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Complimentary August 2022

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Creating A Space for Homeschoolers Home Interior & Furnishing Trends

High Quality Seamless Roofing & Siding

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• 1” & 1.5” fastener flange • 1.5” & 1.75” clip • 2” mechanical seam

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PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796 Editorial ext. 2311 & Advertising ext. 2362

www.michianahouseandhome.com

PUBLICATION MANAGER Bill Hays bhays@the-papers.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com EDITOR Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com

Photo courtesy of Legacy Home Furniture

PUBLISHER Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com

BUSINESS MANAGER Annette Weaver aweaver@the-papers.com DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com

contents

FEATURE WRITERS BethAnne Brink-Cox, Dani Messick, Julie Young

MARKETING ASSISTANTS Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com Taelynne Ousley tousley@the-papers.com DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com

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GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kimberly Zellers

Garden Column

Around Michiana

Did You Know?

Space for Homeschool shutterstock.com

MHH reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space.

No reproduction of Michiana House and Home is allowed without express written permission.

Brick-By-Brick: Trends in Home Interiors Servin’ Up Good Eats

Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $45.00 for one year; and $77.00 for two years. Mail the order form, along with your check to Michiana House and Home, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542. Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt.

Housing Affordablility Challenges

NO. 4

Home Furnishings

How To Prepare Your Garage for Winter Weather

Michiana House and Home (MHH) is a newsmagazine with emphasis on home decor, design and remodeling. MHH does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does MHH or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.

Michiana House and Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. MHH makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.

August 2022 VOLUME 19

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| Michiana House and Home | August 2022 | 3

editor’s note...

We’re in the dog days of summer, the Elkhart County Fair literally starts tomorrow, July 22, and I’ve just finished editing the August issue of Michiana House and Home. It’s hard to believe we’re just entering August and we’re already talking about Back to School and prepping our homes for fall and winter. Dani Messick wrote an interesting piece offering ways to get the kitchen table back while providing the kiddos a place to do their homework. She even offers some great ideas for those who homeschool their children. We continue our Brick by Brick feature by discussing options for fixtures and finishes. If you were building a dream home, what

would the back splash for the stove look like? Cabinets? Hardware for the cabinets and drawers? Flooring options? I have to admit, I’m intrigued by the new PVC laminate flooring that is now available. When I purchased my home, the basement was partially finished with a “Great Room” which is no longer great. Several years ago, water leaked into the basement due to all the rain we had that year. The wall to wall carpeting had to be torn up, so the water issues could be dealt with. But waterproof laminate is appealing and I’ve seen some samples that I think would look great in the basement. Unfortunately, there are other projects that have to be completed before the basement is tackled and the “great room” is once again great. And with a new home interior, what does one need, but new furniture. Beth Anne Brink-Cox chose to focus on locally crafted Amish furniture. She focused on the fine details the Amish use in their hand-crafted furniture. Dani also did an article on prepping your garage for the winter months. Her article covers everything from making sure doors and windows have proper weather proofing, hiring a professional to make sure your garage door will continue to work properly in the snow and freezing temps, to protecting the floor of your garage from salt residue melting off your vehicles. This month’s recipes come from a cook book my cousin, Erin, gave me years ago. Called Curtain Call: A collection of favorite recipes, it’s a collection of favorite recipes from a group of friends who got tired of cooking the same 5-6 recipes each week. This book features 335 recipes from 33 women from Oregon to Virginia and Florida to Connecticut, including my aunt, Erin’s mom. Since the weather is hot and humid, I selected a quick stir fry that can be done on the stove, so no need to pre-heat the oven, and a Boston bean salad recipe that sounds like a great addition to any potluck or carry in.

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Stay cool out there,

Lauren

Lauren Zeugner, Editor Email:

Lzeugner@the-papers.com

203 Wayne St., Middlebury, IN (574) 825-8824

4 | Michiana House and Home | August 2022 |

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M-F 8:00-4:30 Sat. 7:00-11:00 | Michiana House and Home | August 2022 | 5

Home Furnishings

Photo courtesy of Legacy Home Furniture

By Beth Anne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer

Isn’t it interesting to walk into a house, or see a stage or television set and instantly recognize the era of its furnishings and decorations? The avocado and orange of the 70s, the dusty blue and pink, geese and baskets of the 80s and so on. Generally speaking, you either loved one of those particular looks or you hated it and, if you hated it, you wanted to change it. Quarantining meant most of us were inside our homes more than the norm and that’s led to a lot of redecorating whenever possible. That goes beyond paint and paper and hardware; it means furniture, too. And it’s impossible to live in our Michiana area and not recognize the beauty and value of Amish crafted furniture.

