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 Let There be
(Extra) Light
Recessed lights add more illumination
without taking up space
By Erik J. Martin
It’s a common quandary, especially in older
homes: One or more rooms lacks ample artifi-
cial illumination due to an absence of overhead
light fixtures. Making matters worse, that
same room may be short on outlets, requiring
you to use extension cords or power strips to
accommodate your only mode of lighting, table
and floor lamps.
Sure, you could use brighter bulbs in those
lamps or install an expensive window or sky-
light to bring in the natural rays of the sun. But
how do you see better at night, and why should
every light fixture require a lumen-robbing
shade?
Time to adopt a can-do spirit by thinking can
lights, otherwise known as recessed lights.
These fixtures, which can include a hollow
metal can inside which a separate bulb is
housed or else a can-less, surface-mounted fix-
ture that includes the LED light, are installed
within a hole made in the ceiling and send
ample concentrated light downward a broad
area (via a floodlight) or a more narrow space
2 Your HOme - Issue 2 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Friday, June 28, 2019
(via a spotlight).
Unlike chandeliers, track lights, lighted
ceiling fans or other overhead fixtures,
can lights don’t protrude downward or rob
ceiling space; the lights you see are flush with
the ceiling’s surface for greater spatial efficien-
cy and provide more illumination (depending
on the aperture size) because they don’t use a
shade. And they’re controlled with a traditional
wall switch or dimmer switch with no cord or
plug to fuss with – all the electrical connections
are hidden behind the ceiling and wall.
“Recessed lighting enables you to define spac-
es in a room, accentuate ceiling height, and
highlight objects like artwork. As a replace-
ment for or addition to the use of lamps in a
room, this down-lighting effect adds to the over-
all feel of the space and its connection to the
outdoors,” says Tim Davis, real estate broker
with The Corcoran Group in Southampton,
New York.
Dan Meyer, co-founder and CEO of
Pocketdoor, based in San Mateo, California,
says recessed lighting offers a range of advan-
tages.
“Rooms with low ceilings benefit from having
no exposed elements. It can provide distributed
— if not necessarily uniform — illumination
across a space, especially with recent advances
in LED lights. Additionally, in space with easy
access above the ceiling, installation can be rel-
atively easy and inexpensive,” says Meyer, not-
ing that the fixtures themselves start at only
around $20 each.
“I recommend recessed lights whenever possi-
ble to homeowners, as they can change the way
that your space is seen, improve the appear-
ance of furnishings and make visitors feel more
welcome without knowing why because the
light is out of their normal field of vision,”
Robin Wilson, CEO of and designer with Robin
Wilson Home in New York City, says. “More
options are available in the market today at
varied prices, and they don’t require extensive
renovation or insulation due to the availability
of safer LED lights, which don’t heat up ceiling
spaces like halogen or incandescent bulbs do.”
 We’ll help you create
“More options are available in the market today at
varied prices, and they don’t require extensive renovation

Beautiful Rooms!
or insulation due to the availability of safer LED lights,
which don’t heat up ceiling spaces like halogen or
incandescent bulbs do.”
Robin Wilson
CEO of and designer with Robin Wilson Home in New York City

The designers at VanDrie Home Furnishings

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IN-STORE CONSULTATION
When deciding where to place the lights and how many to install, Our design team is always available
“think about exactly what you want to illuminate,” suggests Meyer. to answer your design questions.
“Are there particular features like artwork that you’d like to high-
light? Are you concerned about illuminating evenly on the floor?”
To help, draw out your lighting scheme on paper and consider prop-
IN-HOME CONSULTATION
er uniform distance between recessed fixtures. Make an appointment with one of our
“In a kitchen or hallway, I suggest placing these lights four to six designers to come to your home and consult
feet apart with a wide aperture to allow a wash of light. In a living
room or bedroom, you might select a mixture of wide and narrow
with you whatever your needs may be.
aperture lights chosen based on the task,” Wilson says. Color, furniture placement, furniture choices,
Leslie Saul, a Cambridge, Massachusetts-based architect, cautions flooring options, blind styles, planning or
not to use “too many recessed lights in a room, as it makes the space
look commercial and can make your elegant room’s ceiling look like accessorizing, we have the solution for you.
Swiss cheese.”
Also, avoid installing recessed lights in rooms with exposed beams
or an impermeable surface, “as the installation can be costly if not CADILLAC
downright impossible,” notes Davis.
And for best results, hire an expert to do the job. A professional elec-
trician can properly cut and conceal holes made in the ceiling, reduce
heat loss caused by the hole, install sufficient insulation, make the
proper safe electrical connections, and reduce fire risk, according to
7591 BUS 131
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Monday thru Thursday 9am-6pm
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Friday, June 28, 2019 | www.cadillacnews.com Cadillac News - Your Home - Issue 2 3
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4 Your HOme - Issue 2 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Friday, June 28, 2019
 Style, Substance
Pay Off in Home
Remodeling

How to get the best bang for your remodeling buck

New deck additions, both wood (75.6%) and composite (69.1%) are great investments for homeowners looking to enjoy their outdoor spaces and, eventually,
recoup their investment if and when they sell.

