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The September issue of Spaces you now hold in your hands is the third issue for 2008, designed to help readers as they move into the start of the fall season. Spaces is being delivered to 50,000 homes this week as a supplement to the Spinal Column Newsweekly, part of the SCN Communications Group, publisher of the newspaper, along with Oakland Lakefront magazine, Preferred Oakland Homes, Oakland homes, the MonthlyAdvertiser and the West Oakland Directory.

SPACES Publisher

Associate Publisher

We have also continued with our popular feature of For What It’s Worth, giving readers a look at what homes are for sale in a specific price range. Also inside this issue is the special column from home inspector Jeff LaPorte of White Lake. There will be one more edition of Spaces in 2008, to be published on Wednesday, October 29. The advertising deadline for the last issue of the year is October 10. Our goal at Spaces is to bring you, in a magazine-format publication, editorial and advertising information directed at home design and improvement.

News Editor

TIMOTHY S. DMOCH BROOKE MEIER, LESLEY SHEPARD-OWSLEY, ANDREW SAWMILLER, MICHAEL SHELTON

Staff Photographer Contributors

Sales Assistants Inside Sales Manager Inside Sales Representatives

AMY K. LOCKARD MIKE SCOTT, MARK H. STOWERS DAN NEUMAIER, JULES PICKARD, LINDA STICKNEY, RON WARWICK, STEPHEN WARWICK SANDY ASHLOCK, ERIN CHAPMAN, KATEY MEISNER LORI SNYDER JESSICA HOLSTEIN, CINDY STAWICK, LESLIE TIMKO

Graphics Manager

LESLIE M. MORYS

Assistant Manager

CHRIS GRAMMER

Graphics Assistants

Systems Manager Circulation Manager

DENISE JUNGJOHAN, KAREN POLATKA, MARCIA REIMER, CHRIS URQUHART CHRIS GRAMMER DENNIS BOGGS

Circulation Assistant

DAN GRIFFIN

Accounts Receivable Manager

CAROL BARR

Accounts Receivable Supervisor Accounts Receivable Phone Address/Street

We are only able to bring you this information in Spaces with the assistance of the local advertisers you find in this issue, and the local experts who helped supply information for this edition.

DAVID P. HOHENDORF

Staff Writers

Advertising Sales Representatives

Inside this issue you will find editorial copy on the popularity of brick pavers, the benefits of finishing basements on a home, and background information on installing home saunas, along with a variety of stories relative to fall both inside and outside the home. As always, we have attempted to rely whenever possible on local experts in assembling information on each of these topics.

JAMES W. FANCY

Address/Mail

CAROLYN PETHERBRIDGE MABLE McCULLOUGH, JAN MORRIS 248.360.6397 / 248.360.7355 7196 Cooley Lake Road Waterford, Michigan, 48327-4113 P.O. Box 14 Union Lake, MI, 48387-0014

David P. Hohendorf Associate Publisher SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY PREFERRED OAKLAND HOMES OAKLAND HOMES OAKLAND LAKEFRONT MONTHLYADVERTISER WEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY

FALL 2008 | SPACES 5

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o longer a wasted space of long forgotten, ill-fitting clothes and dusty high school athletic trophies, basements are becoming a gold mine of added living and entertainment space in singlefamily homes and condominiums. Typically, finished basements or finished lower level remodeling projects are less expensive than home additions and present less of a hassle when obtaining permits. Costs for finishing a basement can vary widely depending on what your plans are for the space. For a rough estimate you can expect to pay around $20 to $25 per square foot in construction costs for a basic finished basement. For example, a 1,000-square-foot, basic finished basement will cost around $25,000 for framing, electricity, insulation and sheetrock. The cost can go dramatically higher if you have plans for bathrooms, wet bars, wine cellars and/or home entertainment centers. You don’t have to find your own money tree or oil well in order to afford a basement remodeling project. By just “hiring yourself” to do some of the grunt work, you can cut into that cost significantly. With a little thought, effort and ingenuity you can be basking in the glow of your new “Man’s Room,” a private theater or the ultimate play room. Some straight talk from area experts in basement remodeling can send you on your way to lower-level home enhancement. The first step in creating any dream basement is to clean up the space. Get serious with the cleanup and throw out unused items. Take a digital picture of things you don’t want to forget but no longer need or use. The Salvation Army and Purple Heart will pick up unwanted items, or what you can lift and bag can easily be dropped at their locations, as well as at many other charity organizations. Another option is simply to start an exercise routine where you bag up your unused possessions and “donate” them on garbage day to your trash hauler. If you do have plenty of prized possessions that really are worth something, you may want to consider renting a pod or a storage space and hauling your items there. You’ll want your contractor to have plenty of room to move about and create the basement of your dreams. Once you get them out, you may realize that the items aren’t so priceless and can be kept elsewhere. After you remove the clutter, it’s time to dream and create the basement just for you. But basement remodeling project quotes can run into the tens of thousands of dollars depending on how much you dream. There are ways to help cut down on costs by ➤➤➤➤

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taking on some of the pre-work yourself. Mike Saari of Oakland Builders in Commerce Township said the best way to start your basement project is by picking up a few of the jobs yourself that can costs hundreds if not thousands of dollars if performed by a contractor. “One of the important things for a basement conversion with block foundation walls is that those walls must be painted with waterproofing paint prior to building the new walls,” Saari said. “Whether you use metal construction or standard wood studded walls, the block walls must be painted with waterproof paint.” Saari, also a home inspector, said he has found many homes with a damp, musty smell because the walls weren’t treated properly before remodeling. “You can go to any hardware store and by DRYLOK paint and do this yourself,” he said of treating the block walls. “A five-gallon bucket of DRYLOK will cost about $95 but a contractor will charge up to $2,000 to paint it for you.” According to Saari, one must fill any wall cracks with the same polyurethane used to fill re-rod holes before the paint goes on the wall. “If you have severe wall cracks where water may be seeping through, Home Depot now sells an epoxy injection for wall cracks,” he said. “Before you’d have to hire a basement leak company where you would pay $350 per crack. The kit from Home Depot only costs $50. A lot of people don’t know what to do, but with a little knowledge you can save a ton of money.” And if you have a leaky basement, a basic outside repair may be just what the doctor ordered, rather than a pricey basement waterproofing system. “A lot of these basement leak companies really soak the homeowners when there is no need,” he said. “They are selling them $10,000 interior, sub-surface basement leak systems when all you need to do is have positive grading outside the home and extend your downspouts about 10 feet.” Saari said for only $3 you can buy 10 feet of flex hose to extend your downspouts and most likely get rid of your basement leak problem. “Flex hose is circular and it doesn’t get damaged when people step on it,” he said. A few other things that can help reduce your basement remodeling costs include some elbow grease and time.

