inside and out

2 Longmont Times-Call Publication April 22 & 28, 2010

Family Features

Energy is a hot news item. Americanfamilies are closely watching their bud-gets and are concerned about rising en-ergy prices. Political instability aroundthe world has made Americans increas-ingly sensitive about where the UnitedStates gets its energy.

Environmental concerns also are mo-tivating many people to alter their ener-gy consumption habits. With issues thiscomplex, if one wants to facilitatechange, how does one begin? It mightsurprise some people to learn that theycan advance energy independence intheir homes.

The typical American family spendsabout $1,900 per year on home energycosts. Unfortunately, the Department ofEnergy estimates that much of that ener-gy is wasted, taking a major toll on ourbudgets and negatively impacting ourenvironment. The Department of Ener-gy’s Web site (www.Energysavers.gov)offers easy, low-cost ways to cut your en-ergy use, reduce environmental impactsand save money.

• Install a programmable thermostat.Most households spend up to 70 percentof their energy budgets on heating andcooling. A programmable thermostatmakes it easy to set comfortable temper-atures automatically and efficiently,shaving dollars off your bills.

• Use compact fluorescent light bulbs(CFLs). CFLs use about 75 percent lessenergy than standard bulbs, and lastmuch longer.

• Turn off computers when not in use.Turning off the computer at the end ofthe day reduces wear and tear on theh a rd w a re .

• Wash laundry in cold water. Mostloads don’t actually need hot water, and90 percent of the energy used by wash-ing machines goes into heating. Washonly full loads of clothes for more water

savings.According to the National Recy-

cling Coalition, recycling helpsAmericans save energy. It re-quires 40 percent less energyto make paper from recy-cled paper than it does tomake paper from freshlumber, and recyclingaluminum uses 95 per-cent less energy than isnecessary to make newaluminum. Not only isrecycling a great way toconserve energy (andother precious resources),it also produces savings ona variety of products thatcan have a positive impact onthe family pocketbook.

Despite American’s best effortsto conserve, we will continue tobuy and use a lot of energy. Peoplewant this energy to be affordable, reli-able, green and (when possible) fromdomestic sources. Today, more than halfof all electricity consumers in the UnitedStates have the option of purchasing“green power” from their utility. You canfind out how to tap into renewablesources of energy by visiting the UnitedStates Department of Energy’s state-by-state list of providers, or checking withyour own utility.

The Department of Energy estimatesmore than half of the renewable energycurrently generated in the United Statescomes from trash burned at waste-to-en-ergy plants or from landfills that convertgas byproducts into electricity, which to-gether provides enough renewable ener-gy to power or heat more than 3.2 mil-lion homes.

“Americans generate more than fourpounds of trash per person every singled a y, ” says Bruce Parker, president of theNational Solid Wastes Management As-sociation in Washington, D.C. “Solid

Add a colorfulbacksplash

Originally, backsplashes were installed toprotect surfaces from water. With so manycolorful tile choices available today, however,function is no longer the primary concern.

Backsplashes are now an important de-sign element in the bath.

When designing a tile backsplash forthe bath, keep two things in mind:plan on spending a lot of time explor-ing the myriad of options available;bring as many visual references aspossible, like floor plans and maga-zine pictures, to help the designersunderstand your vision.

Tile expert Bruce Levine says themost important advance bathroom de-

sign has seen in the last few years is theimproved sealants available that make it

possible to use almost any material in thebath.

The various tiles work together as a wholein the room. When designing a bath, thebacksplash should not be a separate ele-ment, but integrated into the total design,borrowing from other tiles, shapes and col-ors used in the room.

Each space in the bath – shower, sink, tuband toilet – can be defined with its own tiledesign. To keep the areas related to eachother, incorporate at least one common ele-ment in all the spaces.

Tile choices are endless, including ceramictiles that are either handmade or ma-chine-made, glass tiles in a glossy or tumbledfinish, metallic tiles and natural stone tiles.

A popular trend for bath design is the spalook, which uses soft, comforting colors likenatural-colored stone, soft greens, grays,browns and blues. Water or sea-themed tilesare also popular.

Glass tiles offer huge design possibilities,with an immense variety of color and finishoptions. Glass tiles can be combined to looklike a piece of art on the wall. Homeownerscan even bring in objects like buttons orseashells that can be incorporated into cus-tom tiles.

– HGTV

Energy efficiency starts at home

Your outdoor spaces can be the bonus buyers want

waste companies have long moved be-yond simply hauling trash to using tech-nology to solve these major environmen-tal and energy independence chal-lenges.”

To find out more about how solid waste compa-nies are turning trash into a resource, visitw w w. e n v i r o n m e n t a l i s t s e v e r y d a y. o r g .

Article Resource Association

Many would-be home sellers are con-cerned about reduced housing prices, andthose who are highly motivated are pullingout all the stops to make their homes moreappealing than the competition.

If you’re preparing to sell this spring buta re n ’t in a position to invest in ambitiousrenovations, such as a kitchen remodel ornew hardwood floors, the best advice is tolook to the bonus spaces in and aroundyour home and maximize their appeal.

Decks, patios, sunrooms and porches

have always been popular with home buy-ers, but real estate agents say that too oftenthose spaces are neglected or not used totheir best advantage.

“More than ever before, people look attheir decks as outdoor rooms,” says ChrisFox of Universal Forest Products, producersof Latitudes and Deckorators decking mate-rial and deck accessories. “For some, it’s akitchen; for others, a living room. Deckscan be party spaces or quiet retreats. Withso many different types of deck materials,lighting, rail systems and decorative ac-

cents, it is possible to turn a nondescriptdeck into a great outdoor space.”

Whether working with an old deck or anew one, details count when it comes tostaging. Outdoor lighting on a deck or patioprovides ambience and adds versatility tothe space, showing buyers endless possibili-ties for evening entertainment.

“Buyers always react positively to nicedecks that look like a great place to hangout,” Harrison says. “From a buyer’s per-spective, if all else is equal, it’s true that thehome with the best deck wins.”

April 22 & 28, 2010 Longmont Times-Call Publication 3

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Energy efficiency starts at home

Adding a creative backsplash

Don’t forget about your outdoor spaces

Finding your design style

Adding crown molding

Vertical gardens create privacy

Spring colors spruce up a room

Curb appeal entices buyers

Buying decking materials

Organizers help with a busy life

Deciding on color for your home

Hardscape your landscape

Kitchen and bath trends for the season

Local flower farm displays

Adding a retaining wall

Make growing roses easy

Settle into a luxury tub

Solar lighting creates interest

Creating a hummingbird haven

Adding raised garden beds

Save energy at home

Change out your water filter

Choosing flooring options

Mounting your flat screen TV

On the Cover: This Longmont home was landscaped using manyhardscape elements. Photo courtesy Changing Landscapes

Design by Paul McNeillCheck out more online at www.timescall.com/magazines.asp

Kristi Ritter

Summer Stair

Contributing Writers

Specialty Publications [email protected], 303-684-5275

Specialty Publications Associate [email protected], 720-494-5429

Nikki Downs, Annie Walsh, Nathalie Winch

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This room shows contemporary mixed with traditional design. While the bookcases are a Craftsman style andsome of the accessories are contemporary, the window treatments, area rug, lighting and chairs make thisspace more traditional. Top: This contemporary bathroom shows how a little paint and a few accessories cantransform a room. Below: This bedroom shows how you can use out of the ordinary. The flowers are yardart and the room was pulled together with decals made to match the bedspread. (Courtesy Pam Lampe)

Design StyleRe f r e s h

yourrooms

Simple design rules

Before you get startedon updating your livingspace, Pam Lampe says tostop and think about whatmakes a room flow. Hereare some design rules tokeep in mind.

• Artwork – Adding apiece of artwork to yourmain walls can give a focalpoint to a room, as well ashelp inspire a color ortexture that ties the roomtogether. Remember thebiggest wall in the roomshould have the biggestpieces on them. Lampesays it is important tokeep the scale of theroom in mind when buy-ing pieces. Also, keeprooms intimate by not lin-ing the walls with furni-ture, but create groupingsinstead.

• Accessories – Lampesays accessories are im-portant because theycomplete the space. Ac-cessories can include pil-lows, floor rugs, vases andcandle holders. Acces-sories can also help indi-vidualize your space.

• Window coverings –Window treatments canmake a huge difference ina room, because it addsvertical appeal, Lampesays.

• Lighting – Lighting isoften forgotten and canadd a lot to a room.Lampe says homeownersshould think about am-biance lighting, overheadlighting and task lighting.Updating fixtures can besimple and make a big im-pact.

• Paint – Adding paint toa room is a relatively inex-pensive update. Lampesays if you feel confusedwhen choosing a color, re-member to stick with acolor from the middledown on the paintswatch. If you are lookingfor a punch wall go with acolor from the middle up.To really spice things upinclude some of 2010s hottribal colors, such as sien-na red or orange.

• Flooring – Changingout the flooring can alsobe a great update, espe-cially if you are doing a re-model. From carpet to tileto laminates, the possibili-ties are limitless.

– Summer Stair

By Summer Stair

Longmont Times-Call

Having a stylish living space in your homecan make all the difference and it doesn’t haveto be expensive.

Interior designer Pam Lampe, owner ofHome Matters which serves Northern Coloradoand a contractor for Ideas Unlimited in Long-mont, says anyone can refresh a room by simplyknowing what their design style is and whattheir budget allows.

