Michiana House and Home June 2021

Complimentary June 2021

Find Inspiration At The Parade of Homes A Man’s World — Celebrate Dad Make Summer Gatherings Memorable www.michianahouseandhome.com

574-862-1613

27888 CR 32 W. • Elkhart

www.qwdbarn.com

PO Box 188 • 206 South Main St. Milford, IN 46542 800.733.4111/Fax 800.886.3796 Editorial ext. 2506 & Advertising ext. 2362

www.michianahouseandhome.com PUBLISHER Ron Baumgartner rbaumgartner@the-papers.com PUBLICATION MANAGER Bill Hays bhays@the-papers.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com EDITOR Nicholette Carlson ncarlson@the-papers.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com BUSINESS MANAGER Carrie Goralczyk cgoralczyk@the-papers.com DIRECTOR OF MARKETING Steve Meadows smeadows@the-papers.com

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contents

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Maymie Ankrom, Mary Lester

A Man’s World: Celebrate the Father in Your Life with a Man Cave

MARKETING ASSISTANTS Darlene Eichelberger darlene@the-papers.com Trina Hoy thoy@the-papers.com

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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.

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

Parade of Homes Plus Consider Adding Length Over Height in Garage Additions

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Caveat Emptor: Let The Buyer Beware

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Business Gallery The Ultimate – Creating a Garden Paradise Around Michiana

Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $44.00 for one year; and $75.00 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.

Did You Know?

Copyright © Michiana House and Home All rights reserved, 2021

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Design the Best Laundry Room For Your Life

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

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.

NO. 2

Make Summer Memorable with These Outdoor Gathering Ideas

FEATURE WRITERS Julie Young, Kathleen Moran, Beth Anne Brink-Cox

DIRECTOR OF CIRCULATION Jerry Long jlong@the-papers.com

June 2021 VOLUME 18

18 19 20 21 22

Member of:

18 cover photo: Unsplash.com

| Michiana House and Home | June 2021 | 3

editor’s note...

I eagerly and nervously approach this June issue, my first as Michiana House and Home’s editor. I hope to continue the amazing work of my predecessor while also inspiring and motivating me in my own home adventures personally.

After having

rented for a few years, I took a big leap for a 0s and bought my mid-2 her in young woman n, I have a terrireaso first home in December 2013. For some In my time as a ble habit of moving during the winter months. started even more homeowner, I have completed a few projects, and dreamt up more ideas than I can count. of the gor This month I personally plan to take advantage outdoor ted astina procr highly a geous, warm weather to finish turning — g makin the in hs renovation project at least six mont my for home oof my barn into a safe, secure and raccoon-pr on work begin can chickens and ducks. Once this is completed, I and ing ing spruc more indoor and outdoor home projects, includ e. tidying up my garag

different areas In this issue, we explore various ways to make e. Consider garag that to on in your home your own. Fix up and add adding some living space for visitors or gatherings. hs can mean Create the perfect laundry room. Summer mont easily lead to more more visitors and more excursions, which can sitate more wardlaundry. Warmer weather always seems to neces to meet your robe changes. Make sure your space is designed needs. to create and Celebrate the fathers in your life by helping them cave. man enjoy their own special space — the infamous a plethora of opwith e orabl mem s partie er summ Make those landscaping. tions including decks, grills, outdoor kitchens and iation of Elkhart Check out information about the Builders Assoc June 19-27. Meet the County Parade Of Homes Plus later this month, nts. Get a sneak opme devel builders of local homes and housing through in a home walkpeek into the home building process with a still under construction. get outdoors Get the indoor projects dialed in so that you can n and start enjoying that warm, summer weather.

Nikki

Nicholette Carlson, Editor Email: ncarlson@the-papers.com

23rd Annual Garden Tour

Saturday, June 26, 2021 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Bristol United Methodist Church 201 S Division St, Bristol, Indiana Questions or tickets call: 574-533-0554

2021

Self-guided, open-air, flexible, home garden tour through 7 locations, including Hospitality Center with unique garden art and plants.

$10 pre-sale at ticket outlets $11 pre-sale online at: www.michianamastergardeners.com $13 on-site day of tour Purdue University is an affirmative action, equal access/equal opportunity institution.