Kiln-dried wood is far superior to particle board and laminates, and even the assembly, with dovetail joints, stretcher-based chairs and other fine details only adds to the finished look and value. Janine Blosser at Brandenberry Amish Furniture in Shipshewana said the trends now follow several distinctly different looks. “The wood pieces are more classic. A lot of the bedroom furniture is seeing soft neutrals, especially gray finishes. And many of the upholstered pieces are also gray,” which is cool and calming.

The ancestral skills and fine materials used make these wonderful heirloom-quality pieces worth every penny, and likely you’ll never tire of looking at them and using them.

She went on to say, “But the reclaimed barn wood look, rustic look, that’s really popular too.” It definitely gives a new home a historic, well lived look. When asked what woods

6 | Michiana House and Home | August 2022 |

are currently popular, Blosser said, “Right now we do a lot of quarter-sawn oak, hickory, hard maple. And we still do some oak pieces.” I asked if they ever sell unfinished pieces of furniture, she said, “Typically, no, but we do offer that if it’s wanted.” As with so many other businesses, supply shortages have affected Brandenberry with longer lead times. “Lead times can be as far out as January/February. But it’s improving. We are seeing some orders come in during August/September.” Online stores have hurt some dealers, but Blosser said, “We

Photo courtesy of Brandenberry Furniture

do have a website ourselves, so we have a good niche in that. A lot of outof-state people, we can do very well for them. And of course there are many items in stock to purchase off the floor.” High demand has led to some higher prices, because of shortages. But the store has supplied furnishings “for some of the universities,” Blosser explained. “They ordered bedroom furniture, tables and chairs, a wide variety.” Legacy Furniture, with locations in Goshen and Middlebury, is another manufacturer and supplier of Amish furniture. Kris Schlabach, co-owner, said, “What’s trendy? People are buying furniture that’s transitional, neutral shades and finishes: gray, brown, lighter and natural wood tones–we’re seeing a lot more of that. We also do traditional furnishings, but transitional is the word we hear a lot.” As for the preferred woods, Schlabach said, “It’s solid wood: maple, hickory, oak is coming back and while we can do contemporary colors, there’s more darks.....maple and hickory are more natural. Typically we prefer to do our own finishing. We have a person who does all of our finishing. I have sold unfinished pieces but the best things are locally made with a solid high quality finish, which you can’t do so well at home.”

Photos courtesy of Brandenberry Furniture

Online and big box stores haven’t hurt this business so much, either. “We have an extensive line of furniture, so we are always in stock to buy. But we do a lot of custom or special orders, too. Lead times are better now rather than during the worst of COVID and upholstered work is nearly back to normal. Locally made wood products still take longer lead times. A year ago it was crazy!” said Schlabach. “There are still hiccups. We have an extensive website, mostly for people to see what we have to offer. It’s still best for customers to come in and touch, see, feel what they’re buying. Most people still want to come in personally. I would say the online trend isn’t going to go away, but if you’re shopping online you’re not buying apples to apples. There’s a quality difference.” Schlabach said they’ve supplied a few large orders, and “We appreciate every customer whether it’s a single piece or a whole housefull. Big jobs are fun, out of the ordinary, but the small jobs are what keep us going!” n

Photo courtesy of Legacy Home Furniture

| Michiana House and Home | August 2022 | 7

By Len Harms Michiana Master Gardener

Most lawns in northern Indiana are planted with grasses classified as cool season grasses, such as Kentucky bluegrass, perennial rye grass and various fescues. The optimum temperature for strong growth is a range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

These temperatures are maintained most closely in the spring and the fall when lawns typically look their best. The hotter summer temperatures being the time when lawns maintain themselves and grow more slowly. Of the cool season grasses there are two kinds: bunch-type grasses like fescues and perennial ryegrass which spread slowly over time and spreading-type grasses like Kentucky bluegrass which spreads more rapidly by rhizomes.