“In poured foundation walls you’ll find rerod holes where bits of water come through,” Saari said. “By grinding out those re-rod holes about three-quarters of an inch, you then fill those holes with a polyurethane from Home Depot that’s supposed to last 50 years with exterior use. A home may have 20 to 30 of these re-rod holes. A contractor will charge about $50 per hole. You can save a lot of money that way.” Other ways to help cut the costs of basement remodeling, if you’re so inclined, include scraping up your old tile floor yourself. “You can save up to $1,500 by just scraping up your own tiles,” Saari said. One of the hottest trends, literally, is adding a basement fireplace during a remodeling project. “What most people are doing with their basement conversions and their garage conversions are fireplaces,” he said. “Gas, ventless fireplace units are popular. People are wanting me to tear out natural fireplaces and replace them with gas units.” According to Saari, new gas fireplaces are both efficient and clean, as they can heat up to 800 square feet and you don’t have the cleanup chores that come with burning wood. Another popular addition includes adult beverage stations. “Wet bars and entertainment areas are popular,” Saari said. “Basements are becoming more of an entertainment area. We start with an ugly cinder block basement and create a brand new, beautiful basement.” After you’ve prepped a lot, a little, or not a

single bit, it’s time to create your dream basement. Wendell Allen of Mid-Oakland Building & Development in Walled Lake said a staff designer can help mold your space. “We have a designer on staff and they can take your ideas or help you formulate ideas and create the basement of your dreams,” he said. Not just a large space to put the kids’ toys and an old TV, basements are becoming the adult playroom — for both men and women, according to Allen. “More homeowners are deciding to renovate their existing space due to the economy,” he said. “It’s much cheaper to add on and renovate an existing home than it is to sell it and either build or buy a newer home. That’s why many people are remodeling their basements — to create more space, add entertainment areas and to just fill out the space they already have but aren’t using.” There are plenty of amenities to consider when making this sub-level dream come true. “We’ve been putting in a lot of wet bars and bathrooms,” Allen said. “And a lot of people are creating mini-kitchens that are combined with a wet bar in the basement, which is perfect for entertaining.” Allen said his company is being hired to do more “high-end” basement remodeling projects that average over $120,000. “Recessed lighting is a big thing these days,” he said. “A lot of newer homes are built with higher basement ceilings, usually around 9 feet, so that gives us a lot of room to finish the ceiling nicely.” A drywall ceiling offers a nicer, finished touch and look to the basement, but if you’re looking to cut costs, the standard drop ceiling works well and does the job. But it’s the flooring that has been getting more attention by those choosing to remodel their basements. “There are new engineered hardwood laminate flooring systems that are great and look fabulous in basements,” Allen said. “You can still put down carpeting, or whatever your personal preference may be, but the wood flooring has come a long way for basements and works quite well.” Allen is a general contractor and does complete basement work, from tear-out projects to electrical and plumbing, planning and completion. One of his main ideas is to create a seamless home. “Depending on the existing structure, I like to open up stairways,” he said. “Most basement stairs are framed in and have a ➤➤➤➤ FALL 2008 | SPACES 9

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doorway. I like to open that up by taking away the walls and the door and putting a nice wood or iron railing on the stairs leading to the basement. It’s a nice touch and it not only opens the home but naturally extends it into the basement as another great room in the home.” Another thing to think about when remodeling a basement is the windows. A simple solution is glass block windows that offer several benefits. First, they reduce energy costs by keeping your precious heat and air conditioning in the home. They can be 10 times more efficient than single pane windows. Glass blocks also help increase the security of your home by protecting a potential entrance to your basement. The block windows also provide privacy due to their thickness and icy look that keeps any Peeping Toms or nosy neighbors from intruding. The windows require less maintenance than single pane windows that usually need to be repainted and re-caulked over time. Glass block windows are mortared in and require no maintenance. There’s a lot to consider when you think of renovating your basement. Here’s a checklist of suggestions:

• Make a list of your needs; • Consider storage; • Keep electrical panels and damper controls for central heating and air conditioning accessible; • Larger windows allow more light to enter the basement; • Thick, high-quality pads provide better insulation when installing carpet; • Avoid fluorescent lighting; • Consider the addition of a full bathroom;

• If an office space is of utmost concern, ensure that it is accessible to avoid traipsing through other living areas; and • Think ahead. Create a design that transcends the test of time. ❏ — By Mark H. Stowers RESOURCES: • Wendell Allen, Mid-Oakland Building & Development 248.669.6262 • Mike Saari, Oakland Builders 248.787.4366

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FALL 2008 | SPACES 11

Lawn and order Now’s the time to make grass greener on your side

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ealous of your neighbor’s lush, green lawn? Now is the time to do something about it. With the stress of the summer heat and sun fading, grass is at its prime for absorbing nutrients. A little work now will help banish bald spots, keep weeds in check and ensure a lush, lavish lawn come spring. “After a long, hot and dry summer, our lawns are feeling stressed and depleted of nutrients. The onset of cooler weather in the fall gives our lawns a chance to breathe,” said botanist Jon Feldman, owner of a

Sow what now?

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ith cooler weather on the way, folks of all ages will be heading back outdoors to get lawns seeded, leaves raked and springblooming bulbs planted. For many homeowners, caring for their lawn and garden is a hobby — a way to forget about the office and spend time “playing in the dirt.” Some projects, like raking leaves and planting tulips and daffodils, are fun and educational activities for children and their parents to do together. According to the National Gardening Association (NGA), 91 million American households participated in some kind of do-ityourself indoor or outdoor lawn and garden activities in 2005. That’s 83 percent. However, the NGA also reports some 30 percent of households spent nearly $45 billion on professional lawn and landscape services in 2006. Landscape professional Mark McWilliams said it often pays to ask for at least a little help before beginning big lawn projects. McWilliams cites an innovative trend called garden coaching. McWilliams said the typical coaching relationship is a partnership, offering as little or as much assistance as the gardener desires. Coaches troubleshoot gardening challenges, create sketches for gardens, work alongside customers on installation projects and teach clients how to maintain gardens. During fall, many homeowners are not only working in gardens

Giving your lawn a little love now will give your grass the boost it needs to weather the winter months and come alive, refreshed and rejuvenated next spring. Fertilizing in the fall will store nutrients in the roots and promote new root growth come spring.

landscape design firm and a recent winner of HGTV’s “Landscaper’s Challenge.” “Past the stress of summer, it is easier for the plants to absorb nutrients without getting burned or shocked as they would if they got infusions of food during the stressful months.” As winter approaches, grasses begin to shut down for the dormancy period of their life cycle, but they’re still actively storing food and nutrients in preparation for the coming spring. A little TLC now will give your grass the boost it needs to weather the winter months and come alive, refreshed and rejuvenated next spring. “Fertilizing, adding organic material, aerating, thatching and over-seeding an existing lawn are all good practices for fall lawn care,”

