Growers & Nomads Blog

Are Great Rooms Really So Great?

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:05:00 -0500

Posted by The Growers and Nomads Team
Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Ah, the Great Room. Since the early 1980’s they’ve found themselves sitting majestically at the center of many, many new homes – their multi-use function and way-up-there ceilings providing a sense of grandeur to the modern family’s home.

But are Great Rooms really so great? Two years ago Money magazine listed the Great Room as one of the “5 Dumbest Renovation Fads” (their words, not ours), and they make a sound financial case for it. Great Rooms are large and expensive to heat and cool, and constructing them can cost twice as much per square foot as building their “normal” sized companions. Money also noted that the sound quality of a Great Room is often comparable to an echo chamber, and that design-wise, the rows of stacked windows often look more hotel-lobby than cozy-home.

We’ve noticed a trend away from Great Rooms, ourselves – one based more on emotion and psychology than dollars and cents. It seems to us that since the past two years’ economic tribulations, people are hunkering down more at home. And at home, people are hunkering down in cozy nooks and comfy corners, not so much in formal arrangements. We think of the many articles we’ve read about reading nooks and home offices, pillow-strewn floors and snug dining rooms – all of which work well in achieving homey-ness because they are separate and distinct. And we're not psychologists, but we remember the comfort of childhood forts, long mornings spent under the covers, curling up on the couch for movie night with our sweetie -- and 20 foot ceillings weren't involved in any of those situations.

Obviously the size of one’s living area is a subjective choice, but if you’re feeling like you just don’t need all that un-used vertical space, or you’d really like a wall between you’re work and your kids cartoons, you’re not alone. Because small(er) is also great.

[Images: dollylovespink via flicker, top: 1399castlehill.com]

Tags: Construction, Great Rooms, Interior Design, Living/dining

10 Tips to Avoid Plumbing Nightmares

Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0500

10 Tips to Avoid Plumbing Nightmares

Posted by Home Minders
Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Something as small as a leaky faucet can waste up to 5,000 gallons of water each year. But with a bit of maintenance, you can not only make your home and life greener, but also prevent the little drips as well as the big plumbing catastrophes.

Here, 10 tips to help you avoid plumbing problems, and the tools you need to be your own plumber in times of crisis!

1. Replace worn hoses on washing machines.

2. Inspect water pipes and fittings annually.

3. Know where the water shutoff valve is in case a hose or pipe breaks.

4. Check the water pressure—normal pressure is 60 to 80 psi.

5. Check the grout and caulking around toilets.

6. Exercise the angle stop on your main water valve by turning it every four months.

7. Make sure that sump pumps are free of debris.

8. Drain water from the bottom of the water heater until it runs clear to get rid of sediment.

9. Don't leave the house with the dishwasher or washing machine running.

10. Turn off the water supply to the washing machine when you're taking long vacations.

And the tools you need around the house for basic plumbing procedures:

Adjustable wrench
Basin wrench (to remove and replace the nuts that hold a faucet in place)
1/4-inch flat-blade screwdriver
Philips head screwdriver
Pliers
Teflon tape
Assorted washers and O-rings

Winter Maintenance

Follow these steps to prepare your plumbing for cold weather:

Check the insulation around indoor, attic, crawlspace and exposed pipes.
Wrap exposed pipes with foam insulation or heat trace tape as needed.
Drain underground sprinkler systems and blow out any water left in the lines.
Cover exposed spigots with a Styrofoam cover or with newspaper, a plastic bag and duct tape.
Shut off outdoor faucets and drains.

Bring in a qualified handyman to help you with your plumbing solutions. Our local, trusted partners are reliable, affordable and ready to help.

Tags: Bathroom, Handyman, How To, Kitchen, Plumbing

A Moment of Reflection

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:26:00 -0500

A Moment of Reflection

Posted by The Growers and Nomads Team
Monday, March 8, 2010

Mirrors. We look into them every day to primp, brush, preen and, at times, obsess over the Bad Hair Day we're having. Mirrors are the friend of some, the enemy of others. Still, we need them. We can’t walk around with smudged eyeliner, shaving knicks and bedhead all the time, now, can we?

Mirrors can be an ally to your home as well, in brightening – even enlarging – a room. You know the room. That one with the north facing windows next to the shade tree that is, for its lack of light, the equivalent of a subterranean cave. Or that teeny room at the end of the hall which you use for guests – assuming your guests are under 5’5” and 120 lbs. In rooms such as these, a mirror can be a room’s best friend.

