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The Union-Recorder

H O M E S T Y L EH O M E S T Y L E

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Reinventthe dinnerparty withthe newbrights!

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Why corduroy belongs inthe family room

Bathroom faucetsyou never knew you

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H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

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MUSICAL CHAIRSPull up a seat and embrace the traditional,contemporary or just plan funky side of thedining room

WATER WORLDGet the faucet you never knew you alwayswanted

THE BARK IS WORSE THAN THE BITEReconcile décor and style with the familydog in time for dinner with the AnimalPlanet's Victoria Stilwell

THE RIGHT CHORDCorduroy takes a surprising, fashion-forwardleap into home furnishings

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spie,Albany,N.Y.,says her local hair salon’s recentrestroom renovation transformed her expectationsfor a hand-washing experience.“I had never seensuch a faucet before,”she says.“The top was exposed.The water flowed out like a stream.It was fascinat-ing.”Sara Maduscha,senior product manager of bathand faucets for Kohler Co.,Kohler,Wis.,isn’t sur-prised by the salon’s shift or Gillespie’s enchantment.

“Water is soothing,and today’s faucets bring apeace and tranquility to the user by incorporatingwater delivery into their design,”she says.Accordingto Maduscha,as new technology delivers a widerarray of aerators (the part of the faucet that controlsthe way water releases from the spout),faucet design-ers now aspire to be contemporary artists workingwith a liquid medium.Kohler’s Margaux line pro-duces a laminar flow,or a solid stream of water.“Thewater looks natural and pure when it comes out ofthe faucet head,”she says.

Nature’s imprint also can be found on the Fluidline from Sustainable Solutions International,Burna-by,British Columbia.“Our design inspiration comesfrom architecture and the environment.Born fromimages taken by photographers and artists,ourfaucets tell a story for consumers,”says Glenn Shear-gold,company president.Fluid’s Fan faucet,whichretails at $595,represents the ancient accessory of a

Get the faucet you never knew youalways wanted

BY KATE SULLIVAN

CTW Features

No longer satisfied witha straightforwarddescription of a full orhalf bath,today’s savvy

homeowners pay attention to theparticulars.As design details takecenter stage,the spotlight shineson simple shapes.Modern andminimalist have replaced classicaland ornate as inspirations for thebathroom faucet.

Never one to be impressed withplumbing in the past,Kathy Gille-

WaterWorld

Story time: Today’s faucets come complete with creation stories.Some mimic nature, others provide an homage to the past. Above, theFan faucet suggests the elegant shape of a geisha’s fan.

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H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

Japanese geisha,while the Sublimeline resembles a rainbow.

The movement to bring the out-side in was inevitable,says RussWheeler,president of Hansgrohe’sNorth American division,based inAlpharetta,Ga.“If you look at theevolution of faucet design,every-

thing started off elaborate and com-plex,then moved to the oppositeextreme of hard and bare.Finally,today,you see a blending of bothstyles with flat surfaces,smoothcurves and sculpted pieces.” Withthe modernization of faucet styleshas come greater functionality.

“The whole industry has gone tousing levers.No one designs withknobs anymore,”says Gray Uhl,director of design for AmericanStandard,Piscataway,N.J.

As consumers have grown toview bathrooms as destinations forindulgence,a place to shut out theworld,they have embraced designsthat are more contemporary andglobal in feel.

“People want bathrooms to besanctuaries for peace and quiet,”Maduscha says.

“The bathroom is the No.1 placein the home [where women] go tofind quiet and to escape,”Uhl says.

Clean,fluid fixtures withoutheavy details create the calm thatconsumers crave. “Our PuraVidaline is designed to create theappearance of one complete,cohe-sive look,”Wheeler says.“Instead ofjust placing it on top of a sink,thefaucet becomes one with the rest ofthe bathroom.This pulled-togetherdesign makes users feel tranquil andcomfortable.”

Maduscha finds that consumersinterested in upgrading a bathroomare more confident when it comesto purchasing plumbing parts.“They have done their ownresearch,seen the different stylesand are comfortable purchasing amore contemporary product,”Maduscha says.

Sheargold believes contempo-rary faucet designs possess stayingpower.

“A modern bathroom stands thetest of time ...A contemporary bath-room works well in a traditionallydecorated home,”he says. Classichotels that upgrade outmoded bath-rooms are a prime example of thepower and adaptability of contem-porary design, he says,proving thatit can augment and not undermineold-school charm.The lesson is notlost on guests such as Kathy Gille-spie in her New York salon. “People... return home saying,I want thatfor my bathroom,”Sheargold says.

© CTW Features

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H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

Imagine not having to change a lightbulb for years. There are LED productsavailable in 2010 that will make frequentlight bulb changes so 20th century.

The term LED immediately conjures upimages of traffic signals, brake lights andheadlights on luxury cars, and indicatorlights on appliances. That is about tochange. According to the American LightingAssociation (ALA), lighting manufacturershave invested considerable time, effort andresearch into adapting this super energy-effi-cient technology for household use. Thetechnology has advanced enough to winapproval from the government's popularand well-respected Energy Star® program.

"The year 2010 will be the first yearwhere LEDs will explode in the residentialmarketplace," says architect Joe Rey-Barreau,education consultant for the ALA and anassociate professor at the University ofKentucky's School of Interior Design. "We

are already seeing amazing LED develop-ments in all parts of our lives, fromChristmas lights to LED TVs. One areawhere LEDs will become predominant in2010 is the category of desk and tasklamps," Rey-Barreau says. "Another majordevelopment will be in replacement bulbs."

"The extreme long life of an LED bulbmakes it ideal for replacing recessed lights inhard-to-reach areas such as vaulted ceilingsin living rooms or kitchens. This year youwill find super energy-efficient replacementsfor all existing types of incandescent, halo-gen and fluorescent bulbs.

"You will see LED products meet - andin some cases outperform - traditional lightsources," says Brian Brandes, vice presidentof product development for SATCO. "Thelighting industry is moving and mergingtechnologies, quickly becoming part of theelectronics marketplace and presentingchoices previously not available before.

