Home Improvement 2011

l l a F

H ME IMPROVEMENT

2011

Sunday, September 25, 2011

An Advertising Supplement to The Times

Change colors to take your home from summer to fall Bringing your home from summer to fall is simpler than you think. It all begins with taking inventory of your home to determine which nonessential items you can eliminate or switch and where you can add.

“Start with anything fabric,” says Maria Aguerri-Gomez, Academic Dean of The Art Institute of Michigan-Troy, a branch campus of The Art Institute of Michigan.“You can change your couch covers, pillows and your throw blankets, add a duvet to your bed, change your window treatment or bathroom towels; or simply add a table runner to bring fall into your home without breaking your budget.”

Take couch covers from creamy and off-white tones to fall tones and colors. Choose earth tones such as reds and browns to bring depth and warmth. Navy blue can also be a great color to add in fall that can transition to winter. Not completely committed to bringing that much color into your living room? Change your pillows or throw blankets to develop an accented atmospheric change.Take a look at your window treatments and consider a heavier fabric with possible prints.

“Paisley is coming back this fall.”

Aguerri-Gomez says. “Use paisley prints on curtains or pillows, or venture out and buy a paisley arm chair that can nestle nicely into an unused corner in your bedroom or living room.”

Elizabeth Polish, an Interior Design Instructor at The Art Institute of New York City and owner of Elizabeth Polish Design, says bird prints are making their way into homes via lampshades and carpets this fall.

Keep the cold away by add-

ing rugs. Overlapping rugs is a trend that can bring contrasting elements together, while unifying sections of a room. Aguerri-Gomez recommends taking a bamboo or wicker rug and overlapping it with a more classical rug. “It’s a great way to bring contrast, color and texture to the room.”

Aguerri-Gomez predicts that mustard will be a key color this fall. Add a mustard table runner and change up your dinnerware and placemats to bring your table from light and airy to warm and

welcoming. Don’t want to part with the lemons and limes nestled inside your glass vase as table decor? Try compromising and replace the citrus with artichokes and pomegranates for a fall final touch.

For those that like to have feng shui elements in their home, you’ll be happy to know that gold is making a comeback. Try mercury or gold canisters, vases and accents. In the past, gold and mercury were reserved for the holidays or special celebrations, but now you can bring them out ear-

Subtle color changes can make the transition to fall complete.

lier to bring that shiny pop the room will need.

The last touch to bringing your home from summer to fall is mood lighting. Polish recommends utilizing energy efficient LED lights and bulbs.

Because you’ve most likely added thicker curtains to keep the cold out, make sure key areas are lit. Where you don’t need too much light, go for the dimming effect.“Change your lampshades if you can’t dim your lights. Make your living space as cozy as you can while saving energy at the same time,” Polish says.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

An Advertising Supplement to The Times

Get your house ready for cooler weather There are numerous, simple projects at homeowners’ fingertips that can conserve energy in a home and keep money in the bank. Although windows, doors and siding are the biggest opportunities to conserve energy and reduce costs, not every project has to be a major one.When it comes to improving energy efficiency, every little bit helps. Using the right products helps to ensure that projects are done correctly and withstand the test of time. Below are a few easy weekend projects to get any house ready for the winter.

Garage doors are usually the single largest entry point into a home and are rarely insulated, leaving a large area where air can seep in.

Rubber thresholds, found at any hardware store, can be easily and quickly installed underneath the

garage door to help keep the cold at bay. Since most garage doors are aluminum, it is best to use a two-part epoxy to secure these two different materials together. Epoxy fills any surface gaps, creating a lasting, water-resistant bond. The pressure and weight of the door then helps seal the garage when the door is closed.

A similar type of seal can be made with a rubber gasket on exterior doors as well. By creating a tighter seal on this entry door, cold air is prevented from getting in and the warm air from getting out.

When the weather dips below freezing, there is a good chance that copper pipes will freeze. This is a potentially messy and costly issue that can be easily prevented.While it might be harder to get to the pipes

behind the walls, exposed pipes in the basement can be wrapped without difficulty. Flexible foam with a split-sleeve, purchased from any hardware store, will slip right over the pipes and can be easily secured with heavy duty tape. Either wrap tape around the insulating foam or run the entire length to seal the seam. Even areas where freezing does not pose a threat can benefit by keeping the pipes a more consistent temperature, and preventing costly drywall leaks caused by pipe condensation.