A strategically placed mirror can be a focal point and give a room the illusion of depth. It can reflect light from either a natural or artifical source, giving the illusion of more brightness. It can even be a way to unify a room with contrasting colors and patters, bringing a little of the lavendar on that wall to mix with the reflection of the wallpaper on this one. And yes, it can help you fix your smudged eyeliner too.

The images below show how artfully placed (and designed) mirrors can help transform a space.

[crateandbarrel.com, jdesigngroup.com, bfr.com, designschemeinteriors.com, michiganshelf.com]

Tags: Handyman Connection, Interior Design, Mirrors

Project: Installing a Dimmer Switch

Fri, 05 Mar 2010 13:13:00 -0500

Project Installing a Dimmer Switch

Posted by The Growers and Nomads Team
Friday, March 5, 2010

Dimmers can definitely help create a mood. It seems even the dingiest dive bars have dimmers to create low-key ambience, saving the harsh, "ugly" lights for 2 a.m. to help shoo off the barflies.

If you're ready to ditch the one-light-fits-all scheme to dress up a room, hallway or any other area in your home with dimmers, here's what you'll need to arm yourself with the right tools and get the job done.

What you'll need:

Screwdriver
Circuit tester
Wire stripper
Twist on wire connectors
Wire cutter

To install the dimmer switch:

Using a screwdriver, remove the cover from the light switch.
Unscrew the two screws that hold the switch inside the wall box.
When the screws are removed, gently pull the switch out from the wall box.
If needed, use the circuit tester to determine which wire is the hot wire.
Turn off the power to the switch from the circuit breaker box. Use your circuit tester again to verify that the power is off.
Unscrew the wires from the switch. Remove the switch and set it aside.
You will see three wires coming out from the wall and three wires on your new dimmer switch. There should be a green wire (or bare copper wire) on your dimmer switch; this is the ground wire. Connect the green wire to the ground wire from the wall (the wall ground wire is the one without insulation).
Take the two black wires coming out from the wall, and using a wire stripper, expose about a half inch of the wires.
Take one black wire from the switch and one black wire from the wall, line the two ends up side by side and twist on the wire cap clockwise.
Repeat with the two remaining wires.
Once the wires are secure, gently push the switch into the box.
Screw the switch and the plate back into the box.
Screw the cover plate back on and replace the knob.

Restore the power to the switch and turn it on. If you don't have any loose connections, you're all ready to set up your best mood lighting!

Bring in a qualified designer or handyman to help you with your lighting solutions. Our local, trusted partners are reliable, affordable and ready to help.

[Images: maridesign via flickr, bruninghaus via flickr]

Tags: Lighting, Project

The Master Bedroom's Going Green

Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:59:00 -0500

The Master Bedrooms Going Green

Posted by The Growers and Nomads Team
Thursday, March 4, 2010

If there were something out there that could soothe you and alleviate your anxiety – and it didn’t require a drink mixer or a prescription – wouldn’t you try it? Such, experts say, are the healing powers of the color green, which can be yours with a simple call to the painter.

If green soothes, why not try painting it on the walls of the most restorative room in your house? The master bedroom.

Green walls can, in theory, bring the brightness and warmth of nature right into your home. Even bright greens, as shown below, can evoke the feeling one gets in a forest or meadow, and, assuming those are pleasant feelings for you, bring a certain sense of harmony into the room.

Feng Shui guidelines concur. Green is good. It’s just up to you to choose your shade. For some, the boldest of greens will evoke all the good feelings we cite here, and for others they will be immediately transported to their high school cafeteria. Choose wisely, green-lover. Remember, the goal is inner peace, not Mystery Meat flashback.

[HGTV]

[ghareexpert.com]

[housetohome.uk]

[sorteobuop.com]

Looking for the perfect green? Bring in a qualified painting contractor for a free consultation to help you with your color picks. Our local, trusted partners are reliable, affordable and ready to help.

[main image: HGTV]

Tags: Certapro Painters, Find A Local Painter, Green, Interior Decorating, Master Bedroom, Paint, Painting

Seven Storage Tips for Your Bathroom

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:13:00 -0500

Seven Storage Tips for Your Bathroom

Posted by June Kurt
Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Now that the space below your sink has shrunk to one spare square inch, are you seriously considering stacking items on the back of your toilet?

There's a better, smarter way. Herewith, seven tips that range from simple baskets you can source at any container store to recessed tile shelves that you should probably hire a handyman to install...(especially if tile is involved).