There are seven main steps to maintaining a healthy lawn: M O W AETS 3 INCH

Mowing at three inches consistently helps shade the ground and prevents the growth of weeds. Mowing frequently lessens the chances of mowing off more than one-third of the grass. If the lawn has outgrown the mowing schedule, it should be cut at a higher setting and then cut again to get it back to the optimum height of three inches. Mowing should also be done in different directions. The mower blades should be kept sharp to give a clean cut of the stems and leaves. Most homeowners can get by with sharpening the mower blades twice a season, early in the season and again midsummer.

MOW ENTLY FREQU

E LEAVE TH S CLIPPING

There are good reasons for leaving the clippings on the lawn. Clippings contain nutrients that can be recycled by the plants reducing the need for as much fertilizer. The decaying clippings improve the soil structure. Environmentally, leaving the clippings reduces the community disposal costs. Frequent mowing in the fall chops up the fallen leaves into small pieces allowing them to filter back through the turf. This improves the soil structure over time. Mulching leaves does not contribute to weeds, does not increase the buildup of thatch or contribute to more diseases.

8 | Michiana House and Home | August 2022 |

Fertilizer promotes strong root growth, gives the lawn a greener color, increases the density of the lawn and increases the ability of the grass to compete successfully with the weeds. For cool season grasses most of the nitrogen needs to be applied in the late summer and late fall. An application of one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in September encourages quick growth that strengthens the plants. To understand how to figure one pound of nitrogen for 1,000 square feet, look at the fertilizer bag. Fertilizer bags are marked with three numbers, such as 30-10-10. These are percentages and they represent the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the bag. On all fertilizer bags the numbers are always in the same order. To figure the amount of nitrogen, or any of the other two chemicals, one multiplies the percentage by the weight of the bag. For example, in the above ratio one multiplies 30 times the weight of the bag. Suppose it is a 10-pound bag. Thirty, .30 as a percentage, times 10 equals 3. There are 3 pounds of nitrogen in this 10-pound bag. Using the same math process there are 1 pound of phosphorus and 1 pound of potassium in the bag; the rest of the 10 pounds are made up of filler making it easier to handle and spread. Once the square footage of the lawn is figured by multiplying the length times the width one knows how many bags to buy. Suppose the lawn is 2,000 square feet. One would need two 10-pound bags in this example. The last fertilizer application should be in November with one and a half pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. One should look for a fertilizer labeled “slow release.” This promotes root growth and sustains the lawn through the winter.

E F E R T I L I ZF A L L IN THE

E, I R R I G A TE D IF NEED

Irrigation should be done throughout the season when it is needed, making sure the lawn enters the winter well-watered. A lawn needs about one inch of water a week for optimum growth. One should irrigate infrequently and deeply. Irrigating every day promotes shallow roots and diseases. If one needs to depend on the rain for water, the lawn may turn brown during a dry spell. The lawn will turn green again when the rain comes. If the dry spell is lengthy, a half inch of water should be applied occasionally to keep the roots alive.

photos: shutterstock.com

L CONTROIONS DANDEL

L CONTRO ASS CRABGR

Control of dandelions and crabgrass is supported by a healthy lawn. If they become a problem, spot-spraying or blanket spraying with chemicals designed for that purpose can be used. Dandelions should be treated in the fall and crabgrass in the spring. Other issues arise but doing these seven things goes a long way in growing a healthy lawn.

