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PUBLICATION MANAGER Bill Hays bhays@the-papers.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Deb Patterson dpatterson@the-papers.com EDITOR Lauren Zeugner lzeugner@the-papers.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Karen Johnson kjohnson@the-papers.com
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contents
Controlling Weeds In Your Yard & Garden
6
Michiana House and Home (MHH) is a newsmagazine with emphasis on home decor, design and remodeling. MHH does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial content, nor does MHH or its staff assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial content appear in any publication.
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MHH reserves the right to determine the suitability of all materials submitted for publication and to edit all submitted materials for clarity and space. Michiana House and Home has not independently tested any services or products advertised herein and has verified no claims made by its advertisers regarding those services or products. MHH makes no warranties or representations and assumes no liability for any claims regarding those services or products or claims made by advertisers regarding such products or services. Readers are advised to consult with the advertiser and/or other home repair and renovation professionals regarding any such claims and regarding the suitability of an advertiser’s products.
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No reproduction of Michiana House and Home is allowed without express written permission. Mailed subscriptions are available, prepaid with order at $44.00 for one year; and $75.00 for two years. Mail the order form, along with your check to Michiana House and Home, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542. Your cancelled check will serve as your receipt.
July 2022 VOLUME 19
Bathroom Retreats Photo courtesy of Mid-City Supply Co. Inc.
FEATURE WRITERS BethAnne Brink-Cox, Dani Messick, Julie Young
17
Did You Know?
NO. 3
6 8 9
Around Michiana
10
A Toll On The Turf
12
The New Trend In Decks
14
Servin’ Up Good Eats
16
Brick-By-Brick: Home Exteriors
17
The Home Remodeling Boom
18
Business Gallery
19
14 cover photo: Shutterstock.com
| Michiana House and Home | July 2022 | 3
editor’s note...
Summer has definitely arrived with the heat and humidity. Not sure how I feel about temps in the high 90s with a heat index of 100 or more. Turquoise the Wonder Kitty is not a fan of this weather. Turq is an American Shorthair with Maine Coon features according to one friend. Meaning while she’s a short haired cat, she has a double coat. And while cats were originally desert animals, the Maine Coon breed was developed to handle the cold temps of Maine. A double coat is not fun this time of year. Luckily for me, she loves to be brushed (getting her claws trimmed is another story). And every grooming session, I end up with enough fur to make another cat. With high summer temps, Turq has taken to sprawling on the floor in front of the vent in my bedroom to enjoy the AC blowing over her. She does the same thing when the heat is on in the winter, only she lays in front of one of the vents in the living room where there’s carpet. So follow Turq’s cue, get your favorite iced beverage, find a comfy place to hang out where it’s cool and shady and enjoy this month’s issue of House and Home. We’re continuing our Brick-By-Brick series focusing on the exterior finishes of the home. Our resources brought up some excellent points when it comes to the placement of windows and doors, as well as suggestions on where to make an investment that will pay off in the future and where to save money in the budget. Garage doors have definitely evolved from the white paneled door many of us grew up with. I remember when my mother decided to paint the garage door and front door a pumpkin orange color. It looked fabulous against the dark brown of the house and made it really easy for my babysitting clients to find my house on the street.
Today there are lots of options and styles when it comes to garage doors. Writer Dani Messick writes a piece on creating the perfect spa-like bathroom. The photos that were provided were incredible. And some of the details are really neat, like mixing vintage looking vanities with modern fixtures. Stand alone tubs are definitely in — everything from the classic claw-foot tubs to their new modern cousins with sweeping modern lines. BethAnne Brink-Cox gives us an update on what’s trending in decks and outdoor spaces, while Julie Young spoke to the experts about how to take care of our lawns and landscaping in hot weather. One tip, do not water in the heat of the day! And Master Gardener MaryAnn Martin helps us figure out the best way to handle weeds and weeding. Need a quick dinner that won’t heat up the kitchen? Try my shrimp scampi recipe. I have no idea where I got this recipe, but my mom and aunts rave about it. The scampi can be made with frozen cooked shrimp; just defrost in cold water and throw the shrimp into the sauce to warm through. If using raw shrimp, the trick is to not overcook the shrimp. The whole thing can be done in the time it takes for the spaghetti to cook. And this time of year, I love throwing fresh herbs in rather than using dried. I usually make a tossed green salad while I wait for the pasta water to come to a boil then serve the scampi and salad with a glass of white wine — the same I use in the recipe. Enjoy and we’ll see you next month,
Lauren
Lauren Zeugner, Editor Email: Lzeugner@the-papers.com
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Thank You!
2022
The 2022 Parade of Homes Plus, sponsored by the Builders Association of Elkhart County, was a huge success. Attendance was outstanding. We trust our visitors went away with great, fresh ideas for their own home, OR better yet, the contemplation of a NEW home! An added THANK YOU goes out to our Parade builders, developers and suppliers. Your participation is what provides our community with quality homes year after year. Saturday
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Walk-in showers that protect the aging population from having to climb into and out of showers and tubs are becoming popular.
photos: Mid-City Supply Co. Inc.
