Homes

Published August 16, 2017

C&G Newspapers

METRO DETROIT — Your home is your special space to relax and unwind after the day’s stresses. But before you can sit down and let loose, is your décor living up to its safe haven obligations?

“Color definitely plays a huge role,” interior designer Carolyn Heikkila, of St. Clair Shores, said. “Color theory definitely plays on our emotions. For instance, red is known to cause high blood pressure, along with other bright colors.”

Published August 9, 2017

C&G Newspapers

College students share some advice to make a dorm a home

METRO DETROIT — One of the many opportunities that going away for college provides is an outlet to establish your own décor style. Whether you prefer a beach-bum style with “hang loose” and ocean posters or hope to create a bohemian temple with sunshine pillows and tapestry-draped walls, dorm rooms and college residencies are an open canvas.

Michigan State University sophomore Elise Tomaszewski, of St. Clair Shores, said that the most important thing to do when moving into your new home is to just be yourself.

Published August 1, 2017

C&G Newspapers

Easy-to-care-for succulents can brighten up a room

By Samantha Shriber
C & G Special Writer

Succulents, plants that store water in their leaves and stems, have been popping up across the United States with the same heat as their desert roots.

Amelia Oke, of St. Clair Shores, said that succulents generate a cheerful and positive atmosphere for her household.

“My succulents at home are very healthy and happy,” she said in a Facebook message, explaining how they sit on counters and dresser tops with a lifelike happiness.

Published July 28, 2017

C&G Newspapers

Price, placement will help garage sale items sell

By Samantha Shriber
C & G Special Writer

Yard and garage sales fill the neighborhood as summer carries on.

There are various reasons to host a sale. For example, nonprofit organization Tigerlily Cat Rescue hosts an annual sale in Sterling Heights to raise money for feline rescue services.

Others put on sales in relation to moving, to create more space in their homes or simply to remove the burden of neglected items.

Published July 19, 2017

C&G Newspapers

Inspect equipment, surroundings before firing up the grill

METRO DETROIT — Summertime brings with it outdoor cookouts and giving in to your barbecue cravings.

Barbecue season also means it is a good time to review the hazards of firing up a grill, and how to avoid them. Flare-ups and grease fires are both outcomes that can occur from operator error and a lack of knowledge when grilling.

West Bloomfield Township Fire Marshal Byron Turnquist said that grills must be kept at least 10 feet away from any structure or combustible item, such as a piece of backyard furniture or litter.

Published July 12, 2017

C&G Newspapers

Bring a little magic to gardening

METRO DETROIT — Fairy gardens combine fantasy, imagination and gardening to create a summertime craft that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Rayna Burkhart, of Romulus, said via Facebook message that she had been collecting fairy sculptures for years before fairy gardening gained popularity a few years ago.

“It opened my eyes to a thousand possibilities. Gardening is the love of my life, and mixing the two together is beautiful and fulfilling,” she said.

Published July 5, 2017

St. Clair Shores Sentinel

Landline vs. cellphone

METRO DETROIT — Ready to cut the cord?

The decision to keep a landline telephone, to use a landline along with a cellphone, or to just have a cellphone is one that many grapple with as cellphones and smartphones become ubiquitous.

While ditching the landline may save money and cut down on calls from telemarketers, there are some things to take into consideration before making the jump.

Published June 28, 2017

Shelby - Utica News

How to reduce a common allergen: dust mites

METRO DETROIT — For some, the concept of dust mites alone is enough to send a disgusted shudder down their spine.

But understanding what they are, the symptoms of dust mite allergies and how to reduce them in your home may be key for many allergy sufferers.

Sanaz Eftekhari, a spokeswoman for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, responded to a series of emailed questions from C & G Newspapers.

Published June 21, 2017

C&G Newspapers

Experts offer advice to help keep your home safe during a vacation

METRO DETROIT — Vacation season has arrived, and the suitcases have finally been packed after a long winter.

But before you walk out that door, is your largest investment as secure as your travel schedule?

Lt. Eric Reincke, of the Clinton Township Police Department, said that one of law enforcement’s biggest concerns during the vacation season is breaking and entering.

“There’s a pattern, and people take advantage of that,” he said.

Published June 14, 2017

Shelby - Utica News

Beat the heat and save money doing it

METRO DETROIT — With summer heating up, local experts have weighed in on ways to stay cool while slashing utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint.