All the information for this article came from Purdue publications found on a home computer. n | Michiana House and Home | August 2022 | 9

michiana around

AUGUST 1-30 (SELECTED DATES) | SOUTH BEND

AUG. 28 | ELKHART

Indoor market featuring home-grown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry, more. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 1105 Northside Blvd. 574-282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com

3-6 p.m. Sunday Free admission, concessions available for purchase McNaughton Park bandshell, 701 Arcade Ave. 574-295-7275 elkhartindiana.org/government/parks, facebook.com/elkhartparks

Farmers Market

Summer in the Park Series featuring Touch of Texas

AUG. 3, 17, 31 | ELKHART

Town Green Social

5-7 p.m. Wednesday Includes food vendors, music, family entertainment Free admission Town Green Plaza next to Martin’s Supermarket, Jackson Boulevard 574-295-7275 elkhartindiana.org/government/parks, facebook.com/elkhartparks AUG. 5-6 | GOSHEN

Goshen Games

Sand volleyball and cornhole tournaments, other family-friendly competitions. 5-9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday Free admission Downtown area 574-312-9922 downtowngoshen.org AUG. 6, 13, 20, 27 | ELKHART

Farmers Market

8 a.m. to noon Saturday (through Sept. 24) Free admission Kardzhali Park, 301 NIBCO Parkway 574-295-7275 elkhartindiana.org/government/parks, facebook.com/elkhartparks AUG. 19 | ELKHART

Free Summer Chill Concert Series featuring Q-Sonics 7-9 p.m. Friday Includes food vendors, beer tent, splash pad. Free admission NIBCO Water & Ice Park 574-295-7275 elkhartindiana.org/government/parks, facebook.com/elkhartparks

10 | Michiana House and Home | August 2022 |

MULTI-EVENT VENUES

LERNER THEATER | ELKHART • Aug. 6, Best of Broadway 14, 2 p.m. Saturday, $12 • Aug. 8, Melissa Etheridge: “One Way Out” Tour, 7:30 p.m. Monday, $39 to $399 • Aug. 25, Lerner on the Lawn with Rhymer/Educator, 6 p.m. Thursday, free • Aug. 31, Lunchtime Kimball Organ Concert featuring Celia Weiss, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, free 410 S. Main St. 574-293-4469

GOSHEN THEATER | GOSHEN • Aug. 19, Satisfaction: The International Rolling Stones Show, 7:30 p.m. Friday, $15 to $25 216 S. Main St. 574-312-3701 goshentheater.com

MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | SOUTH BEND • Aug. 12, 19, 26, Fridays by the Fountain, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., free admission. Lineup: Aug. 12, PT & the Cruisers; Aug. 19, Don Savoie: Blue-eyes Soul; Aug. 26, The Music Village. • Aug. 26, Dueling Pianos, 7 p.m. Friday, Ironhand Wine Bar, 1025 Northside Blvd., $15 211 N. Michigan St. 574-235-9190 morriscenter.org

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PARKS | SOUTH BEND • Aug. 6, Women Experience the Outdoors: “Orienteering,” 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Brown Barn, SP, $10/person, registration and payment required by Aug. 4. • Aug. 11-12, “Marshmallows and Meteors!” 9 p.m. to midnight Thursday and Friday, Van Paris Shelter, BW, $3/ person, registration required by Aug. 10. • Aug. 12, Nature-On-The-Go: “Life is Better with Bats!” 1-2:30 p.m. Friday, SP, free admission, vessels and life jackets provided, registration required by Aug. 15. • Aug. 17, Baugo Creek Kayak/Canoe Clean-Up, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, F/B, free admission. • Aug. 20, “Running Wild” 5K Trail Run and 3K Fun Walk, 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Red Barn, SP, $15 to $40 depending on age and event, preregister at sjcparks. org/1019/running-wild. St. Patrick’s County Park (SP) , 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend; Bendix Woods County Park (BW), 56960 Timothy Road, New Carlisle Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park (F/B), 57057 Ash Road, Osceola 574-654-3155 sjcparks.org

RUTHMERE MANSION | ELKHART

• Aug. 6, Garden Series: “The Roots of Gardening at Ruthmere: Firsthand Accounts,” 2 p.m. Saturday, Ruthmere Greenhouse, free admission, register at ruthmere.org • Aug. 20, Movie screening: “Seven Generation River,” 2 p.m. Saturday, free admission, register at ruthmere.org All events at Ruthmere, 201 E. Beardsley Ave., unless otherwise specified. Havilah Beardsley House (HBH), 102 W. Beardsley Ave. Ruthmere: $10/adults, $4/students, free for children under 5 with adult Havilah Beardsley House: $5/adults, $2/students, free for children under 5 with adult Tour times on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. 574-264-0330 888-287-7696