Greenery, neutral colors, walk-in showers and mismatched tile are the trends in bathroom décor this year. Wallpaper is making a return in bathrooms and other parts of the home, especially accent walls.
Neutral colors, with pops of green and plantlife are becoming popular in bathroom décor.
Bidets and washlets remain popular after the toilet paper scarcity at the beginning of the 2020 pandemic.
6 | Michiana House and Home | July 2022 |
Bathroom trends feature
accessibility, mismatching, retreat atmosphere By Dani Messick House and Home Feature Writer
Bathrooms today are returning to the classic styles while also bringing a retreat-like atmosphere to a now family space. “I think that clean, fresh, feeling where they’re walking into a vacation [is what people are looking for],” said Joyce Watkins, CAPS, Mid City Supply Co.’s Showroom Business Development Manager. “They want to make their bathrooms like a vacation, a destination spot. Places that even where, if there’s a free-standing bathtub, places that you can sit, so either your spouse or your kids can come in and talk to you. You want that privacy but it seems like they always come in.” Mixing the old styles with new ones, Watkins explained things like old vintage dressers with new faucet features are trending. “Wallpaper, I’ve seen where that’s coming back whether it’s scenes or just fun funky wallpapers in bathrooms. That vintage look is really popular. You put that vintage look and then a really cool modern faucet with it.” Mixing and matching old and new, but also materials has become popular. “The marble look is so popular right now, but then having two tones of marble, whether it’s the white with the grey and then a backsplash of something that’s bold, something that makes that accent wall into a shower. I’ve been seeing that a lot as well.” Popular combinations include mirrors with wood, and china with metal. “Tile is still the prominent feature in
a bathroom,” Watkins said. “Tile is still very big, and then taking where your shower is and mixing up the tile there. You may have, I’ve seen, where you have one pattern as your main floor but then you get into the shower, and then it has a coordinating tile that goes into it so that you can see a different transition.” For showers, the age of many remodelers is becoming a deciding factor. “I see more rooms, where you’re not having to step into a shower, so it’s all one room that you just step into,” Watkins explained. “Really it’s taking out that threshold. It’s keeping it so the floor, everything, is one level. You have so many Baby Boomers that are getting to the age where they don’t really want to be stepping up anymore, stepping up into a shower, stepping up into a tub. One level walk-in takes them right into it, to where everything is right there.” In addition to age, convenience is a concern for bathroom remodels today. “I still feel like the washlets are really big, or the built-in bidet seat on the toilet, with all that hype that we had of the toilet paper shortage and all,” Watkins said. “Washlets are great for cleanliness - it’s got the heated seat, it washes, drys, and deodorizes and we still sell quite a few of those.” The spa-like bathroom continues to change over time. This time around, greenery is a key piece. “Bringing in plants or having windows that look out into a garden, making it more outdoor,” Watkins explained. Still, budgetary requirements will be a determining factor on how homeowners choose to revitalize their own bathrooms. “It can be anywhere from $1,000 up to $30,000 depending on what they want to spend and what they want to do. The way prices are going everything goes up constantly,” Watkins said. “A coat of paint and some new handles on your cabinets goes a long, long way.” n
Those who don’t have greenery in the bathroom can instead have their windows looking out into a garden or greenspace.
| Michiana House and Home | July 2022 | 7
Controlling
Weeds in Your YARD AND GARDEN By MaryAnn Martin Michiana Master Gardener
Weed definition: Any plant that grows where it is not wanted. Having said that, there are many considerations in how to keep those “not wanted” plants from growing where they are not wanted! Probably, the first decisions to be made are if you want to garden organically or using chemicals or a hybrid of the two; what tools you will need to obtain these goals; and how much time do you want to devote to your growing area – whether this be your yard or your garden or both. If gardening organically, mulching around plants (which also aids in retaining moisture) helps keep the weed population at bay. Getting to the weeds before they go to seed will reduce future weed populations and hand pulling is often the best way to do this. The best time to do this is after a rain or anytime the ground is moist – after watering, for example. Having the right tool for the right job makes any kind of gardening easier and thus, more enjoyable. Whether you are planting vegetables or flowers, plant them as close together as possible which will help with weed control. The tags which usually come with your seeds or plants will almost always give you this information. If gardening with herbicides, read the labels! Many disasters could have been prevented had the homeowner done so. Initially it can be frustrating to distinguish weeds from perennials or wildflowers as they come through the ground in the Spring. With time that will be easier. Read up on what you want your herbicide to do before going to purchase it and if possible, go to a gardening or hardware store which will have knowledgeable staff to assist you. There are many different kinds of herbicides and you want to match the product with what you want it to do. Some are pre-emergent which means they need to be ap-
8 | Michiana House and Home | July 2022 |
plied before the weeds have germinated. Others need to be applied after. A good source for this research is your County Extension office. Most land grant universities (such as Purdue!) have publications you can print out for free. Some herbicides come in ready-touse form. Other herbicides come in concentrated form and need to be mixed. If you are mixing your own, label the container you will be using! Many a plant has lost its life because the homeowner used the same container for fertilizing their plants as had been used earlier for an herbicide. Another precaution is to watch the weather. Check how long the product needs to be on the plant before it rains so as to not lose its effectiveness. If it is windy, the herbicide can easily drift onto desirable plants. If you live near water, read the label very carefully as many herbicides can contaminate water. And lastly, if there is any chance of runoff from the herbicide you are using, check the label. Many plants have been ruined because they were downhill from an area being treated with an herbicide that kills everything. Label reading can be tedious – but can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Hint: If using a pre-emergent weed killer on your lawn in the Springtime, timing is everything! Put it on when the forsythias are in bloom!
