fall home improvement

2 Thursday, October 4, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Fall Home Improvement

The Southern Illinoisan (USPS 258-980) ispublished daily for $178 per year at 710 N. IllinoisAve., Carbondale, IL 62901. The Southern Illinoisanis owned by Lee Enterprises, Inc. of Davenport, Iowa.

•• BBoobb WWiilllliiaammss,, [email protected]

•• TToo ssuubbssccrriibbee:: Call 618-351-5000 from Carbondale, Murphysboro and DeSoto;618-997-3356, option 2 from WilliamsonCounty; or 800-228-0429, option 2, between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.

•• TToo ppllaaccee aa ddiissppllaayy aadd:: Call 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, 618-529-5454,option 6; from Williamson County, 618-997-3356; or toll free: 800-228-0429, option 6.

•• MMaatteerriiaallss:: Content That Works,Associated Press and U of I Extension Servicespecial.thesouthern.com

Tiles have long beenhappy in the background,dutifully coveringsurfaces in kitchens andbathrooms withoutcausing too muchexcitement. But lately,they’ve started pushingtheir way out of thebackground and into thespotlight — showing upall over the home in boldways.

“For as long as I’ve beendesigning interiors, tileshave been used inbacksplashes in kitchensand on floors and showerwalls in the bathroom,”says Marie Blackburn,principal designer atMLBdesigngroup, Seattle.“But they aren’t stuck inthose two roomsanymore. They’reshowing up in livingrooms, around fireplacesand in outdoor areas togive the spaces an interiorvibe.”

Staying on budgetNot only can tiles have

hugely different looks,they also can vary widelyin price and how muchmaintenance they require.“The general rule ofthumb is that the moreexotic the material, thepricier it’s going to be —up to $70 a square foot,”Blackburn says. “So a rarelimestone full of fossils isgoing to cost more than asimple ceramic square,”which can cost as little as$1 per square foot.

She says one way toincorporate pricier tileson a budget is to use themas an accent in a smallarea or design layout,instead of tiling an entirewall.

And then there’smaintaining the tile. “Ifit’s a natural stone tile ofany kind, you’re going toneed the tile to be sealed

at installation and atregular intervalsafterwards,” Blackburnwarns. “How oftendepends on the frequencyof use and type of stone.This is another topic youshould bring up to thesalesperson before youmake your decision.”

The new lookThe biggest change isn’t

just where the tiles arefound, it’s what they looklike.

“There are two hottrends in tile right now,”Blackburn says. “The firstis to have lots of texture —whether they’re carved,raked, etched orpatterned in some other

kind of way.”The other trend is that,

while tiles used to besmall, these days they’regetting larger and larger.By decorating with large-format tiles, 18 inches by36 inches, for example,grout lines are minimized,making for a cleaner,more streamlined look.

And while natural stoneproducts (limestone,marble and granite) arestill the most-used typeof tile, other materials aregaining in popularity.“There are tiles madefrom leather, wood, corkand more,” says BevAdams, founder andpresident of InteriorIntuitions, Denver.“Because eco-friendly

materials are alwaysdesired, there’s also asurge in demand forreclaimed materials.”

Adams recommendsusing more than one typeof tile in a room to addinterest to the space.“Mixing materials isreally hot right now,” shesays. “Don’t be afraid tocombine glass with metaland ceramic. It’ll lookgreat.”

Design decisionsThe overall design of a

tiled surface requiresmore than simplychoosing tiles. Forexample, how is the edgegoing to look? “If you’reusing natural stone tiles,

you can just soften thetile edges a little bit and itwill look beautiful,”Blackburn says. “But youcan’t do that with othermaterials, like porcelainand ceramic. For thosetiles, you have to buyspecial edge pieces.”

Don’t forget the groutthat will bring it alltogether. “Some groutsare less likely to stain orare easier to work with,”Blackburn says. “Whenyou pick out tile, talk tothe salesperson aboutwhat type of grout is best.The people who work intile showrooms know a lotabout specific kinds oftile and will be able toadvise you on the bestoption.”

Tiling

CTWFlashy tile accents can glam up any space, like this recessed wall of shiny tiles that complement textured wallpaper in an ultra-modern living room. Tiles are showing up in living rooms, around fireplaces and in exterior spaces.

Tiles, long confined to the kitchenand bathroom, are set to invadeand beautify the rest of the home

Fall Home Improvement · The Southern Illinoisan Thursday, October 4, 2012 3

FEATURING OPTICOOL™ GEL MEMORY FOAMOPTICOOL™ GEL MEMORY FOAM PROVIDES A REFRESHING COOLNESS LIKE THE COOL SIDE OF THE PILLOW.