Attics, even when insulated, are a major source of lost heat. However, most homeowners forget to complete their insulation project by insulating the access door to the attic. For this project, it is best to use rigid foam insulation with a

radiant barrier. Cut the insulation board to the door’s dimensions. (It is best to cut the piece a tad smaller than the door’s exact size to ensure that it does not interfere with hinges or where the door seats into place.) Once cut, affix the insulation board using polyurethane glue. Also, remember to wet one surface prior to gluing and clamp the project by weighting it down with some heavy items. The polyurethane glue expands into the surface of the insulation and creates a tight bond ensuring the insulation will stay in place for the life of the home.

All of these winterizing projects are easy, quick, and can be completed within a weekend. Armed with a few supplies from the local hardware store, energy and heat savings are just a few moments away.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

An Advertising Supplement to The Times

Granite sharing spotlight with glass and engineered stone

By Mary MacVean

Los Angeles Times

To anyone reading the real estate ads in recent years, it could seem that granite was the only material worth using for a kitchen counter, as important as updated electrical or a reliable roof.

Granite isn’t going anywhere.

But many designers and homeowners are turning to glass, manufactured stone, metal and other materials to create counters that work for people who actually cook as well for those who see the kitchen as a decorative accessory.

“What consumers now have seen is there is kind of this granite fatigue. Everyone has granite,” said Ed Rogers, the director of business development at CaesarStone US, based in Van Nuys, Calif.

CaesarStone and other brands, including Silestone, sell engineered quartz, a durable product made from more than 90 percent crushed quartz mixed with a resin.

Manufacturers are producing dozens of colors of engineered quartz, some of them trying to replicate the look of other stones or concrete, at prices comparable to those of midlevel granites. Both a virtue and a drawback is its consistency — no fossils or natural quirks, though that could change too as companies work to mimic the natural variations of marble or add a leathery surface texture.

Glass counters too are shining.

Lighted from below, they can add an appealing glow to a kitchen.

Buyers also like the hygienic qualities of glass in these days of the hand sanitizer.

Granite had been “reserved for

Colorful alternatives to granite can give countertops a bold and bright look

the ultra high end,” but now it’s available in big box home stores, Rogers said.“It was the home center and the production builder that moved this market.”

Some homeowners are moving to other choices that are new and appealing to green consumers, such as engineered quartz, as well as some that have been around for centuries, like soapstone or marble.

“I have not done a single granite countertop in 10 years,” said Dan Campbell, a Los Angeles contractor who specializes in kitchen design and remodels. “Maybe

because it’s so overused. It all blends together.”

Troy Adams also hasn’t used much granite in the high-end kitchens he designs, though he acknowledged there are many beautiful granite slabs available.

Improvements to other materials, such as stainless steel with fine patterns that resist fingerprints, have made alternatives more popular, Adams said.

One of the materials he likes to use is lava stone, which is quarried from a volcano in France, enameled and then fired at high temperatures. It’s stain-, heat- and

scratch-resistant, and it has a sort of crackly surface that can be made in intense colors. It’s also three to four times as costly as many granites, Adams said.

Whether the kitchen counter is just a spot to toss the keys and mail, the place for breakfast around an island, the lab for a chili cook-off entry or the respite for sitting alone with a glass of pinot grigio, the kitchen counter is inevitably a focal point of what’s become the center of many homes.

Adams said he builds his palette Please see Countertops page 5

Sunday, September 25, 2011

An Advertising Supplement to The Times

Countertops Continued from page 4 around the aspect of the kitchen with the most surface area, so a large, dramatic island might be the place to start.

In sophisticated, high-end kitchens, an island might be topped with one material, the sink and cooking area in another. In his own kitchen, Adams combined lava stone, stainless steel and glass.

That doesn’t mean the old standbys, including solid surfaces such as Corian, are gone from the market — particularly in budget-minded kitchen plans. Wood — often used for cutting blocks or other inserts to countertops — also can work for counters, whether in a farmhouse kitchen in the city or a sleek contemporary space.

Many companies also are working to make their products — natural and manufactured — as ecofriendly as possible. Consumers who care might check a product for its percentage of recycled materials, which varies considerably, or the conditions of its mining.

Cosentino reports that its Eco line is made of 75 percent post-consumer or post-industrial materials, including mirrors, glass, stone scraps and porcelain.

Other counters are being made from recycled glass or recycled paper sealed with wax.