Now to the tools. Tools that can help you in the battle against weeds come in all different sorts and sizes! If you are relatively new to this task and have gardening friends, ask for recommendations. Most will probably have favorites and can give you a basis from which to pick. For weed control a hoe and trowel are a good beginning. For larger areas you may want to purchase a tiller. I suggest picking quality tools to begin with as it will save you time and money in the long run. Treat your tools with gentle care. Keep them out of the rain, clean them at season’s end and they should last a long time. If you are a beginning gardener, I recommend starting with a small area if you are planting a vegetable or a flower garden. Its easy to get discouraged with the weed battle, otherwise. There are more considerations if planning a lawn. Read up on your options before “digging” in. How weed-free do you want your outdoor areas to be? How much time and money do you want to spend? There is no “right” answer to these questions. And remember, gardening is fun. So keep an eye on the flowers – and not the weeds! n
Did You Know? The Fourth of July was celebrated annually in the 18th and 19th centuries, but it wasn’t recognized as a federal holiday until 1870.
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.com
Three presidents have died on the Fourth of July: Thomas Jefferson and John Adams in 1826 and James Monroe in 1831.
One World Trade Center in New York City is 1,776 feet tall to commemorate the year the US declared its Independence from Britain.
... and now you know! Information from Parade.com
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michiana around
JULY 1-30 (SELECTED DATES) | SOUTH BEND
Farmers Market
Indoor market featuring home-grown produce, dairy products, meats, eggs, maple syrup, jams and jellies, handcrafts, artwork, jewelry, more. 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 1105 Northside Blvd. 574-282-1259 southbendfarmersmarket.com JULY 1 | GOSHEN
Celebrate Goshen Car show, locally prepared food, live music, retail specials. 5-9 p.m. Friday Free admission Downtown area 574-312-9922 downtowngoshen.org JULY 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 | ELKHART
Farmers Market
8 a.m. to noon Saturdays Free admission Kardzhali Park, 301 NIBCO Parkway 574-295-7275 facebook.com/elkhartparks JULY 15 | ELKHART
Free Concert Series Featuring High Life 7-9 p.m. Friday Includes food vendors, beer tent, splash pad Free admission NIBCO Water & Ice Park 574-295-7275 facebook.com/elkhartparks
MULTI-EVENT VENUES
LERNER THEATER | ELKHART • July 1, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, 8 p.m. Friday, $30 to $50 • July 8, Steve-O: The Bucket List Tour, 7 p.m. Friday, $35 to $100 • July 9, Todd Rundgren: Unpredictable, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, $39 to $199
10 | Michiana House and Home | July 2022 |
• July 15-17, “Something Rotten,” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, $12 to $25 • July 16, “Disney’s Camp Rock The Musical” all youth performance, 3 p.m. Saturday, $12 to $25 • July 26, “Weird Al” Yankovic, with special guest Emo Philips, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, $39 to $329 • July 27, Lunchtime Kimball Organ Concert featuring Celia Weiss, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, free admission • July 28, Lerner on the Lawn with Latinsoul fusion band Lalo Cura, 6 p.m. Thursday, free admission 410 S. Main St. 574-293-4469 https://thelerner.com
GOSHEN THEATER | GOSHEN • July 1, “Blue Skies,” with Carrie Lee Bland-Kendall and pianist Celia Weiss, 9-10:30 p.m. Friday, $10 to $20 • July 9, Goshen Theater Drama Club Showcase, noon to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, free admission, donations welcome • July 9, “Laugh Out Local: Regional Comedy Showcase,” 8 p.m. Saturday, $20 • July 15, Free Movie Night: “Love, Simon,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, free admission, donations welcome • July 21, Goshen Theater Presents: “All’s Well That Ends Well,” 7 p.m. Thursday, free admission 216 S. Main St. 574-312-3701 goshentheater.com
MIDDLEBURY • July 9 Middlebury Reading Invasion, 10 a.m. to noon, bring your favorite book, in any format, invade the library lawn or East Park or the Middlebury Community Public Library if the weather is inclement and take time to read. • July 15 Flashback Friday Movies in the Park- Family-friendly movie at 8 p.m. in Riverbend Park, 511 E. Warren St. Admission is free.