By Erik J. Martin
Your Space,
Your Dream...
When you put money into the stock market, it’s inevitable that some
of your chosen stocks and funds are going to outperform others you
picked. And it’s practically impossible to predict ahead of time which
ones will be smart bets.
When you invest in home improvement, on the other hand, you can
have a better idea of which projects will pay off in terms of adding New Custom Cabinets can help
higher resale value to your property. One trusted resource that many maximize space while transforming the
homeowners turn to for guidance here is Remodeling’s annual Cost vs. style and feel of any kitchen. Whether you
Value Report, which suggests particular renovation projects that offer are looking for a new kitchen or an update
a better return on investment (ROI). to your existing one, call us.
In its recently published 2019 report, Remodeling indicates that
upgrades yielding the highest costs recouped are a garage door
replacement (97.5% ROI); manufactured stone veneer (94.9%); minor The Size of Bathrooms has almost
kitchen remodel (80.5%); wood deck addition (75.6%); and siding
tripled in the last 20 years. Call us to
replacement (75.6%). Rounding out the top 10 are steel entry door
maximize space in your bathroom.
replacement (74.9%); vinyl window replacement (73.4%); fiberglass
grand entrance door (71.9%); wood window replacement (70.8%); and
composite deck addition (69.1%).
Chris Collier, Realtor with Kay Houghton and Associates in
Get The Highest Quality
Arlington, Virginia, says it’s important to keep in mind that it’s rare woodwork from Quality Built Cabinets Inc.
to recoup 100 percent of your money on any remodeling project – espe-
cially the big ones.
“For a lot of these projects, you’re only getting about 60 to 80% of www.qualitybuiltcabinetsmi.com
qualitybuiltcabinets@yahoo.com
your money back at resale,” he notes. Marc Pluger, Owner
231-499-1443
That doesn’t mean many of these renovations aren’t worth investing
in, however.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 7881 E. County Line Rd., Marion

Friday, June 28, 2019 | www.cadillacnews.com Cadillac News - Your Home - Issue 2 5
 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 and just don’t get that back when they go to
sell,” says Julie Upton, Realtor with Alain Pinel
“There are two types of home improvement
Realtors in Marin County, California.
projects worth considering: purely esthetic
Nevertheless, Steve Booz, vice president of
improvements made to enhance your home’s
marketing for Columbus, Ohio-headquartered
appeal to potential buyers, assuming you want
Royal Building Products, believes the top ROI
to sell soon; and projects that actually save you
projects ranked by in the 2019 Cost vs. Value
money and/or make your life more comfort-
Report are safe bets.
able,” says Ken Summers, co-founder of Dayton,
“This report lines up with not only what
Ohio-based Comfort Institute. “It’s the money-
homeowners want in their homes today but sup-
saving, comfort-improving projects that really
ports major trends, too. The most common
make sense if your goal is to enjoy your home
remodeling themes we hear repeated are
while you’re living there.”
upgrading our indoor and outdoor living spaces
Put another way, don’t necessarily nix a
and having low-maintenance exteriors,” says
desired home upgrade just because it may pro-
Booz. “If you look at Remodeling’s list of proj-
duce a lower ROI than you’d prefer.
ects that drive the most value, eight of their top
“If you’re going to get years of enjoyment out
10 projects accomplish one or both of those
of the improvements that you’re considering
goals.”
and are okay with not recouping a high return
Before embarking on any project, pre-plan-
on investment, by all means proceed,” says
ning is crucial, the experts agree.
Collier. “But if you are moving sooner rather
“Talk to a Realtor in your neighborhood to see
than later, your money is often better spent on
what he or she thinks about your plans and if it
your next home than on expensive remodeling
will increase the marketability of your home,”
upgrades.”
recommends Upton. Additionally, shop around
That’s because the next owner may not value
carefully for a qualified remodeling contractor,
your lavish room addition or costly master bath
“and get at least three quotes for any potential
remodel as much as you do.
work.”
“Not paying attention to what and how much
Lastly, “expect to spend time researching col-
you should spend on a renovation can be an
ors, finishes, and trends so that the final prod-
expensive learning experience. You’ll learn that
uct is something you’re going to be happy with
many buyers just don’t care that you spent
$200,000 to remodel the kitchen and add a bath- for years to come,” recommends Collier.
room. People often over-improve their homes

Think Restore First!