Today, there are LED options in every light-ing category," says Brandes. For example,SATCO recently unveiled a variety of LEDbulbs that can replace incandescent trackand recessed bulbs as well as outdoor spot-lights.

In addition to long life, another benefitof LED is energy efficiency. In the past,such products weren't very consumerfriendly, according to Glenn Siegel, market-ing director for Cooper Lighting, a manufac-turer of lighting fixtures. "[Earlier models]did not always satisfy all of the homeown-er's needs and wants. They needed lightingwith lower operating costs and longer life,but wanted it to perform like an incandes-cent," he says.

Cooper Lighting has an Energy Star-qualified LED downlight that replaces the65-watt BR30 lamp, but only consumes 14watts. The LED version, from its Halo divi-sion, closely matches the light output andcolor appearance of its incandescent coun-terpart. Siegel reports that the LED modelwill still emit 70 percent of its lumens at50,000 hours and can be dimmed down to 5percent. "If you use the light for six hours aday, it will last more than 22 years," Siegelestimates.

Chris Primous, director of sales andbusiness development for Permlight's BrilliaLED brand, has been impressed with thestrides LED lighting has made in just thelast several years. The technology firstemerged as outdoor path illumination and inunder-cabinet kitchen lighting. "Now you'reseeing recessed, table lamps, chandeliers andpendants, all using LEDs," he says.

Consumers who aren't sold on theappearance of LED lighting - or its high ini-tial cost - can take heart. There are plenty ofdevelopments in compact fluorescent tech-nology arriving in stores in 2010. CFLs aremore affordable than LEDs and now come

in a variety of familiar shapes - a big changefrom the original spiral configuration."You're also going to see more dimmableCFLs coming onto the market, plus CFLmodels for outdoors that have built-in pho-tocells," Primous remarks.

The color temperature of compact fluo-rescent lamps (CFLs) has been steadilyimproving. Gone is the flickering and bluishcast that was long associated with fluores-cent lighting. Today's CFLs can providecolor rendering so close to that of incandes-cent versions that consumers have to see itto believe it - and they can very well do justthat at their local ALA-member showroom,where there are often demonstration roomsor displays set up for that purpose.

Another key area where changes areoccurring in lighting is the design and con-struction of energy-efficient houses, accord-ing to Rey-Barreau. "The Leadership inEnergy & Environmental Design programdeveloped by the U.S. Green BuildingCouncil has been extremely successful incommercial buildings and is now availablefor home construction. While the residentialsector has been hit hard these past twoyears, the focus on energy efficiency will behuge when the market rebounds," he says.

If you are curious about LEDs, butaren't sure yet if you want to devote a largeportion of your living space to the technol-ogy, Rey-Barreau suggests trying under-cabi-net lighting in the kitchen, a desk or tasklamp or path lighting outside to see if youlike the illumination it provides beforeinvesting in an entire ceiling of recessed fix-tures or a large chandelier.

To learn more about LEDs and CFLs, goto the American Lighting Association Website or visit your local lighting showroom,especially one with an ALA-CertifiedLighting Consultant on staff.

We light cabins to castles!Lights of Oconee is the choice of discerningbuilders and home owners. Whether building,decorating, or remodeling we will help you create a customized package to complementyour lifestyle. Visit to our beautiful showroomto see lighting fixtures, lamps, mirrors, fans andaccessories for any taste or budget!

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When it Comes to Good Lighting,

the Future is Now6

H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

BY JEFF SCHNAUFER

CTW Features

Not everybody wants what hap-pens in Vegas to stay there –especially when it comes toexciting new products and

trends for the home. January was a busy timefor home news coming out of Las Vegas,with both the International Builders’ Showand the Consumer Electronics Show wrap-ping up just before people had to start wor-rying about finding the right Valentine’s Daypresent. Keeping things convenient, under-budget and as eco-friendly as possible werekey points of the shows, and it never hurts tohave some fun, either.

Judging from the CES turnout, if youare comfortable wearing 3D glasses at themovies, get ready to start wearing them athome. “By far and away, two entries intothe 3D television space left the most last-ing impression: Toshiba’s ZX900 SeriesCell TVs and Samsung’s LED 9000series,” says Scott Steinberg, publisher andlead technology analyst for industry newssource Digital Trends. Due out later thisyear, the Cell TV not only promises supe-rior picture quality, Steinberg says, “it alsoaims to convert 2D images to 3D.”

Like the Cell TV, Samsung’s LED 9000series also carries 2D-to-3D conversioncapabilities and some additional featuresthat should raise eyebrows, Steinberg says.An LCD remote control can play live TVwhile the viewer watches a Blu-ray orother content on the actual set.

At IBS, Kenmore introduced a new lineof Elite high-efficiency front-load laundryproducts. Lighting control manufacturerLutron Electronics, Coopersburg, Pa.,introduced its new Maestro Dimmer withOccupancy/Vacancy Sensor, which aimsto reduce unnecessary energy consump-tion.

Skype is partnering with Panasonic andLG to bring videoconferencing technologyto consumer living rooms TV. John Ross,the president of IPG Emerging MediaLab, Atlanta, says this has the potential totransform Internet-connected televisioninto a “portal to endless ways to socialize,entertain and conduct business.”Ostensibly, it could allow grandparents toconnect with bouncing babies across thecountry, friends and family to catch upwith loved ones overseas and small busi-nesses to conduct meetings and Webinarsout of their owners’ homes.

“Suddenly, the concept of hanging outon the couch begins to take on a wholenew dimension,” he says.

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H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

MISSIONKITCHENNine affordable, easy ways to upgrade the kitchen this weekend

By Danielle RobinsonCTW Features

Want to update the kitchen but don’tthink you have enough time or money? Well,think again. Follow these designer tips for aquick kitchen facelift. You won’t believe youreyes (or your wallet).

