Homes & Design
HOME IMPROVEMENT September 2019
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HOMES & DESIGN • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
SEPT. 2019
FALL SPOTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE. CALL US TODAY!
Leaves will fall in autumn, but luckily homeowners have various methods at their disposal to tame the mess.
STOCK PHOTO Fall Home Improvement
Easy ways to clean up leaves
Homes & Design
(METRO CREATIVE)
For advertising opportunities, call (262) 725-7701, ext. 134, or email vicki@southernlakesnewspapers.com EDITOR IN CHIEF: Edward Nadolski SPECIAL SECTIONS: Tracy Ouellette CREATIVE/PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: Heidi Schulz ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Vicki Vanderwerff SECTION DESIGNER: Jen DeGroot
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Fall Home Improvement
a compost pile or distributed where needed. Raking leaves onto a large tarp is another option. Once it’s full, the tarp can be taken to the curb where many towns will collect the leaves seasonally. Otherwise, the tarp can be used as a funnel to put leaves into a gardening bag or another appropriate receptacle. Leaf blowers remain a fast option for cleaning up yards, but they require electricity or gas and can be noisy. Still, they are a popular choice for large landscapes or when quick work needs to be made of leaf clean-up.
HOMES & DESIGN • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
Homes & Design Fall Home Improvement September 2019 Published by Southern Lakes Newspapers LLC 1102 Ann St. Delavan, WI 53115 262-728-3411
landscape solutions service, says that mowed leaves also can be collected in a mower bag and added to garden beds or compost piles. For those who prefer manual raking, select a rake with tines that will not skewer the leaves in the process. Big rakes also can make faster work of gathering leaves into piles. The home improvement resource The Family Handyman advocates for the use of a lawn sweeper. This is a manual device that has a rotating sweeping brush that gathers up lawn debris and leaves into an attached hopper bag. Like mowed leaves, the bag can be emptied into
SEPT. 2019
Autumn is marked by colorful foliage and plummeting temperatures. Once those leaves reach peak color, they fall from the branches and collect on lawns, necessitating cleanup projects. For homeowners with big yards, such a project can be tiring and time-consuming. However, there are ways to make leaf cleanup easier. One of the easiest ways to clean up leaves is to reach for a lawn mower rather than a rake. The mower will cut leaves down to smaller sizes, creating an effective mulch that can add nutrients back into the lawn. Davey, a lawn and
FOUR home fixups for fall
With cooler days and temperate weather, fall is a good time to get outdoors and tackle some larger home projects, as well as prep your home for winter. “Cold weather can wreak havoc on your house, leaving you with a long list of repairs,” said Cathy McHugh, director, brand management at DAP. “It’s important to take preventative action now so you can enjoy the coming weather change, rather than making costly repairs later.” Don’t know where to start? Here are the top five “must-do” repairs from the experts at DAP.
Refresh around windows and doors
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HOMES & DESIGN • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
SEPT. 2019
Temperature fluctuations and weather extremes can cause cracks and crumbling in sealants around windows and doors. The resulting gaps allow air to creep inside, putting your energy bills on overdrive. In addition, if current sealant has any dirt build-up, the hot and humid weather of summer can foster mold and mildew. Protect your home and give your windows and doors a refresh and waterproof seal that stands up to the elements by applying a new exterior sealant like Dynaflex Ultra Advanced Exterior Sealant that will provide long-lasting all-weather, waterproof protection, resisting dirt build-up and water absorption. It also comes with a lifetime mold-, mildew- and algaeresistant guarantee. It’s easy to apply and is paintready in just an hour, allowing you to quickly repair problem areas.
