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Fall Home and Garden TABLE OF CONTENTS
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New windows can improve the look of a home, reduce heating costs and keep interior spaces comfortable. Fall is a great time to take stock of your gutters and have any issues fixed before leaves begin to fall or harsh winter weather arrives. Although homes are getting bigger, homeowners are still complaining about a lack of storage space. Tips to help homeowners maximize space. Not all of those fallen leaves need to be carted away. Leaves can be used as mulch, compost or even a lawn sup plement. It’s okay to invest in features that will improve your every day living and boost your prop erty value when building a home.
On the cover: Garden Ponds Unlimited is hosting its third annual Waterfall Festival to benefit the Central Oklahoma Humane Society. Pages 45
From our advertisers:
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Not all homeowners insurance policies are the same. State Farm Insurance Agent Gary Baccus explains why.
Cindy Curley and Ryan Johnson are the faces behind Norwalk Furniture. They strive to give each client unique, person alized solutions to their design needs.
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Habitat for Humanity President and CEO Ann Felton Gilliland asks you to consider helping the organization continue to keep homeowners in their homes.
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Ponds and pets GARDEN PONDS UNLIMITED’S WATER FESTIVAL BENEFITS THE CENTRAL OK HUMANE SOCIETY
After 20 years of enhancing yards with Koi ponds and introducing Oklahomans to the water garden lifestyle, Mike Lucas of Garden Ponds Unlimited will be hosting the third annual Waterfall Festival to benefit the Central Oklahoma Humane Society. There’s nothing more quintessentially Oklahoman this year than spending time in the outdoors — accompanied by one’s pet, of course. This year’s Third Annual Waterfall Festival will provide Oklahomans with a wide array of options for all of their backyard needs while also supporting a good cause, with donations and a percentage of proceeds benefiting Central Oklahoma Humane Society. Located at 310 SW 1st St. in Moore, the Waterfall Festival will be open to the public 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Oct. 3 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 4. Entry to the festival is free. This is an open air outdoor event to be held rain or shine. Lucas’ own experiences with pets shaped the idea to benefit Central Oklahoma Humane Society and Lucas said he has always been drawn to organizations that help animals in need.
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“I’m not a grandparent; I have granddogs,” Lucas said. “My children just have dogs at this stage in their lives. Pets are really important to us. A lot of our customers bring in pets, so we thought, ‘Let’s do a fundraiser for the Humane Society, because we had always heard about them and they do really good things.’” The different elements of the Waterfall Festival all converge at the point of outdoor relaxation for people and their pets. Everyone wants a waterfall — “Everybody wants a they just don’t know it yet, Mike waterfall; they just don’t Lucas, of Garden Ponds know it yet,” Lucas said. Unlimited, says. Below: Koi fish “Anyone who has ever seen can be very Therapeutic, as well a koi pond with professionas entertaining. ally-built beautiful waterfalls, the minute that they do, they’re like, ‘Oh my gosh! I never knew that I could have this in my yard.’” Lucas said that many are often surprised at the price point for waterfalls or ponds — generally starting around $6,500, which is comparable to many hot tubs. According to Lucas, many customers go to Garden Ponds Unlimited looking for ways to make their yard spaces more relaxing so that they are able to de-stress at the end of long days. “They go out onto their patios, they listen to the soothing sound of the waterfall and watch the fish swim. It’s just something that is truly relaxing and a little bit of escape for them,” Lucas said. “This year, more than ever, that is so important.” In addition to serving as aesthetically-pleasing focal points for a yard, Lucas pointed out the functional elements of ponds and waterfalls and their thematic connection to pets. Lucas said that waterfalls can provide a constant supply of filtered water to dogs who are outside and can also serve as a splash pad for animals that want to cool off or even splash pads for the kiddos. One of this year’s hottest trends in outdoor living are recreational swim ponds. These are the perfect price point between the traditional liner swimming pools and gunite swimming pools. Recreational Swim Ponds are lined the same, but are so much more aesthetically pleasing with custom rock work and waterfalls. They have natural biological filtration and none of the harsh chemicals found in traditional swimming pools. Koi fish can be added to these if desired. For Lucas, the Waterfall Festival offers a way to improve backyard spaces and promote relaxation while also supporting the Humane Society. “I think if Oklahoma City, as a whole can realize that these are things that they can have that enhance our lifestyle and enhance property values, if it’s done right, it will be of interest to a lot of people,” he said.“With staycations becoming the new norm, who wouldn’t want a custom koi pond?” For more information, you can visit Garden Ponds Unlimited in Moore at 310 SW 1st Street, located on the Northbound I-35 Service Road, Monday through Saturday, to view their display ponds and waterfalls; call 799-POND; or visit www.gardenpondsunlimited.com. Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine 5