Lampe explained the top design styles shesees in homes and offered budget-friendly ideasto help make a room feel new again.

Tuscan: An Old World StyleTuscan is a style that is inspired by the ele-

ments of nature. Textured walls, stone, naturalgrasses and heavy furniture are often displayed.

To update a Tuscan-themed room add a newpiece of artwork that incorporates heavy frames

and landscape themes, Lampe says.As far as accessories go, think black wrought

iron and bronze. Choose pillows and rugs thathave texture in fall colors, such as orange, sage,green or golden yellow.

Colorado CasualA Colorado casual design often overlaps with

a Tuscan style. Both styles are about incorporat-ing the Earth’s natural colors and textures.Overstuffed mircrofiber, suede and leather fur-niture is popular because of its easy mainte-nance.

To update your room think rustic. Placeburlap-styled drapes on a heavy metal rod orbuy a new area rug with a texture you can seeand feel. Accessorize with a ceramic vase orbronze statue.

Traditional Meets Sophisticated CountryIn Northern Colorado, this style is often re-

ferred to as sophisticated country, Lampe says,and is more casual than formal. Patterns can bemixed and floral arrangements are dominant insophisticated country decor.

Add a little something extra to your roomwith a still-life piece of artwork, or hangwashed-out cotton drapes on an antique brassor wood rod.

According to Lampe, another great updatewould be to mix and match striped and plaidthrow pillows in similar colors throughout thero o m .

ContemporaryA contemporary room would feature clean,

simple lines without a lot of accessories. It isminimal in design, Lampe says.

To add to a contemporary room choose a sol-id or geometric area rug, or silky, metallicthrow pillows.

For a new piece of artwork think abstract.Lampe says she has had clients let their kidscreate the artwork for the room, giving it some-thing a little more personal.

Eclectic: A Little Bit of EverythingThis design style can include any of the

styles mentioned above, but Lampe says it isthe hardest one to pull off. The key to makingan eclectic design style work is to have somekind of cohesion, whether it is with a color orthe use of texture. “You have to have somethingto pull it all together,” Lampe says.

A fun, personal touch that can be added toan eclectic room is to create a collage on thewall of family photos using old frames. Updat-ing throw pillows, possibly in a bright color,can also make the room pop.


Steve and Lisa Selleck’s new kitchen was remodeled by Alan Hodges with crown molding along the cabinets to give a finishedlook to the room. (Paul Litman/Times-Call)

Crown moldingfinishes off the

look to any roomBy Kristi Ritter

Longmont Times-Call

To finish off an outfit you can add accessories suchas belts, shoes and jewelry. But to finish off a room,adding details like crown molding will transform thespace from ordinary to extravagant, giving homeown-ers a new look to their room.

Crown molding has been used for centuries to addstyle and character to homes, not only bridging the gapbetween walls and ceilings, but also adding a fashion-able accessory to cabinets and built-ins.

Longmont home contractor and owner of A.D. Spe-cialities Alan Hodges says crown molding adds a classyand defining look to any room. And while this finish-ing touch has a history of being associated with tradi-tional styling, crown molding styles today can definethe theme for any style room from traditional to con-temporar y.

“Crown molding is the finishing touch to many pro-

jects,” Hodges says. “But choosing it really comesdown to personal style and choice.”

Using crown molding as a topper to finish off newkitchen cabinets is a request often made by homeown-ers, making kitchens the most frequently requestedroom for crown molding, Hodges says.

He sees this as a trend because many home showsand home improvement stores have made crown mold-ing become a part of their displays, showing home-owners front and center what the molding can add tothe finished look. “The look with and without thecrown is substantially different, and those with it justhave that finished off look,” Hodges says.

After deciding to add crown molding to a room,homeowners get the tough job of figuring out the typeof molding they want to use. With so many styles andmaterials available, the sea is endless in finding theperfect fit for a home.

Most home centers offer pre-milled molding materi-als. While some homeowners will opt for a solid wood

trim that can be stained to bring out its natural beauty,others may opt for a less expensive material, such aswood composite, which can be painted. Hodges saysmost crown moldings are traditionally white to create adramatic effect that is going to pop in a room.

Urethane molding offers great flexibility because it’slighter weight, can be installed with adhesive and mayallow for a larger profile molding.

And if a homeowner has a specific look in mind,custom moldings by a local carpenter may fit theirneeds, but it will add to the overall cost.

Hodges says most of his kitchen remodels wherecrown molding is used, the material is usually thesame as the cabinets to lend an overall cohesive andstylish look. In some bathroom spaces, plastic may bepreferred if it’s going to be a high moisture area.

No matter what style is chosen for any room in ahome, crown molding has become popular because ofits ability to finish off a room with style and character.

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Vertical Gardens

Pe r e n n i a lVines

Grow your own privacy screen with

Clematis – Oftencalled the queen offlowering vines, clema-tis comes in a varietyof colors and flowertypes. Plants are com-pact and free-flower-ing and can twine onposts and fences. Itcan even be grown onthe side of a house.They require full sunor partial shade, rea-sonable moisture andshade at their roots.

Trumpet Vines – Oftenconsidered a vigorousvine, the trumpet doeswell in the Coloradoclimate because thewinters help keepthem under control.You will find them inshades of white, yel-low and reddish-or-ange. They attracthummingbirds and likefull sun, while tolerat-ing different types ofsoil.

Honeysuckle – Knownfor their color and fra-grance, these vines canbe invasive and musthave their own struc-ture to grow on. Theyare easy to grow andlike full sun, but cantolerate some shade.

Silver Lace Vine – Oneof the fastest perennialvines out there, thisplant does well in awarm, sunny location.When viewing it froma distance this plantwill often look like acloud of lace flowers.It does well in roughconditions and isdrought tolerant.

Virginia Creeper –Known for its brilliantred fall foliage andberries that attractbirds, this hardy plantis tolerant of manyconditions and is idealto put against a houseor fence.

AnnualVines

Morning Glory – Thisdistinctive and tradi-tional plant often isknown for its deepblue color, but can befound in other shadessuch as purple, pinkand white. As part ofthe Ipomoea family,this plant likes full sunand well-drained soil.

Moon Flower – Also inthe Ipomoea family,this plant’s large whiteblooms resemble amorning glory exceptthat it blooms at night.As the sun sets, theflowers begin to unfurland release a fra-grance. It likes full sunand warmth.

Cyprus Vine – Thisfast growing, floweringvine produces anabundance of bright,star shaped flowers of-ten within 50 days ofplanting. It attractsbutterflies and hum-mingbirds and is partof the Ipomoea family.

Black-Eyed Susan Vine– This vine offers ver-satility with its petite,colorful flowers withdark brown centers. Itgrows in full sun, butdoes not like reflectiveheat. Available inwhites, creams, yel-lows and gold, it is usu-ally started from seed.

Cathedral Bells Vine –Considered a connois-seur vine for its bellshaped flowers, thisvine can be found inwhite, pink, rose, or-ange and violet. Toler-ates many soil condi-tions, but prefers onethat is well drained.

Courtesy Monrovia

By Summer Stair

Longmont Times-Call

In today’s style of suburban living, homeown-ers may often find themselves relaxing on theback patio while staring into their neighborsbackyard. The close proximity of homes oftenmakes privacy difficult. However, an affordablesolution would be to grow a privacy screen withyour own vertical garden.

Vertical gardens can often be summed up as aform of privacy screen made from a vining flower.It can be grown from the ground up with vines ona lattice or vice versa with the help of hangingbaskets, says Erica Althans-Schmidt, manager ofGwynne’s Greenhouse in Lyons.

To get started, homeowners must first identifywhat they are trying to do. “Are you trying toblock an unsightly object, give privacy from

neighbors or attract a specific animal to youry a rd ? ” Althans-Schmidt says.

With purpose in mind, homeowners can moveto choosing plants. This is determined by theamount of space and weather conditions the verti-cal garden will be subjected to. Things such as di-rect sunlight, complete shade, wet or dry soil andthe sturdiness of the structure will play a big partin the plant chosen and how successful it will be,Althans-Schmidt says.

Whether you want a consistent perennial or ev-er-changing annual, she says to always read orconsult an expert about the plant prior to plant-ing. A vigorous growing plant could be intrusiveto a home’s foundation and may need more guid-ance to grow on the structure provided. The fol-lowing vines and plants are recommendationsfrom Althans-Schmidt on what looks and growswell in the area.


Spice it Up

ARA/Courtesy Tim Street-Porter


Avocado and harvest gold bringback memories of the ’70s, butwhat colors will spring and sum-mer 2010 bring to our homes?

Nature, collections, senses andsymbols will be the drivers for painttrends in 2010. These main driversare interconnected, allowing eachtrend to blend into the other to cre-ate a cohesive look and feelthroughout your space. The fourstylish color themes found in the2010 trend palette include the fol-lowing.

SenseComprised of soft colors, the

sense trend will swaddle and soothethe soul. It engages all five senses asit mixes textures, scents and pat-terns throughout the home. Thistrend also focuses on the details, al-lowing you to make a statementwith even the smallest elements.Colors in the sense palette include

Pacific Purple, Morning Mist, Hy-acinth, Celery, Jade and Sand.