Repair imperfections and surface damage It’s important to take a walk around your property and inspect your home and outdoor living areas for surface damage issues caused by hail, wind and heavy rain. Common damage includes cracks in sidewalks and driveways, as well as chips in siding. Address problem areas like these with an exterior filler, which can fill in exposed, vulnerable areas and prevent further damage. To save time and money, choose a multipurpose filler designed specifically for exterior repairs like Platinum Patch Advanced Exterior Filler, formulated with innovative Weather MaxTechnology for long-lasting, all weather protection. The mold-, mildew- and algae-resistant formula creates a durable bond that prevents • continued on page 17
STOCK PHOTO Fall Home Improvement
Knowing which projects can offer the most bang for their remodeling buck can help homeowners make the right choices when improving the exterior of their homes.
Exterior renovations that improve curb appeal
Neglecting a home’s exterior can be a disservice to homeowners, particularly those looking to increase the value of their homes. Curb appeal is important, as a home’s appearance can greatly affect prospective buyers’ perceptions. The following are some areas where homeowners can direct their focus if their end goal is a great-looking home with added value, as determined by the 2019 “Cost vs. Value Report” from Remodeling magazine. The report compares the average cost of 22 remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale across 136 markets.
Garage door replacement Homeowners can recoup 97.5 percent of their investment on a new garage door. This remodel tops the list for good looks and value. The average cost of $3,611 is for replacing an existing two-car garage.
Manufactured stone veneer Replacing a portion of vinyl siding with stone veneer can greatly improve curb appeal, adding style that can set a home apart. Homeowners can expect to recoup a 94.9 percent return on their investment.
Wood deck addition
A wooden deck on the rear or side of a home enhances homeowners’ ability to enjoy the outdoors year-round. A wood deck addition recoups 75.6 of the cost of homeowners’ initial investment.
Siding replacement Not only does old or weathered siding look unsightly, it can impact the energy efficiency of a home. Even though a siding replacement project is costly – at roughly $16,000 – it offers a 75 percent return and peace of mind that the home is being wellprotected from the elements.
New entry door Replacing an existing door with a 20-gauge steel door complete with clear dual-pane half-glass panel, jambs and an aluminum threshold with composite stop gets homeowners 75 percent of their initial investment back at resale. In addition to these improvements, homeowners would be wise to focus on some upgraded landscaping, an upgraded roof, new windows and improved exterior (METRO CREATIVE) lighting.
To extend your living space and entertain with ease, upgrade your outdoor spaces with safety and comfort in mind by using outdoor-rated fixtures. HUBBELL INCORPORATED - PHOTOGRAPHEE.EU/STOCK.ADOBE.COM Fall Home Improvement
One aspect of creating the feel of a “room”
Think the form and function of ceiling fans, chandeliers and pendant lights are for interior spaces only? Think again. Such stylish fixtures can be added over patios, verandas or pergolas to add the level of elegance and comfort one could traditionally only enjoy indoors. However, if you do plan to add any such electrical device to an exterior space, you must do so safely by opting for weatherproof installation, as well as fixtures designed specifically for the outdoors. Whether performing this upgrade on your
Finishing touches
If it’s been awhile since you furnished your backyard, you may be surprised by the scope of weatherproof furnishings, cushions, pillows and even rugs available on the market today. If you’re overdue for an upgrade, consider padding out your patio to make the time spent in your outdoor space as comfortable as an afternoon curled up on the couch in the family room. To extend the life of certain items, you may want to bring them under cover during extreme weather events, as well as the offseason. (STATEPOINT)
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Create a ‘room’
Air and light
HOMES & DESIGN • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
Whether it’s uncomfortable furniture or utilitarian light fixtures, you’re probably used to making some concessions when it comes to comfort, style and convenience in your home’s outdoor spaces. What many homeowners are learning is that nearly anything that can be achieved in interior spaces can likewise be achieved in exterior ones. However, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to update these spaces safely and for maximum effect. Here are a few ideas to consider:
own or hiring a contractor, consider products such as the “Outdoor Comforts” line from the Bell Outdoor brand of Hubbell Incorporated. The line’s new Bell Outdoor Ceiling Fan Box, which provides a safe and secure mounting and weatherproof wiring junction specifically for outdoor fans, chandeliers or pendant lights, is designed to enhance outdoor living spaces with the same convenience and comfort you enjoy indoors. To learn more about cost-effective solutions for upgrading outdoor areas with weatherproof fans or luminaires, visit hubbell.com/bell/en.
