Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2023-07-20T11:01:00

(BPT) – The arrival of El Niño weather conditions from the Pacific has made the summer of 2023 one of the hottest on record. Hotter conditions don’t just make it uncomfortable for you; it also takes its toll on your home. This extreme heat can lead to significant damage and costly repairs.

“Scorching temperatures can cause your home’s structure to expand and contract, putting stress on the physical building,” said Bonnie Lee, Vice President of Property Claims at Mercury Insurance. “Homeowners can protect their property by performing routine inspections of their home, even during the summer months, to identify any problems and take appropriate measures to address them.”

Hot weather has a major impact on your roof. Roofs are particularly vulnerable to heat damage because of their constant exposure to the elements. Under persistent exposure to high temperatures, roofing materials can warp and crack, leading to leakages. Heat also tends to dry out caulking and may weaken the structural integrity of roofing components. Homes with attics may also experience extra heat because airflow is typically stagnant in this area, which can increase the temperature in the home.

During the summer, check on your roof’s insulation. Insulation prevents excessive heat from penetrating indoors, reducing the workload on your roof as well as the wear and tear on your heating and air conditioning system. Make sure to also examine ceilings and walls for water stains or spots that could indicate a leak from your roof. Schedule a routine roof inspection and attend to any small repairs that may be needed before the rainier weather sets in.

“Catching and fixing minor issues before they escalate into major problems can prolong the lifespan of your roof so it remains resilient against all kinds of weather,” said Lee.

Dry soil affects your foundation. The dehydrating effects of heat from the hotter months can cause structural damage to the foundation of your home. The foundation relies on the surrounding soil as a consistent support system. As the ground heats up and moisture evaporates, the soil can separate from the home which can lead to instability.

Large trees close to the home can compromise the ground around your foundation, as they draw moisture through their roots and quickly dry out the dirt. If you have large trees near the perimeter of your home, make sure they are getting adequate moisture so they don’t drain all the water from the surrounding soil. Consider using a timed sprinkler system to keep the grounds around your home hydrated.

Protect pipes from extreme heat. It may come as a surprise, but water leaks in your home tend to occur more frequently when temperatures rise. Heat can cause pipes to expand, leading to leaks and bursts. In fact, July is known to be one of the busiest months for homeowners’ claims related to water damage, especially those caused by blocked HVAC drains. Water damage accounts for nearly half of all homeowners’ claims.

Check the caulking and sealing around your pipes and look for any cracks or tears in appliance hosing regularly. Damaged pipes and hoses can cause significant water damage, making it important to replace them at the first sign of compromise.

Water leak detection devices are an excellent tool for identifying various types of leaks, even the ones that are hidden from sight. Professionally installed water pressure sensors that monitor water flow, for example, can send a notification to a homeowner’s smartphone to let them know of a potential issue. Insurance companies like Mercury will often provide a discount for homes that implement water leak detection devices.

Safeguard areas around windows and doors. Prolonged exposure to heat can cause caulking around windows and doors to dry out and crack, compromising their energy efficiency and making them vulnerable to air and water leaks. If you notice dry or cracked caulking, remove as much of it as possible and reseal. Weather stripping installed in these areas will help to keep hot air from entering the home and cool air from escaping.

“To protect your home from the extreme heat, conduct routine maintenance before, during and after the summer season to help avoid costly repairs,” said Lee. “A little preventive maintenance can go a long way in avoiding heat-related damage to your home.”

2023-07-19T09:01:00

(BPT) – You want your home to be comfortable, especially as summer temperatures soar. However, there is much misinformation on the internet and in social posts that claim to offer tricks that help reduce the heat in your home, but that, in reality, can cause lasting harm to your home’s HVAC system.

HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. It’s like the heart of your home, pumping conditioned air where you need it to feel comfortable indoors. Damaging this system can leave you without AC during the dog days of summer, not to mention that fixes can be costly.

Eric Weiss, expert tech trainer at Trane Residential, busts some of these potentially dangerous myths and shares tips to help you safely stay cool this summer by making choices that are better for your HVAC system and for your own home comfort.