Feldman said. “The lawn will have a tremendous jump-start when spring brings the plants back to active growing.” Feed The Roots While fertilizing in the spring promotes new leaf growth, fertilizing in the fall promotes new root growth, and healthy roots are essential for a

12 SPACES | SCN COMMUNICATIONS GROUP

and raking leaves, but planting new grass, according to Matt Noonan IV, chief operating officer and part owner of a hardware store. “People always ask, ‘How do I plant seed and when do I do it?’” Noonan said. “Actually, fall is the best time to plant grass seed. You are not fighting the weeds and the weather is with you, as well. If a homeowner is seeding his own lawn, it’s crucial to take the slope of the land into consideration — and also whether the area is shady or receives a lot of sun. When it comes to investing time and money on the lawn, Noonan and McWilliams agree it just makes sense to do your homework. “Every year we send employees to training, so we can tell customers about putting the right product down at the right time. We also train our employees on all the rental equipment,” Noonan said. “There are some websites you can Google — for example www.scotts.com — to get advice.” “If you are putting in a little bed around the mail box, then the average person can do that,” McWilliams said. “But if you are doing any larger places in the front or back yard, it really is important to get some advice. “I make a living redoing everybody’s mistakes,” said McWilliams, who gives landscape and gardening lectures around the country. “It really is important to do it right the first time. Gardening takes years of experience. People need to get some help from a person they know has expertise in that area.” ❏ — Copley News Service lush lawn. As soon as the temperatures dip, feed your lawn before the final mow with a natural organic fertilizer. The nutrients will be stored in the roots and give your grass a healthy start in spring. Keep It Short Cold weather can have a devastating effect on lawns that are

too long. Shortly before winter arrives, cut the grass one last time to remove new growth, which can dry out quickly in cold weather, leading to a brown lawn come spring. Cutting the lawn shorter will also reduce moisture buildup that can lead to mold and fungus growth under the snow. Keep It Clean As soon as the leaves start falling, grab a rake and get to work. Even a small layer of fallen leaves can smother individual grass plants and lead to a patchy lawn in the spring. In moderation, organic matter does wonders for a lawn but if all those leaves are left to break down during the winter, they can release excessive phosphates and nitrates into the soil. The leaf layer can also promote the growth of mold and fungus, which can destroy large sections of the lawn. Let It Breathe Fall is the perfect time to aerate your lawn. Proper aeration loosens compacted soil, allowing air, water and nutrients to reach the plant roots. The increased airflow means higher oxygen levels in the soil, which stimulates root growth for a strong, stable lawn. The aeration process also cuts through grass roots, which encourages new growth and helps transform patchy, uneven grass into an envy-worthy lawn. Stick To A Schedule Lawns have a shallow root system so they’re more susceptible to moisture and temperature fluctuations. That means regular maintenance in the spring and summer is a must. “If you think about the extremes in temperature and moisture fluctuations our plants go through over the course of 12 months, it’s amazing they can survive at all,” Feldman said. “Regularly scheduled treatments of fertilizer and controlled irrigation will arm the lawn with the tools to withstand harsh conditions and provide a thick, lush green carpet throughout the year.” ❏ — Copley News Service

Time for a clean sweep

your domicile

Proper fireplace care to protect your treasured hearth and home

Jeff LaPorte

T

he family-room fireplace is a natural gathering place during the winter months. The soft, flickering light of the flames has a soothing quality that contrasts with the heat generated by the red-hot embers. You’re drawn closer, yet you still need to keep your distance. While a chimney may have no moving parts other than the flue, it does require attention. Years of fires can leave deposits in the chimney that need to be swept out and moisture can build up, damaging brick and mortar. Experts from the Chimney Safety Institute of America recommend annual inspections for all home chimneys. And the best time for an inspection is soon after the burning season ends, allowing time for a chimney sweep to be called or to make any needed repairs. Waiting until the weather turns cold is like trying to get your air conditioner fixed just as the first heat wave arrives. Good luck. When the time comes to have your chimney inspected, it’s important to choose the professional wisely, because proper care and attention to service can help protect people from dangerous fires and carbon monoxide poisonings. “Hiring the right professional to inspect and maintain the system is one of the most important steps that a homeowner can take to ensure safety and efficiency,” said Ashley Safety experts advise homeowners to Eldridge, director of education for the have their chimneys inspected each Chimney Safety Institute. year to keep the structure clean of Eldridge offered homeowners three tips dangerous residue and make any to help find a qualified chimney necessary repairs. professional: • Verify advertised credentials. Reputable national credentials must be renewed on a regular basis to remain valid. Check with the organization granting the credentials to be sure that the individual you hire holds the credential advertised. • Ask for and check references. Conscientious companies will have references available from previous clients and are eager to share reports from local consumer advocacy organizations such as the Better Business Bureau or Angie’s List. • Learn the language of chimneys to level the playing field. The interactive fireplace glossary at www.csia.org outlines the 13 most important terms you need to know to communicate with any professional chimney sweep. The site also offers short presentations on chimney sweeping and inspection processes. Choosing the right firewood will help avoid having to hire a chimney sweep. Choose well-seasoned wood that has been split for a minimum of six months and stored in a covered and elevated location. Do not burn treated wood, and certainly don’t cram the Christmas tree into the fireplace. One alternative to burning wood in a fireplace is Java-Log, made from spent coffee grounds and vegetable wax. Simply place the log, still in its paper wrapper, in the fireplace and light the wrapper — it will burn for two to three hours. Since coffee has three times more energy than wood, the flame is brighter and it gives off a sweet, natural, woody smell. Java-Log releases 83 percent less particulate matter than firewood and 87 percent less creosote and carbon monoxide, easing stress on both your chimney and the Earth’s atmosphere. Sooty deposits aren’t the only chimney challenge — rainwater can get into an uncapped chimney and become acidic when it comes into contact with exhaust gasses, eroding the brick and mortar. Water can also seep into cracks and expand during freezing weather, causing the chimney to crumble and chunks to break loose. And animals can find their way into an uncapped chimney. Fortunately there’s an easy and cheap solution: Install a chimney cap. “They don’t cost much, something like 50 bucks,” Eldridge said. “And a chimney without a cap is like a house without a roof.” ❏ — Copley News Service

