Cedar Valley Home and Garden

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� SPRING 2011 cv-hg.com

contents

2011Cover image | Brandon Pollock

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elements Spring fever

New & next Bringing the outdoors inside

Color palette Pretty in pink

features Homework Adding to your home requires planning

Open concept Plan well before knocking down walls

The art of placement Create character in home Back at the ranch Updates make old new again

Farm living Couple revamps family farmhouse

Crystal light Jewel box bath sparkles

Craftsman revival Kitchen renovated to reflect architecture

Window shopping In the market for new windows?

Safe & secure High-tech home security systems ABCs of getting your zzzz... Tips for shopping for a new mattress

Upstairs, downstairs Don’t forget the staircase

Breath of spring Home and landscaping show

garden Cuttings What’s hot now

Fenced in 10 new plant varieties

entertaining Tex-mex Spicy dishes will top your list

Tastings

house plan Front porch Home evokes warm country feel

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spring

CONTACTS

EDITORMelody [email protected]

PROJECT MANAGER& AD SALESSheila [email protected]

GRAPHIC DESIGNERCourtney Towlerton

AD DESIGNERSEmily ChaceMichelle Seeks

CONTRIBUTORSTina Hinz, writerHolly Hudson, writerRick Chase, photographerBrandon Pollock, photographerMatthew Putney, photographer

All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without permission is prohibited.Published quarterly by Courier Communications

Congratulations! Jill Steinmeyer of Grundy Center is the winner of the “Chatham” Bedford Cottage throw from

Vintage Iron. Louise Sandvold of Cedar Falls won the “Home Made Simple” book.

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spring

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elements

“The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.” — Henry Van Dyke

Winter has yet to loosen her icy grip, but spring will not be denied. We’re ready to greet it with open arms, humor and grace — and a fresh look at home accessories and decor.

A birdie told us ... spring is coming. Welcome it with this charming bird on a tabletop or desk,

$13, Interior Perfection, Hiawatha.

Bring the birds home to roost. This picture frame is $18, Vintage Iron, Cedar Falls.

Handpainted bird-themed vases from Cyan, $155 and $76, Home Interiors, Cedar Falls.

It’s hip to be square in this comfortable, stylish American Leather chair-and-a-half, $2,179. The color of this high-tech fabric is “polished aqua,” Home Interiors, Cedar Falls.

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Add some zing! to your sofa or chair with this citronelle-colored, textured pillow, $325, The Mansion, Iowa City.

springFEVER

Use these gerber daisies as paper-weights or decorative objects, $35

each, The Mansion, Iowa City.

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cv-hg.com SPRING 2011 �

These aren’t the terrariums from the 1970s. This incarnation of the tabletop greenhouse gives it vin-tage appeal. But you don’t have to tuck plants inside. How about a lush green pear? This terrarium is $61.95, Basket of Daisies.

Idea fIle

The large white ceramic arti-choke is classic and sculptural, $141, The Mansion, Iowa City.

Shed new light on the subject. The twig light is from Basket of Daisies, Cedar Falls, $54.95.

Soft shades of spring green are radiant against the creamy white background on this urn, $89, Interior Perfection, Hiawatha.

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Bring a few insects home — in the form of scholarly-looking framed prints, $59 each, The Mansion, Iowa City.

Stash the remote control and other items in these leather studded boxes, priced from $135 to $204, Interior Perfection, Hiawatha.

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elements

Create a tabletop tableaux by clustering together a

vase filled with parrot tulips in soft tones, a striking

white textured vase ($99) and other small items on a

framed mirror. Flack Interior Design Associates, a divi-sion of Simpson Furniture,

Cedar Falls.

Idea fIle

Textured detail resembles fabric in this pottery vase ($32) and candle hold-ers ($12 and $20). The ceramic bird, $5, adds a color pop. Covenant Gift Shop, Waterloo.

A metal florist’s vase is printed with a fern motif, $70, Basket of

Daisies, Cedar Falls.

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No purchase necessary to register online at www.cv-hg.com. Must be 18 years old or older. More than one entry per household is permitted. No refunds or exchange of prizes. The Courier reserves the right to make all final decisions. Prizes must be claimed within 15 days of notification or they will be forfeited. Prize winner is responsible for applicable taxes. Courier Communications and Lee Enterprise employees and independent contractors, agents, drivers and their immediate families may not enter. Prize winners agree to have names used for promotional purposes. Registration deadline is April 20, 2011. Winners will be selected and contacted by phone. Winners will be announced in the Summer issue of CV H&G magazine.

Plump, pinstriped vases ($21-$27) atop a matching tray ($89) are a fashion-forward look, Interior Perfection, Hiawatha.

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cv-hg.com SPRING 2011 �

Orbs in shades of green and blue ($14 to $25) are arranged on a green glass charger, $398, Focal Point Inte-

riors, Hiawatha.

This blown glass vase doesn’t need filling to make an statement, $398, Focal Point Interiors, Hiawatha.

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Bring in spring with a robin’s egg blue drop-leaf table, $749, from Hekman, and use it alongside a sofa or chair. Home Interiors, Cedar Falls.

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elements

The look of wood is both natural and trend-proof

Text | The Associated Press

What’s old — centuries old, even — is suddenly new again in home design. Wood, that ancient staple of interior decorating, has been getting fresh attention in every room of the house.

Designers are mixing salvaged barn doors with new synthetic flooring that looks strikingly like the real thing. At the same time, faux wood-grain wallpa-per and upholstery offer a nod to nature without hiding their artificiality.

Designer and HGTV host Genevieve Gorder calls wood “the one medium that is eternal.”

Wood is both natural and trend-proof, HGTV’s Candice Olson says, and can bring a much-needed warmth and timelessness to modern rooms. Even people who love modern style, she says, don’t want a home “where every-thing looks like George Jetson lives there.”

Likewise, in more traditional rooms, wood is being used in ways that add a dose of edgier style without clashing.

Lumber and logsYears ago, Olson saw an entire wall of stacked wood in a building in Europe. The image stuck with her. She eventually created her own variations, arrang-ing chopped logs from fallen trees within frames that are 6 inches deep.

Lumber, especially the low grades that might otherwise be discarded by builders, can be used the same way.

The contrast between order and chaos is central to the appeal: Essentially, “it’s a pile of sticks,” Olson says, but laid out “in an orderly, modern, refined way.”

Wood walls, ceilingsSeveral years back, Vern Yip drew praise for designing a room with one wall covered in planks. “Anytime you have an entire wall of one material, wood or something else, it’s so striking,” he says.

It caught on. Wood flooring is now being used to cover walls and ceilings. Old wooden platforms, says Yip, can also be hung up as art.

A wall or ceiling done in a given type of wood doesn’t mean you must use that type of wood elsewhere in the room. Mix old and new woods in different shades and textures, says Gorder: “If you just keep matching, it looks like a bad pantsuit.”

Upholstery, wallpaperIf you are going with an impostor, these designers say go all the way. They love the cheerful fakery of wall coverings and upholstery with wood-grain patterns.“You know a chair isn’t upholstered in wood, so that’s tongue-in-cheek,” Gorder says. “It’s playful.”

Materials like these let designers take “nature and tradition, and stylize it” in unexpected ways, Olson says. In designing a line of wallpaper, she com-bined the look of wood grain with a metallic finish. “It’s that reference to a natural motif, but with the metallic, that makes it new and fresh and current.”

&newnext

Bringing the outdoors inside

Candice Olson gave these rooms new focal points with wood-themed motifs. Have a virtual experi-ence with the designer at www.mycandicedesign.com. Olson, whose pieces can be found at Home Interiors in Cedar Falls, offers design tips and insights on color, plus there are interactive features and a gallery of rooms.

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cv-hg.com SPRING 2011 11

Inlaid pieces of stacked wood give this fireplace a distinctive look.

Candice Olson of HGTV’s “Divine Design” contrasts order and chaos with her pile of sticks decoration in the dining room.

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color palettepRETTY IN pink

2011 promises to be rosy-pink.

Honeysuckle, a cheerful shade of pink, is the hue of the year.

“It’s a great spirit-lifter,’’ said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the pantone Color Institute, evoking nostalgia and the freshness of summer.

Honeysuckle also symbolizes strength and vibrancy. And think again if you think pink is too feminine.

“It goes with more than you think it goes with,’’ Eiseman said. “Use it against black, chocolate brown. Navy is a no-brainer, even gray.’’

Try adding a few flocked pillows or a throw to your couch or bed, or bring in a brightly colored vase, candles or florals.

pINK pERFECTION

elementspink linens and floral dishware wake up the

table like this tablescape from tableware designer and author Rosanna Bowles.