#1: For a "furnished" look, use a narrow lingerie chest to organize cosmetics, medications and first-aid supplies in separate drawers.

OnlineAmishFurniture.com

#2: Set extra towels, rolled instead of folded, in an open basket.

BedBathandBeyond.com

#3: Enclosing an old tub on legs in a wooden box or a “deck” (a headboard is a popular choice) can give you shelf space at either end and a wider tub edge—and save you from cleaning under it!

#4: A clever carpenter can create a recessed bathroom shelf where you need it, even if the wall is tiled.

#5: From the back of the bathroom door, hang tiered wire baskets for cosmetics or a linen rack for extra towels.

Dormbuys.com

#6: Move your sink out of the center (or add another!) with a small but efficient corner vanity.

UniversalCeramicTiles.com

#7: Use a storage stool with a lift top to store paper supplies.

ContainerStore.com

Bring in a qualified designer or handyman to help you with your storage solutions. Our local, trusted partners are reliable, affordable and ready to help.

[Image: Hola Images | Getty Images]

Tags: Bathroom, Bathroom Storage, Bathrooms, Find Me A Storage Solution, Storage

Live Like a Rock Star: Shaun White's Teen Bedroom

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:38:00 -0500

Live Like a Rock Star Shaun Whites Teen Bedroom

Posted by The Growers and Nomads Team
Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Two-time gold-medal snowboarder Shaun White likely has a house in every powdery corner of the world at this point. But before he became a Winter Olympics sensation and was just rising to alternative snow-sport stardom, his "chillax pad" bedroom in his parents' home in Carlsbad, Calif., was charmingly teened-out and is "totes" worth a look.

Closets
Even the most laid-back wardrobe needs some organization. Seems he had a cubby hole for every important piece of board gear a teen could acquire.

Paint
How adorable is his pixelated '80s video game wall paint? Was it this pattern that he stared at daily during his formative years that stimulated his brain into becoming an Olympic genius? In any case, it's just the perfect thing to match his bed and futon outfitted in cool blues and creams. So perfectly low-key and boyish.

Shelves
Shaun's matching shelves and display case bring order to his (then) growing collection of action figurines. He sheepishly admitted on MTV's Teen Cribs that he couldn't help snatching them up every time he visited Japan for an event.

Is it too cute that his favorite board matched his bedroom? We don't think so. We love you, half-pint Shaun (USA! USA!).

[images via mtv.com/cribs]

Tags: Cal Closets, Certa Pro Painters, Closets, Colors, Live Like A Rock Star, Organization, Paint, Sheles, Teenage Bedroom

How To: Wash Those Windows

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 21:43:00 -0500

How To Wash Those Windows

Posted by Living With My Home
Monday, March 1, 2010

Done right, window washing is a big job even if you live in a small house, and it’s a good one to leave to the pros (especially if you'd have to climb to a second (or third) story on a ladder, or use extension handles to reach even higher).

Here's what you can expect to spend, what you'll get for your money, what you won't get for your money, and the easiest way for you to touch up your windows between professional cleanings.

The Cost

Expect to pay $150 to $300 for both interior and exterior window washing on an average-size house. Be aware that this could vary depending on where you live and what kind of windows you have; complicated window frames like multi-paned French frames or ones with unique shapes could add to the price.

When to Wash

A good rule of thumb is to have your windows washed twice a year. Spring and fall are good times because of more moderate weather. If you have screens, get your cleaning done when you install and take them down.

What a Window Washer Will Do

Most window washers will put up and take down screens, and you can expect a simple dust-off when they do.

A good window cleaning starts with brushing off loose dirt and spider webs.

Hard-to-clean windows with grease, dried-on paint, tree pitch or insect residue need to be well scraped before the washing begins.  There are many eco-friendly cleaning solutions that don’t have harsh chemicals, petroleum derivatives or phosphate-based detergents, so ask your window washer about all your options.

You’ll see your window washer’s favorite tool is his squeegee—it saves time, energy and, when used correctly, provides the most streak-free finish. If he's not using a squeegee, you might not get the quality cleaning you want.

Your window washer should be neat! He should have a stash of soft cloths so he can wipe away residual cleaning solution and water. That way, your sills and window seals aren’t left wet or even damp (you don’t want mold to start growing!).

You can ask your window washer to let you know about the condition of your sills, and also to keep an eye out for cracked or peeling paint, dampness or mold, and loose hardware. If you have screens, ask him to let you know if there are tears or holes.