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

JUNE 19 1-8pm

JUNE 20 1-8pm

JUNE 21 CLOSED

JUNE 22 CLOSED

Wednesday Thursday

JUNE 23 CLOSED

JUNE 24 4-8pm

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

JUNE 25 4-8pm

JUNE 26 1-8pm

JUNE 27 1-8pm

Sponsored by

baec.com/events

Locally Crafted Furniture Standard or Custom Designed

4 | Michiana House and Home | June 2021 |

1100 N. Chicago Ave., Goshen 108 S. Main St., Middlebury

574-534-9663 574-825-1902

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Make Summer Memorable with These Outdoor Gathering Ideas

By Kathleen Moran, House and Home Writer Photo courtesy of Kuert Outdoor Living, Goshen

Fresh air, good company and great conversations go a long way in making outdoor gatherings enjoyable.

Go a step further and make them memorable with these considerations from local experts about incorporating outdoor kitchens, grills, fire features, seating walls and decks to one’s yard.

The good news is the number of options when it comes to outdoor kitchens. “Typically, an outdoor kitchen is at least six feet in length and should be at least three feet deep to provide ample storage and to fit appliances,” explained Andrew Moser, store manager for Kuert Outdoor Living in Goshen. He encourages homeowners to think of how they plan to use their kitchen five to 10 years down the road since it is a fairly permanent structure. “Thus, it is best to do it right the first time, which means keeping in mind running gas and electric lines, countertop space for food prepping, storage for grilling tools and trash containment.” | Michiana House and Home | June 2021 | 5

Photo courtesy of Creative Designs Landscaping, Shipshewana

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With so many grilling options available, like smokers and gas, charcoal and pellet grills, it becomes a matter of preference and budget. “In particular, grills built with 304-grade stainless steel are going to require a pretty penny but will last a very long time and withstand Indiana’s harsh winter climate if properly maintained.”

Block and stone fire pits have traditionally been more common among homeowners; yet, gas fire tables are becoming increasingly popular. “As with any outdoor kitchen and grill, though, make sure that a fire feature remains at a safe distance from any combustible materials (pergolas, trees and houses) and leave it to the professionals to run the gas lines,” he recommended.

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6 | Michiana House and Home | June 2021 |

Mike Troyer, owner of Creative Designs Landscaping in Shipshewana, indicated that block material and adhesive are needed for building a seating wall against an existing patio or concrete slab.

“Otherwise, a seating wall usually consists of three six-inch blocks (with different colors for accent) added first with a new patio built flush against it.”

“Known for its rounded edges, bullnose caps make a great addition for comfortable seating without scraping one’s knees.” Moreover, be sure to add raised pillars to both ends of the seating wall for a more finished look.

Photo courtesy of Creative Designs Landscaping, Shipshewana

www.bontragerconcrete.com

“The planning stage for the building of a deck consists of checking with a homeowner’s local building department about frost codes for burying posts and framing deck materials as well as deciding the size of a deck, including how high it will sit off the ground since any deck over 18 inches tall will require steps and a railing,” said Don Wantuch, a sales representative with Big C Lumber. Consequently, homeowners should determine whether a deck smaller than 8 feet by 10 feet in area is worth the hassle.

“A composite deck, a mix of recycled products and/or wood chips, is about three to four times more expensive than a traditional wood deck,” he commented. Its benefit is minimal maintenance via a stiff-bristle broom and a few power washings throughout the year. “A wood deck, however, requires more upkeep on account of abrasion from foot traffic.” n

574-773-7311

598 Shawnee Drive, Nappanee, IN 46550

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RESOURCES: Big C Lumber, multiple locations, www.bigclumber.com Creative Designs Landscaping, Shipshewana, 260-499-0046, www.creativedesignslandscaping.us Kuert Outdoor Living, Goshen, 574-312-7557, www.kuertoutdoorliving.com | Michiana House and Home | June 2021 | 7

A MAN’S WORLD

Celebrate the Father in Your Life with a Man Cave

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By Kathleen Moran, House and Home Writer

In the midst of these challenging times, it seems hard to believe that Father’s Day is just around the corner. Nevertheless, be sure to think outside the box and show appreciation for the important father figures in your life with the gift of a man cave.

DESIGNING According to Bradley Gendel, a project manager with Cloud Brothers in South Bend, one of the first steps in designing the perfect man cave is the planning stage: “knowing what one intends to show off in the space as well as answering how and why the space will be used.” More often than not the basement is selected as the ideal location for such a project.

From there, it comes down to creating the desired look and feel. As Gendel pointed out, “honoring the man’s touch is often seen in the selection of warm hardwoods that offer a pub feel and the option for floating shelves for displaying such items as alcohol, collectible glasses and other memorabilia.”

Keeping in mind that a popular function of a man cave is entertaining friends, furniture can go a long way in welcoming guests. Atlee Miller with Dutchman Log Furniture in Shipshewana encourages customers to “think of pieces like rockers, recliners, small game tables for playing cards and electric fireplaces.”