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6 Your HOme - Issue 2 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Friday, June 28, 2019
 Popularity Contest
Some renovations are just more popular
— and beneficial to homeowners — than
others.
The National Association of Realtors’
2019 Remodeling Impact Report reveals
the top remodeling projects as reported by
2,287 homeowners.
The study found that more than half of all
projects were completed by contracted
professionals versus do-it-yourself (DIY).
For those looking to have a final product
that improved a home’s functionality and
livability, 41 percent of preferred hiring a
professional.
Interior renovations
Hire Professional DIY
Bathroom renovation 25% 26%
Kitchen upgrade 17% 19%
Complete kitchen renovation 16% 9%
New wood flooring 10% 7%
New master suite 4% 3%
HVAC replacement 4% 1%
Basement conversion to living area 3% 4%
Insulation upgrade 2% 2%
Hardwood flooring refinish 2% 3%
Add new bathroom 2% 1%
Closet renovation 1% 3%
Attic conversion to living area 1% 1%
Other projects 14% 24%

Exterior renovations
Hire Professional DIY
Roofing 39% 35%
Vinyl and wood windows 17% 24%
Vinyl siding 15% 16%
Garage door 12% 3%
Steel and fiberglass door 10% 11%
Fiber cement siding 7% 11%
Source: National Association of Realtors® 2019 Remodeling Impact Report

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 Murphy Cabinet Bed
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8 Your HOme - Issue 2 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Friday, June 28, 2019
 In-Demand
Industrial

Image courtesy Graber

Why the industrial look is hot

and how you can implement it
By Erik J. Martin

The word “industrial” may conjure up cold and hard imagery, such as
cement, metal and machinery. But when talked about as a design aesthet-
ic, many experts get warm and fuzzy about the industrial look.
That’s because, when applied to a home, the industrial style doesn’t have
to be bland, impersonal or off-putting like a factory floor might be.
Instead, it can create an inviting and open space with an attractive
modernity and simplicity.
“At its core, industrial design involves creating a space that feels like it
was once used for industrial purposes. Industrially designed spaces often
share common elements like concrete floors, high ceilings steel and tim-
ber architectural elements, and expansive windows, among others,” says
Mackenzie Collier, owner and principal designer with Phoenix-based
Mackenzie Collier Interiors.
Industrial lighting, such as this pendant fixture with Edison bulbs,
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 can add a hint of the industrial style to any space.
Friday, June 28, 2019 | www.cadillacnews.com Cadillac News - Your Home - Issue 2 9
 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Laura Mineff, designer/contractor with Array Design Studio in

Cleveland, defines the industrial look as “brining in the old with the
new by simplifying and appreciating natural elements such as con-
crete, brick and steel with an open floorplan concept. It often incorpo-
rates exposed ceilings and conveys a feeling of unlimited defined spac-
es as opposed to compartmentalized or defined cubed spaces. The atmo-
sphere produced feels more open, vast and free-flowing.”
In its 2019 Design Forecast, Zillow predicted that the industrial style
will prove increasingly popular this year in residences. The pros can
tell you why.
“Increasingly, home and business owners are adopting an eco-friend-
ly mindset, choosing to move to more urban environments and down-
town dwellings where they can forgo commuting in favor of walking or
biking. The industrial style works really well in lofts, condos, town-
houses and commercial spaces,” Collier says.
Additionally, the industrial look “has evolved to become homier and
more comfortable, which is why it’s spreading to smaller cities and
multi-family housing,” notes Rachel Hyslop, director of channel mar-
keting for Graber, a window treatment manufacturer in Middleton,
Wisconsin.
But make no mistake: industrial esthetics aren’t ideal for every home.
“It’s very specific and doesn’t appeal to everyone. It works best in
urban settings as opposed to more traditional looking homes in subur-
ban neighborhoods,” Hyslop cautions.
Amanda Leigh Carlson, lead interior designer at Nashville-
headquartered Southern Athena, LLC, echoes that thought.
“A mid-century modern ranch will look ridiculous if the interior
design is industrial,” says Carlson.
Also, if you’re not careful, the completed effect can be cold, sterile and Image courtesy Graber
costly, according to Mineff.
To pull of the industrial look in a given room or area effectively with
panache, it’s best if those interiors have high ceilings and open space,
although you can create the illusion of more space with special tech-
niques.
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In addition, “vintage reproduction filament lighting, leather furni-
ture, and primitive commercial objects repurposed as decor are also
common elements utilized in industrial spaces,” adds Collier.
Aim, too, for streamlined furniture that you shouldn’t try to match.
“Bring different fabric textures into play. A metal frame with a leath-
er-wrapped seat and back cushion is a great piece, for example,” says
Carlson.
An area rug can top off your industrial-themed space nicely, as well.
“Look to natural fibers, like sisal,” Hyslop says.
While it won’t resonate forever, many concur that the industrial
design approach has legs.
“It should last a long time, considering that historic buildings and
vintage architecture continue to hold a spell on anyone interested in
esthetics. It’s an absolute classic when executed well,” says Carlson. “I
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don’t think it will die out as a trend until seven to 10 years from now.” 231-825-2110 phone • 231-825-9903 fax
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10 Your HOme - Issue 2 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Friday, June 28, 2019
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 Your home should be
all about you and your style.