“Granite is going to stay as long as they keep on digging,” said Oren Osovski, an L.A. contractor and interior designer, noting that the range in appearance can provide a look that feels unique. “If you want something beautiful that only you have, you have to have granite or marble.”

MISSION: KITCHEN Choosing a material that works for you The toughest part of the kitchen counter decision may be figuring out what you care about most. Durability?

A unique look? Color? Price? Here’s a look at some of the most common options, with an assessment of their quality from designers, manufacturers and the website www.kitchen.com.

glass.

Cons: Shows fingerprints. Can crack or break.

Marble

Pros: Classic looks. Sometimes has translucent quality. Great for making and rolling pastry dough because it’s cool to the touch.

Cons: Can stain.

Concrete

Pros: Modern, industrial look. Can Laminates be made in any shape and in a variety Pros: Huge range of colors, patof colors. terns and finishes. Budget-friendly.

Cons: Can stain and crack, though Easy to maintain. that also may be an appeal. Relatively Cons: Chips can be difficult to repair. expensive. May need a sealer and wax applied periodically to protect against staining.

Engineered quartz Pros: Extremely tough. Dozens of colors and patterns. Easy to clean.

Granite Consistent color and detail. Many Pros: Huge range of colors and manufacturers, including CaesarStone, prices. Durable. Stain- and heat-resis- Silestone, Cambria. Considered more tant, though some sealers commonly sustainable, as remnants often can be used to combat its porous qualities recycled. can be damaged by excessive heat.

Cons: Lacks unique colorations Cons: Some designers say it has and details found in marble or granbecome overused. ite.

Tile

Pros: Budget-friendly. Unlimited color and pattern choices. Durable, heat- and stain-resistant.

Cons: Grout can stain and be tough to clean. Not a smooth surface for some cooking tasks.

Glass

A stainless steel countertop is durable and stain resistant.

Stainless steel

Pros: Durable.Stain-resistant.Looks like a professional kitchen. Other metals, such as zinc and copper, lend an unusual appearance that will change over time.

Cons: Can show fingerprints and scratch.

Pros: Looks new and modern. Can Wood be made in many colors, patterns Pros: Can be used as a chopand shapes. Translucent qualities ping board. enable natural light to pass through.

Cons: Shows knife marks. SuscepNonporous, heat-resistant, easy to tible to water damage. Requires periclean. Can be made from recycled odic reoiling.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

An Advertising Supplement to The Times

Now is time for seeding tall fescue lawns

By Clint Waltz

Cooperative Extension Service

This summer’s drought and high temperatures hit tall fescue lawns in Georgia hard. As a result, September and October could be months for greater interseeding, a practice of adding tall fescue into an existing stand. To successfully establish a new tall fescue lawn or interseed an existing lawn, consider the following techniques and practices.

Grass seeded earlier than September or October is subject to heat stress and diseases.

Planting later leaves the plant vulnerable to cold weather. Seeding in December and early spring is generally not recommended because the plant does not have adequate time to develop a deep root system needed to survive Georgia’s hot summers.

Knockout the weeds first Preemergence herbicides are needed to minimize weed pressure. These herbicides pose the least amount of risk to tall fescue that was seeded the previous September and October. Tall fescue seeded in November and treated with preemergence herbicides the following February has lower turfgrass quality ratings and reduced stand density compared to tall fescue seeded in October.

Proper soil preparation is critical for effective seed establishment. Ridding the lawn of debris, tilling, incorporating lime and fertilizer and smoothing the surface are all necessary prior to seeding.

Add amendments, like organic matter or topsoil, for soil improvement and till thoroughly into the

existing soil. After initial preparation is completed and the area is properly leveled, collect a soil sample to obtain soil fertilizer recommendations. Submit soil samples to the local University of Georgia Cooperative Extension office (www.extension.uga.edu).

If starter fertilizer and lime are recommended, incorporate 3 to 4 inches into the soil.Tilling deeper is always better.

Buy high quality seed To ensure you plant high-quality pure seed, search for the blue certified seed tag on the bag. In the retail market most tall fescue seed is available as a blend of several tall fescue cultivars. Single cultivars are also available but often at a higher price.

The ideal seeding rate for tall fescue is 5 to 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet. To minimize skips and gaps, divide the seed into two equal portions and broadcast half in one direction and the remainder at a right angle to the first direction.

The seed can be lightly raked into the upper quarter-inch of soil or pressed into the seedbed with a roller. Apply a straw mulch to retain moisture for improved germination and prevent erosion.