Cools You Down When Things Get Hot

+

-OPTICOOL™

OPT IMUM SLEEP ING TEMPERATURE

Gel Series Pillowtop$1,079 Queen

2-piece set

Gel Series Pilllowtop

Save an Additional

For a Limited Time OnlyFor a Limited Time OOnly10%

*Price Includes Additional 10% Off

SAVE$200

FREE DELIVERY & REMOVAL**Price Includes Additional 10%

Stearns & Foster Carrie Lux Plush

$1,499% Off

Queen2-piece set

1 Mile East of Carbondale

618.549.8332 . 800.276.0088Hours: Mon-Fri 9-7, Sat 10-6, Sun 1-5

LOWEST PRICESO F T H E S E A S O N

GG

REMOVAL

Gel Series Plush$899

S i Pl hl SG lQueen

2-piece set


High-tech home spaNew technology improves any bathroom experience,from singing in the shower to wrapping yourself in a toasty towel

If there’s one room thatscreams relaxation, it’s thebathroom, where anyonecan go to escape householdhubbub and soak theworries away. Theseluxuries can come at a heftyprice — thousands ofdollars plus installationcosts.

We take a look at thehigh-end technology thatcan turn a bathroom into aspa haven, plus theaffordable options that canmake an impact withoutbreaking the bank.

Waterproof radiosGetting music to play in

the shower might seem likethe easiest task: Take yourcurrent music-playingdevice and put it in thebathroom. But even thissimple device has high-tech luxury options.

For instance, the SangeanH201 Waterproof ShowerRadio ($149.99) can alsodouble as a travel radio foroutdoorsy types. It offersthe standard pre-set radiostations, timers and aclock. But it will also float ifyou drop it in the lake on afishing trip, and there’s abuilt-in emergency LEDflashlight for camping orinclement weather.

Those who aren’t asadventurous and prefer toact as DJ in the shower haveless-expensive options likethe Jensen UniversalDocking Shower Radio($50), which can encase aniPod in its waterproof shell.

Regardless of price,shower radios are easy toinstall. Most come with

suction cup docks or arefreestanding, so they canrest on any shower ledge orcorner.

TelevisionsOne of the most dramatic

technological features in amodern bathroom is themirror television. They aremore commonly seen inhigh-end hotel bathrooms,but are making their wayinto residential spaces.

When a TV mirror is off,it’s indistinguishable fromthe rest of the mirror.When it’s powered on, itlights up a segment of themirror so the TV image isdisplayed. Most models arewired into the home’stelevision cables and can beconnected to alternativedevices like DVD players orlaptop computers.

Green Bay, Wis.-basedSéura produces theEnhanced series of TVmirrors. Such TVs “aredesigned to bridge the gapbetween technology anddécor,” says GretchenGilbertson, co-founder andpartner of Séura. “Ourvanishing televisionmirrors offer a discreet andelegant way to bringinformation andentertainment into yourpersonal spaces withoutclutter or disruption.”

Prices range from $2,899for Séura’s 10-inch TV, to$3,499 for the 19-inchmodel. DIY installation ispossible. Other companies,including Smarthome,Mirror Media and Fontaineoffer mirror televisions inthe same price range.

Towel warmersThere’s nothing quite like

the luxury of a warm towelafter a long bath.

Towel warmers range inprice, from $75 to upwardsof $1,000, depending onthe features. The luxuryleader in this category isMr. Steam, based in LongIsland City, N.Y. MarthaOrellana, vice president ofthe company, suggestsasking a few questionsbefore deciding on a towelwarmer. Do you want afloor or wall mount? Whattype of finish do youprefer? Do you wantcontemporary or traditionalstyling? Do you want toturn the warmer on with adigital timer or a lightswitch?

Depending on thesefeatures, the Mr. Steamproducts can cost from $75for a single bar to $3,100 forthe priciest model. Otherbrands offer less-expensiveversions; the 10-bar systemfrom Myson runs for about$160.

Why go high-tech withyour towels? “It’s all aboutthe ‘Ahh’ feeling that youget from wrapping yourselfin a nice, plush, cozy, warmtowel,” Orellana says. “Andyou can get this feelingafter every shower. It’spampering yourself for afew seconds every day.”

Showers and bathsThere’s no spa experience

without some sort of waterpressure, be it jets in thetub or adjustable spray

patterns on a showerhead.New products offer anarray of controls that allowusers to customize theirexperience.

Baths and showers nowhave computer panelswhere the user can programhis or her spa experience.Kohler’s new VibrAcoustictub ($4,000) synchronizesits jets with the vibrationsof music that can be playedthrough a smartphone, mp3player or Bluetooth.

Tubs with jet streamsgenerally call forprofessional installationand a remodel. This cancost anywhere from $200to $3,000, depending onthe ease of access, localrates and the cost of thenew fixtures.

One easy way to get theessence of a spa without atotal upheaval is to invest ina showerhead spa system.Some showerheadattachments can screwonto pre-existing heads,while others offer easy DIYinstallation directions.Check with a local retailerto ensure your shower canbe adapted to fit theproduct.

