Feb 2022: We hope to see you at the 2022 Home and Garden Show!

DO YOU SHOW YOURSELF ENOUGH LOVE?

This month is one of the coldest of the year. So far, we haven’t had to deal with a lot of snow or ice; maybe Mother Nature is showing us some love. Do you show yourself enough love? Maybe this is the month to give yourself a break. Here are a few things you can do for yourself:

• Invest in an automatic vacuum cleaner, especially if you have pet hair in your home. Then just turn it on when you leave the house.
• If you wash your dishes by hand, just let them dry in the draining rack and put them away after they’re dry. Instead of drying dishes, enjoy some YOU time.
• Give yourself permission not to be perfect. No one is! Your friends will probably feel more comfortable in your home if it’s NOT perfect. If you have company, a quick tidying up is sufficient.
• Put yourself first, first time to decompress. This helps ease stress and strain. Find a relaxing spot to unwind, whether it’s a quiet corner in your home or in a park, unplug from social media for 15 minutes and focus on the positive things in life.
• Getting rid of the old to make room for the new works wonders. Cleansing your mind can sometimes work when you clean out a closet.
• Dive into a hobby you enjoy or are good at. This will boost your endorphins and bring out the best version of yourself.

TAKE IT FROM THE PROS…

We’re offering pro tips from the industry to make your life easier.

If you do drywall work in your home (or have it done) change your air filter on your HVAC system. Drywall dust can build up quickly!

FEATURED PROJECT: Briar Rosa Transformation

Like a lot of remodels, this kitchen started with dark cabinets, dark paint, and poor lighting. The new design eliminated the peninsula to open up the kitchen and add an island to replace the table and add more storage. The biggest change the homeowner requested was to eliminate the suspended ceiling and fluorescent lighting, which made the kitchen seem small and cramped.

We removed everything from the room to start with a clean slate. Plumbing and wiring for new fixtures were added, HVAC relocated, and insulation was installed. The fluorescent fixture was removed, the ceiling raised as much as was possible, and recessed LED lights were installed in the kitchen area; new wiring for pendant lighting over the island was also added. Next came new drywall and hardwood flooring. The suspended ceiling was replaced with drywall and the popcorn was removed from the rest of the room.

Next cabinets went in, walls were painted, countertop installed, and backsplash applied.

The kitchen no longer has a cramped feel. It’s now light, bright, and flows and functions more efficiently. Some of the special features added to the kitchen include a shelf for the stand mixer, electrical and USB outlets on the island, undercabinet lighting, and special cookbook shelving.

WINTER PREPAREDNESS

Tips to keep in mind for those cold winter months.

• Don’t leave a hose attached to the spigot throughout the winter. Any water left in the line will freeze and could damage your spigot and ruin the hose. Frost-proof faucets can freeze if water is inside. If you can, shut off the water supply to outside faucets, and insulate hose bibs.
• If you notice a cold draft from your windows this winter, make plans now to get them replaced. This will help with energy bills and improve the comfort of your home. In the meantime, you can put up quilted curtains to help maintain the room temperature.
• If you have water lines on exterior walls, during extreme cold snaps you might want to keep your faucet on a slow drip. Insulation in your walls, and even on your pipes, will help prevent them from freezing.
• Keep furniture and drapes away from heat registers.

JOIN US!

Don’t forget to stop by and say hi if you attend the 2022 Home and Garden Show. This year it is Feb 11-13th at the Lancaster Event Center, 84th & Havelock, in Pavilions 1 & 4. This is an opportunity to talk to remodelers and landscapers about your ideas for your home. You can also see the latest products to improve your home! Admission is $8 per person or $7 with a non-perishable food item for the Lincoln Food Bank.

DESIGNER CORNER

According to the World Health Organization, about 15% of the global population lives with some type of disability. Promoting health through design for people with disabilities or progressive conditions is increasingly important. Universal design is an aspect that needs our attention, creating an environment in which anyone can function regardless of ability or disability.

Aging in place is often the goal when homeowners want to remodel. Widening doors to accommodate a wheelchair or changing the shower to eliminate a step to enter, and adding grab bars are just a few changes we’ve been asked to make. This photo shows a zero-entry shower, heated floor preparation, and a wheelchair-accessible vanity.

FUN FACT

Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia is one of the longest words in the dictionary — and, in an ironic twist, is the name for a fear of long words. Sesquipedalophobia is another term for phobia.