Keep the seedlings moist After seeding, keep the upper 1 to 2 inches of soil moist, not wet, for uniform germination. This usually means daily watering of about one-tenth to one-quarter inch for the first three weeks.

As the seedlings develop, irrigate less frequently but wet the soil profile deeper. Under good conditions tall fescue seed will germinate in 5 to 10 days and be ready for its first mowing between 2

Sharon Dowdy Fall is the perfect time to plant or interseed tall fescue lawns in Georgia. Researchers on the UGA campus in Griffin work to breed new turfgrass varieties especially for Georgia’s varied growing conditions.

and 3 weeks.

Begin mowing at a height of 2 inches. As the seedlings mature, raise the cutting height to the 2.5to 3-inch range. Once mature, the lawn can be maintained between 2 to 2.5 inches, but a height of 3 inches is suggested during the summer months. Use a mower with a sharp blade and mow often enough so no more than a third of the leaf height is removed in a single mowing. Do not mow a grass, especially young seedlings, when it’s wet.

Do the math If the lawn needs reseeding, estimate the percentage of tall fescue loss and multiply that number by the establishment seeding rate of 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet. For example, if 50 percent (0.5) of the stand is lost, reseed with 0.5 x 6 = 3 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Spring reseeding is less successful because of the shorter establishment time before summer heat and moisture

stress.

Seed-to-soil contact is necessary to assure successful reseeding.

First, mow the lawn at a height of 1 to 1.5 inches. Disturb the soil by coring or vertical mowing before and/or after seed distribution. (Equipment for this task is available at rental or garden centers.) Reseed thin areas at 2 to 6 pounds per 1,000 square feet. Getting the seed below the existing turfgrass canopy and to the soil surface improves germination. Apply a starter fertilizer at 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet. Lastly, keep the soil moist as discussed for new lawn establishment.

Successful seeding depends on proper soil preparation, good soilto-seed contact and proper water management.

(Clint Waltz is a Cooperative Extension turf specialist with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Sunday, September 25, 2011

An Advertising Supplement to The Times

Fast, simple and amazing DIY projects Call the family and grab the toolbox. Do-it-yourself projects can become a family affair this fall.

According to a recent survey by economists at the University of California, there is a trend of parents looking for ways to spend even more time with their children.

A DIY project offers the perfect activity mix for spending happy, productive, cost-effective time together to accomplish a common family goal.

DIY projects can be as rewarding as the results: a brighter bathroom, an updated living room or a dramatic touch to any room in the house. The possibilities of easy home improvement projects are seemingly endless.

“Improving and updating your home doesn’t have to be a chore,”

says Erinn Valencich, a Los Angelesbased interior designer and blogger for HGTV’s Design Happens.

“You don’t have to renovate to create a big impact; just a few small changes will do the trick and you can get the whole family involved.”

One of the easiest ways to update a room is by refreshing the floor, says Valencich.“Floors set the tone of the room,” she says.“A floor adds so much to the look and feel of the room.”

Hard surfaces, including laminate, are once again dominating home flooring options. Laminate flooring is a popular option and the fastest growing flooring material around, according to HGTV, because of its practical benefits including durability, beauty and lasting wear.

While the thought of installing your own floors can be daunting, Valencich assures homeowners that the installation of laminate floors is fairly simple. In fact, according to flooring industry experts, new floors can be installed in a weekend.

Following these easy tips from Flooring Trends.com will make your room look like a million bucks.

• Order matching or coordinating molding and trim. “This finishing touch will set you apart,” says Valencich.

• Acclimate your laminate floor products before installation. Put unopened cartons in the room they will be installed in for 72 to 96 hours. This is important if you live in a very dry or humid climate.

• To help reduce moisture, mold, • Make sure the concrete or mildew and a hollow sound when wood subfloor is level before you walked on, put down a quality start your installation. underlayment first.

In addition to installing a new • Order 7 to10 percent more floor, there are other simple DIY product than you think you’ll projects that will add to the beauty need to allow for cuts and custom Please see DIY page 9 fits.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

An Advertising Supplement to The Times

‘Green up’ your home, office or dorm with houseplants Looking for a fresh new look for your home or office or want to add some color and cool for your college digs? Houseplants are always in style.

For an easy transformation for any space, houseplants add high impact and eco flair that rival expensive makeovers. Whether you choose orchids or Bonsai, houseplants fit any lifestyle, mood and taste.