Add some pop to your kitchen with Cuisinart’s

Frozen Yogurt, Ice Cream & Sorbet Maker in

Honeysuckle.

The name “honeysuckle” describes the color of this fragrant garden vine’s blossoms.

It is color, not fragrance, that attracts the hummingbird.

You don’t have to paint walls to experience the season’s hot new pink. Look for upholstered pieces like this settee or stitch up some slipcovers to freshen old pieces.

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pINK pERFECTION

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Text | Associated Press and Melody ParkerImages | Shutterstock

Craig Fairbanks doesn’t pull any punches about expanding a home.

“Consider your neighborhood. You want to make sure it’s a wise choice based on the other homes around you. What are your expectations — is this something you plan to enjoy because you may or may not recover your full invest-ment? The work is messy, and it will take time,” says Fair-banks of Fairbanks Homes in Waterloo.

And it will be taxing, says William Carter, board chairman of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. “You’re probably going to make 1,500 to 2,000 decisions before this project is completed.”

But, he says, if you plan carefully and trust your instincts, you can “end up with a quality project and everyone will be friends afterwards.”

In tough economic times, many homeowners have decided to stay put and invest in their present home rather than building new. “Remodeling is a will-driven market. It’s a matter of ‘we like our home, we like our neighborhood but our home needs

updating.’ They don’t want to go through new construction of a home with its cost and new government regulations,” says Sam Runyan of Runyan Custom Homes in Cedar Falls.

Research, researchLike all remodeling projects, adding on to your home starts

with planning and research. In surveys of Consumer Reports readers who have remodeled their homes, “the thing they wish they had done is spent more time upfront,” says Celia Kuper-szmid-Lehrman, deputy home editor at the magazine.

Make detailed notes about the basics you want, and a separate list of special things — maybe skylights or a fireplace — that you’d love to include but can live without. Generally, there’s always conflict between what you can afford and what you want. There are basics that can’t be short-changed — foundation, framing, basic plumbing and wiring, all that must meet building codes.

“You’ve got to talk about budget and bang for your buck. Is it really necessary to spend all that money for granite when you can put money into another material and spend the savings to upgrade cabinetry to cherry or hickory? And you’ve got to have money set aside for surprises that may pop up,” says Runyan.

home workAdding on To your hoMe RequiResplAnning, budgeTIng And coMMunIcATIon

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Be sure to plan a large enough addition because scrimping on space may leave you unsatisfied with the finished product. Building too big, though, can make it harder to recoup money if you eventually sell, says Kuperszmid-Lehrman.

Do research at local stores to decide what you like — particular appliances, types of flooring, etc. — and what it costs. This legwork makes you more informed when interviewing contractors, and helps create a bud-get. Knowing exactly what you want will help you avoid expensive changes once the job is under way.

Work up a realistic budget, Kuperszmid-Lehrman says, leaving room for cost overruns of 5 percent to 10 per-cent. When budgeting, consider whether you’ll need to live elsewhere while work is being done.

Make sure your financing is in place in advance, well before signing any contracts.

Once you know what you want, ask friends and neigh-bors to recommend contractors.

interviewsYou can commission plans from an architect before

interviewing contractors or work with “design/build” contractors who create plans for their work. If the addi-tion isn’t elaborate, you also can buy software to design your own plans. When interviewing contractors, make sure all decision-makers are present. Come prepared with questions, and ask for clarification of details.

holmeS oN holmeS

Text | McT

As a general contractor and host of the popular “holmes on homes” and “holmes Inspection” series on hgTV, Mike holmes’ mission is to expose shoddy home building.

uncovering problems from plumbing and electrical to carpentry and roofing, he shows how the botched job should have been completed, fixing each project properly and helping homeowners make more informed decisions in the future.

he helps pay for repair costs with his own money. holmes, a canadian, discusses his background in home building, craftsmanship, and green prod-ucts and practices.

q: Why did you become a builder and contractor?

A: My dad did it. I thought he was Superman. Starting at 3, I was practically glued to his knee. When I was 6, I started doing electrical work and plumb-ing. I finished my first basement when I was 12. At 16, my dad was telling everyone “hire my son!” When I was 19, I had a crew of 13.

From him, I learned to do it right the first time. I also learned that the “why” is more important than the “how.”

q: What’s going on in the home building industry?

A: you’ll never be out of work if you’re skilled at building. The man who performs brain surgery needs a house and needs a deck built. I believe there should be equality with being a doctor and being a skilled builder.

In the past 30 years, generations didn’t want their children to grow up to be contractors. And these kids are playing video games and don’t know enough, or care enough, to be good builders. Soon, 50 percent of the con-tractors will be retiring. Who’s going to build and remodel then?

That’s why SkillsuSA is important. I think we’ve become too focused on just the interior of a house, building from the inside out. We should be building from the outside in.

q: What’s holmes’ home like?

A: It’s 26 years old. It’s only 2,500 square feet, but it’s on 10 acres. It was built by a german man who cared about it.

q: you’re not a big believer in do-it-yourself home projects. Why?

A: because it’s even easy to screw up painting. If you’re going to take on something, educate yourself all about tile or whatever you’re doing. Focus on the why, then the how.

q: Any tips on hiring a contractor?

A: hiring a contractor is like playing the dating game. First, slow down. never be in a hurry to get a project done. That’s when you get in trouble. next, educate yourself on whatever you’re remodeling. Learn all about it.

check out your contractor. Actually check the references; don’t just look at his or her list. They shouldn’t just have three references, they should have 20. If the project is kitchens, go look at his kitchens.

A red flag is if the contractor surprises you by being late for your initial meet-ing. A good contractor, if running late, will call you ahead of time to let you know they’re going to be late an hour before the appointment.

q: What should people look for in green building materials?

A: Mold, pest and fire resistance. I like bluWood. For paint and carpet, you want no Vocs [volatile organic compounds].

home workAdding on To your hoMe RequiResplAnning, budgeTIng And coMMunIcATIon

q&A with HGTV’s favorite handyman

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Plan well before deciding to knock down walls

Once you have several bids, be sure you’re comparing apples to apples. Low bids may not offer the same services or quality items as higher ones, so ask for specifics.

Look for someone who is experienced in the specific type of work you’re plan-ning, and perhaps is certified in that area. Does the contractor point out potential difficulties up front or promise that the job will be totally smooth sailing? Ask about things like downtime while they wait for supplies.

Most important: Listen to your instincts in choosing the right contractor. Personal chemistry is important because you’ll be living with the contractor and his crew for months.

“Time frame is one of the biggest fac-tors. People who’ve never been through the remodeling process don’t have an idea about how long it takes to get a project done,” notes Dan Mohlis, a project man-ager with Moeller & Walter in Reinbeck.

everything in writing Put everything in writing and read

every line before signing contracts. Don’t assume details are implied.

Quality contractors will provide detailed spec sheets, Runyan says.

Outline everything on paper, from which materials will be used to how clean the worksite will be at the end of each day.

Agree in writing on an estimated time frame and overall estimate of costs. But accept that contractors can’t predict the weather and things like frayed wiring or termites that may be discovered when walls are opened. “Even the best con-tractor doesn’t have X-ray vision,” says Kuperszmid-Lehrman, “and the older your home is the more likely it is you’re going to find something like that.”

Once the project is under way, stay in communication. Written communications, such as e-mails with date and time stamp can prevent “he said, she said” conflicts. If there are any change orders, the contrac-tor will provide an order form that must be signed. “The client knows that if we make a change it will cost this much extra or save you this much, so there are no misunderstandings,” Runyan says. •

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text & images | the associated Press

If your home was built within the last decade, odds are it was designed with an open plan. The kitchen flows seamlessly into the family room, and few walls separate

the living and dining areas.But what if your home is a bit older? In the 1970s and ’80s,

“houses were built with a separate great room, separate small living room, separate small dining area” and a kitchen walled off from the rest, says Ellen Goode, professor of interior design at Meredith College, in Raleigh, N.C. Phrases like “formal dining room” and “breakfast nook” were selling points.

Today, many owners of those houses want the flexibility of an open plan and are knocking down walls to get it.

Kitchens are frequently merged with other rooms to create a larger, more inviting family area.

“The kitchen is the hub of the household,” says Paul J. Zuch, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. “Kids are doing homework ... mom wants to keep an

eye on the kids when they’re on the Internet.” Busy families are trying to spend time together when they’re home.

Another reason why walls in older homes are coming down is because beds, sofas and other possessions are larger than they were a generation ago, says Dorcas Helfant, past presi-dent of the National Association of Realtors.

“We want big screens,” she says, “and we need space to sit back far enough from the screen.”