Another option is a bar with accompanying bar stools. Not only does this make a great place for eating and drinking, “a bar offers an area for extra storage with its built-in shelves, drawers and option for a mini fridge.”

ENTERTAINMENT Home entertainment options are certainly a key component in one’s entertaining needs. Joel Wesco and his team at ALLEGRO Home Entertainment in Granger can covertly integrate home theater equipment in an existing basement area. “We can create tailored solutions in challenging spaces such as automating a hidden TV to come out of a

LOCATION Depending on one’s intentions, a couple hundred square feet should suffice when setting up a man cave in a garage, which Rick Otto, vice president of sales with Coach House Garages, described as a conditioned space outside the home. “When planning, determine whether there is a need for appliances, which would dictate location in proximity to electrical hookups.”

As concrete is the likely flooring option within a garage, “connections can be put into sleeves in the concrete for a do-it-yourself plumbing project if desired.” Furthermore, given factors like moisture and condensation, opting for an electric heat source in the colder months rather than a gas heater will allow for year-round use. “Equally relevant, be sure to avoid ventless heaters,” he warned, that can leak harmful emissions into the air.

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cabinet or ceiling. With the addition of invisible speakers, we can create an immersive experience that seemingly appears out of nowhere.”

Big TVs and even bigger projection screens can put one in the game or even a live concert when space is not an issue. “For the die hard sports fan, switch on sports mode to transform one large screen into multiple without missing a moment of your favorite games.” n RESOURCES: ALLEGRO Home Entertainment, Granger, 574-255-4434, www.discoverallegro.com Cloud Brothers, South Bend, 574-289-0395, www.cloudbrothers.com Coach House Garages, 574-534-1400,

www.coachhousegarages.com Dutchman Log Furniture, Shipshewana, 260-768-4140,

www.dutchmanlogfurtniture.com

8 | Michiana House and Home | June 2021 |

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| Michiana House and Home | June 2021 | 9

The Builders Association of Elkhart County is excited to showcase a spectacular assortment of builders and homes for the 2021 Parade of Homes Plus, June 19-27. This year’s Premier Sponsor is Mid-City Supply Co., Inc. Bath and Kitchen Showroom. Gold Sponsors are Big C Lumber and Kendall Lighting Center. This year’s event will include seven homes, four hard hat homes, one subdivision and one remodel/outdoor living space. Whether looking for a new home or searching for inspiration, this is a great way to see, touch and experience your next dream home.

PREMIER SPONSOR

Local Builders Offer Inside Looks at Their Homes

photo coutesy of Builders Association of Elkhart County

10 | Michiana House and Home | June 2021 |

THE SHOWCASE Local builders featured in this year’s Elkhart County Parade of Homes include Fireside Homes Inc., Habitat for Humanity, K.W. Yoder Construction Inc., Miller Brothers Builders, Schrock Homes, Inc., Team Construction and Lifeline Youth Ministries.

These homes are located throughout Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury and Granger.

Sneak peeks into the home building process can be seen when touring the hard hat and remodel homes as well as the subdivision. These homes will only be open from 1-8 p.m. June 19-20. Hard hat and remodeler homes are located throughout Bristol, Elkhart, Nappanee, Goshen and New Paris. These homes feature the builders: Inspired Custom Homes, Inc., Reliance Construction Inc., Team Construction Inc., Mike’s Custom Carpentry, Schrock Homes, Inc., and Fireside Homes Inc.

Tickets to the event offer general admission, so homes can be toured in any order so you can focus on what may interest you the most.

FEATURED HOMES

1. Fireside Homes, Inc.

2. K.W. Yoder Construction, Inc.

5. Miller Brothers Builders

3. Lifeline Youth Ministries

6. Habitat for Humanity

4. Team Construction

7. Schrock Homes, Inc.

Home Renderings by Scott Holladay | Michiana House and Home | June 2021 | 11

HARD HAT HOMES (Homes Under Construction) 8. Reliance Construction 9. Inspired Custom Homes 10. Fireside Homes 11. Team Construction PREMIER SPONSOR