Whether you’re a long time plant collector or novice, these tips from top garden experts show just how easily houseplants will “green up” your life.

The air in there. Did you know that houseplants do double duty?

They not only add beauty to indoor spaces but also clean our indoor air and remove nasty toxins from carpets, paint, household cleaners, printers and even furniture.

“Besides what they give back in aesthetics, one of the greatest things houseplants do is provide much needed humidity in the winter months and freshen the air year round,” says Justin Hancock, editor of Better Homes and Gardens online (BHG.com).

Plant hunter and expert, Mike Rimland, says that houseplants help clean indoor toxins commonly found in homes, apartments and offices. “What houseplants you choose and where they’re placed are important considerations to maximize air filtering benefits.”

Rimland suggests houseplants like peace lilies for bathrooms and Sanseveria and Golden Pothos for your entryway and living spaces.

“They’re easy to grow and can help remove volatile organic compounds found in cleaners, carpets

and furniture like benzene, formaldehyde, acetone and xylene.”

Set the mood. From added drama to a touch of whimsy, houseplants instantly liven up any room or office with natural beauty and add a funky touch of greenery to boxy dorm rooms.

For happy plants, Rimland recommends you assess your rooms for optimal lighting conditions and care requirements, follow the plant care guidelines on the tags and choose plants that fit your lifestyle.

Want to create a quick and easy upscale look or a serene retreat?

Nothing beats orchids, arranged in simple or elaborate containers, for high impact drama and Zen-

like simplicity.

“As a great ‘everyman’ plant, orchids can’t be beat,” says Hancock. “Mini orchids are easy to grow and perfect for a centerpiece or a thing of beauty and tranquility alone on a windowsill.”

Green-up your space with living walls. If you have limited space or want a visually dramatic, high impact design for a room, living walls are the ticket.

Not only can they improve air quality, but they are quite a conversation piece, adding instant “wow factor” to any room.

Rimland says that living green walls are a great way to maximize the benefits of houseplants

to purify and beautify spaces.

“Whether you buy one of the new kits available or have a professional install your living wall, your rooms will spring to life with living art you create.”

Go green and groovy. Looking for fun and easy houseplants that are practically a no-brainer?

Water-retaining, light-loving, easycare succulents and cacti are virtually indestructible and come in many colors, shapes and varieties.

So mix them up in containers for a visual feast that draws the eye and soothes the soul.

“Succulents are great-looking, low maintenance plants that make it easy for everyone to bring the outdoors inside,” adds Hancock.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

An Advertising Supplement to The Times

DIY

Continued from page 7 and comfort of your home.

• Add attic insulation. If the insulation in your attic is not up to par, the house can lose almost 30 percent of its warm air. Properly insulating an attic can save anywhere from 10 to 30 percent off your monthly heating bill, U.S. News & World Report’s My Money blog says. Batt insulation — rolled fiberglass insulation — can often be added for 70 cents to $1 per square foot.

• Lighten up your bathroom.

The bathroom is a great place for a do-it-yourself project. Try adding can or recessed lighting.“Recessed lighting becomes part of the architecture,” says Valencich.

• Replace that kitchen faucet.

Update your kitchen faucet to refresh your sink area, and younger children can help with the removal and replacement of the old faucet.

Installing a new faucet can be an economical decision, too. “A new faucet can help lower your water and energy costs,” says Valencich.

• Go green. You don’t need to install solar panels or a wind farm to go green and save money.There are several small things you can do to help save the planet and your wallet, from sealing drafts and air ducts to installing a programmable thermostat. Caulk and spray foam are inexpensive and can be used to seal drafts, saving up to 20 percent on a monthly heating bill. Use a programmable thermostat to turn down the heat while you’re at work and to turn it back up right before you come home.

Laminate is a popular way to give flooring a new look.

Gainesville, GA 821 Dawsonville Highway Suite 235 770-287-7815

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Sunday, September 25, 2011

An Advertising Supplement to The Times

Fall perfect time for adding new plants to the landscape

By Timothy Daly

University of Georgia

As the weather grows cooler most landscape plants begin to go dormant. Fall is an excellent time to install new plant material.

Many home gardeners like to install plants in the spring when their leaves are unfurling and many go into bloom. Spring planting is acceptable, but fall planting is preferable.The summer months are not good for planting due to the intense heat and prolonged dry spells.