Myth: Spray the outdoor unit with water

Fact: One hack making the rounds is spraying the outside unit with a hose for a quick burst of cool air inside. However, this only works temporarily; worse, long-term water exposure can damage the fan and coils. A better choice is having a local maintenance professional proactively clean the system twice a year, ensuring the cooling charge is correct, the coils are clean, and the filter is changed.

Myth: Put an umbrella over the unit

Fact: Ambient temperature is the same outside, in a specific location, whether shaded or not. The shade makes the temperature feel 10-15 degrees cooler than it actually is because you are out of direct sunlight. Therefore, adding shade does not help the unit run better by supplying cooler air. In fact, it may inhibit circulation and trap hot air around the unit, making it work harder to cool your home.

Instead, the DOE recommends ensuring no nearby objects block airflow from your outdoor unit. You can achieve this by keeping the area surrounding your AC clean and debris-free. A good rule of thumb is not to let plants or other wildlife grow within a 2-foot radius of your unit. Plants, trees, or weeds growing too close to your AC could interfere with its functionality. Additionally, if you see things like leaf buildup or animal nests around your unit, you should remove them so they don’t get caught in blades or coils.

Myth: Turn the temperature down for quicker cooling

Fact: Your air conditioning unit works just as hard whether you lower it 3 degrees or 30 degrees — getting to the temperature you want is just a matter of time. A properly sized AC system that maximizes your energy savings may not have enough capacity to drop your indoor temperature by several degrees in the peak summer afternoons or evenings. Reaching a new set point takes time. Use a smart thermostat like the ComfortLinkII XL824 thermostat to help save money by setting schedules and being able to adjust your home temperature remotely.

Myth: Regular vacuuming keeps HVAC air filters clean

Fact: While vacuuming does help collect and remove dirt and grime from the home, it’s still important to change the air filter in your HVAC system at least seasonally (every 30-90 days should do the trick). These filters collect dust and even small particulates you can’t see in the air. Over time they get dirty, restricting airflow, making your HVAC system work harder, and reducing its efficiency in cooling your home.

Myth: Run your AC unit until it dies

Fact: Replacing an air conditioner might be more expensive up front, but running your unit past its expiration date will be less efficient and could cost you money in the long run on repairs. Start saving money on your energy bills sooner by replacing your old unit before it quits on you. One to consider is the XV20i Variable Speed Heat Pump with Trane Link that continuously adjusts its speed to deliver a consistent flow of cool, comfortable air for ultimate comfort and efficiency.

2023-07-18T11:21:00

(BPT) – By Kim Hyo-eun, vice president of the Global Marketing Center at LG Electronics

Until now, as a leader in the consumer electronics industry, LG has grown into an innovative and trustworthy brand with a focus on products such as TVs, refrigerators and washing machines. LG has always deeply understood the lives of its customers and, based on this insight, solidified its position as one of the most beloved brands thanks to innovative products boasting reliable quality. However, in our pursuit to take the brand to the next height and transform it into a global iconic brand, we recognized the need to go beyond products and services and effectively communicate our core brand values to customers. This has led us to embark on the brand reinvention journey.

What’s more, as we live in a world of constant change where consumers’ lifestyles are shifting, diversifying and evolving at an increasingly rapid pace, companies have to strive harder to understand the needs and wants of their customers, and that requires a willingness to change and a passion for innovation.

An organization that has always embraced change, LG recently introduced its reinvented brand strategy to build a stronger, consistent brand image and better convey its commitment to providing a message of ‘Life’s Good.’ As the first step toward strengthening its brand identity, the company undertook a rigorous process to redefine its values and philosophy. After clearly defining three core values of ‘Uncompromising Customer Experience,’ ‘Human-centered Innovation’ and ‘Warmth to Power a Smile,’ the company set about reinterpreting and reinvigorating the LG brand, creating new visual assets that mark a new era in its history. The result of this reinvention is a younger and more dynamic visual identity that resonates more deeply with consumers across all generations and backgrounds.

