Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2024-07-10T07:01:00

(BPT) – As summer temperatures rise, what can you do to beat the heat at home? Before lowering the thermostat setting, consider an often-overlooked approach to help your home and your energy budget stay comfortable. Keeping a home cool in the summer (and warm in the winter) is all about managing heat flow. A sufficient thickness of insulation blown into the home’s attic can help manage thermal flow from a notorious “heat trap” in many homes.

Without delving too deeply into the science, it is useful to consider how insulation helps reduce heat gain and contributes to a comfortable indoor environment. The thermodynamics of air and temperature mean that warm air continually tries to move toward a cooler location. Any disruptions in the home’s envelope — such as a window, access entry, or the intersection of roof deck and attic — present an opening for warm air to enter a cooler area.

As an example, let’s consider that a home’s attic is accessed through a door in the bedroom. On a hot, sunny day, radiant heat from outside will pass through the roof deck and enter the cooler attic space. Once inside the attic, the hot air will move toward the access door, “spilling” into cooler parts of the home. As more energy is required to maintain the temperature, other parts of the cooling system — like the air conditioner condenser — may have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, leading to more energy usage, potentially higher bills and wear and tear on equipment.

The attic is only one location in a home where hot air can escape. However, given the high temperatures in attics, these areas may present a higher “heat load” than many other parts of the home. Owens Corning AirCare^® Professionals are trained to measure how much heat may be escaping from the attic. They can utilize tools and technologies such as thermal imaging to visually capture sources of escaping heat and can calculate the potential payback on attic interventions such as insulation or retrofitting ductwork to address holes, gaps or loose connections.

How much difference can interventions in the attic make when it comes to utility bills? Every home is unique and savings will vary, but the EPA estimates that homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces and basements.

Material matters

Several insulating materials are available to mitigate heat transfer in a home, and some are particularly well suited for attic applications. Owens Corning AirCare^® Professionals can recommend the proper form of insulation for various spaces within the home. Fiberglass insulation relies on tiny air pockets located throughout the insulation that resist the passage of heat flow — mitigating heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter. Generally, the thicker the insulation, the more air pockets and the greater the insulating power. Fiberglass insulation is not combustible.

Is your home prepared to take the heat this summer? To find an AirCare^® professional, visit the online locator at HVAC Contractor Locator | Insulation | Owens Corning.

2024-06-21T07:01:00

(BPT) – Is your home ready for what may be another historically warm summer season? According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2023 was the planet’s warmest year on record and there is a one-in-three chance that 2024 will be warmer than 2023.¹

As hot temperatures can place a strain on indoor comfort as well as HVAC equipment and energy bills, now is a good time to make sure that your home is ready for the summer cooling season. Getting your home’s air conditioning equipment inspected and serviced is a good first step. A technician should check not only the equipment components of your home’s cooling system (condenser, thermostat, etc.), but also specific areas in your home that can affect indoor comfort and energy bills. The attic is an area where insufficient levels of insulation can allow temperatures to soar. Hot attic air can infiltrate other parts of the home, causing HVAC equipment to cycle on and off more frequently and increasing energy usage.

Why manage attic temps

A properly sealed attic with sufficient levels of attic insulation can help keep temperatures cooler throughout the home. Just as insulation reduces heat loss in the winter, it impedes the transfer of heat from your attic to inside your home in summer.

Because the attic is typically shut off from other parts of the house, homeowners sometimes ask why they should be concerned about this area. Simply stated, air in the attic doesn’t necessarily stay in the attic. Warmer air will always seek to move toward cooler spaces. Thus, in the summer, soaring temperatures in the attic will drive air toward cooler indoor areas. Having a well-insulated attic can help reduce this heat transfer.

Moisture is yet another consideration. As moisture builds up in attics, conditions can be favorable for mold growth, wood rot and structural damage, threatening both comfort and safety. Attic insulation can also help guard against the threats posed by moisture.