SEPT. 2019
How to bring comfort and style to your outdoor space
in your home’s outdoor spaces is defining its boundaries. Get creative with the notion of floor, ceiling and walls. Sometimes, these elements work better when they’re more of a suggestion than an impermeable structure. Whether it’s a latticed trellis that allows you to view the stars, a manicured hedge to create privacy or a sunken “living room” set off by a retaining wall, there are plenty of charming means for setting an outdoor area apart from the space around it. If your project requires digging, it’s important to call 811, a free nationwide number, in order to determine where underground utility lines are and avoid them.
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SEPT. 2019 HOMES & DESIGN • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
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STOCK PHOTO Fall Home Improvement
Before nestling up to a fireplace this winter, homeowners should consider a host of factors and safety measures to ensure their fireplaces are safe and ready for the season ahead.
Things to consider before warming up next to your first fire this winter
(METRO CREATIVE)
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• continued on page 18
HOMES & DESIGN • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
issues developed since fireplaces were last used. The National Protection Agency recommends that chimneys be swept at least once per year. A full inspection of the chimney might be in order as well. Chimney service technicians will conduct thorough examinations of readily accessible portions of the chimney exterior and interior and accessible portions of the appliance and the chimney connection. The CSIA recommends that homeowners who plan to use their chimneys as they have in the past request a Level 1 inspection, which will examine the soundness of the chimney structure and flue as well as the basic appliance installation and connections. Technicians also will verify if the chimney is free of obstruction and combustible deposits. Homeowners also should inspect
SEPT. 2019
A warm fire can make even the coldest winter day more enjoyable. Fireplaces may not get much use in spring or summer, but come late fall and throughout the winter, the fireplace can be a great place for families to gather. Before fireplace season hits full swing, homeowners might want to brush up on a few fireplace facts so they can safely enjoy nights spent sitting by the crackling flames. The Chimney Safety Institute of America advises homeowners with fireplaces to hire a CSIA-certified chimney sweep to clean their fireplaces. After a lengthy period of non-use, various issues could be affecting the chimney, many of which might not be noticeable to an untrained eye. Professional, certified chimney sweeps have extensive knowledge of fireplaces, making them valuable resources who can let homeowners know if any safety
A fireplace is a cozy and warm spot around which a family can gather. The home and real estate resource HomeGuides.com indicates that 60 percent of new homes have a fireplace, which is up from 36 percent in the 1970s. Naturally, fueling a fireplace for the season may require homeowners with wood-burning units to keep an ample supply of wood at the ready. How that wood is stored is important, as properly stored firewood can prevent waste and other issues around the house. Wood that is freshly cut has a water content of 60 percent or more. Yet, for best burning ability, wood should be near 20 percent in water content. Green wood is hard to ignite and will not burn nearly as well or efficiently as seasoned wood. Another concern associated with green wood is that it can contribute more to creosote accumulation in the flue of a fireplace. Creosote is a combustible material that may lead to fires if left unchecked. According to BioAdvanced, a science-based lawn, garden and home improvement innovator, seasoning wood typically takes six months to a year. Homeowners may opt to purchase seasoned wood that already has sat and dried. Homeowners who have an abundance of firewood have to store it somewhere. Log Splitters Direct suggests choosing a dry, breezy area of the property that is about 20 feet from the nearest door to the house. This helps avoid hitchhiker pests from coming inside with the wood, such as termites, ants, spiders, and mice. Do not stack the wood flush against a structure. It should be at least a few inches away to allow airflow behind the stack. Stick to organized rows of wood no more than four feet high. Log racks and pallets and posts will keep the wood up and off of the ground where moisture and rotting can develop. Placing the logs in an unorganized pile will impede airflow and cause the wood to rot rather than continue to dry and season even more. Homeowners also should use a cover to protect seasoned firewood from the elements. Position a tarp or plastic sheeting so it blankets the top of the stack and extends a few inches down the sides. Keep the sides mostly exposed to air. Others prefer to stack it in a barn or shed or under an overhang. Green wood is less expensive than seasoned wood. Those who prefer this method should do so in the early spring and let it season over the next several months. Bankrate says that the cost of a cord of wood varies across the country, but in general one can expect to pay between $120 and $180 for a cord of hardwood that is split and seasoned. This price may be higher in mid-winter when demand increases.