To be successful in today’s market, a company must be able to connect with consumers at an emotional level. With its reinvented brand identity, LG is already fostering a deep connection with customers, showing that compassion and humanity are as much a part of ‘LG-ness’ as the technological and design innovation that the company has long been known for.

The look of LG’s iconic Life’s Good slogan has also been revamped and refreshed to better communicate the brand’s firm belief that life is good. A custom typography — inspired by various LG products’ form factors — makes the company’s well-known slogan more distinctive and unique, while the period at the end conveys LG’s confidence and sincerity in its mission to make people’s lives better through innovation.

A prime example of the ‘reinvent’ is how LG’s instantly recognizable brand symbol has been brought to life. In digital environments, the iconic LG symbol, designed as a smiling face using the letter ‘l’ and ‘g,’ can now perform eight different actions, including greeting, nodding, spinning and winking. Known as LG’s “face of the future,” the digital logo symbolizes the company’s legacy while also strengthening its bond with today’s consumers.

And, to highlight the brand’s bold and youthful nature, LG has introduced a vibrant new shade of red that will be used across all platforms — physical and digital. The new, energetic “active red,” complemented by LG’s traditional “heritage” red and a deep black, represents a passion for innovation and the boldness to deliver exceptional customer value. By incorporating these dynamic colors, LG aims to express its passion for pushing boundaries and creating meaningful experiences for its customers and attracting younger generations. This approach allows LG to emanate a youthful, dynamic, vibrant, confident and innovative image that aligns with the company’s diverse businesses, products and services.

In addition to introducing its brand reinvent to the world, LG has been sharing its updated brand and visual identity with its own employees, bringing together personnel from all levels and departments to experience first-hand what the new changes mean. LG firmly believes that its employees are the best brand ambassadors. By ensuring they understand the brand’s value and vision and incorporate it into their daily task, the company can more effectively deliver a message of ‘Life’s Good’ to customers.

Aligned with this, the company launched its first Life’s Good event for its employees in South Korea on June 12. With Life’s Good trucks reflecting the new visual identity touring LG Electronics’ business sites in Korea, the company handed out branded coffee cans and provided a chance to win various branded goods during lunch time, enabling everyone to take the time to discover the new changes to the brand. The event garnered overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic feedback from executives and employees, who expressed their excitement about the brand reinvention. They also shared that the event enabled them to better understand and visualize the reinvented brand.

We are hopeful that LG’s brand reinvent will serve as a starting point for the innovation of new customer experiences that can provide value and benefits for real customers, enabling them to feel that ‘life’s good’ and fully enjoy each precious moment of their lives.

LG acknowledges that there will be moments when people may struggle to resonate with the Life’s Good slogan and message. However, the intention is not to present an unrealistic picture of unwavering hope and positivity. Instead, it serves as a declaration of what life has the potential to be and should strive to be. It also acts as a reminder that even in challenging times, life remains incredibly precious and invaluable. In this context, the Life’s Good slogan embodies the lifestyles that LG aims for and aligns with our commitment to assisting customers in achieving a better life through our products and services.

At LG, we are driven by the desire to make consumers’ lives better than they are now. With this spirit and our unshakable belief that Life’s Good, we will endlessly take on challenges and never stop innovating. LG is a company where people work tirelessly to discover the needs of consumers — needs that they themselves aren’t even aware of — and find smart, practical solutions that deliver convenience, joy and connection.

LG’s new brand identity is infused with the collective effort and enthusiasm of the entire company. It reflects an unwavering determination to make every single day better than the last and showcases the company’s aspiration to become a globally iconic and beloved brand.

2023-07-12T11:01:00

(BPT) – Most recent data shows that in the past five years, 85% of people have shifted their behavior to be more eco-conscious and have started thinking sustainably when making purchases*. For many, the home is a natural place to start incorporating environmentally friendly products and practices.