Knocking down a wall may seem pretty easy, and it can be. But doing the demolition and rebuilding, and figuring out how to decorate the new combined space can be complicated, says Vern Yip, designer for HGTV’s “Urban Oasis.”

Planning is vital, he says. And as potential DIY projects go, this one is best left to a professional.

Challenges & costsDemolishing a wall doesn’t have to be expensive or compli-

cated, assuming nothing is hidden inside. But it’s likely there is some mix of electrical wiring, heating ducts, plumbing, even sewer and gas lines snaking through the wall’s interior.

Plan well before deciding to knock down walls

openconcept

today, many owners of older-style houses want the flex-ibility of an open plan. so they are knocking down walls to create that openness where none existed before.

>>

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Those items will need to be rerouted. And new electrical outlets will need to be installed elsewhere, perhaps in the floor, to make up for any that are removed.

Another potential cost: Walls originally built before 1978 probably have a base layer of lead paint. Even if they’ve been repainted since then, the removal must be done in compliance with safety guide-lines. A certified remodeler can test for lead, Zuch says, and remove it properly.

Most important, a load-bearing wall (which kitchen walls often are) will have to be replaced with architectural columns or some other type of support. So it’s wise to have the wall assessed by an expert before doing any demolition.

In addition, there are costs that can’t be measured in dollars and cents: With a flowing floor plan, noise is harder to contain. If a child is doing homework at the kitchen table and needs quiet, Goode points out, you can’t close a door to keep out the sound of a television in the fam-ily room.

And keeping pets and toddlers in one place becomes more difficult when you can’t simply close the kitchen door.

Despite the difficulties and costs, says Zuch, “consider the benefits of changing the floor plan.” If an open plan means family members can spend more time together and really enjoy the space, he says, “it may be well worth the effort.”

It also may add to your home’s resale value. Says Helfant: “Space sells and flow sells.”

Design implicationsFrom a design perspective, knocking

down a wall brings opportunity and a few hurdles.

“A home always seems much larg-er with fewer walls, even though you haven’t expanded your exterior enve-lope,” says Yip. “You open the pos-sibility of more natural light pouring into parts that previously couldn’t access natural light.”

But once a wall is down, “you don’t have Space A separated from Space B, so it all needs to work together,” he says. A kitchen and family room may both need to be redecorated if they’re now

connected.Furniture can be used to delineate spe-

cific areas, but homeowners may not know how to accomplish that. “I see this all the time: I don’t know where to put my sofa, don’t know where to put my TV, because you’ve removed all your interior walls,” says Yip.

Goode says partial-height walls or standing screens can help avoid a barn-like feeling and make areas more distinct.

One strategy Yip likes: In advance, “lay out your furniture as if you’ve already removed the wall, or sketch out a space-plan on a piece of paper so you actually know this is going to work for you.”

“You want to make sure the rooms still function like you’ll want them to func-tion,” he says.

Helfant recommends consulting with an interior designer or home stager to plan the new space and determine whether an entire wall or just a portion should go. Depending on the cost, a designer may suggest including a column or two just to define the space, even if it isn’t necessary to support structural weight.

When budgeting, Yip says, don’t forget things like new flooring, replastering the ceiling, new crown molding and baseboards.

“It becomes much more than just, ‘I’m gonna swing my sledgehammer and take this wall out,’” he says. •

FYI

Want more bang for your buck? Kitchens and baths see the most return on your investment — and they’re generally the most expensive to redo. Adding rooms — a family room, master suite, even a second story — also may improve your bottom line when it’s time to resell your home.

CVH&G_Spring2011_18-19 18 2/8/2011 1:40:10 PM

FYI

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the art of

Text | Melody ParkerImages | Brandon Pollock

Sometimes it takes an interior designer’s trained eye and a client’s willingness to make changes to realize a family home’s full potential. The alchemy that exists between

designer Rhonda Staley and one Eastern Iowa homeowner has resulted in a home inspired by traditional European elegance.

Exterior architecture of the large-scale home, built in the 1990s, recalls the grandness of Normandy style. Inside, the architecture

is more contemporary with hints of Art Deco.“My client enjoys European style, so the idea was to downplay

contemporary elements and soften hard edges without making it look fussy. Warmth is a key feature in any home and you want people to feel comfortable,” says Staley, IIDA, who is associated with The Mansion design group in Iowa City.

Staley has steadily revamped and updated nearly every room in the house since she began working with the homeowner more than two years ago, including the living and family rooms and children’s bedrooms.

DesIgner Takes cues froM homeowner’s taste,lifestyle To create character in home

placement

>>

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DesIgner Takes cues froM homeowner’s taste,lifestyle To create character in home

Detailed furnishings and a decorative screen bring drama to the living room. At left, warm-toned fabrics and deep cushions make the family room cozy. The European-style master suite features an imposing canopy and cornices.

CVH&G_Spring2011_20-21 21 2/8/2011 1:40:56 PM


“Rearranging furniture, reupholstering furniture with new fabrics, adding new pieces and updating accessories can breath new life into a home, create a more cohesive look and better traffic flow,” Staley notes.

She took her cues from the homeowner’s personal taste and her family’s lifestyle, as well as the client’s love for beautiful things.

Staley’s first project was the master suite, an awkwardly arranged, unremarkable room that has been transformed into a bedroom retreat. Previously, the bed protruded from beneath a large, two-tiered half-circle soffit in one corner of the suite, mak-ing it difficult to move around. A fireplace tucked into an opposite corner seemed an afterthought.

Now a crescent-backed sofa is arranged beneath the soffit, its rounded curves anchor-ing the sitting area. Across the room, a classic canopy treatment features arched, >>

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Faux painter, Maureen FaberPaint and finishing, Goldsmith PaintingCustom mantel, Jim ThenStairway carpeting, Carpet Chalet

subcontractorsHome builder and renovations, Knipper ConstructionStairway wallpaper hanger, Steve EllisCustom window treatments/furnishings, Rhonda Staley IIDA, The Mansion

CVH&G_Spring2011_22-23 23 1/20/2011 2:55:37 PM

lifeBring

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kitchentolifeKitchens • Entertainment Centers

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SophiSticated updateS make old new again

upholstered cornice boards designed by Staley and draped with 25 yards of silk fabric. It adds stately importance to the bed and makes it the room’s focal point.

The fireplace got its own facelift — in the form of a niche above the mantel. French doors lead to the master bathroom.

Staley then moved on to the living room, edit-ing the homeowner’s existing furnishings and bringing in new accent pieces. “Originally the room didn’t feel comfortable. It didn’t draw you in. Moving things around improved the flow. Now you want to hang out in this space.”

A multiple-paneled Oriental screen is a dra-matic backdrop for the camelback sofa, uphol-stered in taupe. Richly finished with nailhead trim and bouillon fringe, the sofa is piled with pillows in silky, soft blues and browns. Chic and soothing, the color scheme is repeated in the chevron fabric on a Bergere chair and the traditionally patterned area rug. Furnishings, a mix of new and old, are highly detailed with carvings, appliques and gold leaf. There is a careful but unstudied symmetry in the furniture placement, as well.

“Everything doesn’t have to match to make things look as if they belong together. I’ve also found a large screen is a good tool for making a statement and taking up space in large rooms,” Staley says. •

A view of the crisp, clean master bath with its double French doors.

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text | Melody parkerimages | Rick chase

The ranch is an icon in American architecture.With its low-slung, rambling profile, this classic

home style had its heyday in the mid-20th century, sprawling across neighborhoods from coast to coast. By the late 20th century, the ranch had fallen out of favor with hom-eowners suddenly enraptured by soaring cathedral ceilings, open-floor concepts and mini-mansions that eclectically com-bined several architectural styles into a single home.

But in architecture, as in life, what goes around, comes around. There’s revived interest in the ranch house, and many homeowners are looking for ways to remodel or update their homes.

This eastern Iowa ranch was built in 1957, and the hom-eowners have lived here 23 years. They talked about moving or building a new home, but kept coming back to two reasons to stay: “It’s the neighborhood our kids grew up in, and we like the house because it’s comfortable,” she said.

The couple hired Magee Construction, who tore down

SophiSticated updateS make old new again

at the ranchback

>>

CVH&G_Spring2011_24-25 25 2/8/2011 1:42:04 PM


walls, built an addition to expand the kitchen/dining space and lifted the low-pitched roof on the front to accommodate a front porch. Another telltale ranch trait — the traditional picture window — was replaced with a two sets of three long, narrow windows.

“Inside the rooms were large but didn’t have the open feeling we wanted,” the homeowner explained. “The living room felt like a bowling alley. Now it’s open and elegant and comfortable. Every-thing turned out beautifully.”

Although some of the ranch characteristics have been erased, said Deb Waterman, project manager for Magee, “we kept the integrity of the house and it still fits well within the neighborhood. But now you can’t drive by and figure out what year it was built.”

