Host a Hall of Fame Homegate

(Family Features) From kickoff to the final whistle, taking your game day party to the next level starts with serving an all-star lineup of menu items. From starting-caliber appetizers to MVP-level main courses and a supporting cast of side dishes, dips like salsa and hummus can play the role of superstar when it comes to serving up game day grub. One of the benefits of cheering on your favorite teams from the couch and bringing the tailgate to your literal home field is the availability of appliances you may not otherwise have access to at the stadium like the oven …

Outdoor Kitchens

Since the pandemic created new relationships with living space, homeowners are embracing the opportunity to spruce up and even reimagine what their home and outdoor space can be. One of the ways homeowners are rethinking their outdoor space is to add an outdoor kitchen. From fully equipped to a simple grill and a few chairs, outdoor kitchens are on homeowners’ must-have lists for 2023. Our experts have a few trends to watch for when creating that perfect outdoor space. For many, an outdoor kitchen may seem like a true luxury, but when you spend a significant amount of time enjoying …

Deck Design

It’s been three years since the pandemic hit and forced everyone inside for an extended period. Now, outdoor living is becoming more and more popular with homeowners. Creating an inviting and engaging space for family, friends, and neighbors to hang out is quickly becoming a new priority. With that, homeowners want to upgrade or design a deck space that marries the practical with the beautiful. Decks expand usable outdoor space while improving the functionality of entertaining. They can surround pools and create outdoor patio areas that make it easy to establish multitiered living spaces, enhancing the functionality of outdoor areas. …

5 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Fresh and Clean

(Family Features) A clean and inviting home doesn’t just look tidy, it smells pleasantly refreshing, too. However, running a household can be a stinky business and it may take some special effort to make your living spaces feel more welcoming. Consider these sensible ideas to improve the scents throughout your home: Bring the Outside In  Fresh air is a terrific option for banishing bad smells. Throwing open windows creates a cross breeze that can chase stale, musty air away in a hurry. You can also improve your air quality by adding house plants, which naturally help purify the air by …

Creatively Configure Interior Spaces with Sliding Bypass Doors

(Family Features) Customizing interior spaces to suit your unique needs can be easy and economical with a solution like versatile sliding bypass doors. If you want to create a multi-functional living area, save space, allow more privacy or enhance architectural appeal – or all of these at once – sliding bypass doors can help you achieve your goals. From kitchens to laundry areas, installing bypass doors provides a fast, economical way to adapt floor plans to diverse lifestyles. Kitchens with adjoining spaces are perfect spots for bypass doors. For instance, Johnson Hardware 111SD Sliding Bypass Door Hardware lets you re-configure …

Clean Energy Home Upgrades Make dependable environmental improvements

(Family Features) When you’re considering upgrades for your home, earth-friendly enhancements that impact your energy usage are smart investments. Energy-saving home upgrades can offer long- and short-term advantages for the earth, your wallet and even your safety. Many homeowners evaluate their energy needs as they plan home improvements. There are several low-carbon, resilient energy options available that can help safeguard your family. Consider these environmentally friendly upgrades to diversify your home’s energy sources, reduce energy consumption and ensure your home is well-prepared to withstand interruptions to power service if the electrical grid fails. Diversify Energy Sources The growing conversation to …

Prep Your Home for Summer Gatherings

(Family Features) When temperatures rise, it’s time for sun dresses, cranking up the grill and entertaining. Spending time with your loved ones during the warm months can make for some of the best memories of the season, which is why it’s important to take simple steps to de-stress, declutter and refresh your home before your guests arrive.   Refresh Your Home Our homes are reflections of who we are, and Renuzit Snuggle helps create a welcoming environment for friends and family. With Renuzit Snuggle, you can welcome guests into your home all summer long with fresh scents like Linen Escape, …

July/August 2017

About the Cover A modern farmhouse kitchen is interpreted utilizing a quartz countertop surface from Cambria. Industrial lighting, wide plank flooring, and vintage bar stools add to the look. Shown is  Cambria’s Praa Sands™ color/pattern, one of a vast number of choices. For information call 615/ 331-8395 or visit www.cambriausa.com.  

Green Interiors: Traditional Versus Sustainable Flooring Material Guide

Green Interiors: Traditional Versus Sustainable Flooring Material Guide Whether you are dealing with new construction or you are contemplating a renovation, flooring is an important area in which to “go green.” Not only do floors cover, by definition, a large area in your home, they are some of the most heavily used materials you will install in your home. By selecting a sustainable, responsibly manufactured product, you will increase indoor air quality and eliminate unnecessary harm to the environment. The best part is, you don’t have to make any tradeoffs. Nothing is off limits and there are options for all …