“From utilizing green building products to incorporating high-efficiency technology, implementing more eco-friendly practices and products at home is a steppingstone towards living a more sustainable lifestyle,” said Judd Larned, President of Culligan Water. “Start with your water. Making eco-friendly choices on how you consume and treat your home’s water can have a big impact.”

Drinking water from your home tap is a great way to help the environment. Every year, overuse of single-use plastic bottles contributes to pollution, yet many people prefer the taste and quality of bottled water over the tap water in their home. By installing a water treatment solution, such as a reverse osmosis system, homeowners can get cleaner, filtered water directly from the tap and reduce their use of single-serve bottled water. The Culligan Aquasential^® Smart Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System offers 12 different filter options and is certified for the reduction of 59 contaminants which include 15 emerging contaminants including lead, arsenic, pharmaceuticals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and PFOA/PFOS.

For a greener solution to traditional water softening, a high-efficiency water softener, like the Aquasential Smart High Efficiency Water Softener, is designed to minimize water and salt usage while effectively softening the water. By selecting a high-efficiency softener, you can reduce water and salt usage. Both the RO and softener also offer a smart device app that gives users intuitive control over each system with water alerts, maintenance needs and tools that track water usage and consumption at your fingertips. You’ll have real-time data to help manage water usage in your home.

Going beyond your water, here are additional tips for creating a more environmentally friendly home:

• Choose green décor. A simple way to go green with your home is to choose environmentally friendly décor. While natural stones and marbles are on trend, their use is costly to the environment. Instead, homeowners can use man-made materials that mimic the look of natural materials. Using composite materials made from recycled content or natural materials that are sustainably sourced for décor, cabinets, fixtures and countertops is a great way to get the latest trends in home décor without negatively impacting the environment.
• Opt for energy-efficient appliances. When purchasing new appliances, opt for those with high energy-efficiency ratings. Energy-efficient appliances are designed to accomplish the same tasks with less power, which reduces the need for additional power plants and decreases the extraction of natural resources such as coal, natural gas and oil. By conserving these resources, we can preserve ecosystems, protect habitats and minimize the environmental damage caused by their extraction. On appliances such as refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry machines, look for ENERGY STAR certified products, which meet strict energy-saving standards.
• Use smart technology to conserve energy. Today, smart home technology is available to help homeowners control and track their energy usage, resulting in improved conservation as well as lower utility bills on the home front. Smart thermostats and lighting, as well as home automation systems, allow you to optimize heating and cooling or create energy-saving routines and schedules whether you’re home or away. Use energy monitoring systems to track usage patterns, identify energy-hungry appliances and provide insights on how to optimize energy efficiency.
• Recycle. Recycling is one of the most simple and well-known ways to go green at home as it conserves resources, reduces landfill waste and minimizes the environmental impact of manufacturing new products. Set up a recycling system in your home to separate recyclable materials from general waste. Identify local recycling centers or programs that accept different types of recyclables and ensure proper disposal. Consider going beyond traditional efforts by buying products made from recycled material or from companies dedicated to sustainability.

By implementing these tips, homeowners can contribute to a more sustainable future while creating a healthier and more cost-effective living environment. For more information on in-home water treatment solutions, visit www.culligan.com.

*According to an October 2021 Global Sustainability survey conducted by Simon-Kucher & Partners.

2023-07-12T07:01:01

(BPT) – Courtesy of Peerless^® Faucet

“Aging in place” (aka independent living) is the phenomena of older adults remaining in their homes as they age, rather than relocating or moving into an institutional setting. In fact, about 75% of 50+-year-olds would like to stay in their current homes or communities for as long as possible, compared to about half of 18 to 49-year-olds, according to AARP. With age, lifestyle needs change and if staying in your home is important to you, you may have concerns about getting around your home or getting simple tasks done, including personal care. Whether you’re a future caregiver or a care recipient, find suggestions below that can help with some of these worries along with easy ideas to ensure you have a functional home.