NurtureAs concern for the environment

continues to play a large role inhome design and decorating, home-owners are shifting toward smallerspaces. To complement this eco-consciousness and the shrinking ofcarbon footprints, indoor designand decor trends continue to bereminiscent of the outdoors. Bringthe beauty and wonder of the envi-ronment into your home with col-ors found in natural elements. Col-ors in the nurture palette includeFern, Meringue, Terra Cotta, RiverRock, Mountain View and Cloud.

SymbolA love of architectural shapes

and details from the past help fuelthe trend of symbols in 2010.Moody and complex colors are in-tegral to this palette, allowing de-

sign elements from yesteryear toresurface in modern-day homes.Look for accents with a historicallook and feel to complement thedramatic hues and elegant feel ofthis trend. Spray paint colors in thesymbol palette include Almond,Cherry Red, Navy, Ivy Leaf, LeatherBrown and Castle Rock.

SojournThe beauty and wonder from

across the world can be a greatplace to derive inspiration for yourhome. By combining meaningfulobjects from your personal travelswith rich, globally inspired colorsyou can showcase your belongingsas a masterful collection. This trendallows you to tell a story of yourpast travels and experiencesthrough your home decor. Colorsin the sojourn palette include Ba-hama Sea, Burgundy, Peek-a-booBlue, Blonde Shimmer, NiagaraIvory Mist and Equestrian.

Top color trends will brighten your space

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Curb appeal brings buyers insideBy Summer Stair

Longmont Times-Call

In today’s housing market of foreclosures and buy-ers searching for a great deal, every part about sellinga home has become more crucial than ever. DeneYarwood, a Realtor for Wright KingdomReal Estate in Longmont, says curb appealis vital because a “first impression is oftena lasting impression.”

Curb appeal can also pay off as savvyhomebuyers drive through neighborhoodslooking for their new home or onlinewhere they see outside pictures of thehome before contacting a Realtor. A com-mon mistake Yarwood sees homeownersmake is focusing only on the inside of thehome and forgetting about the outside.

Yarwood gave the following tips on howsellers can get the most out of their curb appealwithout spending a fortune.

• Front door or entryway – As buyers stand at afront door waiting for a Realtor to gain entry, this timegives them ample opportunity to look around.

To make the area appealing, keep the area swept ofdebris and cobwebs for a clean, tidy presentation.Paint the front door and trim or wash it down to makeit shine. Pay special attention to the exterior base-boards so they aren’t chipped or dirty. And it never

hurts to update the light fixture. If that isn’t in thebudget, at least clean it and make sure it has a work-ing light bulb.

• Rake, mow and shovel – While this may seemeasy, it is an area that often gets overlooked. A well-

manicured lawn during the summer, a leaf-free yard in the fall and a shoveled drive inthe winter shows that the home is well tak-en care of not only on the inside, but onthe outside.

• Accessorize – To make a home feelwarm and inviting on the outside, Yarwoodsuggests putting potted or hanging plantsnear the front door to soften the exterior. Anice mat for people to wipe their feet on, aswell as a wreath on the front door alsohelps potential buyers feel at home.

• Curtains – Keep curtains open to theoutside to make it feel inviting and approachable.Yarwood says closed curtains often make buyers waryof what is being hidden on the inside.

• Down to the details – While painting a home maynot be in the budget, Yarwood suggests to at least givethe home a good power wash to make it look cleanand new. Also, keep weeds pulled, papers picked upoff the driveway and bushes trimmed. “Make sure youhave us smiling from the curb,” she says. “You want togive people a reason to go inside.”

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Metro Services

Billed as low-maintenance and attractivesolutions for the yard, vinyl or compositedecks have become the materials of choicefor more homeowners in recent years.They’re supposed to last longer and requireless maintenance than wood counterparts –perfect for homeowners who prefer to enjoytheir outdoor spaces, rather than spendhours each season maintaining them.

But how do composite materials reallystack up against wood? Before you chooseyour decking material, consider the prosand cons of available options.

Re s i s t a n c eNo decking product is completely inde-

structible. Both composite and wood deckscan warp, fade or be scratched and dinged.Wood decks may have the advantage overcomposite materials in this arena simply be-cause of their ability to be refinished. There-fore, if an area is damaged or faded it can bere p a i re d .

DurabilityComposite decks, those made of vinyl,

plastic, polypropylene, polyethylene, or acombination of plastic and wood pulpwould seem to be more durable than wooddecks. It’s true that composite products re-sist weather-related damage better. Howev-er, a relatively high rate of expansion andcontraction can cause composite decks towarp and hardware to loosen. Composite

decks are also not as easy to repair as wooddecks, and must be replaced.

MaintenanceComposite decks will require consider-

ably less seasonal maintenance than wooddecks. Manufacturers recommend certaincleaning and tightening of joint spacing toavoid sagging. However, certain buildingcodes require composite decks be built up-on wood structural supports, so a compos-ite deck could have some wood material af-ter all.

Wood decks require routine staining,cleaning and sanding. This can be time-con-suming, which is why many homeownersseek options in composite decking.

Green FactorThere are supporters and detractors to

both wood and composite decks in terms ofenvironmental impact. Wood decks areseemingly harmful to the environment be-cause of the harvesting of wood and deple-tion of forests, but forests can be replanted.Composite decks are made from plastics,which do not decompose easily whendisposed.

AppearanceMany composite materials come close to

looking like wood, but they may still appearplastic. It’s hard to improve upon the time-less and cozy appearance of wood environ-mental landscaping items.

Choosing decking material

Article Resource

A ss o c i at i o n

Car keys. Mobilephones. Not to mentionbackpacks, tote bags andthe afternoon mail. Stuff.We all have it and mostof us struggle with a con-venient place to hide it.With our busy, come-and-go lifestyles, thekitchen tends to be thecatch-all for everythingthat passes through andour countertops tend toabsorb the brunt of it.

The solution to feelingorganized may be as close as your cabi-netry. According to a recent study by theResearch Institute for Cooking andKitchen Intelligence, when homeownerswere asked to pick from a list of productsthey’d want in their dream kitchens,“customized storage solutions for cabi-nets” topped the list.

Get OrganizedIf your kitchen is filled with small

dropped items that have taken over your

countertops, try creatingsome reserved parkingspace for these items.One option is the UtilityDrop Zone cabinet fromDiamond Cabinets’Logix organization sys-tem, which offers a pull-out shelf with a chargingstation that’s big enoughto hold an entire collec-tion of mobile phones,MP3 players and othersmall electronic devices,plus four convenient,out-of-sight shelves fororganizing other small

items that make up your “s t u ff . ”

A magnetic white board and pencilholder are also placed conveniently onthe inside door, providing a place to jotdown messages and help everyone keeptrack of who’s going where.

A similar version of the cabinet comeswith the slide-out charging station, op-tional shelves, plus key hooks and coathooks to accommodate anything fromhats and scarves to dog leashes.

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Decorating withColorConsider the impact color psychology plays on interior designBy Nathalie Winch

Longmont Times-Call

Wall color has a big impact on anyro o m ’s interior design. But before youpick up a paint brush or roller, youmight want to consider a number ofcriteria that dictates whether or not acertain color is appropriate for aparticular room’s design.

Kathy Tomkinson, a designer atKramer & Kramer Interiors in Long-mont, often does color consultationsfor clients. She says the right colorwalls will create a mood and bringcomfort to your home.

Learning the Basic Language of ColorWhen dealing with colors, it is

important to understand the jargonassociated with them. A hue is aparticular gradation on the color wheel.For example, there are seven hues in arainbow: red, orange, yellow, green,blue, indigo and violet. Shades of ahue are the gradations of color withdifferent amounts of black added. A tintis a color with various amounts ofwhite added.

Within the various hues, there arewarm and cool tones. Warmer colorshave a greater sense of intimacy. Incontrast, cooler colors offer a sense ofcrispness, Tomkinson says.

Match Color to a Room’s Function,Location and Light

When choosing which color to useon the walls, Tomkinson says it is im-portant to consider a room’s function.The right color will fit both the room’spurpose and the mood that purposeshould evoke.

It is also important to consider thetype of light a room receives and itslocation within a home. It may not be agood idea to put an intensely warmcolor in a room that gets a lot of directsunlight, because it would likely makeyou feel hot and restless, she says.

Similarly, you wouldn’t want a coolcolor in a room that doesn’t get anydirect sunlight because it would feelcold and uninviting, especially duringthe winter.

It is also important to note that lightsources, whether natural or artificial,can affect certain colors more thanothers.

Try Colors on Before PaintingAlways look at a variety of paint

swatches in the room before settling ona certain color, Tomkinson says. Shesuggests getting several swatches at onetime and taping them within the wallsof the room in varying locations,looking at them throughout the dayand evening with natural light sourcesand at night in artificial light.

Make sure you select the color thatgives you a pleasing affect, Tomkinsonsays. It’s important to take your time inchoosing a color. A color that doesn’tblend with the pre-existing elements ina room can make the whole design feelu n c o m f o rt a b l e .

Choose Wall Color LastIt is easier to find a particular color

of paint than it is to find fabrics orfurniture that matches wall color. So,when decorating a room, choose thefabrics and flooring first. Once these el-ements of a room are chosen, then it istime to find an appropriate paint color.

Choose a wall color that willcoordinate with your fabrics or afavorite element in the room, such as acollection of dishes, the flooring ora rt w o r k .

