December 22, 2011Sofa Shopping
Dear Expert: I’m in the market to buy a new sofa. Where do I begin? A: A great sofa should help set the tone of a room—but first it has to fit through the door. If your space has narrow doorways, tight stairs, or other architectural obstacles, try a sectional sofa. With smaller, individual pieces, a sectional can provide ample seating without the hassle of accommodating a large single-piece sofa. Next, think about how you’d like to use your sofa. Will you sit on it every day, or use it mainly for entertaining guests? And remember: a studio or sleeper sofa can transform any space into a bedroom for overnight guests. Last, choose the fabric. This can be the most fun—and sometimes the most daunting—part of... Read more » Posted on Thursday, December 22, 2011 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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December 14, 2011Rose Bush Protection
Dear Expert: What’s the best way to make sure my rose bushes make it through the winter and come back strong next year? Protect tender roses (such as hybrid teas, grandifloras and floribundas) by using a method called the Minnesota tip. Dig a trench next to the rose at least 4-6 inches deep and wide. Tie your rose canes together, and with a pitchfork, loosen the roots so the plant can be tipped over into your newly dug trench. Cover with the soil. When the ground is frozen, add a deep layer of straw or hay over your roses. This should protect your roses against early freezes in the fall, the bitter cold of winter, and the dangers of thaw-freeze cycles in the spring.
—Debbie Lonnee Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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November 30, 2011Communicating Design Ideas
Dear Expert: With so many personal variables associated with designing and building a home, how can I ensure that my architect will be able to “read my mind,” so to speak, and provide a design that fits my ideas without having to continuously redraw the plan to get it right? A: Early communication and alignment are key! It’s important for you to have time to communicate your ideas, your likes and dislikes, to an architect and builder before they attempt to come up with a design. However, building a home is a very personal journey and it is often difficult for some to openly communicate ideas if there is no proof they are being “heard.” Before you begin designing, think about your lifestyle and how... Read more » Posted on Wednesday, November 30, 2011 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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October 27, 2011Argument for Antiques
Dear Expert: Why should I buy antiques vs. brand new furniture? A: The beauty of antique furniture is found in its history: Who originally owned the piece? Where did it reside for its first 100 years? At EuroNest, we take great pride in locating these treasures during our travels and bringing them home. We carry a grand selection of one-of-a-kind pieces that hail from Europe, pieces that can either be the focal point of your room, or the one unique accent that gives the room that special finishing touch. Our interior designers can help you blend the special antiques you’ll find in our shop with the newer pieces you already own to finish a room beautifully.
—Lori Anderson Posted on Thursday, October 27, 2011 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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October 13, 2011Kitchen Makeover Costs
Dear Expert: How much can I expect to pay to remodel my kitchen? A: That’s a hard question to give a straight answer because there are so many variables: How large is your kitchen? Are you moving any walls? Are you adding any windows or doors? Putting an addition on your home? What quality of materials are you interested in (cabinets, appliances, counter tops, lighting, plumbing fixtures, tile backsplash, flooring etc.)? The Remodeling Magazine published a report about cost vs. value, and an average major kitchen remodel is estimated at $58,149 (200 square feet, gutting the space and adding new cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring and the mechanicals); an upscale kitchen remodel is estimated at... Read more » Posted on Thursday, October 13, 2011 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (1) |
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August 15, 2011New Definition of Quality
Dear Expert: Will an interior designer ensure I get the best value when designing my home? Posted on Monday, August 15, 2011 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (1) |
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July 14, 2011Evaluating a Contractor
Dear Expert: What specifics should I look for when choosing a contractor in an unfamiliar city? A: When interviewing a contractor, pay attention to the level of ease that comes with your conversation—choosing a contractor who is easy to talk with is essential when tackling a project as important as your home. Be sure to check the contractor’s references so you can hear first-hand from a homeowner what their building experience was like. Word-of-mouth is one of the best ways to get the quality construction you desire, on schedule and at a price you can afford. — Ed Northway, chief executive officer Posted on Thursday, July 14, 2011 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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June 30, 2011Protecting Pavers From Pesky Weeds
Dear Expert: How can I prevent weeds and ants from coming through my pavers? A: Apply joint stabilization sealer or use polymeric sand in the joints instead of coarse, washed sand. Polymeric sand can be brushed into the joints between the pavers, then lightly misted with water. The water activates the polymers that bind the grains of sand together, creating a solid yet flexible joint. Polymeric sand will not wash out of joints and will maintain its bond season after season. Always follow manufacturer’s instructions before use. —Gene Karjala, product and field specialist Posted on Thursday, June 30, 2011 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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June 22, 2011Reviving Your Lawn
Dear Expert: The lawn along my driveway, sidewalk, and street is brown, thin and full of weeds. What can I do to help repair it? A: These areas commonly become damaged during the winter. Usually it is caused by snow pack, salt and sand. You can try over-seeding the areas in the spring to help thicken them up. There are many varieties of seeds to choose from, just make sure to follow proper seeding guidelines for the best outcome. You can also follow a treatment plan during the spring, summer and fall for weed prevention and fertilization. This should help regenerate the area. —Ivan Izzo, Manager Posted on Wednesday, June 22, 2011 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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June 14, 2011Overgrown Gardens
Dear Expert: About five years ago, I planted a mix of shrubs and perennials. It’s looking overgrown and crowded now. Where did I go wrong? A: As you plan and plant your landscape, save yourself a lot of headaches and heartaches by leaving plants room to grow! Trees, shrubs, and perennials are happier and healthier if given space to reach the mature size in their genetic programming. Along with light and water requirements, mature size and available space for your new plant(s) should be a top consideration when selecting plants. Posted on Tuesday, June 14, 2011 in Ask the Experts | Permalink | Comments (0) |
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About This Blog
Our experts can answer your questions on any home woes. Email AskTheExpert@MidwestHomeMag.com and check back for the answer.
Contributing Experts:
—William Beson, founder and CEO of Beson Kading Interior Design Group
—Dave Amundson, Owner TreHus Architects, Interior Designers, Builders
—AIA Minnesota
—Stacy Isaacson Smith, Yardscapes
—Tom Norris-Norvoll, Showroom Manager, Pipeline Supply
—More to come!
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