Plan ahead

As you prepare to make this big life step, take the time to sit down and think about the types of help you, a partner or a care recipient may need. Everyone’s situation is different, so it’s important to take the necessary steps now to avoid future issues.

One way to plan ahead is to talk to a doctor. Oftentimes, there may be medical conditions that could affect or complicate the way one ages in place or even hinder mobility around the house. If you’re a caregiver, it can prove helpful to be proactive. While these may be daunting conversations, it’s important to have them with a doctor and discuss best practices for living in your home long-term.

Another way to plan ahead is to create an at-home checklist of simple design updates that’ll allow a safe, independent living experience. The easiest way to identify what to change is to walk around the house and take note of anything that could pose a challenge in the near future. Consider door levers over doorknobs, light switches with a rocker panel versus a toggle switch, or even awning-style windows to make them easier to open and close. Making subtle changes like these can have long-term impacts on your comfortability and ability to stay put.

Tap resources available to you

If one is already having trouble moving around the house, it may be time to outsource assistance. Some people avoid electric scooters or chairs due to the hefty price tag, but what many don’t realize is that some at-home electronic aids are covered by Medicare. Other available resources you can contact if in need of home modifications or low-cost assistive devices include Administration for Community Living, The National Rehabilitation Information Center and AARP.

If you wish to revamp your space with stylish home furnishings that allow for aging in place, having a consultation with an experienced local home designer, or Certified Aging in Place Specialist (CAPS), is your best bet! These professionals are trained in meeting the needs of older adults by assisting with aging-in-place home renovations. Whether you need pocket doors to help with mobility between rooms, wider hallways for wheelchairs, or even a single-story house plan with a complete second suite, these designers can help update a home to adapt to a family — instead of a family adapting to a new home. Resources you can contact for this include Accessible Living, Paul Schumacher Homes and even Care.com.

ADA-compliant and stylish installations

Aging-in-place updates don’t always have to look and feel dull. You can make simple tweaks to make any space look presentable and elegant. An easy place to start implementing these tweaks is in the bathroom! Remodel your bath space the easy, affordable way and fit it with the all-new Precept^® ADA Tub & Shower with Hand Shower by Peerless^®. Designed for all, this sleek and modern shower trim kit assures everyone has a safe, comfortable showering experience. It also comes in three different finishes (Chrome, Matte Black and Brushed Nickel) to fit almost any bath space and design. Its 5-inch tub spout, handle operations, hand shower, hose and 24-inch grab bar are all ADA-compliant to help you create an accessible space without compromising design or functionality. You can also pair this trim kit with the brand-new accessories within the Precept^® Bath Collection for a coordinated, unified look.

Other easy home aging-in-place modifications could be eliminating hard-to-reach areas like high or low cabinets. Instead, opt for darker hued drawers right under your countertop; this way they’re more accessible and can easily match almost any kitchen décor. Need additional aging-in-place thoughtful kitchen inspiration? Introduce a mobile, adjustable kitchen island with lots of storage to avoid excess meal prepping and standing time.

If aging in place is the path forward, it’s important to realize there’s more to it than just staying put. Like every stage in life, it’s important to ensure that plans are thought through, even for the future. When thinking through ways to create a safer and age-friendly home environment, take advantage of resources available to you and prioritize updating rooms you utilize the most. Focus on the basics and create a well-coordinated and accessible space with fixtures that don’t compromise on aesthetics or functionality.

2023-07-10T05:01:00

(BPT) – If you are one of the millions of homeowners who locked in an ultra-low, fixed-rate mortgage before last year’s surge, you’re likely staying put in your home and thinking about updates to your existing space. With ample benefits and retrofit options, radiant floor heating is worth serious consideration.

Radiant heat is gaining big interest due to its ability to improve the health, comfort and functionality of a home. Adding radiant heat to specific areas, such as master bathrooms or basements, or even throughout an entire home, is a smart way to improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and enjoy energy efficiency.

