Patrick A Finn

Custom Built-Ins that Fit Your Space

The Banquette… Lots of Seating in a Little Space

Low on space but you need to accommodate ample seating in your dining area, instead of a table and chairs that require additional space to walk around, consider a built in banquette.  Because its slide in seating draws inspiration from a restaurant booth, the banquet offers additional seating in spaces you thought might be just a little too tight.  Place one in a corner, up against a wall, backing up to cabinets or create one as its own room divider to add functional seating and a custom design element in one.

When designing a built in banquette, keep some of these key design elements in mind.

• Seating Size and Shape:
  • A banquette can be designed in whatever shape or size fits the space and desired function.  With a custom built piece the possibility may seem endless, however, most come from modifications of four basic layouts.
    • The Straight Line – Usually located along a wall or bank of cabinets, the straight line creates linear seating for a single side of the table.  Best when designed for a rectangular table.
    • The L Shape – The L shape is designed at a corner, creating seating on two sides of the table.  This shape works well with a square, rectangular or round table.
    • The U Shape – Offering 3 sided seating, this layout creates the most seating in the smallest spaces, but you do end up doing a lot of sliding in to sit.
    • The Curve – This layout can take different shapes, but creates a variety of seating in a more organic design.

• The Additional Storage:
  • As opposed to a chair, a banquette offers the opportunity to design storage into your seating area.
    • Consider a lift seat if you want to store table linens, pillows or other bulky items that quickly accessed from the top.
    • If you are looking for more cabinet storage for cookbooks or seasonal items, open cubbies, or closed cabinets can be designed to access from under the table.
    • You can also design end bookcases built into the seat base, if your ends are accessible.

• Back Up:  
  • There are two main options for back designs on a banquette: no back or a sloped back.
    • If no back is designed, typically the wall becomes the back of the banquette and design functions more like a stationary bench. This is type of design does not need as much depth so it works in tighter spaces. Pillow or cushion back rests can be added or removed desired.
    • A slope back if probably the most popular design, offering built in back support as part of the banquette. The slope back does add about 4” to the overall depth of the banquettet, which is why it is not always possible.

• Customize and Color:
  • Finally it is time to add a splash of color to your eating area. Whether you stain or paint your banquette you have the opportunity to add additional interest through the use of seat cushions, back pillows or decorative inlays or different colors. You can even switch out the fabrics to match different table settings you use.

Custom Built-Ins that Fit Your Space

Do you have the perfect spot of a bookcase?  Would cubbies take your mudroom from mess to impress?  Are you looking for the perfect window seat to curl up and read a book?  Check out our upcoming blog posts for an in-depth look at custom built in designs and final photos.  Get ideas and consider a custom creation for you home.

Warm Up Your Home for Winter

As we entering into January and February, the coldest months of the year for us mid-westerners, here are a few simple ideas to more efficiently use your energy and warm your home on the coldest day.

~Buy a programmable thermostat.  This allows you to set different temperatures for various parts of the day.  Set the temperature as you wish for the hours you are most active in your home, whether that is during the day when  you are home with the kids or the evenings when you are home from work.  During the secondary hours, your home does not need to be kept to such a high temperature.  By reducing the set temperature in your by 10-15% when you are gone all day at work or when you are sleeping reduces how much your furnace needs to run.  This should reduce the amount of utilities you use and your monthly gas or electric bill.

~Place an insulator blanket on your water heater.  This will keep the unit warmer in cooler places such as the basement or garages, where the water heater is usually located.

~Keep the area around your water heater and furnace clear and free of debris to allow air to flow freely in and around the units.

~Check the dampers on your furnace (or duct work) to make sure it is set to the winter position.  In certain homes, there are different air return percentages set for winter and summer conditions.

~Set your return vents for winter conditions as well.  In new homes, there are high and low air return vents located throughout your home.  In the winter only the low returns need to be open.  This pulls the cooler air that rests at floor level out of the room.  If your upper vents do not have an option to close them that is fine, just make sure the low return vents are open.  Older homes may only have the lower return vents.

~Inspect your home for air leakage around windows, doors, and electrical sockets.  Use caulk or weather stripping where possible.  On windows where weather stripping is not an efficient application, purchase window insulator kits (can be found at any local hardware store).  These kits are very inexpensive and take just a little time to apply.  They are much like plastic wrap for your windows and while this may seem simple, it works very well to fix drafty windows.

~Heavy curtains or shades on windows add extra insulation and air barrier between the cool glass and the rooms of your home.  Open shades only when natural sunlight is desire and the sun is on that part of the home.  Close shades when the sun leaves that part of the home to allow the shades to work as added insulation.

~Use your fireplace (if you have one) to add warmth to your home.  Especially if your fireplace is wood burning, it will heat that space without using added utilities as well as give a welcoming atmosphere to the room.

~Invest in a small space heater that can localize heat to a single room or area.  I will be posting more detailed information on different space heater options later this month, so check back.

~At this point it is a little too late to re-insulate your home, but while it is cooler outside, inspect your wall temperature.  Areas that seem extremely cold, probably lack insulation.  I would recommend contacting your local contractor to get a price to re-insulate your exterior walls and possibly your attic/roof before next winter.  Proper insulation makes the biggest difference in the warmth of your home.

Written By: JoAnna Landers

Heat, Just Where You Need It

In my post at the beginning of January about warming up your home for winter, I mentioned space heaters as a way to heat a localized area of your home.  There are several different types of space heaters and they each work best for different circumstances.  I am not going to review specific heater brands for you here, so always make sure you do your own research before purchasing one for you home to make sure you are getting a trustworthy brand.  However, I will shed some light on the different types of space heaters available.

1. Convection heater:  A convection heater takes awhile to heat up and warm a space to a desire temperature, however, once it is warm it offers a steady,  regular and even heat to a room.  These heaters are fan-less, thus rely on the natural air circulation in a room to heat the space, which causes a slower heat.  This model however, it very quiet.

2. Fan Forced Convection Heater: The fan forced convection heater is the same heating mechanism as above, however a fan in introduced into the equation to provide more circulation of the surrounding air.  This additional feature helps heat the surrounding space faster than a conventional convection heater.

3. Oil Filled Heater: An oil filled heater is a type of convection heater.  It typically looks like an electric version of a traditional radiator.  The heater is filled with oil that neither runs out or needs to be filled.  It is completely self contained.  It works by heating the self contained oil and circulating it throughout the unit.  Some units have a thermostat on the unit and can regulate the temperature.  Be careful of this unit however, just like traditional radiators the surface of the unit can get extremely hot so be careful not to touch or let little children near the unit.

4. Radiant Heater: Radiant heaters offer instant heat to a limited area.  These are great for heating localized areas.  Radiant heaters only heat objects within there pathway not the air of a whole room.  These are best used for small spaces and local areas, for one or two people.  Similar to the oil filled heaters some of the radiant heat models are extremely hot to the touch.  Please make sure to purchase a model that is safe if you have small children in your house.

I hope this clears up some questions about the different types of space heaters.  Please use this information in conjunction with your own research to choose a heater that is best for your needs.

Written By: JoAnna Landers

A Warmer You this Winter

In my previous post, I wrote about how to warm up your home this winter.  If you have not already,  you should check it out.  But sometimes, you can do all the right things to warm your home, but you remain slightly chilled during the winter months.  This is only natural, since it is usually cold, dark, and dreary during the winter months of our Mid-west winters.  Here are a few tips to keep warm this winter.

~Keep blankets readily available around the house.  Especially when you are watching a movie or reading a book, curl up with a heavy blanket to keep warm.  Add additional blankets to your beds for extra warmth at night.  There are also several heated blanket options, just remember to turn them off when not in use.

~Drink hot liquids to warm up your insides.  Hot chocolate, coffee, tea, or cider are all great options.  Just be careful how much caffeine you consume if you are planning on going to sleep soon after.