In the living room, walls came down to improve traffic flow and cre-ate the open-concept space the homeowners desired. Recessed light-ing has replaced hanging fixtures, and the fireplace was converted to >>

CVH&G_Spring2011_26-27 26 2/8/2011 1:43:10 PM


>>

An inefficient, outdated kitchen was trans-formed into a highly efficient workspace with granite countertops. The tile backsplash is uninterrupted by electri-cal outlets concealed in cherry cabinetry. Hard-ware gives the cabinetry a contemporary look.

CVH&G_Spring2011_26-27 27 2/8/2011 1:43:19 PM


gas. A new picture-frame style surround and mantel were built to the owner’s specifica-tions — “five times the size of the original.

The deep eggplant color on the accent wall creates drama, with other colors layered into the room for subtle impact. Rather than sofas, a quartet of club chairs creates a cozy conversation area. There also is space for the grand piano and a dining room table that comfortably seats eight. White-finished plan-tation shutters cover the new windows.

Bisque porcelain tiles underfoot are warmed by radiant heat and extend into the redesigned kitchen. Here, a bump-out addition expanded the space and allowed for a vaulted ceiling with skylights, as well as an expansive view of the exterior landscape. Natural cherry cabinetry features plenty of drawers, slide-out shelves and warming drawers. Phone and recharging cords, as well as electrical outlets are concealed in the cabinets. Counters are topped in granite.

There were more changes throughout the house, including removing a sunken tub and installing a shower in one of the bathrooms. “I was always surprised at how deep and long

Yellow makes the home office a cheer-

ful place to work, and black accents add sophistication. Below, colorful old

tile was profession-ally refinished to save money and time-consuming

demolition.

CVH&G_Spring2011_28-29 28 2/8/2011 1:45:30 PM


that tub was. When our children were little, they could practically swim in it,” said the homeowner. Original pink tile was replaced. In another bathroom the original green and yellow tile and sink were professionally refinished in white. “I kept saying ‘trust me, it will turn out OK,’ because I wanted the bathroom to resemble something out of a Pottery Barn catalog,” she said, laughing.

Cherry cabinetry and a new cultured stone facade enhance the newly converted fireplace in the family room

Throughout the home, furnishings are fresh and contemporary. “My husband is a minimalist. He doesn’t like clutter. I wanted the clean lines of contemporary style and I kind of pulled him, kicking and screaming, into furniture stores throughout the Midwest so he could see exactly what I was talking about.

“I said we were going to do this together and he enjoyed it, too. I think we did a really good job. We love it,” she said. •

contractor andsubcontractors

Magee Construction Co.Iowa Wall SystemInterior SourceCambrian Granite and StoneAdvanced RefinishersCeilley InsulationCedar Valley ElectricYoung Plumbing and HeatingBenton Building CenterSeamless Exteriors

CVH&G_Spring2011_28-29 29 2/8/2011 1:45:39 PM


Text | Melody ParkerImages | Brandon Pollock

Steve Robertson grew up in the solid northeastern Iowa farm-house, built in 1915. His parents built an addition onto the foursquare-style home 20 years ago, and his wife, Deb, recalls

the aching muscles she had after helping her mother-in-law hang wallpaper.

Several years ago, the Robertsons moved to the family farm. In 2009, they decided to give the old farmhouse a new lease on life.

With design expertise from Dan Mohlis of Moeller & Walter and con-struction by Curt Bown of Sides & Bown Construction, the kitchen and living areas have been transformed to fit the couple’s modern lifestyle.

“We wanted to marry the old with the new — the farmhouse is still a farmhouse,” said Steve.

He wanted the original 9-foot-tall ceilings exposed and beams

farmCouple revamps family farmhouse

To fIT Modern lIfesTyle

living

>>

CVH&G_Spring2011_30-31 30 2/8/2011 1:46:19 PM


livingMore than 100 member companies make up the professionals in your community who provide quality homes, reliable service, and professional building expertise to thousands of families in northeast Iowa.

cedarvalleyhomebuilders.com

contractors andsubcontractors

Moeller & Walter, designer and materials

Sides & Bown, contractor

Lon’s Plumbing & Heating

Trubon Electric DW Flooring & Classic

Hardwood FloorsIowa Wall Systems

CVH&G_Spring2011_30-31 31 2/8/2011 1:46:28 PM


installed in the living room, and a fireplace. Original pine floors were refinished.

When load-bearing walls came down, engi-neered beams were installed to distribute the weight. “They wanted to open areas up and make space for larger gatherings. With engi-neered beams and modern construction, we can do things with loading spans that con-ventional lumber couldn’t do in the past,” said Mohlis.

What once was the farm office became the foyer, and the new guest bathroom was formerly a coat closet.

Space was reconfigured to maximize liv-ing space, and Deb got the comfortable, functional kitchen she desired.

“Our previous home had a big kitchen and that’s what I needed here. Steve and I like

to work together in the kitchen and there’s plenty of room for both of us. There’s a walk-in pantry, lots of storage, and I love my new cupboards,” she said, pointing out the combination of painted and cherry cabi-netry from Omega.

She also opted for several countertop materials to make the kitchen look “authen-tic,” including wood, a stone tile backsplash and a lengthy slab of granite for the island.

Finishing touches included matching original woodwork with new crown mold-ing, broad baseboards and wood stains, and rehanging original doors. A solid wall was breached to install pocket doors in Steve’s study.

One striking addition is the built-in, dual-sided breakfront designed by Mohlis. It features glass-fronted cabinetry, decorative

CVH&G_Spring2011_32-33 32 2/8/2011 1:49:11 PM


storage for wine bottles and a gentle arch that frames the view between the kitchen and living room.

Family antiques and collections are scattered throughout the Robertsons’ home, and Deb, a florist, enjoys decorat-ing for each season.

Their four daughters are grown, but with lots of grandchildren, the Robert-sons use the whole house.

“And we entertain a lot. We wanted a home that evokes warmth, welcome and a sense of homeyness. We wanted modern conveniences and a good flow with the remodel, but we feel the home’s history is intact,” Deb added. •

A screened-in porch was a “must” for the Robertsons, who enjoy relaxing in the outdoorsy setting without being

bothered by insects. The guest bath, right, features a hand-hammered copper sink.

CVH&G_Spring2011_32-33 33 2/8/2011 1:49:17 PM


Jewel box bath sparkles with sumptuous glamour

text | melody parkerImages | brandon pollock

All that glitters isn’t always gold.A profusion of crystals sparkles in this sumptuous and

sensual bathroom. Swarovski crystals are everywhere you look. Embedded in the floor tiles. Glinting just barely beneath the surface in countertops. Cascading down a shower wall.

“This is the guest bath, and I wanted it to be a jewel box,” said the homeowner.

Interior designer Kathy Flack guided the fashion-forward look, infusing glamour into the bathroom by combining classic design elements such as fluted pilasters and built-in cabinetry. Cabinetry was painted in a complexion-flattering luxe pale silver metallic that takes on a slight golden luster under artificial lighting.

“It’s youthful and a little vintage Hollywood and a little jazzy, too, but it’s integrated into the rest of the house,” said Flack, ASID, of Flack Interior Design Associates, a division of Simpson Furniture.

crystallight

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Plenty of style was fitted into the narrow, galley-style bathroom. Floor tiles were laid plank-style, both for the illusion of greater width and depth, and maximum impact. The double-sink vanity is dressed in black Zodiac quartz, a manmade material, inlaid with crystal flecks.

“Black grounds the space and adds to the richness,” Flack explained. A crystal waterfall in the glassed-in shower is the crowning glory. Created

from prefabricated tiles embedded with Swarovski crystals, a solar light ensures the crystals sparkle all day.

Even the finishing touches have finishing touches. Chrome faucets are topped by large, faceted crystals and crystals dangle from wall sconces projecting from wall mirrors on either side of each sink. Plantation shutters are topped with a metallic fabric valance with crystal accent trim.

Above, a linear chandelier drips with randomly placed crystals.From planning to finish, the award-winning project took six months to com-

plete. •

Kathy Flack Interior Design Associates, division of Simpson FurnitureShower doors, Allied GlassCabinetry and construction, Kitchens Plus

subcontractors

Below, a crystal waterfall glitters in the glassed-in shower. Black Zodiac quartz countertops ground the elegantly designed space.

CVH&G_Spring2011_34-35 35 1/20/2011 2:56:37 PM


In the market for new wIndows? Here are a few points to consider

Text | Melody ParkerImages | Rick Chase

Head-over-heels in love with their Craftsman-style bungalow, the Cedar Falls homeowners knew their kitchen needed renovation. At the same time, they

didn’t want to build an addition.“We’ve lived here 19 years. The house was built in 1915, and

we’re only the third owners. We’re lucky the original architec-ture has not been changed,” said the homeowner.