In the end, It’s important toremember that everyone is unique.Certain memories and personal associa-tions with color will evoke differentemotions in everyone. It’s best to trustyour own instinct, because you’rethe one that has to live with the finalre s u l t .


The psychology associated with color can determine moodBesides the tips that Kathy Tomkinson of

Kramer & Kramer offers, consider the effectcolor psychology has on a room’s decor.Although color psychology is not an exactscience, research shows people share the samebasic responses to colors. Below are the mostcommon psychological effects caused bycolors, collected from color psychologists atwww.dreamhomedecorating.com. Keep thesein mind before you figure out which hue suitsyour walls best.

Re dRed is associated with energy and passion

and is said to increase a person’s appetite andcan make a person lose track of time. It alsoincreases blood pressure and respiration rate.Red also appears closer than it actually is, so asmaller room painted all red might feel as if it isclosing in on you.

PinkA popular tint of red, pink is a color

associated with femininity. Thus it is especiallypopular among young women and girls. If youwant to use pink in a room that requires abroader appeal, such as a living or dining room,choose pinks with orange undertones thatcreate a more neutral, apricot hue. But pink asan accent, for example, pink furniture in a girls’room will bring a playful cheer to the bed-room. Pair it with purple or violet for extrafun.

OrangeOrange is considered the warmest of all the

hues. It combines both yellow and red hues.Orange will give a room an energetic, fun,friendly and welcoming feeling. Orange, likered, is said to improve appetite.

Shades and tints of orange work best infamily and living rooms, but because it alsohelps appetite, consider using more neutraloranges, such as rust, gold, bronze or amber ina dining room.

Ye l l o wYellow, although a warm color, can cause eye

fatigue and is more attention-grabbing andmuch brighter than other warm hues. Peoplehave been said to lose their temper more often

in yellow rooms, and research shows thatyellow increases metabolism and can upsetbabies. But yellow, used wisely, can bring abouta happy energy and cheerfulness.

BlueBlue is the most popular favorite color

around the world. This hue lowers bloodpressure and heart rate, and can bring feelingsof calmness and tranquility to a room. It canalso make a person feel more spiritual andcentered, and is intuitively used in bedroomsbecause of this. But beware, it is a cooler color,and too much of it can leave a room feelingcold and uninviting.

Tints of blue can have feelings of expansive-ness, like a sky or baby blue. These tints canhelp lift a room and make it seem bigger than itactually is.

GreenGreen is one of the most relaxing of the cool

colors with certain shades and tints thought tohave healing properties. Although more versa-tile than blue, because of the many gradations,it can be tricky to work with green.

One tip is to use several different combina-tions of green hues in the same space,mimicking the way this hue is found in nature.Consider how many hues of green are found injust one small blade of grass.

PurpleViolet, although tricky to work with when it

comes to interior designs, can make a bigimpact. Red purples will act more like red, andblue-ish purples will be cooler and calming, likeblue. The color evokes feelings of royalty andoffers dramatic effects.

Purple can be a rich, deeply satisfying colorand can add luxury to a room.

Neutral ShadesNeutral shades are considered the most

versatile, and are generally found to berelaxing, although some consider them to beboring, too. Consider pairing neutral shadeswith unexpected accent colors to add pizzazzto a room without sacrificing style orsophistication.

– Nathalie Winch

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PhotoscourtesyChangingLa n d s c a p e s

Hardscaping adds interest and creativity tooutdoor spaces for a new landscape look

By Kristi Ritter • Longmont Times-Call

Elements to considerwhen hardscaping

Depending on your vision for your land-scape, there are many hardscaping elementsthat can be included.

• Decks and patios – As the perfect settingfor summertime entertaining, decks and patioscan be built of wood, stone, concrete orblocks.

• Walkways and paths – When decidingwhere to integrate paths throughout yourspace, first study your traffic patterns. Arethere areas that you want people to see, orpaths that you naturally take? If so, creating apath along those lines will add natural directionto your landscape. Paths can be created bystone, rock, pavers, tile or concrete. Interest-ing to note, if you’re wanting a formal gardenstructure, straight pathways lend well, whilecurved pathways lend an informal meanderingmood.

• Seating – Whether you bring in your ownseating with wrought iron or wood furniture,any type of seating lends well to an outdoorspace. You can also nest benches or chairs intowalls you create with stone or rock.

• Fences – While you may love to socializewith your neighbors, having that element ofprivacy is a must-have for most people. Fencesmade of wood, iron or stone can give you pri-v a c y.

• Outdoor kitchens and firepits – Take yourcooking outdoors by installing an outdoorkitchen or barbecue where you can fill the airwith wonderful scents. Firepits not only giveyou a place to cuddle up by on a chilly evening,but a beautiful glow. These items can be creat-ed out of stone, rock or pavers.

• Water features – Ponds, waterfalls andfountains bring interesting sounds to any out-door space. Foundations of these elementscan be made of stone, and nearby rocks keepit looking authentic.

• Arbors, gazebos and trellises – Whetheryou’re wanting to provide some shade or justadd interest to your space, these structuresprovide beauty and protection to any spaceand can be made of wood or iron.

– Kristi Ritter

s the temperatures heat up, manyhomeowners will get the itch toget outdoors and work in theyard. While it’s the perfect time to

dig in the dirt or rake up the winter mess,it’s also a great time to tackle a hardscapingproject for your landscape.

Hardscaping is a term that refers to anynon-living element placed in yards, whichincludes anything from patios and walk-ways to edging and fences. Although plantsand grass are major players in a landscape,the addition of hardscape materials can addinterest and depth, as well as addressentertainment activities and security issues.Overall, hardscaping can make a yard moreliveable and enjoyable.

Many local homeowners turn to hard-scaping as a way to add unique and naturalmaterials to their yards, including patiosand decks, walkways, water features andwalls. Paul Hartman, owner of ChangingLandscapes in Longmont, says almost all ofhis clients want hardscaping materials in-corporated into their landscapes. “Whilelarge boulders add the bones of the garden,patios help to create separate rooms in alarge open space,” he says. “Once you addpaths with colorful plants around it, theyard is a more interesting place to go spendtime.”

When it comes to stone, Hartman saysthey use a lot of sandstone, Colorado buffor red sandstone to create patios, paths andwalls. While these materials come readilyavailable from many local resources, cus-tomers often request them because of theirpopularity. But that doesn’t mean somepeople don’t scour the country seekingunique products to add to a landscape.

River rock and flagstone are otherpopular stone elements to include in out-door space, according to Chris Kerr, ownerof Colorado Materials in Longmont. Theriver rock works great for bordering spacesthrough the yard, while also giving a baseto dry river beds or water features.Flagstone is also a bit more do-it-yourselffriendly, Kerr says, for the ambitioushomeowner wanting to take on thep ro j e c t s .

The use of local products also reinforcesmany homeowners’ wishes to be “g re e n ” intheir landscape projects by using locallyavailable products, Kerr says.

Decks and patios add splendor to sum-mertime entertaining, giving people a placeto relax outdoors and enjoy a well-mani-cured yard. While these spaces can be built

of wood, stone, concrete, tile or blocks,patio spaces can add some pizzazz to anyoutdoor space. Kerr adds that someconcrete pavers are even stamped to looklike natural stone, which can provide a lessexpensive option and an easy project toinstall for homeowners. Add even more tothe space with the addition of seating andwalls that provide cozy nooks that lurepeople in for a seat.

From the rest and leisure space of apatio, walkways and paths force people towander throughout a yard to look at otherareas of interest. Whether a path is createdfrom stone, brick or rocks, the instinct tofollow it throughout a space pulls at manypeople.

Hartman finds that blending livingplants with a pathway creates more interestin the garden. “A winding path through aspace with fragrant and colorful plantsmakes a very attractive space,” he says.

Other interesting hardscape elementsHartman sees interest in is the inclusion ofoutdoor kitchens and firepits. Built fromsandstone or sometimes even topped offwith granite, outdoor kitchens are the latestrage to complete an entertainment area

with all the bells and whistles. Firepits fin-ish off a cozy place with a space to gatheron cold Colorado nights.

Hartman says a design for any yard startswith the homeowners’ vision for the space,whether they’re wanting a garden with a lotof perennial color, easy maintenance or lowwater consumption. With a design etchedout, he says integrating hardscaping ele-ments is easy. When it’s complete, it createsan interesting space people will want tospend time in, while also adding value tothe home.

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Kitchen and bath trendsheat up rooms at home


Does your kitchen or bathroom look likeit’s stuck in a time warp? Then it might betime to update the most-used rooms in yourhome. For inspiration, look no further thanthe National Kitchen and Bath Association,which recently shared its top 2010 kitchenand bath trends.

To compile the findings and determinethe latest kitchen and bath trends, the orga-nization surveyed those members who de-signed a kitchen or bathroom during the lastquarter of 2009. According to NKBA, thetop 10 trends for 2010 are:

1. Shaker style kitchen design2. Maple and alder cabinetry finishes3. Quartz countertops4. Pull-down/pull-out kitchen faucets5. Polished chrome finishes6. Under-counter refrigerator drawers7. Dishwasher drawers for small loads8. Marble vanity tops9. Integrated sink tops, drop-in sinks,vessel sinks and pedestal sinks10. Bronze and stainless steel finishes

In the KitchenMaking a big statement throughout the

kitchen in 2010 is the addition of functionaldrawer appliances. One such example,which has been specified by nearly a third ofNKBA’s kitchen designers, is modern refrig-eration technology. Turning convenience in-to a luxury, under-counter refrigerateddrawers feature adjustable horizontal andvertical dividers to keep frequently useditems close at hand. Perfect for the ultimateentertainer, refrigerated drawers are quiteroomy, typically tall enough to store a 2-literbottle and wide enough to hold items suchas serving trays and pizza boxes.