Newly installed plant material, even if properly watered, is highly stressed and can die. In the fall months, the air temperatures have cooled and the plants are not under as much stress. The stems and leaves will begin going dormant, but the roots will continue to grow in the soil.

Cold weather gives the plant more time to become established and develop a strong, healthy root system. By the following spring and summer, the plants will be more resistant to heat and drought conditions. Spring-planted trees and shrubs have a much shorter period of time to become established. This makes them more vulnerable to the stresses of summer.

For trees and shrubs, dig the width of the hole at least one and one-half to two times the size of the root ball. Plant it at the same depth as it was in the container. Do not install the plant’s crown below soil level. Planting too deeply can lead to rot and other problems leading to damage and possible death of the plant

material.

Research has shown adding organic matter, like compost or top soil, to the hole is not necessary. The plant’s roots might be so happy in the rich soil that it prevents roots from growing out into the native soil.

However, when planting a bed of multiple trees and shrubs, add organic matter and till it in throughout the entire planting bed. Do not fill the individual holes with organic matter.

When purchasing plants, select plants that appear healthy and free of insects and diseases. Pull the plant out of the pot and examine the roots. Healthy roots should be white or light brown and spread throughout the root ball.

Avoid plants with black mushy roots, or those with poorly developed root systems. If plants roots are matted around the edge of the root ball, use a knife and make a few cuts to break up the mat and allow the roots to spread.

Do not apply fertilizer to the individual planting holes. Wait until the plants become established before fertilizing.

Thoroughly water the plants once or twice a week. Apply two to three inches of mulch, such as pine straw, pine bark or cypress mulch, around the plants. Do not mass mulch around the stems of the trees and shrubs.This can lead to disease and insect infestation of the stem.

Fall is the best time of the year to establish trees, shrubs, and many types of perennials. Install these plants now to enjoy them in the spring and into the future.

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Sunday, September 25, 2011

An Advertising Supplement to The Times

11

Learn when you need to use primer Painting is a job that requires preparation and the right equipment. Oftentimes homeowners are unsure about whether they need to use primer before painting or if just paint will do the trick.

Although there are no firm rules, there are certain cases where one or the other will be adequate.

Consider a room where the walls have been heavily stained, either by moisture infiltration, rust or another factor. Deep-set stains may bleed through regular paint, therefore a primer should be applied to help block and lock-in the stain.

When a room had previously been painted in a very dark color, like red or purple, a primer can help cover the color quickly with-

out the need for multiple applications of regular paint. There also are specialized primers that can be used in rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms that often contain a lot of moisture. These primers inhibit the growth of mold and mildew on painted surfaces.

Primers also may be used on materials, such as metal or plastic, to help the colored paint stick to the surface of the item.

If a room is only to be painted white or tinted slightly with color, then a primer alone can be used.

Certain primers seal porous wall surfaces so they do not absorb paint, requiring more coats for coverage.

Rooms that are being painted that are already white and free of stains or other surface abnormali-

ties may be painted sufficiently with just a coat of regular paint.

If skipping primer, look for a highquality, thick paint that boasts good coverage in one or two coats.

There are new products today that offer primer and paint all

in one combination. The jury is still out on the efficacy of these new items, but homeowners can experiment with these paints to see if they work for them. Keep in mind that the cost of a combination product may be more than traditional paint and primer.

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Sunday, September 25, 2011

An Advertising Supplement to The Times

Fast, functional and fabulous bathroom fixes for less than $500 Longing to update your home, but short on time and money?

You’re not alone. Remodeling experts report that whole-house remodels have declined in recent years — but don’t throw in the towel just yet. Instead of focusing on every room - focus on smaller areas where you spend a lot of time, like the bathroom.

“Bathroom renovations are one of the most popular projects with homeowners, but not everyone has the same needs or budget,” says renowned home improvement expert Danny Lipford.

“Luckily, cosmetic updates can be quick, inexpensive and easy enough for anyone to do.”

With a few days and minimal budget, you can give your bathroom an instant facelift that will be fashionable and functional.

• Start your bathroom update with a good cleaning. Removing any mildew, dust and soap scum is the first step to a brighter bath.

• Color can affect our mood — so add a splash of paint. For only the cost of a brush, roller, tape and a gallon of paint (less than $40), both your bathroom walls and your mood will feel refreshed.

• Did you know that within a year, the average person washes their hands 8,776 times? And that doesn’t account for the time spent brushing your teeth or washing your face. With these many interactions with water, be sure that your bathroom remodel includes a stylish Please see Bathroom page 13

A curved curtain rod can give you more shower space as well as a trendy look.

