

Located in one of Long Island’s most desirable residential locations, the Overbay boutique luxury apartment community in Port Jefferson Village—across from the harbor, within walking distance of shops and restaurants—offers amenities and convenience to complement an active lifestyle at any age: • Spacious apartments with high-end features including a flat-screen TV and wall-mounted electric fireplace, zero-entry showers with luxury fixtures, and closets with roomy built-ins • A private balcony in most apartments • An underground parking garage, private mailrooms, and concierge services

One Rabro Drive, Suite 100 • Hauppauge, NY 11788

Spring Occupancy Furnished model now open.

Viewing by appointment only.

Please call James Tsunis at

631-560-4842

or visit www.OverbayPJ.com

P: 631.582.8300 • F: 631.582.8340 • OverbayPJ.com

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