While their three children were growing up, the couple made

do with a minor kitchen facelift, painting cabinetry and install-ing wainscoting. “But now I wanted more open space and a place to have my grandchildren sit and bake cookies and talk with me. I wanted better lighting, more counter space, more cupboards — and I wanted it to fit style of the house. I wanted it to look like it belonged.”

Quarter-sawn oak cabinetry, a hallmark of the Arts & Crafts era, was the obvious choice. Cabinets Galore in Cedar Falls was the source for cabinetry, and Craig Freesemann of Waver-ly did the remodeling.“I love a challenge,” said Freesemann. “These older homes

kItchen successfullyrenovated To RefleCT hoMe’s ClassIC aRChITeCTuRe

craftsman revival

New quarter-sawn oak cabinetry reflects the home’s Craftsman architecture, and the remodeling was done without enlarging the original footprint.

CVH&G_Spring2011_36-37 36 2/8/2011 1:50:38 PM

craftsman revival

were built to last, but you have to plan for the unexpected. You never know what you’ll find when you open a wall — and there are few plumb walls in an old house. I plan ahead and think the project through. I build one home at a time, and I hang all the cabinetry myself.”

One wall was moved and a large single window was installed over the sink. Crown molding and wood stains match the home’s original design. Amish-crafted chairs are cozied up to the island. Porcelain tiles are underfoot, and the counter-tops are quartz.

Freesemann custom-built the furniture-like island to the homeowner’s wishes“We’re very happy. I haven’t found anything I would change — and it looks like

it’s been here forever,” she said. •


This renovated kitchen gets vintage appeal from the choice of glass fronts for the cabinet above the desk, below.

CVH&G_Spring2011_36-37 37 2/8/2011 1:50:44 PM


Text | Tina HinzImages | Shutterstock and Matthew Putney

Sealing windows with plastic in the winter merely post-pones the inevitable: You need new windows.

New windows and doors typically save 30 to 40 percent annually on utility bills, said Dennis Wildeboer, vice president at City Builders in Cedar Falls.

“That’s really the biggest thief of robbing energy from the home,” he said.

When selecting windows, consider your home’s architectural style and do your homework. Window price and performance includes the type and thickness of the glass, coatings for energy-efficiency and frame materials. If frames are rotted or damaged, you may need full-frame replacements.

WindoW types

All-wood windows are high-maintenance and may need

refinishing in a few years if a home’s heat and humidity aren’t regulated.

“A lot of people still like the wood configuration,” said Jim Kelley of Town & Country Home Improvement Center in Waterloo. “They like the way it looks. Even though you can get a simulated wood grain on vinyl, there’s still a little bit of imperfection there.”

City Builders offers a line with a real-wood interior that can be factory stained in four different species of wood in 10 or 12 stain colors, Wildeboer said.

A clad window is aluminum on the outside with wood inside, but comes at a higher cost. Mike Kontos, owner of A&M Win-dows, Doors & More in Waterloo, said exterior aluminum has a tendency to fade.

Vinyl and fiberglass are a growing trend, said Ross Hannam of The Pella Window Store in Cedar Falls. Fiberglass windows are structurally sound. Most come with a lifetime warranty. Some insides feature EverWood, an inorganic wood that doesn’t rot.

In the market for new wIndows? Here are a few points to consider

clad windows are wood with an exterior covering of vinyl or aluminum. You can paint the interior frame.

Vinyl frames are energy-efficient and easy to maintain. they are available in a range of colors and never need painting.

fiberglass and composite wood frames are low-maintenance and energy-efficient. they often cost more.

aluminum windows are durable, but can be less energy-efficient because the metal conducts cold.

windowchoosing a window

shopping

CVH&G_Spring2011_38-39 38 2/8/2011 1:51:25 PM


Vinyl, however, is becoming popular for being budget friendly. But because vinyl expands and contracts with warm and cold climates, Kontos recommends a three-pane glass to keep the frame structurally sound for a long period of time.

City Builders promotes the THV Compozit window. Wildeboer describes the material as like that of a football helmet with the quali-ties and maintenance-free aspects of vinyl, strength of aluminum and look of wood.

panes and coatingsMost windows today are double-pane

glass, injected with argon gas as insulation. More thickness and compressed air means increased efficiency, Kelley said. Space between panes can range from 3/8 inch to 1.25 inches.

A “hard coat” can block UV rays and prevent fading of furniture and carpet. The coating also keeps heat out.

That number can be deceiving, Kontos said. A separate coat for easier cleaning does

not affect the UV rating.The higher a condensation rating, the bet-

ter the window is going to avoid moisture between the glass. Anything above .65 is a quality window, he explained.

shop around Get two or three estimates. Ask questions

and keep overall quality and company repu-tation in mind. Be wary of companies that use out-of-area or out-of-state installers who may not take responsibility if something is wrong with the windows. That’s the benefit of buying locally, Kelley said.

“If there’s some service to do, normally a phone call is all it takes, and we try to get out there.”

Know who is providing the warranty. Ask to see both the warranty for the window and another for labor and installation. The glass may have another warranty. A warranty of 30 to 50 years, and one that is not prorated and can be transferred to a new owner, is best. •

❮

Offer expires 11/23/2010

319-859-0000

Offer expires 04/30/2011

Ben Schmitz with Pella Windows rips out old second-story windows in preparation of installing new energy-efficient windows.

CVH&G_Spring2011_38-39 39 2/8/2011 1:51:28 PM


&Text | Holly HudsonImage | Shutterstock

Whether leaving for an extended amount of time, or just going to work for the day, today’s homeowners have the ability to monitor exactly what is happening in and around their homes during their absence.

Current home security systems are a far cry from the alarm panels and keypads many are familiar with. Beyond motion sensors and intrusion alarms, they can keep track of the kids, monitor an elderly relative, even notify a homeowner when a pack-age has been delivered to their front door.

They can tell homeowners when a medicine or liquor cabinet has been opened, someone arrives at the house or valuables have been disturbed.

Locally, Ken Samek of Hawkeye Alarm has seen major changes in the industry over the last five years.

“It’s all about customization,” he said. “The system needs to fit the customer’s needs. We have everything from snowbirds who just want a basic package to monitor their home while they are away for the winter to large homes where we’ve installed complex systems that required a dozen smoke detectors and four or five keypads.”

The purchase and installation of a home security system can range anywhere from $800 to $6,000, Samek said. Then homeowners will sign up with a monitoring com-pany that will likely require an initial fee, service contract and monthly fees.

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Brian Shaw, operations manager at Maximum Sight and Sound in Waterloo, said the trend is to integrate home secu-rity systems into other home systems.

“For example, you can be watching TV and someone rings the doorbell,” Shaw said. “A camera can flash on the TV and show you who is at the front door.”

Shaw said the demand for such systems is now four times greater than only two years ago.

“Security is the fastest-growing segment of our business,” he said.

Customers are demanding more connected, customized systems, said JoAnna Sohovich, president of Honeywell Security and Communications. “Different generations have a differing expectation of privacy and differing needs for information.

“The newer generation wants information, technology and connectivity on their own terms.”

Sohovich said the industry is being driven by a number of things, including emerging technology such as Smart devices and the pervasiveness of the wireless network, which have turned phones and computers into remote con-trol panels.

Top-of-the-line systems such as ADT Pulse or Honey-well’s Total Connect offer features with the ability to arm or disarm an alarm from a remote location, real-time video

monitoring and automation of lights and thermostats. Such systems offer carbon monoxide, water, fire and temperature fluctuation detection with notifications via e-mail, text mes-saging, even video clips.

Honeywell launched Total Connect about 18 months ago and recently released Total Connect apps for Android phones.

“Consumers are becoming more and more technologically savvy, with consumer-grade expectations,” Sohovich said. “Programs have to be easily available, easily downloaded and easily navigated.”

Both Samek and Shaw agree the best-case scenario is to have security systems installed during the construction of a home.

“I cannot tell people enough to run every type of wire you can during construction — security, phone, computer, television,” Shaw said. “But we can come in later and install or add to a system, and wireless has now improved to the point that we can do a lot more.”

Samek urges homeowners to do their research and find a reputable company to do business with. “You want to find someone in the area, someone who will be there for service and support down the road,” he said.

“It goes beyond the safety and security of your house and your belongings,” Sohovich said. “It goes to peace of mind.” •safe secure:

CVH&G_Spring2011_40-41 41 2/8/2011 1:52:50 PM

CVH&G_Spring2011_42-43 42 2/8/2011 1:54:22 PM


Text | Melody ParkerImages | Rick Chase & Shutterstock

Shopping for a new mattress can result in confusion of Goldilocks proportions.