Sunday, September 25, 2011

An Advertising Supplement to The Times

Bathroom

Continued from page 12 new faucet.

• 4. Not sure if your current cabinets or vanity are fashionable enough for your new faucet? Before you replace it, consider adding new cabinet hardware for an instant update.

There are a wide variety of choices — and manufacturers even offer knobs (starting at $8) and pulls (starting at $16) that perfectly match your faucet in both design and finish.

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• According to the National Association of Home Builders, fewer people are living alone.

In fact, the number of homes with five or more residents has increased in the last two years — which means you likely share your bath with others. Bathroom accessories are a simple and inexpensive (less than $150 for a set) way to add organization and a design update to your bath. Plus, they are available in a variety of finishes to perfectly coordinate with the rest of your new bath hardware.

• The final step of your simple and sensational bath upgrade is • The average person takes the soft touches. Add plush and 365 showers per year. If your colorful towels to your new shower space is feeling a bit accessories, a decorative shower small, add 7 ½ inches in an curtain to your new shower rod instant with a curved shower and a soft throw rug in front of the vanity. rod.

Changing accessories is a quick and cheap way to achieve a new look.

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Sunday, September 25, 2011

An Advertising Supplement to The Times

Even cheap changes can make a difference Only on TV would a redecorating budget of a couple thousand dollars be considered “shoestring.” In the real world, most of us have a lot less than that to spend on redoing a room.

Fortunately, it’s possible to completely change the look of any room in the house for as little as $100. All you need to do is focus on the design elements that will deliver the most impact for the least cost. Here’s a roomby-room guide for redos that cost $100 — or even less.

tern and you’ve redone your din- new look in his room, rip down ing room for less than $100. that teddy bear border, let him pick a paint color and consider Living room dressing up one wall of the room Accessories are the way to with a mural.You can find plenty achieve a big impact for not of kids murals for less than $100 much money in the living room. online. Whether he likes a solar Replace old throw pillows with system theme or she wants a new, brightly patterned ones. princess canopy, a wall mural Switch out wall decor with new can make redoing a children’s pieces. Cover up worn wooden room fast and easy. floors or shabby carpeting with an elegant area rug. It’s posBathroom sible to change several accessoGet rid of that old, moldy showries and still bring your costs in er curtain. To create a designer under the $100 mark. look for not much dough, hang Every room a simple, functional vinyl curtain A fresh coat of paint is an Kids’ room on existing shower rod, then essential foundation for virtually If your youngster is ready for a place a pressure rod just outside any room makeover. One gallon will cover most rooms, meaning you can get a good start on your redesign for around $25 — even less if you luck out and find a deal.

Decluttering is also another way to give a room a fresh look.

Whether it’s your living room, kitchen or a child’s room, removing excess items like papers and toys can make the room feel open and orderly.

Dining room Your table and chairs are the centerpiece of your dining room.

While a new set might not be in the budget, you can easily dress up your old one. Replacing old fabric on dining chair seat cushions can give the set a whole new look. Depending on the fabric color and style you choose, you can create looks that range from modern to traditional. Top off the table with a decorative runner in a complimentary patPlease see Redo page 15

A mural can have a dramatic impact on the look of a child’s room.

it. Add attractive, floor-length curtains from the local discount store; they’ll cost a lot less than comparable versions made for bathroom use.

Ditch worn, ratty old towels with a matching set of new ones in an appealing pattern or color.

Finish up by adding a decorative frame around the existing vanity mirror.

Kitchen It’s easy to spend a bundle on a kitchen rehab, but it’s just as easy to make small changes that have a big impact. Rather Please see Redo page 15

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Redo

Continued from page 14 than sinking a lot of money into changing countertops or cabinets, consider simple upgrades like new cabinet hardware, a new kitchen faucet and a new light fixture.

You can also use a wall mural in the kitchen to dress it up.

Whether you’re looking for a rustic theme that would fit with Italian murals or a nature scape that turns a blank wall into a view on another world, you can find a wall mural to fit virtually every decorating theme for as little as $60.

You don’t need the budget of a TV home improvement show to make high-impact, appealing changes to your home. You just need $100 and some ingenuity.

Simply changing fabric on dining room chairs can make a difference.

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Sunday, September 25, 2011

An Advertising Supplement to The Times