Before upgrading, get savvy. Doing so can help you make a decision that will improve your home’s beauty, keep your family comfortable and safe and save you money.
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HOMES & DESIGN • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
SEPT. 2019
SUBMITTED PHOTO Fall Home Improvement
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE REPLACING HOME WINDOWS
As with any home upgrade, a little research can help ensure a top-quality installation with the best materials on the market. Here are the most important factors to consider before purchasing replacement windows:
ENERGY EFFICIENCY Energy-efficient windows can keep utility bills in-check while helping manage climate control. Seek out the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates a product is energy efficient according to standards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy.
Numbers don’t lie so be sure to also check the National Fenestration Rating Council Label to compare performance between energy-efficient windows in the following categories: U-Factor (how well the window retains heat), Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (how well it resists unwanted heat gain), Visible Transmittance (how well it lets in natural light), Air Infiltration (how drafty the window is), and Condensation Resistance (how well it resists inside surface condensation).
TEST SPECIFICATIONS All windows on the market are tested for their structural integrity, as well as their
resistance to air and water. Investigating these ratings is important, particularly in regions that see wicked weather.
INSULATION For maximum energy efficiency and comfort, look for new technologies such as Neopor insulation and INNERGY thermal reinforcements that deliver high-performance and meet ENERGY STAR certification standards. Windows offered by ProVia, for example, include these features and are • continued on page 18
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Nitrate or Lead In Your Water?
Minimalist decor is all about making careful choices and choosing the best quality furnishings and decor over quantity of items. You can turn any room into a beautiful showcase that you’d be happy to entertain and live in, with some thoughtful decision-making. STOCK PHOTO Fall Home Improvement
Ways to elevate your home decor through
Simplify your design strategy
Declutter your spaces Decide what items you really want and need to be in each room and get rid of the rest – or find a way to store it neatly, preferably out of sight. One of the greatest visual clutter culprits today
comes from technology. It’s hard to know what to do with the mass and tangle of cords from all the latest gadgets, power strips and chargers everyone uses in their homes. To streamline the technology you use for viewing TV, movies and more, a product from LG Electronics USA can solve your cord clutter problem and turn your living room into an amazing home viewing theater. The LG CineBeam AI ThinQ 4K Laser Projector (HU85LA) creates an impressive 90- to 120-inch cinematic screen by placing it just 2.2 to 7.2 inches away from the wall, needing no complicated installation. With its streamlined and compact design, the state-of-theart projector incorporates LG’s ThinQ AI and has the Google Assistant built-in so you can control your compatible smart home devices with just your voice. • continued on page 18
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When revamping your room to create a more minimalist effect, choose a limited color palette, meaning one to three colors at most. Select mostly more muted or neutral colors,
though you can use one vivid color in a piece of furniture or art to grab the spotlight. Let the textures of the materials that you use for the floors, walls, ceilings and furnishings – whether they are natural wood, stone, ceramics, glass, tile, fabrics or canvas – create the room’s visual interest instead of yesterday’s toobusy colors and patterns. Choose a couple of contrasting textures, like glass and reclaimed lumber, or woven fabric and stone, to highlight in the room for the best effect.
HOMES & DESIGN • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
The latest trends in home decor reveal a desire for a feeling of tranquility and calmness, perhaps as a response to today’s overly busy and distracted lifestyles. From Marie Kondo’s decluttering craze to a return to natural materials in home design, everyone is looking for a way to create a peaceful, less hectic inner space. When it comes to home decor, less is definitely more. How can you tap into this yen for a little more Zen?