How much insulation is sufficient for a home’s attic space? Every home is unique, but EnergyStar recommends the following guidelines. For homes in the South, a minimum of 13 inches of attic insulation should be installed. In colder climate zones, Energy Star recommends installing a minimum of 18 inches of insulation.² Even though these minimums are recommended by EnergyStar, it has been estimated that 90% of homes across the U.S. are under-insulated.³

Budget is always important when it comes to home improvements and the payback period should be considered. According to EnergyStar, done right, a properly sealed and insulated attic may save you up to $200 annually.³

Beyond materials – consulting an AirCare^® expert

Achieving comfort and energy efficiency requires more than materials. A qualified HVAC technician should bring a “whole home” approach to caring for a home’s air. He or she should evaluate the attic to assess the amount of insulation currently installed and the potential opportunity to conserve energy by insulating the attic to a specified thickness. Contractors designated as AirCare^® Professionals are trained by Owens Corning and equipped with tools to assess attic insulation and recommend specific solutions to help target a desired level of energy efficiency.

Beyond insulation, other factors in the attic can also contribute to comfort and energy issues. Over time, holes or poor connections in attic ductwork can allow particulates in attic air to make their way into the living area. Compromised attic ductwork can also provide a pathway for conditioned air to escape into other parts of the home. Signs of ductwork issues may include excess dust in the living areas of the home, or musty and unusual odors (think attic smell) in other areas.

Consulting a professional, such as an AirCare^® Professional, can help ensure that ductwork is properly sealed and that the attic is optimized to support comfort and energy efficiency. He or she will evaluate the system for loose connections and evaluate the ductwork to ensure components are properly sealed. To find an AirCare^® professional, visit the online locator at HVAC Contractor Locator | Insulation | Owens Corning.

¹ 2023 was the world’s warmest year on record, by far | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (noaa.gov)

² Insulation Institute. (2016) Study: Boosting Home Insulation Can Cut Electricity, Fuel, Use, Reduce Pollution

³ Cool Off by Sealing and Insulating and Chill Out with ENERGY STAR – YouTube (youtube-nocookie.com)

2024-06-11T00:01:00

(BPT) – The YORK^® brand of Johnson Controls, the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, has compiled six proven tips to help homeowners reduce cooling bills this spring and summer as energy costs nationwide remain above pre-pandemic rates.

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that home cooling accounts for 12% of the average household’s monthly electric bills. As many homeowners experience higher-than-average utility costs, simple HVAC upgrades and routine maintenance can help reduce cooling expenditures by improving system efficiency. Before setting the thermostat to cool, homeowners should try these cost-saving tips:

1. Replace Filters and Clean Vents: HVAC filters help keep dust and debris from being recirculated throughout a home. However, when these filters become too full, they can limit airflow and cause the blower to work harder. Maintaining a filter replacement routine can help improve efficiency and extend the life of the HVAC system. For most systems, the recommendation is to replace the filter every one to three months, but homeowners should follow the frequency indicated by the HVAC system manufacturer. Routinely cleaning the grates of the air vents will also help to maintain efficient airflow.
2. Schedule Preventative Maintenance: The Indoor Air Quality Association (IAQA) estimates that routine HVAC maintenance can reduce annual heating and cooling bills by as much as 30%. Routine maintenance involves cleaning and inspecting the evaporator coil, examining the drain pan and condensation line, evaluating blowers and fans, testing system controls and checking refrigerant levels. Establishing a routine of scheduled service prior to the hottest and coldest times of the year — when HVAC systems are used most — will ensure equipment is in peak working condition and can even help to reduce costly repairs over time.
3. Cover Windows: The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that as much as 76% of the sunlight that hits a standard, double-pane window will transfer as heat into the home. Window coverings of nearly any nature will help to reduce solar heat gains, especially when installed in south-facing rooms or homes with little to no exterior shade. But for the greatest energy reduction, homeowners should opt for insulated cellular shades certified by the Attachments Energy Rating Council (AERC). These specially designed shades incorporate an interior layer of insulation and can reduce solar heat that enters through the windows by as much as 60%.
4. Inspect and Seal Ductwork: EnergyStar estimates that as much as 20% of HVAC efficiency is lost to poorly connected or damaged ductwork. An HVAC technician can inspect the ductwork throughout a home and evaluate the system’s air supply and return balance. Airflow imbalances could be a sign of damage, loose seals or even that the ductwork isn’t sized correctly. Ductwork located within basements, attics or crawl spaces can also be a point of efficiency loss if the ductwork isn’t properly insulated.
5. Update the Thermostat: The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) estimates that the average homeowner could reduce their annual heating and cooling bills by as much as 10% by using a programmable thermostat to reduce HVAC demands overnight or while away from the home. Some smart thermostats incorporate geo-fencing features to further reduce energy use by detecting homeowners’ proximity to the house and adjusting the temperature based on home and away settings. Some thermostats can even alert homeowners to potential system issues and provide the option to grant their HVAC contractor with remote service access.
6. Utilize Inflation Reduction Act Savings: With higher-efficiency HVAC equipment from YORK^®, homeowners can reduce their heating and cooling costs by as much as 50% compared to low-efficiency systems, helping homeowners see a reduction in their energy bills while lowering their environmental impact. The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has made the transition to high-efficiency systems, including heat pumps, even more affordable by offering tax rebates up to $2,000 dependent on household income. IRA incentives can also be combined with local and manufacturers rebates to further increase cost-savings. Since heat pumps are powered by electricity and operate by transferring heat rather than producing it, heat pumps can reduce site energy use by as much as two-thirds when compared to conventional, fuel-powered heating systems.

For more information on rebates, visit YORK.com.

2024-05-31T09:01:00

(BPT) – While you probably know your deck needs waterproofing, did you know many other materials outside your home like concrete, masonry and fabrics also need protection? To help keep exterior parts of your home in good condition, waterproofing is key. Here are tips from the experts at Thompson’s WaterSeal to help safeguard your home.

1. Maintain exterior wood

Whether for your deck, fencing or siding, wood sealer provides durable protection from water and sun damage.

When wood absorbs water, it swells, and as it dries, it contracts. Repeated cycles of expansion and contraction cause small cracks that grow over time. In cold climates, this cycle is worsened by seasonal freezing and thawing. Without protection, excessive moisture in wood also supports fungi that causes wood rot.

While sunlight doesn’t structurally damage wood, it will turn the upper layer of wood silver over time. Sunlight also affects stains and finishes, leaving wood more vulnerable to water damage. This is especially true in warmer, southern climates.

How to waterproof wood

High-quality wood stains protect decks for four to six years, and fencing and siding for five to 15 years. To see if re-application is needed, try the “splash test”: Sprinkle water on various sections of the wood. If water absorbs and darkens the color of the wood within five seconds, the surface should be treated. If water beads up on the surface, it doesn’t need treatment. Reapplication timing depends on climate, deck use and sealer opacity. More opaque stains like solid color wood sealers provide the longest protection.

Select a product with minimum required coats to provide year-round protection. You can choose solid color wood sealer, which adds the most color and shows the least wood grain, or transparent wood sealer, which adds subtle color and shows the most wood grain.

Before applying wood sealer, use deck cleaner to remove contaminants like dirt, oil and mildew. The wood surface should be completely dry before sealing, so it’s best to wait at least 48 hours after rain or cleaning. The air temperature should be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during and for 48 hours after application. For best results, follow all instructions on the product.

2. Consider your concrete surfaces

Although you might think concrete is indestructible, over time, weather conditions can take a toll. Waterproofed walkways and patios are stronger and last longer — reducing the need for costly maintenance and repairs.

Especially in climates experiencing freezing and thawing, waterproofing safeguards against moisture and helps prevent cracks. Waterproofing also helps protect against oil stains and other spills. Well-maintained concrete looks better, with minimal effects from weathering, fading, cracking, fungus and mold growth.