Plus, hydronic radiant heating systems that circulate warm water through pipes under the floors are particularly ideal in retrofitting homes with boilers that supply hot water to radiators and baseboard heaters, providing a solution that is more affordable with lower operational costs.

How radiant supports IEQ

Better air quality — Hydronic radiant heating circulates warm water through pipes in the floors as opposed to air being pushed through ductwork via fans, which circulates dust, pollen, dirt, viruses and other allergens around a home.

Superior comfort — Radiant heat keeps comfort near the floor where people are located. Plus, radiant systems work in zones, so individual spaces can offer customized comfort with separate thermostats. With traditional forced-air heat, the hot air rises to the ceiling and typically there is only one thermostat that controls the entire home.

Reduced odors — With forced-air systems, burning airborne particles and circulation of other odors (like from the kitchen or bathrooms) add to unpleasant smells throughout a home. Radiant offers a clean, consistent comfort that doesn’t circulate offensive smells.

Peace and quiet — In a radiant system, circulators quietly move water through pipes. There are no noisy fans or booming furnaces turning on and off. Plus, there is no ductwork expanding and contracting when hot air rushes through the system.

Energy efficiency — Water has the capacity to transport energy 3,500 times greater than air, making it ultra-efficient. Plus, radiant systems work well with renewable energy sources such as geothermal and solar. State and federal tax incentives for renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies can help lower costs.

Radiant innovations

If you’re interested in adding radiant heat to your home, new innovations are making it easier to add radiant heating in a home renovation or remodel.

Wireless controls

Wireless radiant controls have been around for more than a decade. However, wireless controls that can manage multiple zones for both radiant and air-side systems are new to the North American market.

Smatrix Pulse features this new technology, offering wireless control of radiant heating and cooling along with forced-air heating and cooling in multiple zones. It also allows connectivity to smart home assistants for voice-activated control along with remote control via an app, which can be downloaded from Google Play or the Apple App Store.

Lightweight foam panels

A newly launched XPS foam panel is making it even faster and easier to install radiant heating in existing homes. Xpress Trak is a single-panel system that features XPS foam at its core, which is covered with a thin sheet of aluminum for exceptional heat-transfer capabilities.

The natural moisture resistance of the panels eliminates the need to caulk edges or panel grooves, and they don’t require insulation in the joist space below the subfloor, which speeds installations and lowers costs. Plus, the panels feature a low, 5/8-inch profile to minimize construction in remodel projects.

Design technology

While not new, LoopCAD radiant design software programs are continuing to be updated with innovative technologies. If you are doing the radiant installation yourself, make sure you have the right design before beginning the install. If you are having a radiant professional do your installation, make sure they are using up-to-date product and system information.

If you plan to stay in your home and are looking to make worthwhile upgrades with numerous benefits while increasing your property value, radiant heat systems are a smart option. Learn more at Uponor.com.

2023-06-30T14:33:00

(BPT) – Are you yearning to get back to the sun and sand? If you’re drawn to the seaside style of coastal design, why not bring the look to your own home? The keys to achieving a beachy vibe include incorporating a light palette, strong lines, and natural materials, like cypress. Here are seven ideas to transform your house from just another on the block to a staycation dream home with coastal flair.

Grand Entrances

First impressions matter, so go grand in your entryway and make a bold design statement. Tongue-and-groove pecky cypress can create a striking ceiling treatment with unique texture. Framing the area in cypress boards with a contrasting finish can add depth and dimension, while hiding recessed lighting and defining the space.

Cozy Spaces

Beach homes are made to bring people together and open concept floorplans do just that. Vaulted ceilings and open shelving — crafted from a beautiful wood like cypress — can add even more openness to a great room filled with cozy seating options. And custom built-ins and cabinetry — utilizing the same material — not only tie multiple spaces together, they also provide storage solutions to keep clutter out of site and out of mind.

Dreamy Kitchens

When it comes to coastal kitchens, choosing a limited material palette and finishes will keep the heart of your home looking clean and fresh. Real American Hardwood^® cabinetry will offer lasting value and durability. And selecting a species like cypress will add subtle style, along with character and beauty to be cherished for generations to come.