Did You Know? WELLFIELD BOTANICAL GARDENS | ELKHART • Aug. 8, Tai Chi in the Gardens, 5-6 p.m. Monday, call to purchase punch card • Aug. 8, 15, 22, 29, Beacon Health Nature Walk, noon to 1 p.m. Mondays, free with paid admission • Aug. 9, 16, 23, 30, Bird Walk, 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays, free admission • Aug. 9, 16, 23, 30, Stories in the Gardens, 5:30-6 p.m. Tuesdays, free admission • Aug. 3 (through September), Yoga in the Gardens, 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Saturdays, $8 per class or $72 for 10 classes for members, $10 per class or $90 for 10 classes for nonmembers • Aug. 11, 18, Groovin’ in the Gardens Concert Series, 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, $13/adult, $7/children 3-12, free for children 2 and under Venue is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, $10/adults, $5/children 3-12 1011 N. Main St. 574-266-2006, ext. 105 wellfieldgardens.org

POTAWATOMI ZOO | SOUTH BEND • Aug. 1-31, Keeper Chats, 11:30-11:45 a.m., 1:30-1:45 p.m., 2:30-2:45 p.m. daily. Zookeepers and education staff teach about the animals in their care. Look for Keeper Chat signs around the zoo. $12/adults 15-61, $10/children 3-14 and adults 62+, free for members and children 2 and under. Summer hours through Aug. 31: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 500 S. Greenlawn Ave. 574-235-9800 potawatomizoo.org

CITY OF FOUR FLAGS | NILES, MICH.

• Aug. 12, 19, 26, Free Friday Movie in the Park, 9:15 p.m., Wonderland Cinema Outdoor Screen, 402 N. Front St. Aug. 5, “Lost and Found”; Aug. 12, “Jumanji”; Aug. 19, “Cars”; Aug. 26, “Sing 2.” Free admission, concessions available for purchase from Wonderland Cinema. • Aug. 7, 14, 21, 28, Summer Concert series, 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Niles Riverfront Amphitheater, Riverfront Park, Front Street. Aug. 7, Elvis impersonator Tim Dudley; Aug. 14, The Erly; Aug. 21, Lake Effect Jazz Band; Aug. 28, Raucous Leo. Free admission. • Aug. 14, 28, Niles Homegrown Market, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Front and Main streets. Free admission. nilesmi.org. n

l events a ic r to is h se e h T

took place in

T S U G AU

President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act establishing the system which guarantees pensions to those who retire at age 65. The Social Security system also aids states in providing financial aid to dependent children, the blind and others, as well as administering a system of unemployment insurance.

AUGUST 14TH

1935

Anne Frank penned her last entry into her diary. “[I] keep on trying to find a way of becoming what I would like to be, and what I could be, if...there weren’t any other people living in the world.” Three days later, Anne and her family were arrested and sent to Nazi concentration camps. Anne died at BergenBelsen concentration camp on March 15, 1945, at age 15.

AUGUST 1ST

1944

The first transatlantic balloon trip was completed by three Americans; Max Anderson, Ben Abruzzo, and Larry Newman, all from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Starting from Maine on August 11th, they traveled in Double Eagle II over 3,000 miles in 137 hours, landing about 60 miles west of Paris.

AUGUST 17TH

1978

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation admitting Hawaii to the Union as the 50th state.

AUGUST 21ST

1959

The March on Washington occurred as over 250,000 persons attended a Civil Rights rally in Washington, D.C., at which Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made his now-famous I Have a Dream speech.