How to waterproof concrete

The length of protection varies depending on where you live. You can perform the “splash test” once a year to see if reapplication is necessary.

Choose a high-quality multi-surface waterproofer that can tackle exterior waterproofing needs including concrete. As with wood sealer, the surface and air temperature should be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during and for 48 hours after application. Concrete should be thoroughly cleaned and dry for 72 hours before applying sealer.

Concrete with a smooth, flat finish must be opened first, using a concrete etch product. Follow instructions carefully for using and removing the etching product, as well as the concrete sealer.

3. Protect brick and masonry

With brick or masonry (including stone), waterproofing helps protect it from environmental damage over time. Due to their porous nature, bricks are susceptible to water damage, including cracking or spalling (flaking or chipping due to subsurface cracks). Waterproofing also protects against mold.

How to waterproof brick and masonry

The length of protection from waterproofing will vary, depending on your climate. As with concrete, perform the “splash test” once a year to see if reapplication is necessary.

Use a high-quality, multi-surface waterproofer designed for exterior surfaces like brick. Your brick or masonry should be thoroughly cleaned and dried before applying sealer, and the outside temperature must be above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Read and follow application instructions on your product.

4. Safeguard outdoor fabrics

If you use fabric elements for your outdoor spaces including cushions, pillows, umbrellas, canopies or shade sails, you’ll want to keep them looking great as long as possible. Waterproofing fabric helps prevent water damage and reduces color fading from the sun. It can also repel spills and stains, while allowing fabric to breathe.

How to waterproof fabrics

Reapply waterproofing annually, after every cleaning, and use a waterproofer designed for fabrics. First try a small patch, as waterproofer can darken fabric, and apply only on colorfast fabrics. Fabric must be clean and dry before applying waterproofer. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s care and warranty information before using on furniture and follow all product instructions carefully.

Caring for outdoor surfaces is crucial for maintaining your home’s appearance and value. Waterproofing helps keep all the elements of your home’s exterior — and the outdoor spaces you love — looking beautiful for years to come.

2024-05-29T05:01:00

(BPT) – It’s time to welcome the freshness of the warmer months into our homes and embrace the new season. For many of us, this time of year is a chance to renew and re-organize. Spring and summer cleaning isn’t just about dusting and decluttering; it’s also an opportunity to modernize and improve your living spaces.

This includes updating your window coverings, especially if you have infants or young children. Let’s explore the reasons why switching to cordless window coverings can enhance both the aesthetics and safety of your home.

Hazards of Corded Window Coverings

Traditional corded window coverings may seem harmless, but they pose significant risks, especially in homes with young children. The dangling cords can become entangled, leading to accidents such as strangulation. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), corded window coverings are one of the top hidden hazards in the home. Find out more from the Window Covering Safety Council.

Style Benefits

Cordless options not only eliminate the risk of entanglement but also offer a sleek, modern aesthetic. Opt for durable materials that can withstand daily wear and tear and choose colors and patterns that complement your existing decor. With cordless window coverings, you can achieve a clean and clutter-free look while ensuring the safety of your loved ones.

Save Money with Cordless Window Coverings

Did you know using the right window coverings can help you SAVE money? When selecting cordless window coverings for your home, consider energy-efficient window coverings, which can help you save on energy bills as window attachments help regulate the amount of sunlight and heat that enters and exits a home. With today’s high inflation costs, this is a no-brainer. Find out how you can increase your energy savings and comfort with AERC certified products.

2024-05-24T09:11:00

(BPT) – Looking to update a room that is short on space during this home improvement season? Converting traditional swinging doors into pocket doors is a simple, practical way to increase the amount of usable floor space. Pocket doors slide along a jump-proof track and disappear into the wall cavity, optimizing space in a way swinging doors cannot.

When installed with the correct pocket door hardware, today’s modern pocket doors are customizable for varying doorway sizes, making any room in the home more fun and functional. These room ideas are proven winners that are sure to enhance your home.