A simple showerheadwith multiple pressuresettings, from “wide rain”to “power massage” can sellfor a modest $30. Expect topay much more foradvanced water controls.

Moen offers vertical spasystems with multipleheads. The ExactTemptransfer vertical spa($1,368.75) channels waterwith up to three times morespray power than regularshowerheads.

COURTESY SANGEANThis Sangean radio works as a shower or travelaccessory. It’s waterproof enough for the shower,inclement weather or if dropped in a body of water.

COURTESY SEURAHigh-tech mirrors have LCD screens that areindistinguishable from the mirrored surface until theTV is turned on.

COURTESY MR. STEAM AND MOENTowel warmers and multi-spray shower sets add anelement of luxury to the bathroom.


low-cost floorPaint can be a dramatic,

When it became clear that allergieswould prevent Nancy B. Westfall’s infantdaughter from having a rug in her room,the Atlanta-based artist turned insteadto paint, a few stencils and a plan.

Westfall used the baby’s bedroom floormuch like she would a canvas, paintingon it a diamond-shaped pattern thatgave the space a custom look you simplycan’t achieve with a kid’s area rug.

Eleven years and another house later,Westfall remains a big fan of bringingfloors to life with color instead ofcovering them up.

You don’t have to be a professionalartist like Westfall to do it, althoughproponents of painting the floor say itdoes require patience and nerve.

Rachel Cannon Lewis, an interiordesigner in Baton Rouge, La., encouragesclients to consider it. Painting a floor,whether it’s wood or concrete, can bemore affordable than tile, carpet or otherfloor coverings, she says.

And in homes that date back morethan a century, painted floors are morehistorically accurate: Back then, peoplefrequently painted their wide, plankwood floors to protect them fromwarping, Lewis says.

Plus, painting just looks good.“I’m starting to think of the floor as

the sixth wall,” says Lewis, whoconsiders floors “an overlookedopportunity to get creative andintroduce color.” (The “fifth wall,” by theway, is the ceiling).

Painting floors yourself can be alengthy process, Lewis says, primarilybecause the thin, oil-based paint sherecommends requires multiple coats,with lengthy dry times between eachone. Getting fancier by, say, creating apattern with paint or a stencil, requireseven more patience and precision.

Even if you hire a professional painter,however, “You have to be willing toembrace the idea that it’s going to be a

different solution than what most peopletell you to do,” Lewis says.

Painted floors are not as durable assome of the alternatives, especially inhigh-traffic areas, says Sidney Wagner, aCharleston, S.C., interior designer.

“Over time, even with polyurethane,they will show scratches and the paintwill scratch off,” she says. “However, atip to help combat your floors fromlooking too shabby is to paint acontrasting layer of color underneath. Sowhen that second layer of color comesthrough with the scratches, the marredfloors will look planned with your colorscheme.”

Carol Charny, a Larchmont, N.Y.-based interior designer, says thatpainting floors requires a bit of throwingcaution to the wind.

In the home interiors shop she used toown, Charny used black and white paintto make the floor look like it was coveredwith an area rug, complete with fringe.

She warns that the margin for errorgrows with the complexity of theproject. “You’re not going to paint anOriental rug,” she says.

On the other hand, the beauty of usingpaint is that, if something goes awry, youcan cover it up.

covering

APBring floors to life with color instead ofcovering them up.

Lots of options for homeownersreplacing windows

Are your windows leaking air? Arethey getting more difficult to open? Isthe wood frame rotting?

Homeowners choose to replace theirwindows for a variety of reasons, fromenergy efficiency to aesthetics.

“It might be the seals have failed orthe wood has rotted,” said KerryHaglund, senior research fellow at theCenter for Sustainable BuildingResearch at the University ofMinnesota.

Or homeowners might be looking toreplace leaky windows to keep heat orair conditioning in, or they might wantadded UV protection to protectfurniture from fading in the sunlight.

No matter what the motivation, newwindows can be costly. “They’re tooexpensive to think you’re going to getyour money back either in terms ofenergy savings or when you’re sellingyour house,” said Kit Selzer, a senioreditor for Better Homes and Gardens.

Still, new energy-efficient windowscan make your home more comfortablein winter and summer, and moreattractive. Haglund recommendschoosing the most energy-efficientwindow you can.

The cost for a new window can rangefrom hundreds of dollars to $1,000 ormore, depending on the frame, style —double-hung or casement, for example— and whether you choose single-,double- or triple-pane glass.Decorative elements can add to theprice.

A casement window might be be agood option in windy areas, said GaryPember, vice president of marketing forSimonton Windows. “As the windincreases, they become more efficientbecause of the way they seal,” he said.

A double-hung that opens only fromthe top might be a good choice forsomeone looking for increased security,he said.

Older homeowners or those whothink they’ll stay in their homes as theyage might want to consider a windowthey don’t have to lift.

Frames come in wood, vinyl,aluminum and other materials.

Wood frames are more traditional,but require regular painting.