AUGUST 28TH

1963

... and now you know! Information from Parade.com

| Michiana House and Home | August 2022 | 11

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR GARAGE FOR

winter weather

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By Dani Messick House and Home Feature Writer

Winter is coming. Homeowners know that fall is the time to prepare for the cold winter months. That includes caulking, heating system checks, and checking gutters and chimneys. But are you putting the same care into preparing your garage for winter? “Having a game plan to prepare for the colder months can help you enjoy the sweet summer even more,” said Jack Stites, sales manager at Coach House Garages. “It doesn’t take that much time if you plan ahead and execute your plan over a few select days.” According to Stites, you should begin prepping your garage as early as August by making a checklist of any routine maintenance that may need to be done. “If you wait till the first snow falls you may be too late,” he said. Get a game plan for what you’re up against – what needs to be done? Take notes and plan ahead to make the needed updates and repairs.” Stites suggests doing a walk-through of your garage and taking note of what’s being kept in it - and if you have enough room for what needs to be in it over the Photo courtesy of Coa ch House Garages

12 | Michiana House and Home | August 2022 |

winter. Do you have a fishing boat to store? A trampoline? A grill? Also take note of any necessary repairs to siding, roofing, and gutters. “Does your siding need to be washed or your walk-in door need a new seal?” Overhead doors that are rough will only worsen in the ice and salt. “For unheated garages, be sure to move those items that can be ruined if frozen,” he said. “For heated garages, be sure it’s properly ventilated. Sealing it too tight can be dangerous.” September is when the real work begins. Stites suggests trimming any trees that are rubbing siding or roofing, cleaning out gutters, and installing leaf guards, if you haven’t already. In the yard, fill in low spots to keep impending moisture away from the foundation of the garage and lubricate the overhead door track and tighten any loose connections, so you don’t have to do it when it’s really cold. Repair and replace any overhead door, walk-in door, or window seals. “Close the doors on a sunny day to look for light,” he said. “Seal up any gaps from the inside out.”

Photos courtesy of Coach House Garages

Stites warns: don’t press your luck. “There’s no shame in hiring a professional to do the harder tasks,” he said. “Saving a few dollars by standing on a step ladder may not be worth the risk of a broken hip. Specifically, he said, adjusting the overhead door can be tricky so it’s a good idea to call a professional for help. “Please, for your own safety, do not attempt to adjust what you’re not familiar with.” Coating a garage floor with epoxy isn’t cheap, but Kelly Weaver, estimating and purchasing for Ideal Coatings, says it’s certainly worth it. “Applying a coating is a preventative for a likely scenario,” she said. “The odds that it’ll pit over time are pretty likely, not guaranteed but pretty likely. It’s an investment for the long run.” In the winter, the value of garage coating is only increased. “Vehicles will collect salt when they’re out on the road and then you take your vehicle and park it in the garage and it melts off,” Weaver explained. “With time, the salt will begin to erode and pit the concrete surface. One way to prevent that is to coat your garage floor with an epoxy coating. It will protect it from the salt and it will make it easier to clean and keep it tidy.” Weaver said garages that aren’t coated risk costly long-term damage. “We’ve seen garage floors that are in terrible condition and it’s primarily due to bringing the salt in the wintertime,” she said. “If someone doesn’t coat their garage floor and they use it winter after winter after winter, over the years, it can really damage the surface of the concrete.” You’ll see it on sidewalks in front of storefronts, Weaver explained. Erosion and pitting make the entry a dangerous path. “At some point, if it doesn’t have a coating, you’re literally going to have to replace it,” she said. “It really depends on the concrete slab as to how it holds up to the salt.” Coatings come in an array of colors, but they’re also available in clear. “Having a coated garage floor certainly makes it easier to keep your garage clean and tidy. It’s easier to clean, and it’s more attractive.” Ideal Coatings prides itself on offering high-end coatings, ranging between $9-$12 per square foot, but more consumer-friendly options exist in the industry. Sealer is also a temporary solution that homeowners can use.

www.bontragerconcrete.com

“Sealer is something that wears off every couple of years; epoxy doesn’t wear off. Sealer is great for sidewalks and it’s actually a do-it-yourself project. Epoxy is not DIY.” n

598 Shawnee Drive, Nappanee, IN 46550

574-773-7311

| Michiana House and Home | August 2022 | 13

Photo courtesy of Supple Homes Inc.