1. Plan and de-clutterFirst things first: You only have one

weekend, so develop a strategy. “Plan aheadso everything is on-site at your fingertips,”says Lou Ann Bauer, owner of Bauer

Design, San Francisco. “Collect design ideas,make selections and get them to your houseso they’re ready to go.”

Once you’ve done that, tidy up. “Clean allthe clutter off the countertops,” Bauer says.“Take everything out of the kitchen and justbring back essentials. The rest goes to thenext garage sale.”

2. Get organizedThere are a host of kitchen organization

accessories that can instantly and effortlesslyupdate your space, says Mark White, ownerof Kitchen Encounters, Annapolis, Md. He

Mellow yellow:Opt for warm paintcolors, naturallight and glasspanels on cabinet doors toopen up thekitchen and createan inviting atmos-phere.

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recommends utensil organizers, under-the-sink cleaning caddies to store cleaning sup-plies and racks or a rotating carousel forspices. One of his favorites is the appliancegarage – a retractable door installed beneathupper cabinets to cover up countertop appli-ances – which can be purchased from mostcabinet companies. “It’s a great place to con-ceal a toaster, a blender or a food processor,”White says. “You don’t have to store them ina closet or pantry, but they’re out of sight.”

3. Add some color“Don’t overlook the power of paint,” says

Kate Hart, owner of Hart & Associates Stag-ing and Design, Wayne, Pa. If the kitchen iswallpapered, tear it down; Hart says it makesthe room feel like it’s stuck in a “time warp.”She suggests a bright, fun color to make thespace livelier, like yellow or orange.

4. Lighten upLighting is one of the easiest ways to

make a big impact on a tight schedule, Whitesays. “There are lots of very stylish fixturesavailable that can give you a really greataccent.” He suggests hanging pendant lightsfor a contemporary look. Mount task lightson the underside of cabinets, he says, to shedadditional light on food preparation.

5. Make a splashLet your creativity run wild by adding a

fun backsplash, but skip the expensive tiles.“Consider alternatives like applying plates tothe space between the bottom of the cabi-nets and the counters or tin tiles for a vintagefeel,” Hart says. “Be creative. Use wine corks

or matchbook covers to fill in the space, orpaint a favorite quote.”

6. Hang out“Show off pots and pans” says Sam Beall,

resort owner and author of “The BlackberryFarm Cookbook: Four Seasons of GreatFood and the Good Life” (Clarkson Potter,2009). A hanging rack will provide extra cabi-net space and give a modern look to anykitchen. An added bonus: it’s a great excuseto invest in some high-quality cookware.

7. Roll outAdd rollout shelves, White suggests. “Any

lower cabinet that has just a shelf behind thedoor is made much more functional if youput in a shelf that rolls out like a door.” Forambitious do-it-yourselfers who are handywith power tools, White suggests giving theoutside of at least one cabinet a makeover. Aglass-front can help open up a kitchen andprovide a focal point for the display of spe-cial glassware, dinnerware and accessories.Cut out the center panel of each door andreplace it with a glass insert. Use frosted orreeded glass as classic alternatives to clear,standard glass. For a rustic look, try chickenwire or punched tin metal inserts.

8. Color in cabinetsWhile a fresh coat on the walls is a quick

way to give your space a facelift, don’t forgetabout other surfaces that could use a newhue. “A new cabinet color can brighten thekitchen and make the entire space look moreattractive and appealing,” says Erica Woelfel,director of color at BEHR Paints. She sug-

gests a peach shade for a soft look or corn-flower blue for a lighthearted feel. Warm yel-lows will bring a sense of comfort to theroom.

9. Show it offNow that you’ve transformed your space,

throw a dinner party to enjoy the fruits ofyour labor with friends and family. “Create amenu for the evening that can involve guestsin some of the prep work and cooking,”Beall says. “Enjoy an appetizer or first coursejust standing around the beautiful newkitchen with a great wine.”

© CTW Features

H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

Hangin’ tough: Take advantage of unused space by hanging a ceiling rack to display yourpots, pans and the appropriate utensils.

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From runways to livingrooms, there’s no denying it:Corduroy is in for 2010.Levi’s recently announcedthe launch of an all-cor-duroy line of clothing andSure Fit, a provider ofready-made slipcovers, nowuses the textured fabric forits Stretch Stripe designs.Styles from the ‘60s and ‘70sare reappearing in bothclothing and home décortrends – and corduroy is noexception.

“The emergence of cor-duroy as a popular fabricagain is not surprising, sinceother mid-century designhas made, and is making,such a strong comeback,”says Kelley Proxmire, ownerof Kelley Interior Design,Bethesda, Md.

“I still think of corduroyas a throwback to a retrostyle, but with anything that comes back invogue again, it’s been tweaked and restyledwith a modern update,” says Liz Levin, ownerof Liz Levin Interiors and Liz Levin Nesting,Washington, D.C. “How you use it changes itseffect dramatically. It can be dressed up andformal or relaxed and cozy.”

To keep corduroy from appearing outdat-ed, choose an unexpected shade. “The colorof the corduroy will make it special in aroom,” Proxmire says. “Autumnal-coloredcorduroy conjures up the old preppy look oftan pants and a tweed blazer in a dark greenlibrary. A hot pink, pure white or orangewide-wale corduroy could create the look ofnow!”

Corduroy complements contemporaryand rustic design schemes, Levin says. Itsimpact comes down to the color and thethickness of the wale, or the ribs, in the fabric.“When I think about corduroy, I first see itused in a more casual application, such as a

family room or den. I also have seen corduroyin bright colors and used in ways that arequite elegant and formal,” she says. “You canhave vastly different effects depending on thecolor of the corduroy and what kind of furni-ture frame you upholster with it.”

To try out the look in your own home,Proxmire suggests treating the fabric muchlike a velvet. Use it for as upholstery, a pillowor drapery trim. Levin recommends startingout with a corduroy club chair. “A chair is asmaller dose of fabric, easy to move aroundand less of an investment than a sofa,” shesays. If a bold color is outside of your com-fort zone, opt for a neutral tone that will easi-ly blend in with the surroundings.