~Layer.  Dress for the colder weather by layering several weights of clothing, or wear heavier clothing.  Keep a sweater to wear when you are in the house.  Always wear socks and slippers around the house if your feet have a tendency to get overly cold.

~After using your oven and turned it off, open it to allow the residual heat to escape.  Just using your oven adds passive heat to the surrounding areas, plus baked goods area always a good pick me up in colder weather…chocolate chip cookies anyone?

~Finally, Be Active!  Most of us get overly chilled when we are leading a sedentary lifestyle.  Sitting on the couch does not allow your blood to circulate as quickly and thus cools your body down.  So take a walk around your house, shovel snow, run up and down your stairs a few times, vacuum, play an active game or video game that gets you moving around.  This will not only help warm you up, but will be fun or productive as well.

I hope this little tips help keep you warm this winter.  Check back for more tips.

Written By: JoAnna Landers

Do-It-Yourself Gift Ideas

So we are getting down to the wire with only 7 Days till Christmas.  I hope you are all ready for the holiday, but in case you need that last minute gift or you just want to do a little something extra this year for your friends, family, and guests, take a look at these Do-It-Yourself gift ideas below.  There are pictures and basic directions, but when it comes to homemade gifts, your imagination is your best friend and the more personal you make the gift the more it will mean to the person you are giving it to.  So take a chance, be creative and enjoy giving a gift this year from your hands to theirs!

From My Kitchen to Yours- Recipe Books

There are so many great holiday recipes out there and each family seems to have the few that mean the most to them and are never missing from a holiday party.  Why not put together all these recipes in a creative way for your family or to share with your friends (only if they are not a family secret!)  You can be very creative and create a scrapbook like book, with room to write new recipes, add photos, maybe even a journal page or two.  For a super simple, fast and easy recipe book, purchase a small 3 x 5 photo album (one where you can insert your own photo in the cover) and some holiday recipe cards.  I know this season both can be found at Target.  Fill the photo album with recipe cards instead of photos and create a fun cover from colored paper with a fun cookbook name.  Fill in some of the recipe cards with your favorite recipes and leave some blank so the receiver can fill in with some of their favorites.  It may just be the book they go to for recipes for many more Christmases to come.

Homemade Christmas Cookie Packages

I don’t know about you, but I make a TON of Christmas cookies and treats at the holidays approach, just for my family, so to make a few more as gifts is not that much extra work.  Wrap them up in some cellophane with a bow and a tag or fill a small Christmas tin with a dozen or so treats.  These make excellent gifts for teachers, co-workers, neighbors and just to have around in case someone stops in for an unexpected visit.  They are super simple and inexpensive.  This time of year you can find tins and cookie boxes all over for just a few dollars and then just fill with the cookies you made.  You may even include the recipe as a variation on the above idea.

Give the Christmas Scent

While you are in the kitchen why not take a few moments to make some homemade Pomanders to spread some Christmas scent this year.  All you need are oranges or apples, whole cloves and ribbon.  Start with the clean fruit.  Punch the cloves into the skin to create a festive design.  The more you use the more it will smell.  Add a ribbon for a bow or as a hanger and place in a warm place of the house.  You can use these as a special package decoration instead of a bow or package a few up together in a decorative bowl and give them as a gift in and of themselves.

Holiday Wreaths and Floral Arrangements

If you have a green thumb, consider sharing your talent with your friends and family.  Everyone loves a nice arrangement for their table or a good wreath to hang on their door. Incorporate some evergreen for color and scent along with red and white flowers to tie in the Christmas colors.  Add berries, or gems for a little texture and sparkle.  Fresh or fake, wreaths and arrangements add an extra special touch to your decorations.  Or get really creative, try using balls of yarn, ornaments, sticks, bells, etc to create a festive wreath.

Hand Painted Ornaments

While this idea might scare you as a little too hands on creative, there are many options from very detailed painting techniques to super simple designs.  Start with clear glass ornaments and glass paint.  You can either paint the outside or the inside.  The inside will give you a creative abstract design of strips or swirls of paint. Take the hanger off the ball and add drops of paint ( try not to exceed three colors as it may get muddy), letting them slide down the sides.  Don’t use too much or it will not dry.  You can roll or twist the ball to create designs as the paint slides down the inside surface.  You can then paint on the outside of the ball, a scene or polka dots, or strips going in the opposite direction.  You can also just paint the outside it you want.  Use small plastic cups or paper rings to hold the balls while they dry.  Make sure they are standing up right so the paint dries properly.  Place the hanger back on the ornament and either decorate your tree or box up a set of four or six as a gift set.  You can even add a little extra detail by using ribbon attached to the hanger instead of a metal hook. To package your ornaments as gifts, try to find a box that will be just right length, width and height to fit the ornaments.  Set the ornaments on paper discs to hold them upright and fill in around them with colorful tissue paper.  Look for boxes with clear tops so your ornaments are shown off and just tie with ribbon and a bow.   Add a little tag for a short Christmas note.

Christmas Crackers

I am not talking about eating crackers, but rather a holiday tradition made popular in the UK.  This small wrapped tube is usually filled with a small treat or toy and a Christmas wish for the person who receives it.  This small package makes a great party favor, stocking stuffer or place setting decoration.  Visit this website to see a step by step tutorial on how to make you own at home out of cardboard tubes and wrapping paper.  They are a fun gift and a great decoration at the same time.    Keep a basket of them by your door for carolers or guests that stop by.  Tutorial website :  http://www.oldenglishcrackers.com/make-your-own-crackers.htm.

Hopefully you have gotten some good ideas you can use to create one of a kind gifts for this holiday season.  I hope you enjoy making them as much as your guests enjoy receiving them.  Remember, with homemade gifts you have the opportunity to really personalize what you make to think of each person you are gifting this year and make something special just for them!  Enjoy!

Last Minute Holiday Decorating Ideas

Focus the colors of  your decorations to create a room (or house) where all the decorations work together. Many different pieces can go together is they are in a similar color group.  You can focus on one accent color or a pairing of colors to create a distinct look.  Try White and Metallic for a sophisticated and clean look.  Blue and White create a winter wonderland feel that is reminiscent of ice and snow.  A Black and White theme with Red accents and natural greens is a more contemporary take on the traditional Red and Green.

Tie all your decorations together by using similar pieces in different locations throughout your house.  Using the same ornaments on your tree, mantle, and in a bowl for a table decoration can spread that color throughout your room.  Using the same decorations as a garland, a mantle cover, a centerpiece and a wreath throughout the house carries a consistent decor theme that looks pulled together and purposeful.

Personalize your decorations.  Take a plain stocking and add an initial ornament (either for each person’s last or first name) and you have an instant personalized stocking for each person.  You could also use an ornament representing their favorite part of Christmas or their favorite gift.  You could even plan it as a gift and give a different ornament each year.

What do you do with all the ornaments that don’t fit on your tree?  Integrate them into your garlands, hang them as a window treatment or in-between the baluster of a stair rail, collect them in a decorative bowl, tray or tied display.

Use your gifts to decorate.  Choose papers, bags, and bows the compliment your existing decor to add decoration as you finish wrapping your gifts.  Gather them under your tree or stack them in the corner for a vertical display.  Some creative wrapping ideas include decorated brown bags, newspaper, or sheet music.

And finally, candle and flowers are always a good accent in any season.  For Christmas choose colors that remind you of the holiday such as greens, reds, and whites and scents such as pine, cinnamon, apple, and sugar cookies.  These little added touches will bring color and warmth to all your decorations.

Be Creative and Enjoy decorating your home for the Holiday!

Fat Tree, Skinny Tree, Tall Tree, Short Tree; How Many Many Trees You See!

‘Tis the Season for lights, and cookies, and Christmas Trees!  Check out the gallery of different trees and stop for a minute to appreciate the various tree designs you see this holiday season.