1. Accessible Home Office

As the share of remote workers in the U.S. workforce continues to rise, so does the need for accessible home office designs. Pocket door frame kits equipped with ADA-compliant features bring an effective solution to this growing need, particularly with the rise of work-from-home opportunities for individuals with disabilities. To address this demand, Johnson’s 1500SC Series pocket door frame was designed to improve accessibility and functionality in home office setups. The built-in soft-close hardware ensures smooth, fingertip operation and prevents door slamming, important features for those using mobility devices.

2. Semi-Private Dining Area

With a shortage of senior care facilities and their rising costs, aging in place is now a crucially essential option. The 1560SC Series Soft-Closing Pocket Door Frame Kit seamlessly integrates mobility considerations into home design. Supporting doors up to 4 feet wide and 8 feet high, nearly any type of solid-core door weighing up to 165 lbs. can be installed with the frame.

To put your own spin on the pocket door design, choose a decorative raised handle. Only 5 lbs. of force is needed to effortlessly open or close a door installed with the hardware, ideal for individuals with mobility challenges.

3. Walk-in Kitchen Pantry

Perfect for frequently used pantry doors, the 2000SC Heavy-Duty Pocket Door Frame Kit’s versatile design can handle nearly any extra-heavy door style weighing up to 330 lbs., up to 5 feet wide and 9 feet high. A jump-proof design means the door cannot fall off the track, and a quick-release locking tab allows for door removal without tearing apart the wall. Heavy gauge all-steel split studs provide wall rigidity and galvanized steel plating resists corrosion, giving peace of mind that your door installation will last.

4. Ensuite Bathroom

Need more space in your bathroom? Pocket doors cover your doorway when they’re closed but disappear inside your wall cavity when they’re open. This 2060SC hardware holds large custom doors like this attractive walnut veneer slab, and includes a soft-close feature that is essential in a bedroom. When replacing traditional swing doors, pocket doors save as much as 14 square feet of floor space that is needed for the swinging motion.

Other ingenious features of this pocket door hardware contribute to installation ease and trouble-free use. For instance, self-adjusting floor brackets compensate for floor settling, ensuring pocket doors remain level over time.

5. Multi-Purpose Room

With their open and airy aesthetic, two converging pocket doors with glass lites in a wide entry allow sunlight to pass while giving privacy and reducing surrounding noise. Multi-purpose rooms benefit from the extra usable floor space gained by using pocket doors. Imagine more room for furniture, shelving and wall décor.

Johnson’s durable pocket door hardware exceeds the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standard for door width. The ADA requires a minimum clear width of 32” from door face to opposite stop, but Johnson’s hardware accommodates up to 60” for greater accessibility.

For more information, visit www.johnsonhardware.com, or call 574-293-5664.

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2024-05-23T12:53:00

(BPT) – This renovation season, DIY projects are more popular than ever as people look to keep costs down. And whether you’re planning a full bathroom remodel or a refresh of fixtures, paint and style, one of the most impactful and easiest DIY upgrades you can make is adding a bidet seat to your toilet. Haven’t considered it before? There are so many reasons why you should.

You may have come across a bidet in your travels. They have long been a central feature in European toilettes, and bidets are found in almost every bathroom in Japan. Finally, their popularity is growing in the U.S. where they have become a huge bathroom trend. Part of the newfound demand is due to innovative bidet seats like the TOTO WASHLET, which transforms your toilet into a bidet by simply replacing the seat! These allow discerning homeowners and renters to incorporate the luxury and comfort of a bidet into their bathrooms in minutes without having to install a completely new fixture or hiring a plumber.

From improving health to helping the environment, here are nine reasons to add a bidet seat to your bathroom upgrade, from the industry-leading experts at TOTO USA.

Improves hygiene. It’s simply a fact that using a bidet increases the level of cleanliness of your bathroom routine. Thanks to a strong adjustable flow of aerated water and an effective warm-air dryer, you’ll experience a superior clean than toilet paper alone.