KEEPING ON TOP OF THINGS

W

e all understand the importance of routine/preventative maintenance; to limit our risk of premature failure to our large ticket items, such as cars, furnaces and air conditioning systems, etc. However, there are millions of dollars a year spent on replacing roofs that may have lasted a lot longer, had they had routine maintenance. Roof maintenance is an important part of overall home maintenance, and should get the same routine/preventive maintenance that we give our heating and cooling systems. With any system, routine maintenance will give it a longer service life, and keep it at maximum efficiency. Many things can contribute to shortening your roof's life, such as algae buildup. If your roof is dark in color, you may have algae. These stains are often confused for sap, soot stains, and rust. This algae needs inorganic material to support its growth, which it gets from the filler material in the asphalt/fiberglass shingles. This algae is found in approximately 75 to 80 percent of the United States, but grows best in warm damp climates. If algae is the only symptom your roof is exhibiting, it may be professionally cleaned to add years to the life of your roof system. Proper ventilation of the attic space is important to prevent premature aging of the shingles, due to excessive heat. Proper ventilation will also reduce moisture build-up that can damage the wood components. An easy way to check for attic ventilation is to observe the attic space in the daylight with the attic lights off. Where you see daylight, is an indication of venting. It is also important that you have cross ventilation. For example, if the roof has soffit vents (vents at the eaves) and has ridge vents or static vents, the air will flow from the soffit vents through the attic to the ridge vents. Cross venting helps to prevent hot spots in the attic. You may see soffit vents on the outside, under the eaves, but may not see light in that area from the attic side. The most common cause of this is when the attic insulation has covered the soffit vents. It is also important to have good insulation in the attic, especially if you live in a cold climate. Proper insulation will help prevent ice damming. Ice damming occurs when the heat from your house passes through a poorly insulated attic, thus melting snow or ice on the roof, allowing the melted snow or ice to run down to the lower edge of the roof where it can refreeze. As the snow or ice refreezes, it forms a dam. When the dam gets large enough, the water that is hitting it will start running back and under the shingles. This causes the roof to leak and can damage ceilings and walls. Here are some preventive maintenance tips that can help reduce the chance of getting leaks, and help avoid premature roof failure: * Trim back any overhanging tree branches * Keep the roof and gutters free of debris and in good working order. * From the ground, with the aid of binoculars, inspect the roof for missing or broken shingles. * Inspect all flashing; around chimneys, valleys, pipes, and butting roofs. * In your attic with the aid of a flashlight, inspect the wood decking under the shingles for water stains. * If you see signs of leaking have it repaired right away. If your roof is more than twenty years old, you should consider having it inspected by a professional roofer. Remember your roof is a major system of your house, and deferred maintenance of this system can be very costly. Jeff LaPorte is certified by the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI) with over 10 years experience and is the owner of “The Home Team Inspection Service”. He can be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].

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rick pavers have a timeless appeal that imparts an image of classic elegance to homes of any style — from traditional to ultra-modern. The fact that brick presents a stately elegance that is both warm and welcoming is testament to its popularity.

That’s one of the many reasons why brick pavers have become a desirable option to improve the look of a home or business. The primal elements of clay, water and fire are combined to form brick pavers. They bring a natural harmony to every landscape design because they are the paving material that comes from the earth itself. Comprised of selected blends of clay and shale, paving brick is molded and pressed into shape either by machine or by hand. Consumer interest in using brick pavers have significantly expanded over the last 10 years said Jeff Stulberg, owner of J&S Landscape in Commerce Township. As the options and choices have increased, so has the popularity of pavers. But more than that, the technology of pavers has also improved. A decade ago, the types of pavers available were extremely limited. There used to be just 4x8 house bricks that required a significant amount of maintenance. On average those pavers needed to be sealed every two years. They also needed to be sanded on an annual or semi-annual basis. And the cost of sealing alone could cost up to $500 for do-ityourselfers just for the sealant, depending on the size of their paver project Stulberg said. Pavers are being used in many ways to significantly increase curb appeal. Such options include porch enclosures, front walkways and driveways. Walkway and driveway “aprons,” two-foot extensions of pavers onto a concrete or asphalt driveway, are also popular. And more often tumbled pavers are being used for these projects said Shane Rossell, owner of A&S Hardscaping in Commerce Township. A more expensive project that uses pavers includes garden walls that are made of pavers which run along a sidewalk. New paver options require little or no maintenance. Stulberg recommends the use of poly-edging as part of paver installation. This process involves using an 8-foot strip edging with 10-12 inch spikes. Poly-edging allows the pavers to stay in the ground better while allowing a minimal amount of give that is necessary for Michigan’s cold winters. “You want to choose a paver that offers the least amount of maintenance and having a qualified installer is a big key,” Stulberg said. “The last thing you want is for your pavers to begin shifting.” The paver trend started out west more than two decades ago and made its way to Michigan shortly thereafter. But with that trend came the need to prepare pavers for the freeze and thaw cycles that rarely impact western states. That is why in Michigan, Stulberg recommends all pavers have flag and edging. Indeed with brick pavers the imagination of the consumer is the limit. What is created is a virtual work of art by using different types of textures, said ➤➤➤➤

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Kevin Golden, owner of Golden’s Landscaping in Highland, a business that has been installing brick pavers for 25 years. “The manufacturers that we work with have stepped up in recent years to create new and innovative pavers,” Golden said. Today, pavers come in a variety of options tumbled, blue stone, unique cobblestone and blue stone are just an example of what is available. “We can install pavers as part of a patio over a swamp if you want provided there is a proper base,” Golden said. “That’s what makes it such a great option.” Paving bricks are so strong that many can withstand loads exceeding 12,000 pounds per square inch. Part of their strength is related to the density achieved when manufacturing. It is also this density that makes paving brick impervious to most stains. The colors of paving bricks tend to be earth tones or blends of muted colors, typically red, brown, greenish gray, tan and even cream. One great advantage of brick pavers is the almost endless number of design options available through patterns created using brick of various sizes, shapes, colors and textures. Because it is not inherent to the material, the pigment added to concrete pavers can erode, eventually exposing the color of the aggregate and perhaps resulting in a complete change from the original color of the concrete paver. Dark pigments in particular can fade over time. Unfortunately, once the color has faded, it is impossible to bring the color back to its original appearance without replacing the concrete paver. The number of colors that pavers come in has also increased – as many as 10 different colors are available in most models Stulberg said. The quality of paver products are now relatively standardized no matter the manufacturer Rossell said. All provide similar quality. While pavers don’t require much maintenance, Rossell says that power washing and sanding the pavers at least once every two years is recommended. Some homeowners or business owners may also want to re-seal their pavers every two years. And while pavers will generally move less in the ground than other options, “any horizontal service in Michigan is not fail safe,” Rossell said. “The ground will move, the ice will push, just hopefully not very much,” he added. That is largely because the density on a

brick paver is significantly more than what it would be with poured concrete, giving today’s pavers more durability said Josh Robinson, an associate at Todd’s Services in Hamburg. Indeed one of the biggest reasons that brick pavers are popular is the unique design they offer. Having various sizes of tumbled paver stones gives a patio or brick design a much more linear look which works well in almost any situation – no matter how a yard is landscaped, no matter the color of a house and regardless of the space required for the project. The fact is that when given a choice, many homeowners enjoy the random look of a patio,