–DANIELLE ROBINSON

© CTW Features

H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

The Right

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As both the host of Animal Planet’s“It’s Me or the Dog” and a judge onCBS’ “Greatest American Dog,” Victo-ria Stilwell has proven that she leads thepack when it comes to dog trainers.Educated by British experts, she co-founded several reward-based trainingcompanies in the United States. Livingin Atlanta with her husband, youngdaughter and 7-year-old chocolate Lab,Sadie, Stilwell explains how to balancehome design with your favorite four-legged friends.

1.What is the No. 1 rule people shouldfollow when bringing a dog home?

Be positive! The most important thingfor new pet owners to understand is theoverall concept of how a dog mind works.If you learn the general principles of posi-tive reinforcement, you’ll build a healthierrelationship with your pet and have a solidbase from which you can tackle mostproblems that may arise. In simplest terms,positive reinforcement is the concept thatrewarding good behavior will increase thechances of that behavior being repeated.

2. How can people maintain their per-sonal style while living with a dog?

Provided you have created a structured,healthy environment in which the dog canthrive, there are very few situations thatmight hamper your ability to express your-self in your home design. When necessary,though, incorporate your design into yourtraining routine. For example, when wefirst brought Sadie into our home, she hadbeen in the habit of sleeping on sofas,

which we decided we wanted to stop. As apart of the behavior modification routine,we needed to place something on the sofasto prohibit her from jumping up, so Ifound some really beautiful design boxesthat stayed on the sofas when we weren’taround.

3. What’s your advice for a family inter-ested in owning a dog?

Do your research. Make sure youdecide on a breed type that fits your familydynamic and environment. Always lookfor dogs at your local shelter first – even ifyou’ve decided you need a purebred dog,many shelters have such dogs in abun-dance. Never buy a dog from a pet storeor a breeder that won’t let you visit theirfacility – the vast majority of such enter-prises support the horrific practice ofpuppy mills.

–DANIELLE ROBINSON

© CTW Features

Thebark isworsethan thebiteHow to painlessly reconcile home décorwith the family dog

H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

Man’s best friend: Animals Planet’s VictoriaStilwell helps dog owners balance theirhome design with their canine commit-ments.

11

sets of dishes – one for everyday use andone for formal dining. Instead, “they optfor one set of quality casual dinnerwarethat they can dress up for special occa-sions,” says Kathleen Cella, senior accountmanager for NPD’s housewares and hometextiles divisions.

Most people have less disposableincome and are doing more picking andchoosing, which is causing a shift in themarket – particularly with dinnerware. “Itused to be that you’d have brands compet-ing with other brands or casual competingwith formal,” Cella says. “Now, dinnerwarecompetes with other housewares.”

Instead of buying a new set of dishes,consumers are snatching up accessories like

water pitchers and serving trays to freshenand enhance what they already own. Orthey’ll purchase select pieces from high-endretailers, and then round out their tablewarewith flea market finds.

Sales of serving dishes and cookwarereflect the fact people are cooking at homemore. “Serving pieces under $50 have beenreally successful this last quarter,” saysLinda Nangle, a senior buyer for the Seat-tle-based retail chain Sur La Table.

Well-made, reasonably priced pieces thathave the imprimatur of a famous designeror celebrity chef also are popular. Culinarysuperstar and Food Network face Giada DeLaurentiis unveiled a line of cookware forTarget in January, which includes snow-

white and ruby-redceramic bakewarethat is elegant andfunctional.

“Small things likeplacemats and nap-kins are another inex-pensive way to bringin something trendy,”says Casey, owner ofLaura Casey Interiors,

LLC. She says thatturquoise will be the“it” color of 2010,and that gold accentpieces will make a

By Dawn KlingensmithCTW Features

Some of the biggest names in fashion –Marc Jacobs, Vera Wang, Kate Spade,Calvin Klein – also design tableware. Butit’s not haute couture that’s driving the lat-est trends in tabletop style; it’s the reces-sion, and the fact people are dining at homemore.

At-home chefs want to recreate therestaurant experience, so elegant“tablescapes” are in. But at the same time,everyday chefs expect cleanup to be a snap,so fragile, fussy pieces that can’t survive thedishwasher have fallen out of fashion –

even for special occasions. In fact, 2008marked the first time that sales of qualitycasual dinnerware edged out fine chinasales during bridal season, a trend that con-tinued in 2009 and is expected to continuein 2010, according to NPD Group, PortWashington, N.Y., a global provider of con-sumer and retail market research informa-tion.

“Stuffiness is out, but people still want areally beautiful table,” says interior designer,Laura Casey, Charlotte, N.C.

The recession has revolutionized thesimple act of setting the table. Today’sbrides are much less likely than their moth-ers and grandmothers to register for two

Take it Easy

H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

Color guard:Versatile huesreign supremeamong diningroom textiles.Tablecloths,placemats andnapkins are akey part of theroom’s décor.

Tray chic: Colorful, patterned trays are a hitwith consumers who want to punch up theirdining room offerings but can’t justify buying awhole new set of dishes.

Turn recession-era dining on its head – reinvent the dinner party with casual color

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comeback. Bamboo and rattan placematswill fly off the shelves “because everyonelikes natural fibers,” she predicts.

Today’s consumer values durability,functionality, convenience and classicstyling, Nangle says. Sur La Table’s Fruttadinnerware, featuring a bold fruit pattern,“was made to look and feel like an Italianheirloom passed down from nonna,” yet it’sdishwasher- and microwave-safe, accordingto its product description.

Tracking sales, “One thing that comesout loud and clear is that people want dish-washer-safe,” Cella says. “It speaks to con-venience.”

While gorgeous linens help create a fine-dining atmosphere, it’s time-consuming andoftentimes futile to try to make napkins andtablecloths crisp after each use. Perhapsthat’s why patterned tablecloths are invogue. They’re a charming throwback tothe past – and they hide stains.