A more comfortable bathroom experience. A bidet seat is a refreshing and pleasant way to cleanse. It’s a mini spritz-off, exactly where you need it. A gentle stream of warm water cleanses, followed by a warm air-dry. And all WASHLETS have warm, adjustable heated seats, too — creating a spa-like experience in your own home!

Use less TP. The average American uses more than 140 rolls of toilet paper each year. If you measure that in miles, it’s nearly the distance between Denver and Dallas! The French use half that much. Why? The French use bidets, which clean and dry without the need for toilet paper, as a regular part of their bathroom routine. Switching to a bidet seat is a simple, easy way to help the environment and elevate your bathroom routine in the process.

Better for your plumbing. All of that toilet paper Americans use tends to back up toilets and it also can cause clogs down the line in your pipes, which can lead to costly repairs. With a bidet seat, you’ll experience fewer plumbing issues, backups and headaches.

Easy to install. The TOTO WASHLET attaches to your existing toilet. Setting it up is a simple DIY project that takes all of 15 minutes, with no need to call a plumber. Really. All you need is a toilet and a GFCI power outlet within three feet of it. There’s even an app to guide you through the installation process.

Renter friendly. Because WASHLETS attach to your existing toilet, renters can install them to temporarily uplevel their bathroom without the worry of losing their security deposit. And notably, they are also able to take their bidet seat with them when they move into a new place.

Helps people with mobility issues. This is especially important for older folks who want to stay in their forever homes safely, people with aging parents, or for those who have temporary or ongoing issues with mobility that make wiping difficult. A bidet seat cleanses and dries much better than toilet paper alone, and for people with these issues, it’s a lifeline to help with hygiene, privacy and independence. Bonus tip: If you’re an empty nester renovating your own bathroom with an eye toward the future, make sure you add a bidet seat now.

Keeps your toilet clean. High-end bidet seats like those from TOTO don’t just clean you. They can help clean your toilet, too, with deodorizing and bowl-cleansing misting actions before and after use that keep your toilet and bathroom fresh at all times.

Affordable with a range of price points. There is a bidet seat for every space, budget and need. You can choose what fits your lifestyle best from the introductory WASHLET C2, intermediate WASHLET C5, or new WASHLET S7A, which offers the very latest in TOTO’s technology and design.

All in all, whether you rent or own your home, upgrading your bathroom with a bidet seat is an easy, quick and affordable way to elevate your daily sojourns to the loo into a spa-like experience while keeping you and your family cleaner. For more information, visit TOTO USA.

2024-05-23T07:01:00

(BPT) – Balance and harmony. These are two important principles of design to consider during the initial phases of conceptualizing a space. This is especially true in the kitchen, the heart and soul of a home, which must be both functional and visually inviting; a place where people can utilize the space effectively while nurturing purposeful and hospitable surroundings. Create a space of working beauty, while cultivating an environment of imperfection, to fully embody the Japanese design philosophy known as Wabi-Sabi.

Organic Curves and Textures

Form has a distinct impact on the feeling a home evokes. Enhance the home through Wabi-Sabi by incorporating pieces that exhibit shape and fluid movement, instead of highlighting perfectly precise lines and hard angles. Consider the alluring appeal of a curved archway that influences a softer atmosphere or feature a live-edge wood dining table to spotlight the beauty in natural imperfection.

Use organic forms and materials like rounded furniture, a neutral color palette and natural lighting to not only increase the aesthetic appeal of the kitchen, but also foster a sense of tranquility. Mix textures throughout the kitchen via linen curtains, a concrete backsplash, hand-woven rugs and personal touches of pottery to add both visual and physical texture, ultimately eliciting a feeling of quiet luxury. Every detail should be beautiful, and every beautiful object should serve the overall purpose of the space.

The Evolution of Japandi Style

The epitome of balanced harmony can be seen through Japandi style, which artfully merges Japanese and Scandinavian design philosophies. With fluid lines that speak to minimalist sensibilities and crafted touches that reflect an artisanal soul, the Kintsu^® Kitchen Collection by Brizo perfectly embodies these tenets.