“If you’re wanting somethingmaintenance-free, you can’t getanything better than vinyl,” Pember

said. There are many options now forvinyl frames, including a variety ofcolors. You can also get a wood interiorand a vinyl exterior.

Selzer said aluminum frames aremore contemporary, but also moreexpensive.

Most windows sold today are doublepane, although people in northernclimates may choose a triple pane,Haglund said. “Single pane is stillavailable in southern climates, thoughwe don’t recommend it.”

Windows must meet an area’sbuilding energy code, she said.

“Windows in the North areoptimized to reduce heat loss in thewinter, while windows in the South areoptimized to reduce heat gain duringthe summer,” according to thegovernment’s Energy Star website.“This explains why windows that areenergy efficient in Florida will notnecessarily be energy efficient inMichigan.”

The Energy Star and NationalFenestration Rating Council labels canhelp you compare windows. Consumersmay be most familiar with the U-factor,which tells you how much heat canescape through the window. The labelsalso include information on how muchlight and heat from the sun istransmitted through the window.

While Haglund urges homeownersnot to scrimp on energy efficiency, shesaid there are other ways to save moneyshort of full window replacement.

A new window can be fitted intoexisting frames that are in goodcondition.

Or, she said, you can replace just thesash — the part of the window thatcontains the glass. Again, this wouldonly work if the frame is in goodcondition.

If you decide not to invest in newwindows, you can increase the energyefficiency of your existing ones:

“Storm windows are certainly a goodidea,” Selzer said.

Use caulk to seal any leaks around theframe. And insulating draperies orother window treatments also can helpincrease comfort. “They’re so muchmore tailored and thinner than theyused to be,” she said. “Old insulatingtreatments were very bulky. Now,they’re sleek and more effective.”


BAKER’S GROUPOF AMERICA INC.

BAKER’S INSURANCE SERVICES

Home • Auto • Life • HealthBusiness • Workman’s Comp

Motorcycle • ATV • RV

618-993-6641NOTICE

Auto as low as $29.00 a month

Mon.-Sat. 8-6 p.m.Sun. 12-5 p.m.

942-486599999442 44882--4488NURSERY & LANDSCAPE SERVICEOne mile west of Rt. 148 in Herrin on the Herrin-Colp Hwy.

• Fall Color for your landscape

• Mums, Flowering Kale, Ornamental Peppers, Pansies

• Outdoor Canvas Art

• New Nature Inspired Outdoor Planters

• Artistic Glass Birdbaths

• Sun Faces

• Fall & Halloween Decorations

• Seasonal Indoor/Outdoor Washable Rugs

• Trees & Shrubs With Fall Color

Fall CColor ffor • yoouur landscapeer

Mumss, Flowwerinngg Kalee,• Ornaamental PPeppeers, Paansiess

• Outdooor Caanvass AArt

Enhance Your HoEnhance Your Home

MoMoMonnSuSuS nVICCCEE

6 6 p.pp.p.p.p m.m.m.m.mmm88-8-66 6 p.p.p.mmmp. .m.m.m.pp.mmmm

655555556

atatatatat.. 88. 88882-2 52-2 5 5 pp

4222 8822 4444488

n.n.n SSSS-SSn.n. 1 1122

66666555555555559999944444 44444888884442222 444444888eeee w w w wesestt ofof R Rt.t.. 11 11488488 i i i in n Herrin o on t e e HeHerrin CCCololp p ppppp HwHwy.y.y.yyyththeennnnn www.plantscapenursery.comwww.plantscapenursery.com

Flowering bulbs are an important addition to anylandscape or garden. The great variety of bloom color,flowering time, plant height and shape makes bulbs agood addition to the landscape.

Bulbs can be classified as spring flowering bulbs orsummer flowering bulbs. Another way

to classify bulbs foruse in Illinois

would behardy spring

floweringbulbs and

BY RON WOLFORDU OF I EXTENSION SERVICE

tender summer flowering bulbs.Summer flowering bulbs (tender bulbs)

are killed by cold temperatures. Theymust be planted in the spring when thereis no longer a chance of ground frost.They need to be dug in the fall after thefirst frost that discolors the foliage andstored over the winter.

The spring flowering bulbs (hardybulbs) such as tulips, daffodils and crocusneed a cold period during the winter toflower. These bulbs are planted anddevelop a root system in the fall andbloom during the spring. Temperaturesare cold enough in Illinois during thewinter to meet these coolingrequirements. For instance, tulips require12 or more weeks of cold temperatures. Ifspring bulbs are used for forcing indoors,be sure they have been pre-cooled or theywill not bloom.

Blooming seasonSpring flowering bulbs normally start

blooming in February with snowdropsand end in June with the alliums. Thegreat variety of bloom color, floweringtime, plant height and shape makes bulbsa good addition to any landscape orgarden.