Space for

Homeschool By Dani Messick House and Home Feature Writer

14 | Michiana House and Home | August 2022 |

Photo courtesy of magicbricks.com

shutterstock.com

The pitter-patter of summer feet is coming to an end in the next few weeks. Are you ready for what comes next? School’s back in session and with school comes its counterpart, homework. If you’re tired of your kids commandeering the kitchen table, getting distracted by the television or simply sneaking away never to complete their homework, it’s time for a change.

ieburgosde tesy of mar Photo cour sign.com

Homework stations offer the perfect solution to an enduring problem. Rocket Homes’ Marni Epstein-Mervis suggests creating a dedicated homework space. “Find a dedicated space that’s away from the hustle and bustle that often happens in the dining room and living room,” Epstein-Mervis writes. “This will limit the distractions of TV, electronic devices and other various household activities.” She adds children often prefer smaller, cozier spaces so you don’t need to set aside an entire room. A nook or even a closet will do the trick just fine. If you go this route, the space should be easily accessible, well-lit, and cheery, she says. For parents with more than one child, Epstein-Mervis says you can use the same space shared, but set up a homework schedule. “This is better for kids who prefer silence when focusing on their schoolwork,” she explained. Many parents like to be near their children to help with assignments, or to keep them on task. As a result, the kitchen table becomes the homework

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hub, crowding the kitchen and creating increased difficulty when trying to prepare weeknight dinners. “You can easily reclaim your kitchen table by creating a convenient, all-inclusive homework hub off to the side,” writes HGTV’s Smart, Simple, Solved Carley Knobloch. A murphy desk is a great solution for anyone attempting to conserve space and keep their kids nearby. Simply mount it to the wall and drop it down when needed. Use a chair pocket to store supplies such as pencils, crayons, or rulers. Make sure the chair is both comfortable for kids, and stylish for your space. You can even keep a footrest nearby for kids who aren’t tall enough to reach the floor, Knobloch says. “It’s okay to reclaim your kitchen, but still keep the kids nearby so you can help with geometry while you’re steaming your broccoli.”

If your child doesn’t require regular assistance or help staying on task, consider setting up the workstation in a hallway, alcove, landing, or even the corner of the living room. You can use a simple but functional hanging shelf with a few bar stools if you’re in a pinch, but floating desks are always a great option. Homeschooling parents can use these same techniques, but make sure they work for your child. Some children may not focus for long in confined areas. If your homeschooler is one of them, consider designing a dedicated homeschool space within their bedroom. Downsize larger beds to make additional room or use a futon or murphy bed to allow for additional space. A loft bed or bunk beds also increase space. Make use of the wall for storage by hanging wall shelves. Create a reading nook if you can afford the space, complete with fun floor pillows, tent, hammock or even a hanging chair. n

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| Michiana House and Home | August 2022 | 15

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- Finish It -

The Most Popular Trends

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IN HOME INTERIORS

By Julie Young, House and Home Feature Writer

Interior design trends not only shape how we showcase our style but they also help define the way in which we live. With vast and varied options to choose from and something for every homeowner, we have the scoop on the top interior elements for 2022! MIX IT UP Today’s homeowner is looking for ways to blend the old and the new by coupling the latest trends with retro callback to blend the past with the present. Smart home appliances sit comfortably alongside vintage finds or new twists on old favorites in furniture, fixtures and more. Renee Konieczny at Brouwer’s Carpet and Furniture in Warsaw says although there is still a high demand for classic, curved arms 16 | Michiana House and Home | August 2022 |

and high backs, updated mid-century styles are increasing in popularity. Above all, comfort is key, which is why many homeowners are opting for luxe velvets and microfibers when choosing their upholstery. Nature inspired design, large tiles, playful patterns and sustainable materials are also being incorporated to cap off mindful space with timeless style. “I think through the pandemic, people learned they want their home to be a comfortable place where they can spend more time and enjoy as a family,” she said.