And the Key Award Goes To…..

Patrick A. Finn, Ltd, of Palatine, IL took home four Gold Key Awards, two Silver Key Awards and a 2011 Sammy Award.  Each project entered presented a unique custom design that the judges thought qualified for an award.  See the list of projects below.

Both the Gold and Silver 2011 Key Awards for “Excellence in New Construction: Custom Homes under 3500 sq. ft.” went to Patrick A. Finn, Ltd.    The Gold Key Award went to a New Custom Home  at 925 N. Illinois in Arlington Heights and the Silver Key Award went to a New Custom Home at 117 S Evergreen  also in Arlington Heights.

Both the Gold and Silver 2011 Key Awards for“Excellence in Remodeling: Kitchens Under $75,000 per unit.”  The Gold Key Award went to a kitchen remodel at 1014 Clarendon Ave in Arlington Heights and the Silver Key Award went to a kitchen remodel at 208 N. Stratton in Mt Prospect.

The  2011 Gold Key Award in the category of “Excellence in Remodeling: Whole House $200,001 -$500,000 per unit” was awarded for a New Custom Addition and Interior Remodel at 1016 N Highland Ave in Arlington Heights.

The 2011 Gold Key Award in the category of “Excellence in Remodeling: Baths $25,001 – $50,000 per unit” was awarded for a New Custom Master Bathroom Remodel at 1234 E Pratt in Palatine.

The 2011 Sammy Award was for “Excellence in Marketing: Corporate Brochures.”

The Homeowner’s Guide to a Home Check-Up

Now that we are well into the fall season there are several tasks that need to be performed around the house before winter.  It is always good to do both a fall and spring home check-up to perform routine maintenance and fix any problems early to save them from getting out of hand.

A detailed check list follows .  This list shows the items that need to be inspected during the fall home check-up.

Grounds and Yard

• -Drain outside water lines and hoses.  Disconnect hoses from the hose bib.
• -Clean area wells, window wells, and storm drains.

Doors and Windows

• -Check weather stripping for damage and tightness of fit.
• -Make sure windows are locked during the coldest months.  This will not only provide a better seal, it will also keep the weather stips compressed and prevent them from hardening.

Roof

• -Sweep debris from flat and low slope roofs, especially if you have a lot of leaves this fall.
• -Visually inspect the roof (for most homes this can be done from the ground) for any damage or missing shingles.  Consider replacing before the snow hits.
• -Clean gutters and downspouts as needed.
• -Check vents, louvers, and chimney caps and housings for bird nests, etc.

Interior Surfaces

• -Check all joints in ceramic tile, laminate plastic and similar surfaces.
• -Check grouting around tubs, showers, and sinks.

Electrical System

• -Check condition of lamp cords, extension cords, and plugs.  Replace at first sign of wear or damage.
• -Test ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI’s).

Heating and Cooling System

• -Clean or change any air filters as required.
• -Clean dirt and dust from around furnaces.
• -Remove window air conditioners for winter.
• -Turn off the circuit breaker for your air conditioning unit so that it can not be accidentally turned on in the winter as this could cause damage to the unit.  Make sure to turn it back on in the spring, at least 24 hours before running the unit.

Holiday Decorating Ideas for Fall!

So… before you start thinking about Christmas and the end of the year holidays, stop to give Thanksgiving a chance and spruce up you house for the autumn season.  The leaves are starting to fall and the weather is turning cold, Halloween has passed, so lets focus on some fall inspiration.

There are such great colors during the autumn season that add warmth and life to your home.  It is all about the warm  earthy tones and bringing the outdoors inside.  Try out a few of these simple seasonal decorating ideas to bring the season to your home.

Pumpkins are the standard decor for the fall season, but don’t always mean you have to go orange.  There are so many different kinds and color of pumpkins, gourds, and squash that can add color to your decor.  Orange is just the beginning.  Yellow, green, white and black also available.  And if the natural colors are not what you are looking for, there is always paint.  Many people carve pumpkins for Halloween, but painting them offers a different look all together.  Gold paint in particular adds glitz and color to your fall decor.

Fresh Fall Flowers also add color and a wonderful smell to your home during the autumn season.  There are so many that bloom in the fall, so I will just offer a short list of the most common: Chrysanthemums, Freesia, Orchids, Gerber Daises, Hydrangeas, Irises, Lilies, Lavender, Poppies and Roses.  Look for these in warm colors of golds, reds, and yellows.  Add some white, green, and purple for a contrasting splash.  Create floral arrangements for around your home or as a centerpiece for Thanksgiving table.

There are several simple arrangements you can create with vases you already have around your house.  Here are four simple options:

1. The Layered Look – Take a wide cylindrical vase that it tall enough for at least three layers.  Start with a wood base of sticks or grapevine and wrap it in a wide circle around the bottom.  Then add some nuts or acorns in the middle.  Add small gourds or pumpkins if you want.  Top with fall colored leaves (real or silk) or some fall flowers.  Let you imagination and whatever you have to use to create your own unique layer vase.
2. The Vertical Effect – Start with a tall vase with a wide mouth.  Fill the bottom of the vase with small pumpkins , gourds, or acorns depending on the color you want.  Add tall stick and branched (either bare or with sparse leaves) to the vase at varied heights to create a tall arrangement great for a side table or floor arrangement.
3. All-In-One – Instead of using a regular vase, create one out of a pumpkin or gourd that size of the arrangement you want.  Hollow out the insides and fill the bottom with a small amount of water (if you are using fresh flowers).  Cut fresh or silk flowers to fill the opening.  In the arrangement the simpler the better.  Keep the variety minimal and allow the container to be your focus with the flowers as an accent.
4. Tiered Ensemble – Create different height arrangements using tiered plates or dishes or varied height candle stands.  Place small pumpkins, gourds, and candles to create a mixed arrangement that highlights the non-floral elements of the season.

Accent your look with a flame.  The warmth and glow of a fire on a cool fall day is the perfect addition to any decor.  Create a focal point around your fireplace, complimenting the fall decor with the fire.  Add candles as well for a smaller accent.  The fire and candles create the sense of fall in both the warmth and scent.  The rustic smell of the fire will add an air of fall to you home and scented candles can permeate your home with the wonderful smells of fall.

So don’t rush through this wonderful fall season, instead make the most of it and create a wonderful atmosphere of retreat in your home from the cool autumn weather.

When Mold Strikes, What to Do!

A Brief Guide of What to Do When Mold and Moisture Strike Your Home.

Mold is a scary word to many but when you are properly informed about how to prevent and deal with mold when it arises you will be prepared should you ever face a situation like I recently did.  What started out as a small water leak in the basement turned into a full-fledged moisture and mold problem that quickly got out of control.  The problem:  the signs were ignored and not dealt with in a timely manner.  So take my warning and learn from my mistakes, become informed about the ‘mold and moisture’ issues and how they should be prevented and dealt with.

Why is mold growing in your home?

Mold is a natural part of the environment and the spores are present in both indoor and outdoor air, so there is no way to avoid it completely.   What you want to avoid is the growth of mold in your home.  Mold begins to grow when the spores land on wet surfaces and are continually fed by the presence of moisture or water.

Can mold cause problems with your health?

There are many different types of mold.  There are the good kinds that area used to make medicines, such as penicillin, the kinds that grow on old food, the kinds that grow from landing on a damp area.  Just as some people are allergic to the molds used to make medicine, molds can cause allergens, irritants and in some cases potentially toxic substances called mycotoxins.  Inhaling or touching mold spores may cause allergic reactions, especially for sensitive individuals and should be avoided at all costs.  (See below for what to wear to protect yourself when cleaning mold).  Mold exposure surfaces with a wide range of symptoms that can be immediate or delayed.  Since research is continually on going, check with your local health care professional, or a state or local health department for the latest information on health issues.