Obtaining bulbsIt is important to select good quality

bulbs for planting. Factors to consider aresize and firmness. Larger bulbs producelarger blooms. Select bulbs that are firmand free from soft or rotting spots orother signs of disease.

There are basically three sources forobtaining bulbs: mail order businesses,local nurseries and discount businesses.Normally, there is a larger selection ofbulb varieties through mail ordercatalogs. The disadvantage of mail orderis the buyer does not know what the bulbwill look like until received. Therefore,always buy from companies that havegood reputations and you or your friends have used in the past with goodresults.

Once bulbs are obtained either locallyor from a mail order source, they shouldbe planted as soon as possible. If thebulbs cannot be planted immediately,keep the bulbs cool until they are planted.The preplanting storage temperatureshould be between 50 and 60 degrees.Keep the bulbs away from ripening fruitsthat may produce ethylene and causeflowering disorders, especially withtulips.

Bulbs 101


M-F 7AM-5PM • SAT. 7:30-NOON501 W. MAIN • MARION • 993-2653

www.bobstotlar.com

Come see our display area and let Mindy’s 25 years experience

create the kitchen of your dreams at a price you’ll love.

58% OFF “ALL WOOD” Shiloh

Custom Cabinets

Custom options and numerous accessories, without the custom price tag.

Choice of Rustic, Oak, Hickory, Cherry, & Maple Finishes6 Choices of Glaze Finishes 14 Choices of Painted Finishes

Door Styles available in Traditional or Full Overlay.

12 MO. SAME AS CASHFinancing available w/quick application approval!

Loan term based on customer approval*Special Pricing Available*

BUY QUALITY, BUY VALUE

BUY NOW!

COUNTERS, CABINETS AND MORE!COUNTERS, CABINETS AND MORE!Be the Envy of the Block!Be the Envy of the Block!

Durability - Safety - SecurityNo cracks, sputs, curls or breaks. 50 Yr. WarrantyWind & Hail Guarantee!

Several In StockOptions at Low Prices

Steal Shingles

America’s #1 Selling Storm Door

29855 - 32” $135.9929855 - 36” $140.99

350-04 - 36” $159.99White370-50 - 32” $165.99White

340-27 pfv - 36” $299Green


History and loreWhere did bulbs come from?

CrocusAccording to legend,

Greek Gods Zeus andHura loved each other sopassionately that the landwhere they lived burstopen with crocuses.

Crocuses were broughtto England from France byJean Robin, a Director ofGardens in Paris.Crocuses came to theUnited States on ships bysettlers.

DaffodilsDaffodils were brought

to Britain by the Romanswho thought that the sapfrom daffodils had healingpowers. Actually the sap

contains crystals that canirritate the skin.

Greek mythology givesus the term narcissus.There was a young Greeknamed Narcissus. Anymph called Echo was in love with him, butNarcissus broke off the relationship.Heartbroken, she hid in acave and died. LaterNarcissus, who was veryhandsome and quite takenwith himself, saw his facein a pool, and as he leanedover to see better, he fellin and drowned andbecame the flower.

HyacinthAccording to Greek

mythology, hyacinth got

its name when a youngboy named Hyacinth waskilled when a discus hithim in the head during agame. A hyacinth sprangfrom the cut in his head ashe lay in the arms of thegod Apollo, who waswailing in grief. Wildhyacinths have letter-likepatterns on their petalswhich look like the “A” inGreek which indicates thesound of wailing.

Hyacinths came toEurope from Turkey. AGerman doctor namedLeonhardt Rauwolfcollected samples ofhyacinths when he visitedTurkey in 1573. By the1700s, hyacinths werepopular.

— U of I Extension Service Spring flowering What to know

Giant Flowering Onion

How to Plant: Bulb; plant 6 to 8 inches deep and one foot apart inthe fall

Habit: Upright in foliage andflower

Foliage: Bluish gray; strap-shaped;18 inches long; 2 to 4 inches wide

Flower: Pinkish purple; borne indense globe-shaped cluster 4 to 6 inches across; flower stalk 3 to 4 feet tall; late spring to early summer

Culture: Ordinary soil; full sun orpartial shade; dramatic in flowerplant in clusters of 5 to 7 bulbs;usually planted in back of theperennial border; long-lasting ascut flower

ART SERVICESThe spring flowering bulbs (hardy bulbs) such as tulips, daffodils and crocus need a coldperiod during the winter to flower. These bulbs are planted and develop a root system in thefall and bloom during the spring.

bulb


Crocus

How to plant:Corm; plant 3 inches deep and 4 inches apart in fall

Habit: Upright; 6 inches

Foliage: Grasslike;dark green; curved;silver striped downcenter of leaf; leavesshorter than flowers, then expand to 8 to 12 inches afterflowering

Flower: 1 1/2 to 8 inches long; white, yellow, purple orstriped; usually borne singly; close at night or oncloudy days; spring

Culture: Plant in well-drained soil; full sun or partialshade; may be naturalized in lawns if foliage is allowedto ripen properly