ST. JOSEPH COUNTY PARKS | SOUTH BEND • July 6, Outdoor Adventures 6th8th: “Dune Day,” 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Warren Dunes State Park, 12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, Mich., $35/child, registration ends June 29. • July 11-15, Outdoor Adventures 5th6th: “Wonders of Water,” 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, campers arrive at 5 p.m. Thursday for overnight and are picked up 9 a.m. Friday, SP, $90/child, registration ends July 4. • July 15, Nature On-the-Go: “The Flight of the Firefly!” 1-2:30 p.m. Friday, SP, free. • July 18-22, Outdoor Adventures 3rd4th: “What’s Happening? Habitat!”, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, SP, $90/child, registration ends July 11. • July 25-29, Outdoor Adventures 1st2nd: “Treasure Hunters!” 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, SP, $90/ child, registration ends July 18. • July 29, Plastic Free Picnic, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, SP, free admission, gate fee in effect. St. Patrick’s County Park (SP) and Brown Barn (BB), 50651 Laurel Road, South Bend Bendix Woods County Park (BW) and Studebaker Shelter (SS), 56960 Timothy Road, New Carlisle Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park (F/B), 57057 Ash Road, Osceola 574-654-3155 sjcparks.org
THE BARNS AT NAPPANEE | NAPPANEE • July 1-2, Janette Oke’s “When Calls the Heart: The Musical,” various show times. Show only: $33.95 to $37.95 adults, $23.95 to $27.95 students, $13.95 to $17.95 children. Meal and show: $63.95 to $67.95 adults, $53.95 to $57.95 students, $28.95 to $32.95 children. • July 14 (through Aug. 13), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Carousel,” various show times. Show only: $33.95 to $37.95
adults, $23.95 to $27.95 students, $13.95 to $17.95 children. Meal and show: $63.95 to $67.95 adults, $53.95 to $57.95 students, $28.95 to $32.95 children. 1600 W. Market St., Nappanee 574-773-4188 thebarnsatnappanee.com
$12/adults 15-61, $10/children 3-14 and adults 62+, free for members and children 2 and under. Summer hours through Aug. 31: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. 500 S. Greenlawn Ave. 574-235-9800 potawatomizoo.org
MORRIS PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | SOUTH BEND
RUTHMERE MANSION | ELKHART
• July 1, “Meet Me on the Island” featuring Blue Lunch Band, 5:30-9:30 p.m. Friday, $7/member, $12/nonmember • July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Fridays by the Fountain, 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., free admission. Lineup: July 1, Memphis Underground; July 8, High Life; July 15, RockDogs; July 22, Southside Denny; July 29, Van Dyke Revue. 211 N. Michigan St. 574-235-9190 morriscenter.org
WELLFIELD BOTANICAL GARDENS | ELKHART • July 2 (through September), Yoga in the Gardens, 6-7 p.m. Wednesdays, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Saturdays, $8 per class or $72 for 10 classes for members, $10 per class or $90 for 10 classes for nonmembers • July 5, 12, 19, 26, Bird Walk, 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays, free admission • July 5, 12, 19, 26, Stories in the Gardens, 5:30-6 p.m. Tuesdays, free admission • July 7, 14, 21, 28, Groovin’ in the Gardens Concert Series, 7-9 p.m. Thursdays, $13/adult, $7/children 3-12, free for children 2 and under • July 11, 18, 25, Beacon Health Nature Walk, noon to 1 p.m. Mondays, free with paid admission • July 11, 18, 25, Tai Chi in the Gardens, 5-6 p.m. Mondays (through Aug. 8), call to purchase punch card Venue is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily, $10/ adults, $5/children 3-12 1011 N. Main St. 574-266-2006, ext. 105 wellfieldgardens.org
POTAWATOMI ZOO | SOUTH BEND July 1-31, Keeper Chats, 11:30-11:45 a.m., 1:30-1:45 p.m., 2:30-2:45 p.m. daily. Zookeepers and education staff teach about the animals in their care. Look for Keeper Chat signs around the zoo.
• July 7, Gallery Talk: “The Nappanee 6: The Men Behind the Comics,” 11 a.m. Thursday, free admission, register at ruthmere.org • July 9, Garden Series: “How Plants and Flowers Have Been Used Historically During Pandemics,” 2 p.m. Saturday, Ruthmere Greenhouse, free admission, register at ruthmere.org All events at Ruthmere, 201 E. Beardsley Ave., unless otherwise specified. Havilah Beardsley House (HBH), 102 W. Beardsley Ave. Ruthmere: $10/adults, $4/students, free for children under 5 with adult Havilah Beardsley House: $5/adults, $2/students, free for children under 5 with adult Tour times on the hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. 574-264-0330 888-287-7696 ruthmere.org
CITY OF FOUR FLAGS | NILES, MICH.