If you’re tired of running the dishwasherwhen it’s only half-full, consider installing adishwasher drawer. Because it’s indepen-dently operated, you can wash small loadsas economically as large ones. Plus, the ex-tra flexibility to run cycles simultaneouslywith your traditional dishwasher makesclean-up quicker and easier, explaining whynearly a third of designers are incorporatingthis new trend into kitchens, as well.

Another popular element to include in

the kitchen in 2010 is a pull-down or pull-out faucet. Utilized by 85 percent of kitchendesigners, it’s an easy way to make a designstatement at the kitchen sink while increas-ing functionality.

In the BathGranite is the dominant material chosen

for vanities in current remodels – used byseven of every eight designers – however, in2010 alternative natural materials, like mar-ble, will continue to grow in popularity.

According to NKBA, just under half of

bathroom designers utilize marble, as it pro-vides a sophisticated look that’s reminiscentof Roman baths with its regal, refined detailthat exudes a sense of luxury. Plus, marblecountertops provide a stain-resistant, water-resistant, rugged and durable surface.

Polished chrome finishes are anotherbathroom design trend for 2010. Look to in-corporate this chic metal accent into allyour hardware by updating the accessoriesin your bath, as well. You’ll be able to makea big impact with small updates such as newtowel bars and robe hooks.

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BeautifulBlooms

Locals can celebrate livingalongside abundant flower farms

By Nathalie Winch

Longmont Times-Call

pring – it’s a season synonymouswith fresh plants, especially bud-ding flowers.

Local inhabitants can take com-fort in knowing some of the most beautifuland rare cut flowers are grown right herein Longmont. The city and the surround-ing area is blessed with a perfect combina-tion of growing conditions, includingwarm days, cold nights and rich soil to al-low for the harvesting of many rare speciesof cut flowers, hanging bouquets and freshherbs.

Chet Anderson, owner of Fresh HerbCo. for 30 years, has specialized in grow-ing ornamentals, herb plants and cut flow-ers for 10 years.

Although he began his business as avegetable farmer, Anderson says as timewent on he found flowers to be far morecaptivating.

“If you are the type of person to haveflowers in your home on a regular basis,rather than just say for the holidays or spe-cial occasions, you can kind of get hookedon them,” Anderson says.

Their farm includes 6 acres of 30 vari-eties of perennials, including helianthus,scabiosa and red hot pokers. He also growsa selection of annuals across 12 acres ofland and cares for more delicate flowers,such as lilies and dahlias, in his green-house.

Anderson also grows grasses, floweringhanging plants and culinary herbs, such asrosemary, sage, basil and thyme.

He especially enjoys harvesting flowersfor their beauty and the huge selection ofspecies. “The varieties are all over the map– the shapes, color combinations, fra-grances. You can do straight bunches, bou-quets – anything you can imagine,” hesays. “But the enduring quality is also im-portant – to know that they will all have agood base life and high value.”

Anderson says one of his business’ high-est rewards is to be able to put fresh cutflowers in his customers hands and knowthat they will last.

The company provides their flowers andother plants to select wholesale retailersand florists throughout the Front Rangeand at the Boulder County Farmers’ Mar-ket.

Lyle Davis, another local flower farmer

and owner of Pastures of Plenty, has alsoenjoyed learning about the 75 varieties offlowers he grows on his farm and in hisg re e n h o u s e .

A co-founder of the natural gourmetgrocery Alfalfa’s Markets, he sold the busi-ness and grew his hobby of cultivating cutflowers along with other plants and veg-etables into a business in 1994. He growsall his plants on a historic 35-acre farm,formerly known as the Curtinmeyer Farm,in Longmont.

“People thought we were crazy, but wewere inspired by the farm,” Davis says. Heis now the head of only the third family tohave lived on the farm since 1880.

His diverse mix of products can befound at farmers’ markets throughout theregion and he provides seasonal vegetablesand flowers for weekly pickups for themembers of Community Supported Agri-c u l t u re .

He also enjoys fueling his catering busi-ness, Big Bang Catering Co., which servesLongmont and surrounding areas, with theplants he grows on the farm.

“We emphasize the use of fresh seasonaland organic products,” Davis says. “So thecatering company is a main resource forthe farm, and the farm is a main supplierfor our catering.”

Davis says the business of farming, es-pecially rare cut flowers, remains extreme-ly unpredictable. “We ’re always unsure ofwhat Mother Nature is going to deal us,and that’s why we emphasize the CSA.”

Of course the more years of experiencethat both Anderson and Davis put intotheir farms, the more they can successfullycultivate cut flowers. “Flower farming re-quires a tremendous amount of time spentlearning the varieties – what’s going to dowell in our climate, when do thingsbloom, how do you rotate plantings,”Davis says. “T h e re ’s a lot of knowledge, re-search and experimentation to growingflowers.”

Besides selling to wholesalers and atfarmers’ markets in Dillon, Cherry Creekand Evergreen, Davis’ flowers are soldWednesdays and Saturdays at the BoulderCounty Farmers’ Market in Boulder.

S

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Creating interest with wallsArticle Resource Association

The best investment you can make inyour home – both for your pocketbook andyour personal enjoyment – is in landscap-ing. Real estate experts agree that everydollar you put into your yard eventuallywill return $1 to $2 when you sell. And at atime when home values are sagging, that’ssomething to consider.

“With an increasing number of home-owners staying put rather than selling andmoving up, we’re seeing a growing trend ofpeople adapting their homes to theirlifestyle,” says Dave Johnson, manager ofPatio Town, a leading Minnesota landscapesupplies retailer. “That often means invest-ing in landscaping to make better use ofwhat they already own.”

Versatile segmental retaining wall sys-tems enable today’s homeowner to bringplenty of curb appeal to their landscapewhile maximizing the use of their outdoorenvironment. Construction of everythingfrom raised-bed gardens and tiered walls tostairs, columns and freestanding seatwallsis possible with systems such as Versa-Lok.

“You can add some amazing features toyour yard with a modest amount of skilland labor,” Johnson explains. “Fire pitswith paver patios, retaining walls,columns, sidewalks and driveways all arewithin the capabilities of most do-it-your-selfers. Or, you can bring your ideas to aprofessional landscaper and leave the de-sign and installation to them.”

In recent years, segmental retainingwalls have become one of the most impor-tant tools in the hands of landscapers.

“Your imagination is your only limita-tion when working with these systems,”says Kelly O’Donahue, landscape designerwith Villa Landscapes in Oakdale, Minn.“I’ve transformed virtually unusable back-yards into stunning outdoor environmentsusing Versa-Lok.”

It is a favorite among hardscape in-stallers, as well. “The Versa-Lok system isespecially design-friendly because it usessolid units that can be easily cut or split tofit any application,” explains Austin Keay,owner of AKeay Landscaping in NorthBranch, Minn. “They’re like the buildingblocks of landscaping. You can do almostanything with them, whether you’re in-stalling an outdoor kitchen from scratch orputting a new face on an older home with afront-entry makeover.”

Segmental retaining wall systems lend

themselves to phased several landscapingprojects built throughout several years,O’Donahue says. That’s a trend landscapedesigners are seeing more of as homeown-ers have become more cost-conscious.

“Some of our customers have a grandidea of what they ultimately want, but maynot be able to afford all at once. So wework up a master plan for them, they startout with one phase, perhaps a circularpaver patio with seatwalls and a firepit inthe backyard. And that evolves over a peri-od of years to a full-blown entertainmentarea, maybe an outdoor kitchen or bar,along with other features such as gardensor gazebos.”

Sustainable, or “g re e n , ” landscaping, canadd value to your home in other ways.

Low-rise retaining walls can be used insuch features as rain gardens to significant-ly reduce storm water and pollutant runofffrom surface areas. Plantable retainingwalls, like Versa-Lok’s Versa-Green system,provide earth stabilization while softeningthe appearance of a traditional retainingwall with vegetation.

“Plantable wall systems essentially cre-ate a vertical garden while performing thefunction of a retaining wall,” O’Donahuesays.

From “lifestyle landscaping” to “g re e nlandscaping,” t h e re ’s a retaining wall thatcan add appeal and value to your home.Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or look-ing to hire someone, you’ll be able to add anew dimension to your outdoor environ-ment in time to entertain guests this sum-m e r.

Make growingroses easywith these tips

No other flower can evoke romance in thegarden like a rose. As America’s favoriteflower, roses can be found adorning homes inquaint coastal villages to rural farmlands,modern cities to quiet mountain retreats.

“Anybody can grow roses, no matter wherethey live. If you can grow grass, you can growroses in your landscape,” says James A.Baggett, editor of Country Gardens Magazine.

Whether it’s a prize-winning hybrid tea roseyou’re after, the rich colors of shrub rosessprinkled throughout your landscape orcontainers full of blooms on your deck orpatio, with a little know-how, you’ll growroses that are healthy and beautiful and thatyou can show off with pride.