What a Window Washer Won’t Do

Window washers generally will not repair screens or thoroughly clean them. And if your screens are aluminum and have oxidized or rusted, they'll need to be scrubbed clean with a stiff brush to restore them to their original condition. Check to see if your window washer can provide you with these additional services.

Window washers will not provide any restoration or maintenance, such as repairing seals or addressing rotted frames, peeling paint or any other damage to the frames of your windows. Having quality windows in the first place can make maintenance of them easier.

Between Professional Cleanings

For touch-ups between professional cleanings, you'll want to buy:

• A good squeegee (Ettore and Unger make quality ones). It should be used in a horizontal direction or fanning back and forth in one continuous motion. This diminishes the amount of dripping and thus lessens the potential damage by water and/or cleaning solutions to the sill.
• A scrubber and/or sponge
• A bucket
• Soft rags

Mild dishwashing liquid or an easy mix of white vinegar in warm water makes a good general cleaner. Or you can go to just about any hardware store and buy a commercial cleaner to keep on hand.

To learn more about windows and window care, we recommend Living With My Home. You'll also find many more do-it-yourself articles for home care and improvement.

[image: Bloom Productions | Photodisc Collection | Getty Images]

Tags: Dos And Don'ts, Handyman Connection, How To, The Rest Of My House, Windows

Collect It, Hang It

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 13:12:00 -0500

Collect It Hang It

Posted by The Growers and Nomads Team
Monday, March 1, 2010

Some people are collectors. They have a passion for something -- vintage watches, stamps, pottery -- and they actively seek it out. Lots of it.

Other people have collections. Collections that have accumulated over time, and often by accident. We know a woman named Star who has, her entire life, been randomly gifted star-shaped tchotchkes. Another friend’s aversion to frequent recycling has resulted in a near-complete library of Saveur Magazine.

If you have a collection, of anything, really, you might also have an art piece on your hands. One worth showing off. Displaying a collection artistically in your home looks great, and is a definite conversation-starter when guests are around. And don’t think your collection (quirky as it may be) isn’t hang-able. You’d be surprised at what, when grouped and well-lit, looks perfectly placed on a bare wall.

Pez Dispensers

Vintage Rug Beaters

Typewriters

Pepper Grinders

Teacups

Bring in a qualified handyman or a storage expert to present your treasures. Our local, trusted partners are reliable, affordable and ready to help.

[Images: The Design Files, JD Organizer, Worthpoint, Poetic Home, Modernica, This is Love Forever]

Tags: Collections, Handyman, Handyman Connection, Interior Decor, Interior Decorating, Interior Design

Service as a Circle

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 15:19:00 -0500

Service as a Circle

Posted by Edward Leaman
Friday, February 26, 2010

“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” —Maya Angelou...

How true those words are in our new era of pain and recalibration of values. It seems to me that we are witness to a time that asks us to learn how to process into a deeper meaning what we as parents, spouses, partners, homeowners, neighbors and friends are feeling as wave after wave of change and uncertainty crosses our bows.

And we do it most, and most of us do it best, when we surround ourselves and are surrounded with the people and things that we touch and touch us. And nowhere does this matter more and mean more to us than when we are in our homes. It is when we tuck our children into their beds, or stand before the stove, look up from the television to see the clouds move through the sky, place the flowers we have cut from our own garden into the vase we received from parents, hold the photograph of a moment in our hand or just listen to the song that always "does it," that we connect what we feel to a simple truth we often find easy to obscure. It is home that gives us a place to connect to deep simplicity and real honesty about ourselves.

For the companies that talk to us and serve us in our homes with their products and services, whether delivered online or face-to-face, we want them to know that we feel uncertain about things right now. Our lives have moved from stable to dynamic, and the environment around the place that roots us best is seemingly less strong. We want to give our trust to those who earn it, and we ask that they resist telling us what they can do, and listen, instead, to what we need.

We are inching away from a selling to a serving culture, where it is clearly seen that there is no sale without a buyer, and it is the buyer who has the answers to questions, and only if the questions are well asked. We want to feel our way to the sellers by way of a navigation that works for us, and we ask only, as Maya Angelou says, that it is the feeling that will make us decide, and more importantly perhaps to recommend them to others and, one day, return ourselves. If service is a really a circle in which both the buyer and the seller stand, passing the giving and receiving of service between each other, then words and deeds, promise and delivery are important, of course. But now the longevity and legacy of brands will depend on how you make us feel.

[main image: Wataru Yanagida | Digital Vision Collection | Getty Images]

Tags: Notes On The Meaning Of Home, Trust