• July 1, Fourth of July Fireworks, 9:30 p.m. Friday, Apple Festival Grounds, 1740 Lake St. Rain date Monday, July 4. • Sundays, Summer Concert series, 6-8 p.m., Niles Riverfront Amphitheater, Riverfront Park, Front Street: July 3, Imphormal; July 10, The Toona’s; July 17, PastTime; July 24, Boogie Woogie Kid; July 31, Darryl Buchanan Trio. Free admission. • July 7-10, Family Fun Fair & Bluegrass Festival, all day Thursday-Sunday, Riverfront Park, Front Street. Free admission. • Free Friday Movie in the Park, 9:15 p.m., Wonderland Cinema Outdoor Screen, 402 N. Front St.: July 8, “Encanto”; July 15, “The Wizard of Oz” (original); July 22, “The LEGO Movie”; July 29, “Back to the Future.” Free admission, concessions available for purchase from Wonderland Cinema.
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• July 10, 24, Niles Homegrown Market, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Front and Main streets. Free admission. • July 21, Third Thursday!, all day, downtown. Free admission. • July 30-31, Niles Burn Run, 8 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday (car, truck and bike show; live music); 8 a.m. through afternoon Sunday (50-mile motorcycle ride, lunch), Riverfront Park, Front Street. Proceeds go to Great Lake Burn Camp for Kids. n
| Michiana House and Home | July 2022 | 11
A
TOLLTURF on the
Common lawn/landscape issues and how to combat them By Julie Young House and Home Feature Writer
Temperatures aren’t the only things that rise during the summer; lawn and landscape issues increase during these months as well. From weeds to watering, mowing to proper fertilization as well as over seeding, experts weigh in on some of the most common problems – and how to fix them. SPACE INVADERS According to Cynthia Ash with Red Hen Turf in New Carlisle, weeds are one of the most common lawn care problems she hears about from homeowners. However, with so many different varieties, it can be difficult to identify them all – let alone fight them. “If a customer has a specific weed they are having problems with, we strongly suggest that they take a photo of the weed,” she said. “We can often help identify it for them and give them a game plan to help them combat it.” Ash said there are three important steps to having a strong, healthy lawn in the summer: They must mow their lawns correctly, cutting no more than one-third of the leaf blade and leaving approximately two-and-a-half or three inches in grass length behind. They must apply the appropriate fertilizers at least twice a year or more depending on the level of maintenance one desires. And above all, homeowners must water correctly. “Most Indiana lawns need at least one to one-anda-half inches of water per week depending on the weather, soil type, and slope. Over irrigation, or under irrigation for that matter, can cause many lawn issues and diseases,” Ash said.
12 | Michiana House and Home | July 2022 |
.com
terstock photos: shut
UNDERSTANDING IRRIGATION Matt Tracy of Horizon Landscapes in Pierceton says many homeowners do not know how to water properly and as a result, irrigate during the hottest times of the day. This can lead to scorched grass and a buildup of fungal disease. Unaware this is the result of poor watering practices, they continue to water, which compounds the issue. “The best times of the day to water is early in the morning or the late afternoon when it isn’t hot,” he said. This gives the plant a chance to absorb the water through their root system rather than the leaves.” Tracy said watering is a science and one of the most effective tools in watering properly is to invest in a drip irrigation system which is better for your landscape than a spray. Also in order for the water to be most effective it is important homeowners dethatch and aerate their yard so the nutrients can penetrate the soil and get to the plant what it needs. “When you are constantly watering thatch, it builds up and becomes a miniature rain forest down there. Annual aeration and dethatching will help homeowners have a healthy and great looking yard.
THERE IS A SEASON Contrary to popular belief, there are some landscape projects that should not be tackled during the summer. Although many think spring and summer is the right time to start new seeding, it’s best to put that off until mid-August to mid-September, which is the optimal time to seed in our region. “Growing grass is not as easy as it seems,” Ash said. “It’s important for homeowners to use a good quality seed and know what is in it. Sod is a little more costly upfront, but it offers instant gratification. Above all, there are some grasses that can tolerate shaded areas better than others. The first couple of months of grass care are very important, so when in doubt call in a professional to help you do it right.” n
203 Wayne St., Middlebury, IN (574) 825-8824
| Michiana House and Home | July 2022 | 13
The new trend in
DECKS ? Sophistication, comfort and low maintenance
By BethAnne Brink-Cox House and Home Feature Writer
In days gone by, summer Sunday afternoons often meant rocking chairs and swings on the front porch, screened or not, especially in small towns where everyone knew their neighbors. In the 1980s, decks became a very popular way to enjoy the backyard, creating an extension of living areas. The last two years of pandemic and quarantine made these one of the safer ways to be outside. From redwood and cable spool tables, styrofoam coolers and charcoal grills, the style has evolved into sophisticated areas that encompass everything from wine refrigerators to built-in cooktops. This year, the use of more railing, LED lighting and a demand for low maintenance are the buzzwords. Brian Voorde of Big C Lumber agrees, “That’s what we’re getting the most requests for.” Big C, a fourth-generation family-owned company with 16 stores, serves everyone from the DIY crowd to professional builders, remodelers and contractors. “We don’t sell DIY kits, per se, although that might
be a good idea! But we can help you plan what you want and then outline the materials you’ll need to make it happen. We’ve had some difficulties in supply shortages, but it mostly has meant there just aren’t as many choices–the manufacturers are going with their main/ best sellers.” The biggest trend currently is composite decking, in use for several years, Voorde said, and Lonnie Ramer of Hoover Lumber echoed that. It used to be when you thought of decks, you pretty much thought of pressure treated lumber, “and that still sells,” said Ramer, one of three brothers –