garden accessory or driveway design as a way to fit the look and feel of their yard said David Clixby, owner of Clixby Plant & Patio in White Lake Township. “This free-form or organic treatment of bricks and stones does a great job of fitting the land rather than forcing the land to fit a particular paver or patio design you might have in mind,” Clixby said. “It’s a very flexible approach.” That flexibility is a key feature. With advances in the skill and technique of laying pavers improving, the unrivaled beauty, upkeep, and long-term cost efficiency of properly executed paving stone installations

are becoming more widely desired by consumers. Indeed today’s brick pavers are set in sand, like paving stones, instead of in mortar over concrete. This allows the brick or paving stone flexibility, and eliminates virtually all cracking Clixby said. In essence that flexibility is seen most prominently after a long winter with several freeze and frost cycles Golden said. While concrete slab is compacted to roughly 2,500 psi, brick paver is compacted to around 7,500 psi. What this means is there is less chance for salt and grime to get into the paver and cause cracking or other damage. Because pavers are virtually imperious to salt it is also easy to shovel or plow over during the cold weather months Golden said. “It’s an ideal outdoors design option given the winters we have,” Golden said. “It’s an extremely strong and durable material.” The tumbled paver is perhaps the most popular design today. In creating such a product manufacturers take a regular brick, put it in a tumbler and take it out so that it has a distressed but pleasing design. When installed, it can be done to incorporate a set or random patterned look based on the desires of the home or business owner. The tumbled pavers with a rough edge hold their color better than the typical cobblestone pavers of 10 years ago Robinson said. That is one of the many reasons why they hold their value for a long time. And while pavers are most noticeable in a residential setting as simple patios, walkways, retaining walls and driveways, some businesses have installed pavers as part of their parking lots, sidewalks or walls to give their business a “classy” look. The type of brick, the intricacy of the design and the type of installation should all be considered when determining whether a paving project can be done on your own or should be completed by a professional installer. Since antique-style, hand-made brick varies in size it demands more artistry in patterning and may need to be installed by a skilled professional. Many manufacturers have adapted to modern technology brought from Europe and are now producing brick pavers with unprecedented accuracy in dimensions. This more modern paving brick is well suited to complex designs and patterns that require a high degree of uniformity among the individual paving brick Robinson said. While cost will always play a ➤➤➤➤ FALL 2008 | SPACES 17

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factor, paver prices haven’t raised dramatically in the past couple of years while the price of other building supplies, most notably steel, asphalt, concrete and wood, have risen. Asphalt in particular is partly made from oil. The price of gas has impacted pavers in that it costs more to transport them than in the past, given how heavy they are Golden said. “With that being said, the price of brick pavers has stayed relatively stable and consistent while the cost of other building materials and options has risen dramatically,” Golden said. The price of pavers generally ranges from $10-14 per square foot Rossell said. It is more expensive than concrete but also has that added curb appeal. More homeowners are also looking at small home projects they can add to their existing home given the flat real estate market and the fact that many are preparing to stay in their home for longer than they may have previously anticipated. “If you aren’t going to be selling your house anytime soon brick pavers are a nice, affordable project you can do to add value to your home down the line,” Stulberg said. “It

can look nice as you spruce up your home, whether in landscaping, painting and more. In many ways it’s cheaper down the road to go with a higher quality brick now.” Often Stulberg and other installers in the area are competing with other design options when pricing a brick paver project. The most notable such option is stamped concrete, which has numerous benefits and a very artistic look. Yet even the highest-quality stamped concrete can crack following a harsh winter or two. “You need to have the proper amount of base so the pavers won’t shift,” Stulberg said. “We try to really go out of our way in

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educating customers about the benefits of pavers and what the homeowner needs to do to maintain them, which often is very little.” Not only are pavers popular with residential customers but businesses long ago began installing pavers in building entrances and along sidewalks Golden said. Many area businesses are using pavers to highlight signage, in an access area, and for retaining walls. The city of Frankenmuth even installed pavers to comprise its new sidewalks in the downtown area. “The paver trend has caught on and is continuing to thrive commercially,” Golden said. ❏ — By Mike Scott RESOURCES • Kevin Golden, Golden’s Landscape 248-684-8400 • National Landscape 248.685.2308 • Josh Robinson, Todd’s Services 810-231-2778, ext. 134 • Jeff Stulberg, J&S Landscape 248-310-5092 • Shane Rossell, A&S Brick Paving 248.252.1117

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Autumn’s bold hues inside Putting together a container garden of fall color

W

hen the temperatures drop and the days shorten, bring the flower garden indoors. A blooming container garden of ivy, chrysanthemums, ornamental peppers and anthurium makes a stunning display. The bold bursts of autumnal color will brighten any room — no green thumb required. “Psychologically, when fall comes and the leaves start dropping, it’s nice to have something to hold onto,” said floral designer TaraSimone

Putting together a container arrangement featuring the colors of fall can add a bright spot to any room in the house, or your patio for as long as weather permits.

Powell. “Blooming plants are so warm and welcoming, especially in the rich, solid autumnal hues. When we head into winter, everything goes very still and colorless, so fall really is the last time to enjoy all of that color.” Capture the essence of autumn with bronze and ginger chrysanthemums, tomato-red anthurium and golden ornamental chili peppers nestled in lush, green ivy. This no-fail container garden combo packs a big punch with minimal effort, according to Powell. “Container gardening is essentially gardening for dummies,” she said. “It’s an easy, cost-effective way to add a decorative element to the home.” Start with an appropriate container. Powell recommends terra cotta, as it mimics the color of fall leaves. Decorative window box planters, wicker baskets with plastic liners and empty wooden crates with plant liners work equally well. Look for plants with hearty blossoms in fall hues and bright, full foliage. Any or

Fall for some indoor flavor

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ou don’t need a greenhouse to bring a little spring and summer into your home on those rainy autumn days or frosty winter mornings. Your windowsill will do just fine. Common herbs do particularly well under such circumstances, but they’re not the only edible greenery that will flourish on a windowsill. Sugar cane, lemongrass, fennel, dill, caraway, garlic, even mustard will also grow under the proper conditions. And if it’s greenery you want, greenery you’ll get when you plant a radish (crinkly green leaves), a sweet potato (vine with heart shaped purple-veined leaves) or pomegranate seeds (which produce dainty leaves and a woody trunk), according to Deborah Peterson, author of “Don’t Throw It, Grow It!” In her book, first published in 1977 and now newly revised, Peterson shares the techniques she uses to grow pits, roots, shoots, tubers, and seeds from unprocessed fruits and vegetables — kitchen scraps that you might otherwise toss in the garbage. “The secret to successful gardening is mimicking the natural growing conditions of your plant’s native habitat,” she said. It’s rare for there to be too much indoor light, Peterson says, but plants do differ in their lighting needs. “Assess your home’s sun all of the following work well together. Ivy Robust and resilient, ivy is a natural choice for fall arrangements. The range of hues and textures — especially in the striped and speckled variegated varieties — add depth and interest while providing cover for the base of taller blooming plants. Ivies require plenty of bright light.