Trendex Home, Moira, N.Y., created aline of stain-resistant placemats that feellike soft, ordinary fabric, but the fibers areencapsulated in a patented stain barrier, sowine, coffee, red sauce and other toughspills bead up on the fabric or wipe offwithout a trace.

Following the lead of inventive chefs,

folks have decided it’s hip to be square –or triangular or teardrop-shaped. Seen aspart of an overall presentation, platescome in all shapes and sizes to framefoods in an artistic way. Just try to imag-ine sushi served on a round plate. Itdoesn’t seem right.

At-home cooks also have embracedthe idea that a stark white plate is themost appropriate canvas for culinary cre-ations. “Basic whiteware has always beena best-seller for us, and it’s on the rise,”says Sur La Table’s Nangle. “It can beformal or casual. It’s very versatile.”

However, interior designer Joe Nye ofWest Hollywood, Calif., says its populari-ty is waning. “It seems like a lot of peo-ple are interested in color,” he says.

The trend even extends to stemware.“It used to be sort of taboo to servewine in a colored glass because youcouldn’t see the color of the wine,” Nyesays. “But I think people have sort ofgotten over that.”

Overall, “The trends for 2010 addressconsumers’ need for optimism, withbright colors and pleasing patterns,”says Florence Chaix, a designer for

Tommy Bahama Home, which offers table-cloths with orange, red and yellow stripes,along with placemats printed with tropicalflowers. Together, “They achieve anothertrend of 2010 by showing mixed patternson the table,” Chaix says.

The retail chain Anthropologie also haspopularized bold, busy, brightly coloredlinens, including the Flora & Fauna patternfeaturing folksy birds, rabbits, foxes andfrogs.

No tablescape is complete withoutthoughtful finishing touches. Flowers andunscented candles never go out of style,but centerpieces are passé, Casey says. “Youdon’t need that sort of focal point. Insteadof one huge centerpiece, do maybe foursmaller arrangements in a row down themiddle of the table,” she suggests.

Nye likes to place pretty cups andsaucers at each place setting and then“scrunch” mini bouquets into them.

For him, finishing touches include littleluxuries, such as pressed linen napkins andsalt cellars at each setting.

“I’m a big advocate of using your beststuff every day,” Nye says. “If you havedishes that you only drag out twice a yearfor Thanksgiving and Christmas, why evenown them?”

© CTW Features

H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

In• Everyday, functional pieces

• Colored stemware• Mixing new and vintage pieces• Patterned linens

Nice and easy: Add festive pops of color to dinnertime with colored and patterned glasses,stemware, pitchers and bright seasonal dishes.

In living color: The signature watercolor-style floral patterns by Vera, the renowned textiledesigner from the 1970s, on cheerful tableware from Zrike.

Out • Fragile, high-end china• Plain white or ivory plates with a gold or silver band

• Big centerpieces• Perfectly matchedtable settings

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H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

By Jeff SchnauferCTW Features

Much like a good pair of sensible shoes,responsible bedding is more about form andfunction than the hottest celebrity endorse-ment. New eco-friendly bedding and acces-sories, including a talking pillow, can helpchildren from toddlers to tweens sleep safelyand stylishly – no boy band needed.

SHEETS & BLANKETS

“A family wants to use eco-friendly bed-ding especially if a child/tween suffers fromany upper respiratory illnesses, allergies, asth-ma or suffers from headaches and/or insom-nia,” says DeAnna Radaj, owner of BanteDesign, LLC., Milwaukee. “Great colors areavailable in bamboo, jute and organic cotton.”

When it comes to décor, Radaj suggestsgetting children involved in choosing colors,since “at this age, kids are starting to definetheir individuality, and it’s important to helpsupport that.”

MATTRESSES

When it comes to their children, manyparents have an even greater concern aboutexposure to chemicals than they do forthemselves, says Michael Magnuson,founder of Best Bed Guide, San Francisco,an online source for mattress information.

“For a baby mattress, an excellent insula-tion material is coir fibers, which are madefrom shredded coconut shells,” Magnusonsays. “Many green crib mattress materials,such as natural latex and certain types oforganic wool, have the added advantage ofbeing inherently anti-microbial and/orhypo-allergenic. Organic mattress covermaterials, such as cotton and wool, tend tobe more breathable but may not offer thesame protection against wetness as wouldmore conventional cover materials.”

PILLOWS

For those children or tweens with fears ofsleeping alone, the newest trend is theMumoocie – a pillow that lulls children tosleep with the scents and sounds of lovedones.

“The innovative patented curved shapesimulates the feeling you get when a lovedone is snuggled up against you. Mumoociealso has a hidden voice recorder where aloved one’s voice can be heard. The childsimply squeezes Mumoocie and the voiceplays,” says Leigh Woods, director of salesand marketing for the Orlando, Fla.-basedcompany.

“The parent or loved one will simply useMumoocie for a night or they can spray theirspecial fragrance on Mumoocie before givingit to their child, and the child will have theirspecial scent so they can sleep soundly,”Woods says.

© CTW Features

No more monkeysjumping on the bed

Children’s bedding isn’t just about popular cartoonsand boy bands. With trend comes responsibility

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Just as people seem to come out of dormancywhen the temperature rises, so do all of the bugsthat share our indoor and outdoor spaces.

How many times have you been sitting watch-ing television at night and noticed something long-legged nestled high where the ceiling and wallsmeet? What about the times you've ventured intothe basement, turned on the light and seen some-thing scurry quickly across the floor?

Many of the insects people encounter are rela-tively harmless and are more than content to stayout of individuals' ways.That doesn't negate thefact that there are plenty of people who areextremely skittish when it comes to bugs --espe-cially when they are inside the house.Thereforethey seek out any and all ways to rid bugs from thepremises.Here are some methods to consider.