How do you get rid of mold?

You can never entirely get rid of mold, since the spores are always present in the air, however you can prevent and removes mold growth indoors by controlling the moisture levels of the space.  If you experience mold growth in your home, you MUST take care of both the mold problem and completely fix the water problem that is causing the heightened moisture levels.  If you clean up the mold but don’t fix the moisture problem, it is highly likely that the mold will return.

How to Clean Up Mold:

First and foremost, you need to determine if your mold and moisture problem is a job for a professional or one you can do yourself.  Typically a small self-contained problem of less than 10 square feet (3 ft. by 3 ft. square) can be handled by yourself, as long as the moisture problem is also taken care of.  If you plan to do the work yourself, make sure you follow the guidelines on what to wear to protect yourself while cleaning.

If there has been significant or ongoing water damage or mold growth (more then 10 square feet) you will want to consult the EPA’s (Environmental Protection Agency) guidelines on mold remediation and consider hiring a contractor or professional remediation company that has experience in mold cleanup to do the job.

If you suspect that the mold growth has extended into your duct work and the Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning (HVAC) system may be contaminated then you should check the EPA’s page on having your air ducts cleaned.  Signs of a mold problem in your ducts include an identified moisture problem related to your HVAC system or if there is mold growing near your air intake for the system.  If there is any question or you suspect  contamination, DO NOT run your HVAC system at all (not even the fan) as you may risk spreading the mold spore throughout the rest of the house.  If you have already run the system before suspecting the problem, close off the vents as best as possible (covering them with plastic if they do not have closers built into the vent) and air out your house (as long as the weather allows) and run fans to clean out the air.  Have your ducts inspected and cleaned as soon as the original mold and moisture problem are dealt with.

In all cases, if you have health or safety concerns about the situation, contact a professional before starting any clean up work  and limit exposure to the affected area as much as possible until the situation is remedied.

Cleaning Tips:

Fix all plumbing leaks and water problems as soon as possible to prevent moisture issues and mold growth.  Dry all affected items immediately.

Do not disturb mold that is growing until you are ready to completely fix the problem.  Touching the mold will disturb the spores and send them into the air.  If you have not dealt with the moisture problem first, you will just be spreading the mold to grow in other areas.  For hard impervious surfaces, such as plastic, scrub mold off with a detergent and water mixture and let dry completely.  For porous materials, such as carpet, ceiling tiles, upholstery, etc that become moldy, it may be best to throw them away as mold can grow to fill the empty spaces of the porous material and it is impossible to completely remove the mold from those item.

Do not paint or caulk over moldy surfaces as it will not stick and will likely begin to peel.

If you are unsure how to clean an item, or it is expensive or of semi-mental value, you can always consult a specialist to take a look at it.

If you are dealing with a continuing mold issue in your bathroom, your main problem is that moisture in the space.  Increase ventilation by always running a fan or opening a window in the bathroom.  You may even want to install a exhaust fan in the space, but make sure it vents to the outside of the house.  You can also clean more frequently to keep the mold from returning or recurring as frequently.

What to Wear to Protect Yourself when Cleaning Mold:

Okay, while you might laugh at the mental picture or what I am about to tell you, mold is a serious issue, not to be taken lightly.  While you do not need to wear this ensemble to walk by the affected area, it is always important to remember to LIMIT YOUR EXPOSURE to mold in all instances.  These precautionary steps should always be followed if you are going to be cleaning the mold affected area yourself.

1) Avoid breathing in mold or mold spores.  In order to do this you should invest in a N-95 respirator.  These masks are available in most hardware stores with a price range of $12 to $25.  The key to these masks is the filter system they use.  Some resemble a paper dust mask with a nozzle on the end or a rubber mask with removable cartridges on each side.  DO NOT use a normal painters mask as this does not filter out the spores properly.  Make sure the mask fits tight and snug so you are only breathing through the mask.

2) Wear gloves.  The best size is one the fits snug and come up your elbow or middle of your forearm.  Ordinary household cleaning gloves will work, though make sure you use a stronger glove such as a natural rubber or neoprene if you use a disinfectant such as a strong cleaning solution or straight chlorine bleach.  (A mild bleach water solution may not require a special glove).  Always avoid touching mold or moldy items with your bare hands.

3) Wear goggles.  Preferably choose goggles that DO NOT have ventilation holes in them.  Avoid getting mold or mold spores in your eyes.

How do You Know when the Job is Done?

You should have completely removed the mold and all the moisture/water problem have been taken care of.  The affected area should no longer have a moldy smell or show signs of the mold or water damage.  You or others should be able to occupy or reoccupy the space with no complaints or heath problems.  However, there is ultimately no easy answer to this question.  It is a judgment call.  You may as a professional to come and inspect the work that was done to re mediate the problem and confirm it was done properly.

How to Prevent Mold and Control Moisture in your Home:

When you discover a water or moisture problem, always deal with it as soon as possible.

Make sure you are not causing moisture problems around your home by cleaning and maintaining your gutters regularly, modify landscaping so it is at least 6″ below your foundation line a the house and that it slope away from the house for drainage, keep indoor humidity low, and if you see a problem act quickly to take care of it.

Reduce humidity in your home by properly venting to the outside appliance that create moisture, such as stove, dryers and certain types of heaters.  Use air conditioning or dehumidifiers as needed (as long as you don’t suspect them to be part of the mold problem), and run exhaust and bathroom fans or open windows whenever you are showering to keep moisture levels low in the highly susceptible areas of your home.

So in the end…

The best way to avoid mold in your home is to prevent moisture problems that are the root cause.  Acting early and quickly to take care of a small problem will save you from a much bigger problem down the line.  Take it from me, the problem I experienced, if taken care of immediately would not have become the issue that it was.  A simple investigation and fix to a water problem at the beginning would have saved us from four months of problems.  So don’t ignore the signs.  If you have questions or concerns contact a reputable mold and moisture remediation company to get a professional opinion on the problem.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Check out the Environmental Protection Agency’s posting on Mold at http://www.epa.gov/iedmold1/index.html.

Out of the Darkness Walk 2011!

Thank you to all who participated in the Out of the Darkness Walk 2011 for Team Patrick A. Finn, Ltd.

We had a wonderful time walking to raise support and awareness for suicide prevention.  This year the Chicago area walk was the largest in the history of the walk with 2, 383 walkers and raising over $350,0oo. It was a great day to be out in support of a cause.  See some photos below of the day and we hope that you will plan on joining us next year!

Ideas for Labor Day Weekend

So today’s blog is going to be short, sweet and to the point.  We are fast approaching the holiday weekend and all you can think about is kicking back, putting your feet up and enjoying some time off.  But, in case you want to labor a little over your labor day weekend, I have a few quick project ideas that you can finish in a weekend or less.

- Re-arrange your furniture to give any room a fresh look and a new feel.

- Paint an accent wall your favorite color and add a bright splash to a room.

- Create your own art!  Buy a canvas or two and some acrylic paints and brushes at your local art store and create a one of a kind art piece for your home.

- Create a beautiful fall floral arrangement using either fresh or silk flowers to welcome the coming season.

- Organize your cabinets or closets.  While it won’t look like much from the outside, you will be surprised at how much more storage space you create.

- Wash your windows, inside and out.  As fall approaches the days get shorter.  Make sure your windows are clean to take advantage of as much of the available sunlight as possible.

- Clean out the garage or basement.  Plastic storage containers and bins are on sale all over the place this time of year.  Use them to organize as well as protect your storage items from dust, bugs, and mildew.

So, if you decide to do a little work this weekend, I hope these ideas have helped inspire your own weekend projects around the house.  It is amazing what only a few hours of work can accomplish around the home.