Teri VanSumeren, executive director of Consumers Energy’s energy efficiency program, offered seven tips to help reduce summer energy use.

If you have central air conditioning, she said to clean leaves and debris off the unit and away from the compressor, because they can block airflow. Dusty filters make air conditioners work harder, so she recommended cleaning the filter regularly.

Published June 7, 2017

Farmington Press

Condominium conflicts

METRO DETROIT — You can either stay or go. Sue, compromise, or get political by campaigning to join a condominium association board.

These are the pared-down options for a condominium co-owner unhappy with how things are operated, Kevin Hirzel, a Michigan condominium attorney with Livonia-based Cummings, McClorey, Davis & Acho PLC, said recently.

He added that co-owners can resolve their issues by joining the board to enforce rules that they feel are being broken or ignored.

Published May 31, 2017

Shelby - Utica News

Housing market tilts farther in sellers’ favor

METRO DETROIT — As the weather is beginning to heat up, local experts say that serious homebuyers are waiting to pounce on the best deals.

“We’re still limited on our listings,” said Kathy Coon, broker owner of Real Living Great Lakes Real Estate in Rochester Hills, West Bloomfield and Clarkston. “We’re seeing a few more with the summertime and the kids getting out of school.”

Published May 24, 2017

Shelby - Utica News

Experts provide tips to add value and help homes sell faster

METRO DETROIT — Preparing to sell a home can often seem like a daunting task. Many might balk at the thought. Where to even begin?

Local experts offered several easy and inexpensive tips to get the ball rolling that also could help homeowners sell their homes faster and at a higher price.

Corie Conroy, president of First Impression Home Staging, said the first things she notices as she walks up to a home are the walkways and landscaping, and whether or not they are well-maintained.

Published May 17, 2017

St. Clair Shores Sentinel

With home improvement projects, do research before signing on the dotted line

METRO DETROIT — Looking to replace your driveway pavement, get new windows or install a new roof?

Before tackling any home improvement projects, local experts have some tips to protect your home — and your bank account.

Published May 10, 2017

Rochester Post

Bees help bring in the harvest

METRO DETROIT — When Brian Peterson first planted a vegetable garden, he saw modest success.

“I got some cucumbers and zucchini and tomatoes,” Peterson said. “But once I got bees, it was unbelievable. I had to pawn off vegetables on the neighbors and make a bunch of pickles.

Published May 3, 2017

Fraser - Clinton Township Chronicle

Make your patio an extension of your home

METRO DETROIT — It’s time to put away your winter jacket, throw on a T-shirt and relax in your backyard.

The patio market is thriving this time of year, especially in Michigan. Following months of hot and cold temperatures, massive rain events and dreaded hailstorms, the days are lasting longer and the sun is calling everyone to go outside.

Corie Conroy, an interior decorator and president of First Impression Home Staging & Interior Design in Bloomfield Hills, said being a Michigander has its perks — notably when the temperature heats up.

Published April 26, 2017

St. Clair Shores Sentinel

Mix and match styles with a common theme to bring your walls into 2017

METRO DETROIT — Anything goes — eclectic is the name of the game when it comes to decorating your walls these days.

Published April 14, 2017

Advertiser Times

PBS’ ‘This Old House’ highlights Detroit rejuvenation

DETROIT — For 37 years, “This Old House” on PBS has been showcasing how to take run-down or dilapidated houses and turn them into fresh, livable homes. This spring, the show is featuring Detroit.

Published April 12, 2017

Warren Weekly

Consider outdoor lighting to accent your home

METRO DETROIT — When outdoors this spring and summer, you don’t have to be in the dark when the sun goes down.

There are plenty of outdoor lighting options for your backyard, front yard, patio, driveway, walkway, deck or flagpole.

The national chain of Lowe’s Home Improvement offers several options.

Published April 5, 2017

Troy Times

Trash, keep or donate

METRO DETROIT — Nicole Parlor, program director for the Boys & Girls Club of Troy, couldn’t remember the last time a large Christmas wreath, stowed in the storage area, had been used.

Since it had been at least two years, volunteers from the National Association of Professional Organizers, Michigan Chapter — who donated their time, expertise and sweat equity to organize the storage area at the club March 28 — put it onto the donate pile.