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12 Your HOme - Issue 2 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Friday, June 28, 2019
 Backsplash
to the Max
Why tile backsplash
feature walls are hot
By Erik J. Martin
For years, the traditional backsplash has taken a backseat to other
major design elements in a new or remodeled kitchen, serving as a
functional yet decorative shield to protect the wall behind it from
moisture and food splatter.
But lately, experts are noticing a growing movement: the growing
backsplash, as evidenced by countertop-to-ceiling-high backsplash-
es that create an eye-catching feature wall. In fact, Houzz noted this
drift in its recently released 2019 home design trend predictions.
“Backsplashes have generally been installed behind the range
area, where pots and pans make the most mess,” says Mitchell
Parker, Houzz editor and writer. “But these days, we’re seeing that
backsplashes are more about seizing a design opportunity and
introducing a graphic pattern that helps to visually break up all the
cabinet surfaces and add texture and interest to the room.”
John Linden, a Los Angeles-based interior designer, says the idea
of covering an entire wall with tile may have seemed ridiculous
years ago, but today feature wall backsplashes provide “a great way
to unify your entire kitchen. When it’s done well, it creates a perfect
sense of harmony between the walls, countertops, cabinets and
floors.”
Melinda Earl, founder and lead designer at Stone Impressions in
San Diego, seconds that sentiment.
“Big backsplashes are trending right now because they allow you
Friday, June 28, 2019 | www.cadillacnews.com Cadillac News -
to create an open, contemporary space with high visual impact.
Removing all the clutter and pairing open shelving with a statement
backsplash can make the space seem larger and more open while
still maintaining a high level of functionality,” says Earl. “Plus, it
allows you to save money on upper cabinet materials and installa-
tion.”
Parker adds that a full-tile feature wall makes an immediate state-
ment.
“The Houzz Kitchen Trends Study found that half of homeowners
are opening up their kitchens to interior spaces, and the most popu-
lar kitchen layout is the L-shape,” notes Parker. “This openness
means the kitchen is always on display and, therefore, in need of a
good focal point. It draws the eye in, whether it be through shimmer
and texture with something like simple subway tile or through bold
colors and patterns like a Moroccan tile design. It’s a relatively cost-
effective way to get a stunning effect that looks high end.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
Your Home - Issue 2 13
 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13
Ideal candidates for a feature wall are homeowners who aren’t afraid of show-
casing some personal style in their space.
“You should like open, breathable spaces and want something different,” adds
Earl.
Be forewarned that a feature wall can come with a higher price tag spent on
backsplash tile and installation; it can also require more cleaning and sealing
maintenance; and it robs wall space that can otherwise be used to store con-
tents and conceal clutter within cabinets.
When planning a feature wall, “I suggest choosing a pattern tile with a match-
ing esthetic and colors that complement the open spaces surrounding it,” says
Earl. “For example, if you have a modern home with cool colors, consider a geo-
metric design with a complimentary bold shade of blue or grey on a contempo-
rary marble stone tile.”
Linden says feature walls often work best when they contrast at least slightly
with your cabinet hues.
“You don’t want to clash with your cabinets, but you don’t want them to blend
into each other too much, either,” adds Linden. “You may even want to consider
mirrored tile, which is super easy to clean and makes your kitchen look bigger.”
If in doubt, try a neutral approach.
“All-white tiles, such as simple subway tile in a brick or herringbone pattern,
can give you that visual texture and interest you crave,” says Parker, who rec-
ommends working with a designer and skilled tiler or contractor for best
results.
As for the longevity of the feature wall backsplash, the pros expect it to stick
around for the foreseeable future.
“It’s not too common to see a trend like this come and go completely. While
this tile trend is certainly having its moment now, I think it will continue to be
popular well into the future,” Parker says.
© CTW Features

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16 Your HOme - Issue 2 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Friday, June 28, 2019
 7 Bathroom Trends for
a Luxurious Upgrade
Transform your bathroom — and treat yourself — to these trending indulgences
By Nancy Mattia Black is the real deal, showing its 3 Lighted mirrors
bold personality on faucets, mirror
This mirror coordinates nicely with
Though it’s the smallest room in frames, vanity legs—anywhere you
a floating vanity. “It eliminates the
the house, the bathroom is a spec- want to make a strong yet sultry
need for a light fixture,” says
tacular place for an upgrade. statement.
O’Dwyer, “and creates a streamlined
Because of the room’s cozy size, a
look that works in a large space but
luxe item will pop as soon as some- 2 Floating vanities is ideal for a small space.“
one walks through the door. If you want an elevated bathroom
Everything from lighted mirrors to experience, install a floating vanity,
matte black faucets is making it big says Nicole S. O’Dwyer of NS
this year. And recently seamless Designs, an interior design firm in
design has become popular in the northeast Pennsylvania (nsinteriorde-
bathroom too, in the form of floating signs.com). With no legs to anchor it
vanities and wall-mounted toilets. to the floor and no visible attach-
Here are seven to consider: ments to the wall, “it’s a noticeable
difference from your average out-of-
1 Matte black finishes the-box vanity.” Adding under-cabinet
Forget shiny metallics—today’s lighting gives it a special glow.
trendiest finish is dark and daring. CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