14 | Michiana House and Home | July 2022 |
Photos courtesy of Big C Lumber
Randy and Kevin, along with Lonnie’s son, Brent, joining as well– in their family-owned business of more than 100 years. ”But this composite decking is a more upscale choice–we sell AZEK, and it’s a PVC product. It has a 50 year fade and stain warranty, and stays up to 30 degrees cooler to the touch,” Ramer said, a big plus during record breaking temperatures. “It still has to be cared for, and has to be treated with a preservative. It’s definitely lower maintenance, though.” As for the trends of LED lighting and more railing, Ramer said, “We don’t get much request for that around here. My clientele is different from what you’d find just 10 miles away, in Elkhart!” No matter what you end up with when it comes to decks– classic design or latest trend, eventually you’ll have finishing touches to add. Eva Wingard at Raber Patio Enclosures, also family-owned since 1987, says they are selling a lot of patio furniture. “One is polyethylene, and it’s made from recycled milk jugs! The other is a more dense product, marine high density polyethylene (HDPE) and it’s more porous.” You’ve likely seen a lot of this everywhere–chairs, benches, you name it–in the summertime, because it’s lightweight, comfortable, and low
maintenance. Wingard said, “It’s pretty durable, shouldn’t break, well, maybe if a tree fell on it, but…it doesn’t require sanding or painting. It’s pretty long lasting.” While the bright, summery colors seen in local parks–teal, red, and so on–are very popular, Wingard said those are most favored by those who buy for beach houses. “If they’re buying for their own home, you’d be surprised at how much we’re selling now that is black or white, more classic and low key. What sells most lately is groupings– we’ve furnished entire decks or porches, even whole houses! Since COVID, we’ve seen much larger orders, because the only place you could really go was outside in your own yard. But we still do plenty of smaller orders, sometimes just a single chair, and some customers prefer to buy a couple of pieces each year. We also sell really deep cushions to make the rockers and sofas really comfortable, and they’re made of umbrella fabric, so they can be left outdoors in the rain.” So think about what you want–cozy, farm home sort of feeling, or elegant entertaining, and come to these three family owned businesses. They’ll help you make it happen and you’ll enjoy your summer all the more! n
photos: bigclumber.com
| Michiana House and Home | July 2022 | 15
Shrimp Scampi Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients: 2 Tablespoons Butter 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil 1 shallot, minced 2-3 garlic cloves, minced (how many depends on size of clove and if you really like garlic) Zest of 1 lemon Juice of half a lemon Cup of white wine 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 Tablespoon dried parsley (If you’re growing fresh herbs in the garden feel free to swap out for the dried) Dried red pepper flake, if you like a little spice Parmesan Cheese Approximately 1 pound of shrimp Enough Spaghetti for four people
Directions: Start water to boil for spaghetti. When water comes to rolling boil, add salt and pasta to cook according to package directions. Heat olive oil and butter together, mince the garlic and shallot. When butter has melted into the oil and is a bit bubbly, saute the garlic and shallot. Zest the lemon over the pan, cut it in half and add the juice. Add the wine and herbs, stir together so flavors start to blend. Lower the heat and add the shrimp; when they start to turn pink, flip them over. This should only take a minute or two. Grate a bit of parm over everything and stir to help thicken the sauce. Drain the spaghetti and toss into the pan - Toss pasta with sauce and shrimp to coat. Plate with a bit more parm on top. n
Ellie Hatcher’s Rum Soaked
Nutella French Toast By Alafair Burke, author
Ingredients: 6-12 tablespoons of Nutella 8 3/8 inch slices of brioche or challah bread 8 large eggs
3 cups milk
2 tablespoons dark rum
Accompaniments: powdered sugar, maple syrup, whipped cream, sliced bananas, berries etc.
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, divided
Serves 1
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
Directions: 1) Spread 2-3 tablespoons of Nutella on half of the brioche slices and then top each with a second slice, forming sandwiches that are about 3/4 inch thick. 2) In a large bowl whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla and rum. Pour about 1/2 of liquid into a pie pan, shallow baking dish or other three-dimensional object capable of holding liquid while you dip bread into it. 3) Add 1 tablespoon of butter to a nonstick skillet over medium heat 4) While the butter melts, place one Nutella sandwich into the liquid, let it soak for a few seconds, and then flip sandwich to soak the other side briefly. (The idea is to coat both sides of the sandwich equally instead of dunking the whole thing.) 5) When the butter is melted and hot, but not smoking, cook sandwich for 3 minutes on each side, or until puffed and golden brown. (If your pan is large enough, you can cook multiple sandwiches at a time. Transfer cooked French toast to a baking sheet and keep warm in the oven. Cook remaining sandwiches in newly melted butter in same manner. 6) Sprinkle French toast with powdered sugar and serve with other accompaniments. n From:The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook, Copyright 2015 Quirk Books, 215 Church St. Philadelpha, PA, 19106
16 | Michiana House and Home | July 2022 |
photos: shutterstock.com
| BRICK-BY-BRICK |
Making Choices
When It Comes To
e om H r ou Y of r io er xt E the
By Dani Messick, House and Home Feature Writer
When planning your home, how much thought goes into the exterior? Kyle Ulrich, general manager of Alpha Building Center says exterior design includes some of the most important factors of your home’s entire design. “In this area.... You have 100-degree temperatures and then six months from now it’s going to be negative 20,” Ulrich said. “It really comes down to the quality of the products you put on the exterior of the home, how well the interior of the house is protected.” For Ulrich, the moving parts of a home are the most important — the windows and doors. “If there’s anything that you want to put money toward, I think it’s windows, doors and garage doors.”