Stress BusterIt can happen to anyone. Even experienced

rose enthusiasts have lost a favorite rose tostressors like powdery mildew, drought orextreme summer heat.

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasonedrose gardener, you can enjoy success with agood plant-strengthening spray such as JazRose Spray, new this spring.

This easy-to use, safe and biodegradable leafspray was developed by plant scientists andendorsed by the American Rose Society.

Simple Tips From the ExpertsHere are the basics for all those who are a

bit rose-phobic and long for rosy success:• Sunlight: Provide your roses with direct

sunlight for at least five to six hours each day.• Soil: Roses grow best in good soil with a

pH ranging from 6.5 to 6.8.• Location: Don’t plant roses too close to

shrubs or trees that will compete for water,light and nutrients.

• Water: It’s best to water rose bushestwice a week, thoroughly at the base of theplant. Avoid late-evening watering that canfoster powdery mildew.

• Fertilize: Fertilize roses every one to twomonths starting in the spring with balancedfertilizers containing nitrogen, phosphorusand potassium.

– Article Resource Association


Top: Bain Ultra luxury tub from Euro Bath and Tile in Boulder. Middle: Hastings Chelsea luxury tub.Bottom: Ayiura luxury tub. (Paul Litman/Times-Call)

BathingLuxury

By Annie Walsh

Longmont Times-Call

Peace and serenity can be difficult thingsto come by with the responsibilities andstresses of work and family. Still, making thetime to relax shouldn’t be a luxury, but anessential part of each day. A few investmentsin your home can turn your bathroom into asanctuary; a place to disconnect from theworld and take some healing time for yourmind and body.

While the housing market is still makingits recovery, redoing a bathroom will keepyour home looking up to date, while in-creasing its value. And who doesn’t want anew bathtub to relax in, complete with mas-saging air jets? Bathroom designs have comea long way and luxury bathtubs are follow-ing sleek and modern trends, boasting newtechnological features, and spa-like optionsin the comfort of your own home.

With new innovative designs in the field,many luxury tub designers are moving awayfrom Whirlpool jets to bubble massage saysSue Kumli, bathroom designer at Euro Bathand Tile in Boulder. “The advantage of usingair is it is a little less pounding. It’s more ofan overall massage and more hygienic.”

Chromatherapy and sound therapy are al-so new popular features. It offers mood al-tering LED lighting that can either stimulateor relax your mind and body, depending onthe color of the rays. Sound therapy com-bines sound vibrations and water to create aharmonious environment. Designed like aspeaker, Kumli says this feature also in-cludes waterproof headphones and remotesso everything can be adjusted to your likingwithout moving a muscle.

New tub materials have also recently beenintroduced. Many modern bathtubs havebeen using wood accents and accessories.“It’s a new material they are incorporating inbathtubs,” Kumli says. “It’s more organicand I think it’s going to be popular.”

Euro Tile and Bath sells a variety of mod-ern brands including UltraBain, Americh,Hastings, Duravit, Sunrise Products and Vic-toria & Albert. “Victoria & Albert offer clawfoot tubs for older homes, an old-fashionlook with a modern take,” Kumli says.Whether you adore the look of antiqueboudoirs and bathing rooms or prefer amore modern, contemporary design in aminimalist bathroom, there are plenty of dif-ferent luxury bathtub styles to suit yourtaste.

When choosing the right bathtub, themost important thing to do is look at thespace and make sure that what you’re choos-ing isn’t creating bulk or clutter. If the spaceis small, a built-in tub attached to a wallwould work well. If the space is larger andmore open, a freestanding claw-foot tubwould be an elegant choice. “People don’trealize that a freestanding tub takes up morespace. You want it to be the star of the

s h o w, ” Kumli says.Whatever luxury tub style you prefer,

make sure that optimum relaxation is yourfirst priority. Trends and designs are con-stantly changing, but if you have a tub thatinstantly brings peace and serenity into yourlife, it will never go out of style. The bathtubmay be a good investment for your house,but it may be an even better investment foryour life.

Settle into comfortwith a new bathtub

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Your guide to home, realestate and gardening

EVERY SATURDAY!


Shedding some light in the yard is evenmore stylish when done with the energyfrom the sun.

Compiled by Kristi Ritter • Photos by Paul Litman

This Malibu square sun poweredsolar light can be used in twoways: either place on a tabletopor mount it to a post. With 15hours of charge time, the whiteLED light will lend hours of light.$31.15, Budget Home Center inLo n g m o n t .

Crackle glass adds to these solar lights by BostonHarbor. With an antique bronze finish, the styleblends into any landscape. The one white LEDlight lasts up to eight hours charged. $11.95,Budget Home Center in Longmont.

Hang these beauties from Malibu on apost for a unique touch to any yard. Thelight inside lasts up to 15 hours. $18.95,Budget Home Center in Longmont.

Boston Harbor’s Column SolarLandscape Light provides superiorstainless steel construction with twosuper bright LED lights that last foreight to 10 hours of charging. $10.95,Budget Home Center in Longmont.

With stainless construction, these BostonHarbor solar lights glow in any landscape.They are available in a six-pack landscapelight set. The white LED light lasts foreight to 10 hours. $24.95, Budget HomeCenter in Longmont.

This two-tiered solar light fromBoston Harbor glows in anysunlight with a rustproofstainless steel material with acopper finish. The super whiteLED light last eight to 10 hours.These lights are available in a sixpack. $49.95, Budget HomeCenter in Longmont.


Creating aHummingbird HavenBy Nikki Downs

Longmont Times-Call

The only thing more satisfying to a gardener than a sum-mer garden in full bloom is being able to share it with some-one else. The right plants and feeders can attract a plethoraof hummingbirds, providing sweet nectar for the birds andlively entertainment for the gardener.

Attracting hummingbirds in Colorado doesn’t take mucheffort on the gardener’s part. Hummingbirds migrate acrossColorado in mid-July, scattering across the plains and gather-ing in hordes in mountain areas. Scott Rashid, of Estes Park,is an active part of a nationwide series of sites established tocatch, band and release hummingbirds to learn about theirmigration patterns and lifestyles. His experience has familiar-ized him with the many types of hummingbirds that frequentColorado annually, including the Broad-Tailed, Rufus, Collia-pe and Ruby-Throated hummingbirds.

Migration routes range from Arizona to Alaska, and Col-orado’s most common hummer, the Broad-Tailed, is knownto nest in the high country of the Rocky Mountains.

Feisty, fast and famished from the long migration, hum-mers will eagerly seek out even a few nectar-filled plants andfeeders for their source of energy to supplement the healthydiet of insects that provide essential nutrients.

While it’s commonly known that a simple bold red may bea bird’s first stop in a garden, it’s important to make surethere are other colors available. Red may be their favorite,

but when it comes to nectar they won’t be picky if it’s dis-guised as a bluish purple.

Marlene Bruning, a hummingbird gardener for 10 yearsand an employee of the Wild Bird Center in Boulder, says ah u m m i n g b i rd ’s keen eye for color works to its advantageeven when the blossom seems completely devoid of the redhues it loves.

A white flower, for example, with the tiniest hint of redburied deep at the base of the flower will draw the humming-bird as far into the flower as necessary to extract the nectar.Light outer shades that darken as the flower deepens playtricks on the hummingbird’s eyes, enticing it into the flow-er’s center to encourage pollination.

As a rule, hummingbirds are said to be attracted to tubularflowers more than broad, flat flowers. While this is helpful inattracting a hummingbird, Bruning says, it is not critical, andcolor can frequently make up for a lack of shape in the bird’seye.

Hummingbird FeedersWith these characteristics in mind, hummingbird feeders

have been successfully designed to cater directly to a hum-m i n g b i rd ’s expectations. Most feeders are bright red, with re-cessed ports leading to a pure sugar-water solution. A placefor the birds to sit while they sip their sugar is common,

which gives their little wings a rest dur-ing the long migration. Some even allowthe hummers to feed at an angle, whichis easier on their beaks and allows themto feed without having to look at theircompetition across the feeder.

“A lot of them don’t like to look ateach other while they’re eating,” Rashidsays. “The more feeders you put up themore birds you’re going to get.”

When choosing a feeder, it’s importantto remember that the first priority,

Hummingbirdsdraw to certaingarden plants

Consider a few of these popularplants to turn a flower garden into ahummingbird garden this spring. Themint family, for starters, is known tobe attractive to hummingbirds.

• Hyssop is a woody plant knownfor stalks of typically purple or pinkflowers. Sonoran Sunset is particular-ly popular, colored in a deepeye-catching red. This perennialprefers full sun, and grows 1 to 2 feettall.

• Most types of Savlia, or sage, pro-duce just the kinds of flowers thatdraw in hummers. These aredrought-hardy plants and take up alot of ground.

• Mexican Sage, or VermillionBluffs, is notoriously successful withhummingbirds. “This is the one that Igot all the action from,” says MarleneBruning of the Wild Bird Center inBoulder. “And it reeked to high heav-en.” Four to 5 feet tall, these also likefull sun and are known for spikeybranches of purple and red flowers.

• Cashmere Sage, also known asJerusalem sage, forms clumps of smallpurple flowers. It can grow in full sunor part shade, comes in shades ofpurple and pink and grows 3 to 5 feettall.