Refinished & Reused, Part 2- Home Furnishings & Decor

Every once in a while, you get the desire to change things up a bit, move around the furniture, change the drapery, paint the walls.  Changing up your home decor offers the feeling of a space being new without having to go out and buy all new items.  However, there are times when that old piece of furniture just is not making the cut anymore.  Maybe it has scratches, or chips in the paint, or the color no longer coordinates with the new color you painted the room, and it is time for a bigger change than just rearranging the furniture.  Or you find a great furniture piece at a garage sale or re-sale shop but it is in definite need of some TLC.  Or you are just in need of a unique home decorating idea, well let you imagination run wild and see what you can come up with.  With the creative juices flowing, the sky is the limit for what you can refinish and reuse to make your home furnishings and decor pop with a new and unique look.

A coat of paint goes a long way.  Whether you choose a paint brush, a spray paint or a decorative finish, you can change the look and feel of your furniture with a few easy steps.  For spray paint and decorative finishes, often you can paint right on top of your existing furniture piece without striping the finish or sanding.  If you plan to use traditional paint and brush, re-stain your piece or if the current finish is cracking or peeling, you will want to first strip the finish.  There are basically two options for removing the finish.  You can use a finish stripper, found at most local hardware stores,  that will chemically loosen the paint or stain from the existing piece so you can scrape it off and then sand it smooth, or you can just sand down the finish to raw wood.  If you plan to re-stain the first option is the best.  You want to make sure you do not leave any residue of the previous finish behind.  If you plan to paint, just sanding will work, unless there are already a few layers of finish on the piece.  The decision is up to you and varies depending on the piece of furniture and how you plan to refinish it.  If you have specific questions to your furniture piece, bring photos of it with you to the hardware store and ask one of the workers in the paint department for recommendations bases on what you plan to do.    Once you have stripped the finish you may want to invest in a small tube of wood filler to fill in any cracks, dents or scratches to smooth the surface and give it a new look.  Filling in those dings can make a world of difference when the piece is finished.  The next step is to paint or stain your piece to the color of your liking.  Remember it may take a few coats depending on the color you choose.  And finally, sealing the piece will ensure it lasts and your finish is protected.  Your standard indoor polyurethane will work with most stains.  Check when you buy your stain for what product is recommended for sealing.  With paint, you will want to find a protective coating that works with water based products.  Polyurethane is designed to work with oil based stains and often does not adhere well to standard interior paint.  Look for a clear protective coating with a satin or semi-gloss finish to use on painted furniture.  Ask your local paint department and they will be able to direct you to the proper product they carry.

Take a look in the gallery for some examples of simple projects you can do in a weekend to update and make your furniture just like new.  I transformed our small breakfast without even stripping the finish.  A fairly inexpensive piece, with a laminate table top and solid wood legs and chairs looks brand new with a few cans of all surface spray paint and new cushions.  The total makeover, including the cushions cost less than $75.  There is no way you could buy a new table set for that.  I also found a coffee table sitting on the side of the road with a FREE sign on it.  It has great character and wonderful details on the legs and hardware, but the finish was scratched and dented and it did not match the dark wood tables in the rest of my family room, so i decided to paint it.  Because of the stained finish and the dents and dings in the surface, I decided to sand down the existing finish (because I was going to paint it) in order to remove some of the minor scratches in the finish.  I filled in the larger dents with wood filler and sanded those down to make a smooth surface.  I left a few of the minor imperfections to add character and charm to the piece.  I did end up spray painting the table instead of using a brush for the sake of time, but either would have worked.  About three coats of satin spray paint on the entire table got the coverage I was looking for.  I decided to only add the protective sealer to the table top and edges since that is what will see that most use.  Because I used a darker finish, the details of the legs are not as apparent anymore, so I intend to take some metallic paint and add a bit of dry brush accent in those areas, just to pop the details.  A new coat of metallic spray paint to the draw pulls (leftover from the porch swing) finished the look and added a shiny touch.

In addition to a new coat of paint or stain, there are many options you have to add detail and a unique touch to your ‘new’ piece of furniture.  Adding additional piece of molding or panels creates interest and the ability to change up the design through color and texture.  The typical hall bench, illustrated in the gallery, is personalized with three panels made from wood molding strips with fabric insets to add color and visual interest.  You could incorporate coordinating colors to other pieces of furniture or the room color and these can be design to be interchangeable for the next time you redecorate.  Also keep in mind the hardware you use.  If your piece still has all the original hardware, they may only need a little cleaning or fresh coat of metallic paint to make them good as new.  A lot of times a piece starts to look old because handles or pull are missing or broken, so instead of trying to match the existing, look into getting new hardware for the entire piece.  You can usually find inexpensive but nice pieces to use as is or paint to your liking and finish off the look with a cohesive design.

In addition to reusing your furniture, you can also re-purpose furniture and other items to make your space unique.  Say you have a unused armoire or storage bench in one of your bedrooms, it may work great in your family room as a new entertainment unit.  Update the look to match your family room decor, add your television, dvd player and other equipment and you have a newly purposed piece.  Create a end table out of just about anything.  A large tree section makes a rustic place to set your drink or book.  A pile of old books (larger is better) can create a artistic use for those you never look through anymore.  Sturdy old milk crates with a panel of wood or glass spanning the distance is a retro look that offers storage below and function above (great for a college dorm too).  Change up your couch with a slip cover and decorative pillows for a quick and easy change.  And use decorative storage boxes, bins, and baskets as a organizational tool.  Throw blankets, magazines, toys, books, etc in them as a way to keep your room tidy with a decorative flare.

Now that I have hopefully filled your head with ideas of how to update your home by refinishing and reusing your decor, I want to share one of my decorative projects that is pretty out of the box but may inspire you to think beyond the normal.  So I was shopping at a re-sale store and came across a formal prom dress hanging on a rack.  Now I was not in need of a prom dress, but it was made from brown satin and I could see it’s potential.  I needed curtains for the eating area in my new apartment and this could work.  With some creative cutting and sewing, this prom dress turned into some pretty cool looking curtains.  I even had the decorative sash leftover for a wall detail in the corner.  Now I am not saying you need to make curtains out of a prom dress, but let it inspire you to think creatively about your next project and see what you can refinish and reuse in a new way!

Written By: JoAnna Landers

Refinished & Reused, Part 1- The Great Outdoors

Are you tired of your old outdoor furniture or do you have a great piece that is just not in the best of condition. No matter if it is an old bench, patio set, fire pit, or picnic table, there are many ways to freshen up and make those old treasures sparkle like new. Here’s how…

Now I am not the one to say take the easy way out, but sometimes it works. I recently have been working on some projects around my house both inside and out, and have come to find that spray paint is my new best friend when it comes to making my old rugged pieces seem new. While it is not a fix all (like some believe duct tape to be), it does a great job of giving a face-lift to those old tired pieces of furniture.

1) Lets start with the metals. Are your metal patio chairs getting a little old and rusted out from the rain, or is your porch swing frame getting a little orange looking? Try a Rustoleum spray paint, designed to adhere to metal and eliminate your rusty spots. Remember this is just to cover surface rust, always check the strength of rusty metal items to make sure the rust has not damaged the structural integrity of your piece. I do not want you sitting down and your chair or swing falling apart because it rusted through.  You can also make your fire pit or charcoal grill look good as new.  Especially if you allow your fire pit to weather the elements, it may have rust damage from rain and continued use.  Make sure you purchase a special spray paints designed for high heat that can remedy your rust problems with a new layer that will make your fire pit or grill look good as new.  Use a metal wire brush to clean off as much rust as possible before applying a even coat of paint to the entire bowl.  Make sure to coat both the interior and exterior to cover all the rust.  You can even spray your cover if that needs a new look as well.