exposures,” she said, which could extend from the early morning cool light on the east, day-long sun to the south that can be too hot, late afternoon sun on the west and low intensity light from the north. “Each of these exposures is just right for one or more kinds of plants,” she says. You may need to install commercial artificial lights that mimic the ultraviolet light from the sun or build your own if your home or apartment is in the shadow of tall buildings. “The trick is to keep the soil moist but not too wet,” she explained in pointing out that if you want to have a successful windowsill garden, you need to keep checking the soil moisture. “Herbs are the first choice for many indoor gardeners,” said horticulturist Diane Relf. Less demanding than growing vegetables indoors, “cooks find it pleasant to be able to snip off a few springs of fresh parsley or chop some chives from the windowsill herb garden,” she said. If you want to focus on herbs, in addition to parsley and chives, Relf recommends cilantro and thyme. More how-to advice on windowsill herb gardens is available online at herbgardens.about.com where veteran gardener Marie Iannotti takes you through the planting process. She suggests that before you trim away for that next omelet, give your new windowsill plants “time to acclimate.” Herbs can be snipped, she says, once you see new growth. ❏ — Copley News Service Water regularly and drench plants if the soil is dry, as severe dryness will kill ivy quickly, according to The Society of American Florists. Remove dried and withered leaves regularly. Chrysanthemums Decorative mums, like those found in flower shops and supermarket floral departments, are designed for life indoors. They’re hearty, resilient and long-lasting — and they come in

a wide array of fall-friendly colors like crimson, magenta, goldenrod and rust. For added depth and texture, look for marbled mums, which feature two-tone variegated flowers. Chrysanthemums require water every two days and bright indirect light, which encourages the buds to open, according to the Society of American Florists. Don’t let the soil dry out, as wilting shortens the plant’s life span. Keep them out of direct sunlight, which can burn the fragile blooms. Ornamental Peppers Ornamental pepper plants offer the most dramatic fall hues. Once the plant flowers, expect numerous small cone-shaped peppers, which change colors as they ripen. Because each pepper ripens at its own pace, expect to see brilliant bursts of red, orange, yellow and green. Plus, the peppers are edible — but very hot. Ornamental pepper plants require plenty of light and even moisture, according to the National Gardening Association. Anthurium The tropical anthurium plants common in floral shops feature heartshaped blooms and large, waxy foliage. The bright red or pink flowers bloom several times a year and make excellent focal points in potted plant arrangements. Because they originate in tropical rain forests, proper moisture is a must, according to the National Gardening Association. Keep the soil moist at all times and mist the leaves daily. Anthuriums do best in bright, indirect sunlight. Bromeliads Bromeliads are tropical plants with long-lived waxy blooms on a central stalk framed by robust spiky leaves that form cups that will hold water. The most common varieties feature exotic red, orange or plum blooms. Bromeliads require bright, indirect light; direct sun can burn the leaves, according to the Society for American Florists. Drench dry soil then drain the excess water. Keep the lowest, most central cups filled with water. ❏ — Copley News Service FALL 2008 | SPACES 21

for what it’s worth A look at what homes are listed in lakes area communities in the $200,000-$250,000 price range

Community: Milford Street Address: 1395 Old Plank Road Price: $219,000 Sq. Ft.: 1,665 Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 full Garage: 2 car Foundation: Part finished walkout Heating: Forced Air Cooling: Central Air Exterior Features: Shed, fenced Description: 1.5 acre private setting. Great room with fireplace and vaulted ceilings. 12’ x 15’ screened-in porch. Many recent updates. Agent: Rob Sprader Real Estate Firm: Century 21 Today, West Bloomfield Phone: 248.640.2680

Community: Highland Street Address: 953 Woodruff Lake Road Price: $210,000 Sq. Ft.: 1,515 Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 1 full; 1 half Garage: 2 car Foundation: Crawl space Heating: Baseboard Cooling: N/A Exterior Features: Sprinklers Description: All-sports Woodruff Lakefront. Gorgeous view from great room. Many updates. Sandy beach. Beautiful landscaping. Agent: Thelma Rossbach Real Estate Firm: Keller Williams, Commerce Phone: 248.408.0957

Community: White Lake Street Address: 4395 Navarra Drive Price: $249,900 Sq. Ft.: 1,075 Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 full Garage: 2 car Foundation: Finished walkout Heating: Forced Air Cooling: Central Air Exterior Features: Sprinklers, fenced Description: Totally refinished inside and out! Insulated and heated drive thru garage with attic storage. Canal front on White Lake. Agent: Tom Wilhelm Real Estate Firm: Wilhelm & Associates Phone: 248.625.9500

Community: West Bloomfield Street Address: 6916 Heather Heath Price: $204,900 Sq. Ft.: 1,935 Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 full; 1 half Garage: 2 car Foundation: Part finished Heating: Forced Air Cooling: Central Air Exterior Features: Deck, sprinklers Description: Open and bright floor plan. Family room with fireplace. Master suite. Large kitchen with updated appliances. Agent: Karen Gunsberg Real Estate Firm: Century 21 Town & Country, Birmingham Phone: 248.376.2275

Community: Waterford Street Address: 4391 Dubay Street Price: $209,000 Sq. Ft.: 2,009 Bedrooms: 4 Baths: 2 full Garage: 2 car Foundation: Basement Heating: Baseboard Cooling: Window A/C unit Exterior Features: Deck, fenced Description: All-sports Van Norman Lakefront. In the historical district but not a registered home. Many updates close to all major highways. Agent: Norah Murphy Banghart Real Estate Firm: Coldwell Banker Schweitzer, Clarkston Phone: 248.394.3491

Community: Commerce Street Address: 3436 Pinehaven Road Price: $212,900 Sq. Ft.: 1,305 Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 full Garage: 2 car Foundation: Finished basement Heating: Forced Air Cooling: Central Air Exterior Features: Shed Description: Family room with doorwall walks out to treed backyard. Open floor plan. Marble window sills. Lake access to Proud Lake. Agent: Mary Shields Real Estate Firm: Real Estate One, Commerce Phone: 248.245.6090

Community: Walled Lake Street Address: 3070 Smugglers Ridge Price: $249,900 Sq. Ft.: 3,067 Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 full; 1 half Garage: 2 car Foundation: Finished walkout Heating: Forced Air Cooling: Central Air Exterior Features: Deck, sprinklers Description: Perfect cul-de-sac location backing to 155 acres of wooded park lands. Great room with fireplace. Family room with doorwall to deck. Agent: Mike Galinac Real Estate Firm: Century 21 Town & Country, Commerce Phone: 248.210.7171