Call an exterminator: If bugs are a major issue,the choice is available to call in a professionalexterminator.He or she will assess the insect prob-lem and make a recommendation for a type oftreatment.While many insect repellants havebecome much safer over the years, the potentproducts the exterminator uses may not be thebest idea for houses where there are young chil-dren or pets,or you may have to stay out of thehouse for a few hours.The exterminator will beable to better inform you of the risks/benefits totreatment.

Self-applied products: If bugs are a minor nui-sance, spot treatments with over-the-counterinsect sprays,powders, etc. could be sufficient tokeep bugs at bay.Target the areas where you oftensee bugs, and also treat areas to prevent access toother rooms, such as around doorways or by roomthresholds.

Try greener approaches:There are productson the market today that attempt to control insectsin a way that is safer to the environment and theresidents of a home.Substances like diatoma-ceous earth,boric acid,pyrethrin, and others maybe safer for use if you're concerned about chemi-cal applications.Many of these items serve as a

descicant,drying outan insect to extinguishit.Others repel insectswith a smell or taste.

For those who areagainst harming theinsects at all,but simplydo not want theminside of the house,consider any numberof bug vacuums.These devices safelysuck up insects (the telescoping nozzles ensureyou don't have to be too close) and store theminside.The insect can be safely released outdoorsafterward.These items go by the name of BugVacuum,Super Bug Vacuum,BugZooka, InsectVacuum,and more.

Make household changes:Many insects prefera certain temperature or condition to thrive.Changing that condition could cause the bug tovacate the premises. If you discover a particularinsect likes the damp areas of your basement (suchas house centipedes or silverfish), invest in a dehu-midifier to dry out that area.Some bugs,evenroaches, come inside and hide in cardboard boxes.Others feed upon paper products.Take some timeto do spring cleaning and rid storage areas of theseitems -- switching to plastic sealed containers.Goaround and seal window and door openings.Insects can venture inside by way of the smallestcrevices.While you can't hermetically seal yourentire home,you can limit the number of bugsthat get inside.

Household pet:Some cats like to stalk and killinsects, so you may have an effective exterminatoron your hands and not even know it.There havealso been instances where homeowners or storeowners have allowed a gecko or chameleon to runfree to keep indoor populations in check.But youshould weigh your squeamishness about having alizard versus insects

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H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

Count the ways address presentation can work for your home

By Marilyn Kennedy MeliaCTW Features

If there’s been one change in con-sumer thinking lately it’s this: Needstrump wants, practicality rules.

Some attitudes, however, neverchange. Proud owners will alwayscare about their homes’ attractiveness.So, for those who have been searchingfor a value-conscious way to boosthome appeal, your number has comeup.

The way the numbers of a home’saddress are displayed may be one ofthe most neglected, underestimatedelements of home design, contendsMichael Malone, a Dallas architect andauthor of “The Architect’s Guide ToResidential Design” (McGraw-Hill,2009).

Instead of allowing standard issuenumerals to be tacked in their tradi-tional spot next to the front door,“wedeliberately design where the addresscan be placed and how it will appearstylistically,” Malone says.

Your home’s entrance is the firstimpression visitors get, and making itwelcoming can carry a powerful, lin-gering message. Indeed, although theaverage cost for all remodeling proj-ects recouped upon selling a home is64 percent, according to the lateststudy results from Remodeling maga-zine, the return for replacing an entrydoor tops 100 percent.

Like a door, an address can be anintegral part of entry design, althoughit’s typically inexpensive.

“The face of the house you seefrom the street is so important,” saysarchitect Sarah Susanka, author of “NotSo Big Remodeling” (The TauntonPress, 2009).“The numbers of theaddress are literally the identity of thehouse, and when that identity is givencare and thought it expresses value.”

Susanka thinks of an address as akin

to lipstick; a way to make a big impactwith a little touch.There are manyways for owners to design an address.Here are a few pointers.

Seeing is believing

An address has one job to do: iden-tify your home.The prettiest design is

all for naught if the address can’t doits work.

Proper lighting is a key considera-tion, Malone says. Place numerals on alamp post or directly under a porchlight to guide night visitors.

Think, too, of how weather mayobscure a clear read.The numerals ofthe address on his own home “are set

on pins so that they are about threeinches out,” Malone explains.“Theystand out in bright sunlight since theycast a shadow.” Similarly, pinning num-bers away from a flat wall punches upvisibility in climates where snow andpelting ice can hinder the view.

Addresses aren’t just for guests,either. Policemen, firemen and ambu-

lance drivers will need to be able toeasily locate and read your address inthe case of an emergency.

Twice as nice

If you pretend that you’re a visitorwho is searching to find your home,you can decide how to best place and

highlight your address, Malone sug-gests.

It may make perfect sense to dis-play an address in a couple of loca-tions. For instance, if a home is set farback from the road, placing an addresson both sides of a mailbox or lamppost near the street, as well as nearyour entryway, guides visitors comingfrom any direction, Malone says.

If the front of your home is fenced,you may be able to add interest to agate or fencepost and provide aprominent display of the address, saysTim Thompson, designer for MarkHickman Custom Homes, Hinsdale, Ill.

“We recently did a home with anexterior stone fence and we had rus-tic boulders at the ends.We had thenumbers chiseled into the bouldersand then inserted other pieces ofstone material into the space so thatthe numbers stood out but still hadthe same rustic feel,” Thompson says.

Design Details

Especially now that homeownershave access to a wide variety of prod-ucts offered by hardware and homeaccessory stores of every kind, it’spossible to find an address displaythat highlights and complements anyhome’s design, Susanka says.

“There are typefaces that are repre-sentative of different eras, and I’vefound metal address numbers thathave the look of the 1920s are perfectfor Prairie-style homes,” Susanka says.

For a cozy cottage with a garden,for instance, a plaque painted withboth flowers and numerals may bethe perfect way to highlight a com-fortable the residence. Brightly paint-ed tiles tacked on a Southwestern-style home can complement the artand style of the location.