SEPT. 2019
MINIMALISM
Arrange furniture, design rooms more easily
Redesigning a room can involve several steps, from choosing a paint palette to taking down walls to buying new furniture. To help figure things out, room planners come in various forms, from free downloads available through popular furniture companies to pay-for-use, third-party software.
Amikasa
This app enables users to create room layouts using furniture and more from real brands. It features a walk-through mode so you can take a virtual tour afterwards.
Autodesk Homestyler
Brought to you by the company that produces professional design programs for architects and designers, like AutoCAD, Autodesk and Revit, this user-friendly technology allows you to create 3D renderings and move around furniture, decorative items, appliances, and other elements right in the app.
Floor Plan Creator
Start with the basics by plotting out precise and accurate floor plans. This app enables you to create multiple floor rooms in 3D and get automatic figures for perimeters, walls and more.
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HOMES & DESIGN • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
SEPT. 2019
Ikea Home Planner Tools
The free, easy-to-use home planner tool from the popular furniture giant enables you to see how items from the store can look in your space – before you bring it home. The Kitchen Planner from the company also makes it simple to enter Ikea components and see how much the proposed kitchen design may cost.
Magic Plan
This is another popular feature-filled app for planning designs. The technology even allows you to take a picture of your existing room and create floor plans.
STOCK PHOTO Fall Home Improvement
When inspiration hits, take some cues from interior design pros to make spaces look like they belong on the pages of your favorite magazines.
Secrets to making your home look like you hired a
DESIGN PRO
Photo spreads in home design magazines can be awe-inspiring. Quite often homeowners wish they could lift the looks right off the pages of magazines and transform their own homes into picture-perfect retreats. It takes an eye for design to pull a room together — even with inspiration — and make it both functional and attractive. While hiring an interior designer is one way to go, homeowners can use some of the tricks and techniques the designers employ to do a remarkably good job of improving the interiors of their homes without such help.
Embrace texture
Planner 5D
This is an extensive room-design tool that helps you design rooms down to the smallest architectural details. It also can be taken outdoors for landscaping and pools, utilizing 3D graphics.
The colors used in a home can add impact, but designers often utilize various textures to create aesthetic appeal. A single color scheme can be enhanced by various fabrics. Consider a leather sofa made more cozy with chenille pillows next to a rustic side table. Figure out ways to incorporate a few different textures to add depth to the room.
Room Scan Pro
Be careful with color
This app draws floor plans simply by having you hold the phone up to a wall. The software will then scan the circumference and plot out the requisite measurements. (METRO CREATIVE)
Many high-end homes showcase neutral shades that are enhanced by pops of color. If you like a rich, royal purple, leave room for other colors as well. Add touches of purple in vases, throw pillows and other accessories. Also, many designers work in shades of three
for room colors. There may be one main color for walls, another color for larger accents, such as couches and chairs, and then a third color that pops in accessories such as flowers, pillows and collectibles. These can be any colors, but the most muted tends to be the more abundant shade.
Add a bit of bling
Glittery items and metallics can add a touch of luxury feel to any space. A shiny table lamp, mirrors, a sparkling chandelier, and the like are easy ways to produce a high-end feel. Reflective surfaces also will cast light around the room, giving the illusion of a larger space.
Choose a big statement piece
Many homeowners make the mistake of filling a room with several small pieces of furniture that only contribute to clutter. Instead, look for a statement piece, which can be a cabinet, armoire or chaise. Mix and match large and small elements for a sense of balance.