Let the sun shine in with new windows Winter is coming, and for millions of people who reside in areas of the country that see the mercury drop considerably between December and March, that means prioritizing staying warm. Inefficient or aging housing materials may compromise your ability to do just that. Drafts from doors, poorly protected attics and basements and aging windows may force heating systems to work extra hard to maintain interior temperatures. Replacing old windows can make a home quieter by blocking out exterior noises. Consumer Reports also notes that new windows are often easier to clean and maintain than older varieties. Many homeowners are interested in replacing their windows, but may not know where to start. These guidelines can help the process along. 1. Get several estimates. Ask for recommendations from neighbors or other people in your area on which companies they used to install their
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replacement windows. When you interview the prospects, ask several questions about how they go about installing the windows. Questions can include: • How long will the project take? • Will I need to remain home during the process? • Do you discard of old debris? • What is the protocol for installation during inclement weather? 2. Research permits. Most home renovation projects need to be approved by the local municipality. Go to the permit office and find out the requirements. Some window contractors will include securing permits in the cost of the project. After the project is completed, an inspector will come by and ensure the work was done according to code. 3. Change up the appearance. Look at the type of hardware you have around the home and other fixtures. Choose windows that have locks or latches that can match those features for continuity of style. Think
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about choosing a different style or frame color of the window, or a different type of window to improve efficiency and function. 4. Research top window manu facturers. It's tempting to purchase windows based on price alone, but replacement windows are often a decision that only has to be made once or twice for the life of the home. Invest in durable windows that will have staying power. Consumer Reports offers unbiased reviews on various window brands and can help homeowners make sound decisions. 5. Prepare for installation. Clear pathways, remove window treatments and disconnect window alarm systems. Plan for one to two days of installation, advises Andersen Windows and Doors. Keep pets and children away from work areas. Replacement windows can be a smart investment. New windows can improve the look of a home, reduce heating costs and can keep interior spaces comfortable.
Ask Gary Baccus
Are all homeowners policies the same?
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No, it is not surprising to find quotes on homeowners insurance that vary by hundreds of dollars. Most companies offer several different types of homeowners policies, and the lower the premium usually means less coverage. I know price is important, but more important is making sure your homeowners policy provides the coverage that you need. State Farm is No. 1 in home insurance for a reason. We sell one homeowners policy, which is the most comprehensive on the market and competively priced. It is designed to put you back where you were, if not better, before your loss. Our goal is to protect
what you have, not just sell you a policy. The easiest way to make sure you are getting the coverage’s you need to protect your home is to schedule an appointment with me to review your current policy. Many of your neighbors are satisfied State Farm customers. State Farm insures 1 out of every 4 homes. My agency has been established for 44 years giving me expertise in the insurance industry. We have 6 licensed associates who are friendly and helpful in answering any questions you might have about insurance. Our State Farm Agency offers insurance for auto, homes, condos, renters,
business, boats, fleets, life and annuities, health and disability, and mutual funds. We offer banking services such as car loans or refinancing, CD products, credit cards and checking and savings accounts. Our current State Farm policy holders in this area have recently had a rate decrease in their home and auto insurance. How many people have heard that good news from their insurance company lately? Our office prides itself on customer service. I will take care of you and make sure you are getting all the discounts State Farm has to offer. If you want the protection and peace of mind you deserve give me a call today!