REMODELERS SHOWCASE 12. Mike’s Custom Carpentry

$8 I n Advance or Online at baec.com $10 At the Door Children Under 18 Free

DEVELOPMENT/SUBDIVISION 13. Schrock Homes, Inc

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

JUNE 19 1-8pm

JUNE 20 1-8pm

JUNE 21 CLOSED

JUNE 22 CLOSED

JUNE 23 CLOSED

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

JUNE 24 4-8pm

JUNE 25 4-8pm

JUNE 26 1-8pm

JUNE 27 1-8pm

2021

Saturday

JUNE 19 1-8pm

Sunday

JUNE 20 1-8pm

Monday

JUNE 21 CLOSED

Tuesday

JUNE 22 CLOSED

Wednesday Thursday

JUNE 23 CLOSED

JUNE 24 4-8pm

Friday

JUNE 25 4-8pm

Saturday

JUNE 26 1-8pm

Sunday

JUNE 27 1-8pm

Sponsored by

baec.com

EVENT DETAILS Featured homes can be visited from 1-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 19-20 and June 26-27, as well as from 4-8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, June 24-25. No homes will be open Monday through Wednesday. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $10 each. Tickets will also be available at Martin’s Supermarkets or online in advance for $8. Visit the BAEC website at www.baec.com to purchase tickets. Updates and distribution locations for your free copy of the Parade of Homes Plus book can be found on the website or on the BAEC Facebook page. n RESOURCE: photo coutesy of Builders Association of Elkhart County

12 | Michiana House and Home | June 2021 |

Builders Association of Elkhart County, Elkhart, 574-293-0997, www.baec.com

Quality, durability, and beauty for commercial, industrial or residential applications, public or private spaces.

574.232.9911 • kuert.com

| Michiana House and Home | June 2021 | 13

and customers need a good contractor, they are waiting longer and paying more than they would have a year ago for the same project.

He stated, “The cold snap down in Texas added to the problem as the production of resins and glues were impacted.”

He further explained that one of the challenges of adding onto an existing space, such as a garage, is the ability to match existing siding.

For instance, “vinyl siding fades over time, so new vinyl siding will not match what is already there. At least not until it has also had time to fade.”

Flooring is an additional factor when it comes to adding a living space onto an existing garage. According to Kelly Weaver with Ideal Coatings in Middlebury, “The coating in epoxy flooring works well with a concrete substrate and can easily tie in with the existing flooring in one’s garage,” especially when an apartment is built on the main level.

One thing to keep in mind with concrete, though, is a concern for moisture. Fortunately, epoxy flooring offers different options for coatings, such as a primer that handles moisture in a slab to ensure that the floors do not get moldy.

“The coatings are durable, too, as they are meant to withstand vehicle traffic,” said Weaver. When it comes to foot traffic, a rug can be added for style and to ensure comfort when one walks around barefoot or in socks. n

Consider Adding Length Over Height in Garage Additions

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By Kathleen Moran, House and Home Writer

Many are beginning to reconnect after more than a year of living in a pandemic, but one thing that seems to be consistent thus far is the desire to build, remodel and/or renovate. Given current demands, it is never too early to start planning for a streamlined process of adding a living space onto one’s garage. In fact, designing a mini apartment is the perfect way to entertain guests during the summer, all the while doing so safely.

Rick Otto, vice president of sales with Coach House Garages, recommends that homeowners “work with local builders to come up with a practical design that is cost-effective and meets individual needs rather than selecting a layout found online.” Nevertheless, there are some misconceptions when it comes to adding onto a garage, such as the fact that outside access via stairs is ideal. “In reality, this creates more of a risk due to weather conditions like ice,” Otto comments, that can make it challenging to safely ascend the steps to an upstairs garage apartment.

Moreover, a homeowner often elects to build an upstairs apartment when space is limited on the ground floor. However, Otto encourages homeowners to think about the practicality and difficulty in climbing stairs as they get older. “Instead, determine whether an area can be partitioned off on the ground level so that a new apartment is more accessible to homeowners and their guests.”

In speaking to the extended lead times and rising costs to build, Don Wantuch, a sales representative with Big C Lumber, highlighted the fact that, while building is at an all-time high

Photo above courtesy of Ideal Coatings, Middlebury

RESOURCES: Big C Lumber, multiple locations,

Free On-Site

Garage Design Consultation

www.bigclumber.com

Rodney Rouch • 574-534-1400 Coach House Garages, 574-534-1400, www.coachhousegarages.com www.coachhousegarages.com

Ideal Coatings, Middlebury, 574-358-0182,

www.idealcoatings.com Shutterstock.com

14 | Michiana House and Home | June 2021 |

Plymouth - Home & Outdoor Show Saturday, 24th 9:00 - 6:00 Sunday, 25th 12:00 - 4:00

April 24-25, 2021

Free On-Site

Garage Design Consultation

Rodney Rouch • 574-534-1400 www.coachhousegarages.com

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Custom Furniture Available

Visit our online store at

www.dutchmanlogfurniture.com | Michiana House and Home | June 2021 | 15

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Caveat Emptor: LET THE BUYER BEWARE

By Julie Young, House and Home Writer

The sayings are endless: “Don’t ignore the warning signs,” “Look for the red flags” and “You get what you pay for.” No matter how it is phrased, it’s a variation of caveat emptor, or “Let the buyer beware.” So, when it comes to hiring a contractor for your next home improvement project, it’s essential to do your homework.