Accessorize
Finish the room with accessories and flowers. When placing and hanging knickknacks and wall art, odd-numbered groupings often look the most cohesive and interesting. Experiment with different scales and heights for even more dimension. (METRO CREATIVE)
A better way to work from home
Gone are the days of dark, wood paneling, moody lighting and rolodexes. Today’s most effective home offices are brighter, more welcoming, and unite function with your personal style. SUBMITTED PHOTO Fall Home Improvement
(STATEPOINT)
Page 15
While a desk lamp might solve your lighting problem, why not opt for a fixture that can solve both of those issues at the same time? Tech-savvy ceiling fan options from Hunter Fan Company like the Tunable White LED Dempsey, allow you to adjust the temperature of the light, ensuring your fan will operate quietly, keep you cool, and work as hard – and as late – as you do. With its dimmable remote, you can adjust the light temperature for your eyes, using warm white lighting for nighttime work and cool white lighting to perk you up in the morning. Such details will help any entrepreneur avoid distraction and create a more productive work environment. Tip 4 – Get personal. You may be doing business, but when it comes to decorating, it’s time to mix in the personal. Items such as photographs of friends and family or reminders of previous accomplishments will bring you joy and help you stay motivated. Whatever you do, don’t settle for completely bare walls.
HOMES & DESIGN • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
With more people nationwide opting to create their own businesses or work for their employer remotely, the home office has become one of the most used spaces of the house, with many people spending more than eight hours a day in this room. If you’re one of these people, the kitchen table just won’t cut it if you’re looking to get serious and organized. To create a dedicated workspace that is beautiful, smart and functional, consider the following tips: Tip 1 – Design a space where you’ll enjoy spending time. Simple touches like lighting, a bright touch of paint or a wide-open window, can help create an inviting ambiance, and so can the addition of certain accessories.
Instead of opting for a simple ceiling light fixture, dare to add a pop of style and color with a new ceiling fan. Not only can this addition make your space more comfortable, it can elevate your décor, with the ceiling as the centerpiece. Options from Hunter Fan Company like the Norden or Hepburn can bring the Satin Copper trend from the kitchen to the office, while new finishes in some of the brand’s fan favorites, such as the Cranbrook in Dove Grey or Blush Pink, will fit seamlessly into a bright and inviting space. Tip 2 – Add life. Add color and vitality to your home office with some plant life. Not only will you be improving indoor air quality, you’ll be adding beauty to the space. To save precious desk-space, consider a few hanging planters, opting for plants that thrive indoors, such as spider plants or jade. Tip 3 – Don’t forget function. As the wheels turn and your creative juices start flowing, nothing can be more distracting than a creaking ceiling fan or a light that just doesn’t do the trick. A simple switch can make all the difference.
SEPT. 2019
Tips for creating the perfect home office
Wood paneling can add a rustic feel to a bathroom. The paneling is slowly making a comeback, proving that no design trend ever truly goes away.
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HOMES & DESIGN • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
SEPT. 2019
STOCK PHOTO Fall Home Improvement
WOOD PANELING is a design trend that’s coming back
Design trends come and go, but some have a funny way of resurfacing years after they first became popular. Homeowners who may have been considering renovating their home to remove a design element they believe to be passé might want to see if that feature has experienced a resurgence in popularity. In fact, one of the more derided home decor trends of yesteryear has slowly crept back into style, albeit in moderation. Wood paneling is back and better than ever, advise many design professionals. It’s the formerly ugly duckling that filled homes starting in the 1950s, creating drab dens and faux-wood family rooms. Paneling had long been an element of choice because it is relatively easy to install and can
camouflage problem walls in a home, like those covered in boisterous wallpaper prints. Wood paneling reach the peak of its popularity in the 1970s, and since then homeowners have been tearing down these faux offenders for years or masking them in paint to brighten up spaces. However, the experts at Apartment Therapy report that wood paneling in shades of brown are making a comeback in cozy spots such as dens or studies. The warm tones of wood paneling elicit a retro vibe. But unlike their fake predecessors, today’s paneled walls are being outfitted in real wood, making them more eco-friendly and stylish than ever before. Designers have flocked to reclaimed wood and veneer panelings to incorporate them into
design elements. And while wood paneling used to be hung vertically, designers now experiment with hanging paneling. Many people no longer use paneling to cover an entire space. Paneling is used sparingly as an accent wall or another feature for character. Wood walls can be stained in a rich mahogany to look upscale or be weathered and rustic. Homeowners ready to re-embrace wood paneling can choose to enhance one wall in a room. Think about the space above a fireplace or a strip of wall behind a sitting chair and side table. Paneling also can serve as a headboard behind a bed in a master suite. Painted horizonally, paneling can add dimension and texture to walls, even in a bathroom. (METRO CREATIVE)
• Home fixups from page 4 discoloration, as well as cracking and crumbling over time. It is sandable and paintable and offers superior adhesion to porous and non-porous building materials such as brick, concrete, metal, composite or wood decks, vinyl or fiber cement siding, PVC trim board and more.