Bold Beams

Architectural details, such as exposed beams, are a popular design trend that can add function and style to any room. Pairing cypress beams with a pecky cypress ceiling and cabinetry can provide a dramatic setting for a gathering spot, like a home bar.

Fabulous Feature Wall

Open and airy spaces with abundant daylighting are staples in beach house design. With expansive windows and less wall space, installing cypress millwork to create a feature wall can evoke nautical charm — and double as a work of art. Take advantage of the wood’s natural beauty and elevate its grain pattern with a stain that enhances the room’s décor.

Serene Sleeping Quarters

For families with multiple kids, the words “calm” and “peaceful” may seem like an unattainable luxury. That doesn’t mean you can’t create a serene bedroom that sleeps two or more! Bringing in materials and details used in other spaces, like cypress millwork, will provide continuity from room to room. See, calm and peaceful, even if there’s occasional chaos.

Waves of Color

Crisp white walls with a pop of color are a classic coastal look. And while painting a wall with a tranquil turquoise or breezy blue is often a go-to, why not choose to celebrate the natural hues of real wood? Adding a patterned cypress accent wall, finished with a rich stain, can provide intriguing color with aesthetic warmth.

For more inspiring coastal cues to add a beachy vibe to your home, visit www.CypressInfo.org.

2023-06-20T12:09:00

(BPT) – Looking to give a lackluster room a vibrant makeover without breaking the bank or undergoing a major renovation? Try adding wood slats. “Architects, designers and homeowners are specifying Real American Hardwood^® slats to enhance various indoor and outdoor spaces,” says Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center. “They’re an easy, versatile and cost-effective upgrade that pays aesthetic and practical dividends.” Slats can be used to clad walls and ceilings, act as screens and room dividers, create striking decorative features, add dimension and movement to a space, or even revitalize built-in furniture and cabinetry. Plus, you’ll be introducing a natural, organic material — and its health and wellness benefits — into your home. Here are six recent examples that showcase the fresh and exciting possibilities of hardwood slats.

Architect Laura Schaeffer (@lauraarchitect) uses white-oak slats to clad the walls and ceiling of this modern addition to an 1890s Victorian house she gut renovated in Boulder, Colorado. The wood battens serve multiple functions: unifying the space, which encompasses a dining area, kitchen and covered patio over which the ceiling extends; creating a cocoon of natural, tawny warmth (the oak is oiled, not varnished); and helping establish what the homeowners call a “Scandi-Asian” vibe, one that fuses Japanese and Nordic influences seamlessly.

Screening a staircase with hardwood slats is an increasingly popular home design strategy. As B. Costello Design & Consulting (@BcDcDesign) shows in the living area of a new Denver, Colorado, duplex, it’s a good way to create a dramatic statement without overwhelming an interior. By constructing the screen from the same white oak used for the floors, the architect unifies the space visually even as he divides it physically. Light, space and movement seem to flow freely but are actually skillfully orchestrated by the sturdy yet porous structure.

Hardwood slats can be used successfully outdoors, too. Charged with renovating the exterior of a mid-century house in Minneapolis, Christian Dean Architecture (@christiandeanarchitecture) created a dynamic composition by cladding individual volumes in different materials — cypress siding, cement board, stucco. But he framed the large terrace and balcony on the second floor with slatted-cypress railings, dematerializing those elements so they add dimension and texture to the boxy structure without increasing its visual bulk.

Black-stained ash slats in this sleek New York City apartment bedroom by Sharon Blaustein of B Interior (@b.interior) are a smart way of dealing with several design requirements at once. First, they provide a soothing, shadow-animated backdrop that shifts and changes depending on light conditions. They also introduce a pleasingly crisp texture into the space while the dark stain sets up a slightly moody vibe. Last, unlike flat reflective surfaces, the battens break up sound waves, offering acoustical dampening that makes the bedroom quieter and more restful.