MEMBERS ONLY

GREAT TIMING

Bob Penrose, executive officer of the Home Builders Association of St. Joseph Valley, said one way homeowners can feel confident is to hire contractors who are good-standing members of a professional association, such as a home builders association, the Better Business Bureau or a chamber of commerce. While an HBA does not prevent a company from joining, when a firm’s reputation is sullied repeatedly due to poor practice, it is certainly discouraged from renewing its membership.

“Hiring an HBA member doesn’t give you any kind of legal protection per se, but we represent companies that have good reputations, and those companies are keenly interested in keeping those reputations intact,” he said. “We do get complaint calls on occasion, but more often than not, it is regarding a nonmember and not something that we can help with.”

Another warning sign to watch for is the contractor who can start right away, promises the moon and demands the entire payment upfront. Spring is a very busy time for contractors and most firms are scheduled several weeks out. While it may be tempting to hire a company that is willing to start immediately, homeowners need to ask why the company has plenty of time on its hands.

“You also want to be very wary of someone who offers to build you a deck or other structure for an incredibly low price,” said Penrose. “Lumber and other building materials have almost tripled in the last year, so you need to be aware that a low price does not mean that you are getting an incredible bargain.”

CAREFULLY CONSIDER BIDS Kim McKibbin, executive officer of the Builders Association of North Central Indiana, said, “Rather than selecting a remodeler based on where one bid falls compared to others, shift your focus to finding a professional remodeler; then go about getting a bid on your job. If the bid is higher than what you budgeted, work with the remodeler to decide where you can cut back or what you can postpone to keep the project on budget.

As an example, she noted a remodeler could frame in a fireplace, which would

then be installed later. “He can’t upgrade the company’s customer service if there wasn’t any to begin with.”

DO YOUR RESEARCH Above all, do your research on the company so you can feel confident going forward. McKibbin recommends evaluating a professional’s experience, reputation and business credentials.

“Ask to see a copy of the remodeler’s license,” McKibbin advised. “Call the licensing agency to find out if there are any unresolved complaints against the company you hire. It is also important to verify the remodeler carries workers’ compensation and liability insurance.

Have the remodeler show you copies of both insurance certificates to protect yourself from liability in situations involving job site injuries or property damage resulting from the work being done on your home.”

If the contractor comes recommended from a trusted friend, it’s most likely going to be a positive experience with few hiccups along the way. If you have found the contractor on your own, be sure to ask for references and read online reviews to give you a sense of the entity you plan to work with.

“Don’t be afraid to ask about any negative reviews you see and always remember that there may be more to the story than the reviewer includes,” Penrose said. “However, I still maintain that the best reference is the word of a trusted friend. If you do your homework, plan ahead and have reasonable expectations, you should have a good experience.” n

RESOURCES: Builders Association of Elkhart County, Elkhart,

574-293-0997, www.baec.com Builders Association of North Central Indiana, Warsaw,

574-267-6125, www.buildnci.com Home Builders Association of St. Joseph Valley,

Mishawaka, 574-258-0411, www.hbasjv.com

16 | Michiana House and Home | June 2021 |

Lumber ~ Shiplap ~ Flooring Hardware ~ Makita Tools Milwaukee Tools ~ Valspar Paint Therma Tru Entry Doors

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All Things Hardwood Refinishing • Site-Finished • Prefinished • Repairs www.hoosierhardwoodfloors.com (574) 533-2070 showroom location 2114 elkhart rd.

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

| Michiana House and Home | June 2021 | 17

t s e B

Design the Laundry Room for your life

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By Beth Anne Brink-Cox, House and Home Writer

Monday as “wash day” is a very old tradition. Imagine the old days of beating your clothes on a rock or heating every bit of water on the stove after you’d started the fire and maybe even split and carried the firewood. The first washing machines must have seemed like a dream come true and even clotheslines would have been an improvement. But we don’t do it that way anymore and, unless you send or take your laundry out to be done elsewhere, you’ve probably got a laundry room.

FLOORING What if you don’t? Why don’t you? If you’re thinking there’s just no room, you may want to think outside the box and consider putting the machines in your bathroom, if it’s big enough, or your kitchen. A lot of laundry rooms used to be in the basement and now many of them are on enclosed back porches or in hallways, a good use of what might seem wasted space.