Inspect your roof Start by making a simple visual inspection of your roof. Before hauling out the ladder, use binoculars or zoom in with a smartphone camera to spot obvious damage. If your roof has a relatively flat surface and you feel comfortable on a ladder, then go up for a closer look. Shingles that are cracked,
buckled, loose or are missing granules need to be replaced. And of course, while you’re up there, be sure to clear any clogged gutters to prevent potential water damage.
Prepare your furnace for fall Now is the time to prepare your furnace for fall. Change the filter, clean vents and remove any dirt or dust that has settled on the unit and connections. If you suspect problems, schedule a professional to check it out now – rather than wait until temperatures drop. For more information to help tackle your to-do list, visit DAP. com. (BPT)
• First fire from page 7 homeowners must consider before lighting their first fires of the season. The CSIA says that wellseasoned firewood works best, noting that wood that is not wellseasoned will produce more smoke (METRO CREATIVE) than heat.
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2BD APT. In unit washer/dryer, $725/m, utilities not included, avail. Sept. 1. 262939-1402.
MUKWONAGO: 1BDRM 420 S. Rochester. Heat, Appliances. No pets/No Smoking. $625. 262-679-2703. MUKWONAGO: 1BDRM 420 S. Rochester. Heat, Appliances. No pets/No Smoking. $625. 262-679-2703. ONE BEDROOM APT./BURLINGTON WI 607 Meadow Lane, appl, heat & water incl. $675 mo. Call Anita 262-7670759
Burlington Apartments BURLINGTON- STUDIO Fully furnished. All new appliances, couch, tv, kitchen table/chairs, bed and all util. incl. $600. 1st & last mo +sec. Avail. Sept. 1st. No Pets & No Smoking.Call Doug 262-206-0514 STUDIOS $550, LARGE 1,2,3, BDRM . APTS STARTING AT $675 + $750, $960, INCLUDES HEAT/HOT SOFT WATER. No Animals/No Smoking. Modern, clean, quiet w/fresh decorations, carpeting & appliances etc. Polite clientele. Lease, Escro, background checks, nice neighborhood, Burlington & Waterford Schools. 262-763-8202.
Elkhorn Apartments 2 BEDROOM UPSTAIRS, with 1 bath. Freshly painted and all new carpet. Large yard and off street parking. Washer and dryer avail. for use. Heat included. $750 mo. If interested call Mark at 815-670-6279. BIG 2 BR, central air, garage, patio/ deck. Great Elkhorn location. $655 mo. 262-903-0566.
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2BR HOME IN TICHIGAN $800/mo sec., no pets, appl. incl. 262-662-2143. 2BR HOME IN TICHIGAN $800/mo sec., no pets, appl. incl. 262-662-2143. 3BR. ROCHESTER TOWNHOUSE 1.5 ba., SMOKE-FREE, lndry hookups in bsmt, AC, NO PETS, garage, sec./ref. req. $950/mo. Avail. 9-1 262-895-2031. NEW MUNSTER Healthy man seeking roommate in a furnished comfortable country home. Private bedroom /bath. Garage available. References required. Call 262-537-2295 ROCHESTER TOWN HOUSE 2 Br. full basement, Appliances, C/A., parking, lease, no pets. $850 414-333-9561 WHITEWATER LAKEFRONT 2 BR plus den, 2 bath, fireplace, deck, granite counter tops, washer/dryer, boathouse & pier. $819/mo. 262-949-6997. WHITEWATER LAKEFRONT luxury 2 BR, den, 2 BA, granite countertops, washer/dryer, pier, beach, $799 mo. 262-949-6997.