Quarter-sawn white-oak slats form an ethereal room divider in a Seattle, Washington, kitchen-dining area by Serra Wersinger Architects (@serrawersingerarchitects). The screen’s subtle color and refined design make the partition eye-catching and yet pleasingly unobtrusive at the same time. Not only does it create a focal point without in any way overpowering its surroundings, it also clarifies the space, separating the dining area from the open stair and offering a sense of privacy while leaving the flow of air and light unobstructed.

Hardwood slats in the garden? Dane Spencer Landscape Architecture shows how with this handsome arched portal in a Sarasota, Florida, backyard. Made of cypress finished with Sherwin Williams WoodScapes exterior house stain, the structure frames the rear garden while also partly screening it, creating a feeling of privacy along with a note of intrigue. The slats are robust enough to give the arch architectural heft yet light enough so it’s not heavy or forbidding — the keyhole for the tree branch being an especially charming touch.

Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about slats and other uses for Real American Hardwood products.

2023-06-20T10:01:00

(BPT) – When summer rolls around, it can be challenging to keep all of your family members busy doing fun activities together, getting everyone away from screens and learning new skills. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy projects you can try that will not only be creative and interesting, but can enhance your outdoor living space for many summers to come.

Here are just a few projects you can do with your kids, courtesy of the DIY experts at Arrow Fastener, the leader in manual, electric and cordless fastening tools, and manufacturer of the world’s best-selling staple gun, the T50^®.

1. Encourage green thumbs with this simple DIY Pallet Garden Wall

Want to add a pop of color with bright flowers, or create a mini kitchen garden with tasty herbs? All you need to make this project is a wooden pallet, landscaping fabric, potting soil, whatever plants you want to use, plus some extra wood scraps — along with your handy Arrow T50 Staple Gun — and you can create a mini garden wall to grace your outdoor space. This is an easy project for beginning DIYers, and you can let kids of any age help choose what to grow, and learn how to water and care for the plants all summer long.

2. Spruce up your picnic table with colorful Picnic Table Cushioned Seats

If you have an old wooden picnic table or other wooden benches that can be hard to sit on, consider creating these cushioned seats to add a touch of style as well as comfort. Using the T50DCD Cordless Staple Gun, a pretty vinyl or plastic tablecloth and some outdoor-approved foam, you can quickly and easily transform an old picnic table into a pleasant outdoor eating experience.

3. Safeguard your herbs, veggies or flowers with a Raised Garden Bed

You can help protect whatever you want to grow from many nibbling marauders, while at the same time making it easier to tend to your plants by making a raised bed with a fence. This is a little more advanced project, using the Arrow T50 Staple Gun and their PT18G Pneumatic Brad Nailer. The instructions are set to build a 4′ x 4′ x 2′ bed, but you can alter the directions to a size that better fits your outdoor space.

4. Add curb appeal with this Outdoor Flower Box

Could the outside of your home use a pop of color? Learn how to build an outdoor flower box using the Arrow PT18G Pneumatic Brad Nailer and the Arrow T50HS Staple Gun for an easy way to add some curb appeal to your home’s exterior. This flower box can also hang off a deck rail or be placed on a garden wall. While grownups or older kids may have to do the majority of the construction, even young children can help with painting and/or planting the flowers once the project is completed.

5. Invite feathered friends to visit with this pretty Birdhouse

Bird lovers everywhere will enjoy creating this home for your favorite winged friends. You’ll need an Arrow GT30Li cordless glue gun, a cedar board and some fun dollhouse trim to create this eye-catching birdhouse. Younger children can paint and decorate the birdhouse, and will enjoy keeping an eye out for its new inhabitants. You can hang your birdhouse using eye bolts with a length of small chain or wire, or attach a birdhouse hanger bracket to the back so you can securely mount it to a fence or tree. Be sure to place your birdhouse somewhere everyone can easily see it, such as in the garden or on a tree outside your kitchen window.

Ready to get started? Visit ArrowFastener.com/projects for these and many more easy DIY projects to try with your family this summer.