What used to be commonly known as a utility room is anything but utilitarian these days. Kelly Weaver of Ideal Coatings in Middlebury said their epoxy flooring is a good way to go. “It differs from previous floor coverings because it’s a coating that is mixed on-site and applied directly over wood or concrete substrate. It is seamless, making cleaning much easier and faster.”

Weaver mentioned the Amish families often choose these floors for their laundry rooms because their machines are different.

18 | Michiana House and Home | June 2021 |

Photo courtesy of Ideal Coatings, Middlebury

stated. Flakes or chips are popular as well, accenting the colors of your room.

Epoxy tile, Weaver said, “looks like traditional tile but is completely seamless, too. You wouldn’t know it, though, looking at what appears to be grout between tile squares.” It lends thought to the idea of these floor finishes in kitchens or bathrooms, too.

Photo courtesy of Ideal Coatings, Middlebury

Wringer washers can mean water on the floor and a fast mop would take care of the problem.

And these floors are beautiful, with elements that can be added to your colors of choice. “You can have metallic pigment added to make the floor look like marble,” Weaver

APPLIANCES Now that your floor is in place, what kind of machines will you have, assuming you don’t want that wringer washer? Carol Miller, owner of North Side Appliance in Goshen, said the trend of high efficiency (HE) machines is lessening and a return to top loaders is often desired.

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“If you’re washing larger loads of laundry most often, you may want the traditional machines,” she stated.

More water and agitation make the difference.

“Those who are always concerned about less water usage will stay with HE machines,” Miller commented. And stackable machines are very popular for those with less laundry, such as single people or students.

Weaver said there is another appliance that hasn’t caught on yet, but she believes it will. “It’s called a steam closet, an LG S3RFBN, and it’s just what it sounds like. Instead of a handheld steamer, your clothes are hung inside and it removes wrinkles and freshens the fabric,” Weaver explained. For those who spend a lot on dry cleaning, this may be a good investment.

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598 Shawnee Drive, Nappanee, IN 46550 www.bontragerconcrete.com

STAINS Stains are much more difficult than ordinary washing. Dish detergent or inexpensive shampoo works on greasy stains. Scrub it in with a toothbrush. You’ve probably got the best stain remover available in your medicine cabinet — hydrogen peroxide. This is the best remover for blood stains and it works on others as well.

For any really stubborn stain, pre-treat with any of the good commercial products, wash as usual and then drop the item into hydrogen peroxide. Soak it overnight, then wash again. Until the stain is gone, you can repeat this process, drying it only when nothing remains but clean clothing. These are inexpensive, not harmful to the environment, and belong on the shelf in your beautiful new laundry room. n RESOURCES: Ideal Coatings, Middlebury, 574-358-0182,

www.idealcoatings.com North Side Appliance, Goshen, 574-533-3333, www.north-side-appliance.com

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Full Line of Furniture & Home Accessories Shipshewana

SR 5 & US 20 1/4 mile south & 1/4 mile east of Junction 5 & 20

Mattresses, Living Room, Dining Room, Bedroom, Office, Home Décor and More!

Store Hours

Mon - Fri 9-5; Sat 9-4 Closed Sunday 260.768.7730

WeaverFurnitureSales.com

| Michiana House and Home | June 2021 | 19

it comfortable throughout the season.

“People in the Midwest love their seasons and they want to extend their time outdoors with areas that are warm and welcoming,” the company says. “From large-scale outdoor kitchens and fireplaces capable of accommodating extended family and friends to fire tables and fire bowls for a more intimate gathering; Kuert carries a wide variety of outdoor living products to help make your backyard a dream come true.”

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SIT A SPELL

The Ultimate —

Creating a Garden

Of course when it is time to relax in the ultimate garden paradise, Weaver Furniture Sales in Shipshewana offers stylish products that will allow you to sit a spell.

Paradise

By Julie Young, House and Home Writer

There is something satisfying about creating a backyard oasis in which to regroup after a long day or to entertain family and friends. Although the past year has given everyone an extended case of cabin fever, gardening isn’t going by the wayside anytime soon. If you are eager to cultivate the ultimate garden paradise, we have the resources you need to succeed!

BACK TO NATURE Experts say that when it comes to creating your outdoor Eden, it is important that your landscape elements complement your overall lifestyle. Do you like the challenge of installing and caring for a wide range of exotic plants or would you prefer native varieties that tend to be self-sustaining?

You will find more than 120 acres of horticultural stock at Price Nurseries in Plymouth including trees, shrubs, specialty plants and more, as well as a knowledgeable team of growers that can help you find the perfect species that will thrive in your yard.