Malone says he thinks of an addressas “jewelry” for the home. He likes to

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H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

see a match between the finishes ofmetal numbers and other metal fea-tures, like the mailbox or the doorknocker.The combined effect subtlycommunicates a polished, coordinatedimage, Malone says.

Some older homes lend themselves

to script numerals letteredover a garage, a style that wasprevalent in some historicperiods,Thompson says.

“I also consider how anaddress will look if it’s inRoman numerals,” he says.“Sometimes that can be a goodlook.”

Nothing dictates that numer-als should only be a few inch-es long, either,Thompson says.“If we’re placing it on a largearea, we might make the num-bers nine or so inches long, sothat they look to be in propor-tion to the space.”

From Scratch

An address is not too small a detailto ask about when building or remod-eling, Susanka says. Sometimes, a frontentry will be designed to specificallyincorporate an address. For instance, anumber plate could be placed in arecessed lighted area.

For existing homes, it may be possi-ble to etch numbers in the stone orbrick for a relatively low fee -- justabout $300 or so, estimates Thompson,giving the impression that the address

was built into the Original façade.

© CTW Features

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H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

When it comes to decorating,the dining room is often thearea of a home least infusedwith an individual’s personal

style. Since the room consists of little morethan a giant table, this is not surprising. Allthe more reason, then, for dining roomchairs to make a big design statement.

“Each piece of furniture has a silhou-ette that defines its style and its contribu-tion to that room. A dining room chair is aperfect example of how that’s done,” saysPenny Law, owner of PCL Interiors,Charlotte, N.C. “Each element – includingthe legs, back, arms and fabric design – is

important and helps to define the style ofthe room itself.”

Luckily, dining room chairs come in avast array of shapes and styles to suit theneeds of any design scheme.

“They can be dramatic and colorful,sleek and architectural, clean and simple orelaborately ornate,” says Nora Murphy,executive vice president of style andadvertising at Danbury, Conn.-basedEthan Allen.

Here are a few particularly striking newseats that are sure to elicit oohs and aahsat next month’s dinner party.

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H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

REFINED MINIMALIST“People should be careful to invest indining chairs that are well designed,well made and comfortable,” Murphysays. Elegant and graceful, yet barelythere, Thomas Moser’s Pasadena Din-ing Chair is just that: expertly crafted,with a clean, curvaceous design thatexudes style while remaining under-stated.

OFFBEAT CONVERSATION-STARTERSÜber-modern and ready to make asplash, these bold seats are perfect forthe homeowner who isn’t afraid tostand out. Managing to blend histori-cal elegance and futuristic glam, thetransparent Philippe Starck LouisGhost Chair follows classic 18th cen-tury French design. “With the creativeuse of new materials in traditional

styles, it’s the perfect blend for anyinterior,” Law says. Also sure to getguests talking, the Very Good & Prop-er Canteen Utility Chair puts an eye-catching spin on a schoolhouse classic.

UPDATED OLD WORLDContemporary takes on the classicQueen Anne chair suit a range ofdesign schemes, from an updatedfarmhouse look to a more formalstyle. “It’s an adaptation of a tradi-tional design from the very early1700s,” Law says, whose clients aredrawn to the style’s “uncomplicated,clean lines.” Rustic yet refined, Pot-tery Barn’s perfectly weatheredQueen Anne Chairs will fool dinnerguests into thinking you’re a flea mar-ket superstar. Ethan Allen’s take on aclassic Queen Anne design can becustomized with a wide range of seat

cover-ings.

COMFORTABLE CHAMELEON If you switch style preferences as

often as you change socks, try a chairthat can be fitted with a slipcover.“Parsons chairs have a retro, vintagefeel, but adding custom slipcovers tofit your room design could can put awhole new twist on [the] 1930sdesign,” Law says. Ethan Allen’sThomas Side Chair offers a comfort-able canvas for endless colors and pat-terns. “Slipcovers that reach the floorhave neat, clean lines,” Murphy notes.“If you’re looking for a chic solutionto dress up your dining room, set thesearound a table.”

Or, perhaps you’re ready for anoth-er change of socks. Pick up a pair ofCharles & Marie’s Chair PersonalitySocks. Available in argyle, tube andstriped patterns, these quirky acces-

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H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

BY ROBERT SHAROFF

CTW Features

ibby Langdon’s timing is flaw-less. Three years ago, wellbefore the recession landed, shenoticed that the interior designcommunity seemed fixated onthe McMansions of the rich,

leaving ordinary people in ordinary homespretty much on their own.

The result was her book, “Libby Lang-don’s Small Space Solutions: Secrets forMaking Any Room Look Elegant and FeelSpacious on Any Budget” (Knack/GlobePequot Press, 2009), a step-by-step guidethat builds on the success of her hitHGTV reality show “Small Space, BigStyle.”

“For many reasons, people are interest-ed in downsizing today,” she says. “It’samazing how timely tips on small-space liv-ing are right now.” Langdon also appearsregularly as a design consultant on “TheRachael Ray Show” and other programs. Inaddition, her design firm, New York-basedLibby Interiors, handles a variety of com-mercial and residential commissions.

“What I do isn’t brain surgery,” she says.“But it sure can make people feel betterwhen they come home from work and lovewhere they live. There’s power and joy indesigning small spaces. I feel like in myown way I’m making a difference.”

What’s the upside of living in a smallspace?

LIBBY LANGDON: Control. It’s justa lot easier to manage than a large space.You feel like you’re running your houserather than your house running you.

What’s the smallest space you’ve everlived in?

I grew up in an old Tudor house inHigh Point, N.C., where space was neveran issue. But one of my first apartments inNew York was around 500 square feet.Believe me, it took some getting used to.

How did you decorate it?I made all the usual mistakes – I painted

the walls white and kept everything veryplain and simple because I thought thatwould make the room look bigger.

You mean it doesn’t?

No! It just makes it look boring. Ulti-mately, personality and pizzazz are moreimportant than square footage.

How important is color in a smallspace?

Very important. All-white walls tend tolook very cold and impersonal. But a smallroom with a hit of color feels cozy andpulled together.

