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Tuesday, August 29, 2017
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Page 2
E ASTERN O REGON M ARKETPLACE
Small
changes
that add
up to a big
impact
FAMILY FEATURES
I
f your favorite room is
outdated and dingy, a
renovation may be all
you need to make the
old feel new and to fall in
love with your home all over
again.
Upgrading your home can
be a big job, and unless it’s
part of a pre-move-in plan,
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practical (or even possible,
from a budget standpoint) to
execute a large-scale project.
However, tackling the updates
one room at a time and
focusing on small changes
that bring big returns can put
those overdue enhancements
well within reach.
Which Skylight is Right?
Skylights can serve multiple functions,
both aesthetic and practical. Understanding
the different types of skylights can help
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Fresh Air
Solar-powered skylights rely on the sun’s
energy to open and bring both air and
natural light into your home. Some models,
such as those offered by Velux, feature a
rain sensor that automatically closes the
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They’re also easy to operate with a touch-
screen remote control.
Electric skylights are wired into your
home electrical system and open and
close via a radio frequency, touch-screen
remote control.
Manual skylights open with a hand lever;
a control rod is generally available for out-
of-reach installations.
Fixed
An economical choice for visually expanding
areas such as hallways, stairwells and other
closed-in, dark spaces, these static skylights
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Energy Performance
Adding a solar blind to a skylight results in
more savings via potential tax credits as well
as reduced energy usage. The blind functions
to block heat penetration when closed, but
during cooler weather it can stay open to
allow warm, sunny rays to supplement the
home’s climate control system.
Kitchen
It’s the heart of the home,
and it’s where many
homeowners sink big money
to make upgrades. Kitchen
renovations don’t have to
require a second mortgage
though. Re-facing rather
than replacing cabinetry can
bring about a whole new
look for a whole lot less
money. This is a good option
when the existing cabinets
are still in good working
condition and you’re just
looking for an aesthetic
change. Other small-scale
options include swapping
out the countertop and sink,
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contemporary wood or tile.
Bathroom
When plumbing is involved,
project costs can skyrocket,
but there are some relatively
simple ways you can give
your bathroom a facelift on a
modest budget. For starters,
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from lighting to faucets. A
new vanity is another instant
upgrade, whether you opt
for an updated version of the
original or select a whole
new style for a completely
fresh look.
Also consider upgrades that
can increase natural light and
fresh air without compromising
privacy, such as the addition
of skylights to your ceiling,
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completely change the lighting
dynamic of the room. In
addition to balanced, natural
light, skylights like those from
Velux can open to help refresh
your space and keep it odor-
and moisture-free.
For extra style and
light control, consider
complementing the room’s
decor with skylights featuring
colored blinds, which are
available in more than 100
colors and styles, and also
offer remote control operation
for convenience in raising
and lowering the blinds and
opening skylights to let in
fresh air. Learn more about
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of your renovation plan at
whyskylights.com.
Living Room
A common space where the
family gathers is likely to
sustain the greatest wear
and tear, and because you
spend so much time there,
it’s also a room where
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things that irk you. Creating
a new color scheme is a
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the space, but changing the
palette of the walls is just
the beginning. Also consider
taking your redesign to the
ceiling with vibrant colors,
creative wallpapers or even
exposed beams. Round out
the room by swapping out
lamp shades, adding vibrant
throw pillows, replacing old
curtains or blinds, or tying
the color scheme together
with a new area rug.
Bedroom
In your private sanctuary,
all the typical options for
updates apply for sure.
However, this is a space
where the furnishings can be
an especially impactful way
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especially if a construction
project in the room where you
sleep is impractical. Changing
out the style of the bed frame
and complementary pieces
creates a whole new vibe for
the room. Then bring in a
new collection of textiles for
the bedding and drapery to
help round out the pseudo-
renovation.
Laundry Room
If you’re looking for modest
ways to update your home,
be sure to consider spaces
like the laundry room.
Although you likely use
this space less frequently
than common spaces like
the living room or kitchen,
plenty of essential activity
happens in the laundry area.
Practical features like added
storage space, cheerful color
on the walls and easy-to-
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this room’s tedious tasks
more enjoyable.