This one with the pillowtop feels too soft. That one is too firm. After you’ve tried so many, it may seem impos-sible to find a mattress that feels just right.

A good night’s sleep is essential to our health. It determines how we feel and function each day. Sleep — and sleep depri-vation — can impact our quality of life, productivity and relationships. Our brains are active while we sleep and our bodies regenerate and heal and reenergize for the next day.

Our bed can be friend or foe. We spend about 1/3 of our lives in bed, so choosing mattress is an important process, says Jeff Carlson, store manager at Slumberland in Waterloo. Like any other big-ticket purchase, it pays to do the research and put in the legwork.

“It’s amazing once someone puts money into a good mat-tress how their quality of sleep improves. Pressure-point relief is a huge thing for people. When you get relief from pressure on your hips, for example, you are able to stay in deeper stages of sleep longer because your brain isn’t shoot-ing signals to your body to adjust itself to relief pressure. It may not completely wake you up, but it does disturb your sleep and leaves you feeling sore and tired when you wake up,” Carlson said.

Not spending enough time figuring out if a mattress fits their sleep style is one of the biggest mistakes a mattress shopper makes, says Charles Foster of Fosters Mattress in Waterloo.

Do you sleep on your side? Your stomach? Your back? Do you suffer lower-back pain or sleep apnea or other health issues? Are you a heavy sleeper and your partner is a light sleeper (and a blanket hog?)

“A lot of people are frank and honest about how they sleep

zzzzz ...ExPERTS offER tips for ShoPPIng foR a new mattress SET

abcs of getting your

>>

CVH&G_Spring2011_42-43 43 2/8/2011 1:54:29 PM


Because every night is important.

and others are afraid to let down their guard and admit ‘my back really hurts when I sleep on my side.’ We ask questions to help guide them to the best-fitting mattress for their needs,” Foster explains.

A couple may be surprised to learn that a full-sized bed gives each person about as much space width-wise as sleeping on a crib mattress. “That’s not much room,” Carlson notes. A queen or king-size mattress set will give both more room. “And consider the amount of motion transferred from one side of the mattress to the other. If someone is a restless sleeper and they’re mov-ing around, it can jostle the other person.”

Dress comfortably and if you want, bring your favorite pillow. “Try out the beds. You don’t buy shoes without trying them on. Lay down, get into your sleep pose with the pillow you’re attached to and see how it feels. Try more than one mattress and more than one type of mat-tress,” Foster said.

Premium beds will have more of everything that makes a bed comfy-cozy — cushion-layering, coils or foam.

A matched set is meant to stay together, so buy both the mattress and foundation. Putting a new mattress on an old foundation will void the warranty and cause the new mattress to wear out prematurely, Carlson says.

Ask if the store offers a sleep trial: You buy the bed and have enough time to sleep in it and decide if what you purchased is working out. Lengths of time vary. •

Signs you may need a new mattressand foundation (box spring)— You wake up with stiffness, numbness, aches and pains— You’re had a better night’s sleep somewhere other than your own bed (a hotel or park bench)— Your mattress sags or dips, feels lumpy, the box spring squeaks, etc. — You’re losing sleep because your bed is 8 to 12 years old or older and no longer provides the best comfort and support. — You’re getting older. As we age, our need for comfort and support increases. Our lifestyle changes and we may be affected by arthritis or other ailments and the better padded our sleeping surface, the better our sleep.

SOurce: Better Sleep cOuncil

Win this!Stretch out in luxury in a

set of Malouf sheets. Made from egyptian cotton, the 600-thread-count sheets

are being offered by Fosters Mattress. You choose the

color and the size to fit your bed. register to win at

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CVH&G_Spring2011_44-45 44 2/8/2011 1:56:33 PM


Text & Images | The Associated Press

You walk up them, you walk down them, perhaps countless times a day. When you look down, though, do you see any sign of your personal style?

Staircases, once decorated with detailed, elaborate runners in the Victorian era, have been forgotten in many homes, or at least bumped down on the decorating to-do list.

“Stairs are ignored. Period,” says Genevieve Gorder, host of HGTV’s “Dear Genevieve.”

“People think of stairs and hallways as strictly utilitarian — a place to get somewhere else,” she says. “But they are some of the most beautiful places to decorate.”

First impressionAdding a runner to a staircase in the front of the house can

help make a good first impression, especially because entryways often don’t have the space to feature fabric-covered furniture or windows.

A runner can add color, texture and pattern to a space. And the carpeting can cut down on noise and provide a safer walking — or in the case of kids, running — surface.

“People want a more finished feeling, but they forget the stairway,” says Christopher Lowell, host of Fine Living Network’s “Work That Room.” “An upholstered staircase can give them that feeling.”

simple vs. traditionalThe traditional Oriental style is a runner mainstay, offering lots

of colors around which to decorate.“They’re somewhat timeless and classic, and a lot of times

they’re not going to tie you to a particular trend,” says Eileen Hunyadi, who owns the Stair Runner Store in Oxford, Conn., with her husband, John. “Traditional styles can be around for quite a long time and you can work other things in without being stuck in a time warp.”

On the other hand, Lowell favors something simple and neutral, like a textured sisal wool runner.

“The idea is to add texture and luxury to the space but not drown the space or lock in any overt patterns,” he says.

There are tonal looks, and runners with scrolls, trellises and fab-ric-type patterns — styles that made up about 30 percent of sales during the last few years.

However, carpeting with more pattern will show less dirt and dust than a more solid carpet.

Farewell, wall-to-wallSince hardwood floors have made a comeback over the past few

decades, many homeowners are shopping for runners because they’ve either ripped out wall-to-wall stair carpeting or have moved into new homes with all hardwood floors.

Homeowners also want runners to combat stairwell echoes, or for safety. •

Upstairs,

When decOrAting, don’t forget the staircase

— coordinate a runner with colors and style of the home’s main floor, not the upstairs.— don’t try to match the runner to a color in the home, which is tricky. instead choose a complementary hue. You want less matchy-matchy and more flow. — try something new, like introducing more color or boldness, but be sure it connects to the rest of the main floor so it looks like it belongs. — Besides style, consider price. runners are generally made of wool or a synthetic fiber. Wool runners can cause 25 to 30 percent more than synthetics, but there is some price overlap on high-quality synthetics and lower-end wools. — Wool is softer to the touch, looks more matte and releases dirt more easily. Synthetics catch the light dif-ferent and hold more dirt. Wool can wear away from use; synthetics will not. — Whichever material you choose, take care of it.— looking for alternatives? gorder suggests tiling the risers — the verti-cal part of the stairs that gets scuffed easily. Or try making a paint “runner” in a bold shade of marine paint, or sanding one, creating the look with contrasting wood colors.

downstairs

run with these tips:

CVH&G_Spring2011_44-45 45 2/8/2011 1:56:36 PM


PICTURESQUE PERFECTION

Text | Melody ParkerImage | Shutterstock

With temperatures hovering somewhere near the cellar, cabin fever is running high.

A whiff of spring at the Eastern Iowa Home Improvement and Landscap-ing Show will cure what ails homeowners in a fever-pitch to paint, wallpaper, redecorate, refurnish, refurbish, remodel, build, landscape or garden. Nearly 200 home improvement and landscape exhibitors will be present.

The event takes place from 3 to 9 p.m. Feb. 11; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 12, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 13. Admission is $6 for adults and children 12 and under are free. Friday matinee admission is $3 from 3 to 5 p.m. Co-sponsors are the Waterloo Exchange Club and Iowa Show Productions.

Among exhibits will be kitchens, windows, doors, insulation, furniture, carpeting, art, heating, cooling, cookware, asphalt, sewing, siding, security systems, vacuums, landscaped gardens, lawn tractors, mowers, chippers and more.

Along with exhibitors, the show also will feature free seminars for attendees.Products and ideas for interior and exterior projects will be featured. Homeowners can

consult with new home contractors and remodeling experts. Displays will feature trends in home entertainment systems, sun rooms, hot tubs and spas, fireplaces, home organizing systems and decking.

Experts will be available to discuss flooring, lighting, real estate, garages and more. •

breath of spring of SPrIng aT EaSTErn Iowa Home and Landscaping sHow

CVH&G_Spring2011_46-47 46 1/20/2011 2:57:27 PM

PICTURESQUE PERFECTION

breath of spring

CVH&G_Spring2011_46-47 47 1/20/2011 2:57:28 PM


cuttingsnew products, expert advice & what’s hot now

Ruby red tulips smack of true love in a floral display that any guy could easily put together in 10 minutes to surprise his gal. Pick up a bunch of inexpensive vases plus two or three bunches of red tulips and some red construction paper and red candies. Trim the tulip stems, add fresh water, cluster vases, suspend a few cut-out hearts on sticks or strings, sprinkle a few red jelly beans around. Voila ... you romantic, you! Happy Valentine’s Day!