How do you know if you’re overdoingit?

You probably don’t want all four wallspainted chocolate brown. That’s a little toomuch. A better solution is to choose anaccent wall – maybe it’s the wall your sofaor fireplace are on – and paint it a rich,bold color. The others you should keep alight tan or cream. That way, the coloredwall recedes and the space feels larger.

What colors are you liking these days?A lot of blues, everything from peacock

to cobalt to icy blue. Also gray and purple.I find a little shot of purple can go a longway.

Are you a “less is more” or “more ismore” kind of person?

I’m somewhere in the middle. I like tohave enough stuff so that a room lookscomfortable and lived in, but I also like tokeep things slightly sleek and pared down.Too much stuff everywhere just makes mefeel confused and overwhelmed.

How is the recession affecting the waypeople decorate?

It’s interesting. People are certainlywatching their money more carefully, butthey’re also spending more time at homeand are interested in the whole idea of

M E E T T H E D E S I G N E R : L I B B Y L A N G D O N

Solution-based designRachael Ray’s go-to interior designer forks over details on the new definition of luxury

Inspiration 101: Choose one item in a room, like a treasured painting or an antique vase, to dictate the room’s design and colorscheme.

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nesting and making their homes as com-fortable and livable as possible. It’s actuallya great period if you have some imagina-tion.

I keep reading that the luxury market isover. Is it?

I think people are defining luxury a lit-tle differently. The reality is we all have toomuch stuff. That was true before the reces-sion, and it’s still true. Having less isn’tnecessarily a bad thing. Great designcomes in all shapes and sizes. Again, spaceis less important than what you do with it.

What inspires you?My springboards are mainly objects – a

beautiful scarf or a gorgeous photographwith amazing colors in it. I’m not a bigantiques person. What I do like, however,is incorporating a special piece here andthere into a room. It’s more fun and morepersonal than buying everything new.

How has your style evolved over theyears?

When I first became aware of design, Iwanted everything to be modern and con-temporary. But as I’ve gotten older andhave started entertaining at home more,my style has softened a little bit. Today, mygoal is comfort. I want to create warm and

inviting environments.You’re a designer and you also play one

on TV. Which is harder?I’m pretty wacky and not that different

off camera than I am on. The part I do likeabout TV is the end of the show when thehomeowners come in and see what I’vedone and they’re surprised and excited. It’sa big happy moment. The process is differ-ent in real life. It all takes longer and is a lotmore complicated.

How long does it take you to size up aroom?

About 20 minutes. Whether they knowit or not – and many of them don’t – peo-ple leave clues about what they actuallywant. I remember this one woman, I wentto her house and the only thing she had onher wall was a gorgeous Moroccan platter.The rest of the house was just kind of amishmash and not that interesting. But theplatter was lovely. I realized that the platterwas actually a cry for help. It was her wayof saying “I want this style but I’m tooscared to do it myself.” So I designed aMoroccan-themed room for her and shewas thrilled.

© CTW FeaturesAccent marks: Create space and drama by painting one wall in aroom a rich, deep color and leaving the others a subtle cream.

H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2

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(ARA) - Does your kitchen or bathroomlook like it's stuck in a time warp? Then itmight be time to update the most-usedrooms in your home. For inspiration, lookno further than the National Kitchen andBath Association (NKBA), which recentlyshared its top 2010 kitchen and bath trends.

To compile the findings and determinethe latest kitchen and bath trends, theorganization surveyed those members whodesigned a kitchen or bathroom during thelast quarter of 2009. According to NKBA,the top 10 trends for 2010 are:

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

vessel sinks and pedestal sinks10. Bronze and stainless steel finishes

In the kitchen

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

If you're tired of running the dishwasherwhen it's only half-full, consider installing adishwasher drawer. Because it's independ-ently operated, you can wash small loads aseconomically as large ones. Plus, the extraflexibility to run cycles simultaneously withyour traditional dishwasher makes clean-upquicker and easier, explaining why nearly athird of designers are incorporating thisnew trend into kitchens, as well.

Another popular element to include inthe kitchen in 2010 is a pull-down or pull-out faucet. Utilized by 85 percent of kitchendesigners, it's an easy way to make a designstatement at the kitchen sink while increas-ing functionality. The new Arbor pull-downkitchen faucet from Moen seamlessly bringssimple sophistication to the kitchen with itstransitional styling that complements virtual-ly any decor. It's available in a chrome fin-ish, which is another 2010 trend to look forin appliances, accents and hardwarethroughout the entire kitchen. For moreinformation about the Arbor pull-downkitchen faucet from Moen, visit moen.comor call (800) BUY-MOEN (800-289-6636).

In the bath

Granite is the dominant material chosenfor vanities in current remodels - used byseven of every eight designers - however, in2010 alternative natural materials, like mar-ble, will continue to grow in popularity.

According to NKBA, just under half ofbathroom designers utilize marble, as it pro-

vides a sophisticated look that's reminiscentof Roman baths with its regal, refined detailthat exudes a sense of luxury. Plus, marblecountertops provide a stain-resistant, water-resistant, rugged and durable surface - idealfor child-friendly bathrooms or homes withjust one bathroom that see a lot of trafficthroughout the day.

NKBA also forecasts that integrated sinktops will be a popular choice this year, asyou can easily use existing items to achievethis look. By adding a sink into an antiquedresser or chest, designers are creating one-of-a-kind vanities for nearly 30 percent ofall clients.

Polished chrome finishes are anotherbathroom design trend for 2010. Look toincorporate this chic metal accent into allyour hardware by updating the accessoriesin your bath, as well. You'll be able to makea big impact with small updates like newtowel bars and robe hooks, for a completelycoordinated look.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Granite • Marble • Engineered StoneOver 140 Colors in Stock

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706.485.3337www.marbleworksinc.com

Top 10 kitchen and bath trends for 2010H O M E S T Y L E 2 0 1 0 – I S S U E 2 23

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