Drawn from “kintsukuroi,” the Japanese method of joining pieces of cracked pottery with gold, “Kintsu” represent the way that Japandi style merges two design philosophies. The Kintsu^® Widespread Pull-Down Kitchen Faucet unites understated sensibility with an avant-garde spirit through the creative use of negative space in the knob handle. Combining this with the functionality and versatility of the new two-handle configuration, the faucet looks to Wabi-Sabi philosophy for abstract, conceptual geometries.

Essential Elements

When it comes to the backdrop of a space, being intentional with the color palette can lead to a cohesive look that highlights the beauty of various elements within the room. Take inspiration from Scandinavian design — cozy, bright and inviting aesthetics — which promotes intentionality when choosing colors, paired with natural light, to create a fresh take on neutrals. Grays can be replaced with warm browns and taupe, providing a natural background to plan around.

Incorporate metals such as chrome, steel and aluminum in the kitchen to add a gleaming finish that is instantly eye-catching and is sure to incite instant glamour. Choose an unexpected, but striking finish such as the Black Onyx finish in the Kintsu^® Kitchen Collection to create a distinctive and intentional focal point in the space.

When deciding which elements to include, consider the concept of mise en place. A place for everything and everything in its place. An organized kitchen is an efficient kitchen, and an efficient kitchen is a thing of beauty.

Through the fusion of Japandi style’s harmonious balance and the timeless elegance of Wabi-Sabi, our kitchens can become more than just places to cook; they can be sanctuaries where we find solace in our surroundings.

2024-05-22T09:41:00

(BPT) – Homeowners across the country are going undercover. It seems no matter where you live, the growing popularity of covered outdoor spaces is evident in backyards from Buffalo to Bakersfield. Here are 10 ways to add shade, shelter and style to your home’s exterior.

Perk up a porch. A covered front porch provides an inviting entryway to any home, offering an elegant stage to greet guests, enjoy a morning cup of coffee or simply sit and watch the world go by.

Throw some shade. A pergola provides shade and style to any outdoor setting, while still allowing for open air flow and sunshine. It also lends definition to deliver the look and feel of an outdoor room.

Create a nature-inspired nook. Turn an underutilized area into an outdoor oasis by installing outdoor flooring, a ceiling and a cozy fireplace. In this design, the neutral Trex decking, exposed roof beams and modern furniture set the stage for relaxation.

Raise the roof. If you love spending time outside in all conditions, consider adding a roof to a portion of your outdoor space. This small shelter paired with privacy curtains provides protection from the elements and prying eyes so you can enjoy a relaxing soak any time and in any season.

Gaze from a gazebo. A deck gazebo provides many benefits, offering shade and protection from the elements while also establishing an elegant space to relax, dine and entertain guests.

Go below deck. The space beneath an elevated deck is loaded with potential. With the addition of a deck drainage system like Trex RainEscape, which diverts water to keep the area beneath a deck dry, this space can be outfitted with furniture, lighting and appliances to create an outdoor room with comfort and function.

Enclose for year-round enjoyment. Optimize usability by enclosing an outdoor space with screens or windows. This affords the benefits of enjoying views, fresh air and natural light without having to worry about insects, rain or fluctuating temperatures.

Bolster a balcony. Make a bold, architectural statement on your balcony with a stylish pergola. Covering half of this elevated outdoor space, the pergola’s dark beams offer the perfect contrast to the home’s light exterior and provide shade over the outdoor kitchen and sitting area.

Bring the indoors out. Seamlessly transition between your home’s interior and exterior living spaces with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that open to a covered outdoor area perfect for al fresco dining and parties.

Retreat from the rays. Turn the space beneath your deck into a poolside paradise perfect for escaping the sun’s strong rays after an afternoon of swimming. This covered area features an underdeck drainage system paired with a soffit ceiling and integrated lighting to deliver the finished look and feel of an outdoor room.

For more inspiration, visit Trex.com.