2) Next onto the Wood.  While you can use spray paint on wood products too, depending on the look you are going for, you may want to sand and re-stain your outdoor wood furniture for a more natural look.  You can re-stain directly over your weathered wood fence, but for furniture you may want to sand down the surface to smooth it out and then apply new stain.  If you sand down the current finish on any outdoor wood products, it would be good to add a final coat of polyurethane to protect your finished product.  This will add a water resistant finish to your furniture pieces and add an additional layer of resistance to rot and insects.   If you are not interested in the natural color of the wood, paint is a great options.  If you choose to spray paint, make sure it is designed for wood and outdoor weather, or select a traditional exterior paint that you can apply with a brush.  If you choose to paint your furniture, you may still want to apply a clear protective coating depending on the location and use of the piece.  Select one that will work with water based paint.  You do not want to use the same clear coat as the oil based stain as that material will react negatively with the water based paint.  Check with your local home improvement or paint store to find out what product they recommend for the paint product you are using.

3) Finally lets look at what we can do with the plastics.  Plastic outdoor furniture is a pretty inexpensive way to populate your backyard and offer ample seating for guests and most pieces are fairly comfortable and nice looking when you first purchase them.  But white pieces get dirty and stained quickly and color pieces fade in the sun and not quite as bright after a few summers of use.  So even though they are not too expensive, there is no need to go out and replace perfectly good pieces just because they are a little color worn.  Revive them with a new coat of bright paint.  For a long time, you had few options for plastic.  Because of the slick finish, paint would slide right off and not stick to a plastic chair.  There are new spray paints out there designed specially for plastic.  So you can touch up your existing pieces by matching the existing colors or try something new and add some color to brighten up your outdoor space.

Take a look at a recent project I finished that used several of the above idea with a enjoyable outcome.  The treasure as an old porch swing found on the side of the road on junk day.  It was in bad shape.  The metal frame was all rusted, the bolts were pretty much worthless, the small slats were pretty mossy and cracked, the wider slats were salvageable, and the chain was gone on one side.  Plus it was a porch swing and we don’t have a porch to hang it from.  So… our solution… take apart the swing, refinish it, and reuse it.  The small slats needed to be replaced, and all of them were sanded and painted white to create a clean bright look.  We painted the rusty metal frame with a rust proof metallic paint and replaced the bolts with new ones to guarantee the strength.  We also bought a new porch swing chain set to hang the swing.  And to address the no porch issue… we built a freestanding frame to hang the swing from.  Fie 8′ 4″ x 4″ posts created the two A-frame sides and the horizontal piece to hang the swing from.  Braces and shelves add rigidity and decoration to the ensemble.  We stained and urethaned the whole piece thoroughly to resist bugs, rot, and mildew.  Treated lumber or cedar should be used for added resistance to the outdoor elements. One all was finished, assembly was all that was left and then it was ready to enjoy.

So maybe you don’t  need to go on a shopping spree for new outdoor furniture to revamp your backyard, just take a trip to you paint store and refresh you finish.   You can reuse a lot of your existing pieces by just taking a little time to refinish them.

Written By: JoAnna Landers

Specialty Rooms: The Backyard

Outdoor living is becoming a growing trend throughout the country.  Even if you live in a climate like ours here in Chicago, there are still enough nice days, that having a relaxing place outside to spend a few hours of your day or throw a barbecue party for your friends is something we all enjoy.  Whether you have a modest patio or an extravagant tiered deck, pool and outdoor kitchen, a designed outdoor space is an amenity to any home.  I realize many of you reading this may already have a designed backyard space, that’s great.  Maybe you can pick out a few ideas to spruce up your design to enhance your outdoor experience.  For the rest of you who may be starting from scratch or want to tear down what you have and start over, below are some ideas on the foundations of backyard design and some extras that make each outdoor experience unique.

The Patio versus the Deck

There are different options to choose from when you are looking into designing your backyard.  Maybe the first one to address is the patio versus the deck.  Each has their own design qualities for similar functions, so which one do you choose?  The patio is typically lower to the ground, made of a hard surface material, such as concrete, pavers or stone, and integrates more into the landscape of the yard.  The deck is typically elevated off the ground (does not have to be by much), made out of a wood or composite decking material, and defined as a more separate space from the rest of the yard usually through transitions created by railings and stairs.  Your best option… what fits into your space and overall design goals.  Sometimes the two can even be used together to create a layered complex design that offers variety and versatility of the space.

First lets talk about the patio.  Poured concrete is one of the most common materials because of its economy and versatility of shape and design.  Concrete can be stamped, formed to look like stone, stained, or divided to create a pattern.  It is a durable material, especially in cold and wet climates, but is imperious and does not allow water to drain well.  A slight slope to the edge or a drain may benefit a large patio constructed out of concrete.  Brick or Stone pavers are another common material for durability and design options.   They offer a variety of material options as well as patterns when installed.  Keep in mind the area where you lie when choosing your paver material, some are better suited for cold climates and others for warmer climates.   When you go to select your material ask which ones are best for your local region.  Paver also offer better drainage in wetter climates, when laid with sand or stone chips the water is able to drain through to the ground below.  Gravel is also an option for your patio.  Now I am not talking about your boring filler gravel, but decorative made from stones and other materials offers a textured surface.  Gravel works well for paths connecting patios or for different surfaces of a tiered patio.  It also makes a nice decorative edging to keep grass and weeds from growing into the edges of your formal patio.

The deck offers an elevated defined space that can be a single level or tiered, tied into a patio or your backyard, or set apart as a distinct space.  The deck also offers the opportunity to transition from a story above grade down to your backyard from the outside of the house.  this is especially nice when you are working with a two story to split level home and want access outside from more than one spot.  When it comes to decking there are two main options: wood or composite.  Wood tends to be the more economical option, however typically requires more maintenance over the years.  When choosing a wood for outdoor use, select treated lumber or cedar for the best durability of material.  You want to make sure you select a outdoor grade wood to avoid mold and rot.  If you choose composite, you may pay a little more upfront for the product.  It tends to be more than traditional wood, but you do not have the same maintenance costs and concerns over the lifespan of the deck.

Something Over your Head

Creating a covering offers a protected area to enjoy the outdoors, even in inclement weather. Especially in an area like Chicago, it is nice to have a covered area to escape the rain or sun and enjoy the fresh outdoor air but in a more defined space.  This concept it treated more like an outdoor room.  The sides of the enclosure are still open and allow breezes to flow through the space.  Designing a space under a balcony or a second floor overhang creates an outdoor room right off the house.  Other options include a gazebo, a pavilion or a pergola over a patio or deck to better define the outdoor space.  Creating a covered space also protects the contents better from the elements, so your furniture and decorations will not be as affected by the sun and rain. 

All the Little (and Not So Little) Extras

There are many backyard extras that make the space an inviting and enjoyable place to experience.  While you do not need to include all of them in your design (and probably shouldn’t unless you have acres of backyard to fill), I would suggest trying to include a mixture of these elements to add interest and variety to your yard.

The Pool

The pool is the backyard staple on a hot summer day.  Whether it is an in-ground, above-ground, or a kiddie pool, jumping into the refreshing water is a great way to spend an afternoon outside in the backyard.  If a pool is not your thing or you just don’t have the room, I suggest not ruling out a water feature, sometimes a small pond or a fountain can add a tranquil feel to your backyard without being an overwhelming addition.

The Outdoor Kitchen

As spending time outside becomes more popular, moving traditionally inside activities to the outdoors is also on the rise.  The complete outdoor kitchen, with grille, stove, sink and sometimes even a mini fridge brings everything you need to create that perfect meal to the outdoors where you want to enjoy it.  The design of this area can be minimal or extravagant, depending on your budget and your desired level of cooking convenience.  With the cooler weather through most of the year in the Chicago area, a full outdoor kitchen may not be used to it’s fullest potential unless you use it every day it is nice out.  My suggestion is to create a smaller cooking environment that allows you to grille like the pros without the whole kitchen.  Designate a specific grille area.  Set up your grille, whether it is a little smokey joe or a huge gas grilling machine, and make sure you have enough room to work around it.  If your grille does not have a shelf or side table, create a small counter area with a small outdoor quality table or shelf system.  This will be indispensable for plate, utensils and grille seasonings when you get into grilling mode.  If you like to keep some kitchen supplies outside, consider investing in an outdoor cabinet (one that is secured from critters and will stand up to the elements) and locate it near your grilling area, that way all your essentials will be at your fingertips.