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 Rise of the
CONTINUED from PAGE 17
4 Wall-mounted toilets

There’s something very sleek and
modern about a toilet that “floats” on
the wall, its plumbing and working
parts hidden from view. A wall-mount-
ed toilet is an extravagance—it’s prici-
er than the standard model and you’ll
likely need to make plumbing altera-
tions—but if your bathroom lacks in
square footage, the indulgence may
be worth the price since some models
can save you up to 12 inches of
space.
5 Round-cornered
rectangular mirrors
When is a rectangle not a rectangle?
When it’s got soft corners that look
fresh and modern, less severe than
the traditional figure’s edges. Framed
or not, this new shape is a reflection
of good taste and style. Combine two
trends and hang a rounded rectangu-
lar mirror in a matte black frame.
6 Exposed shower pipes
While floating vanities and toilet
bowls hide their inner working parts,
this trend proudly goes in the oppo-
site direction and makes them stand
out. Exposing the plumbing creates
an industrial look that feels both rus-
tic and luxurious.
7 Fine Art on Walls
When you’ve acquired a work of art
and are considering where to put it,
the bathroom probably doesn’t
make the cut. But why not? There’s
no rule that says you can’t decorate
the bathroom with art—if you do put
up a painting or photograph, the
room might start feeling more like a
spa! To keep your masterpiece safe,
avoid anything under glass or with
glazing, where moisture could get
trapped and cause damage.
© CTW Features
Bathroom Remodel
A kitchen might be the heart
of the home, but renovating
bathrooms is an emerging trend
Consider that 25 percent of homeowners aim to renovate their
baths over the next 12 months versus 15 percent who are prepar-
ing for a kitchen redo, according to homeowners surveyed for
HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Report. Baby boomers plan to spend up
to $1,000 more, but millennials are twice as likely as boomers to
finish a bathroom remodel – spending an average of $1,896 on the
project. Popular inclusions in those bath reboots include upgrad-
ed cabinets, flooring, shower doors, tile and creative lighting, per
the report.
Why are so many folks clamoring for a new or enhanced bath-
room? The reasons are rampant.
“Many people chose to renovate their kitchens over the past 20
years – so it makes sense that the bathroom renovation craze is
next,” says Carolyn DiCarlo, architectural designer with New
York City-based CD Build, Inc.
Bathroom upgrades also tend to be more manageable and less
disruptive than kitchen remodels.

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“They’re usually smaller projects in size
and scope, and they typically cost less and
require less time,” Botond Laszlo, president
of Marvelous Home Makeovers, LLC in
Plano, Texas, says.
“Additionally, it’s easier and more afford-
able to incorporate your own style into a
bathroom remodel than into a kitchen,”
says Laszlo.
Furthermore, bathrooms are deemed wor-
thier of investment today because they’re
increasingly viewed as private sanctuaries
where you can pamper yourself—unlike
the utilitarian kitchen.
“Established homeowners who have
enjoyed several years of strong home value
appreciation are now indulging themselves
with spa-like upgrades—luxurious features
like body sprays, rain shower heads, and
specialized lighting. And younger home-
owners are more focused today on basic
fixes, like replacing worn or broken tile,
chipped sinks and upgrading toilets,” notes
Brad Hunter, chief economist for
HomeAdvisor, headquartered in Golden,
Colorado.
Other popular bathroom enhancements
currently include bold tile patterns, bright-
colored vanities, gold champagne accents,
and mold- and moisture-resistant drywall
for peace of mind to protect all the pretty
stuff, per Anitra Mecadon, TV host and
Atlanta-based design build expert.
“Homeowners are also now more interest-
ed in floating tubs than sunken tubs, and
they’re getting more daring with their
bathroom remodel materials and designs,”
Mecadon notes.
Among other bathroom trends in vogue
are whites, grays and neutral tones with
occasional pops of color, differently shaped
tile for variety, mixing and matching vari-
ous hardware tones in the plumbing and
lighting fixtures, and cleaner lines, Laszlo
adds.
© CTW Features