Community: Clarkston Street Address: 9700 Oak Valley Drive Price: $249,900 Sq. Ft.: 1,839 Bedrooms: 3 Baths: 2 full Garage: 3 car Foundation: Part finished walkout Heating: Forced Air Cooling: Central Air Exterior Features: Patio, sprinklers Description: Cathedral great room with stone fireplace. Granite kitchen. Brazilian cherry floors. Open floor plan. First floor laundry. Agent: Steve/Janet Stockton Real Estate Firm: RE/MAX 100 Phone: 248.366.7200

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emember when a VCR cost a ton of money and only a select few people actually had one? It’s hard to find a home now that doesn’t have at least one DVD player while VCRs have been relegated to basements and charity bins. As these and other “luxury” items have become affordable to most of us, larger items such as saunas and steam rooms that once were “resort only” can now be purchased and installed for less than your last resort visit. Saunas and steam rooms come in many different sizes, prices, configurations and styles of how you want to be heated. And each one has a long list of benefits. But first, Keith Wingfield of Tradewinds Spa and Sauna wants to make sure his customers know, first, how to properly pronounce sauna, and then the differences. “It’s properly pronounced ‘sow-nah’. The Scandinavian traditional sauna is an oven very much like the oven in your home,” he says. “There are heating coils in a heating unit and it’s covered with lava rock where you ladle the water. Many times people talk about a steam sauna because the concept comes from a health club or hotel where you pour a little water on the rocks in a cedar room and you get a puff of steam,” says Wingfield. “A lot of people call that a steam sauna. That’s a dry sauna. A steam sauna is more like a shower or bathroom enclosure. A lot of hotels and health clubs have both a dry sauna and a steam sauna.” There are three types of saunas, more succinctly, two dry and one steam type. “You can have a steam sauna, dry sauna or an infrared sauna,” he says. “Far more popular is the dry sauna where you ladle water on lava rock and create a little humidity in what is a very dry heat room. It promotes heat up to 180 degrees and raises your body temperature a degree or two. And the raising of your body temperature promotes healing. And that’s true no matter what style of sauna you use.” By raising the body temperature, you begin to perspire, releasing toxins and opening body pores – all leading to better health. “It promotes healing, no matter what style of sauna you choose,” Wingfield says. “The heat dilates capillaries and promotes easy blood flow. This is healing because the more blood flows to every part of the body, even a cut on your finger, the best thing you can have is to move blood to that area of the body. It also promotes relaxation. They are great for arthritis and rheumatism.” The heat and steam from saunas also may help relieve joint and muscle pain as the heat increase blood flow to the afflicted areas helping relax muscles. Toxins and impurities are flushed away and skin appearance can be improved. With better circulation to the skin and the heat opening skin pores, acne and blackheads can be battled more successfully. Even tired and blemished skin can be rejuvenated looking healthier. And you can lose weight using a sauna. As the heat increases the body’s metabolic rate resulting in more calories burned. Great benefits indeed. And there’s another style of dry sauna that is efficient and affordable – Infrared. “Right now we are selling more of these than the other two,” he says. “Many Web sites and in health literature are promoting this type of sauna. Heat is created from Infrared rays,” says Wingfield. “It heats the body rather than the room. It’s a gentler heating and there are claims that it is more detoxification and easier raised body temperatures making it more comfortable. You don’t have to get the air up to the 150, 160 or the Scandinavian 180 degree level.” The Infrared style can also have amenities added so you can keep up with your Seinfeld DVD addiction while detoxing your body. “They come with DVD, stereos and surround sound systems so you

can spend a longer time and be more comfortable in the room,” he says. “You can really personalize and customize them. We put a lot of these when customers are finishing basements or adding a fitness area.” The Infrared style can be as small as 3-feet by 3-feet and up to 10 x 10 with commercial sizes as large as 10 x 12 and 15 x 15. A steam sauna actually bathes you in large clouds of steam to raise your body temperature. They can easily be set up in an existing shower with some modifications to keep the steam in. “We can remodel your shower and put in steam retaining doors, tile the ceiling and extend the enclosure to the ceiling,” Wingfield says. “We add a steam generator that’s easy to retrofit and now you have a true steam sauna.” Steam generators carry the same benefits as the two dry saunas but you can add herbal extracts. “Add eucalyptus or other extracts that promote healing and are pleasing to the senses,” he says. “This assist with relieving sinus congestions and with colds.” Steam or two types of dry sauna, what’s best for you? That may be decided by your wallet or home restrictions. So how do you get started? Let’s take a look. Steam or Dry? Greg Battin, Vice President of Sales for Nu-Way Kitchen and Bath, explains what input is needed from customers. “First we size-out the area,” he says. “And then decide which unit is best for the customer.” Gary Moody of McCoy Sauna and Steam says that the systems he sells as a factory direct supplier come in either a pre-cut unit or a modular unit. “The McCoy Precut Kit is what we call a stick build and it is fabricated for the size of the room the customer wants,” he says. “Its an interior cedar package. The kit includes all the wood for the walls, the benches, the pre-hung door, the heater, the control the wall light and the accessory package. It’s a complete kit. The pre-cut is 90% of what we sell.” The precut kits are usually handled by a contractor unless you have pretty good handyman skills but you’ll still need an electrician to hardwire the unit. The modular kits are a prefab unit that are either rectangular or square and, with some help, you can assemble yourself in about six hours or so. “The kit includes all the two-foot wall panels and they actually sit down on a square base where the panels are screwed together,” he says. “They come in various sizes and can be put together but the basic difference between the two is that the pre-cut unit is a permanent unit that is built into a home. The modular can be taken apart and moved. You can put it in the deck or in any room or take it with you if you move.” Craig Lahti of McCoy Sauna and Steam says the steam rooms provide easy options. “It’s a great option for someone who is looking to provide a heat bath to their home without having to give up extra space,” Lahti says. “People with a small home can convert a shower and still use it as a shower without giving up extra space for a steam bath.” The Infrared dry saunas have been a popular seller for McCoy Sauna and Steam also.