• The Figwort Family also yieldsplenty of hummingbird-friendlyplants. Commonly called the Snap-dragon family, these flowers tend tobe tubular or bowl shaped with plen-ty of nectar inside.

• Coral Canyon Twinspur producesclumps of bright pink flowers abovethe rest of the foliage. They are bothcold-hardy and drought-hardy, 15inches tall and partial to full sun.

• Foxglove is a popular, showyflower that can grow up to 5 feet tall.It sports columns of bright purple,red, pink and blue flowers.

• Penstemon are delicate, bellshaped flowers of pink, red and pur-ple. Deadheading this hardy plant willkeep it blooming and the humming-birds feeding all season.

A few other popular hummingbirdattractors include the Butterfly Bush,Colorado Columbine, Hollyhock andVerbena. If it’s colorful andeye-catching, chances are the hum-mingbirds will flock to it, but ScottRashid, a bird banding specialist inEstes Park, is quick to mention thatwith nature, it is best to “stay awayfrom absolutes.” A well planned gar-den and a few strategically placedfeeders is likely to do the trick indrawing in hummingbirds.


according to Bruning, is that the feederis easily taken apart.

“Cleanliness is imperative, becausemold is deadly for their little bodies,”Bruning says. They also have a knackfor detecting stale sugar solutions, andwill only drink if they deem the solu-tion fresh and clean enough.

Flowering PlantsIn spite of the success of both em-

ploying and selling hummingbird feed-ers, Bruning sticks almost exclusivelyto flowering plants to attract birds toher hummingbird garden. Especiallyfor someone who already has a flowergarden, this can be easier than feedersbecause you don’t have to change then e c t a r.

In addition, Bruning says, plants at-tract just as many birds as a feederdoes, if not more. Rashid agrees, andsays that most hummingbirds won’teven bother with the feeders if theyhave ample nectar supply from flowers.

Bird Feeder SolutionsHummingbird feeder solutions are surprising-

ly simple. Scott Rashid, a bird banding specialistfrom Estes Park and Marlene Bruning, of TheWild Bird Center in Boulder, agree that no hon-ey, no food coloring, no special additives orchemicals are needed, just a simple mixture ofsugar and water.

• One part sugar to three parts water, Rashidsays, is a good solution for early summer be-cause it gives the birds a better shot of energy.Later, a lighter concentration is needed and onepart sugar with four parts water is recommend-ed.

• Be sure to bring the water to a boil whilemaking the mixture, in order to dissolve thesugar. Let it cool completely before putting it inthe feeder and serving it to the hummingbirds.

• Because hummingbirds are delicate and canbe choosy about their nectar, it’s important toclean the feeder and change the nectar everytwo to three days. Clean the feeder with vine-gar or hydrogen peroxide, but avoid using soapbecause it leaves a residue in the bottle.

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Simplify gardening with raised bedsArticle Resource Association

The popularity of urban gardening has explodedthroughout the years, due in part to increased aware-ness about food safety, the financial stresses of the econ-omy and a growing desire to be eco-friendly.

Some of the most enjoyable, user-friendly gardens,like vegetable and herb gardens or cut-flower gardens,perform exceptionally well in raised beds. Plants tend toperform better in raised beds than in regular beds be-cause there is less soil compaction (since you’re nottreading between the plants) and they allow for excel-lent drainage.

While raised beds are extremely functional, they canalso add style to your yard or garden. The organized ap-pearance of the beds lends a structural element.

Quality, durable materials last longer and look better.Western Red Cedar is a strong choice for building gar-den beds because it is easy to work with, rot-resistantand ages beautifully.

Making your own raised garden beds is an easy andfun project – having a helper will make the job easier.Follow these tips and get growing.

• Plan ahead to keep the bed size manageable. A bedmeasuring about 3-by-6 feet is a good size. You’ll wantthe bed to be at least a foot high.

• Buy the materials you’ll need: Western Red Cedar

boards (2-by-6 work well) – four 3-foot lengths andfour 6-foot lengths; Western Red Cedar posts (4-by-4),for corner supports, cut to 18 inches each; 3-inch galva-nized screws, about 35 to 40.

• Cut the ends of the 18-inch post lengths to a sharppoint with a saw – these pointed ends will go into thesoil to support the bed.

• Lay two post lengths down and place two 3-footplanks on top of them (to equal 12 inches in height)and line up the edges along the sides and to the top ofthe posts (the unsharpened end). Pre-drill holes using abit that is smaller than the screws, then put in thes c re w s .

• Now you’re ready to add the long sides of the bed.Place one of the short sections you just made on a levelsurface, with the pointed ends up. Line one of the 6-footboards up so it is flush with the face of the short end,pre-drill holes and then add the screws to secure it.

• Align the second short (3-foot) side of the box withthe 6-foot board so the face is flush with the end of theboards. Pre-drill holes and then drill in screws to secure.Finally, add the other two 6-foot boards on the oppositeside to complete the final side of the bed.

• Flip the box over – it’s now ready to install. Beforeyou put it in, prep the area you’ll be using by turningover the soil and then leveling it out.

Keep water fresh with new filterTime for a change. How old is

your refrigerator water filter?If you don’t remember the

last time you changed it, or ifwhat the dispenser is producingtastes pretty bad, it’s time for anew one.

Replacement filters can beexpensive and sometimes not easyto find. Those for newer modelsare readily obtainable from theappliance section of home centers;

older ones often must be orderedonline.

Still, say the folks at WhirlpoolCorp., it is healthier to change thefilter at least every six months “toensure proper contaminantremoval.”

Timing varies by the type offilter, and is based on either a timelimit or water use, whichevercomes first, the manufacturersays.

What contaminants do the filtersremove? That depends on thekind of filter your dispenser, andicemaker, use. Some filters,including those used by Whirlpool,are certified by NSF International,the testing company, to reducelead, mercury, chlorine taste andodor, and sediments.

– Al Heavens, The

Philadelphia Inquirer

Green your home,reduce energy costsArticle Resource

A ss o c i at i o n

With the arrival ofwarmer weather, it canbe a challenge to keepyour home cool andcomfortable, yet keepyour energy bills incheck. By taking stepsnow to make yourhome more environ-mentally friendly,you’ll not only helpsave natural resources,but you’ll save money,too.

With air condition-ers and appliancesrunning throughoutthe summer, it’s easyto burn up energy andraise costs. In fact, the energy used in the average house is re-sponsible for twice as many greenhouse gas emissions than theaverage car, according to the U.S. Environmental ProtectionAgency. To help you get started in “g re e n i n g ” your home, Ameri-can Standard Heating & Air Conditioning offers these tips.

Pre-set Indoor TemperaturesOne of the easiest and simplest things you can do is install a

programmable thermostat. It will allow you to cut cooling costsup to 6 percent for every degree you raise your thermostat in thesummer

Reduce Energy, Increase Home ComfortFor efficient air conditioning, make sure your system meets the

newest government energy standards. For example, you can saveup to 47 percent on heating and air conditioning costs while re-ducing greenhouse gas emissions with the American Standard Al-legiance 15 Air Conditioner. It surpasses current government effi-ciency standards when installed as part of a complete system, andcools with an environmentally-friendly ozone-safe refrigerant tohelp keep costs to a minimum, even on the hottest days.

Many energy-efficient air conditioner models meet efficiencyrequirements for a federal energy tax credit when installed as partof a complete system. Thanks to the passage of the American Re-covery and Reinvestment Act, homeowners may be eligible for atax credit if they purchase certain heating, ventilation and airconditioning systems by Dec. 31.

Lights Out, Costs DownIncreasing your lighting efficiency is one of the fastest ways to

decrease your electricity bills, according to the U.S. Departmentof Energy. Turn lights off when you leave the room or add in adimmer to see instant energy savings. Installing an occupancysensor that automatically turns lights on and off when someoneenters and leaves the room will also save energy and money. Forexample, you can save up to 50 percent energy when replacing astandard light switch with a Maestro Occupancy Sensor with eco-dim Dimmer from Lutron Electronics.

Shut Out High Energy BillsYour exterior door may be contributing to your home’s overall

energy usage. Newer models often fit and insulate better than old-er models and replacing your old door often reaps both energy-and money-saving benefits.


Sensational SurfacesThere’s more to a floor than you know

By Nathalie Winch • Photos by Paul LItman • Longmont Times-Call

When considering carpets versus hard flooring avariety of factors should be considered: budget, aes-thetics, location, cleanliness and lifestyle.

BudgetCarpet, on average, is about three times less ex-

pensive than hardwood, tile or laminate. But, ac-cording to Troy Wonnacott of Bassett Carpets, hardflooring can also last about three times as long onaverage than carpet.

Both Wonnacott and John Martinez of FamilyCarpet One Home and Floor agree the cost withhard flooring comes from the installation. And,more importantly, special attention should be paidto the preparation of the floor in order for hardfloor surfaces to last, Wonnacott says. The installa-tion of proper under-layments is crucial wheneverinstalling a new floor. Under-layment is the portionof the floor that lies underneath the part that is visi-ble. This underlayment is vital to extending the lifeof any flooring and is the most often missing or in-correctly installed, according to Wonnacott.

One of the least expensive options in hard floor-ing is vinyl, Wonnacott says. The next cost tier in-cludes laminate floors, then ceramic, hardwoodsand natural stones.