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20 Your HOme - Issue 2 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Friday, June 28, 2019
 Get Organized
in 7 Days
Create a manageable schedule By Dawn Klingensmith
& your home will stay organized Want to make a change to your
messy home? You’ve got a workout
— no stress required plan and a diet plan for your physical
health. But what about your house?
An organization plan may be just the
answer.
Serving the Area 50+ Years! The key to getting started is to keep
the tasks reasonable, professional
organizers say. Save the big projects
for an intensive spring cleaning.
Meanwhile, reduce your everyday
messes and stresses with a seven-
day series of manageable tasks that
target problem areas and can be
completed in less than an hour.
“Cleaning out an office seems over-
whelming, but cleaning out a drawer
isn’t so intimidating,” says certified
professional organizer Seana Turner,
whose company is based in Darien,
Conn. “Go for quick successes when
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To begin, make sure you have the
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Basement Insulation storage boxes or laundry baskets
A simple GREEN way to with labels: trash, recycle, donate,
insulate your basement relocate (for items that belong in
another part of the house), storage
Friday, June 28, 2019 | www.cadillacnews.com Cadillac News -
and sell (optional). Each day, use this
sorting system to divide and conquer
clutter.
You also will need clear plastic bins
for storage; a two-drawer file cabinet
and folders; slim velvet clothing
hangers; and hooks.
Then you’re ready to take the one-
week challenge, and repeat as nec-
essary.
Resolving to de-clutter and organize
your home is one thing. Sticking with
a seven-day program is another.
Success depends on “your to-do list
meeting your calendar,” says produc-
tivity coach Sara Caputo. Block out a
specific time for each hour-long task.
“You need to decide on a time frame
and mark it down on your calendar or
everything else is going to gobble up
that time,” Caputo says.
Day 1: Accounts
Manageable
“Use technology to simplify your
life,” suggests Monica Ricci, a organi-
zation expert and life coach.
She recommends several web-
based and mobile applications,
including Mint or Acorns, for house
hold accounts like bills, subscriptions
and point-based reward programs;
Grocery Pal, a virtual shopping list
and recipe box; and Remember the
Milk, an online to-do list and task-
management program that syncs to
mobile devices.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
Your Home - Issue 2 21
 CONTINUED from PAGE 21
Most importantly, sign up for cloud-
based computer data backup.“It runs
in the background, scanning your
computer for new material, and auto-
matically backs it up. You don’t need
to remember to do it,” Ricci says, “so
it’s one less thing to worry about.”
Tech-based organizers eliminate
paperwork and make it easier to find
and sort information, which saves a
lot of time. A computer is searchable,
while a file cabinet is not.
Day 2: News You Can Use
By definition, a bulletin is a summa-
ry of news or current events. Yet
kitchen and home office bulletin
boards tend to become burial sites
for paperwork and repositories of
ancient history.
Take down all the notifications,
schedules, schoolwork, lists and clip-
pings and toss everything that’s out-
of-date or expired. Relocate papers
to their proper places if you wish to
file them for future reference or save
them as keepsakes, Turner says.
Only items pertaining to current or
upcoming events belong on a bulletin
board.
Day 3: Stack Attack
Do a 60-minute paper purge, start-
ing on surfaces and in drawers where
printed materials accumulate. Many
printed materials are readily available
online, including user manuals, take-
out menus, recipes, catalogs, maga-
zines and reference books. In a
15-minute blitz, dispose of papers
and books that are accessible online.
Spend the remaining 45 minutes
dismantling as many stacks as you
can. “Paper is hot, warm or cold. Hot
papers require prompt action, like
bills and RSVPs,” says productivity
consultant Sara Caputo, Santa
Barbara, Calif.
Use an inbox, wall pocket or bulletin
board for hot papers, and file or dis-
pose of them as they are dealt with.
Warm papers are documents used
periodically, such as bank state-
ments and health records. They
belong in a two-drawer file cabinet.
Cold papers are files that are rarely
needed but can’t be thrown away,
such as tax returns, Caputo says.
They can be boxed, labeled and
stored in the attic, basement or on a
high shelf.
Day 4: Bathroom Blitz
Expired medicines and cosmetics
22 Your HOme - Issue 2 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Friday, June 28, 2019
not only cause unnecessary clutter, gather the toys they haven’t played each rotation, Caputo says.
they pose safety risks. “Cleaning out with in a while and put them in the If your kids are older, give them a
the medicine cabinet is a quick, easy, basement or attic. bin and a monetary incentive to get
high-reward project,” Turner says, Unless they ask about specific toys, rid of clothing, books, toys and
because you can tell at a glance in which case you can give them games they no longer use. A payout
which medicines are expired. Empty back, wait a few weeks or months to of a quarter per item should be suffi-
everything out, sort the discards from reintroduce the purloined playthings cient, Caputo says.
the keepers and wipe down the cabi- and take away others. Younger kids © CTW Features
net inside and out before putting will think they’ve gotten new toys with
things back.
Time permitting, consider replacing
the towel rack with a row of hooks.
“Children in particular don’t do well
with towel racks. They’ll use hooks so
much sooner,” Turner says.
Hooks decrease the likelihood of a
heap of damp towels on the floor and
make it easier to remember whose
towel belongs to whom.
Day 5: Wardrobe
Reality Check
“Your closet is neither a hope chest
nor a museum. If you haven’t fit into
a size 6 for years, donate those
clothes to someone who will actually
use them,” Caputo says, adding that
if you slim down, you’ll probably want
fresher fashions anyway.
Without overthinking, do a quick
wardrobe purge, parting ways with
clothing that is worn out, dated or
unflattering. Transfer the clothes to
the slim anti-slip velvet hangers,
which hog less closet space than
thicker plastic hangers.
Caputo has a trick to deal with the
“maybes” that are just too hard to
get rid of: Hold on to them for now.
