Bathroom Remodeling Ideas That Add Style and Space
Ron and Susan Bishop of Adams Town-
ship, Pa., recently completed an extensive remodel of the master bathroom in their 20-year-old home. The remake covered nearly every square inch of the space, in- cluding the installation of new cabinets, tile, floor coverings and lighting. The couple says one of the biggest highlights is the custom shower enclosure, made from Clarvista glass by PPG, which uses a fused-on coating to keep its showroom appearance over time. “Few things detract from the appear- ance of a luxurious bathroom more than a shower door covered with water deposits and soap scum,” Ron Bishop says. “Susan and I made it a point to find a product that would keep its good looks and be easy to maintain. We completed the renovation on our master bath more than a year ago, and the glass on our shower enclosure still looks brand new.”
Now, more than ever, homeowners are adding to the value and comfort of their homes by renovating bathrooms into private retreats with luxurious touches that rival those of an upscale spa or resort.
When considering an update for your bathroom, whether you choose to do an extensive remodel or a smaller project, most kitchen and bath designers agree on these tips: * Consider the size of the bathroom. If
you have a small room, look for ways to make it feel more expansive. A sleek, stylish glass shower enclosure helps your bath-
room appear more spacious, and in most instances, a frameless shower enclosure will provide the cleanest, most open look. If you decide to go with a framed shower enclo- sure, you’ll have two choices: frameless sliding doors or framed doors. For framed doors, be sure the finish of the metal fram- ing and handles matches your bathroom fixtures. * Think outside the box. Taking a creative approach to bathroom necessities can help you make the most of your space. For instance, the majority of shower enclo- sures are square or rectangular, but today’s designers encourage you to think about other shapes. Don’t be afraid to consider a circular or oval-shaped enclosure, a triangle or even a standard shape with an artfully bowed glass door, which can redefine the space and make your bathroom more versatile. * Don’t skimp on the glass. All glass used
for shower enclosures is safety glass, which means it is tempered to make it stronger and more shatterproof. That doesn’t mean all shower glass is alike, though. Most shower doors and enclosures are fabricated from conventional clear glass - which typically has a light, almost imperceptible green cast - or some variation of frosted glass. If you
want a look that’s chic and ultra-clear, ask your bath designer or showroom retailer about Clarvista on Starphire glass. * Brighten things up. Repainting your bathroom with light colors can make it feel more spacious. If your bathroom has win- dows or skylights, use window treatments and accents that maximize the amount of light that comes through to give the room a more airy feel. * Find the best use for your space. Move bathroom cleaning items to a hall closet if you are stretched for storage space in your bathroom, especially if you have freestand- ing storage units that are taking up valuable floor space. If you need more storage space, consider adding built-in compartments if possible between your wall studs to maxi- mize usuable space. It’s been shown time and time again that remodeling a bathroom can add to a home’s value. Whether you want to sell or just enjoy your home more, it’s one of the most practical and dramatic ways to make your home more appealing. To discover more great ideas and inspiration for bathroom remodeling, visit
www.ppgclarvista.com. - ARA Content
Fresh Herbs All Year Make for Great Entertaining
Turkey salad with fresh tarragon, crostini spread with homemade pesto and a refreshing mint mojito on a hot summer day. What do these things have in common? Fresh herbs. Whether cooking for a family, entertaining friends after work, or having a romantic cocktail with that special someone, fresh herbs can be the difference between ordi- nary and extraordinary. Fresh herbs can take cooking and entertaining to the next
level. This goes way beyond adding oregano to your spa- ghetti sauce. Did you know you can save money, time and waste of produce if you grow your own fresh herbs, right there on your kitchen windowsill? Basil and parsley are two of the most common herbs
grown in kitchens. This is because these herbs have a wonderful scent, are relatively easy to grow and are very common ingredients in both winter and summer dishes. Other popular herbs include dill, cilantro, chives, rosemary, oregano, thyme, mint and sage.