It’s called an MBrace. Made of recycled sheet metal, the MBrace makes an instant perfect corner for attractive 16-inch-tall raised beds. Wood planks — such as two-by-fours or two-by-eights up to 12 feet long — slide into the brackets and are held solidly in place.

Peak Performance of Lodi, Calif., makes the MBraces, which are sold at www.artofthegarden.net. A set of four costs $165.

The early bird catches the worm! Get a head start on your spring garden with a $50 garden center gift card from HyVee. Register at www.cv-hg.com.

win this!

Imagine having everything you need for seeds starting and repotting to planting containers — all in one place. This potting bench from Gardeners Supply Co., features hooks for hand tools, a bottom shelf for storing soil and pots and a planting area with a slanted top to collect extra soil in a plastic slide-out bin below. It mea-sures 37 inches wide, $189.

Cowpots are biodegradable transplant pots, created as a way

to dispose of cow manure. The manure is dried, composted, mixed with natural fibers and

pressed into pot. Odorless and free of weed seeds, Cowpots last

for months in the greenhouse, but dissolve in the garden in short

order. Using a Cowpot will also reduce transplant shock, www.

cowpots.com.

CVH&G_Spring2011_48-49 48 1/20/2011 2:58:02 PM


Text | Staff and MCTImages | Country Estate Fence

Good fences make good neighbors, the saying goes.A good fence provides privacy and noise reduction, blocks unattractive views, offers

security to keep pets in and strangers out and brings beauty to a landscape, flattering the house and its surroundings. Residential fences also mark property boundaries.

There are many fence options available, including wood, vinyl, metal, wire and com-posite materials. When choosing fencing, it’s also important to consider the age and style of your home, the purpose the fence will serve and obviously, your budget. Experts say most people underestimate the cost of fencing materials and installation, whether it’s done by professionals or as a do-it-yourself project, so be realistic. Wood

Traditional, prefabricated wood fencing can be cost-efficient, especially if you install it yourself. Avoid cedar posts because they rot quickly; cedar panels are fine. Split-rail or round-rail fences, common in rural areas, can add a decorative twist to a garden.

The lifetime of wood fences is only 10 to 15 years, and maintenance is high: Keep the wood clean, and plan to seal them every two or three years. You can extend the treat-ment time by using a stain with pigment.

Remove mold or moss with a power washer. If it re-grows, the wood needs to be cleaned — probably with a professional product — and resealed. To save time, apply products with a sprayer.

Contemporary bamboo fences are becoming more popular, touted as an environmen-tally friendly option because bamboo easily regenerates.Vinyl and composite

The chief advantage to installing a PVC fence is maintenance. You’ll never have to paint it, says Dennis Kostman of Country Estate Fence, Deck & Railing of Waterloo, mak-ing it the ultimate low-maintenance material. There are also lengthy warranties.

“The customer needs to be a sharp shopper because there are lots of differences between PVC fencing products. Our fences have a 50-year warranty and UV production so the sun won’t make it brittle.”

Consumers can choose from more than 50 fence styles, including popular privacy and picket styles. Fences and gates also can be custom fabricated. PVC fencing a may cost a bit more than other materials, but Country Estate price quotes includes posts, inserts and latches. You can also choose gazebos, arbors, pergolas and deck flooring and railing. metal

Ornamental iron fences, as well as aluminum and steel fencing can complement most homes, no matter the age of the structure. Styles can also be mixed.

Better-made ornamental fencing requires little maintenance; cheaper quality metals may cause future problems. Periodically check all metal fences for rust.

To add charm to the property, mix old and new. Chain-link fencing is familiar to us all, though new incarnations are available in green,

brown and black and are powder-coated for rust protection. They are the least expensive option, are durable, require little maintenance and replacement is relatively easy. But some homeowners associations and local codes forbid them. Though they corral pets, most don’t offer security or privacy.custom

Custom fences allow homeowners to match lamp posts, gates and outdoor lighting. They also can be made to match the slope of the yard. Homeowners seeking artistic

fenced in

CVH&G_Spring2011_48-49 49 1/20/2011 2:58:06 PM

CHRISTIE DOOR COMPANY 1905 STATE ST. CEDAR FALLS 50613www.christiegaragedoor.com 319-266-1627

“Where being a specialist doesn’t make us more

expensive, just better.”

FOR ALL OF YOUR GARAGE DOOR NEEDS


tex-mexFlowers

1. Gaillardia (G. aristata) “Punch Bowl” F1Splashy rose-pink and lavender bi-color blooms with frilly white

edges, “Punch Bowl” is a hardy, easy-to-grow annual that flowers from June through September in containers, as edging, ground-cover or for cut flowers.

2. Ornamental Corn “Field of Dreams”Search no more for a striking plant to add color and structure to

large combination pots. The annual “Field of Dreams” can reach four to five feet tall in sun or light shade. A bonus: Kernels from ears can be popped!

3. Scabiosa (S. caucasica) “Fama Deep Blue” A true blue star, Scabiosa “Fama Deep Blue” is the darkest blue

flowering scabiosa on the market and is a hardy perennial to Zone 4. Morning Glory “Split Second.”

With its peony flower form and huge powderpuff double blooms, this morning glory is a show-stopper. It can be grown in contain-ers, hanging baskets and as a ground cover.

5. Calibrachoa “MiniFamous” Double Pink evol.”This calibrachoa series features full double flowers, early and

rich free flowering. It fits any format from baskets to mixed con-tainers of any kind. Compact easy to grow annual for full to part sun.

Vegetables1. Eggplant “Barbarella”“Barbarella” produces good yields of beautiful, eye-catching

fruit. The fruit are uniform and very nearly round with excellent flavor. Plant as transplants; 65 days to harvest.

2. Lettuce “Rhaze” A true little gem-type for spring, summer, and fall planting. It has dark red leaves with a bright green heart. Sow seeds or plant transplants. Lettuce is hardy and can be planted as early as the soil can be worked.

3. Cucumber “Salt and Pepper”The first white-skinned pickling cucumber with powdery mildew

resistance. It is similar in size, 3-5 inches, to “Miniature White” — which it replaces — and “Boothby’s Blonde,” but with improved flavor and disease resistance. It has small black spines.

4. Radish “Pink Beauty”It matures in 27 days, offering rose-pink, round and smooth rad-

ishes. The crisp white flesh has a unique flavor and the radishes grow larger but stay mild (and not pithy).

5. Bean “Jackson Wonder Lima.” Very early, heat resistant and hardy, this lima bean matures in

75 days. Small, flat pale green-grey medium lima beans mature to brown with dark splashes. It requires staking and produces 3- to 4-inch seed pods.

10 new plant varieties worth trying this spring

CVH&G_Spring2011_50-51 50 2/8/2011 1:58:20 PM


tex-mexthese spicy dishes will top your list of weeknight favorites

12 ounces 96 percent lean ground pork1/2 cup water6 tablespoons couscous4 large red, orange, or yellow bell peppers, or a

combination3/4 cup prepared salsa, plus more for serving

(optional)1 cup frozen corn, thawed2 teaspoons chili powderSalt and pepper1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar, Mon-

terey jack, or Mexican blend cheesePreheat oven to 500 F.In small saucepan over medium-high heat,

bring water to a boil. Stir in couscous, cover, remove from heat, and set aside for at least 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, in large skillet over medium-high heat, cook pork, stirring occasionally and breaking it up, until no longer pink, about 4

minutes.Also while couscous is softening, remove

tops from peppers and scrape out seeds. Set aside.

In large bowl, combine couscous, pork, salsa, corn, and chili powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fill peppers with pork mixture. Arrange peppers in a shallow baking pan and bake for 10 minutes.

Sprinkle cheese on top and continue baking until peppers are tender and stuffing is heated through, about 5 minutes.

Serve peppers with additional salsa on the side if you like.

Nutritional information per serving: Calories: 280; fat: 6g; saturated fat: 2g; cholesterol: 55mg; sodium: 470mg; carbohydrates: 55g; protein: 26g; fiber: 5g

source: TheOtherWhiteMeat.com

Make flavorful, spicy Tex-Mex dishes for hearty, satisfying suppers.

These recipes have enough heat to warm away the winter chills, and are easy enough to pre-pare that they’ll quickly become family favorites.