GARAGE DOORS For garage doors, technology has come a long way and personal style is now being incorporated. “For us, they’re custom, constantly,” Ulrich said. “Everybody frames their garage door differently so almost every garage door is a custom piece. It’s a custom width, custom height. Operators have also quieted down in recent years. “Even the rollers that go in the track have better bearing and nylon wheels keep the sound down quite a bit,” he said. Garage door colors matter for style, but for exterior doors, color is important for other reasons. “We are always conscious of what color of a door is going on what side of the house,” Ulrich said. “If we’re putting an extremely dark door with no overhang on it on the south or the west side of the house, that door is going to get hot. ...You’ve got to plan for extreme temperatures, and where the sun is going to be, even the prevailing winds.”
DOORS AND WINDOWS Doors come in many materials including steel, wood and composite. Ulrich explained doors and windows are the most interacted with part of a home and tend to wear out the fastest. On doors, the style of the window can also determine how the homeowner interacts with the space, potential guests and first impressions. Alpha Building Center sells four different window brands it trusts. “We can talk endlessly about warranties and how manufacturers stand behind certain products,” Ulrich said. “It’s also an interactive element. It’s a thing you’re interacting with maybe on a daily basis. They get locked, unlocked, opened, closed, cleaned, and they tip in, they tip out, there’s screens that go along with everything, so choose a manufacturer that has a really good warranty.” Windows are another place Ulrich doesn’t
feel home builders should skimp on price. In addition to the design of the window itself, Ulrich said builders should consider their home design when determining exactly where windows should be placed in a home. “If you want to open up all the windows and have a really nice breeze to your house, what direction is the wind blowing most at your property?” Availability has also become a recent determining factor for many home builders post-pandemic. If you’re not willing to make changes to the exterior wall plan, you may be forced to accommodate longer wait times. Ulrich says that’s not ideal, especially if construction has already begun. It can leave important aspects of the home’s structure exposed. Be willing to make adjustments.
ROOFING Another expensive but worthwhile initial investment for your future home is roofing. “Be careful of people who are just out to make money and then leave, especially when it comes to roofing,” said Larry Schlabach of Masterpiece Metal Roofing. “If you think about it, that is your protection to your biggest asset, your house. If the roof isn’t good, nothing underneath is going to be worth anything.” There are a lot of options for roofing. “There’s a difference even in the metal roofing itself,” Schlabach said. “You can get a hidden fastener metal roof, or exposed fastener, and then there’s shingles. That’s the three typical types of roofing we see in this area. There’s also a metal shingle that’s on the market and we don’t see that quite as much.” Schlabach says for people who plan to live in their home for a longer time, investing in protecting the home is worth the cost of more expensive types of roofing material. At Masterpiece Roofing, only hidden fastener roofing is available, not exposed. He said it matters less what kind you get, so long as it’s quality work. “The most expensive roof is the one that you have to replace,” Schlabach said. He added metal roofing can be competitive despite being a costly install. “Your shingles, usually if you replace them every 15 to 20 years, if you look at a lifespan of 30 to 50 years living in a house, you’re going to spend more replacing your shingles multiple times than you’re going to spend once with the hidden fastener standing seam metal.” n
Photos courtesy of Masterpiece Metal Roofing
| Michiana House and Home | July 2022 | 17
Home Remodeling
BOOM
Continues Post-Pandemic
With increased home values, a growing number of home owners are flush with home equity and are eager to re-invest in home improvements. COVID-19 sparked a demand for remodeling projects (e.g., home offices, gyms and outdoor living spaces) and those trends have continued even as the pandemic subsides. “Extended time at home meant home owners focused on projects that may have [otherwise] been put off,” said Kurt Clason, the 2022 National Home Builders Association Remodelers chair and owner of New Hampshire-based Clason Remodeling. “Many decided to stay in their homes longer, seeking out aging-in-place or universal design projects. As a result, our in-
dustry has not just survived the pandemic, but it has thrived.” Quarterly surveys conducted by NAHB throughout the past year confirm as home prices and interest rates rise, prospective buyers are increasingly losing steam with their home search and opting to stay put. Luckily, with recent advancements in building products and
techniques, it’s never been easier for home owners to infuse new life into an existing property. And not all remodeling projects are as intensive and visible as renovating a full kitchen or bathroom. Sometimes, the smaller upgrades can make a big impact – especially those that make your home “smarter,” for example:
photos: shutterstock.com
Smart Security
The options for smart-home security systems are perhaps more plentiful than in any other category of home technology. Home owners now can easily monitor nearly every inch of their home, and that includes the garage: Several garage door opener manufacturer have created dual-purpose openers that feature built-in cameras and two-way audio communication. This improves security in what is often an overlooked space of the home. And some models integrate with Amazon Key for convenient and secure in-garage deliveries of packages and groceries.