GET ON YOUR FEET Beyond furnishings, appliances and fixtures, flooring is a place in which to express one’s personal style. Ben Miller at Troyer Carpets Inc. in Goshen said a few years ago, neutral flooring shades such as white and grey were thought to be a fad but because they remain a popular choice, it’s clear this trend has

gone mainstream. “It’s lasted a lot longer than we expected,” he said. “We are also seeing a lot more of the sculptured carpet, which is kind of a mix between a frieze and a berber. It has a design carved into it and it has really taken off in terms of popularity.” Luxury vinyl plank flooring is another great choice for those who want the look of natural wood without the care associated with it. This realistic (and waterproof) floor is made from PVC and looks just like the real thing – at a fraction of the cost. Although it is relatively new, it is one of the fastest growing products on the market and ideal for every area of the home. “It’s an extremely durable product and there are a lot of benefits to it. A lot of homeowners are choosing from a wide selection of options that we have here in the showroom or the 700 styles we can order,” Miller said.” n

Easy Stir Fry Ingredients: 1 pound beef, chicken or pork cut into strips 2 cups assorted vegetables (Cook’s choice) sliced 1/2 cup soy sauce 2 Tablespoons freshly grated ginger 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sesame oil 2 Tablespoons chopped green onion 1 cup chicken broth 1 Tablespoon cornstarch Peanut oil Directions: 1) Marinate meat in soy sauce, ginger, sugar and sesame oil

2) Heat oil in frying pan or wok 3) Stir fry meat until no longer pink. Remove with slotted spoon 4) Add vegetable to same pan and stir-fry until crisp tender 5) Combine cornstarch and chicken broth in cup 6)

Return meat to fry pan

Add cornstarch mixture

8) Cover and simmer 10 minutes, stirring occasionally 9) Sprinkle with green onions Serve with rice.

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Boston Bean Salad This is a great recipe to take to a potluck or carry in event. Serves 10-12 Ingredients: 1 15 ounce can navy beans, rinsed and drained 1 15 ounce can red beans, rinsed and drained 1 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained 2 stalks celery, sliced (about 1 cup) 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion 1/2 cup vinegar 1/2 cup molasses 1/2 cup salad oil 1 Tablespoon Dijon-style mustard 1/2 teaspoon pepper 2 cups torn curly endive 2 slices bacon, crisp and crumbled green onion strips (optional)

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Directions: 1) In a large bowl combine beans, celery and green onion 2) For dressing, in a screw top jar, combine vinegar, molasses, oil, mustard and pepper. Cover and shake well to mix. Pour dressing over bean mixture; stir to coat. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours, stirring occasionally. 3) To serve, line a salad bowl or platter with lettuce leaves. Stir curly endive and bacon into bean mixture. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bean mixture to the salad bowl. If desired, garnish with green onion strips.

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How Housing Affordability Challenges Are Hampering

HOME BUYING

By Builders Association of North Central Indiana

Housing affordability has continued to be a challenge for the housing market as it grapples with a lack of inventory, due in large part to five key factors: labor, land or lots, lending, lumber and other material costs, and laws and regulatory burdens. COVID-19 has exacerbated a number of these factors — notably material costs and labor shortages — and kept inventory low, which have caused housing prices to soar and priced numerous Americans out of purchasing a home. According to recent research from the National Association of Home Builders, higher mortgage rates and double-digit growth in home prices are discouraging a growing share of buyers from engaging in the purchase process. At its peak in mid-2021, 61% of prospective buyers were actively trying to find a home to buy; that share has dropped back to pre-pandemic levels at 46%. Of the buyers who were actively engaged in the process of finding a home in the first quarter of 2022, 67% have spent 3-plus months searching for a home without success. Although the majority will continue to search for a new home, a growing segment of prospective home buyers are choosing to wait. According to NAHB’s latest Home Trends Report, the share of prospective buyers postponing their home search until next year has risen steadily from 20% in the second quarter of 2021 to 25% in the first quarter of 2022. Chief among this segment are first-time home buyers. Their share of prospective buyers has fallen from 65% in the third quarter of 2021 to 60% in the first quarter of 2022 — or roughly the same level as prior to the pandemic. This is of particular concern, as home buying can be a key factor in building wealth. Although some buyers may be willing to pay more for a new house, the share of buyers who can afford half or more of the homes on the market is down to 19%, after peaking in the fourth quarter of 2020 at 37%. Affordability concerns have risen in every region of the country, with the largest jump occurring in the Northeast. For more information on NAHB’s efforts to combat housing affordability and provide homeownership opportunities, contact Builders Association of North Central Indiana at 574-267-6125 or visit our website at www.buildnci.com or visit NAHB at nahb.org. n

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Back To School

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