One note on mint - this herb spreads quickly and can become unmanageable in the yard. But mint does extremely well in containers - just make certain you keep the container separate from your other herbs. With only a window ledge and very little effort, you can
have fresh herbs at your fingertips. To get started growing herbs indoors, try these helpful hints: * Location is key. Herbs like sun, so make certain your
window area receives plenty of good light - preferably from the south. Stem herbs like oregano and thyme will send out new growth toward the sun, so also plan to rotate the pots to
keep the plants growing tall. You might consider setting up a grow lamp to give your herbs additional light - especially in the winter months when the daylight hours are shorter and less intense. * Grow those tiny seeds. Getting your herb garden started might seem like a monumental task, but the Miracle-Gro Culinary Herb Garden makes this process so much easier. Plant the handy seed disks - choose three from basil, chives, cilantro, dill and thyme - directly into the mini Gro-Bag, which contains Miracle-Gro Potting Mix. Keep the soil damp and your herbs will thrive. You can also try the Culinary Herb Kit to grow a single herb plant. Simply pour the nutrient-enriched potting mix - which comes in the kit - into the bamboo pot and plant the seed disk. Both kits come with recipes on the back, or visit
www.groyourown.com for additional recipes. * Water maintenance. As your plants develop, prevent
over watering by allowing the soil to dry to the touch. When watering, use enough moisture to see water pooling near the container drain holes. * Trimming and upkeep. If you use your herbs frequently,
you probably won’t need to trim off any dead branches or leaves. But if you do notice dead leaves on branches, trim those away to allow for new plant growth. As your herbs grow along your window sill, don’t forget to plan delicious recipes using these fresh ingredients - reci- pes that will delight the palate and impress your friends. Consider some of the following ideas for incorporating fresh herbs into your meals:
Ceiling Fans- continued from page 9
ficient motors and advanced blade design to meet or exceed minimum requirements for airflow efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star ceiling fans also carry three warranties: a minimum 30-year on the motor, a one-year on other components, and two-year on lighting. “Lighting for Energy Star-qualified fans also uses efficient compact fluorescent sources that use two-thirds less energy and produce 70 percent less heat than incandescent bulbs,” says Rey-Barreau. The three location ratings of ceiling fans Ceiling fans used indoors in protected spaces differ from those used in semi-protected or exterior spaces. An “indoor use” rating means a fan can be used only indoors; those rated “damp use” can be used outdoors if in a covered spot, such as a porch. An “outdoor use” rating means the fan can be used in a location where it will be exposed directly to water, such as over a patio that is located underneath a deck.
A common mistake made with ceiling fans “The better quality fans do not cost much more than the most inexpensive fans,” says Rey-Bar- reau. “A consumer should purchase a fan that has a good motor, and that is energy efficient. Buying a very inexpensive fan can be problematic in terms of performance.” Be sure to purchase your fans from an ALA-member retailer. They carry high quality lighting and fan products, and have professionally trained staff available to help you select the best products for your home. Ceiling fan sizing basics
In order for a ceiling fan to effectively heat and cool a space, it must be sized for the square footage of the room. Use these measurements as guidelines: Room size
Less than 50 square feet - 29-inch fan 75 square feet - 36-inch fan 100 square feet - 42-inch fan 225 square feet - 52-inch fan 300 square feet - 56-inch fan More than 300 square feet - a 60-inch fan or
two 56-inch or 52-inch fans Visit your local ALA-member retail showroom to see the newest products and to talk to an expert about which fans are most appropriate and energy efficient for your space. To find your closest ALA-member lighting showroom, visit
www.americanlightingassoc.com.
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* Make your own pizza. Spread olive oil or sauce over pizza crust, then top with fresh veggies and chopped up ba- sil, rosemary, thyme and oregano. A little cheese and you’re ready to bake. * Pesto is a great basil-based sauce, and when made, freezes well so you can have a delicious dinner all winter long.
* Decorate soups - both out of a can and homemade - with parsley, chives or to emit a bit of spice, cilantro. * Add a couple basil leaves to a sandwich for some unex- pected zip. * Give salads a slight peppery taste by tossing the lettuce with cilantro, mint and chives. * Freshen your drinks with crushed mint. It will give your lemonade or iced tea a surprising kick and make your mint julep even tastier.
* Can some pickles using fresh dill. * Develop rubs for chicken and pork using dill or sage. * Make a fresh bouquet garni by tying together assorted fresh herbs with thread. Then just drop into soups, stews or roasting meats. * Don’t forget, herbs aren’t just for cooking. Give an herb in a painted pot as a hostess gift or use an herb topiary as a centerpiece to add interest to any gathering. The options are endless, and as you browse through your recipe collection, you won’t have to look far for the season- ing ingredients, since these are growing on your windowsill. - ARA Content
Area News Group
Salem
Community Patriot
April 27, 2012 Page 11
SPECIALS
Improvement Home
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