In addition, Price offers residential landscaping services that can work with homeowners to create a custom design no matter how big or small a property happens to be. They can also help install and maintain your garden so that you can enjoy the results this summer and beyond.

“Not many landscaping and nursery companies can talk about an 80-plus continuous year history,” says the Price Nurseries website. “We can custom design foundation plantings, privacy screens, border plantings, shade and ornamental tree plantings, flower gardens and outdoor living plans. In addition, we can affordably service what we install.”

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MAKE AN IMPACT A beautiful outdoor space has a positive impact on people and their community and, no matter if you are a professional or a do-it-yourselfer looking to transform your backyard, Kuert Outdoor Living in Goshen is ready to help. From pavers and patios to grills and outdoor kitchens, fire features, stone, mulch and more, Kuert takes exceptional care of their customers and takes pride in the work that they do.

Homeowners are looking to maximize their outdoor spaces and want to enjoy their garden all year long, and Kuert offers a number of elements that can pull the area together and make

Weaver’s products have a proven record of dependability and durability and, when coupled with outdoor lighting from Kendall Lighting Center, your garden will be the envy of the neighborhood and a place you will never want to leave.

“You’ll find a wide variety of furnishings for every material, each selected for its beauty and practical weather and pest resistance,” Weaver Furniture says.

Take advantage of all that nature has to offer by turning your backyard into a treat for all of your senses and a space in which to find contentment. n

RESOURCES Kendall Lighting Center, Elkhart,

574-389-3400, www.kendalllightingcenter.com Kuert Outdoor Living, Goshen,

574-312-7557, www.kuertoutdoorliving.com Price Nurseries, Plymouth, 574-936-4459,

www.pricenurseries.com Weaver Furniture Sales, Shipshewana,

260-768-7730, www.weaverfurnituresales.com Photo courtesy of Kuert Outdoor Living, Goshen

20 | Michiana House and Home | June 2021 |

michiana around

JUNE 8 | SYRACUSE

JUNE 21 | SYRACUSE

JUNE 25 | SYRACUSE

Kids through grade 5 are invited to bring an adult to play ISPY along the trails. This includes two crafts and a nature hike. Dress for the weather.

Registration required – contact pam@wacf.com 9-11 a.m.

WACF Center 11586 SR 13

Learn how to attract pollinators to your gardens, the value of pollinators and what threatens them.

Native plant expert Brad Clayton will give the talk then receive six beautiful pollinator plants for your landscaping. The Watershed Foundation, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation and Clean Waters Partnership all join forces to bring you this wonderful evening.

Registration required – contact pam@wacf.com 7 p.m.

WACF Center 11586 SR 13

Join WACF and your neighbors at this fun annual evening party. Drinks, food and great neighborly fellowship await.

Registration fee 7-11 p.m.

WACF Ruddell Pavilion 11586 SR 13

ICAN Nature Play Day

JUNE 10 | SYRACUSE

ICAN Nature Play Day Bring the family and a sack dinner. We provide the fire roasted hot dogs and condiments. After a relaxing meal play BINGO along the trails including finding items IN the water. Prepare to get wet! Nets will be provided.

Registration required - pam@wacf.com 6-8 p.m.

WACF Center 11586 SR 13

JUNE 12 | SYRACUSE

Fine Arts Festival + Wooden Boat Show Explore and purchase art from a wide variety of artists on the grounds of Oakwood Resort then head to the Oakwood piers to see the beautiful wooden boats.

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Oakwood Resort 702 E. Lake View Road

JUNE 16 | BRISTOL

Open House at the Schoolhouse Step back a century as you explore the one room schoolhouse at Bonneyville Mill County Park. Staff members will be on-site to answer questions.

10 a.m.

Bonneyville Mill County Park 53373 CR 131

JUNE 18 | NEW CARLISLE

Pollinator Workshop

JUNE 24 | GOSHEN

Historic Goshen Walking Tour Let museum staff guide you through the streets of Goshen, the seat of Elkhart County. Explore the interesting history of the city with stories of its buildings, businesses and events. Guides will use historic images to illustrate how Goshen has changed over its nearly 200 year history.

Registration required 6:30 p.m.

East side of Elkhart County Courthouse 101 N. Main St.

The EVENT

JUNE 26 | BRISTOL

2021 Garden Tour Tour many diverse gardens in the Bristol area during the Michiana Master Gardeners’ Association 23rd annual Garden Tour. A hospitality center located at Bristol United Methodist Church will have unique gifts, plants, garden art and other garden related items for sale. Tours held rain or shine.