CommonSnowdrop

How to plant: Bulb;plant 3 inches deepand 3 inches apartin fall

Habit: Upright; 6 to 8 inches

Foliage: 2 to 3 leaves; 1/4 inch wide; 6 inches longFlower: White except for green crescent around the

notch of inner floral segments; external floral segmentslonger than inner ones; flower drooping; 1/2 inchacross; borne on slender stalk; very early spring;cultivars may have more green in flowers or be doubled

Culture: Partial to full shade; moist, well-drained soilwith high organic matter; naturalize in large drifts;propagate by dividing clumps immediately afterflowering

Common Hyacinth

How to plant: Bulb; plant7 inches deep and 6 to 9 inches apart in fall

Habit: Upright; 12inches

Foliage: 4 to 6 basalleaves; strap-shaped;margins upturned; 1 inchwide and up to 12 incheslong

Flower: Many flowers inshowy, crowded, terminalraceme; individualflowers about 1 inchacross; very fragrant;yellow, rose, pink, blue,salmon and white; mid-spring

Culture: Full sun; good drainage; fertile soil amendedwith organic matter and sand; remove spent flowerstalks; floral display gradually decreases each year digand discard bulbs as necessary; flowers too rigid fornaturalizing; many named cultivars available

Common GrapeHyacinth

How to plant: Bulb;plant 3 inches deepand 4 inches apartin early fall


Foliage: 6 to 8basal leaves; up to 12inches long and 1/3 inch wide; dark green on lowersurface; appear in autumn and remain green throughwinter; dormant in summer

Flower: 12 to 20 flowers in terminal cluster on leaflessflower stem; each flower urn shaped and drooping;blue or white; 1/8 inch long; early spring

Culture: Fertile, sandy soil in full sun or partial shade;plant in masses for best effect

Daffodil,Narcissus,Jonquil

How to plant: Bulb;plant 6 inches deepand 6 to 12 inchesapart (smallerspecies bulbsrequire moreshallow placement)


Foliage: About 3/4 inch wide; up to 15 inches long; shiny green

Flower: One or several flowers to a stalk; 6 lowersegments white or yellow; trumpet long and tubular orshort and cuplike, white, pink, yellow, orange andorange-red; flowers single or double; extremelyvariable Narcissus are grouped into 12 named divisions;early spring to spring

Culture: Well-drained soil enriched with organicmatter; divide every fourth year after leaves have died;easy to grow; remove faded flowers so they don’t setseeds

Siberian Squill

How to plant: Bulb;plant 3 inches deepand 4 to 6 inchesapart in early fall

Habit: Upright; 6 inches

Foliage: 2 to 5 grasslike, basalleaves; 6 incheslong and 1/2 inch wide; blunt tipped and bright green

Flower: Deep blue; bell-shaped; 1/2 inch wide; in loosecluster of 3 to 5; 1 to 6 flower stems per plant; earlyspring

Culture: Fertile, sandy soil in sun or partial shade;useful under deciduous shrubs and trees; plant in largemasses for best effect; tend to colonize over time;suitable for naturalizing in the lawn (foliage maturesquickly before turfgrass needs cutting)

Tulip

How to plant: Bulb; plant 4 to 8 inches deep and 4 to8 inches apart in fall; deep planting (within reason)discourages bulbs multiplication and encourages good-sized flowers for several years; species tulips usuallyrequire shallower planting

Habit: Upright or clumped; 6 to 30 inchesFoliage: Usually basal; thick bluish green; untoothed;

6 to 10 inches long; Kaufmanniana and Greigii hybridsoften have burgundy- or purple-mottled leaves

Flower: Usually solitary; erect; saucer-shaped; totalof 6 petals and sepals (except doubles); multitude ofcolors and flower forms (there are more than 400named cultivars: common classes are Mendel,Fosteriana hybrids, Kaufmanniana hybrids, Greigiihybrids, Triumph, Darwinhybrid, Lily-flowered, Cottage,Rembrandt, Parrot, Double-flowered and Species tulips);early spring to spring

Culture: Well-drained,sandy, humus-rich soil infull sun or partial shade;plant in masses; bulbs may be moved ordiscarded in midsummerafter foliage haswithered; some gardeners plant new bulbs each year; removefaded flowers to avoid seed set

Early spring (weeks 1-4)Snowdrop, Danford

Iris, Crocus, SiberianSquill, Striped Squill,Common GrapeHyacinth, EarlyDaffodils, Netted Iris

Mid-spring (weeks 4-8)Tulips, Early Tulips,

Early Alliums, Hyacinths,Summer Snowflake,Medium-CuppedDaffodils

Late spring (weeks 8-12)Midseason Tulips, Late

Daffodils, Late Tulips,Alliums

Sequenceof flowering

Thursday, October 4, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Fall Home Improvement