The point of this exercise is to make
quick and easy decisions, not tough
ones. Hang all the hangers back-
ward, with the hook facing outward.
Switch the hanger to its proper posi-
tion (hook facing inward) after an
item of clothing is worn. In six
months to a year, evaluate the items
you haven’t worn and start paring
down more decisively.
Day 6: Cups Runneth Over
“Cups and mugs somehow just
automatically multiply,” says Ricci,
founder of Catalyst Organizing
Solutions in Atlanta. Pull out all the
drinkware and organize it by type:
juice glasses, plastic tumblers, water
bottles, travel mugs. Downsize the
collection to avoid precarious stack-
ing.
Day 7: Reverse Santa
Start rotating toys to minimize clut-
ter and keep children’s interest
piqued. When children are away,
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24 Your HOme - Issue 2 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Friday, June 28, 2019
 Potential culprits behind thinning grass
Thick grass is often a hallmark of a healthy
lawn. If grass begins to thin, homeowners
may feel as though all the time and effort they
spent tending to their lawns was for naught.
Thinning grass can be caused by any num-
ber of things. And while it might take a little
effort to address, thinning grass can be treated
if homeowners correctly identify that cause
of the problem.
Leaf spot
The Center for Agriculture, Food and the
Environment at the University of Massachu-
setts Amherst notes that leaf spot diseases
affect both cool- and warm-season turfgrasses.
Various fungi can cause leaf spot. Symptoms
and the timing of the appearance of leaf spot
will vary depending on which fungi is causing
the problem. For example, bipolaris soroki-
niana, which affects grasses in warm, wet
summer months, produces small spots that
are dark purple to black. Dreschslera poae
is another fungi that causes leaf spot, and
it also produces dark purple to black spots.
However, it tends to appear in the spring when
the weather is cool and moist. Understanding
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the different fungi and when they typically
strike can help homeowners identify what is
causing their grass to thin. In such situations,
professional landscapers can be invaluable
resources as well.
Stripe smut
The University of Maryland Extension
notes that stripe smut primarily poses a threat
to Kentucky bluegrass that is older than three
years. Pale green streaks that run parallel to
the veins in the leaves and leaf sheaths are
symptomatic of stripe smut, which tends to
be noticed in spring and fall, when weather is
cool. As the disease progresses, stripes turn
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black or a silvery gray, causing the leaf blade
to shred and curl. After the blades have shred,
they turn brown and die. The grass thins
because stripe smut makes it vulnerable to
problems like drought.
Ascochyta leaf blight
Lawns suffering from ascochyta leaf blight
will become straw-colored. According to the
lawn care and pesticide experts at Ortho®,
when a lawn is affected by ascochyta leaf
blight, its healthy grass blades will be mixed
in with diseased grass blades. Most prevalent
in the spring, this disease can affect grass at
any time during the growing season. That’s
because the ascochyta fungi invade leaf blades
through wounds, such as those that can result
from mowing. Ortho® notes that dull lawn
mowers can contribute to the disease, which
might disappear on its own and can even re-
turn after it’s seemingly been cured.
Various issues can cause grass blades to
thin. Working with a landscape professional is
a great way to combat such issues before they
compromise the look of a lawn.
Your Home - Issue 2 25
 Container gardening for beginners
Gardening is a rewarding activity that
gardening enthusiasts can’t wait to get back to
once the weather warms up. Many gardeners
find getting their hands dirty while tending to
a garden can be a great form of escapism. In
addition, growing one’s own fruits and veg-
etables can be great for the environment.
Though it’s easy to assume gardening is an
activity exclusive to homeowners with their
own yards, that’s not the case at all. Container
gardening can make it possible for anyone to
garden regardless of where they live.
The benefits of container gardening go
beyond making gardening accessible to every-
one. Many plants grown in containers are less
susceptible to disease than plants grown in the
soil, which can reduce reliance on potentially
harmful pesticides. Container gardens also
tend to be easier to maintain than traditional
gardens, making gardening more doable for
people with especially hectic schedules.
Container gardening can be simple, and nov-
ices can consider these tips when planning and
ultimately tending to their first gardens.
Conduct a light audit. Walk around
your home to determine where your plant can
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26 Your HOme - Issue 2 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Friday, June 28, 2019
be placed so it gets as much light as it needs to
thrive. Some plants need a lot of light, while
others can thrive with a lot less. By conducting
a light audit before choosing plants, you can
determine if your home is most conducive to
plants that require a lot of a light or those that
need little light to get by.
Make sure containers have
ample drainage. The gardening experts
at Good Housekeeping note that drainage
holes are essential when choosing contain-
ers. Waterlogged soil can be fatal for plants, so
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Don’t focus too much on the size of the holes,
just make sure that they allow excess water to
drain out from the pot.
Don’t forget to feed your
plants. Potting soil won’t necessarily have
nutrients that plants can access, so many
container gardeners must fertilize the soil so
plants can thrive. Good Housekeeping notes
that watering with diluted fish emulsion,
seaweed extract or compost tea can help plants
thrive. Feed once every two weeks to start,
adjusting the schedule thereafter depending on
how the plants respond.
Seek advice. Local gardening centers
can be great resources for novice container
gardeners. Such centers can recommend
plants with a history of thriving in the area
as well as plants that might be more compat-
ible when containers are placed next to one
another.
Container gardening can bring gardening
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Friday, June 28, 2019 | www.cadillacnews.com Cadillac News - Your Home - Issue 2 27