The smoky flavor and heat found in Mole Pobla-no de Pollo comes from cinnamon, chili powder, chocolate and peppers. Prepared in a Dutch oven, it’s a wonderful way to dress up chicken breasts — worth the extra time to create the sauce.

Lean pork and couscous are seasoned and stuffed into bell peppers for oven-baking in Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers, and is a low-calorie option for dieters.

tex-Mex stuffed peppers

Brisket Chili

Brisket (size to fit crowd)Marinade: Cumin, lime juice, hot sauce, salt and

pepperCanola oilChopped carrots and celery and sliced onionsBeef stock2 cans tomato sauceJalapeno pepperHabanera pepper1 small can tomato pasteMinced fresh garlicSprigs of fresh thyme and oreganoBay leafPinch of sugar1 can cannellini beans1 can large red kidney beans

Marinate brisket for several hours in cumin, lime juice, hot sauce and salt and pepper. Smoke or cook brisket to desired doneness. Let it rest.

Prepare chili base. Sweat carrots, onions and celery in canola oil with salt and pepper until you can smell the aroma. Add beef stock and tomato sauce. Begin layering in seasonings — salt and pepper, ja-lapeno, habanera pepper, more onions, tomato paste, minced garlic, herb sprigs, pinch of sugar and beans. Stir and let simmer for two hours on low. Brisket should be tender enough to fall apart after resting; add amount of brisket desired to the pot and let simmer for 1 more hour.

Serve with corn bread or corn muffins (or peanut butter sandwich or grilled cheese)

chef william gerstenberger, crossroads Hv-Vee

— almost everybody loves tex-Mex food. it’s not a specific style but a blend of styles with great flavors. i cook by feel, not measurements, and with chili you can just “eyeball” the ingredients to make whatever will be enough for the mouths you have to feel. and the leftovers are always good.

entertaining

10 new plant varieties worth trying this spring

CVH&G_Spring2011_50-51 51 2/8/2011 1:58:22 PM


Makes 1/2 gallon2 carrots, diced3 stalks celery, diced1 medium onion, diced1 smoked poblano pepper, diced1 roasted red pepper, diced1 jalapeno pepper, diced1 green pepper, diced1/4 cup cooking oil or clarified butter1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon cracked black pepper1 teaspoon cayenne pepper1 teaspoon cumin2 quarts rich chicken stock

1 lime, juiced2 tablespoon red wine vinegar 8 ounces diced grilled chicken6 ounces cooked rice (optional)1 24-ounce can diced tomatoes

Heat a large stock pan over medium flame with the oil. Add vegetables and saute until tender

Add seasonings and stir to incorporate. Add chicken stock, chicken, vinegar, lime juice and diced tomatoes

Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer.Serve with tortilla chips, guacamole and

sour cream to float on top of the soup.

win this!

Love cooking? Then you’ll love “How to Squeeze a Lemon” from the editors, contributors and readers of the popular

magazine “Fine Cooking.” The book includes 1,023 kitchen tips, food fixes

and handy techniques. Register to win a copy at www.cv-hg.com.

Southwestern Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chef Jim Nadeau, College Square Hv-Vee

CVH&G_Spring2011_52-53 52 2/8/2011 1:59:05 PM

www.MIDAMERICANENERGY.com/ee

F I N A N C I N G

“Learn more about MidAmerican and energy efficiency by visiting our website.”– Mr. Green

Cut Energy Costs Sooner, Not LaterMidAmerican Energy’s EnergyAdvantage® Financing program assists Iowa residential customers in purchasing energy-efficient equipment and windows so you can enjoy lower energy bills sooner, not later. MidAmerican’s EnergyAdvantage Financing program, in partnership with First American Bank, is designed to provide customers access to competitive, fixed interest rates or six months same-as-cash when they meet First American Bank’s credit qualification requirements, and purchase and install qualifying equipment.

For more information on EnergyAdvantage Financing, including what equipment and windows may qualify, or to apply, call MidAmerican at 800-894-9599.


TIP:Fill all your entertaining needs at Hy-Vee Food Stores and Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits.

TaSTingSTry boCk for Spring

Spring is a time of conflicting feelings for beer lovers. Like most everyone else we look forward to the arrival of gentler tempera-tures, fewer black ice moments of terror on the road and that window of leisure between the exertions of snow blowing and lawn mowing.

While spring can seem a blank void between the endless variet-ies of winter and summer beers, it does offer bock, a robust lager traditionally brewed to sustain fasting monks through the Lenten season. The name bock, meaning goat in German, is thought to be a shortening of Einbeck, the German town where the bock style may have originated. The style is broad, encompassing the pale-hued, more assertively hopped helles-bock and Maibock to the deep, dark amber doppelbock. All share a malty richness and, as the name implies, a strong alcohol kick, usually in the 6 to 7.5 percent ABV range.

Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock is available locally and year-round. Dark and roasty with a decidedly dry finish, it is consis-tently rated one of the best beers in the world. On the domestic front, Wisconsin’s Capitol Brewery offers their first-rate Blond Doppelbock, though, ironically, you’ll have to travel further to find it than the Celebrator because it isn’t distributed in Iowa. Pale, exquisitely balanced and elegant, it is worth the drive.

Prost! — Brandon Pollock

Warming WineS

Tex-Mex, Italian, chili, beef stews — most of us love spicy, big and bold flavors when the weather is cold.

You can break out a favorite red with those heavily seasoned dishes, but if that doesn’t fit your flavor profile, go with white wines, says Dwight Dehl, manager at Hy-Vee Wine & Spirits.

“Decide if you want something to contrast or marry with the flavors. Sweet wines are considered good with spicy or hot food, but it’s a matter of choice. If you don’t like it, it doesn’t matter if it’s appropriate.”

Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling pairs nicely with spicy food, he sug-gests, or a Gewürztraminer or Canadian Icewine.

In the market for reds? Choose a soft Pinot Noir or a blend such as Meritage or Bordeaux.

Another possibility is Sangria, and Dehl says one of the world’s best is Real-brand Sangria from Spain.

CVH&G_Spring2011_52-53 53 2/8/2011 1:59:09 PM


home plan

HOME EVOKES WARMCOUNTRY FEEL

front

HMAFAPW1543 DETAILS:

• Bedrooms: 3+• Baths: 2 1/2• Main floor: 2,471 sq. ft.• Total Living Area: 2,471 sq. ft.• Daylight basement: 2,471 sq. ft.• Garage and workshop: 487 sq. ft.• Attic storage: 334 sq. ft.• Exterior Wall Framing: 2x6• Foundation Options: crawl space, daylight basement or slab

A downloadable study plan of this house, including general information on building costs and financing is available at www.houseoftheweek.com. To order: Call (866) 722-1013, or mail to House of the Week, P.O. Box 75488, St. Paul, MN 55175-0488.

For a guide to housing developments in the Cedar Valley and surrounding communities, visit http://www.cv-hg.com/map/

HOUSE PLAN

s

porch

Text | Associated Press

Shuttered multi-pane windows and a metal-roofed front porch pro-vide this home, HMAFAPW1543

by Homeplans.com, with a warm country feel. The floor plan covers 2,471 square feet of living space.

The entrance hall is flanked by a study with double doors and a formal dining room defined by columns. Past the gal-lery, the family room has a fireplace with a niche for a flat-screen TV above. Tran-som windows look out to an expansive back porch.

The open kitchen is centered on the island that overlooks the family room. Amenities are the breakfast nook, large pantry and recipe desk.

The laundry room is just off the garage entrance, which features a drop zone for cell phones, mail and keys.

Privacy is the order of the day in the secluded owner’s retreat. The master bath includes amenities including a garden tub, doorless shower, dual vanities and private toilet. There’s a large walk-in closet.

Across the home, two more bedrooms share a jack-and-jill bath. A hall powder room will accommodate guests. •

ExPERTISE: Build it right. Build it to last. Keep the customer happy.

That’s the mission statement that drives the suc-cess of Harting & Hunemuller Contractors, L.C. Don Harting and Reed Hunemuller specialize in residential and light commercial needs from building new custom homes, offices and condo-miniums to additions, commercial remodels and whole-house remodels. They also do kitchen and bath remodels and window replacements. The company has 10 carpenters with more than 200 years’ collective experience.

BACkgROUND: Harting started in construction while in high school and has 35 years’ experience in building new homes, remodeling and light com-mercial construction. Reed attended the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, graduating in 1979 with a degree in industrial technology with an emphasis in construction.

They joined forces in 1989 to establish Harting & Hunemuller Contractors. They are self-described sticklers for detail and doing things right. CONTACT: Don Harting and Reed Hunemuller516 Bluff St., Cedar Falls(319) 277-0627, [email protected]

harting & hunemuller CONTRACTORS L.C.

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porch

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Documents

Cedar Valley Home and Garden