Coupon expires 10/31/2012. Coupon expires 10/31/2012. 2012 DM 1022012 DM 102

redesign your rooms with

FRESH PAINT

SAVE 20%

33353512-Oz. GlossSpray EnamelAdditional colors available.P 115 473, 315 796, 513 770, 911, 929, 549 053 B6

779999SALESALE

Qt. Handy Paint PailQt. Handy Paint PailAdjustable strap reduces fatigue.Adjustable strap reduces fatigue.P 417 246 B12P 417 246 B12

6-Pk. Paint Pail Liners, 4.99Disposable for easy cleanup.P 577 665 B24

221919SALESALE

10.1-Oz. Fast Dry 10.1-Oz. Fast Dry Acrylic Latex CaulkAcrylic Latex CaulkReady to paint in 40 minutes. Ready to paint in 40 minutes. For interior and exterior use.For interior and exterior use.P 791 394 B12P 791 394 B12

10.1-Oz Painter’s Acrylic Latex Caulk, 1.59Multipurpose caulk for wood, plaster, drywall, and masonry. For exteriorand interior use.P 871 111 B12

559999SALESALE

1111//22” x 60-Yd.” x 60-Yd.Painter’s TapePainter’s TapeRemoves cleanly without surface damage.P 865 345 B24

1” x 60-Yd. Painter’s Tape, 3.99P 865 345 B242” x 60-Yd. Painter’s Tape, 7.99P 865 352 b18

20% Off20% OffAll Master PainterAll Master Painter

Brushes, Rollers, & Painting Pads 229999

with couponwith coupon12-Oz. Expanding 12-Oz. Expanding Foam SealantFoam SealantFills, seals, and insulates gaps, Fills, seals, and insulates gaps, cracks or holes up to 1”.cracks or holes up to 1”.P 806 638 B12P 806 638 B12

1915 W. Main Street CARBONDALE

(618) 529-3400www.murdale.com

A2Pricing and savings may vary by location.

Shop more bargains @ TrueValue.com

EasyCareEasyCare®® Ultra Premium Interior-Latex Paint Ultra Premium Interior-Latex PaintGal. Flat 16.99* K 670 059 F4

Gal. Flat Enamel 18.99* K 804 193 F4

Gal. Eggshell 21.99* K 670 034 F4

Gal. Satin 28.99* K 258 944 F4

Gal. Semi-Gloss 29.99* K 670 075 F4

1699and upand up

EasyCareEasyCare®® Platinum Paint and Primer-in-One Platinum Paint and Primer-in-One

2399and upand up

*

*After mail-in rebate.

Gal. Flat Eggplant 23.99* K 133 247 F4

Gal. Eggshell 25.99* K 138 188 F4

Gal. Satin 25.99* K 133 260 F4

Gal. Semi-Gloss 26.99* K 133 274 F4

r i irrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeddddddddddddeeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssiiiiiiiiiiiiiggggggggggggnnnnnnnnnnnn yyyyyyyyyyyyoooooooooooooouuuuuuuuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrrrrrrrrooooooooooooooooooooooooommmmmmmmmmmmsssssssssssss wwwwwwwwwwwwwiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttttthhhhhhhhhhhredesign your rooms with

FRESH PAINT$7.00 MAIL-IN

REBATE

Qt. Custom-Mixed Color SampleBe sure your color choice is perfect before you commit to buying a gallon. K 127 441 F4

399Qt.

at your local

CARBONDALE • Murdale Shopping Center, 1915 W. Main St. • www.murdale.com618-529-3400 • Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-8pm Sun 9am-5pm

*

Good through October 14th, 2012 heatIf you can’t

take the

You could always chooseanother accent color forthe kitchen. But with red-hot accessories lighting upthe housewares selectionthis year, why go withanything else?

Round Soup Pot, 2.5 QuartsArt & Cuisine, $80 to $120

FYRKAT PicnicCharcoal GrillBodum, $80

GrapevineWine RackUmbra,$25

Folding ColanderJoseph Joseph,

$20

MagneticKitchenTimerKikkerland,$17


on EnjoymentReturn

These remodeling projectswill solve commonhomeowner problems,but can theyboost home value as wellas qualityof life?

Kitchen and bathremodels are widelyconsidered the bestreturn on investment forhomeowners. Butdesigners caution thatpeople should prioritizehouse updates that willmake their lives morecomfortable, especially ifthey will be staying putfor a while.

Alan Zielinski, NationalKitchen & BathAssociation president andowner of Better Kitchensin Niles, would prefer thatROI really be called ROE,or return on enjoyment.“Many homeowners arestaying in place andupgrading their existingproperties for their ownenjoyment, not forresale,” he says.

So what remodelingprojects make sense totake on whether an ROI orROE is more important?

We asked severalremodeling experts foradvice on whether theseprojects are truly worththe money.

Problem: My master bathisn’t the spa-like sanctuarythat I’ve always wanted.