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a n r Tu
e s u Ho
... Into a Home Historically low mortgage interest rates are helping to drive a new wave of home sales. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicates roughly 14 percent of the population, or around 40 million people, move every year for various reasons. Statistics Canada's Canadian Housing Survey found about half of Canadian households have either moved within the past five years or intend to do so within the next five. While people may be inclined to move far from their current residences, the moving resource Move.org notes that some U.S. states are seeing an influx in people leaving while others are absorbing new residents. Illinois, Alaska, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia are the top five states Americans are leaving, while Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon and Montana are gaining residents. People relocate for various reasons. After moving into a new house, it can take some effort to turn that house into a true home and feel comfortable in your new environs. These steps can help that process along. • Create at least one complete and serene space. Focus on setting up the bedroom so you can retreat at the end of the day. Invest in new furniture or get new
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bedding to give the room this comforting feeling. • Create an organizational plan. It can be tempting to want to throw everything in closets and unpack quickly, but give yourself time to fully analyze where you want to store items, where you may need to paint or reconfigure spaces, as well as any home improvements you want to make before taking out all of your stuff. When you fully unpack, you can immediately enjoy your hard work. • Hang artwork. Hang a few select pieces of artwork or family photos shortly after moving in. Surround yourself with things that make you feel good. • Bring mementos. Your first home may bring about warm feelings. While you can't recreate it entirely, you can use a piece of furniture or a few family heirlooms to make your new space feel homey. • Rely on familiar scents. Break in the new space with familiar aromas, whether it's preferential air fresheners, scented candles or baking your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. Moving into a new home can be exciting. Certain touches can help make the new space feel more like home.
Cindy Curley and Ryan Johnson are the faces behind Norwalk Norwalk Furniture is a unique collaboration between two talented designers, Cindy Curley and Ryan Johnson, who have shared their immaculate design expertise with clients for more than two decades. Their clientele expects the exquisite and the team at Norwalk is dedicated to delivering just that. Curley and Johnson strive to give each client unique, personalized solutions to their design needs, whether they’re simply replacing a rug or redesigning an entire home. Curley enjoys the design process and feels that breathing new life into a living space can be as simple as making one well-thought-out tweak. “I think a pair of ottomans you can tuck in front of a fireplace or under a console table provides function and whimsy,” Curley says. Johnson agrees. “Every home is unique, and every client is unique” he says. “They all bring different aesthetics. But I have things that I always love – things I gravitate toward. Every room needs something Asian. It transcends styles and kind of gives the room some interest. I always lean toward tailored textiles. For instance, a pinstripe will go with anything without being stuffy.” Johnson said part of design is like solving a puzzle, while Curley embraces the fashion-forward nature of interior design. Every piece of furniture offered by Norwalk is custom, made unique by that magical chemistry that can only occur when talented designers and imaginative clientele come together and create as they do every single day under the guidance of Curley and Johnson.
CINDY CURLEY
RYAN JOHNSON
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Beating the gutter clutter
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Fall is a great time to tackle projects around the house. The weather each fall allows homeowners to make improvements to their homes' exteriors without worrying about extreme heat or cold, while interior projects like painting are made easier because homeowners can open the windows to allow for proper ventilation. Fall also marks a great time to prepare for upcoming projects that can make winter work that much easier. For example, fall is a great time to take stock of your gutters so you can address any issues before leaves begin to fall or the first snowstorm touches down. Compromised gutters can contribute to water issues in basements and adversely affect a home's foundation if not addressed immediately, so it behooves homeowners to learn the signs that gutters are in need of repair or replacement. • Gutters hanging off the home: Gutters were once installed predominantly with spikes. However, many industry professionals now install gutters with hanger brackets. Why the change? Spikes loosen over time, leading to the gutters hanging off the home. That can contribute to serious issues if left untreated. Gutters hanging off the home need not necessarily be replaced, but rather secured to the home, ideally with hanger brackets instead of spikes. Brackets hook into the front of the gutter and are then screwed into the fascia of a home. A professional who specializes in gutter repair can perform this task relatively quickly, and it's an inexpensive yet highly effective solution. • Gutter separation: Gutters that are no longer fastened together can leak and contribute to issues that affect the home's foundation, siding and appearance. Clogs and the accumulation of debris can cause gutters to separate because they are not designed to hold too much weight. Replacement of separated gutters may or may not be necessary depending on how big the problem is and the condition of the existing gutters. If replacement is not necessary, separated gutters may be remedied by securing the joints, another relatively simple and inexpensive fix. • Peeling exterior paint: Paint that appears to be peeling off of your home may indicate that water is seeping over the edge of the gutter closest to your home. When that happens, water is coming down the side of the house, causing the paint to peel. In such instances, replacing the gutters is often necessary. • Basement flooding: Not all signs of deteriorating gutters are outside a home. Many a homeowner has been flummoxed by flooding in their basements, and such flooding can be caused by aging, ineffective gutters. That's because deteriorating gutters sometimes allow water to leak near the foundation of a home, contributing to basement flooding. Fall is an ideal time to inspect gutters and have any issues fixed before leaves begin to fall or harsh winter weather arrives. 10 Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine
Compromised gutters can contribute to water issues in basements and adversely affect a home's foundation if not addressed immediately, so it behooves homeowners to learn the signs that gutters are in need of repair or replacement.