“You can fit them in a smaller room usually,” Lahti says. “Part of their popularity is that you can buy it right off the shelf and put it together in about a half an hour – with no contractor. It’s the simplest way to go and consumers will find they enjoy it as much as any other style of sauna.” Plug it in and get your health benefits within an hour of purchase. Color light therapy can be added and the Infrared has become a popular pre-workout warm-up for athletes. So there are plenty of benefits no matter which style or unit you eventually decide upon. But how many “benjamins” will be required to place this “fountain of youth” in your home? Let’s break down the damage to your bank account, but keep in mind that it’s hard to put a price on a healthy and long life or the hours you’ll spend with friends and family in your own personal home sauna or steam room. Let’s start with the steam sauna and what you can expect to pay. Lahti says that “A steam unit can start below $1,000 but the average is usually between $1,200 and $1,400 and the unit can be virtually maintenance free. Remember that the plumbing and electrical and any modifications will add to the costs.” The traditional sauna pre-cut unit starts around $2,000 and average between $2,500 and $2,800 for a 2 to 4 person unit. And as you select larger sizes the price increases. A large room, about 6 x 6 can run about $3,500 for materials alone but again the electric, plumbing as well as any tile work you may need will bump the price. Modular saunas start out much higher – around $3,500 with a 5 x 6 averaging between $4,500 and $5,000. “You pay substantially more, but most of the labor is completed and built into the unit,” says Lahti. “You can put it together in about six hours.” Wingfield says the Infrared units can “range from a pre-fabricated unit that can be delivered, installed and plugged into a regular 15 amp, 110 volt wall receptacle, starting at $2,700 and running up to $10,000. We’ve done all glass wall units with a hotel or club layout with custom glass doors and walls. There’s a lot that’s up to the homeowner’s preference. We work with builders to create these up to the customer’s desire.” Another reason the Infrared units are popular is its overall operating costs. “There are virtually no electrical costs with an Infrared unit,” he says. “CD players are included and can be set up in 30 minutes. It’s the easiest unit to move around. It easily fits into just about any room and is ideal in your workout area.” With increased health benefits and adding to the value of your home at the same time, dry or steam, you can’t go wrong adding a sauna to your home. ❏ — By Mark H. Stowers RESOURCES: • Keith Wingfield, Tradewinds Spas and Saunas 248-596-0445 • Gary Moody and Craig Lahti, McCoy Sauna and Steam 248-476-0111 • Greg Battin, Nu-Way Kitchen and Bath 248-283-8400 FALL 2008 | SPACES 25

A fresh focal point New backsplash adds visual interest to the kitchen

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hether it’s made of ceramic, glass, brick, stone or metal, a new, eye-catching backsplash can perk up any kitchen. Even better, you may be able to install it yourself. With books, articles, do-it-yourself guides, online sites and advice from kitchen designers, there’s plenty of information to help you select backsplash materials in a style that will make your kitchen unique. But don’t count on a quick decision. You’ll be choosing from thousands of materials, styles, colors and finishes.

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ith walls to rebuild, counters to replace, pipes to plumb, cupboards to convert, appliances to update, windows to dress and floors to refinish, a major kitchen remodel can cost a major amount of money. But, don’t despair. If you have $1,000 or less, there’s a lot you can do not only to enjoy the environs while you live there but add value if you decide to sell. The kitchen is where you can really get a return on your remodeling dollar. “Absolutely. This will add more value to your house than any other room,” said Pat Simpson, CedarSafe home improvement expert and HGTV host. “The kitchen is the heart of the house,” he said. “It’s the most often used room in the house and where people go to first.” There are some improvements that will be prohibitive for under $1,000 — say totally replacing countertops, appliances and cabinets. However, there are some pretty nifty and inexpensive changes you can make. Here are a few suggestions: • Lighting. “Older kitchens have those ugly, long, tube lights that give off that awful, harsh light,” Simpson said. Ditch them and try pendant lighting. “There are so many new styles that give off a cool

A new backsplash in an eye-catching design can create a focal point in a kitchen that may otherwise lack visual interest.

If you don’t have the time or patience to do the research needed to create a backsplash that fits your kitchen and lifestyle, experts say it’s best to retain a professional. Like other architectural elements, a backsplash can help establish a kitchen’s character. For instance, a brick backsplash paired with traditional cabinetry can give a hohum kitchen a warm, cozy feeling. A backsplash with playful patterns, mosaic murals or designer tiles can spell fun or formality, while stone, glass or metal may fit perfectly in a contemporary setting. The first step? Pore over books

and magazines for ideas and check out websites that focus on backsplashes. Don’t overlook home center kitchen displays or model homes. Both use stylish backsplashes to bring attention to high-end cabinetry and countertops. Ceramic tile is the most popular material choice for kitchen backsplashes and for good reason. Beyond its resistance to water and stains, ceramic tile comes in every size, shape, color, texture and price.

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light.” Pendant lights that can hang over your kitchen island run about $25 to $75 and you can add a dimmer switch for about $15. And don’t forget rope lighting. “You can lay it on top of cabinets or under the toe kick under the sink to give off a nice halo effect and it’s cheap, cheap, cheap,” Simpson said. • Paint. Paint is inexpensive and the looks you can create are only curtailed by your imagination. You can paint an entire wall aqua or just add some accent colors on your cupboards or around windows. • Hinges and hardware. “This is an easy change that costs less than $100. Take off some of the old brass or black, depending on how old your house is. Add some oilrubbed bronze. You can replace hardware on your drawers and doors in a few hours,” Simpson said. • Add moldings. Wood moldings and trim add character to plain cabinet fronts. If your old cabinets don’t go to the ceiling, adding a crown molding or soffit around the top will make a room look more elegant. The cost is about $15 per linear foot, unfinished. • Floors. May be easy, may not be. If you have sheet vinyl or tile from the mid- to late-1970s, it’s likely you have asbestos. Take a piece and have it tested, Simpson suggests. If there’s no asbestos, you can work with it. If the floor is in good shape, chances are you can lay new vinyl or tile affordably for a whole new look. ❏ — Copley News Service And because it’s easy to install, you can let your imagination run wild, adding a splash of color or handmade decorative tiles. With smaller mosaic tiles you can make the backsplash look like a quilt, abstract painting, even a city skyline. New York ceramic tile artist Diane Holycross has found a ready market for her nature-themed custom tiles, especially her realistic leaves. Made with actual leaves whose veins are imprinted on the clay, the custom

tiles in breathtaking colors have found a place in numerous kitchen backsplashes in the United States and Canada. “It’s timeless looking tile,” the artist says, and for those who choose it, allows them to connect with nature. “If you can’t go out to nature, you can bring it inside,” Holycross says. Leaves are not her only forte. Another of her kitchen backsplash designs, one that can be viewed online at www.tileswithstyle.com, is a coral reef filled with a colorful fish, tropical plants and other sea life. Glass is another good choice for a kitchen backsplash. Because it’s waterproof, it cleans easily. And like ceramic tile, it’s available in an assortment of colors and sizes and lends itself to customization such as the hand-cut glass mosaic and fused glass backsplashes designed by Tom and Saundra Synder. Found in high-end kitchens across the country, the two and threedimensional backsplashes — some backlit — range from landscapes and florals to abstract and geometric designs. “It usually takes three to four weeks to complete a backsplash,” Tom Snyder says, with the couple working from measurements provided by the client. “Some people know exactly what they want, others don’t have a clue.” But that doesn’t faze the pair, whose work can be seen online at www.designerglassmosaics.com. Natural stone tiles like granite, slate or marble can produce a handsome kitchen backsplash, but because they are porous they must be sealed and periodically resealed to prevent damage from common household products such as ketchup, vinegar and wine. Stainless-steel, copper and brass tiles can be pricier, tougher to work with and in some cases, harder to keep clean, but they make attractive backsplash accents when teamed with ceramic or stone. ❏ — Copley News Service

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