Bathroom remodelingoffers a 68.7 percentreturn on investment,according to a NationalAssociation of Realtorssurvey; bathrooms aresecond only to kitchens inrenovations that help sella home.

“For the most part,today’s projects removethe tub in its entirety,since bathtubs werealways too small,”Zielinski says. “Thereshould be a tub — not aJacuzzi — in the house forresale value. In the life ofa house, a Jacuzzi is usedmaybe 10 times and

requires a lot ofmaintenance. Instead, airtubs are recommended.”

The bathroom updatecan have widely varyingcosts. Those who shop forbargains and frequentoutlet stores can create abeautiful space with just$5,000. For those withbigger budgets, aluxurious marble bathtubcan cost more than$5,000 alone. Other coststhat can climb quickly:tile, vanities and luxuryamenities, like heatedfloors.

ROI: For a master bathremodel, “You could evenexpect an 80 percentreturn,” Zielinski says.

Problem: My kitchen anddining room are closed offfrom each other.

For many homes, thekitchen and dining roomare separate rooms, but in

today’s newly constructedhomes, great rooms aremore popular. The openspace makes it easier tocook and entertain familyor guests at the sametime, so the cook is notalways in the kitchen.

“An open kitchenremodel can costapproximately $50,000 to$60,000,” buthomeowners can expect ahuge boost to resalevalue, says Herman Chan,from HGTV’s “HouseHunters” and “My HouseIs Worth What?”

“Now, you’re not justcooking, you’reentertaining andsocializing... People arewilling to invest moremoney in that and pay forit as a premium,” he adds.

ROI: Chan sayshomeowners will recoupup to 95 percent of thecost.

Problem: Forget the gym,I want to work out at home.

Those who exercise a lotmay want an at-homegym that will save time aswell as money.

But be ready to pony up.It would take $20,000 toconvert a two-car garageinto a state-of-the-artgym.

ROI: “This is not a goodreturn on yourinvestment,” Chan says.“Most people spend sevenyears in a home and thenext homeowner is goingto want that garage, soyou’ll have to put it backto a garage.”

ROI is less than zerosince you’ll have to payfor the conversion backwhen it’s time to sell. Butdon’t forget that an at-home gym has otherbenefits, like better healthand savings on gymmembership fees.

Problem: My energybills are through the roof.

New windows or doorscan do the trick. They willimprove energy efficiencyand can offer greaterprivacy.

Some windows offerenergy-saving layers ofinsulated glasssandwiching argon orkrypton, which arecolorless, odorless gases that minimize theheat penetrating thewindow.

Chan recommendsdual-pane windows.The cost will be anywhere from $500 to$1,500.

ROI: The NationalAssociation of HomeBuilders puts window/door replacement ROI at44 percent, not includingthe money saved onenergy bills.

Here are ways toupgrade withoutbreaking the bank.

Install extra lighting: “Itdoesn’t cost a lot, but itadds ambiance to theroom, and there islighting to fit anybudget,” says AlanZielinski, president ofthe National Kitchen &Bath Association andowner of BetterKitchens, Niles.

Think about what’s mostvisible: “In the kitchen,it’s the countertops,cabinets and flooring,”says Danny Lipford,veteran remodelingcontractor, homeimprovement expert andsyndicated televisionhost.

Restain the grout: “It’s a popular DIYproject that worksamazingly well andmakes your bathroomlook much better,”Lipford says.

Quick tips

Thursday, October 4, 2012 The Southern Illinoisan · Fall Home Improvement

HUNTINGSEASON

GET READY FOR

WITH A K&K PORTABLE CABIN

Premier Builders of Portable Buildings19867 Ketterman Lane, Ewing, IL 62836

(618) 927-0533www.kkportablebuildings.com

Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-5:00pm • Sat. by appt.

Poor Boy Portable BuildingsWorden, IL

618.633.2702The Backyard Shoppe

Marion, IL618.579.5565

Hall BrothersPinckneyville, IL

618.317.2233South Side Lumber

Herrin, IL618.942.3111

Wright Do-It CenterMurphysboro, IL

618.687.1702Pine Ridge Homes

Vandalia, IL618.283.4340

Showcase FurnishingsMt. Vernon, IL

618.244.3333East Side Furniture

Salem, IL618.548.2420

Maxedon LandscapingEffi ngham, IL

217.868.2636TNT Enterprises

Greenville, IL618.664.4868

Rent to Own & Financing Available. Customizable.

Ande Auto SalesEldorado, IL

800.455.6288

Available at a fi ne dealer near you!

o Owwnn & Financing g AAvAvaiailable. Cusustotomizable.RReRent too Ow

GREAT FOR HUNTING, CAMPING, OR STORAGE

RR t t

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.KKPORTABLEBUILDINGS.COM VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.KKPORTABLEBUILDINGS.COM

FOR MORE CUSTOMIZABLE MODELSFOR MORE CUSTOMIZABLE MODELS

fall home improvement

Documents