ANN FELTON GILLILAND
Please consider helping Habitat for Humanity Dear Neighbor, We are in the home stretch of 2020 – hallelujah! What a year it has been. Can you imagine navigating these uncertain times without the safety and comfort of your home? Right now, the security of home is in jeopardy for many of our more than 1,000 families who are having a hard time paying mortgage payments, due to economic hardships brought on by the pandemic. At Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity (COHFH), we continue to explore every option and utilize every means to help our partner families preserve stability during this time. However, our resources are not limitless. If you are able, please help these families, our neighbors, make ends meet with a donation to COHFH. Your donation will help fill the gap in mortgage payments, allowing us to continue operations as normally as possible, while ensuring they can remain in their homes. Oklahoma City is OUR neighborhood. And what makes our neighborhood special is we help each other out in times of need. It is this generous support that has not only changed the trajectory of our families’ lives but the lives of the generations that come after them. To donate, visit YourHabitatHome.com today. Your contribution and investment in our community are greatly appreciated. Be well and safe. Blessings, Ann Felton Gilliland CEO & Chairman Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine 11
STORE IT IN STYLE Homes are getting bigger, but it seems like people are still lamenting a lack of storage space. National Public Radio says the average American home has nearly tripled in size during the last 50 years. Despite that, 10 percent of Americans still need to rent off-site storage, according to a report in the New York Times Magazine. Self-storage facilities are one of the fastest-growing commercial real estate segments, and the Self Storage Association says there are more than 50,000 storage facilities in the U.S. alone. The commercial real estate company CBRE, Ltd., says there are roughly 3,000 self-storage facilities across Canada and 65 to 85 percent of self-storage tenants are residential users. Improving storage at home can be a cost-effective alternative to renting storage space. With these easy tips, homeowners can maximize space immediately. Utilize track storage systems Closets may be plentiful, but if not efficiently utilized, space may still seem lacking. Track closet storage systems often make greater use of closet space than traditional shelf and hanging rod systems. Customizing closets using track systems or other modifications can improve utility of all closets in the house. Invest in storage beds Storage beds typically feature cubbies or drawers within a platform-style bed frame. It's a practical home storage solution and does not require any building. Think vertically Maximize spaces by looking up and down for storage possibilities. Items that are not used frequently, such as seasonal decorations or travel suitcases, can be stored in high spaces. Shelving on walls can go as high as necessary and be put to use in awkward wall areas, such as in corners or under eaves. Invest in storage benches/ottomans A stopping area inside the front door replete with a storage bench can house shoes, umbrellas, hats, backpacks and other items, keeping them tidy and out of sight. In living rooms, look for chests or ottomans that are decorative and functional. Store throw blankets or board games inside.
Closets may be plentiful, but if not efficiently utilized, space may still seem lacking. Track closet storage systems often make greater use of closet space than traditional shelf and hanging rod systems.