REAL ESTATE Lots/Acreage 1.7 AC CLEARED LOT 1 mile West of Down Town Burlington on Chestnut/Hwy 11. Metal pole building, tin roof brood house, perennials and mature trees on property. $89,900. 262-210-1058. TEXAS BEST BUY We have prime 20 acre Ranchettes located in scenic Texas and just south of Marfa. Now only $299 per acre/$99 per month. Financing available. Call 1-800-875-6568.
Page 17
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ROCHESTER-UPPER FLAT 2 BR - 1 BA - $850/month. Immediate Occupancy. No Pets. Call 262-716-6400
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SERVICE CORNER
their chimney dampers before lighting their first fires of the season. Dampers should open and close smoothly. If not, a service technician can help fix or replace the damper. Firewood is another thing
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• Home windows from page 8 tested against the most stringent requirements for air and water infiltration, wind load resistance, ease of operation, forced entry and more.
MATERIAL Windows are available in such materials as vinyl, wood, aluminum and fiberglass. Understanding the benefits of each can help you arrive at the right decision for your home, priorities and budget, and new options even mix materials, combining different advantages into one product.
WARRANTY AVAILABILITY
STYLE The style of your new windows can complement the architectural features of your home, provide visual interest and boost curb appeal. Using online design resources and visualizer tools can help you see how particular hardware finishes, colors, add-ons, finishing options and accessories will look on your home.
RECOGNITION Third-party recognition for a particular brand or product is a strong indicator that you’re investing in a quality product. A recent “Remodeling” magazine survey of remodeling contractors ranked ProVia vinyl windows as number one in window quality, citing its unique ability to customize as needed, its personalized customer service, strong warranties and mix of state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and human craftsmanship. Lastly, the brand was recognized for strong attention to detail, as it follows an 80-plus item checklist for quality control. (STATEPOINT)
Choose furnishings with clean lines When you’re selecting new furniture for your minimalist rooms, look for high-quality, standout pieces designed with clean lines, with no fussy design details or busy patterns. Don’t acquire more furniture than the room really needs. Chances are you can do without all those end tables and extra chairs. Make one exceptional, stylish piece of furniture be the focal point for each room, and don’t overfurnish or over-decorate the space around it. Then avoid the urge to smother the couch or sectional with tons of blankets and throw pillows. Let the furniture speak for itself.
Streamline artistic expression Instead of filling every wall with pictures, choose just one accent wall, eliminating excessive decor elements around it. Let one work of art dominate that space, reducing any competition for attention.
The LG CineBeam Laser Projector can display a chosen photograph or work of art on your accent wall. With 8.3 million pixels, it delivers impeccable precision and detail at four times the resolution of full HD, along with incredibly vibrant color reproduction. It works without the need to darken the room around it, using gentle light that produces clear images without any harsh brightness.
Leave plenty of open space Resist the urge to fill every corner and surface of the room with ornaments and knickknacks. It’s the open space, unencumbered by any visual clutter, that creates the feeling of calm and tranquility you’re craving. And if you’re lucky enough to have a great view out the window, install only simple, streamlined window treatments – or no window treatments at all – to highlight that view. To learn more about improving your home technology, visit LG.com. (BPT)
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HOMES & DESIGN • FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
SEPT. 2019
Replacement Windows can cost thousands of dollars and should last a long time, so consider protecting your investment by opting for windows that come with a comprehensive lifetime warranty that’s transferrable to the next homeowner. This can potentially increase your home’s value should you put it on the market.
• Minimalism from page 13
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