Financing Your
Fix-It Dreams
5 ways to get home improvement funds
By Erik J. Martin
Homeowners have been bitten
hard by the remodeling bug. For
proof, consider that over 50 percent
of those recently polled by Houzz
indicated they plan to start or contin-
ue home improvement projects in
2018. What’s more, Metrostudy
reported that its second quarter
2018 Residential Remodeling Index
hit an all-time new peak of 114.4,
which was 5.2 percent higher than a
year earlier.
Yet 30 percent of folks surveyed by
Harris and LightStream earlier this
year said they plan to use plastic to
pay for some of their home renova-
tions; keep in mind that some credit
cards carry interest rates in the 18
percent-plus range, making them a
terrible means of funding a fix-it proj-
ect if you carry a balance.
So, what’s a better option? The
experts weigh in on these five safer
financing choices:
1. A cash-out refinance
Refinancing your mortgage and tak-
ing extra cash out at closing –
money that can be devoted to
remodeling dollars – can be a wise
decision, under the right circum-
stances.
“If you can refinance to a lower
fixed interest rate or a shorter term,
that’s a win for your finances,” says
Jennifer Beeston, vice president of
mortgage lending at Guaranteed
28 Your HOme - Issue 2 - Cadillac News www.cadillacnews.com | Friday, June 28, 2019
Rate Mortgage, based in Santa
Rosa, California.
Note, however, that you’ll pay clos-
ing costs that can add up to thou-
sands (unless you roll these fees
into your loan in the form of a higher
interest rate); this process can also
take weeks to complete, but this is
the best way to secure a fixed rate
and one loan.
2. A home equity loan
This option, often referred to as a
“second mortgage,” enables you to
borrow against equity you’ve accu-
mulated in your property. The inter-
est rate is typically fixed, the funds
are paid out in one lump sum, and
the repayment term can range from
five to 30 years.
“Say you have a lot of home equity,
and the renovation project is long-
term with a high return on invest-
ment. In that case, tapping some of
that equity to invest back into your
house without expending your sav-
ings could prove a smart way to go,”
Byron Ellis, certified financial plan-
ner with United Capital Financial Life
Management in The Woodlands,
Texas, says.
3. A home equity
line of credit (HELOC)
This route also allows you to bor-
row against your home’s equity. But
you get to choose when to withdraw
the cash, up to a pre-approved limit
and over a specified period. The
interest rate is variable based on
current prime rates, and many
HELOCs don’t charge closing costs.
“A HELOC often has a very low
introductory rate, and you are only
charged interest on the amount you
borrow,” notes Randall Yates, CEO of
The Lenders Network, headquar-
tered in Dallas.
4. An FHA 203(k)
rehab loan
This option is only available when
you first buy a home or refinance,
the lender must be FHA-approved,
and it’s applicable for older homes
and fixer-uppers. But it simplifies the
borrowing process because it rolls
your mortgage and rehab funds into
one loan. And FHA requirements are
less strict – for example, a low 3.5
percent down payment may apply,
and a 620 credit score may qualify
you.
“If your home currently doesn’t
have a lot of equity, an FHA 203(k)
loan is the way to go, as you can bor-
row money based off the estimated
value once the home is finished,”
Beeston notes.
5. A personal
unsecured loan
The good news here is that your
home isn’t used as collateral for the
loan, and the process occurs much
quicker. The bad news is that the
interest rate can be much higher
than options #1 through 4.
“This can make sense if you are fix-
ing up the house to sell immediately.
But you need to read the terms and
conditions carefully. Some private
lenders, for instance, may want you
to pay the whole amount back in
three months, while others may give
you three years,” says Beeston.
Yates adds that a personal loan
“may work well for someone with a
commission job where their income
fluctuates. If you face any financial
issues, at least you don’t risk losing
your home.”
Before committing to any financing
vehicle, “research all options avail-
able to you carefully. Rates and fees
will vary from lender to lender, so
compare loan offers from at least
three lenders to make sure you’re
getting the best deal,” says Yates.
© CTW Features
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7805 E 34 Rd, Cadillac  231.775.7600  6937 M72E, Williamsburg  231.267.5816
7805 E 34 Rd, Cadillac  231.775.7600  6937 M72E, Williamsburg  231.267.5816
7805 E 34 Rd, Cadillac  231.775.7600  6937 M72E, Williamsburg  231.267.5816
Friday, June 28, 2019 | www.cadillacnews.com Cadillac News - Your Home - Issue 2 29