Recess drawers or shelves Gain more storage by recessing a chest of drawers into what is called the "knee wall" of homes that have sloped ceilings in attics and upstairs bedrooms. Utilize these short walls in an efficient manner by sinking drawers or shelves into them, without taking up floor space. Rafter shelving While in the attic (or a garage), add hanging shelves to rafters or exposed beams to create off-the-floor storage as well. These are just a few of the handy ways to improve the interior storage space in a home. 12 Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine
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Leave them be
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By the time autumn hits full swing, many trees will have shed their leaves for the season and the last vestiges of red, yellow and orange magic will have faded to brown. Raking, blowing and collecting leaves becomes the primary chores of lawn and yard maintenance and presents most homeowners with large piles of gathered leaves to tend to. It is impossible to count just how many leaves fall to the ground each year or just how many pounds of leaves get collected curbside, but the numbers are substantial. Cleaning up leaves is considerable work, but not all of those leaves need to be carted away. In fact, there are several different uses of leaves that can be beneficial. 1. Spread leaves as a protective mulch to cover ten der perennials or root crops/bulbs in the ground. The leaves will form a natural insulating cover that keeps the soil and the plants within a bit warmer over winter. 2. Create a pile of leaves that will break down and form a crumbly, compostlike material called leaf mold. Even though leaf mold may sound like a blight, it's actually a good amendment to garden soil, improving its structure and ability to hold water. Leaf mold also attracts beneficial organisms that are vital in healthy soil. 3. Brown leaves can be added to green materials in compost piles to 14 Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine
improve the health of the compost being formed. According to the healthy living resource Care2, the ideal ratio is 75 percent brown to 25 percent green materials in compost. Turn compost piles regularly to aerate them. 4. Store dried, mulched leaves in a dry spot so they can be used in the spring as a weed barrier for spring plantings. They will keep weeds at bay and help retain soil moisture to ensure small sprouts have the resources to grow. 5. Use shredded leaves as a lawn supplement. Pass a lawn mower over leaves left on the lawn to break them down into pieces too small to rake. This will help keep the lawn healthy throughout the winter without blocking out needed sunlight. 6. Bag dried leaves and pack them tightly together in cold areas of the home, such as basements or garages. They can act as added insulation. Bags of leaves also can be placed around planting containers to protect them from frost. 7. Gather a few of the bestlooking leaves and pre serve them. Use an iron on a low setting and press leaves between two pieces of waxed paper until the waxed paper seals together. Or use clear contact paper to achieve the same effect. Fallen leaves can be used in many different ways throughout the year.
Build the house of your dreams
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There are many advantages to designing your own home. Gone are the builder-basic styles, layouts that don't work for your family and exteriors you can't tell apart from your neighbors'. To help with your planning, check out these tips. IFind the right property. There are no limits to what you can create with a custom-built home, but the size and quality of your lot do impose restrictions. While you don't need to have everything decided when you purchase the property, make sure you have a general idea of what you need - your architect can help with this. Also, double check zoning laws, so you don't wind up not being able to build your dream three-story home on a residential street that only allows bungalows. IConsider your lifestyle. What kind of lifestyle do you want to live? What's important to you? From bigger elements like smart home automation and sustainability to smaller considerations like storage and organization, think of these things when designing the layout and built-in elements. For example, if you hate shoveling, now is the opportunity to make sure you have the shortest driveway possible. I Consider your lifestyle. What kind of lifestyle do you want to live? What's important to you? From bigger elements like smart home automation and sustainability to smaller considerations like storage and organization, think of these things when designing the layout and built-in elements. For example, if you hate shoveling, now is the opportunity to make sure you have the shortest driveway possible. I Build for the future. Your needs and wants right now are at the top of your mind, but a custom home is a significant investment in time, money and energy. It's also likely you want this to be your forever home, so it's a smart idea to build for tomorrow. Think about how your family will evolve and what your future needs will be. Consider building materials that are designed to stand the test of time, like insulated concrete forms (ICFs) from Nudura. This alternative to wood framing is a greener option and offers disaster resilience against high winds and fire. The superior insulation also means more comfortable, uniform indoor temperatures and less money spent on heating and cooling your home. I Avoid the fantasy trap. This is your dream home, so it's okay to indulge on that outdoor fireplace or luxury bathroom tiles that you've been envisioning. But to keep your budget in check, focus on the priorities and items that will give you the best value for your dollar. Invest in features that will improve your everyday living and boost your property value, like energy-efficient construction or a finished basement. Nichols Hills & NW OKC Community Magazine 15