Smart Plumbing
Water damage can be a home owner’s worst nightmare. Failed plumbing can happen at any time and often with little or no warning. Even in existing homes that are relatively new, having an integrated water monitoring system will provide significant peace of mind. Some of the latest — and relatively inexpensive — plumbing products will send ultrasonic sound waves through a home’s main water line to measure water flow. If potential problems are detected, alerts will be immediately sent to the home owner. Customizable features can also be set to automatically shut off the main water line, if desired.
Smart Lighting
One of the more crowd-pleasing features of a smart home is also one that can be among the most affordable and easy to install: automated illumination. But lighting isn’t just about bulbs, cans, fixtures and blinds. There are other “behind-the-scenes” smart devices such as dimmers, switches and receptacles that can be installed quickly to enhance — and automate — devices in any room of the home. The key is to determine early on which technology platform you prefer, ensuring optimal compatibility among your devices and minimizing the need to install additional hubs.
To find a professional remodeler in your area, contact With a seemingly endless variety of new smart-home products to choose from, it’s important to define your preferences and priorities before you begin. Your best bet is to enlist the expertise of a professional remodeler who can help walk you through the process. n 18 | Michiana House and Home | July 2022 |
Builders Association of North Central Indiana 523 S. Buffalo St. Warsaw, IN 574-267-6125 www.buildnci.com
Builders Association of Elkhart County 25428 C.R. 20 Elkhart, IN 574-293-0997 www.baec.com
Builders Association of St. Joseph Valley 105 E. Grove St. Mishawaka, IN 574-258-0411 www.hbasjv.com
Does your home need a little sprucing up? See how these Businesses can make it EASY for you!
Want to place your business here for only $99/month in full color? Contact Karen Johnson
574.596.0169
Assisting Homeowners in Making Dream Homes a Reality
Shipshewana’s Destination Furniture Store... More than 5, 000 Items om!! to Choose From
Professional Members
Full Line of Furniture & Home Accessories Shipshewana
SR 5 & US 20 1/4 mile south & 1/4 mile east of Junction 5 & 20
Mattresses, Living Room, Dining Room, Bedroom, Office, Home Décor and More!
Store Hours
Mon - Fri 9-5; Sat 9-4 Closed Sunday 260.768.7730
WeaverFurnitureSales.com
DONCASTER FLOORING & DESIGN
574-773-7311
598 Shawnee Drive, Nappanee, IN 46550 www.bontragerconcrete.com
Bedroom Living Room Dining Room
Ofce Entertainment Kid’s Accessories
CHRISTINE DONCASTER 1310 E. 6th Street Mishawaka, IN 46544
Professional Results
O: (574) 318-4522 C: (574) 360-1508
Doncaster Flooring & Design, LLC
Your Local Connection For
QUALIFIED & TRUSTED
Open Mon-Sat at 9-5 9 5 and d by by Appointment Appoin App i tment (2 (260) 768-3270 Junction 5 & 20, Shipshewana BrandenberryFurniture.com Customcrafted in the Heartland... the Amish way!
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TM
© Copyright 2015. All rights reserved
Builders and Remodelers! www.baec.com
574.293.0997
RESOURCE GUIDE The New Trend in Decks?
Bathroom Trends
Big C Lumber Brian Voorde, Elkhart (574) 262-4506 brianv@bigclumber.com
Mid-City Supply Co. Inc. (574) 294-5551
Hoover Lumber Lonnie Ramer (574) 831-2378 lramer@hooverlumber.com
Michiana Master Gardener Association Purdue Extension - Elkhart County (574) 533-0554
Raber Patio Enclosures (260) 768-7100 raberpatios@yahoo.com
Brick-by-Brick - Home Exteriors Alpha Building Center (260) 768-4410 or (574) 773-7798 alphabuildingcenter.com Masterpiece Metal Roofing (260) 463-2675 Shutterstock.com
Year Round Gardening
A Toll on Turf Horizon Landscapes Pierceton (574) 551-3146 horizonlandscapes.net Red Hen Turf Farm New Carlisle (574) 232-6811 redhenturf.com
GIVE US A CALL TODAY
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(260) 463-2675
STANDING SEAM
STEEL ROOFING Making Every Job A Masterpiece
Competitive Pricing • Free Estimates Lifetime Warranty • Financing Available Larry Schlabach
2510 S 250 W • LaGrange, IN 46761 Office (260) 463-2675 • Fax (260) 463-3676