The Fire Pit

Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, or bonfires offer a wonderful additions to the atmosphere of your backyard.  Not only are they warm on cooler summer nights, but a great place to gather and entertain, and not to mention s’mores.  Before you commit to a massive fireplace, check with your local codes to determine what is allowed in your neighborhood.  Most places allow self contained units, such as a store bought fire pit, chimenea, or fireplace.  Many areas do restrict the size of any open flame and will not let you build a permanent fire pit or bonfire area in your yard for fear of it growing too large.  Just make sure to check before you over commit to the size of your fire.  Create a nice gathering space around your fire area with a stone or brick patio (this will also help keep flyaway sparks off your grass) and gather relaxing chairs or benches for people to sit and enjoy the fire.  Keep marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers handy for those late night s’more cravings.

The Garden

Planting a home garden is not only a great hobby and an excellent source of fresh grown flowers or vegetables, it is also a nice addition to any backyard.  The plants add color and aroma to your outdoor space and make a very purposeful use out of your landscape.  Flower beds are great to plant all over your yard.  Use them as accents or edging to bring color to your patio or deck.  Defining the edge of your beds with landscaping stones or pavers creates a distinct definition between what space is to be used and what space is decorative.  That way your won’t have people tromping through your beautiful flowers.  If you decide to grow a veggie garden, these are best set in plots (one or multiple depending on how much you want to grow) and set out of the way of common traffic.   Also if you are worried about critters eating your veggies, put up some chicken wire fencing around your plots to keep unwanted guests out but still leave them visually open.  If you are only growing a few plant, consider pots or planters.  With some of the larger pots you can grow individual plants in each one or create a herb garden with a few varieties all in one larger planter.  This is a great way to grow your own herbs and veggies even if you don’t have a lot of ground space.

The Furniture

Lastly lets deck out your deck with furniture.  Table, chairs, lounges, stools, etc. are all great additions to your outdoor space, creating a place to sit and enjoy what you have created.  Look at your local home and garden centers to find outdoor quality furniture that will both look great and stand up to the weather conditions.  If you are furnishing a covered area, your items will be more protected, but should still be designed to be outside.  Also think of decorative accents to add to your outdoor space: lights for when it gets dark and the outdoor party is now over, torches and lanterns make a nice decorative and functional addition placed around the yard or hung from tree branches, a decorative outdoor rug or carpet can be a soft relief from the hard deck or patio surface, and even little things like candles, vases with fresh flowers from your garden, or lightweight outdoor curtains make your outdoor space feel more like a outdoor place.  Remember, you are creating your backyard to be an extension of your home, so bring in the little finishing touches that will make it extra special.

I hope you enjoy making your backyard just as inviting as your home.  With the holiday coming up and a few summer months remaining, there is still plenty of time to create the perfect backyard to enjoy the wonderful fresh air and summer weather.  So… get to work, and then kick back, put your feet up, and enjoy!

Written By: JoAnna Landers

Specialty Rooms: The Front Porch

The Front Porch is the gateway to your home.  It is the face to the neighborhood, the connection between the public space of the street and the private space of your home.  It creates a semi-private space outside your home to interact with your neighbors, to entertain and to enjoy the great outdoors in a protected environment.  Though not all houses have a front porch, it is becoming a popular design trend for new homes as well as renovation and additions.  Whether it is large or small the front porch offers many beneficial features and creates a welcoming entry sequence into your home.

If your home already has a front porch, keep reading, I will talk about some ways to spruce up a new or existing space.  But first lets discuss porch design on a larger scale, I will call it the bones of the project.  Your porch should fit the design of your home.  If you are designing new, this is an easier process.  For those who are integrating the front porch as a renovation or addition, analyze the style and size of your home.  Make sure the porch you are designing fits the home, since one that is too small or too large could end up looking out of place rather than improve the overall character.  If you are thinking of tackling this project yourself, consider doing some research on porch design.  There are many books available that can help you determine what is a good size and style porch for your home.  A quick search online or at your local library will provide you with instant ideas.  If your project seems larger than you want to tackle, I would suggest contacting a local builder or architect to get you started with some design ideas tailored to your home and move forward from there.  There are so many different styles of homes, from Craftsman to Cape Cod to Georgian to name a few, that you want to make sure your porch remains true to the characteristics of your home.

Now we will move on to the basics of a front porch.  Once you determine the size and general style of your front porch, there are still design elements that need to be taken into consideration.  Many may think that these elements fall in the details category, and maybe some of them fall on that line, but these are the elements that define the style of your porch and create the enclosure, or feeling of enclosure for the space.

First lets talk about the roof structure.  The roof can be a simple shed, pitched off the existing roof, a gable connected back to the roof to create a portico over the entry area, or perhaps you choose a more open air structure like a pergola that provides a small amount of protect but keeps the space open to the sky.   Each option or even a combination will offer different looks and functions for your space.

Next there need to be supports for the roof.  Many jump right to the concept of columns but depending on your design, but they may not be your best option.  Alternates include brackets, larger masonry piers (which are square in size and often much heavier and bulky than a traditional column), or perhaps arches are the way to go, so think about all your options before deciding what to use to hold your roof up.  Even when looking at columns, there are many options.  The traditional path is a full height, round column that relates back to ancient Greek and Roman temples.  These are often very formal and work well on a traditional or Georgian home, but not as well on a simple home such as a Bungalow or Cape Cod.  Alternatives to the full height rounded column include: full height square piers that retain the characteristics of the formal columns, but are often simplified in the level of detail, stacked columns on column bases that can be round, square or even tapered which can be made as simple as desired based on the home.  The stacked columns are becoming more popular because they offer more versatility in design and a less formal approach to the front porch.  Stacked columns can historically be seen on most Bungalow style front porches.

The last of the basics is the railing system.  If you porch is low to the ground, you may want to check your local codes because some areas allow the porch not to have a railing if the platform is under a certain number of inches above the ground.  However, railing offer another measure of enclosure and detail.  You can create a half wall around the porch which really encloses it from surround space, choose a post and rail system that has wide posts and a heavy rail only offering minimal openings, a traditional wood system, or a decorative metal system.  Each option offers their own unique characteristics and will develop the detail of your porch.

Now that we have discussed the bones and the basics, it is time to move on to the beauty.  This is where those of you who already have a front porch need to start paying attention.  The beauty is what makes your porch a inviting and functioning space.  It is the furniture, the plants, the decorations, and color you use to enliven your front porch and allow it to reflect as much of your design taste, displayed on the interior to flow outside your home.  When selecting furniture, make sure it is design to be outdoors, durable, and comfortable.  Don’t overfill your space.  A few chairs and a table is all most standard porches can fit while still allowing walking space.  If your porch is small, perhaps a single chair or decorative table is it can handle.  The idea is not to overpower the space with furniture but at the same time use the space.  As an alternative (or in addition to if you have the space) is the porch swing.  This is a wonderful addition to any porch.  When I was younger, my great aunt had two porch swings on each end of her front porch and the kids would just clamor over whose turn it was next.  Once you got your turn, it was so relaxing to just swing and talk to your swing mate (because most are built for two) for hours.  They make great recreational additions to your front porch for both the adult’s and kid’s enjoyment.  Also think about decorative treatments in the space.  Stained bead board ceilings, flowing outdoor curtains, decorative planters, even the color of your front door all have a way of making the space unique.