Admission fee 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Bristol United Methodist Church 201 S. Division St. www.michianamastergardeners.com

JULY 3 | SYRACUSE

Bug Catch

Bring the kids and learn about the little critters that are at the bottom of the food chain. Then head to the lake and use our nets to try to find these little critters. Fun for everyone.

9 a.m.

WACF Center 11586 SR 13

JULY 3 | SYRACUSE

Wawasee Flotilla This year’s theme is Celebrate the ‘60s. Enter a boat or view by boat from the lake. View from land at either Oakwood Hotel or the Wawasee Fishing Park near the DNR office at the southeast end of the lake.

11:30 a.m.

Near Spink Condos on Lake Wawasee

Friday Night Firefly Lights

JULY 3 | SYRACUSE

Bring your family and watch nature’s own light show put on by the lightning bugs and learn what makes these insects “glow.”

Registration fee 9-10 p.m.

Bendix Woods County Park Nature Center 56960 Timothy Road

Watch fireworks set off from barges on Lake Wawasee. The fireworks show is synchronized to music. Tune in at 103.5.

10:15 p.m.

Oakwood Hotel or Wawasee Fishing Park

JUNE 19-27 | MULTIPLE LOCATIONS

Builders Association of Elkhart County’s Parade of Homes Plus

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Editor’s Note: With ongoing concerns in regards to coronavirus, events may have been cancelled or postponed following Michiana House and Home’s press deadline.

Verify events are still occurring before setting out to attend.

Tour 12 newly constructed or remodeled homes and one subdivision throughout Elkhart, Goshen, Middlebury, Nappanee, Bristol, New Paris and Granger.

Saturdays and Sundays 1-8 pm Thursday and Friday 4-8 pm Closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Entry fee Builders Association of Elkhart County www.baec.com

Wawasee Fireworks

JULY 4 | SYRACUSE

Syracuse Lake Fireworks Watch fireworks set off from barges on Syracuse Lake.

10:15 p.m.

Lakeside Park n

| Michiana House and Home | June 2021 | 21

Did You Know?

Summer is Here and it’s Time to Celebrate

By Julie Young, House and Home Writer

June is the month to celebrate dads, grads, the American flag and the start of summer. No matter what your vacation plans may be, make the most of your time at home with family and friends by commemorating special occasions and celebrating Old Glory.

FATHER KNOWS BEST Even though the first celebration of dads took place in a West Virginia church in 1908, Father’s Day was not recognized as an official holiday until President Richard Nixon established it in 1972.

Today over 40 countries have days in which to honor dads.

FIT FOR A KING Written by Sir Edward William Elgar in 1901 for King Edward VII’s coronation, “Pomp and Circumstance” is synonymous with graduation ceremonies.

The song got its name from a speech made in the third act of Shakespeare’s “Othello” and, although there are five versions of the song, the first remains the most popular.

YOU’RE A GRAND OLD FLAG!

22 | Michiana House and Home | June 2021 |

HERE COMES THE BRIDE Have you ever wondered why June is such a popular month for weddings? Although there are a number of reasons, history suggests it was a practical matter. If a bride married in June, she would most likely give birth to her first child in the early spring of the following year and have enough time to recover before the fall harvest. n

... and now you know!

Photos:Shutterstock.com

Established in 1916 by President Woodrow Wilson, Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes on June 14, 1777, by the Second Continental Congress. When displaying your flag from your front porch or on a flagpole, make sure you are doing it right.

• Do not hang your flag backwards.

• Do not let your flag touch the ground.

• Do not fly your flag in the rain.

• If you display your flag on a flagpole, make sure it is illuminated at night.

• If your flagpole has more than one flag, the American flag goes on top.

GIVE US A CALL TODAY

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(260) 463-2675

STANDING SEAM

STEEL ROOFING Making Every Job A Masterpiece

Competitive Pricing • Free Estimates Lifetime Warranty • Financing Available Larry Schlabach

2510 S 250 W • LaGrange, IN 46761 V.M. (260) 463-2675 • Fax (260) 463-3676

Featured Residential Project

Design Freshen up your home with our design ideas, just in time for summer. We can help with décor inspirations, room layout (with new or existing furniture), accessory arrangement, lighting ideas, and problem areas you just don’t know what to do with! Hourly consultation available, and no project is too small!

Call or stop in to talk to a designer today.

Sweet Water 212 West Washington Street, Suite 9, Goshen, IN 46526 574-534-3989 | www.sweetwaterinteriors.com

Remember to visit our Baby Boutique featuring unique outfits, Mud Pie & much more.