Martinez and his staff are excited about a newproduct that continues to increase in popularitycalled DURA ceramic, which looks like ceramic butis actually vinyl. “It’s a luxury vinyl tile,” M a rt i n e zsays. “And it comes in all kinds of styles andlooks.” Dura ceramic provides the low cost of avinyl but the look of a natural stone or hardwood.

AestheticsIf aesthetics were the only factor in choosing

flooring, everyone could simply pick the floor theyliked best and they’d be done with it. But there aremany other factors, namely price and maintenancelevels. Wonnacott warns that a floor that is eitherextremely light or dark will require daily mainte-nance. Floors that require less maintenance includehard floors with a lot of grain, carpets with manyknots or a floor that has a variety of colors and tex-tures because stains, dirt and dust will blend intothe surface.

Other popular options that are both aestheticallyappealing and require little maintenance are hardfloors made of recycled and resurfaced woods thathave been pulled from old buildings and restored.These floors come complete with dents andscratches already on the wood, so they are morepractical and add character and charm to a floor.

LocationHard surfaces are most suitable for high-traffic

areas or places in a home that are susceptible to get-ting wet, such as the kitchen, bathroom or entry-way. “If you put hard surfaces in those areas andcarpet in the remaining areas, then you’re not wear-ing out one section of carpet while the other areas

are still fine, so you’ll get more lifetime out of yourcarpeting,” Wonnacott says.

Martinez suggests carpet tiles as another way toget a longer life out of carpeting. Although carpettiles are slightly more expensive, you can just pullup any tile from higher traffic areas and replacethem with new ones.

CleanlinessCleanliness is another important condition to

consider when choosing between hard surfaces orcarpets. Hard floors are more sanitary than carpets.“Carpet becomes about 40 percent heavier over theyears from the collection of dander, dust and gritthat regular vacuum cleaning can’t reach,” M a rt i n e zsays.

LifestyleMartinez suggests the best option for active

homeowners with pets is a carpet that contains ananti-microbial treatment that is urine proof andstain proof, or purchasing a highly textured carpetthat will hide stains well.

If there is no limit to their budgets, homeownersshould consider a hard surface that has a high PSI,which means it can withstand a large amount ofpounds per square inch. Unless a surface has a highPSI rating, several small dents will appear whenhigh heels tread on the floor. Floors with the high-est PSI ratings include most kinds of exotic hard-wood surfaces.

An affordable option for an active family is ahighly textured carpet. It doesn’t require muchmaintenance and is relatively affordable. Martinezis an especially big fan of polyester carpet. Al-though polyester has had a difficult time escaping abad reputation from the years when it was first de-veloped, carpet manufacturers have perfected thefiber. Polyester is not only extremely affordable, butis also durable, long-lasting and aesthetically ap-pealing.

For something in between the price point of anexotic wood or a polyester carpet, both Wonnacottand Martinez suggest laminate as another great op-tion for an active household. Laminate can with-stand a lot of wear and tear, such as dog claws,crayons or spills, and it is less expensive than natu-ral wood or stone.

When considering what kind of floor is best foryour home, both Wonnacott and Martinez insist, itis important to consider your lifestyle. “You have totell us what you like and what bugs you, and thenwe can dial into your needs,” Martinez says.

Wonnacott adds, “The biggest mistake customersmake is the practicality of their decision. We allwant our houses to be beautiful but you alwaysneed to be thinking about long-term maintenanceof a product. A retired couple of two has differentflooring needs than a family of five with two pets –to think anything differently would be flooring sui-cide.”

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Times-Call Paid Advertisement

The Flower Bin’s staff of experts can help gardeners go localThere is a trend that has grown in-

to a full-fledged movement – go i n glocal.

Going local seems to be the well-deserving bandwagon that sociallyand environmentally conscious peo-ple are jumping on. The Flower Binhas lived and promoted this idealthroughout the last 39 years.

From the corner of Nelson Roadand Sunset Street, The Flower Binhas helped gardeners of all ages andexperience levels fill their gardensand homes with locally grown op-tions for any occasion. The FlowerBin staff has demonstrated an unwa-vering commitment to their cus-tomers and the community they livein, support and help beautify.

Many people use their energy andzeal for the growing season to huntdown the newest, hottest and trendi-est aspects of gardening to incorpo-rate into their lives. Going localnow comes to the top of that list.For The Flower Bin it is at ra d i t i o n .

Customers can find an array ofchoices that consist of mainly locally

produced plants, most of which comedirectly from The Flower Bin and itsgrowing range.

If you are one of Flower Bin’s loyalcustomers, then you have been a

trend leader since your first shop-ping experience. You have been apart of a four-decade tradition ofproviding the best for local gardensand communities.

No matter what your motivation isfor choosing a garden center –trendy, local, traditional, communi-ty support, at-source shopping,expert staff or unmatched selection –then The Flower Bin is, andhas always been, the place foryo u .

Come by The Flower Bin and expe-rience what its knowledgeable pro-fessionals have to offer you in theirarea of expertise: Owners Don andLee Weakland; growing staff JoseGallardo, Mauel Gallardo and Jose“Nacho” Rico; department man-agers Mike Weakland in nursery,Darren Weakland in front end andgrowing range, Luis Mendez andMichael Morris in Hard Goods, RyanSmith in annuals, Rick Schmitt inannuals, Rick Daum in Perennials;and full time staffers Jeanette Friz-zle, Debbie Williams, Kathy Bradleyand Corinna Bozella.

Visit The Flower Bin in Longmontand its professional gardeners at1805 Nelson Road or call 303-774-3454with gardening questions or con-c e r n s.

Mount your flat screen TVArticle Resource Association

So you finally got the flat panel TV ofyour dreams. Sleek, compact and high defi-nition, it’s the crowning glory of your homeentertainment system. So how do you bestshowcase this jewel? The experts advise –take it to the wall.

Wall mounting a flat screen has becomeone of the most popular ways to display aTV; it makes a stunning impression, giveseveryone a great view and keeps delicateelectronics out of the reach of little hands.And thanks to some innovations by mountdesigners, hanging your flat screen has neverbeen easier, or afforded you so much flexi-bility in terms of decor and use.

Here are some hot trends in wall mountsto help you enjoy your new flat screen TV.

Look Mom – No CablesIn the early days of wall-mounting, your

appreciation of how great your flat screenlooked hanging on the wall might have beendiminished by the tangle of cables connect-ing the TV with auxiliary units like cable orsatellite boxes, DVD players and surroundsound systems. A new generation of “cable-f re e ” wall mounts eliminates the problemwith in-arm cable channels that protect andconceal cables.

Don’t Take this LaterallyOlder mounts allowed you to hang the TV

on the wall – and there it stayed, unmoving,regardless of the seating arrangement inyour room or where you happened to bewhen you wanted to watch. If you weren’tsitting right in front of the TV, you might notget the best view in the house. New mountsallow you to move a TV laterally – left orright on the wall bracket – so it’s positionedhow you want it on the wall. It’s also a use-ful feature if your wall studs are off-center.

Other mounts allow for a full range ofmovement, so if your flat screen is mountedover a console table, but you happen to besitting in the recliner on the left side of theroom, rather than on the sofa in front of thetable, you can move the TV for the best viewfrom wherever you’re sitting.

Lighten UpOld-style heavy steel mounts were often

unwieldy to manage and mount, especiallyfor do-it-yourselfers. Mounts made of ex-truded aluminum compare to steel in termsof strength and durability but are muchlighter, making installation easier.

Get Your Motor RunningNot only can your mount move, it can

move by itself, thanks to motorized versionsthat allow you to adjust the position of your

TV without ever leaving the comfort of yourarmchair. A new mount, debuting fromSanus, supports 37- to 56-inch flat panelTVs weighing up to 110 pounds. A remotecontrol allows you to move the TV by ex-tending the mount up to 9 inches from thewall and swiveling it up to 120 degrees. Ful-ly retracted, the mount sits only 2 inchesfrom the wall, unlike older, bulkier motor-ized models that require more depth for them o t o r.

You Can Never Be Too SlimSuper slim is the hottest trend in flat pan-

els and a new generation of wall mountscontinues the minimalist concept by keep-

ing super slim flat screen TVs closer to thewall than ever before. Mounts like the Vi-sionMount LL11 Super Slim mount empha-size the sleek look of ultra-thin LCD, plasmaand LED TVs by placing them a little morethan a half inch from the wall. Proprietarytechnology makes the mount easy to installand allows easy cable access.

More Cable NewsGood quality cables deliver images so

crisp and clear you might think you’re look-ing through a window, rather than at a TVs c re e n . The next hot thing in HDMI cables isa head that pivots 180 degrees, making iteasy to connect to hard-to-reach ports.

Front from left: Luis, Jose, Lee, Mike and Eric. Second row: Nacho, Chris, Kathy, Isidro,Margarita, Chris, Corrina, Nancy, Jeanette and Rick. Third row: Ryan, Katie, Kim, Barband Debbie. Fourth row: Rich, Manuel, Michael and Rick. Not shown: Don, Tamara,Cindy, Alyx, Rebecca, Darren, Stefanie, Megan, Irene, Joanne and Carol. (Paul Litman/Times- Call)

24 Longmont Times-Call Publication April 22 & 28, 2010IO-145757 Buy Local

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