So now that your have your ideas, it is time to put them into action.  Because the best part about designing your front porch is using it when you are finished.  So when you have finished your project, grab your favorite refreshing drink, sit on your new front porch, interact with your neighbors and enjoy the great fresh air of the outdoors.

Written By: JoAnna Landers

Specialty Rooms: The Home Office

When it comes to your Home Office there are many options to fit the different needs required by such a space.  Whether you are looking to house your home business or just a place to get organized, there is a solution to fit every need, budget, and space constraint.  The home office is the perfect place to organize your business, your hobbies, your kid’s school work, or the bills and paperwork for the household.  There is also much versatility available in the design, location, and organization of a home office space.  From the traditional study to a conveniently located and organized nook, the home office can offer exactly what you need, where and when you need it.

First off, you need to decide on the purpose of your office.

1. Is it a location for your home business or for working a few days out of the house?  If so, do you need to be able to interact with others in your office and entertain outside clients and guests in the space.  If this is the case, an office located in a public area of your home is the answer.  Many people are turning their formal living room or dining room areas, which are typically located off their entryway, into home offices that offer a public purpose.  You do not want to ask your client to walk through your entire house to an office stuck in the back corner, if you don’t need to.  It offers a much more professional option if your space is located near a public entry or perhaps even has it’s own entry from the outside.
2. Is your office for your personal use for household tasks or hobbies?  Is it for your kids to use to do school work?  How many people do you want to be able to use the space at one time?  You need to consider who is using your home office space and when.  A single desk is great for one person at a time, but will not serve multiple people at a time.  Perhaps consider multiple workstations, one for each person, either all in the same room or perhaps located throughout the house where there is available space.  If you do not have a single room to dedicate to an office there are many options for space saving techniques and offices that fit just about anywhere.

Your office can come in many different sizes, styles, and locations.  Peruse the gallery for a few ideas, but don’t limit your imagination on where you may be able to fit an office in your home.  There are the traditional options where an entire room is dedicated to an office or study or perhaps combined with a library as well.  These are great options for a professional office since they lend a formal touch to the space.  However, there are also options where you many have a family office, with work stations for your tasks as well as a few places for the kids to do homework or work on projects.  This space is typically rather large, but can house a lot of functions and storage if it is organized well.  The multi-purpose office is also a great combination of spaces.  Incorporating a desk and organized office storage area into your kitchen, laundry room, or family room can allow a room to be used for more than one function.  If you want some division or distinction between the spaces, a room divider or screen works well as a non-permanent element that allows your office to be open or closed to the rest of the room.  If you have a small area you are not sure what to do with, maybe a slightly over-sized closet or a dead end hallway, you may be able to transform that space into an efficient office are.  You only need about 4′-5′ for the width of a desk with storage above and below.  Finally, for those who are extremely limited on space, the nook, closet, or furniture office may be your best bet.  These take up little to no space in your room and can often be closed or tucked away to blend into the background of any space when not in use.  The dead space between two closets, or the closet that should really be cleaned out and re-purposed, or the corner of a room that could house a piece of furniture and nothing more can become the perfect spaces for your out of the way, space saving office.

Once you determine the purpose and location of your office, there are a few elements to consider.  Organization, as in any room, can make or break your office design.  You often require quite a few items in your office, a computer or laptop, storage, paper, pens, books, files, etc.  The best way to make your office work for you is to use an organizational system that works and makes sense to you.  A work surface is where to start.  Whether you use a traditional desk, a table, or just a simple shelf, determine the size required to accommodate your projects.  Remember a desktop takes up much more room than an laptop and is a  permanent feature on the desk.  Make sure to leave enough room or provide additional work surface for paperwork and projects.  Whether you go with built-in or movable, cabinets, shelves and drawings are absolutely necessary to organizing your office.  A combination of open and closed storage is key to keeping the items you are constantly using handy, while storing the necessary but not frequently used items out of sight.

And finally, make your space your own.  If you have natural light or a great view, take advantage of that in your space.  Face your desk towards a window or into an adjacent space to keep from constantly looking at the same wall.  Decorate the space to fit your taste and enhance your productivity.  Use vibrant colors to stimulate the mind and variety to keep you interested in the space.  Even if you have a small area, hang a few pictures or paint it a different color.  It will make your office feel unique and give it a sense of it’s own space.  And in the end, just make sure to get the most out it and make your Home Office a space that works for you and your home.

Written By: JoAnna Landers

Specialty Rooms: The Playroom

Kids need their space to play.  Often the bedroom becomes full of all the necessitates of life: bed, clothes, desk, etc, that there is not enough room to play.  As parents, you don’t really want your child’s toys taking over the house, but you want them to still be able to play.  The answer is a designated place to play: The Playroom.  Now, not everyone has a empty room around the house that can magically turn into a playroom, though if you do, you are among the lucky.  So I have a few ideas on how to turn whatever space you have available into a special place just for kids that will make them want to play for hours.

First, you must get organized.  Whether you have a big space or a small space, organization is the key to a successful playroom.  The saying goes, ‘A place for everything, and everything in its place.”  This rings true, especially for kids.  It is hard to get kids to clean up, but if the room is organized with cubbies, cabinets, baskets, etc that have labels and specific purposes, then clean-up becomes a game trying to put everything back in its correct place.  The best way to organize any space is with designated storage areas.  For most efficient use of space, cubbies or shelves that cover a large wall offer vertical storage and keep floor space clear.  However, in your design, remember how tall your kids are.  You can design storage that is taller, because we all know kids grow, but keep their favorite toys and books on lower shelves for easy access, with other toys and games that you want to be adult supervised on upper shelves where they are out of reach of little hands.  To keep things in their place, labeling buckets or baskets with the contents help remind your kids where their toys go and will also allow you the opportunity to personalize the storage with design and color in the labels.

The second goal for the room is to make it personal.  The playroom is for your kids, so it should reflect what they like.  Paint it their favorite color or design the theme around their favorite animal or sport.  If their are old enough, they could even help pick out the color or the decorations for the room.  It will make them feel included in the creation of the room as well as making it feel like their own special place.  You may be asking how to make a playroom personal to your kids if you have more than one.  Well there are several possible approaches to this.  You can divide out the room and designate a specific area for each child.  Perhaps each on gets a wall or a corner section, where they can decide the decoration, and the cubbies are for their toys and books only.  This way each child has their special area while putting collective toys and books in a common area for everyone to share.  Another option (especially if you have boys and girls) is to appeal to all audiences, with a mix of colors and designs.  Stay in the primary color ranges which appeal to both boys and girls and focus on fun patterns, shapes and colors instead of gender specific designs.  With this route I would also suggest the separate personalized storage areas for each kid, whether they are in separate areas or just differentiated by color or name.  And remember, no matter what, the fun is in the details.  Accessories the room with fun mirrors, pictures, posters, or wall art.  You can also paint the storage cubbies or furniture to match the room.  Typically an all surface spray paint works on most furniture without sanding or stripping the existing finish.  Just pick a well ventilated area and put down protective covers on anything you don’t want painted.

And finally make it FUN!  There are so many creative options you have for a playroom that yours or your child’s imagination should be the limit of what the space can become.  You can make the room into an art studio and gallery if your child like to be creative.  Maybe you build up a partition with a wall cutout for a  stage, so your kids can put on concerts and puppet shows for you and their friends.  Or you turn your playroom into a playground.  This option is great if you have a lot of space (maybe a basement area) and if you live in a climate where your kids are stuck indoors for many months.  A fort is another option that can transform the whole room or part of it into a whole new world for your child to play in.  The goal of the room is to enhance your child’s experience while playing with their toys, doing art projects, reading books and just having fun being a kid.  Though the perk of a designated toy space and keeping everything organized is a side bonus for the parents.

So get organized and have fun.  Remember, just because it is your child’s playroom doesn’t mean you can’t join in the fun.

Written By: JoAnna Landers